Popular local pub The Gedling Inn and their customers are planning to make a difference this Christmas.
The Gedling Inn‘s annual collection for the homeless run by well known local Landlady Beccy Webster and her team is in full flow and they are asking for your help as temperatures start to plunge and life gets increasingly harder for those living on the streets.
The team make up bags from donations of sleeping bags, warm clothes and coats, socks and underwear, toiletries (baby wipes, sprays, etc.) and snacks and walk around the town centre to give them out.
The team posted on their social media account: “New or old, every little helps… whatever you can spare is gratefully appreciated so please drop it in as soon as you can – we are also taking donations to exchange for food vouchers.”
The Gedling Inn can be found at 50 Main Road, Gedling, NG4 3HL. Further information can be found on their social media channel HERE.
Lowdham & District Village Mens Dart League RESULTS November 15
Last weeks top three teams all drew in round five allowing Cross Keys, Epperstone to move into third place on leg difference.
Another three draws from this weeks matches ensures that the league remains tight with a 1/4 of the season gone.
The league’s draw specialists, The Cross Keys, Burton Joyce still remain winless with four draws and a loss from five matches however still sit only four points off the top of the league. There was good news however for the team as they beat The Old Ship from Lowdham in the Captain & Secretary competition, moving them up to joint third spot.
Round six of the league will be played on November 29 as the Pairs competition takes place on November 22 at 8.00pm at the CWMC and the draw will be made on the night.
Pick of round six matches looks to be top versus third as The Cross Keys, Epperstone host current champions and league leaders The Gedling Club.
Second place The Admiral Rodney from Calverton will expect to take all two points as they host village rivals, The Gleaners B who remain pointless having won only five legs in five games.
New players and teams are always welcome and with seven of the ten teams based in the borough it’s a great way to spend your Wednesday evening. If you want to get involved or learn more, you can visit the league Facebook page here .
On Saturday, November 25 Carlton MVC are honoured to be hosting Stephen Bell (Musical Director) and the brilliant Northampton Male Voice Choir at a concert in Nottingham, at St Paul’s Church Daybrook.
The Joint Concert will be attended by special guests, Mayor of Gedling Julie Najuk, and The Lord Mayor of Nottingham Councillor Carole McCulloch and their consorts and a welcome will be made by the Mayor of Gedling.
Carlton have also invited special friends, previous Mayor and Mayoress of Gedling Peter and Sandra Barnes. Peter Barnes is also a past President of Carlton MVC.
Representing Carlton MVC are President Sir John Starkey, Chair Chris Coats, Musical Director Ian Watts, and Accompanist Roger Holland with Musical Director Stephen Bell, and Accompanist Sue Rayment representing Northampton MVC.
The concert is being performed in aid of Maggie’s Charity: Maggie’s Everyone’s home of cancer care and a member of Maggie’s team will speak at the Concert to explain what they do and request donations. Proceeds from the Concert will be given to Maggie’s.
It will be a busy day for for Northampton MVC as they are visiting Nottingham for the day arriving at 2.00 pm to have the opportunity to perform on the bandstand at the Christmas Fair at Nottingham Castle.
Tickets for the Daybrook concert are £7.00 pp and available from choir members or Eventbrite.
Carlton Male Voice Choir brings together people with male register voices of all diversities and social backgrounds in the Nottingham and Carlton community, it also brings together the community for music in its performances from a beer festival to a festival hall.
Musical Director Ian Watts said: “Nottingham’s own Carlton Male Voice is in full flow at the moment leading the way as a forward-thinking men’s choir in the East Midlands.
“We now have people from all adult age brackets and provide opportunities for male voice singers in the local community of every age and diversity, the wider the better.
“So, if you are looking for a challenge, wanting to improve and upskill your musical knowledge and wish to perform at incredible events from festivals to formal concerts, helping great causes then we can help – Come on baby Light My Choir – JOIN US TODAY.”
Further information and contact details for the Carlton Male Voice Choir can be found on their facebook page HERE or on their website www.carltonmvc.org
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES BY CARLTON MVC:
Sunday November 26:
Christmas Fair performance at Nottingham Castle at 11.20 am. See the Choir at the Bandstand.
Saturday December 2:
Christmas Concert at Beeston Methodist Church, Chilwell Road, Beeston NG9 1EH at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the church. Adults £7 in advance (£8 on the door), children and students £4, please contact the church office on 0115 9431164.
