Nottingham Outlaws took to the field at Lenton Lane on Saturday for their first game of the 2024 campaign, the annual Heroes Trophy clash against the Royal Artillery. Their rugby-starved fans were not disappointed as they were treated to a highly entertaining game which ebbed and flowed before the Outlaws finally succumbed to a 26-30 defeat.
With temperatures more akin to winter rather than summer rugby, Outlaws started the new campaign somewhat sluggishly, perhaps not surprisingly considering this was their first competitive game for over seven months! Indeed some of the early tackling attempts were more than lacklustre as they fell 8-0 behind following an early brace of trys to the visitors.
With fifteen minutes on the clock the new look Outlaws squad finally began to gel and they swept down the field thanks to a fine break by Tom Wigglesworth that was finished off by James Hood who used his size and strength to get over the line for a fine try. Gaz Whitfield added the extras to reduce the deficit to 4-8.
Despite having got back into the game the Outlaws defence continued to let them down as once again they fell off the tackle with alarming regularity resulting in two more scores before the break. However the Outlaws did keep chipping away and they got just reward when Harry Hemmingway got his first try for the club from short range to leave the Outlaws trailing 20-10 at the break.
If the Outlaws were to stand a chance of getting back into the game it was important that they got the first try after the interval and they did just that when Captain Coryn Ward used his pace and footwork to scoot over in between the posts from ten metres out. Whitfield converted from bang in front to reduce the deficit to one score at 16-20.
The Ward try seemed to buoy the Outlaws further and they settled into some great form. Indeed the first twenty minutes of the second stanza was probably their best spell of the game as they hammered away at the Gunners line but some over-eager play saw the ball go to ground when a cooler approach would have probably yielded more scores.
As so often happens in rugby league, their failure to capitalise on their dominance was destined to be punished and so it was as the Artillery extended their lead 16-24 with a rare foray into the Outlaws red zone.
IMAGE courtesy of Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League Club
The Outlaws dominance in possession and field position continued despite the setback but once again it looked likely to go unrewarded until big prop Mikey Bennet who used size and brute strength to crash over despite the attention of three Artillery defenders for a great solo effort. Whitfield slotted over to reduce the deficit to the narrowest of margins at 22-24.
With fifteen minutes to play it was all Outlaws now as they looked to snatch the trophy from the Gunners grasp. Indeed on three occasions they crossed the whitewash only to be held up over the line by some desperate Gunners defending.
Despite the prolonged assault the Outlaws had failed to take the lead and they were duly punished when the Artillery broke from deep to go fully eighty metres down the pitch for a fine solo effort that extended the visitors lead to 30-22.
IMAGE courtesy of Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League Club
Despite the setback the Outlaws went back on the attack from the restart and this time they were rewarded when Harry Hemmingway wrestled his way over in the corner to complete a brace of try’s and cap a fine day at the office for the rookie winger.
As the clock ticked down the Outlaws threw the proverbial kitchen sink at the Gunners defence and on the very last play of the game it looked like they were about to level the scores as second rower Oliver Hopkins dived over in the corner but the ball fell agonisingly from his grasp and the try was disallowed.
After the whistle there was plenty of chat around who might grab the coveted player of the match award. There were quite a few players in with a shout but the award deservedly went to Gaz Whitfield for some excellent work from the fullback spot
Despite the defeat there were plenty of positives to take from the game with Coach Shepherd more than pleased with how his young squad was beginning to shape up as the new league season rapidly approaches.
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.
Celebrations are under way at Park Vale Academy in Top Valley as it was revealed that Ofsted has rated their school ‘Good’ in all areas – for the first time in the history of any school on the site.
In March the inspection team spent two days at the school where they observed ‘high expectations’ and noted that ‘Staff and pupils said that the school has improved.’.
Inspectors visited lessons, looked at pupils’ work and spoke to a wide range of stakeholders including pupils, parents, teachers, leaders and governors on 19th and 20th March this year.
Returning their Section 5 report, they said: “Pupils enjoy attending Park Vale Academy. The school has high expectations of what pupils can achieve and how they should behave.”
“The school is well led and managed,” it continued. “Trust leaders have provided effective support to improve the school.”
