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Five things to do in Gedling borough this weekend, Friday 28 – Sunday 30 March

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Five things to do in Gedling borough this weekend, Friday 28 – Sunday 30 March

Are you looking forward to the weekend?

This weekend there is lots on offer across the borough for film fans, taco lovers and shoppers.

Take a look at what is going on in our guide below.

Boogie Before Bedtime

Mapperley Plains Recreation & Social Club, March 29, Mapperley Plains Social Club

Enjoy an evening of music, dancing, and fun – all in support of a great cause!

From 5 PM to 9 PM, you’ll be taken on a nostalgic journey through the soulful sounds of the 70s and 80s, featuring the very best of Soul, Motown, and Northern Soul. Whether you’re a seasoned soul fan or just love a good groove, this is your chance to hit the dancefloor and relive the golden era of music.

Tickets are just £9, and every penny raised goes directly towards supporting the work of Phenomenal Futures, a local community organisation dedicated to making a difference.

Hallowsday

Richard Herrod Centre, March 29, Richard Herrod Centre

Three piece band, Hallowsday, will be performing at Richard Herrod Centre in Carlton on Saturday 29 March.

They will be singing hit classics from Bon Jovi, Billy Idol, INXS, The Clash, AC/DC, Status Quo and many more!

Free entry (no ticket required). Live on stage from 9pm, the bar will be open until 11pm.

Eba Sallah

Eagles Corner, March 29 @eaglescorner

Enjoy a night of live music with singer Eba Sallah as he performs reggae, ska, dancehall and motown hits from yesteryear at the Eagle’s Corner pub in Arnold.

Show starts at 8.30pm

Mother’s Day Craft and Cream Tea

Bestwood Lodge, March 30 Bestwood Lodge

Enjoy two hours of crafting, cream tea’ing and self caring. You will be first handed all ingredients for to create your bath bombs and then head into the restaurant for a traditional cream tea for 30 minutes. The event finishes with a stroll around the woods for a Mothers Trail, dedicated to all the great women of our times

Tickets £22.33

Event Cinema: Billy Elliot The Musical Live (20th Anniversary)

The Bonington, March 30 @TheBonington

Billy Elliot the Musical won the hearts of millions since it opened in London’s West End in 2005. Set in a northern mining town, against the background of the 1984/85 miners’ strike, Billy’s journey takes him out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever. The original creative team behind the film, including writer Lee Hall (book & lyrics), director Stephen Daldry, and choreographer, Peter Darling, is joined by music legend Elton John (music) to produce a funny, uplifting and spectacular theatrical experience that will stay with you forever.

2hrs 43 mins including an interval

Let us know if you have an event going on that you want plugging in our weekly weekend guide by emailing news@gedlingeye.co.uk

Man, 23, arrested after cannabis grow found in loft of Woodthorpe property

David Bratton
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Man, 23, arrested after cannabis grow found in loft of Woodthorpe property

A man has been arrested after a cannabis grow was uncovered in the loft of a home in Woodthorpe.

Police discovered the plants after a group of men were seen loitering outside the property.

Officers were called to Plains Road around 7.55pm on Wednesday (26 March) by a passer-by who had spotted the men showing an interest in a house.

When police arrived at the scene and gained entry to the property they found a grow of around 30 plants in the loft.

There were also around 20 vacuum-packed bags filled with cannabis which had already been cropped.

Fans and other equipment used to power the grow were found throughout the house.

A 23-year-old man, who was inside the address, has been arrested on suspicion of cultivation of a Class B drug.

The plants and crop will now be destroyed and the equipment will be dismantled.

Inspector Paul Whitehead, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are grateful to the member of the public for reporting this incident.

“Their alertness has allowed us to uncover this cannabis grow, which would have made the criminals behind it a considerable amount of money.

“Grows like this bring nothing but problems for communities and can act as a magnet to other criminals who try to break in and steal the crop.

