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WEEKLY WALKS: A gorgeous circular walk taking you from Linby and through the grounds of Newstead Abbey

This week’s circular walk takes you on a trip around the grounds of Newstead Abbey and through the picturesque villages of Linby and Papplewick.

Distance: 5.4 miles (8.78 km)
Calculated time: 2h 40
Difficulty: Easy

Map of the walk

Screenshot

1. Top Cross in Linby village

From the Top Cross in Linby village walk up the hill to the traffic island. Turn right onto the path signed Linby Trail and National Cycle Network. This is along a railway cutting which follows the route of the Great Northern Railway. This straight path continues for some
considerable time until some large boulders are seen ahead partially blocking the path. Here the path turns sharply to the right still signposting the National Cycle Network alongside a woodland walk.

The path then joins a tarmac road at one of the lodges to Newstead Abbey estate. Passing through this gate (there is no charge for walkers) follow the road until Newstead Abbey ruins come into view. The road is mostly flat apart from a couple of short climbs through glades. As the road descends towards Newstead Abbey the upper lake and stable block can be seen to the left followed by a waterfall and then the magnificent aspect of Newstead Abbey comes into view with the garden lake to the right.

2. Newstead Abbey grounds

Follow the road round to the left between the ruins and the upper lake. Ahead is the stable block and bell tower. After passing a car park on the left and the cricket pitch to the right there is a crossroads. Turn right here and follow the tarmac road winding through the woods until a pair of wrought iron gates appears ahead. This it the entrance to another lodge, a footpath for walkers is marked to the right of the gates and follows alongside a hedge. At the other end there is a metal kissing gate to pass through before following a wide grassy path ahead with hedges on either side. At the end proceed through a metal gate and onto an unmade road which bears to the left and has large properties on either side. Follow this road called Hall Lane until a tree can be seen ahead in the middle of a small grassy area with a seat where the path meets the main road B683. Papplewick Hall can be seen immediately to the right at this junction.

3. Passing through Papplewick

Turn right along the road, with a footpath, following it into Papplewick village. It bears sharply right past a row of cottages and then right where there is a wide gap after Papplewick lodge showing a sign to The Church of St James Papplewick and a public
footpath signposted to Linby. Pass through the wooden gate and follow this tarmac road in the direction of the church, Before reaching the church there is a well trodden signed path on the left through the fields to Linby. At the end of the field pass through a metal gate and over a wide footbridge over the river Leen and then continue alongside a hedge bordering an arable field until it emerges onto the main road B6011 into Linby.

4. Back to Linby

Turn right and follow this road into the village passing the Bottom Cross on the right and the old village school. On the left hand side, next to the bus shelter is an interesting Parish Map of Linby explaining the history of the village. Continue up the hill to the Top Cross to the start of the walk

  • Have you got a suggested walk around the borough you want to share with our readers? You can email details to news@gedlingeye.co.uk

Major road resurfacing scheme announced for Colwick Loop Road, thanks to local councillor lobbying

A section of Colwick Loop Road is to be resurfaced after a local councillor secured funding for repairs.

Following strong lobbying from Cllr Mike Adams, who represents Carlton East on Nottinghamshire County Council, the A612 Colwick Loop Road between Sainsbury’s and Morrisons has been added to the capital programme for full resurfacing.

The government recently gave Nottinghamshire County Council an extra £3.3 million to fund road repairs.

Cllr Adams welcomed the news.

He said: “The A612 Colwick Loop Road is a vital route for residents, commuters, and businesses, but its surface has deteriorated over time.

“I’m pleased that my lobbying has helped secure this investment, and I know road users will appreciate the improvements. I’ll keep working to ensure our local roads remain a priority.”

Cllr Sam Smith, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I’m pleased to confirm that an extra £3.3 million is being allocated to resurfacing key roads across the county, including the A612 Colwick Loop Road at Sainsbury’s Bridge. This investment will ensure proper, lasting repairs, rather than just patching up potholes. There’s more to come too, as I will announce additional resurfacing projects at the March Full Council meeting.”

