Home Blog Page 343

Sadness as ‘dangerously unsafe’ skate park in Colwick is demolished by council

A popular skate park in Colwick has been demolished following serious health and safety concerns.

Gedling Borough Council took the decision to close the Joshua Dale Skate Park, which was built in 2013, back in February after it triggered safety concerns.

Work to remove the popular park, based off Mile End Road, took place this week and it is unlikely to be replaced for some time. It is hoped that a concrete park could replace the removed wooden facility in the future.

PICTURED: Council workers taking down the skate park earlier this week (PHOTO: Kevin Edlington-Ward)

The park was built in memory of local teenager and BMX enthusiast Joshua Dale. The 14-year-old died when he was knocked off his bike by a car in January 2012. The late teenager’s dream had been to build a skate park near his home so friends and family raised thousands of pounds to build the park.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “It is with regret that the skate park has had to be removed due to it being dangerously unsafe to use.

“The facility was built in the memory of Joshua Dale and was funded, maintained and managed by the Joshua Dale Skate Park Fund Charity supported by the Parish Council as a way to remember this young man taken from us so tragically.

“The skate park has been a very popular place for local skaters and, unfortunately, over the past few years, the park’s wooden structure has deteriorated and the charity and local Parish Council have not been able to fund the repairs.  

“The skate park was built on council land so when it was clear that the structure was no longer safe, we had to make the difficult decision to close it and now remove it. We have been in regular dialogue with the local Parish Council about the situation who were in agreement with the decision to remove it.

He added: “We will now review the site and engage with the local community to see what options there are to provide something there in the future subject to funding.”

Former Colwick councillor Meredith Lawrence is one of the trustees of the Joshua Dale Skate Park Fund charity.

He said: “Due to extreme deterioration and the prohibitive costs of maintenance over the years, the skate park has had to be demolished. The charity that manages it is considering some sort of replacement in the long term and further progress on this will be posted on our social media channels.”

Many expressed their sadness about the demolition on social media.

One local resident posted: “I’m sad to see it go and I hope something can be built in its place to keep the memory of Josh.

“It was a well-used park that brought children together. Hopefully it can be rebuilt using some council tax money and funding from local businesses.”

‘Arduous and dangerous’ walk excluding disabled people from visiting Newstead Abbey

The leader of a disability support charity says a vast number of disabled visitors are being excluded from Newstead Abbey due to poor accessibility.

Anyone who catches the bus to the historic former home of Lord Byron is faced with a two-mile round trip from the bus stop to the abbey itself.

Currently the only way to reach the abbey from its gates is to either walk or drive along a 1.3 mile-long track.

Newstead Abbey
IMAGE: Gedling Eye
PICTURED: The Abbey at one time was home to world-famous poet Lord Byron (PHOTO: British Library)

For those who do not have access to a car, or cannot pay for a taxi, their only option to visit the site is via public transport, which terminates at the abbey gates.

During Full Council on July 10, a Nottingham resident raised the issue and said the walk can be “arduous and dangerous” for people living with mobility problems.

Charlotte Throssel, who runs the Disability Support charity, agreed and said access to the site is a problem.

“To make things more accessible would increase revenue,” she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“Taxis would cost a fortune out there and not everyone has access to a car.

“It is excluding people and it is cutting off a potential revenue stream for the council.”

She further suggested the council could make mobility carts or wheelchairs available at the gates for people to use and, while the council would be hit with a cost initially, it would pay off in the long run.

Newstead Abbey dates back as far as the 12th century and was home to the poet Lord Byron from 1808-1814.

Today it is open to the public and managed by Nottingham City Council’s museums and galleries service, alongside Nottingham Castle and Wollaton Hall.

In response to the concerns raised during the meeting, Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis (Lab), who oversees the site, said there may be an opportunity to utilise vehicles similar to Nottingham Castle’s land train at Newstead Abbey in the future, subject to funding.

