A charity champion from Mapperley who set up a project to combat youth loneliness was invited to Downing Street by Gedling MP Tom Randall.
Local resident Damian Reynolds formed the Wolfpack Project to support those feeling alone.
In recognition of his work, Gedling’s Tom Randall MP invited him to a reception at 10 Downing Street to meet Stuart Andrew, the Minister for Civil Society.
Speaking after the reception, Mr Randall said: “Founded in 2019 by Damien Reynolds; The Wolfpack Project was established to combat youth loneliness. As a result of his own experience of loneliness, Damien set up the charity in his hometown of Nottingham and it now supports young adults in Gedling and across Nottingham.
“Thank you Damien and everyone involved with The Wolfpack Project for all you do to support Gedling residents.”
A talented teenager from Buron Joyce is taking to the stage as part of a major production later this year.
13-year-old Freddie Vokes is an accomplished young pianist and harpist from Burton Joyce.
It’s been an amazing couple of weeks for Freddie, during which he has not only become the youth Mayor of Gedling, but has also been awarded the lead child role of Jeremy in the upcoming Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal in October (25 – 28).
Freddie is already training in the West End having won a scholarship and travels to London every Sunday to spend up to six hours with West End professionals.
Pictured: Freddie ready for action with the RAF Cadets (PHOTO: Courtesy of Sarah Vokes)
Freddie’s mother Sarah said: “I am so happy that a boy that does so much for charity and other people finally gets to live his dream!”
The teenager also currently has an annual scholarship to the Pixie Lott Performing Arts Academy.
Freddie said: “My dream of being in a professional musical theatre production has finally come true!
“I couldn’t have done it without the continued support from the local council (Gedling Borough Council) as well as my amazing London scholarship from MX Masterclass and all the amazing teachers along the way that have helped me to get where I am today”
Freddie’s list of accomplishments continues to grow, a few of which are listed below:
The Burton Joyce teenager has appeared in the video ‘Mixed Emotions’ by English rock band You Me at Six, available here.
Freddie is in the RAF cadets and he was selected to be involved in the RAF band camp and then put on a performance at RAF Cranwell on April 7.
He will be performing again on August 19 in Lincoln Cathedral.
PICTURED: Singer Pixie Lott, left, with Burton Joyce teenager Freddie Vokes, right
Freddie is also having a documentary made about him in regards to being a male harpist and having dyspraxia.
Last March (2022), Freddie was shocked to see the scenes unfolding in Ukraine and decided to take action. He started arranging live streaming concerts and raised over £1000 towards the Ukraine appeal. As a result of this charity work, he was awarded the 2022 Young Achiever Award at the Pride of Gedling Awards, sponsored by Gedling Eye & This is Gedling sponsored.
Following the Pride of Gedling Awards Freddie joined the Gedling Borough Youth Council and is now the youth Mayor of Gedling.
Pictured: Freddie with Stuart Epps (PHOTO: Courtesy of Sarah Vokes)
Freddie has recently professionally recorded his own music, written by himself to highlight mental health. In doing so he recorded with Stuart Epps who has worked closely with the likes of Elton John, Oasis and Led Zeppelin during an amazing career.
Freddie’s latest fundraiser is for the Teenage Cancer Trust and has a Just Giving page set up – you can access this by searching for ‘Freddie Vokes’ on https://www.justgiving.com/
For those who would like to see Freddie live at the theatre Royal, tickets and further details regarding the show can be accessed HERE
A builder is looking to demolish his inherited family home as part of plans to develop four new “bespoke” properties on a site near Gedling Access Road.
Mr J Gratton-Fisher, who owns a local building company, has submitted plans to build four new homes at number 313 Mapperley Plains.
According to planning documents submitted to Gedling Borough Council, the current property was Mr Gratton-Fisher’s childhood home and was occupied by his father until he died in 2021.
PICTURED: The Gedling Access Road now known as Colliery Way
The dormer bungalow will have to be demolished to make way for the development, which the applicant says will help the council meet its housing targets.
“Mr Gratton-Fisher, together with his sister Jill, have now inherited the property, and rather than simply putting the house on the market, Mr Gratton-Fisher wishes to redevelop the site himself to provide a number of high-quality bespoke dwellings,” planning documents say.
“Mr Gratton-Fisher is a builder by trade and it is his intention that his local building company would build out the scheme.”
The development site sits under half a mile from Colliery Way, formerly known as the Gedling Access Road.
A new driveway will be built off Mapperley Plains to provide access to the four new properties.
Documents, prepared by IBA Planning Limited, add: “It is clear that the council’s Local Plan relies on both allocations and windfall sites in order to meet its identified housing needs.
“Moreover, the council’s housing delivery rate is currently only at 85 per cent and so there is clearly an identified need for additional housing in the borough.