The resurfacing works will be included in the council’s capital programme for the 2025/26 financial year, which will be officially signed off in March by the Cabinet Member for Transport and the Environment.

Further updates on additional road improvements will be announced at the Full Council meeting in March.

Colwick firm pumps cash into popular Ravenshead attraction

A Ravenshead museum and tourist attraction has been given a cash injection after a global packaging giant based in Colwick named it as February’s charity in its ‘year of giving’ campaign. 

The campaign, launched by The Wilkins Group, based in Colwick, Nottingham, will see the firm making a donation each month throughout 2025 to local causes impacted by the current economic climate.  

Papplewick Pumping Station, a grade II* listed building and tourist attraction located in Rigg Lane, Ravenshead, is this month’s chosen charity partner. It received a cheque for £1,000 this week.    

Papplewick Pumping Station has been hailed as “Britain’s finest Victorian waterworks”. The freshwater pumping station celebrates its industrial heritage, preserving the pumping station thanks to enthusiastic volunteers, donations, and visitor numbers to the site’s award-winning family museum.   

Recognised as a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England, the venue holds regular ‘steaming’ events as well as being a unique wedding venue. 

Justin Wilkins, joint managing director at The Wilkins Group, which makes food packaging for many of the UK’s leading food producers, said: “We may be a global brand, but we are immensely proud of our Nottingham roots and want to support local attractions and charities that celebrate the city and county’s rich heritage. 

“Papplewick Pumping Station not only celebrates its past but also provides an educational and entertaining venue for the present and future.” 

The Wilkins Group announced its ‘year of giving’ campaign in December. It kick-started the initiative with an innovative calendar and desk tidy that was sent to its customers as a Christmas gift.  

Each month, the calendar highlights a different Nottinghamshire charity, outlining its work and why The Wilkins Group would be donating towards each cause. In January, Green’s Windmill in Sneinton was the first chosen recipient of a donation. 

Justin said: “As February’s chosen charity cheque is handed over, we want to take a moment to recognise and support the venue’s work.

“Papplewick Pumping Station is a beautiful place that stands as testament to how it tackled water pollution from industrial Nottingham of the 1880s, pumping millions of gallons of clean fresh water to the city’s industries and its rapidly growing population thus improving public health and Nottingham residents’ quality of life.” 

The Wilkins Group is also dedicated to improving the environmental impact of industry. Creating packaging designs and innovations that aim to reduce and ultimately eradicate single-use plastics within the industry, it is already leading the way in alternatives including board trays for food packaging, including the use of compostable materials, and 100 per cent plastic-free hangers. 

Ashley Smart, museum director at Papplewick Pumping Station, said: “This donation means everything to us, and it was a real surprise when we found out about it. The generosity of The Wilkins Group is so much appreciated, as are all the kind donations we receive.

“Maintaining such an important industrial museum is a colossal undertaking – we often liken it to painting the Forth Bridge – so we are truly grateful for every bit of help we get.” 

Papplewick Pumping Station was designed by celebrated engineer Marriott Ogle Tarbotton, who also designed Trent Bridge. The Nottingham Borough Engineer also planned and oversaw the construction of the city’s underground sewerage system – the first outside London. 

Justin said: “The idea of our ‘year of giving’ calendar and campaign has been a huge success. Our clients have loved it and to be able to give something back to our hometown and its residents has been tremendous. We are now looking forward to March’s cheque presentation.” 

The Wilkins Group is a family run firm that produces food packaging for the likes of Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods and Cadbury – to name a few.   

It also is credited with producing bespoke and award-winning items such as eco-friendly coat hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles.   

Praise for work at Gedling’s Jubilee Park as care home residents and offenders on Community Payback Order scheme team up to improve green space

A Gedling community has benefitted from work carried out by care home residents and people completing community sentences.

As part of the latest Immediate Justice Day of Action, residents from the Rivendell Care Home in Gedling donated handmade bird boxes, which will soon be placed around the park to help support local wildlife.

