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MATCH REPORT: Paviors 36 – 40 Ilkeston

This weekend Pavs welcomed Ilkeston to The Stump in Round 13 of the Midlands Regional 2 competition in what turned out to be a highly entertaining, but ultimately frustrating afternoon for the Pavs faithful. 

From the kick off the home side were a little slow into the proceedings, having said that speedy wing Tom Davies gave Pavs the lead on three minutes.

Pavs were still not up to full pace in the ensuing ten minutes which allowed Ilkeston to go in front with two tries, so 5-14 to Ilkeston with thirteen minutes on the clock. This seemed to galvanise Pavs into action, with a number of plays bringing them to Ilkeston’s line for number 8 Phil Eggleshaw to drive over following a dominant scrum bringing the score to 12-14 with the George Billam extras.

Seven minutes later, Ilkeston hit back to go further in front at 12-19 with ten minutes of the half left. Matt Molyneux hit back with a well taken try through the centre to level matters up with the Billam extras at 19-19. As half time beckoned prop Nick Brearley somehow engaged the official’s wrath and disappeared to the bin, at which point the half time whistle sounded. Half time 19-19.

During the break Sam Bradley replaced Kaine Johnson in the row. From a rather squirmy kick off, Pavs failed to field the ball before it went into touch and from

the following lineout, Ilkeston worked their way across the pitch to score in the far corner to retake the lead at 19-26. An almost fully fit again Theo Collier took the open front row slot as the unlucky Sam Bradley was taken off due to the Brearley yellow card only to come on five minutes later as the sin bin penalty elapsed.

Moments later, Pavs worked their way into the Ilkeston half with an increasingly dominant scrummage. This allowed youngster Danny Green to go in at the corner to narrow things up at 24-26. On fifty two minutes and following some fine interplay, scrum half Jonty Green dived in to put Pavs in front for the first time since the third minute at 31-26. Ten minutes later, Ilkeston agains truck back with a converted try, to retake the lead at 31-33. Another ten minutes into game at sixty three minutes, Noah Bhatia replaced Danny Green, before hooker Owen Taylor found space down the blindside to outpace the Ilkeston defence before sliding in and put Pavs back in front at 36-33. Not to be outdone Ilkeston a little controversially scored in the corner and, with the added well struck conversion, got back in front at 36-40.

With seven minutes to play, Pavs went for the win, but unfortunately lost fly half George Billam to the bin for a strange interpretation of the tackle law. Despite this, the home side kept at it but ran out of time and Ilkeston were the eventual winners at 40-36.

  This was, in football parlance, a game that neither side deserved to lose. It was, indeed, a game of extremely fine margins (Pavs 6 tries/ 3 Cons, Ilkeston 6 tries/ 5 Cons). Both sides made errors and it was always going to be the side that made the fewest errors that would come out on top. A large Christmas crowd undoubtedly enjoyed a feast of rugby. The away side will delight in their victory whilst the home side will feel a deep sense of frustration but that is the nature of competitive sport. The key is how to move forward from that frustration and learn vital lessons to take into the new year. Pavs now go into the Christmas Break and will review their progress thus far into the season. One would venture to say somewhat of a curate’s egg so far. They will look to establish more consistency in preparation and how they conduct games and so make progress and fulfil the potential they have. On a seasonal note, one would like to wish all of our readers the merriest of Christmas’ and a prosperous and successful New Year.

Next Game – West Bridgford AWAY – 4th January – ko 2.15pm

  1. Dan Hyams
  2. Owen Taylor (1 try)
  3. Nick Brearley (Rep 40)
  4. Kaine Johnson (Rep 40)
  5. Tom Gladwin
  6. Josh Flanagan 
  7. Bailey Mayo
  8. Phil Eggleshaw (1 try)
  9. Jonty Green (1 try)
  10. George Billam (3 conv)
  11. Tom Davies (1 try)
  12. Ben Taylor 
  13. Matt Molyneux (1 try)
  14. Danny Green (1 try)
  15. Dan Flint

Impacts

  1. Noah Bhatia (63)
  2. Sam Bradley (40)
  3. Theo Collier (43)

Players of the Match – As in other weeks, it would be churlish to select any one individual from what was another truly team performance.