“In this case, the built-up area of Nottingham is tightly constrained on all sides by the Green Belt, which makes it particularly important for efficient use of land to be made within that part of Nottingham which falls within Gedling Borough.
“The provision of four new dwellings on the site would represent the more efficient use of under-utilised land to help meet identified needs for housing where land supply is constrained and there is a need for available sites within the main built-up area to be used more effectively.”
Images of the proposed development have been drawn up by Nottingham-based DL Design Studio.
The images show the homes will have pitched, dark slate roofs to reflect what is currently found in the area.
They will be built using grey bricks with bronze-coloured metallic window frames and timber cladding “to break up side elevations and make the entrances feel softer and more welcoming”.
Documents suggest the buildings will be contemporary in nature but respectful of the current properties in the area.
Director Dan Lacey said: “We’ve got to give credit to a brave client as it’s great to work on a residential project which is driven by design quality as much as deliverability.”
The future of a Nottinghamshire maze and outdoor cinema site in Arnold still hangs in the balance after a planning decision was delayed.
The Notts Maze is run by a local family in Lime Lane.
But the site is facing closure after applying for retrospective planning permission from Gedling Borough Council. The site has been open for four years and is in the green belt.
PICTURED: Ed Hammond
The council says the owners had not previously sought planning permission but have “continued to increase activities at the site”.
The application was recommended for refusal by the authority’s planning officers.
Gedling Borough Council said it has received “regular complaints” about the site relating to noise and anti-social behaviour since July 2022.
The family running the site said earlier this week they would be “heartbroken” if it had to close.
B2B run activities at the site include a seasonal maize maze, bushcraft, laser quest, archery, axe throwing and an outdoor cinema which “make the most of the natural environment”.
The business employs around 45 people a year.
More than 2,000 people signed a petition in support of saving the activity site.
Farmer and land owner Ed Hammond said during a Gedling Borough Council planning meeting on April 26: “We are a local farming family that has been farming in Arnold since 1901.
“Agricultural subsidisations are coming to an end, something I believe serves no purpose in today’s family climate.
“Diversification is essential for farm businesses to address this legacy.
“We work voluntarily with the Scouts creating woodland, with Nottingham University showing students how we farm and the wildlife trust.
“As a business, we are committed to diversification to provide a public good.
“Working with operators such as Back2Basics and Into The Forest provides a means of opening up this private land to the public to enable recreation, exercise and fun.”
Kevin Cartwright, principle planning officer for Gedling Borough Council, said: “The main issue for consideration is the impact on openness in the green belt.
“Outdoor sport and recreation use may be considered appropriate in the green belt provided it preserves openness.
“It is considered that the access track, car parking and ancillary structures impact openness.
“The very special circumstances advanced by the applicant are not considered to outweigh the harm to the green belt.”
Cllr Paul Wilkinson (Lab) proposed that the application was deferred to “find a solution that works for everybody”.
He said: “To my mind, there is no doubt that the activities themselves on this site are popular and beneficial.
“I do have concerns about the ancillary structures and the car park. I would find it difficult to support the application as it stands.
“However I do feel that there is a solution to be found here, I do think work can be done to find a compromised solution that will work for both the green belt policy, the applicant and the borough.”
Cllr Sam Smith (Con) said: “I am usually against green belt development but if there is anywhere you can do outdoor activity, it is here.
“It is private land and the applicant is trying to open it up for public access.
“I support the motion to delay discussing the application.”
Cllr David Ellis (Lab) added: “This is a very complicated proposal.
“I think there’s scope for a sensible compromise which preserves the green belt but allows the application to provide these activities.”
Cllr Meredith Lawrence (Lab) said: “I will support the deferment but I once say must again I am disappointed that here we have another application which is retrospective and has been going on for five years.
“All this could’ve been sorted out if planning permission had been applied for in the beginning.”
The application will be deferred to the next planning committee.
Plans to demolish a former church in Arnold and replace it with housing were turned down by councillors who said it would be a ‘travesty’ if they went ahead.
Construction company Direct Land Investment applied to knock down Beacon Baptist Church in Killisick Road and replace it with housing.
But Gedling Borough Councillors voted to refuse the application during a planning meeting on April 24.
OPPOSED: Councillor Henry Wheeler said it would be a travesty to knock down the church
The church hosted activities including after-school club, a jobs club and a Christmas fair before it closed during the pandemic.
But the building has water damage and contains asbestos, preventing it from re-opening.
Direct Land Investment submitted plans for two detached homes and six semi-detached houses with a parking court.
The applicant added “it has been demonstrated that the existing site use is no longer sustainable or viable”.
Council officers recommended the application for approval but one councillor said it would be a “travesty” if plans were approved.
