A paedophile from Carlton who incited a child in America to engage in sexual activity has been jailed.
Police uncovered evidence of Andrew Scott’s predatory behaviour while examining his devices.
Over 750 indecent images of children were found on phones, a computer and hard drive belonging to Scott.
Among them were screen shots of the then-37-year-old sending messages of a sexual nature to a child over Snapchat.
The victim – a young girl living in the USA – was also encouraged by Scott to engage in sexual activity on the social media app.
Each of the predator’s devices were seized by officers during a visit to his Carlton home on 4 October 2023, where he was also arrested.
The force’s Internet Child Exploitation team then led an extensive investigation that resulted in hundreds of indecent images being uncovered.
These included the screen shots of Scott’s interaction with the child – who police visited and confirmed was an 11-year-old girl living in the state of New York.
The 40-year-old admitted to multiple charges of making indecent images of children, possessing a prohibited image of a child, and possessing extreme pornographic images.
He denied the charges of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and engaging in sexual activity with a child, however, insisting he thought he’d been talking to a 17-year-old.
Officers never believed this lie though, with their persistence leading to the victim’s true age being discovered, and Scott finally admitting what he’d done last Friday (6 November).
Having changed his plea at the Nottingham Crown Court appearance, Scott, now of HMP Nottingham, was sentenced for his crimes on the spot.
He was jailed for five years and nine months, placed on the sex offenders’ register for life and made the subject of a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
“Our Internet Child Exploitation team never believed Andrew Scott when he claimed to not know the age of his victim.
“In reality, he knew very well how old the young girl he’d been talking to was but still chose to do what he did, all for his own sexual gratification.
“These were the disgusting acts of an online predator and paedophile – as shown by the more than 750 indecent images of children he had saved on his devices.
“Despite his victim living on the other side of the world, that didn’t stop us from getting officers to visit her in the USA, to confirm Scott’s sick offending.
“This was an extensive and painstaking investigation, so it was really pleasing to be able to expose Scott’s depravity and help send him to prison.”
Ultrasound Plus is the best overall for early viability assessment, with an £80 early pregnancy scan for 6 to 8 weeks and a dating scan at £80 for 8 to 16 weeks.
Ultrasound Elite lists its early pregnancy scan from 6 weeks at £39, reduced from £59.
Window to the Womb South Birmingham scans from 6 weeks and lists private scans up to 42 weeks.
Ultrasound Direct Birmingham publishes an early viability scan at £75 for 6 weeks to 8 weeks 6 days.
Ultrasound Plus is the strongest all-round choice for an early pregnancy scan in Birmingham, with an £80 scan from 6 weeks. Ultrasound Elite, Window to the Womb and Ultrasound Direct are the other options reviewed here.
Readers searching for an Ultrasound Elite review usually want three things: what the scan costs, how early it runs and what the fee includes.
How Early Can You Have a Private Scan in Birmingham?
Private clinics in Birmingham schedule early pregnancy scans from around 6 weeks of gestation. That is well before the NHS dating scan, which hospitals in England offer at 11 to 14 weeks.
Private scans complement NHS antenatal care rather than replacing it, and many parents book one to fill the gap between a positive test and the first hospital appointment. The NHS also offers a second screening scan between 18 and 21 weeks, and both remain available whether or not a private scan has taken place.
The 6-week mark matters because it is the earliest week at which the clinics reviewed here schedule a scan. Booking close to the start of a provider’s stated window keeps the appointment relevant to the stage of pregnancy.
What an Early Viability Scan Checks
An early viability scan looks at the pregnancy in its first weeks. It typically locates the pregnancy, looks for a heartbeat and estimates gestational age from the baby’s measurements.
Scans are carried out by sonographers using sound waves, and the NHS notes they are painless with no known side effects for mothers or babies. At very early stages, some providers also offer an internal scan because the abdominal view can be limited.
What Early Pregnancy Scans Cost in Birmingham
Published early scan prices in Birmingham currently range from £39 to £80. Ultrasound Elite lists the lowest figure at £39, Ultrasound Direct publishes £75, and Ultrasound Plus lists £80.
Price alone does not describe the appointment. Gestation window, scan length, images supplied and whether a dating scan sits under the same roof all change what the fee covers.
Parents comparing totals should also add the second scan. A viability scan at 6 to 8 weeks and a dating scan at 8 to 16 weeks each carry a separate fee at providers that publish both.