Sunday December 3, 10 & 17:
Carols by Candlelight at 2.00pm. Come and visit Rufford and hear the choir perform FESTIVE MUSIC at the beautiful Rufford Mill, 9-2 Rufford Ln, Newark NG22 9DG. Available on 3 Sundays. Tickets £12 include a drink and a festive treat. https://ruffordabbey.co.uk/events/carols-by-candlelight/
Saturday December 16:
Carlton Christmas Concert 7.00pm. At St Paul’s Carlton, NG4 BJ. This year’s concert will feature Katharine Dryden as Kitty Mai, thrilling the audience with songs from the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, swing, jazz, standards from The Great American Songbook, and music hall. Tickets are £12 from Choir members or Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carlton-at-christmas-2023-tickets-726073032987
Attempts to stop changes which could see the price of school meals rising across Nottinghamshire have failed.
The daily price the county council charges schools for the meals was set to increase by 40p from £2.55 to £2.95 each.
The Conservative-run council says it’s been forced to make the hike due to rising costs of food, energy and staffing.
It will be down to individual schools to determine whether to pass the cost increases on to families. Free school meals for children who qualify will not be affected.
The council’s Labour group and Independent Alliance attempted to ‘call in’ the decision last month – meaning it would be subject to further debate – claiming there had been errors with the decision making.
However, both challenges are now confirmed to have failed.
The opposition groups said there hadn’t been enough advance notice of the rise and that it had been planned without a consultation,
There was also concern about whether it would harm poorest families most.
A report will go before the council’s Overview Committee on Thursday (November 23) rejecting claims that the council had broken any decision-making rules.
It says there is no legal requirement to hold consultations – although there were informal discussions with schools – and the correct procedures were followed.
The response adds children who receive free school meals wouldn’t be financially affected.
The report says: “The duty sits with schools to provide school meals, not the council.
“Schools are at liberty to choose how they provide school meals and how much they charge parents who are not in receipt of free school meals, and could choose not to pass the costs on to parents in full or in part.”
Nottinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Councillor John Cottee said: “The Council’s decision-making and scrutiny processes have been followed entirely correctly in relation to this decision, meaning it can now be implemented.
“A letter will be sent to schools very shortly confirming the date from which this change to the price of a council-supplied school meal will take effect.
“We gave very careful consideration to this matter before reaching a decision, but in light of the recent spike in inflation it was necessary to balance the rising cost of making and delivering a school meal against our absolute commitment to ensuring that Nottinghamshire children continue to receive a high-quality, nutritious school meal product.
“Even after this price change is implemented, the cost of school meals in Nottinghamshire will still compare favourably with other areas, and the Council continues to subsidise the overall cost of providing these meals to keep the price as low as we realistically can.”
The price hike had originally been scheduled to come into force in October, but was put on hold due to the challenge.
Nottinghamshire County Council has not yet confirmed a new date for the rise.
The mechanism of ‘calling in’ a decision is supposed to be used in exceptional circumstances when councillors are severely concerned about the ruling cabinet’s actions.
Councillor Francis Purdue-Horan (Ind) said: “We are obviously disappointed that the call in to re-examine options has been rejected.
“The Independents are very concerned about families where children just miss out on free school meals.
“The cost of living crisis certainly hasn’t gone away, whatever politicians say.
“This increase should have been properly looked at again to see how we could better help residents.”
Police investigating a street disturbance in Arnold that left a man with a broken jaw have arrested two suspects.
The victim approached officers in Front Street at around 2am on October 28, 2023 to report he had twice been punched in the face.
Detectives have been studying CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses and carrying out other local inquiries as part of their investigation into the incident.
Officers arrested two men, both aged 22, on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm with intent on Thursday (16).
Detective Inspector Claire Gould, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The victim suffered a very nasty injury in this attack so we have been working hard to investigate exactly what happened.
“This level of violence on our streets is something we will never tolerate. Anyone committing this type of offence can expect to be met by a robust response from the force and a visit from officers.
“I’m pleased we have arrested these two suspects but our investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with any information should call police on 101, quoting incident number 23000668274, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
Improvements to a bus route servicing Victoria Retail Park in Netherfield are set to be introduced next month, with extended hours and new vehicles being promised.
Nottingham City Transport’s (NCT) Red Line 50 bus service will begin running later into the evenings and seven days a week.
