What about the Scarecrows!! Many congratulations to the volunteers and organisers of the
village scarecrow event which had absolutely nothing to do with the Parish Council but created
a very welcome, light hearted and somewhat artistic and cheerful community spirit following
the horrors of Covid. I do believe that the same volunteers are encouraging a scarecrow annual
event in addition to a residential Christmas Lights initiative which epitomises the bringing
together of a local caring, friendly and supportive community because of volunteers and
participants who are generating a good deal of community “cheer and happiness”. A sincere
‘well done’ to you all.
Other perhaps more mundane but nevertheless important community initiatives which are
within the realms of Parish Council activities can be reported in this edition and I am highlighting
an approved project at the King George V / Pond area in the village where the Parish Council in
partnership with the Christopher Johnson and the Green Charity and the Bassetlaw District
Council is seeking to add new play equipment for children as well as replacing picnic tables,
notice boards and other amenities which are somewhat worse for wear. This project has arisen
following comments made by those visiting the area with children and appropriate work will
also be done on clearing back and thinning out trees and hedgerows in order to make the area
more attractive.
It is reassuring to be able to report that following Covid, the Civic Centre has ‘come alive again’.
It is so pleasing to hear the comments of all those, young and old, who are enjoying their return
and saying how much they have missed being able to attend their weekly get together to share
their interests with likeminded people. Such comments only serve to emphasise how important
it is to ensure continued support for the Centre Management and Trustees who with the Parish
Council endeavour to maintain a community service which has all too often been lost in other
parishes and villages, either through lack of usage or through the consequences of other
priorities. Our much praised Youth Centre is also ‘bouncing back to life’ with young people who
have sorely missed joining their friends at the Centre and it is heartening to hear and see a
return of their natural enthusiasm.
Maintenance of grassed areas and other open space areas including the Church Burial Ground
has not been an easy exercise for our contractors, Acer Landscapes Limited. Obviously they as a
company have suffered the same difficulties throughout the Covid period as any other
organisation and the maintenance work they do in the village cannot be done by ‘working from
home’, Nevertheless, despite health difficulties faced by their staff and management, the
Company has continued to provide decent and good quality services throughout the village.
Many thanks to them!
Finally – Langold Lake and Country Park. Members of the Parish Council have received an initial
informal presentation / consultation on plans being considered by the Bassetlaw District Council
for major improvements to the Country Park. Based on the history of the Park and with an
intention to develop ecological and historic features the plan identifies a wide range of
development themes. The plan is both ambitious and exciting and I understand will be made
available for public consultation in the near future.
PC Goulding
Clerk