Nottingham Outlaws unbeaten league run continued on Saturday when they put a strong Coventry Bears side to the sword, recording an emphatic 44-6 victory at Lenton Lane.
The Outlaws went into the match with a side sporting a number of changes from the team that ran out in the friendly at Moorends the weekend before. The changes included the return of last season’s captain Alex Whittle who was having his first hit-out of the season and debutant Harry Watts.
The match started and right from the get-go it was clear that both teams were playing with contrasting styles, Coventry playing down the middle utilising their big pack of forwards whilst the Outlaws were looking to use their superior pace and movement out wide at every opportunity.
After ten minutes of fairly even rugby the Outlaws opened their account as winger Jimmy Goodwin scored after running over the top of his opposite number to nudge the Outlaws 4-0 ahead.
IMAGE: Nottingham Outlaws Rugby LeagueIMAGE: Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League
Having inched ahead the Outlaws let their opponents into the game and on the back of a knock on and a penalty they marched into the Outlaws red-zone and the home side could do little to stop their big forwards driving over from short range to nudge the Bears ahead 6-4.
Stung by this reversal the Outlaws went back on the hunt for more try’s and scrum half Tom Wigglesworth soon found the key to the door, eluding a couple of tacklers to plant the ball under the sticks. Whitfield added the extras to put the Outlaws ahead at 10-6.
It was a lead that the Outlaws were destined to keep for the remainder of the game.
Once again, the Outlaws made a hash of the play the ball after the restart and the Bears should have scored, only to lose the ball in the act of grounding when a try would have seen them once again pull ahead.
Having been let off the hook the Outlaws were quick to add to the visitor’s misery as pacey centre Cal Foster tore through the line before rounding the full back to score under the sticks for a marvellous forty yarder. Again, Whitfield converted and the Outlaws went into the sheds at 16-6 at the end of forty fairly even minutes.
Coach Shepherd used the break to breath some fresh life into the side with Steve Page and Harry Watts coming on the pitch.
The next try was always going to be important and thankfully from a home perspective it was the Outlaws who got it as Captain Coryn Ward jinked through the Bears defence to open his account for the afternoon as the Outlaws eased out to a three score lead at 22-6.
The Ward try seemed to knock the stuffing out of a Bears side that had competed well but were now rapidly running out of steam.
IMAGE: Nottingham Outlaws Rugby LeagueIMAGE: Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League
Sensing the game was there for the taking the Outlaws put the foot on the gas and began attacking at will and the score board soon started moving again as Jimmy Goodwin grabbed his second of the game with a carbon copy try to his first.
Probably the biggest cheer of the day came when Alex Whittle marked his return to the fold with a trademark show and go that opened up a gap big enough for the long-striding halfback to waltz through without a hand being laid upon him. With the Whitfield conversion sailing through the sticks the Outlaws were powering ahead at 34-6.
The home side were in no mood to let their rivals off the hook and in the very next set they extended their lead further whin powerful winger Jimmy Goodwin completed a fine hat trick with yet another unstoppable surge over the line.
As the clock ticked down the Outlaws had time for one more score and what a try it was!
There seemed little danger when Cal Foster took the ball in hand just inside his own half but the boom centre went on what is now his trademark mazy run, rounding two players before surging through the line, wrong-footing the fullback to score a superb effort under the sticks.
To make matters worse for the visitors the chasing Bears committed a nasty, indeed dangerous foul on the young Outlaws Centre which saw the Bears reduced to 12 players for the remainder of the match.
Despite their numerical advantage the Outlaws did not add to their score and the referee blew for time with the Outlaws holding a commanding 44-6 lead after scoring 22 unanswered points in the second stanza.
After the game the players waited to hear who would walk away with the man of the match bubbly. In such a big win there were a number of players in with a shout such as hat trick hero Jimmy Goodwin and the effervescent Cal Foster who also bagged a fine brace. However, for the second game in a row the award Ali Waring took the vote with a superb effort especially in the first half when his defending kept a bigger Bears pack at bay.
Next week the Outlaws are at home again as they face a struggling Swindon Bulldogs side that is yet to get a point.
Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League Club are one of the leading Rugby League clubs in the Midlands. In addition to the 1st Team, the Outlaws also operate a 2nd Team that competes in the Midlands Rugby League competition. The club is thriving at all levels and now boasts over 200 registered players, with several junior teams and a women’s section.
The club play their home games at Lenton Lane, Nottingham NG7 2SA and further information about the Outlaws can be found on their website HERE.
Police officers in Gedling have carried out a number of proactive patrols across the borough to tackle nuisance off-road vehicles.
