This year trick-or-treaters across the borough may be greeted with green-tinged pumpkins at their local supermarket after wet weather and slugs were blamed for what the industry called its ‘second-worst harvest on record’.
Supermarkets are now warning shoppers that their pumpkins could be green-tinged to those looking to celebrate the spooky season.
Asda has displayed signs that cautions customers, “Don’t worry if I’m slightly green, I will ripen at home and turn orange”, however the supermarket giant claims that despite their odd appearance, supplies will not be affected.
Asda said it had seen an increase in stock year-on-year, and expects to sell around 1.8m pumpkins nationally during the Hallowe’en season.
Asda has displayed signs that cautions customers, “Don’t worry if I’m slightly green, I will ripen at home and turn orange”
Despite this warning, other supermarkets are reassuring shoppers of the availability of the crop for Halloween, with Morrisons and Tesco reporting they have not experienced any issues.
It’s been a difficult year for pumpkin harvest, with farmers blaming the wet weather in spring and slugs for impacting the quality of the yield.
Speaking to The Guardian, pumpkin supplier Barfoots’ chief executive Julian Marks said some of the year’s initial plantings had “failed”.
Marks said: “When the weather improved the fields were replanted but some did not have enough time to turn orange. There is quite a lot of green out there.”
“In terms of ripeness, they’re perfectly good pumpkins and they’ll carve and look wonderful in the dark with a candle stuck in the middle, but they might not be 100% orange.”
British Growers Association chief executive Jack Ward added: “Pumpkins don’t like those conditions…slugs are a big problem too. It’s by no means universal. Some people have had a good run but I think the general feedback is that it has been a difficult season.”
Gedling borough’s libraries could soon be placed into a tier system which would determine their opening hours and services they offer under new proposals from Nottinghamshire County Council.
If fresh plans by Nottinghamshire County Council went ahead then residents would see the majority of the borough’s libraries operating as normal. These larger libraries would feature in one of the top two tiers and be labelled as either hub libraries or community libraries.
But three of the borough’s book lenders feature in the bottom tier and would become ‘access points’. These libraries would operate out of a shared building or become mobile and staffed entirely by volunteers.
Burton Joyce would be in the community library tier (PHOTO: Inspire)
Arnold is one of 12 sites located in ‘key population centres’ and the only borough library to feature in the top tier. It would act as a “hub library” and continue offering a wide-range of activities and services.
Burton Joyce, Calverton, Carlton, Mapperley and Ravenshead would become community libraries. The council said these would be ‘run by paid staff and supported by volunteers’ and would ‘be open for at least four days a week’.
Under the new proposals Carlton Hill, Gedling and Woodthorpe would become library access points after being listed in the bottom tier. The council said these would ‘typically be co-located in community buildings and operated by community organisations and volunteers’. These libraries would be access points, a pop-up library or mobile library.
The council said that book collections at access points would ‘be exchanged and updated on a regular basis’. Book requests would be made through the online catalogue or via telephone.
Councillor Scott Carlton, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Our libraries are welcoming places to meet, borrow, learn, discover and celebrate.
He said the new strategy ‘reflects the changing needs’ of library users while ensuring financial sustainability.
He added: “We believe that libraries are essential to building communities, connecting people, and supporting access to education, culture, and wellbeing.”
The council’s consultation on the proposals ends on November 13.
Benjamin Mitchell hit an acquaintance over the head with a glass bottle as he socialised in Old Market Square.
Nottingham Crown Court heard the assault sparked a wider altercation involving a number of other people that was captured on CCTV.
Mitchell was arrested after officers pieced together evidence that found he was responsible for the initial glass bottle attack.
The 33-year-old – who has previously served three custodial sentences for a string of wounding offences – is now back in prison having admitted to this latest crime, which took place shortly before 5.20pm on May 20.
