WhatsApp group chat members in Gedling borough are being warned they could be targeted by criminals.
The warning comes as Action Fraud reveals it has received 636 reports from victims of the messaging app scam this year.
The fraud often begins when a member of the group receives a WhatsApp audio call from the fraudster, pretending or claiming to be another member of the group. This is done to gain the individual’s trust, and often the scammer will use a false profile picture and/or display name, so at first glance it would appear to be a genuine member of the group.
The fraudster will tell the victim they are sending them a one-time passcode which will allow them to join an upcoming video call for group members. The criminal then asks the victim to share this passcode with them so they can be “registered” for the video call.
In reality, the criminal is asking for a registration code to register the victim’s WhatsApp account to a new device so they can take over their account.
Once the fraudster has access to the victim’s WhatsApp account, they will enable two-step verification which makes it impossible for the victim to regain access their account. Other members of the group, or friends and family in the victim’s contacts, will then be messaged asking them to transfer money urgently as they are in desperate need of help.
Detective Superintendent Gary Miles, Head of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau at the City of London Police, said: “WhatsApp remains an integral mode of communication for many people across the UK, however fraudsters still find ways to infiltrate these platforms. Sadly, anyone can be become a target for fraud.
“With more than 630 reports already this year, we are urging users, and in particular those in big group chats on WhatsApp, to be on their guard and monitor who joins the chats.
“To keep yourself safe from fraud, never share your account details or any passcode or verification codes with anyone. If you think you are being targeted, report the message and block the sender within WhatsApp. To make your account more secure, we advise setting up two-step verification to provide an extra layer of protection.”
A WhatsApp spokesperson said: “All personal messages sent on WhatsApp are protected by end-to-end encryption, but we can all play a role in keeping our accounts safe.
“We recommend that all users set up two-step verification for added security and advise people never to share their six-digit PIN code with others, not even with friends or family.
“If you receive a suspicious message (even if you think you know who it’s from), calling or requesting a voice-note is the fastest and simplest way to check that someone is who they say they are.”
According to Action Fraud data, reports suggest the top three most frequently impacted group chat types are Islamic religious groups (63), Christian religious groups (56) and work chats (50)
What can you do to avoid being a victim?
Set up two-step verification (2SV) to give an extra layer of protection to your account.
Tap Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.
CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person outside of WhatsApp to confirm their identity.
Report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions.
If you live in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101.
Find out how to protect yourself from fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk
Any early low cloud soon dissipating to leave a fine, dry day with plenty of sunshine and feeling warm. However, cloud starting to build during the afternoon. Winds starting light but feeling breezy at times later. Maximum temperature 21 °C.
Cloud continuing to build into the evening with outbreaks of rain through the small hours of Tuesday morning. Minimum temperature 12 °C.
Cloudy with outbreaks of rain for much of Tuesday, becoming drier into the evening. Winds mostly light. Maximum temperature 18 °C.
Nottingham Outlaws travelled down the M1 on Saturday to play Bedford Tigers Academy in a hastily rearranged friendly against their Southern Premier counterparts. Both teams used the occasion to play larger squads but it was the Outlaws that came out on top with a huge 88-8 victory.
With Leamington Royals pulling out of the opening league fixture at late notice the chance to give the squad another run out was gratefully accepted by the coaching team and a squad of 22 players headed south for the friendly.
Both teams took to the field on what was probably the hottest day of the year but it was the Outlaws that started the stronger with Adam Ward opening the scoring on the left wing as the ball moved out wide for the first time and almost straight from the restart Gaz Whitfield stretched the lead out t0 10-0, scoring a try from a well-rehearsed move close to the line and then adding the extras.
PICTURED: Outlaws in action (Courtesy of Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League club)PICTURED: Outlaws in action (Courtesy of Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League club)
On the fifteen minute mark the Outlaws added two more trys with Mikey Anderson scoring on his debut with a well-taken effort and Jimmy Goodwin marking his return to the side after a four year absence with a typically no-nonsense effort close to the line.
At this stage of the game the points were racking up at the rate of more than a point a minute and when James Hood, Luke Wadding and Jack Jonson went over almost untouched the scoreboard could hardly keep up with the scoring rate!
With the coaching staff looking on the Outlaws were in no-mood to ease up the pressure and good hands down the line saw debutants Jacob Butler and Alfie Jones open their try scoring account for the club with both newcomers already showing that they will be more than useful additions to the squad this season.
As the half-time hooter approached the hard working home side did manage to mount a few attacks of their own and they engineered a well taken try to open their account and close out the scoring at the end of the first stanza with the Outlaws way out ahead at 48-8.