Last week the team, acting on intelligence, headed out to Carlton Hill on the hunt for anti-social off-road bike users.
Officers then headed to Netherfield and Colwick Country Park keeping an eye out for bikes.
They then took a trip over to Arnold and Calverton before heading into Burton Joyce and patrolling the river path.
Stopping to chat with members of the public, the team were on hand to offer advice about what to do if off-road bikes are causing distress in their communities.
A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: “We’re working hard to crack down on this type of antisocial behaviour but need your help to call it in if you spot any illegal bikers.
“If you see an off-road bike or have any information on hotspot areas report it to us online or call 101.
“Always call 999 in an emergency.”
One resident on Carlton Hill who didn’t wish to be named said they were ‘fed up’ of the noise caused by the bikers during the summer.
“I’m glad police are doing something. It’s the same every summer as they tear up and down the Hill at all times of the morning. It wakes you up or makes you jump.”
The Met Office forecast today will be dry and very warm but occasionally cloudy. Some cloud breaks are likely to occur, allowing brighter or sunny spells. Maximum temperature 26 °C.
Dry and very mild overnight. A cloudy start to the night, but clear spells developing later, especially in the south. Perhaps some mist developing later where clear spells occur. Minimum temperature 15 °C.
Tomorrow will be dry and very warm or hot. Variable amounts of cloud, but with plenty of sunny spells likely. Maximum temperature 28 °C.
These are the latest applications to have been decided and published by Gedling Borough Council over the last week (w/e 21/6/24) from around the borough.
Non-material amendment to planning permission 2020/1174 (variation in wording of conditions 3, 4, 10 12 and 16)
Timmermans Garden Centre Lowdham Lane Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6DN. Ref. No: 2024/0331NMA
DECISION: NMA Approval Conditional
T1 – Mature tall broad leafed lime tree; cut back lateral branches overhanging highway to height of approximately 6 meters from the ground, along with any dead/dying wood. T2 – Mature tall broad leafed lime tree; cut back lateral branches overhanging highway to height of approximately 6 meters along with any dead/dying wood T3 – .Mature tall broad leafed lime tree; cut back lateral branches overhanging highway to height of approximately 6 meters from the ground, along with any dead/dying wood.
The Old Rectory Main Street Linby Nottinghamshire NG15 8AE. Ref. No: 2024/0318TCA
DECISION: Trees in Cons Area Acceptable
Change of use of a dwellinghouse to a mixed use (Use Class C3(b) and Use Class C2) children’s residential home for a maximum of three young persons aged 8 to 18 years old.
The Met Office forecast a sunny start for many places. This afternoon large amounts of cloud will persist, but some sunny intervals will develop as cloud breaks occur. Feeling warm, with light winds. Maximum temperature 24 °C.
Tonight is expected to be dry with often large amounts of cloud, but also some breaks allowing clear spells to occur. Light winds for all areas. Minimum temperature 17 °C.
Tomorrow is forecast to see generally large amounts of cloud, but still it will be dry and bright with occasional breaks allowing sunny intervals to occur. Very warm and humid. Maximum temperature 26 °C.
The Sherwood Forest constituency has only been held by the Labour Party once in its history – albeit for a lengthy period of time – before another Conservative Party takeover.
Labour’s Paddy Tipping served the constituency between 1992 and 2010, retiring in May that year due to a heart attack, before going on to become police commissioner for Nottinghamshire.
The area is one of contrasts. Expansive country estates and affluent villages punctuate towns that were, for decades, reeling from the decline of the coal mining industry.
While a tough nut to crack for the Conservative Party as a result, farmer Mark Spencer managed to round up enough voters in 2010, during which he secured a narrow majority of 214 votes.
However, from here on, Mr Spencer continued to increase his majority in 2015, 2017 and in 2019, when he achieved his most significant majority yet of more than 16,000 votes.
Not only did his popularity amongst the electorate increase, but so too did his favourability among his party’s leaders.
Under former Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson, he became chief whip and parliamentary secretary to the treasury, and later the leader of the Commons. In March 2024, he became Sir Mark Spencer.
Owing to a turbulent period for the party, particularly under Mr Johnson’s leadership, Mr Spencer faces his toughest election since 2010.
After a boundary review, the constituency has been renamed Sherwood Forest to better reflect the area in which it encapsulates.
Results in 2019 – Conservative HOLD – Sir Mark Spencer
Turnout: 67.7 per cent
Electorate: 77,888
Majority: 16,186
Questioning the candidates
David Dobbie – Liberal Democrats
Why should people vote for you?
