Many of our readers will have known Chris Woodward who passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 7 following a short illness.
Mr Woodward, who lived until he was 92, was a much loved member of the Netherfield Community and many will remember him from the famous ‘Woodies’ sign on Victoria Road that directed customers to his premises to the rear of the now vacant TSB bank in the town.
Woodies store sold everything from birdseed to picture frames when it was open every Thursday to Saturday without fail and his passing is a loss to a community that he was firmly at the heart of.
Chris operated his business for over 50 years and his original sign that was self made started to deteriorate over time. It was then that the Facebook group ‘Spotted by Netherfield’ donated a new one to the shop owner back in 2021.
Pictured: Notice on Woodie’s Gate (Picture by Gedling Eye)
Chris was married to Peggy and locals will be happy to know that she is doing well during a difficult time for her and the family, as per a sign posted on the now closed Woodies.
Sadly ‘Woodies’ will not be re-opened.
Chris’s funeral will be held at 4.00pm on Wednesday February 15 at Gedling Crematorium, Catfoot Lane, Lambley, NG4 4QH.
People in Gedling borough are being urged to be extra vigilant amid a spate of reports that fraudsters are impersonating police officers.
The crime, known as ‘Courier Fraud’, has seen elderly victims hand over thousands of pounds in cash after being told they must cooperate with an undercover police investigation into their bank.
Fraudsters posing as cops have told the victims their bank has been issuing fake bank notes – and that as a customer they are required to withdraw bank notes and hand them to a courier, so that the notes can be checked by police.
PICTURE: Deposit Photos
They are told they will be reimbursed but in reality the person who collects the cash is a fraudster who then disappears with the money.
During a two-week period in January, Nottinghamshire Police received 34 reports of courier fraud attempts, with six people losing a combined £72,900.
The heaviest loss was one couple in their 80s who were coerced into handing over £24,000. The couple were initially contacted by a man claiming to be from BT, who claimed he was calling due to an overdue payment. When the couple advised they had paid the bill, they were put through to another person, who claimed he was a detective sergeant – and the scam went on from there.
Nottinghamshire Police’s fraud protect team is now helping the victims submit reimbursement claims as they seek to recover their losses.
Following the spike in reports, officers are urging people to pass on the information about bogus callers to relatives, friends and neighbours who may be at risk to such scams.
Dale Richardson, fraud protect officer for Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We really need the public to be on their guard against this scam.
“If you know anyone who might be susceptible to this type of fraud, please let them know that no police officer or legitimate bank/building society will ever phone you to ask you to give them your bank details, your PIN, or hand over cash to a courier.”
In Nottinghamshire, targeted residents have been contacted by a cold caller purporting to be a police officer.
In many of the reported cases, the bogus cop told the person a bank card in their name had been found in the possession of a relative, who had been arrested.
They also told the person counterfeit money was found on the relative, which had led to suspicions the person’s bank was issuing counterfeit notes.
Victims were then persuaded to withdraw cash from their bank so that a ‘police officer’ could come to their address and collect it, as part of a supposed police investigation.
To verify what they were being told was true, victims were advised to hang up and ring 191. However, that number is also not genuine and has led to victims speaking to another fraudster who is part of the scam.
Detective Inspector Ashley Xavier said Nottinghamshire Police is doing everything possible to trace those involved in the scam.
She said: “I want to reassure the public that these cases are being investigated and we are providing safeguarding support and helping victims submit claims to recover their losses.
“We don’t want anyone to suffer the emotional effects of a major financial loss and so I urge the public to get in touch with friends and family to warn them of this scam.
“These fraudsters can be very elaborate, very convincing and cruel. If you think someone is trying to scam you, hang up and tell someone straight away.”
Here are some tell-tale signs of courier fraud:
Courier fraud usually starts with an unsolicited telephone call to the victim.
Typically the suspect will pose as a bank official, police officer or a computer or utility engineer.
Courier fraudsters will usually request the victim purchases high value items such as a Rolex watch and gold bullion, withdraws cash or provides a bank card for collection from a courier.
Fraudsters will instruct victims not tell any family or friends about what they are doing.
When carrying out courier fraud, criminals will request the victim hangs up the phone to ring their bank for confirmation while keeping the line open. The suspect then purports to be a bank official and provides false confirmation.
Fraudsters will also make arrangements for a courier to meet the victim to collect the item they have purchased.
