This week’s public notice features a plan to install a pedestrian crossing on Coppice Road, Arnold
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Nottinghamshire County Council in exercise of its powers under Section 23 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, proposes to install a “Puffin” pedestrian crossing on Coppice Road near the Mapperley Orchard junction in Arnold in the district of Gedling.
The crossing will incorporate a controlled area indicated by zig-zag markings along the carriageway where parking and loading will be prohibited. The extents of the controlled area will be:
Coppice Road, Arnold
From a point approximately halfway across the junction for Mapperley Orchard and Coppice Road for a distance of approximately 45m in a westerly direction.
The puffin crossing will provide a safe crossing facility across Coppice Road for pedestrians, particularly Coppice Farm Primary School students.
Any comments (quoting ref: TP2350947) in respect of this proposal should be received in writing by Friday 8th March 2024 to the address stated below.
A man has been arrested by police in Calverton after a homeowner who was on holiday was alerted to a burglary taking place by their doorbell camera.
A suspect was arrested within minutes of the homeowner spotting they were being burgled.
The victim received an alert whilst on holiday telling them there was motion outside their house. When they checked their phone, they saw someone breaking into their property before making off with their TV.
Response officers were called to the property in Pheasant Way, Calverton, shortly after that sighting at around 8.35am on Thursday (December 28).
The force’s Dog Unit then led a search of the surrounding area, which resulted in the TV being found under a blanket in a neighbouring house’s garden.
Officers also found a stolen bike under a cover in the same garden.
Following that discovery, police entered the property and also located a suspect matching the description of the burglar.
The suspect – a 35-year-old man – was subsequently arrested on suspicion of burglary.
“Thanks to the rapid response of our uniform officers and the Dog Unit following initial reports of this break-in, they were able to quickly recover stolen property and detain a suspect nearby.
“This would’ve been a very distressing experience for the homeowner, who spotted on their camera that they were being burgled and did the right thing by ensuring we were informed straight away.
“Burglary is an incredibly invasive crime that can leave people feeling unsafe in their homes, which is clearly unacceptable and will never be tolerated by Nottinghamshire Police.
“While we’ve arrested a suspect in connection with this incident, our inquiries are still very much ongoing, so we’d ask anyone with any information to call us on 101, quoting incident 110 of 28 December 2023.
“Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.”
A flood warning has this morning been issued for a village in Gedling borough where water levels are rising, with some residents told they will experience flooding.
The Environment Agency has informed residents in Woodborough to expect flooding as a result of further heavy rainfall expected today (2).
They say flooding could occur from after midday into the evening.
Water levels in the Woodbrough Brook also continue to rise due to heavy rainfall.
An Environment Agency spokesman said: “Areas most at risk are Woodborough including Main Street which is likely to be impassable, affecting access in and out of the village.
“Flooding may also affect properties on Lingwood Lane, Smalls Croft and Westfield Lane.
Flooding is expected in Woodborough from mid-day onwards
“Further heavy rainfall is forecast over the next 24 hours. We are closely monitoring the situation.
They have instructed residents in the areas affected to ‘move possessions and valuables off the ground or to safety and avoid contact with flood water’.
Many roads have already flooded over the weekend and the village has been heavily impacted previously.
Here are some of the amazing sporting achievements by Gedling heroes and sportspeople that Gedling Eye covered over the last year:
Zach Haynes: Another British Champion from Redhill Academy
Zach Haynes took home the Gold medal for his category at the British Taekwondo National Championship 2023 in September to add to an amazing year of success for the Redhill Academy student.
Zach is currently ranked UK number one in his weight category and is a member of the National Taekwondo Club. Zach started Taekwondo at 6 years old and his dedication to this craft means he currently commits to a three-hour training session three nights a week after school alongside a three-hour training session on Saturdays with his Taekwondo club.
Zach finished his year of competition winning gold in November at the International Bergischer-Lowen Cup in Wuppertal, Germany.
This years achievements included:
Ultimate Open Barnsley GOLD
Ali’s Dojang Open, London SILVER
Midlands Open, Coventry GOLD
North West Open, Liverpool GOLD
QF European Club Championships, Sofia
Premier Open Huddersfield GOLD
British International Open Manchester SILVER
Scorpion Open Barnsley BRONZE
British National Championships Sheffield GOLD
Riga Open, Latvia BRONZE
England Open, Leeds SILVER
International Bergischer-Lowen Cup, Wuppertal, Germany GOLD
Pictured: Zach Haynes Redhill Legend (Courtesy of Redhill Academy)Pictured: Some of Zach’s trophy and medal haul from 2023 (Courtesy of Facebook)Pictured: GOLD at the Nationals (Courtesy of Facebook)
Willow Wanderers broke their knockout cup hoodoo in style
Formed in 2015 when the chairman Tom Turner and club secretary Neil Barrs felt their approach to kids’ football was at odds with the club they were then working with, the duo decided to go their own way.
Their players followed them almost unanimously to create a distinctive new club with a clear philosophy of putting the enjoyment of football above the desire to win games and, unusually, a commitment to equal game time right up to U12.
The club however seemed to have a bit of a Cup curse hanging over them as since their inception in 2015, they’d never laid hands on a knockout trophy.