1st XV Manager 

MATCH REPORT: Carlton Town 3-1 Garforth Town

NPL First Division East
December 28, 2024

Report by Ben Marsh.

Stunning strikes from Khyle Sargent and Lamin Manneh either side of a Lawrence Stewart-Gorman goal gave the Millers a third win this month.

Carlton made one change from Boxing Day as Niall Hylton dropped to the bench for the returning Liam Moran who led the line.

On a heavy surface it was the visitors who had the first sight of goal. Max Bauer found space in the Carlton box but his left foot strike was smothered by Felix Annan.

Carlton hit the front after just five minutes. Khyle Sargent picked up the ball thirty yards out, advanced and in the absence of pressure took a shot. His right foot strike angled away from the despairing dive of Harry Flatters in the Garforth goal and hit the back of the net to the delight of the Shed End.

Garforth responded well and were denied again by an in-form Annan. Sam Barker’s excellent run from halfway drew a foul from Nat Watson right on the edge of the box in a central position. Jordan Emery stepped up and hammered the ball low to the Carlton goalkeeper’s right side but Annan did superbly to react and with a strong arm, preserving the Millers lead.

Carlton pressed forward and won a succession of corners. With a short corner routine, Manneh found Watson on the edge of the box. The Millers number nine beat his man and fired a powerful left foot shot at goal but Flatters was equal to it, pushing the ball over for another corner. Manneh supplied again but the ball was cleared back to him. He tried again and Flatters stayed on his line, Alex Howes winning a header in the six yard area and Lawrence Stewart-Gorman reacted quickest to prod home from a couple of yards to double the Millers’ lead.

As the visitors tried to get back into the game, it was Carlton on the break who had the better chances in the next ten minutes. Manneh’s pace was a constant threat but Rinor Ejupi at right back was equal to it producing a fine tackle as the Carlton wide man was threatening to break clear.  From the resulting throw Lewis Durow delivered a fine cross into the box and it was Manneh who found space and his left foot strike drew a good save from Flatters low to his left.

Garforth did start to command more of the play and were unlucky as a corner flashed across the face of goal.  Jamie Barkway advanced from centre back with a good run and he was unlucky as his shot was just over the Carlton bar.  Ejupi was under pressure again from Manneh but this time his timing was off and he went into the book but a few minutes later Garforth did get the goal their play deserved. Harry Viggars from left back powering home a header from a corner.

As the Miners piled on the pressure Dan Brown was well positioned to deflect wide a Charlie Marshall shot which was goal bound. Annan did well under pressure to bat away a Dan Coupland free kick. But once more, on the break Carlton created. Liam Moran did superbly well to wriggle clear from Barkway and advance forward. Howes provided the support and was unlucky as his shot flew over the bar.

The second half got underway as the mist descended and Garforth were unlucky to not score early. A goalmouth scramble with a mess of bodies eventually resulted in Moran clearing. Barker intercepted the ball but was well closed down by Charlie Carter who was excellent again. His smart pass found Manneh on halfway and he ran away first from Barker and then Ejupi, wary of being on a booking. Flatters delayed closing down the angle and Manneh lashed the ball into the goal from an impossible angle.

The Miners, roared on by a large travelling support, responded well and Annan again was called into action. After some good work from Marshall on the right Matt Antcliff found space on the edge of the box and hammered a left foot strike which looked certain to go in but Annan flew high and saved brilliantly.

Brown and Dean Freeman were snaffling up long balls but Carlton were increasingly retreating as the time ticked on but it was on the break again where they were dangerous. Carter won the ball on the right and fired and wonderful cross field ball to Manneh but once again Ejupi was on hand with a well-timed tackle.  Howes did well to intercept an out ball from Flatters and found Watson who crossed to the back post for Moran. His header back across the box was just short of Howes and Flatters gathered.

As the substitutes were deployed from both sides it did little more than disrupt the flow of the game which suited the home side and they saw out a fine win to end a decent return from the month.  Carlton finish 2024 in tenth position in the table.  The Millers start 2025 on the road with the supporters’ favourite away trip to Sheffield.