“Inquiries will continue into the incident. We will not hesitate to take action against any landlord who allows their property to be turned into a cannabis factory.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 101, quoting incident 777 of 26 March 2025, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

You’re legen-dairy: Colwick firm hands £1k cash boost to city farm charity to help them with rising costs

Gedling Eye Reporter
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You’re legen-dairy: Colwick firm hands £1k cash boost to city farm charity to help them with rising costs

A much-loved Nottingham city farm has received a cash boost from a Colwick firm following sharp rises in its operating costs.

Stonebridge City Farm in St Ann’s was named as the recipient of March’s charity donation by The Wilkins Group in its ‘year of giving’ campaign.  

The packaging firm’s 12-month campaign is championing a different Nottinghamshire charity each month during 2025 and making donations to lessen the impact of the current challenging economic climate.   

This week, Stonebridge City Farm received a cheque for £1,000, after staff at The Wilkins Group heard its plea for help.

Stonebridge City Farm was established in 1980 as an urban farm dedicated to offering training, education and diverse volunteering opportunities particularly for individuals facing mental health challenges or learning disabilities. 

Justin Wilkins, joint managing director at The Wilkins Group, which makes food packaging for many of the UK’s leading brands, said: “We know times are hard for so many people and organisations across the country at the moment. 

Stonebridge CEO Peter Armitage (holding cheque) with (l-r) Jolanta Meikle, Simon Lowis and Justin Wilkins from the Wilkins Group

“Stonebridge City Farm gives so much joy to visitors but its financial struggles due to the sharp rise in costs is heartbreaking. 

“We hope that our donation will help support the farm and its 200 plus volunteers so that it can continue to bring a little piece of the countryside to city residents.”    

The Wilkins Group announced its ‘year of giving’ campaign in December. It kick-started the initiative with an innovative calendar and desk tidy that was sent to its customers.   

Each month, the calendar highlights a different Nottinghamshire charity, outlining its work and why The Wilkins Group would be donating towards each cause. Charities that have already benefited from support include Green’s Windmill, in Sneinton, and Papplewick Pumping Station, in Ravenshead. 

Justin said: “The idea of our ‘year of giving’ calendar and campaign has been a huge success. Our clients have loved it. While we may be a global brand, we are immensely proud of our Nottingham roots and want to support local attractions and charities to grow and flourish. 

Peter Armitage, CEO of Stonebridge City Farm, said: “It is amazing to see a successful Nottingham based business supporting our cause. 

“I would like to express a huge thank you to The Wilkins Group. Donations like this one help us going forward at a time when it is so hard to raise money and much-needed funds.” 

The not-for-profit organisation launched a JustGiving Winter Appeal with a target of £30,000 to help with rising costs and maintenance. 

While 2024 was a record year for the centre, with around 100,000 visitors and the support of 300 volunteers, it was also a record year for rising costs. 

Justin said: “The work being done by Stonebridge City Farm and its volunteers is simply inspiring. To be able to support such a fabulous facility in our hometown, one that has been enjoyed by many of our team and their children and grandchildren, has been tremendous. 

“The farm is just 10-minutes’ drive away from our Colwick headquarters. It is a fantastic use of green space in the city as well as a tremendously diverse education and volunteering space.” 

The Wilkins Group is dedicated to improving its local community spaces and mitigating the environmental impact of industry. Creating packaging designs and innovations that aim to reduce and ultimately eradicate single-use plastics within the industry, it is already leading the way in alternatives including board trays for food packaging, including the use of compostable materials, and 100 per cent plastic-free hangers. 

The Wilkins Group is a family run firm that produces food packaging for the likes of Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods and Cadbury.

It also is credited with producing bespoke and award-winning items such as eco-friendly coat hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles.  

Scores on the doors: Latest food hygiene ratings for Gedling borough

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Scores on the doors: Latest food hygiene ratings for Gedling borough

Gedling borough’s restaurants, cafes and businesses all get ranked on their food hygiene standards and practices.

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).

