Citizens Advice Bassetlaw wants people to be part of the next 80 years of its history by volunteering with them.
The Citizens Advice service started almost 80 years ago on 4th September 1939 — the day after the beginning of World War II. As part of Volunteers’ Week, which ran from 1st June to 7th June 2019, Citizens Advice Bassetlaw thanked current volunteers for their contribution and welcomed new recruits to help bring the charity into its next 80 years and continue with its essential work. read more

This month’s lunchtime organist at St Swithun’s Church, Retford will be Justyna Poslusnza, an organist originally from Poland, now residing in Lincoln. The concert will start at 1.00pm on 18th July. Admission is free and there will be a retiring collection. Light lunches will be available from 12.00pm. read more

Competition has been hot at Retford and District Photographic Society throughout the season, which has just finished. There are regular competitions between club members featuring an advanced class for the top third of last year’s entrants and a club class for all other entrants. The portfolio competitions at the end of the season are open to everyone. The points are totalled to find the club’s Photographer of the Year. read more

The speaker at the first meeting of East Markham WI’s 2019-20 session was Dominic Schad from Muddy Fork, the Retford based charity providing gardening therapy, for those with a wide range of mental health problems. Dominic tested members’ knowledge of mental health and its effect on sufferers and the wider community with a quiz. read more

At their meeting on Monday 20th May, the Wheatley Family and Local History Society welcomed John Taylor, a professional historian and researcher for English Heritage and other organisations. His talk on Bolsover Castle, its occupants, and connections, was extensive and detailed. The first building on the site was commenced in 1086/7 and has seen many changes over the 900 plus years since then. read more

With the days still pleasingly long, July is a wonderful time to enjoy being outdoors connecting with nature. Whilst you’re just as likely to need a brolly to ward off a shower or stormy downpour as you are a hat and sunblock, a day out in the countryside at this time of year can be packed with delights. read more

Retford Lions’ Charter Day activities and earlier fundraising efforts leading up to Charter Day on 6th May, have again been successful. Red Duck sales went well and the Lions wish to thank the many sponsors of pedigree racing ducks. This and the Yellow Duck race event, together with the cycle event (and other fundraising efforts, included baskets of chocolates and Easter eggs which were raffled in local pubs shops, etc), has again helped boost their funds to support local charities and good causes. read more

What are insects and are they important — or are they just a pest? We’ve heard so much lately about how vital they are not only to wildlife but to us human beings. Find out more with the Friends of Daneshill Lakes Local Nature Reserve on Sunday 21st July, when you can join local naturalist Colin Watkin to learn more about these fascinating creatures. Colin says, “you may never love them, but you may understand them better”. read more

It’s been quite a rise to success for Retford Football Club since their formation in 2015. Promotion was secured to the Northern Counties East League last season after only one defeat in a hard fought campaign, with success on the field being followed by success off it with the Rail ground on Babworth Road changing shape with floodlights, stands and an excellent pitch bringing it to the standards required for the step up the leagues. read more

A team from North Nottinghamshire “let the train take the strain” on a trip to London to promote Retford and the surrounding area. Councillor Garry Clarkson, Retford’s Deputy Mayor, joined the team from North Notts and Lincs Community Rail Partnership (NNLCRP), the Poacher Line, and the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP) at an event in Kings Cross Station in London, on Friday 17th May. Dressed in his mayoral robes, Councillor Clarkson was a very popular subject for photographs with many of the visitors. read more