Children from a city school were treated to a ride through the borough on one of its new fleet of biogas buses, which then dropped them off for an action-packed morning at Gedling Country Park.
Around 60 children from William Booth Primary and Nursery School, in Sneinton, took a trip on Greta the Gas Bus on Thursday, as part of the launch of the latest in a series of books promoting sustainable transport.
Greta drove the children up to Gedling Country Park, where the youngsters learnt about solar energy and went on a butterfly walk, before being given copies of the book, which aims to inspire young children to use environmentally-friendly public transport and help them travel safe.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said; “I was delighted to meet the children off the biogas bus and to welcome them to Gedling Country Park.
“The park is the perfect place to talk to the young people about clean air and renewable energy and we are fully supportive of the work Nottingham City Transport are doing to create cleaner ways to travel.”
BOOK: Greta the Gas Bus
Anthony Carver-Smith, marketing manager at Nottingham City Transport, said: “We’re delighted to support the launch of this initiative and we’re looking forward to welcoming these pupils to a tour at our gas fuelling station in the near future.”
Greta the Gas Bus is the fifth in a series of books that began with Ellie the Electric Bus, and also includes Marvin the Medilink. Last year, the series was shortlisted last year in the Marketing Initiative of the Year category at the UK Bus Awards.
The event comes ahead of Clean Air Day on June 21, during which all citizens are encouraged to do something to tackle air pollution – however small. This could include walking or cycling to school, or taking the bus or tram.
In this month’s column we chart the history of the Calverton Preservation Society to mark their 50th anniversary.
The early years….
The Society was formed in June 1968 by Eileen Cupitt and several local residents with the aims of developing a spirit of communal pride, the protection of a rural atmosphere, preservation of the natural, visual and historic amenities and the establishment of a village museum.
During 1969 concerns were raised regarding the number of neglected cottages in the village which could be potential homes, road widening which could lead to an increase in traffic speeds and plans for 150 new homes on Bonner Hill.
Pres members also helped “clean up” Georges Lane where 20 tons of rubbish, including old motor cycles and washing machines which had been dumped in the hedge bottoms, was collected in just one day!
Also about this time the Pres supported a public petition against plans for a petrol station and garage on the site of the old Co-op shop in Main Street.
PICTURED: The former Calverton Co-op Shop, with the White Lion in the background
The following year (1971) a small derelict cottage on Main Street was presented to the Society for use as a Museum and during the next few years various events, such as social evenings and garden parties, were held to raise money in order to restore the cottage. Many people, including pupils from the Frank Seely School, helped in the renovation of the building.
PICTURED: A local farmer provided transport for a framework knitting machine to be installed in the Museum
Also in the early 70s the Pres was concerned about the threat of demolition of Windles Square and cooperated with the Notts. Building Preservation Trust in a renovation scheme to secure the future of the area.
In another project at that time the Pres collaborated with the local branch of the Workers’ Educational Association to undertake a thorough survey of the village. The final Report was used by Notts. County Council as the basis for the establishment of three Conservation areas, Labray, Burnor Pool and Windles Square.
After several years of hard work, the Folk Museum was finally opened in July 1975.
PICTURED: Eileen Cupitt, founder of the Preservation Society, standing outside the Museum
By the early 1980s several sites in and around the village were under threat, principally green belt land at Dark Lane. The “Green Belt Inquiry” continued for several years until in 1985 the Dark Lane was protected from the risk of development…..for the time being!
To be continued.
PRES CLIPS
A planning application has been submitted to GBC by Oscar’s Lounge and Restaurant for permission to retain existing external advertisements and signs for 5 years.
A few years ago a planning application which would have created a natural cemetery between the top of George’s Hill and the entrance to the Calverton Hill Hospital was withdrawn. Recently the plan has been revived as apparently Redhill cemetery is nearly full and additional space is required in the area. The proposed new cemetery providing for about 100 funerals a year would have 3 areas, conventional, woodland and natural sections, together with a car park which would be accessed by updating the existing track on the bend near the Hospital entrance. In addition it is proposed to create a new footpath leading from the bus stop.
The Environment Agency has applied to GBC to install a Ground Mounted array of Solar Panels close to a boundary at Calverton Fish Farm on Moor Lane.
Work is due to begin soon to replace a gas main on Mansfield Lane which is likely to cause disruption to traffic.
Calverton Folk Museum is open for visitors 2 till 4 pm. Sunday June 24th.
This year’s Arnold Carnival is just around the corner and will once again take place in the grounds of Arnot Hill Park
This free event, which takes place next weekend (June 16-17), boasts one of the best line ups in the carnival’s history.
Over 40 live music and dance acts will be performing on the main stage during the weekend and there will also be arts and crafts activities, a fun dog show, fun fair, BMX and skateboarding sessions and a memorial flypast.