Benjamin Mitchell flushed his t-shirt down a police custody cell toilet in a bid to get rid of evidence (PHOTO: Notts Police)Police said that Benjamin Mitchell’s actions sparked a heavy response as shown on CCTV from the Market Square (Notts Police)Benjamin Mitchell was jailed for 20 months (PHOTO: Notts Police)
The victim – who was celebrating his 25th birthday – told officers he was sat outside the former Debenhams store when he was approached by a young “wannabe gangster” who demanded a cigarette.
He said that when he told the younger person “manners cost nothing, say please”, an argument then broke out which prompted Mitchell to become involved.
The man said Mitchell smashed him over the head with a glass bottle, which prompted him to retaliate.
He was then chased for a short distance before being kicked to the ground.
After shocked onlookers called 999, officers found the victim falling in and out of consciousness having suffered a seizure.
He was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre and treated for three cracked ribs and a large cut to the head that required eight stitches.
Days later, police received a tip-off that the man who glassed the victim went by the nickname “Scarface”.
From this clue, an investigating officer established a suspect who went on to be positively identified by the victim.
In custody, officers advised Mitchell that his T-shirt would need to be seized from him as it matched one seen in CCTV footage of the glassing incident.
When officers returned to his cell, the T-shirt was nowhere to be found. Subsequent CCTV checks found that, as soon as the officers closed the door hatch, Mitchell flushed the T-shirt down a toilet, causing a blockage.
At court, Mitchell, of Washington Court, Arnold, pleaded guilty to wounding / inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and committing an act with intent to pervert the course of justice.
In his basis of plea, Mitchell gave a different version of events to the one provided by the victim.
He claimed he was being set upon by other people who’d falsely accused him of stealing a bicycle and that he’d “picked up a bottle and lashed out recklessly”, which is how the victim came to be injured.
His sentencing took place on Thursday (17) and he was jailed for 20 months.
He was further made subject of a two-year restraining order that prohibits him from contacting the victim either directly or indirectly.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Michael Love, who led the investigation, said: “This was a disgraceful assault that took place in broad daylight in a busy part of the city.
“Mitchell once again displayed appalling violence and it is fortunate his victim was not more seriously hurt.
“Even in custody, Mitchell did what he could in a desperate attempt to derail the investigation. He has shown no remorse for his actions and fully deserves to be back behind bars.
“As investigating officer I am pleased that justice has been done and hope today’s sentencing will bring some degree of closure to the victim.
“I also think this case should serve as a warning to others about the serious consequences to being a perpetrator of violence.”
La Barrosa, located in Chiclana de la Frontera, is a place that is probably not so well-known, as it is not mentioned as often as other spots in Spain. However, this is precisely what makes it ideal for those looking to disconnect, as it offers the perfect combination of sea, sport, and comfort.
This destination, which features a beautiful beach, renowned golf courses, and luxurious accommodations, invites you to enjoy full days of relaxation and entertainment, perfect for spending a weekend or a few extra days away from the everyday hustle.
The Beach: A Great Place to Start the Day
Starting the day at La Barrosa beach is a pure tranquil experience. With kilometers of naturally appealing space, the sun and sand present, and shallow waters, you have a great place for morning walks or simply to relax while listening to the gentle crashing of the waves.
In the early hours of the day, when the beach is still empty, it is the best time to connect with nature and cherish the surroundings without rush or noise.
The tranquility of this beach also makes it an ideal spot for practicing yoga, meditation, or simply reading a book while the sun begins to rise. Whether you choose to walk along the shore, swim in its waters, or just relax under an umbrella, La Barrosa is the perfect setting to start the day in complete calm.
Tips for Enjoying the Beach
Visit early. While it is not a crowded place, to make the most of the beach, go early.
Bring the essentials. An umbrella, sunscreen, water, and a good book are must-have items for a relaxing day.
Explore on foot. Walking along the shore is an excellent way to explore the surroundings and disconnect.
Enjoy the beach bars. Head to the local beach bars to taste tapas or refreshments by the sea.
Keep Playing Golf
After a relaxing morning at the beach, there’s nothing better than spending an afternoon playing golf, and you don’t need to be an expert to benefit from the Real Novo Sancti Petri Golf Club. This uniquely designed course offers an unparalleled natural setting with ocean views and well-maintained vegetation that adds a special touch to each hole.
