A “lifeline” charity tea group is urgently appealing for volunteer drivers to transport elderly people to a regular event in Arnold.
Contact the Elderly, a UK charity dedicated to tackling loneliness and isolation among older people, hs been providing social gatherings for over 75s in Nottinghamshire since 2012.
The event in Arnold is one of four taking place in the county, with Nottingham City, West Bridgford and Hucknall playing host to the other gatherings.
The success of these group events has resulted in 95% of the elderly people attending saying these charity tea parties now give something to look forward to
The charity is now calling on volunteers with transport to help pensioners across the borough ‘drive away loneliness’ by taking them to the event in Arnold.
Contact the Elderly’s support officer, Chloe Brown, said: “We need volunteer drivers who can escort the older guests to and from the tea party.
“Drivers will need to have a valid driving licence with their own car and be available one Sunday a month. It’s not a big commitment, so if you have a couple of hours to spare once a month then please get in touch.”
Emma Duggan volunteers as a driver for the Nottingham group. She said she signed up to support as she wanted to ‘give something back to the community.
She said: “I’m in a very lucky position to be surrounded by caring, supportive friends and family, but there are a significant number of older people across the UK who are extremely lonely and isolated. I wanted to dedicate some of my time to give them the means to get out of the house, socialise and enjoy some fantastic tea and cakes from the amazing hosts.”
Emma added: “Not only do the older guests really appreciate what we do for them, they bring happiness to my Sunday. I love chatting away with all of them, especially as I don’t live close to my grandparents.
“Older people have so many great stories and such brilliant advice to offer – it really does work both ways. I would definitely recommend anyone who can spare a couple of hours a month to volunteer some time to this brilliant charity.”
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer for Contact the Elderly, or if you know someone aged 75 and over who is living alone in Nottingham or the surrounding areas who could benefit from coming along to a tea party, get in touch by calling 0800 716 543 (freephone) or visiting www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk.
Since 1998, the Kellogg’s Breakfast Clubs programme has supported over 3,000 breakfast clubs by providing training, grants and more than 70 million bowls of cereal.
The increase in grants available to schools has been enabled by new range of cereals, WK Kellogg, that donate 10p to good causes for every pack sold.
The wheats and granola range is named after the cereal giant’s founder, who was a well-known philanthropist and left his entire fortune to charity back in the 1950’s.
Oli Morton, managing director for Kellogg’s UK and Ireland, said: “Kellogg’s has supported breakfast clubs in the UK for 20 years and we are delighted to be able to support significantly more clubs through our grants programme in 2019.
“We are proud to have established many breakfast clubs up and down the country that contribute vastly to improving children’s attendance and attainment as well as alleviating hunger in some cases. It’s not just the children that benefit – it’s a lifeline for parents too.”
Breakfast clubs are critical for many schools, as 68 per cent of teachers believe pupils would struggle to concentrate in class without their breakfast club, according to a report by Kellogg’s.
Kellogg’s currently has 3000 schools signed up to its network, offering them a range of resources and provisions to help them operate sustainable and effective breakfast clubs.
Police are investigating after a group of men in balaclavas stole cash and jewellery from a property in Carlton
Officers from Nottinghamshire Police were called to Burton Avenue on Saturday (March 23) at 12:40am following reports of a robbery.
Following the thefts from Carlton, the group have then travelled to Clumber Road East, The Park, Nottingham where they have again entered a property and taken jewellery and money.
Patrols have been increased in both areas where officers are conducting CCTV and house-to-house enquiries.
A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: “If anyone has seen anything suspicious around the Burton Avenue, Carlton area during this period or previous days or at Clumber Road East, The Park area please get in touch.
“Also, if anyone CCTV or dash-cam footage in either area between 12am and 2am, please call 101, quoting incident 33 of 23 March 2019.
An excellent free kick from Joe Meakin midway through the first half wasn’t enough for Gedling Miners Welfare at Plains Road on Saturday afternoon as they shared the spoils with city neighbours Radford in the East Midlands Counties League.
The game began slowly and both sides struggled to make it stick higher up the field as both sets of defenders edged a cagey opening few minutes.
An always-feisty affair between the near-neighbours, nothing typified the usual nature of the local derby than Luke Smith’s crunching tackle on Eugene Francis with only 7 minutes played which saw the midfielder walking the referee’s tightrope for the remainder of the game.
