Last month Nottingham Triathlon Club members, Jack Westley from Nottingham Rugby, Outlaw Triathlon, Paul Robinson, arch2arc London to Paris Triathlon 300 miles, and Richard Walker, a GB Age Grouper met to do a social run of the route for the upcoming Nottingham 10k route that takes on March 10, 2024.
Bringing Nottingham Clubs and artists together was all thanks to Chris Thorne from Nottingham Triathlon Club and welcoming the athletes back to the city’s historic Nottingham Castle were Sarah Williams from British Triathlon, Mike McCabe and Katie Logan from Nottingham Triathlon Club and Benji Howard aka the Kingdom Rapper.
The club with a number of Gedling borough members that held its first sessions online during the Covid pandemic recently scooped three awards, including East Midlands Club of the Year, in the Triathlon England Awards.
The Nottingham 10K that returns to the city centre this weekend (10) starts in Old Market Square and finishes inside the grounds of Nottingham Castle.
PICTURED: The 10k route (Courtesy of Jane Tomlinson’s Run for All)
Partner charities for the 10k event include the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Maggies, Mind, Notts County Foundation and Trent Bridge Community Trust.
The event welcomes participants of all abilities and ages, whether that be as part of fundraising efforts or for their own goal or reason.
Nottingham Triathlon Club is a British Triathlon affiliated club catering for all ages and abilities. Awarded the British Triathlon Bronze TriMark award in 2019 and East Midlands Triathlon Club of the Year in 2022 and 2024.
The club offers over 118 training places in the swim, static bike and run at 4 venues across Nottingham.
Further information including contact details can be found on the club website www.nottinghamtri.com/ , on the club’s social media HERE or by email to hello@nottinghamtri.com.
EVENT CINEMA: Titanic the Musical – Bonington Cinema, Arnold
Fri 8 – Wed 13 Mar, Various Times £12.50pp
Winner of 5 Tony Awards (including Best Musical), Titanic – The Musical is a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of her passengers who each boarded with stories and personal ambitions of their own. All innocently unaware of the fate awaiting them, the Third Class immigrants dream of a better life in America, the Second Class imagine they too can join the lifestyles of the rich and famous, whilst the millionaire Barons of the First Class anticipate legacies lasting forever.
Peppa’s Cinema Party (U) – Extra Screenings Added – Bonington Cinema, Arnold
Fri 8 – Thu 14 Mar, 10:30am
Come on everybody it’s time for Peppa’s Cinema Party! This year Peppa Pig celebrates her 20th anniversary and to mark such a HUGE occasion she is throwing the MOST EPIC PARTY EVER – and all of her friends are INVITED! (That’s YOU!) Featuring the voices of Katy Perry as Ms. Leopard and Orlando Bloom as Mr. Raccoon in an episode of the 3-part Wedding Party story, the whole family can enjoy 10 never-before-seen Peppa Pig episodes!
And with 5 brand new songs, as well as 11 interactive entertainment shorts with Peppa and her friends playing, dancing and singing in the real world, you and your little ones will be moving and grooving with Peppa in a whole new way! So grab your coat and jump into your boots, let’s be on our way to the Peppa Cinema Party!
Bob Marley: One Love (12A)- Extra Screening added – Bonington Cinema, Arnold
Fri 8 – Thu 14 Mar, Various Times £6.80pp £5.00pp on Tuesdays
Bob Marley: One Love celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music. Produced in partnership with the Marley family and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as the legendary musician and Lashana Lynch as his wife Rita.
“Kingsley Ben-Adir is a beautifully faultless Bob Marley in One Love biopic” Metro ★★★
Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green With Kingsley Ben-Adir, Lashana Lynch 1hr 44 mins // US 2023
Bonington Film Programming Q&A –Bonington Bar, Arnold
Mon 11 Mar, 6:15pm £2.00pp
Ever wondered how we decide what to screen? Why not come down and speak to our Film Programmer Jeremy, who will be taking questions on how the film programme is shaped and what factors we take into account when booking the films! It’s also a great chance to let us know what you’d like to see!
The Q&A will take place in the bar, and will last approximately 1 hour.
Gedling borough residents can expect a dull start today with low cloud, mist and fog only slowly lifting and clearing through the morning. Skies brightening by midday as winds strengthen. Chance of isolated afternoon showers. Maximum temperature 9 °C.
