Friends of Ravenshead C of E Primary School is a registered charity run by parent volunteers who organise school events to raise money for the school and children.
Gedling eye caught up with Amy Scrivener, Chair of the Parents, Teachers, Friends, Association (PTFA) that has raised a staggering £60,000 plus for the school over the last 5 years.
Amy said “I’ve been a Trustee on the PTFA for 4 years and I absolutely love organising school and community events to raise money for the extras for the children.
Pictured: The ‘before’ pictures of the current project (PHOTO: Amy Scrivener)
“We’ve got a really great group of parents, carers and teachers who dedicate their spare time, it really is a team effort.
“I meet with the school council and the Head of KS2 Mrs Sanders each year to get their input on what they would like us to fundraise for.
“Last year they asked for Basketball nets and it was rewarding when we were able to give the money for this from our fundraising efforts.”
Amy told us that they are incredibly fortunate to work very closely with many businesses within the area, who support them with sponsoring events or donating prizes to our raffles. Their main sponsor for his year is EMR Group LTD.
Pictured: The ‘during’ pictures of the current project (PHOTO: Amy Scrivener)
It hasn’t all been plain sailing over the last few years as a few years ago they won the NISA ‘making a difference in the community award’ which combined with money they had already raised meant they were able to renovate the Keystage 2 quad area.
They were working with a local housing development within the village at the time to come and do the work however half way through the developers sold the development which meant that they pulled out of supporting the school, which was quite devastating to everyone involved.
A few months ago the PFTA got together and designed a scaled down version of the project to fit the budget and thanks to lots of people giving up their free time to dig mud, pull out weeds, dig tree roots and lift rotten wooden plant pots they filled a builders skip. A few of parents are Joiners and they built a pergola and seating area.
Amy said “The difference we’ve been able to make in the space for the children is wonderful.
Pictured: The ‘current’ picture of the current project with more works to come (PHOTO: Amy Scrivener)
“We’ve still got a lot of work to do and the weather has hampered us a little at the minute as we need to paint it all, and then we can begin to add in the finishing touches, like plant pots, chalkboards, outdoor cushions, even a water feature!”
NEXT PROJECT
The PTFA are always thinking ahead and they have 2 year fundraising target for 2022-2024 of £24,000, with over £5,500 already raised.
They plan to renovate a neglected outdoor area next and buy outdoor equipment and ‘fixed to the playground’ exercise equipment.
Pictured: The neglected outdoor area that is next on the list for improvement (PHOTO: Amy Scrivener)
Head Teacher – Mrs Emma Johnson said to Gedling Eye that “We are extremely lucky to have such an active and involved PTFA. The PTFA arrange so many wonderful things for our children – Easter and Summer Fairs, sponsored jumps on a bouncy castle, scarecrow trail, discos and film nights.
“They even give all of the children a Christmas present! The money raised from the PTFA really helps us to provide things for the children which would be unaffordable out of the school budget.
“Recently, the PTFA have been working really hard to develop one of our outdoor quad areas into a really lovely space for the children. They have given up so much of their own time to plan and develop the area – we are incredibly grateful!”
Further information including contact details can be found on the Friends of Ravenshead C of E Primary School facebook page here.
Event Cinema:The Royal Opera House Live- The Sleeping Beauty (12A)
Sun 28 May at 2pm
The Sleeping Beauty holds a very special place in The Royal Ballet’s heart and history. It was the first performance given by the Company when the Royal Opera House reopened at Covent Garden in 1946 after World War II. In 2006, this original staging was revived and has been delighting audiences ever since. Frederick Ashton famously cited the pure classicism of Marius Petipa’s 19th-century ballet as a private lesson in the atmospheric art and craft of choreography. Be swept away by Tchaikovsky’s ravishing music and Oliver Messel’s sumptuous fairy-tale designs with this true gem from the classical ballet repertory.
BALLET Choreography – Marius Petipa Company – The Royal Ballet Music – Pyotr Il’yich Tchaikovsky
Event Cinema:Exhibition on Screen- Tokyo Stories (12A)
Tue 30 May at 7.30pm
Tue 6 June at 4.30pm
A thrilling encounter with one of the world’s great art capitals.
Based on a major exhibition at the Ashmolean in Oxford, Tokyo Stories spans 400 years of incredibly dynamic art – ranging from the delicate woodblock prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige, to Pop Art posters, contemporary photography, Manga, film, and brand-new artworks that were created on the streets.