Comparison Table: Early Pregnancy Scans in Birmingham
Provider
Best for
Early scan price
Earliest scan
Ultrasound Elite
Low advertised entry price
£39 (reduced from £59)
6 weeks
Ultrasound Plus
Overall early viability assessment
£80
6 weeks
Window to the Womb South Birmingham
Wide gestation range
Check with clinic
6 weeks
Ultrasound Direct Birmingham
Published viability window
£75
6 weeks
1. Ultrasound Elite – best for low advertised entry price
Ultrasound Elite Birmingham operates a city-centre clinic at Enterprise Wharf, close to Birmingham Moor Street and New Street stations. Its early pregnancy scan is available from 6 weeks and is listed at £39, reduced from £59.
Ultrasound Elite states that its sonographers follow British Medical Ultrasound Society guidelines. The clinic sits on the ground floor of the Enterprise Wharf building, which keeps access simple for city-centre visitors.
What Stands Out
Early pregnancy scans from 6 weeks
Advertised price of £39, reduced from £59
Central location with rail access from two city stations
Points to Consider
The reduced price is a promotional figure, so confirm it when booking
Who It Suits: parents who prioritise a central location and a low advertised entry price.
1. Ultrasound Plus – best overall for early viability assessment
Ultrasound Plus Birmingham offers an early pregnancy scan at £80 for 6 to 8 weeks, with a dating scan at £80 for 8 to 16 weeks available for the next stage. That sequence lets one clinic cover viability and dating without changing providers.
One Google reviewer at the clinic was satisfied with the service:
“Had a growth scan booked during the last few weeks of my pregnancy and it was a simple process to book, to get into the building and to get my report after the scan. A large car park to park in and friendly staff. The scan was straight forward and the sonographer answered my questions and gave some extra info I wasn’t aware of. I would go back for another scan if needed.” – Pritha Choudhury, on Google
The scan menu extends beyond the first trimester. Reassurance scans cost £70 for 13 to 40 weeks, and NIPT screening costs £395 from 10 weeks, so families can stay with one clinic as the pregnancy progresses.
Appointments run in the afternoon, evening and at weekends, with phone lines open daily from 8:30am to 9:30pm. A free on-site car park sits a short walk from Five Ways station.
What Stands Out
Best overall for early viability assessment, with an £80 scan for 6 to 8 weeks
Dating scan at £80 for 8 to 16 weeks and pregnancy blood tests under one roof
Afternoon, evening and weekend appointments with free on-site parking
Points to Consider
Booking runs online or by phone, with lines open daily until 9:30pm
Who It Suits: Expectant parents who want a published price, flexible appointment times and a clinic that continues from viability into dating.
Address: 38 Harbourne Road, Birmingham, B15 3HE
Phone: 0121 820 6798
2. Window to the Womb South Birmingham
Window to the Womb South Birmingham is run by SPS Redditch Ltd. The clinic lists private scans across a wide gestation range, starting from 6 weeks and running to 42 weeks, so one clinic covers early viability through late pregnancy.
What Stands Out
Early pregnancy scans from 6 weeks
Private scans listed from 6 weeks to 42 weeks
Located in the Bournville area of South Birmingham
Points to Consider
Early scan pricing is shown at the booking stage, so confirm it before travelling
Who It Suits: Parents in South Birmingham who want one clinic from early viability through late pregnancy.
Ultrasound Direct Birmingham publishes an early viability scan at £75, covering 6 weeks to 8 weeks 6 days. The clinic sits in Edgbaston and lists its fee openly, which makes cost comparison straightforward.
The defined window matters for timing. Parents beyond 8 weeks 6 days would move to a dating scan, so booking close to the start of the window keeps the viability scan relevant.
What Stands Out
Early viability scan at £75
Defined window of 6 weeks to 8 weeks 6 days
Edgbaston location with a published clinic address and phone line
Points to Consider
The viability window ends at 8 weeks 6 days, after which a separate dating scan applies
Who It Suits: Parents who want a fixed, published viability price in the Edgbaston area.
Address: 43 George Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1PL
Phone: 01858 465402
What to Check Before Booking a Private Scan
Sonographer qualifications are the first check. The British Medical Ultrasound Society recommends asking whether the person scanning is regulated by a statutory body such as the HCPC.
Price clarity and rescan policy complete the list. A good provider states what the fee includes, how many images are supplied and what happens if the baby is hard to see on the day.
