Successful Hucknall quiz night sees Whyburn Farm campaign group raise over £1000

A Hucknall quiz night that took place on Friday evening (18 March), raised over £1000 for the fight fund of a campaign group.

Organised by the Hucknall Against Whyburn Farm Development (HAWFD) group, the proceeds from the event held at The John Godber Centre on Ogle Street, will be used for promotional literature, and will cover the costs of hiring any professional advice such as legal, that might be needed further down the line.

The group was founded after the uproar from local residents when Ashfield District Council's new Local Plan included proposals to build 3000 houses on green belt land at Whyburn Farm.

The quiz was a sell out with 150 tickets sold and there was a good natured, jovial, feel-good atmosphere at the event which was hosted by former Labour Councillor John Wilkinson.

Speaking on the night, exclusively to Hucknall Nub News, Jemma Chambers, who leads HAWFD group said: "I think it's going really well. John has been absolutely brilliant. Everyone's getting involved. People are having a few drinks, something to eat, having fun with the questions, donating loads of money, doing the raffle, it's going really well, and I couldn't be more pleased.

"I think it suggests that people are absolutely wanting and willing to put the time and the money to the cause and really tell (Jason) Zadrozny (Leader of Ashfield District Council) that people do not want this.

"People are so passionate about it they'll take time out of their Friday nights after a long week at work to come and make a point. It just so happens that the point this time is having some fun, and coming together as a community to have a good time."

Mr Wilkinson said: "What you see tonight is the real Hucknall that is easily overlooked, easily dismissed. The people on the Council need to realise these people are not going away, this is the fantastic thing. They'll give up their Friday nights, pay their money, yeah it was a lot of fun but behind it was a serious commitment that they've all made."

The John Godber Centre had been the scene of the emotionally charged public meeting, held last October, where the people of Hucknall loudly voiced their objections to the plans.

Asked about the venue, Mrs Chambers added: "John Godber could not have been a better place to hold the event for two reasons. One, they've been really supportive, they absolutely believe in saving the green belt, they've done everything they can to help us, they've been so accommodating. I could not recommend the centre more, they've been fabulous.

"The second reason that it's the right place for us to hold this event here, is John Godber was actually born on Whyburn Farm.

"It's really nice to come back together as a community for a positive event, for us to have a bit of fun because it was so emotional and upsetting, and it's still emotional and upsetting but we're able to be here tonight, put that to one side, and raise some money for a fantastic cause."

The event was well supported by local businesses who donated raffle prizes or bought advertising space on the answer sheets. These companies included Dust and Polish Cleaners; Frog in the Craft; Woodborough Financial Services; The Peckish Artisan Kitchen; The Copper Pantry; Torkard Cider; and Lincoln Green Brewing Company.

Of this support Mrs Chambers said: "I'm immensely grateful. I don't have to ask for support, people offer it. They've all been so generous with not only money but time; it's overwhelming but at the same time not surprising because that place (Whyburn Farm) means so much to so many people."

For further information about HAWFD group visit their website by clicking here.