A petition ‘Save Beacon Baptist Church from demolition for housing’ gained 193 signatures. Residents commented said a community hub is needed in the area.
Kevin Cartwright, principle planning officer for Gedling Borough Council, said: “The church congregations were on a decline prior to its closure and it is my understanding that they now take place at baptist churches in Daybrook and Mapperley as an alternative.
“Whilst there was interest from a number of charities and community-based organisations, there were no concrete offers.
“In 2021 the building was listed as an asset of community value. This triggered a requirement for the owner to give community interest groups the chance to express an interest.
“The interested parties were not in a position to purchase the site.”
Cllr Henry Wheeler (Lab) said: “The beacon was a very valuable community hub in Kilisick, an area with a lot of needs.
“It would be a travesty to see this turned into residential development.
“I am all for the building being demolished but I would like to see it replaced with a new community hub.
“There’s a desperate need for a community hub in that area. There is a lot of community interest in that building.
“Not enough time has been given for those charities to find that funding.
“That site has so much potential.”
He added that residential homes would “exacerbate” existing parking issues.
Cllr Rachael Ellis (Lab) added: “This is an area of considerable deprivation and this building remains an asset of community value.
“I do accept that there is a community centre next door however it is essentially a children’s centre. It means it can’t provide the services and resources that this area badly needs.
“I believe the community is working towards raising funding and they should be allowed sufficient time to bring that to fruition.”
Cllr Paul Wilkinson (Lab) said he was “deeply uncomfortable” with the application.
He said: “This is one of the most deprived communities in the borough and it is vital that appropriate resources are provided.
“We know what the Beacon site has been and what it could become again.”
Cllr Peter Barnes (Lab) added: “There’s nothing in that vicinity for kids to do activities.
“If this was made into a proper youth community centre it would get used by all the youngsters in that area.
“If we don’t start looking after the youngsters, they will finish up doing bugger all.”
Event Cinema National Theatre Live: Best of Enemies (15)– Bonington Cinema, Arnold
David Harewood (Homeland) and Zachary Quinto (Star Trek) play feuding political rivals in James Graham’s (Sherwood) multiple award-winning new drama.
In 1968 America, as two men fight to become the next president, all eyes are on the battle between two others: the cunningly conservative William F. Buckley Jr., and the unruly liberal Gore Vidal.
Nottingham Concert Band – St.Swithun’s Church, Woodborough, 7.30pm
Gedling Artists & Friends – Westdale Lane Community Centre, Mapperley, 11.00am – 4.00pm
There will be art demonstrations as well as the opportunity to purchase art work from the artists. Entry is free, limited parking available in the car park with on-street parking also available nearby, the centre is fully accessible and has disabled toilets. Refreshments will be available to purchase by local baker Sam of Betty Rose Bakes.
This event is part of the Open Studios Notts events which are held across the county during May. More information can be found here – https://www.osnotts.co.uk/ Everyone is welcome at the event, but please note that dogs are not allowed in the centre with the exception of assistance dogs.’
Remi Harris & Tom Moore – Bonington Theatre, Arnold, 7.30pm
£12 pp
Guitarist Remi Harris has been receiving rave reviews for over a decade, since emerging from the seething jazz hotspots of Herefordshire. Blessed as he is with a formidable technique and a genuine love of the music, his star is firmly in the ascendant.
‘An extraordinary musician’ (Jamie Cullum), Remi is a virtuoso whose unique style draws inspiration from artists such as Django Reinhardt, Jimi Hendrix, Wes Montgomery – one of the most influential American jazz guitarists of the twentieth century – Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac) and Led Zeppelin, and from blues specialists Stevie Ray Vaughan and Freddie King.
The NANDA award-winning Blind Eye Productions present Calendar Girls, based on the Miramax motion-picture written by Juliette Towhidi and Tim Firth. The hilarious play is based on the true story of eleven W.I. members who famously posed nude for a calendar to raise money for Leukaemia Research!
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.
It was only last month that the Lambley bus stop was transformed by Lambley Women’s Institute (WI) to celebrate Easter and the amazing Lambley WI have been busy again.
The ladies at Lambley WI have excelled themselves once again in transforming the bus stop to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.
Regular readers will know that Lambley WI are responsible for decorating the village bus shelter for major events throughout the seasons and this has generated quite a following across the borough.
Pictured: Lambley Coronation bus stop transformation (PHOTO: Courtesy of Lambley WI)
Alison Moss, Secretary, Lambley WI told Gedling Eye that they enjoy decorating the village bus shelter and seeing and hearing the reactions of the villagers, bus passengers and drivers.
Pictured: Lambley Coronation bus stop transformation (PHOTO: Courtesy of Lambley WI)
You don’t have to live in Lambley village to be a member of Lambley WI and most of the members actually don’t. Everyone is really welcome.