A Short Booking Checklist
Ask who performs the scan and which body regulates them
Check the earliest gestation the clinic scans and the price for that week
Ask what happens if the pregnancy is too early to see clearly on the day
Compare appointment times, parking and travel from home or work
FAQ
How much is an early pregnancy scan at Ultrasound Plus in Birmingham?
The early pregnancy scan costs £80 and is offered from 6 to 8 weeks. A dating scan follows at £80 for 8 to 16 weeks.
What appointment times does Ultrasound Plus offer in Birmingham?
Appointments run in the afternoon, evening and at weekends. The clinic has a free on-site car park and sits a short walk from Five Ways station.
When can you have a private early pregnancy scan?
Many private clinics in Birmingham scan from around 6 weeks of pregnancy. The NHS dating scan follows at 11 to 14 weeks.
How long does a pregnancy scan take?
An NHS scan usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and may take longer if the baby is lying in an awkward position.
Is an ultrasound scan safe in early pregnancy?
The NHS states there are no known risks to the baby or the mother from an ultrasound scan. Scans are carried out by trained sonographers using sound waves, and the NHS advises talking to a midwife, GP or obstetrician about any concerns.
Final Thoughts
Ultrasound Plus suits parents seeking an early viability scan with dating continuity, Ultrasound Elite suits a central location and low advertised price, Window to the Womb suits South Birmingham parents who want a wide gestation range, and Ultrasound Direct suits those wanting a fixed published viability fee.
Choosing between them comes down to price, timing and what each fee covers, and the published figures above make that comparison quick to complete before any money changes hands. Checking the sonographer’s qualifications takes a few minutes and applies to every clinic.
For the widest mix of published pricing, flexible appointments and a continuous scan range from viability to dating, Ultrasound Plus is the recommended starting point.
A new haven for coffee connoisseurs has just opened its doors in Mapperley.
Commune Coffee is an independent specialty coffee operator with two stores already in Notts and now a third with its latest outlet on Woodborough Road in Mapperley.
They will be serving specialty coffee and freshly baked goods, with plans to introduce a simple brunch menu as the business becomes established.
Luke Craven from Commune Coffee said: “We believe there’s a real gap on Woodborough Road that Commune Coffee can help fill. We’re excited to bring our experience and passion for specialty coffee, community and hospitality to the area, creating a space for coffee lovers while also being somewhere that feels welcoming and familiar, a place people can genuinely call home.
“For us, hospitality goes beyond serving a good coffee or a great pastry. It’s ultimately about people, and we want Commune to be a place where people feel welcomed, connected and part of the community.
“We already have experience across both catering and coffee businesses, with two successful shops currently open, so we’re really excited to bring what we do to a new area and become part of the Mapperley community.”
The letting was handled by Alicia Lewis of NG Chartered Surveyors.
Alicia said: “Mapperley has a strong local community and a busy mix of independent and established businesses, so Commune’s focus on quality coffee, hospitality and creating a welcoming neighbourhood venue should be a great fit.
There is a persistent belief among founders that if the FDA has not defined a marketing term, the term is safe to use. The opposite is closer to true. Undefined terms are the ones most likely to draw an enforcement letter, because the agency evaluating them is not the FDA.
Start with the cleanest example. On “hypoallergenic,” the FDA’s own position is that no federal standards or definitions govern the term. The agency tried to fix that in 1975 with a regulation requiring comparative testing. Almay and Clinique challenged it, and the DC Circuit struck it down on the ground that the FDA had not shown consumers understood the term the way the agency defined it. The FDA’s page on the subject ends with a sentence worth pinning above a marketing desk: the term means whatever a particular company wants it to mean.
The same reasoning applies to “clean,” “gentle,” “dermatologist tested,” “non-comedogenic,” and “pH balanced.”
Who actually polices the undefined terms
The FTC. Its Health Products Compliance Guidance, issued December 2022, requires competent and reliable scientific evidence for health-related claims, meaning tests, analyses, research, or studies conducted and evaluated objectively by qualified experts and generally accepted in the profession. Randomized controlled human trials sit at the top of that hierarchy. Animal and in vitro work alone will not carry a human claim. Consumer anecdotes, in the FTC’s words, are never sufficient.
Two features of that guidance catch small brands repeatedly. Marketers are responsible for claims that are suggested or reasonably implied, not just the words on the page. And the FTC makes no bright-line distinction between categories of health-related products, so a cosmetic claim gets analyzed with the same tools as a supplement claim.
