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Gedling borough parks and play areas to remain open during lockdown

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling borough parks and play areas to remain open during lockdown

Gedling borough’s parks and play areas will remain open to the public during the nationwide lockdown which starts today and is expected to last until Wednesday, December 2.

Gedling Borough Council announced the good news in an email.

They said: “Parks across England can stay open during the lockdown to help with health and wellbeing” Gedling parks, their toilets and play areas will remain open.”

Sadly, it was also revealed that this time outdoor gyms and tennis courts would remain closed. 

Cafe 1899 at Gedling Country Park will also stay open and continue to offer drinks and snacks from the hatch, but the indoor and outdoor seating areas are closed until further notice.

Burton Road Jubilee Park will remain open

Leisure centres

The national lockdown restrictions mean that the borough’s leisure centres will have to close temporarily from today (November 5).

The leisure team has put together a number of online videos aimed at those working from home during the locdown.

You can access the workouts here: You can access the online workouts via the leisure webpages.

The Bonington theatre and cinema will also temporarily close.

The venue revealed that booked tickets will automatically be held on customers’ accounts for when they reopen. Those wanting a refund should contact the venue directly.

Since reopening in July the venue has sold 4,500 tickets and held 415 screenings of over 60 films.

Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are being rescheduled at Arnold Registry Office due to lockdown – but birth registrations can still take place

Emily Sanchez
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Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are being rescheduled at Arnold Registry Office due to lockdown – but birth registrations can still take place

The team at Arnold Registry Office has been contacting bridal parties to help them reschedule their wedding or civil partnership ceremony due to the national lockdown rules which comes into force tomorrow (November 5).

The new Government guidance states that weddings and civil partnership ceremonies will not be permitted to take place except in exceptional circumstances.

Councillor Kay Cutts, MBE, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council said: “I know that there will be many disappointed people across the county who were planning their special day, some of which may have already delayed their plans once or more.  

“I can assure you that we will do everything we can to work with couples to help them reschedule in line with the latest guidance which we will keep under review.  The important thing now is that we all follow the new guidance in full to help us slow the spread of the virus.”

Wedding rings

Other registration service updates in light of the national lockdown include funerals and birth registrations.

Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people, and it is advised that only close friends and family attend. Linked ceremonial events such as stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue with up to 15 people in attendance. Anyone working as part of these events are not included in these numbers. Social distancing should be maintained between people who do not live together or share a support bubble.

The Arnold offices is also taking new birth registration appointments for residents where the baby was born in the city.

Wedding or civil ceremony notices are still being taken but only three months prior to the ceremony.  Citizenship ceremonies have been cancelled until further advice is received.

Non-statutory services such as change of name deed, baby naming will not be available.

Virtual ceremony sees community heroes honoured at Pride of Gedling Awards 2020

David Bratton
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Virtual ceremony sees community heroes honoured at Pride of Gedling Awards 2020

Not to be defeated by ongoing Covid restrictions, Gedling Borough Council took its annual awards ceremony online to ensure the achievements of people in the local community didn’t go unrecognised.

The celebrated awards ceremony attracted a much bigger audience this year by being beamed into living rooms via Microsoft Teams and Facebook Live.

The Pride of Gedling awards are held each year to celebrate the work of local people who are not often recognised anywhere else for their dedication and community spirit.

Awards are handed out in a range of categories including business in the community, young achiever and lifetime achievement.

When it became clear that running the event was not going to be an option, Gedling Borough Council got to work preparing a virtual ceremony, which was held online on Tuesday (November 3) evening and hosted by Smooth FM presenter Gareth Evans.

The first award of the night was for Business in the Community – which was won by the Gedling Road and Mapperley Plains Co-op, who have supported community schemes across the borough and also given £15,000 towards projects at Gedling Country Park.

The Community Heroes Award was scooped by Mick Ball who was rewarded for his efforts with Gedling Play Forum over the last 16 years, helping young people with a host of craft activities.

