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King Charles III calls Notts ‘beautiful’ as he meets with Gedling borough’s new MPs

Nottinghamshire got the royal seal of approval as the King called the area ‘beautiful’ during a meeting with Gedling borough’s newly-elected MPs at Buckingham Palace

Gedling MP Michael Payne and Sherwood Forest MP Michelle Welsh were part of the select group invited to meet the King and Queen last week at a reception on Wednesday afternoon (January 29).

Mr Payne said: “I was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet Their Majesties, The King and Queen on behalf of the people of Gedling.

“His Majesty, The King commented on what a beautiful county Nottinghamshire is. I wished him well on behalf of Gedling’s communities and let him know his family would always be welcome for a Royal visit to Gedling in the future.

“We talked about the important charity work His Majesty’s family have supported in and around Nottingham.

“I was also fortunate to have a conversation with Her Majesty, The Queen and His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh.”

PICTURED: Gedling MP Michael Payne in conversation with the King

The King meets Sherwood Forest MP Michelle Welsh

Sherwood Forest MP Michelle Welsh said she was ‘incredibly honoured’ to attend the reception at Buckingham Palace.

Speaking after the event, Michelle Welsh MP said: “It was a privilege to represent the people of Sherwood Forest at such a prestigious occasion and to raise issues that truly matter to our communities. I am committed to ensuring that young people have access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive, and that our ex-mining communities receive the support they deserve.”.

“His Majesty remarked that he would take the train up to visit the area in the future.

“It was wonderful to hear His Majesty speak so warmly about Sherwood Forest, and I would be delighted to welcome him to our constituency. His interest in our communities is truly appreciated, and I look forward to continuing to champion the issues that matter most to local people.”

Police uncover extensive cannabis grow inside Gedling house

Neighbourhood police have shut down an extensive cannabis grow after executing a warrant at a property in Gedling.

Officers from the Gedling neighbourhood policing team carried out the raid on a house in Duncroft Avenue around 7.40am last Wednesday (January 29).

A total of 330 cannabis plants were found growing in various rooms inside the property.

The grow included seedlings, large mature plants and a crop which had been cut to dry before being sold on.

PHOTO: Adobe Stock

Police Constable Mark Szeremeta, of the neighbourhood policing team, said: “This was a large grow which would have made a substantial amount of money to the people behind it.

“These organised criminals are invariably only interested in their profits and do not care about the problems these grows bring to communities.

“We know they are a magnet for further crime and create a very real fire hazard for neighbouring families.

“Whenever we discover grows of this nature we also carry out further inquiries with the owner or landlord of the property. We will not hesitate to prosecute anyone we discover has been allowing their property to be used as a drugs factory.

“All of the equipment used to power the grow will now be dismantled.

“If you have any information about a grow in operation where you live, please let us know so we can take positive action.

“Our investigation to find those responsible for this grow continues, and if you have any information which could help us please call 101, quoting incident number 81 of 29 January 2025.”

Footie Fans in seventh heaven on Saturday as Gedling pub delivers on promise to offer free pint for every Nottingham Forest goal against Brighton

Football fans were in seventh heaven on Saturday when a Gedling pub delivered on its promise to offer a free pint for every Forest goal when the Reds played Brighton at home.

The light-hearted offer was made by the Gedling Inn to celebrate the arrival of the TNT Sports channel – but the seven goal blitz meant punters kept their wallets firmly shut as they queued up for their free beer.

The pub ended up Brighton-ing up the weekend for regulars by giving away almost 300 pints.

Landlady Beccy Webster told Gedling Eye: We gave away a few hundred on the day and the atmosphere was buzzing. As a Forest fan it was all worth giving away the free beer to see that huge victory – plus it’s nice to give back to loyal customers too

“We are just working out what we can do for the next game!

https://www.tiktok.com/@gedlingeye/video/7467133486114164000

It was a huge win for Nuno Espírito Santo’s men and it keeps Forest in the hunt for a Champions League spot in their remarkable season so far.

A Lewis Dunk own goal after just 10 minutes left dozens rushing to the bar to snap up a free beer.

But before long Morgan Gibbs-White scored a second, with Chris Wood adding a third before half time.

In the second half even more goals went in with Chris Wood getting his second and third.

Welshman Neco Williams and winger Jota Silva also managed to get on the score sheet with two late goals.

