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Morrisons in Netherfield is offering free meals for kids over school holidays

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Morrisons in Netherfield is offering free meals for kids over school holidays

Morrisons in Netherfield has announced a lovely gesture to help parents cope with feeding their kids over the summer school holidays.

With schools now breaking up across the country, the supermarket giant is helping out busy parents by letting kids eat free at its cafes all day, every day during the summer holidays. 

With the purchase of every adult meal over £4.50, customers can also get a kid’s meal absolutely free.

Adult options include a Full English Breakfast (veggie and vegan options available), delicious salads, and café classics like fish and chips, lasagne and chicken tikka masala, with kids options ranging from beans on toast to chicken nuggets and chips and all including a piece of fruit and a drink.

The deal is available now and will run throughout the summer holidays to help parents get more value for money during breakfast, lunch or dinner.  

Ai Lyons, head of cafes at Morrisons said: “We know that feeding the whole family during the summer holidays can quickly add up and so we’re pleased to be running our Kids Eat Free All Day deal.  

 “We recently introduced a brand-new menu and have invested heavily in coronavirus safety measures such as screens and our contactless ‘Order & Pay’ app. 

“This means that whether you are popping into your local Morrison’s to do some grocery shopping or passing by one on a day-out you’ll have a safe and cost-effective option when thinking about ways to feed the children.”

Kids Eat Free All Day is currently live and will run until September 5. The offer only applies when any one adult meal with a value of £4.50 or over is purchased.

For more information and to see the cafe menu, visit: my.morrisons.com/blog/food/new-cafe-menu/

Nominations open for Gedling borough heritage assets to join council list

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Nominations open for Gedling borough heritage assets to join council list

Did you know residents in Gedling borough can nominate heritage assets to be included on an official council register.

When an historic building is added to Gedling Borough Council‘s Local Heritage List it gives it extra protection and the council say this will be taken into account with any future planning applications are made on or near the site.

There are currently 140 buildings on the list but the council is asking for residents to nominate more.

Buildings and assets on the list include Arnot Hill Lodge in Arnold, Cross Keys and Lord Nelson Public House in Burton Joyce, The Old School House in Calverton, The Dumbles in Lambley, Brook Farm in Linby and The Ferry Boat Inn in Stoke Bardolph.

Two assets were recently added to the list: these were The Clock Tower Office Building in Bestwood and Calverton War Memorial.

The council website states:”The local heritage list is regularly reviewed by the Council as there may be other local heritage assets which we do not currently know about and you are invited to nominate buildings that you think should be added to the local heritage list.”

You can find the selection criteria and nomination forms on the council website HERE

Police carry out dawn raids on properties in Arnold as part of drugs crackdown

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Police carry out dawn raids on properties in Arnold as part of drugs crackdown

Police have carried out dawn raids on properties in Arnold as part of a major county lines drug operation

Officers arrested three suspects during the raids and seized suspected Class A drugs, cash, mobile phones and drug paraphernalia.

The raid took place in the small hours of this morning (July 29), with police teams lined up to swoop on the properties.

They also raided two others in Bestwood and Mansfield.

The co-ordinated raids resulted in three men, aged 20, 22 and 26, being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

The successful operation targeted and disrupted an established drug supply network run from Arnold involving the exploitation of children to sell Class A drugs and to carry and use weapons in support of their criminal activities.

It is believed the county lines enterprise was exporting drugs into the Ilkeston area of Derbyshire.

County lines is a term used to describe urban gangs supplying drugs to other parts of the UK using dedicated mobile phone lines. The gangs are likely to exploit children or vulnerable adults to move and store drugs and they will often use violence and coercion.

This is a national issue and Nottinghamshire Police has been working to identify criminal gangs; protect vulnerable people at risk of exploitation and carry out enforcement and disruption activity targeting those who pose the most risk to the local community.

Today’s positive enforcement activity involved the force’s dedicated county lines team, CID, Operation Reacher and Gedling neighbourhood policing teams all working together.

Warrants were carried out at properties in Edison Way, Thrapstone Avenue and Bond Street in Arnold, Longfellows Drive in Bestwood and Redruth Drive in Mansfield.

Inspector Chris Pearson, Gedling borough commander, said: “Today’s positive results are thanks to several months’ hard work carried out by our teams to crack down on a county lines enterprise and those involved as well as safeguarding vulnerable young people being preyed upon and exploited to sell drugs.

