Today Gedling Eye is throwing its support behind our amazing local businesses in the borough – and we are now urging you to do the same.
We are proud to now be able to launch our Shop Local business campaign to encourage people to spend their money locally in the run-up to Christmas – and beyond.
The main aim is to promote all the fantastic traders we have in the borough and remind our readers they can invest in their communities by investing in local businesses.
We have some great independent shops in the borough. Carlton Hill, pictured above, has always attracted a lot of local businesses
But we also want the campaign to make people in the borough aware that Gedling Eye isn’t just here to deliver local news – but also to be your community champion and help support our local causes, charities and businesses when we can.
Gedling Eye’s commercial director Justin Doddy said: “In the coming weeks we will be working hard to promote our independent local businesses on our website and our social media channels, to help spread the message that they are open and highlight why they are so valuable to this community.
“I would urge all of our wonderful readers to show their love for our local independent traders by supporting them, especially over Christmas, which is a crucial time for them.
“We reach a huge percentage of the local population across our well-established news website and social media channels, so we are really confident that we can really help give our local businesses a much-needed push over the coming weeks and months.
“We will be showcasing a number of local businesses from across the borough to our readers every week and any business that would like to be considered for inclusion in the campaign should email thevibe@gedlingeye.co.uk.”
You can find a number of local businesses in our new online Business Directory HERE
Local businesses can add themselves to our directory for free HERE
Its a Wonderful Life – Bonington Cinema, Arnold, 1.30pm & 7.30pm
After despairing businessman George Bailey wishes he had never been born, an angel is sent to earth to make George’s wish come true. As he sees what life would have been like if he had never existed, George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted…
The quiz is a Web based quiz so a phone tablet or laptop will be needed – don’t worry if not 100% with technology it’s really easy and our team are on hand to support if needed
Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. But unintended consequences see Carol shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan, Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol’s estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau. Together, this unlikely trio must team-up and learn to work in concert to save the universe as “The Marvels.”
20th Anniversary Screenings: Elf (PG) – Bonington Cinema, Arnold
Sat 16 – Thu 21 Dec, Various Times
One Christmas Eve a long time ago, a baby crawled into Santa’s bag of toys… Raised as an elf, Buddy grows into an adult three times larger than the biggest elf–and realizes that he will never truly fit in at the North Pole. Buddy goes looking for his true place in the world — in New York City and finds his workaholic father –who’s on Santa’s “naughty” list, a new mother and a 10-year-old brother who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus or elves. Here, now, Buddy discovers his destiny–to save Christmas for New York and the world!… A modern Christmas classic!
Children’s Christmas Party – The Robin Hood, Lambley
Have we got a children’s christmas party for you. Saturday 16th december. Childrens entertainer, of course santa will be here and he is bringing mrs claus and this year we have a special suprise.
Dance Party Screening: Stop Making Sense (PG) + Dj – The Bonington, Arnold, 7.30pm
No seats, just a ticket and a dancefloor!
Newly restored in 4K to coincide with its 40th anniversary, the 1984 film was directed by renowned filmmaker Jonathan Demme and is considered by critics to be the greatest concert film of all time. Shot over the course of three nights at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater in December of 1983, it features Talking Heads’ most memorable songs.
“Demme’s Talking Heads doc is still burning down the house” Guardian ★★★★★
“Truly captivating entertainment” Empire ★★★★★
“The best concert movie in history” Times ★★★★★
1hr 28 mins
*Doors will be open from 7pm. Chairs can be provided upon request. The bar will be open for the duration of the performance.
Christmas in the Village – Burton Joyce Village Hall, 7.30pm
Anatomy of a Fall (15) – Bonington Cinema, Arnold
Mon 18 – Tue 19 Dec, Various Times
When her husband is mysteriously found dead in the snow below their secluded chalet, Sandra becomes the main suspect when the police begin to question whether he fell or was pushed.
The trial soon becomes not just an investigation, but a gripping psychological journey into the depths of their complicated marriage. With conflicting evidence and inconsistent testimony, words are wielded like weapons and shocking truths come to light in this thrilling Cannes Palme d’Or winner.
Redhill Academy Christmas Concert – St.Paul’s Church, Daybrook, 7.00pm
Five Star Swing at Christmas – Bonington Theatre, Arnold, 7.30pm
“A celebration of classic Seasonal Swing !” (Telegraph)
Swing ‘n’ sing-along into Christmas – with the unique Five Star Swing Band show – As featured at London’s Leicester Square Theatre and BBC “Children in Need” .