Apply that to “pH balanced.” As a bare factual statement that the finished product’s pH sits inside a defined range, it is sustainable with a batch result measured by a stated method against a stated specification. Publicly documented figures such as the typical soap ph level for a given format make that kind of factual claim straightforward to support. The exposure starts when the claim carries an implied benefit. If the phrase is presented as meaning less irritation, a restored barrier, or a healthier skin microbiome, the implied benefit becomes the claim requiring substantiation, and a pH meter reading is not evidence of a clinical outcome.
The line that turns a cosmetic into a drug
The statutory test is intended for use, established through labeling, advertising, consumer perception, and well-known ingredient properties. Cosmetics are intended for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance. Drugs are intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent disease, or to affect the structure or any function of the body.
The FDA’s own examples of claims that cross over: restoring hair growth, reducing cellulite, treating varicose veins, altering melanin production, regenerating cells. A fragrance sold with a claim that it helps you sleep is a drug. The same fragrance sold as attractive is a cosmetic.
The agency does not pre-approve claims and maintains no list of accepted ones. In April 2026 it issued a warning letter to a Michigan contract manufacturer over two products whose names alone, referencing shingles and genital herpes relief, established drug intent without approval. That letter also cited something new: inappropriate reliance on artificial intelligence to generate specifications and procedures without adequate human review, charged as a quality unit failure.
Green claims run on a 2012 rulebook
The FTC opened its review of the Green Guides in December 2022. Revisions expected in 2025 had still not been finalized as of spring 2026, so the operative text remains the 2012 version at 16 CFR Part 260. Its provisions are more specific than most marketing teams assume.
General benefit claims, section 260.4. Unqualified claims such as eco-friendly, green, or sustainable are not permitted, because they convey far-reaching benefits the product almost certainly cannot support. Qualify to a named benefit.
Free-of claims, section 260.9. Deceptive where the product contains substances posing similar risks to the named absent one, and deceptive where the substance was never associated with the product category in the first place. That second clause is the one beauty marketing trips over constantly.
Non-toxic, section 260.10. Reads as non-toxic for humans and the environment, and requires competent and reliable scientific evidence for both.
Recyclable, section 260.12. Unqualified claims require facilities available to a substantial majority of consumers where the item is sold, and the guides define substantial majority as at least 60%.
Degradable, section 260.8. Deceptive unless the item completely decomposes within one year of customary disposal, which rules it out for anything headed to a landfill.
On “organic,” the FDA notes the term is not defined in the laws it enforces. USDA’s National Organic Program governs the claim, and a cosmetic making it must satisfy both USDA rules for the claim and FDA rules for labeling and safety.
Where MoCRA actually stands
In force now: facility registration and product listing, which the FDA began enforcing July 1, 2024, with biennial registration renewal and annual listing updates. Serious adverse event reporting within 15 business days, with records held six years, or three for qualifying small businesses. Safety substantiation records, required since December 2023. And since December 29, 2024, a domestic address, phone number, or electronic contact on the label for adverse event reports.
Not in force: the GMP rule, due in December 2025 and never proposed. The fragrance allergen labeling rule, which has slipped repeatedly. The talc testing rule, proposed in December 2024 and withdrawn in November 2025. The formaldehyde hair-smoothing ban, which missed its target and has no new date.
The small business exemption covers firms averaging under $1 million in annual US cosmetic sales over three years, and it exempts them from GMP, registration, and listing only. Labeling, adverse event reporting, safety substantiation, and the FDA’s records access and recall authority still apply.
One more exposure most brands forget
The FTC’s Consumer Reviews and Testimonials Rule took effect October 21, 2024. It prohibits fake reviews including AI-generated ones, compensation conditioned on a particular sentiment, undisclosed insider reviews, and suppressing negative reviews through threats. In December 2025 the FTC sent warning letters to ten companies and noted civil penalties can reach $53,088 per violation.
What to do with all of this
Keep a substantiation file per claim, not per product, and note which evidence supports which sentence. Read your own copy for implied claims rather than stated ones.
And be clear about who is responsible. The responsible person under MoCRA is the manufacturer, packer, or distributor whose name appears on the label. If you work with a private label soap company or any other contract partner, the regulatory obligation for claims, labeling, and safety records follows your name, not theirs.