The exhibition was a smash-hit five-star success and brought a younger and more diverse audience to the museum. The film uses the exhibition as a launchpad to travel to Tokyo itself, and explore the art and artist of the city more fully.
A beautifully illustrated and richly detailed film, looking at a city which has undergone constant destruction and renewal over its 400-year history, resulting in one of the most vibrant and interesting cities on the planet…
Catch-up Screenings: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG)
Mon 29 – Wed 31 May
From Nintendo and Illumination comes The Super Mario Bros. Movie, a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros!
A Brooklyn plumber travels through the Mushroom Kingdom with a princess named Peach and an anthropomorphic mushroom named Toad to find his brother and save the world from a ruthless fire-breathing Koopa named Bowser.
Catch-up Screenings: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (12A)
Mon 29 – Wed 31 May
Starring Academy Award® Winner Jim Broadbent as Harold and Penelope Wilton as his wife Maureen, The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry tells the story of a man who leaves his seaside town in South Devon to deliver a message to an old friend.
Extra Screenings:Event Cinema:National Theatre Live- Good (15)
Sat 3 + Sun 4 June
David Tennant (Doctor Who) makes a much-anticipated return to the West End in a blistering reimagining of one of Britain’s most powerful, political plays.
As the world faces its Second World War, John Halder, a good, intelligent German professor, finds himself pulled into a movement with unthinkable consequences.
Olivier Award-winner Dominic Cooke (Follies) directs C.P. Taylor’s timely tale, with a cast that also features Elliot Levey (Coriolanus) and Sharon Small (The Bay). Filmed live at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London.
“David Tennant is magnificent in chilling drama” Guardian ★★★★
Book Club: The Next Chapter (12A)
Sun 4 – Wed 14 June
The highly anticipated sequel follows our four best friends as they take their book club to Italy for the fun girls trip they never had. When things go off the rails and secrets are revealed, their relaxing vacation turns into a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country adventure.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret (PG)
Fri 9 – Thu 15 June
A beloved and best-selling classic comes to the big screen with Lionsgate’s adaptation of Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Starring Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, and Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret, this timeless, coming-of-age story has transcended decades and spoken to generations.
Event Cinema:The Royal Opera House Live- Il Trovatore (12A)
Tue 13 June at 7.15pm
Passions run high as Manrico and the Count di Luna compete for the affections of Leonora. Little do they know, Manrico’s mother Azucena has been keeping a terrible secret for decades. Soon a curse from the past will rise up from the ashes with devastating implications for them all. Starring Ludovic Tézier and Jamie Barton, Adele Thomas’s energetic staging sets Verdi’s tale in a Hieronymus Bosch-inspired universe of medieval superstition. Antonio Pappano conducts Verdi’s dramatic score, which features the famous ‘Anvil’ chorus.
OPERA Company – The Royal Opera Music – Giuseppe Verdi
Event Cinema:National Theatre Live- Fleabag (15)
Thu 15 – Sat 17 June
Written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag, Killing Eve) and directed by Vicky Jones, Fleabag is a rip-roaring look at some sort of woman living her sort of life. Following a box-office record-breaking run in cinemas in 2019, the one-woman show returns to cinemas to the big screen this summer.
Fleabag may seem oversexed, emotionally unfiltered and self-obsessed, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With family and friendships under strain and a guinea pig café struggling to keep afloat, Fleabag suddenly finds herself with nothing to lose.
The hilarious, award-winning play that inspired the BBC’s hit TV series Fleabag, was filmed live on stage in London’s West End in 2019.
‘Witty, filthy and supreme.’ ★★★★★ Guardian
Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) in Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation’s SPIDER-MAN™: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE (PART ONE).
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (12A)
Fri 16 – Thu 22 June
Miles Morales returns for the next chapter of the Spider-Verse saga, an epic adventure that will transport Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man across the multiverse to join forces with Gwen Stacy and a new team of Spider-People to face off with a villain more powerful than anything they have ever encountered.
Event Cinema:Exhibition on Screen- Vermeer (12A)
Mon 19 – Thu 22 June
In the spring of 2023, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam will open its doors to the largest Vermeer exhibition in history.
With loans from across the world, this major retrospective will bring together Vermeer’s most famous masterpieces including Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Geographer, The Milkmaid, The Little Street, Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid, and Woman Holding a Balance.
