March 07 - Mansfield Woodhouse Community Website

*1 Free copy per household 

Extra copies only 25 pence 

The Woodhouse Warbler is 

Supported by 

March 

2007 

No. 26 

*FREE! 

QUARTERLY 

“The Voice Of The Community In Mansfield Woodhouse” 

Christmas Event 2006 

T 

he Mansfield Woodhouse Community Development Group’s 

Village Social and Fundraising Group once again held their 

annual “Christmas Event” at the Turner Memorial Hall on 

Saturday 16 th December 2006. 

We would like to thank everyone involved who helped to make it so 

enjoyable, including stallholders, volunteer helpers but most of all the 

people who came and made all the hard work worthwhile. 

This year was one of our most successful ever as we strive to make it 

even better for the community year on year. We especially try to make 

the Christmas grotto a magical experience for the children and they 

were even able to have their photograph taken with Santa. 

Our theme this year was “Pantomime Characters” and lots of people 

joined in the spirit of things by dressing up and parading through the 

village. 

Our next event will be our annual Summer Event at Yeoman Hill Park 

on 23 rd June and as 2007 is the Diamond Wedding celebration of our 

Queen and Prince Philip, we have decided to make “Kings and Queens 

Through the Ages” our theme this year. I do hope you will join us by 

dressing up in period costume as once again we will be holding our 

parade. Of course there will be a prize for the best dressed adult and 

child. 

After the success of our 2006 Summer Event, we are now working very 

hard to make 2007 even better. We will again be hosting many of our 

popular attractions and hope to introduce new activities too. 

Please support us in our efforts so that the community of Mansfield 

Woodhouse can join together for our mutual enjoyment. We will be 

keeping you updated on our progress through the Warbler and we do 

hope the weather will be kind to us again. 

Company Registration Number - 4046954 

Registered Charity Number - 1083291 

Features in this issue: 

Letters 2 

In Opposition 5 

Area Assembly Update 6 

Charity Sports Auction 7 

Your Health 9 

Mansfield MS Society 10 

Church News 11 

Youth Matters 12 

NNMT Update 15 

MWCDG Updates 18 

Computer Tips 21 

Schooling in 1949 24 

School News 28 

Community Policing 29 

Gardening 31 

Finally the Mansfield Woodhouse Community Development Group 

would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2007. 

Janet Wright (Group Member) 

See centre pages for pictures of the Christmas Event 

A list of contributors to the event can be found on page 19

2 Woodhouse Warbler 

Editorial 

Hello everybody, 

A warm welcome to another edition 

of your Warbler. 

Spring is just around the corner and 

the evenings are very slowly getting 

lighter. Personally I will be glad to 

see the back of winter, I am more of a 

spring person myself. I can’t wait for 

the days to be a little warmer and see 

all the spring flowers bursting into 

bloom. 

The Warbler team were very sorry to 

hear of the death of Mr Jack Lattimer 

at the end of January. He was a great 

supporter of the Warbler and was 

always ready to give us a snippet of 

times gone by or his opinion on many 

subjects. He will be sadly missed by 

all of us. 

We are always happy to hear from 

our readers and space permitting 

love to print your stories or memories 

of Mansfield Woodhouse past and 

present. So don’t be shy, put pen to 

paper and send us your thoughts or 

memories. 

Well that’s enough from me I will let 

you get on and read your long 

awaited Warbler 

Lynne Taylor 

The Annual Wheelbarrow Race 

will take place on May Bank 

Holiday Monday May 28th 2007. 

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Your Letters 

Dear Editor 

This will be the first time I have 

written to ‘The Warbler’. I have just 

returned from St. Edmund’s Church, 

after attending Mr Jack Lattimer’s 

funeral. He was one of the most liked 

men in Mansfield Woodhouse as I 

thought, but not so by the turn out at 

the church. All the pews were laid out 

with an order of service book and I 

believed that it would have been full 

to capacity, but sadly apart from his 

family which was about 15 members 

there were only about 20 more. Not a 

quarter of the church was used. 

Perhaps people didn’t know that he 

had passed away? 

D C Smith. 

Dear Warbler 

I loved Mr Brian Johnson’s story a trip 

down memory lane, but I wish he had 

gone up Sherwood Street and not up 

Debdale Lane. 

As a main road into Mansfield it had 

quite a lot of character, but that wasn’t 

all it had. It had a lot of shops and as 

you got to the top you went straight on 

to Yorke Street and Yorke Street 

School which I think it would be 

honest to say most kids loved. Yorke 

Street School also had a great 

Headmaster who I think most kids 

would say they were scared of, but 

they would also say they respected 

him. I think he brought us through 

some very hard times and I don’t think 

Quality WILTONS & 

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Vinyl in stock - 

Anti Slip available 

Wooden Laminated 

Floors - competitive ££ 

Shop at home service 

available with samples 

brought to your home 

he got the recognition he deserved. I 

for one would take my hat off to him. 

Anyway, getting back to the shops 

there was Robinson Florist and Fruit 

and Vegetables on one corner, on the 

other corner there was the Butchers. 

After that you had a Fishmongers, 

then a General Store who used to sell 

firelighter sticks amongst other stuff. 

There was a Church on one side and 

a Chapel on the other side. You had a 

Co-op Butcher and a Co-op, a 

Cobblers, Peters General Store, a 

Fish and Chip shop, an Accumulator 

shop then another General Shop. Mrs 

Moody’s front room where she used 

to make suckers and sweets to sell, 

Jock Fairbrother Butcher, another 

General Store, Cottmans’ General, 

Unwins General, another Fish and 

Chip shop, Taylor’s Newsagents and 

finally Sherwood Street Social Club 

for members. 

Sherwood Street was very much 

alive. Yes it had some colourful 

characters, but you could go out and 

leave your door open, as my Mam 

would say ‘to God and good 

neighbours’ and there would be 

nothing missing. If you were really 

bad off there might be something put 

in to see you right, those were the 

good old days, which I am sorry to 

say will never come back. 

Well I will close now and though I was 

born in County Durham which I loved, 

there was no where else I would 

rather have lived when I was a child 

than Mansfield Woodhouse and 

Sherwood Street. 

Audrey Lee (Nee Drennon) 

Mansfield Woodhouse 

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Community Website - www.mansfieldwoodhouse.info

Dear Woodhouse Warbler 

I read with interest the December 

2006 issue of the Woodhouse 

Warbler, particularly the article 

"Memories of the Lords Ground", 

Page 26. In this, there was a mention 

of my uncle, who was Albert Dennett, 

the cobbler, and, just to correct a 

minor mistake, he was known to 

many as "Tacky Dennett", not "Tacky 

Dennis" as stated in the 

article. 

Many thanks for enjoyable 

publications which, after I have 

finished reading, are forwarded on to 

my relation in Somerset (originally 

from this area) who looks forward to 

receiving them. 

Margaret Florence. 

Dear Warbler, 

I have recently read the September 

Issue of the Woodhouse Warbler and 

note the article written by Mrs Jean 

Daws re memories of Park Hall. She 

mentioned Mr Daws the milkman. He 

was my great grandfather. We lived 

further down Park Hall Road in the 

row of then new houses from 1955 - 

1962. We then moved to Cheshire as 

my father was a bank clerk with 

Westminster Bank in Mansfield and 

had been transferred to Manchester. 

I can remember going up to the 

bungalow that my great grandparents 

lived in on their smallholding and 

great granddad taking me to his 

apple store and selecting an apple for 

me. I also have very happy memories 

of playing in the huge expanse of 

fields at the bottom of our garden. 

Woodhouse Warbler 

This was before Manor County 

School was built although it opened 

just before we moved. 

I was the granddaughter of Mr 

Hedley Daws (postmaster) and lived 

above the post office until the move 

to Park Hall Road. I attended Cox's 

Lane Infant School where Miss 

Wilson was the head teacher and I 

can remember her very dark hair and 

stern countenance. I then attended 

Robin Hood Junior School (Oxclose 

Lane) and the article written by Ted 

Wilson of Cheshire mentioned Mr 

Richardson taking him to look at Mr 

James' plane collection. Mr 

Richardson was my form teacher for 

two years before we moved and I 

always feel that he was a very 

special teacher, one who was kind 

though firm when necessary. I 

returned quite a few times after our 

move to visit him at school. 

Another point of interest are the local 

sayings from Barry Henson. Although 

I note that he has since died, I did 

wonder whether he was the older 

brother to Lynn Henson who was my 

'best friend' from my first day at 

school. 

It is strange how reading the one 

edition brought back many 

memories of a happy and seemingly 

carefree childhood in Woodhouse, 

where we all walked to school 

together and played in the field and 

stream behind our house as well as 

numerous street games and went to 

Pleasly Vale unescorted by adults. 

I look forward to reading the next 

edition that my mother Maureen 

Brown (nee Daws) has ordered. 

Katharine Dennis (nee Brown) 

3 

The Missing Portland Dragon, 

I realise the Portland Dragon is now 

old news, but I would like to make a 

few comments on that subject. I 

recently noticed that a house 

opposite the Fishing Tackle Shop in 

Clipstone has two dragons on the 

roof. Apparently very similar to the 

Portland Dragon as I remember it. 

If someone could ask the owner of 

this house where he purchased his 

dragons, then maybe the current 

occupier of the Portland (A 

nationwide bookmaking firm) could 

be asked to purchase a new dragon. 

They would obviously gain from the 

publicity from this act of restoring a 

well known local landmark. 

Likewise, I see among your 

advertisers, a local roofing firm, 

maybe they could fit the new dragon 

in exchange for free publicity. A story 

and photo of the restoration would 

arouse public interest and 

awareness. 

I realise my suggestions are full of 

“ifs” and “maybes” but I hope they are 

of interest to you. 

Finally, on another subject – your 

recent story about seagulls following 

Manor School children, I have written 

a similar letter to this many times 

over the last few winters (in my mind) 

but never put pen to paper. It has 

gone on for quite a number of years. 

Mr J M Osborne 

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of accessories and bulbs. 

We also stock a comprehensive range 

of high quality Mason’s Ironstone, 

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Pottery and Coalport figurines. 

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Deadline for next issue is 1st May 2007


Dear Warbler, 

Referring to the story “A trip down 

memory lane” by Brian Johnson. The 

Pawnbrokers mentioned next door to 

Mathews Butchers was Briggs and 

Woodhead, owned by Mr Fred 

Woodhead and the manager was Mr 

James Playfoot. I was a shop 

assistant there from leaving school at 

15 to National Service at 18 years of 

age. 

Every Monday morning we had a line 

of customers at the back door waiting 

to pledge various items, such as their 

husbands’ suits or best shoes for a 

few pounds to last them all week. 

Then on pay day, Friday evening or 

Saturday morning, they would be 

redeemed so they could go to the 

pub over the weekend, then back 

again on the Monday. This was a 

regular thing and we had our regulars 

right up until the time I had to leave. 

I was offered my job back when I 

came out of the army, but by then 

I had a wife and expected daughter 

on the way so I had to have a bit 

more money than the shop could 

pay. 

Mr R Clark 

Dear Warbler, 

I am researching the War Memorial 

and am appealing for any relatives 

who may have any information on 

any of the 235 men who are 

commemorated on it. 

Copies of photos, letters etc are more 

than welcome and when used I will 

give full credit and thanks. 

QUIZ 

NIGHTS 

My aim is to produce a booklet on 

the men and put a copy in the 

Library. 

I may even be starting a website with 

the information that I already have. 

I can be contacted on 01623 478035 

o r v i a m y e m a i l a d d r e s s 

ant.bagshaw1@tiscali.co.uk 

Anthony Bagshaw 

The Old Woodhouse Library 

I have recently been trying to acquire 

a photograph of the Old Library 

without success. 

It used to be on Station Street now 

“Carousel Hair Fashions”. 

If there is a photograph somewhere, 

It would have been taken before 

1960 – 1961. 

If anyone in the district has such a 

photo, I would be much obliged if 

you would let me see it. 

Thanking you in anticipation. 

658110 

The Silver Fox 

Here’s to a bloke past seventy nine, 

Another year along the line, 

Hair that’s silver, a sparkling tooth, 

Well known in Woodhus, that’s the 

truth. 

A legend in the Co-op shop, 

The handsome gent with silver top, 

Searching in the bargain bin 

For bread or ham, or cheese for Min. 

You’d see him here, you’d see him 

there, 

In weather foul, in weather fair, 

Ugly Bar Staff 

Beautiful Beer 

Warm Welcome Guaranteed 

From Martyn 

Up and down the Park Hall Road, 

A packhorse with a heavy load. 

At night time when the stars are out, 

He’d just as likely be about, 

Round the Tavern, supping bitter, 

Telling jokes to make folks titter. 

He had them falling from their stools, 

With anecdotes and tales of fools, 

Alas, no more he’ll grace the bar, 

With tales wild of near and far. 

He’s up there now at God’s right hand, 

Ear cocked towards the heavenly 

band, 

So raise your glass with loads of 

cheer, 

To good old Don, eight-0 this year. 

Maggie Woodcock 

St. Chad’s to 

Littlewood Lane Footpath. 

Thanks to everybody who contacted 

me about this footpath problem. All 

details are held on file. If and when a 

hearing is called I will let you know. 

So far there have been no 

developments. 

Tony Barton 

FREE VIEW SPECIALIST * FREE VIEW SPECIALIST 

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Davann, Northfield Avenue, 

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Local Groups! - Get your message across with the Warbler! 

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC * OMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC 

AST 

IX 

COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC * OMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC

In opposition 

e have heard and read a lot 

W about Yorke Street School, and 

the notorious Whacker James. It’s 

time to mention the old St. Edmund’s 

National School, most of, if not all the 

old teachers alas are gone. Mr Davis 

was headmaster at this time, who can 

forget Pa Rowland – he would belt 

you on the chest then thump his own. 

Put a BM (Billy Muggins) on his coat 

lapel, woe betide you if he caught you 

reading the Beano instead of listening 

to him. As we grew older we realised 

what a grand old chap he really was. 

We all started school at 5 years old, 

left and started work at 14. We had 

allotments to tend. How us lads 

enjoyed this. Mr Davis had an old air 

raid shelter with lovely prize rabbits as 

many as 30 – 40, my brother Les 

used to look after them. 

Mr Davis started to write a book about 

Woodhouse, but passed away before 

he finished it. He called it Davis’s 

Notes. It was in the library but no one 

seems to know its whereabouts now. 

If lost it is a great loss to the 

community. 

Back to the school however, although 

it was called St. Edmund’s you didn’t 

have to be a church member to go. It 

had however, very strong ties with the 

church. Do any old pupils out there 

remember these teachers : Miss 

Wass, Miss Pogmore, Miss Barlow, 

Miss Dove, Miss Horsesfall, Miss 

Grice, Mr Eales, Miss Rogers, Mrs 

Gaunt – each had a class of their 

own. They had to have to put up with 


us lot. 