The Ernehale in Arnold will reopen later this month after its new operator revealed the date customers will finally be welcomed back.
The former Wetherspoons pub will reopen its doors on November 21, following a difficult run-up to the relaunch which has included three break-ins.
Jamie Thomas, who operates The Whitemoor on Nuthall Road in Nottingham, has taken over the Arnold pub after it was put up for sale earlier this year.
The decision to put the popular pub on the market had surprised regulars, who said at the time that the venue was always busy.
Now its new operator has confirmed customers will be able to return later this month.
Announcing the reopening date, Jamie said: “After three break-ins, countless hurdles and more challenges than we ever expected, we’re so excited to finally announce that we will be opening on November 21.”
“It’s been a tough journey, but we’ve never given up. We’ve picked ourselves up, pushed through and kept going.”
The team also thanked people in the area who had offered their support while preparations to reopen the pub continued.
Jamie added: “A huge thank you to everyone who has supported us, sent messages, checked in and stuck by us.
“Our community means the world to us, and we can’t wait to welcome you all back!
“We’ve been knocked down, but we’re coming back bigger, better and stronger than ever!”
The announcement ended by telling customers to “save the date” and “spread the word”.
Jamie added: “21st November, we’re back!
“Here’s to new beginnings!”
Locals say they hope reopening will mark a new chapter for the Arnold pub following months of uncertainty over its future.
Inspectors praised students’ behaviour, attendance and the “family feel” at Colonel Frank Seely Academy following a two-day visit.
Colonel Frank Seely Academy has welcomed the findings of its latest Ofsted inspection, with the school achieving a “strong standard” in five areas.
Inspectors visited the academy on October 6 and 7 and found strong standards in attendance and behaviour, curriculum and teaching, inclusion, leadership and governance, and personal development and wellbeing.
Achievement and post-16 provision were both judged to have met the expected standard.
Under Ofsted’s current inspection framework, schools are assessed across individual areas rather than receiving a single overall effectiveness grade.
Pupils ‘engage enthusiastically with their learning’
The report said students at the school “engage enthusiastically with their learning”, are safe and have opportunities for their voices to be heard.
Inspectors visited lessons, looked at students’ work and spoke to students, parents, staff, leaders and governors during the inspection.
Attendance was highlighted as one of the academy’s strengths, with inspectors saying it was “consistently above national average”.
The report also noted a “significant improvement” in attendance among students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Ofsted described the school’s curriculum as “ambitious” and said lessons were delivered by teachers who are “experts in their subjects” and make use of “carefully designed and research-informed strategies”.
Inspectors said students were confident when exploring their learning, valued their education and were motivated to do their best.
Behaviour described as ‘harmonious and productive’
Behaviour both in lessons and around the school was described as “consistently harmonious and productive”.
The report added: “Students are polite and well-mannered in their interactions with each other and visitors to the school.”
Inspectors also highlighted what they described as the academy’s strong sense of community.
The report said school leaders “know students as individuals and invest in their success”, while older students act as role models and contribute to the “family feel” of the school.
Parents and carers were also said to value that sense of family.
Ofsted praised the range of activities available outside lessons, saying students grew in confidence and took pride in expressing themselves through sporting and cultural activities.
GCSE results ‘consistently above national averages’
Inspectors also highlighted academic performance at the academy.
The report said students’ examination results at the end of Year 11 were “consistently above national averages”.
Staff were praised for maintaining high expectations, while inspectors said leaders continued to look for ways of improving examination outcomes and providing effective adaptations for pupils facing challenges with their learning.
The academy’s sixth form also received positive feedback.
Ofsted said sixth-form students received “effective teaching” and progressed well through a “well-designed curriculum”.
The report added: “Personalised support and experiences enhance their learning and help them to achieve their goals.”
Inspectors concluded that students were provided with “the knowledge, challenge and opportunities that enable them to grow as individuals”.
Headteacher ‘thrilled’ with findings
Headteacher Nicola Pearson said: “We are thrilled with the outcome of this inspection.
“The report celebrates the strengths of our incredible school and is a real reflection of the ongoing hard-work and commitment of our staff, students and community.”
Andrew Burns, chief executive of Redhill Academy Trust, which runs the school, also welcomed the findings.
He said: “I’d like to send my congratulations to all staff and students at Colonel Frank Seely Academy.