“As part of the redevelopment of Nottingham Castle the project was able to acquire the land train,” he said.

“To date we do not have plans or funding to purchase similar vehicles for Newstead Abbey and Wollaton Hall, this is all subject to funding I am afraid.

“As we include new operation of the land train at the castle and better understand its usage and limitations, this might be something that in the future we want to expand to other sites.

“We obviously have to have a business case for this and look at practicalities and cost effective operations, but this is something we are looking at.

“For some I do appreciate the walk from the bus stop to the Abbey is a long one and I will ask for options in the short term that might be able to be used for people with mobility issues in particular.”

Under newly-released proposals the council is also looking to get planning permission to expand the abbey’s toilets into the staff offices to increase their size and make them more accessible for those using wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Punks embrace power of steam at Papplewick Pumping Station annual festival

There were top hats, big skirts, dials and goggles galore as festival-goers turned back the clock to the age of steam last weekend.

The annual Steampunk festival returned in style to Papplewick Pumping Station, with music, dancing and fashion of the era taking centre stage.

Large crowds flocked to Britain’s finest Victorian fresh water pumping station over the two days for the event hosted by Magician Greg Chapman.

The two-day event at Rigg Lane, Ravenshead featured music from Victor & The Bully, Professor Elemental as well as world renowned Lydia Kavina performing with the Theremin.

With over 30 stalls, a Lincoln Green Brewing Company beer tent, tea duelling, snail racing, badge making and some of the best steampunk traders in the midlands the event is always in Steampunk calendars every year.

All photos courtesy of Facebook

The pumping station has recently been awarded a share of a pot of £58.8 million which will see arts venues transformed, upgraded and created as part of the government’s plans to make sure everyone, no matter where they live, can access the UK’s world-renowned culture.

The site was placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk list last year.

Papplewick Pumping Station
PICTURED: Papplewick Pumping Station (IMAGE: Papplewick Association)

Further details and images of the event as well as contact details for Papplewick Pumping Station can be found on Papplewick Pumping Stations facebook page HERE.

Papplewick Pumping Station can be found at Rigg Lane, Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire, NG15 9AJ.

Post Offices step up to fill high street banking void

The monthly Post Office Cash Tracker across the 11,500 branch network has illustrated the continuing reliance that small businesses and individuals place on being able to quickly and securely deposit and withdraw cash at Post Office branches.

New figures have revealed that cash transactions totalled £3.35bn at Post Offices in June – the highest level since last September (£3.35 billion, September 2022). Cash transactions were up partially month-on-month (£3.33 billion, May 2023).

Netherfield ‘s Its Inn The Bank landlord David Murphy said: “Its no surprise – I used to queue for 20 minutes at the Netherfield HSBC, then that closed and I had to drive to Arnold for the same poor service until that closed.

“Now I do my banking 20 yards away at Netherfield Post Office, Ketan the Post Master is amazing and I’m in and out in less than ten minutes.

“With no other banking facilities in Netherfield I would assume that all of the local businesses around here are doing the same”

The record cash transactions at Post Office branches have been driven by continued bank branch closures, highlighting the importance of Post Offices within communities. Since 2015, a total of 5,632 banks and building societies have closed or are scheduled to close and over 500 bank branch closures have been announced for 2023 so far.

Post Office has partnerships with over 30 banks, building societies and credit unions meaning that 99% of UK bank customers can access their accounts at their Post Office branch.

Martin Kearsley, Post Office Banking Director, said: “Postmasters continuing to handle well over £3 billion each month demonstrates just how vital being able to deposit and withdraw cash securely and conveniently is for millions of people. These figures clearly show that Britain is anything but a cashless society and people are reliant on cash as the tried and tested way to manage a budget.”

Between 01 July 2022 and 30 June 2023, Post Office collected a total of £1,878,547.50 for long-affiliated charities BBC Children in Need and the Disasters Emergency Committee. In addition to the national charities, many Postmasters also fundraise for causes important to them and their communities, all through their Post Office branch. Over 80% of all donations were made in cash, highlighting the important role cash plays in charitable giving.

