Bawtry Retail Association will once again by hosting the popular annual Christmas event held in the picturesque market town of Bawtry near Doncaster which will take place on Sunday 3rd December and it promises to be the biggest and best yet. The event, which has been kindly sponsored by Bawtry Town Council will see a record number of craft, gift and food stalls, fun fair rides, a programme of live musical entertainment, the fabulous GP Princesses, animals from Equine Dreams of Bawtry, a visit from Father Christmas and the legendary Womacks of Bawtry Christmas Window display in addition to the portfolio of wonderful independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants that grace the town. “All our businesses are looking forward to the entire festive period, but this day holds a special place in all our hearts,” said Ross Jarvie, Bawtry Retail Association. “It’s always a fantastic festive atmosphere and we shall look
The week will include all forms of “the arts” from music, dance, drama, painting, crafts, film, poetry, fashion, quizzes & heritage trail walks. It will have something for everyone: young, old and even the ‘in between’ age groups. On the opening Saturday there will be performers and activities in the town centre throughout the day into early evening. This will include a community “Arts” project so please come along and get involved. The intention is to have a Craft Fair on the Sunday. On the closing Saturday, following on from the BARS Sports Day, there will be family entertainment late afternoon in the White Hart outside garden area finishing with a rock band “finale” into the evening. Full programme leaflets will be available in mid-May from the library & various retail outlets around the town. They will also be delivered with the June edition of the Today magazine. Most events
Lizzy Alcock has joined the Chapman Physiotherapy team and is offering 25% off bookings throughout October. To book an appointment, please call 01302 321 245 or visit their website.
Yorkshire Caravans of Bawtry, the oldest and largest independent retailer of caravans, awnings and leisure accessories in the UK, has made an internal promotion as the company continues to deliver it strategic growth plans. Chris Brown, 56, from the village of Barlborough in Derbyshire joined the team in 2018 as Financial Controller, and has now been promoted to the post of Finance and Operations Director which he assumes immediately. “Chris has been an integral part of the business in the last few years and has been very supportive during the challenges that the Covid pandemic presented us with,” said Jon Goulden, Chairman, Yorkshire Caravans. “He has helped to formulate and deliver the continuing growth of the company and this promotion is richly deserved.” “After having spent almost twenty years in the automotive sector I am delighted to have made the move to Yorkshire Caravans nearly 5 years ago and am
Welcome new physio Damon Khan who starts at the Chapman Physiotherapy clinic in Bawtry today above Weldricks Pharmacy. Damon has a wealth of experience and joined the Chapmans Team in August 2022 with a depth of knowledge in treating adults and children You’ll be in good hands – check out his story so far:- Damon initially graduated from Hull University in 2010 in BSc Sports Rehabilitation which led to a career in professional football at Middlesbrough FC, Scunthorpe United and then Doncaster Rovers for a number of years. Damon then graduated from Sheffield Hallam in 2017 with a First Class Hons degrees in BSc Physiotherapy. In 2017, Damon started work at DBTH (Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital) as a rotational physiotherapist: with experience in Acute Inpatients/ Surgical, MSK Adults, Orthopaedics, Inpatient Rehab, Respiratory and Paediatrics. This has led to valuable experience in treating common MSK pathologies and post operative care/
A Bawtry-based wills, trust and probate lawyer has been recognised with a national accredited award for expertise in supporting older and vulnerable people. Philip Armstrong, a Partner at Jones & Co Solicitors, has received the Older Client Care in Practice (OCCP) Award, which distinguishes lawyers who provide specialist legal care and support to older and vulnerable clients, their families and carers. It also grants full accredited membership to SFE (Solicitors for the Elderly), an independent, national organisation of professionals, such as solicitors, barristers, and chartered legal executives, committed to providing the highest quality legal advice on specialist areas, such as wills, powers of attorney and elder abuse. To achieve the award, all applicants are required to undertake an assessment, to demonstrate good understanding of the specific needs and considerations required when safeguarding and protecting older clients’ interests. Philip, who is Head of the Wills, Probate and Trusts Department at Jones