This all changed in May when the Gedling-based youth football club finally broke their Cup duck – and then added a second less than a week later.
Neil Barrs, Club Secretary told us that “We’ve won plenty of trophies in different league divisions, and the odd Fair Play award to boot but a knockout trophy always seemed to elude our teams.
“The U14 Lions got close last year, making it to their final before losing to a strong West Bridgford Colts side; a couple of years previously, the U9 Raptors reached Willow’s first ever final, before being pipped at the post.
“Then at last, in May, the U14 Eagles – newcomers to the club just a year previously – first won their Sunday Division 1 title, and then followed it up with a nailbiting Cup win on penalties.
“Not to be outdone, the following weekend their Saturday colleagues, the U14 Rockets, in contrast, one of the original Willow teams from 2015 – repeated the feat, again needing spot kicks to settle the match. Huge congratulations to both!”
From Westdale Lane to Sicily: The Gedling athlete that took on Europe
Valerie Woodland proudly put on her Great Britain vest as she represented Great Britain on the world stage in three events at the European Masters Athletics Championships in Italy.
Valerie who only started doing triathlons in 2019 got into running as she neared fifty years of age. Only a few years after taking up running and running in her first ever 5,000m over 50s (W50) track race in Pescara, Valerie came in an amazing seventh place and the second fastest GB & NI athlete in the field. She followed this up with an even better sixth place in the 10,000m over 50s road race (W50) where she was the fastest GB & NI athlete in the field. In her third event of the championships Valerie won silver in the 10km over 35s (W35) team event.
Valerie lived on Westdale Lane in Gedling, went to school at Carlton le Willows and kept a pony on Wood Lane prior to relocating to Sicily. She also attended Arnold & Carlton college and as a student worked part-time on customer service the year Tescos on Carlton Hill opened.
Valerie competes at least once a year in the UK either running, cycling, triathlon or all 3 and does at least one charity event when in the UK to help with cancer research awareness.
Jude Irons: Redhill Academy student and 2023 British Champion gymnast made the GB Junior Squad
Redhill student Jude Irons made the Team GB U18s Junior Squad after representing Great Britain in Switzerland where the GB team placed second.
His list of achievements also include 2022 British Champion, 2023 British Champion, 2023 English champion and Wohnen Junior Champion.
Jude also represented Notts Gymnastics Academy at the 2023 British Gymnastics Championships. He took home Gold on the pommel horse in the men’s under 14s apparatus and won the bronze all-around medal. Jude joined the Notts Gymnastics Club aged seven and began competing regionally after taking up gymnastics at Robin Hood Gymnastics when he was just five years of age.
Notts Gymnastics Academy congratulated Jude on their social media saying “Congratulations to Jude who had a great competition out in Switzerland representing Great Britain. He helped the team achieve 2nd place! Well done Jude!”
The young athlete trains between 26 and 30 hours per week to maintain his elite level performance including after school and weekend sessions.
Pictured: Jude Irons Redhill Legend (Courtesy of Redhill Academy)
Nottinghamshire’s only kettlebell sport coach and world champion continued to deliver in Gedling
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.
This year Jude competed in two World Championships where she won bronze medal in the Double Bell Pentathlon and became a World Champion winning gold in the single bell Half Marathon (30 mins continuous lifting One Arm Long Cycle).
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.
Jude runs small group training and kettlebells and circuits training at her 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 competed in her first 10 minute GS competition in Harrogate in 2016 at the British Championships with a 12kg kettlebell and placed 2nd (silver) and after working with her coach for only 6 weeks qualified for a place on Team England at the English Championships in February 2017.
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”.
Pictured: Jude Freeman (L) competing (Courtesy of Tonic Fitness)Pictured: Jude Freeman (L) competing (Courtesy of Tonic Fitness)Pictured: Jude Freeman (L) competing (Courtesy of Tonic Fitness)
Gedling’s Tom Parnham took the chequered flag as he became British champion
Gedling‘s Tom Parnham became British champion of ‘Hotfords’ at Buxton Raceway 2023 following the final race of the competition on October 29.
In the last year Tom also won The North and Midland cup and British cup.
Tom was crowned overall British points champion making him the new ‘Hotford’ champion following race checks where his engine was totally stripped and checked by a professional engine builder.
This was no normal victory as Tom’s points total of 310 was an amazing 99 points clear of second place in a competition that is normally won by single points.
-Tom expressed his delight on social media saying “What a year it’s been, Northern Midland champ, British champ and overall points champ. All in all, a mint season.”
Tom is one of a group of friends, mostly from Gedling and Carlton that stock car race at Buxton raceway. The formula they race in is called ‘Hotfords’.
The group have been friends since secondary school and all have a passion for cars.
Pictured: Tom Parnham (race number 690) PHOTO: M WinterburnPictured: Tom Parnham, British Champion (PHOTO: M Winterburn)Pictured: Tom Parnham (race number 690) with the North and Midland Cup PHOTO: Matthew Winterburn
Arnold’s Paviors RFC players went international with England and Wales
There was been plenty going on at Arnold’s Paviors Rugby Club as Dee McKenzie , one of the club’s Under 18’s Women’s Squad was selected to attend the England Under 18’s training camp at Wellington College, this month.