As we got into the higher classes the 

cane and ruler became rampant. 

Myself suffering on many occasions ‘6 

of the best. You did your best not to 

cry in front of your mates. Girls were 

exempt from this. 

There was a bell above the school, it 

was rung 5 minutes before class time. 

I think that also has gone, so you see 

our school also had a whacker and its 

history – much of which hasn’t been 

told and maybe never will. 

Ron Sheppard 

Free 

Leisure Courses at 

Robin Hood Primary 

School: 

for people aged 

19 yrs and over 

How to coach disabled people in 

sport - 

1 st March 6.30 pm - 9.30 pm 

How to coach children in Sport - 

6 th March 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm 

Equity in your Coaching - 

15 th March 6 pm - 9 pm 

Coaching the FUNdamentals - 

22 nd March 6.30 pm - 9.30 pm 

Safe Guarding and Protecting 

Children - 

29 th March 6 pm -9 pm 

Managing Challenging Behaviour in 

Sport - 

26 th April 6 pm - 9 pm 

Inclusive PE and Sport - 

5 

3 rd May 5 pm - 8 pm 

These courses have been funded 

through Nottinghamshire County 

Council’s Adult and Community 

Learning Service. The course 

providers are Sports Coach UK and 

NCC Sports Disability Unit. 

Each course is free to attend and 

offers a certificate of attendance and 

resource materials where required. 

To book your place contact Joanna on 

463517 or e-mail jryan@mansfield.gov.uk 

Community Facility 

Attention, all active citizens. Did you 

know there’s a leisure facility in your 

area? Robin Hood Primary School has 

three multi-purpose area’s available for 

community use after school 

(5 pm -9 pm) and on Saturday 

mornings (9 am - 1 pm). There is an 

Astroturf pitch and a hard pitch/court 

surface with flood lights and an indoor 

sports hall. These facilities are 

available at competitive rates with 

equipment also available to hire from 

the school. For more information 

please contact the school office on 

(01623) 635928. Regular / block 

bookings are welcome. 

Chair Based Activities 

Want to get more activity but don’t 

want to do too much too soon? Why 

not come along to the Larches and 

Groves Community Centre off 

Chestnut Grove, nr Northfield Primary 

School, every Tuesday 11 am - 

12 noon. Stacey will guide you through 

some gentle chair-based activities to 

keep your joints loose and muscles 

strong. All welcome. 

15—17 Warsop Road, 

Mansfield Woodhouse, 

Notts. 

Telephone: 01623 636368 

Full range of 

Electric Beds on display! 

£329 

Mansfield’s No1 Bed Specialist 

£329 

Say you saw it in the Woodhouse Warbler!


MANSFIELD NORTH & MANSFIELD WOODHOUSE AREA ASSEMBLY 

T 

he Assembly met on 25 th 

January and welcomed back 

Councillor June Stendall to 

give and update on the off 

road parking situation in the area. 

The full report is available from the 

Co-ordinator, Dr. Bill Pearce, on 

01623 463139. The Assembly 

complimented Councillor Stendall on 

a thorough report, which had 

highlighted the problems and made 

suggestions for improvement. It will be 

i n t e r e s t i n g t o s e e i f t h e 

recommendations for improvement 

are acted upon. 

The Fire Service presentation was 

postponed until the 12 th April, 2007 

meeting but information on the ‘First 

Contact’ scheme was given which 

involved the service in wider issues of 

health and well being of the 

community 

Funding from the National Lottery was 

being sought for refurbishment and 

siting of the Sherwood Colliery half 

wheel. The location had been agreed 

with the Queen Elizabeth Trustees, 

but was held up because of the 

application for a ‘Village Green’ status 

for the area. The Area Assembly had 

ear marked £1,200 from its own funds 

to help with this project. A 

competition with local school children 

for a suitable design for an inscription 

on the wheel would be organised! 

The Assembly were unhappy with the 

allocation of monies for Christmas 

Tree Lights, it all seemingly going to 

Mansfield Town Centre. The 

Co-ordinator was going to write a 

letter suggesting that some of the 

money raised in the Christmas auction 

be given to the lights in Mansfield 

Woodhouse. 

The Worcester Avenue culvert 

problems are still ongoing and Kevan 

Poyntz is looking into problems with 

its maintenance and the possibility of 

its enclosure. 

The County Council representative 

confirmed that the hand rail for the Bet 

Fred’s corner was an urgent priority 

and despite costing £45k - £50k would 

still go ahead. 

Members were informed that the 

Head of Housing at Mansfield District 

Council was looking into provision for 

funding for fencing in the property 

renovation. The possibility for a casino 

was discussed but this is not now 

relevant as the bid has been 

unsuccessful. 

Inspector Sam Wilson gave an update 

on problems in the area. Crime figures 

were quite good with auto crime 

generally down, although satellite 

navigation systems were now the 

target for criminals. 

The Gating Orders for the Manor 

Complex (12 gates) will be approved 

shortly and it is hoped this will help 

reduce antisocial behaviour and crime 

in this area. 

In answer to a question, the inspector 

confirmed that all Mansfield North 

Police staff, other than Warsop, will be 

based at the new Police Station. 

Inspector Wilson will be the highest 

ranking officer at the new station and 

she would report directly to 

Superintendent Pollock at Mansfield 

Police Station. 

Dr. Frith reported that improvements at 

the Oakwood Surgery were ongoing. 

The house-bound patient service given 

by Sister Mandy Price would continue. 

Wherever possible the practice was 

looking to maximise the use of its 

building space and 

t h e s t a f f i t 

employed. 

Concerns were 

raised about 

patients’ names 

being displayed 

alongside certain 

treatments. 

As part of their 

review of the 

practice, Dr. Frith 

said that he was 

looking at the 

i n c r e a s e d 

p o p u l a t i o n 

numbers it had to 

serve. He did not 

rule out the 

practice being 

extended over two 

sites. It was felt 

that the new 

practice in Forest 

T o w n m a y 

however alleviate some of the 

problems. 

There is still some funding available 

for organisations and any request for 

monies should be made through the 

Co-ordinator. 

A letter of thanks from the M.W.C.D. 

G. was read out for the £300 donation 

to their Christmas Social event which 

had proven very successful. 

Arthur Arnold, Peafield Lane 

Community Group agreed to join the 

Funding Committee. The Assembly 

gave out low energy light bulbs to 

attendees and these will also be 

available at the next meeting! 

Dates of future meetings 

1 st March, 2007. Presentation from 

Jonathan Hickman, Manor School and 

discussion on youth problems in the 

area. 

12 th April, 2007. Presentation from 

Robyn Green, Fire Service 

For any further information on any of 

the above, please contact: 

Dr. Bill Pearce - 01623 463139 

Email - bpearce@mansfield.gov.uk 

Do you wish to advertise? Contact Lynne – see the back page

Charity Sports 

Auction In Aid of 

Woodside Farm 

Riding for the 

Disabled 

Clipstone Social Group 

11 th May 2007 at 7.15 pm 

For a 7.30 pm start 

Items for Auction include: 

Liverpool 2005/2006 Champions 

League Away Shirt 

Glasgow Rangers FC Signed Shirt 

Reading FC Signed Shirt 

Leeds Rhino’s Signed Shirt 

Bradford Bulls Signed Shirt 

Bath Rugby Signed Shirt 

Somerset Cricket Signed Shirt 

Print of Painting ‘Sail for Gold’ Signed 

by all the 2004 Olympic Sailors Able 

and Disabled 

W.W.E John Cena Shirt 

F A Photo Frame 

Plus many more signed items – 

Rugby League shirts, Rugby Union 

shirts, Football shirts, Ice Hockey, 

Motor Bikes, Golf and Cricket shirts. 

Too many to list. 

Joyce Hair Fashions 

3 Cox’s Lane 

Member of 


Notts 

Tel: 01623 627768 

All our stylists are Qualified Hairdressers 

Appointments are not always necessary 

MANSFIELD 

GARAGE DOORS 

THE AREA’S RECOMMENDED 

SPECIALIST FOR SUPPLY AND 

INSTALLATION OF GARAGE 

DOORS, 

REPAIRS AND SPARES. 

Showroom: 

1A Ladybrook Lane, Mansfield 

Notts, NG18 5JA 

Mon-Fri 8-5.30 Sat 9-3 

01623 621999 


THE FURNITURE 

PROJECT 

Reusable Furniture 

Donations. 

We will collect any unwanted 

household furniture, electrical items, 

bric a brac and clothing. 

These are given FREE to those in 

need and can help turn a house into a 

home for single people and families. 

Furniture or Household Items 

Not Reusable. 

If your items are not suitable for reuse 

we can for a small charge remove 

them for Recycling. 

Local Removal Service 

If you are wanting to move house 

within Nottinghamshire please give us 

a call for a competitive quote. 

Excess Stock Sales. 

We have a wide range of household 

furniture & bric a brac for sale 

in our warehouse 

open Monday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm. 

We are situated at Unit 190, Road E, 

Boughton Industrial Estate, near New 

Ollerton on the Tuxford Road. 

We also have an outlet in the New 

Ollerton indoor market, open 

Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. 

All at affordable prices. 

01623 836410 

Unit 190, Road E. Boughton 

Industrial Estate North. Boughton, 

Newark, Notts. NG22 9LD. 

Tel / Fax: 01623 836410. 

KEN BETTS 

Vacuum Cleaner Repairs 

7 

T 

he Peafield 

Community 

Association and 

Friends of 

Peafield Park are 

volunteer residents who work on 

behalf of everyone who lives “in a 

home accessed by Litton Road”. We 

meet monthly and amongst other 

things raise money, by fundraising or 

by grant applications, for projects for 

young adults and children. Monitor the 

upkeep of the park and residential 

areas. Liaise with the police and 

Mansfield District Council regarding 

vandalism and anti social behaviour. 

There is always one of your local 

Councillors present at our meetings, 

in addition to the Mansfield 

Woodhouse Housing Officer and 

personnel from Mansfield District 

Council. Our local police Beat 

Manager and/or Community Support 

Officer also attend regularly. We are 

a friendly group and are always 

looking for “new blood” – if you think 

this may be of interest to you please 

phone Secretary, Veronica 660918, 

Chairman, Arthur 474807 or 

Treasurer, Sue 655428. 

“IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO 

SAY – SAY IT WHERE IT WILL 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE” 

Sharon’s Cakes 

For all your 

Special 

Occasions 

Tel : 01623 744313 

Service ~ Repairs ~ Spares 

Dyson Specialist 

Reconditioned Dyson’s Always Available 

Don’t Replace - Repair It’s Cheaper! 

No Call Out Charge We Come to You 

None working Dyson’s Taken Away Free! 

For a No Obligation Quote 

Tel : 01623 475280 

Mobile 07929 589039 

Due to pressure on space a number of articles have unavoidably been held 

over until the next issue!


Official Launch of Mansfield 

Woodhouse Children’s Centre 

ur official launch day was a great 

O success and we want to thank 

everybody who came along to support 

us. 

Balloons and bears were handed out 

to all children and activities including 

face painting, bulb planting, messy 

and sticky activities in our crèche 

NEWS FROM MEDEN VALLEY 

MAKING PLACES 

LOCAL SCHOOL KIDS 

GET CREATIVE 

ocal schoolchildren at Robin 

L Hood Primary School in 

M a n s f i e l d W o o d h o u s e , 

have been using their creative skills to 

design Christmas cards in a 

competition run by Meden Valley 

Making Places (MVMP). 

Pupils were asked to design the cards 

for a chance to win an artist set and 

their design being printed and used as 

the Christmas card for MVMP. 

From more than 100 entries, first prize 

was awarded to Jorden Millington, 

aged nine, for her colourful Christmas 

tree drawing. Runners up were John 

Brown, aged 10, and Nicole Taylor, 

aged 10, who both received artist 

were enjoyed by all. The children were 

shown around a fire engine and 

firemen gave out information on fire 

safety to parents. St John’s ambulance 

attended and mini makeovers were put 

on by Virgin Vee. 

The ribbon cutting was carried out by 

Councillors David Marriot and Joyce 

Bosnjak. The first parent to sign to 

SureStart in Mansfield Woodhouse 

area, Susan Kent, made a speech 

talking about how SureStart had 

helped her progress from being a 

parent to a Connexions worker. 

sets. 

Commenting on the competition, Gary 

Kirk, Chief Executive of MVMP, 

said: “Robin Hood Primary School is 

adjacent to our site in Mansfield 

Woodhouse so we were keen to 

Pictured: Gary Kirk, Chief Executive of 

MVMP with competition winner 

Jorden Millington 

A massive celebratory cake was cut 

up and pieces given out to all who 

attended and a lovely buffet spread 

was put on for everyone. Our mascot, 

Sammy the Bear, obviously smelt the 

cake so he put in an appearance too! 

involve the children in the Christmas 

card competition. 

“We were overwhelmed by the 

number of entries we received and it 

was very difficult to choose a 

winner. The drawing by Jorden caught 

our eye because it is very bright, 

colourful and ensures that MVMP’s 

Christmas card stands out on the 

mantlepiece.” 

Zen Thoughts 

Inside every older person is a younger 

person wondering what the hell 

happened. 

I used to have an open mind but my 

brains kept falling out. 

I couldn’t repair your brakes so I 

made the horn louder. 

Eagles may soar, but weasels don’t 

get sucked into jet engines. 

Plan to be spontaneous, tomorrow. 

CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL 

SUBCONTRACT TRADES AND SUPPLIERS 

Bellway Homes East Midlands, Meden Valley Making Places, 

English Partnerships, Mansfield District Council and Bolsover 

District Council are working in partnership to regenerate 3 sites 

at: - 

♦ The Royal Estate, Market Warsop 

♦ West Street, Warsop Vale 

♦ New Terrace, Pleasley 

The Developments comprise of approximately 490 new 

build homes, which will be constructed over the next 5 

years. 

We are firmly committed to giving local people and 

businesses the opportunity to participate in these exciting 

new developments, and would encourage local 

subcontractors including trades such as bricklayers, 

scaffolders, plumbers and cleaners to apply. 

Please express your interest no later than 7 th March 2007 

by writing to: - 

Michael Collins, Managing Surveyor 

Bellway Homes East Midlands, 3 Romulus Court 

Meridian East, Meridian Business Park 

Leicester. LE19 1YG 

Tel: 0116 2820400 Fax: 0116 2820401 

Suitable applicants will be placed on a short list of companies 

for each trade/material supply and will be given the 

opportunity to tender for the works on a competitive basis. 

To be considered as a suitable applicant you or your company 

should be based in Bolsover, Mansfield, Chesterfield or within 

15 – 20 miles from the sites and be committed to employing 

local people. Please provide references with your introduction. 

