Buddhists have revealed that work to convert a historic Geding mansion into a mediation centre is entering the final stages and it will then be fully open to the public.
Kadampa Meditation Centre, will be based at the Grade II listed Gedling House, and they hope to be fully operational come April.
They are currently finishing off renovating the public areas with the whole ground floor being made available for public use, and will feature a meditation room, sitting rooms, and hopefully a café. The centre also plans to hold events such as the upcoming Curry and Calm night, which is taking place on April 1
The new-look entrance to the meditation centre (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
Kadampa Meditation operates over 1200 meditation centres around the world.
Jane Piper, administrative director of the Gedling centre, said: “We have been teaching some classes from here, but it has been in a limited way because of the building work. We are going to start opening for more classes soon.
“We’re just putting rooms together and things like that. We have accommodation as well, and people come for retreats.
“We’re hoping to be fully open by the beginning of April, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony as such!”
The centre has a range of activities planned, with drop-in classes that are suitable for everyone regardless of whether they subscribe to Buddhism or not. They teach people to meditate and be more relaxed, as well as how to develop positive states of mind.
Regarding the Curry and Calm event, Jane said: “We have an Indian monk and he is cooking a traditional Indian meal that is vegetarian. It will start with a meditation, and it’s an event where people can come and enjoy good food in a relaxing environment with friendly people.”
The centre has people from all walks of life attending, and Jane spoke of how they are operating a modern centre with teachings presented for a contemporary life.
“People can fit it into a family situation or a modern working life. We also want to try and go back into the community, places like Mansfield and Newark once the building work phase is over, for people who may struggle to get into the centre themselves.”
Gen Kelsang Gakyi is the resident teacher at the centre, and she has been studying Buddhism for over 30 years. From West Bridgford originally, she trained in the Lake District and previously taught in the Wirral, where Jane first met her.
The centre was previously based on Pelham Road in Sherwood, but moved to Gedling House, with owners saying it was a calmer environment away from the city centre.
Pasty fans will be delighted by the news that Greggs could be planning to sell their products from a petrol station in Arnold.
New planning documents have revealed that Greggs savouries could be made available to those filling up at Sainsbury’s Petrol Station in Arnold
We contacted Greggs to find out if their famous sausage rolls were going to be available at the petrol station in the near future, however they would neither confirm nor deny what their plans were.
A Greggs spokesperson said: “Greggs is always looking into new shop locations. While we are unable to confirm anything at the moment, we will be sure to share any information in due course.”
The planning application and additional documents submitted strongly suggest that a range of Greggs products may be available very soon at Sainsbury’s petrol station.
Pictured: Proposed signage to customer facing side of petrol station (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Council Planning)
The planning application was submitted to Gedling Borough Council for permission to erect signage at J Sainsbury Plc, Sir John Robinson Way, Daybrook.
Pictured: Sainsburys site with proposed building signage in green (Courtesy of Gedling Borough Planning)
The application was submitted by Mr Anil Fermahan of WSP acting as an agent on behalf of Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited.
The planning signage details are listed as follows :
One x updated PFS Totem sign measuring 1995mm x 5000mm x 200mm, at the entrance of the Sainsbury’s PFS; Two x bespoke ‘Greggs’ internally illuminated aluminium Buildings Sign, measuring 2500mm x 750mm x 80mm, at the front elevation and the south elevation; and One x existing ‘Sainsbury’s’ internally illuminated aluminium Flex Sign, measuring 2993mm x 450mm 2 88mm, to be repositioned from the middle of the front elevation to above the main entrance to the PFS.
A planning notice decision signed and dated March 14, accessible on the Gedling Borough Council website indicate that a NOTICE OF CONSENT TO DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENT has been approved for the applicant Mr Anil Fermahan of WSP.
Full details of planning application 2023/0039 to Gedling Borough Council can be accessed HERE
Nat Watson scored a dramatic last-minute winner as Carlton Town beat fellow relegation strugglers Grantham Town 1-0 at the Meres.
Both sides struggled to create chances in a poor encounter on a difficult playing surface, but Carlton waited to the death to produce their finest passing move of the night started by Watson himself and ending with Watson heading home a Lewis Durow cross beyond Dan Haystead to secure a vital three points for the Millers.
The win means Carlton are level on points with the Gingerbreads and only in the automatic relegation positions on goal difference. There is all to play for in the coming weeks.
PICTURED: Carlton Town manager Tommy Brookbanks (PHOTO: Twitter)
Mark Harvey and Tommy Brookbanks made two changes to the side which had picked up an excellent win at Hebburn Town last time out. Khyle Sargent came in for Lawrence Gorman and new signing Charlie Marzano replaced the Hebburn man of the match Alex Howes. Both changes were described by the managers after the game as tactical given the state of the pitch and Grantham’s anticipated style of play.
