WHAT'S ON: Bawtry

DINERS RAISE CHARITY FUNDS: An annual charity dinner that was held to celebrate the start of Doncaster’s St Leger Festival was a success as it resulted in a tripling of the number of life-saving defibrillators that are held in Bawtry. Held at the town’s Crown Hotel the event raised £5,415. The organisers decided to use the funds to purchase two further defibrillators to ensure everyone in Bawtry has easy access to the life-saving equipment. The balance of £3,181 has been donated to the Bawtry and Doncaster branch of the British Heart Foundation. Craig Dowie, managing director of the Crown Hotel and member of Bawtry Retail Association, said: “We were delighted that this year’s event raised such a terrific amount and we are so pleased to invest in the health and well-being of residents and visitors to the town. Thanks go to everyone who attended the event and gave so generously allowing us to make a real difference to Bawtry townsfolk as well as being able to hand over a sizeable donation to the local branch of BHF.” A defibrillator is already held at the Crown Hotel and the newly purchased ones will be installed at Mayflower Primary School and the China Rose restaurant ensuring all areas of Bawtry are covered should the need arise. Rebecca Dickenson, chair of Bawtry Retail Association, said: “We were delighted to be able to respond to a social media request from a local Community First responder, Patricia Knighton, who is a mum of six children who have all attended, or are still attending, Mayflower Primary School in Bawtry. We will now also be organising training for all staff at the two new locations to ensure that we are able to deliver excellent and speedy care to anyone who may need such treatment.” Over 500 public access defibrillators are located across South Yorkshire. Further information can be found at https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/nation-of-lifesavers/about-defibrillators/apply-for-a-defibrillator-in-england.

PENSIONERS ENJOY LUNCH: A big turnout of around 100 Bawtry pensioners took part in the free lunch held at the town’s China Rose Cantonese Restaurant. The event marked the Chinese cultural festival of Chongyang, which is when Chinese people celebrate their elders by serving them with food and drink and taking them on outings.  The China Rose Restaurant held a similar party 21 years ago to celebrate restaurant owner Louis Wan’s father’s 84th birthday. Louis Wan said: “In Chinese culture we honour our ancestors and our older people so it is important for me to follow this tradition and make sure the older people of Bawtry had a good time at the special event and enjoyed the food, especially those who have never eaten Chinese food before.”

FARMERS MARKET: Fresh produce will be available at the latest Farmers Market on November 7. The stallholders in The Courtyard off High Street will be selling their produce 9am-3pm. Contact market manager Kim Wattam 07468 532515.