That was the year when...

And along the way I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of meeting some amazing people in the Worksop community.

In January Judith Unit, from Manton, was starting a new life in Lanzarote with her husband Robin, where they were opening their own bed and breakfast business; while the newly-formed Bassetlaw Amputees Support Group was offering help to those who had lost a limb.

In February friends Janice Doughty and Helen Hardisty told us about the success of their women-only gym Eeze-Fit, on Bridge Street.

There was more business success in March from Dave Marsden, of Lincoln Street, who makes rocking horses, and Becky Lane, of Bawtry, who set up Pink Pixie Parties with a grant from the Prince’s Trust.

Simon Brocklesby showed off his stunning custom made motorbikes in April. Made at Polar Cycles in Harworth, three of them were chosen for a Harley Davidson exhibition in Manchester.

We also met mum and daughter Barbara and Mary Robinson who run Worksop’s St John badgers and cadets.

In May established authors, Amanda Brookfield, Fiona Walker, Jessica Ruston and Jojo Moyes, hosted a Girls Night Out at Worksop library, answering questions about their writing careers.

The work of WRVS volunteers was highlighted in June when the charity launched a new telephone befriending service across Bassetlaw.

We also featured members of Worksop and District Stroke Club, helping each other to cope with the after effects of stroke.

Carolyn Morgan told us in July how she had barely set foot outside her home village of Carlton for 25 years because of her agoraphobia.

We also heard how Harworth Brass Band had found a new home in the new Harworth and Bircotes Town Hall, and we also met the members of Worksop Flower Club.

In August, Claire Monk told us about her job as head brewer of Welbeck Brewery, and Ivan and Sandra Rickell welcomed the 30,000th member to their Worksop singles club, Singled Out.

Gordon and Alison Tulley, of Respect Green Burials, talked in September about how popular green burials were becoming. We also met volunteer Lesley Towl from Worksop Work Club.

Worksop’s first policewoman Eileen Hebb talked in October about life on the beat, and Dr Patrick Harding enthused about fungi in Sherwood Pines Forest Park.

We met members of the 50 Plus Club at North Notts Arena in November, and volunteers running the Acorn Theatre in Worksop.

And in December we heard about the days when Rufford Abbey was a real-life Downton Abbey.

I look forward to meeting more of you in 2012 and hearing your stories about the Lighter Side of Life. A Happy New Year to you all!