Pictured: Lambley Coronation bus stop transformation (PHOTO: Courtesy of Lambley WI)
Previous examples of their transformations include a Christmas theme, VE celebrations, Easter, Remembrance Day and the WI’s 70th birthday celebrations.
Pictured: Lambley Easter bus stop transformation (Courtesy of Lambley WI)
Next month (June) Lambley WI take part in the Wildlife Trusts 30 days wild throughout the month and post a photo each day on their Twitter account @LambleyWI
Pictured: Festive Lambley bus stop at Christmas (Courtesy of Lambley WI)Pictured: Lambley Bus stop celebrates 75th anniversary of VE day (Courtesy of Lambley WI)
Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 7.30 at Lambley village hall, unless it’s a bank holiday when meetings are moved back a week.
The WI has a speaker at many of their meetings, covering a wide variety of topics from gin making to guide dog puppy walking and everything in between, this is as well as craft or games nights, outings, and theatre visits.
Pictured: Lambley Remembrance Day bus stop (Courtesy of Lambley WI)
New members and visitors are always welcome to come along and make new friends.
A number of patients at a medical practice in Arnold have been told they may need to find a new doctor if they have moved out of the area.
Managers at Stenhouse Medical Centre made the request earlier today on their Facebook page.
The practice, based on Furlong Street, posted: “Over the last couple of years the number of patients registered at Stenhouse has increased considerably as has the complexity of those patients.
Pictured: Stenhouse Medical Practice (GOOGLE)
“We have to accept new patients who live within the practice area, so after taking advice, have taken the difficult decision, to ask some patients living outside the area to register elsewhere.
“These are mainly patients who live a significant distance out of the area.”
The Stenhouse Medical Centre covers parts of Arnold, Redhill and Woodthorpe.
Pictured: Stenhouse Medical Practice (GOOGLE)
The post goes on to state that the practice has a policy where existing patients who move to a new address outside the area are asked to re-register at that point, but due to the difficulties presented by the pandemic, the practice hasn’t always applied this policy.
Now patients who have moved to an address outside the area since January 2020 have now been asked to re-register.
Patients supported the decision via comments on Facebook after the post was shared.
One wrote: “I totally agree because if anyone asks for a good GP practice most folks recommend Stenhouse, which now makes it more difficult to get appointments, so good decision’
Another posted: “A good management decision.”
Full details of the statement can be accessed on the practice Facebook page HERE and further details can be found on the practice website https://www.stenhousemedicalcentre.co.uk
Tesco has announced the closure of its Arnold branch – but with a new name set to take over the premises.
Shoppers on Howbeck Road will lose their local Tesco Express when it shuts permanently on May 4.
A banner erected to the side of the premises as well as one near the entry advise Tesco shoppers that their nearest Tesco store from May 4 is Mansfield Road.
Pictured: The Tesco Express on Howbeck Road, Arnold (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
But the supermarket giant has announced the soon-to-be vacant unit will become a One Stop convenience store from May 26.
One Stop have 1,000 stores and are have been a subsidiary of Tesco since 2003. But they operate as a separate business and are a major employer with over 10,600 colleagues.
A One Stop spokesperson told Gedling Eye:“We’re hugely excited to be opening our Arnold One Stop on May 26.
“Our new store will provide customers with a wide range of great quality products and services right on their doorstep.
“We look forward to being part of the local community and are proud to make a difference in the areas we serve.”
Although hours are to be confirmed, the convenience store state on their website that stores are open seven days a week, from early in the morning to late at night.
More details about One Stop can be accessed via their website HERE
Four suspects were chased down and detained by a police dog after a high-speed pursuit following a theft from Ravenshead
Officers were called to an address in Cheriton Drive at around 9.10pm on Monday (24) after power tools were stolen from the back of a van.
A suspected stolen car travelling on cloned plates was later tracked along the A38 and pursued at high speed by multiple police cars.
After pulling onto the M1 southbound near Junction 28 the car stopped shortly after 10.10pm and multiple suspects ran from the vehicle into a neighbouring field.
One suspect was quickly chased down by Police Dog Wolf before he led his handler and other officers to three others hiding in a barn.
Three men, aged 29, 26 and 24 were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, theft from a motor vehicle, failing to stop and dangerous driving.
A 15-year-old boy was held on suspicion of the same offences and was also arrested on suspicion of carrying a knife.
All four remain in police custody.
Detective Constable Gemma Patterson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was great bit of teamwork involving multiple officers on the ground, control room staff and, of course, Police Dog Wolf.
“As a general-purpose dog, he is trained not only to use his natural speed advantage to chase people down, but also to use his nose to track people who are hidden from view.
“On this occasion he demonstrated both of these attributes and helped to deliver a really good result for the team.”
