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Netherfield Lagoons: New programme of guided walks announced at popular nature reserve

A new programme of walks at Netherfield Lagoons has been announced.

The walks, which are all free, will be led by Peter Smith, the reserve manager, and are for beginners and experts alike.

The walks offer ‘a great opportunity to learn more about the Netherfield Lagoons and the amazing wildlife to be found there’.

To join one of the walks simply meet at the footbridge at the time and date advertised.

Organisers say It is best to park on Teal Close and then to walk along beside the Ouse Dyke to the footbridge onto the reserve.

Check out Gedling Conservation Trust’s website for updates on walk cancellations here: https://www.gedlingconservationtrust.org/

Netherfield-Lagoons
PICTURED: Netherfield Lagoons

2023 schedule

Bird Walk – Migrants
Some summer migrants may already be in and there could be some passage migrants passing through. Meet at the footbridge onto the reserve.
Sunday April 16th at 9.00 to 12.00
Tuesday April 18th at 9.00 to 12.00

Warbler Walk
Up to ten species of Warbler could be singing on the reserve, plus some other summer visitors and residents. Meet at the footbridge onto the reserve.
Sunday May 7th at 9.00 to 12.00
Tuesday May 9th at 9.00 to 12.00

Wildlife Walk
There should be lots of flowers and insects about as well as the breeding birds.
Meet at the footbridge onto the reserve.
Sunday May 21st at 9.00 to 12.00
Tuesday May 23rd at 9.00 to 12.00

Orchid Walk
There are five species of Orchid that flower on the reserve. With a bit of luck they might all be out. Meet at the footbridge onto the reserve.
Tuesday May 30th at 9.00 to 12.00
Sunday June 4th at 9.00 to 12.00

Insect Safari
So far we have identified well over 1,000 insects on the reserve. Come and see if you can help add to this total by finding something new. Meet at the footbridge onto the reserve. This event will be called off if rain is forecast.
Tuesday June 6th at 9.00 to 12.00
Friday June 9th at 2.00 to 5.00

Butterfly Walk
There could be up to twelve species flying. Come and see how many you can spot.
Meet at the footbridge onto the reserve. This event will be called off if rain is forecast.
Tuesday July 11th at 2.00 to 5.00
Thursday July 13th at 2.00 to 5.00

Insect Safari
So far we have identified well over 1,000 insects on the reserve. Come and see if you can help add to this total by finding something new. Meet at the footbridge onto the reserve. This event will be called off if rain is forecast.
Tuesday July 18th at 2.00 to 5.00
Sunday July 23rd at 9.00 to 12.00

Dragonfly Walk
At least ten species should be on the wing. Meet at the footbridge onto the reserve. This event will be called off if rain is forecast.
Tuesday August 1st at 2.00 to 5.00
Thursday August 3rd at 2.00 to 5.00

Wildlife Walk
Birds are beginning to migrate and most flowers will be producing seeds by now.
There will be butterflies, dragonflies and other insects to see as well. Meet at the footbridge onto the reserve.
Monday August 14th at 2.00 to 5.00
Sunday August 20th at 9.00 to 12.00

Bird Walk
Some summer birds may still be about and some winter birds may have already arrived. It is at this transitional stage of the year that some rarities can turn up.
Meet at the footbridge onto the reserve.
Monday September 11th at 2.00 to 5.00
Sunday September 17th at 9.00 to 12.00

Bird Walk and Murmuration
There should be eight species of duck to see and the walk will be finished off by watching the Starling murmuration as they come to roost in the reed beds. Of course this depends on the co-operation of the Starlings. Meet at the footbridge onto the reserve.
Monday October 9th at 2.00 to 5.00
Thursday October 12th at 2.00 to 5.00

Fungus Foray
Fungi come in a bewildering variety of shapes, colours and sizes. Let us introduce you to the reserve’s mycological hot-spots. Meet at the footbridge onto the reserve.
Sunday October 15th at 9.00 to 12.00
Tuesday October 17th at 2.00 to 5.00

Wildlife Walk
It is getting towards the end of the year, but there is still wildlife to be seen on the
site. Meet at the footbridge onto the reserve.
Sunday November 26th at 9.00 to 12.00
Tuesday November 28th at 2.00 to 5.00

Jigsaw Foundation Funding – make a difference in your community

If you are a charity, resident and community group, voluntary organisation, social enterprise or local partner agency Jigsaw Foundation Funding can help you make a difference in your community.

The Jigsaw Foundation has a budget of £450,000 per year with £45,000 allocated to the North West and Midlands.

The foundation offers funds for projects which make a difference to the lives of Jigsaw residents and their communities.