A number of services exist to help combat nuisance calls, including the trueCall system which lets calls from friends and family straight through, but which asks unrecognised callers to identify themselves, and blocks unwelcome callers. Anyone interested in obtaining a trueCall system should call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 and ask to speak to Dale Richardson.
Hundreds of violent and sexual offences were reported to police in Gedling borough in December 2022.
Each month Gedling Eye will chart every crime in the borough on an interactive map for readers to stay on top of what is happening and where.
The map can be found below.
This month, our map reveals the location of every crime reported to Nottinghamshire Police in December 2022 (the latest available full month of data).
The map shows location, type of offence, and outcome or current status of the police investigation.
Readers can use the online tool to see what happened near their homes, schools and places of work and build an understanding of the county’s crime hotspots.
By far the greatest number of reported offences were violent and sexual offences, with a total of 210 such offences reported in the borough
This was followed by anti-social behaviour 129 reports, shoplifting with 59, criminal damage and arson 48 reports, public order offences 27, vehicle crime 20, burglary 19 reports and possession of drugs 16
The least reported crimes were bike thefts (1), robbery (3) and possession of weapons (8)
During the routine petrol and diesel measure checks, Trading Standards Officers in Nottinghamshire were pleasantly surprised to discover petrol pumps, some from the era of flared trousers and glam rock, that were still working hard and giving customers correct measure. At one forecourt officers discovered one pump that dated back to 1971. Along with the other pumps on the site it was given a clean bill of health for delivering the correct amounts of fuel.
Petrol and diesel measure inspections are an important part of routine cost of living checks that are carried out by Nottinghamshire Trading Standards to ensure that the prices paid for food, fuel, postal services and home heating oil are correct across the county. Officers have a range of testing equipment that can be used to check that businesses are delivering what they say they are. So far during these petrol and diesel spot checks the majority of businesses that have been visited are complying with their legal obligations. Less than 3% of the nozzles that were tested were found to be giving less fuel than stated at the pump. Following notices to fix their equipment, the petrol station owners have fixed the deficient nozzles, so they now deliver legal measures.
Councillor John Cottee, cabinet member for Communities at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “By carrying out these checks we can reassure residents that they are getting their money’s worth in Nottinghamshire, which is crucial at a time when costs are rising. Retailers have also welcomed the opportunity to have their business independently checked, and in cases where we have found they are giving customers less than required, I am pleased to say that they have willingly adjusted their equipment to ensure customers receive the correct amounts.”
If residents have concerns about the goods or services they receive from a business located in the county, they can report it to Nottinghamshire Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133.
Carlton Town pulled off a huge upset as they beat Mansfield Town on penalties at Field Mill in the semi-final of the Notts FA Senior Cup.
The win was fully deserved as Carlton looked transformed from the side which has struggled in the Northern Premier League this campaign. Instead, on a fine surface and in a Football League stadium, and roared on by a raucous travelling support, and facing a Stags side containing five players with first team experience, the Millers produced their best display since last year’s semi-final win against Nottingham Forest under 23s. If they reproduce this level of performance in their remaining league matches then they will undoubtedly pull clear of the relegation positions.
There was mild controversy in the build up to the game when Mansfield elected to preserve home advantage, despite the general rule being that the three professional clubs in the Senior Cup play away from home when paired against a non-league opponent. That fact plus the pre-announced decision to include first team players rather than play a purely Academy team demonstrated that the Stags were clearly taking this competition very seriously. They would have been only too aware that the Millers beat them in last year’s final and Carlton can feel justifiably proud of the level of respect afforded them by their Football League opponents.
If the retention of home advantage was designed to disadvantage Carlton, it plainly had the opposite effect. Not only were the players clearly inspired by the surroundings, but the vastly superior playing surface suited their playing style far more than Stoke Lane. The supporters too enjoyed the opportunity to generate noise that a covered stand provides and made the most of it.
Mark Harvey and Tommy Brookbanks made four changes to the side which had lost to Shildon last time out. Into the side came Lawrence Gorman, Nat Watson (his current suspension doesn’t apply to the Senior Cup), Aaron O’Connor and, less than a month after suffering a broken leg, Niall Davie. Out went Jonathan White (cup-tied), Lewis Durow, Tyler Blake and Alex Howes.