In particular, Ofsted praised the positive atmosphere around the school and the excellent conduct of pupils, saying: “The school is calm and orderly […] There are positive relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils are polite and well-mannered. They treat each other respectfully.”
The inspection team noted that ‘pupils feel safe in school’ and that they knew who to speak to if they had any worries. The school’s ‘clear system’ for dealing with any behaviour issues was said to set ‘clear expectations’ and meant that ‘lessons are rarely disrupted’.
On the curriculum, Ofsted acknowledged that school leaders and the Trust had ‘worked well to improve the curriculum and its delivery.’ They added: “As a result, pupils benefit from a broad and ambitious curriculum.”
“The curriculum is well-planned. It is clear what pupils will learn and when. This supports teachers in delivering the curriculum well,” the report reads. “Most teachers use their good subject knowledge to deliver the curriculum well […] As a result, most pupils progress well through the curriculum and achieve well.”
Attracting specific praise was the school’s development programme for pupils. Inspectors said: “A well-thought-out programme supports pupils’ broader development. They learn about different religions. They also learn about equality and how to treat others with respect. Pupils benefit from a comprehensive careers programme. This prepares them well for their next steps.”
Headteacher Steve Bowhay said: “I am so proud of everyone at the academy in achieving this unprecedented success.
“The staff at Park Vale have worked really hard to create a culture of high expectations both in terms of behaviour and achievement, so I am really glad that this was recognised by the inspection team.”
“However, such a glowing report is mainly a credit to the students themselves who demonstrate really high standards in terms of behaviour and achievement day in, day out. Well done to everyone at the academy and let’s continue to raise the bar.”
Andrew Burns, CEO of Redhill Academy Trust, added: “This very positive judgement is a testament to the superb work of the staff and students at Park Vale Academy.
“The standards at Park Vale are very high, examination results have improved significantly, and the leadership of the academy has created a sustainable base for future success.”
A number of Gedling borough pubs, takeaways and sandwich shops takeaways have been awarded a five-star food hygiene rating following recent inspections.
Inspectors from Gedling Borough Council rank the establishments on their hygienic food handling, cleanliness and condition of facilities and food safety management, to determine how safe and clean they are.
Eateries are then given ratings for their standards, ranging from a 5 (Very Good) to 0 (Urgent Improvement Necessary).
In Gedling borough, 13 sandwich shops, pubs and takeaways have been awarded a five-star rating following inspections over the past two months. Here is every one of them:
The Government has delayed its bottle recycling scheme again until 2027, with ministers blaming the delay on disagreements between the UK regional administrations.
The government’s flagship deposit returns scheme (DRS) which would see small cash amounts being paid in return for plastic bottles or used cans, has been postponed, despite first being officially proposed in 2018.
In a written statement environmental minister Robbie Moore admitted “launching a DRS in October 2025 was a stretching target date”.
Moore added: “Following extensive engagement with industry, who will be responsible for delivering the DRS, and a review of international approaches to DRS implementation, additional time will be needed to efficiently and effectively roll out the schemes across the UK.
“With the agreement of ministerial colleagues across the devolved administrations, the DRS will go live in October 2027.”
MPs have blamed the pushback on inability of the government to agree on nuances of the initiative, such as the Scottish administration, which insists on being able to add glass to the recycling scheme.
Among critics of this latest delay in policy, Labour has voiced its criticism of the decision, but noted it still publicly backed the scheme – meaning regardless of who wins the next general election, the initiative will still be implemented.
The government’s plans follows several businesses introducing their own bottle recycling return initiative, such as Lidl who earlier in the year became the first supermarket to roll out its own PET plastic return scheme, in exchange for incentives.
More than five acres of wildflower meadows and 9,000 trees have been planted across Gedling borough to help bees and pollinating insects.
Gedling Borough Council passed a motion in January 2021 concerning the adverse effects of herbicides and pesticides which have been leading to the decline of pollinating insects.
It has since reduced their application and banned the use of the herbicide glyphosate on council-managed parks and open spaces.
During a Scrutiny Committee meeting on Monday, April 22, Melvyn Cryer, Head of Environment, said the use of neonicotinoids has also ceased.
Neonicotinoids are toxic to pollinating bees and can disrupt their ability to navigate and reproduce.
The pesticide can only be used with Government-approval and if there is a risk to crops. However, they have been approved for use for four consecutive years, with the most recent being granted in January this year.
