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See the latest Gedling borough planning applications – w/e 27/10/23

There are no applications recorded as having been submitted and validated by Gedling Borough Council this week following a bumper week last week when over 20 applications were submitted to Gedling Borough Council and validated.

However here is a round-up of the latest plans that the council’s planning officers decided upon this week (w/e 27/10/23). 

More details can be found on the Gedling Borough Council planning site HERE.


Demolition of the existing garage, porch and sun room; construction of a single storey side, rear & front extension and external alterations to property

72 Chapel Lane Ravenshead Nottinghamshire NG15 9DH.  Ref. No: 2023/0682 

Decision: Conditional Permission


Redevelopment of land and stables to create a single self-build dwelling

Park Lane Stables Park Lane Lambley Nottinghamshire NG4 4QA.  Ref. No: 2023/0678 

Decision: Conditional Permission


Extend existing balcony at the front of the property

24 Clementine Drive Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 5UX.  Ref. No: 2023/0673 

Decision: Conditional Permission


Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) in respect of an existing 2.4m high timber fence and gates

Boat And Machinery Store Quarry Lane Linby Nottinghamshire.  Ref. No: 2023/0609 

Decision: Grant Certificate of Lawfulness


Two storey front extension and hip to gable roof with rear dormer

24 Plains Road Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 5LE.  Ref. No: 2023/0583 

Decision: Conditional Permission


Change of use from a dwelling (C3) to a childrens home (C2) (care will be for up to three children aged 0 to 15, with up to two members of staff regularly working and sleeping at the property; up to three during the day)

12 Sherwood Grove Calverton Nottinghamshire NG14 6JH.  Ref. No: 2023/0543 

Decision: Conditional Permission


Variation of conditions 2 (approved plans) and 3 (materials) of planning permission 2021/0936 (Proposed refurbishment and conversion of existing storage unit associated with retail premises to provide residential accommodation).

53 Front Street Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 7EA.  Ref. No: 2023/0508 

Decision: Conditional Permission


Police release CCTV image after Mapperley Park home is burgled following theft of keys from van

Police investigating a burglary in Mapperley Park have released this CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to.

The victim’s home was broken into hours after a bag containing keys and personal items was stolen from his van.

He was unloading the vehicle outside a shop in in Foxhall Road, Forest Fields, at around 4.10pm on 2 August 2023, when he was approached by a man asking if the shop sold a brand of cigarettes.

The victim later discovered his bag, which also contained cash, had been taken from the front of his van.

After returning home, he discovered items including further cash, a television and jewellery had been stolen from the property in Lucknow Court, Mapperley Park.

Officers have been carrying out an investigation of the incident and analysing CCTV footage from both locations.

They are now in a position to release an image of someone they would like to speak to.

Police Constable Kerry Sansom, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“If anyone recognises the man in this image they should get in touch with police immediately.

“We understand the impact any burglary can have on victims, family members and the wider community and are determined to get justice for the victim in this case.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 493 of 2 August 2023, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Royal British Legion launches Remembrance Day Appeal in Gedling borough with new plastic-free poppy

The first plastic-free and recyclable remembrance poppy is now available as the Royal British Legion launches its annual appeal across Gedling borough today (26)

It is the first redesign of the historic symbol of remembrance in 28 years and is fully recyclable at home.

The poppy is made from 100% paper and easily recycled in household collections. The innovative new design features the iconic poppy shape, with a black centre embossed with ‘Poppy Appeal’, and a leaf with a crease.

PICTURED: The new plastic poppy (IMAGE: Royal British Legion)

It no longer has a plastic stem or centre, and it can be fastened with a pin in the stem, worn in a buttonhole, or a stick-on version is available.

The Royal British Legion says it has been developing the plastic-free poppy for the past three years, in collaboration with expert partners, as it works to reduce its use of single-use plastic and be economical, sustainable, and less impactful to the environment.

It has been created from bespoke red and green paper produced from a blend of renewable fibres from responsible sources, 50 per cent of which come from the offcuts created during the production of paper coffee cups.

Andy Taylor-Whyte, director of the Poppy Appeal, said: “We are very proud to introduce the plastic-free poppy that will not only enable people to support our armed forces community but also continues the Royal British Legion’s commitment to sustainability.”

The launch of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal marks the start of the national period of Remembrance, when the nation wears the poppy and reflects on the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces.

