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Schoolchildren plant trees as part of £10k memorial to Queen Elizabeth II in Gedling Country Park

A project to develop a memorial in Gedling Country Park for the UK’s longest-reigning monarch has begun with tree and wildflower planting during National Tree Week, the UK’s largest tree celebration event which also marks the start of the annual tree planting season and is organised by The Tree Council. 

Local schoolchildren joined volunteers and council officers on Wednesday (27) to plant five native Acer Campestre trees, aptly named the “Queen Elizabeth” variety. They will be added to the Queen’s Green Canopy, a woodland that was created as part of the former Monarch’s Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. 

This £10k project, which will also include the creation and installation of two bespoke commemorative benches and an interpretation board, is funded through a number of successful bids, led by the Friends of Gedling Country Park, who secured monies from both the Co-op and Nottinghamshire County Council’s Local Community Funds, the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and local councillors.

Over the course of the next few months, local artist Richard Janes will work with local children and the community to develop ideas for two memorial benches to honour the former Queen. It is anticipated that these benches will be unveiled in June 2025, to coincide with the former Monarch’s official birthday. Richard’s previous contributions to GCP include the large flame sculpture and bespoke benches commemorating the heritage of the former colliery site.

An interpretation board will also be installed, providing visitors with information about the woodland’s history and its connection to Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen’s Green Canopy was a unique tree planting initiative that was launched in partnership with The Tree Council to mark the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, encouraging people across the UK to ‘Plant a tree for the Jubilee’ in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s historic 70 years of service to the nation.

Cllr Viv McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Natural Habitat, said:”We are delighted to see these additions to the Queen’s Canopy.

Gedling Borough Council would like to thank the Friends of Gedling Country Park for their tireless efforts in securing funding to make this happen.

“The Canopy is a fitting tribute to our late Queen Elizabeth and the new benches will provide visitors with a wonderful space to enjoy the woodland.” 

Sarah Benedek, Fundraiser for the Friends of Gedling Country Park said: “My daughter was one of the children who helped with the tree planting to create the Queen’s Canopy in June 2022.

“When Queen Elizabeth II died, sensing the huge loss that the public felt, a vision formed to develop this area of woodland with the addition of memorial benches, more trees and beautiful bluebells.

“Having already worked with Richard Janes on the miners’ memorial sculpture and benches, we know he’ll create something practical, majestic and fitting to commemorate our late Queen and we’re really excited to see how this project unfolds.”   

Commenting on the £5,000 worth of Local Communities Funding (LCF) which was allocated to Friends of Gedling Country Park earlier this year, Councillor Scott Carlton, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, said: “We’re delighted to have jointly funded this project.  It will be a welcome addition to this popular park and a lovely tribute to our much-loved late queen.

“LCF is all part of our continued commitment to encourage healthy and sustainable communities by financially supporting community groups and charities  We hope this investment will encourage even more people to enjoy this green space

Plans to convert Arnold Baptist church into apartments given green light by council

The ‘sensitive’ transformation of a Baptist church in Arnold was welcomed by councillors as plans to convert it into apartments were given the green light.

The church, in Cross Street, was last used as a place of worship in 2020.

Mr T Ubhi, of 9 Property Group Ltd, submitted plans to convert the old church building and Victorian school room into nine residential apartments, alongside the construction of a four-storey block featuring a further 14 one-bedroom apartments.

Original plans suggested the church should be demolished, however they were changed on the advice of Gedling Borough Council’s planning officers.

Plans to retain and convert the church were unanimously approved as a planning committee meeting on Wednesday (November 27).

Cllr Paul Wilkinson (Lab) said: “There is no doubt whatsoever this is a very sympathetic development and I congratulate the applicant in terms of the work he’s done to make it acceptable from a building point of view.

“I am slightly concerned about the lack of parking, but I think there is a balance to be struck here. It is difficult to think of a more sustainable location in terms of public transport anywhere in borough and that certainly mitigates against the lack of parking.”