“We are trying to go and put a liberal point of view across in this election. We have a large battle going on for the control of the country between Conservatives and Labour, after a massive majority for the Conservatives.
“It is looking like there might be a massive majority for the Labour Party according to the polls. But I think the country needs that liberal view.”
What are the most important issues in Sherwood Forest?
“I think it is important local communities have their say in the planning process. I was chair of planning on Gainsborough Town Council and we brought in a neighbourhood plan which achieved strong approval at referendum.
“There does not seem to be the same engagement with local communities over in Nottinghamshire as they do in Lincolnshire. We’ve got a lot of local engagement with people to say what they want have happen in their communities and I’d like to see that here.”
What has Sherwood Forest got going for it?
“One of the things I would like to see, and the time now is to do it, is a Major Oak extension to the Robin Hood Line.
“I am very familiar with that proposed route because I previously worked as a coal QA tester at High Marnham power station. I know the line, it is there, they need to put some stations in. It is quite a low-cost when you have that infrastructure there. The time is now because the Major Oak is the most famous tree in the country, the other one got chopped down, we need this to create jobs for people.
“HS2 closed down, they said they would re-jig the money, this to me is a no-brainer.
“I am very concerned about the decrease in water quality in our streams and rivers. As a representative for Trent Valley IDB I am anxious about increasing flooding events and how polluted flood water impacts on land. The Lib Dems will always fight to protect our environment.”
Helen Rose O’Hare – Reform UK
Ms O’Hare was not available for interview. In a written statement, she said: “As your Reform UK Party candidate, I believe every resident of Sherwood Forest deserves to have their voices heard in Parliament. I am committed to representing the interests of our community at the highest level of government.
“The Sherwood Forest Constituency has had a massive growth in new homes with no addition to any of our services. The 14 years of Tory failure are coming to an end. A Labour government would ramp up mass immigration, crime, and taxes even further. Labour and Tories are two side of the same coin.
“Our Contract with You covers the most important areas of policy for you and your families, but I will summarise these into five core pledges:
Boost wages
Lift the income tax starting threshold to £20k to save the lowest paid £1,500 per year. This takes 7 million of the least well-off out of income tax to make work pay.
Freeze Immigration
All non-essential immigration frozen to boost wages, protect public services, end the housing crisis & cut crime.
Stop the boats
Small boats picked up & taken back to France – illegals in the UK detained & deported.
Zero NHS waiting list
Deliver our fully funded plan for zero NHS waiting lists in 2 years. Cut waste so more money goes to the frontline. Tax breaks for doctors and nurses to tackle the staffing crisis.
Cheap, secure British energy
Scrap energy levies and Net Zero to slash energy bills & save each household £500 per year. Unlock Britain’s vast oil & gas reserves to beat the cost-of-living crisis and unleash real economic growth.
“This is what I as your Reform UK party MP will fight hard for when elected. So, if you want change you need to vote for it on July 4. Vote Tory, get Labour, Vote Reform to get reform.”
Lee Waters – Independent
PICTURED: Lee Waters
Why should people vote for you?
“I think people are just so annoyed with the big party politicians so they want change, they want something different.
“They’re looking for an alternative and as an independent candidate, that’s what I think I can deliver, and we have a history and a track record in Sherwood Forest of electing independents, certainly at council level, across Hucknall, Blidworth, Rainworth, we’ve got a following of independents in Calverton and also Ollerton.
“So it’s a really good chance to get something different for our constituency.”
What are the most important issues in Sherwood Forest?
“The constituency was recently renamed Sherwood Forest, but people are frightened it could turn into ‘Sherwood Concrete Jungle’. We’re looking at the manifestos of Labour and the Tories, both of them are committed to building more than 300,000 houses and it’s going to have a detrimental impact on our green belt, which our constituency is known for.
“I would like to see a law passed, and I’ll do this via the Private Members’ Bill, where you cannot build more than 100 houses without a credible plan for infrastructure, which includes doctors and surgeries and school places. Certainly, places like Hucknall, were crying out for secondary schools.
“if we look across the constituency, places like Rainworth, Blidworth, they’ve got real issues of anti-social behaviour, an example of a Labour council now using the anti-social behaviour powers, and you’ve got bikers and crime going awry.”
What has Sherwood Forest got going for it?
“Sherwood Forest is an absolutely lovely place to live. You look at Calverton, you look at Hucknall, Ollerton, there’s so much history and pride here.
“We’ve got lovely communities who do come together. In Hucknall, where I am from and proud to raise a family in, we have got Lord Byron, Ada Lovelace.