The first chance of the match went to the visitors with 10 played, however Ryan Smith could only hook his chance over the crossbar following some promising wide play by ex-Miner Francis.
At the other end and Joe Meakin’s rasping effort from all of 40 yards, despite not lacking in power or straightness, was watched all the way by Radford’s custodian Hadlee Dunn who appreciated the effort by his former teammate.
The Pheasants travelled to Plains Road in poor form, having failed to win in their last five and had slipped down the table following their season inconsistencies.
With 21 minutes gone, Conor Moore, shrugging off an earlier head injury, did well to avoid the challenge of Smith but his effort curled agonisingly wide the far post with Danny Brown beaten.
The home side came into this one in following an encouraging draw against Barrow Town last time out in a game they should have taken all 3 points. They made a promising start against Radford after soaking up some early pressure and with 22 minutes gone, they deservedly went ahead in superb fashion.
After Kevin Spriggs felled Ross McCaughey just outside the penalty area, Meakin stepped up and curled an unstoppable effort into the top far corner past Dunn who could only stand and admire the strike – a quite scintillating free kick from the midfielder who traded Selhurst Street for Plains Road back in 2017.
They could have had a second in as many minutes when Jack Jepson found himself in behind Matt Hopewell, but he couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity and his shot was dragged wide.
The visitors did not look their usual selves going forward and the unusually quiet Ryan Smith, with 25 goals to his name already this season, was kept at bay by the superb defensive cohesion of Liam Corrigan, Felix Hogg and Charlie Roberts.
In turn, the home side looked comfortable and were deservedly nearing the half time interval in the lead.
They may have added a second 5 minutes before the break but following good work between McCaughey and Jimmy Spiers. However, as Jepson found himself one-on-one with Dunn, an uncharacteristic lack of composure from the talisman saw his effort scurry wide.
Despite the comfortable position and contrary to how Gedling have opened the second period of many games this season, the second half was only 3 minutes old when Radford claimed their equaliser.
Ignoring protests from those in yellow that Moore touched the ball last under pressure from Roberts, referee Ashley Allen, having a difficult afternoon, awarded a corner in favour of the visitors.
From the in swinging set piece, the ball found its way all the way through and the unmarked Ryan Smith was on hand to bundle the ball home as Allen waved away all complaints from the home side who were incensed at the decision.
The goal sparked Radford and they had a good opportunity to go in front but Moore’s left-footed strike from an angle was well anticipated by Brown who comfortably held through a number of players.
8 minutes later, however and it may have been Gedling who re-took the lead, but after shrugging off several Tom Black attempts to foil his run, Meakin’s superb cross, penetrating the lines of the away defence, was just inches from finding the toe of Jepson before the ball ran harmlessly for a goal kick.
The game drastically mellowed and both sides appeared to be content with a point apiece as the minutes ticked toward the close. Jack Smith went close for his side with 77 minutes played, but the substitute couldn’t quite angle enough curl as Brown ushered the effort wide.
5 minutes later and Spiers tested the hands of an otherwise undisturbed Dunn, but the strike was never going to beat the seasoned stalwart who caught with ease.
Both sides huffed and puffed but failed to test respective goals as both defensive rearguards shone throughout.
Gedling’s defensive trio were superb all afternoon in dealing with the extremely lively attacking threat Radford offered, whilst the experienced Wes Spencer and Simon Hore, both former Gedling players, looked at ease all afternoon as Allen ended the game with the teams sharing the spoils.
A good point for Gedling who rise to 16th in the latest standings and halt a run of seven consecutive defeats to The Pheasants in all competitions having last beaten them in the League Cup back in 2014.
They make the trip to second-placed Newark Flowserve next Saturday (30th March) hoping to detriment their title charge as they seek a second successful promotion, kick off 3pm.
“It was a tough physical game against local rivals today and there was not much in it. We edged the first half with a couple of good chances and edged the second.” Manager Chris Marks said after the game.
“The work rate, effort and desire from the boys today was very good. We’ve now played 2 teams in the top 6 in the last 2 weeks and haven’t been beaten – hopefully we can continue that trend and finish the season strongly.” he added.
Gedling Miners Welfare Man of the Match – Liam Corrigan
Match Attendance – 106
Referee – Ashley Allen Assistant Referees – Paul Dixon & Abraham Kingsley
There was plenty of hope for Carlton Town at half time at the Linden stadium, with the Millers leading Cleethorpes Town by two goals to nil thanks to a mightily impressive brace from Tyler Blake.