Club President Neil Kendrick told Gedling Eye that “The club is extremely proud of Dee’s achievements – she sets an amazing example to others in the club and the club is proud of her achievements.”
But its not just Dee making waves at the top level as Neil added “Four of our youngsters attended the Welsh Exiles Training Camp ( eligibility through Welsh parentage/grand parentage) recently at Trent College : Danny Mountain, Josh Kirwan-Thomas and Owen Evans were involved in the under 15 training, while Evan Griffiths was with the Under 13’s.”
Pictured: Evan Griffiths at Under 13 Welsh Exiles trial. PHOTO: Paviors Rugby FCDanny Mountain, Josh Kirwan-Thomas and Owen Evans at Welsh EXILES UNDER 15 TRIALPHOTO: Dee McKenzie
Carlton Town FC carried out a great escape
What a change a couple of months made at Carlton Town FC where from almost certain relegation they fought off relegation, secured Step 4 status and reached a cup final. A Great Escape indeed.
Tommy Brookbanks, co-manager of The Millers said “You look at it from January 7, nine games we got four points. From March 7, nine games we got 19. Now that is playoff form”.
Relegation was avoided by virtue of North Shields failing their ground grading, but this was a very precarious situation whereby Carlton did not know if they would have to play a relegation playoff or not. The managers were actually at the training ground when the got the call, three days before they would have had to have played said playoff.
Tommy said: “The lads were coming in for 7:30pm, we got the call from the secretary and we stopped the lads from coming in because we wanted to give them a rest.
But what was it that inspired The Millers to get out of their rut? For the managers, it seemed that there was not too much concrete change, but just a dressing room lift and a belief in their squad that they could do what they needed to do.
Mark said: “After the North Shields (March 4, which they lost 2-1), we spent all weekend on the phone as we thought the only chance we had was to get a couple of lads in. And it wasn’t that we didn’t think the squad was good enough, because the squad has proved its good enough.”
“I think the dressing room needed a lift more than anything. Following that weekend we got Charlie (Marzano) and Alex Troke in, which gave the dressing room a lift, and we went and won our next game.”
And whilst Mark and Tommy passionately highlighted how important their dressing room cohesiveness has been in surviving, they were also quick to highlight the pivotal role the support played in keeping them on track.
“The support has been magnificent,” said Tommy. “They could have turned on us. But they still turned out for every home game. A lot of supporters would have turned, but they’ve been brilliant.”
PICTURED: The Bill Stokeld Stadium on Stoke LanePICTURED: Carlton Town manager Tommy Brookbanks (PHOTO: Twitter)PHOTO: Carlton Town FC
Ellie’s marathon effort raises much-needed cash for medal-winning ice skating team
A Gedling youngster put in a marathon effort to raise funds for her local ice skating team.
Nine-year-old Ellie completed the Robin Hood Mini Marathon in September to bring in cash for her synchronised ice skating team.
The team had a successful competition season in 2022-2023, with Gold in London, Silver in Dumfries, Silver in Sheffield and Bronze at the British Championship Britannia Cup.
In November the team won gold in their category at Skate London 2023
Ellie, who attends Priory Junior School, in Gedling, is part of the ‘Ice Gems’ who are the Juvenile squad of the Nottingham Synchronised Skating Academy.
Ellie is the youngest member of the team that has members ranging in age from from nine to 14 years old. The team’s ice schedule at present means the girls need to be at the rink for 5.35 am, which means an early start for members and also the parents who provide the transport.
Three award winning dads scored with Woodborough’s newest football club
Woodborough Celtic Youth FC is a new football club that started in the village of Woodborough for the 23/24 season with teams from under 7s to under 10s.
The club started when three dads, Paul Stevenson, Adam Meakin and Martin Giddy got together and decided to give up their time to coach two age groups.
Paul told Gedling Eye that “For the first ever session the coaches had planned for eight children turning up and were shocked when 24 out of a 27 person class arrived kitted out ready for training.
“The children started having regular coaching in April 2021 (at the end of the Covid restrictions) and this was a way of bringing the community together after a long period apart.”
In October 2022 Martin, Paul and Adams were nominated for the Inspirational Healthy Lifestyle Award at the Pride of Gedling awards which they deservedly won.
Paul added that “they were absolutely delighted to win at a memorable evening at The Arnold Civic Centre.”
Photos: Courtesy of Woodborough FCPhotos: Courtesy of Woodborough FCPhotos: Courtesy of Woodborough FC
Jack Donovan became British Ice Skating Champion
Redhill Academy lauded student, Jack Donovan as he became the Advanced Novice Boys British Ice Skating Champion.
Jack finished his competition with 117.05 points, almost 20 points ahead of his nearest competitor, Edward Solovyov with 97.75 points.
This marked Jack’s fifth win of 2023 and his third British Championship at the Advanced Novice level, having previously placed third in 2021 and second in 2022.
Mr Peters, Jack’s Head of House said: “For several years now, Jack has been balancing, early morning skating training, performing on the international stage and keeping on top of his studies. He continues to reap the rewards both with his studies and on the ice, with his latest achievement being the Advanced Novice Boys British Champion. All at Redhill are exceptionally proud of Jack’s achievements.”.