Kearsley added: “I am delighted that despite the cost-of-living crisis, our wonderful customers continue to dig deep, giving close to £2million in donations through Post Office branches for the charities we support over the last year. With over 80% of those donations coming in as cash and coin, this shows just how important cash is to supporting charities and making sure everyone can provide financial donations to charities, however they want to pay.”

Further details are available Post Office Corporate HERE.

The planned roadworks and road changes in Gedling borough

A number of roadworks, and changes to the roads, are set to take place on Gedling borough’s roads during the next few weeks.

The roadworks and road changes include things such as speed alterations, repair works and changing the layout of the roads. 

Most of the roadworks are being undertaken by Nottinghamshire County Council while a couple are being led by Severn Trent Water, Virgin Media and O2

These are the roadworks and closures you need to know about

Church Lane, Arnold

12 July – 13 July

Delays likely due to road closure

Works location: from outside entrance of turning for St. Mary’s Church to junction of Church Street

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Linby Lane, Linby

12 July

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Arnold Lane, Gedling

18 July – 21 July

Responsibility for works: O2 (UK) Limited

Burton Road, Carlton

13 July – 14 July

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Current status: Advanced planning

Works reference: LB9081101-000013412358

Roadwork_Gedling

Church Road, Burton Joyce

11 July – 13 July

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: LB9081101-000013411818

Orchard Grove, Arnold

14 July – 21 July

Road closure due to large scale bespoke c/w patching repairs –

Works location: Full length of road

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Shearing Hill, Gedling

12 July – 13 July

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Arnot Hill Road, Arnold

18 July – 19 July

Installing a interactive speed warning sign

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Lowdham Lane, Woodborough

12 July – 14 July

Roadworks, Delays possible

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: LB9081101-000013381368

Main Street, Calverton

18 July – 21 July

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Mapperley Plains, Arnold

17 July – 17 July

Forestry Maintenance Works- tree care/felling works

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Mill Lane, Bestwood Village

17 July

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Nottingham Road, Burton Joyce

15 July

Roadworks, Delays possible

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Renals Way, Calverton

11 July – 14 July

Roadworks, Delays possible

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Sandfield Road, Arnold

13 July

Responsibility for works: Openreach

Spring Lane, Lambley

17 July – 18 July

Roadworks, Delays possible

Construction of hard standing area for bus stop

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Trent Valley Road, Netherfield

14 July

Delays possible due to lane closure at the traffic signals Junction of Colwick Loop Road / GTI A612

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Westdale Lane West, Mapperley

13 July

Description: To remove damaged pole and replace with a new pole.

Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Wollaton Avenue, Gedling

11 July – 14 July

Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

New jewellery store aims to bring the bling to Netherfield

A new town centre jewellery shop is aiming to bring the bling to Netherfield.

Triant opened yesterday (10) on Meadow Road and has been set up by local couple William Cartwright and Joanne Thompson-Clark.

Their new shop provides a range of jewellery, gifts and accessories to shoppers, specialising in personalised pieces whether it’s a children’s fidget bracelet with their name, or an exclusive one off design.

The couple commenced their jewellery business journey nearly five years ago when they started trading online in paracord bracelets and similar lower cost items.

Pictured: William and Joanne of Triant PHOTO: Gedling Eye

Very quickly they realised that people loved what they did and they expanded their range and started selling at Christmas markets and local markets, while continuing to sell online at Amazon, Ebay and ETSY.

Joanne said: “In 2021 we moved into an office / workspace at Kestrel Business Centre on Colwick Industrial Estate as the business was expanding and progressing so it was an obvious next step for us.

“Since then the business has just grown and grown and we have continued to expand our range.