The plastic-free poppy will be available alongside remaining stocks of the current poppy to reduce any waste of poppies already produced, the charity said.

Members of the public will be able to get their poppy – the original version or the new plastic-free version – from volunteers across the borough, or from major supermarkets.

All funds raised from the Poppy Appeal will be used by Royal British Legion to support serving personnel, veterans, and their families in a range of ways, from help with the cost of living, mental wellbeing and housing, to support with recovery after trauma or illness.

GRAHAM FINCH: For me, cash will always be king

Young people out there must think I’m a real dinosaur – but I remain unapologetic!

My kids have tried on many occasions to drag me by the scruff of the neck into the 21st century but I refuse. You see, I think most 20th century methods still work – and today’s technology is completely overrated.

I don’t keep up to date with modern technology and I rarely encounter problems.

The foremost method I use to pay is cash because I am so used to it.

I like going into a bank to draw out the notes as it helps me think about how much I might be spending, yes, it is getting more difficult, but pop-up branches are starting to appear all over the place, like in Netherfield, and I hope one day they will offer cash withdrawals.

My method of collecting cash prevents me from maxing out the credit card or going overboard with the debit card at the bar on a heavy night out.

I have also never bothered to bank online as I fear I could be wide open to someone grabbing my funds.

A cashless society also affects others – it stops the simplest of payments such as tipping waiters and waitresses and donating coins to homeless people in the street and buskers.

And last time I checked, the Tooth Fairy doesn’t give youngsters an online payment option.

I also hate being told I should make cashless payments for car parking.

At a car park I recently saw a middle-aged man, taking ten minutes or more to make a payment because he was struggling to use the app.

A cashless society also affects others – it stops the simplest of payments such as tipping waiters and waitresses and donating coins to homeless people in the street and buskers.

Out of sheer frustration I found myself yelling at him: “Give up and bloody use cash”. To his credit, he let me nip in ahead and I paid in seconds by coins.

I resent technology being dumped on us because we are expected to do work that a company employee should be doing – and without being paid for it.

I have stopped using one fast food restaurant because it demanded ordering by touch screen. I ended up having to mess around trying to use it for five minutes and got the order wrong. I now only use restaurants and cafes where human beings serve you and that still accept cash.

In food stores I go straight to checkout with a member of staff at a till rather than the self-serve machines.

It is my hope of helping keep staff in work but I notice many customers still not getting the hang of the machines and store workers have to help them.

The point is these new systems can create unnecessary work and effort – the simplest tasks are made complicated.

Another reason to use cash is it benefits our smaller businesses by sparing them from the hefty bank charges associated with card machine payments, and let’s be honest, the high street needs all the help it can get.

And a note to all those businesses who are now completely cashless: if you don’t want our money, you don’t want our business – simple!

  • Have your say on Graham’s latest article in the comments section below

Arnold Market will remain in Eagle Square until late 2024 if new application is approved

Arnold Market could remain in its current location on Eagle Square until December 2024 if permission is granted.

Gedling Borough Council want to extend the current Street Trading Consent allowing the market to trade in Eagle Square until the end of December 2024.

The current consent expires at the end of December 2023 after which the market would be unable to trade in the town without an extension of the current consent.

Arnold Market traders were relocated to the Eagle square area during the construction of the AMP. A consultation for the permanent relocation of the market was scheduled to take place in 2022, however a report to the Gedling Borough Council Environment and Licensing Committee regarding the application advises that the consultation was then delayed due to a restructure and changes in staffing.

The report further advises that the application submitted contravenes the Council street trading policy, however it says an extension to the current consent is the only viable option for the market to continue to operate while the consultation for permanent relocation is undertaken and any additional permissions are sought.

The application states that 14 stalls can be used for a regular market on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday each week (7.00am – 4.00pm) selling fruit and vegetables, ladies’ fashion, watch repairs, plants, confectionary, Butchery products and DVD/Books.

Last October, market traders called for the move to Eagle Square to be made permanent after shoppers embraced the move.

Trader Steve Bradley, 63, said the move to Eagle Square had been successful.

Pictured: Interim Market Stall Layout (Courtesy of GBC)

He said: “It’s a lot better here and the public seems to have embraced it.

“I was indifferent to it at the time because nobody likes change and was a bit apprehensive, but it seems to have been a successful move because it’s central to the shops.

