WHAT'S ON: Bawtry

LOTTA BOTTLE: The empty 1960s factory that was a one-time bottling plant and agricultural grain store which lies adjacent to Tickhill Road has a new owner in the shape of well-known local businessman and entrepreneur Jason Cooper. He is managing director of Bawtry Hall Property Ltd that owns former stateley home and Christian conference centre Bawtry Hall and Firbeck Hall in Firbeck. The local estate agent that was selling the 30,900 sq ft factory described it as being a one acre development site with main road frontage that included a Grade II listed barn set within the town’s conservation area that will be suitable for a variety of uses.

FASHION SHOW RECORD BREAKER: Director of Robinson’s of Bawtry fashion boutique Russell Jones and his staff say that their 23rd annual fashion show at the town’s China Rose restaurant raised over £30,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research. This means that since their first show over two decades ago a grand total of over £300,000 has been raised for the charity. Russell said: “Once again we had a fantastic evening and we are delighted to have shared it with so many of our loyal customers who also joined us in celebrating our recent award win at the Draper’s Independent Awards for Premium Fashion Independent 2015. It was the most money that we have ever generated from our fashion show and are grateful to the generosity of everyone who shared the iconic event with us. It is 23 years since the boutique’s previous owner, Tony Robinson, launched this fashion show in memory of his late wife and it seems fitting that we have had a bumper year as Yorkshire Cancer Research celebrated its 90th anniversary. Next year is our 30th anniversary and we hope to make it extra special as we celebrate three decades of business which is a fantastic feat for any business.” Charles Rowett, chief executive officer at Yorkshire Cancer Research, attended the event. He said: “The Robinsons of Bawtry Annual Fashion Show was once again an outstanding event. It continues to be one of the most prestigious evenings in our calendar, attended by businesses and people from across the region.  As a regional charity we rely solely on the kindness and generosity of local people and our thanks go to Russell, his Wendy and son James and everyone that attended for making this such an exciting and successful night.”

BLOOMING GOOD TALK: Walkeringham flower arranger Sheila Clark was the guest of Bawtry Garden Club at their meeting in the Methodist Church Schoolroom. Sheila entitled her demonstration The A-Z of Foliage. Sheila concluded the evening by making an arrangement which was used as a prize in the raffle. Members were invited to take cuttings or purchase plants from the foliage she had brought.

TRAFFIC CONCERN: Councillors in Bawtry are liaising with DMBC to formulate a plan that could restrict the number of heavy goods vehicles that travel through the town. Bawtry Town Council maintains that HGVs pose a risk to pedestrians, private motor vehicles, shops and businesses. Councillors hope that action will be taken to solve the problem in advance of the completion of the proposed M18 link road that is expected to bring traffic relief to the town.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN: Members of Bawtry Town Council’s Neighbourhood Plan steering group are making progress towards the formation of a comprehensive plan for the town. Answers in the questionnaire that was distributed to all residents are currently being assessed. The council has appealed for more residents to get involved so that a better cross section of the views of Bawtry people can be ascertained. The Bawtry community can look forward to a special Neighbourhood Plan awareness day that will be held in the New Year aimed at encouraging further individual and group participation from townsfolk of all ages.

GHOULISH GOINGS ON: Boys and girls are invited to attend the Ghoulish Goings On event at Bawtry Community Library on October 29. The free admission Halloween-themed session from 10am-noon is aimed at youngsters aged four to ten. Book places through library staff.

FOUL PLAY CONDEMNED: Members of Bawtry Town Council are concerned about the dog fouling taking place at the Wharf Street play area off Station Road and at the Memorial Sports Ground on South Parade. Councillors have appealed to dog owners to pick up after their animals and they intend to instigate a pick up or pay up campaign, including improved signage, to encourage dog-owning residents in Bawtry to adopt a more responsible attitude.