Bawtry will be celebrating the Queens Platinum Jubilee in style with a host of celebrations and events taking place at various establishments over the Bank Holiday weekend. Join us to mark this very special occasion. A warm welcome awaits. Bawtry Town Council Saturday 4th June Crown Hotel, Market Place Team Crown are getting super excited for the Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebrations! We are looking forward to the extended bank holiday, and have created a delicious cocktail – The Jubilee Fizz plus some restaurant specials to mark this very special occasion! What’s not to love about a Pimm’s Trifle! Our outside Terrace will also be decorated! Bawtry also has plenty of exciting things happening on market hill on the Saturday, including the Maltby brass band, the Phoenix theatre young players, street entertainers, Everton village choir and children’s fancy dress! Start making your plans now and can’t wait to see you! Here
BAWTRY IS BACK IN BUSINESS! It’s been fantastic to see Bawtry coming back to life as things have returned to normal. There’s been a great buzz about the place and there is much to look forward this summer including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations which will take place between 2nd and 5th June. Bawtry Town Council are working closely with businesses in the town to plan some celebratory events and organise street bunting and flags to mark this historic occasion. To get the town in the Jubilee mood, all retailers and businesses are being encouraged to decorate their windows and shop fronts with red, white and blue! On Thursday 2nd a beacon lighting event will take place, and on Saturday 4th June marquees will be placed along the Market Place for a celebratory tea party. No sooner will the Jubilee celebrations be over then the Bawtry Arts Festival will
Bawtry Hall and the Crown Hotel, Bawtry, Announce the Exciting Acquisition of 29 acres of the former Bawtry Hall Estate, Bawtry, South Yorkshire. The owners of Bawtry Hall Wedding Venue and the Crown Hotel, Bawtry, are delighted to announce the acquisition of 29 acres of the former Estate of Bawtry Hall. This Estate consists of Deciduous woodland, Grassland and a Lake, and is positioned, directly to the South of Bawtry Hall. This acquisition adds to the increasing portfolio, in Bawtry, for Directors and Shareholders, Craig Dowie and Jason Cooper, who also own and operate the Bawtry Hall Wedding Venue and The Crown Hotel. Craig Dowie commented “We are excited at the purchase of this woodland as our next phase of developments in Bawtry. We have two outstanding successful venues already with Bawtry Hall and The Crown, and this land has the perfect location to expand our leisure tourism operations in
21st January 2021, Willow Leasing has won the Feefo Gold Trusted Service award. Since 2014, Feefo has recognised the businesses who deliver exceptional experiences, using feedback from real customers. The Trusted Service Awards are unique as they are based purely on feedback from real customers. This means they are a true reflection of commitment to outstanding customer service. Feefo have given Gold Trusted Service awards to businesses who have collected at least 50 reviews between January 1st 2020 and December 31st 2021, with a Feefo service rating of between 4.5 and 5. David Jenkins commented: “We’re thrilled to receive this award from Feefo. It means a lot because it’s based on feedback from our customers and, ultimately, keeping them happy is why we come to work each day. The award also recognises just how hard our staff have worked during challenging circumstances. We’re fully committed to the highest quality of
We still need your Help and Support! Well – it’s finally happened! The Bawtry Heritage Group is now crowdfunding at www.spacehive.com/bawtryflushedwithsuccess Although we have got off to a reasonable start, to date, the level of community support has been disappointing so please consider giving the project your support if you want it to happen. A big ‘thank you’ to all those that have already supported the project – we have, at least, reached a milestone of achieving the first £1k. This is a real, and probably our only, opportunity to deliver this project which will be a valuable asset for the town and its community. It will improve the ‘gateway’ image of the town, provide a community hub facility, facilitate the dissemination of information on the history and heritage, help enhance visitor numbers and make our town a more inclusive place for all. However, it will only happen with your
