As the cost of living challenge continues to bite and with a budget looming that could potentially financially squeeze households further, foodbanks are now more desperate than ever for food donations.
Each month Arnold Foodbank publishes a list of items that are most needed and products they don’t currently require.
The charity, based at Daybrook Baptist Church on Mansfield Road, provides three days supply of food for households in financial need who are referred to them by support agencies like social housing providers and social services.
Over 90% of the food distributed is donated by the public so donations are important as the charity prepares for the run up to Christmas – their busiest time of year.
Arnold Foodbank’s Most needed food items in November
Tinned meat/meals eg corned beef, ham, hotdogs, meatballs, Minced Beef, Chicken in White Sauce
Pasta sauce/chopped tomatoes
Tinned tuna/fish
Jam and spreads like honey, peanut butter and chocolate
Tinned Fruit
Tea and coffee – particularly small 100g jars and packs of 40 teabags
Razors, deodorant, sanitary towels, shampoo and shower gel
Chocolate treats, snacks, biscuits and crackers
Cooking oil
Rice Pudding and custard
Tinned veg – especially peas, carrots and sweetcorn
Tinned soup – especially tomato and chicken
Noodles – both pots and packs
Here’s what they’ve got plenty of…
Pasta and Pulses (eg kidney beans, chickpeas)
Donations can be can be dropped off between 12pm-3pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The following stores retailers also have drop-off points: Asda Arnold, Coppice Road Co-op, Sainsburys Local (Sherwood), Lidl (Arnold) and Sainsburys Arnold.
Carlton Town confidently held the first position in the Northern Premier Midlands League after a nifty 1-0 victory at Corby Town. The victory capped a stellar run for the Millers. After taking 16 points out of the possible 18 available in October, they continued the stellar run in November.
Over at Steelpark, 733 supporters came out for the match to watch Niall Hylton score the crucial goal, solidifying the win for the Millers.
This was Hylton’s goal in the second half, after which the home side, Corby, put Carlton under pressure, which they managed to withstand gallantly to take all three points. This result takes Carlton to 32 points after 14 games played, sitting on top of the table ahead of Belper Town, who have 29 points after they drew 1-1 with Rugby Borough. 28 points after 16 games sees Lichfield City in 3rd after a 3-2 victory over Bourne Town, with Corby dropping points to a 3rd place position of 27 points. Anstey Nomads sit in the play-off positions on 26 points from 14 games.
Supporters were keeping a close eye on the league table and fixtures in more ways than one, with many following form and outcomes leading up to the Corby match. On top betting platforms, fans could track Carlton’s odds alongside other teams in the Northern Premier Midlands League, with the Millers priced at around 11/8 for a win and Corby at 5/4. With such a thrilling match, betting online was particularly alluring with fans having access to quick updates, reliable payouts, and a way to stay engaged with the results as they happened (source: https://esports-news.co.uk/betting-sites/crypto/).
Following the match was most likely convenient, too, since Carlton remained organised and patient. Corby, coming off a midweek win over Belper Town, created chances in front of their home crowd, but the Millers defended well, controlled key areas in midfield, and struck when the moment arrived. Hylton’s second-half goal proved decisive, and from that point on, Carlton worked hard to protect their lead and secure the victory that now puts them three points clear at the top of the table.
After the game, Mark Harvey, the manager, complimented the team for their effort and focus on commitment. In the interview on Carlton Town TV, he said that the away fans who were at the game were able to assist the players in their effort and sustained them all through the game.
Carlton will now play 2 home games back-to-back at Stoke Lane. The first happened on the 4th of November against AFC Rushden & Diamonds, and on the following Saturday, 8th November, at 3 PM, they will play against Coleshill Town. This is a chance for them to extend their lead and show their dominance in the division. With consistency on both ends of the pitch, grit will be greatly needed, as there is a slim chance that other teams are closing the gap on the league leaders.
