Yesterday, the annual Stilton Stumble 10k Run took place in Cropwell Bishop.

There were over 460 runners at the start and they were of all ages and abilities. Some were only 18 years old and a few were over 80.

Running conditions were perfect; dry, not too warm and not too cold – and there was no wind.

The winner was one of the youngest, Lewis Marston of Mansfield Harriers in a time of 34mins 35sec. But in an event like this, the other 459 runners were “winners” too!

They had turned up and taken part, they had made the effort to prepare for the day, and they all benefitted from the physical exercise.

And it wasn’t just their bodies that gained from the experience, it was their mental health that was boosted too.

If you are not familiar with events like this, you will not be aware of how things have changed since the 1980s when the ‘Running Boom’ started.

In those days, most entrants were young, enthusiastic males who were keen to beat their ‘personal best time’. They had trained hard for the race. Nowadays, it is very different.

Whilst there are still runners who race to win or beat their best time or best mate, the majority are there to enjoy the experience of completing the course and mixing with people of all kinds along the way.

The runners who are racing to win are out of breath, but most of the rest are jogging along at a comfortable speed, with energy to spare for a talk, laugh and lark around along the way. It is a great atmosphere for all.

Below are some photos that Colin Bryan took around the start, but if you want to savour the atmosphere of the day, why not scroll through the photos of runners as they approach the half-way point at Colston Bassett. My aim was to take a photo of every runner taking part.
Click on this link:

Photos of Stilton Stumble Runners 2026

Tony Jarrow

On Monday, there were OpenReach vans along Nottingham Road and several men in yellow jackets stretching several thin, black cables along the length of our road; I had to drive over them to get home.

I spoke to one of the engineers who told me that they were laying optical fibres.

When the work in the village is completed (in about a month, he thought) we would have the option of signing up for full-fibre broadband to our home. This would have to be done with out current broadband supplier. OpenReach just do the physical work of getting the fibre to a street.

How engineers will get the cable from the "end of your street" to your house is unknown (to me) at present.

I am aware that one possibility is to make use of underground ducts (maybe the ones currently used by your connection?) and another is to use/erect a 'telegraph pole' and have cables stretching from it to every house wanting a connection.

The engineer was talking of speeds of 2Gbps. This would be 20+ my current speed!

I asked him if every village home would have a full-fibre connection avaiable to them and, on this, he was opaque.

I got the impression that some properties would miss out, but I have no idea how many and who they are.

I have signed up for updates - see below. Once I learn more, I will post an update.

Tony Jarrow

Please note that the forthcoming cinema show, "Finding Emily", has been cancelled.

It is Saturday Cafe at The Old School this weekend and, as you will see from the poster on the Events page, there will be Cards and Stationery, Tegans Treats and Hilary's Book & Jigsaw Exchange.

So, once you have got yourself a hot drink and a piece of cake, there will be plenty to lift your spirits.

Hilary has managed to aquire hundreds of fresh books and her stock of jigsaws has been boosted by a generous large donation of top-quality jigsaws by a villager.

Tony will also be there selling copies of his new book, "Street Stories of Cropwell Bishop". Over 150 have now been sold since its publication in May. There are only 50 left to sell, so if you were thinking about buying a copy,(maybe as a Christmas present), come down with £20 and buy one. Alternatively, you can buy one from the Creamery Shop on Nottingham Road.

One final note, Hilary will be packing up to leave at 11:30 this time; she has to travel up to Lancaster!

See you there?

Following a joyful service at St Andrew's Church, Langar last week, we are delighted to welcome Revd Lauren Simpson as our new Rector for the Parish of Wiverton in the Vale which includes St Giles Church here in Cropwell Bishop.

The packed church filled with members of the six parish churches, local residents, clergy, family and friends, all gathered to celebrate the beginning of this new exciting chapter in the life of the parish.

Amongst the welcomers was a group of children and leaders from the Family Praise service held here in St Giles on the fourth Sunday of the month.

The Family Praise team surprised Lauren with a gift of a skateboard (one of the criteria the children had for a new Rector!) and a crash helmet, representing the challenges and adventures which lie ahead.

There was a mix of traditional hymns and contemporary worship songs led by one of the Diocese’s worship leaders, all sung gloriously and gustily by everyone there.

The evening marked not only the installation of a new Rector but also a truly joyful celebration of the parish's shared faith, hope and commitment to serving their communities together.

On reflection Revd Lauren had this to say to the parish:

'Wasn’t last night amazing! It was such a joy to see so many people gathered together, singing worship to God and celebrating all that he has done in this place and all that he will do. Thank you for all of the ways you have served God and his people so faithfully for many years!'

It is an exciting few weeks for Revd Lauren - she has moved into the Rectory, been installed as Rector and is getting married in a couple of weeks!

Revd Lauren's first service in Cropwell Bishop is on Sunday 26th July at Family Praise at 4pm.

She will be back leading services in Cropwell Bishop on return from her honeymoon.

Jane Travis
Parish Administrator, Wiverton in the Vale