WHAT'S ON: Bawtry

JENNIFER RETIRES: Mrs Jennifer Worthington, clerk to Bawtry Town Council, officially has retired from office. Auckley resident Jennifer, who attended her final meeting of the council on January 26, said: “I retire as clerk to Bawtry Town Council after serving for 37 years. I would like to place on record my grateful thanks to those residents, members of the sports group, press representative, ward councillors and long-standing councillors who have been kind enough to congratulate me with words of appreciation and thanks, all of which have been greatly appreciated. During my tenure I have worked with many councillors, some of whom lost their seat at the last election in May 2015, some of whom decided not to seek re-election and some who are sadly no longer with us. There has been a mutual respect, courtesy, humour and an understanding of each other’s roles. Thanks to them for an enjoyable working relationship over the years.” Jennifer brought a great depth of knowledge and expertise on local government to Bawtry Town Council in her role as clerk. In the 1990s she served for four years as a ward councillor on DMBC representing Finningley. She has also been a local councillor on Auckley Parish Council for over 30 years as well as a councillor on Cantley and Branton Parish Council for over 20 years and she will be continuing in both of the voluntary roles. Jennifer said: “After such a long time I will miss the day to day involvement with the town of Bawtry but feel it is now time to go. I formed a bond with many of the councillors that I worked with over the years and I hope that this will continue. I think one of the best achievements of Bawtry Town Council during my tenure as its clerk was the implementation of the pay and display facility on Market Hill which has helped to keep the precept at the same level for many years. Bawtry Town Council was the first in the Doncaster borough to achieve Quality Status as I attended the University of Gloucestershire for around two years and achieved a higher qualification. Sadly the Quality Status was lost some years ago due to the change in the electoral mandate due to insufficient persons standing for election to the town council. I wish the council and my successor all the best for the future.”

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: The thirtieth anniversary of Bawtry designer fashion boutique Robinson’s is being celebrated this year. Robinson’s has occupied the same two storey building on South Parade for the past three decades since its doors first opened in 1986. Russell Jones, director of Robinson’s of Bawtry, said: “We turn 30 at the very top of our game in terms of business success and industry recognition and of that we are very proud. Last year saw a 12 per cent increase in sales.” Originally launched by Tony Robinson and his late wife, Robinsons has been under the ownership of the Jones family, Russell and Wendy and their son James, since 2009. Russell added: “We work closely with our brand managers and our customers to ensure that we provide the latest fashion labels and items as well as fulfilling the needs of our clients. This approach led to us winning the 2015 Drapers Independents Award for Premium Fashion Independent of the Year which was a real high point for us all.” Over the years the boutique has been renowned for its annual charity fashion show in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research, which has raised over £300,000 since it began 23 years ago. Russell said: “It is important to us that we not only run a business that is the best it can be but that we also integrate with the business and local community. It is all about embracing new opportunities, using new tools to develop your business such as social media and loyalty programmes and striving to evolve at each and every step of the journey. We are looking forward to many more years of trading here in Bawtry.” A highlight of celebrations for Robinson’s 30th anniversary will take place on April 14 at the town’s China Rose cantonese restaurant which will also be the location for Robinson’s annual charity fashion shows on October 2.

COLOURFUL SHOW: Tickets go on sale on February 8 for Bawtry Amateur Dramatic Society’s (BADS) production Oliver which will be staged at the Phoenix Theatre from March 5-12 7.30pm. For tickets, contact the box office 01302 710825 or call at Bawtry Motor Company, 43 Market Hill, and collect from proprietor David Kellett. Tickets £10 or £8. Director and choreographer Chloe Whitehouse, who also plays the part of Nancy, producer Tony Jones and musical director Alan Cropley are currently putting the cast of around 30 young and old players through their paces. The lavish show will be one of the most colourful ever staged at the Station Road venue and costumes for the cast have been hired from a specialist theatrical costumier. www.bawtrytheatre.co.uk. 

POOR SERVICE: Bawtry Town Council is one of the town and parish councils around the borough that have received a letter from DMBC which explains the reasons for the poor standard of waste bin and box collection since Christmas. DMBC councillors including Bawtry and Rossington ward Cllr Rachael Blake have met to discuss the unacceptable situation.

SMELLING OF ROSES: Members of Bawtry Garden Club welcome guest speaker Stuart Dickson to their meeting on February 2 to talk about David Austen Roses and Their Care, 7pm in the Methodist Church Hall on the corner of Doncaster Road and Station Road. Contact secretary Sylvia 01302 719015.