Off the pitch, on Friday night, supporters had the chance to attend the first “The Shed End Presents” at the Retro Sweet Kings Sportsbar. People had the opportunity to socialise and celebrate the club before the match on the weekend. For those unable to attend, highlights on Carlton Town TV gave supporters a chance to catch the action from the night and the win over Corby. These types of activities help build the community around the club, which is a nice complement to community activities.
This season, Carlton has been able to put together a set of results primarily driven by a strong defense and opportunistic attack. With the recent form of players like Hylton, it is also a sign of promise. Sustaining focus and not making mistakes will be key to keeping their gap over Belper Town and the other teams in the playoff spots. There is no doubt their current squad is experienced enough to sustain a challenge for promotion.
Carlton should feel confident and motivated after their victory at Corby. They focused, displayed resilience, and were efficient in front of the goal. These were all qualities that defined Carlton and contributed to their position at the top of the league. If they keep playing at the same intensity, they should remain a strong team in the Northern Premier Midlands League.
Under the terms of the order, Mullins must not enter B&M stores in Front Street, Arnold, or at Madford Business Park, Daybrook for three years.
Police spotted Mullins entering a supermarket in Sherwood where she helped herself to food and drink before leaving the shop.
Police arrest Aileen Mullins in Arnold for suspected shoplifting
Officers stopped her and recovered the items from her coat pockets.
The serial thief had also been reported for taking laundry products from a store in in Front Street, Arnold, two days earlier.
Mullins, aged 41, of Wilmington Gardens, Daybrook pleaded guilty to two shop thefts and breach of a CBO when she was returned to the same court on Thursday (6).
She was jailed for a total of 36 weeks.
Sergeant Alison Riley, of the Gedling North neighbourhood policing team, said: “The officers involved spotted Mullins entering a shop and were able to detain her as she left with stolen items.
“This prison sentence will provide some respite for shop staff who have been impacted by Mullins’ persistent offending.
“Criminal behaviour orders are an effective tool for officers and we work hard to secure them for our most prolific offenders.
“Support is offered to shoplifters to help them break their cycle of offending.
“However, if they don’t engage and continue to brazenly steal and cause issues for shop staff, we will keep on locking them up.”
The Reform authority’s leader, Mick Barton, says this large figure could increase because the council’s “efficiency review” into its services is still ongoing.
In a November cabinet meeting, it was noted how the authority intends to find £45.3 million in “mitigations” as it faces a £15.9 million budget shortfall by 2028/29.
Back in June 2025, the freshly elected Reform council embarked on its months-long efficiency review to see where it could save cash within areas such as adult social care and children’s services.
Revealing a breakdown of the savings figure on Tuesday (11), Councillor Barton said the “£45 million plus” figure is an initial projection of what the authority could save over the next three years, but this could increase.
In a November cabinet meeting, it was noted how the council intends to find £45.3 million in “mitigations”Cllr Sam Smith is leader of the opposition at the council and said the authority was “playing spreadsheet wizard”
He said: “We’ve said £45 million plus, and that is still ongoing because the efficiency program review is still ongoing – it’s not finished yet.
“It won’t be finished until probably December [2025] – maybe even January. We’re having a lot of meetings each month about it and going through each department to see where we can make better ways of working and make efficiencies.”
As part of the revealed savings plan over the next three years, a £21.28 million saving across adult social care and children’s services is currently anticipated.
Around £9.6 million is expected to be achieved in 2025/26 by reviewing high-cost care packages and exploring “direct payment” options within adult social care.
Other efforts include “maximising” prevention efforts to reduce the need for older people to require care packages, continuing technology-enabled care and working with children and families earlier to improve care packages.
Adult social care, children’s services and the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) service form some of the largest costs for local authorities in the country.
For the 2025/26 financial year, the authority is projecting a £3.1 million overspend which stems from overspends in adult social care, transport and environment services – these are expected to be partially offset by an underspend elsewhere due to the Business Rates Relief grant.
November budget papers show service demand pressures in adult social care have increased by £7.28 million in the 2026/27 financial year, mainly caused by a projected increase of £4.5 million in adult social care, which “reflects extensive growth in care package demand”.