Here are the results of the most recent inspections:

5 – Very good

R And Rs Cafe
43 Westdale Lane East
Carlton

Springwater Bar And Restaurant
Moor Lane
Woodborough

Peking House
Plains Road
Woodthorpe

Mr Sizzler
39 Mansfield Road
Daybrook

MeeCafe
Beechwood Road
Arnold

No1 Sandwich Bar
Victoria Road
Netherfield

Snap Cafe
109 Plains Road
Woodthorpe

Ohannes Burger
Nottingham Road
Arnold

Kelvin’s Fish Bar
Milton Court
Ravenshead

Mister Pizza
Wollaton Avenue
Gedling

Gedling Inn And Kitchen
Main Road
Gedling

Robin Hood Inn
Main Street
Lambley

Rowbottoms
Front Street
Arnold

Monaco Pizza And Pasta Takeaway
Westdale Lane East
Gedling

La Piazza
Carlton Square
Carlton

Wandering Dragon
Mansfield Road
Woodthorpe

Catherines Bakery
Bonner Lane
Calverton

KC’s Cafe And Cob Shop
Main Road
Gedling

Nags Head Inn
Main Street
Woodborough

The Fat Pizza/The Fat Burger And Desserts/The Fat Bubble
Mansfield Road
Woodthorpe

Royal Gurkha
Tilford Road
Newstead

Cleo’s Delicatessen
Market Place
Arnold

Chrispies Bakes
Westdale Lane West
Mapperley

The Fish King
Nottingham Road
Arnold

Paradise Cafe
Front Street
Arnold

KR Kitchen & Takeaway
Nottingham Road
Arnold

4 – Good

None

3 – Generally Satisfactory

Endo’s Place
Main Road
Gedling

Mustard Seed
Main Road
Gedling

2 – Improvement Necessary

None

1 – Major Improvement Necessary

None

0 – Urgent Improvement Necessary

None

Letters: Make me leader of town board

Letters to the Editor
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Letters: Make me leader of town board

Our readers from across the borough give their weekly take on the biggest issues impacting Gedling and beyond.

Join the debate by sending your letter to letters@gedlingeye.co.uk . Please put ‘Letters’ in the subject line. You can also submit a letter by filling in the simple form below, and it may appear online.

Some letters refer to past correspondence which can be found by clicking HERE

Names and addresses will be withheld by request but must be included in the email. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters published do not reflect the views of Gedling Eye

‘I would be great leader of new town board‘

Sir,

I see that a job is available for the chair of this new Carlton Town Board and I’d like to let you know: I would be the ideal candidate.

Rather than get some overpriced contractor or ‘consultant’ in, let me do it for free.

I know the area and I would keep the money away from Arnold, that’s for sure – as I have said previously you can’t polish a…

Sir John Peace this week left his role as chair of Greater Carlton’s Town Board

Carlton and Netherfield could be a proper borough capital if the money was spent appropriately there. The transport links are so much better than Arnold as you can get from City to Netherfield and Carlton in under five minutes via train. I can not imagine a business executive wanting to take a 25 minute ride to Arnold for a meeting.

£20m is a lot of money and could make a huge difference to these towns but my fear is we would get some ‘consultant’ in who would be swayed by local politicians and MPs who want to spend more cash in Arnold, despite their high street dying quicker than a Puriri moth

I await the phone call.

Ron Lim,
Carlton

MP ‘causing chaos’

Sir, 

Michael Payne MP for Gedling is causing chaos and spreading misinformation amongst Gedling residents.

He had informed residents about option 4 and residents are now thinking there is a chance that Gedling Borough Council can stay as it is despite the Local Government Review.

He has totally got this wrong and by not correcting his constituents and stating an option 4 he is using smoke and mirrors to hide the fact that 1 of the 3 options is Gedling being merged into the City Boundary.

I expect better from our MP and feel this is very disingenuous of him to basically lie and try to pull the wool over residents eyes.

Cllr Darren Maltby
Gedling Borough Council

Fourth Trent bridge ‘badly needed’

Sir,

A fourth bridge is badly needed (Councillor leads drive for feasibility study on fourth road bridge over River Trent at Colwick – 13/03/25).

If one of the other bridges is out of action the roads turn into chaos. Lady Bay Bridge was closed (someone trying to commit suicide) and I had to leave my work in West Bridgford and go home to Gedling via Radcliffe on Trent, Shelford, Gunthorpe Bridge, Lowdham and Burton Joyce. It took me over an hour-and-a-half, as lots of traffic were also heading to their homes too.