“In January 2021 the council stopped the use of neonicotinoids and glyphosate across all public access land that it manages, in a proactive effort to reverse the disruption to the bees and pollinators’ habitats, and protect human health,” Mr Cryer said.
Unused areas in parks and open spaces have been utilised as wildflower meadows to further promote the health of pollinators.
“The total area now set aside for wildlife meadows is 5.5 acres and is growing each year,” he said, adding that a total of 9,499 trees, including flowering variants such as cherry-leafed hawthorne and blackthorne, have been planted over the last five years.
Cllr Kyle Robinson-Payne (Lab) said: “It is really good to see what is happening to support pollinators in Gedling, and considering to see some of this work coming out of members bringing forward a motion just shows what we can achieve together and despite the financial constraints the council finds itself under.
“I just wanted to understand a little bit better how the policy is making an impact in a positive way. How can we look at the decline of bee and pollinating insect populations, how can we look at how that has changed, if at all, since the policy’s enactment?”
Mr Cryer said: “The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust does do insect monitoring at Gedling Country Park, we’ve also had monitoring done at other sites as well, but I will be honest it is something we could improve on.
“One of the issues is that are controlling the land we own directly, but we can only influence on other land areas.
“So, farmers are still spraying their fields with glyphosate and things like that, so the problem with the insect population is it shares that habitat with both farmer’s fields and our own parks and open spaces.”
Damiano Michieletto’s sizzling new production evokes all the passion and heat of Bizet’s score, which features Carmen’s sultry Habanera and the rousing Toreador song. Antonello Manacorda conducts an exciting international cast, with Aigul Akhmetshina performing the title role.
OPERA Music – Georges Bizet Conductor – Antonello Manacorda
Vindication Swim (PG)
Fri 3 + Tue 7 May
The inspirational true story of Mercedes Gleitze, who in 1927 became the first British woman to swim the English Channel. Vindication Swim depicts Mercedes’ upstream struggle in overcoming both the cold waters of the English Channel and the oppressive society of 1920s England. However, after a rival comes forward claiming to have accomplished the same feat, Mercedes is forced into battle to retain her record and her legacy.
Back to Black (15)
Fri 3 – Wed 8 May
A celebration of the most iconic – and much missed – homegrown star of the 21st century, Back to Blacktells the extraordinary tale of Amy Winehouse. Painting a vivid, vibrant picture of the Camden streets she called home and capturing the struggles of global fame, Back to Black honours Amy’s artistry, wit, and honesty, as well as trying to understand her demons. An unflinching look at the modern celebrity machine and a powerful tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent.
Marisa Abela stars as Amy Winehouse in director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s BACK TO BLACK
Civil War (15)
Fri 3, Tue 7 + Wed 8 May
An adrenaline-fueled thrill ride through a near-future fractured America. A team of military-embedded journalists races against time to reach Washington, D.C., before rebel factions descend upon the White House.
This breathtakingly beautiful Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, inspired by the Oscar winning MGM film, tells the impassioned story of discovering love in the ‘City of Light’.
Jerry Mulligan is an American GI striving to make it as a painter in a city suddenly bursting with hope and possibility. Following a chance encounter with a beautiful young dancer named Lise, the streets of Paris become the backdrop to a sensuous, modern romance of art, friendship and love in the aftermath of war.
Featuring the gorgeous music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin (including the classic hits, Wonderful and I Got Rhythm), stunning designs, and show-stopping choreography, this incredible production received a record-setting 28 five-star reviews from the critics.
Event Cinema – National Theatre Live: Nye (15)
Wed 8 – Wed 15 May
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of the man who transformed Britain’s welfare state and created the NHS. Confronted with death, Aneurin ‘Nye’ Bevan’s deepest memories lead him on a mind-bending journey back through his life; from childhood to mining underground, Parliament and fights with Churchill.
Written by Tim Price and directed by Rufus Norris (Small Island), this epic new Welsh fantasia comes to our big screen.
The i ★★★★★ Times ★★★★ Telegraph ★★★★
Nye a new play by Tim Price directed by Rufus Norris
Event Cinema – National Theatre Live: Vanya (15)
Mon 13 + Tue 14 May
Andrew Scott (Fleabag) brings multiple characters to life in Simon Stephens’ (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) radical new version of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya.