Their visit was part of a wider community effort to improve the much-loved green space, which also saw offenders carrying out litter picking, hedge trimming, and general maintenance to keep the park looking its best.

The day brought together a range of partners, including Nottinghamshire Police and Gedling Borough Council, who engaged with residents through an information stall inside the park’s pavilion, giving members of the public the opportunity to learn more aboutlocal policing and community safety initiatives.

Gedling Borough Council also donated two trees, which were planted by Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Angela Kandola and Councillor Lynda Pearson, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Place.

Councillor Pearson, who has been heavily involved with the Friends of Jubilee Park, has long championed improvements to the park for all to enjoy.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Angela Kandola said: “Immediate Justice is about ensuring that those responsible for antisocial behaviour and low-level crime give back to the very communities they have impacted.

“Seeing care home residents and young people engaged in this project alongside offenders demonstrates how this scheme can bring communities together in a positive way.

“Jubilee Park is a valued space, and these contributions will leave a lasting impact for all who visit.”

Nottinghamshire is leading the way in Immediate Justice, ensuring that those responsible for antisocial behaviour and low-level crime take immediate action to repair the harm they have caused.

Since its launch, the scheme has seen offenders complete thousands of hours of visible, reparative work in local communities, directly benefitting residents, businesses, and public spaces across the city and county.

Projects have included litter-picking, graffiti removal, park maintenance, and community clean-ups, helping to improve local environments while ensuring offenders understand the consequences of their actions.

Councillor Lynda Pearson, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Place at Gedling Borough Council said: “We are proud to support the Immediate Justice scheme, which is making a real difference in our communities by improving public spaces while holding offendersaccountable for their actions.

“Jubilee Park is a popular green space, and initiatives like this not only contribute to the park’s upkeep but also bring residents together in a positive way.

“It’s fantastic to see care home residents, community groups, and partners working alongside each other to make a lasting impact. We look forward to seeing more projects like this benefit our borough.”

The scheme has also received positive feedback from the public, with many residents welcoming the opportunity to see justice being carried out in a way that provides real, visible benefits to their neighbourhoods.

The success of Immediate Justice in Nottinghamshire is underpinned by strong partnership working between the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Nottinghamshire Police, local councils, and community organisations.

The programme is set to continue delivering meaningful, restorative work in key areas across the city and county, with further Days of Action planned for the months ahead.

Inspector Heather Harding, neighbourhood policing inspector for Gedling, said: “Engagement with communities is a vital part of neighbourhood policing so this was a great opportunity for my officers.

“We were able to speak to residents about the policing issues which matter to them and discuss what we are doing to tackle antisocial behaviour in the area.

“The park is a much-loved green space and it was great to see it being improved through the Immediate Justice scheme and the efforts of care home residents.”

Immediate Justice is a key part of Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden’s wider efforts to reduce antisocial behaviour and promote visible justice, ensuring that offenders make a meaningful contribution to the communities they have affected.

By carrying out practical, restorative work such as that seen at Jubilee Park, the scheme helps to improve public spaces while encouraging personal responsibility and positive change.

Red Snapper Managed Services Director Jonathan Hussey said: “Immediate Justice is about making a real difference—not just for the communities impacted by antisocial behaviour, but also for those taking part in these projects.

“By working alongside care home residents and community groups, offenders see firsthand the value of giving back and the positive impact of their actions.

“At RSMS, we are proud to be delivering a programme that not only enhances local spaces like Jubilee Park but also fosters a sense of personal responsibility and community spirit.”

To report antisocial behaviour in your neighbourhood, call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or visit the web page linked below to report.

Tree-mendous: 1,200 new trees planted as part of plan to create green lung at park in Mapperley

More than 1,000 trees have been planted and a wildflower meadow is being created as part of a project to create a new ‘green lung’ in Mapperley.

The major tree planting project at Digby Park, Mapperley, was completed on February 10, with over 1,200 new trees planted at the site,

A green lung is an area within an urban area that has been set up to replenish the air with oxygen.