With the coaching team making no fewer than six interchanges at the break the team took their foot off the gas after the re-start and in the first set after the break the home club capitalised on some weak Outlaws defending on the line to double their score and reduce the deficit to 8-48.
IMAGE courtesy of Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League ClubIMAGE courtesy of Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League Club
Stung by this reversal and with some stern words from Captain Ward ringing in their ears the Outlaws soon upped the ante with rangy winger Adam Ward breaking free from the forty metre zone to win a foot race to the line and within a minute the long-striding winger was in full flow again to complete his first ever hattrick for the club.
The next Outlaws attack yielded another try with powerful centre James Hood breaking loose on the halfway line with a huge fend on his opposite number before scorching down the pitch to draw the fullback and release Harry Hemmingway in support and he duly scampered over untouched.
The next two scores went to two old war horses who have come back into the fold after a few years away from the club. The first of the duet came from Jimmy Goodwin who stole the ball in a one-on-one tackle before racing away to score and then John Hemmingway showed that he still had what it takes with a fine solo effort to mark his return to the game.
With the game moving into the closing stages the Outlaws added two try’s in the last three minutes with James Hood once again using his size and strength to break clear and then Haz Ashby wrapping up the scoring with a crafty show-and-go that saw the stand-off shoot through a gap to score and then he calmly added the extras from bang in front to wrap up the game with the Outlaws way out in front at 8-88.
After the game the Outlaws coaching team expressed their satisfaction to the players on a job well done but there will no doubt be some much tougher challenges ahead for the team, starting with next Saturdays league opener against Oxford Cavaliers at Lenton Lane (2.30pm).
Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League Club are one of the leading Rugby League clubs in the Midlands. In addition to the 1st Team, the Outlaws also operate a 2nd Team that competes in the Midlands Rugby League competition. The club is thriving at all levels and now boasts over 200 registered players, with several junior teams and a women’s section.
The club play their home games at Lenton Lane, Nottingham NG7 2SA and further information about the Outlaws can be found on their website HERE.
Jude Freeman has the highest rank that can be achieved in Kettlebell Sport – ‘Master of Sport World Class’ and has been lifting for England since 2017.
Jude’s amazing achievements include becoming Master of Sport World Class, two time World Champion, two time Master of Sport, four time Candidate for Master of Sport and British Record holder for the Half Marathon Two Arm Long Cycle.
Gedling Eye caught up with Jude following her recent return from IKMF World Championships 2024 Part 1 which ran from May 3 – 5. Jude said: “We were in Nyborg, Denmark for the IKMF World Championships, a well attended event with almost 200 athletes from countries as far as Australia, India, USA, Canada, along with a multitude of European countries.
“Richard Freeman completed 2 Half Marathons (30 minutes continuous lifting without setting the bell down). He did Jerk 20kg achieving 541 reps and won the Gold medal while also winning silver in the One Arm Long Cycle 22kg achieving 356 reps.
“John Russell competed in 26kg One Arm Long Cycle in his first International Half Marathon event and achieved 295 reps winning a Bronze medal.
PICTURED: Medal Winners John Russell (L) and Richard Freeman (R) (courtesy of Tonic Fitness)
“I’m super proud of my athletes and Team England won the Championship again outright with the most Gold medals – our 3rd time winning out of 4 Championships that its been available to compete for.
“I am hosting my own Grassroots Kettlebell competition on Sunday May 19 at the Scout Hall, St James Church, Marshall Hill Drive, Mapperley. This is an open competition aimed at those who are beginners in the sport, providing an opportunity for them to be in a competition environment that’s friendly and supportive. Intermediate and advanced lifters will also be there from a variety of clubs all over the country, so it also means new lifters get to watch and judge those who are more experienced than them. Lifting starts at 10am.”
The world champion also runs small group training and kettlebells and circuits training at her ‘Tonic Fitness’ studio every week and on a Sunday morning World Champion Jude can be found running her outdoor bootcamp nearby at Onchan Park on Oakdale Road.
Jude added: “Bootcamp is a mix of bodyweight and weighted exercises including dumbbells, kettlebells, ropes, slam balls, skipping ropes and even space hoppers. Its suitable for all ages and all stages in your fitness journey, whether you’re new to exercising or want to add it to your current schedule.
“Between 2017 and present day I have competed in the UK and Ireland, and parts of Europe including France, Belgium, Sweden, and most recently in Hungary in Girevoy Sport (single and double bell events) Pentathlon (single and double bell events), Half Marathon (single and double bell events), World Games (double bell) and Full Marathon (single bell for 60 mins).