Carlton Town: F Annan, L Stewart-Gorman (S Thompson-Harris 90) L Durow, D Brown, D Freeman, C Carter, L Manneh (N Hylton 77),  K Sargent, N Watson (M Ford 77), L Moran, A Howes.  Unused Subs: N Saunders, H Goddard

Goals: K Sargent 5, L Stewart-Gorman 24, L Manneh 49; Harry Viggars 38

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM: Khyle Sargent

Att: 229

Latest planning applications put before Gedling Borough Council

These are the latest applications to have been submitted to and validated by Gedling Borough Council this week.

This is a round-up of the latest plans that the council’s planning officers have validated.

These applications will now be decided by Gedling borough planners.

More details can be found on the Gedling Borough Council planning site HERE by using the reference codes published below.

Removal of 2 x fallen dead trees marked on associated plan as exempt under TPO Regulations.
Ramper Covert Wood, Mansfield Road, Arnold
Ref. No: 2024/0925TPO5

G1 (silver birch and maple) reduce in height; T1 (silver birch) reduce in height; H1 (holly) reduce in height; T1 (cherry) reduce in height and T3 (hawthorn) remove
16, Ploughman Avenue, Woodborough NG14 6DE
Ref. No: 2024/0891TCA

T1 – pollard sycamore; T2 – remove conifer; T3 – pollard sycamore, rowan and ornamental cherry
12A Church Street Lambley NG4 4QB
Ref. No: 2024/0889TCA

T1: Sycamore. 3.0 meter crown reduction in height. 5.2 meter crown lift over highway, Up to 2 meter target pruning on all sides; T2: Lime. 3.0 meter crown reduction in height. Clean out crown & removal of epicormic growth. 5.2 meter crown lift over highway, Up to 2 meter target pruning on all sides; T3: Lime. Clean out Crown. Remove epicormic growth. 5.2 meter crown lift over highway.
293 Mapperley Plains Arnold Nottinghamshire NG3 5RG
Ref. No: 2024/0882TPO

T1: Lime. Fell (large cavity at the base and extensive rot at breast height)
297 Mapperley Plains Arnold NG3 5RG
Ref. No: 2024/0883TPO

Single-storey rear extension with roof terrace above. Demolition of existing garage to be replaced with new side extension.
37 Coronation Road Woodthorpe Nottinghamshire NG3 5JS
Ref. No: 2024/0884

Remove existing conservatory and erection of a single-storey rear extension
10 Harwood Close Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 8AB
Ref. No: 2024/0876

Single storey front and rear extensions; two storey side extension and noew roof over garage
High View 44 Roe Hill Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6DS
Ref. No: 2024/0879

Demolition of conservatory and erection of single storey rear extension (amendment to permission 2024/0562: increase the overall height)
42 Patterdale Road Woodthorpe Nottinghamshire NG5 4LQ
Ref. No: 2024/0874

The proposal would provide temporary residential accommodation for seasonal farm workers at Hammond Produce
New Farm, Hammond Produce Mansfield Road Bestwood Nottinghamshire NG5 8PB
Ref. No: 2024/0878

Approval of details reserved by condition 13 (CEMP) of planning permission 2020/0376
10A Redhill Road Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 8GP
Ref. No: 2024/0880DOC

Construction

T1 – Willow – Crown reduce up to 5m (high pollard)
101 Main Street Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6DA
Ref. No: 2024/0877TCA

Application to vary conditions 2 (approved drwaings) and 15 (levels) of planning permission 2021/1398 (amendment to drives of plots 3 & 4 to avoid shared access, vary house floor levels and the inclusion of steps to road elevation for plots 1,2,5 & 6)
Land At Grange View Road Gedling Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2024/0875

Erection of pair of semi-detached properties
8 Tudor Close Colwick Nottinghamshire NG4 2DR
Ref. No: 2024/0873

Demolition of single-storey coal shed; construction of single-storey extension to the side, rear and front, including a gable pitched entrance hall to replace existing porch area.
10 Southdale Drive Carlton Nottinghamshire NG4 1BZ
Ref. No: 2024/0868