The Woodhouse Warbler is printed by Portshel Industries

Your Health 

Nutrition Advice 

for the elderly 

espite the title I have chosen, 

D the advice on nutrition for the 

elderly is not any different than that 

for younger people. However older 

people may have to give more 

thought and planning to their nutrition 

because of some of the problems 

that old age brings – e.g. difficulty 

getting out to the shops, or 

the need to have a good diet when 

cooking for one. Also older people 

are more likely to have medical 

problems such as diabetes and 

heart disease where a good diet is 

just as important as taking 

medication. 

I have previously written about the 

need to reduce weight or keep your 

weight down. As joints tend to 

become arthritic, and muscle strength 

reduces with advancing years, being 

overweight becomes much more of a 

problem. Getting around becomes 

much more difficult. Thus taking a 

walk to the shops can be impossible, 

so you stop doing it. Your muscles 

therefore become weaker through the 

lack of exercise, so mobility gets even 

more difficult. In general our food 

requirements decrease, as we get 

older, so we need to eat a bit less 

than when we were younger. 

When it comes to what sort of food, 

the usual advice applies. Try to eat 

less fatty foods such as fried foods, 

chips, meat, cakes etc. and replace 

them with more vegetables, fruit and 

carbohydrates (potatoes, rice pasta 

and bread). In particular when 

planning a meal keep the meat 

portions small – most of us probably 

eat far more than we need to. 

Following this advice should help to 

keep your weight under control as well 

as keeping your cholesterol level 

lower. 

A healthy diet needs to contain a large 

amount of vitamins and minerals. For 

instance we need iron for our blood, 

calcium for our bones, potassium, 

sodium, zinc and selenium. Also we 

need vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, 

D and E as well as folic acid. It is 

thought these minerals and vitamins 


help prevent our genes getting damaged 

and thus reduce the risk of cancer. 

As you can see we need a lot of 

different vitamins and minerals. To do 

this means having a varied diet. If you 

know what day of the week it is by 

what you’re eating, you’re not getting 

the variety of different foods you need. 

We are very fortunate that it is now 

possible to get much more choice of 

different types of food from 

supermarkets these days. We need to 

take full advantage of this and not be 

afraid to try something new. Don’t 

forget the advice to have 5 portions of 

fruit and vegetables a day. Ideally 

these should all be different 

(incidentally a portion is a whole apple 

or banana or two smaller fruits like 

Satsuma’s, plums, tomatoes etc, or a 

cup full of small fruit like grapes, 

raspberries or strawberries). 

Constipation becomes an increasing 

problem, as we get older. A healthy 

diet will help with this. Again the five 

portions of fruit and vegetables will 

help. Also using wholemeal bread or 

wholemeal breakfast cereals, porridge 

will all help. I don’t recommend bran 

(either in breakfast cereals or from a 

health food shop) as it binds to calcium 

and stops it being absorbed. 

Constipation will also be helped by 

drinking more fluids. We need about 3 

pints of fluid a day. Try not to have this 

all as tea and coffee as they both 

contain caffeine and this stimulates the 

bladder. 

In general preparing and cooking food 

yourself is always better than buying 

ready-made meals, which tend to have 

higher fat, salt and sugar contents. 

I know this is not always easy, 

particularly if you live on your own and 

are not in the best of health. However 

it is worth the effort. For some using 

ready made meals is the only way they 

can get a balanced diet. If you are 

doing this, you just need to take care 

to have plenty of variety and make 

sure the meals are not too rich in fats, 

sugar and salt. 

The final point I would like to make is 

that good dental care is important. 

People who have their own teeth are 

generally healthier than those who 

have dentures. Look after your teeth 

and gums by cleaning them regularly. 

Also go for regular dental check ups. 

If you have dentures, don’t persevere 

with poorly fitting ones, get them 

9 

changed. Our gums change with the 

passage of time, so that what were 

well fitting dentures will not always be 

so. 

Finally enjoy your food. Make meal 

times a social occasion. Eat with 

family and friends; enjoy their 

company and conversation. Bon 

appetite. 

HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENTS 

A60 Leeming Lane South, 

Mansfield Woodhouse - Between 

Mansfield Road & Old Mill Lane 

An accident remedial scheme is to be 

introduced on this section of road. 

The works will include alterations to 

the centre line road markings and the 

introduction of marker posts. 

Old Mill Lane, 

Mansfield Woodhouse - 

Junction of Hallam Way 

The existing 30 mph speed limit is to 

be extended approximately 100 

metres from the junction of Hallam 

Way in an eastbound direction. This 

extension to the 30 mph speed limit is 

required to reduce speeds of vehicles 

approaching the proposed 

mini-roundabout at the junction of 

Hallam Way. 

FOOTWAY RESURFACING 

Worcester Avenue, Mansfield Woodhouse 

Farmway, Mansfield Woodhouse 

Old Mill Way, Mansfield Woodhouse - 

Barringer Road to Old Mill Close 

24 Hour 

Call Out 

British Gas Trained Service Engineers 

Have peace of mind 

All Year Round 

From only £10.66 per month 

Service and Guarantee your 

Central Heating Boiler for 12 months 

For both parts and labour 

For Further Details Call 

01623 635635 

A Service You Can Rely On 

Baxi Approved 

Service Provider 

(Contract Customers Only) 

You can now read the Woodhouse Warbler online at www.mansfieldwoodhouse.info 

and click on Local Groups.


Mansfield and District Branch of MS Society 

Looking Back Through 2006 

O 

ur Branch has had some 

wonderful support 

throughout 2006, not only 

with the ambulance fund, 

but also towards the needs of our MS 

members. The collections have 

continued to do well. The Multiple 

Sclerosis awareness week was a real 

success, as so many members gave 

up their time to help man the stall at 

King’s Mill Hospital. The displays and 

the information provided helped to 

bring a greater understanding of this 

debilitating illness, to those who 

attended this event. We hope to do a 

similar week again this year. 

Radio Mansfield, Radio Nottingham, 

Ashfield Community Radio, The 

Recorder, and The Chad have all been 

brilliant, helping us to spread the word 

about Branch activities. The 

Woodhouse Warbler, the Sheltered 

Times and the Warsop News deserve 

a huge ‘thank-you’ from our Branch for 

their continued help and support. Our 

website too, has been up and running, 

and continues to be updated as often 

as possible. 

The DROP-IN sessions, including an 

MS nurse clinic, have proved 

extremely popular. These sessions at 

the Stags Resource Centre, Field Mill, 

have been continually booked up for 

each bi-monthly clinic. Having an MS 

nurse there has meant so much to the 

newly diagnosed, and to those who 

need immediate medical advice. Our 

Support Team have always been on 

hand for those sufferers who required 

grant, benefit or “who to contact” 

advice. Unfortunately due to 

circumstances beyond our control e.g. 

NHS cutbacks, these sessions have 

been put on hold. We are battling 

behind the scenes to keep them in 

R.G.Welding 

Established 1989 

Gates Railings - Stairs 

Security Grids - Handrails 

Caravan Verandas 

All Light Fabrication 

Tel Russ on 01623 467769 

Off Park Road To The Rear of Vale Paints 

Mansfield, so watch this space for 

further information. 

The ambulance fund, after two years 

of fundraising and grant applications, 

looks set to produce a replacement 

vehicle in the next few months. The 

Committee are busy viewing new 

ambulances and everyone of us is so 

looking forward to seeing John bring it 

onto Stags’ car park. But the 

fundraising never ends! We need 

further funds to refurbish the better of 

the two old ambulances, so our 

summer outings can provide even 

more MS sufferers, and their carers, 

with fun and enjoyment throughout the 

year. 

Our sincere thanks to many local 

organisations who gave us so much 

help to make our dreams come true – 

The Maltings, Skegby, the Warsop 

Rotary Club, Barry Jones and the 

Ashfield Friends of the Blind, to 

Gordon Beastall, Ken Redfern and all 

our other friends from the various 

lodges and chapters of the 

Freemasons (Mansfield & Ashfield), 

the Inner Wheel of Sherwood Forest, 

the Charity Night at the Ravensdale 

Hotel, the Vine Tree Charity, to 

Lesley’s Quiz and Eric Peel’s donation 

of a birdtable – you are all wonderful!! 

Grants from the Co-op, Garfield 

Weston, Boots and from an 

anonymous donor was the icing on 

the cake. Our sincere thanks to 

No job too small or too large, from one tile 

to a complete roof. Guttering changed or 

repaired. Chimney stacks, re-pointed, 

rebuilt or completely removed. Plastering, 

ceilings, walls etc. Concrete drives, paths, 

floors etc. Felt roofs. Completed with high 

performance felt. 15 year guarantee. 

Re-pointing, have the whole house 

re-pointed. 20 year guarantee. 

Every job over £100 we will supply and 

install one smoke alarm (up to British 

standard). 

FREE ESTIMATES 

RING ANYTIME 24 HRS 

MANSFIELD 

01623 652241 

Or 796922 

Or 07966 249603 

everyone! 

Many MS patients will benefit from all 

that generosity this coming year, but 

the Branch cannot afford to bask in 

glory. Fundraising must continue! The 

list of items needed continues to 

grow – a holiday home that is 

completely disabled friendly, where 

our members can relax and enjoy the 

seaside, more physio equipment to 

aid mobility, more apparatus for 

sufferers’ homes to make life easier – 

the list is endless. 

Our Social Evenings are still on the 

second Tuesday of each month at 

Stags Community Centre, 7.30 pm - 

9.00 pm. 

Throughout the year, we are planning 

various events – a fashion show, folk 

dancing, a jazz band, a variety of 

speakers. We are still looking for 

volunteers, either for Committee, or 

for carers during day trips out to push 

wheelchairs, or for people who would 

like to raise money for our Branch. If 

you are any of these, please give 

Linda a ring on 0800 5420901. We 

would love to hear from you. 

Well folks, all that remains for me to 

say now is may 2007 be a wonderful 

year to you all. I’ll keep you informed 

about Branch progress, and hopefully, 

we will meet many of you at 

collections, or at our event. Thank-you 

all, once again, for making this past 

year extra special. 

Lynne Willetts. 

A.A.ROOFING 

& BUILDING 

We are a small company who work to a very high 

standard. Our aim is 100% satisfaction. Not a Bodge it 

& Scarper affair. 

e.g. After erection of guttering no payment is required 

until after rainfall to ensure they work. Is your roof 

leaking? Ring me, I will seal it and then again no 

payment is required until after rainfall. 

Insurance work welcome. 

You can contact us by e mail - woodhousewarbler@hotmail.com

Church News 

Parish of Mansfield Woodhouse 

Calendar of Events 

March 2007 

Sunday 4th 

10.00 am St Chad’s Patronal 

Service 

Monday 5th 

7.15 pm PCC Meeting 

Tuesday 6th 

7.30 pm Meeting with Trinity 

Methodist at Trinity 

Saturday 10th 

7.00 pm St Patrick's Day Ceilidh 

in Turner Hall 

Sunday 11th 

10.00 am St Patrick's Eucharist in 

St Edmund’s 

Sunday 18th 

10.00 am Mothering Sunday 

Parade Service 

Monday 19th 

7.30 pm First Contact Meeting 

Sunday 25th 

6.30 pm Exodus Choir leads 

Passion tide Reflection 

Monday 26th 

7.00 pm Parish Annual General 

Meeting in Turner Hall. 

The Parish elect Church Wardens. Members 

of the Electoral Roll elect 5 members to the 

Parochial Church Council 

If your name appears on the Electoral Roll of 

the ecclesiastical parish you have a duty to 

be in attendance at this meeting. 

Thursday 29th 

7.30 pm Holy Communion at St. 

Edmund’s followed by 

PCC Induction in Turner 

Hall 


April 2007 

Sunday 1st 

10.00 am Palm Sunday Service 

Beginning at Trinity 

Methodist Church 

Monday 2nd 


Friday 6th GOOD FRIDAY 

10.00 am Procession of Witness 

2.45 pm Meditation before the 

cross 

Saturday 7th 

9.00 am St Edmund’s Spring 

clean 

Sunday 8th EASTER DAY 

10.00 am Easter Day Eucharist 

Monday 16th 

6.30 pm NO FIRST CONTACT 

MEETING THIS MONTH 

Sunday 29th 

6.30 pm Memorial Service 

May 2007 

Monday 7th 


Thursday 10th 

7.30 pm Holy Communion at St. 

Edmund’s followed by 

Meeting with Trinity 

Methodist Church 

Saturday 12th 

7.00 pm Quiz Night in Turner Hall 

(Teams of 6 players) 

Sunday 13th 

5.00 pm Mansfield Woodhouse 

Campanology Society 

AGM 

Sunday 13th-18th 

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 

Wednesday 16th 

7.30 pm Deanery Synod 

Thursday 17th ASCENSION DAY 

11 

7.30 pm Ascension Holy 

Communion 

Saturday 19th 

10.00 am to 

1.00 pm Altar Guild Plant Market in 

Turner Hall (see Jean 

Taylor for Stalls) 

Sunday 27th PENTECOST 

10.00 am Pentecost Eucharist 

HALF TERM MONDAY 28th to 

FRIDAY 1st JUNE - No midweek Holy 

Communion or Office Hour 

Trinity Methodist Church, 

High Street, 

Mansfield Woodhouse. 

he fellowship of Trinity Methodist 

T Church invite you all to join us in 

our Sunday worship, and at any of the 

events listed. We meet regularly at 

10.45 am and at 3.30 pm, every 

Sunday during the winter months 

unless otherwise stated. 

Our communion service, held about 

every four weeks, offers an open table 

to all who love and trust in the Lord 

J e s u s , i r r e s p e c t i v e o f yo u r 

denominational background. 

Our monthly family service, usually on 

the second Sunday morning of every 

month, is followed by refreshments 

and conversation in the school room. 

We have a Brownie pack, home 

groups and a midweek fellowship, so if 

you want to know more, do come 

along on a Sunday or phone our 

minister, Rev. Marie Greenwood on 

Mansfield 623659 or Jill Houlden on 

Mansfield 844289. 

Have you visited the Stable Centre 

in Mansfield Woodhouse. 

If not then you have missed a treat. 

You can easily find us we are 

opposite St Edmund’s Church. 

Home cooked food 

at reasonable prices. 

Buffets catered for from 

only £3.75 per head. 

Call in and view our 

extensive menu. 

THE STABLE CENTRE 

(Drop in Centre) 

If you are lonely and need a safe place, 

then call in for a drink/snack. 

Bring a friend and have a chat. 

Open: Monday to Friday 

9.00 am to 2.00 pm. 

Church Street. 


Telephone. 01623 659625. 

Non Smoking Throughout 

The friendliest place in town. 

Send your comments, letters or articles to ‘The Woodhouse Warbler’ 53 Park Road, 

Mansfield Woodhouse, Notts. NG19 8ER


Youth Matters 

Down at the Manor 

Youth Provision (The SPACE) 

W 

ell the new youth 

provision has now been 

open for about three months. Average 

attendance has been between 20 and 

25 young people on both Tuesday 

and Wednesday evenings. 