Help us raise funds for our exciting project to repurpose the disused toilet block in Bawtry providing accessible facilities for our community! We are currently awaiting planning permission for this project. In the unlikely event the application is rejected, no pledges will be collected and transferred to the project. This somewhat unconventional project aims to repurpose the ugly disused toilet blocks in the town to provide a Heritage Visitor Centre incorporating a community hub and a Changing Place facility. To get started we first need to raise funds to cover the internal building works. The project is exciting and challenging & with the help and support of the local community will provide an excellent asset for the town. The buildings are one of the first sites seen when entering Bawtry, and indeed South Yorkshire, from the south and east so the renovation works will help to improve the image of
PROPOSED BAWTRY HERITAGE VISITOR CENTRE – Publicity Information The project aims to repurpose the disused toilet blocks on Gainsborough Road into a Heritage Visitor Centre for the town facilitating a community ‘hub’ and incorporating a Changing Place and other toilet facilities. Benefits (Why is it needed?) Achieving a totally inclusive Centre, and town, with the associated Changing Place and other toilet facilities As one of only a few such facilities in the surrounding area, the Changing Place will be particularly beneficial both for people with profound disabilities to give them a new-found freedom to be able to visit Bawtry safely, as well as for parents with young children Provision of a safe, hygienic bathroom as a stopping point for parents/carers of severely disabled people when out on day trips Dissemination of information on the rich, largely unknown, history & heritage of the town Provision of information, education and learning
Things are changing at Bawtry Natural Health! We have had a wonderful 6 years and we are really grateful for your support. From the 31st August 2021 we will be moving the shop online. The wonderful team of therapists that work from Bawtry Natural Health will continue to do so and continue their great work with those clients. Please subscribe on our website to continue buying health supplements from wonderful brands like Viridian Nutrition, OptiBac, Planet Paleo, Solgar and Allicin Max, Nuzest and more. We will still be looking after you . https://www.bawtrynaturalhealth.co.uk/shop-home/
We are currently going through planning for the Crown Terrace Awnings and if you like / love what we have done and think it’s a good addition to the Crown and to Bawtry, please, please please can you follow the steps below and complete the feedback to support us! If you can also spread the word and ask friends and colleagues to complete also we would be super grateful! Log onto “Planning Applications Online” on Doncaster’s website, entering the application number 21/01678/FUL and then make your comments. The link is 21/01678/FUL | Installation of retractable awnings to front elevations as well as the installation of fixed heaters (RETROSPECTIVE) | Crown Hotel 33 – 41 Market Place Bawtry Doncaster DN10 6JW The alternative if people aren’t familiar with that is to send an email to tsi@doncaster.gov.uk with the application number in the subject title and make their comments. Thank you SO MUCH
In his working life, Syd worked in pretty bad conditions which sadly resulted in him seeing two of his work colleagues dying before the age of 65. This made Syd determined to look after himself and keep healthy & fit and so at the age of 60 joined a gym. Syd, the eldest of 9, has been going to Bawtry Gym with his wife Shirley (84) for over 16 years and religiously goes 3 times a week . “Bawtry Gym is like a little community and we have made so many friends. I have enjoyed gardening and fishing during lockdown but couldn’t wait to get back to my regular sessions at the gym once it reopened” said Syd. “It was a bit tough coming back into training after so long away but with the help and support from gym owner Will Robinson I am back on track again. I love
Joining in June, Willow welcomes Ryan Harris (picture attached) to the team who spent six years working for AvailableCar as a Sales Administrator. “Ryan is a perfect fit for the team and its evident he shares in our values. With Ryan’s previous role being in vehicle administration at a car supermarket it gives him a great grounding for the role and gives us the opportunity to train him up without any previous bad habits!” -David Jenkins, Managing Director at Willow Leasing. Along with the new recruit, Willow is also looking to expand their premises as well; searching for a larger office to accommodate the ever-growing business. David went on to say, “Ryan is the first to join this year with plans for us to add a further three consultants before the end of 2021.” Now with another member of the team, Willow is excited to see what the future holds.
