Shop T‘ il You Drop Sparkling Southwell With the darkening evenings and a chill in the air we will all soon be thinking about Christmas, and therefore shopping, and with it either a sense of delight or stress! Whichever way you feel, Southwell is the perfect place for inspiration, presents, and the chance to treat yourself. Nearly all the businesses are small, proudly run independents so you can be sure to find unusual, lovingly selected items, most of which won’t be found in the typical range of national stores. Everything is within easy walking distance, there is plenty of parking space, and the first two hours are free. Throughout Christmas there is a wonderful seasonal feel to Southwell’s streets, with specially decorated windows, festive lighting and a great sense of market town tradition. The late night shopping evening is one of the highlights of the town’s events calendar and this year will be taking place on 28 Nov, 5 – 8pm. It is an evening like no other, and an occasion that the whole community takes part in. The event begins at 5pm with carol singing by the local primary schools and is followed by a Christmas lights switchon at 6pm. This year for the first time the Minster will be holding a special Evensong service, so for those who would prefer a more quiet and gentle time for reflection at the start of the evening this is the perfect opportunity to visit the
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Beautiful Bawtry tranquility and beauty of this much loved place. Throughout the rest of the evening there will be plenty to enjoy. Whether browsing or needing expert advice on what to buy. There are several award-winning businesses and unique expertise on offer and everything from clothes, interior design goods, sportswear, jewellery and crafts to edible delicacies, wine, sweets, chocolates, books and gifts of every kind. The pubs and restaurants will be open throughout the evening providing hot and cold food to suit all tastes. There will also be a seasonal market, art and craft activities for children, a festive film and buskers to add to the occasion. Even if you can’t come to the late night the shops are all geared up to keep their special atmosphere and highest quality range of items available throughout December. Shopping locally provides the perfect antidote to the crush and pressure of overcrowded chainstores and supporting local businesses has never been more important, or such a pleasure! All the retailers on King Street, Queen Street, Bull Yard and Church Street look forward to seeing you this winter and showing you why Southwell is such a wonderful place to shop.
An annual Christmas event that takes place in the picturesque market town of Bawtry, near Doncaster, is set to draw even more visitors this year with an even bigger and brighter on 24 Nov from 12pm to 6 pm. Hosting the event for the sixth year, the town’s retail association has been putting plans in place to attract even more visitors whilst retaining many favourites such as the unveiling of Womack’s Christmas Window, the fun fair rides and its craft and food stalls, in addition to the portfolio of shops, cafes and restaurants that grace the town. “This is our sixth event and the team have been working hard to ensure that our 2019 event is full of festive cheer and has lots for all ages to enjoy,” said Ross Jarvie, Bawtry Retail Association. “Over forty stalls and catering outlets will cluster in the Market Place, Dower House Square, the Church Hall and the Courtyard and will be complemented by fairground rides supplied by Roger Tuby & Son Funfairs, including the return of the Ferris Wheel, kindly sponsored once again by Bawtry Town Council”. “The event is made possible by the generous donations of our main sponsors One Call Insurance, the Bawtry Town Council and Wilfreda Beehive
whose continued support is very much appreciated.” Live entertainment will feature throughout the day and will include the fabulous GP Princesses, performances by violinist Alexandra, The Dance Space, Bawtry Phoenix Young Players and a whole host more. Father Christmas will also be taking residency in the Church Hall along with his friendly elves. “There is added poignancy to this year’s event too as a very much-loved character of Bawtry and one of the original members of the Christmas Event steering group, Jackie Strickland, passed away in June of this year,” said Ross. “One of her key roles was co-ordinating all the stalls for the event and, in her honour, we will be awarding rosettes to the ‘Best Dressed Stalls’ on the day which we are delighted will be judged by her husband Rev Jonathan Strickland.” There will be a free park and ride bus service courtesy of Wilfreda Beehive available from Hudson’s Yard and ample paid parking at the Memorial Sports Ground. www.visitbawtry.com
Did you know? The Turkey arrived in Britain from America at the beginning of the 16th Century. Before that families would eat goose or swan.