Carlton started off reasonably well and Niall Davie drew a decent save from Haystead after a neat run by Watson. But the game soon descended into a long-ball war of attrition with neither side showing any real desire to get the ball down and play it to feet, perhaps because of the pressure of the occasion or more likely because of the playing surface.
Elliott Durell had a chance for the home side on the half hour but he fired wide and shortly afterwards Matt Toole cut into the area but fired high over the bar from a good position.
Kyle Tomlin forced a fine save from Haystead early in the second half with a header from a Davie corner but chances were few and far between. Grantham launched it forward at every opportunity but Dan Brown and Dean Freeman were excellent at the back, winning virtually every header and mopping up the danger whenever there was a loose ball.
The Gingerbreads did have a chance through Ashton Hall midway through the half but he lifted his effort over the top.
As the game progressed Carlton did try to create opportunities with some passing football and Davie shot just wide after a good run while Watson put a free kick just wide of the post. But much of the game saw both sides unable to get the ball under control or unwilling to risk losing possession in their own half with the result that the ball spent most of the game in the air.
Brown was called upon to make a superb tackle with 20 minutes remaining and immediately sent Carlton forward but with numbers over the Millers lost possession of the ball.
It was then Freeman’s turn to make an excellent block as Grantham looked to get a late winner of their own.
The home side did have a chance to win it with three minutes remaining when substitute Lee Shaw beat Mikey Emery to a long ball but the angle was too tight for him and he fired wide.
Davie then stepped it up for Carlton and ran at the Grantham defence before seeing his effort blocked and the same fate befell the follow-up from Oliver Wilson.
With the game in the 90th minute Watson decided it was finally time to get his first goal of the season. He ran at the heart of the home defence, played the ball left to Wilson who found Davie who in turn found the overlapping Durow. The full back’s cross was a peach and found Watson unmarked at the back post and he headed home to spark pandemonium amongst the healthy contingent of travelling supporters.
Niall Davie should have doubled the lead in added time when he somehow shot wide of an open goal after a superb run and cross by Watson but it didn’t matter as the referee brought proceedings to an end immediately afterwards. The players came across to thank the fans for their support and it was appreciated as always.
Carlton Town: M Emery, K Sargent, L Durow, D Brown, D Freeman, J Holmes, K Tomlin (O Wilson 68), N Davie, A Troke (L Gorman 82), N Watson, C Marzano (K Dixon 62). Unused substitutes: R Stainsby, A Howes
An individual that posted to a Mapperley social media group asking for a hug has received lots of supportive comments from other locals.
The original post states how the resident is struggling mentally and is looking for a professional hugger locally as they have not had a hug since December.
It reads: “I suffer from depression and have nobody whatsoever local to offer me even basic support.
“I just feel broken.
“Is there anybody local who does this?”
The comments have been flooded with kind words and people offering to give the Facebook user a hug or suggesting other activities that may help.
Physical touch has many benefits and is scientifically proven to reduce symptoms of depression as well as lower heart rates and blood pressure.
Cuddle therapist Natasha Wicks from Coventry offers platonic cuddling services to anyone who needs them.
She said: “It’s only ‘weird’ as it’s a relatively new concept, but the act of relaxing together and feeling the contentment that comes from a real hug is as old as time itself.”
The sessions take place in Natasha’s home and typically start with a chat on the kitchen sofa and then move to the living room, where she has a huge sofa which is great to lounge on.
Before a client comes to visit her, she outlines some boundaries and lets them know that any way it is appropriate to touch a child is appropriate for them.
Natasha’s session are £70 per hour.
Cuddle therapy is a growing trend as regular therapists are usually not allowed to make contact with their clients.
One of the members of the page responded: “I would happily give you a hug and meet you for a coffee. Depression is awful and I’ve been there. It’s really good you’ve reached out and the responses show that there are lots of kind people who will gladly support.”
Another added: “I’d happily give you a big squeeze.”
Many people also suggested getting in contact with animal centres or rescues or joining a walking group.
It is clear Mapperley residents wanted to offer their support and as well as offering to share an embrace with the original poster members pointed them in the direction of different support services.
Touch therapy is meant to create a space safe for clients, giving them the chance to feel cared for and open up emotionally.
If you are struggling and need support Samaritans can be contacted 24 hours a day on 116 123 or you can visit their website https://www.samaritans.org.
Locally, Nottingham Mind offer services to help develop and improve mental wellbeing for everyone.