Police vow to put brakes on borough boy racers as it’s revealed more than 100 cars met and caused chaos in Colwick on New Year’s Eve

It has been revealed that more than 100 cars gathered in Colwick on New Years Eve with reports of cars almost losing control, flares and fireworks being set off in the middle of roundabouts, and motorists without insurance driving dangerously. This was despite a public space protection order (PSPO) being in place.

A three-year PSPO has been in place since June 2023 which prohibits car cruisers congregating in areas including Netherfield and Colwick and gives officers the power to issue fines.

The action continues after over 100 vehicles gathered in the Colwick area on New Year’s Eve.

With reports of cars almost losing control, flares and fireworks being set off in the middle of roundabouts, and motorists without insurance driving dangerously, the neighbourhood team and response officers arrived on scene to disperse people.

One driver has since been fined £100 for being in breach of the protection order.

PICTURED: Police stopping a a motorist for anti-social driving (PHOTO: Notts Police)

Inspector Heather Harding said her team would continue to take action against anyone breaching the order

Responding to reports and community concerns, the Gedling neighbourhood team is continuing to carry out proactive patrols in marked and unmarked cars as part of tactics to clamp down on individuals causing problems.

Gedling neighbourhood police Inspector Heather Harding said her team would continue to take action against anyone breaching the order or seen to be causing a nuisance in the community.

She said: “Car cruising, racing, and dangerous driving puts the people in our community at risk as well as those taking part.

“This incident on New Year’s Eve saw around 100 vehicles meet up in one place, cars lose control and flares set off that affected other drivers – putting people at serious risk of harm.

“This type of activity is something we’ve been working on reducing for several years and we are continuing to listen to residents in the affected areas to reduce this type of crime.

“We’re continuing to work closely with the council to tackle the issue and we’ll continue taking action against anyone found to be breaching the order or taking part in criminality.

“We want everyone using our roads to be safe so if you are racing, causing a nuisance, and placing other motorists and pedestrians at risk, expect us to take action.”

Since the introduction of the PSPO in June 2023, 16 Fixed Penalty Notices have been issued, all of which have been paid in full—a 100% success rate in enforcement.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE, said: “We take breaches of the PSPO very seriously, and this recent case highlights the importance of these measures in addressing anti-social behaviour.

“We know the damage that these illegal gatherings create for local communities and we are doing everything we can to put a stop to them.

“The fact that all penalties issued so far have been paid demonstrates the effectiveness of the PSPO and the support of our community in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.”

You can report antisocial behaviour here Report antisocial behaviour | Nottinghamshire Police

In an emergency please always dial 999.

Gedling Borough Council increasing garden waste collection charges again due to rising costs

Charges for garden waste bin collections in the Gedling borough are going up again due to rising council costs.

Gedling Borough Council says it began a review into its charges after it overspent on its waste department over two consecutive years.

The service was expanded with more staff members to collect the growing number of garden waste bins, but the council says it had been using temporary agency staff to fill the gaps.

The authority says costs have increased further due to the increasing number of customers, the changes in relation to employers’ National Insurance contributions under the Labour Government’s latest budget, increases in insurance costs and the need for permanent staffing to support the service.

According to the council, charges had initially been set at £42 for the year beginning April 2025. However a new report says charges have been reviewed again due to rising costs.

Charges will now be £45 from April, while an additional bin will cost £23 instead of £21.

“Whilst lower prices of £42 and £21 for an additional bin were previously agreed over six months ago, these charges would not be sufficient to meet increased cost pressures,” documents say.

The authority says costs of the service had increased by £85,000, and the new charges would bring in additional income of £57,400.

Back in 2023 charges had stood at £38, it was then increased to £40 the following year.

Cllr Mike Adams (Con), who represents Trent Valley, said: “As local Gedling Conservatives, my group and I believe that increasing the garden waste collection charge by 12.5 per cent is another example of the Labour Group’s failure to understand the financial pressures facing local residents.

“A rise from £40 to £45 may seem modest, but for many families, it is yet another burden in an already difficult climate.

“We believe the council should be finding ways to support residents, not increase costs, and we will continue to challenge any proposals that place unnecessary financial strain on our community.”

The Labour-run council says not changing the fees for the new financial year and leaving them as originally approved would not have covered the increase in service costs.

It said prices had been benchmarked against other borough councils, including Rushcliffe, which is increasing charges from £45 to £47, and Broxtowe, which is increasing its charges from £43 to £45.

Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son wanted by Barcelona in free deal

With the transfer window setting ablaze, Barcelona has set its sights on Heung-Min Son, who is the most dynamic and influential figure in the Tottenham Hotspur team. \

The Blaugrana, who are in the market in search of a new striker, are interested in signing the Korean for free in the summer, as per the information given by his close aides. This news has lit up social media. Fans and experts are now engaging in lively discussions about Son’s next step and how the club would fill the void if their captain should leave.

The sports society in general and bettors in particular are still talking about this deal. For Barça, the arrival of Son would represent not only a strategic masterstroke but also a great cost-benefit scenario as the South Korean is set to leave for free. On the other hand, the Spurs may have to find some alternatives, and thus, they are likely to be compelled to change their FIFA line-up significantly.

Son’s Significance to Tottenham

From his days of being the first signee in 2015 to the present, Heung-Min Son has been a linchpin of the team’s attacking force. To date, he has played many games under his belt and, therefore, is one of the top players in the last few seasons in the Premier League and Europe, respectively. Such multifaceted, fast, and precise moves from his side make him one of the most dangerous attackers in the world right now. When he captained, his role as a leader was significant both on and off the pitch; this was more so considering the young age of the team.

Should Son leave, the gaping hole would remain in Tottenham’s squad. The team might need to make signings in the transfer market as a part of the strategy which would obviously entail changing their initial set of plans.

It is interesting to note, at this juncture, that links between betting markets and actual games are quite strong; in one sense, the sporting world and gambling sector become almost inextricable.

What Makes the Spanish Giants Desire Son?

The attempt of Barcelona to take Son back to Spain looks like a new development. Since Xavi Hernandez became the manager of FC Barcelona, the club has been in a phase of restructuring, putting more effort on the young and versatile players in the squad. The South Korean player is a contemporary forward that is truly multifaceted in terms of his abilities to play in various roles. Considering his popularity in Asia, the South Korean captain has the potential to be Barcelona’s main commercial value, a brand striving to conquer the world.

Furthermore, Son’s ability to deliver in high-pressure games and defeat top-rated teams is not only his strength, but he also shares the objective of the Barcelona board of directors to reestablish the club’s dominance in Europe. The promising deal is in line with Barça’s recent approach of pursuing players who are reaching the end of their contracts, so the transfer fees are reduced.

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Other Transfer Developments

Son may be grabbing the headlines but in the meantime, several other notable transfer sagas are occurring.

  • Manchester United: The Red Devils are considering a swap deal for Marcus Rashford involving PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani whose fitness is a concern while they try to strengthen their striking options.
  • Manchester City: Omar Marmoush is close to signing with his new club, Eintracht Frankfurt, with the clubs set to seal the deal at about £50m.
  • Chelsea: Renato Veiga and Marc Guéhi, the two defenders, are attracting the interest of the fans while the club is considering loaning them out while they are still looking for talented players through sales.
  • Liverpool Starlet Ben Doak: Premier League in England, Italy’s Serie A, La Liga in Spain, and the Bundesliga in Germany emerged as the possible destinations where the young forward might continue his career. As per the report, other Premier League teams are interested in this 18-year-old promising forward. Other Premier League clubs that do not manage to reduce the deficit could afford to take a risk and start a young player with lower roster value instead.

Key Statistics: Son vs. Barcelona’s Current Forwards

If an inception of the transfer happens and Son, to Barcelona, a fairly comprehensive analysis regarding each parameter of his recent performances is required. More precisely, they should compare his recent stats to those of the club’s current attacking options.

PlayerGoals (2024/25 Season)AssistsPassing AccuracyMinutes Played
Heung-Min Son12685%1,800
Robert Lewandowski9378%1,600
Ferran Torres5481%1,200
Ansu Fati7279%1,100

The Bigger Picture

Referring to a source, it is stated that the transfer of Son by Barcelona on a free transfer is likely to be one of the most transferable transactions in football and as a result, Tottenham they would need to make a wholesale reorganization of the first team. However, the market betting will also be affected by this decision, therefore, both teams would be unable to maintain their position to win. However, Barcelona would have a better chance at winning La Liga and might even do well in the Champions League while Tottenham might not be in their place.

When it comes to soccer, timing and strategy are the most important things to be considered. It is very important to remember the speed of Son’s decision and the impact it will have on the sensations of the United Kingdom.

Understanding the differences between slots and video poker

Both slots and video poker have their own charm in the gaming world. While they are both liked by many players, their mechanics and strategies, or even the way they pay off, are hugely different, allowing players to have varying experiences. And many times, a player’s choice comes down to simply personal preference and style of play. For those seeking insights and expert tips, platforms like Slotova Slava, offer valuable resources to enhance your gaming experience.