“It’s a lot better here, we were quite worried about the weather and wind but that’s proved to be manageable. I’d definitely prefer to stay here.”

Tony Smith, 62, also wanted the move to be made permanent.

He said: “I do like it here, it seems better and I want to stay here.

“I have already voiced that opinion to the council when we were asked. It’s more or less the same but there seems to be a bit more passing trade.

“We weren’t too keen to come here in the first place because we thought it might be too windy but there have been two winters now and the weather hasn’t been a problem.”

Andy Green, a third market trader, added: “I think we’ll probably stay here, it’s been no worse or better than when we were [at the original Arnold Market]. The trade has been the same.”

Full details on the application can be accessed HERE.

The application will be heard by Gedling borough Council Environment and Licensing Committee on October 31.

The Vibe – your guide to what’s going on in Gedling borough (27 October – 2 November)

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Here’s our latest round-up of latest events taking place from Friday October 27 to Thursday November 2 across the borough.


Friday, October 27


Sasha’s Halloween Weekender – Sashas Bar, Arnold

Friday 27th & Saturday 28th

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 Friday Quiz Night – Burnt Stump Inn, 8.00pm

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

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Firework Extravaganza – Carlton Town FC, 6.00pm

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Ultimate Dua Lipa – Top Spot, Carlton

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The Canterville Ghost (PG) – Bonington Cinema, Arnold

Thu 26 – Tue 31 Oct, Various Times £6.80pp £5.00pp on Tuesdays

In this vivid adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic children’s story, the ghost of Sir Simon Canterville (Stephen Fry) has been roaming his castle for centuries, searching for a descendant who can release him from his curse by performing a brave deed. The only problem is – he keeps scaring them away!

Finally – a family move in who refuse to be startled, and Sir Simon is able to tell his tale to the inquisitive and courageous Virgina (Emily Carey). Can the two of them survive The Ghost Catcher (Miranda Hart), and The Reverend (Toby Jones), to bring balance to the castle and set Sir Simon free?

“Oscar Wilde’s short story is the basis for this energetic family cartoon, with a spirited ghost voiced by Stephen Fry and a brief visit from confrere Hugh Laurie.” Guardian ★★★

Directed by Kim Burdon, Robert Chandler
Voiced by Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Imelda Staunton, Emily Carey,
Miranda Hart, Toby Jones & Freddie Highmore
1hr 29 mins // UK 2023

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The Great Escaper (12A) – Bonington Cinema, Arnold

Thu 26 Oct – Tue 14 Nov, Various Times £6.80pp £5.00pp on Tuesdays

In the summer of 2014, Bernard Jordan (Michael Caine) made global headlines. He had staged a “great escape” from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades at the D-Day Landings 70th anniversary. It was a story that captured the imagination of the world as Bernie embodied the defiant, “can-do” spirit of a generation that was fast disappearing. But of course, it wasn’t the whole story.

It was an inspirational but sanitised retelling of one man’s need to come to terms with the lasting trauma of war. Bernie’s adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Rene (Glenda Jackson) – The Great Escaper celebrates their enduring love but always with an eye to the lessons we might learn from the Greatest Generation.

“Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson exude ineffable class” Guardian ★★★★

Total Film ★★★★  Metro ★★★★  Mirror ★★★★

Directed by Oliver Parker
With Michael Caine, Genda Jackson
1hr 36 mins // UK 2023

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The Old Oak (15) – Bonington Cinema, Arnold

Thu 26 Oct – Wed 8 Nov, Various Times £6.80pp

The Old Oak is a special place. Not only is it the last pub standing, but it’s also the only remaining public space where people can meet in a once thriving mining community that has now fallen on hard times after 30 years of decline. TJ Ballantyne (Dave Turner) the landlord hangs on to The Old Oak by his fingertips, and his predicament is endangered even more when the pub becomes contested territory after the arrival of Syrian refugees who are placed in the village without any notice.

In an unlikely friendship TJ meets a curious young Syrian Yara (Ebla Mari) with her camera. Can they find a way for the two communities to understand each other? So unfolds a deeply moving drama about their fragilities and hopes.