Activities that have taken place so 

far have been: 

Healthy eating project 

Cookery 

AIDS/HIV awareness World AIDS Day 

Shopping trip to Meadowhall 

Drink & Sexual Health & Drugs with 

‘Techno Chances’ 

These have all taken place along side 

the nightly activities such as pool, 

table tennis, art & crafts and quizzes. 

The young people have also been 

able to seek advice and support from 

the youth workers on a host of issues 

of concern to them. 

Plans for the future include 

Comic Relief fund raising event: to 

take place on Friday 16 th March, 

which will involve our colleagues on 

the Techno Chances team and the 

Sports & Recreation centre. This 

should be a mad cap fun event that 

we hope will raise lots of money for 

others in need. Further information 

posters & flyers to follow shortly. 

Job club: due to the number of young 

people who attend the club that are 

either unemployed or due to leave 

school without firm plans we are 

hoping to run a monthly job club to 

assist young people in finding work, 

training or further education 

opportunities. We will be assisted in 

this task by our colleagues in 

Connexions 

We are hoping to re-vamp the kitchen 

area and install a new and bigger 

cooker as cooking and healthy 

lifestyles are proving popular with both 

young people attending the youth club 

and those involved in daytime projects 

run at the SPACE. 

We would like to thank Mansfield 

District Council for all their help and 

support. 

Daytime use: we are currently using 

the SPACE to run two projects for 

young people they are: 

Mansfield Alternative To Exclusion 

(MATE): this project works with young 

people from years 9, 10 & 11 that are 

at risk of exclusion from school. These 

young people are referred from school, 

the aim being to reintegrate them in to 

mainstream school. Young people 

work on personal development and 

self esteem building and follow a 

programme that leads to a National 

accreditation. 

Branch Out: this project works with 

non attenders from years 9, 10 & 11. 

The reasons why these young people 

do not attend school are varied and 

You can download back copies of ‘The Woodhouse Warbler’ at 

www.mansfieldwoodhouse.info 

sometimes very complex. The aim of 

the project is not to re integrate them 

in to school but to provide an 

alternative curriculum that meets their 

needs; this includes such things 

confidence building, life skills, job 

search and a range of educative 

visits. Young people are referred to 

this project through school and 

Education Welfare Officers (EWOs). 

Techno Chances: sexual health & 

drug awareness mobile visits the 

Manor Complex every Friday evening 

6.30 – 8.30. It provides advice and 

information on sexual health, drugs 

and alcohol, it is C-Card registered 

which means that it gives out free 

condoms to all those young people 

who are old enough and have 

registered with the scheme. 

Positive Activities for 

Young People (PAYP) 

Update 

ell they’re at it again! Young 

W people involved in the PAYP 

scheme are off to the frozen 

wilderness that is Tamworth Snow 

Dome. Snow boarding, skiing and 

tobogganing are all order of the day. A 

group of 15 young people will be off 

on Tuesday 20 th February with 

workers from the Youth Service to this 

winter wonderland. 

If that’s not enough the following day 

it’s off to a Dome of another sort, the 

one at Doncaster. This time its ice 

skating and swimming will be on the 

menu. How much more can these 

poor youth workers take? 

And last but not least. A presentation 

evening to celebrate the 

achievements of all the young people 

who have taken part in the 06/07 

PAYP scheme. Thursday 1 st March in 

the small hall at the Sports & 

Recreation centre 6.30 – 9.30 pm. 

Tom’s Clock Repairs 

Sales, Repairs & Restoration of 

Clocks, Watches and Jewellery 

20 Station Street, 

Mansfield Woodhouse, Notts. NG19 8AB 

Tel: 01623 476097 

Mobile: 0775 2735605 

Open: Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 4.30 pm 

Saturday 9.00 am - 2.00 pm

Presentation of certificates, buffet and 

a disco are all on the agenda. Young 

people will be able to bring along 

invited guests to see them receive 

their awards from such dignitaries’ as 

Cllr. Joyce Bosnjak, Jonathon 

Hickman - Manor School Head, Kevin 

Murphy - Senior Worker for Mansfield 

Youth team, Northfield 

Neighbourhood Management Team 

(NNMT) and Peter Sutcliffe - Chair of 

Mansfield Woodhouse Community 

Development Group. to mention but a 

few. The whole night will be finished 

with a disco. 

The young people would like to thank 

all those involved in planning and 

delivering the scheme, too many to 

mention by name but here are a few 

of the organisations that have made it 

happen: 

Youth Service 

Manor Sports & Recreation centre 

Manor School 

Connexions 

Here’s hoping for further funding to 

enable us to deliver and increase 

participation next year. 

W 

2006? 

Mansfield District 

Youth Assembly 

hat have we been doing from 

September to December 

The group 

meet twice a 

month on 

Wednesdays 

5 pm - 7 pm 

Wrought Iron Gates 

and Railings 

Made To Measure 

GL Fabrications 

Unit 5, Block 5 

Old Mill Lane Industrial Estate 


Notts. 

01623 836462 



November 4 th 2006 

Here we are spending the day at 

County Hall for Citizenship Day. 

During the day we took part in a 

voting event to vote in our new Youth 

Parliament member for the district. 

Here we are taking part in a mock trial 

to see how the justice system works. 


The group visited Mansfield Library for 

the day to work with a group of young 

people from Rwanda called Mashirika. 

We spent the day with them learning 

about the genocide. Afterwards the 

group taught us some African dance 

and how to play the African drums. 

For the evening Mashirika put on a 

performance for the community – it 

was amazing. 


Some of the group visited East 

Midlands Airport to support Children in 

Need. The night was brilliant and we 

contributed to raising lots of money. 

13 


Mansfield Community Gospel choir, 

this evening was full of singing and 

meeting new friends. Lots of 

community members were there and 

we were fed hot chicken pasties – 

wow! Thank you. 

December 13 th 2006 

The Royal Theatre in Nottingham to 

see Chicago, again another great night 

and a meal before to celebrate all the 

good work we have been involved in. 

We are now successfully working on 

several projects that we hope are 

going to make our community a better 

place to live. We will print a report of 

these in the next issue. If any one 

would like to be a part of the Mansfield 

District Youth Assembly please contact 

us at Westfield Folkhouse, Westfield 

Lane, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 1TL or 

telephone 01623 660611. 

Young Notts 4 Health is a website 

made by young people, for young 

people, to learn about health and 

services at King’s Mill and Newark 

Hospitals. 

Have you got something to say about 

King’s Mill or Newark Hospital? What 

do you think is good? Bad? or Ugly? 

Want to help us build your new King’s 

Mill Hospital?....... yes? Then visit: 

http://www.youngnotts4health.nhs.uk/ 

WOODHOUSE EYE 

CARE CENTRE 

41 High Street 


Notts. NG19 8BB 

Tel: 01623 660349 

• Small Independent Practice 

• Professional and Friendly Staff 

• NHS and Private Tests Available 

2 for the price of 1 on Complete Spectacles 

A 6 cm x 8 cm advert in The Warbler for only £30


Based at Park Road Resource Centre, Mansfield 

Woodhouse Community Development Group is a 

registered charity that has been in existence for nearly 12 

years. Working together is a committed team of staff, 

members and dedicated volunteers working tirelessly to 

improve the quality of life for Mansfield Woodhouse and its 

surrounding areas. 

The Group’s work covers a whole spectrum of different 

issues ranging from a community newsletter “Woodhouse 

Warbler”, Village Social and Fundraising, Crime 

Environment and Safety Groups and Community Website. 

Always looking for new volunteers, we would welcome the 

involvement of anyone who has time to spare. Your help, 

creative ideas and talents, could be used in a variety of 

roles aimed at helping your community. 

Your County 

Councillors 

P a r r y 

Tsimbiridis 

and Joyce 

Bosnjak are 

available to 

provide help 

and advice on 

the last Friday 

of each month 

at Northfield 

Focus Point, on Vale Road in Mansfield Woodhouse, 

between 10.30 am and 2.30 pm. 

Volunteering is not about doing something for nothing… 

it’s about gaining new friends, new skills and being part of 

a bigger campaign to improve the lives for ourselves and 

others. 

If you feel you could spare an hour or two a week, please 

contact Sharon at Park Road Resource Centre on: 

01623 429334 or alternatively email 

mwcdg_sharon@hotmail.com


Northfield Neighbourhood Management Team (NNMT) 

ello and a belated Happy New 

H Year to you all. Hope you all had 

a good Christmas and enjoyed the 

celebrations including the Woodhouse 

event on 16 th December. The 

N o r t h f i e l d N e i g h b o u r h o o d 

Management Team (NNMT) would 

like to thank everyone who supported 

our raffle stall including Harriet Fell, 

Doreen Goodyear, Robert Bailey, 

Frances Fell, Flower Craft, Paul & 

Russ (Heattech) Pam (Carousel Hair 

Fashions) Glenda’s Flowers, 

Rowland’s Pharmacy, Elliott Meats, 

R. Bowring, Ben’s Bakery, Christine’s 

Northfield Family 

Group 

D 

Woodhouse 

id you see the Pirates and 

Indians in Mansfield 

before 

Christmas? Thanks to the 

parents and children who made the 

effort to take part in the recent Winter 

Parade. The theme of the parade was 

favourite pantomime characters. 

Northfield Family Group chose the 

whole pantomime of Peter Pan. You 

all looked marvellous!! 

Santa made a visit at the end of 

December, the Christmas Party was a 

great success. January 2007 we all 

went to the pantomime at the Palace 

Theatre, and everyone had a lovely 

time ‘Oh no they didn’t’, ‘Oh yes they 

did’. 

Northfield Family Group, organised 

craft sessions from October towards 

Christmas. ‘In House Activities’ came, 

we had 6 adult sessions and 3 

children only sessions. We made 

cards and table decorations amongst 

other things. The children made 

hobby horses and a pen holder. The 

last session sponsored by Meden 

Valley Making Places was a magazine 

holder. 

We are holding another craft session 

on April 3 rd 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm. 

Limited places, if you want to join us 

ring Maggie 474955. 

Colouring Competition Winners 

December 2006 

Congratulations to 

Reece Bowskill - Aged 5 

Chloe Davenport - Aged 11 

Liam Rose - Aged 12 

Each one winning a £10 Woolworths 

Gift Voucher 

Fashion W ear, Chell Foods, 

Richmond’s, Virtual Systems, Exciting 

Lighting, Station Street Post Office 

and Pinescene. Also would the boy/ 

gentleman who won a voucher on our 

stall please contact me on 01623 

462729 or the Focus Point 01623 

626808 thank you. 

We have started having our monthly 

table top sale every last Saturday in 

the month, so come along and get a 

bargain or two or have a stall yourself. 

Entry is free and there is a charge of 

£5 for a table. Refreshments are also 

available. 

orthfield now has 2 new 

N dedicated workers – myself 

Sioned Dolan (pronounced Shoned – 

it’s Welsh!)), and I am the 

Neighbourhood Renewal Development 

Officer for Northfield. I will be 

supporting the Northfield 


with the main purpose of capacity 

building and self-sustainability. 

I moved down from Bolton last year, 

where I’d worked for Bolton Council for 

16 years and in the last 4 held the 

position of Business & Employment 

Assistant Co-ordinator for East Bolton 

Regeneration, a SRB6 funded 

programme. Together with Frank, we 

hope to make a difference and make 

Northfield Focus Point and the NNMT 

sustainable in 2008. 

If you would like to become a member 

of the NNMT and help improve your 

area by utilising your own skills, 

everyone would be welcome. No 

previous experience is required and 

15 

Friday March 30 th sees our second 

fashion show and sale. M&S, Next, 

River Island, Etam, Dorothy Perkins, 

Gap, New Look and many more all at 

knock down prices. Refreshments will 

be available or bring a bottle of wine 

and have a fun social night. Tickets 

are £2.50 each and the event starts at 

7.30 pm. Ring either myself or the 

Focus Point to arrange your tickets. 

Hope to see you there! 

Well that’s all until the next issue of 

The Warbler, so bye for now. 

Janet Wood 

Honorary Secretary of the NNMT. 

Two New Workers For Northfield 

support will be given. So to gain 

valuable experience working in the 

community and to enhance your 

career prospects, please give me a 

call on 626808. Hope to meet you 

soon. 

Sioned 

Hi, I’m Frank Chester, the new 

Co-ordinator at Northfield. My career 

history is in journalism, with over 20 

years working for various Fleet Street 

titles. Despite this, my roots are very 

much in the mining community (in 

Lancashire) and I feel a very strong 

bond with Northfield and its people. 

Together with Sioned, I hope to 

maintain the Focus Point’s role as a 

vibrant facility at the heart of the 

community and help bring new life to 

the area. If you would like to come 

and have a look at the Focus Point on 

Vale Road and see what’s on offer, or 

if you’re interested in holding an 

event, please call me at the Focus 

Point on 626808. 

Frank


Photographs by Keith Morris


17 

Photographs by Keith Morris


Mansfield Woodhouse Community Development Group 

Park Road Resource Centre, 53 Park Road, Mansfield Woodhouse, Notts. 

NG19 8ER. Telephone: 01623 429334 

For further information, or to report an 

issue, please contact Sharon on 

01623 429334, by emailing on 

mwcdg_sharon@hotmail.com or 

simply pop into the Park Road 

Resource Centre. 

Crime, Environment and 

Safety Group Update 

he CENS Group have been very 

T busy since last September. We 

welcomed Susan Rodgers (NCC) to 

speak to us about the County 

Council's interest in the proposed 

Woodhouse Heritage Centre. A 

dedicated group has been set up to 

deal specifically with this project 

and Sue is prepared to help us 

move forward with plans for the 

Centre. 

The plans/drawings for the 

Neighbourhood Business Incubation 

Units are available for anyone wishing 

to view them. These are to be built 

next to the Park Road Resource 

Centre. 

The Yeoman Hill Feasibility Study has 

been completed and the YHP 

Steering Group are moving forward 

with this document as a valuable tool 

for acquiring funding to improve the 

Park. 

Our surveys of the village with regard 

to derelict land, fly-tipping and 

signage are continuing, but we are in 

need of volunteers to assist with data 

collection. 

We are looking at the condition of 

stone walls throughout the village and 

are seeking advice from various 

authorities. The Group are looking for 

assistance with this very large project, 

so please get in touch if you think can 

help. 

Would you like to be a volunteer or 

help with any of these projects? 

Please call Sharon Cawar on 429334 

or drop in to the Park Road Resource 

Centre (the Old Clinic) on Park Road. 