But that hope was gone quicker than the half time cup of tea as Cleethorpes were level within eight minutes of the restart and went onto win the match 4-2.
On a lovely surface in bright sunshine Carlton came out of the blocks on fire. In just the second minute Blake advanced to the edge of the area and hit a fierce drive that Theo Richardson tipped around the post with a superb save.
At the other end Austin made a superb tackle to deny Scott Vernon.
Blake should have opened the scoring on nine minutes. A back pass was mis-controlled by Richardson and Blake looked certain to score, only to be denied by another excellent stop from the goalkeeper.
The keeper was finally beaten on just 11 minutes as Carlton took the lead. Opoku held up the ball in midfield before playing the ball wide to Ben Hutchinson. Hutchinson lofted a lovely ball forward to Blake, who controlled it with his chest, outpaced Paul Walker and then fired a magnificent half-volley past Richardson.
Edward Clarke had to be alert to block Daniel North while Walker hit an audacious chip just over the bar, before the same player headed straight at Jack Steggles.
McNicholas was having an impressive game alongside Oliver Clark in midfield and Carlton were looking competitive all over the pitch, with Edward Clarke having an excellent game at centre-half.
Ebanks won a header on the half way line which Opoku then held up and lifted a shot just over the bar.
With half time approaching Hutchinson headed to Oliver Clark whose angled drive drew another fine save from Richardson.
Still Carlton came forward and they doubled their lead just a minute before half time. Edward Clarke played the ball to Hutchinson who found Blake in the Owls half. Blake did really well to hold the ball up before feeding Opoku. Opoku did even better, fending off Walker and Oli Donald before slipping a reverse pass into the path of Blake, who was coolness personified as he drew Richardson and then fired across him into the corner of the net. It was an outstanding goal.
Cleethorpes responded and Jack Steggles produced a point blank save from a fierce North drive before the referee blew for half time.
Cleethorpes had plainly been given a rocket at half-time for underestimating Carlton and came out in the second period determined to make amends. Carlton couldn’t match them. Tim Lowe, impressive in the Owls’ win at Stoke Lane in January was pushed into midfield and Cleethorpes took control.
Jonathan Oglesby tapped in unmarked at the near post on 51 minutes to reduce the arrears. He then linked with Daniel North before the latter fired into the top corner two minutes later to level the scores.
McNicholas forced Richardson into a comfortable save while Opoku was inches away from getting a decent connection on another Hutchinson header as Carlton tried to regain the lead, but the match had already slipped away from them and the only question was whether they had the heart / ability to keep hold of a point. They didn’t.
Steggles made a fine save from Jack Richardson before the Owls took the lead on 82 minutes. Lowe ran forward unchallenged for 20-30 yards before hitting a rocket that Steggles got a hand to but couldn’t keep out.
The win was sealed with two minutes remaining when Joshua Batty glanced a header beyond Steggles into the net.
At the final whistle the Millers players sloped off without as much as a backward glance at those who had travelled to support them.
It’s now less than six weeks until residents across Gedling borough head to the polls.
This means you might hear a lot less from Gedling Borough Council as they have now entered what is called purdah – which has a huge impact on what they can and can’t say or do.
But what is purdah and why is it in place?
What is purdah?
Six weeks before polling day (May 2), Gedling Borough Council has to go into purdah – meaning they are restricted in what they can and cannot say or do.
The term ‘purdah’ comes from the Urdu or Persian word for ‘veil’ or ‘curtain’.
In Muslim or Hindu societies, it referred to the practice of screening women from men or strangers, often involving a curtain or women being covered in certain garments.
We use the word for this period in local politics as the council is seen as ‘screening itself’ from controversy by not taking certain decisions or issuing statements that could prove controversial.
In Gedling borough, it began on March 20.
What can Gedling Borough Council not do during purdah?
Between now and the polls closing on May 2, Gedling Borough Council can’t make any decisions which could influence or prejudice the outcome of either their own elections or others taking place at the same time.
This means they can’t announce new spending plans, launch any new strategies or publishing any form of new policy that had not been agreed before the purdah period began.
The Local Government Association has produced an exhaustive list of what councils definitively cannot do during purdah
Gedling Borough Council cannot do the following during purdah:
Produce publicity on matters which are politically controversial (for instance, statements about Brexit)
Make references to individual politicians or groups in press releases
Arrange proactive media or events involving candidates
Issuing photographs which include candidates
Supply council photographs or other materials to councillors or political group staff unless you have verified that they will not be used for campaigning purposes
Continue hosting third party blogs or e-communications
Help with national political visits, as this would involve using public money to support a particular candidate or party.