Mechanics of Slots versus Video Poker

The slot games are designed to be simple and fast: players press a button to spin the reels, and an RNG determines the outcome. Symbols line up across paylines to form winning combinations. Slots often feature themes, bonus rounds, and progressive jackpots.

On the other hand, video poker is a variation of poker rules combined into a digital format. The player receives five cards and may hold any or all for a final assessment. Success in video poker comes through making standard poker hands of pairs, straights, or flushes.

Key Differences:

  • Interaction: Slots require no decisions while playing, and some strategy must be used while playing video poker games.
  • Speed: Slot machines offer quick games, and the games involving video poker usually go a lot slower.
  • Variety: Slots often include hundreds of thematic options, while video poker offers variants such as Jacks or Better or Deuces Wild.

 Strategy and Skill Requirements in Each Game

Slots rely purely on luck, making them ideal for casual players seeking low-effort entertainment. No strategy can influence the outcome. Betting sizes and paylines can be adjusted, but the results remain unpredictable.

Video poker, however, rewards skill and strategy. Decisions about which cards to hold or discard directly impact outcomes. Memorising basic strategies can significantly improve winning odds.

  • Skill level: Slots = None, Video Poker = Moderate.
  • Control: Slots rely on chance; video poker rewards informed decisions.

A key tip is learning optimal play strategies for specific video poker variants. For example, in Jacks or Better, always hold high cards to maximise potential returns.

Payout Structures and Winning Potential

Slots payouts vary based on paylines, bet size, and bonus features. The return to player (RTP) percentage typically ranges from 85% to 98%, depending on the game. Progressive jackpots can deliver massive, life-changing wins but are rare.

Video poker games generally have higher RTPs, often exceeding 99% for skilled players. The payouts are based on the strength of the final poker hand, with royal flushes offering the highest rewards.

Notable Differences:

  1. RTP Variance: Slots = Lower, Video Poker = Higher.
  2. Jackpots: Slots offer huge progressive jackpots; video poker doesn’t.
  3. Consistency: Video poker rewards consistent play; slots are unpredictable.

Slots and video poker cater to different player preferences. Slots attract those who enjoy fast-paced, luck-driven play with varied themes and potential jackpots. Video poker appeals to strategic thinkers seeking a game with better odds and skill-based outcomes. By understanding the differences, players can choose the game that best aligns with their style. Both options provide excitement and rewards, ensuring entertainment for all.

Woodthorpe man jailed after targeting disabled victim at cashpoint in Beeston

A Woodthorpe man threatened a disabled woman and aggressively demanded money from her after she had used a cashpoint. 

The victim, aged in her 40s, was using a machine in Beeston town centre when Anton Peck approached the one next to her. 

As she left, Peck followed her, approached her from behind and repeatedly demanded money from her. 

When she refused, the 42-year-old tried to grab her phone.

A struggle ensued and the woman screamed out before Peck ran off. 

The disabled victim was using a machine in Beeston town centre when Anton Peck approached her

A member of the public passing by chased after Peck and managed to detain him before police arrived shortly after. 

Peck, of Mansfield Road, Woodthorpe, was arrested and subsequently charged with attempted robbery in relation to the incident which happened on the night of Sunday 1 May 2022. 

He pleaded guilty to the charge and was locked up for a total of three years when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday (29 January).

Peck also pleaded guilty to stalking after bombarding a woman with unwanted messages.

The victim was left anxious, stressed and feeling ‘physically sick’, the court was told.

He was also sentenced after admitting seven shop thefts in which he stole alcohol and a pair of boots from various stores in Nottingham.

Peck pleaded guilty to a further shop theft after stealing electrical items from a shop in Milton Street on December 5, 2024 before giving a false name to police.

When he was arrested again on 19 December, Peck assaulted two police officers and later admitted two assaults on an emergency worker.

Detective Inspector James Oakton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Peck’s aggressive and intimidating behaviour was understandably incredibly scary and traumatic for the vulnerable victim of this attempted robbery. 

“I hope she can feel reassured now that Peck has been put behind bars for the frightening ordeal he put her through. 

“I also hope the outcome of this case will reassure residents that we take these types of offences extremely seriously, and that we will do everything in our power to bring offenders like Peck to justice.”

