Generous people in Pleasley and beyond have been supporting residents and businesses in the village who were badly affected by floods during Storm Babet.

SOS Pleasley Flood Appeal aims to help residents in the Meden Square area get back in their homes before Christmas, and businesses to open their doors again.

Some people have had to move into temporary accommodation as the big clean-up continues.

Coun Sharron Hartshorn, who represents Pleasley ward, said the fundraising would help people replace lost furniture and household goods, as well as make repairs to their homes and businesses.

“We want to get as many residents as possible get back in their homes for Christmas,” she said.

“There are lots of ways to help — by attending one of the fundraising events or making donations.

“There has been a lot of incredible work already by a lot of incredible people with some events being held in November and more to come in December.

“On the day of the flood, the community rallied together, setting aside their differences. I urge and plead with everyone to unite once more to support the severely-affected residents.”

Pleasley resident John Damsell has set up a GoFundMe page to encourage donations, already raising hundreds of pounds — go to GoFundMe.com and search for ‘Pleasley village flood appeal’.

Among the affected businesses is The White Swan pub, which had to close after its cellar was flooded.

One of its staff, Katie Coleman, is selling homemade wax melts to raise funds. Search for her on Facebook for details.

A musician in the village has used his talents to help the fundraising. Dylan Radford created a mini digital album, featuring four tracks — Crowded Variations, Babbacombe Sunset, Muscovy, and ‘79 — and is making them available for £4 to help the SOS appeal.

Go to the website bandcamp.com and search for Dylan Radford to download the tracks.

Donations have been made by Mansfield District and Nottinghamshire County councillors from their allowances; Mansfield mayor Andy Abrahams; and Morrisons Mansfield and Mansfield Woodhouse, who gave £500.

Fundraising events in December include a prize bingo evening and a black-tie dinner.

Steve Riley is arranging a Party Prize Bingo evening at Cakefield-Cakes Tea Room in the village on Saturday, 9th December.

Gemma Lennane has offered the venue free for the event, which starts at 7pm. Tickets, which cost £10 and include six games, can be bought at dog groomer Mucky Pups, Chesterfield Road North, and Cakefield-Cakes Tea Room, Meden Square, in Pleasley.

Gemma is also hosting a Charity Black Tie Event — with proceeds going to the SOS appeal and Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid.

The evening on Saturday, 16th December which includes a raffle, festive welcome drink, entertainment from compere Steve Riley, and a four-course meal, costs £45.
Contact Gemma at Cakefield-Cakes for ticket details.