Both beginners and experienced golfers can have a great experience in the middle of a game in a tranquil and welcoming environment.
The Real Novo Sancti Petri Golf Club is ready to welcome players of all levels, providing lessons and equipment for rent. Additionally, its course is designed to challenge the more experienced while also being accessible and fun for beginners. No matter your level, the important thing is to join a game at this beautiful site.
Tips for Enjoying Golf
Book in advance. Depending on the season, it is more popular at certain times, so it is advisable to book in advance if you want a good tee time.
Proper equipment. If you don’t have your own equipment, don’t worry; you can buy or rent it on-site.
Take a lesson. If you’re a beginner, take the lessons offered by the club to improve your technique and enjoy the game more.
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Bring water and sunscreen, as the weather in La Barrosa can get hot, especially in summer.
Rest Well to Repeat the Next Day
After a day full of activities, there’s no better place to rest than Novo Resort the Residence Lux. This luxurious complex offers apartments and villas with all the amenities, ideal for relaxing and recharging.
With spacious pools, gardens, and direct beach access, the resort ensures that your stay is one of pure rest and comfort.
Moreover, it features a spa, gym, and a varied culinary offering so you won’t have to worry about anything. Whether you choose to spend the day at the resort or just use it for sleeping, rest is guaranteed in this oasis.
Tips for Enjoying Your Accommodation
Book in advance. Luxury accommodations in La Barrosa tend to fill up quickly, especially during high season, so book ahead.
Take advantage of the facilities. Take at least a couple of hours to visit the spa, pools, and gardens to maximize your relaxation.
Explore local cuisine. The resort’s restaurants and nearby options offer a varied selection of Andalusian dishes that you shouldn’t miss.
Use room service. If you prefer to relax to the maximum, use room service and have a leisurely dinner in your accommodation.
The concept of sports betting has grown over the last decade from including traditional bookmakers to online casinos. The new dynamic for gamblers is more convenient, exciting, and varied. Online casinos have caught on with the trend; casinos like 22bet Casino are now offering sports betting. It’s increasingly allowing gamers who enjoy casino games to participate in the fast and furious action of placing bets on sports. But what are some differences between sports betting through a big online casino and traditional bookies? That is what we shall cover in this article: key distinctions and advantages behind betting through online gambling platforms.
Convenience in Sports Bets with Online Casino
Convenience is an advantage of sports betting in an online casino Bulgaria. Whereas the classic bookmaker requires the client to visit an outlet or use a special betting application physically, this platforms offers one place to go for casino games and make bets on the results of sports events. All that allows the user to access his favorite activities from anywhere at any time without being affiliated with numerous accounts and/or platforms.
Betting Variety and Entertainment
Contrasting with traditional bookmakers, whose activities have been mainly related to sports events, the online Casino managed to integrate both sports bets with casino games. Such a hybrid environment is more interesting for those who like switching between activities: playing slots or roulette and simultaneously placing sports bets.
Moreover, gambling sites often allow live bets to place bets in the course of live events, making it even more exciting and engaging. Events included are such as football, tennis, basketball, and many others, to make it comprehensive and dynamic at the same time.
Bonuses and Promotions
Another competitive edge that online casino betting presents includes striking bonuses and promotions to the players. Where traditional bookmakers do not tend to present many promotions, online casinos run campaigns on every other day to motivate the players towards sports bets. These include but are not limited to:
Welcome bonus for new users
Deposit match offer for existing customers
Free bets for selecting particular sports events
VIP program for exclusive rewards
These rewards add a bit more value to the money that bettors use, increasing their chances of success. For instance, some BG online casinos offer free spins or casino credits along with the sports betting bonuses. This allows players to try different gambling options within the same platform.
Live Betting and Streaming
Live bets has become a staple in online sports betting, which online casinos have embraced. This ability to bet on matches in real time adds an extra layer of excitement in it. Further, many online casinos now offer live streaming of these events, giving betters a chance to watch the action while making their predictions. Traditional bookmakers can offer live betting, but only some have integrated streaming services.