The funding starts again from April 1st 2023.

Jigsaw Foundation aim to fund projects that help achieve their corporate values of Empowerment, Social Impact, Efficiency, Collaboration, Innovation and contribute to their corporate goal:
Caring for our customers, assets and neighbourhoods

Funding is provided for groups across the North West and Midlands. 

The Jigsaw Foundation supports a series of Blue to Green workshops for Jigsaw Homes residents aged 55 and over. In sessions based at Jigsaw properties, participants enjoy mindful nature-based activities ranging from drumming to drawing. Courtesy of City Arts (Nottingham) , 0115 950 5251, 11-13 Hockley, Nottingham, NG1 1FH, www.city-arts.org.uk

In the Midlands area, groups can apply for a maximum of £9,000 to help with a community project which benefits the residents of Jigsaw Homes and their communities.

Please note: Groups can apply for between 1 and 3 years funding.

If you would like to read more about the great work carried out as a result of Jigsaw Foundation funding you can find details on their website www.foundation.jigsawhomes.org.uk

If you wish to apply or have any queries, please contact the Neighbourhood Engagement Officers at jigsawfoundation@jigsawhomes.org.uk or Linda Whyatt 07718 783784 / Julie McGlynn 07718 783390

Bupa ‘planning to sell’ dental surgery in Netherfield

Bupa has announced that they are ‘planning to sell’ their dental surgery in Netherfield

The dental practice on Victoria Road has five dental surgeons offering private and NHS dental treatments, including emergency appointments and have been advertising that they were accepting new NHS and private patients.

Bupa said that they had taken the difficult decision to close, merge or sell 85 dental practices in the UK due to a lack of dentists to deliver NHS care in the UK, in addition to increased running costs caused by inflation and high energy prices.

Despite significant investment by Bupa Dental Care, the business has been unable to recruit enough dentists to deliver NHS care in many practices for months, and in some cases, years. This is due to the industry-wide challenges of the NHS contract model, and increased demand and complexity of care since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

These factors mean patients at these practices have not been able to access the NHS dental services they need.

Mark Allan, General Manager for Bupa Dental Care, said:“As a leading dental provider in the UK, our priority must be to enable patients to receive the care they need. For the majority of affected practices, this decision will allow commissioners to procure local providers for the NHS contract, tailoring services and investment to the needs of the local community, thereby providing a better opportunity for patients to continue access to NHS dental services.”

The focus is for patients to receive the NHS care they need and deserve, and Bupa will provide resources to help patients find alternative local providers. For practices that are due to close, Bupa will be handing back the dental contract to the NHS, which will allow commissioners to procure a new provider, thereby providing patients with a better opportunity to continue access to NHS dental services.

Bupa will also fully support its people through this change, redeploying affected colleagues where possible to continue their careers with Bupa.

Mark continued: “We fully understand the impact today’s decision has on our patients and our people within these practices. This decision has not been taken lightly and closure is a last resort. Despite our continued efforts, the dental industry is facing a number of significant and systemic challenges that are placing additional pressure on providing patient care, in particular recruiting dentists to deliver NHS dental care. This decision enables us to focus our efforts on high-quality, continued sustainable care for patients across our wider portfolio.” 

Bupa remains fully committed to the UK dental market and provision of NHS services, and all its dental practices across the UK and Ireland are open as usual. The affected dental practices will either be sold, closed or merged later this year, with the timing of the service changes varying by location. Bupa will be working with the affected practices over the coming months and expect to complete the process later in the year.

Bupa Dental Care Rise Park, 257 Brownlow Drive, Nottingham, NG5 5DF is also on the list to be sold.

More information, including a list of the dental practices affected, can be found at www.bupa.co.uk/dental-changes-news

Arrow defibrillator fundraising campaign on target

The well-known Arrow pub in Arnold stands proudly at the junction of Gedling Road and Arno Vale Road in Arnold.

A lot of readers will know the pub but may not be aware of the amazing fundraising work carried out at the Greene King pub by Manager, Lydia Stafford, her amazing team and customers.

The current campaign arranged by Lydia is to raise money for a defibrillator on the outside of the Arrow pub.

Lydia told Gedling Eye that she chose this as their current campaign for a number of reasons.

“Last year a young lad age 12, the same age as my son, was playing football and collapsed and died of a heart attack, which they said if a defibrillator was close by it could of possibly saved his life,” she said.

Pictured: The Arrow pub (PHOTO: Courtesy of Lydia Stafford)

“This really hit me hard as my son plays football as well, so I looked into where the nearest one was to the pub (which is in Arnold or Mapperley top). As we are a community pub with all different age groups I felt it was the right thing to do for everyone as you never know.