“Passionate to teach others these skills, I trained to be a Kettlebell Sport Coach and coach athletes to international level. I am the only Kettlebell Sport Coach in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and clients come to me for 121 training from as far away as Milton Keynes.”
Pictured: Jude Freeman (L) competing (Courtesy of Tonic Fitness)Pictured: Jude Freeman (L) competing (Courtesy of Tonic Fitness)
Jude added: “My first World Championships was October 2017 (just before my 47th birthday) in Loutraki, Greece. I became a World Champion at that event with Gold in Veteran Class (over 40) and also a Bronze in Open Class (age 18+).
“This really was a defining moment for me and the real beginning of an international career in kettlebell sport. In December 2017 I competed in the British Championships lifting a 16kg kettlebell for 30 mins – half marathon and achieved the rank of Candidate for Master of Sport.
“I am so proud to have been lifting for England since 2017”.
Further information including contact details for Jude Freeman @ Tonic Fitness can be found online at https://www.tonicfit.co.uk/ or on Tonic Fitness social media HERE .
In less than one month, Nottingham will come alive with performances, slam nights, talks and workshops across the city’s pubs, bookshops, libraries, theatres and community venues as the biggest ever Nottingham Poetry Festival gets underway from June 7 to June 16.
The annual celebration of words features some of the UK’s leading poets – Linton Kwesi Johnson, Hollie McNish, Michael Pedersen, Luke Wright, Anthony Joseph and Henry Normal – along with a huge array of homegrown talent, open mics, panels and workshops, exhibitions and free poetry books from the city’s independent publishers.
This year, the festival is paying tribute to the late poet Benjamin Zephaniah with a screening of films featuring his poetry made by Ben Wigley, the Nottingham filmmaker who worked with the renowned poet as he looked at the state of the world at a moment in time.
After the Broadway screening on June 16, local poets will pay tribute to Zephaniah followed by a Q&A with Ben Wigley and producer Anna Griffin about their experience collaborating with the poet. Proceeds will go to the Brainstrust charity. Tickets available now.
Tickets for the headlining events are running low, but the vast majority of the festival programme is once again free.
Hollie McNish and Michael Pedersen, Poppy and Pint, June 8 (waiting list)
After a run of sold out shows up and down the UK, Hollie McNish is back with a brand new book, Lobster and other things I’m learning to love. In Lobster, Hollie brings her much-loved style to questions of friendship, flags and newborns, clocks, cocks and volvos, shining a ridiculous and beautifully poetic lens upon all those things we have been taught to hate, and which we might just learn to love again. Here, she will be joined by fellow poet Michael Pedersen reading from his latest brilliant books The Cat Prince and Boy Friends. Tickets £15/10.
Luke Wright’s Silver Jubilee, The Old Cold Store, June 12
Crack out the bunting! It’s Luke Wright’s Silver Jubilee. Over twenty-five years, Luke Wright has built up a reputation for being one of Britain’s most popular live poets. Thwarted in his attempts to hold a street party by the philistines on the council and unable to shift the over-ordered commemorative plates, Wright does what a poet does best, and takes a deep dive into himself. What follows is his most confessional show to date excavating lives lived and not lived. Tickets £12/10.
Nottingham Poetry Festival presents Linton Kwesi Johnson, Metronome, June 14
Linton Kwesi Johnson is a recording artist, reggae poet and activist born in 1952 in Clarendon, Jamaica. He came to London in 1963 and went to Tulse Hill secondary school, joining the Black Panthers whilst there. Johnson’s first poetry collection was Voices of the Living and the Dead and in 2002 he was only the second living poet and the first black poet to be included in Penguin’s Modern Classics; that book is now republished as Selected Poems. Time Come, the first collection of his selected prose, came out in 2023. Tickets £18/£15.
PICTURED: Linton Kwesi Johnson (Courtesy of Nottingham Poetry Festival)
Cultural Vibrations presents Anthony Joseph, Antenna, June 15
Anthony Joseph, winner of the T.S. Eliot Prize 2022, is a poet, novelist, academic and musician who moved from Trinidad to the UK in 1989. As well as four poetry collections, a slew of albums, and three novels, Joseph has published critical work exploring the aesthetics of Caribbean Poetry. At the festival, he will perform alongside a dynamic line up of spoken word artists and performers from the Caribbean & West African diaspora.
Music from DJ Suga Lion. Tickets £10/£5.