Tonight will see showers clearing to the north through the evening, becoming dry overnight. Cloud breaking to give clearer skies, allowing temperatures to drop away with a risk of rural frost patches forming. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
Tomorrow will be bright and breezy with lengthy sunny spells. Slight chance of an isolated afternoon shower, otherwise remaining dry. Feeling rather cool towards coasts given strengthening onshore winds. Maximum temperature 8 °C.
Two men who brandished blades during a knife fight in broad daylight were told it was ‘simply luck no-one was seriously injured or killed’ as a judge handed them prison sentences.
Dwight Morgan and Tyriec Wilson were involved in a ‘chance meeting’ involving two groups of people which broke out in Canal Street, Nottingham city centre.
Members of both groups were seen to brandish knives during the frightening altercation which was reported to police shortly before 1pm on 18 October 2023.
Morgan, aged 27, was carrying a kitchen knife which he pulled out after he was approached by a member of the other group who was also armed with a blade.
After Morgan’s knife broke when he fell, he was handed another blade as the confrontation continued.
Wilson, aged 23, also armed himself with a knife at the scene, given to him by someone else, after he was approached by a man.
Officers quickly arrived at the scene and inquiries led to Morgan and Wilson being arrested and charged. Both appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday (5 March 2024).
The court heard how members of the public were visibly distressed and ran away in fear during the incident.
Morgan, formerly of Winchester Terrace, Sherwood, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to affray and possession of a knife in a public place. He also admitted being in possession of a quantity of cocaine, consistent with personal use.
He was jailed for a total of 19 months.
Wilson, formerly of Dale Road, Carlton, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to affray and possession of a knife in a public place.
He was locked up for 17 months.
Sentencing Morgan and Wilson, who both have previous convictions for possessing knives, Judge Rosalind Coe KC, said: “These kinds of knife crime incidents are so distressing and worrying for people. It’s a real concern.
“I accept you were approached by a man with a knife, but I don’t know why you stayed and created this situation before running away.
“It’s simply a matter of luck that no-one was seriously injured or even killed.”
Detective Constable Richard Naylor, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We need people to understand that carrying a knife does not protect you and actually puts you at greater risk of coming to harm.
“That decision to carry a knife can have devastating consequences, with people sometimes losing their lives or having them ruined as a result, while also causing irreparable pain to their loved ones along the way too.
“The knock-on effect can completely shatter lives, which is precisely why we continue with our work all year round to educate young people about the risks and consequences of knife crime, so that they make the right decision if they find themselves in a situation where they ever consider picking up or using a weapon.
“We will continue to do whatever we can alongside our partners to try and prevent knife crime offences from taking place, whether that be through education sessions in schools or colleges, engagement work in the community, or proactive policing techniques.
“We will also continue to target knife-carriers and do everything we can to keep people safe, take knives off our streets, and put anyone who carries them before the courts to make our communities safer.”
A new online survey is now open giving residents in Gedling borough the chance to share their views on the future of County Hall.
The consultation has been launched following Nottinghamshire County Council’s decision last summer that it was no longer practical to keep the building as its main base in the long-term.
It has been the council’s headquarters since 1946.
Research shows it is too expensive to operate, maintain and bring the building up to modern environmental standards.
Copies of the survey will be available from County Hall and all county libraries.
As well as the public, heritage organisations and other councils will be contacted as will residents who live directly next to the site. Developers will be approached for their initial views as part of what is known as ‘soft marketing testing’.
Using all this feedback, the council will then consider the best options for the site throughout this spring. More public opinion may be required to help take options to the next stage. More details will be announced in May 2024.
Nottinghamshire County Council Leader Ben Bradley, MP said: “County Hall is an iconic Nottinghamshire landmark, particularly its famous green roof, so it’s vital we seek the views of residents, businesses, heritage experts and developers before a full business case is put in place.
“We want to make sure this building and site gets the new lease of life it deserves, with its heritage respected.
“With its riverside location along the Trent, being close to local amenities as well as world-famous sporting venues, we know what an attractive site this is for potential purchasers, developers and partners.
“With the potential sale of County Hall and the savings we’ll make by not running and maintaining it, will mean more money is available to spend on services.”
Nottinghamshire County Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, added:
“The potential sale of this building is one of the most complex commercial projects this council has ever been involved in and an important moment in our history, so it has to be done right. The future of this building will have an impact for a lot of people, businesses and organisations – so we will take stock of what they have to say.