Jack’s father, Richard, told Redhill Academy that “This is a perfect end to his time in the Advanced Novice category, and although he could stay in this age bracket, he will now step up to compete in the Junior category. To prepare him for next season, Jack’s next competition will be The Robin Hood Trophy, held in January. It will be an international event which will help to prepare him for the season ahead. Thanks once again for the support you have given as a school.“.
Pictured: Jack Donovan (Courtesy of Facebook)Pictured: Jack Donovan (Courtesy of Facebook)Pictured: Jack Donovan (Courtesy of Facebook)
You don’t have to be representing your country or winning European championships to be featured by Gedling Eye – we love local success stories, so please drop us a line at news@gedlingeye.co.uk if you know someone or a team that are amazing.
An undermanned Eagles squad concluded 2023 with a defeat in the soggy Derbyshire Dales after Cromford & Wirksworth’s tight undulating ground managed to pass a mid-morning pitch inspection.
Having been warned beforehand to ensure we avoided parking on the grass unless we had a 4×4 we knew what to expect on arrival and the treacherous walk to the pitch took some negotiating. With Cromford’s rudimentary facilities despite the lovely location we dropped off the kit and team sheet and as there was still 90 minutes until kick-off were recommended to head for Cromford’s community centre in the village for a cheap and cheerful welcome. A couple of pints of Bass later in a cracking little pub and chips and gravy for Pete and Dennis (which the centre allowed you to buy from the local chippie and bring in) we headed off back for the game.
With a whole host of absentees (Trem Lindo and Tyler Cobb unavailable, Dan Chambers suspended, Aaron Wainaina ill, Kieron Lane injured) Arnold turned up with just 12 players. Matty Hubbard was included in the starting line-up for the first time since early November, Jamie Royle returned from his suspension whilst Toby Francis was able to stretch out and take up the whole of the Eagles’ bench.
Without Cromford’s team sheet I was unable to identify their players but time and again they played the ball down the wings with Arna continuing to play out from the back on a pitch that really didn’t suit this style frequently giving the ball away in poor positions. The only surprise was that Cromford took thirty or so minutes to puncture our defence with a well worked goal having already rattled the post. Keeper Piotr Strycharz made two fabulous saves, touching on to the bar and another finger-tip save to keep the score at 1-0 at the break.
Arna came out for the second half with a much more purposeful approach. Jake Ogden, industrious as ever, was becoming more involved and the midfield was beginning to put together some decent possession as we aimed to support Jamie Royle who was playing a lone role up front. Within three minutes of the restart we were given a way back when one of the Cromford defenders virtually caught the ball in the penalty box. Royle stepped up to take the penalty despatching it in to the corner to level the scores. For the next five-ten minutes we enjoyed our best period of the match as we looked to play longer balls over the top exposing Cromford’s defence in much the same way they had to us earlier. However as Arnold began to tire the hosts were able to pick-up the pace and attacks on the Eagles goal became more frequent.
PHOTO: Jim BethellJamie Royle – scored from the penalty spot PHOTO: Jim Bethell
Toby Francis replaced James Jackson who appeared to pick-up a knock (later confirmed as calf) before the hosts restored their lead with some 25 minutes remaining with a penalty of their own. A cross from the right connected with Lenny Jenkins’ hand at the near post leaving the ref no option but to point to the spot. Having already been booked some of the locals were baying for a red card but Lenny escaped further censure as Cromford restored their lead.
It was now an uphill struggle and although Cromford on the balance of play should have been well in front we had a couple of further chances to perhaps secure an unlikely point. Firstly Jamie Royle broke through and one on one with the keeper saw his shot rebound off the post; and then Francis out muscled the keeper at the far post from a deep cross who fumbled the ball but from close range Toby was unable to convert for the equaliser.
In the descending gloom Cromford were now well on top with Arnold having played their last cards and two close range efforts in the final 10 minutes made the score line perhaps a little more conclusive for all the Eagles’ efforts. Piotr was on hand a couple of times with some fine close range saves to ensure the score did not spiral and was worthy winner of Arnold’s Man of the Match award.
All of which brought about the end of the Yellow’s unbeaten four match run. A good effort from the dirty dozen (you should see the state of the kit!) on a pitch which always suited the hosts on a day when playing any kind of cohesive football was difficult. We trudged back to the cars with a fair amount of Derbyshire mud clinging to our shoes as we attempted to exit the car park where a good deal of blocking in had been necessary to avoid sinking into the abyss!
A blank next Saturday so enjoy your New Year everyone and we’ll see you at Linby on the 13th January.
Energy bills will rise by £94 for many households across Gedling borough from today.
The energy regulator Ofgem confirmed a new price cap would be introduced in January 2024 last month.
It means the average household will see their annual bill increase to £1,928 – but the exact amount you pay depends on your usage.
The price cap changes every three months affecting households on default or variable tariffs.
Richard Neudegg, director of regulation at Uswitch.com, said the rise would bite during the coldest period when households need to use the most energy.
He said: “The price cap will go up by 5% from January due to the increases in the wholesale energy market.
“This means energy bills are likely to be the highest they’ve ever been for most homes this winter.