The Environmental Heroes Award was handed to Kirsty Oswell who was recognised for transforming how Richard Bonington School in Arnold recycles, with residual waste being reduced by 25% under her leadership.

Pride of Gedling award virtual
PICTURED: The awards were streamed live on Facebook and Microsoft Teams

The Heritage Brought Alive project secured the Outstanding Community Project Award. The project was recognised for bringing alive the entire history of the borough through booklets, videos and walks. A Special Judges Award was also handed to Arnold Foodbank and The Village Lunch, who were both also nominated.

Inspirational Healthy Lifestyle Award was won by Joseph and Cath Warren who run the Breathe Easy Gedling group that helps and supports people with lung conditions by arranging meetings and outings for members.

Two youngsters were recognised during the Dylan Barker Young Achiever Award. Young Danny Andrews-Duggins was handed the Special Judges Award after getting help for his mum who had passed out whilst they were home; he cared for her while they waited for an ambulance and also looked after his two-year old sister who was in the house at the time.

The award was won by Benjamin Neal. The youngster was on his way to Thorpe Park with his family when an 86-year old man in the vehicle in front started having a heart attack. Benjamin calmly and bravely carried out CPR on the gentleman whilst the ambulance made its way to the scene – saving the pensioner’s life.

The overall Pride of Gedling Award was won by Gwen Woolley, who was recognised as someone who has gone above and beyond for the community.

Gwen has supported many different organisations over the past 30 years and her work with Carlton Brass and also teaching music was celebrated.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was handed to Carlton Town chairman Mark Garton who was recognised for all his hard work in supporting the club over the past 20 years.

Current manager Tommy Brookbanks called him ‘the best chairman he’d ever worked for’.

Club president Roger Smith said: “Mick is tireless and so full of energy. It’s a pleasure to work with him.”

The award will be handed to Mr Garton at a later date.

Colwick dad writes children’s book that helps explain co-parenting to youngsters

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Colwick dad writes children’s book that helps explain co-parenting to youngsters

A dad from Colwick has written a new children’s book which aims to help youngsters understand more about the challenges of co-parenting.

Michael Shanahan’s book My Daddy, My Hero, is aimed at dads with young children and can be used to explain to them why their parents don’t live together. Work on a ‘mummy’s version’ is now also underway.

Mr Shanahan told Gedling Eye: “I co-parent for my young daughter and I think it’s very difficult to explain to them why their parents don’t live together.

“I decided to create a story which could be used to explain the situation in a fun way and potentially reduce anxiety for the child who may be confused by it all. 

The front cover of the new children’s book explaining co-parenting to youngsters

“It explains the day in the life of a Dad picking his daughter up from Nursery and the night-time routine before explaining that both parents love her. 

“There are over 2.5 million separated families in the UK and I believe the book will help a tough conversation made easier.

My target audience with this book is dads with a child between the ages of 2 and 8 and I have used the example of a girl named after my daughter Belle. I have almost finished a Mummy’s version too which will target single mums

He added: “I am working hard to get this published into a printed book that will hopefully be available in schools.

The book e-book is priced at just £1.99 is is available on the Kindle store

You can find it on Amazon HERE

Calverton Recycling Centre to stay open during lockdown

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Calverton Recycling Centre to stay open during lockdown

A recycling centre in Calverton will remain open during lockdown

Nottinghamshire County Council has confirmed that Calverton Recycling Centre will stay open and running from November 5 with their normal winter hours which are 8am to 4pm daily.

Strict social distancing guidelines will remain in place at the site on Hollinworth Lane.

The site had been forced to shut during the last lockdown, with residents being forced to stockpile rubbish until it reopened when restrictions were lifted.

Queues of traffic soon formed outside the centre on reopening and residents in Calverton called on local councillors to take action.