Musicals: The Concert – Bonington Theatre, Arnold, 2pm & 5pm
Join the talented students from Copper Studios in an evening of stunning vocal arrangements from the world of musical theatre. With classics from Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Greatest Showman, Miss Saigon, Chess, We Will Rock You – you won’t want to miss it.
SHOWING MON 20, TUES 21, WED 22 & THURS 23 – Various Times
From acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky comes The Whale, the story of a reclusive English teacher who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter.
In the court of Princess Turandot, suitors who fail to solve her riddles are brutally killed. But when a mysterious Prince answers one correctly, suddenly he holds all the power –and a glorious secret. When life hangs in the balance, can love conquer all? Puccini’s score is rich in musical marvels (featuring the famous aria ‘Nessun dorma’), while Andrei Serban’s production draws on Chinese theatrical traditions to evoke a colourful fantasy tableau of ancient Peking. Antonio Pappano conducts Anna Pirozzi in the title role and Yonghoon Lee as Calaf.
OPERA Company – The Royal Opera Music – Giacomo Puccini
Mapperley & Arnold Rotary present ‘Remembering Old Big ‘Ead – The Space, 7.30pm
Mapperley and Arnold Rotary proudly present this evening which portrays another incredible side of the unforgettable personality of ‘old big ‘ead’– the charismatic and iconic Brian Clough.
It is 6pm on a Friday night at Arnold’s Redhill Academy and the colour purple fills the football pitches.
Dozens of young footballers put their boots on and begin to warm up.
But unlike many grassroots training sessions, there is not a boy in sight.
This is Arnold Eagles Girls and Ladies, the county’s only all-female club.
They have just gone past 300 registered players with numbers set to grow as all eyes turn down under this summer as the Lionesses look to repeat their recent major tournament success at the Women’s World Cup.
Pictured: U12 and U15 coach, Laura Coulthard (PHOTO: Reagan Yip)
But it was not always like this.
Coach Laura Coulthard can remember her grandad searching local papers for a girls’ team when she was young.
His search failed and she joined a boys’ one instead.
The 28-year-old says: “It is amazing that these girls have this opportunity to play that I didn’t.
“So many of the younger girls seem inspired by the Lionesses. It is great to see them grow, not just as footballers, but also as people.”
The club was formed in 2017 and is one of Nottingham’s largest females only clubs, with 17 junior teams and two senior women’s teams.
Most of the teams play in the Nottinghamshire Girls and Ladies Football League with Arnold Eagles Ladies 1st Team playing in the East Midlands Women’s Regional League – Premier Division.
Pictured: Arnold Eagles club secretary, Steve Weatherby (PHOTO: Reagan Yip)
Club secretary Steve Weatherby says the Lionesses’ success at the Euros last year was an inspiration for many players, encouraging young girls to give the sport a go.
And while international success can spark an interest, the parents and players say what happens off the pitch with the Eagles is just as important.
Pictured: Arnold Eagles player Chloe (PHOTO: Reagan Yip)
Chloe’s father Chris says: “It is a lovely atmosphere and all friendly. It’s lovely to see Chloe’s progression from the start, from not knowing any rules to now playing each week.”
From standing on the side-lines the family feel of Eagles is clear to see.
Pictured: Arnold Eagles Kites player, Isabella, 10 (PHOTO: Reagan Yip)
Striker for the U10 Kites Isabella, 10, says: “I love that I get to play with friendly people and we are all always included.”
Her teammate Rose, 10, adds: “When you play with boys, they don’t pass to you and that’s the best thing about Eagles and playing with all girls, everyone treats you fairly.”
This friendly atmosphere fills the pitches, with players proud to be wearing the Eagles badge.
As the club has grown from strength to strength the players have also developed their skills, with many not having played football before.
Pictured: Tornadoes Manager, Aaron Paul (PHOTO: Reagan Yip)
Manager and coach of the U11 Tornadoes, Aaron Paul, says: “Half of the girls had never kicked a ball before, and we lost a lot of games. But they stuck with it and fast forward to now and we are doing well.”
He tells us that his daughter, along with the rest of the team, cannot wait to get on the pitch now and it is heart-warming to see how far everyone has come.
He shares his ethos that he reiterates to the girls: “Never look down on anyone unless helping them up.”
This collaborative mentality runs throughout the club, parents, players, and coaches.
Arnold Eagles has 60 coaches and managers who are all volunteers, and they are who make it possible for these girls to engage in the sport.
Pictured: Isabelle, 11 (PHOTO: Reagan Yip)
Daughter of coach Mark, Isabelle, 11, has played football for just over one and a half years.
She says: “I look forward to training as part of a team because it is always fun and not competitive.”