“Since joining Redhill Academy Trust, the school has gone from strength to strength, and as this Ofsted report reflects, it offers a fantastic educational experience for its students.”
Colonel Frank Seely Academy is part of Redhill Academy Trust, which comprises 21 academies across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Roulette, blackjack, baccarat and poker have been played in British casinos for generations, yet plenty of people still feel unsure about how each one actually works. The words fly quickly at a real table, and the screens online can look busy at first glance.
This guide strips each game back to its basic rules, for readers in Arnold, Carlton, Netherfield and the rest of the borough who are curious about the classics.
Casino floors have changed a great deal over the decades, but these four games have barely moved. Their rules are simple enough to learn in minutes, and each one has just enough choice to keep a player thinking. That balance explains why they still sit at the centre of most casinos, from the big venues in the city centre to the lobbies of UK online sites.
The online versions follow the same rules as the tables you would find in Nottingham, with a few extra variants on top.
Where to Find Them Online
The Mr Q casino games lobby is a typical UK example. MrQ, a Gambling Commission licensee, groups blackjack, roulette, poker and baccarat as its table games, alongside live dealer tables, Slingo, jackpot games and slots. Its roulette range includes a European wheel and a 20p version, and the live section adds a real dealer and a real table, streamed in HD. Across the whole site there are 900+ games, but the four classics below make up the table games section.
Accounts are open only to UK residents aged 18 and up, and a deposit limit (by the day, week or month) can be chosen in the account dashboard. That limit is worth setting up before the first game.
Roulette: One Ball, Thirty-Seven Pockets
Roulette is the easiest of the four to pick up. A European wheel has 37 numbered pockets: 1 to 36 in alternating red and black, plus a single green zero. The dealer spins the wheel one way and a small ball the other, and the result is the pocket where the ball lands.
Bets fall into two broad groups. Inside bets cover a single number or a small cluster, such as two or four numbers next to each other on the layout. Outside bets cover larger groups: red or black, odd or even, high or low, or one of three columns. Outside bets come in more often and pay less, while a single number pays the most and comes up the least. That trade-off is the whole game in a sentence.
Blackjack: Getting Closer to 21
Blackjack puts you against the dealer, not against the other players. Number cards count at face value, picture cards count as ten, and an ace counts as one or eleven, whichever suits your hand better.
You receive two cards and decide whether to “hit” for another card or “stand” with what you have. The aim is to finish closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. If you go past 21, the hand is lost. Most tables also let you “double”, doubling your stake in return for exactly one more card, and “split” a pair into two separate hands.
The dealer follows fixed rules, usually drawing until reaching 17 or more. A two-card hand of an ace and a ten-value card is called blackjack and normally pays more than an ordinary win. A tie, known as a push, returns your stake.
Baccarat: Player, Banker or Tie
Baccarat looks formal, but it is the simplest of the four once you understand the counting. Two hands are dealt, one called Player and one called Banker. You do not play either hand yourself. You simply bet on which one will finish closer to nine, or on a tie.
Tens and picture cards count as zero, aces count as one, and other cards keep their face value. If a hand adds up to more than nine, only the last digit counts, so a seven and an eight make 15, which becomes five. The dealer follows set rules on whether a third card is drawn, so there are no decisions to make once the bet is placed.
Poker at the Casino Table
Casino poker is quite different from the tournament version shown on television. In table versions such as Ultimate Texas Hold’em, which features in MrQ’s live lineup, you play against the dealer’s hand instead of other players. The ranking of hands is the familiar one, from a high card up through pairs, straights and flushes to a royal flush.
These games usually ask for an opening bet before any cards are seen, then give you chances to raise or fold as more cards appear. The paytable on screen sets out what each hand returns, so it is worth a read before the first deal.
A Night Out or a Night In
For many people in Gedling, the classics are part of a bigger evening. A show at the Theatre Royal, dinner in the Lace Market or a look at the city’s Christmas events can come before or after a few hands. Visit Nottinghamshire lists theatres, events and seasonal attractions across the county, which makes it handy for planning the rest of the night.
Others prefer to try the games online, where the same rules apply on a phone or laptop. Either way, a little knowledge of the rules makes each game more enjoyable, since you can follow the action instead of guessing.
Decide on your spend and your finishing time first, and treat every game as entertainment.
Standing on Wood Lane and overlooking the valley of Gedling, Gedling House is one of the most significant historic buildings in the borough. For more than two centuries it has been home to wealthy industrialists, landowners, civic institutions and, more recently, a Buddhist meditation centre. Its story mirrors the changing fortunes of Gedling itself, from a small rural village to a modern suburban community.
