Tel: 01623 707017
March 2015
Rebuild plans for school
A MANSFIELD primary school could be rebuilt a few hundred yards away from its current site. The over-subscribed Abbey Road School wants to move to a purpose-built facility, where the old Sherwood Hall School was in Forest Town. The new school would have capacity for 420 pupils and 26 nursery-age places. p See page 8.
Designs on the future COACH Steph Lee puts a young Bulls boxer through his paces.
Funding appeal A MANSFIELD boxing club that is celebrating its second anniversary next month is appealing for funding help to extend its work in the community. Mansfield Bulls Amateur Boxing Club, which is based at a gym space it rents on Leeming Street, was formed after another amateur boxing club disbanded because of funding difficulties. Three coaches with a passion for the sport got together to re-start the club, which is run by volunteers, knowing there was a demand in the town and surrounding area. The volunteer coaches are a mix of former amateur boxers and sport fitness coaches. The club said it was not just young boxers who benefited from the coaching because parents and adults also enjoyed being involved. (Continued on back page)
MANSFIELD Woodhouse designer Joe Wilson has won an international prize for his concept of an office of the future. Joe and Sean Cassidy, of Alfreton, triumphed in the The Workplace of the Future competition run by Metropolis design magazine. p See page 3.
Red noses at Toyota garage IT’S Red Nose Day on 13th March and you can get your official red noses at Ron Brooks Toyota on Oak Tree Lane, Mansfield, where staff will be fundraising. p See page 3.
Sporting gesture THE Rotary Club of Mansfield has presented £500 to Portland College’s sports department to buy individual sports kits for the college’s students and department staff. Portland’s sports curriculum includes a range of inclusive activities such as wheelchair rugby and archery, as well as an emphasis on health and safety, the use of specialist equipment and the importance of attending sessions dressed appropriately. Portland fundraiser Andrea Hudson said: “We are extremely thankful for this donation. The new sports kits have motivated our students in their lessons and we are seeing even better outcomes already.” The cheque was presented by Cate Hunt, chairman of the club’s community and vocational committee.
Mental health Digging in for a brighter future Siblings are snow good! support plea A GROUP based in Mansfield that provides support for young people, aged 18-25, who are suffering mental health problems, is making people aware of the services it offers. The Under 25s Mental Health Support Group meets at Mansfield Library. p See page 5.
TEENAGE brother and sister Sarah and Mark Miles have been praised by their family, residents and a council for regularly helping to clear snow from the drives of elderly and disabled neighbours. It is the latest community action by the youngsters. p See page 2.
Volunteers’ website lift
Book dream comes true
LOCAL web design and online marketing agency SF Media has designed a new website and online community portal free of charge for Mansfield Community and Voluntary Services (CVS). p See page 4.
A FORMER Ravenshead woman is publishing her second self-illustrated children’s book, helping to raise awareness and money for animal welfare. Read Victoria Harwood’s story in her own words. p See page 18.
Obama praise for youngsters
A YOUNGSTER from one of the Mansfields in the USA has been praised by the President, Barack Obama, for his brave, anti-bullying stance. p See page 17.
BUILDING work has started on a new, state-of-theart building for The Flying High Academy, Ladybrook, Mansfield. A ceremony to mark the landmark was attended by representatives from The Flying High Trust, Nottinghamshire County Council, the Education Funding Agency, Kier Construction and Mansfield Mayor Tony Egginton. Headteacher Tony Warsop said pupils were excited about the new building and were consulted throughout its design stages. “The new building will support our ethos, enabling us to support our pupils to excel to their full potential,
Thursday – Student night Friday – Retro night playing 70’s to noughties & mowtown
Saturday – Disco night
playing everything & anything
Sunday – Quiz night & sticky 13’s *prizes to be won*
while maintaining our nurture provision for vulnerable learners. “Our new hall will allow for whole school assemblies and we will retain extensive school grounds.” Mr Egginton said he was looking forward to the potential the new 420-place building would bring. “This building will be fit for purpose and will give the community and pupils the opportunity to thrive. As a Ladybrook lad, born and bred, it makes me proud.” Casey Smith, a year 5 pupil, gave a speech at the ceremony. “I try my best at everything,” she said.“I love coming to the academy, but don’t like the holes in the walls and paint peeling off the walls. I can’t wait for the new school.”
...a bit of the West End in Mansfield
Opening times: Monday – Wednesday open until 10pm Thursday open until 11pm • Friday & Saturday open until 1am Sunday open until 11pm
Sporting winners SPORTING champions across Mansfield and Ashfield scooped prizes at the Nottinghamshire Sports Awards staged by the county council and Sport Nottinghamshire.p See page 19.
Restaurant open… American themed steak house Open 12pm to 9pm daily