“Our message is clear, if you’re a drug dealer in Nottinghamshire and you are looking to recruit and exploit the vulnerable to profit financially we will use every tactic available to us to locate, enforce and prosecute you.

“Drugs blight our communities and ruin people’s lives which is why we are working tirelessly to target and disrupt offenders involved in the supply of drugs in our communities.

“Drug supply is a policing priority in the Gedling borough. We are committed to tackling this issue which has included carrying out more than 50 warrants across the borough in the last 18 months.

“This activity has been on the back of information received from members of the public and I’d encourage anyone with concerns or suspicions about drug use and supply in their area to please call us.

“I hope the positive impact and results we’re achieving reassures the public of our commitment to making our streets safer and that we’re listening to their concerns and taking action to tackle them.”

Gedling Borough Council leader John Clarke said: “County lines operations like these ruin lives, it’s as simple as that. Criminals take advantage of young and vulnerable people and profit from their crimes, and we will not stand by and let it happen.

“A key priority for Gedling Borough Council is to make our communities safer for residents. We are working collaboratively with the police on these operations to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour and will continue to do so in order to get to a place where people can enjoy where they live.

“I’d like to thank Nottinghamshire Police for their excellent work on this operation and for helping to keep our streets safe and for safeguarding our residents.”

Detective Inspector Nikki Smith, the force’s county lines lead, added: “As a force we are determined to make Nottinghamshire a hostile place for criminals involved in county lines which exploits some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“We know county lines activity is closely linked to violence and organised crime on our streets.

“We are working all year round to tackle this issue and bring offenders to justice as well as keeping people safe and safeguarding young people at risk of criminal exploitation.

“I’d like to reassure people that we will continue to target county lines operators and bring them to justice to make our streets safer.

“Members of the public can also help us achieve this by reporting any suspicious activity to us.

“Information we receive is always treated confidentially, carefully assessed and prioritised so we can take appropriate action.”

Anyone who has concerns or sees anything suspicious is urged to report directly to Nottinghamshire Police by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency call 999.

For more information please visit: https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/advice/county-lines

More than £200,000 paid out to historic sexual abuse victims

Gedling Eye Reporter
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More than £200,000 paid out to historic sexual abuse victims

Nottingham City Council has paid out more than £200,000 to victims of sexual abuse after a highly critical report into its failure to protect children.

In July 2019 the Independent Investigation into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) found both Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council failed in their duties to protect children from abuse.

The inquiry had examined the sexual and physical abuse of youngsters in several children’s homes and foster care from the 1960s onwards, including the former Beechwood Children’s Home in Mapperley.

The crimes, dating back decades, first began to be made public in 2013 after several victims came forward. This led to hundreds of claims and several criminal trials.

In September 2019 IICSA called on the local authorities to draw up an action plan to ensure the best possible protection for children in the future.

On Thursday, July 29, the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee met at Loxley House to determine if the plan was working – and if “lessons had been learned”.

Catherine Underwood, corporate director of people at the council, told members the authority had reviewed all its carers, current and former, to ensure they pose no risk to children.

She said the review would be an ongoing process, with any notification of concern passed on to relevant authorities including the police.

Ms Underwood told the committee there was no evidence carers posed any risk to children.

The council also looked at external fostering provided by other agencies to make sure an independent review was carried out.

The meeting was told there have been 83 “incidents of concern” made since 2010, 75 of which have been “referred to one or more organisations”.

None of these related to an allegation of sexual abuse, the council said.

But Ms Underwood said since the inquiry the council has paid out £210,000 in damages as part of civil claims made against the authority.

The local authority says a further £374,368  will be used to support abuse survivors over the next three years, including offering therapy services.

Councillors at the meeting agreed the authority was addressing the problems highlighted in the IICA inquiry.

Plans to turn dwelling into children’s home and illuminated signs at new supermarket amongst planning applications in Gedling borough this week

Gedling Eye
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Plans to turn dwelling into children’s home and illuminated signs at new supermarket amongst planning applications in Gedling borough this week

Plans for 120 new homes and a replacement antenna mast are among the planning applications that have been made this week across Gedling borough

Every week dozens of planning applications are submitted to the council – and the coronavirus pandemic has not changed that.