The applicant was required to provide financial contributions to make the development acceptable in planning terms, under what’s known as a Section 106 agreement.

Nottinghamshire County Council had asked for a contribution of £7,200 towards improvements to nearby bus stop infrastructure at James Street, which the applicant has agreed to pay.

The applicant will also provide £146,311 towards more affordable housing in the area.

“It is very pleasing to see an applicant agreeing to pay all their planning obligations, that seems to be increasingly rare these days,” Cllr Wilkinson added.

Cllr Stuart Bestwick and Cllr Helen Greensmith, both Conservative, said they had concerns over the lack of parking and the “overbearing” nature of the four-storey apartment building.

They were informed neighbours had been consulted, but the council had only received two letters of objection.

Season tickets will be available for residents at nearby car parks to alleviate any parking concerns, a council officer said.

Cllr Julie Najuk (Lab) added: “I am really pleased to see a local asset is being sensitively looked after, and a local person is even more important to me.

“If this didn’t go through the building would become derelict and would then have to be demolished, and then you would lose it completely.”

Nottinghamshire County Council’s archaeologists said human remains had been found on the site in 2017, and said the applicant would need a licence to remove any further remains if discovered during future building work.

Haul of fake Apple iPhones recovered from vehicle in Arnold that police said were about ‘as much use as a paper weight’ 

Police are urging people to stay vigilant after officers seized a haul of fake iPhones during an intelligence-led vehicle stop in Arnold.

Fifteen counterfeit phones were recovered, along with fake Apple AirPods and watches, after officers recently stopped a car in the Redhill area. 

Officers recovered the items and also seized the foreign-registered Audi itself which was found to have been in the country for more than six months and wasn’t taxed. 

The realistic-looking items are now in the process of being handed over to Trading Standards officials following the vehicle stop on November 18. 

A counterfeit phone recovered by police

Sergeant Steve Waft, of Nottinghamshire Police’s roads policing unit, said: “The phones were packed in cellophane and looked real. They even turned on and had the start-up process however we quickly noticed that they ran very slowly and once we got past the first few screens that’s all there was. 

“We believe these fake phones were being sold for between £400 and £600 each.

“Anyone who may have bought these phones either in person or online would have been defrauded out of significant amounts of money. The only use they would have had would have been as a paper weight. 

“There’s also a safety risk as fake electronic equipment, such as mobile phones or chargers, could be dangerous to use or pose a fire risk. 

“With Christmas coming up, we don’t want people to lose hundreds of pounds on products that aren’t genuine. It might look like a bargain but if an offer seems too good to be true then it probably is. 

“We’re warning anyone tempted to buy expensive items like mobile phones from someone they don’t know to be careful – people should always check items before buying and only buy from trusted sellers.”

If you think you have been sold counterfeit goods, or if you suspect somebody is selling fake goods, you can get advice from the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or from your local Trading Standards office.

You should also report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling them on 0300 123 2040.

Best moving tips from VanUmove for protecting your valuable belongings

Whether you move within the city or plan a country-crossing relocation, undoubtedly, one of your major concerns would be the safe transit of your belongings. Make sure that the things you own arrive at your new place in a good state. VanUmove, a platform assisting you in finding and assessing the most appropriate removal companies, delivers practical tips. All the information you need is included here, from getting the perfect packaging materials to the proper unloading procedure.

Prepare Your Packing Supplies

The proper materials are the foundation for a smooth transition. Acquiring high-end packaging materials to protect your special or fragile objects and putting money in your package is a necessary step. Major packaging materials are as follows:

  • Sturdy boxes that are of different sizes to choose from.
  • Use wrinkled newspaper or bubble wrap as the padding.
  • Sturdy adhesive tape is used to securely seal boxes.
  • Permanent labelling markers.
  • Mattress and furniture protectors like padded foams and bubble wraps.