Enjoy all your favourite Christmas songs with the dynamic swing band treatment from Glenn Miller, Sinatra, Basie, Nat King Cole – jazzing up those Jingle Bells!
“Superb – they swing like crazy!” says Sheila Tracy, BBC. As seen at Dame Vera Lynn’s Charity Ball & Blackpool Tower Ballroom. “Swing and Song of the highest order” – Telegraph. Featuring Simone from the Ivy Benson Orchestra, and Chris Smith (Jnr) composer and arranger for the BBC Radio Big Band, Herb Miller Big Band (Glenn’s brother), plus Tony Bennett’s trombonist!
Please contact venue to confirm availability and details
A quick word from ‘This is Gedling’ Magazine who sponsor The Vibe
Covering the whole of Gedlng borough ‘This is Gedling’ magazine is being distributed now – you can pick up a FREE copy at your local pub, club, venue, theatre, takeaway.
This is Gedling is a Not for Profit (NfP) community initiative that depends on the support of advertisers, contributors, readers and donors to continue to bring FREE borough news and general interest content to the all 46 square miles and 120k residents of Gedling borough.
The building on Annesley Road will replace the landmark but outdated West Bridgford headquarters, County Hall, by early 2025, potentially saving £1.5m each year.
Work has begun on clearing the site, with construction due to start in the New Year.
Construction is under way on the new road and roundabout for the site at Top Wighay at Linby.
This will eventually allow the wider 86-acre site to be occupied by 805 homes, a primary school, a shopping centre and 21 acres for businesses and offices.
Nottinghamshire County Councillor leader Cllr Ben Bradley (Con) hopes the new location will make the council more accessible, while also saving money.
“Today we’re breaking ground on our new office building, which will save us many millions of pounds,” he said.
“The council has gone from 17 to nine buildings, reducing the size of our estate so we can focus taxpayer money on delivering services, rather than heating old and expensive buildings.
“By having a new site in the middle of the county – rather than the southern edge in West Bridgford – we can hopefully be more accessible to residents, as well as having a cleaner, greener building for the future.
“This is in the geographic centre of our county. We’ve heard residents in the north feel distant from the county council and we want to be more accessible.”
He said that it was important the council made the move now, despite an estimated spending gap of £60m over the next three years.
“It’s an invest-to-save proposition. We will save over £1.5m every year on the costs. That’s all the more important when we’ve got these budget pressures,” he said.
“Hopefully we will be holding the first council meetings here in February or March 2025. “
The current County Hall costs £1.7m to maintain each year, in addition to £30m essential maintenance over the next 12 years and £28m to bring it up to modern environmental standards.
It also larger than the council needs due to more staff now working from home.
No future uses have been confirmed for the building, which was opened in 1946, although ideas such as luxury riverside apartments, a hotel, bars and restaurants have been floated in the past.
More details are expected to be announced in the New Year.
The new council building is being designed, project and cost-managed by Arc Partnership, and delivered through their construction partner, Morgan Sindall Construction.
Dan Maher, managing director of Arc Partnership said: “This is an anchor project for the site as a whole as we continue to deliver housing and schools.
“It’s built to the best environmental standards and will reduce running costs going forward.”
Nottinghamshire County Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, said: “This new, carbon-neutral office provides good value and is part of our wider plans to reduce the number of council offices as we modernise the way we work which will save taxpayers’ money in the long term.
“One of the many advantages of this new building is that Morgan Sindall’s local supply chain will benefit from this, which is great news for the economy.”
Our readers from across the borough give their weekly take on the biggest issues impacting Gedling and beyond.
You can write a letter of your own to us by filling in the simple form below, and it may appear online.
Some letters refer to past correspondence which can be found by clicking HERE. Join the debate by email. Send your letter to letters@gedlingeye.co.uk and put ‘Letters’ in the subject line.
Names and addresses will be withheld by request but must be included in the email.We reserve the right to edit letters.
E-scooters: why do we have laws at all?
I am a relatively active 77-year-old who keeps fit by trying to walk about six miles each day, come rain or shine.
Most of my walking is done within a three mile radius of where I live in Netherfield.
I have noticed an increase in youngsters nipping around on e-scooters, even though it is illegal to do so on public highways.
The fact that police seem to offer little more than ‘words of advice’ to those riding an e-scooter on our pavements beggars belief – it makes you wonder why we have laws at all.
No wonder there is so much petty crime when the criminal is told to sit on the naughty step and don’t do it again. I really don’t think they could care less.