Origins in Georgian Nottinghamshire
Gedling House was built around 1780 during the reign of King George III. At that time Gedling was a relatively small settlement, and the house formed part of a larger estate owned by Thomas Smith (1743-1817), a member of Nottingham’s influential Smith banking family. The Smiths were among the most powerful families in Nottinghamshire and expanded their holdings through land acquisitions associated with the Gedling Enclosure Award of 1794.
The house was designed as a substantial country residence, reflecting the prosperity and ambitions of the Georgian era. Research into the building’s history has suggested that its development was influenced by architectural trends of the late eighteenth century and by notable local builders and designers working in Nottinghamshire at the time.
In 1803, Thomas Smith sold the estate to William Elliott Elliott. The Elliott family retained ownership for more than a century, helping to establish the house as one of the principal residences in the district.
A House of Prominent Families
Throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Gedling House was associated with a succession of wealthy and influential Nottinghamshire families. Ownership and tenancy frequently passed between figures who played important roles in business, public life and the military.
In 1908 the estate was sold to Walter H. Rawnsley, whose family remained owners until 1955. During much of this period the house was leased rather than occupied by the owners themselves. One of its most famous residents was Sir John Turney, the Nottingham industrialist behind Turney Brothers leather works, who lived there between 1908 and 1927.
Turney’s grandson, the writer Nicolas Monsarrat, later recalled family life at Gedling House in his autobiography Life is a Four Letter Word, providing a vivid glimpse of Edwardian and First World War society within the grand house.
Behind the scenes, Gedling House also supported a large domestic workforce. Like many country estates of the era, it employed butlers, maids, gardeners, gamekeepers and farm workers, making it an important source of local employment.
Architecture and Design
Today Gedling House is a Grade II listed building, first listed in 1950 because of its architectural and historic significance.
The building largely dates from the early nineteenth century, with further Victorian additions. Historic England describes a stuccoed brick house with elegant Georgian proportions, hipped slate roofs, decorative parapets and a striking central bow on the south front. Internally, notable features include a panelled entrance hall, a cantilevered staircase, classical fireplaces and a late nineteenth-century ballroom.
The estate once extended to around 70 acres and included woodland, gardens, service buildings and agricultural land. Much of this landscape helped shape the character of modern Gedling House Woods.
War and Public Service
During the Second World War, Gedling House took on a national role when it was used to accommodate members of the War Cabinet. This marked a significant departure from its earlier life as a private country residence.
A decade later, in 1955, the property entered public ownership when it was purchased by Carlton Urban District Council, later Gedling Borough Council. Over subsequent decades the building served a variety of community purposes, including housing council departments, educational services, a museum and a wedding venue. Parts of the building were also adapted for modern uses, including a children’s nursery.
Although altered to meet changing needs, many original historic features survived these transitions.
Decline and Revival
As local government services moved elsewhere, Gedling House entered a period of uncertainty and decline. For many residents, the once-grand mansion became a familiar but increasingly neglected landmark. Meanwhile, the surrounding woodland became an important community asset, with the Friends of Gedling House Woods playing a key role in its management and conservation from 2003 onwards.
A new chapter began in the early 2020s when the house was acquired by the Kadampa Meditation Centre Nottingham. Following restoration and adaptation works, the building reopened as a Buddhist meditation centre, ensuring the long-term future of one of Gedling’s most important historic buildings.
The iconic house’s legacy
Gedling House remains a remarkable survivor from Nottinghamshire’s Georgian past. Over more than 240 years it has evolved from an aristocratic country seat into a public building and finally a modern spiritual and community centre. Through every phase, it has remained closely woven into the history of our borough itself.
We feature stories from Gedling borough’s past in our premium newsletter ‘Back in the Day’. You get two newsletters a week for just £3 a month. You can sign up HERE
Motorists across Gedling borough are being urged to remove valuables from their vehicles following a rise in thefts from cars.
Nottinghamshire Police said Gedling borough is among the areas most affected by thefts from motor vehicles over the past year.
The force recorded an increase in incidents between October 16, 2025 and October 15, 2026, with most neighbourhood policing areas seeing a rise.
Gedling was named alongside City Central, City South and Mansfield as being among the areas particularly affected.