The Café will be located to the right exterior of the beautiful Crown Hotel, Market Place in Bawtry We will be a quick and efficient takeaway serving delicious hot and cold drinks, hot breakfast, Yorkshire pudding roast wraps and sandwiches, cold sandwiches and salads, Ice creams, waffles, frappes, milkshakes and smoothies. A perfect stop for midweek breakfast and lunches on the go, and weekend leisure visits to Bawtry enjoying the shops and attractions – call for waffles and ice cream with the family! Follow our social to keep updated on the refurbishment, opening plans and food and drinks offerings! For more information contact 01302 710341 or send us a message.
Manufactures of British Standard Beauty Tooling, supplying 48 countries worldwide, they will be hosting their Navy Educate training courses in the courtyard building, along with selling a small range of retail products including brand scented candles cosmetics & accessories. Owned by Rebecca Crawforth, Beauty Entrepreneur of the Year 2019. navyprofessional.com
Of course, your health is still our priority, so be assured you can shop, drink and dine safely and confidently but please make sure you wear a face mask, unless exempt and stick to the 2 meter rule as well as washing or sanitising your hands frequently. If you’re not feeling well then please visit us when you are feeling better! We look forward to seeing you and giving you the warmest of welcomes! Support local, shop safe and visit Bawtry. See below for some of the venues that are open and their opening times. Food & Drink Bawtry’s Bar & Brasserie Reopening on 12th April – Usual opening times with discretionary closing time, serving a full range of drinks. Cafe Express Reopening on 17th May – Open from 7am Monday – Friday, from 8am Saturday & Sunday! Located at the Crown Hotel. China Rose Reopening on 18th May –
During that time only a very small amount of our businesses have been able to open periodically, and it’s been incredibly hard for them, and for our visitors and residents, who have been unable to enjoy the delights that Bawtry has to offer. One thing that hasn’t been quashed though is the community spirit; our business community has supported each other wherever possible and now, they are all excitedly getting ready for 12th April. We’ve missed our wonderful events, particularly Christmas, the towns buzzing atmosphere and everyone who makes the town so special. Now, we have to look forward with hope and enthusiasm. We look forward to welcoming back weddings and celebrations to the town – we do them so well! And let’s not forget those all-important everyday life things that we have missed so much such as girls shopping trips, beauty and hair appointments, coffee and lunch with friends,
A number of Bawtry’s Food & Drink businesses are able to offer a TAKEAWAY SERVICE with strict COVID safety measures in place:
For some, what was anticipated as a six-week novelty in good weather; has become the best part of a year working off a laptop at a dining table, with no end in sight. And for those who really drew the short straw, they’re now suffering from headaches, neck and arm pain. The incidence of referred pain caused by poor posture and lack of regular movement has dramatically increased over the last year. So what can you do to prevent this? Here are five tips you could try. Don’t get caught out on Zoom. So many people who have worked from home long term say they used to walk around on their phone calls but are now unable to with the onset of video conferencing. If this has become your normal, make sure you regularly get up and stretch. Ensure you have a good seating position. For reference, your feet should
The definition of Long Covid is symptoms extending beyond 12 weeks and it is not known why some people’s recovery is prolonged. It is thought that it may relate to a weakened antibody response, inflammatory reaction, deconditioning or post traumatic stress. The most common symptoms include a cough, fever and extreme tiredness (fatigue) which may come and go, but others include shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, cognitive issues such as memory and concentration, muscle pain, GI tract issues, rashes depression and many more. After 6 months fatigue may still be a component, often triggered by stress or physical activity. Whilst your GP is best placed to monitor your on-going symptoms and refer onwards as required, a physiotherapist can assist you to build exercise tolerance, improve your breathing pattern, provided advice and education on self management and return to normal activities. They can also deliver techniques for mindfulness and relaxation.