Saturday’s headliners are THAT 80’S ROCK SHOW will be performing some of the biggest 80’s glam and hair-metal rock classics and power ballads from bands such as Def Leppard, Kiss, Whitesnake and many others.
Sunday’s headliners will be bringing the stadium rock to the park. There will be performances from Queen tribute act Real Magic and Take That and Robbie Williams tribute Take@That.
HEADLINERS: That 80s Rock Show will be entertaining the crowds on the main stage on Saturday night
HEADLINERS: That 80s Rock Show will rock the crowds on the main stage on Saturday nightAlong with performances from professional musicians, there will also be a variety of community music, dance groups, local school bands, choirs and solo artists performing over the weekend.
The carnival has more to offer besides music, with over 150 craft, charity and trade stalls and a dedicated food and drink court with a fully licensed bar. Children’s arts and crafts activity sessions will be hosted by Gedling Play Forum and a fun dog show will also be taking place over both days of the event.
The event is free to attend on both days with something for all the family to enjoy.
Parking is limited but there will be, for the first time, additional spaces available at the Home Brewery car park on Sir John Robinson’s Way, thanks to Nottinghamshire County Council who has opened the staff car park for the weekend.
A talented young athlete from Gedling is to hold a fundraiser later this month to help fund kits and transport for his team representing the region at the forthcoming Special Olympics.
Miles Green is part of the 27-strong team from Special Olympics East Midlands who will be competing against other teams in athletic events, football, badminton and table tennis at the Special Olympics GB Anniversary Games in Stirling from August 13.
The Anniversary Games will celebrate both Special Olympics GB’s 40th birthday (SOGB was founded in 1978) and also the 50th birthday of the worldwide Special Olympics global movement, set up in 1968 by President Kennedy’s sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
The Games will involve approximately 1,000 athletes and 400 coaches and officials. As well as athletes from all GB Regions, a number of European countries will be invited to take part in the Games.
Miles has now planned a fundraiser to help the region’s side fund a team coach and kits for all the athletes from the East Midlands taking part.
PICTURED: Stirling University will be hosting the Anniversary Games in August
Miles Green will be part of a team of 27 from Special Olympics East Midlands with athletes representing football, badminton and table tennis, the cost of the games is £300 per person.
Miles’ mum Shirley Green said: “Miles is very excited about being invited to take part in the competition. It’s a massive opportunity for him.
“We need to get them all there hopefully on the same coach wearing their team kits, but this is going to cost the families a large amount of money, so let’s hope we can raise as much funding as possible.
She added: “To see Miles happy and positive and being proud of his achievements is so important to our family.”
To help raise funds, Miles has planned a family barbecue evening at the Greyfriars Club in St Ann’s on June 22.
The event takes place from 7pm and there will also be a disco and three vocal artists covering the likes of Adele and songs of Swing. Tickets are £3 pp.
To help boost funds, there will also be a raffle being held on the night, with a number of great prizes on offer. Donations for raffle prizes are still needed and it’s hoped local businesses may want to make a contribution to help the cause.
Donations for the raffle can be sent to 23 Tennyson Avenue, Gedling Nottingham NG43HJ.
For tickets and more information about the barbecue evening, email s.green93@ntlworld.com
Film lovers across Gedling borough will be able to enjoy a series of great movies under the stars in a Mapperley park this summer.
Locals are being invited to gather their blankets and head to Haywood Road Green, the old Bowling Green Space on Haywood Road, at Sunset – perched high up on Mapperley Top with clear views over the Trent Valley to the East.
Back by popular demand, following a successful season on the site last year, screenings will take place each month over the summer, when up to 200 people are expected to head outdoors for an evening of classic films under the stars.
Sunset Cinema Club – who organise Pop-Up outdoor screens in creative, hidden and under-used outdoor spaces – will screen 1996 hit Romeo + Juliet on Friday July 6, and Oscar-winning La La Land will be shown on Saturday, July, 7
This is the second year that the site has been chosen as a venue for a pop-up outdoor cinema by Sunset Cinema Club.
And follows a successful campaign by local residents which secured the future of the old bowling green site, which lies next to Haywood Road Community Centre, now as a permanent park space.
Louise Darby, founder of Sunset Cinema Club said: “We are delighted to be working on Haywood Road again. After a wonderful welcome last year, we couldn’t resist coming back and with its fantastic position, we hope to provide great local outdoor film experiences for many years to come.”
Film goers are invited to bring a picnic to settle in, and can expect a licensed pop-up bar (with profits helping to maintain the Community Centre) too.
Tickets, which must be bought in advance, cost £8–£11 and are still available here: www.sunsetcinemaclub.co.uk
Plans which could see a new train operator running services in Gedling borough will bring about significant improvements for passengers, according to a leading transport pressure group.
The government is in the process of selecting a new contractor to run trains from stations on the East Midland Rail Franchise, which includes Netherfield, Carlton and Burton Joyce stations.