“We also get the lads in who play football on the 4G pitches in Arnold Hill school so it felt like the perfect option to go ahead and push forward.”

So, Lydia reached out to London Hearts who provide the Defibrillators and also Greene King for support (and permission) as they own the pub.

The London Hearts charity have provided over 24,000 defibrillators to 2800 community partnerships to-date.

Pictured: Team Arrow Sky Divers – Sue Ratcliffe, Lydia Stafford, Jess Shelton, Ophelia Hiebert and Kaylum Wildgust (PHOTO: Courtesy of Lydia Stafford)

Lydia said “The target for a new defibrillator is £1500 and the fundraising is currently at £650 after 5 weeks which is absolutely amazing and we cant thank everyone enough!”

But the Arrow, Lydia and the team dont’ stop there. They also raise money for Macmillian and a Children’s hospital in Sheffield.

Last year they raised £2,725.88 for Macmillian which involved five brave souls jumping out of a plane at 15,000 feet.

A further £500 was raised for a Children’s Hospital which involved Lydia and her Assistant Manager Heather doing a glow in the dark 10 mile walk in the snow and as a team they also did a PJ day in the pub.

Pictured: The Gedling Toy Run Dec 2022 (PHOTO: Courtesy of Lydia Stafford)

Last but definitely not least every December the Arrow hosts the ‘Gedling Toy Run’, donated toys are collected at The Arrow for under privileged children, and the salvation army collect and deliver them.

Lydia said “Last year was my first year running it, it was absolutely amazing with all the support and toys we collect, I was overwhelmed and very emotional. The bikes all looked great as well” 

The Arrow serves a great range of pub food, weekly deals & offers and a great selection of drinks served in a friendly, local pub setting and next time you are in don’t forget to support their fundraising activities.

The Arrow can be contacted on Facebook HERE or via their website at https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/arrow/ .

DARTS: Finals night wins for Calverton Working Mens Club, Gleaners & Gedling Club

Finals Night Friday March 24

Lowdham and District Village Mens Dart League 2022/23 came to a close on Friday March 24 and what a night it was.

A large turnout at the Calverton Working Mens Club venue witnessed some great darts on the closing night when the final five trophies were decided.

The Gleaners took the pairs competition, Calverton Working Mens Club took the Captain & Secretary competition while the Gedling club added to their league champions win with wins in the singles and knock out cup competitions.

The best sporting team trophy which is voted on by all the league teams was awarded to the Nags Head in Woodborough.

Pictured: League, singles & knock out cup winners The Gedling Club (PHOTO: Courtesy of Neil Lincoln)

Full results and scores:

Triples

A Beasley/ S Savage/ N Lincoln  2

v          

S Croft/ R Sallis/ J Hemmings     3


Captain & Secretary

Gedling Club              0 v 2                 CWMC


Pairs

I Gregson/ S Kirk (Gleaners)    2 v 0      R Sallis/ A Beeres (Rodney)


Singles

K Hallam (Gedling)              2 v 0                 P O’Keeffe (Gedling)


Knock Out Cup

Gedling Club             3 v 0                 Admiral Rodney


Best Sporting Team

Nags Head   


New players and teams are always welcome and with five of the eight teams based in the borough it’s a great way to spend your Wednesday evening. If you want to get involved, learn more or read more about finals night you can visit the league Facebook page here .

Match Report: Carlton Town FC 0 – 2 Stockton Town

NPL First Division East

25 March 2023

Stockton Town brought Carlton Town’s four game winning run to an end as they defeated the Millers 2-0 at Stoke Lane.

The Anchors came into the game in the play off positions but struggling for form while Carlton had won their previous four matches.  But all of those had been away from home and back on a dreadful home surface the Millers were unable to make any real inroads against a solid Stockton defence and could ultimately have no complaints about the outcome.

Mark Harvey and Tommy Brookbanks made three changes to the side which had won at Ossett last time out.  Into the side came Lawrence Gorman, Kyle Tomlin and Jared Holmes in place of Nat Watson (suspended), Niall Hylton and Danny Elliott.

One of the advantages of the recent run of away games has been the opportunity to play on pitches that aren’t Stoke Lane.  Back on home turf the Millers found it all but impossible to play any football, especially in the opening half hour when the Anchors were in complete control.

Tommy Brookbanks speaks to Carlton Town TV after the clubs winning run came to an end at Stoke lane (Courtesy of Carlton Town TV).

As early as the third minute Matty Tynan hit the post with a scissor kick and then drew a superb save from Mikey emery with the follow-up.