This new Exhibition on Screen film invites audiences to a private view of the exhibition, accompanied by the director of the Rijksmuseum and the curator of the show. A truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! As well as bringing Vermeer’s works together, both the Rijksmuseum and the Mauritshuis in the Hague have conducted research into Vermeer’s artistry, his artistic choices and motivations for his compositions, as well as the creative process behind his paintings.
Double Bill Screening:Midsommar (18) + The Wicker Man: 4k 50th Anniversary Release (18)
Fri 23 June at 6pm
Widely regarded as one of the best British horror films, The Wicker Man very nearly sank into obscurity shortly after being made. The story concerns a devout Christian police officer’s journey to a remote Scottish island to investigate the case of a missing child. He instead finds a community that has renounced Christianity in favour of pagan fertility rites.
The second part of our double bill will be Ari Aster’s modern folk-horror masterpiece Midsommar.
“A magnificent folk-horror tale” Guardian ★★★★★
Wicker Man: The Final Cut (50th Anniversary 4K Restoration) Directed by Robin Hardy With Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward, Britt Ekland
Midsommar Directed by Ari Aster With Florence Pugh
Cinema prices are very competitive, with tickets at £6.80, and concessions at £5.80. Concessions are open to those Under 18, Students with valid student ID, and over 60s. Tickets for 16-25 Year Old’s are £4 via a free membership here- Young Person’s Membership – The Bonington (boningtontheatre.co.uk)
Event Cinema is priced separately. Please see website for details.
A drug dealer stopped in the street with bags of cocaine and bundles of cash in his pockets has been jailed.
Martin Spencer was spotted in a car behaving suspiciously by police on patrol in Queen’s Bower Road, Arnold, at around 7.10pm on October 29, 2021.
When the 31-year-old got out of the vehicle in nearby Mildenhall Crescent, officers stopped him and carried out a search.
They found 11 bags of white powder, more than £500 in cash and two mobile phones.
Spencer, of Morrell Bank, Bestwood, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession of criminal property and possession with intent to supply cocaine on 8 December 2022.
He was jailed for two years and eight months at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday (25 May).
Police Constable Zoe East, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This is another good example of why we carry out stop and searches when we spot suspicious behaviour while on patrol.
“Spencer was caught red-handed with drugs and his ill-gotten cash in his pockets.
“It is always good news when we can put drug dealers behind bars and take drugs off the streets.
“Criminals like Spencer bring misery and suffering to our communities and vulnerable people. I’d like to reassure them we will not let up our efforts as a force to bring these sort of individuals to justice for their crimes.
“Everyone has a part to play in fighting drug crime and I would encourage anyone with suspicions of drug dealing to call us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”
Many of our readers will know the beautiful old Midland Bank building on the corner of Nottingham and Mansfield Road in Daybrook.
The Midland bank stopped operating there many years ago with the latest occupiers being a security company however the building is currently undergoing renovations for it’s newest occupiers – Blue Stamp Travel.
Blue Stamp Travel are an ABTA and ATOL accredited Tour Operator specialising in educational travel for school groups and individual language learners of all ages.
PHOTO: Blue Stamp Travel
Established in 2018 having taken on two divisions of Halsbury Travel, another Nottingham tour operator, Blue Stamp enjoyed two years before the pandemic and then, of course, a very quiet period.
Since travel has opened up after Covid, Blue Stamp have increased the number of students travelling significantly above pre-pandemic number, and as a result, are now leaving their office at Business HQ in Carrington and moving to 2 Nottingham Road, best known in its former life as as the Midland Bank building.
The building, currently listed under the name of the previous occupiers as the address, will affectionately be known as “The Old Bank” having been granted permission by Gedling planning departments to change the name.
A spokesperson for Blue Stamp Travel told Gedling Eye that before finally moving into the premises, there are a lot of renovations to be carried out.
They have advised that fortunately, Nottingham Trent University have been very helpful in supporting the project through a Carbon Reduction Grant meaning that a solar PV installation, replacement LED lighting and enhanced glazing and skylights can be installed to improve the energy efficiency and quality of the building.
PHOTO: Blue Stamp Travel
The remainder of the works will be carried out over the next month or so using local trades and suppliers wherever possible.
The business works with partner language schools across France, Germany, Spain and Italy, they provide opportunities for language students to travel and immerse themselves in the language and culture of the country students visit. Coupled with Work Experience placements, Blue Stamp provide a unique menu of opportunities.