Joan North
Gedling

Tram would bring extra jobs to area

Sir,

Following on from L Sanders letter regarding the tram (Tram to Gedling ‘much needed’ – Letters 20/03/25), the benefit would be better access to jobs and leisure activities through a quicker connection than buses.

It does not need to be profitable as the return on the investment is that it is an enabler for growth of the economy through taxes generated by the jobs. It is a proven fact that good transport networks attract new employers to an area.

Tram networks are only fully successful when they cover their urban area comprehensively which the present Nottingham network does not. The trams attract more travellers. The Phoenix Park park and ride site operated for a few years before the tram network opened, using buses. When the network opened the car park was doubled in size and I believe has been enlarged again since.

The fastest route from Netherfield to the QMC is by train and tram. The integrated ticket is provided by the Robin Hood card. There are two major problems for this quickest route. One is that the senior bus pass is not valid on the train. In London the over-60s can use their free pass on all forms of public transport in the London area. Why are we 2nd class citizens in this respect?

The other is the inadequate frequency of trains stopping at Carlton. There are two per hour pass through but only 1 per hour stops. For an urban area and compared to Beeston this is unacceptable. I suspect the train operator (micro managed by the Department of Transport) persists with this because there is no pressure from local politicians or Gedling Council to do anything about it fearing this might compromise the signing off of the tram extension. This is a misplaced concern if it exists. Beeston has a much more frequent train service which serves a different part of the area and a different market and still has a tram. Netherfield, Carlton, Gedling would be ditto.  

A major change is coming to the train timetables in December with the Newark trains extending to Lincoln. Local politicians should be pushing for all trains to stop.

Geoff Jackson,
via email

Why not try fracking?

Sir,

With energy costs rising by the day, why don’t those opposed to “fracking” take a deep breath put ideology to one side and in the interest of the majority support a trial drill in Notts just to see if success can be achieved without damage to either residents or the environment?

Trump’s doing it so why don’t we!

Peter Rickaby,
Calverton

Hope info on birthplace helps

Sir,

In response to Mrs. Brenda Holdforth who was looking for information on her birthplace in Calverton (Trying to trace birthplace’ – Letters 20/03/25).

The ‘Bottom Buildings’ she may be referring to might actually be Bottom Farm where a family of Knights lived – or Windle Square, near the Gleaners Inn at the bottom of the Village.

Hope this info can help you.

Alun Tuck,
Arnold

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    From chaos to clarity: practical office hacks you didn’t know you needed

    Sponsored Content
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    From chaos to clarity: practical office hacks you didn’t know you needed

    Master the Art of Desk Feng Shui

    A cluttered workspace often translates into a cluttered mind—this, we all know. But what you might not realise is how simple organisational tweaks can dramatically enhance productivity. A clear, well-organised desk not only promotes efficiency but also contributes positively to mental clarity. It’s about finding a balance between practicality and comfort. Positioning your desk to face the door, using a minimal number of necessary objects, and ensuring your chair supports your back correctly can surprisingly transform your working day.

    The Magic of Colour Coding

    Colour coding is far more than a primary school trick; it’s an underrated gem in the corporate environment. Implementing a simple colour system for your documents and files not only streamlines workflow but significantly cuts down time spent searching. Surprisingly, even small items like your packs of printer paper can be colour coded by purpose. For instance, reserve a specific shelf or drawer labelled clearly with a distinct colour for your printer paper stock, ensuring you always know your exact inventory levels. It sounds overly simple—until you try it and see the immediate benefits.

    Optimising Your Supplies Cabinet

    It’s not glamorous, but someone has to say it: office supply cabinets are the unsung heroes of productivity. Imagine the frustration of running out of essentials in the middle of an important printing job—every business knows this scenario all too well. Maintaining a clearly structured supplies cabinet with labels indicating reorder points is crucial. For instance, create dedicated spaces for your HP ink cartridges, clearly marking minimum stock levels. That way, you never face the dreaded scenario of running dry right before a crucial meeting.