Here is the list of applications that have been submitted and validated by Gedling Borough Council in the last week.

Visit the council site HERE the links below to find out more and to have your say…

Arnold

Erect linked 2 bedroomed dwelling

92 Gleneagles Drive Arnold NG5 8QR

Ref. No: 2021/0856

Single storey rear extension.

39 Linden Place Arnold Nottinghamshire NG3 5RB

Ref. No: 2021/0846

Proposed two storey side and single storey rear/side extensions

10 Roxburgh Close Arnold NG5 8RN

Ref. No: 2021/0833

Demolition of an existing single storey structure and detached garage. Construction of a new 2 storey side extension.

35 Galway Road Arnold NG5 7AY

Ref. No: 2021/0832

Single storey rear extension

16 Rosegrove Avenue Arnold NG5 8DU

Ref. No: 2021/0788 

Bestwood

Variation of Condition 7 of planning permission 98/0481 – openings hours.

Lakeside Mansfield Road Bestwood Nottinghamshire NG5 8PH

Ref. No: 2021/0819

Burton Joyce

Outline application with all matters reserved for the erection of a single custom-built detached dwelling

4 St Helens Grove Burton Joyce NG14 5AP

Ref. No: 2021/0855

Demolish existing single storey extension and build new single storey extension

42 Bridle Road Burton Joyce NG14 5FS

Ref. No: 2021/0840 

Stone/road planing track 2.8m in width for 350m

Land At Glebe Farm Glebe Drive Burton Joyce NG14 5BA

Ref. No: 2021/0800 

General purpose agricultural building, including livestock.

Land At Glebe Farm Glebe Drive Burton Joyce NG14 5BA

Ref. No: 2021/0802

Operation of doggy day care business (07:30am to 6pm on week days and closed at weekends)

34 Bridle Road Burton Joyce NG14 5FS

Ref. No: 2021/0562

Calverton

Fell six Conifer trees.

109 Main Street Calverton Nottinghamshire NG14 6FG

Ref. No: 2021/0853TCA

Proposed conservatory and extension to existing garage 

8 Paddock Close Calverton NG14 6GJ

Ref. No: 2021/0838 

Erection of conservatory

50 Renals Way Calverton NG14 6PH

Ref. No: 2021/082

Two storey side extension

281 Park Road East Calverton NG14 6GQ

Ref. No: 2021/0783

Carlton

Two storey side extension, single storey rear extension and loft conversion with rear dormer

75 Southcliffe Road Carlton NG4 1ES

Ref. No: 2021/0873

Planning_Gedling

Colwick

Erection of 1no. non-illuminated recycling centre sign (C16); 1no. internally illuminated 7m store totem (T1); 1no. non-illuminated pedestrian totem (T2); 1no. internally illuminated combined store totem (T3); 1no. internally illuminated Sainsbury’s Sky Sign – west (S1); 1no. internally illuminated Sainsbury’s Sky Sign – north (S2); 1no. non-illuminated ATM wall sign (S3); 2no. non-illuminated welcome wall signs (S4 and S5); 3no. internally illuminated fascia box signs (S7, S8 and S9); 1no. internally illuminated ANPR system sign; 2no. non-illuminated collection point panel signs (P1R and P1L); and 1no. other non-illuminated collection point panel signs (H1). 

Sainsburys Road No 3 Colwick Nottinghamshire NG4 2JS

Ref. No: 2021/0872

Fell Pine Tree (T5)

11 Colwick Park Close Colwick NG4 2DZ

Ref. No: 2021/0839TPO

First floor side extension

11 Crosslands Meadow Colwick NG4 2DJ

Ref. No: 2021/0834 

Installation of new plant and equipment and relocation of 2 no. existing tanks.