We know there is still a way to go but with the rollout of the vaccine and following government guidance we are now excitingly planning for our wonderful new addition this year – The Terrace @ The Crown Hotel Bawtry! Alfresco dining and drinking! We are super excited! You may have seen our renovated external area already starting to shape up, but the canopies, furniture, heating and music system are all ordered and ready to be installed! We are looking to operate The Terrace 8 am to 6 pm daily for brunch and lunch but would really welcome your feedback on a couple of points! Service – Do you prefer the personal service of a staff member or do you prefer using an App to order? Food – We are currently looking at the menus and have plenty of ideas but what would you like to see on our brunch/lunch
Happy New Year from Bawtry Retail Association – Well, it’s fair to say that 2021 hasn’t quite started the way we hoped it would. Our retailers did enjoy a good Christmas and for that we thank you sincerely. Sadly, now all our non-essential shops are closed however many are offering an online and click & collect service. The hospitality sector has been severely affected by the pandemic and our bars, cafes and restaurants remain closed although some are offering takeaway services which continue to be well supported. The businesses that are permitted to open continue to have all the necessary COVID secure measures in place to keep you and their staff safe. In this difficult time we are particularly delighted to welcome on board some new members; Bare Skin Philosophy, Brambles Bakes Pet Bakery and Navy Educate Training and look forward to getting to know them just as soon as
Here are a few photos along with a lovely review they’ve received: “Amazing Santa experience! Where else can you see real reindeer, a pony ride and speak to Santa! My girl loved it, and everyone there is so lovely ❤️ So wintery and really sets the mood for Christmas ? What more could you want in these uncertain times and to go and do something that feels normal this Christmas time. Is there anything better than supporting local business too!”
Christmas may be different this year but our lights are on, we’ve got our trees up, the windows are dressed and Christmas is definitely not cancelled in Bawtry!
Great to see this new Town Board Initiative, in collaboration with Bawtry Heritage Group, rolling out with the first landmark building selected as the former Bawtry Town Hall on Market Place, previously home to a working men’s club, a car showroom, a flower shop and more recently an art gallery. This property is currently available for let.
Willow Leasing, moved into their current office in The Courtyard Bawtry in January 2020. Owner and Managing Director David began his career in the motor trade in 2004 as a Sales Executive and worked his way up through various dealerships and businesses to General Manager. With this experience, he decided it was time to start his own business. Working with him are experienced colleagues that have worked with him in the past ensuring his customers have an outstanding sales team to deal with. Willow Leasing has been operating as normal throughout Lockdown and their sales team are ready to help, both their personal and business customers, find their perfect contract hire and leasing vehicle and guide them throughout the whole leasing process. They’ve got some great deals across a wide range of manufacturers on both factory order and from stock delivery. Willow Leasing remain open 9am to 5:30pm – Monday
The Jones family took ownership of the boutique from the founder, the late Tony Robinson, in 2009. Russell and Wendy Jones along with their son James have guided the store into a new era positioning it as one of the most popular designer fashion boutiques in the North of England In 2015 Robinsons won the ultimate accolade of the ‘Premium Fashion Independent of the Year’ at the Drapers Independent Awards, the recognised awards for fashion retailers across the UK. Their Annual Charity Fashion Show held at China Rose Bawtry, originally created by the late Tony Robinson in memory of his first wife who he lost to cancer, has raised in excess of £400,000 for Yorkshire Cancer Research and holds a firm place on the local social calendar Robinsons of Bawtry is also the first retailer in the UK to offer its customers the ability to spread the cost of purchases
In 1987, R. Bates Shoes at 10 High Street Bawtry, was founded by Gary & his father Reginald Bates. In 1992 the store was rebranded to Bawtry Shoe Company remaining as a business run by the Bates family to this date. Whilst Bawtry remains the Head Office they also have a second store in Newark. A family-run business, it is headed up by husband & wife team Gary & Suzanne Bates. This remains one of the few independent footwear retailers in the Midlands and North of England, specialising in high-quality Ladies & Men’s shoes and boots stocking brands such as HB Shoes, Rieker,Van Dal, Ara, Geox, Steptronic, Lunar and many more. Although they can’t currently welcome you in-store you can still shop online at hobsonshoes.co.uk or message them through social media for click & collect options. Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy fabulous shoes & that can lift