What can they do?
During purdah, the council can still continue to make and publish decisions on more routine matters, such as planning applications or licensing applications.
Other normal council activities will still go on during this period e.g. bin collections, street cleaning, and issuing fines
They can also respond to information contained in a news story that might not be factual (for instance, a story may claim councillors have agreed to a 5% salary increase).
If a council is already running an ongoing campaign (e.g. trying to recruit more foster carers) or has a public consultation already under way (e.g. on developments sites within its Local Plan), it does not have to suspend these if doing so would lead to public money being wasted.
Gedling MP Vernon Coaker was presented with a petition last week from Carlton le Willows pupils calling for urgent action on climate change.
Year 10 twins Shahnaz and Alisha Begum presented the local MP with a petition signed by students from all year groups at the Academy, along with a letter detailing students’ views on how urgent action needs to be taken to address the issues of climate change.
The petition forms part of the Academy’s approach to the environmental issue, teaching students how to get their voices heard beyond the school gates and help effect positive change.
CALL FOR ACTION: Year 10 Academy students Alisha and Shahnaz Begum present Gedling MP Vernon Coaker with a petition from Carlton le Willows asking for action on Climate Change.
Mr Coaker has now pledged to raise the issue in Parliament once again after being handed the petition.
Last week he tweeted “It was a pleasure to meet Alisha and Shahnaz especially on such an important issue like climate change.
“I will be raising this again in Parliament and making sure the voice of students are the school are heard. We need action now.”
Children at Killisick Junior School in Arnold can now delve into new reading adventures following a successful revamp.
The new-look facility has been created to provide “a calm oasis for children to read in”.
The grand opening was attended by children who are the pupil librarians along with their parents and Parent Governors of the school.
Kay Greensmith is a parent governor at the Arnold based school and attended the launch party.
She said, “The room is a lot airier and has a very pleasant environment now. I think that the library will be used a lot more by children, especially because we have a lot of new books available.”
The story books in the library are now organised by author said Kay, “I think that’s a really clever idea because when children find a book they have enjoyed, they can easily find others by the same author.”
PICTURED: Pupils, teachers and governors are pictured at a launch event for their new library
Teacher Karen Carpenter (English Lead at Killisick Junior School) is responsible for the transformation in the school’s library.
She said “It was a fairly standard room before with old book cases and was a bit messy and disorganised. We have tried to create a much more positive and cheerful area. To do that I have painted the room and put a mural on one wall, we also have all new bookcases and have just ordered another £1500 worth of books.”
Many of the new books were chosen by pupils and included their favourite subjects, characters and authors and there is also a ‘recommended to read’ area to encourage children to try new titles.
Karen added: “I think it is a much more inspiring place and is very calm. It has become a favourite room with the children and will hopefully inspire them to explore new titles and develop a lifelong love of reading.”
Pupil Zac Rogers (age 11) said “I think it is so much better than before! I think before it felt cramped and small and it was quite difficult for the librarians to do their job. I like that it has a nature theme and there are trees everywhere. It has made it really nice in here and it’s my favourite now.”
A 49-year-old man has been charged and remanded with threats to kill and affray following an incident in Ravenshead in the early hours of Saturday (23).
Mark Stephenson of no fixed address has been remanded into custody to appear at Nottingham Magistrates Court today (March 25).
The charge follows the arrest of the man at Priory Avenue in Ravenshead at around 1.30am on the same morning.
A man has been locked up for carrying out burglaries on properties in Gedling and Mapperley while the occupants slept.
Jake Shaw, 19, of Lotus Close, St Ann’s, was sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday (March 21).
In the early hours of Sunday, November 25, Shaw entered a house in Third Avenue, Gedling, while the occupant was sleeping and took two hard drives, a purse and a debit card.
At around 1am on January 5, 2019, Shaw entered a house in Marshall Road, Mapperley, while the occupants were sleeping and took two sets of car keys, house keys, a purse, bank cards, two handbags, a wallet, cash and two cars, which were found abandoned in the early hours of the following morning.
DS Craig Luckett said: “Credit has to go to the Burglary team who worked tirelessly on this case to ensure the victims got justice. I’m pleased to see the courts recognised the impact this type of crime has on communities and reflected that in their sentence.”