Ground floor, single storey, flat roof extension to rear elevation projecting 4.5m to the rear, 2.3m in width and 2.8m in height. Rendered masonry external walls to match existing rear walls of the property, double glazed windows and single ply membrane roof finish.
2 Marhill Road Carlton Nottinghamshire NG4 3AH
Ref. No: 2024/0864PN

Hornbeams – H1 to H4 – prune all trees back to knuckles
119 Main Street Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6DA
Ref. No: 2024/0867TCA

T1 – Beech – Reduce crown by up to 2m
161A Main Street Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6DD
Ref. No: 2024/0849TPO

The application is for change of use to mixed-purpose. The property hosts well-being retreats in the back garden.
23 Trent Lane Burton Joyce Nottinghamshire NG14 5EY
Ref. No: 2024/0835

Forming bedroom above garage (First Floor Side Extension)
122 Charnwood Lane Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 6PG
Ref. No: 2024/0759

The proposal seeks an additional storey above the existing detached bungalow and as such falls within the requirement of this part of the GPDO.
114 Bridle Road Burton Joyce Nottinghamshire NG14 5FP
Ref. No: 2024/0669

The applicaiton is submitted in respect of a single storey side extension and erection of detached garage. The single storey side extension is 4856mm and 9609mm. The garage would be 16.04m by 6.6m, eaves of 2.441m and ridge of 3.995m
114 Bridle Road Burton Joyce Nottinghamshire NG14 5FP
Ref. No: 2024/0670

Move fence back , extend the fences and install gate
42 Beaumaris Drive Gedling Nottinghamshire NG4 2RA
Ref. No: 2024/0657

‘Massive increase’ in Severn Trent Water customers needing support with bills to rise by almost 50 per cent

Severn Trent has promised to support customers having difficulties paying their water bills ahead of an expected increase in average charges by almost 50 per cent.

According to industry regulator Ofwat, the yearly bill for Severn Trent Water customers will rise by an average of 47 per cent over the next five years.

This means the average annual bill is expected to rise from £398 in 2024-25 to £583 by 2030.

This equates to a rise of around £15 per month, and is the second-highest increase of the 11 water and wastewater companies across both England and Wales.

Severn Trent is the water company covering the midlands, including Nottinghamshire and the River Trent.

In an interview with Notts TV, the water company’s community and relationship manager, Mark Grice, said support would be offered to hundreds of thousands of customers struggling to afford their bills.

Mr Grice said: “We recognise winter can be a difficult time for customers affording to pay bills, but the message is we don’t want anyone to struggle paying their water bill.

“We recognise any increase for bills for water is difficult for some people to manage. What we want to do is provide support for those who need it most which is why we have launched an industry-leading support package that is worth £575m.

Severn Trent is the water company covering the midlands, including Nottinghamshire and the River Trent (PHOTO: STW)

“If I look back over the last five-year regulatory period, which [is] coming to an end, from 2020 to 2025 we have gone through the Covid pandemic, then we’ve had the cost of living, so we’ve seen a massive increase in customers who are reaching out to us for support with their water bill.

“We would encourage anyone who may be struggling to contact us because hopefully there would be some support available to them.”

Mr Grice said Severn Trent offers support through its ‘Big Difference’ scheme.

It is currently supporting 250,000 customers on low incomes, with the number expected to rise to a total 700,000 customers over the next five years.

Through the scheme customers are able to get between 30 and 70 per cent off their bills.

Customers with a total household income of £22,000 or less may apply, Mr Grice added.

In December the utilities firm announced its £15bn investment plan, including more than £2bn on improving river health by preventing spills from storm overflows.

Severn Trent said it represented an investment of more than £3,000 for every household during the next five years.

Its chief executive, Liv Garfield, has received almost £13m in performance-related pay, bonuses and shares over the last four years, including her recent £3.2m pay packet.

She defended her pay during a BBC Today programme interview last year, despite sewage spills surging by more than a third to 60,000 incidents in 2023.