Today, the government released details of the invitation to tender, which the winning bidder will be obliged to meet.
The new contract is expected to come into effect from late 2019 and will last around eight years. It is currently run by Stagecoach under the name of East Midlands Trains.
Three companies, including Scotland-based Stagecoach, are in the running to win the franchise.
Abellio, which is a Dutch company, and Arriva, German-owned company, are also expected to bid for the contract.
A decision is expected from the government early next year.
Now, Transport for the East Midlands and East Midlands Councils have said the new deal will bring about a host of benefits, regardless of which firm wins.
They have worked with the Department for Transport for two years to draw up a list of priorities for East Midlands commuters, companies, and leisure passengers, and several of these have been included in the contract.
It means that whichever firm wins the bid, a list of improvements will be expected by the Government.
These include;
A roll out of smart-tickets
Incentives for faster and more efficient trains
Improved early/late evening services
Sunday service improvements throughout the network
High-speed Wi-Fi on trains,
£2.5m for improvements to accessibility at medium-sized stations
In addition, passengers who are delayed by 15 minutes or more will be entitled to compensation – compared to 30 minutes now.
Details of the new tender were released today by rail minister Jo Johnson.
The Conservative MP, who is the brother of Boris Johnson, said: “We are investing in the biggest upgrade to the Midland Main Line since it was completed in 1870.
“We have listened carefully to what thousands of passengers and stakeholders have said they want to see in the next East Midlands franchise.”
“We expect the next operator to unlock the unrealised potential while building on its stable foundations.”
Sir Peter Soulsby is the chairman of Transport for the East Midlands (TfEM), which works with East Midlands Councils.
He said: “Through TfEM, councils have been working in partnership with the DfT to ensure we get the best result for passengers, businesses and local communities out of the franchise process. The franchise invitation to tender provides a real opportunity to transform rail services across the East Midlands.
“We are a growing and prosperous region – and we need rail services comparable to the best elsewhere in England to fulfil our economic potential.”
A 15-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to two charges of possession of a knife in a public place after appearing at Nottingham Youth Court today (Wednesday 6 June 2018).
The boy, who can’t be named for legal reasons, committed the offences in St Ann’s on Monday (4 June 2018) and in Mapperley on December 27 2017.
He also pleaded guilty to being in possession of a Class B controlled drug in St Ann’s and two charges of robbery in Mapperley.
He was remanded in youth detention accommodation until June 27 when he will next appear at Nottingham Youth Court.
A diamond couple from Arnold who have taken over 200 coach trips during their married life are planning to spend their 60th wedding anniversary doing just that!
Albert (82) and Kathleen (81) North from Arnold, Nottingham have long been avid fans of a coach holiday, taking approximately 200 trips throughout their 60 years of wedded bliss.
The duo are now ready to board their celebration trip away to the Rhine Valley with the staff at Skills, many who they consider friends. After already celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary on board a special coach trip, this was the obvious choice to mark another 20 years.
The five-day trip in June to the family ran Hotel Wagner, where the couple are already well known, includes excursions to Rudesheim, Cochem and Boppard and even wine tasting. The couple have been on this trip several times and can’t wait to have a celebratory drink with Andreas Wagner, who now runs the hotel but was only a young man starting his career when the couple first took a Skills coach trip to the Rhine Valley almost 40 years ago.
“We love travelling with Skills and not just because of the value of the trips.” explained Albert, “We love the places they go, the staff are all so welcoming and helpful, in fact I’m now good friends with many of the drivers and even some of the locals, it’s like one big family.”
“This was obvious when we were on an overnight trip to see the ‘Sound of Music’ in Austria to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary, on the morning before we left, Bill Richard, the coach driver, and now friend of mine said he had a presentation to make.
Albert and Kathleen North from Arnold
“He told everyone we were celebrating 40 years of marriage and presented us with a box and card, signed by the management and staff at Skills. Everyone on the coach clapped, it was really lovely for them to acknowledge it.”
“I remember, before we set off Bill asked what was in the box.” added Albert, “I showed him the two beautiful large cut glass brandy glasses and he joked ‘well that’s my bonus gone’!”
“We still don’t know how they found out it was our anniversary.” said Kathleen, “but we were very touched by the gift.”
Albert and Kathleen have become regular passengers on Skills trips, in the UK and abroad. Albert recalls their first ever holiday with them was to Holland in the early 80’s but they have travelled all over, from the Chelsea Garden Show to Christmas markets.
“We do like to get abroad” said Kathleen, “Croatia is excellent, probably one of our favourite trips, we’ve been twice now and it is one of the best holidays we have ever had with Skills.”
Natalie Legge, senior sales and marketing manager at Skills said, “It’s fantastic to hear these kinds of stories from our passengers who travel with us over and over again – although I think these two could be record holders for the most trips!