To obtain their details will have little or no effect. Parents either couldn’t care less what their offspring is doing or don’t know, which is suspect.
However, if they did know and the police had the address etc of the user, if someone such as myself was injured by an e-scooter user driving into me, would they immediately pop round and arrest the user or their parents and start proceedings against them?
Would I be able to sue them personally for damages? Would their House and Contents Insurance cover the claim or would I have to issue one through the courts? Who would be liable, the rider, their parents or the police for allowing the use of an illegal vehicle on public thoroughfare in the first place?
Or should the Transport Secretary ban their sale and use outright across the UK? That would be my preferred option.
Or am I allowed to carry out a citizen’s arrest, grab the offending scooter and somehow disable it and march its owner to a police station that is open?
Virtually impossible as the nearest cop shop must be at least six miles away.
Derek Tyler, Netherfield
Society assumes we are all dog lovers
Responsible owners have their dogs at heel, they tidy up dog mess, they don’t let them yap uncontrollably and don’t sniff around everyone and everything – especially as they are now welcomed in most restaurants, something I hate!
Why is it assumed that everyone is a dog lover? What about the rights of the rest of the population?
It is very sad to hear that Carlton Square is slowly dying due to lack of shops but instead of regular financial lifelines from the council, why don’t we knock it down and turn it into a much-needed green space instead?
The traders left could be moved to Netherfield high street via a subsidised move, and we do what Nottingham City Council couldn’t – knock down a crumbling concrete mess and turn the space into an asset for the community. I see trees, a pond, benches and a haven for wildlife.
I don’t see why our taxes should be wasted on propping up this centre when the cash could be used to do something more positive instead.
Teresa Walker, Carlton
Millions have decided work is not for them
Figures released by the Department of Works and Pensions, show that around five million people in the UK of working age are ‘economically inactive.’
That is those that are not only unemployed, but are not actively seeking work. Of course some have been left money by their Great Aunt Mable, others have won the lottery, and many are of independent means using their pensions and savings. With some unfortunately being unable to work through illness.
We are left with the millions who decided that working is not for them. Seems like a no-brainer to me with housing costs, rent etc, now topping £1,350pm, covered by the taxpayer.
Living on benefits never appealed to me – and working full-time means I am heavily taxed for the privilege. And for what? To see my tax money and that of others squandered on state-sponsored indolence. To make it worse, a lot of these people can’t even be bothered to wear proper attire to shop at the Co-op – they are still in their pyjamas. A big two fingers to the tax payer I say.
Adrian Lowe, Carlton
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Farmfoods bosses have revealed they plan to open a massive extended store in Carlton Square early next year.
The popular frozen food retailer is planning to takeover the former Wilko premises next door to its shop in Carlton Square Shopping Centre so it can create the extension.
Work to expand the store is expected to begin in the New Year. It’s not known when it will open to the public.
The frozen food retailer will move into the vacant Wilko store which closed back in September (PICTURE: Gedling Eye)It’s good news for Carlton Square, which has seen several retailers leave recently (PICTURE: Gedling Eye)It was also revealed that the Boots pharmacy at Carlton Square could lose in the New Year (PHOTO: Google)
A spokesman for Farmfoods told Gedling Eye: “I can confirm we have agreed to take occupation of the former Wilko premises at Carlton Square.
“The space occupied by our current shop and the space formerly occupied by Wilko will be combined into a single large shop that we will trade from.
“Work will start in January but exact dates are still to be confirmed for when the newly extended space will open.”
The store plan will offer hope to traders at Carlton Square who have seen a large reduction in footfall at the shopping centre since Wilkos closed its doors for good back in September. It was one of 400 stores that closed down after budget retailer was plunged into administration earlier this year.
The Milllers have announced details of their plans for match night on December 19 against Newton Aycliffe and it promises to be a great night with the Millers Big Christmas Draw being held as well as a collection for Netherfield Food Bank.
Prizes continue to roll in for the draw on December 19 with the first prize being very special as Gary ‘Boatsy’ Clarke secured Corporate Hospitality for two in the 1865 suite at Forest for a fixture in the new year.
Other prizes include a £60 voucher from the Staunton Arms , £50 vouchers from the Boot Room, Marco Pierre-White’s and Amores of Gedling, a £30 Voucher from Bombay Bridgford, two Christmas hampers including one from Haribo and a 4 ball at Ramsdale Golf Club.
There are lots of other prizes available and prize donations continue to roll in to support the club so expect a very special draw next Tuesday December 19.