The Tasting Note has a vast selection of quality wines, champagnes, speciality spirits and premium ales, craft beers, lagers and ciders. In fact, if there is anything that they haven’t got, and they can get it, they are very happy to order it for you. They also stock a huge range of the popular Cuban Havana Cigars along with glassware and gifts. The lovely Phyll Clark has been the face of the High Street shop for over 20 years and since her partner Roy Halifax bought the business in 2014 they both remain very passionate about what they do and continue to drive the business forward. In fact, in January 2020 they opened their doors and also became home to The Little Deli and together they remain at the heart of the community offering a warm welcome and superb customer service. The Tasting Note is open Tues-Thurs 9 am–6 pm,
Sincere thanks go out to China Rose for sponsoring once again the towns fantastic 20ft Christmas Tree on Market Place. Our optimism continues to shine through, and we cannot wait to welcome you back to our special town this Christmas. Resourceful and resilient During Lockdown 2.0 many businesses have had to adapt their retail methods to encompass online, postal and click & collect services including Bawtry’s fashion boutiques Bawtry Shoe Company, Incognito, Revolver Menswear, Robinsons & Yasmine of Bawtry. Please check out their social media pages for up to date information & virtual tours of their current stock and offers. We are keeping everything crossed that they will be allowed to open their doors once again this Christmas. Our independent retailers have some amazing gifts perfect for family and friends, ranging from designer clothing to diamond jewellery and home accessories to artwork. Many of them, including our quality bars &
Bawtry Christmas shopping week Whilst the fabulous annual Christmas market event has been cancelled for this year, the Bawtry Retail Association are planning on hosting a week-long event ‘Bawtry Christmas Shopping Week,’ which will run from Sunday 22 November to Saturday 28 November, when an array of independent retailers will be showcasing all their Christmas gifts. The trees will be up, the lights will be on, windows will be dressed and visitors will be able to soak up the wonderful festive atmosphere including a visit to the fabulous Womacks of BawtryWinter Wonderland Courtyard. Bawtry is a great place to avoid the crowds, the chain stores, the internet and is the perfect destination to find wonderful gifts, designer fashion and foodie treats such as festive cheese boards from The Little Deli. Gift vouchers are also a perfect way to support your local businesses this Christmas and Ziniz Group of Restaurants will
In 2010 David arrived early in Bawtry for an appointment at Jones & Co Solicitors so decided to go and take a look inside WOMACKS as he had never been in the shop before! The shop owner Annette Womack, no relation, looked David up and down and said “Can I help you?”. David proceeds to tell her the story about when he was a kid and how, because of its name, he had wanted to buy the shop! Annette said she didn’t know any other Womacks and asked David if he still wanted to buy the shop of which David said “Of course”! Annette then proceeded to ask David to take her over the road to Ziniz Restaurant & Wine Bar for lunch. Following ‘lunch’ David put Annette in a taxi at 10 pm and called his father at 10.15 pm to tell him “I’ve bought WOMACKS”! It was obviously
Today they now have four stunning venues Ziniz in Bawtry, Rocco’s Italian Kitchen in Tickhill and The Herbalist & Dante’s Italian in Retford all delivering modern Tuscan cuisine in a buzzing, friendly & relaxed atmosphere for all to enjoy. The Bawtry restaurant boasts the accolade of being quoted by The Times as being ‘One of the top ten Italian Restaurants in the UK’. Husband & wife team Alex & Jules head up the group whilst their four children lead the way as the next generation of Calzini’s to join the industry. Eldest daughter Claudia is head of accounts and operations across the company, whilst daughter & son Sofia & Marco followed in Alex’s footsteps of becoming a chef and both now hold the prestigious positions of Head Chef at Dante’s Italian and Rocco’s Italian Kitchen respectively, since just 19 years old. Youngest child Rocco, who Rocco’s Italian Kitchen in Tickhill
Designer fashion boutique Robinsons and Bawtry Gym are hosting the event to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, a charity which like many others relies entirely on donations and that has seen a marked dip during the pandemic as many events have been cancelled. “British Heart Foundation does vital work and research that affects us all and we have thought about ways that we can support them whilst keeping all participants safe,” said Russell Jones of Robinsons “This is a great way to encourage people to take good care of themselves, both physically and mentally, and to raise funds and awareness for this charity.” Teams of up to 26 people can take part and each team will collectively run the 26 miles to be run on one of the four treadmills at Bawtry Gym – so the more team members the less miles to run or jog! You
A million lights bulbs and LED lights will transform the park for the first time ever into a Winter wonderland featuring 42 different displays with 1,000 individual lanterns. The immersive light installations and interactive exhibits will be the largest ever in Yorkshire and will amaze visitors along a 2,400 metre trail at the innovative park. “We are incredibly excited to have the delight of hosting Winter Illuminations this year” said John Minion, CEO of the park at Branton, near Doncaster. “Visitors will be overwhelmed by these giant displays. They truly are breathtaking. “The displays will install the magic of Christmas for our visitors here at the park and we can’t wait for everyone to see it.” The spectacular light show, created by Lightopia which has exhibited in the US and venues around the world, will include giant lanterns depicting some of the 400 animals that live at the 150-acre park.