Speaking on the over £21 million projected saving, the leader said: “None of our efficiencies will have an effect on the people in adult social care that we’re looking after – we’re just looking at doing the job a lot better and more efficiently.
“For the high-tech equipment, for carers, we’ve already invested heavily in it.”
The authority is also looking to save £17.52 million on external placements for children in care – meaning more effort will be put into reducing the pay for external placement providers, which will include commissioning a new set of specialist children’s homes and an aim to increase family-based placements.
Around £1.69 million in SEND savings is currently projected, along with £1.83 million in SEND transport savings.
The SEND transport efficiencies are expected to come from efforts such as a change in the “post-16 transport to direct travel assistance payment” – listed as a £2.3 million mitigation according to a council document – and moving pre-16 transport to a direct travel assistance payment, estimated as a £280,000 mitigation.
Plans also include the withdrawal of faith school transport, expecting to save £900,000, but this has a two-year time lag to allow current students in years 10 and 11 to complete school.
Cllr Sam Smith (Con), leader of the opposition at the council, said the authority was “playing spreadsheet wizard” and “back-loading” its savings.
He said: “How can you right now know how many children will require SEND services or adult social care within the next three years? They’ve put an estimate into a spreadsheet and it’s produced a figure.
“The cost of care and SEND will balloon – it’s built on sand.
“Based on guessing the amount of people who will require care, experience will tell you that no matter how good you are at guessing, councils across the country – I’d put money on it – guess lower than the actual demand. Adult social care is always overspent in most authorities every year.”
Local councillors and mayors who repeatedly break the rules or commit serious misconduct will face tougher sanctions under new plans published by the Government today (11).
The Government said the new rules are being put in place ‘to clean up local politics and restore public confidence’ and tackle bad behaviour from councillors within local authorities.
The new rules allow local councils to hand out suspensions of up to six months for serious misconduct and repeated rule breaches.
They could also have allowances withheld, ensuring taxpayers’ money is not wasted on councillors who are in breach of the code of conduct. All councillors receive a basic allowance to cover costs for meeting constituents or dealing with their inquiries. Allowances can be around £16,000 per councillor for the year.
This year alone, two separate councillors in England were convicted of serious offences and remained in post until receiving prison sentences because there were no powers to suspend them.
Secretary of State for Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, said the new rules would help clean up local politics
Secretary of State for Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, said bad behaviour amongst a small minority of councillors distracted from the incredible work happening in communities every day.
“We must clean up local politics by rooting out those who bring the system into disrepute. These reforms will give councils and mayoral authorities the power to do exactly that.”
The mandatory code of conduct will apply to all types and tiers of local authority in England, ensuring that everyone, everywhere is held to the same high standard.
Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness, Alison McGovern, said: ”These reforms will raise the bar and ensure swift, fair action where it’s needed most.
“With Town Hall austerity for the poorest places, and rising abuse, being a local councillor is harder than ever. But our country needs local leaders who will stand up for people. These changes are the first step on the road to recovery for local democracy.”
Breck Hill Road, Woodthorpe 15 November – 16 November Road closure Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council
Aylesham Avenue, Arnold 11 November Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Cavendish Road, Carlton 13 November – 14 November Roadworks, Delays possible Traffic management: Traffic control (two-way signals) Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Chaworth Road, Netherfield 12 November Roadworks, Delays possible Works location: Chaworth Road from meadow road to rail bridge Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Forester Road, Carlton 11 November – 13 November Roadworks, Delays possible Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take) Responsibility for works: Openreach
Fraser Road, Carlton 12 November – 14 November Roadworks, Delays possible Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take) Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Hotspur Drive, Colwick 15 November Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Main Street, Lambley 11 November – 12 November Roadworks, Delays possible Works location: Opposite petrol station Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Mansfield Lane, Calverton 14 November Roadworks, Delays possible Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals) Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Mansfield Road, Arnold 11 November – 12 November Roadworks, Delays possible just after Arch Hill, exit on right hand side Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Mapperley Orchard, Arnold 12 November Roadworks, Delays possible Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take) Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Woodthorpe Avenue, Woodthorpe 14 November Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach
Police officers on off-road bikes have stepped up patrols across Gedling borough in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour and illegal activity.