Sports betting in an online casino combines convenience, variety, and feature enhancements that a regular bookie might not be able to provide in every aspect. From handsome promotions to live betting, the online casino Bulgaria platforms are gaining momentum among bettors for a holistic gambling experience. Enhanced security, privacy, and mobile optimization are other plus points for choosing online casinos to place bets on sports.
If you’re new to trading, it’s important to familiarise yourself with common pitfalls. This way, you can understand the potential consequences of your actions and will be more inclined to apply best practices.
Overtrading
Whilst it may be tempting to be overly active when trading, some people take things too far. Overtrading is where you buy and sell stocks excessively – often without a plan in place. The consequences include high transaction costs and a reduction in the quality of trades. Not to mention the increased risk of losses.
If you find yourself buying and selling without a clear rationale, or increasing the number of trades you make after a loss (otherwise known as ‘revenge trading’), these could be signs of overtrading. To become a successful trader, you need to be patient and use more thoughtful tactics.
Ignoring risk management
Protect your capital by integrating risk management within your tactics. Otherwise, you could experience greater losses.
Here are some examples of tactics you could use:
Position sizing: This involves adjusting your trade size based on volatility and uncertainty.
Having a diverse portfolio: By spreading investments across different sectors, asset classes and regions, you can reduce the negative impacts of any one market.
Stop-loss orders: These allow you to automatically sell a position if it reaches a predetermined price.
Not adapting to market conditions
While having a strategy is important, so too is the ability to adapt. If your plan is too rigid, you risk not being able to adjust to changing market conditions. This could lead to adverse results.
Having a diverse portfolio can help you stay flexible as a trader and can be used as a form of risk management. Hedging positions and using multiple strategies for different conditions can help too, from trend-following to mean-reversion. With this comes a need for continuous learning, so you can refine your approach over time and stay adaptable.
Overlooking fundamental analysis
It’s crucial to understand the broader market context when engaging in commodity trading. For this reason, you should look beyond technical indicators and at the wider picture to understand what influences it.
This involves considering factors that influence share prices:
Supply and demand: The amount available and the appetite of buyers can dictate certain markets.
Geopolitical events: Anything from political to military updates can cause share prices to fluctuate.
Economic indicators: Activity across economies of varying scales can play a role in share prices.
By staying up to date with the latest news from reputable sources, you can focus on particular areas that will inform your strategy.
Emotional trading
Staying level-headed is important. Emotions can cause you to make rash decisions that could compromise your position. These range from fear to euphoria depending on how the market is performing.
When you experience the thrill of making a profitable trade, this can distort your perception of what the future holds. Equally, fear caused by volatility can lead to you feeling preoccupied by something that isn’t as impactful as it may seem. Premature sell-offs and opening overly optimistic positions that aren’t part of the plan can hinder your prospects or cause you to make riskier decisions.
Ultimately, your emotions can create bias and lead you down a particular path without a clear strategy. If you keep your feelings under control, this can help you make more logical decisions. Create a robust plan and stick to it.
In recent years, UK businesses have been increasingly focused on placing employees at the heart of their operations.
This shift has been accelerated by the rise of hybrid working and an increased awareness of mental health in the workplace. According to a 2022 CIPD survey, 52% of UK businesses have stepped up employee wellbeing support or benefits as a consequence of Covid-19.
With a growing recognition that a happy, engaged workforce drives long-term business success, companies are embracing people-first practices to remain competitive and future-proof their operations.
Understanding the people-first approach
A people-first approach centres on creating a work environment where employees are valued, empowered and supported. It means moving away from purely profit-driven strategies and focusing instead on building a culture that promotes wellbeing, development and engagement. This model encourages collaboration, open communication and a leadership style that serves employees’ needs rather than enforcing rigid hierarchies. In essence, the people-first approach fosters a workplace where employees feel trusted, heard and invested in their organisation’s success.