Pictured: The interior of Triant PHOTO: Gedling Eye

“Living just 5 minutes walk away we seen this unit become vacant and it was the perfect next step for us”

The couple have been living in Netherfield nearly four years and William said: “We love the community in Netherfield and they have made us feel so welcome. David Murphy from the It’s Inn the Bank pub a few doors down gave us chocolate cake to welcome us over the weekend.”

The business has a large range of of custom jewellery, gifts and accessories that they make and the team are are happy to work with any ideas and designs that visitors may have.

Pictured: The interior of Triant PHOTO: Gedling Eye

Triant are also intending to start body piercing from September when they have decorated the back room and will also then be stocking a wide range of body jewellery.

Triant can be found in the heart of Netherfield on Meadow Road.

Sounds like it was a big success: Mapperley silent disco raises lots of cash for community centre

A large crowd of music fans flocked to an outside disco in Mapperley on Saturday (8) – but neighbours had no cause for noise complaints.

The sold out silent disco event was held in Haywood Community Centre Garden and takes place at the site each year.

The disco started back in 2017 and each year raises proceeds towards the running of the Haywood Road Community Centre – a much valued community centre run by dedicated volunteers.

There was something for everyone with revellers being able to switch between three DJs playing disco, old skool, cheesy pop, rock, reggae, rave, indie, R & B and drum & bass.

Residents in Mapperley celebrated back in 2020 when the council handed them the keys to Haywood Road Community Centre after they successfully fought to save it from closure.

Comments on the centre’s facebook social channel included:

“Brilliant community event, & fabulous atmosphere. Big thanks to the organisers”

“We had the best time, thank you everyone involved” 

“It was totally worth it for the massive smiles from everyone… a little thunder storm ain’t gonna stop Mapperley dancing!”

Early indications are that the event raised almost £2400 for the community centre.

Haywood Road Silent Disco 2023 – All Pics courtesy of facebook

Haywood Road Community Centre is a charity run by volunteers. The centre is home to a wide range of community groups and societies as well as Haywoood Road Pre-School during the week, and the venue for children’s parties and community events during the weekend.

The building is surrounded by garden areas and is alongside Haywood Road Green. Rooms are available for hire and inside there is one large and one small function room along with two kitchens.

Further details regarding the centre and event can be accessed via their facebook account HERE or via their website HERE.

Mapperley MasterChef champion Laurence Henry launches ‘exciting’ new dining experience

Nottingham finer dining restaurant, Cleaver & Wake, has launched an exciting new dining experience set to take foodies on an experiential culinary journey from the second they set foot inside the popular canalside restaurant.

Gedling Borough’s Laurence Henry, chef patron at Cleaver & Wake, won MasterChef: The Professionals in 2018.

Laurence grew up and still lives in Mapperley and was the youngest ever finalist and one of the youngest ever MasterChef winners when he appeared on the TV show in 2018,

The new immersive gastronomic experience includes a range of special touches that call upon all five senses, and features a blend of culinary alchemy with bold and exciting pairings that champion the best seasonal produce from across the British Isles.

Diners won’t find traditional restaurant dishes on the menu. Instead, several of the Cleaver & Wake dishes are shrouded in mystery, with all guests presented with an amuse bouche featuring secret ingredients upon entry, served from the stunning restaurant’s open pass.

Pictured: Amuse Bouche (PHOTO: Cartwright Communications)

Other menu items include heirloom tomato salad, burrata ice cream and wet almond served with olive and verjus; beef fillet served with summer cabbage, textures of onion and bordelaise sauce; and lamb gratin served with fermented white asparagus, black garlic, lovage and sauce vierge. 

Laurence said: “Cleaver & Wake has always been about providing diners with an exceptional dining experience that puts fantastic food and tantalising tastes centre stage, but we’ve decided to go one step further with our new offering.