CALVERTON: Council gives green light to £1million Sir John Sherbrooke School expansion so it can accommodate more pupils

A Calverton school will undergo a £1.5 million expansion to create more spaces for pupils.

Sir John Sherbrooke Junior School needs the work to reconfigure older buildings and create new ones.

Once completed, the project will include three new teaching spaces, a new library and new toilets.

Nottinghamshire County Council has approved the funding of £1.46 million for the scheme.

The school currently has around 200 pupils aged 7 to 11.

Once the expansion is finished, the school will be able to take in 60 new pupils each school year instead of 50.

Sir John Sherbrooke Junior School is a feeder school to other secondary schools in the area, including Colonel Frank Seely Academy, The RedHill Academy and The Minster School.

A ‘feeder school’ is a primary or prep schools that has established connections with specific secondary schools, and these secondary schools tend to prioritise admissions from a feeder school.

The council document reads: “The council has a statutory duty to ensure that there is a sufficiency of school places so action needs to be taken to ensure that accommodation is in place to meet the needs of pupils in this planning area.”

Cllr Boyd Elliott (Con), who represents the Calverton ward, said: “The extension will accommodate a larger number of pupils.

“We’ve incorporated the school’s expansion into our budget, so the council is not having an overspend on it.

“The school needs a large amount of work to increase the number of pupils who can go attend the school.

“We will be hiring more teachers to accommodate the teacher to pupil ratio and there will be an employment opportunity as well for new teaching staff.

“The school’s expansion will be a great benefit to the village.

“We’ve had a surge in developments in Calverton recently, and we’re improving the infrastructure of the village to match that.

“I’m very passionate about improving the area. I grew up here and my children go to school here. The school’s expansion is a big step to facilitate the needs of the village.”

Sir John Sherbrooke Junior School has been contacted for comment.

Police officers search Sneinton property for evidence linked to taxi driver ‘execution’ in Gedling more than 30 years ago

A specialist team of officers this morning (30) carried out a search of a property in Sneinton for ammunition in connection with the murder of a taxi driver in Gedling more than 30 years ago.

Ethsham Ul-Haq Ghafoor, 26, of Sherwood Rise, known to his friends and family as Shami, was shot dead in his taxi on Tuesday, November 22 1994. He was found by a milkman at 4.30am at Lambley Lane Playing Fields with his hands tied and bound to the steering wheel.

He had been shot in what has been described by police as “an execution.”

Intelligence suggests there could be some evidence within the property linked to the murder.

No one living at the property now is connected to the murder.

Ethsham Ul-Haq Ghafoor pictured with his family shortly before his murder

Ethsham Ul-Haq Ghafoor was found dead in his taxi at a car park in Lambley Lane Playing Fields back in 1994

Crimestoppers, a charity which is independent of the police, has supported this investigation by offering a reward of up to £50,000 for information that they exclusively receive that leads to a conviction. The reward is still available.

On the morning of Wednesday, November 27, five people were arrested on suspicion of murder in the Sneinton and Bakersfield area.

They were four men, aged 64, 57, 52, 51 and one woman aged 47.

They have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

On Tuesday, December 17, a man, aged 43, from the Sneinton area, has also been arrested on suspicion of murder. He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

A number of lines of inquiry are still being pursued by a dedicated team of detectives including further forensic opportunities from the scene of the crime.

Detective Chief Inspector Clare Dean, who is leading the investigation, said: “Following our media appeal for information, we are following a number of lines of inquiry. The weapon used to kill Shami was never recovered in 1994.

“However, we are following a number of leads around the ammunition used to take his life and therefore have carried out a warrant at an address in the Sneinton area.

“Unfortunately, we can’t go into lots of detail in order to protect the integrity of the investigation but we are looking for ammunition.

“The public can expect to see an increased presence in the area for some time while a thorough search of the property is conducted including the roof space.

“It is incredibly important to stress that the occupants of this property are not involved in our investigation and we apologise for any inconvenience our search may cause.

“Shami’s family have been updated on our investigation so far. They have been waiting 30 years for answers and we are determined to ensure that happens.

“We have always said the key to this investigation lies within the community and it is never too late to come forward with information.

“You may not have been in a position to say anything 30 years ago but with the passage of time we hope you can say something now.

“Crimestoppers is still offering an up to £50,000 reward as an extra incentive. This is a huge reward for information that leads to conviction.

“Information to Crimestoppers can be submitted completely anonymously.

“The reward is due to expire on February 22.”