Mansfield included George Maris, Riley Harbottle, Jimmy Knowles, Ollie Clarke and Jordan Bowery in their starting XI, all players with first team experience. Indeed, Clarke and Bowery came on as substitutes in the Stags’ 4-1 win against Doncaster Rovers three days earlier.
PICTURED: Carlton Town manager Tommy Brookbanks (PHOTO: Twitter)
Within minutes of the start it became clear that Carlton hadn’t just come to make up the numbers. They started to pass and move with some style and Watson and Davie were imposing themselves on their talented opponents. Both players had outstanding games and were a major factor in the outcome of this match.
Davie had the first effort of the game when Carlton broke following a Mansfield corner. Kyle Tomlin surged into the Stags half before feeding Watson. He in turn found Davie who fired over the bar. At the other end Dan Brown did well to intercept a quick Mansfield counter-attack, something he did on multiple occasions throughout the night.
Mikey Emery was called upon to make a decent save from a long-range effort from Knowles before Dean Freeman headed a Jared Holmes free kick just over the bar.
On 31 minutes Watson picked up possession in midfield, surrounded by Mansfield players. He then produced a ridiculously outstanding rabona, passing the ball 20 yards with a flick behind his standing leg to send Davie away down the right. He slipped the ball to O’Connor who squared to Niall Hylton who lifted his shot over the bar. It was a superb piece of play from the Millers and reminiscent of the best of their football from last season.
It was end to end football. Emery made another save and immediately passed to Watson. He put O’Connor away and the striker drew a fine save from Louie Turner in the Mansfield goal, with the keeper also blocking a follow-up header and shortly afterwards saving a Watson free kick.
By now it was Carlton on top and they opened the scoring four minutes before half time from the penalty spot. A long throw from Gorman wasn’t cleared and a Mansfield hand got in the way of a shot in a crowded penalty area. Up stepped goalkeeper Emery and he sent Turner the wrong way for the second time in four weeks, having scored against the same goalkeeper in the recent draw at Long Eaton.
Mansfield came out for the start of the second half with a determination about them and Brown did well to cover another attack. Knowles still got a shot away that was saved by Emery.
The Carlton goalkeeper had to be alert to save from Clarke before Mansfield levelled on 54 minutes when Knowles cut into the area on the right hand side and directed his shot across Emery and into the corner of the net.
The goal awoke a youthful section of the Mansfield support and for the rest of the game there was an excellent exchange of songs between the two sets of supporters, with the Stags support seemingly envious of the array of scarves brought by the vocal Carlton following.
Emery did well to tip away a cross from Louis Bonser and by the midway point of the half the question was whether the superior fitness of Mansfield’s full time players would start to tell. The answer was an emphatic “no” as Carlton made substitutions to bring on fresh legs and if anything, they finished the game the stronger side.
Alex Howes, one of the substitutes, tore into the Mansfield defence and he, Tomlin and Watson were involved in one of the best moves of the game which eventually led to nothing.
With ten minutes remaining Howes sped down the left and sent over a delight of a cross but no one was on hand to convert. A minute later Watson found Brad Wells, another substitute who helped pin Mansfield back in their own half. Wells slipped the ball to Tomlin who played a lovely pass to send Howes clean through. He was absolutely poleaxed by Harbottle for what looked a stonewall penalty, only for the referee to wave away the claims, much to Carlton’s astonishment.
Still Carlton pushed forward and minutes later Wells hit a superb lofted shot from outside the area which was heading for the back of the net only for Turner to pull off a superb save, tipping the ball over the bar.
Turner then did well to cut out a Howes cross as the game entered added time.
Carlton’s work-rate had been tremendous throughout, with Gorman and Hylton refusing to be beaten down the flanks and Sargent and Tomlin, along with pretty much everyone else covering everything in the middle. But Mansfield were always going to create one final chance and they did so in the final minute of added time when Maris hit a scorcher of a shot, only to see Emery tip it over the bar.
Seconds later the referee blew for time and so that meant penalties.
Kyle Dixon went first but his strike was saved by Turner. Emery then saved from Knowles before Tomlin scored to put Carlton ahead. Maris scored for Mansfield to maintain parity before Gorman rifled his penalty into the roof of the net to put Carlton back in front. Emery then saved from Harbottle, diving to his left, before getting up and scoring himself to put Carlton 3-1 ahead in the shoot-out. Bowery kept Mansfield in the tie by scoring his penalty only for Howes to seal the win with Carlton’s fifth and final penalty.