The project was supported by Defra with a grant through the Trees for Climate grant, administered by Nottinghamshire County Council’s Greenwood Community Forest. The grant, totalling £34,416 will also pay for ongoing maintenance to ensure the long-term health of the newly planted trees.

In addition to the tree planting, the project will also see the creation of a wildflower meadow, due to be completed in late spring. The meadow will provide vital habitat for pollinators and other wildlife, further enhancing biodiversity within the park.

Councillor Viv McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Natural Habitat, visited the site alongside Gedling Borough Council’s Director of Operations, Sarah Troman, to see the development first-hand. She said:

“We are incredibly proud to continue expanding and enhancing Digby Park’s green spaces with the addition of more than 1,200 trees and a beautiful new wildflower meadow.

“This project is a fantastic example of how we are delivering on our commitment to reducing the borough’s carbon footprint and improving biodiversity. 

“The support from the Trees for Climate grant has been invaluable in helping us to create a greener, healthier environment for both people and wildlife to enjoy for generations to come.”

This initiative builds on the original tree trail, launched during National Tree Week, which saw over 500 trees planted and new park features introduced, including benches, improved drainage, and QR-coded plaques providing information about different tree species.

The expansion of tree planting at Digby Park aligns with Gedling Borough Council’s wider Carbon Management Strategy, which aims to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint and take action in the fight against climate change. It also contributes to the Government’s broader environmental goals, including the target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Trees play a key role in this strategy, with Defra working towards the Environmental Act’s target of halting nature’s decline by 2030 and increasing tree canopy cover in England to 16.5% by 2050. The Trees for Climate grant is funded through Defra’s Nature for Climate Fund, which supports large-scale tree planting projects to help meet these ambitious environmental goals.

GEDLING BOROUGH COUNCIL: Authority faces ‘struggle’ to manage financial risks after huge fraud case

Gedling Borough Council has been warned it still has work to do to prevent the repeat of a fraud case which saw an officer secretly steal almost £1m to fund a gambling habit.

In 2024, ex finance officer at Gedling Borough Council, Alan Doig, was found guilty of fraud by abuse of position and obtaining money transfers by deception over a 19-year period.

The 57-year-old’s activity was uncovered in 2022 where he was subsequently dismissed. He was jailed for five years last October.

In August 2022, the council had specialists assess his crime and in April 2023, until January 2024, an internal audit into its IT financial controls found deficiencies for the year ending March 31 2024.

Auditors looking at the authority’s accounts say providing assurance the council is making informed decisions and properly managing its financial risks will be a “significant piece of work”.

The council’s Audit Committee met yesterday (February 25) to discuss its external audit report on its financial statements for the 2023/24 financial year.

Yearly financial accounts of public organisations, such as councils, are reviewed by auditors to ensure their finances are in order. The council’s yearly accounts are being checked by Forvis Mazars.

In the firm’s annual report of the accounts – looking at the council’s arrangements for securing value for money – it found no significant weaknesses in the authority’s financial sustainability or how it improves its economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

However, it did find risks of significant weaknesses in the council’s governance, referring to how the authority ensures it makes informed decisions and properly manages risks.

Auditors say this weakness reported for 2023/24 takes into account previous significant weaknesses reported for the 2021/22 and 2022/23 accounts.

The committee heard the most recent weaknesses found are not because any new problems have been found, but because auditors cannot conclude they do not exist.

Ms Norman said this is due to previous internal audit reports during the 2023/24 financial year relating to the fraudulent activity, and because auditors have not had time to conclude whether arrangements for the council securing its governance are in place.

Audit documents noted “significant” IT control deficiencies and the “privileged access” given to Mr Doig within the financial system Agresso. These deficiencies also hindered the completion of the audit.

Councillor Stuart Bestwick (Con) asked: “I think you said there’s a significant weakness in the governance arrangements still. Is that what you’re telling us now… why is that still happening?”