A day of action took place on November 8 across the borough with officers targeting hotspots in Gedling and Arnold, Bestwood Country Park. Calverton Colliery and Church Lane Recreation Ground.
Whilst on patrols, officers were alerted to a modified electric bike being ridden on pavements and through alleyways, this was located and found to be a throttle operated electric bike, which is classified as an electric motorcycle. The bike was seized by officers under section 165 of the road traffic act 1988 for not having any insurance.
A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: “If you see any of our off-road bike officers whilst out and about feel free to stop and have a chat, whether it be concerns you have, information you wish to pass on or advice on legal locations and requirements to riding off road.“
To report issues to the team please contact 101 or 999 to report accordingly.
Residents and local organisations were honoured last week for their hard work and dedication to the community at the annual Pride of Gedling awards.
The annual awards – now in their 10th year – celebrated the efforts and special achievements of individuals, groups and organisations from the across the borough that have made a lasting impact on the community.
Award organisers at the council revealed they received more than 300 nominations across the six award categories.
Here is the full list of the winners and runners up:
The business is run by Mohamed Akbar who is well known locally for his honesty, patience and generosity, especially with older residents, whether he is lending a phone to people going into hospital, or assisting people involved in a car accident outside his business.
The runners-up were Happy Kindergarden, Joy2Care and Mum2Mum Market East Midlands.
Overall winner Tommy Thompson’s name was added to the Pride of Gedling Wall in the council chamber
Dylan Barker Young Person of the Year Award
Named in memory of former award recipient Dylan Barker and sponsored by The Mellors Group, this award celebrates people aged under 21 who have shown exceptional community dedication.
James Moore was this year’s winner, having shown exceptional dedication to youth sport and community development through Gedling Southbank FC.
The runners up were Fatimah Malik and Connor Williamson, who were acknowledged for their contributions to the Gedling Borough’s community.
Community Hero Award
This award, sponsored by Persimmon Homes, was presented to Bev Norman, a pillar of the Mapperley community, Norman has fostered or adopted over 60 at-risk children throughout her life and runs a wellbeing space and community café at St Jude’s.
The runners-up were Jan Turton, Jess and Lee Neal and Leanne Gilchrist and James Brookshaw.
Environmental Hero Award
Sponsored by The Wilkins Group, the Environmental Hero Award was presented to Peter Wiles, for his work as Chair of the Woodborough Flood Action Group. Peter provides practical and emotional support to those impacted by flooding, leading initiatives that have strengthened community resilience.
After being runners up last year, Dice and Balls CIC won the Outstanding Community Project Award this year, sponsored by Jigsaw Homes.
They provide a vibrant, inclusive community hub in Arnold, offering creative, social and educational activities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Their events foster connection, confidence and wellbeing.
Tommy Thompson received the Inspirational Healthy Lifestyle Award, sponsored by Gedling Leisure.
Tommy has been a dedicated boxing coach in Netherfield for over 25 years, transforming lives through sport. Tommy supports vulnerable young people, helping them to build confidence and steer away from negative influences. He also fundraises for Child Bereavement UK, aiming to raise £10,000 this year.
Runners-up Rob Buckby and Dave Palmer from Arnold Swimming Club and Sam, Hollie and Stuart Lee received certificates for their contributions to the wellbeing of the community.
Overall Pride of Gedling Award
The highly coveted Overall Pride of Gedling Award 2025 went to Tommy Thompson, who also won the Inspirational Healthy Lifestyle Award. With this honour, Tommy’s name was added to the Pride of Gedling Wall in the council chamber, serving as a lasting tribute to his positive influence on the community.
Councillor John Clarke MBE, Leader of Gedling Borough Council, said: “The evening was a wonderful celebration of the remarkable people across the borough who make our community a better place.
“It is truly inspiring to see the positive impact these individuals and groups have made on the lives of others.