That sparked scenes of jubilation on the pitch and amongst the 50 or so visiting supporters as Carlton made it to their seventh Senior Cup final in 12 years.
Carlton Town: M Emery, L Gorman, N Hylton (A Howes 65), D Brown, D Freeman, J Holmes (B Wells 77), K Tomlin, K Sargent, N Watson, A O’Connor (T Blake 71), N Davie (K Dixon 77). Unused substitutes: R Stainsby, L Durow
Detectives have charged a man from Bestwood with rape following a serious sexual assault on a girl.
The incident took place in an alleyway between Park Vale Academy and Rise Park Primary School, in Rise Park, at around 8pm on Sunday 29 January 2023.
A suspect was arrested in the Top Valley area on Tuesday night (31).
Shane Nash, of Boniface Gardens, Bestwood, has now been charged with one count of rape.
The 39-year-old has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today (January 2).
Detective Inspector Craig Hall, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The victim and her family have been informed of this significant development and continue to be supported by specially-trained officers.
“Although we have charged a suspect, our investigation into this serious crime continues and I would ask anyone with information who is yet to come forward to please do so now.”
Anyone with information that may assist police with their ongoing inquiries is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 657 of 29 January 2023, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Former Gedling MP and Labour peer Vernon Coaker led a successful resistance against a Government Bill intent on cracking down on disruptive protests.
The Public Order Bill, which is at a draft stage, was stopped in its tracks in the House of Lords on Monday, January 30.
Lord Coaker (Lab), who became a peer in March 2021, led an amendment to alter the Government’s proposal to lower the threshold for the definition of ‘serious disruption’.
Peers voted 243 to 221 in favour of a higher threshold before the authorities may intervene in a protest, particularly ridding the legislation of the phrase “or is capable of causing serious disruption”.
Lord Coaker argued such a fact “should trouble us all”, and said: “Goodness me, many of us, noble Lords in this Chamber and others watching these proceedings, would have been arrested or would have fallen foul of the law under these provisions.”
However Home Office minister Lord Sharpe (Con) said the Bill is simply aiming to prevent hindrance to the British public.
Similarly another section of the Bill, which sought to stop protesting about a topic in current debate being used as a defence, was also rejected by 244 votes to 221.
The defeat comes as teachers across Nottinghamshire and beyond tok part in strike action on Wednesday, February 1, the latest in a flurry of strikes from public sector workers.
Speaking in the Lords, Lord Coaker said: “It is my contention, and that of my party and others from other parties across the House, that the Bill has gone too far.
“There is a risk of the police, in my view and that of others, being given lots of new powers that, instead of providing clarity, will end up undermining and clamping down on peaceful and legitimate protests.”
He added: “I want us all to consider that when we decide how we should vote on these matters. In other words, on some of the specifics around these amendments, we have to remember that an offence does not even have to happen; it just has to be capable of happening, and that should trouble us all.”
Responding Lord Sharpe of Epsom, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Office, said: “The debate is not about whether these measures ban protests: quite simply, they do not, and I thank the noble Lord, Lord Coaker, for his comments emphasising that fact.
“We are trying to ascertain the point to which protesters can disrupt the lives of the general public.
“This Government’s position is clear: we are on the side of the public.
“The Government want to protect the rights of the public to go about their daily lives without let or hindrance. I do not believe that his amendment supports this aim; therefore, I cannot support it.”
Here’s our latest round-up of latest events taking place from Friday 3 February to Thursday 9 February across the borough.
Friday, February 3
Arron Jones – Woodborough Hall, Woodborough
The smash hit magic show comes to Woodborough Hall. Debuting at the Edinburgh Fringe 2022 The 1 Hour Straightjacket Escape Magic Show sees devilishly handsome magician Arron Jones trapped in a straightjacket, performing an entire magic show with his hands literally tied behind his back!
Nottingham Organ Society : Robert Davies – Bonington Theatre, Arnold, 7.30pm
Popular organist Robert Davies will play a new and varied concert programme featuring music from great musicals, light classics, ballads and stirring marches, along with music from the 60’s and 70’s. An eclectic collection from Bach to the present day.