“Are you saying we haven’t put that right yet from the fraud, or is it something different?”

Ms Norman responded: “It is to do with the fraud, but secondly we have not been able to conclude that, that significant weakness in [governance] arrangements can be cleared.

“It’s going to be a significant piece of work, it’s a very particular situation that Gedling’s in, that’s why we’re bringing it forward.”

She concluded the Alan Doig’s fraud and the ongoing work and audit reports within the 2023/24 financial year are the reasons auditors cannot guarantee significant weaknesses in governance do not still exist.

Cllr Bestwick clarified: “So are you saying you’ve not been able to conclude that everthing’s ok, or are you saying there are still weaknesses? It’s slightly different and I hope you understand why it’s important to know that.”

Ms Norman responded: “I do understand- we’re saying both- but I would go with the former, this is something we identified in a previous year and we’re bringing forward.”

Old Nottingham directory is portal into Gedling borough’s bygone past

Although none of us were around in 1853 a business directory offers a glance back to into how life was like in Gedling borough 172 years ago.

“White’s Directory” was a historical directory published by William White, that was primarily focused on towns and counties in England, which included detailed information about residents, businesses, and local geography.

The directories included residential listings, business details, local landmarks, and sometimes even historical information about the area.

Here’s how they recorded life back in 1853.

It said that Gedling Parish comprised of three townships of Gedling, Carlton and Stoke Bardolph, with a ‘population of 2,922 souls and 4,490 acres of land’.

Gedling is a small village with 402 inhabitants, situated 4 miles east-north-east of Nottingham, in a picturesque valley which opens into the vale of the Trent. It contains 1,626 acres of strong clay land. The Earl of Chesterfield is lord of the manor and patron of the rectory, and owns 785 acres. Earl Manvers owns 693 acres, and William Stamford Burnside Esq. also has an estate here. The latter resides at Gedling House, a beautiful modern mansion on a steep declivity overlooking the Trent.

The rectory, before the dissolution of the abbeys, belonged to the monastery of Shelford, and also had a vicarage to which they presented. The rectory is valued in the King’s books at £14 6s, and the vicarage at £6 16s 8d, now worth £1,075. It received at the enclosure in 1793 three large allotments of land in lieu of tithes. The Rev. Charles Williams is the incumbent. The church, dedicated to All Saints, has a nave and side aisles, is neatly pewed and has an organ, erected in 1808. It has a handsome lofty spire and four bells. In the body of the church are several handsome marble tablets, one of which remembers the late William E. Elliott Esq., who died in January 1844. His kindness and benevolence knew no bounds, and the poor of the surrounding parishes have lost a tried friend.

The poor land consists of 7a 0r 17p in Arnold, let for £14 15s per annum, and was purchased in 1733 with £122 10s, which had been bequeathed to the poor of the whole parish, who have also the dividends of £550 9s 2d consolidated 3 per cents, left in 1779 by Bishop Chenevix. Those of Carlton formerly had 20s yearly out of the estate of the late John Aslin, who died in 1803, but the poor have lost their claim through the carelessness of a trustee, who misplaced the title deeds. The feast is on the Sunday after All Saints, or on that day when it falls on a Sunday.

Carlton, 3 miles east by north of Nottingham, is the largest village and township in the parish, having 1,404 acres of land and 2,329 inhabitants, many of whom are employed in hosiery manufacture, there being upwards of 420 stocking frames in the village. The hills near the town command extensive views of Nottingham and the vale of the Trent. The Earl of Chesterfield is the principal owner, but the Rev. Charles Williams and Earl Manvers have estates here, the latter of whom is lord of the manor. The Wesleyan Chapel was built in 1801, the Baptist Chapel in 1823 and the Wesleyan Association in 1844. A Court Leet is held by the Earl of Chesterfield in April, and another by Earl Manvers in October. The feast is on the first Sunday in November. The Midland Company’s railway passes through this village and has a neat station here.