Hopes, dreams, and regrets are thrust into sharp focus in this one-man adaptation which explores the complexities of human emotions.
Filmed live during its sold-out run in London’s West End, Vanya will be playing exclusively in cinemas in 2024.
“The performance of the year” The i ★★★★★
Vanya adapted by Simon Stephens, after Anton Chekhov directed by Sam Yates
Event Cinema – 42nd Street (PG)
Thu 16 + Sun 19 May
42nd Street, the legendary Broadway musical theatre classic, is a ‘glorious’ (Express) and ‘utterly moreish extravaganza of glitz’ (Times).
Telling the story of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes who gets her big break on Broadway, this is the largest ever staging of the Tony Award-winning musical and it was filmed live at the magnificent Theatre Royal in the heart of London’s West End.
Starring national treasure Bonnie Langford as Dorothy Brock and featuring iconic songs 42nd Street, We’re In The Money and Lullaby Of Broadway, this is pure musical magic on the big screen.
2hrs 24 mins including an interval
Challengers (15)
Fri 17 – Thu 23 May
From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name, Bones And All), Challengers stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist – West Side Story), Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (Josh O’Connor – The Crown, La Chimera) – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high, Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win.
Telegraph ★★★★★ Empire ★★★★★ Times ★★★★★ Guardian ★★★★
That They May Face The Rising Sun (15)
Fri 17 – Thu 23 May
Capturing a year in the life of a rural, lakeside community in late 1970s Ireland, That They May Face The Rising Sun is a sensitive and beautifully realised adaptation of the last novel by John McGahern. Joe (Barry Ward) and Kate (Anna Bederke) have returned from London to live and work in a small, close-knit community in rural Ireland, close to where Joe grew up. He’s a writer, she’s an artist who retains part ownership of a London gallery.
Now embedded in a remote lakeside setting, the drama of a year in their lives and those of their neighbours unfolds through the rituals of work, play and the passing seasons. A delicate, meditative exploration of ritual, community bonds, and the question of how best to live.
Event Cinema – ROH Live: The Winter’s Tale (12A)
Wed 22 May at 7.15pm
King Leontes of Sicilia is crippled with an all-consuming jealousy when his friend, King Polixenes of Bohemia, stays with him and his wife Hermione. What follows is a tale where a marriage is destroyed, a child is abandoned and all hope is seemingly lost for two lovers. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, The Winter’s Tale is an award-winning modern ballet classic, packed with emotional turmoil heightened by Joby Talbot’s compelling score and Bob Crowley’s atmospheric designs.
BALLET Choreography – Christopher Wheeldon Music – Joby Talbot
IF (U)
Fri 24 May – Sun 2 June
From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.
IF stars Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.
Cailey Fleming and BLUE star in Paramount Pictures’ “IF.”
Event Cinema – National Theatre Live: The Motive and the Cue (15)
Fri 24 + Tue 28 May
Sam Mendes (The Lehman Trilogy) directs Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud and Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton in this fierce and funny new play.
1964: Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to play the title role in an experimental new Broadway production of Hamlet under John Gielgud’s exacting direction. But as rehearsals progress, two ages of theatre collide and the collaboration between actor and director soon threatens to unravel.
Written by Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) and designed by Es Devlin (The Crucible), the Evening Standard award-winning best new play was filmed live during a sold-out run at the National Theatre.
The Motive and the Cue a new play by Jack Thorne directed by Sam Mendes
Event Cinema –Macbeth: Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma (15)
Fri 24 + Wed 29 May
Directed by Simon Godwin, Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington D.C, Macbeth will be filmed live at a custom-built theatre space at Dock X in London, giving audiences the chance to be even closer to the action.
Starring Tony and BAFTA Award-winning Ralph Fiennes (Schindler’s List, Harry Potter and James Bond) as Macbeth and Olivier Award-winning Indira Varma (Luther, Game of Thrones and The Seagull) as Lady Macbeth, this is a brand new and critically acclaimed interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies
★★★★ ‘A full-voltage, visceral Macbeth. Ralph Fiennes is pure poetry’ Daily Telegraph ★★★★ ‘A Macbeth that quickens the pulse, then goes for the jugular.’ Financial Times ★★★★ ‘Beautifully staged. Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma are a killer couple. Spectacular.’ WhatsOnStage
La Chimera (15)
Fri 31 May – Thu 6 June
A British archaeologist becomes embroiled in the theft of historical Etruscan treasures across the Tuscan countryside in this 1980s-set eccentric Italian crime drama, with themes of love and loss.