Social club worker was taken to hospital with face injuries after being attacked at Carlton Hill venue

A member of staff at a Carlton Hill club was taken to hospital with face injuries after being attacked at work, police said.

Officers have now released an image of a man they wish to trace after the assault.

The incident happened on Saturday, November 30 just before 1.30am at the Top Spot Club.

The member of staff, in his 50s, was punched in the mouth and then kicked. He suffered a split lip and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The incident took place at Top Spot social club back in November (PHOTO: Google)

Officers have carried out a number of lines of inquiry to locate the person responsible but so far no arrests have been made.

Police have now released an image of a man that could help them further their investigation and are calling on the public’s help to identify him.

PC Tony Mait, who is investigating the incident, said: “No one should have to go to work and face this type of violence.

“The victim was punched and kicked before the group left the venue at speed.

“We have now released an image of a man that could us with our inquiries and are calling on the public’s help.

“Do you know the man in the image? Are you the man in the image? Please get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting incident number 0054 of the 30th November 2024 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.   

Ireland’s rules and regulations regarding online casino gambling

Online gambling has been growing in popularity all over the world, and Ireland has been one of the countries leading at this. And, with an expanding number of options, finding the best casino in Ireland has become a top priority for many players looking for a reliable platform to pass time – and enjoy the added thrill of possible big wins. 

However, it’s important for all players in the country to understand the rules and regulations that govern this activity, especially considering we have a new law that has been passed but isn’t yet in effect.

The Gambling Regulation Act 2024 was signed into law by the President on October 23, 2024, but at the moment, Ireland’s online gambling industry operates under a mix of modern and older legislation.

The Betting Act 1931 (Amended in 2015)

Given when it was initially created, this Act was originally meant for traditional betting. However, it was updated in 2015 to require all operators to obtain a remote bookmaker’s license and pay taxes on their Irish revenue. The goal here was to protect gamblers from shady operators while also bringing in revenue from the new market.

The Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 (Amended in 2019)

This one was drafted in 1956 to regulate lotteries, gaming machines, and small-scale gambling operations. But at that time, gambling was primarily land-based, so it was updated in 2019 to reflect the evolution of technology and consumer practices.

Basically, it simplified licensing for small-scale operators, made licenses for lotteries and gaming machines more accessible, and enhanced player protection. The maximum prize for a single draw was increased to €30,000, and we got new provisions that ensured games were conducted transparently and fairly. The amendment also introduced strict age restrictions, specifically banning anyone under 18 from participating.

The Gambling Regulation Act 2024

Most of the laws the country has been operating under are either outdated or insufficient, if not both. This meant there’s need for fresh regulatory measures, and this was done through the Gambling Act Regulation 2024. Here’s a look at some of its most important aspects:

  • Establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI): This is now the independent body tasked with overseeing everything related to gambling in Ireland, both offline and online. It will issue licenses, ensure compliance, and act as the central oversight authority. Its mandate encompasses all local and international operators earning in the country.
  • Consumer Protection Measures: It’s the responsibility of the government to ensure that players are protected from financial and social issues, and that is another important part of the new law. It requires measures such as clearer terms and conditions, self-exclusion programs, deposit and spending limits, and protection for vulnerable groups. The law also introduces stricter controls on gambling advertising.
  • Problem Gambling Measures: Addressing the issues brought by gambling is another focus of the Gambling Regulation Act 2024. It seeks to reduce the social and financial harms, and some of its measures are a Social Impact Fund and Mandatory Responsible Gambling programs. The fund will be funded by the levies imposed on operators, and it will support initiatives related to gambling addiction prevention, education, and treatment. The operators will also be required to have tools that players can use to assess their gambling behavior, know possible risks, and seek help if they feel their habits are becoming a problem.

All operators and players will be required to adhere to these, and the GRAI can impose fines on non-compliant operators. 

New Law Implementation Timeline

While the Act has been signed into law, it’s not yet in effect. Before that happens, the government first needs to ensure that the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is up and running. The various operators also need time to adjust their practices to conform with the new guidelines.

When everything is ready, the Act will then be “commenced” by the Minister for Justice through a Ministerial Order. You can expect that to happen sometime in 2025.