Stoke Bardolph is a small village and township upon the Trent bank, two miles east by south of Gedling, and five miles east of Nottingham. It has 191 inhabitants amd 1,054 acres of land, which was enclosed in 1793 when an allotment was made in lieu of tithes. The Earl of Chesterfield and Earl Manvers are the principal owners, and joint lords of the manor. It had anciently a small chapel, but no remains are now left of it. The Earl of Chesterfield, in 1843, gave about one rood of land, near the site on which it formerly stood, on which is erected a neat ornamental chapel, with a turret and bell. The rector of Gedling is the officiating minister. A short distance south-east of the church there formerly stood a castle of considerable extent, surrounded by a moat, the interior of which was upwards of two acres. It was the residence of the Lords Bardolf, to which the entire lordship anciently belonged. The feast is held on the Sunday after St Luke’s. A ferry crosses the Trent to Shelford.

Why online casinos are outpacing brick-and-mortar betting venues

In recent years, online casinos have surged in popularity, quickly becoming the preferred option for many gamblers. Traditional brick-and-mortar casinos have been around for centuries, providing a social and immersive gambling experience. However, in today’s digital age, online casinos are outpacing their physical counterparts, attracting a growing number of players across the globe. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including convenience, a wider range of games, better bonuses, and advancements in technology. 

Unmatched Convenience and Accessibility

One of the biggest advantages of online casinos over traditional venues is the sheer convenience they offer. Online casinos allow players to gamble from virtually anywhere, at any time, as long as they have an internet connection. This level of accessibility is unparalleled by in-person casinos, which require players to travel to a physical location. Whether you’re at home, on the go, or relaxing at a café, you can easily log into an online casino and start playing your favorite games.

A Wider Variety of Games

Online casinos boast a far broader selection of games than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. While physical casinos typically have a limited number of slot machines, table games, and other gambling options due to space constraints, online casinos can offer hundreds, if not thousands, of games. 

Players within the UK can visit domestic betting sites, which are regulated by the UKGC and comply with GamStop rules, and find a wide variety of games. However, savvy gamers who are interested in the best selection of games often visit international sites. These sites bypass the UKGC’s tough GamStop rules, offering more flexibility to players along with extensive game libraries. The best casinos not on GamStop UK not only offer flexibility and large game libraries but these sites are also known for their lucrative bonuses, which has made them popular in recent years among players in the UK and beyond. 

With domestic and international options online offering a wide variety of games, it’s hard for in-person establishments to compete. Physical casinos need floor space for games, whereas virtual sites can offer as many titles as they want online.

Attractive Bonuses and Promotions

Another key reason why online casinos are outpacing brick-and-mortar venues is the generosity of their bonuses and promotions. Online casinos often offer lucrative welcome bonuses, free spins, and loyalty rewards, which significantly enhance the gambling experience for players. New players can take advantage of large deposit bonuses or no-deposit bonuses, which allow them to start playing without risking their own money right away.

These bonuses are not just limited to newcomers; online casinos frequently reward existing players with ongoing promotions, reload bonuses, cashbacks, and free spins on specific games. Loyalty programs and VIP clubs are common, offering players the chance to accumulate points and exchange them for prizes such as cash, exclusive bonuses, or even physical rewards like gadgets and holidays.

In contrast, brick-and-mortar casinos generally offer fewer promotions and rewards for regular players. While they may have occasional discounts or loyalty programs, they typically don’t compare to the ongoing, substantial bonuses that online platforms provide. For bettors looking to maximize their chances of winning or simply enjoy more playtime for their money, online casinos are often the better choice.

Technology and Innovation

The rapid advancements in technology have made online casinos more immersive and realistic than ever before. One of the most notable innovations is the rise of live dealer games. Online casinos now offer real-time gambling experiences with professional dealers who interact with players via video streaming. This innovation bridges the gap between the online and physical casino experience, giving players the ability to play traditional casino games like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette with real dealers while enjoying the comfort of home.