Yeoman Hill Park Update 

he exciting news for the YHP 

T Group is that we now have a 

completed feasibility study! Howard 

Price of Ashmead Price delivered the 

finished document to the Group on 

12th January and he talked us 

through the findings. The report is in 

two parts. Section 1 addresses 

community matters (background 

information and village profile) while 

Section 2 looks at the physical 

elements of the Park and its 

surroundings. There are detailed 

drawings of the site as it now stands 

and plans for future improvements. 

This report is a valuable tool which we 

can use to acquire funds for the 

various projects in the Park. It makes a 

very good case economically, socially 

and physically for the maintenance 

and improvement of Yeoman Hill Park. 

The report is a sound foundation from 

which we can work to develop the Park 

into a well-used resource for all the 

people of Mansfield Woodhouse. 

Our next step will be to undertake a 

public consultation as regards the 

Community Garden part of the plan. 

Meet A Mum Association 

(MAMA) 

Friendly local playgroup. 

Mums and mums to be, we can offer 

you: 

The company of others - Friendly 

atmosphere - Post natal support - 

Social events - And much more…. 

For children we can offer: 

Toys - Arts and crafts - Story time - 

Play time - Song time - Snack time 

Come along and give it a try. We meet 

at Park Road Resource Centre every 

Wednesday morning between 9.15 am 

and 11.15 am. Only £1.50 per session 

including a drink for you too! 

Street Signs of 


To Residents of 


f you know of any street name signs 

I or any other signage that is either 

damaged or in need of any attention or 

any that are obsolete, please contact 

us on the details below. A list will then 

be put towards to the relevant people 

at the local authorities in order to get 

the problems addressed. 

If you would like to be involved in 

these types of community issues, join 

us on our Crime, Environment and 

Safety (CENS) Group. We meet 

approximately every eight weeks on 

Thursday evenings. 

P 

Play Park 

Crèche is 

Looking for 

Volunteers 

lay Park Crèche are always 

looking for new volunteers, we 

would welcome the involvement of 

anyone who has time to share. 

Your help, creative new ideas and 

talent, could be used in a variety of 

roles aimed at helping your 

community. 

It’s a way of gaining new friends, new 

skills and being part of a team who 

will respect and value your 

contribution. 

If you feel you could spare an hour or 

two a week, please contact Jessica on 

01623 429334 or just pop into Park 

Road Resource Centre. 

Winter Solstice 

o mark the tradition of Winter 

T Solstice and the bicentenary of 

Major Hayman Rooke’s death, 


Development Group held an event to 

launch the Nine Ladies’ Stone Circle 

situated at the beginning of the Meden 

Trail at Pleasley Vale on Thursday 

21st December 2006. 

Major Rooke who lived in Mansfield 

Woodhouse and died in 1806 was a 

local antiquarian and was very 

interested in the Nine Ladies’ Stone 

Circle on Stanton Moor in Derbyshire. 

The modern circle at Pleasley Vale 

has been built to commemorate 

Major Rooke’s connections with 

Mansfield Woodhouse and has been 

made possible with the support of Mr 

Tony Barton and the Midland Landfill 

team, particularly Mr David Bowring. 

Members of the Group and local 

Councillors attended the event and 

were then treated to refreshments at 

Park Road Resource Centre, courtesy 

of Mr David Bowring. 

Linda Reilly 

More information on these celebrations 

can be seen on page 25.

E 

mployed by Mansfield 

Woodhouse Community 

Development Group and based at 

Park Road Resource Centre, 

Mansfield Woodhouse, Karin St. 

Michaels has just been appointed as 

the Extended Services Participation 

Worker for the Manor family of 

schools. Karin’s post has been jointly 

funded by the Nottinghamshire 

Children’s Fund, Northfield 


and the Manor family of schools 

extended services funding. 

Karin will work closely with schools 

and the community to encourage 

greater participation in local groups 

and activities, as well as encouraging 

a d u l t a n d f a m i l y l e a r n i n g 

opportunities. Karin will be providing 

valuable support to help the family of 

schools progress towards the 

development of extended services in 

and around schools. It has been 

recognised that many people who 

have had a negative experience whilst 

at school do not feel comfortable 

returning to the school environment 

and are therefore reluctant to re-enter 

learning. However, learning can be 

fun and can also offer opportunities 

for local people to have a greater say 

in the decisions made in their local 

community. Karin intends to consult 

with parents, carers and young people 

to identify key priorities that will guide 

her work and to ensure that local 

people have a voice. 

She will also link closely with other 


The Village Social and 

Fundraising Group would like to 

thank the following for their 

generosity and donations for our 

Christmas Event December 2006. 

Two Wheels, Mansfield Woodhouse 

Coop, J T Friths, Asda, Ram Stores, 

Wilkinsons, Mossops, The Palace 

Theatre, Hawker and Busby, 

Andrew Brearley Accountants, The 

Anvil Pub, The Greyhound Pub, 

Grace Atkins, Shannon Macfarlane, 

Anne Bentley, Violet Holland, 

Dennis Kerry, Sgt Dave Lindsay and 

staff, Bill and Pauline Cotton, Meden 

Valley Making Places, Mansfield 

North Area Assembly, Keith Morris, 

John Winstanley, Vera Baron, Russ, 

Alan, Peggy and Barry Stevens, Jeff 

Sale, Maureen Cantrill and 

members of the Village Social and 

Fundraising Group, Edge Hill and 

Beech Tree Garages. 

Upgrade Your Skills 

The Chrysalis Project is inviting registration on the following courses: 

► Using MS Word 

► Health and Safety 

► Confidence, Assertiveness & Motivation 

► Emergency First Aid 

► Team Working 

organisations such as the Mansfield 

Woodhouse Children’s Centre, 

Specialist Health and Social Care 

workers, the Youth Service and 

Connexions who are all working in 

partnership to provide a more 

integrated service for the community. 

Karin is working to produce a directory 

of local community groups and 

services for Mansfield Woodhouse 

and would really appreciate people 

getting in touch with information to 

include in the directory. You can 

telephone Karin on 01623 429334 or 

pop in and see her at Park Road 

Resource Centre. 

► Introduction to Excel 

► CV Writing and Job Search 

► Communication Skills 

► Basic Food Hygiene 

► Applying for Funding 

If you are a volunteer or are interested in becoming a volunteer, you can attend 

any of these free one-day courses at the Park Road Resource Centre. Most of the 

courses will be conducted from 9:30 – 3:00 and will be supported by interactive 

tutors and comprehensive resource materials. Lunch will be provided. 

For Further Information Please Contact 

Sharon (at Park Road Resource Centre) at 429 334 or 

Rose (at Mansfield Volunteer Centre) at 651 177. 

Call Now and Book on a Course 

19 

H u c k n a l l 

Nightstop is a 

registered charity, 

w h i c h o f f e r s 

temporary, emergency 

accommodation 

for homeless 

young people, aged 16 to 25 years 

old, in the homes of trained Volunteer 

Hosts. We cover Ashfield, Mansfield, 

Ollerton and surrounding areas. 

We urgently require volunteers to help fulfil 

a variety of different opportunities, such 

as: 

HOSTS, DRIVERS AND TELEPHONE 

CONTACTS: 

No experience is necessary, as full training 

and support is given and all expenses are 

reimbursed. 

If you think you could help, or you would 

like more information – please contact us 

on any of the following: 

Tel: 01158408236 or Email: 

trudy@hucknallnightstop.org.uk or 

Email:sharonstonenightstop@yahoo. 

co.uk 

The Mansfield 

Woodhouse Society 

Programme for 2007 

All meetings are held in the Turner 

Hall Lounge and start at 7 pm 

Monday 30th April 

Talk on - The Cruise Ship - by Colin 

Bower. 

Monday 21st May 

Illustrated talk on - Malaysia and 

Singapore - by Ray Barratt. 

Monday 25th June 

Talk on - 4 Medieval Women - by 

Dr Rowena Edlin-White. 

‘PLUMB-RITE’ 

—Plumbing & Heating Services— 

Dale Hudson 

Proprietor 

Tel: 01623 648409 

Mob: 07834 340555 

192140


ORGANIC VEGETABLE 

BOXES TO DROP ON 

OUR DOORSTEPS 

iver Nene Organic Vegetables 

R has recently launched its award 

winning organic fruit and vegetable 

box scheme in and around Mansfield. 

The boxes are filled with the pick of 

seasonal organic fruit and vegetables 

and delivered direct to your door. 

Joanne Roe has become the local 

distributor in Mansfield for River Nene 

Organic Vegetables, delivering fresh, 

organic produce direct from the farm 

in the heart of the Fens in 

Peterborough. 

Joanne decided to begin the local box 

scheme in Mansfield after years of 

working in the highly pressured 

environment of IT recruitment. Joanne 

and husband, Justin spent many 

evenings discussing their shared aim 

of living a more organic life and just 

how important family life was. With 

two young children, Joanne and Justin 

were keen to focus on a business, 

which helped educate others about 

the benefits of organic living. 

Joanne explains “both Justin and 

myself were becoming increasingly 

concerned with the food available to 

us and to our children, and we were 

keen to find a way of educating others 

on the benefits of eating organically 

and with River Nene Organic 

Vegetables we have found our voice!” 

Joanne went on to say “My passion for 

cooking led me to River Nene 

delivered free direct to your door the 

next. The vegetable boxes start from 

£7.50 and come in varying sizes, for 

one person up to a large family. 

River Nene Organic Vegetables grow 

and harvest over 60 varieties, all 

selected for their flavour and 

seasonality, which means the boxes 

are always interesting and varied 

throughout the year. 

Joanne is now delivering boxes 

containing some great winter produce 

such as leeks, kale, celeriac, fennel 

and beetroot. The vegetables are 

grown, picked and packed on the farm 

and delivered to customers’ homes 

throughout Mansfield and the 

surrounding areas. 

Organic Vegetables and we were both 

very impressed with the quality and 

reputation of the business. Vegetable 

box schemes are a great alternative to 

the supermarkets, allowing customers 

to buy great tasting, seasonal organic 

vegetables fresh from the farm.” 

Over 75% of the vegetables in the 

boxes are grown either on River Nene 

Organic Farm or by a local grower 

group called Nene Organic Growers. 

The company focuses on flavour, 

freshness and seasonality – not 

cosmetic perfection. 

It is this unique approach that helps to 

make sure that the boxes are great 

value for money. Most vegetables are 

picked on the farm one day and 

Host an exchange student 

H 

osting a foreign exchange 

student is fun for your whole 

family. By opening your door to a high 

school student from around the world, 

you will have the opportunity to learn 

about a new culture and build 

international friendships – without 

leaving your home! By the end of this 

special year, you won’t want to say 

goodbye. 

EF Foundation, a non-profit 

organisation, offers you a wide variety 

of students from whom to choose. You 

will also receive help from EF 

Foundation’s local International 

Exchange Co-ordinator during the 

selection process and throughout the 

exchange year. 

All EF Foundation students are 

thoroughly screened, fully insured and 

bring their own spending money. Host 

families provide room, board and a 

caring environment. 

We are currently trying to find host 

families for students to arrive in 

September. 

There is a monthly grant of £110. 

There is also a one off payment of 

£100 to welcome families into being 

host families. We would be pleased to 

hear from anyone in the Mansfield 

Woodhouse and surrounding areas 

who would like to play host to one of 

our students. 

If you have the space and a spare 

bed, please give us a ring. 

Call Kate on 01623 483637 

You can buy extra copies of ‘The Woodhouse Warbler’ for only 25p per copy 

for friends and family. Just telephone 01623 429334

Windows’ Shopping 

On 30 th January 2007, Microsoft 

released its new operating system – 

Windows Vista. This replaces Windows 

XP and is packed with improvements, 

according to Microsoft. Their marketing 

department has a huge budget for this 

product so you may have already seen 

the advertisements. 

3 things we like about Vista … 

Search 

No longer do you have to rely on long 

file names to make things easy to find 

again. Vista lets you add keywords to 

files, so add tags like ‘sales, Michael’ to 

a digital photo called ‘presenting at the 

conference.jpg’. Search will then find 

this photo during a ‘sales’ search, even 

though sales isn’t in the file 

name. Search for Michael and find all 

the photos with that tag. The search 

function also now reaches out to more 

than just files and can also include your 

emails and even web sites you have 

visited. 

Family Safety Settings 

Whilst some families have turned to 

additional software to restrict their 

children’s computer usage, Microsoft 

has now included some of this 

functionality natively in Vista. You can 

now control allowed websites and 

downloads as well as restrict which 

specific programs and games will 

run. Detailed reporting will show you 

exactly what your children have been 

using on your computer as well as 

which websites they have visited. 

Graphics – Aero and Flip 3D 

‘Aero’ graphics enhance the look of 

Vista. The glass-like opaqueness of 

some see-through frames can be 


altered. Hold your mouse over a window 

on your task bar and you’ll see a 

mini pop-up displaying the contents of 

that window, rather than just having to 

rely on its title to figure out what it 

is. Hold down ‘Alt’ and press ‘Tab’ to 

see thumbnails of your open windows or 

the ‘Windows’ key plus ‘Tab’ will stack 

them in 3D so you can flip through them 

like playing cards. 

But watch out for …. 

Your Vista upgrade budget. Be warned, 

you’ll need 4-8 times the memory (RAM), 

10 times the hard disk space and 3 times 

the processing power (CPU) compared 

to Windows XP and maybe a new 

graphics card to support Aero. This may 

mean budgeting for hardware upgrades 

as well as the cost of the Vista 

software. That assumes that your 

existing computer can be upgraded. If 

you are still running Windows 95, 98 or 

ME, it may be more cost-effective to buy 

a completely new system. 

Vista Versions 

Vista comes in four main ‘flavours’ – 

Home Basic, Home Premium, Business 

and Ultimate. Some countries will also 

get two other versions - Starter and 

Enterprise. Not all versions have all of 

the Vista functionality. Home Basic does 

not include Aero, Flip 3D, Media Centre 

and more. Home Premium gains these 

without the business functions. Business 

adds backup, networking and remote 

desktop but loses Media Centre whereas 

Business Ultimate has everything. Of 

course, the price increases accordingly. 

Software & hardware compatibility 

Microsoft assures us that its own, current 

products will work with Vista, but the 

responsibility lies with the other 

manufacturers to ensure their software 

or devices will work with Vista too. Major 

21 

vendors such as Corel and HP have 

committed to delivering updates if 

necessary to ensure Vista compliance, 

for some of their products. For more 

information, check with each vendor 

individually. 

Talk to your local Com puter 

Troubleshooter about how Vista can 

benefit you and what is required for your 

particular upgrade. 

Contact your local Computer 

Troubleshooter Nick Brookes 

To All Local Organisations 

and Groups 

Lottery Funding for Local 

Organisations or for the Olympics? 

There is a distinct probability that the 

Department for Culture, Media and 

Sport will be taking money away from 

the National Lottery distributors in 

order to support the Olympics. 