“Between January and March, average bills will be £46 more expensive than the same period last year when the government’s Energy Bill Support Scheme was in place.”
Jonathan Brearley, chief executive of Ofgem, admitted it would be a ‘difficult time’ for many people, and called the increase ‘worrying’.
He said: “This rise – around the levels we saw in August – is a result of the wholesale cost of gas and electricity rising, which needs to be reflected in the price that we all pay.
“It is important that customers are supported and we have made clear to suppliers that we expect them to identify and offer help to those who are struggling with bills.”
Those households in the borough on prepayment meters will continue to receive a government-backed discount to ensure that they aren’t charged more than those who pay by direct debit – although it’s not a cap on the overall amount people will pay for their energy.
Instead, it caps the amount that they pay per kilowatt hour, or unit, of gas and electricity.
The £1,928 figure is calculated based on what Ofgem thinks an average household will use.
How does the energy price cap work?
The energy price cap works by setting a limit on the maximum amount suppliers can charge for each unit of gas and electricity.
That means despite the energy price cap being £1,928, you might pay more or less than this amount, depending on your usage.
Ofgem also sets a maximum daily standing charge which is what households have to pay to have their home connected to the National Grid.
The cap is calculated based on the wholesale price of gas and electricity.
It also includes allowances for tax, charges paid to the energy networks, green levies and social payments.
The reason it has gone up so much in the last 18 or so months is partly due to Russia limiting its gas supply to Europe.
But there’s also been high demand from Asia which has seen prices surge.
The UK also imports more than two-thirds of its gas which is subject to global price swings making prices more volatile and likely to rise.
Amazon Prime Video users in Gedling borough will soon have to pay a new monthly fee if they want to go ad-free, under a new shake-up.
The streaming platform will start showing adverts from February 5, 2024, in the UK and Germany.
The advertisements will be played on films and TV shows on Prime Video.
Customers will be able to pay an extra £2.99 fee on top of their subscription to go ad-free – the equivalent to an extra £35.88 per year.
Amazon said it aims to have “meaningfully fewer ads than ad-supported TV channels and other streaming TV providers”.
In a recent email to Prime members, Amazon said the move will allow the company to “continue investing in compelling content and keep increasing that investment over a long period of time”.
Live events, such as sports, and content offered through Amazon Freevee will continue to include advertising.
Adverts will appear earlier in the US and Canada, from January 29.
Customers in Germany will pay €2.99 (£2.60) while those in the US will pay $2.99 (£2.35), according to the BBC.
Prime Video costs £5.99, or Amazon Prime members can sign up for an enhanced package, known as Prime, for £8.99 per month.
This includes Prime Video, unlimited premium delivery, unlimited music streaming, unlimited photo storage, and unlimited reading within the Prime services.
The Prime annual subscription, which Amazon says offers the “best value”, offers the same services for £95 per year.
For 12 months of Prime Video, members would pay £71.88. It costs £107.88 a year for Prime monthly.
The subscription for students, known as Prime Student, currently costs £4.49 per month, or £47.49 a year for the annual subscription.
At the moment, new student customers can get a six-month trial, courtesy of Microsoft Surface, before the subscription reverts to the £4.49 per month fee.
Amazon increased the cost of a Prime subscription from £7.99 to £8.99 a month in 2022.
The one-off annual fee was raised from £79 to £95 at the time.
In September, Amazon introduced a new £1.99 charge for same-day delivery on Prime orders costing less than £20.
Carlton missed the chance to temporarily move into third in the division as they lost in an entertaining affair at Stoke Lane on Friday evening.
A Niall Davie goal wasn’t enough for the Millers as Borough took the three points with goals from Harvey Tomlinson and Edwin Essel.
Carlton made three changes to the side which brought back three points from Grantham on Boxing Day. There was a second debut for Ryan Ebanks at right back, recently joined from Grantham Town having previously played for Carlton in 2018-19. Khyle Sargent moved into the centre of midfield alongside Greg Tempest as Michael Ford dropped to the bench. Alex Howes also returned to the starting lineup replacing David Adegbola.
Borough arrived at Stoke Lane having recently arrested a damaging run of seven straight league defeats with a creditable draw against Belper before Christmas and they built on that result last time out, taking local bragging rights in the process as they won the “El Codico” against neighbours, Cleethorpes Town.
It was a relatively cagey opening 15 minutes on a heavy surface as both sides were sizing one another up. Carlton were on top though, winning a couple of free kicks in good positions which came to nothing. In Lewis Durow’s absence Tempest assumed long throw duties which he did admirably well and it was these throws which caused most of the chaos in the Grimsby box with Dean Freeman and Peter Dearle the targets. Despite causing some problems for Liam Higton in the Grimsby goal it was without a real clear opportunity to take the lead.
Lamin Manneh created the first real chance of the game, taking up possession just inside the visitors’ half. He left the defenders for dust but was denied from a tight angle by a fine save by Higton.
Tempest was also on corner duty and it was from one of these which saw Freeman rising highest only to see his header crash against the crossbar.