Bachata Tuesday – The Punchbowl, Mapperley, 7.30pm & 8.30pm
Learn to dance Bachata (Moderna & Sensual Style) with Professional Salsa & Bachata Dancer, Performer & Renowned Choreographer – Bruno from Salsa Passion UK
Maire Ni Chathasaigh & Chris Newman – The Bonington Theatre, 7.30pm
In a class of their own, ‘one of the UK’s most staggering and influential acoustic guitarists’ (Roots Magazine) in concert with the ‘doyenne of Irish harpers’ (Scotland On Sunday) take to the stage with a spellbinding treat for the audience.
Two absolute icons of UK music have been announced as headliners for the 15th birthday edition of Splendour.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Madness are a couple of the biggest acts to ever headline the East Midlands’ signature weekend summer music festival taking place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July.
Joining the headliners in Nottingham’s Wollaton Park will be The Kooks, Rudimental, Sugababes, Sam Ryder, Confidence Man and Altered Images, with further acts to be added across all five stages for the epic weekender. Tickets go on sale 10am Friday 3 February.
Performing at the festival on Sunday 23 July, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds first emerged in 2011 with their eponymous album released in October that year. The album went double platinum in the UK, platinum in Ireland and has sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide. Following 3 UK Number 1 studio albums, June 2021 saw the release of ‘Back The Way We Came: Vol 1 (2011-2021)’ – a diverse Best Of album marking a decade of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. This Gold certified album was the 12th UK Number 1 album across Noel’s career.
This show is part of an extended run of open air summer shows that will follow the release of Gallagher’s much anticipated new album ‘Council Skies’ released on 2nd June. The album features recently released ‘Pretty Boy’ and the brand new single ‘Easy Now’.
Noel’s continued success with the High Flying Birds cements his position as one of the most gifted, successful and enduring songwriters to come out of the British music scene in the last 50 years.
Madness is one of the most prominent bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s two-tone revival, known for their “nutty sound,” blending ska rhythms with catchy melodies and a showman’s sense of humour. During the 80s, the band’s songs spent a total of 214 weeks on the UK Singles Charts, with 15 tracks reaching the UK Top Ten, making them one of the most popular bands in Britain at the time.
Ever since their 2009 Splendour headliner slot, Madness has been a fan favourite and the most requested act by the festival crowd. With their superlative back catalogue including ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘House of Fun’, ‘One Step Beyond’ and ‘Our House’, they are a dead cert to get the crowd jumping along to their two-tone beat.
Anton Lockwood, Director of Live at DHP Family, which organises Splendour, says: “We’re absolutely over the moon to have secured two bona fide music legends for the Splendour weekend. Madness has been one of the most requested acts of the Splendour audience time and time again, and Noel and his band have been on our wish list for years.
“Following the success of last year’s debut two-day music festival, it was obvious that there was an appetite for a full weekend of Splendour. Once again, people can expect a fantastic mix of rising stars, Splendour debutantes and well-established heavy hitters. We have more up our sleeves and will be revealing the full line-up in the coming months. Get ready for a spectacular 15th birthday Splendour!”
Indie rock band The Kooks broke into the musical mainstream with their debut album ‘Inside In/Inside Out’ (2006), which went on to achieve quadruple platinum status in the UK within a year, overseas in the form of a platinum certification in Australia and two times platinum in Ireland. Almost two decades since forming, The Kooks continue to experience career highs and are sure to have everyone singing along to hits such as ‘She Moves in Her Own Way’ and ‘Naive’.
PICTURED: Fundamental will be playing at this year’s Splendour festival
Rudimental is one of the UK’s most successful dance acts of the last decade. Multiple chart entries, two number one albums, three number one singles, five billion streams, four albums, world tours, platinum-selling singles plus a plethora of awards have cemented their position as trailblazers with a formidable reputation for producing hit records.
Sugababes will also be making their Splendour debut. The pop superstars are one of the most successful British girl bands of the 21st century with six number one singles including the perfect pop tracks ‘Round Round’, ‘Freak Like Me’ and ‘Push The Button’, millions of global sales and several multi-platinum albums. Fast forward two decades, the original line-up of Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy are back in full force and becoming the talk of the summer festival scene.
Sam Ryder has quickly become a household name after his Eurovision success. Following his incredible run with ‘Space Man’ and the Eurovision Song Contest, bagging the highest charting UK Eurovision entry in 26 years, his single is one of the biggest selling singles of 2022. Ryder is also nominated for Best New Artist at the 2023 Brit Awards, becoming the first Eurovision act to be selected in this category.