Whilst the Olympics are of national 

importance, National Lottery funding 

is so important locally to community 

groups and organisations such as 


Development Group who rely on 

funding to survive. 

Without this funding, services, 

opportunities and activities which local 

people have access to and enjoy, will 

be lost. 

Please will you write urgently to your 

local MP Alan Meale at 85 West Gate, 

Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 

1RT requesting his support to 

encourage the Government to fund 

the Olympics without taking money 

away from the National Lottery 

distributors and in turn, our local 

organisations. 

You can contact the Editor via email - woodhousewarbler@hotmail.com


Following on from our serial of ‘The Rantings and Ravings of a Recovering 

Alcoholic’ here is another true tale from the same author……... 

A Friendship Betrayed. 

A 

fter 

this story is finished the 

writer would like your views 

in trying to establish where 

he went wrong. Are you 

sitting comfortably…then I shall begin. 

It all began in January 2005 and after 

a chance meeting in a café, a close 

friendship began to blossom. Jake 

was disabled and could only get 

around with the aid of two walking 

sticks, Claire was a very nice looking 

lady and had just turned forty. 

One Saturday morning, Jake got up, 

shaved, showered, got dressed and 

set off for the bright lights of 

Mansfield, something he did every 

Saturday. After a bit of shopping, he 

went to his usual café for a coffee and 

a sandwich. The owners of the café 

knew him quite well and he would 

always have a bit of a laugh and joke 

with them. 

The café was pretty busy but they 

managed to find a table for him near 

the door and looking out onto the 

street. A lady came in ordered a pot 

of tea and as there weren’t many 

seats, asked Jake if she could sit at 

his table. They began to chat about 

everyday things and Jake began to 

feel at ease and quite relaxed in her 

company. After half an hour she got 

up to leave and as she was going said 

‘Thank you, I enjoyed our little chat, 

we must do it again sometime’. This 

was to be his first encounter with 

Claire. 

As the weeks went by, they used to 

meet most Saturdays and sometimes 

once or twice during the week. The 

conversation became a little more 

intimate and she told Jake about a 

messy divorce she had gone through, 

how he had hit her when he was drunk 

and what an out and out monster he 

had been. Jake felt truly sorry for her. 

He began to let his guard down and 

tell her about his life. At last he thought 

he had found someone away from the 

groups that he attended who he could 

confide in. 

The weeks passed and Jake looked 

forward to his visits to the Metropolis 

and his meetings with Claire. Then one 

Saturday in mid-March as Claire was 

about to leave she asked Jake if he 

would like to go to her place that 

evening for a meal. Jake tried to act 

cool, he looked in his diary from his 

bag, checked it and told her that was 

fine. She gave him her address and off 

she went. The owners of the café gave 

him a cheeky smile and told him not to 

do anything they wouldn’t do! 

I would like to blank out the next few 

paragraphs and pretend that 

everything was great, but what’s the 

point of lying, to say that this doesn’t 

hurt as I write it would be an 

understatement and would defeat the 

whole purpose of putting pen to paper. 

So here goes and as you read, try to 

understand how Jake felt at the end of 

this story. 

That Saturday just seemed to drag 

and by 7.15 pm Jake began to feel 

like a nervous wreck. At 7.30 pm the 

taxi turned up and Jake set off on the 

first leg of a journey that would 

probably haunt him for the rest of his 

life. 

At just before 8 pm he turned up at 

Claire’s place, dressed in a suit and 

tie and carrying a bunch of flowers 

and a box of chocolates. When Claire 

opened the door she looked stunning 

in a short dress with a low cut top. 

Jake was stunned and lost for words, 

he mumbled something incoherent 

and handed Claire the flowers and 

chocolates and she gave him a peck 

on the cheek. 

The meal was great, Claire drank 

wine and Jake drank orange juice. 

The more the evening progressed, the 

more relaxed he became. After dinner 

they both sat on the sofa and Jake put 

his arm around her, she didn’t object 

and let her head slowly drop onto his 

shoulder. They seemed to talk for 

ages, she laughed at his stories, he 

listened to her every word. It was 

getting late so Jake thanked her and 

said it was time for him to go. 

She asked if he would like to stay the 

night. Jake was gobsmacked and like 

an idiot blurted out ‘yes, just give me a 

blanket and I’ll be ok on the sofa’. 

Claire began to laugh and said 

something like ‘stop teasing me Jake, 

you know what I mean’. Jake made an 

excuse and went to the bathroom and 

locked the door behind him. He began 

THE FAMILY EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE 

Are you unemployed and Looking for work? 

Live in Woodhouse, Warsop or Pleasley? 

WE CAN HELP! 

We will do our very best to help you by: 

• Finding you a job you want 

• Using our computers to help you write your CV 

• Completing application forms 

• Help to attend an interview 

• Advising you how a job will affect your benefits 

• Helping you claim tax credits and child care tax credits 

• Supporting you to get the training you need for a job 

• Helping with travel costs 

If you want to find 

Mansfield Woodhouse Social Groups Summer Event-Saturday 23rd June 2007

to shake uncontrollably and a hot 

flush seemed to come over him. How 

was he was now going to get out of 

this situation he had now found 

himself in. You see since his wife had 

left him some fifteen years earlier, 

Jake had not made love – he threw 

some water into his face and thought 

‘Its like riding a bike’. 

As Jake emerged from the bathroom, 

he noticed the bedroom light was on. 

As he entered he noticed her clothes 

on the floor and there she lay under 

the sheet naked and smiling up at 

him. He proceeded to undress and 

slipped under the sheet beside her 

trying to avoid her stare. Thankfully 

she switched the light off, they kissed, 

caressed and made love a few times 

that night and eventually fell asleep in 

each others arms. 

In the morning Jake woke early – 

slipped out of bed, got dressed and as 

he was leaving the bedroom to head 

downstairs, looked back to see her 

lying there with a contented smile on 

her face. About 30 minutes later 

Claire came down yawning but still 

with that smile of satisfaction on her 

face. As they talked the conversation 

turned to the evening before, she said 

it had been wonderful for her, but was 

a bit confused as to why Jake didn’t 

climax, he explained it could have 

been due to being a recovering 

alcoholic or possibly the medication 

he was on. Later, she phoned for a 

taxi, Jake kissed her goodbye and off 

he went with the words that she would 

call him during the week. 

A week passed, Claire had phoned 


him once but he was at a meeting, and 

when he tried to phone back later 

there was no response. The following 

Saturday he went to town as usual and 

after doing a bit of shopping decided to 

call on his local café on the chance 

that he might meet Claire. 

As he entered the café, the lady 

behind the counter smiled at him and 

asked him what he wanted to drink. 

Jake found this strange as she knew 

what he drank, she told him to be quiet 

and just to sit down and she would 

bring his coffee over. He sat at his 

usual table just across from four young 

women who were talking and laughing 

quite loudly. 

After about 10 minutes the women got 

up and left, the lady from the café 

came over and sat down. She 

explained that they were talking about 

a lady called Claire and a man called 

Jake, and that they were so loud she 

couldn’t help overhearing everything 

they were discussing. She told him 

how they laughed when one spoke 

about Claire telling her that the bloke 

was an ex-alcoholic who could make 

love, but couldn’t climax, they thought 

this was hilarious. The café worker felt 

sorry for him, Jake told her not to 

worry, got up and left the café. 

When Jake got outside he wanted to 

scream or cry but no tears were 

forthcoming, he felt betrayed, angry, 

humiliated and dirty. He wanted the 

ground to open up and make him 

disappear, Jake needed to talk but his 

support groups were either on holiday 

or unavailable and at that moment he 

needed someone, or something to turn 

to. 

23 

Yes, you guessed it correctly Jake 

turned to the only comforting thing he 

had known for 20 years. For two days 

Jake went on a ‘binge’, it may only 

have been wine but it didn’t have the 

desired effect, on the third day a lady 

friend phoned and Jake just blurted 

everything out to her. She urged him 

to get rid of any booze that he had left 

and he duly obliged. If it hadn’t been 

for that caring lady friend, who knows 

where he might have ended up. Jake 

cleaned himself up, but the 

experience still haunts him, he is still 

trying to work out the following: 

What he had done wrong? 

Why does he feel dirty and used? 

He acted like a gentleman, hadn’t 

rushed anything, so why did she 

betray his confidence? 

How could he let his defences down 

again and trust someone? 

Will he ever meet Ms Right? 

Why does he feel guilty? 

Does everyone see him as an object 

to be ridiculed? 

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A 

SCHOOLING IN 1949 

utumn had arrived, back to 

school. We stood in a queue 

outside Park Road Adult Centre, the 

year 1949. We were all very excited 

about being taken by bus to our 

destination. The school we were 

leaving was situated on the edge of a 

1930’s council estate, Victorian red 

brick, smelly outside toilets and no 

nonsense instruction; it’s a mystery but 

somehow I learned to read and write! 

We were escaping for one year to a 

place, which was important locally, 

both economically and socially. 

Pleasley Vale is lovely, compact and 

surprisingly geographic. The river 

Meden flows through its steep sided 

cliffs and it is home to some wonderful 

mature broad-leaved trees, an 

abundance of wild flowers, domestic 

livestock and birds. We were going to 

be an interesting addition. 

After a short journey we spilled out of 

the bus into the playground, 

encapsulated in our expectations. This 

final junior year was going to be 

different. The stone school was part of 

an industrial complex built by William 

Hollins. He used local stone and 

squeezed three huge spinning mills 

between the cliffs. To support this 

enterprise he added a large house for 

workers, which were dotted about the 

place and the school at which we had 

just arrived. Also available an open air 

swimming pool at the back of the 

school with opaque dark green water 

at 45 degrees. Plus a railway sidings, 

a sport centre and a post office. 

Hundreds of employees were 

transported from Woodhouse, 

Shirebrook, Pleasley and New 

Houghton five days a week to toil and 

spin. We kids were very familiar with 

this haunt, which was enjoyed by 

families from the surrounding area for 

walks and picnics, catching 

sticklebacks, courting and enough 

space to be as adventurous as we 

dare. 

This exciting experience was to be 

enjoyed for one year only. Our routine 

was soon established, with only three 

classes and three teachers. The 

atmosphere was intimate and 

nurturing, for me this brought about a 

confidence not previously known. I 

warmed to the interest and kindness 

shown by the staff. Playtime with its 

plethora of games was full of happy 

interactions. The playground being 

segregated meant we did a lot of girlie 

things. Knitting, French Knitting, Cats 

Cradle, writing plays and being your 

favourite film star, skipping, giggling 

over boys, and lots more. All this took 

precedence over the fact that we were 

there to work for our eleven plus exam, 

the significance of this was lost to me in 

the day to day playing. 

When you are ten you live in the 

present, and the daily life at Pleasley 

Vale School was excellent. Mr Robins 

was to me, tall with black curly hair and 

lots of enthusiasm. Mr Simcox, the 

head, was a Celt, short and stocky, he 

had lovely brown eyes and patches of 

leather on the elbows of his jacket. Mrs 

Bumstead was very house motherish – 

lovely. I remember fondly her short dark 

brown permed hair, which never moved 

in spite of the fact she cycled from 

Shirebrook every day. The two male 

teachers probably caught the bus with 

the happy rabble. 

From September we were soon into 

winter, the bus was freezing, but once 

inside the school the huge radiators 

warmed our cold extremities. Much 

warmer than being at home, where 

central heating was non-existent. 

Spring soon followed and the Vale 

slowly transformed itself into a lush 

green haven. Trees and flowers 

blossoming in this space which was 

restrained by the cliffs, the natural 

beauty juxtaposed by blocks of stone. 

This wonderful metamorphosis gave 

rise to my favourite lesson – the nature 

ramble. We escaped the classroom 

once a week for a short while and in 

crocodile fashion followed Mr Simcox 

through the wooded slopes. He would 

stop and give names of flowers and 

trees and point out the wonders of the 

Vale, which were imprinted on me 

forever. I still go looking for the Roman 

remains we searched for all those 

years ago. 

On the day of great importance, we 

were given the papers and a brief 

explanation from the head teacher. He 

looked at the clock, he looked back at 

us, nodded and we began. I remember 

reading and not understanding – trying 

something else and panicking. I looked 

around – pencils being chewed, feet 

twitching, bums wriggling. I knew I 

hadn’t answered enough questions, 

and felt quite sick. Weeks later we sat 

in the same seats to hear Mr Simcox 

read out names of pupils who had 

passed this dreaded exam. Roger, Jill, 

Merle, Jack etc… Jack was my 

sweetheart and regularly chased me 

and undid my plaits. He stood up and 

spoke directly to the Head. He didn’t 

want to go to grammar school his 

mother couldn’t afford the uniform and 

anyway they were all snobs! With one 

knitted grey sock up and one down he 

was someone I would always 

remember! 

The secondary school to which I was 

condemned lacked hope and 

enthusiasm, some of the staff seemed 

resentful of their own fate and were 

openly hostile to the rejects that filled 

their classrooms. I was nervous in 

class and I had no faith in my ability. 

Someone had marked my punitive 

efforts and dismissed me. The failure 

had been public and it stayed with me, 

colouring my future. I achieved head 

girl status but left Yorke Street with 

little or no sense of worth, but my 

parents rallied and enrolled me at 

Miller’s business college in the 

Handley Arcade, Mansfield. 

The year that gave me so much ended 

with feelings of inadequacy, but 

without W. Hollins I would have missed 

my best educational time, which had 

made learning a pleasure. Five years 

later a taxi took me back to the Vale to 

work in his offices, lunch times happily 

spent roaming through the woods. 

The school was still there but empty 

and sad. Being just 16, the importance 

of that year and its impact were buried 

by the excitement of life. I began in the 

typing pool on the first floor, which 

must have been someone’s bedroom, 

the view over the dam from my desk 

caused me to drift away from my 

typing more than once. So, being 

clever prevails today as it did then, the 

11 plus was cruel to some and shrug 

of the shoulders to others. Pleasley 

Vale School taught me one thing, in a 

village school all the pupils are noted, 

and treated as individuals. The 

atmosphere was calm and happy, I 

fully understand why parents fight to 

keep such places open. Any problems 

can be seen immediately when 

numbers are manageable. I’m glad my 

own children didn’t go through that 

selective procedure at such a tender 

age. I now know learning is a life long 

occupation but I like to think that year 

started me off on the long road to the 

pleasure of discovery. The 

retrospective has been enjoyable, a 

speck of time. That special year is rose 

tinted, but the dedication of the three 

teachers isn’t. 

Pamela Blagg 

Woodhouse Warbler—The Voice of the Community in Mansfield Woodhouse

MAJOR HAYMAN 

ROOKE (1723 – 1806) 

BICENTENARY 

CELEBRATION 

T 

his took place on the shortest 

day of the year 21 st December 

(The Winter Solstice) at the Nine 

Ladies Stone Circle on Common 

Lane. 