Instead, prioritise a better quality list of materials, mainly when a long-distance relocation or you have to engage a full-service mover, who can help you get in contact with reliable movers, who normally add packaging supplies with the packages.

Protect Fragile Items with Correct Wrapping Techniques

Particular care must be taken with delicate objects like electronics, pottery, and glassware. Using the right wrapping methods may significantly improve the protection of these fragile possessions. Here are some pointers:

  • Make extensive use of bubble wrap by wrapping each delicate item separately and taping the wrap in place. Put some cushioning inside the box for further security.
  • Cover the box with padding in layers: Before putting anything inside, line the bottom of each box with foam peanuts or crumpled paper.
  • Keep things snug: Don’t leave spaces in the box between things. To stop shifting while in transit, cover any vacant spots with paper or other soft materials.
  • Clearly label the boxes: To show the proper orientation, mark boxes carrying fragile things with “FRAGILE” and an arrow.

Pack Items in Sturdy Boxes and Label Carefully

The secret to packing is organisation. Your goods will be well-protected if you choose robust boxes, and unpacking will be a lot simpler if you properly identify them. Adhere to these recommended practices:

  • Organise things logically: To speed up unpacking, group related goods together, such as books or kitchenware.
  • Avoid packing too many boxes: To make lifting easier and lower the chance of the box ripping, heavy objects, such as books, should be placed in smaller boxes.
  • Strengthen the bottom: For extra support, put more tape on the box’s bottom seams.
  • Label each box with information about its contents, room, and any specific handling guidelines. Long-distance removal companies will find this especially useful since it guarantees that boxes are placed in the proper locations when they arrive.

Handling and Loading Tips for Safe Transport

Freepik

The next stage is to load your items into the moving van after they have been packed. To prevent harm at this point, proper handling is crucial. Remember these pointers:

  • First, heavy items: To establish a stable basis, place furniture and heavy boxes at the bottom. Lighter objects won’t be crushed because of this.
  • Hold loose objects in place: To keep things from moving while travelling, fasten them in place with ropes or straps.
  • Evenly distribute the weight: To guarantee easy transportation and lower the chance of tipping, distribute the load evenly throughout the vehicle.
  • Employ protective padding: To avoid dents and scratches, wrap appliances and furniture in moving blankets or cushions.

Careful loading is essential whether you’re conducting the move yourself or with full-service movers

Unpacking and Checking for Damage

The last step after moving into your new house is to unload and check your possessions for damage. Observe these rules:

  • Unpack in a methodical manner, starting with necessities like beds and kitchenware before tackling less important belongings.
  • Check for damage right away: Make sure important or delicate things have arrived undamaged by carefully inspecting them. Report any problems to your moving company right away.
  • Recycle packing supplies: Either properly dispose of cardboard boxes and other packing supplies or save them for later use.

Long-distance moving companies often offer unpacking assistance, which can save time and effort. You can find a removal company with VanUmove that provides such convenient options.

In Conclusion

If you take the proper steps to secure your possessions, moving doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience. Every step is essential to make sure your relocation is successful, from purchasing high-quality packaging materials to carefully unloading. For individuals arranging long-distance relocation in particular, full-service removal firms may streamline the process. You may use VanUmove to evaluate services, locate a moving company that meets your needs, and feel secure knowing that your belongings are in capable hands.  Do you want to learn more about VanUmove’s services or read customer reviews? You can do it in a second by visiting the GMB profile and exploring numerous reviews from many customers. 

The proper planning and reliable experts make all the difference, whether you’re relocating across town or to a different city. Make your next move as easy and stress-free as possible by using moving services.

The importance of soft skills in education and beyond

When we think about education, our minds often gravitate toward hard skills—those tangible, technical abilities like math, science, coding, or writing. While these are undeniably important, soft skills often take a back seat in the conversation. But here’s the kicker: soft skills are the unsung heroes of personal and professional success. They’re the glue that binds relationships, the secret sauce in teamwork, and the key to adapting to an ever-changing world.