Forest legend and scorer of over 100 goals for The Reds Ian Storey-Moore will also be at the match from 7pm when there will be chance to pick up a last minute special Christmas present or maybe just to spoil yourself with signed copies of Ian’s new book ‘Give it to Moore, He Will Score’ at just £25.
Supporters are asked to bring an item or two along if they can spare it for the Netherfield Food Bank collection for those in society in desperate need this Christmas.
If readers would like their team to be special guests for a matchday including mascots to lead the players out, photographs on the day and free Stadium admission for parents, then please contact Gary ‘Boatsy’ Clarke on 07907 064189 to check availability .
Supporters are also reminded that return travel to away games can be booked via Gary ‘Boatsy’ Clarke on 07907 064189.
The latest news from the club can be read in full on the Millers website HERE
A campaign for a ‘Buy British’ section on supermarkets’ online stores supported by Gedling MP Tom Randall has now had its first major success as Morrisons launch ‘British’ section online.
The letter, written by Dr Luke Evans MP, stated ‘Our ask is simple, create a tab that collates produce from farmers,’ citing consumer choice, environmental benefits and support for farmers as reasons to make the change.
Now, Morrisons Chief Executive Rami Baitiéh has written to Dr Luke Evans MP to “confirm that we have implemented a ‘British’ section to morrisons.com which enables customers to quickly navigate to British [produce]” such as meat, fish, vegetables and dairy products.
Morrisons will become the first supermarket to have a dedicated ‘Buy British’ section on their online shopping site (IMAGE: Morrisons)The move is the result of a campaign by 120 cross-party MPs, including Gedling MP Tom Randall, pictured, aboveThe National Farmers Union has been asking supermarkets to commit to a dedicated ‘Buy British’ section’ since 2016
This new section of the website, which groups together key British lines, can be found via the ‘Shop Groceries’ drop down menu on the morrisons.com homepage, with Morrisons saying they “intend to continue developing this section of the website and highlight new lines as they come into season and customer focus.”
Since writing the open letter over 27,000 people have signed a National Farmers Union (NFU) petition in support of a ‘Buy British’ section online and on Back British Farming Day, September 13th, the Government endorsed the campaign and called for industry-led action by supermarkets.
The Gedling MP said “I applaud Morrisons for their leadership on this campaign and putting our farmer’s interests first.
“The reaction to this campaign has been overwhelmingly positive, with food producers across the United Kingdom supporting the call and consumers asking why supermarkets weren’t doing it already.
“I trust other supermarkets will implement the ‘Buy British’ section soon.”
Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers Union, said “It’s great to see Morrison’s launching a ‘British’ section online to signpost shoppers to British produce – something we have been asking retailers to commit to since 2016.
“We know from our own independent survey that 86% of the public want to buy more British food and this simple change with an online button will help shoppers just do that. I hope today’s news will pave the way for other supermarkets to follow suit.”
Yesterday Rishi Sunak survived the biggest test of his leadership as his controversial Rwanda bill passed the Commons. MPs approved the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Billat second reading with a majority of 44, with 313 MPs voting for it, and 269 MPs voting against. There were several abstentions.
Conservative MPs who recorded no vote included former home secretary Suella Braverman, former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, former cabinet minister Sir Simon Clarke, ERG chairman Mark Francois and Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger from the New Conservatives group.
This is only a temporary victory for the Prime Minister won this initial battle as it will have to return to the Commons in January and also has to pass the House of Lords.
Mr Sunak now faces an uphill battle to get his legislation through its next Commons stage.
MPs traditionally allow bills to pass at second reading to allow them to be amended or improved, before casting their final judgement at the third reading of the bill.
Following the result, the Prime Minister tweeted: “The British people should decide who gets to come to this country – not criminal gangs or foreign courts. That’s what this Bill delivers.
“We will now work to make it law so that we can get flights going to Rwanda and stop the boats.”
Here’s how both MPs representing Gedling borough voted yesterday.
Gedling
Tom Randall – Conservative
Voted: For
Sherwood
Mark Spencer – Conservative
Voted: For
Neighbouring constituency Nottingham East, which covers parts of Mapperley, is represented by Labour MP Nadia Whittome. She voted against.
I’ve always heard good things about the food on offer at the Nags Head in Woodborough, so I was really looking forward to giving it a try.
I had been hoping to try out the menu back in November, but sadly the pub had been forced to close for three weeks following extensive flooding damage.
Upon arrival, the large car park was quite busy and we immediately started to regret not having booked a table.