“Ken Loach’s fierce final call for compassion and solidarity” Guardian ★★★★

“A timely reminder that communities should offer welcoming hands” Filmhounds ★★★★

Directed by Ken Loach
1hr 53 mins // UK 2023

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Saturday, October 28


Andy Walker – Arnold Liberal Club, Arnold

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Day of the Dead Halloween Party – Inn the Bank, Netherfield

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Halloween Party – The Vale Hotel, Woodthorpe

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The Arnold Drag Show – The Bonington Club, 6.30pm

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Halloween Kids Party – The Vale Club, Colwick, 6.00pm – 9.00pm

Kids Disco, Kids Games, Dress the Mummy

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Halloween Market – The Beacon Hill, Carlton, 12.00pm – 3.00pm

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Halloween Party – The Beacon Hill, Carlton, 8.00pm

With DJ SKINZ. Best & worst costume competition.

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Peter Jones – Top Spot, Carlton

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Skate and Regenerate – Arnold Hill Park, 11.00am – 4.00pm

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Ken & Barbie’s Big Night Out – Calverton Working Men’s Club, Calverton

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Sunday, October 29


Leah Marie – Top Spot, Carlton

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Kids Halloween Party – Robin Hood Lambley

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Sunday Quiz Night – Larch Farm, Ravenshead

Sunday & Wednesday evenings

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Children’s Halloween Party – The Bonington Club, 5.00pm


Sunday Quiz Night – Old Volunteer, Carlton

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EVENT CINEMA: The Prince of Egypt: The Musical (12A) – Bonington Cinema, Arnold

Sun 29 Oct – Sat 4 Nov, 12:30pm £12.50pp

Based on the classic DreamWorks Animation film and featuring Stephen Schwartz’s “miraculous music” (Time Out) – including his Academy Award®-winning song ‘When You Believe’ – and Sean Cheesman’s “astonishing choreography” (The Guardian), this epic, critically acclaimed production with an original London cast and orchestra of more than 60 artists tells an inspiring tale of resilience and hope.

Journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever.

Filmed live at the Dominion Theatre in London, this spectacular stage show comes to cinemas for the first time.

2hrs 40 mins TBC

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Monday, October 30


Free History Talk : Halloween – Robin Hood & Little John, Arnold, 7.00pm

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Monday Quiz Night – The Arrow, Arnold, 7.30pm

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Pub League Poker – The Brick Yard, Carlton

Free pint to the winner of the night for season 2, along with the cash pot from player buy ins (£5 a head) and 100 points on the leaderboard.

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EVENT CINEMA: Exhibition on Screen: Klimt and the Kiss – Bonington Cinema, Arnold

Mon 30 Oct – Wed 8 Nov, Various Times £12.50pp

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt is one of the most recognised and reproduced paintings in the world. It is perhaps the most popular poster on student dorm walls from Beijing to Boston.

Painted in Vienna around 1908, the evocative image of an unknown embracing couple has captivated viewers with its mystery, sensuality and dazzling materials ever since it was created. But just what lies behind the appeal of the painting – and just who was the artist that created it?

Delving into the details of real gold, decorative designs, symbolism and simmering erotica, a close study of the painting takes us to the remarkable turn of the century Vienna when a new world was battling with the old.

From the director of Frida Kahlo and Mary Cassatt – Painting the Modern Woman comes a powerful, gripping and passionate new film.

1hr 30 mins tbc | 2023

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Monday Quiz Night – The Bread & Bitter, Mapperley

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Monday Quiz Night – Four Bells, Woodborough, 7.30pm

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Tuesday, October 31


Halloween at Papplewick with The Wooly Tellers – Papplewick Pumping Station, 7.30pm

A spine-chilling evening of ghostly stories at Papplewick Pumping Station

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Pub Quiz – The Brickyard, Carlton

Booking advised due to popularity of event.

£2 buy in per person, £25 bar tab to be won and a rolling higher or lower jackpot

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Halloween Party – The Arrow, Arnold

Halloween party at the arrow with DJ Bryan and Scary Jess. Prizes for best dressed, games and trick or treat bags.