“Alongside the feedback we get, there will many practical considerations for us to make which include respecting the heritage of the building, what makes best financial sense and making sure whatever decision is made, we aren’t taking any unnecessary risks.
“This is why we will seeking legal, financial and technical advice as necessary, including using the expertise of Arc Partnership, the council’s property, design and consultancy partner.”
It is planned that the council will move out of County Hall and into new offices in Linby in 2025.
Saturday, January 20 was a fine day but with a biting cold wind. I was rather taken aback when the 10.05am to Newark ran for the first time in over two years, and it was three coaches! All I can think is that engineering work meant that Crewe trains were terminating at Blythe Bridge and there was a spare train. Anyway, one person joined at Carlton. We also had an 11.05am to Blythe Bridge and four adults and a child joined and there were a number of people on the train. These trains haven’t run since.
On the same day, as the 10.07 was about to leave for Blythe Bridge, a young woman came on the platform, so I asked if she wanted the train. She said ‘no’, so I thought she was going into the shelter, but she kept walking, and I had to catch her up and say she couldn’t go beyond the end of the platform. She turned round and walked back to the exit, but then crossed the road on to the other platform. This time I could not persuade her to stop walking onto the track, so I ‘phoned through on the emergency green button on the help point to the police, as I don’t have a mobile phone. She continued walking towards Stoke Lane, and I was glad to see that the 10.20 to Leicester had stopped at the signal. I went back to platform 1 to advise the two passengers waiting for the train, what the problem was. Then the civil police arrived and said the person had been apprehended. Then came the British Transport police and a Network Rail manager. Unbeknown to me the driver of the 10.07 train had seen what was happening and stopped his train to contact Control, as he was a little worried about the situation, as he lost sight of me after I left platform 1. You never know what the person intends to do, so safety comes first. The line was reopened at 10.38 and the 10.20 train left 21 minutes late with both waiting passengers having missed their onward connections. If you see anyone trespassing on the railway or causing damage, you know the three words beginning with the letter ‘S’.
Talking to the Network Rail manager he said he came from Matlock and his wife was a Station Adopter there. I said to him that we missed the direct trains to Matlock. He said he thought they were coming back, but as the saying goes, ‘don’t hold your breath!
I seem to have got into a pattern of seeing trains from the 08.43 to Grimsby until either the 10.04 or 11.05 on weekdays and 10.07 until the 12.04 on Saturdays. Weekend trains are quite busy, and the 10.20 to Leicester can be completely full. It makes a difference as to which football teams are playing locally, and some Saturday trains are now 4 coaches. Four coaches will fit on platform 2, but only 3 on platform 1, so usually just the first 2 coaches can be accessed at Carlton on platform 1. I was glad to see that the 10.20 was four coaches on 24th February, so everyone had a seat. Hoping to see some earlier trains when the weather improves.
About twice a week I find passengers waiting on the wrong platform. One morning a young mother and her 2 small children were on platform 2 at 09.55. I asked if she was waiting for a train and she said ‘yes’, she was going to Birmingham. There was time to cross to platform 1. In conversation she said she had come from New Ollerton, and had been dropped off at Carlton. Now I know Carlton has a large catchment area, including Arnold and Mapperley, but this must be a record. Possibly floods had stopped them going to Newark. Fri. 16th Feb. 16.02 to Newark had 1 on and 17 off.
Regarding the ticket machines at each station, which show times of the next 4 trains and if they are on time or not. Sometimes they haven’t been updated for some hours and they show all trains on time. So look when it says it was last updated. Most nowadays can check on their ‘phones, but if you don’t have one you can always speak to a person by pressing the blue button on the help point.
CAR PARK: Work is due to start in early March to tidy up and improve the car park so that more vehicles can park there. As far as I know the car park will remain open for use whilst the work is taking place. Actually commenced 28th February.
NETHERFIELD: Danny keeps his eye on this station and I have been getting there more often. On February 21, 6 joined and 8 alight, some of whom had to put their ‘plan 13’ into operation as there was disruption on the Lincoln line that afternoon.