She adds that she loved watching the Euros and her favourite footballer is England’s right back Lucy Bronze.
Isabelle is excited about the World Cup later this year and believes that the Lionesses will be able to take home another trophy.
For many of the girls, the greater coverage of women’s football is inspiring.
Whatever happens in Australia and New Zealand this summer the club looks likely to continue its growth.
Car cruisers have been warned they could be prosecuted if they attend gatherings at a Colwick retail park after the installation of a new CCTV camera.
The high-tech camera, capable to 360 degree viewing, has been put up at the entrance to the site, near the new Sainsburys, off Colwick Loop Road, following funding from the Safer Streets project.
It comes in response to a series of incidents where car enthusiasts have organised unlicensed gatherings which have caused road safety, noise and antisocial behaviour concerns from local residents and businesses.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire secured £3 million from the Home Office’s Safer Streets fund in the summer and has been working with partners across the county to implement a range of schemes to tackle neighbourhood crime, antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls.
PICTURED: Police stop a a motorist for anti-social driving (PHOTO: Notts Police)
A share of this money has been specifically allocated for the Netherfield and Colwick area, with Gedling Borough Council and Nottinghamshire Police working alongside the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to implement the schemes which aim to make public spaces safer for all.
Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “This funding has allowed us to come together as partner agencies and find a solution to a problem that has caused regular concern for local people in Netherfield and Colwick.
“Nottinghamshire Police and Gedling Borough Council have received numerous complaints about loud noise from rumbling engines and screeching tyres, as well as dangerous driving.
“The police and council respond well to these dynamic incidents to disperse them, but this new camera gives and extra tool that they can use to identify those responsible for this criminal or antisocial behaviour and take action.
“I hope it will also act as a deterrent that will allow local people to feel safer.”
Safer Streets has funded a number of other public safety measures in Netherfield and Colwick, including allowing Gedling Borough Council to hire Safer Streets wardens to patrol the retail park and residential areas.
A Shopwatch radio scheme is also being funded, allowing businesses on the Victoria Retail Park to quickly communicate with each other to alert each other, and the police, to the presence of prolific shoplifters or any other issues.
Five new automatic number plate recognition cameras have also been installed in the area which instantly alert police to vehicles linked to road traffic offences or intelligence on criminal activity – so they can respond quickly to take action.
In another move to tackle car cruisers near the retail park, Gedling Borough Council and Nottinghamshire Police are working together and consulting on plans to create a Public Spaces Protection Order, which prohibits car cruisers congregating in the area and gives police powers to issue fines.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “I am very pleased that this CCTV camera will be installed and it should reduce the anti-social behaviour caused by recent unauthorised car cruising events.
“We have also taken swift steps to issue a public space prevention order that will effectively ban such events from taking place in the future.
“We are grateful for the funding from Safer Streets scheme at a time when budgets are being squeezed, and this will be great news for local residents and they should see a big reduction in the problems they have recently had to deal with.”
Inspector Mark Stanley, Gedling’s Neighbourhood Policing Inspector, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We continue to work closely alongside our partners at Gedling Borough Council and the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner to do everything we can to address this issue and make sure the people in our communities feel safe and listened to.
“The police’s proactive work to tackle this issue was demonstrated over the weekend when, as part of an ongoing operation in the Colwick area, we seized an Audi S3, issued two Section 59 warnings and two traffic offence reports for antisocial driving.
“Other motorists were dispersed from the area and engaged with. Our weekend operation will also see vehicle owners being written to, warning them of the policing activity in this specific area, to act as a further deterrent.
“Officers will continue to patrol in known hotspot areas, engage with drivers and where necessary take enforcement action against those who break the law and cause antisocial behaviour.
“We encourage anyone with information about the use of illegal bikes to continue to report these matters to us by calling us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
It was ten years ago that Helen Lloyd called a meeting at Daybrook Baptist Church inviting concerned people in the community to join her in helping create a foodbank store in the church cellars.
Now a decade later, Helen remains manager of Arnold Foodbank, which has – sadly – become one of the country’s busiest foodbanks.
The foodbank yesterday (March 14) marked its 10-year anniversary with a gathering and revealed it has now given out food to over 43,000 people – enough to fill the Nottingham Motorpoint Ice Arena four times over.
Pictured: Sarah Benedek (Arnold Foodbank Trustee) and Helen Lloyd (Arnold Foodbank Manager) (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
In the last ten years the foodbank has developed great links with the major supermarkets as well as remaining close to the wider church community.
