Christmas will soon be upon us. And, again, we are concerned about mixing with others at parties, events, and the ever-important Christmas lunch. All my Christmas guests have been jabbed – if you haven’t, think about it. Some 90% of patients now in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with Covid-19 haven’t been vaccinated. Their lengths of stay are longer than others, meaning that four or five patients needing that ICU bed are denied it—and their surgery cancelled. Don’t be an anti-vaxxer! If you had a life-threatening illness, you’d have all manner of chemicals to prolong life. Coronavirus vaccines are as safe as other medication – if you are able to but haven’t, get vaccinated, please!
Community grants
The District Council has again awarded councillors £1000 each to assist local organisations and charities. I have received three applications so far so it’s not to late to make a bid. An application form is available at The Misterton Centre (call 890646 or e-mail themistertoncentre@outlook.com). The application form also gives this year’s criteria.
Bassetlaw Food Bank
Ever since the school and churches’ Harvest Festivals, I have been making frequent trips to Bassetlaw Food Bank’s main depot in in Worksop. In the run-up to Christmas, the Food Bank needs: Christmas treats, Christmas puddings, passata, tinned meats, sweetcorn, custard, rice pudding, anti-bacterial spray, female deodorant, razors, dry cat food, 1pt cartons of long-life milk, and coffee.
Many thanks to all those who donated tins for Can-dles of Hope. Over 1600 cans were brought to St Swithun’s Church in Retford in November on a special day to commemorate 400 years since the first Thanksgiving meal enjoyed by the Mayflower Pilgrims. The cans are pictures en route to Worksop.
Achievers’ Awards
Bassetlaw District Council makes annual awards to Bassetlaw residents, who are serving the community by their efforts for charity; for individual achievements; for sport or group activities; or to those who have overcome adversity to lead a normal life.
The awards weren’t made last year due to lock-down but the next awards ceremony will be on Wednesday 16 March 2022 at Retford Town Hall at 7.00pm. Get in touch with me for a copy of the nomination form if you know of anyone who meets these criteria and who you would like to recommend for an Award. The closing date for nominations is Friday 11 February 2022.
Band plays for Bassetlaw young people
Well-known local band, Giant Hogweed (pictured), gave their time and talents free for a gig to celebrate 25 years of Focus on Young People in Bassetlaw (FoYPiB). I went along to support the charity, which aims to enable young people in Bassetlaw to realise their full potential. To do this, the charity can provide funding and information to individuals and young people’s organisations, including some projects within schools. For more information, go to www.foypib.org.uk
Problems with traffic
A number of residents have spoken to me abut the problem of traffic—in particular large vehicles—making their way along the narrow main streets of West Stockwith. This, of course, is a highways problem and it has been referred to Notts County Council (NCC). In short, the roads just weren't built for the size of lorries and other vehicles that go in and out of the village today. Photographic evidence of the problems caused has been given to NCC. So let’s hope the matter will be treated seriously and some good will come of these complaints.
What we can all do to help the planet
A joint ‘green group’ has been set up by Misterton and West Stockwith Parish Councils, which I chair. The group has been working on trying to improve glass and textile recycling rates, is looking into installing electric vehicle charging points in the two villages, and will be learning about food waste at the group’s January meeting.
The group has written to the County Council about its contract with Veolia. The contract permits only a limited range of items for recycling – thought to be one of the reasons why the contamination of blue bins is so high. One item in a blue bin that shouldn't be there means that the whole binful has to go into landfill. Bassetlaw District Council has a handy A-Z listing how to dispose of common items: go to www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/waste-recycling-a-to-z/
To try and improve recycling rates, the Green Group has set a target of equalling last year’s recycling rates for glass and textiles:
Waterfront, West Stockwith - 8.99 tonnes of glass
White Hart, West Stockwith - 10.65 tonnes of glass
Red Hart, Misterton – 31.53 tonnes of glass
Coop, Misterton – 4.76 tonnes of textiles.
Last year’s rates were higher than in previous years due to the pandemic: people were catering at home instead of eating out, and were sorting out cupboards and wardrobes and recycling clothes. So, although ambitious, let’s try and keep up the good work!
Addressing the Council during a motion, which I seconded, on whether to adopt a climate change emergency, I was able to give the example of the work being done in our communities, by individuals. The motion was defeated—but is back on the
agenda at this month’s Council meeting.
Remembrance Sunday: Lest we forget
Residents of Misterton and West Stockwith remembered those lost in the First and Second World Wars with a service in Misterton Parish Church and acts of remembrance at Misterton’s war memorial and West Stockwith’s soldier silhouette. I laid wreaths on behalf of Bassetlaw District Council in both villages.
Members of the Youth Club also laid a wreath the following evening, with readings by the youngsters, and pupils of Misterton Primary decorated the front of the school with arrays of hand-crafted poppies.
First of four donations to local organisations
I successfully completed the 135-mile Tyne Trail earlier this year and raised £1000 for four local churches and organisations that had missed out on Government grants during lockdown. The first cheque for £250 was presented to Misterton Parish Church this month. I am pictured with (left) Sue Pearce, Churchwarden, and (right) Hazel Duffner, Church Treasurer.
Lies, damn lies, and statistics
To selectively quote one-time Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, those following the cut and thrust of local politics will know that there have been differences between the Administration and Opposition over the number of houses to be built in Bassetlaw over the next decade and beyond, and what happened to Bassetlaw’s bid for ‘levelling up’ funds.
As this newsletter goes to print, I am due to have a briefing with the Interim Chief Executive in a few days’ time so I hope all will be clearer then. I will report back via my Facebook page.
Surgeries
In September, I resumed surgeries after over a year without them—still on the last Friday of the month from 9.00-9.45am in West Stockwith Village Hall then 10.00-11.00am in The Misterton Centre. Following the tragic death of Sir David Amess MP, councillors holding surgeries are among those advised to increase security. This means that I must ask anyone wanting to see me to make an appointment via The Misterton Centre (tel: 890646). Residents can also contact me in one of the following ways:
- e-mail: hazel.brand@cllr.bassetlaw.gov.uk
- via the Democratic Services Office on 01909 533 533
- phone: (01427) 891376
- Facebook page: Hazel Brand BDC.
Last word
It only leaves me now to wish all residents a Happy Christmas with best wishes for the New Year. If there are any elderly residents struggling with disability, mobility, or other problems, don’t forget that the Goodwin Trust has funds and may be able to help. I am a trustee so give me a call.
Last Updated on Wednesday, May 8, 2024