    Break Area Rejuvenation: Not Just for Coffee

    An often overlooked yet highly beneficial practice is making your office break area truly restful. More than a space to gulp coffee, this area should offer genuine relaxation. Comfortable seating, plants, natural light, and perhaps even subtle background music can significantly boost team morale and productivity. When your team has an appealing space for brief mental breaks, their overall work quality and creativity will naturally improve. It may seem indirect, but productivity improvements from well-utilised breaks can be astonishingly substantial.

    Small Changes, Big Differences

    It’s easy to underestimate the power of practical adjustments around the office. By reconsidering organisation, from your printer paper stash to your HP ink cartridges, and transforming overlooked spaces, you foster an environment primed for efficiency and positivity. Start small, observe the benefits, and soon you’ll realise these minor tweaks can indeed have major impacts.

    How much does full-service Amazon agency cost?

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    How much does full-service Amazon agency cost?

    When considering working with a full-service Amazon agency, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: How much will it cost? The reality is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The price of hiring an Amazon agency can fluctuate based on a variety of factors, and understanding what influences these costs can help you make a more informed decision about your investment.

    Factors That Influence Full-Service Amazon Agency Pricing

    First and foremost, the scope of services you require will play a significant role in determining the cost. A full-service agency is capable of handling everything from product listings and SEO optimization to paid search campaigns and brand strategy. Naturally, the more services you require, the higher the price is likely to be.

    If you’re only looking for specific tasks, such as listing optimization or advertising management, the price could be lower. However, if you’re looking for an all-encompassing strategy that includes everything from marketing and inventory management to customer service, the cost will reflect that broader range of services.

    Another important factor that impacts cost is the complexity of your business. Companies that are just starting on Amazon might face different pricing models compared to well-established brands with a broad range of products. A smaller business might only need basic services like:

    • market research;
    • product listing optimization;
    • basic advertising management;
    • simple inventory tracking.

    But, if you’re running a large operation with numerous products across multiple categories, the work required by the agency will be more substantial and thus more expensive. Larger companies might also require more advanced strategies, such as international expansion or complex ad campaign management, all of which add to the overall cost.

    The Level of Customization and Attention You Need

    Every brand is unique, and some businesses may require more personalized strategies. The level of customization you’re looking for will certainly impact the price.

    Agencies that provide tailored strategies will often charge a premium because they need to dive deeper into your business model, your audience, and your specific goals. For instance, Netpeak US is known for creating highly personalized approaches, which can justify a higher cost but may lead to more successful outcomes for businesses with complex needs.

    When considering a full-service Amazon agency, it’s essential to communicate clearly about your needs and goals. A detailed understanding of what you want will help the agency assess the work involved and give you a clearer idea of what the price will reflect. Whether you’re a startup looking to carve out a niche or an established brand seeking to expand, your goals will guide the cost of the services you need.

    Conclusion

    The cost of working with a full-service Amazon agency is influenced by several factors, including the range of services you require, the complexity of your business, the experience of the agency, and the level of customization needed.

    By understanding these elements, you’ll be in a better position to determine what you’re willing to invest and what level of service you need. Whether you choose an agency like Netpeak US or another agency, remember that quality often comes at a price, and a well-executed Amazon strategy can yield significant returns over time.

    Source: https://netpeak.us/services/amazon-agency/

    Sewage spilled into England’s waters for record 3.6m hours last year

    David Bratton
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    Sewage spilled into England’s waters for record 3.6m hours last year

    Water companies tipped sewage into rivers and coastal waters for a record 3.61 million hours last year, according to official government data released today (27).

    The data from the Environment Agency showed that although the number of spills were down each one lasted longer on average – resulting in a higher total number of hours.

    In their annual report on sewage outflows in England they said the increase in sewage outflows was due to a lack of capacity in the pipes that carry effluent to sewage treatment plants, as well as overstretched treatment plants and heavy rain last year.

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed called the figures ‘disgraceful’

    He said: “They are a stark reminder of how years of underinvestment have led to water companies discharging unacceptable levels of sewage into our rivers, lakes, and seas,” 

    Sewage was spilt for 3.614 million hours in 2024 compared to 3.606 million hours in 2023.