NOTTINGHAM TO LINCOLN SERVICES
This report was in the February issue of ‘The Railway Magazine’. It was a question asked in Parliament by Lord Bradshaw, enquiring what discussions the Department for Transport (DfT) was having with East Midlands Railway (EMR), about restoring pre- pandemic levels of service between Nottingham and Lincoln. Lord Davies replied:- The DfT is working closely with EMR to reintroduce services which were removed in June 2021. Last May, six weekday services and eight Saturday services between Leicester and Lincoln via Nottingham were reinstated. End of quotation. So, I hope it means the missing trains between Nottingham and Newark will return from June 2, when the Summer timetable commences. EMR now has more trains, so there is hope.
BRIEF ENCOUNTERS
Work has commenced on a multi-million-pound project – set to last for 6 months – to upgrade Beeston station. Two new lifts will be installed for step free access. Disruption to passengers will be minimal, but a temporary diversion will be in place when going from one platform to another, which will be signposted Meanwhile Network Rail are working on Luton station, replacing canopies on platforms 1 & 2 and installation of a footbridge and 3 lifts to make the station fully accessible by Spring 2025
A new station opened last December at Brent Cross West. It is served by Thameslink Trains between St. Pancras International and Bedford, with up to 8 trains an hour at peak times The Bedford to Bletchley line train service is back in full operation after the Vivarail Trains on the line had to be withdrawn when the firm went into administration. To help revive customer numbers a special
A £1 fare offer is in operation until mid May
Most regulated rail fares will rise by 4.9% from March 3
Hereward Line and the Fens: A 10 minute film of the line with drone and in-cab footage is available to view https://vimeo.com/878284535/ e66842b473?share=copy Funding for this from EMR and a Third Party
Engineering work: Saturday and Sunday 9/10th March, early morning trains on the Grantham and Lincoln lines could be affected. Check before you travel.
LOCAL RAILWAY HERITAGE NEWS
Francis advises that they are hoping to have a lottery grant approved soon, as work continues to bring Gedling station buildings back to life, to be used as an asset to the community. EMR are also helping through their Community Development Fund, which is used for projects in their area of operation. EMR are proud of local heritage, and as of January 2024, 43 projects had been funded, one being Forecourt and Car Park improvements at Newark Castle station. This scheme also often attracts third party funding, as it benefits many people in the area.
Pennerley Viaduct between Awsworth and Ilkeston, and which was used by Grantham, Netherfield, Nottingham Victoria and Derby Friargate trains until September 1964, and by freight until May 1968, is now a footpath and cycle route. A visitor centre has been approved, which will include a car park. education space for local schools, an exhibition centre, cafe and toilet facilities. Also a raised cycle and pedestrian link on the eastern (Awsworth) side of the viaduct. Land next to the site has been chosen as a preferred site for large industrial units over the coming years amid demand being at an “all-time” high: It has the advantage of being located adjacent to a railway line, the disused spur which served Bennerley coal disposal site. The development will be carefully designed because of its proximity the viaduct. Incidentally the other preferred site is Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station.
Overcast this morning with areas of drizzle, mist and fog slowly lifting and clearing. Bright or sunny spells developing from the south during the afternoon. A chance of showers later but many places staying dry. Light winds. Maximum temperature 10 °C.
Tonight will see showers soon fading to leave a fine and largely clear evening. Areas of low cloud, mist and hill fog forming overnight, likely becoming widespread inland by morning. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
Tomorrow will see low cloud, mist and fog only slowly lifting and clearing through the morning. Skies brightening by the afternoon and easterly winds strengthening. Chance of isolated afternoon showers. Maximum temperature 9 °C.
Are you on the hunt for unique and thrilling gift ideas that will leave a lasting impression? Look no further! From adrenaline-pumping adventures to immersive stadium tours, the UK offers a plethora of sports experiences that are perfect for gifting to your loved ones. Whether they’re a football fanatic, a thrill-seeker, or simply looking to try something new, there’s something for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top gift sports experiences in the UK that you need to try!
Liverpool FC Stadium Tour
For the ultimate football fan, a tour of Anfield, home to Liverpool FC, is an experience like no other. Walk in the footsteps of legends as you explore the iconic stadium, visit the players’ dressing rooms, and soak in the atmosphere of the hallowed turf.
Clay Shooting Experience
Embrace your inner marksman with a clay shooting experience in the stunning countryside. Under the guidance of expert instructors, you’ll learn the art of shooting clay pigeons as they soar through the air, providing an exhilarating and rewarding challenge.
