Shouting out about best bits of town

Is it the historic grandeur of the Priory, or the shiny newness of the Savoy cinema?

Perhaps it’s sitting in the sunshine at the Canch, or strolling around the market.

Dozens of school children were invited to ponder the town’s best bits for a competition run by Worksop Civic Society.

The society is still in its infancy, having been founded last year, but is beginning to emerge as a voice promoting all that’s good about Worksop.

Committee member Bill Barker said: “We asked children to tell us what they liked best about Worksop by writing 100 words, or some poetry, and including a photo or drawing.”

“It was aimed at eight to 11-year-olds and we had 17 schools taking part.”

“We’re trying to promote a positive image and to feel better about the town.”

The children came up with some lovely comments about the place they call home.

One wrote: “I like the water park because you get to play around. I also like the church, so you can pray to God.”

Another wrote: “The people here can be so kind when you get to know them they can be even kinder.”

One said simply: “I love where I live”, while another said: “Worksop is the best, I could live here forever.”

The winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony to be held at the Savoy Cinema on 13th May.

The civic society was founded out of a desire to do something positive about improving Worksop too.

It received funding from both Bassetlaw district and Notts county councils to help get it set up, but is independent and not linked to either council.

It has around 100 members and is open to anyone to join.

Committee member Warren Murdoch said: “Anyone can come along and get involved.”

“If someone has an idea they feel strongly about we would like to hear it.”

“There are lots of practical things we can do, like new street signs and cleaning up litter, to make Worksop look better.”

“A lot of people visit Clumber Park and we would like to be able to put leaflets there encouraging people to visit Worksop as well.”

“There are lots of old buildings and places of interest here, like the Gatehouse, Lead Hill and Mr Straw’s House.”

Bill said that one idea they were exploring was to put together a heritage trail walk around the town, taking in points of interest.

Worksop Civic Society is affiliated to the national Civic Voice charity, which aims to promote pride in our towns and cities.

Fellow committee member Derek Badger said they wanted to draw people into Worksop, and have them enjoy the experience.

They are hoping to get some funding to hold contests like ‘best shop front’ and are hoping to develop other ideas with the help of the business community.