Nottingham City Council has secured funding as part of the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.
The 50, which currently runs from Victoria Retail Park to the city through Colwick Industrial Estate and along Daleside Road, will continue running later into the evening and run seven days a week with a new Sunday service from December 3.
In recent years, the industrial area along Daleside Road between Lady Bay Retail Park and Colwick Park has seen major redevelopment, with a large amount of residential properties already built, and more under construction – so demand for buses in this area has risen and the council say it will continue to do so.
Angela Kandola, Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for transport said: “Five years ago we completed a major upgrade in Daleside Road, installing cycle and bus lanes along the entire length to improve transport options to the east of the city.
“Since then, we have welcomed new housing developments into the area, with more under construction. These residents deserve a good, reliable bus service and I’m pleased we’re able to support the expansion of the NCT 50 to help people access employment and enjoy the full range of Nottingham’s leisure, retail and night time economy.”
That is not the only news for the 50, as another pot of Government Funding the ZEBRA (Zero emission bus regional areas) scheme has supported NCT to purchase 48 new Yutong electric single deck buses – which should be in service early in the new year.
The 50 will be one of the first routes to benefit from these new buses, which boast no tailpipe emissions and come with improved passenger features, including air-conditioning. In addition, it is hoped that the 50 service will expand still further past Victoria Retail Park and connect the hundreds of new houses in the Rivendell estate.
David Astill, managing director from Nottingham City Transport, said: “Red Line 50 provides an important link to the many industrial and retail units on the east side of the city and we are excited to be enhancing this service in early 2024 with the first of our zero-emission electric single deck buses.
“With the increase in residential properties on and around Daleside Road, the Bus Service Improvement Plan funding will help support and establish the new evening and Sunday service on this route.”
Nottinghamshire County Council have announced that student, Megan Towers is one of seven inspirational Nottinghamshire young people who have overcome severe health challenges or go the extra mile for others that will be recognised at a prestigious youth awards evening later this month.
Megan has already been named as the district winner for Gedling for Nottinghamshire County Council’s Outstanding Achievement 4Uth Award for 2023 and will be honoured at the annual final at County Hall on Friday 24 November – where an overall winner will be announced.
The 4Uth Awards are a County Council initiative to celebrate the achievements of young people across the county.
Megan, 15, deals with challenging health issues with dignity and bravery and has become a positive mentor for her peers at The Loco young people’s centre in Netherfield.
She has grown in confidence since attending the Spotlight Theatre Group in Netherfield, which has led to her performing three roles in a production of Matilda at the Nottingham Arts Theatre.
Megan also plays a key role in a dance project at the young people’s centre, where she encourages other youngsters to take part.
Andy Foulds, a youth worker at The Loco young people’s centre, explains: “Megan benefits a lot from discussing her challenges with youth support workers.
“I have known her for several years now and her development brings me great happiness professionally. The youth club is a great outlet for her.
“Megan continues to face challenges in her life, but I am impressed at the mature, considerate, and helpful young person she is becoming.
“She continues to develop and, as we approach her exams year, this award would give her a great boost.
“We will work alongside her in offering support when she makes her post-16 choices, which seem to be heading down the road of performing arts.
“It’s not easy being a teenager at the best of times but Megan faces up to things with a sense of humour, determination, and self-sufficiency. She is an inspiration.”
Councillor Tracey Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, and council chairman, Cllr John Ogle, will join around 100 guests for the glittering event which is now in its 12th year.
Family and friends of each of the finalists and members of the youth service will also be in attendance, where videos charting the inspirational stories of all seven young people will be showcased.
Cllr Taylor said: “The 4Uth Awards are a fantastic way to recognise and celebrate this amazing group of young people from across Nottinghamshire.
“Our finalists can be very proud of what they have achieved and the hurdles they have overcome growing up. I am really looking forward to meeting all of them at the awards evening and hearing about their remarkable stories.”
There were around 70 young people nominated – with entries received from friends, family members, youth workers and people who work in a range of voluntary, public sector and other organisations.
Judging panels in each district decided the winners from three nominations in each area, and a separate judging panel assessed the final seven.