    Some spilling can be legal, but concern has been mounting amongst scientists about the harm that regular sewage spilling is causing the country’s aquatic life.

    In England rainwater and sewage share the same pipes so in some instances, when there is too much rain, treatment works can be overwhelmed, and sewage is spilled via overflow points into the country’s rivers, lakes and seas to prevent a back up to the system.

    This practice is legal but water companies have been accused of spilling in sewage under dry conditions in breach of their permits.

    CEO of River Action, James Wallace, said: “A year on from last year’s catastrophic pollution figures, the true scale of the UK’s water crisis is only now coming to light. The figures have barely budged, testament to the deepening sewage scandal.”

    Police ask people in Gedling borough to help protect victims of ‘cuckooing’

    David Bratton
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    Police ask people in Gedling borough to help protect victims of ‘cuckooing’

    Police officers in Notts are appealing to people in Gedling borough to help identify possible victims of cuckooing.

    Cuckooing, named after cuckoos which invade the nests of other birds, is commonly used by criminals to take over a person’s home to store, supply, and produce drugs, or other crimes.

    Criminals often target the most vulnerable, including those who experience substance misuse, have a physical or learning disability, have a mental health condition, are elderly, or are struggling financially.

    They may offer teh victim money, friendship, drugs, alcohol, clothing, a relationship, or pay for food and utilities to quickly build a rapport.

    In exchange, they may ask to ‘borrow’ a room to store something or meet ‘friends’ at the property.

    Gradually, any perceived ‘benefits’ will reduce and the offender may threaten the victim with violence if they try to end their criminal behaviour.

    Nottinghamshire Police has now launched Operation Conclusion to tackle the crime.

    Premises and individuals involved in cuckooing tend to be repeat victims and addresses so Op Conclusion officers will use information obtained from enforcement to tackle the root cause.

    Properties are assessed into one of three severity categories that each have safeguarding actions associated with them, such as completing a welfare visit, increasing high-visibility patrols in the area, or referring the victim for further support.

    New legislation announced in February to make cuckooing a specific criminal offence will carry a maximum punishment of five years’ imprisonment.

    Under existing guidelines, officers dealing with a suspected cuckooing case may look to other offences including modern slavery, offensive weapons, and assault to bring charges.

    Detective Sergeant Georgie Gallagher, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “While these types of incidents are thankfully rare, unfortunately, we know that cuckooing does happen and often exploits the most vulnerable in society.

    “Cuckooing is hidden behind closed doors and victims can be reluctant to seek help because they often do not see themselves as victims or are under the control of violent offenders.

    “Educating the public on the signs of cuckooing to be aware of is an effective way to protect the vulnerable and tackle crime in our communities.

    “Once members of the public learn the signs, it may be obvious to them that a neighbouring address in their community is being cuckooed that could otherwise be difficult for the police and partner agencies to identify.

    “If you see something that doesn’t look or feel right, or you have information that may assist our investigations, please do come forward to help make your neighbourhood safer.”

    What are the signs of cuckooing?

    • An increase in visitors to a property – brief visits around the clock
    • An increase in vehicles arriving at a property, including bikes, mopeds, cars, and taxis
    • An increase in litter outside the property, including takeaway boxes or discarded drug paraphernalia such as foil, syringes, and cling film
    • Unexplained injuries or victims providing accounts that do not reflect the injuries
    • Changes in mood, appearance, or behaviour
    • Moving out of the property while an unknown person remains
    • Receiving excessive phone calls and text messages
    • Being in possession of large sums of money or goods that cannot be accounted for
    • An increase in reports of antisocial behaviour in the area
    • Possessing drug-dealing or drug-manufacturing equipment, such as scales, deal bags, and pill presses
    • Unfamiliar people driving the victim’s car or being driven by the victim
    • Bedding or clothing inside a property that does not belong to the victim
    • Loud parties, overgrown gardens, graffiti, damage to doors and windows, and external doors being propped open

    If you think someone you know may be a victim of exploitation and cuckooing, call Nottinghamshire Police on 101.

    In an emergency, always dial 999.