“I was involved in Hucknall’s winning bid for £9.2 million, which we’re going to re-invest, so we are really excited for that.”
Mark Spencer – Conservative Party
Why should people vote for you?
“I think number one protecting the green belt here is very important, there is huge pressure from the Ashfield Independents, Ashfield District Council, Labour-controlled Gedling Borough Council, to build on the green belt.
“We haven’t got the infrastructure here in Hucknall to deal with that. We seem to be inundated with housing from other authorities.
“I will try to try and protect that. I want to continue to see investment in our high streets, we’ve seen huge amounts of cash pour into the high street.
“We want to continue to build on that. We want to rebuild two new schools here in Hucknall, we’ve got commitments to do that as well, but I think also for working families, for opportunities, that’s why people should vote Conservative and vote for me on July 4.”
What are the most important issues in Sherwood Forest?
“I think opportunity. People always want to see opportunity for their kids, they want to make sure schools are good, they want to make sure they’ve got a good job to go to and then when they’ve got a job they can retain the cash themselves, pay a little bit of tax, get on the housing ladder.
“I think we’ve got plans to deal with all of that, to make sure people aren’t over-taxed. But also to help people on to the housing ladder with a right-to-buy scheme to help people save up for a deposit. People want to see opportunity for their children and their grandchildren.”
What has Sherwood Forest got going for it?
“I mean, it is a fantastic place to live, Nottinghamshire. Number one, geographically we are right in the middle of the country and we’ve got great facilities, great history, and I think we’re right on the edge of Sherwood Forest, you can get out into the beautiful countryside and stretch your legs.
“It’s a great place to live and the community is really what makes it.
“I think clearly we’ve been through some very difficult times you know, Covid and Ukraine of course, huge ripples throughout the whole world. We are just starting to address that, turn the corner, and I think now it would be a mistake to change direction and we’re going to stick with the plan.”
Michelle Welsh – Labour Party
Labour candidate Michelle Welsh
Why should people vote for you?
“We’ve had 14 years of Conservative Government which has been absolute chaos, and we’ve had 14 years of a Conservative MP who, quite frankly, has not served this constituency and has spent his time defending parties in lockdown in Number 10, and defending Rishi Sunak’s absolute calamity with regards to D-Day.
“I think it is time for change. I am deeply rooted in this community, having worked for years setting up Sure Start services, working with some of the most vulnerable children and families in this community, so I believe it is time for change and it is time we brought back politics for service.”
What are the most important issues in Sherwood Forest?
“Some of the issues that have been brought up to me on the doorstep are the costs of living crisis, people cannot afford to pay their bills, they are concerned about those rising costs.
“People have brought to my attention the amount of housing we’ve had built without the infrastructure and the fact we need to stop those plans of building on some of our precious green belt.
“We’ve had the miners’ pensions as well. It is really important we fix that, and we stand up for those women in regards to WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) as well.
“In addition to that our rural communities have been badly let down, farmers have got a real bad deal recently and rural crime is on the rise, so we need to fix them too. Our schools don’t have enough money, our roads and pavements are crumbling and quite frankly it is time for change.”
What has Sherwood Forest got going for it?
“I love this constituency. It has a very special place in my heart because I have worked here for so many years.
“It is rich with history and culture with very, very proud people who are not afraid to say exactly how they feel. This place has the benefit of fabulous towns that need investment to just get that bit better
“We have a rural community that is very devised from food to livestock. It is a fabulous constituency that has been badly let down.”
Sheila Greatrex-White – Green Party
Why should people vote for you?
“Firstly, it is because my father was a miner, the constituency has loads of old mining communities around and I have grown up in Nottinghamshire all my life.
“I know a lot of the concerns people have around here and I was just so sad and angry about the dishonesty from other parties. I felt I had to do something, hence I am standing for the Green Party because I believe in their policies and what they are trying to do.”
What are the most important issues in Sherwood Forest?
“Because I have always worked in the NHS and more latterly in higher education teaching healthcare professionals I am passionate about the NHS and the Green Party is the only party saying there is enough funding by taxing the richest in our society in order to give Sherwood Forest a better health service and at least access to dentists which is one of the main concerns.
“In Rainworth I discovered people are so upset about the amount of anti-social behaviour and drug taking in Rainworth. The Green Party have got policies that would make policing better and help young people get off drugs and help them into society.
“In Calverton they have had a new housing estate put up and they say that is fine, but they want the infrastructure there. The Green Party says we will only build in places where there is the infrastructure to support all those new people coming in.
“I was in Bilsthorpe a few days ago and they are really angry about the proposed incinerator. We don’t need more, what we do need is properly thought out green policy for renewable energy.”