Bio Dynamic (UK) Ltd Road No 4 Colwick Nottinghamshire NG4 2JT

Ref. No: 2021/0842NCC

Daybrook

Replacement of existing Currys signs non illuminated and illuminated Totem, Facia and box signs 

Madford Retail Park, Unit 3 Mansfield Road Daybrook NG5 6AD

Ref. No: 2021/0790

Gedling

Approval of details reserved by conditions 12 (CEMP), 14 (foul and surface water) and 15 (landscaping) of planning permission 2020/0954

The Phoenix Shelford Road Gedling NG4 4HU

Ref. No: 2021/0870DO

Erection of detached garage in front garden

11 Cavendish Avenue Gedling NG4 4FZ

Ref. No: 2021/0823

Lambley

Single storey rear extension; loft Conversion with dormer window and rendering rear and side of property

5 Willow Crescent Lambley NG4 4PW

Ref. No: 2021/0781

Linby

Mapperley

Two storey extension and loft conversion including raising the existing ridge height and associate changes to the design of the roof and elevations

80 Marshall Hill Drive Mapperley NG3 6FP

Ref. No: 2021/0863

Change of use from a dwelling house (class C3) to a residential children’s home (class C2)

7 Dawlish Court Mapperley Nottinghamshire NG3 5TA

Ref. No: 2021/0847

The formation of a medical treatment room with WC and reception area

144 Marshall Hill Drive Mapperley NG3 6HW

Ref. No: 2021/0725 

Netherfield

New External Glazed windbreak to front of entrance lobby.

4 Victoria Park Way Netherfield NG4 2PA

Ref. No: 2021/0851

Newstead

Prior notification for a first floor extension

Lord Byron House Newstead Abbey Park Station Avenue Newstead Nottinghamshire NG15 8GE

Ref. No: 2021/0843PN

The proposed development comprises the erection of buildings incidental to the enjoyment of the dwellinghouse. The proposals would provide 3-no. outbuildings, including a summer house, kennel, and an art studio.

Newstead Abbey Park, Lord Byron House Station Avenue Newstead NG15 8GE

Ref. No: 2021/0837

Papplewick

Reduced diseased Yew to 6ft (1.8m) Prune in remaining limbs back to the main stem.

2 Hall Mews Hall Lane Papplewick Nottinghamshire NG15 8FW

Ref. No: 2021/0828TCA

Ravenshead

Proposed single storey lounge extension, side porch extension and garage conversion.

44 Milton Drive Ravenshead NG15 9BE

Ref. No: 2021/0871

Single storey side and rear extension

16 Chapel Fields Ravenshead NG15 9DT

Ref. No: 2021/0858

Extensions to front and rear of existing bungalow.

11 Regina Crescent Ravenshead NG15 9AE

Ref. No: 2021/0845

Single storey rear extension

282 Longdale Lane Ravenshead NG15 9AH

Ref. No: 2021/0836 

Enlargement of external open porch on primary elevation of house. Change flat roof of porch to pitched roof.

Arbor Lodge Blidworth Waye Ravenshead NG15 8GB

Ref. No: 2021/0830

Redhill

Stoke Bardolph

Woodborough

Proposed single storey front extension, new stepped access and cladding to front elevation

14 Whitby Crescent Woodthorpe NG5 4LY

Ref. No: 2021/0881

Proposed outbuilding adjoining the existing garage and proposed summer house to the rear of the property

19 Lowdham Lane Woodborough NG14 6DL

Ref. No: 2021/0859 

T7 (Sycamore) fell. T10 (Lime) fell. T6 (Sycamore) tree reduction.

The Farm House Bank Hill Farm Bank Hill Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6EF

Ref. No: 2021/0849TPO 

Woodthorpe

New first floor to existing detached property with external terrace to rear and workshop below.

16 Greys Road Woodthorpe NG5 4GU

Ref. No: 2021/0866 

Installation of external wall insulation cladding to bungalow with rendered finish.

4 Gresham Gardens Woodthorpe NG5 4LU

Ref. No: 2021/0841

Part two storey and part single storey rear extension

73 Thackerays Lane Woodthorpe NG5 4HU

Ref. No: 2021/0779

Arrest made after motorcyclist killed in road traffic collision on A60 near Arnold

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Arrest made after motorcyclist killed in road traffic collision on A60 near Arnold

Police have arrested a woman after a motorcyclist was killed in a road traffic collision near Arnold.

The incident occurred shortly before 9.10pm on Sunday (July 25) on the A60 Mansfield Road.

The collision took place south of the junction of Burntstump Hill and involved a van and a motorcycle travelling in opposite directions along the road.

The rider of the motorcycle, a 48-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

A 31-year-old woman was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving while unfit through drink and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

She has been released under investigation.

Collision investigation officer Sophie Law, of Nottinghamshire Police’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “This was a tragic incident in which a man has lost his life.