With almost 40 community events in the packed programme, here’s just a taster with the full programme to be available on the festival website.
Vice Verses, St Ann’s Allotments, June 8
Hilarious, thought-provoking and uplifting experience of poets performing each other’s work plus the opportunity to write your own poem, taking inspiration from the surroundings. Pay what you can.
Comedy in Poetry, Theatre Royal & Concert Hall, June 9
Henry Normal, Hollie McNish and Michael Pederson will talk about the role of comedy in poetry. Comic poetry is some of the most loved verse in the country. Whether it’s tight rhymes, subverting forms or hilarious observations of the everyday it can surprise and delight audiences. Comedy can also bring nuance to darker writing. With Hollie & Michael’s performance sold out, this is likely to be popular. Free.
Henry Normal’s Library Tour, June10-11
Henry will be accompanied on his tour of libraries in Retford, Southwell, Kirkby-in-Ashfield and West Bridgford by four Nottingham poets; Manjit Sahota, Bridie Squires, Michelle Hubbard and Pete Ramskill. Free.
Henry said: “I love libraries. Without Notts libraries I would never have become a writer. In a world becoming ever more isolating, libraries are one of the few remaining safe spaces where people can interact.
“The choice offered by libraries opens up a wide world of possibilities. Libraries are a place where you can find the world and find yourself. If we lose any library we are all the poorer. We should be putting more money and resources into the libraries – they are an essential part of our community life and vital for the mental health of the nation and future generations.”
PICTURED: Henry Normal will be aboard the Library Tour Bus (Courtesy of Nottingham Poetry Festival)
Nottingham Slamovision Heats, Nottingham Central Library, June 10
Nottingham City of Literature is looking for an incredible slam poet to represent the city at the global Slamovision finale taking place in Manchester later this year. Take part in this local heat or sit back, relax, and enjoy an evening of top slam poetry. Free.
Cultural Vibrations presents: Pidgin, Patois & Poetry, Antenna, June 15
An entertaining creative workshop exploring how dialects and slang from the Caribbean & West African diaspora has influenced British language & creativity. Free.
Nottingham Poetry Festival Attempt A Poetry Record, June 15
Come and join the attempt to break the record for the longest street poem in the world. Right outside Nottingham Central Library, pick up the chalk to add your own lines of poetry and be a part of history in the making. The event has been sponsored by It’s In Nottingham. Free.
Notts vs Derby, Poetry Slam! The Old Cold Store, June 16
Finish off the festival with the ultimate Slam challenge as the best of Nottingham and Derby go head to head in a battle of words. Champions from each city bring their best poems together to compete for honour, glory and a grand prize. There’s gonna be fireworks! Free.
In the build-up to this year’s programme, the festival has also been working with a diverse mix of groups to develop work to be showcased at the event, including the poetry of young carers, an exhibition by early career creatives and a showcase of exciting new voices from four local secondary schools.
PICTURED: Hollie McNish (Courtesy of Nottingham Poetry Festival)PICTURED: Luke Wright (Courtesy of Nottingham Poetry Festival)
Working with young carers aged 8 and upwards on weekly creative writing sessions, writer Jim Hall has been encouraging each young person to find their voice and explore what they want to say, and has been delighted by the response. Supported by community artist Danny JD and TuVida, these young carers have given everything to the page. The launch of their moving and vital anthology of creative writing at the Royal Concert Hall foyer on June 15 is set to be a special moment for these young people, their friends and families. Free.
Festival sponsor Castle Rock Brewery is offering a discount to festival goers on the Castle Rock App, offering 20 percent off purchases during the festival, as well as a ‘thanks for coming’ follow up offer.
Jessica Collins, Castle Rock Brewery, said: “We are delighted to be able to continue our sponsorship of Nottingham Poetry Festival, especially as they have an incredible line-up planned for us all this year! The festival is an amazing platform to spotlight local talent, bring the community together, and celebrate Nottingham’s rich cultural and creative landscape.
“Nottingham Poetry Festival is always a highlight of our year, and we hope to see many new and familiar faces enjoy the wonders of discovering, creating, listening to and getting involved with poetry, in our pubs and beyond.”
The festival has been awarded National Lottery Project Funding by Arts Council England and is supported by It’s in Nottingham, NTU, Confetti Media Group and Castle Rock Brewery.
More information on the Nottingham Poetry Festival can be found HERE.
These are the latest applications to have been decided by Gedling Borough Council over the last week.
The roundup of the published decision notices applications in the last week (w/e 10/5/24) from around the borough by the council’s planning officers contains 11 decision notices.