From director Rose Glass (Saint Maud) comes an electric new love story; reclusive gym manager Lou falls hard for Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder headed through town to Vegas in pursuit of her dream. But their love ignites violence, pulling them deep into the web of Lou’s criminal family.
The iconic songs of Sting. The electrifying choreography of Kate Prince. This is a tale of hope.
The peaceful village of Bebko is alive with joyous celebrations. Suddenly, under attack, everything changes forever. Three siblings, Leto, Mati and Tana, must embark on perilous journeys in order to survive.
Message In A Bottle is a spectacular new dance-theatre show from five-time Olivier Award nominee, Kate Prince, inspired by and set to the iconic hits of 17-time Grammy Award- winning artist Sting, including Every Breath You Take, Roxanne, Walking On The Moon and more.
With a mix of exhilarating dance styles, high-energy footwork and breath-taking athleticism, Message In A Bottle tells a unifying and uplifting story of humanity and hope. Message In A Bottle is the latest masterpiece from the ground-breaking creator behind West End hits Some Like it Hip Hop, Into the Hoods, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (choreography) and SYLVIA (Old Vic), and features the astonishing talents of dance storytelling powerhouse, ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company.
A Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK production Directed and choreographed by Kate Prince Based on the songs of Sting
Cinema prices are very competitive, with tickets at £6.80, and concessions at £5.80. Concessions are open to those Under 18, Students with valid student ID, and over 60s. On Tuesday’s, cinema tickets are just £5
The Met Office forecast a dry and bright start to the day becoming increasingly cloudy from the northwest through the afternoon with perhaps the odd isolated shower possible. Breezy. Maximum temperature 16 °C.
A cloudy start to the night with rain arriving from the northwest, mainly affecting the Peak District, becoming clearer from the south in the early hours. Staying breezy. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
Tomorrow is expected to see sunshine developing from the south through the morning and becoming largely dry aside from a few isolated heavy showers in the afternoon. Rather warm. Staying breezy. Maximum temperature 19 °C.
These are the latest applications to have been decided by Gedling Borough Council over the last week.
The roundup of the published decision notices applications in the last week (w/e 26/4/24) from around the borough by the council’s planning officers contains 15 decision notices including new barrows, tree works and lots of extensions.
Construction of two open round barrows and a grass covered barrow for the placement of cremation urns, access path and landscaping.
Land Off Georges Lane Calverton Nottinghamshire. Ref. No: 2023/0913
DECISION: CONDITIONAL PERMISSION
Amended rear elevation to include patio doors and dormer windows
31 Church Lane Linby Nottinghamshire NG15 8AB. Ref. No: 2023/0903
DECISION: CONDITIONAL PERMISSION
Proposed single storey side extension to dwelling.
Newstead Abbey Park, Mount Charlotte Nottingham Road Ravenshead Nottinghamshire NG15 8GE. Ref. No: 2023/0845
DECISION: WITHDRAWN
Erection of 9 dwellings – Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission 2021/0737 (amendments to plot 2a; increase external dimensions of detached garage from 6500 by 6500 to 7644 by 7500 and to add a basement accessed from the rear garden)
Showers or longer spells of rain, perhaps locally heavy at times, until this afternoon when brighter conditions with a few showers spread east. Feeling cool with temperatures still below average. Maximum temperature 11 °C.
This evening will see any showers soon die away. Then dry and clear until late tonight when cloud increases. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
Tomorrow is expected to see bright or sunny intervals, and scattered showers. Breezy but milder, with temperatures close to or slightly above average. Maximum temperature 16 °C.
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 busy week (w/e 26/4/24) with validated applications published which includes a lot of extensions from across the borough.
Two storey front extension and dormer window with a single storey rear extension. Erection of an attached garage with dormer window. Dropped kerb to provide access to new garage.
Side and rear single storey extensions; re-cladding of existing front porch; new dormer window and roof light to street elevation and partial conversion of existing garage