A fine Stockton move was then only thwarted by a fine Dan Brown interception as Stockton poured forward.

The breakthrough came on 20 minutes from the penalty spot.  A free kick on the left was cleared.  The ball was knocked back into the area albeit Gorman looked to have been fouled.  Either way, Alex Troke handled the cross unnecessarily and Kevin Hayes sent Emery the wrong way from the spot.

Moments later the same player fizzed a dangerous cross in front of goal but fortunately for Carlton there was no one on hand to convert.

Carlton’s first effort came on 25 minutes when Callum Roberts saved comfortably from Niall Davie before Hayes drew another save from Emery.

The Millers finally got into the game in the 15 minutes before half time and Tomlin and Troke combined well on the left before Tomlin’s cross was blocked by Lewis King’s hand but the referee turned down claims for a penalty.

Carlton’s best chance fell to Kyle Dixon just before the break when he was played into space by Troke but he dragged his effort wide.  Alex Howes then advanced down the right and hit a cross-shot that was deflected just beyond the onrushing Davie.

The second half was largely devoid of goalmouth incident as both defences dominated.  Khyle Sargent picked up a booking midway through the half for coming on as a substitute without the referee’s permission,

Davie fired inches wide on 73 minutes after Stockton had failed to clear a Dean Freeman throw-in and the same player also just missed the target shortly afterwards.

By the end of the match Carlton had Troke, Aaron O’Connor, Oliver Wilson and Freeman all playing up front and the vistors took advantage o the gaps at the back to wrap up the points in the last minute of added time.  Mikey Roberts spend down the left and his cross was fired at goal by Elliott Beddow.  Emery made a wonderful save but was helpless when Tymon converted the rebound to conclude the scoring.

There was still time for Davie to draw another decent save from Callum Roberts as there was no way through for the Millers.  They now have five games to save themselves and the chances are they will have to win the three remaining away games to stay up.

Carlton Town: M Emery, L Gorman (K Sargent 65), K Tomlin, D Brown, D Freeman, J Holmes, K Dixon (A O’Connor 74), C Marzano (O Wilson 80), A Troke, N Davie, A Howes. Unused substitutes: R Stainsby, D Elliott

Goals: Kevin Hayes 20 (pen), Matty Tymon 90

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM – Dan Brown

Att: 224

Gedling man jailed after assaulting woman and hitting man with baseball bat

A violent offender who assaulted and threatened to kill a woman he met in the pub was arrested after punching and hitting another man with a baseball bat outside a hotel.

Luke Hancock attacked the woman on December 3, 2022 – just days after meeting her. 

The 33-year-old went on to send her numerous threatening messages, between 3 December and 31 December, despite being told that she didn’t want to continue a relationship. These included threats to harm her and her children. 

Nottingham_Crown_Court
PICTURED: Nottingham Crown Court

Hancock, of Waldrom Road, Gedling, also caused damage to her car windscreen on December 3 before making further threats. 

He was arrested on New Year’s Eve after police were called to reports of a fight in the Mapperley Park area of Nottingham. 

Following an argument, Hancock punched and hit a man with a baseball bat, striking him on his head, body, and legs causing him pain and bruising. 

He had been handed the bat by 35-year-old Ricky Wilding. 

Both men were arrested, interviewed, and subsequently charged. 

Hancock was jailed for a total of two years and made subject of a five-year restraining order after pleading guilty to charges of assault causing actual bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, assault by beating, malicious communications and criminal damage. 

Wilding, of Wigman Road, Bilborough, was given an eight-month sentence, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He must also complete 120 hours’ unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. 

Both men appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing yesterday (Tuesday 28 March 2023). 

Detective Constable Jodie Turton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “These were nasty and serious offences which must have been extremely frightening ordeals for the victims. 

“Hancock became obsessed with the woman and his repeated threatening behaviour made her extremely feel scared and worried he would harm her and her children.

“He then went on to commit a serious assault on a man with a baseball bat, delivering multiple blows to his head and body. The victim is lucky he didn’t sustain more serious injuries.

“I’m pleased that this sentence has now taken a dangerous individual off the streets, and I hope it brings some comfort to his victims that he has now been locked up for his violent behaviour.”

Man arrested after car stolen from Woodthorpe smashes into pub

A man has been arrested after a reported stolen car from Woodthorpe smashed into the side of a pub.

Officers were alerted to a vehicle being taken from Thackeray’s Lane, Woodthorpe, shortly after 8pm yesterday (Monday 27 March).

Responding cops were able to track the car’s movements as it sped through the county and made its way into Worksop.

After the vehicle failed to stop it then crashed into the side of the Lockside pub, Victoria Square, Worksop.