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Halloween Screening: The Birds (15)- 60th Anniversary – Bonington Cinema, Arnold

Tue 31 Oct, 7:30pm £5.00pp

Wealthy reformed party girl Melanie Daniels enjoys a brief flirtation with lawyer Mitch Brenner in a San Francisco pet shop and decides to follow him to his Bodega Bay home. Bearing a gift of two lovebirds, Melanie quickly strikes up a romance with Mitch while contending with his possessive mother and boarding at his ex-girlfriend’s house. One day, during a birthday party for Mitch’s younger sister, a flock of birds attacks the children in what seems to be a random incident. In fact, it signals the beginning of a massive and organised avian assault on the residents of the town – a mysterious spate of violence that no one can explain… and from which no one might come out alive.

“A peerless horror film” Telegraph ★★★★★

“Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds turns 60 this year, but its post-WWII anxieties are more prescient than ever”

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
With Tippi Hedren
1hr 59 mins // US 1963

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Bike Night – The Gleaners, Calverton

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Wednesday, November 1


Wednesday Quiz Night – Larch Farm, Ravenshead

Wednesday & Sunday evenings

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Wednesday Quiz Night – Robin Hood & Little John, Arnold, 8.30pm

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Thursday, November 2


Comedy Hotspot – Bonington Theatre, Arnold

Thu 2 Nov, 8pm £15pp

You could be forgiven for thinking its going to be hard to better the first two shows, but fear not. Comedy Hotspot only puts on the finest comedy shows, and show 3 will be one of the finest line ups of stand up comedy anywhere in the UK! So, here is who we have in November making a full on assault on your laughter muscles.

MC – CERYS NELMES

Cerys is the current holder of the UK’s Best MC award, as voted for by the industries finest. Her West Country charm is easy to warm to, and she has the ability to warm up any room. So much so she is one of the UK’s leading TV warm up comedians. She has been in numerous nation TV ads, and is currently the voice of the National Lottery ads. She has also been a regular on Casualty as a paramedic since 2018. She is without doubt on of the very best, and she will live long in the memory, that’s for sure.

SALLY-ANNE HAYWARD

Sally-Anne is an multi award-winning comedian and a sought-after corporate performer (with clients including Virgin Media and Alcatel).  She is also a regular compere at Glastonbury Festival. She has performed all over the world and has provided regular tour support for Sarah Millican, Russell Howard,  Russell Kane, Hal Cruttenden and Suzi Ruffell. An accomplished breakfast radio presenter (Star 107.2), with TV credits (The Blame Game) and radio panel show credits (BBC Radio 4’s Elephant in The Room), as well as TV warm-up (Deal or No Deal Channel 4).

ANT DEWSON

Ant Dewson is a comedian, mediocre piano player and singer of silly songs. Many of which are rude, all of which are hilarious. He’s a regular performer at the UK’s best comedy, a British Comedian Of The Year Semi Finalist and one of the funniest musical acts on the UK circuit. Ant has shared the stage with some of the country’s finest comedians including Michael McIntyre, Micky Flanagan and Lee Mack. He’s also performed with some shockers, all of whom he is too polite to mention here.

“Highlight of the night” – Tom Robinson BBC 6Music

ALISTAIR BARRIE

In August ’23 the good people of NextUp Comedy filmed Alistair’s critically acclaimed Edinburgh show ‘Alistaircratic’, and it is now available to watch both on NextUp and streaming on ITVX. According to Fringe Review, ‘This is about as good as it gets’ while Entertainment Now called it ‘An absolutely stunning hour of comedy’. Alistair Barrie is one of the top headliners on the international comedy circuit. A regular at London’s world-famous Comedy Store, he has performed in over 40 countries including acclaimed performances in Australia, Cape Town, Mumbai, New Zealand and the legendary Comedy Cellar in New York.

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Thursday Quiz Night – The Gleaners, Calverton, 8.30pm


 

Karaoke & Disco – Top Spot Club, Carlton, 8.00pm

Plus 25% discount on all Drinks.

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Quiz Night – Sashas Bar, Arnold

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Thursday Quiz Night – The Vale Hotel, Woodthorpe, 8.00pm

Weekly quiz night in support of local food bank.

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Thursday Quiz Night – Copper Mapperley, 7.00pm


Thursday Quiz Night – Gedling Inn, Gedling, 8.00pm

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All listings correct at time of going to press

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.

If you fancy a digital read, want to advertise or make a donation just follow the following link: https://thisisgedling.co.uk/our-magazine/

#thisisgedling #gedlingboroughlife

You can also now support This is Gedling by entering the Gedling Lotto below:

gedlinglotto.co.uk/support/this-is-gedling-free-hyperlocal-news-magazine

There is a chance to win up to £25,000 every Saturday when you play Gedling Lotto.