Additionally, online casinos are increasingly using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in their platforms. VR casinos aim to provide an entirely immersive experience, where players can navigate virtual casino floors and interact with other players and dealers in a simulated environment. Though still in its early stages, VR technology is shaping the future of online gambling, allowing for a more authentic casino experience than ever before.

Enhanced Privacy and Security

While physical casinos offer the social element of gambling, they often come with potential drawbacks in terms of privacy. When visiting a land-based casino, players may feel self-conscious about their gambling habits or may be concerned about the public nature of their betting. In contrast, online casinos provide a more private experience, allowing players to enjoy their games without the pressure or prying eyes of other patrons.

Additionally, online casinos typically offer a higher level of security. Reputable online platforms use encryption technology to protect players’ personal and financial information, providing a secure environment for transactions. Furthermore, many online casinos are regulated by governing bodies, ensuring that they adhere to strict standards for fair play and responsible gambling. Players can feel confident that their data is protected and that the games they play are fair, thanks to regularly audited Random Number Generators (RNGs).

Social Elements and Community Building

While online casinos have traditionally been seen as more solitary experiences, they have evolved to incorporate social elements that rival traditional casino environments. Online players can now interact with others through live chat features, participating in real-time conversations with both dealers and fellow gamblers. Live dealer games, in particular, provide a more immersive and social experience, where players can communicate with the dealers and even other players during the game.

Additionally, many online casinos host tournaments and competitions, allowing players to compete against each other for prizes. These events bring players together and foster a sense of community that was once exclusive to brick-and-mortar casinos.

Mapperley hospice receives £72k boost from government to improve services and facilities

A hospice in Mapperley has been awarded more than £72k to improve the building and facilities from the government.

The county will receive £676,971 to support four hospices across the area including Nottinghamshire Hospice in Mapperley which has received £72,123.

The funding will be given to modernise facilities, improve IT systems and ensure highest quality of care.

The government said the cash will be distributed immediately.

Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock said: “This is the largest investment in a generation to help transform hospice facilities across England.

“From upgrading patient rooms to improving gardens and outdoor spaces, this funding will make a real difference to people at the end of their lives. 

“Hospices provide invaluable care and support when people need it most and this funding boost will ensure they are able to continue delivering exceptional care in better, modernised facilities.”

A key focus of the investment will be digital transformation, enabling hospices to modernise their IT systems and improve data sharing between healthcare providers.

The funding will also support the development of outreach services, allowing hospices to extend their care beyond their physical buildings. This includes investing in mobile equipment and technology that will help support people who wish to receive end-of-life care in their own homes.  

Company proposing to create battery storage site near Lambley responds to concerns raised by residents and MP

The company proposing to create a battery storage site near Lambley has responded to concerns raided by residents and a local MP that were shared on Gedling Eye.

Grenergy has submitted plans to create a battery energy storage system (BESS) site on green fields at Burton Wood Farm, off Spring Lane which is located between the villages of Burton Joyce and Lambley.

Concerns about fires, explosions and environmental damage have been raised over plans to build the farm on land between Burton Joyce and Lambley.

A spokesman contacted Gedling Eye following concerns from residents.

They said: “Grenergy are an international independent power producer developing, owning and operating renewable energy projects across the globe.

“All of our projects are developed in the interest of national need whilst considering the localised social and environmental impacts of development. Assessments into these aspects have been produced by experienced and qualified professionals who evaluate the development based on accepted national standards.

“These are reviewed by equally suitable statutory consultees on behalf of the local planning authority and it should be noted that with regards to the Spring Lane planning application, we have received no objection from any of these professionals whom we rely upon to accurately assess these impacts.

“Battery Energy StorageSystems (BESS) play an essential role to store intermittent renewable generation when it would otherwise be lost, alleviate network constraints and provide grid balancing services; and under the government Clean Power 2030 objectives there is a recognition that the storage of this generation plays a pivotal role in supporting our goals towards a net zero future.

They added: “Grenergy look forward to working with the community to deliver this project should approval be granted.”