In this article, we’ll explore why soft skills matter, not just in the classroom but in life as a whole. From boosting employability to fostering better human connections, these skills are invaluable. So, let’s dive in and uncover the power of soft skills, starting with what they are and why they hold the potential to change your life.

What Are Soft Skills, and Why Do They Matter?

Soft skills are essentially personal attributes and interpersonal abilities that enable you to interact effectively and harmoniously with others. Think of skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, empathy, and leadership. While hard skills help you land a job, soft skills help you keep it—and thrive in it.

Why do they matter? Imagine trying to work with someone who’s brilliant at crunching numbers but struggles to collaborate or manage time. Or consider a teacher who knows their subject inside out but lacks the empathy or communication skills to connect with students. In both cases, the absence of soft skills can be the downfall.

In today’s fast-paced world, soft skills are becoming even more critical. Jobs are evolving, workplaces are becoming more collaborative, and the ability to connect and communicate is more valued than ever. As automation and AI take over repetitive tasks, the “human touch” provided by soft skills is what sets individuals apart.

The Role of Soft Skills in Education

Building a Holistic Learning Environment

Education isn’t just about textbooks and tests; it’s about preparing students for life. Soft skills play a vital role in creating a well-rounded learning environment. Imagine a classroom where students are encouraged to work together on projects, express their thoughts openly, and learn to resolve conflicts constructively. That’s a space where soft skills shine.

Teachers who integrate soft skills into their lessons prepare students for real-world challenges. For example, group projects teach teamwork and conflict resolution, while presentations enhance communication and public speaking skills, or writing and sharing notes via the Edubirdie platform where students have to actively interact with each other. By focusing on these, educators cultivate critical thinkers who can collaborate and innovate.

You might think soft skills only matter after school, but they can significantly impact academic performance. Skills like time management and self-discipline are crucial for studying effectively and meeting deadlines. Emotional intelligence helps students manage stress and build resilience in the face of challenges, whether it’s a tough exam or a personal setback.

Moreover, classrooms that emphasize empathy and mutual respect create a supportive atmosphere where students feel safe to learn and grow. This fosters engagement and curiosity, which naturally translates to better academic outcomes.

Why Soft Skills Matter Beyond Education

Here’s a surprising fact: According to research by LinkedIn, 89% of recruiters say that when a hire doesn’t work out, it’s due to a lack of soft skills—not hard skills. Think about that for a second. No matter how great someone is on paper, their ability to thrive in a workplace depends largely on their interpersonal abilities.

Employers today are looking for more than just expertise. They want employees who can adapt, communicate, and collaborate. Whether it’s managing a team, networking with clients, or solving unexpected problems, soft skills are the X-factor that makes you indispensable.

Take adaptability as an example. The world of work is evolving at lightning speed, and the ability to pivot when circumstances change is invaluable. Likewise, communication and leadership skills can catapult you from being just another employee to becoming a key player in your organization.

Building Stronger Relationships

Soft skills aren’t just about professional success; they’re the foundation of meaningful personal relationships too. Who doesn’t appreciate someone who listens intently, communicates clearly, or empathizes deeply? Whether it’s with family, friends, or colleagues, soft skills improve the quality of our interactions and connections.

For instance, emotional intelligence—a key soft skill—helps you understand and manage not only your emotions but also those of others. This can be the difference between resolving conflicts peacefully or letting them escalate. Strong interpersonal skills make you not just a better professional, but a better human being.

How to Develop and Hone Soft Skills

Practice, Practice, Practice

Here’s the good news: soft skills can be learned and improved with effort. Start by practicing active listening in conversations—really focus on what the other person is saying instead of formulating your response while they’re still speaking. Practice empathy by putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, whether it’s a coworker, a friend, or a family member.