Pictured: Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrato Ice Cream (PHOTO: Cartwright Communications)

“Our new elevated dining experience will take diners on the ultimate culinary journey and is sure to get people talking, and for me, that’s what it’s all about. Food is so emotive and should be enjoyed and experienced, not just eaten, so we’ve worked hard to tap into that, and create a concept that features some really special surprises and an exciting treat for the senses.”

The new set menu will cost £75 or £85 with dessert. Sweet options include the white chocolate and strawberry parfait served with macerated strawberries, sable biscuit and strawberry meringue and the mango parfait served with fragrant rice, finger lime, coriander and Alphonso mango sorbet.

Pictured: Lamb Canon (PHOTO: Cartwright Communications)

Launched last September, Cleaver & Wake has made a name for itself both in Nottingham and on the national stage, bringing diners in on the theatre of each dish being made, with guests able to see Laurence Henry and his team of chefs create magic in the open-pass kitchen.

The new dining experience will replace the venue’s previous à la carte menu, and is available now.

Laurence added: “This is dining done the Cleaver & Wake way, with creative pairings, captivating flavours and the best quality ingredients around. We can’t wait to share the new Cleaver & Wake experience with diners over the coming weeks.”

Pictured: Raspberry Souffle (PHOTO: Cartwright Communications)

Cleaver & Wake has also shown its support for the next generation of hospitality leading lights, with an interactive careers event hosted in partnership with the Springboard Charity. 

Laurence said at the time: “This event was a particularly special one for me as many of the students who attended reminded me of myself when I was just starting out. It was great to be able to share my story with them while highlighting the many benefits of a career in hospitality.”

To find out more about Cleaver & Wake visit: https://www.cleaverandwake.com/

He has previously volunteered his time to give patients at a Mapperley hospice a fine dining experience.

Throughout the day, the students also participated in a variety of challenges, tours, and inspirational talks from experienced individuals in the industry.

Laurence Henry, chef patron at Cleaver & Wake, said: “This event was a particularly special one for me as many of the students who attended reminded me of myself when I was just starting out. It was great to be able to share my story with them while highlighting the many benefits of a career in hospitality.

“Getting young adults involved in hands-on workshops, from live cooking sessions to interactive service runs, really brings to life how vibrant and varied the hospitality sector is. It has so many opportunities that many pe

Pictured: Masterchef 2018 Masterchef winner, Laurence Henry (PHOTO: Cartwright Communications)

To find out more about Cleaver & Wake visit: https://www.cleaverandwake.com/#

Carlton Town embraces future by enabling fans to use Bitcoin to buy matchday tickets, food and drink

A football club has announced it will be accepting matchday payments in digital currency during the new season.

Carlton Town will accept Bitcoin from fans buying tickets, food and drink at their stadium on Stoke Lane as an alternative to card and cash.

Digital payments will start being accepted from this weekend when the club hosts a massive pre-season game against Merthyr Town.

The club said they are hoping the decision to accept Bitcoin will help attract ‘a different audience’.

They said the only difference customers will see is the creation of a separate terminal accepting Bitcoin for matchday entry to the ground.

The latest statement and news can be read on the Millers website HERE

Carlton man charged after multiple thefts from Co-op store in Mapperley

A suspect from Carlton has been charged in connection with a string of 14 shop thefts as police continue efforts to crack down on retail crime.

A 33-year-old man was arrested in the Carlton area last Tuesday (4) by officers investigating raids at the Co-op store in Westdale Lane West, Mapperley, between February 11 and 2 July 2023.

Daniel Whitchurch, aged 33, of Portland Road, Carlton, was subsequently released on conditional bail and is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on July 20 2023.

PICTURED: Nottingham Magistrates’ Court (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

Inspector Mark Stanley, district commander for Gedlingsaid: “We know the costly impact shoplifting can have on our local communities and businesses.

“I would like to reassure our local retailers that we will continue to proactively target those who commit offences of this nature, and we will continue to offer our support to local businesses to protect them from shop theft and to prevent and drive down this kind of criminality.”