    Information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers via their website or call 0800 555 111.

    If you are not able to talk when you need urgent police help, the Silent Solution service is available.

    After dialling, listen to the questions from the call handler and respond by coughing or tapping your device, if you can. If prompted, press 55 to let the call handler know it is a genuine emergency and you will be connected to the police.

    Gedling Country Park celebrates 10 year anniversary

    Emily Sanchez
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    Gedling Country Park celebrates 10 year anniversary

    One of the most popular attractions in Gedling borough celebrates its 10th anniversary tomorrow (28).

    Gedling Country Park, based on the former Gedling Colliery site, will mark the occasion with activities organised by the volunteer group Friends of Gedling Country Park.

    The attraction was opened by council leader John Clarke and then Gedling MP Vernon Coaker in the presence of then-Mayor of Gedling Cllr Jenny Hollingsworth on March 28, 2015.

    It cost £1.1m to construct an MP Vernon Coaker, who has pushed to open the park since the colliery shut in 1991, described it as a “green lung” for the area.

    It offers 580 acres of open space, footpaths and wildlife, with stunning views over the surrounding areas and attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year.

    Since the park opened in 2015, a new Visitor Centre/Café, play area and memorial garden have been added. Viewing Platforms were also installed that give views of Lincoln Cathedral and Belvoir Castle. A native tree trail and a Holocaust Garden have also been created.

    Visitors-Centre
    The opening of Gedling Country Park Visitors Centre in 2017
    The new visitor centre at Gedling Country Park after opening (PHOTO: GBC)
    Mayor of Gedling Meredith Lawrence and Mayoress Wendy Lawrence in front of the beacon lit to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday in Gedling Country Park in 2016 (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

    Along with the Council’s Rangers, the Friends of Gedling Country Park actively manage the park throughout the year. The Friends of group has over 200 paying members and regularly host volunteer days, wildlife walks and fundraising events.

    The volunteer group have helped generate over £100k worth of fundraising towards projects for the park.

    Some of this cash is now being put towards creating one of Nottinghamshire’s first memorials dedicated to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. New benches, trees and wildflowers will be put in place to celebrate her life.

    The group will be at the park tomorrow by their container area on Friday, from 12pm noon until mid afternoon. Located next to the children’s play area, people are being invited to come along and talk to the volunteers about activities, forthcoming events and how to get involved.

    There will also be a raffle, with all funds reinvested back into the park.

    History of the site

    Surface works at Gedling Colliery first started in 1899 and the shafts were sunk in 1900. In 1902 coal production started and this continued until November 8, 1991 when the colliery was closed.

    From the early 1950s to the late 1960s Gedling regularly produced a million tons of coal during this period. Maximum manpower of 2,500 was achieved in the 1950s. After World War two Gedling became a receiving pit for many migrant miners from diverse locations around the world and became known as “the pit of all nations”.

    During the period of mining operation a total of 130 men lost their lives at the pit. A memorial to the miners who lost their lives whilst employed at the pit, in the form of a miner’s lamp stands in the centre of Gedling Village, this is dedicated to 130 men who lost their lives in accidents at the pit and to all those who worked there.

    Shortly after the pit closed, the mining infrastructure was removed from site and the land underwent major restoration works including the importation of top soil, tree planting and re-profiling of the Lagoons to improve their appearance and in order to allow a wider diversity of wildlife to inhabit them.

    In 2013 Gedling Borough Council signed a lease with Harworth Estates (the land owners) to develop the 238 hectare site into a destination country park and became the legal owners in 2015.

    In February 2014 major development work began to install new footpaths, making safe the old colliery drainage works and manholes, installation of boundary fencing and engineering works to the main header wall on the Ouse Dyke enabling efficient drainage of the site.

    Due to the openness and the height of the site, views of Lincoln Cathedral and Belvoir Castle can be enjoyed from the footpath and viewing around the East tip, along with views of the Trent Valley and into Leicestershire.

    Gedling Country Park is a unique site within Nottinghamshire, since 1899 the land has been used for production of energy, historically fossil fuels and now it boasts green credentials with the Solar panel farm.

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