Imbued with confidence and backed by the keen wind, Carlton continued to press high but were caught on the break which resulted in Annan conceding a penalty as he brought down Edwin Essel in the box. Adam Drury stepped up but blazed wildly over the bar which was something more akin to Twickenham than Wembley. It was though a warning the Millers did not heed and only moments later, Harvey Tomlinson, who was a threat throughout the game from wide positions, found acres of space in the inside right position and calmly fired low past Annan.
Carlton redoubled their efforts and a nice flowing move between Tempest and Davie provided Howes with a chance which floated just over the bar.
The second half started as the first half ended, the home side dominating territory, possession and dictating the pace of the game. From an Annan free kick deep in the Carlton half, Alex Hardwick did superbly to control and release Lamin Manneh down the left whilst under pressure from defenders on all sides. Manneh beat his man and laid the ball back to his captain in space, 12 yards out and Davie didn’t miss, firing confidently past Higton to the delight of the well-oiled shed end who had been on their Christmas social event during the afternoon.
Carlton were firmly on top now. Sargent, who had an excellent game, and Tempest had more time on the ball in the middle of the field and Grimsby attacks were smothered with relative ease. Sargent found Ebanks running down the right and the debutant squared it the ball to Hardwick whose shot was well saved by Higton. By sharp contrast to the last game at Stoke Lane, the referee allowed play to flow as much as he was able but he was called upon as Manneh stopped a Grimsby counter attack illegally earning the Carlton winger a yellow card and a knock himself. Tomlinson once again found space in a dangerous area and went down in the box under pressure from Dearle and Tempest but again, the referee saw little wrong and play continued.
Impetus was shifting back to the visitors and good link up play between Lewis Collins and Drury opened Carlton up down their left again and Drury’s cross was converted by Essel only for the assistant referee’s flag to deny the Grimsby front man. Essel did get the reward for his selfless running throughout the game minutes later as a corner wasn’t claimed cleanly by Annan and the striker pounced to bundle over from a yard out.
Carlton’s managers rang the changes as Durow and Adegbola replaced Manneh and Howes. Hylton was pushed forward and Adegbola deployed on the right. Tempest was unlucky moments later as a Durow throw was cleared to the Carlton midfielder some 25 yards from goal. He caught the ball sweetly on the volley only for the shot to fly past the keepers upright.
In a final throw of the dice Tempest was replaced by Musa Jawarra but it was Durow who had the next chance of the game. After an industrious run from Hylton the ball broke to Durow inside the box. His shot was well placed but superbly saved by Higton. In the dying moments Davie, still full of energy, wriggled free in the box and placed a cross shot into a great area. Keeper, defenders and attackers alike seemed to freeze as the ball bobbled across the six-yard box and agonisingly struck the post before being cleared.
The Millers may well look back on this game as one of missed opportunities but no fixture is a “gimme”, every point hugely prized and hard earned and it’s only the finest of margins in the 90 minutes which decide where the points fall. In this highly competitive division this young side should consider their position at the end of 2023 as a massive positive as they look to push on next year.
Carlton will look to regroup as they hit the road again next Saturday with a visit to North Ferriby.
Carlton Town: F Annan, R Ebanks, D Freeman, P Dearle, N Hylton, L Manneh (D Adegbola 80), K Sargent, G Tempest (M Jawarra 86), N Davie, A Howes (L Durow 80), A Hardwick. Unused Subs: Z Hill, M Ford
Goals: N Davie 49; Harvey Tomlinson 38, Edwin Essel 78
Gedling Eye looks back at the highs and lows of 2023 across the borough, continuing from October to December…
OCTOBER
THERE was a bitter blow as Gedling borough again missed out on Levelling Up Fund cash to revamp towns
Gedling borough agonisingly missed out on £20m which would have paid to revitalise towns and villages, it was been revealed. Five Nottinghamshire towns made the list. Clifton, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Mansfield, Newark and Worksop were all named by the Government on Sunday (October 1) and were awarded £20m which will be split over 10 years as part of a new £1bn “levelling up” drive. The Government says the cash should be used to improve transport and connections, tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and making high streets more attractive.
A ‘DEVIOUS’ Mapperley pensioner was jailed for abducting and abusing boy
Tony Spilsbury, 76, approached the vulnerable boy in Bulwell marketplace and engaged him in conversation. He then asked the child to help him with his van before driving him to a secluded area of a nearby carpark and began his assault. Spilsbury, of Fernleigh Avenue, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault by touching. Although he was not convicted of a specific offence of child abduction, Spilsbury admitted to taking the boy as part of his guilty plea.
JAILED: Tony Spilsbury
SEVEN people were arrested after two people were assaulted during a street fight in Mapperley.
Police say they were called to reports of a disturbance in Woodborough Road. Two people had to be taken to hospital after sustaining injuries during a fight in the street. The fight took place near the KFC restaurant on Woodborough Road. Shortly after the incident was reported, police identified and detained a group of suspects in Carlton Road, Bakersfield, and Lower Parliament Street, in Nottingham City Centre.
Six men and one woman were subsequently arrested on suspicion of affray, possession of a bladed article and possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply.
A 41-YEAR-OLD man was arrested on suspicion of acting as a gangmaster without a licence after police carried out a raid of a farm in Calverton.
The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police and Immigration Enforcement carried out the operation and a Belgian national was arrested by the GLAA. Searches were also made by the GLAA of addresses in Lowdham and Nottingham in addition to the location in Calverton.