“We are keen to understand exactly what happened and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward or have any dash camera footage to please contact 101 and quote 826-25072021”

Netherfield Youth Club members cook up healthy meals and treats following generous Co-op food donation

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Netherfield Youth Club members cook up healthy meals and treats following generous Co-op food donation

Teenagers at a youth club in Netherfield have been cooking up a series of healthy snacks and meals following a food donation from the town Co-op.

Netherfield Youth Club is a much-loved group for teenagers, which meets weekly at the town’s Loco Centre.

Club leaders say the pandemic has meant that lots of families are struggling in the town, with many people losing jobs and an unprecedented rise in the use of food banks.

They say groups like Netherfield Youth Club have never been more important to boost morale, reduce isolation and improve the mental health of teenagers.

Growing teenagers are renowned for being hungry and Netherfield Co-op has been providing welcome snacks for the youth club to have at their meetings.

Fresh ingredients to cook wholesome meals have also been donated.

One of the teenagers said: “Having a barbeque in the park today felt like I was on holiday.”

When the manager of Netherfield Co-op, Stuart Thomas, heard about Netherfield Youth Club at the Co-op run Gedling and Netherfield Forum, facilitated by Alison Marsh, he was only too happy to help.

Stuart said: “The Co-op is delighted to help Netherfield Youth Club through our Community Fund, and it’s our pleasure to make a real difference to local families.”

Andy Foulds, the group’s leader from Nottingham County Council, who has run the group since 2018, has noticed a rise in the number of families who are having difficulties.

He said, “I think that making a meal where our young people choose the recipe, cook it, and sit down at a table to eat together, is a really beneficial experience for all concerned.

“We’re very grateful to the Co-op for their food donations.”

Six arrests in crackdown on car key burglaries across Gedling borough

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Six arrests in crackdown on car key burglaries across Gedling borough

Police have made six arrests following a number of car key burglaries in Gedling borough.

An 18-year-old was arrested on Sunday (July 25) after police spotted a car believed to have been stolen during a burglary in Besecar Avenue, Gedling.

The driver went down a dead end, jumped out, and let the vehicle keep rolling into a front garden at the end of the street.

Thankfully the occupants were renovating their driveway, and a mound of earth and old fencing, prevented the vehicle hitting the house and causing any damage.

The officer chased after him and quickly caught up, catching the suspect within minutes as he tried to jump over a fence in Ashwell Gardens, Hyson Green, shortly before 6.30pm.

An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft of a motor vehicle.

Police made another four more arrests in connection with a separate burglary investigation on Friday (July 23) night, this time on the M1. 

Officers tracked a car thought to be linked to an earlier burglary in Newcombe Drive, Arnold.

The residents had disturbed intruders who then fled. They however alerted investigating officers to a suspicious Ford Mondeo estate car they had seen, which police already had flagged on their system for links to other crimes.

This vehicle was later picked up by police ANPR cameras which had tracked it driving up the northbound carriageway of the M1 motorway. Officers used pre-emptive tactics to stop it at Junction 28.

Stolen car bulwell
PICTURED: The car which rolled into a garden as police followed it after suspecting it of being stolen from Gedling (PHOTO: Bulwell, Rise Park and Highbury Vale Police)

All four occupants in the car were initially arrested for the Arnold burglary.

Three of the four were further arrested for other outstanding burglary offences they are suspected of being involved in, while the fourth person was arrested in connection with a spate of car key burglaries in the north of the county.

Investigations are ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Waldram, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I’d like to reassure our communities that we take offences such as these very seriously. We want the public to feel safe in their homes and we are doing all we can to further reduce burglary and to bring offenders to justice.

“We also need residents to carry on working with us and follow crime prevention advice as we want to do everything we can to prevent burglaries from happening in the first place.

“Many burglaries happen because a door or window has been left unlocked, which is really an open invitation for burglars.　

“We can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure your front and back doors and your windows are kept locked, even when you’re in the house.　

Changes to academic year at Gedling borough schools for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Andrew Topping (Local Democracy Reporter)
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Changes to academic year at Gedling borough schools for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Schools in Gedling borough will finish their 2022 summer term one day earlier to factor in The Queen’s platinum jubilee.