You just need to match six numbers to win the £25,000 jackpot.

Gedling Eye now publish the winning numbers each Saturday night.


MP visits residents on flooded road in Arnold to answer questions and offer support – in the aftermath of the Storm Babet

MP for Gedling Tom Randall this week visited Arnold residents whose homes had been impacted by Friday’s flooding caused by Storm Babet.

The MP visited five households in Bentwell Avenue on Monday (23) that were flooded over the weekend.

Mr Randall offered his sympathy to those affected, before responding to questions from residents and offering support.

The MP said: “A lagoon is nearby which is supposed to help prevent Bentwell Avenue from flooding but it is devastating that flooding continues to be a risk.

“I will be now contacting Nottinghamshire County Council, who are the lead flood authority, asking them to carry out an assessment on the cause of last weekend’s flooding at Bentwell Avenue

“I will also be contacting Gedling Borough Council, who are responsible for maintaining the lagoon, about when it was last cleared out and what their maintenance plan includes. I’ll also be asking their planning department to inspect the drainage on the housing development site that is under construction on Rolleston Drive as a lack of drainage on the site may be pushing water-run off onto Bentwell Avenue.

Further rainfall is expected across Gedling this week. You can check for flood warnings and alerts here: https://www.gov.uk/check-flooding

If your property or business has been affected by flooding, you may be eligible for funding to support you as you recover. Details can be found here: http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/flooding-help-and-advice/flooding-grants

Gedling green group organise first climate change convention in Arnold

A green group in Gedling are planning their first convention in a bid to get local people together who are concerned about climate change.

Gedling Climate Change Group are hosting their first Climate and Nature Convention on Saturday, November 18 at The Civic Centre in Arnold.

The convention will take place between 10am-3pm.

The free event will be all-ticket and these can be booked online.

There will be guest speakers throughout the day, along with facilitated group discussions and stalls from organisations that all work with the climate and nature at the heart of what they do.

There will also be a free screening of “Offshore”, an independent documentary that brings together varying perspectives on working in offshore oil and gas and renewable energy, as part of the convention.

Confirmed to speak at the convention is Dr Simon Berrow, a well-respected international lecturer on Marine Biology and travels around the world. He is a university lecturer at GMIT (Galway Mayo Institute of Technology), CEO of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and has also been on the heritage council as a marine advisor to the Irish Government.

A spokesman for Gedling Climate Change Group said: “We have organised the Climate and Nature Convention, as we believe nothing like this has been done on a local level in the Gedling area and surrounding boroughs.

“People are hugely concerned about the Climate Crisis but often feel like their voice isn’t heard and don’t know how they can change that, or that smaller scale changes and projects can get ignored. Well, we’re hoping to have the answer to those worries!

“The Climate and Nature Convention will be a day where everyone will have their chance to ask questions, raise concerns and learn about what we can do to address the climate and nature emergency.

“As a group we will be collecting the findings from the day and feeding these directly back to the local council, to ensure local people’s views and concerns are communicated effectively and cannot be ignored.”

They added: “We want as many people to attend as possible so we can all make a difference, together.”

Tickets to the convention are free and booked through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/climate-and-nature-convention-2023-tickets-729327296577?aff=oddtdtcreator

Borough residents and businesses urged to remain vigilant as they begin recovery from chaos caused by Storm Babet

Residents and businesses in Gedling borough are being urged to remain vigilant as they continue to recover from the extensive flooding and disruption caused by Storm Babet.

A major incident was declared in the county at the weekend following the heavy rainfall, which caused rivers and streams to burst their banks – leaving many homes and businesses under water.  

The severe weather presented the Nottinghamshire Local Resilience Forum (LRF) – a multi-agency partnership made up of local authorities and emergency services – with complex and challenging situations to tackle and overcome. 

Since Friday (19 October), the partnership has worked tirelessly to respond to some of the worst flooding the county has experienced and help people in the most need.

This support has included Nottinghamshire County Council providing 2,500 sandbags to flood-hit communities. 

More than 500 properties and around 60 businesses have been affected by flooding since Friday and several roads are still closed in Nottinghamshire.