Gedling Eye caught up with Asda Community Champions Bett and Andie at the event. Not only does Bett attend the foodbank every Wednesday to play cards with the attendees and promote engagement they arrive with at least two full trolleys of food every week donated by the customers at Asda, Arnold.
Andie said ‘Asda customers really want to support it’.
Pictured: Andie & Bett, Asda Community Champions (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
Local people, businesses, clubs, community groups, street boxes and other kind souls who often club together to fundraise for the foodbank provide 1/3 of all of the donations.
Volunteers at the foodbank in Arnold say demand for help has never been higher and projections show that Arnold Foodbank will serve 7500 people in the year up to March 31, an increase of almost 30% on the previous year.
Sadly 300 children rely on the foodbank every month, up 75% from last year.
Two thirds of service users just lack sufficient income to meet their essential needs and many are barely surviving.
Pictured: Councillor & Mayor Peter Barnes (LAB) & Councillor Sandra Barnes (LAB) (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
Local Daybrook Councillors Peter Barnes (LAB) and Sandra Barnes (LAB) were also in attendance. Peter is the Mayor of Gedling and is retiring this year with over 49 years service to the borough of Gedling.
The Mayor of Gedling, Councillor Peter Barnes presented a certificate to say thank you to Helen Lloyd and her army of volunteers.
Both Peter and Sandra are strong supporters of the foodbank and Sandra was recognised by Helen Lloyd in her presentation as having attended and donated at the very first Arnold Foodbank ten years ago.
Helen Lloyd told the large group of supporters in attendance that every everyone is treated as an individual when they visit, they operate a bespoke attitude to service users and they can pick what they need.
They are just one foodbank covering north Notts, alongside Bestwood & Bulwell Foodbank and Hope Nottingham.
Helen said “We also support 20 households in Calverton from their base in Arnold but hope to establish a presence in Calverton in the next month or two.
“We want to be responsive not reactive, we want to see things happening before we get there so we are prepared.”
It is not just food that the foodbank is providing however, they launched a financial inclusion project last year. Their dedicated Citizen Advice consultant supported 71 local people with help and advice, helped them obtain £111,000 worth of benefits, rebates and savings and successfully helped ensure a quarter of those users will no longer need to use a foodbank.
The foodbank has also struck a deal with Dreamland for a pilot project where vulnerable service users are provided with low energy throws that cost no more than 5p per hour to heat.
Plans are also afoot for a new project – the possible use of ‘ticket banks’ to provide access for service users to events they may otherwise not be able to attend with the intention that this will provide a mental health boost to those ticket bank users. Venues that may be able to support this project are asked to get in touch with the foodbank.
Detectives are hunting a suspect after a man suffered a broken eye socket and cheekbone after he was assaulted at a boxing match featuring Gedling fighter Leigh Wood.
The victim was at the Wood versus Mauricio Lara World Boxing Association featherweight title bout, at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on 18 February 2023.
He was punched in the face by a man while in the concourse.
Detective Constable Bethanie Foster, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a nasty assault which left the victim with serious facial injuries.
“Lines of enquiry are ongoing into this case, including checking CCTV footage, to identify the person responsible and we would like to speak to anyone who recognises the man pictured as we believe he may have vital information which could help us with our inquiries.”
Anyone who saw what happened or has any information should call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 380 of 19 February 2023, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Work on a new a new £13 million expansion at Carlton le Willows Academy in Gedling is progressing quickly.
Carlton le Willows Academy, which became an academy in April 2011, is a large and successful mixed 11-18 school of around 1710 students, including 235 sixth formers.
Phase one of the project involves the building and fully fitting out a new two-storey building on the Wood Lane campus, to be called South Block.
This building, which will link existing West and East bocks will lead to the creation of 29 new classrooms, a purpose-built main assembly hall, kitchen canteen and dining areas and a catering pod that will be used to serve other areas of the school.
Pictured: Canteen takes shape (Photo courtesy of CLW)
Work on the project which has been funded by Nottinghamshire County Council, is on track to be completed towards the end of the summer term, ready to take in an extra two forms of Year 7 students in September 2023.
Contractors Clegg Construction will then move on to phase two of the project – an extensive internal refurbishment in West block which will see the creation of new science labs and design and technology classrooms.
Acting Headteacher Mr Bond-Taylor said: “This is a long-awaited expansion and we are excited to see how the build is progressing. The work will integrate our split site and provide state of the art facilities from which all students can benefit.
“The building, designed by Welham Architects, is of extremely high quality with carefully thought out layout and maximum use of space to ensure we get purpose-built facilities at great value for money. As part of the build we will also benefit from additional car parking and a new vehicular entrance from Burton Road.”
For more information, please contact: Sally Fletcher 0115 9565008 (extn 250)