“I am proud of all the nominees and winners of this year’s Pride of Gedling Awards and I am grateful to everyone who helps make Gedling such a special place.”
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A petition with more 1,000 signatures is calling on the council to reverse its decision to not include a bowls club in its leisure centre redevelopment plans.
Back in September 2025, the fate of Gedling Indoor Bowls Club was left in doubt following a decision by Gedling Borough Council’s cabinet to no longer include the club in its plans to replace Carlton Forum Leisure Centre and the Richard Herrod site with a new building.
The project would see a new leisure and community facility, called Carlton Active, built on the Richard Herrod Site, which could include an eight-lane swimming pool and teaching pool, a 100-station gym, community rooms and a café.
The indoor bowls club – which has ran since 1987 – is based at the Richard Herrod site and September’s cabinet decision saw the authority offering “non-financial support” to the bowls club to look at relocation options.
Up until that point, the club had been considered in the redevelopment proposals.
Members of the bowls club – which has ran since 1987 and has more than 230 members – protested outside the council house just before the decision was taken to save the club’s location.
The indoor bowls club is based at the Richard Herrod site in Carlton
The protesters’ efforts have continued since then, with a petition signed by 1,021 people calling on the council to “reinstate, retain and protect” indoor bowling within plans to be presented and discussed at the authority’s council meeting on Wednesday (November 12).
Speaking to the local democracy reporting service (LDRS) back in September following the cabinet’s decision, Ian Summerscales, director of the bowls club, said: “The most significant thing in this is that we know from the age range some of the players in the club that [the council is] effectively shortening people’s lives because of the impact of social isolation.
“We know that people don’t survive that for long.”
The long-standing club’s members are aged between 25 and 92 and it runs 2,200 indoor bowling sessions each month, including sessions offered for disabled bowlers.
It has offered mental respite for some players, with 65-year-old Len Knight previously telling the LDRS the club helped with his depression and anxiety, saying: “The people at the bowls club understood my problem. They would listen to me. I could talk to them. It was more of a community that brought me back.”
The authority’s reasoning for excluding a bowls facility in a new ‘Carlton Active’ centre was based on finances.
In September’s meeting, Lance Juby, assistant director of communities, leisure and wellbeing, said: “[The bowls option] would see an annual net deficit of £552,400 due to the estimated additional capital costs of providing this facility and borrowing repayments required for this.
“It’s estimated the cost of an additional bowls facility on-site would be between £5.6 million and £7.7 million.”
He said a six-lane bowls rink had a “significant impact” on the council’s borrowing potential and it was “unviable”.
It was confirmed at the meeting no facilities at the existing sites would be closed at that stage, but Mr Summerscales told the LDRS the council had “repeatedly refused” to extend the club’s lease past April 2026.
Carlton Forum and the Richard Herrod Centre currently face more than £2 million in backlog works and the two centres alone require a yearly subsidy of around £545,000, making them “unsustainable in their current form”, according to council papers.
The council’s response to the petition will follow discussion in Wednesday’s meeting.
Nottingham’s first river crossing in more than 65 years – is being installed this morning using the biggest crane in Europe.
The 278ft-long (85m) Waterside Bridge is being crane-lifted into place and will connect the Trent Basin development near Colwick with Lady Bay in Rushcliffe.
Planning for the Waterside Bridgewas approved in 2024 and construction began at the start of 2025 after repeated delays.
Work beagan to put Waterside Bridge intp place just after 8am this morning (PHOTO: Danny Foster)
Once the bridge is installed later today (10), ramps will be put in place on both side of the river. Work on new steps, lighting and hard and soft landscaping will also need to be completed before the opening.
It is hoped the bridge will be ready for use by pedestrians and cyclists from February 2026.
PHOTO: Danny FosterCrowds of people watch on as the bridge is put into place (PHOTO: Danny Foster)
It has been paid for using grant funding secured from the central government through the Transforming Cities Fund.
Councillor Linda Woodings, responsible for transport, described it as “an incredible engineering feat”.