The benefits of prioritising employee wellbeing
Companies that prioritise employee wellbeing are seeing tangible benefits. Research by Gallup found that businesses with highly engaged employees outperform their peers by 147% in earnings per share. For UK firms, investing in employee well-being can lead to:
Higher productivity: Engaged employees are more productive, contributing more meaningfully to their organisation’s goals. This results in better overall performance.
Reduced turnover: High employee turnover is costly. People-first companies experience lower staff attrition, as employees are more likely to remain in a workplace that values their well-being.
Increased innovation: Employees who feel psychologically safe are more likely to experiment and offer creative solutions. This fosters an innovative culture that drives business growth.
Enhanced brand reputation: Companies known for treating their employees well attract top talent.
Implementing people-first practices
To transform your organisation into a people-first business, start by embedding these values into your operations. One effective technology tool for doing this is the use of a People First platform, which allows you to streamline employee engagement, wellbeing and development.
Make sure you align your business goals with employee growth. For example, focus on leadership development, employee recognition and continuous learning to foster engagement. A People First platform helps gather real-time feedback, tracks performance and offers tools for employee development.
Promote flexible work arrangements to show employees that their personal lives are valued. This can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout. And ensure your company promotes diversity and fosters an inclusive environment, so all employees feel they belong and can contribute.
Measuring the impact of people-first initiatives
Measuring the impact of people-first practices is essential to sustaining success. Key performance indicators (KPIs), such as employee engagement scores, retention rates and productivity metrics, provide insight into the effectiveness of your strategies.
Regular employee surveys reveal satisfaction and areas for improvement. Tracking turnover and absenteeism can show how well your company is retaining employees and addressing burnout. Finally, consider financial metrics and how wellbeing initiatives correlate with productivity gains and financial outcomes. Engaged employees are proven to deliver better results
The corporate law world is one that is highly complex with a delicate balance of legalities and ethical considerations.
Corporate lawyers play a key role in ensuring businesses navigate complicated legal landscapes while upholding ethical standards.
This post will explore the ethical responsibilities inherent in corporate law practice, examining the importance of professional integrity and common ethical dilemmas faced by corporate lawyers.
Ethical Responsibilities of Corporate Lawyers
Corporate lawyers have a fundamental responsibility to act in the best interests of their clients while upholding ethical standards. This can include fiduciary duties, confidentiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest. Lawyers must always act in the interest of their client, but this must not be at the expense of ethical principles, so striking the right balance is key as well as understanding the primary ethical obligations of a corporate lawyer.
Upholding Professional Standards & Integrity
Professionalism and integrity form the cornerstone of effective corporate law practice. Corporate lawyers must always be honest, transparent, and trustworthy, including interactions with clients and others. This is key for developing a positive reputation and creating a strong relationship between lawyer and client.
Integrity is also a key principle for corporate lawyers. This is important in terms of creating a culture of accountability and developing credibility. Again, a lawyer who acts with integrity will also find it much easier to build a strong relationship with clients.
Ethical Dilemmas in Corporate Law
There are many common ethical dilemmas that corporate lawyers must grapple with, which will test their moral compass and professional judgment. Conflict of interest between clients is one of the most common where the interests of different stakeholders conflict. It is vital that the lawyer is able to provide balanced advice while navigating these different interests with impartiality.
Confidentiality is another ethical dilemma that may corporate lawyers face, particularly with access to sensitive information that can affect brand reputation and market position. This is why corporate lawyers must be particularly careful when handling important client data.
Navigating Ethical Challenges
To navigate ethical challenges, corporate lawyers must use a strategic approach that prioritises ethical considerations while fulfilling their professional obligations. This should involve using open communication with clients and legal teams to ensure transparency in decision-making processes. It is also wise to consult business legal specialists and ethics committees, which will be able to advise with any complex ethical challenges. Finally, corporate lawyers must stay abreast of evolving ethical standards and legal precedents.
