WHAT'S ON: Bawtry

GEORGE RETIRES: Bawtry resident George Spencer has retired as a Bawtry town councillor. He submitted a letter of resignation that was accepted by his councillors at their monthly meeting on February 9 in the New Hall. Current mayor Cllr Alexander Young and his fellow councillors paid tribute to Mr Spencer’s dedication and agreed to send him a letter of appreciation to mark his long service during which he has been town mayor on numerous occasions. They also showed their thanks by forwarding to him a voucher for £50. In his letter to Bawtry Town Council Mr Spencer said that it had been a privilege for him to serve the electorate of Bawtry and during his time as a councillor he has done his best for them. His decision to resign had not been taken lightly but the face of council has changed. He said that in everything he did as a councillor the interest of the Bawtry council taxpayer came first. He was always aware that Bawtry does not entirely consist of wealthy residents with expensive properties nor does it solely exist for the purpose of businesses and their activities. He is proud of the fact that while a councillor Bawtry Town Council was the first council in Yorkshire to achieve Quality Council status. He apologised to those Bawtry residents that re-elected him as a town councillor in the election last year as he has been unable to complete his full term of office. He paid tribute to Bawtry Town Council clerk Jennifer Worthington and wished her well in her retirement. He thanked all of the old members of the council for their long and welcoming support and paid tribute to the work of the town’s team of handymen. He wished Bawtry Town Council all the best for the future.

IT’S A SELL OUT: The sold out signs went up at the Phoenix Theatre within hours of the tickets for the Bawtry Amateur Dramatic Society production of Oliver going on sale. The production that runs at the Station Road venue from March 5-12 will see a big cast made up of all ages.

STANDSTILL PRECEPT: Bawtry Town Council has voted in favour of maintaining the precept at its current level of £26,000. Prior to members agreeing the figure a proposal was put forward by Cllr David Kirkham suggesting that there should be an increase of two per cent which would have equated to 38p being added to the bill of each Bawtry Band D property owner. Cllr John Linsley and Cllr Peter Holland supported him but the majority of councillors voted to maintain the precept at its current level.

ON YER BIKE: Bawtry folk are being given the opportunity of being part of the celebrations on April 30 when the Tour de Yorkshire bicycle race passes through the town. Residents were able to attend a public meeting in the town’s Crown Hotel at which they could learn how they can work with businesses, community groups and DMBC to make Bawtry and nearby Austerfield the place to be to watch the riders speed passed them on their way to the stage two finish at Bennetthorpe in Doncaster. Contact DMBC Rossington and Bawtry ward councillor Rachael Blake 01302 710251 or 0797 689 6563.

STREET PARKING: A resident has expressed concern to Bawtry Town Council regarding the cars that are being parked in designated disabled spaces on High Street without badges of authorisation being displayed. DMBC parking wardens have been advised and they will be increasing their monitoring of the situation.

VILLAGE LIFESAVER: Villagers in Misson have announced that they have raised enough money to buy a lifesaving defibrillator for use in the community. Organisations and individuals in the village have donated money for the machine located at the Angel Inn. Villagers have been trained to use the defibrillator that is fully automated and which can be used by non-trained individuals.

TEAM SUPPORTED: Bawtry Town Council is supporting Bawtry Junior Football Club. Councillors have agreed to a request from the club, which plays it matches at the town’s Memorial Sports Ground, South Parade, to make a financial donation of £1,000 that will help the boys undertake a trip to a football tournament in France to represent Bawtry.