The full list of district winners from around Nottinghamshire are as follows:
Broxtowe – Leah Choleton – nominated by Paul Bailey
Bassetlaw – Edward Robinson – nominated by Heather Cowley
Ashfield – Shayden West – nominated by Zoe Taylor
Rushcliffe – Jamie Thorley – nominated by Emma Betteridge
Mansfield – Mia Louise Smith – nominated by Jane Penistone
Newark and Sherwood – Reece Martin – nominated by Laura Burrows
Pictured: Edward Robinson (Courtesy of NCC)Pictured: Leah Choleton (Courtesy of NCC)Pictured: Shayden West (Courtesy of NCC)Pictured: Jamie Thorley (Courtesy of NCC)Pictured: Mia Louise Smith (Courtesy of NCC)Pictured: Reece Martin Courtesy of NCC)Pictured: Megan Towers (Courtesy of NCC)
The full release from Nottinghamshire County Council including information on all district winners can be accessed HERE.
Nottinghamshire roads have been given a portion of a £959m Government fund with two ‘uplift’ payments of £2,369,000 for 2023/24 and 2024/25.
The boost from redirected HS2 funding to resurface roads will be added to existing funding allocation for the ten years from 2023/24 of £138,443,000.
It is part of a long-term plan announced today (17) to resurface 5,000 miles of roads across the country, mending potholes and improving crumbling road surfaces.
Local highway authorities in the East Midlands, including in Leicestershire, Derby, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, will each receive a share of the £959 million which they can use to identify what local roads are in most need of repair and deliver immediate improvements for communities and residents.
Across the East Midlands, local highway authorities will receive £16.4 million this financial year, followed by a further £16.4 million for 2024/2025, with the rest of the funding allocated through to 2034.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:“For too long politicians have shied away from taking the right long-term decisions to make life easier for hardworking families – tackling the scourge of potholes being a prime example.
“This investment will pave the road for better and safer journeys for millions of people across the country and put an end to the blight of nuisance potholes.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Most people travel by road and potholes can cause misery for motorists, from expensive vehicle repairs to bumpy, slow, and dangerous journeys.
“Today’s biggest ever funding uplift for local road improvements is a victory for all road users, who will enjoy smoother, faster and safer trips.”
According to the RAC, smoother, well-maintained road surfaces could save drivers up to £440 each in expensive vehicle repairs from pothole damage, helping motorists keep more of the cash in their pocket.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Drivers’ biggest bugbear of all is the poor condition of local roads, so the fact the Government has found a significant additional pot of revenue should give councils the certainty of funding they need to plan proper long-term road maintenance, something we have been calling for many years.
“We hope local authorities will use the money in the most effective way possible by resurfacing the very worst roads, keeping those in reasonable condition in better states for longer through surface dressing, and filling potholes as permanently as possible wherever necessary.
“This should in time go a considerable way to bringing our roads back to a fit-for-purpose state and saving drivers hundreds of pounds in the process from not having to fork out for frustrating repairs to their vehicles.”
Local authorities will now be required to publish information on their websites regularly explaining how they are spending the funding in their area.
Edmund King, AA president, said:“Perilous roads blighted by potholes are the number one concern for drivers and a major issue for bikers, cyclists and pedestrians. So far this year The AA has attended more than 450,000 pothole-related breakdowns. The damage caused can be a huge financial burden for drivers but is also a major safety risk for those on two wheels.
“The £8.3 billion plan can make a considerable difference in bringing our roads back to the standards which road users expect, especially if councils use the cash efficiently to resurface our streets. As well as safer roads, eliminating potholes gives confidence to people wanting to cycle and instils pride of place within local communities.”
Conversion of garage into a bedsit / granny annexe with garage door being altered to an ordinary front door and a window inserted at the front of the building
Motorhome adventures have captured the imagination of travellers across the United Kingdom, sparking a significant rise in their popularity. These mobile havens blend the comfort of home with the thrill of travel, offering a unique way to explore the landscapes of the UK. Motorhomes, essentially homes on wheels, are equipped with living, sleeping, and often cooking facilities, encapsulating the essence of a portable residence.
What Drives the Popularity of Motorhomes in the UK?
The Appeal of Flexibility and Freedom
Motorhomes have become synonymous with freedom and flexibility, attracting a diverse range of travel enthusiasts. They offer:
The liberty to explore remote locations An escape from the confines of fixed itinerary travel The convenience of carrying home comforts on the road
The Impact of COVID-19 on Travel Preferences
The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized travel norms, pivoting the focus towards safer, self-contained forms of travel. Motorhomes emerged as a preferred choice, offering a way to travel while maintaining control over one’s environment.