The academic year will now end on July 28, rather than July 29, to account for an extra bank holiday as part of the celebrations.

The public holiday will be held on June 2, 2022, as part of a four-day event to mark The Queen’s 70-year reign.

However, this will fall within the May half-term break and when schools are already off.

But today Nottinghamshire County Council confirmed plans to cut short the final half-term, factoring in the additional bank holiday.

It means the number of statutory teaching sessions for the 2021/22 academic year has been reduced by one day.

Councillor Tracey Taylor (Con) ris chairman of the children and young peoples’ committee.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting, she said: “Obviously we always have to plan holiday dates after consultation and we have to do that in good time to advertise them, so parents and families know what they will be.

“Next year is an exceptional year in terms of an extra bank holiday for all of us to celebrate The Queen’s diamond jubilee.”

The committee also confirmed term dates for academic years between 2023/24 and 2026/27.

Academic years will continue on the current model of two weeks for the October half-term, a fixed spring break of the first two weeks in April, and a five-week summer holiday.

The council had put term dates up for consultation, with a second option keeping the two-week October holiday but moving to a varied spring break and slight amendments to the start and end of the academic year.

However, following 1,876 responses to the consultation, the majority of people preferred the existing model for all three years.

The 2023/24 academic year will begin on September 4, 2023 and end on July 26, 2024.

The following academic year will begin on September 2, 2024 and end on July 29, 2025.

The 2025/26 academic year will then begin on September 1, 2025 before ending on July 27, 2026.

And the following year will start on September 1, 2026, ending on July 28, 2027.

Historic plane in Colwick school playground officially reopens after being repaired and repainted following graffiti attack last summer

David Bratton
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Historic plane in Colwick school playground officially reopens after being repaired and repainted following graffiti attack last summer

An iconic school playground plane that was targeted by graffiti vandals in Colwick last summer has been officially reopened by the Mayor of Gedling following repairs and a new paint job designed by pupils.

School pupils and special guests were invited to St John’s C of E School this afternoon (July 26) to watch Councillor Meredith Lawrence, who was recently announced as the borough’s new mayor, cut the ribbon.

Lawrence was joined by pupils Isla Cooke-Smith, 11, and Ella Towle, 8, who won the school competition to have their designs featured on the exterior of the revamped playground attraction.

Pupils will once again be able to use the iconic plane as an outdoor classroom following the refurbishment.

Councillor Lawrence addressed gathered guests and pupils before cutting the ribbon.

PICTURED: (l to r) Ella Towle, Mayor of Gedling, Meredith Lawrence; and Isla Cooke-Smith (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
PICTURED: Isla Cooke-Smith proudly shows off her design to Councillor Lawrence (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
Ella Towle, 8, shows her design to Mayor of Gedling Meredith Lawrence (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
The indoor learning space that will be used by pupils at the school (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

He said: “It’s wonderful to see the plane again which I think now looks even better than it did before the graffiti attack with all this wonderful decoration on it.”

Headteacher Rachel Ireland said it was a real ‘community effort’ to get the plane back into use after the vandalism in July 2020 knocked back original plans to get the outdoor classroom repaired.

She told Gedling Eye: “At the beginning of July last year we were awarded a grant from Colwick Parish Council to refurbish the plane and we were ready to use the money on that before it got seriously vandalised.

“Meredith, in his role as councillor and also governor of the school, managed to secure some money from Gedling Borough Council to get the graffiti removed.

“We a bit concerned as the plane needed to be repainted and to make it look great then we knew we would need some more investment. Luckily Jenny Eurge, who is Netherfield locality co-ordinator, and Meredith found most of the money needed but we were still around £500 short. Some of our parents then raised the rest by setting up a crowdfunding page and got us what was needed.

“It’s been a real community project as everyone felt that it’s such an iconic part of a school at Colwick and that it was worth the extra investment.”

To decorate the plane exterior, two designs were selected from hundreds of entries submitted by pupils of all ages who attend the school.

“It was hard decision to make: there are 210 pupils at the school and all were invited to submit a design.

“Both myself and the then-deputy head had to sift through all the entries and we got managed to get it down to 14 designs, with the staff then voting for the winners without knowing the names of the pupils selected.”

“Isla, who was one of the winners, leaves our school this summer so it’s been nice that she is leaving us with a lasting legacy.”

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