Paramotoring Trial Lesson Experience
Take to the skies and experience the thrill of paramotoring. With a trial lesson experience, you’ll learn the basics of piloting a powered paraglider while enjoying breathtaking views of the UK’s landscapes from a unique vantage point.
Quad Bike Experience
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled adventure with a quad bike experience. Navigate through rugged terrain, tackle obstacles, and feel the rush of speed as you explore the great outdoors on these all-terrain vehicles.
Zip World Velocity 2 – Fastest in the World
Brace yourself for an unforgettable ride on Zip World Velocity 2, the fastest zip line in the world! Soar at speeds of over 100 mph as you fly through the stunning Welsh countryside, taking in panoramic views that will leave you breathless.
Football Stadium Helicopter Tour Experience
For a truly unique perspective, why not take to the skies for a helicopter tour of iconic football stadiums across the UK? From Old Trafford to Stamford Bridge, this aerial adventure offers a bird’s-eye view of some of the most famous sporting venues in the country.
Air Rifle Shooting Experience
Test your precision and focus with an air rifle shooting experience. Perfect for beginners and seasoned shooters alike, this activity provides a safe and controlled environment to hone your marksmanship skills under expert supervision.
Learn to Surf Experience Day
Embark on a surfing adventure along the UK’s picturesque coastline with a learn to surf experience day. With professional instructors guiding you every step of the way, you’ll master the art of catching waves and experience the thrill of riding the surf.
Zip World Bounce Below
Delve into an underground world of adventure at Zip World Bounce Below. Bounce and slide through a network of giant trampolines and tunnels suspended within a disused slate mine, offering a truly unique and exhilarating experience.
Clay Pigeon Shooting Brighton
Take aim and
fire at Clay Pigeon Shooting Brighton, where you’ll enjoy the thrill of shooting clay targets against the backdrop of the beautiful Sussex countryside. With expert tuition and state-of-the-art facilities, it’s the perfect activity for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
Segway Rally Experience For Two
Explore the great outdoors in style with a Segway rally experience for two. Glide effortlessly through scenic trails and woodland paths aboard these futuristic vehicles, discovering new sights and enjoying the freedom of off-road exploration. In conclusion, the UK boasts an array of exciting sports experiences that make for unforgettable gifts. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-fueled thrills or immersive stadium tours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So why not treat your loved ones to a truly memorable experience they’ll treasure forever? Visit WonderDays, they offer the best gift experiences in the UK, ensuring that your gift will be not only memorable but also hassle-free to arrange.
A young wife claimed she was unable to conceive a baby because she lived too high in a block of flats and medical experts were taking her seriously.
The Sun reported on July 23, 1971, that the 26-year-old woman had asked the urban council at Cariton to rehouse her and her husband as she had become infertile.
Medical officer Dr Joyce Goldsborough backed her request.
Dr Goldsborrough told the tabloid: “There are sometimes more than physical reasons for a woman being unable to conceive.
“Living conditions can make a woman dissatisfied and this often leads to some kind of mental barrier,”
The couple who have not been named asked for Carlton Urban District Council for a council house on hardship grounds.
The council was abolished in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972 and combined with Arnold Urban District and part of Basford Rural District to form the new Gedling Borough Council.
The housing committee refused the request for a house because the couple had no children.
Carlton Urban Council clerk Ernest Jones said: At first we thought it was a rather ludicrous request.
But after hearing the medical side, we took it very seriously”
These are the roadworks and closures you need to know about…
Breck Hill Road, Woodthorpe 11 March Roadworks and delays likely Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Florence Road, Mapperley 11 March – 14 March Delays likely due to road closure Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Plains Road, Mapperley 08 March – 12 March Roadworks and delays likely Responsibility for works: Cadent
Gedling Road, Carlton 05 March Roadworks and delays possible Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Mansfield Road, Daybrook 10 March – 11 March Roadworks and delays possible Responsibility for works: National Grid
Nottingham Road, Burton Joyce 09 March Roadworks and delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach
Oakdale Road, Carlton 11 March – 15 March Roadworks and delays possible to refresh road markings between Avondale Road and Douglas Avenue. Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Rolleston Drive, Arnold 06 March – 06 March Roadworks and delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach
Sherbrook Road, Arnold 11 March Roadworks and delays possible Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Station Road, Carlton 07 March – 08 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Wright Street, Netherfield 06 March Roadworks and delays possible to reset gully near railway crossing Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