Want to know how good your soft skills really are? Ask for feedback. Your peers, mentors, and even family can offer valuable insights into areas where you excel and areas that need work. Accepting constructive criticism with grace is, in itself, a soft skill worth mastering!

Many organizations and institutions now offer courses aimed at developing soft skills. Whether it’s public speaking, leadership, or conflict resolution, these programs can be a game-changer. They not only teach you the theory behind these skills but also give you hands-on opportunities to practice them.

Soft skills have a ripple effect. When you improve your communication, empathy, and adaptability, you’re not just improving your own life—you’re positively impacting everyone around you. Think of a workplace where team members communicate openly, a classroom where students support each other, or a family where conflicts are resolved with understanding. That’s the power of soft skills in action.

Conclusion

Soft skills may not always get the spotlight, but they’re the silent drivers of success in education and beyond. They bridge the gap between knowledge and its practical application, turning good students into great leaders and capable professionals into outstanding ones.

As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of soft skills can’t be overstated. They enable us to collaborate, innovate, and adapt to whatever life throws our way. Whether you’re a student preparing for the future, a professional climbing the career ladder, or simply someone aiming to improve relationships, soft skills are your secret weapon.

So, let’s give these skills the attention they deserve. After all, they don’t just shape your career—they shape your character. And isn’t that what success is truly about?

New neighbourhood policing inspector for Gedling borough sets out her priorities

Gedling borough has a new inspector in charge of Neighbourhood Policing.

Inspector Heather Harding has now taken over the role from Mark Stanley after previously working in Broxtowe borough.

She has been on Nottinghamshire neighbourhood policing teams for a number of years and said she was looking forward to getting to know the local community to understand the issues that are faced across Gedling borough.

The new inspector has now revealed her three quarterly local priorities for the borough, which are as follows:

Tackling anti-social behaviour in Arnold

Inspector Harding said: “Over the last couple of months there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour in the Arnold town centre area. The Gedling central team have been working to address this and have made some good progress with the young people involved.

“There are now youth outreach workers in the area, who are working with the children in diversionary activities. Over the last couple of weeks there has been a decrease in reported incidents, so this is a positive step towards a resolution for the issue.”

Anti-social behaviour in Calverton

The new inspector said: “After an increase in low level anti-social behaviour the Gedling north team have been focussing on the area, being visible, engaging with all the young people they see and ensuring that positive action is taken where offenders have been identified.

“There have been multiple stop searches completed, in which drugs have been found and offenders dealt with. In addition, the team have worked to develop relationships with the local youth centre and have ensured that they are visiting and speaking to the staff and kids using the facilities to send a clear message of acceptable behaviour in the area. This has led to a reduction in reported incidents and some meaningful engagement between the police, community and young people in the area.

Car cruising in Gedling south

“This is something that has been highlighted to police as an ongoing issue for a while,” said Inspector Harding.

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

“Recently the Gedling south team have been able to dedicate time to be in the area on patrol at the relevant times and have taken positive action when suspects have been identified. In addition, a force wide initiative for car cruising activity is now in place, which means patrol are being carried out in the area even more regularly.

The inspector also talked about the recent dispersal order put in place around Arnold town centre.

She said: “After a few busy days at the end of October, it was anticipated that there may be further problems in the Arnold town centre and so a dispersal order was put in place allowing police to break up groups if necessary. This was in place for 48 hours with multiple positive response, including more than 10 people being taken home, arrests for drugs and firework possession as well as lots of high visibility patrols.

“The feedback I have received is that residents and businesses were reassured by this action. Needless to say it’s something that will be used again as a robust approach if necessary.”

Sentimental jewellery stolen in Mapperley house burglary

Police are appealing for information as they work to reunite a Mapperley couple with hugely sentimental jewellery stolen during a break-in at their home.

The items were stolen during a burglary on October 9, 2024.