A PUB in Linby closed its doors for the last time blaming Covid and rising energy costs.
Owners of the Horse and Groom pub on Main Street took to social media to share the sad news. In the announcement they said: “Unfortunately due the ongoing impact of losses made due to Covid and the continued high cost of gas and electricity we have decided to cease trading”. The management team issued a “huge thank you” to everyone who had supported the pub over the last nine and a half years.
Pictured: The Horse & Groom, Linby (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
A GEDLING borough councillor resigned from the Labour Party over leader Sir Keir Starmer’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Councillor Russell Whiting, who represents Colwick on Gedling Borough Council, said in a social media post that he had resigned and was unhappy about the leader’s refusal to criticise Israel over cutting off food and water to over 2m people in Gaza and also on the order to evacuate 1m people in the area, giving them just 24 hours to leave.
A POPULAR recycling hub was axed at a supermarket chain in Arnold.
Sainbury’s closed the recycling point based at its superstore in Sir John Robinson Way.
A sign at the former hub site read: “The recycling centre is permanently closed. Your nearest tip is Calverton. CCTV is in operation and registrations will be passed on to the police of anyone flytipping.”. The recycling site had recently been targeted by flytippers in recent months. Back in July customers were left outraged by the amount of rubbish dumped at the store’s recycling point, with piles of bin bags, cardboard boxes and old clothes being dumped at the site.
Rubbish dumped by the recycling bins at the Sainsbury’s store in Arnold (PHOTO: Cherie Edwards)
NOVEMBER
A SECOND Gedling councillor resigned from Labour Party over refusal to call for Israel-Gaza ceasefire
A second Gedling Borough councillor has resigned from the Labour Party over their stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Councillor Des Gibbons, who represents Bestwood St Albans, said he will now stand as an independent.
INSET: Cllr Des Gibbons
A LAMBLEY Lane play area reopened for delighted children after £100k refurbishment
Lambley Lane Play Area underwent a six-week refurbishment to regenerate the site and add new and inclusive facilities. The new play area was designed to provide equipment for children up to the age of around 12 years old and includes a wheelchair-accessible roundabout, swings, slides a 30m long zip line, climbing frames, trampoline, basket swing, play panels and more.
PICTURED: (l to r) Bob Murphy from FCC Environment, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Natural Habitat, Councillor Viv McCrossen, Treasurer of Gedling Parks Community Group, Councillor Lynda Pearson and Chair of Gedling Parks Community Group, Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth
THE FIRST floor of Arnold’s £4m AMP to become an Enterprise Centre.
Gedling Borough Council approved proposals to turn the upstairs of their £4m AMP in Arnold into a new business centre. The plan for an Enterprise Centre was approved by Cabinet members during a meeting on November 9. The AMP will now provide a number of lettable spaces ‘to support start up and small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) businesses’ following the approval. The first floor of the AMP has been vacant since it was handed over to Gedling Borough Council following completion in October 2022.
PICTURED: The new £4m AMP building (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
PLANS for new Popeyes drive-thru near Netherfield were approved despite opposition.
Popeyes was granted permission to build a drive-through outlet near Netherfield despite road safety and litter worries from residents and councillors. Members of the planning committee at Gedling Borough Council approved the American fried chicken giant’s application for the new outlet on Magenta Way near Teal Park yesterday (29) with a majority of one.
DECEMBER
33 CARLTON businesses are now ‘Age Friendly’
There are currently 33 businesses signed up and proudly displaying the bright pink ‘We are Age Friendly Carlton’ logo so, if you see the logo on the door/window of a Carlton business, you can rest assured that you will be welcomed and have support available, should you need it. The Age Friendly movement was launched by the World Health Organization in 2005, with the mission of developing local strategies to support people to remain independent in older age.
A REDHILL Academy student became a British Ice Skating Champion
Redhill Academy lauded student, Jack Donovan as he became the Advanced Novice Boys British Ice Skating Champion. Jack finished his competition with 117.05 points, almost 20 points ahead of his nearest competitor, Edward Solovyov with 97.75 points. This marks Jack’s fifth win of 2023 and his third British Championship at the Advanced Novice level, having previously placed third in 2021 and second in 2022.
Pictured: Jack Donovan (Courtesy of Facebook)
GEDLING Eye’s new campaign encouraging Gedling borough residents to buy locally over Christmas and beyond launched
We threw our support behind the amazing local businesses in the borough – and urged readers to do the same. The main aim was to promote all the fantastic traders in the borough and remind readers they can invest in their communities by investing in local businesses.
A CAR smashes into Carlton business after failing to stop for police.
A man was arrested after a car failed to stop for police and ploughed into a Carlton hair salon. The vehicle failed to stop and at around 12.50am and crashed into Image Hair Fashions business on Burton Road, Carlton.
TIMETABLE CHANGES: No changes at Carlton or Netherfield apart from some retimings of between one and three minutes. 17.54 Nottingham to Newark now leaves at 18.00 Mon.-Fri., Carlton 18.07.