The site there was the car park put 

in for the Meden Trail. This area was 

totally abused and trashed by regular 

dumping of burnt cars, household 

rubbish, needles etc. It took a 

community service team the best part 

of four days to clear and dispose 

before it could be used for anything 

else. To stop all this happening again 

the area was blocked off with large 

tree trunks and stones weighing over 

3 ton each. As a feature, and in 

memory of Hayman Rooke, the larger 

stones were placed in a stone age 


was very important to stone age man! 

The site will be seeded with 

appropriate native grasses and 

flowers. The ceremony was opened 

by a short history of the stone age up 

to 4,000 years ago. An incantation of 

ecstasy was given to the sun to return 

to us, the sun was very central to life 

(as it will always remain to be) of 

Neolithic people with a deep 

knowledge of the heavens and a 

reverence for the ancestors values 

25 

that modern man could do 

well to emulate and use. 

The celebratory part then 

returned to the Park Road 

Centre, where a saga of the 

Britons was read in relation 

to how history affected us 

locally or impinged on the 

current EU invasion. 

Touching on some unlikely 

local passages of Gwenllian, 

the last real Princess of 

Wales and Sweet William, 

Duke of Cumberland who butchered 

the British Scots at Culloden. 

Note: Hayman Rooke lived at 

Woodhouse Place – also known as 

Mansfield Place – the large stone built 

lodge at the junction of Leeming Lane 

South and Mansfield Road. He is 

buried in the chancel of our Parish 

Church. 

Tony Barton 

circle, a replica of the Neolithic stone 

circle on Stanton Moor near Bakewell, 

a circle amongst others on Stanton 

Moor which Hayman Rooke described 

and brought to the attention of the 

public, together with later Bronze and 

Iron age constructions there. He 

recorded and described many other 

stone circles around Britain. 

He was also an expert on ancient and 

veteran trees and brought the Queen 

Oak, now called the Major(s) Oak, to 

the public attention. He also 

discovered the double Roman Villa in 

the Northfield, Mansfield Woodhouse. 

That site is only a few yards south 

west of the new stone circle. There is 

an outer ring of cohorts’ stones to the 

Nine Ladies, and a smaller adjacent 

ring to daughter stones, well fertility 

Your Award Winning Woodhouse Warbler!


N.C.D.S 

BAND OF GOLD. 

National Council for Divorced and 

Separated, Widow and Widowers 

Lakeside Leisure, Pleasley, Mansfield. 

his movement is all over Britain. 

T Its aim is to help bring people 

together to get over the traumatic 

experience of a broken marriage or the 

sad loss of a loved one. 

We have social evenings on Friday 

nights, this is designed to give you the 

opportunity of meeting others in the 

same circumstances as yourself, which 

hopefully will help you to pick up the 

pieces, and give you the will to carry on. 

However we are NOT a dating service, 

marriage bureau or a lonely hearts club, 

we let time and nature take its own time. 

We are a voluntary organisation which 

has been helping people for some 

years. We charge a small fee after two 

visits if you wish to make yourself a 

member. The committee and its 

members will be happy to help in any 

way possible. 

This committee has but one purpose in 

mind, to help you; please feel free to 

approach the committee with any 

problems at any time. We do not expect 

you to become a member straight away, 

but after two meetings you will be asked 

to show intent, this of course is further 

protection for all our members. 

The committee hopes you will enjoy 

your stay with us and if you return, the 

members and the committee will take it 

as a compliment. 

Chairlady – 01623 472737 

Treasurer – 01623 645515 

1-2-3 TAXIS 

Airport 

Mansfield Woodhouse to:- 

T 

he Community Empowerment 

Network for Mansfield district. 

What does that mean to you? 

Well, probably, not a lot! 

Are your youngsters getting a good 

education? Are you happy with the 

area you live in ? How about your 

local post office, is it still open. What 

do these issues mean to you? 

Probably a whole lot more! 

Your area has a range of community 

groups and voluntary organisations 

working successfully for the benefit of 

Mansfield Woodhouse. Any of these 

community groups and voluntary 

organisations are welcome to join the 

Community Empowerment Network. 

The network, brings together 

representatives of community and 

voluntary groups from across the 

whole district to raise issues that are 

important to them. The network has 

dealt with issues such as the loss of 

NHS dentists, black and minority 

ethnic community interests and the 

planning system. Currently it is 

involved with issues around provision 

for young people, general street 

cleanliness in our neighbourhoods, 

and the loss of allotment space in 

Mansfield. 

Manchester Airport—£45 each way East Midland Airport—£27 each way 

Birmingham Airport—£44 each way Luton Airport—£72 each way 

Heathrow Airport—£97 each way 

Stanstead Airport—£92 each way 

Gatwick Airport—£122 each way 

Doncaster Airport—£25 each way 

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Phone Mansfield — 420 321 

Total Reliability and Confidentiality 

Community Empowerment 

Network 

For the Voluntary and Community Sector 

How does it do this? The Community 

Empowerment Network, in common 

with some other local organisations, 

has direct contact with service 

providers, like health, education, the 

police, West Notts college and the 

local authorities, who all work in your 

area. The network can raise issues 

which ether affect one neighbourhood 

or the whole of Mansfield. Members of 

the network are also directly involved 

in the Mansfield Area Strategic 

Partnership, they have seats on it’s 

board and it’s working groups. 

Mansfield Area Strategic Partnership 

is a partnership of organisations who 

plan for the future of Mansfield. 

So you see, if you are interested both 

in the future of your area and the 

future of Mansfield as a whole, (and 

you are a member of a community or 

voluntary group), the Community 

Empowerment Network offers you a 

way to really influence the future. 

To find out more contact 

Leslie on 01623 675411 

or Terry on 01623 651177 

or Alan on 01623 651177 

Or Email: info@mansfieldcvs.org 

The Warbler is always looking for volunteers to help – interested?

T 

his poem was written by Mrs 

Kathleen Sutcliffe about her 

rambling days, her family 

would like to share it with you 

as she wrote it about her friends in her 

happiest times. 

Ambling Ramblers 

Every Monday morning, wet or fine, 

We meet at Kath’s gate at half past 

nine, 

With our backpacks on, and our 

designer socks, 

We’re ready for the fields, the hills and 

the rocks. 

The neighbours all sit and stare in 

wonder, 

“Are they insane?” It says rain and 

thunder, 

But when it’s fine their hearts miss a 

beat, 

To be walking with us would be a treat! 

Doreen, John’s paper brings, 

For him to study forms and things, 

Then its time to sort out where to go, 

Alan insists on a pace that’s slow. 

With Don and Denis, its heads down 

let’s go. 

But with a bit of arbitration, 

We decide on our destination, 

Organised by Alan, marshalled by 

Den, 

Don decides where to meet and how 

and why and when, 

We all pile into the cars and off we go 

again. 

We’ve seen the beauty of the winter, 

The sun shining on the frost, 

Skimmed stones across a frozen pond, 

And wondered if it could be crossed, 

Carried tons of mud upon our boots, 

When it has thawed again, 

And pressed on regardless of the ever 

pouring rain. 

We’ve seen the freshness of the 

spring, 

The bursting buds on trees, 

The violets and snow drops hiding 

underneath all these, 

All the earth’s reawakening, 

We’ve seen as we have travelled, 

Through countryside and woodland, 

We have walked and marvelled, 

At the loveliness of spring! 

We’ve seen the summer’s radiance, 

On hedges, moors and trees, 

With vibrant colours, everywhere, 

God’s creations, these. 

The birds on wing, the sun on high, 


The green, green fields and the 

brightest blue sky. 

With soft white clouds floating by 

that’s summer. 

We’ve seen the shades of Autumn. 

The russets, red and browns, 

The yellow leaves cascading, 

Once more down to the ground, 

Some of the birds migrating, heading 

for warmer climes. 

The ones that are left, preparing for 

harder times, 

Preparing for the winter, to rest and to 

remain, 

Dormant, until the springtime comes 

again! 

We have become more learned, 

About the birds and the bees and 

trees, 

As John has told us all sorts, 

About such things as these. 

Pat is our map reader, she rarely gets 

us lost, 

But she sometimes leaves her stick 

behind, 

And her leaders badge that’s cost! 

Vera is the one who keeps her cool, 

When some of us are acting the fool, 

She calmly keeps on and makes no 

never mind, 

When some of us are lagging far 

behind. 

Doreen and Kath are the ones who 

just like to walk, 

And look at things and giggle and talk, 

But Doreen was the one who provided 

ice cream, 

In the middle of winter! It was a 

dream. 

27 

To sit under a bridge, in the pouring 

rain, 

To eat wrongly brought ice cream, 

It was fun! Will do it again! 

The laugh of the tear was the Tackley 

Ramble, 

When Don and Alan took a big 

gamble, 

To help Kath over an eight foot fence, 

It was the only way we could go! 

So with brave heart and muscles 

tense, 

Alan reared her over the fence, 

For Don to catch her below, 

She hung in the air and Don said a 

prayer. 

As she scrambled down from the brim, 

Now she was down, he hadn’t a care, 

She hadn’t landed on HIM! 

The days are never long enough, 

The hours are much too short, 

For such a lovely, ambling, rambling 

time, 

And be amongst such sports. 

We hope it goes on forever, 

We hope it never ends, 

There never will be a time like this, 

To be amongst such friends. 

But the time must come when we must 

part, 

When our bodies can take no more, 

But the memories of these lovely days, 

Will last forever more. 

In our hearts will be forever, 

These happy care-free days, 

When we walked together over fields 

and hills, 

And wandered the woodland ways, 

In our ambling, rambling days! 

Having a family celebration? Mark the event in the Warbler – a real memento!


School News 

Leas Park 

Junior School 

ew windows and doors have 

N been fitted at Leas Park 

School. This is because the old 

ones were in desperate need of 

refurbishment. The talented 

workmen have given our whole 

school a smart new look which 

makes us feel welcome, warm, and 

cosy. 

Reported by 

Charlotte Morley. 

Pictures by Ryan Higginbotham 

and Luke Thomas. 

SCHOOL COUNCIL 

SHOEBIZ APPEAL 

The School Council have organised 

for pupils of Leas Park to bring in their 

old and unwanted shoes. 

‘The Blue Peter ShoeBiz Appeal’ 

We already have three or maybe four 

bags overflowing in the hall! 

All the shoes we collect will go to the 

children in Malawi so new ‘Children’s 

Corners’ can be set up. Malawi has 

the one of the highest rates of HIV in 

the world. The ‘Children’s Corners’ 

help children who have lost someone 

to HIV or they have it themselves. It 

gives them a haven to go to whenever 

they like. 

If you know someone who goes to 

Leas Park, please give your 

unwanted shoes to them. The School 

Council will much appreciate this. 

This appeal took a lot of organising so 

we are very pleased it has worked out 

well. 

By Abbie Snowdon 

BRILLIANT CHRISTMAS 

AT LEAS PARK 

The pupils at Leas Park Junior School 

have had a brilliant Christmas! 

On the last day before we broke up 

Leas Park School went to the Bethel 

Church and sang along to Christmas 

songs and carols! All the pupils had a 

fantastic time. 

We had a Christmas Disco which was 

a lot of fun. There were also prizes 

won for the best dancer. 

It was a very busy Christmas at Leas 

Park! 

This year the years 3 and 4 did a 

Christmas Play called The Late Wise 

Man. The parents who came to watch 

this year’s Christmas play thought it 

was outstanding. The best Christmas 

we’ve ever had! 

By Jessica Hibberd 

Yeoman Park 

School Sensory 

Garden Fund 

Raising Project 

Y 

eoman Park School's sale of 

their own design of calendar 

for 2007 has been a huge 

success with over 250 sales! 

There are still a few more available for 

half price - £2.50. Please telephone 

the school on 01623 459540 to order 

your copy! 

Yeoman Park School are at the 

forefront of 'Extended Services' 

provision which they introduced in 

October 2006. The school runs the 

'Great Escape' club (this name was 

suggested by a parent!) every school 

day from 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm and has 

already proved to be a big success. 

Lots of exciting things have happened 

at the sessions which include 'Theatre 

of Possibilities', 'Expressive Arts', 

'Mask Making' and 'Circus Skills' to 

name but a few. During the course of 

the year we have new activities 

Bob Foster 

Chimney Sweep 

Brush & Vac 

Parkray, Roof Repairs 

and Re-pointing 

Tel: 01623 842544 

Mobile: 07837 867378 

planned - 'Music Making', 'Drama and 

Dance' and 'Sculpture.' 

Students from our Upper Team have 

been working extremely hard over the 

last few weeks along with Creative 

Partnerships and will be 

performing their version of 

Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' at the 

Sandfield Centre Theatre in 

Nottingham on Friday 9th February. 

After a few technical hitches, work on 

the Sensory Garden will now 

commence early in June 2007. Plans 

and designs have now been revised 

and staff and pupils are very excited 

about the project. However, there will 

probably be a shortfall of around 

£20,000. We would like to call again 

upon the local community to continue 

to support this project by holding fund 

raising events, buying a brick etc to 

help us to realise our dream. Plans 

will be on display in the school 

reception and you are most welcome 

to come and have a look at them. For 

those of you who would like to know 

more about Yeoman Park, you are 

most welcome to come and visit our 

school by prior arrangement. Please 

contact Jo Wass (P.A. Head Teacher/ 

Fund Raising Co-ordinator) on 01623 

459540 to make an appointment or for 

further details. 

An official opening day is 

planned once works on the project are 

complete. Watch this space for further 

details. 

Jo Wass 

P.A. Head Teacher/Fund Raising 

Co-ordinator - Yeoman Park School 

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The Warbler is Nottinghamshire’s largest circulating community newsletter!!

H 

aving been given three 

months notice to write this 

article for the Warbler I’ll 

never again raise an 

eyebrow at Dave Lindsay, leaving his 

efforts until the last minute. The stress 

of trying to put something together 

which you hope people will want to 

read! 

Well, policing isn’t always about the 

serious side of things and we do often 

get a few laughs from the job. Not 

long ago I received a request to send 

an officer to visit the Woodhouse 

Beavers and the children had drawn 

me some lovely pictures to help make 

their case. I gave these my full 

attention and of course as the saying 

goes, “there’s always one.” This “one” 

particular little boy had drawn a 

picture of me together with a police 

dog. Just in case I missed it, there 

was an arrow pointing to the large 

daddy long legs which had attached 

itself to my hat. It took me a few 

moments to notice this however, as 

my attention had been drawn initially 

to the likeness of the dog, which was 

depicted having a huge wee (it could 

have been worse) on the pavement 

next to me. I daren't describe in a 

family magazine, the other features of 

this particular animal, other than to 

say it was an impressive beast in 

more ways than one. I was tempted to 


go along with PC Colley just to meet 

the artist – and remember him for later! 