Despite being a prominent building in the area, in the shadows of the Home Brewery and T&R Morley building, the new owners, Steve and Vicky Manderson, Directors of Blue Stamp Travel, know little of the original history of the building other than its former life as a bank and have appealed on local facebook groups for anyone who knows the building or who may have old photos to get in touch.
Further information about Blue Stamp Travel including contact details can be found on their website https://www.bluestamptravel.com/
The Ravenshead sorting office may yet be closed down despite a community petition staving off former closure plans. Postmen were originally told that they would be relocated Mansfield in March, but a 600-signature-strong petition kept them put.
The petition has now reached 2000 signatures, but the postmistress has said that they still do not know their future yet in spite of this. If the sorting office is closed, it could have a snowball impact on the post office.
Postmistress Charlotte Clark said: “It’ll affect us financially if we lost the sorting office, and as time goes on the post office could close. At the time of the prospective closure, there had been no prior communication from Royal Mail. Our postmen were told they were going to move on a certain date.
“At the minute our postmen are still at Ravenshead but we don’t know if they will be moving still. We’re hoping that the postmen will stay here.”
Charlotte also mentioned how the support of village residents and particularly the elderly had been crucial to maintaining the sorting office so far.
“The thing is its the centre of their community, the elderly, they all come in here. They’ve been brilliant and they’re all behind us.”
A relocation to Mansfield would be part of plans on Royal Mail’s part to save costs. However, it woud result in greater travel for workers, and people who miss their parcels would have to travel further to claim them.
Royal Mail did not give anyone at the sorting office prior notice that they would be moving in their original plans.
A spokesperson for the Nottingham branch of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) said: “The move has been parked but it has not gone away.
“Every little village SPDO (scale payment delivery office) is at risk. We don’t like that they are trying to close them. They’re even trying to get rid of the offices in the main villages.
“Royal Mail are trying to get rid of the personal touch, they seem to want to worsen the service. They are more concerned with profit rather than community.
“If the office at Ravenshead was taken away then that post office might not be able to be maintained as they aren’t generating money. all of a sudden they lose a post office and the community loses out.”
KH Hair in Arnold is celebrating after scooping an impressive five accolades at this year’s KH Hair Award ceremony.
The much-anticipated event took place on May 21 at Metronome in Nottingham city centre, where KH Hair’s 200+ staff came together to celebrate individual and team achievements from the Group’s 21 salons which are situated across the East Midlands.
KH Hair Group’s managing director, Darren Messias, began the proceedings by acknowledging 12 individuals for their long service to the company before 25 awards were handed out to this year’s top teams and individuals.
Pictured: 3rd Year Award – KH Hair Arnold’s Amelia Krazinski (PHOTO Toast PR)
Arnold apprentice, Amelia Krazinski, was presented with the 3rd Year Training Award and Elizabeth O’Neil was recognised for 30 years of loyalty to the Group with an Outstanding Service Award.
Afterwards the whole team at KH Hair Arnold took to the stage to receive the Salon Clients Award, one of two Marketing Awards (sponsored by Toast PR), and one of the most hotly-fought competitions of the evening, The Image of the Year Award.
Salon director, Dawn Bramhall said: “We really do have the best team, and we are so proud of them all. This annual event is a fantastic opportunity to get together with the rest of the KH Hair family and celebrate all we have achieved.
We are overwhelmed to have won so many awards across the board. A massive thank you to the team and to our wonderful clients who continue to support us. We are so very grateful to you all.”
The most sought after accolade of the night, Salon of the Year, was awarded to KH Hair in Mansfield for an exemplary performance in customer service, turnover and retail sales.
The team at KH Hair’s Castlegate salon were equally delighted as they also received a total of five awards including the Salon Highest Turnover Award and two individual accolades for style director, Steve McEntee. The Group’s Beeston and Sutton in Ashfield salons were also handed awards for their achievements.
During the evening, guests were entertained by The Noise Next Door, the UK’s premier improv’ comedy troupe who have sold out the Edinburgh Fringe Festival an impressive twelve times.
Taking audience suggestions and transforming them into fantastically funny scenes and songs, the cheeky and charming quartet delivered a perfect blend of ludicrous characters, witty one-liners and explosive physicality, leaving their audience crying with laughter.
