The Village of Blidworth
Reputed to the be the burial place of Will Scarlet – One of Robins Hood Merry Band of Outlaws.
Only the west tower from the medieval (15th Century) church survives. The rest was built in 1739 by Rhodes of Barlborough and 1839 by Colvin.
The Church of St. Mary of the Purification is the only church that is known to continue to hold an annual Rockings Ceremony during which the baby boy, born to married, Christian parents living in Blidworth, nearest to Christmas Day is “rocked” in an ancient cradle on the Feat of the Purification of Mary, which is on the Sunday nearest to Candlemas.
The origins of the ceremony go back at least 400 years. The custom was revived in 1842 by the Vicar, John Lowndes after a lapse of 150 years, and again in 1922.
All of the babies who have taken part in the Rocking Ceremonies have their names recorded upon a plaque at the rear of St Mary’s Church with their full name and the year in which they were ‘Rocked’. In 1980 the rocking ceremony was performed by John Denis Wakeling the Bishop of Southwell. The child was Edward William Tristram who received a commemorative bible to mark the occasion inscribed by the Bishop. (source Wikipedia)
Your Parish Council is working for you. Here are just some of the things we’ve done in 2025…
Worked with Newark and Sherwood District Council to ensure that littering and dog fouling offences are monitored and that a warden presence is seen in Blidworth.
Provided Allotments for the village, paid for summer and winter planting in the public planters and flower beds at the War Memorial, and in front of the Leisure Centre and Fire Station. Although some may look dormant, many have been planted with spring bulbs.
Kept the green spaces, parks and verges cut and tidy, conducting regular inspections and litter picking at Marriott Lane, Belle Vue Lane and Sherwood Park. Parish litter bins have been emptied, Parish grit bins filled, and Christmas lights switched on.
Employed a Parish Clerk and a Groundsman to ensure the Parish Council is well run and the public areas are well maintained and cared for.
Paid for and co-ordinated the Remembrance service, and ran both the Summer Gala and the Christmas Fair and light switch on.
Supported local groups with small grants including:
- Sams Workplace DofE – £100
- Blidworth Art Club – £200
We hold Parish Council meetings the third Thursday of every month (except August and December) to discuss and agree business.
As a council we’ve commented on local planning applications and given time for public contributions, to encourage more people to have their say. We aim to report everything you have to bring to our attention from potholes to dog fouling and faulty street lights.
We’ve worked hard to get the best value for your money while giving the village the services and amenities it needs.
Parish Councillors are volunteers who work collectively to make Blidworth a better place to live, for all our community.
We encourage residents to get involved and if you’re unable to get to any Parish Council meetings and require further information please contact the Parish Clerk at blidworthparishcouncil@outlook.com