The couple returned to their home to discover the break-in had taken place at some point between 11.15am and 1.15pm.

Officers have arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of burglary but the investigation is ongoing.

The images are not the actual items but very similar pieces of jewellery found online (PHOTO: Notts Police)

(PHOTO: Notts Police)

(PHOTO: Notts Police)

They are now also working to trace the collection of jewellery.

Police Constable Jessica Roffe, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The victims were left extremely upset by the break-in and particularly the loss of this sentimental jewellery which was very important to them and their family.

“Officers have been working hard to trace the items by visiting jewellery shops and carrying out other inquiries.

“However, we’d also like to ask for the public’s help. If you’ve seen or been offered items like these for sale, either online or in person, or have any more information that could help us track them down, we’d ask that you please get in touch with us.”

The images are not the actual items but very similar pieces of jewellery found online.

Another stolen item is described as a solid ‘Gold Pigeon Medal’ which has ‘Saxton Brothers 1928 – Young Birds Champions’ inscribed with an enamel image of a blue pigeon on it.

Anyone with any information should call police on 101, quoting incident number 340 of 9 October 2024, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

LUCY LINTON: How TikTok is driving a book-buying renaissance

Research from the Publisher’s Association has found that BookTok, the book-based trend within the social media platform TikTok, is key to getting people reading again.

For those aged 16-25, 59% said that BookTok or book influencers helped them discover a passion for reading.

The research also found that BookTok significantly influenced what types of books were read, with 55% saying they turned to the platform for recommendations and 38% prioritising TikTok recommendations over those from family and friends.

But what exactly is it about BookTok that makes it so great?

Unlike traditional reviews, BookTok is much more personal and, arguably, vulnerable. Creators don’t just review books – they cry over them, gush over their favourite characters, showcase art inspired by those characters, and share deeply emotional reactions that resonate with viewers on a wide scale.

This vulnerability creates an authentic connection that sets TikTok apart. For readers, it’s less about breaking down themes and more about the emotional journey of reading, both highs and lows.

Reading-stock

One book that ideally showcases this is Hanya Yanagihara’s A Little Life. This lengthy novel is a profoundly moving exploration of friendship, trauma, and resilience—it took me nearly half a year to finish.

BookTok creators don’t shy away from showing raw emotion. Many posts about A Little Life follow a familiar pattern: creators film themselves looking cheerful before reading, then post clips of themselves crying as they move through each chapter, and finally show visible distraught after finishing, clutching the novel against their chest. Comments often read, “I’m scared to start this,” or “This book destroyed me, but I’d recommend it to anyone”.

I was unaware of the book until it became a BookTok sensation despite being published in 2015. Seeing endless TikToks raving about it convinced me to order a copy immediately.

Booktok’s influence has revitalised interest in reading and boosted book sales. According to Neilsen’s Books and Consumers survey, BookTok accounted for 90 million book purchases in 2022.

One standout success is Adam Silvera’s They Both Die at the End, which sold over 650,000 copies in 2021 and another 100,000 the following year, years after its original publication in 2017.

A search for #BookTok on TikTok reveals over 40 million posts. At the same time, the trend has spread to Instagram, where the hashtag holds over 7 million posts.

However, Booktok’s influence extends beyond encouraging people to pick up books; it also reshaped the entertainment industry. Many trending books have been adapted into films or series, often advertised with the phrase “Based on the TikTok sensation.”

Take Normal People by Sally Rooney, which gained adoration on BookTok before its heartbreaking TV adaption. Similarly, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Daisy Jones and the Six found new life as both a BookTok favourite and a successful Amazon Prime series.

While BookTok’s impact is undeniable, it does come with drawbacks. Of course, social media is algorithm-driven, which can lead to trending titles dominating the platform over fewer mainstream works.

Additionally, the focus on emotional reactions can favour genres. I see romance, young-adult fiction, and contemporary tragedy novels more than any other literary form, such as historical nonfiction or classic literature.