What has Sherwood Forest got going for it?
“What’s not to love? The forests, the theatres, two brilliant universities in Nottinghamshire, we have Newstead Abbey. We have farmers who are desperate to produce food for our constituency and country. We have wonderful open spaces that the Green Party are keen to keep running and protect.
“We have got businesses, more and more local businesses setting up, they just need the support and investment the Green Party are promising. I would urge anyone who thinks a Green vote is a wasted vote to reconsider because we are almost sure Labour will get in as the next government, but we need to make sure we’ve got Green MPs to keep the government on the straight and narrow.”
The LDRS made attempts to contact independent candidate Jeremy Spry.
These are the latest applications to have been submitted to and validated byGedling Borough Council this week.
The round-up of the latest plans that the council’s planning officers validated and published in a quiet week (w/e 21/6/24) include new shop signage and a number of extensions. These applications will now be decided by Gedling borough planners.
1No new non-illuminated fascia sign to existing location, 1No new non-illuminated projecting sign to existing location and internally applied window vinyl’s to 1no low level return section of entrance glazing and 3no 1st floor level windows.
65 Front Street Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 7EB. Ref. No: 2024/0386
Prune apple and plum tree in own garden and cut back branches overhanging boundary
Conversion of semi-detached properties into one dwelling with a two-storey rear extension; new garage in cart shed style and erection of detached dwelling with garage (following removal/demolition of later additions including extensions and two detached garages)
29 Church Lane Linby Nottinghamshire NG15 8AB. Ref. No: 2024/0289
First floor living space above existing double garage
19B Maidens Dale Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 8LQ. Ref. No: 2023/0908
A bungling burglar was caught by cops after climbing out of a house window. Police were waiting for the 29-year-old man after being called to the property in Lytham Gardens, Top Valley, following reports of a burglary in progress.
The call came in just before 7pm on Thursday (20), with response officers attending a few minutes later.
They immediately spotted a window had been smashed at the rear of a property, before then seeing someone climb through it.
The individual was detained with what initially looked like a bag in their hands but was actually a pillowcase filled with boxes of jewellery.
The man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of burglary.
Detective Sergeant Franco Guddemi, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Thanks to our officers getting to the scene so quickly, we were able to interrupt this burglary and ensure nothing was taken.
“Of course, we wouldn’t have been able to act the way we did had we not been informed, so this should provide a great example of why it is so important that residents report crimes to us.
“If something doesn’t seem right, or you spot suspicious activity in your local area, please get straight on the phone and report it to the police on 101, or in an emergency, call 999.
“Hopefully, the rapid response to this incident shows the public just how seriously we take reports of burglary and that we will take appropriate action.”
The Met Office forecast today to be overcast and dull with patchy light rain or drizzle at first. Then becoming dry and eventually brighter as sunny intervals break through. Feeling warm and humid. Maximum temperature 24 °C.
Sunny spells through the evening and then clear overnight, with very light winds. Isolated mist and fog patches may form, especially in rural locations. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
Tomorrow is expected to see areas of low cloud that will become more extensive through the morning before eventually breaking to allow bright or sunny spells to develop. Maximum temperature 25 °C.
Countryside issues, climate change and the green transition were on the agenda at a packed hustings in Mapperley.
It was standing room only at St James Church Centre in Mapperley on Monday (17) night with 117 attendees.
The event was organised by environmental groups keen to grill would-be MPs for Gedling specifically on the green issues of concern to constituents.
Five of the six candidates took up the invitation from organisers Gedling Climate Change Group and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.
Tad Jones (Lib Dem), Tom Randall (Con), Michael Payne (Lab), Simon Christy (Reform) and Dominic Berry (Green) responded to a range of questions from audience members.
“Yet again we are seeing evidence of increasing public concern amongst ordinary people about the impact and damage to local people and nature in Gedling from the climate crisis” said Bob Vaughan-Newton, chair of the hustings and chair of Gedling Climate Change Group.
“We will be holding to account whoever is elected on July 4th, so that promises are kept”.
Candidates were questioned about the impact of increased housing on the natural habitat and the public’s access to nature and how they would meet UK and international environment targets set for 2030.
Candidates were also asked how they would ensure that our leaky and poorly insulated homes can be properly insulated at affordable costs so that emissions of carbon and costs of heating can be reduced.
As local flooding becomes more serious and more frequent, the candidates were asked how they would tackle this devastating impact of climate chaos.
Finally candidates were challenged on whether our current voting system, which prioritises short term issues over long term solutions to the climate crisis can ever effectively make the decisions required for our safer future.