Hollywoodbets in South Africa: A Comprehensive Review 

Hollywood bets has established itself as a household name in South Africa’s sports betting landscape. Known for its extensive offerings, the platform caters to both novice and experienced bettors with options ranging from traditional sports betting to live in-play betting and casino-style games.

Hollywoodbets prides itself on its user-friendly platform, available both online and through a network of retail outlets across the country. Additionally, the platform provides competitive odds, exciting promotions, and a commitment to responsible gambling, making it a trusted choice among South African punters.

How to Register on Hollywoodbets 

Getting started with Hollywoodbets is a straightforward process. Follow the step-by-step guide below to create your account and begin enjoying the platform’s extensive betting options:

  1. Visit the Hollywoodbets Website: Go to the official Hollywoodbets website using your preferred device, whether a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Ensure that you access the secure and official site.
  2. Click on the “Register” Button: On the homepage, locate the “Register” button, displayed in a prominent position, and click on it to initiate the signup process.
  3. Fill in Your Personal Details: Complete the registration form by entering your personal information. This includes your full name, mobile number, email address, and South African ID or passport number. Make sure all details are accurate.
  4. Create a Secure Password: Select a strong password to secure your account. It should be unique, comprising letters, numbers, and special characters for added security.
  5. Agree to the Terms and Conditions: Read and accept Hollywoodbets’ terms and conditions, ensuring you are familiar with their policies, especially relating to responsible gambling.
  6. Verify Your Account: Once your details are submitted, you’ll receive a verification SMS or email. Follow the provided instructions to verify your account and activate it.
  7. Make Your First Deposit: Log in to your account and explore the deposit methods available. Add funds to your wallet to start placing bets.

By completing these steps, you’ll have full access to Hollywoodbets’ platform, allowing you to explore the wide range of betting options and promotions available.

Betting Options

Hollywoodbets offers a wide variety of betting options designed to appeal to a diverse audience. Sports enthusiasts can place wagers on popular sports such as soccer, rugby, cricket, tennis, and basketball, among others. For those interested in horse racing, Hollywoodbets excels in providing comprehensive coverage, with races from both local and international tracks.

Beyond traditional sports betting, the platform also features live in-play betting, allowing users to place bets on games and matches as they unfold in real time. This dynamic option adds excitement and engagement for bettors seeking a more interactive experience. Additionally, Hollywoodbets includes innovative offerings such as virtual sports, lotto games, and casino-style games like slots and roulette, ensuring there is something for everyone. This extensive selection is one of the key factors that sets Hollywoodbets apart in the competitive South African market.

Bet Types in Sports 

Hollywoodbets provides a wide range of bet types, enabling users to customize their betting experience based on their strategies and preferences. Below is a breakdown of the most common bet types available on the platform:

  • Single Bets: This is the simplest form of betting, where you place a wager on a single outcome, such as the winner of a match or an event.
  • Accumulator Bets: Also known as “multi bets,” this type involves combining multiple selections into a single bet. While the risk is higher, the potential returns are significantly greater if all selections are successful.
  • Handicap Betting: This option levels the playing field by giving one team or player a virtual advantage or disadvantage, making it ideal for matches with a clear favorite.
  • Over/Under Bets: With this bet type, you predict whether the total score or outcome of an event will be over or under a specified number set by the bookmaker.
  • Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Particularly popular in soccer betting, this wager involves predicting whether both teams in a match will score at least one goal.
  • Match Result (1X2): This is a classic betting option where you predict the outcome of a match – a win for the home team (1), a draw (X), or a win for the away team (2).
  • First Goal Scorer: Focused on individuals, this wager allows you to predict which player will score the first goal in a match or event.
  • Double Chance: With this bet, you can cover two possible outcomes in a match, such as a win for either team or a draw, reducing the risk and increasing the probability of success.
  • Correct Score: A more challenging bet option where you predict the exact final score of a match, offering higher odds for successful predictions.

These bet types, combined with competitive odds and a comprehensive range of sports, create an exciting and versatile betting experience for Hollywoodbets users.