The nights are drawing in, the children have returned to school and the iconic St Leger festival has drawn to a close, albeit from behind closed doors. It can only mean one thing… it’s officially autumn! As restrictions on every day life continue to change seemingly at a minute’s notice, you’ll be glad to hear that there are lots of businesses in Bawtry working hard to ensure you enjoy what you can safely! Let the wedding bells ring We know it’s been a disappointing year for couples that were planning on getting married this year and our two wedding venues – the Crown Hotel and Bawtry Hall – have some fabulous packages to make your day extra special and are seeing their diaries fill up fast for 2021 and beyond. A little bit of heaven Join this year’s Staycation craze and take to the open road with a motorhome from
The parish church of Bawtry is dedicated to St Nicholas. He was born in modern-day Turkey, and because he had a reputation for giving unexpected gifts to the needy, he inevitably became associated with Christmas, as “St Nick”. He was also known as “The wonderworker”. Hardly surprising, because among the many people under his benevolent patronage were children, brewers, unmarried people, students, prostitutes, archers, merchants, pawnbrokers and sailors. Enough to keep even the most energetic of saints pretty busy. So why on earth would the folk who started building Bawtry’s place of worship in 1189 have decided to dedicate it to him? The answer lies in the last in that list of occupation: sailors. And at this point, readers who are well acquainted with their geography will probably be scratching their heads given the fact that Bawtry is a long way inland. Well, the River Idle becomes navigable in Bawtry,
Five Minutes With Dr John Price, headmaster of Worksop College Based across two sites in the middle of beautiful North Nottinghamshire countryside, the independent school educates children aged 2-18, offering day, flexi-boarding and full boarding places. And as the school gets ready to re-open its doors, Dr Price reflects on lockdown and how staff, families and pupils have managed. “I’ve been incredibly impressed,” said Dr Price. “We resumed teaching online in the summer term, with face-to-face lessons and a full programme from 8.30am-4pm every day. “The way staff and pupils adapted was amazing. “We had everything from online assemblies and sports tuition to music lessons and cookery. “In many ways, lockdown taught us all to think differently and allowed us to be creative – that’s incredibly positive.” The school has seen a significant increase in enquires over the last six months, with some pupils even joining part way through the
Be social but distant As our children head back to school and resume their educations it is a great time to catch up with friends and family, socially distanced of course. Since reopening, the town’s upmarket bars, cafes and restaurants have been packed, with many being fully booked each day. Having all successfully adapted to give customers complete peace of mind, many have managed to incorporate wonderful outdoors spaces and our leading luxury Crown Hotel has also undergone a huge exterior face lift and refurbished its popular bar and reception area. Feel good factor The Government has promoted the benefits of looking after our health and wellbeing so there has never been a better time to visit Bawtry’s very own friendly community gym and family run health shop and therapy centre who can give you all the help and advice you need to keep you motivated and on track. A
Five minutes with Vicky Chapman of Chapman Physiotherapy So a fall from an ex-racehorse last week that has left her struggling to lift her right arm was not particularly welcome. Especially at a time when all hands are on deck post lockdown and she has a full caseload, so there’s no chance of any treatment for herself. 2020 has been a challenge to Chapman Physiotherapy like no other. Buoyed by the furlough scheme, they decided that they could not deem themselves an essential service and closed the practice days before it became compulsory. Their NHS first contact assessment service continued over the telephone and Vicky managed it herself throughout lockdown. It was an interesting time, patients were so grateful for any assistance; and for some, it was clear that loneliness was a major factor too. The Bawtry Retail Association shared their services across social media and ensured that they were not forgotten. However the