Flood alerts and warnings are also still in place across the county and the LRF is asking people to remain vigilant to flooding and to continue checking the latest weather forecast and travel advice.

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Nottinghamshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport and environment, said he was glad conditions were now improving.

He said: “The weather conditions have improved since the weekend, but I would urge communities to stay vigilant and keep an eye on the latest forecasts, travel advice and flood alerts.

“I would like to thank the emergency services, all the partner agencies and all the local volunteers such as flood wardens, who have provided support to people throughout these terrible floods.

“This support will continue as the situation moves to a recovery process in the coming days and weeks. 

“We are closely monitoring the situation and remain ready to respond and support people whenever and wherever necessary.

“We would also encourage residents to check Nottinghamshire County Council’s website for information about roads and other services impacted by the flooding – as well as follow advice given by the emergency services. Please stay safe.”

Residents whose homes have suffered internal flooding are entitled to a one-off hardship grant of £120 which is intended to provide some immediate relief for essential provisions in the aftermath of the flooding.

To apply for a grant, call the County Council’s Customer Service Centre on 0300 500 8080, Monday to Thursday between 8.30am-5pm, and between 8.30am and 4.30pm on Fridays. 

Nottinghamshire County Council is also providing support for businesses affected by flooding.

Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We know how devastating the recent floods have been for the many small and medium sized businesses who are the backbone of the economy in our towns and communities across Nottinghamshire.  

“This is why we are providing support and advice for those businesses which have been affected, as well as hardship funding to help in the interim while insurance claims are being made.”

The support available includes: 

Business advisory support

Any business which has been affected can email BusinessTeam@nottscc.gov.uk, providing details about their organisation – including postcode – and how they have been impacted. A business adviser will be able to provide advice and signposting.

Hardship fund – business

Small or micro businesses with up to 49 employees are eligible to apply for an emergency payment of up to £300.

For more information about the hardship fund visit Flooding hardship fund | Nottinghamshire County Council.

LETTERS TO HEAVEN: Young girl honoured with national youth award for memorial postbox success

A girl whose wish to connect with her late grandparents led to the installation of memorial post boxes at crematoria throughout the UK has received a prestigious youth award for her efforts.

Matilda Handy was presented with the British Citizen Youth Award Medal of Honour at a special ceremony at The Palace of Westminster.

The ten-year-old wanted to send birthday and Christmas cards to her late grandmother, who passed away in 2017.

As a result of Matilda’s idea, a Letters To Heaven memorial post box was installed at Gedling Crematorium last December, and within a few weeks, more than 100 letters and cards had been posted.

The idea received such positive feedback that crematorium owners Westerleigh Group decided to install a memorial post box at each of its sites all over the country.

Other crematorium groups, funeral directors and even a cats and dogs home were so inspired by the idea that they have installed similar memorial post boxes, and Westerleigh Group had enquiries from other providers all over Europe and as far away as the USA and Australia.

The idea saw Matilda be invited to take part in numerous television and radio interviews, including the BBC One Show, and she also appeared on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

She was also invited to a special reception at 10 Downing Street by Rishi Sunak, where she was recognised as a Points of Light; the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award is a daily programme recognising outstanding volunteers, charity leaders and community heroes for the service they give to others.

The British Citizen Youth Award, now in its eighth year, recognises young people, aged under 18, from across the UK who have made a positive difference to their communities and to society.

A total of 24 young people were honoured at the presentation Matilda attended, which was hosted by singer and actress Kimberley Wyatt.

Matilda was presented with her BCyA Medal of Honour by Nicky Cox MBE, Editor-in-Chief of First News.

Matilda said: “I am very thankful to be honoured with this award and would like to thank all my friends, family and everyone at Westerleigh Group for their support in helping me through this. “

Debbie Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Westerleigh Group, said: “We are delighted for yet another recognition for Matilda’s contribution to bereaved families.

“The legacy of her idea is now helping to bring comfort to thousands of bereaved people around the country and abroad.

“We’ve received lots of incredibly positive feedback from people who tell us they have gained therapeutic benefit and comfort through the act of posting cards, letters and messages to loved ones they have lost.

“We are very proud of Matilda and her achievement, she is a very deserving medallist and a true example of an honourable and engaged young citizen who has made a positive difference to the lives of so many people.”

To find out more about Westerleigh Group’s memorial post boxes, visit: www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/letters-to-heaven