Other changes on the East Midlands Railway (EMR) network, are Mon.-Fri. 05.53 & 16.16 Nottingham to Crewe reinstated and 08.10 & 18.10 return. Pre-covid two of these services ran to or from Newark. 11.39 Nottingham to Norwich starts back at Liverpool at 08.51. Some trains on the Liverpool to Norwich route are now six-car class 170′, such as the 06.35 Nottingham to Liverpool. The first and last trains from Worksop now start from Mansfield Woodhouse and the 22.22 from Nottingham terminates at Mansfield Woodhouse. Cross Country Trains have now re-instated the hourly Nottingham to Birmingham services, so making 2 trains an hour to Birmingham, the other service to Cardiff.
Estimated station usage figures 2022/23
This covers the period from 1st April 2022 until 31st March 2023. On a number of days no trains ran owing to industrial action and at least two weekends of engineering work, buses replacing trains. Figures for 2021/22 in brackets.
Burton Joyce : 9,426 (6,146)
Carlton: 36,846 (27,610)
Netherfield: 6,946 (5,556)
However, I believe the number of passengers at Carlton is double the estimated figures, as many people use the Robin Hood card which does not show as a journey to or from Carlton. Here is my reasoning: we have 225 trains a week. Over 50 weeks (2 weeks lost as mentioned above) that is 11,250. This means an average of just over three passengers per train. So for 3 days recently I saw 5 trains between the 08.43 and 11.05. I counted 36 one day and 42 on two other days joining and alighting. It is estimated 120 passengers use Carlton on weekdays. So on the 3 days mentioned, according to official figures, only 2% of people used the other 31 trains including at ‘rush hour’! Pre-covid I suggested we were approaching 100,000 per annum.
An additional statistic this year is ‘Main origin or destination station’. Carlton has 8,654 travelling to and from Nottingham. In 2020/1 when consultations were held regarding train services it was said, “the vast majority of passengers using the Matlock service from Carlton only travel as far as Nottingham’. Even with the usage of Robin Hood tickets, which are not counted, the vast majority do not travel to Nottingham, many using the cards to travel to Beeston for example. Interestingly, at Bulwell (also available with Robin Hood tickets), the vast majority from that station travel to Mansfield (12,238 out of 56,336). There is more I could say, but space is running out. Trains not re-instated which we lost during covid, for example
NETHERFIELD STATION
Of the 6,946 passengers in 2022/3, 1,780 travelled to Nottingham, but again this does not include Robin Hood Tickets. Will we ever get a better train service here? Well, devolution for the East Midlands (actually Nottingham City and County and Derby City and County) will take effect from May 2024. Transport and Housing will be among the areas where powers currently held by national politicians in Westminster will be devolved to leaders in the East Midlands. £4 billion will be allotted to the new authority which will ‘improve our roads and public transport’.
Some years ago when East Midlands Trains took over the franchise, one of the requirements laid down by the Department for Transport was that a train from Netherfield should arrive in Nottingham before 08.45 for school children. You can just imagine a clerk in their office saying, ‘there aren’t many trains call at Netherfield, it must be a village near Nottingham, so we had better give them a train for school children, as I suppose they don’t have a Secondary school in their area’. Well, I never saw a school child join the 08.31, and I used to be at the station most days to see this train. Occasionally a school child would alight from this train. I think it is time I put my ‘soap box’ away, but you can see how frustrating it is trying to get more trains at Netherfield.
EMR NEWS
EMR has launched a £3 million project to replace standard-class seat covers and foam padding used on its Intercity fleet (London services). 5,272 standard-class seats and 243 tip-up seats will be changed to a neutral grey colour and will be refurbished during routine maintenance. Old materials will be recycled, the foam being used to make rubberised safety matting in children’s play areas.
Class 158 and 170 units used on Regional services (that’s us!) will be undergoing a refurbishment and refresh this year.
Work is continually taking place at stations on the EMR network, replacing damaged or vandalised panels in waiting shelters, installing new benches at all stations and other work. I have requested extra benches at Carlton so we will have to wait and see,
An EMR Station Adopters newsletter outlines other activities that have taken place such as Remembrance services at Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield. Also a week in the life of the Commercial Director. One thing caught my eye: ‘We have recently seen high levels of growth on Lincoln services due to a new medical college opening, and so we are looking at whether we can provide additional capacity on some of these trains.’
BRIEF ENCOUNTERS
Ticket offices to stay open: MP for Newark also said that £350m will be invested in making stations accessible, arid he is hoping this will include Bingham station
New restaurant: An Italian restaurant is expanding and will take over a unit at Newark Castle station. Rella Vita, already in Ollerton, is expected to open in January.
Skegness Station Revamp: £3.3m has been allocated to improve Skegness station. The layout of the station will be reconfigured to improve passenger flow. Phase 1 is the conversion of a disused building at the front of the station into a new passenger area, including a cafe and shops. It is also planned to link the railway hub to the bus station, with work continuing throughout 2024.
Beeston improvements: Planning application has been made to replace the timber in the waiting shelters at Beeston, and the felt roof, plus repaint shelters and benches. Lifts are to be installed.
QR Codes: QR codes at Regional stations will provide details on next 3 trains. Codes will be placed on stickers in waiting rooms or platforms
Fare rise: Rail fares to rise up to 4.9% from March.