I often worry that the books dominating my feed are purely moments of buzz rather than something of long-term literary value. However, I’ve yet to find a book recommended through my social media that I have yet to have the utmost adoration for.

Even with these potential drawbacks, BookTok has undeniably expanded the reach of literature to audiences who might have yet to discover it.

Booktok reminds us of something important: books are not just stories; they are connections and conversations that unite us across screens, shelves, and generations.

While not every book will go viral—nor should it have to—the platform has revived countless people’s love for reading.

But it’s worth remembering that every story has the potential to spark joy, no matter where it goes viral – if it ever does at all.

The history and meaning behind Gedling borough’s pub names – Mapperley

Some of Gedling borough’s pubs have some really interesting names so we decided to explore their origins.

This week we have uncovered the history of a number of watering holes in Mapperley, some still with us, others long gone, and found out how they came to get their titles.

PLAINSMAN – Woodthorpe Drive

The naming of this pub – which first opened its doors back in December 1969 – was an attempt to integrate the local area with American history.

Touches of the Wild West were visible inside back in the day with eye-catching murals on display that were the work of Ernest Bottomley – a former senior art lecturer at the Manchester Polytechnic.

His silver bison herd on a golden range was featured on a straight wood carving and for
preliminary research he studied these animals closely beforehand at a zoo. A hunter’s buffalo gun, a life-size Colt 45 and other reminders of tough frontier living are incorporated in a composition of wood and leather.

As for the original inn-sign itself, this was an impressive interpretation of the Western theme inspired by The Plainsman film starring the late, great Gary Cooper as Wild Bill Hickok and can still be seen outside the pub to this day.

The Plainsman sign today (PHOTO: Google)

The Woodthorpe Top – Woodthorpe Drive

The Woodthorpe Top was once Woodthorpe Grange Motors, the successor to Hopcroft Motors, for whom this single-storey building was erected after the Secondary World War.

Traveller’s Rest – Mapperley Plains

This inn, once known as the HalfWay House originates from I872 and was rebuilt in 1925.

Its first owner was a farrier, who attended to the re-shoeing of horses after they were watered at the pub.

For most people in the 19th and first quarter of the 20th century, the Carriers’ Cart was the only way of transporting themselves and their goods from Nottingham and Southwell.

In those days the carts made their twice-weekly trips to Southwell from the Black Boy, The Crown’ and The Maypole pubs on Long Row in Nottingham. This pub, with its strategic position, would certainly have occasion to be restful to these travellers.

Tree Tops – Plains Road

This pub – which opened on October 9, l963 was formerly a commercial and residential guest house.

Situated at one of the highest points in the district – a factor from which it
takes its name – it offered scenic views over the neighbouring countryside.

Cyberattack causes food shortages in Morrisons stores – including Netherfield

Morrisons’ customers in Gedling borough have been complaining on social media after being surprised with empty shelves in the store’s fruit, vegetable and meat sections this week following a hacker attack on warehouses.

The supermarket giant has a store on Victoria Retail Park in Netherfield and regular shoppers said there was very little on offer.

Ali Limb posted: “It’s like Covid all over again. Nothing in Morrisons. Off to Sainsbury’s I go then.”

Louise Simpkin wrote: “Not much in Morrisons Netherfield, folks. Very little or no bread, meat or veg. Might be worth going elesewhere.

According to reports, the shortages are a result of hackers hitting a software system the retailer uses to manage its supply chain. 

Morrisons confirmed the attack on the third-party company Blue Yonder, which impacted warehouse supply chains and caused shortages of fresh fruit, vegetables and meat in its stores.

A company spokesperson said: “Last week Blue Yonder suffered an outage, which has impacted our warehouse management systems for fresh and produce.  

“Ambient and frozen are unaffected. We are currently operating on our backup systems and we’re working very hard to deliver for our customers across the country.”