Pictured: The whole team at KH Hair Arnold receiving the Salon Clients Award PHOTO: Toast PR
Following the show, guests were invited to enjoy a selection of food and drink in the atrium while the main room was transformed into a disco where the guests were able to dance the night away to end a perfect evening of recognition and celebration.
Commenting on the event, Group MD Darren, said: “Our KH Hair Awards are always the highlight of the year for us as a company It’s the only time all 21 salons get together to recognise and celebrate individual and team achievements which we feel are so important to acknowledge.
We find the awards create great motivation within our salons and it’s a fantastic opportunity to catch up with the whole KH Hair family. Many congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all our teams for your hard work and support over the past year.”
KH Hair & Beauty is located at 10-14 High St, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 7DZ and can be contacted via their website https://kharnold.co.uk/
Team Redhill mathematicians once again took on teams from across the East Midlands to show they know their calculus from their algebra and their trigonometry from their geometry.
When all the scores were counted Team Redhill had won – beating the high school on their home turf.
The win was extra special as it meant that Team Redhill were Maths champions for the second year in a row!
The academy described the event and the team’s amazing achievement on their facebook page as follows –
“This year Team Redhill pulled out an early lead – opening up a six-point gap by halftime.
“After a half time break and refreshments, consisting of squash and biscuits, they resumed the challenge into the second half.
“The team were challenged deep into round 4 by the High School and Teams from Derby and Tuxford, who stole overall wins in rounds three and four.
“However, the points accumulated in the first half had laid the foundations for the win as the points difference was too great for others to overcome and Team Redhill managed to pull it out of the bag to secure first place!
“Congratulations to the winning team and please say well done if you know any of the students involved, they should be extremely proud I know we are!”
Further information regarding Redhill Academy can be found on their facebook page here or via their website www.theredhillacademy.org.uk
Nottinghamshire County Council have released a statement regarding the discovery of avian flu in birds less than five miles from Gedling borough’s border with Newark and Sherwood District.
The statement reads as follows:
Residents are being urged not to touch or pick up dead or sick birds after three more cases of avian flu have been confirmed in wild birds in Nottinghamshire.
The latest cases were discovered in three black-headed gulls in Thurgarton, following five confirmed cases in wild birds that were found near the River Idle in Newington earlier in May.
The public is advised not to touch or pick up any dead or sick birds that they find.
Avian Influenza is in no way connected to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is not carried in poultry.
Wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter months can carry the disease and this can lead to cases in poultry and other captive birds, so it is vital to not allow wild birds to mix with chickens, ducks, geese or other birds.
Black-headed Gull PHOTO: NCC
Following these latest confirmed cases, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards team is issuing advice and working with Newark and Sherwood District Council and other partner agencies to reduce the risk of the spread of the disease.
Since April 2023 it has been a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to follow strict biosecurity measures in order to limit the spread of the disease. These measures apply to all bird keepers, whether they own pet birds, a few chickens or a full commercial flock.
Strict biosecurity measures include regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothing and vehicles when entering or exiting sites and limiting access to non-essential workers or visitors. These measures will be kept under regular review as part of the government’s work to protect flocks.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that although the risk to human health from the virus is very low, people can catch bird flu via direct contact with a live or dead bird carrying the virus, or via direct contact with bird faeces from a bird carrying the virus. Therefore, it is vital that anyone spotting any sick or dead birds does not touch them and that they contact the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
It is important to stress however that humans cannot catch bird flu via airborne particles. Food standards bodies also advise that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. There is no impact on the consumption of properly cooked poultry products including eggs.
Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for Communities at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The discovery of dead birds is always upsetting and the news that they have tested positive for avian flu will obviously be of concern to residents and visitors, however the risk of the disease transferring from birds to humans is considered to be very low. That said, it is important that people do not touch any sick or dead birds and I would also urge people not to feed any swans and geese, particularly around Thurgarton and the River Idle in Newington, as feeding encourages them to congregate and that increases the risk of the disease spreading.
“As well as issuing an appeal for the public not to touch or move dead birds, I am also asking dog owners to keep their pets away from them.”
Anyone who finds dead wild waterfowl (swans, geese or ducks) or other dead wild birds, such as gulls or birds of prey should report them to the DEFRA helpline (03459 33 55 77).
Bird keepers should report suspicion of disease in England to Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. Keepers should familiarise themselves with avian flu advice which can be found on the gov.uk website.
Although it is optional for people with less than 50 poultry or captive birds to register their birds with Defra, they are advised to do so to ensure they get regular updates on this order.