Any early low cloud and mist lifting and clearing quickly during the morning. Otherwise bright and warm into the evening. Maximum temperature 24 °C.
Some isolated heavy and thundery showers perhaps moving across the region overnight but many areas likely staying dry. Remaining fairly mild. Minimum temperature 12 °C.
Tomorrow is forecast to see any early showers becoming more isolated through the day to give largely dry conditions for most with plenty of brightness and temperatures remaining warm. Maximum temperature 24 °C.
A splash of colour has helped bring a pavillion at a Woodthorpe park back to life.
A vibrant mural has been created on the side of the building at Breck Hill Park by a talented local graffiti artist.
Inspired by the native wildlife and biodiversity of the area as well the park’s historical significance as a former brickworks site, the mural showcases a stunning array of native wildlife; Song Thrushes, Great Tits, Oak leaves and Pipistrelle bats. They sit alongside subtle nods to the park’s industrial past including a Hoffman kiln which was a cutting edge and innovative way of firing bricks at the time.
Nottingham based artist, Alex Rubes created the impressive piece in just seven days, despite being hindered by rain, hail and extreme winds.
The completed mural at Breck Hill Park (PHOTO: GBC)
The stunning art was completed free-hand using spray paint and was Rubes’ latest work after projects in Arnold and Nottingham City centre.
The project was spearheaded by Gedling Borough Council in partnership with the ‘Friends of Breck Hill Park’ group, and aims to beautify the park while celebrating its natural wildlife and heritage.
This addition to the park comes after other recent developments including a newly built path making the park accessible to all.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, John Clarke MBE said: “We are thrilled to unveil this incredible mural, which not only enhances the visual appeal of Breck Hill Park but also tells a story about the park’s past and present.
“It’s a testament to the power of community collaboration and the talent of our local artists.”
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The leader of Nottinghamshire County Council has said a vote urging him to resign is intended to “rub his nose” in his mayoral election defeat.
Councillor Ben Bradley (Con) lost the East Midlands Mayoral election to Claire Ward (Lab) last week.
The county council’s Independent Alliance has since introduced a vote of no confidence calling on him to step down as leader, which will be held after next Thursday’s full council meeting (May 16).
The motion has been introduced by Independent group leader Councillor Jason Zadrozny and four members, and claims the council has neglected its duties.
However, the vote will fail unless several Conservative members join with opposition groups in supporting it.
Councillor Jason Zadrozny claims the council leader has neglected its duties The vote will be held after next Thursday’s full council meetingCouncillor Ben Bradley lost the East Midlands Mayoral election to Claire Ward last week.
The motion reads: “This council has no confidence in the leadership of Nottinghamshire County Council.
“Over the past few years, the Conservative administration who run this Council have had one aim and objective; that being to get the current leader of this Council elected as the Mayor of the East Midlands’ Combined Authority at the expense of providing a good level of service across all departments of this Council.
“We therefore call for the immediate resignation of Councillor Ben Bradley as leader of Nottinghamshire County Council.”
Cllr Bradley had intended to step down as county leader if he won the election, but says he will now continue in the job.
“This motion has nothing to do with confidence in my leadership. It is all about the Independents seeking to rub my nose in last week’s election result,” he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
“We have a very clear constitution within the council that says the leader of the largest group is the leader of the council. On Wednesday, the Conservative group will reconfirm this. By the time we get to the AGM, this question will have been asked and answered.
“Cllr Zadrozny [leader of the Independent Alliance] knows the rules, but as usual is wasting everyone’s time. He’s just seeking to kick a man while he’s down.
“It’s frustrating and disappointing but I have no intention of playing his daft games. I’m just cracking on doing my job.”
On Tuesday, Cllr Keith Girling (Con), the council’s cabinet member for economic development, said Cllr Bradley had the Conservative group’s full support.
Cllr Zadrozny said: “Ask anybody if they are satisfied with the performance of Nottinghamshire County Council and they’ll give you the same answer – no.
“Whether it’s the diabolical state of our broken roads and pavements, serious short-comings in our education service or plans to close our tips, that is down to Ben Bradley.
“For the last few years, he has been too focused on winning an election campaign that he spectacularly didn’t.
“It’s time to bin Bradley and force the County Council to start doing the basics right.”
The Conservative group controls 35 of the 66 seats on Nottinghamshire County Council, giving them a majority.
The Independents and Labour groups each control 15 seats, with one unaligned member.
If all opposition members voted with the motion, three Tories would have to rebel for it to succeed.