Online Platform and User Interface 

Hollywoodbets provides a seamless online platform designed with user convenience in mind. The website features an intuitive layout, enabling users to easily access various betting options, promotions, and account management tools. Navigation is straightforward, with well-organized menus and quick links to major sports and games, ensuring even first-time visitors can place bets with ease. 

The platform is optimized for both desktop and mobile use, offering responsive design and compatibility across different devices. For those who prefer mobile betting, Hollywoodbets offers a dedicated app that provides all the features of the website while delivering a smooth and efficient user experience on the go. 

Mobile App 

The Hollywoodbets mobile app is a standout feature that enhances the betting experience for users who prefer wagering on the go. Available for both Android and iOS devices, the app offers all the functionalities of the website, wrapped in a highly responsive and user-friendly interface. Users can effortlessly browse through betting options, manage their accounts, make secure deposits and withdrawals, and take advantage of promotions directly from their mobile devices. 

One of the key highlights of the app is its streamlined performance, ensuring minimal loading times and an optimized experience even on slower network connections. The app also supports live in-play betting, allowing users to place bets in real time while keeping track of ongoing matches and events. 

Did you know these three things about Buddha statues?

Buddha statues are more than just decorations for your home. They have deep meaning and have a powerful effect on the energy in a room. However, did you know that there is much more behind these statues than most people think? From the pose to the hands. Let’s take a look at three interesting facts you might not have known yet!

1. Buddha statues come in different poses

Buddha statues come in different postures. All these postures have a specific meaning. The most popular pose is the sitting Buddha. It is associated with meditation and inner peace. The pose symbolises the moment when the Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Another posture is the standing Buddha. This one symbolises wisdom and protection. Finally, we have the reclining Buddha which reflects the attainment of Nirvana. This posture symbolises enlightenment and peace.

So each pose tells a story and has a powerful message. So choose a Buddha that enhances the energy of your space. Whether you are looking for an image that promotes meditation and focus or, on the contrary, symbolises protection and wisdom, the Buddha’s pose plays an important role in creating the right atmosphere.

2. The meanings of the hands

With Buddha statues, the hand postures, also known as mudras, are very important. These gestures have specific spiritual meanings that reinforce the message of the statue. There are a huge number of different mudras. Let’s list some of them:

  • The Dhyana mudra: this is the holding posture where the hands rest in the lap. This symbolises meditation, concentration and the search for inner peace. 
  • The Abhaya mudra: this involves holding one hand up in a protective gesture. This represents security and protection from negativity.
  • The Bhumisparsha mudra: in this pose, the right hand touches the ground and the left hand rests in the lap, palm upwards. This symbolises the Buddha’s promise to call the earth as a witness to his enlightenment.
  • The Namaskara mudra: this pose can be recognised by the palms of the hands brought together in front of the chest, with the fingers pointing upwards. It symbolises respect, gratitude and humility.

The hand postures thus help reinforce the Buddha’s intention. The hand gesture adds an extra layer of meaning to the image’s aura.

3. The facial expression is important

The facial expression of a Buddha statue plays an important role in its meaning. The Buddha’s calm smile is often the first thing you notice when seeing a Buddha statue. This smile is considered the symbol of enlightenment and inner peace. It is a visual reminder of the Buddha’s awakened state of being, in which he is free from suffering, desire and illusion. What the facial expression also emphasises is that inner peace can be found in letting go of attachments to worldly things. 
So, when choosing a Buddha statue, the posture, hand gesture and facial expression have a lot of influence on the energy the statue radiates. Consider what these elements mean to you and how they enhance your personal environment. If you’re looking for a Buddha statue, then take a look at originalbuddhas.com.

‘We wouldn’t visit anymore’: Plan for parking charge at Gedling Country Park divides opinion among our readers

Gedling Borough Council’s proposal to introduce a £2 parking charge at Gedling Country Park has got our readers talking.

Gedling Borough Council Cabinet members will decide on whether to approve plans to introduce parking charges at Gedling Country Park and roll out cashless payment options across the borough’s car parks at their Cabinet meeting on January 9.