Of course, inviting a police dog to 

“meet the children” wouldn’t be an 

award-winning idea however 

appealing the concept might be. Whilst 

they are excellent as an operational 

resource they aren’t known for their 

friendliness; I know more than a couple 

of officers who have ended up with 

bitten bums. Wearing the navy 

trousers makes no difference at all in 

the middle of a melee. In fact, it’s not 

just police dogs who can be a mixed 

blessing to the operational officer. In 

the days when I was a young officer – 

too long ago – when policewomen 

wore skirts and we all had wooden 

truncheons I also suffered a misfortune 

at the jaws of a dog. The dog looked 

quite an innocent chap at first; a sleek, 

black Staffie with big jaws. I have a 

fondness for the breed anyway and he 

was happy to receive a pat as I sat at 

the table to take a statement. 

Unexpectedly, however, in a scene 

reminiscent of the shark attack in 

“Jaws” the dog stuck his head up my 

skirt, grabbed my truncheon through 

the truncheon pocket and with one 

hard jerk of the head dragged me 

under the table. One thing about 

Staffies, they don’t let go of a toy 

without a fight. I’m certain that the drag 

marks where my heels had dug into 

29 

the carpet in an effort to resist the 

inevitable must have been permanent, 

they were so deep. 

Sam Wilson 

Information from your 

Neighbourhood Wardens 

Fixed Penalties For 

Under Sixteen's 

M 

any of you will have read 

that the fixed penalty fines 

for dropping litter have 

risen to £75. What you may 

not be aware of is that these penalties 

can now be issued to young people 

under sixteen years of age. 

How many of us are dismayed by the 

constant littering by secondary school 

age youngsters at lunch times? How 

many people have slipped on 

discarded food & takeaway wrappers? 

Is it fair to expect some members of 

the public to accept their gardens 

being used as rubbish tips? 

Things have got to change. As 

wardens, we often ask young people 

to pick up their rubbish….. most 

comply….. some are abusive. It 

should be second nature NOT to drop 

litter. Instead we have a generation 

who would never dream of walking 

three metres to a litter bin, or hanging 

on to rubbish until it can be discarded 

properly. 

We need to work together to improve 

our area. Please make it clear to your 

children that they need to put their 

rubbish in proper bins…. If not then 

£75 fixed penalties could soon be 

dropping through your door. 

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If you have any comments, letters or articles please contact us – see back page


Wott jowont? - 

May I help you? 

Atoadimm azzeekud pleez izzsenn - 

I informed him that the decision was 

entirely in his hands 

Miggutsiz bad - I have stomach ache 

Inttitott - 

It is very warm today 

Tunnitt rahnd - Hold it the other way 

Gerra flannull rahnditt - 

Your personal hygiene is not up to par 

Yakudd plant taituzzinnitt - 

It was very dirty 

Showuzzitt - 

Whinney Hill Allotments 

W 

as one of your new year’s 

resolutions to get fit and eat 

more healthily, but as yet you have 

not got round to doing anything about 

it. Well we may just have the answer. 

Allotments are a great hobby. They're 

Eyup Mi’duck! 

Let me see that 

The Oaklands Centre 

Oakfield Lane, Warsop 

cheap, you get healthy 

exercise without having to 

pay for a gym or run around 

in circles and you get to eat 

healthy fruit and vegetables 

without all those harmful pesticides. 

The allotments on 

Whinney Hill (off Peafield 

Lane), Mansfield 

Woodhouse are currently 

going through a period of 

regeneration. Over the last few 

months a large number of 

people have taken over an 

allotment but there are still a 

few plots available for only £20 

a year. 

Doowitt yersenn - 

Ahmuch worritt? - 

Do it yourself 

What did it cost? 

Eewerr chuffed - He was very 

pleased 

Ittsazz blakkazyeratt - It is very dark 

outside 

Deliverers Wanted 

Can you spare a couple of hours 

every three months to deliver the 

Warbler? If you can please get in 

touch on 01623 429334. 

We need deliverers all over Mansfield 

Woodhouse and will make every effort 

to give you a small number to deliver 

close to your home. We especially 

need deliverers for The Pastures, 

Long Meadow, Meadow Bank area. 

There are always lots of people around to 

offer help and advice to the novice 

gardener. There is vehicular access to all 

plots. 

If you are interested in an allotment on 

Whinney Hill please call 

Mr Brian Lawson on 

01623 471361 

Member of the National 

Hairdressers Federation 

1a, Station St, 

Mansfield 

Woodhouse. 

New System Professional by 

Wella 

The ultimate in individual hair/scalp 

care based on scientific research– 

if you have problems with dry/brittle 

hair; fine hair; dandruff; itchy/ 

sensitive scalp; hair loss- 

WE CAN HELP! 

We also offer products that help 

your perms/colours last longer. 

Registered Chiropodist 

Debra Straw M.Inst.Ch.P 

HPC Reg No CH19360 

01623 621448 

The Oaklands Centre is set in 

beautiful landscaped gardens 

with a large private car park. 

Available for hire during the 

day or evenings. It has the 

capacity to seat 140 people and comes with a 

large fully-fitted kitchen, bar facilities and a 

separate lounge area. 

For more information telephone 

01623 844034 

The Oaklands, Oakfield Lane, Warsop, Notts. 

Email: oaklandscentre@btconnect.com 

Treatment includes: 

Full assessment, relaxing footbath, nail trimming, corn and 

callous removal followed by a rejuvenating foot massage. 

Chiropody Clinic 

27 Westdale Road, Mansfield. 

(Near Sherwood Baths) 

01623 650789 

CLOSED MONDAYS 

Gift Vouchers Available 

The Warbler is delivered to 8,150 properties in Mansfield Woodhouse!

GARDENING 

March 

March signals the time to start of the 

main bedding plant and early 

vegetable sowing season. When 

sowing a lot of seed of one variety, 

use a full sized seed tray; for smaller 

amounts use a half tray; and when 

only about a dozen plants are needed 

use 3 or 4 inch diameter pots. Most 

seeds can be sown using the natural 

crease formed when you slightly cup 

your hand. Then gently tapping the 

heel of the hand the seeds will slowly 

move down the crease. If your hands 

are a little sweaty dust them with a 

little unscented talcum powder. 

Another way which I use for seed 

sowing is to fold a sheet of white 

paper then carefully place a few 

seeds in the fold and gently tap them 

down the crease; the seeds are easily 

seen on the background of white 

paper. It is a good idea to warm a 

piece of ground in preparation for 

planting early vegetables and this can 

be done by covering with a polythene 

sheet and anchoring it down well. This 

will give your plants an excellent start 

when you come to plant out. 

Slugs are snails with a housing 

problem but they certainly have not 

got a dining problem, they will attack 

anything from young seedlings to 

mature trees and can do untold 

damage to both. Control them now 

and there are several ways of doing 


this. Grit and eggshells will not work 

believe me. I have seen snails walk 

over and across the edge of a razor 

blade. Keep the garden clear of debris 

and places for them to hide. Beer traps 

are a good way of controlling them but 

make sure that the container is 

standing proud of the ground so that 

the beneficials do not fall in such as 

rove or ground beetles. 

April 

April is the time to divide congested 

clumps of snowdrops while they are 

still in leaf. Hanging baskets can be 

planted up with trailing fuchsias and 

then grow them on in a heated 

greenhouse. Don’t forget to pinch out 

shoot tips regularly to promote 

branching. It is also a good idea to line 

mossy baskets with a piece of 

polythene that has a few holes pierced 

in it. This will stop the water draining 

through too quickly. With the strong 

winds we have been experiencing 

check for worn or damaged ties on 

young trees or climbing plants. Feed 

trees and shrubs. Sprinkle granular or 

pelleted fertiliser such as blood fish 

and bone, pelleted chicken manure or 

growmore around their base and rake 

it into the soil. Ideally cover with a 

mulch of compost or bark. 

May 

May and the summer season is just 

around the corner so make time to get 

everything ship shape in the garden. 

Repair bare patches in the lawn and 

keep up the attack on weeds by 

hoeing regularly. Use a weed knife to 

31 

remove grass and weed seedlings 

growing between paving slabs. Do not 

be tempted to buy or plant out 

bedding plants until the end of the 

month and even then keep a careful 

eye on the weather forecast. Hanging 

baskets can be planted up this month 

if you can give them some protection 

against any frosts. Be a little more 

imaginative with liners. Conifer 

cuttings make an excellent liner and 

they will stay green all season so 

even if your plants do not completely 

cover the basket it won’t matter and 

don’t forget to put a piece of 

polythene at the bottom to stop water 

running straight through. 

With droughts always being a reality it 

pays to conserve water. Improve the 

structure of your soil by digging in 

plenty of water holding humus. A good 

soil structure encourages a more 

extensive root system making plants 

less prone to drought conditions. 

Place a good layer of gravel on the 

tops of pots and containers to retain 

moisture. Line the inside of terracotta 

pots with polythene, or paint the inside 

to prevent water loss into the pot 

itself. Spike over areas of the lawn 

before watering so that water can 

easily penetrate the turf. This is 

particularly important on sloping areas 

where the water could otherwise run 

off too quickly. If your lawn goes 

brown don’t panic it isn’t dead just 

dormant and will green up again after 

a good downpour. 

Rob Foster 

re.foster@btinternet.com 

Fencing Services 

Free Estimates 

Professional fitting service 

Insurance work carried out 

Top quality materials used 

Gates fitted 

No job too small 

For the Right fence at the Right 

price ring Fence Right. 

Tel: 01623 662107 

Mobile 0775 3760240 

A comprehensive garden maintenance 

service from a name you can trust 

Lawns, hedging, pruning, planting, weed 

control, maintenance, garden painting, water 

features, drive and path cleaning, rubbish 

clearance and general tidying. 

Providing all the know-how, equipment and 

manpower to keep your garden looking it’s 

best - and we take away the rubbish! 

Call Paul on 01623 554418 

For a free no obligation assessment 

Greenhills Garden Centre - Open daily 

9.00 am to 4 pm - Caudwell Road, 

Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts. NG17 5LB 

If you are holding a fundraising or charity event in June, July or August 

Please let us know and advertise it in the Warbler


Callum’s Swimming 

Success 

November 2006 - DSE Short Course 

Nationals Championships (25m pool). 

50m Breaststroke - regained British 

Record Time of 33.51 seconds 

100m Breaststroke- New Personal 

Best and British Record - 1.15.18 

200m Individual Medley New Personal 

Best 2.30.44 knocking 5 seconds off of 

old Personal Best. 

Part of the World Record Breaking 

male 34 point 4 x 100m medley relay 

and the World Record Breaking 34 

point male 4 x 100m freestyle relay 

team. 

3 New Personal Bests, 2 New British 

Records, 2 New World Records. 

November 2006 - Major Oak Open 

Meet, Mansfield 



Development Group 

Park Road Resource Centre, 

53, Park Road, 


Notts. 

NG19 8ER 

: 01623 429334 

woodhousewarbler@hotmail.com 

Next issue: June 2007 

Deadline for submissions: 

1st May 2007 

Community Web site : 

www.mansfieldwoodhouse.info 

Useful Numbers 

Citizens Advice Bureau: 627163 

Crime Stoppers: 0800 555111 

Drug & Alcohol Action Team: 


Electric: 0800 0568090 

Gas: 0800 111999 

Water: 0800 7834444 

Hetty’s (Drug abuse information & 

advice): 658492 

Kings Mill Hospital: 622515 

Mansfield District Council: 463463 

Notts. County Council: 0115 9823823 

Oakwood Surgery: 08444 778 557 

The Health Centre: 420692 

District Nurses: 602656 /7/8 

Health Visitors: 602652/3 

Police: 420999 

Samaritans: 422224 

Victim Support: 450088 

What About Me? U 18’s drug abuse 

info: 635326 

New British Record in the 200m 

Breaststroke short course event (25m 

pool) 2.44. 

December 2006 - IPC World 

Swimming Championships, Durban, 

Callum Lawson with his Silver Medal 

KLS 

PLUMBING 

& HEATING 

220222 

FREE 

ESTIMATES 

FRIENDLY 

SERVICE 

Tel: 

01623 647903 

Mobile: 


The Warbler Production Team:- 

Editor: 

Lynne Taylor 

Treasurer: Hilary Sanderson 

Advertising: Lynne Taylor 

Correspondents: Marlene Fleet 

Margaret Morris 

Keith Morris 

James Devonshire 

Ann Edgcombe 

Any documents or records required to be held by law are held at 

the above address. All contributions to this publication including 

colour transparencies and photographs submitted to the 

magazine are sent at the owner’s risk and while every care is 

taken, neither The Woodhouse Warbler, The Woodhouse Warbler 

Committee, The Mansfield Woodhouse Community Development 

Group nor its sponsors or agents accept liability for loss or 

damage. 

Any views expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor, the 

Production Team, The Mansfield Woodhouse Community 

Development Group nor its sponsors or agents unless otherwise 

stated. 

All correspondence entered into or submitted to The Woodhouse 

Warbler will be edited as necessary for production purposes. 

Receipt of submission does not necessarily guarantee inclusion 

into future issues of The Woodhouse Warbler. 

Republic of South Africa (Long course 

(50m pool)) 

100m Butterfly- New Personal Best by 

3 seconds 1.12.07 

4 x 100m male 34 point medley relay 

team, Silver Medal (pictures left) New 

European Record recording an 

Individual split time of 1.14.77, the 

fastest ever by a British swimmer. 

100m Breaststroke (Individual), New 

British record of 1.15.28 breaking the 

old one by 0.7 seconds, finished in 

7 th Position overall. 

In this Championship Great Britain 

topped the medal table, and are the 

best swimming team in the world. 

Manor 4 th Under 14’s Girls 

G.D.S. 

Cleaning and Ironing Services 

Domestic and Commercial Laundry 

52 High Street 


Tel: 01623 460888 

Repairs and Alterations Service. 

Fast & Efficient. Competitive prices 

Duvets - Sports Kits - 

Ironing - 

Hairdressing Towels 

Collection and Delivery 

Service available! 

Copyright: No part of this publication may be copied or used in any other publication without prior consent of the author or the Editor of The 

Woodhouse Warbler. The name “The Woodhouse Warbler” may not be used whole or in part without prior consent. © The Woodhouse Warbler 2007 

I 

n the months to December under 

14’s girls had a good run of games, 

winning three on the go – moving them 

to mid-table. With new players coming 

in, we had our biggest win against 

Waddington winning 7-1, so are 

hoping for a good second half of the 

season. Under 12’s remain unbeaten 

and still in the cup. 

As a club, Manor 4 th are hoping to 

encourage more girls to take up 

football and hopefully start a new team 

for next season either under 11’s or 

under 12’s. Please enquire at your 

school where we are hoping to put up 

posters. 

John Hayes 

Under 14’s Manager 

Juliehayesberesford@ntlworld.com

March 07 - Mansfield Woodhouse Community Website

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