We wandered in without our booking on a blustery Sunday afternoon around 12.30pm, and were immediately greeted by the friendly staff and incredible aroma of freshly cooked food.
It was evident from a quick look around that practically every table in the pub / restaurant was occupied. Our not having booked regrets re-surfaced.
Although we had not booked the team on duty kindly reviewed their bookings and offered us a table that was free until 2.00pm which we gratefully accepted.
We had barely sat down and the menus arrived and our drinks orders taken by the attentive staff on duty.
Opening the menu it was evident that it would take a little time to decide what to eat from the wide range of available options. We skipped starters but were tempted by all eight options from the soup through to the Japanese prawns.
There was then the hard choice for our main with steaks, gammon, full racks of ribs, beef in Guinness and mixed grills available for meat lovers as well as a large range of burgers, baguettes, filled jackets also available.
Fish lovers have multiple options including salmon, sea bass, a seafood medley or the classic beer battered fish and chips while the vegetarian and vegan section included lasagne, stroganoff, nut roast and cannelloni.
In the end we ordered a lamb Sunday dinner at £14.95 with all the trimmings including gravy and a hunters chicken with chips and salad at £13.95.
PHOTO: Lamb Sunday dinner with gravy and a Hunters Chicken with salad and chips (Gedling Eye)
Tender lamb, creamy mash, roasties, carrots, peas, cabbage and a large yorkshire pudding arrived, all covered in a delicious homemade meaty gravy and all exactly as ordered. Despite it being one of the best Sunday dinners we have had in a while we can honestly say that we were unable to finish the whole plate.
The Hunters Chicken was equally nice, the salad was fresh, the chips crispy and the chicken smothered in cheese, bacon and BBQ sauce worked together beautifully.
Nothing was too much trouble for the staff on duty, mayo arrived as requested as well as extra gravy for a self confessed gravy addict.
We found the food good value for money especially the Sunday main which is only £12.95 for beef and turkey with lamb mains costing £2.00 more.
We left the Nags Head full, with change from £30 for two main Sunday dinners and promised ourselves that we would return again.
The Nags head at Woodborough is perfect for groups or a casual date night and well worth a visit but remember to book in advance, especially at weekends.
PHOTO: Lamb Sunday dinner with gravy (Gedling Eye)PHOTO: Hunters Chicken with salad and chips (Gedling Eye)
You may also want to allow an extra five minutes to decide what you would like to eat from the extensive menu or decide in advance by having a look HERE.
VERDICT: We’ll be back !
The Nags Head, Woodborough can be found at Main Street, Woodborough, NG14 6DD and can be contacted via email on info@nagsheadwoodborough.co.uk or by telephone on 0115 965 4885.
An application has been received by Gedling Borough Council from Allan Joyce Architects, Nottingham acting as agent on behalf of Mr. Dale Smith-Kind of 202 Oakdale Road, Carlton for the proposed construction of five new properties on land to the rear of 198 To 202 Oakdale Road, Carlton. Nottinghamshire
A Design and Access statement produced by Allan Joyce Architects in support of a full planning application advises that the proposed development of 5 new detached residential dwelling houses will consist of 3no. 3 bed properties and 2no. 5 bed properties.
Pictured: Proposed site location (Courtesy of GBC Planning)
The statement further states that the vacant site is located to the rear of 198, 200 and 202 Oakdale Road, Carlton. Primary access to the site is off Poplar Close on the Southeast corner of the site and to the South of the site is Greenbank – a cul-de-sac of dwelling houses. The site is currently vacant and has an area of approximately 2200sqm (0.22 Ha).
Pictured: Aerial view of proposed development site (Courtesy of GOOGLE MAPS)
The proposed new access road divides the site, and supporting documents advise that the siting of the proposed new dwellings will continue a cul-de-sac street scene.
The planning application advises that 12 parking spaces are proposed for the development and the properties are being developed for market housing.
Pictured: Proposed site layout (Courtesy of GBC Planning)
According to the Design & Access statement a number of previous planning applications have been submitted previolusly for the site that incorporate all or most of the site referenced in this application.
Ref: 2013/0253 – Construction of 5 new 4 bedroom dwellings to land to rear of 202 Oakdale Road, Carlton Decision – Conditional Permission
Ref: 2015/1094 – Revised Plans: Construction of eight new 3 bedroom houses and five new 4 bedroom houses. Decision – Withdrawn
Ref: 2016/0726 – Construction of 9 three bedroom houses and 3 four bedroom houses. Decision – Withdrawn
Further details regarding Planning Application 2023/0865 can be accessed HERE.