Residents took to our social media channels to have their say and also emailed us their opinions about the charge.

Chris Rodgers posted: “Parking is two hours free across the Borough so we would stop visiting.”

Lorraine Goodwin said she was concerned about the impact the charge would have on nearby residents and road safety.

She wrote: “People would start parking on Spring Lane to avoid the parking fee, which at busy times could be dangerous.”

Anita Frost commented: “It would stop me using the park. I think £1 for two hours and £2 all day is fair. I only go for a coffee sometimes and putting another £2 on that is not viable.”

But not all readers were against the proposals.

Paul Dennis said: “Having seen some of the big and expensive cars that regularly park there, I think £2 all day is quite reasonable.”

Steve Todd emailed us to say: “I think people around here think there is some big magic money tree in a garden at the back of the council’s HQ. They want everything for free but moan about the state of the car park, despite contributing nothing.

Sam Holt contacted us to say she agreed with the council’s proposals.

“What parking is free anywhere else? Go to Bradgate Park or Wollaton Park and you are expected to pay. It’s the norm. We’ve been lucky the council haven’t charged us over the ten years but now they are everyone is moaning. Sorry but nothing is free in this world.”

Have an opinion on the proposed charge? Have your say in the comments section below.

Gedling Borough Council has called for ‘fairer funding’ from government after it was revealed what cash they will receive this year

Gedling Borough Council has called on the Government to provide ‘fairer funding’ after it was announced how much cash struggling local authorities will get this year.

Each year the Government tells councils how much it plans to give them in central funding to help run vital services such as social care, homelessness support, housing, bin collections, leisure centres and more.

The Labour Government said on December 18 it would be increasing spending power by six per cent in cash terms in 2025/26, or 3.5 per cent in real-terms over the previous year.

It is attempting to correct what it says is the “inefficiency of the current system” by putting councils in the most deprived areas on a more stable footing.

This policy has proven beneficial for urban and city councils, including Nottingham City Council, but county, district and borough councils have been left reeling.

The Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA), which Nottingham City Council is a part of, described the settlement for its members as fair, while providing “welcome relief to the most deprived areas after a decade of disproportionate cuts and increases in demand”.

However county, district and borough councils have expressed dismay at the settlement.

The County Councils Network (CCN) says the Government is “cherry picking” funding towards urban and city councils, while the District Councils Network (DCN) said its member authorities may be forced to cut services due to what is has described as a “tough” settlement.

According to the DCN, district councils are promised a 0.3 per cent cash increase, but it says this is dependent upon council tax increases and does not reflect many of the rising costs councils face.

The DCN adds: “District councils have already faced a real-terms funding cut of 21 per cent between 2010/11 and 2024/25.”

Further concerns have also been raised over added pressures from the rise in employer National Insurance Contributions.

Leader of the Gedling Borough Council, Cllr John Clarke (Lab), said: “We have reviewed the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025/26, and while we welcome the certainty it provides for the coming year, we are aware that the cash increase for borough and district councils is low.

“The average 0.3 per cent increase in Core Spending Power for district councils is significantly below the sector average of 6 per cent.

“Gedling Borough sits even lower than the 0.3 per cent. This minimal uplift does not reflect the rising costs we face or the increasing demand for the vital services we provide.

“Despite these challenges, we remain committed to delivering high-quality services for our residents and ensuring the efficient use of resources.

“However, we urge the Government to consider the pressures on district and borough councils and provide fairer funding in future settlements to protect essential services and support our communities.”

For Nottingham City Council, the settlement for 2025/26 has been welcomed.

The Labour-led authority is facing a £69m budget gap for 2025/26, rising to a cumulative £172m over the next three years.

Cllr Neghat Khan (Lab), the leader of the council, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We’re pleased that the Government has recognised the huge pressure that council budgets have been under over the last decade and more, particularly cities like Nottingham.

“We welcome the additional £30-plus million we have received in the Local Government Settlement to help us manage the ever increasing demand we face for vital services such as social care for adults and children, tackling homelessness and special educational needs.”

Nottinghamshire County Council were contacted for comment about the settlement, but did not respond.