Five Minutes With Jolene Faruqi of Bawtry Natural Health The couple live in Bessacarr with their three teenage daughters – Lexi, 14, Alex, 15 and 16-year-old Mia – and two house rabbits, and own Bawtry Natural Health at South Parade in Bawtry. The business offers a therapy centre and shop to cater for all aspects of health and well-being. Jolene, aged 44, explained all about their company: “We’ve had the shop for five years. “We bought a business which had been here for 17 years before that. “When we took over we initially just got to know the business and the clients. “Taz has been an Amatsu Therapist for 22 years and after a long-standing interest in nutrition, qualified as a registered nutritional therapist in 2017. Having run successful clinics in London and Doncaster, Taz has amassed a wealth of experience treating a variety of conditions from structural problems (back, neck,
Five minutes with Bev Griffiths of Equine Dreams of Bawtry Bev is aged 49 and has created her vision at the site of the former Horseworld at North View, Bawtry Road in Tickhill. Doncaster born and bred, she is the single mum of 27-year-old Deana and has a five-year-old granddaughter called Sophia Rose, who she calls her rock. Deana is a nurse, but does help her mum out if she is needed. Bev says: “My granddaughter lives and breathes this place. “She’s properly on the ball, considering how young she is and what she knows.” The business, which has been established for eight years, is not only a riding school, but also offers alpaca trekking, ponies, miniature ponies, donkeys, rare sheep, rabbits, a petting area, a friendly zebra and even a unicorn, which hosts its own parties and even visits nursing homes. Bev says: “I’ve always ridden since I was
Five minutes with Sarah White, owner of The Little Deli and Bawtry Eye Academy Sarah, aged 50, is a mum of two daughters – Megan, aged 17, and 13-year-old Maddison – and the three live in the market town of Crowle. As well as running her own businesses, all in Bawtry, Sarah is also the vice-chairman of the Bawtry Retail Association. She says: I started my working life in the opticians which I had been involved in since I was 19. I decided to start up on my own and opened the Bawtry Eye Academy at Dower House Square in 2013, so I am seven years in. I took on the deli in 2016, as it was next door and I really loved it. It’s gone from strength to strength and has now moved to the former Tasting Note on the High Street. The Little Deli was open all the
It’s been a long few months for Bawtry with many of our businesses having to wait a few weeks extra to be able to open their doors to their lovely customers. Now though, many of our retailers and businesses including our fantastic bars & restaurants have been able to safely welcome people back. It has been great to see the town coming to life again. Of course, we eagerly await further updates on our nail & beauty salons and gyms, but hope that it won’t be too long until they can reopen too. Whilst the lockdown has been far from ideal, businesses in the town have taken the opportunity to spruce up their shop fronts, do some internal renovations and re-fits and give their businesses a little TLC now that the time has permitted. The Crown Hotel has undergone a huge exterior face lift and its popular bar & reception
The Crown Hotel in Bawtry in ‘unlocking’ lockdown and has not stood still since the start of the pandemic lockdown in March. Original redevelopment plans for 2020 were brought forward and directors Craig Dowie and Jason Cooper saw the opportunity to do the work while the hotel was closed. The front of the hotel has been rendered and new signage installed back to the original Crown Hotel & Posting House. Inside, the bar and reception areas have been decorated to match the development of the Hogarth suite and lounge earlier in 2020. New bar stools and chandeliers are also in place ready for the hotel bar opening on the 4th July. Craig Dowie Managing Director commented “The hard work is now done. We still have the outside seating area to do for eating and drinking, and we also need to add the exterior canopies, but we are almost there.”. The