Police are now urging drivers across the borough to take extra precautions as the darker nights provide thieves with more opportunity to target parked vehicles undetected.
Motorists are being advised to ensure vehicles are locked and not to leave valuables on display, particularly in the run-up to Christmas when people may have shopping and presents in their cars.
Crime prevention officer Tom Ford said: “We have seen a concerning rise in thefts from motor vehicles across the force area.
“Vehicle crime can have a significant impact on victims. It’s not just the financial loss; it’s also the emotional stress and negative impact on feelings of safety in our communities.
“We’re urging people to be extra vigilant and make it as difficult as possible for criminals to target their vehicles, especially in the run-up to Christmas.
“I cannot emphasise enough the importance of removing all valuables and ensuring that you always lock your vehicle.”
Police say wallets, handbags, mobile phones, purses, tools and other belongings that may attract thieves should never be left visible inside an unattended vehicle.
When Christmas shopping, motorists are also being advised to keep purchases out of sight and double-check their vehicle is secure before leaving it.
Mr Ford urged people to report suspicious behaviour around parked vehicles.
He said: “The eyes and ears of our communities are invaluable to us, and we welcome any information that can help us tackle vehicle crime.
“This helps us make sure we can support our communities and put the right resources in place to help prevent further crimes.”
Anyone with information about vehicle crime or suspicious activity can contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101. If a crime is taking place, call 999.
Here’s our latest round-up of planning applications submitted across Gedling borough, including proposals for two children’s homes, a large extension and annexe in Carlton and works at Newstead Abbey.
Among the applications awaiting a decision are proposals to use properties in Carlton and Stoke Bardolph as small residential children’s homes.
Plans have also been submitted for a substantial extension to a property on Broadway East in Carlton, while an application relating to the historic water tank at Newstead Abbey has also been lodged.
Here’s our latest round-up…
Carlton
7 Broadway East, Carlton
Plans have been submitted for part two-storey and part single-storey rear and side extensions. The proposals also include hip-to-gable roof extensions, two rear dormers and a detached annexe at the rear.
Ref: 2026/0728 Status: Awaiting decision and open for comments.
88 Fraser Road, Carlton
Permission is being sought to change the use of a residential dwelling into a small residential children’s home, including alterations to the property.
Ref: 2026/0736
1 Nursery Drive, Carlton
Two applications have been submitted seeking the discharge of conditions relating to Biodiversity Net Gain plans and a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal attached to previous planning permissions 2025/0371 and 2025/0372.
Refs: 2026/0733DOC and 2026/0734DOC Status: Awaiting decision.
Gedling
9-11 Lascelles Avenue, Gedling
An application has been submitted for the construction of a steel-clad portal-frame structure, with infill to an existing courtyard.
Ref: 2026/0745 Status: Awaiting decision and open for comments.
Stoke Bardolph
20 Kingfisher Road, Stoke Bardolph
An application has been made for a Lawful Development Certificate to change the use of the property from a dwellinghouse to a residential children’s home.
According to the application, the home would provide care and accommodation for up to two children.
Ref: 2026/0741 Status: Awaiting decision and open for comments.
Ravenshead
132 Nottingham Road, Ravenshead
An application has been submitted for the felling of one protected Acer pseudoplatanus tree.
Ref: 2026/0755TPO5
20 Kighill Lane, Ravenshead
Plans have been submitted for a detached garage and alterations to the front of the house to allow an existing garage to be converted.
Ref: 2026/0735 Status: Awaiting decision and open for comments.
Longdale Service Station, Kighill Lane, Ravenshead
A non-material amendment has been submitted relating to planning application 2024/0390. The amendment concerns an alteration to the footprint of previously approved extensions.
An application relates to an assessment of the condition and stability of a protected tree at the front of the property.
Ref: 2026/0742TPO Status: Awaiting decision and open for comments.
Linby
Land at Top Wighay Farm, Wighay Road, Linby
A non-material amendment has been submitted seeking to reduce the roof pitch on two-storey dwellings and garages, along with alterations to double-garage roof designs.
Ref: 2026/0744NMA Status: Awaiting decision.
Lambley
Land at Burton Wood Farm, Spring Lane, Lambley
An application has been made to discharge Condition 4 of planning permission 2024/0269.
The submission relates to a Battery Safety Management Plan and Emergency Response Plan.
Ref: 2026/0743DOC Status: Awaiting decision and open for comments.