“We are honoured that Albert and Kathleen have decided to take yet another trip with us, this time to celebrate such a special occasion. They really are a diamond a couple and it’s clear to see why they’ve had such a long marriage. We can’t wait to help them make the day that extra bit special.”
Two teams representing Gedling Southbank Girls came out on top at a tournament held in Newark over the weekend.
The U12s and U14s teams both came away winners of their groups at the Newark Referee’s Society tournament over at Newark Flowserve.
Southbank managed to field seven teams in the tournament, with all coming close to scooping rewards during the contest.
Andy Bates, who is head of the Girls’ Section for Gedling Southbank, said: “To get so many girls out playing at the same venue on the same day is a testament to hard work and commitment from our coaches and players, and demonstrates the unity that we’re trying to build across the whole section.
“Girls from our U10s, U11s (x2), U12s, U13s, U14 and U15s took to the field and gave their all on a stiflingly hot Sunday afternoon, with a massive support from assorted family and friends.
“It’s an incredible achievement that we got so many girls in the one spot, representing the red and white of GSB, far outnumbering any other club present and all interacting with one another demonstrating what a great family club this is.
He added: “Thank you all for your support and especially for making yesterday a really proud moment for me.”
We all have things, people, places or animals that make us a little anxious, nervous or just uncomfortable. I find that being high up is really nerve racking and causes me to show the classic signs of anxiety, beating heart, sweaty palms and butterflies in the stomach but, eventually I can do what I need to do.
This sounds a bit like a phobia but it isn’t.
When we have a phobia, we are overwhelmed and even debilitated by the fear. Phobias are really pronounced and massively exaggerated fears where the sense of danger is completely unrealistic. If it becomes severe enough we become unable to face the possibility of meeting up with the cause of our phobia by rearranging and restricting our lives to ensure we do not have to face that phobia. For some of us it can become really debilitating.
Phobias are one of the many anxiety disorders which some of us can be ok until we meet up with the subject of our phobia. While some of us will get anxious, if even we even think about the phobia, we will show much more exaggerated signs of anxiety, we are suffering from the anticipation anxiety of thinking about a phobia.
There are two types of phobia. One is a simple phobia centred around a particular object, animal, situation or activity. such as animals, sexual diseases, bodily functions (being sick is the most common), environments (heights etc), situations (doctor appointments). Then there are complex phobias like social phobia and agoraphobia. These are really debilitating and often lead to avoiding public transport, crowded places, being alone or being with people, public speaking and even going to work in certain situations (shop or office).
So where do phobias come from? Most phobias are developed in childhood; however, they can also develop when we are adults and these are the more complex phobias. There are several reasons why a phobia can develop.
PICTURED: Elaine Bond is a counsellor based in Gedling
Most phobias we develop are around certain objects, situations, or animals. For instance, many people like me are afraid of heights, whereas others are afraid of blood, enclosed spaces, rats or spiders. Some people believe, therefore, we have this genetically programmed into our brains as it is a response back to when we were in much more danger than we are now. So, at one point in history, if we were exposed to rats we could catch the plague.
We can learn a phobia early in life, so if a child fell from a height they can learn that all heights are dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. We can also learn from others such as if someone close to us when we are growing up has a fear of phobia we will take that on board as our reality too and develop our own phobia.
If we have a phobia it is most likely that we will be very risk averse and overestimate the danger of any situation where we will encounter our phobia. This then develops a vicious circle as our over estimation feeds our wish to avoid, at all costs, that situation and we then just continue to increase our anticipatory anxiety about it, and the phobia gets bigger. If we must face our phobia, we develop some behaviours that have a ritualistic element and make us feel safe, like only getting on the train when it’s quiet (at a specific time) or with a friend (only one friend can do this role) to hold on to. So, we never face our phobia but we build ways to avoid it and again it just gets more control of our lives. Of course, the more we dodge the phobia the greater the relief, so the more we dodge the phobia and so it goes on.
Realistically if we have a phobia we overestimate the danger and underestimate our ability to cope with our anxiety. This destructive thought cycle will keep us wrapped up in the phobia until we get some help.
It is difficult to break free from a phobia without professional help. CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) is known to help us change our destructive thought processes.
There are a few things we can do to help ourselves –
Get real with your thoughts – is this realistically going to happen if I do ….? What is actually the worst thing that can happen? Am I really going to pass out if I…?
Check your thoughts – are you creating catastrophes? Are you looking in to a crystal ball and predicting? Are you based your thoughts on one incident?
Challenge your thoughts – What evidence contradicts your thoughts? If the situation did happen what could you do? What would you tell your friend to do in this situation?
What situations are you avoiding and what safety measures do you use? What makes the situation worse and what makes it better?
Learn some mindfulness or breathing techniques that will calm you down.