It is vital that corporate lawyers are able to balance their legal obligations to their clients with ethical responsibilities. By understanding their ethical responsibilities, acting with integrity, understanding common ethical dilemmas, and knowing how to navigate ethical challenges, lawyers can strike this right balance to protect their reputation while upholding ethical standards that are critical to the realm of corporate law.
New improvements to Gedling borough’s sports facilities are set to boost teams.
Five clubs are set to benefit from cash secured from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The funding will pay for improvements to priority sports sites and facilities, which have been identified through recent reviews, including the Built Facilities Strategy and the Playing Pitch and Outdoor Sport Strategy.
Local sports clubs such as Mellish Rugby Club, Paviors Rugby Club, Calverton Miners Welfare Football Club, and Conway Park Tennis Courts have all been selected to receive grants to improve their facilities.
These upgrades will include floodlighting, a new borehole, and a 3G pitch to accommodate more teams and participants.
Arnold Leisure Centre will receive £26,119 for plant room improvements.
Both the Conway Park Tennis Courts and Calverton Miners Welfare Football Club funding allocations are matched for larger applications to the Lawn Tennis Association and Football Foundation, respectively. This match funding is helping to bring in £870,000 to support local sports facilities across Gedling Borough.
The clubs say that this funding is vital as it allows them to expand and improve their facilities, helping them to welcome more players and provide better experiences for members.
Joanne Swinscoe, welfare officer at Calverton Miners Welfare Football Club said the club were ‘thrilled’ to receive funding , which will be used for a new 3G pitch.
She said: “It will be a game changer for everyone at the club, from our junior teams right up to the senior players. Having such a high-quality facility will allow us to accommodate more teams, run more training sessions, and offer better opportunities for all aspiring footballers in our community to develop their skills.
“This investment will have a lasting impact on the club.”
Councillor Henry Wheeler, portfolio holder for Lifestyles, Health, and Well-being on Gedling Borough Council said: “This funding represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of our local community. By improving sports facilities, we are ensuring that more people can enjoy the benefits of physical activity, which is essential for both mental and physical health.
“These upgrades will enable our local clubs to offer better opportunities to everyone, from beginners to more experienced players, helping to create a more active and healthy borough.”
Funding breakdown:
Arnold Leisure Centre: £26,119 for plant room improvements.
Mellish Rugby Club: £31,500 for floodlighting a second pitch.
Paviors Rugby Club: £31,500 for a borehole and portable floodlights.
Calverton Miners Welfare Football Club: £100,000 towards a new 3G pitch project.
Conway Park Tennis Courts: £39,000 for tennis court improvements.
Nottinghamshire County Council is seeking views from residents in Gedling borough on their draft of a new ten-year plan that they say will help ‘enhance’ local library services.
The new draft strategy has been created to address the evolving needs of the community over the next decade.
The strategy focuses on seven key outcomes — increased reading and literacy, cultural and creative enrichment, improved digital access, supporting individual potential, promoting healthier lives, fostering greater prosperity, and building stronger communities.
Delivery of the Nottinghamshire Reading and Literacy Strategy, along with staff development programmes and ongoing investments in facilities and digital infrastructure by the council and its partner Inspire, are set to help achieve these goals.
The cover to the new draft strategy now available to view on the council website and at libraries
The new strategy also proposes a tiered service model of hub libraries, community libraries and library access points, each tailored to meet specific community needs.
Councillor Scott Carlton, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said libraries are the front door to public services.
He said: “Our libraries are welcoming places to meet, borrow, learn, discover and celebrate.
“The new strategy builds on the success of previous initiatives, reflecting the changing needs and expectations of library users while ensuring financial sustainability.
“The new library strategy is a testament to Nottinghamshire County Council’s dedication to providing high-quality, inclusive and sustainable library services.
“We believe that libraries are essential to building communities, connecting people, and supporting access to education, culture, and wellbeing, so it’s important that residents have their say.”
To have your say on the draft library strategy visit: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/library-strategy. Alternatively, a paper copy of the draft strategy and paper questionnaires are available in all libraries across Nottinghamshire.