Economic Factors Influencing Motorhome Ownership
Owning a motorhome also presents a cost-effective travel solution. Key economic benefits include:
Reduced spending on hotels and dining out Long-term savings for frequent travellers The potential for rental income when not in use
How Do Motorhomes Benefit Travellers?
Convenience and Comfort
Motorhomes are designed to maximize convenience and comfort on the road. They often include:
Customizable living spaces On-board entertainment systems Climate control features
Versatility in Travel and Accommodation
Motorhomes cater to various travel styles, from weekend getaways to extended tours, offering a versatile solution for different traveller needs.
Exploring the Types of Motorhomes Available
Motorhomes for sale come in various forms, each suited to different travel needs:
Class A: Luxurious, spacious, ideal for long-term travel Class B: Compact, versatile, great for couples Class C: Balance of comfort and manouverability, suitable for families
Campervans and Conversion Vans
Campervans and conversion vans offer a more nimble alternative, ideal for solo travellers and couples, perfect for shorter trips and navigating narrow roads.
The Social and Community Aspect of Motorhoming
Courtesy of OMC Motorhomes
Motorhome Clubs and Gatherings
The motorhome community is vibrant and welcoming, with clubs and gatherings fostering a sense of belonging. Popular activities include:
Social meet-ups and rallies Shared travel experiences and tips Community-led conservation initiatives
Online Communities and Resources
The digital age has further united motorhome enthusiasts, with forums and online resources being central to the community. Key platforms offer:
Advice on motorhome maintenance and travel planning Opportunities to connect with fellow travellers Access to exclusive motorhome events and deals
Navigating the Legal and Practical Aspects
Licensing and Regulations in the UK
Owning and operating a motorhome in the UK comes with specific legal requirements, including:
Appropriate driving licenses Vehicle safety and emission standards Insurance and tax obligations
Maintenance and Upkeep
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and safety of a motorhome. Essential upkeep tips include:
Seasonal checks and servicing Internal system maintenance Exterior care and protection
The Environmental Impact of Motorhomes
Eco-Friendly Practices in Motorhoming
Sustainable motorhoming practices are increasingly important, with recommendations like:
Using eco-friendly products Reducing energy consumption Engaging in responsible waste disposal
Innovations in Eco-Friendly Motorhomes
Advancements in motorhome designs are making them more eco-friendly, with features such as:
Solar power systems Improved fuel efficiency Sustainable materials in construction
Motorhome Travel Destinations in the UK
Courtesy of OMC Motorhomes
The UK offers a plethora of destinations perfectly suited for motorhome travel, from the rugged Scottish Highlands to the serene beaches of Cornwall.
Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations
Exploring lesser-known destinations offers a unique experience, with hidden gems revealing the country’s diverse landscape and rich cultural heritage.
Purchasing a Motorhome: What to Consider
New vs Used Motorhomes
Weighing the pros and cons of new versus used motorhomes is crucial in making an informed decision. Considerations include:
Budget constraints Desired features and amenities Long-term value and depreciation
Financial Considerations
Understanding the financial implications is key to a wise investment. Costs to consider include:
Purchase price and financing options Operational and maintenance expenses Insurance and storage costs
Tips for First-Time Motorhome Buyers
Navigating the motorhome market can be daunting for first-timers. Essential tips include:
Researching and comparing different models Understanding the importance of layout and size Recognizing the significance of a thorough vehicle inspection
Essential Features to Look For
A checklist of essential features helps in selecting the right motorhome, focusing on:
Reliability and performance Space optimization and storage solutions Comfort and living amenities
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Awareness of common mistakes can prevent costly errors, such as:
Overlooking hidden costs Underestimating the importance of a test drive Ignoring long-term maintenance requirements
The Future of Motorhoming in the UK
Courtesy of OMC Motorhomes
Looking ahead, the motorhome industry in the UK shows promising growth, driven by:
Evolving traveller preferences Technological advancements in motorhome design Increasing awareness of sustainable travel options
Conclusion
Motorhome travel in the UK presents a unique blend of adventure, comfort, and community. As this comprehensive guide demonstrates, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a curious newcomer, the world of motorhomes offers a rich and varied experience, full of opportunities for exploration, connection, and discovery.