A man was arrested at the scene after quick working officers tracked a man down who had gone into the canal in a bid to escape.

A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, driving while disqualified, failing to stop, and driving a vehicle dangerously.

He remains in custody as inquiries continue.

Sergeant Clint Gloyn, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Thankfully no-one was injured during this incident.

“This manner of driving placed not only the people inside the pub at risk of harm but the driver themselves, our officers, and members of the public in the area.

“I want to thank motorists and the community for their patience last night while we dealt with the incident and worked with our partners to make sure the area was safe.

Burton Joyce Library revamp works to begin next month

Aspire has formally announced that Burton Joyce Library will close on April 8 for refurbishment.

The village’s library is one of six to have received investment from the Libraries Investment Fund (LIF). The other libraries include Bilsthorpe, Harworth & Bircotes, Blidworth, Langold and Woodthorpe libraries.

The Libraries Improvement Fund is part of the Cultural Investment Fund, a programme of work funded by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) delivered by Arts Council England. 

Nottinghamshire County Council, partnering with Inspire were awarded £170,000 to create community hubs within these six libraries in Nottinghamshire, two of which are in the borough, transforming the buildings into flexible welcoming spaces for communities to use and enjoy.

The works are expected to take approx. eight weeks with the library closing at 1pm on April 8.

The refurbishments will deliver:

·         New flexible layout

·         New community gathering area

·         New furnishings

·         Gallery display space

·         Tea & coffee station

·         Exciting internal decoration

·         A selection of new books for all ages and interests

Inspire further advise that in addition, and following the recent community consultation exercise, planning is underway to tailor the library’s events and activities to reflect the needs of the community and to offer a programme of exciting learning and cultural events following the library’s reopening. 

PHOTO : Courtesy of Inspire

Aspire has confirmed that during the period of closure, membership cards can be used at any library across the County.  The nearest libraries are Carlton Library, 2.6 miles, Lowdham Library 2.6 miles, or Arnold Library 5.5 miles.

Books can also be renewed online at www.inspireculture.org.uk/catalogue by calling 01623 677200.

The official reopening day is still to be confirmed.

Gedling borough pre-schools warn of more closures amid free childcare expansion plan

A key plan to expand free childcare has created fears for many preschools across Gedling Borough.  

The huge expansion of free childcare was a main feature of Jeremy Hunt’s budget last week and whilst it is great news for parents it has created further financial worries for early years settings.  

Trustee of Arnold St Mary’s Pre-School, Francine Leary, said: “The budget announcement is great for parents.  

“More places, more free hours.  

PICTURED: Children at St Mary’s Pre-school (PHOTO: St Mary’s Pre-School)
PICTURED: Staff at Carlton Preschool Playgroup. (Credit: Carlton Preschool Playgroup)

“But the Government needs to fix the funding crisis before making promises to parents.” 

Many preschools have already shut in recent years and this new plan may lead to the closure of more establishments if there is not an increase in central funding.  

Arnold St Mary’s relies on fundraising and volunteers to break even due to funding levels not meeting increasing costs and the addition of free childcare for all would increase this need to raise money to remain open.  

Francine added: “The devil is in the detail here, what will the hourly funding increase be and when as we need more investment now?” 

The announcement stated that 30 hours a week of free childcare would be given to all children aged from nine months to four years, with a staggered introduction.  

Hunt did promise an increase of free hours funding of £204m from this September but this will not cover costs nurseries face.  

Currently, settings rely on the fees paid by parents who do not receive funding to cover the underfunding of others but this will no longer be the case.  

Francine fears that the changes announced in the Spring Budget may mean that Arnold St Mary’s, which has been around since 1969, “may not be sustainable” to run anymore.  

Maxine Payne, manager of Carlton Preschool Playgroup also shared the same worries about balancing the books.  

She said: “I think it’s a very good thing for families to be able to return to work but unfortunately I also think it’s quite scary as a preschool manager because the funding rates are not high enough.”  

Carlton Preschool Playgroup is also a registered charity that relies on fundraising to buy resources.  

Maxine added: “Every September we worry whether we are going to make it through the next year. 

“It’s always been a struggle, but it is more now because the funding rates have only gone up by pence in the last few years. 

“There needs to be a more substantial rate of increase.” 

The sector is struggling and that means that many practitioners are underpaid.  

Maxine said: “The staff work really really hard, and they are worth so much more money but unfortunately most of our staff are only on minimum wage.”  

The plan to give free childcare to all may implicate workers’ pay and lead to staff in the profession losing their jobs.  

Although there are clear benefits to this part of the budget it has also created fear amongst preschools about their survival in the coming years.