Indie electro pop act Confidence Man will fire up the party vibes. The Brisbane band is unarguably one of the hottest acts on the planet right now, with their performances custom designed to make the crowd dance and lose their cool. Formed in 2016, they have already played at some of the biggest festivals in the world.
Scottish post-punk band Altered Images quickly found success in the early 80s, achieving worldwide fame selling millions of records, which topped the charts in several countries. They recorded three Top 10 Albums and had six UK Top 40 hits, including ‘Happy Birthday’, ‘I Could Be Happy’, and ‘Don’t Talk to Me About Love’. Singer Clare Grogan will also be familiar to many from the Scottish coming of age film, Gregory’s Girl.
In response to the cost-of-living crisis, new for this year is the introduction of a payment plan ticket option, offering ticket buyers a flexible option to split the cost of their ticket into more manageable monthly instalments between now and the event in July.
George Akins, MD, DHP Family, says: “Now in its 15th year, Splendour has become a firm fixture in the summer for the East Midlands, with thousands attending year after year for an epic weekend with friends and family. The introduction of a flexible payment plan makes it easier for ticket holders to spread the cost over several months, something we hope will help during the cost-of-living crisis. Everybody should have the opportunity to have a great time and enjoy live music.”
To make sure families from across the East Midlands can enjoy Splendour together, a new 11-17-year-old youth ticket has also been introduced, while children aged 10 and under can attend for free with an accompanying adult. Keen festival fans can also act fast to get their hands on an exclusive Early Bird Weekend ticket on sale from 10am on Friday morning.
Splendour has been held in the picturesque parkland at Wollaton Park in Nottinghamshire since its first outing in 2008. Each year, an eclectic mix of rising national acts, global icons and local favourites, as well as fringe performers and laugh-out-loud comedians, take to the five stages to perform in front of thousands.
The Confetti Stage at Splendour is in partnership with Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, a leading provider of creative industry education. This year marks the tenth festival working together. Craig Chettle MBE, Chief Executive Confetti, says:
“We’re over the moon to once again be supporting Splendour, and in its 15th year no less. For a decade now, hundreds of staff and students from Confetti and Notts TV have worked alongside professional crews to produce, stage and film Nottingham’s biggest and best outdoor festival. From the aspiring Confetti artists who join the line-up, to the talented students working behind the scenes, it’s a highlight of our year. We’re proud to be part of this important milestone for Splendour and the city of Nottingham. Get ready for another weekend of superb family entertainment.”
Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Planning at Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s great that Splendour is returning to Nottingham this July for its 15th year, following the huge success of last year. We are proud that Wollaton Park will once again host Nottinghamshire’s leading music festival for two days, giving local artists and musicians the chance to perform alongside internationally renowned acts. This year’s line-up looks set to be one of the best yet.”
Tickets for Splendour Festival 2023 go on sale at 10am on Friday 3 February, with an exclusive early bird price for weekend tickets priced at £92 for adults. City residents weekend tickets are priced at £82.80. Accompanied children aged 10 and under go FREE. Day tickets are also available, along with VIP tickets. Head tosplendourfestival.com.
Some of the famous Red Arrows will be taking flight again tomorrow (1) as part of their busy training schedule.
Residents in Burton Joyce, Calverton and Woodborough might see them as the skies above are within the training airspace they use around RAF Syerston, near Newark, to practise their routines.
The team’s Syncro Pair will be out training tomorrow in the skies above Nottinghamshire so there’s a chance you could spot them.
They will be training between 8.15am and 9.15am and then again between 12pm-12.45pm
The team will again be out training a week later on Wednesday, February 8 at the same times.
When do the Red Arrows Train?
Typically, winter training starts in October, with small groups of three or four aircraft formations. Each pilot flies three sorties a day, five days a week, and the formations grow in aircraft number as training progresses.
These flights involve a thorough brief, debrief and discussion to ensure safety is paramount and the formations are precise. One complete cycle consisting of these elements lasts about two hours, usually with a 30-minute flight.
Winter training lasts until mid-March or early-April, when the team usually moves overseas to a location with more predictable, settled weather to maximise flying hours and perfect the display. This is known as Exercise Springhawk.
During Springhawk the team is assessed by senior Royal Air Force officers, with the aim of gaining Public Display Authority. If this is awarded, the team’s pilots change from green coveralls into their famous red flying suits and the ground crew are allowed to wear their royal blue display coveralls.
The season then officially begins and public performances by the Red Arrows are permitted.