Councillor Kay Cutts, MBE, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council said: “I fully support the national lockdown and it’s vital we all do all we can to slow the spread of Covid.  I do however want to keep Notts open and on the move where it is safe and Covid secure for our residents.  

“I can confirm that the County Council will be keeping Recycling Centres open for those who and registered to use them.

“All our services will be kept under review during this period but the important thing now is that everyone plays their part by following the new guidance and rules in full to help us to get more control over the virus.

“Please continue to check the Nottinghamshire County Council website for all the information you need.”

Police warning to people in Gedling borough after increase in reports of scam that gives fraudsters access to your devices

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Police warning to people in Gedling borough after increase in reports of scam that gives fraudsters access to your devices

Police are warning people in Gedling borough to be on the alert after an increase reports about a scam which gives criminals access to your personal computer and devices.

Nottinghamshire Police say the scam is referred to as ‘Computer Software Service Fraud’ and have issued a warning to residents. 

Scam-busters Action Fraud issued the alert and said victims receive a cold call which claims to need you to take an action on your computer, this then leads remote access to your device and often financial loss.

Increasing numbers of reports are being made to Action Fraud where the caller may say they are either your network provider or Amazon Prime calling because there is an issue with your internet, Amazon Prime subscription or account. Sadly these have increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The caller persuades the victim to download and connect to a Remote Access Tool which allows the caller to gain control, sometimes this is done without the victim knowing as they may have also been requested to key details within their internet browser.

They may know information about you that makes it seem more believable such as your address or account details; however these companies will never contact you via a phone call if there are problems with your internet/account. The caller may give you instructions to go on your computer or another device that will lead to them being able to remotely access it without your knowledge, and then ask you to check your online banking which would give them complete access to all your account information.

Fraud

Kirsty Jackson, the force’s Cyber Protect and Prevent officer said: “Although other forces both regionally and nationally have been targeted by this scam, these aren’t going away as Nottinghamshire are being continuously targeted with this scam. This has been our biggest trend within our Cyber Crime Unit and the tactics used mean anyone of any age can be targeted and fall victim to this scam. Sadly many victims across Nottinghamshire have claimed they wouldn’t usually fall for scams like this and only fell victim due to either having a bad day or from being distracted at the time of the call. 

It’s so important to share these warnings with others to help protect Nottinghamshire residents from falling for this type of scam, the impact to a victim of this type of crime is both financial and emotional.”

Never:
• Give remote access or install any software on a device that the cold callers tells you to 
• Give out bank details to cold callers
• Call back numbers given by cold callers, use a number you know to be genuine e.g. the number off the back of your card

Remember:
Your network provider, Amazon or other companies like these will never ask you for personal details over the phone or ask you to do anything on your computer. 

If you have fallen victim to a scam, be particularly wary of cold callers promising to get your money back for you or checking over your computer for you after remote access.

Find further details on our website. Please refer to our ‘Online Safety Checklist’ here for more tips on protecting yourself online and from Fraud here:www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/cybercrime

If you believe that you have been scammed by a call like this then please report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, on 0300 123 2040 or via www.actionfraud.police.uk. If you think you’ve lost money through this scam, please call us on 101 so we can preserve evidence as quickly as possible. We cannot reply to direct messages on this platform.

Watch out for these roadworks across Gedling borough over the next few weeks

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Watch out for these roadworks across Gedling borough over the next few weeks

This list contains only the roadworks considered to be most likely to cause delays on key routes as well as those involving road closures and temporary traffic lights.

The list is not exhaustive and does not feature some minor or emergency repairs that come up after publication.

Other roadworks may finish or start before schedule or be cancelled altogether.

All information is from Highways England, local authorities and utility companies.

BURTON JOYCE

Main Street

November 4— 7

Delays possible – Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)

CARLTON

Carlton Hill

November 7

Delays possible – Some carriageway incursion

Prospect Road

November 9 — 13

Delays possible – Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)

Station Road

November 3 — 5

Delays possible – Some carriageway incursion

GEDLING

Grange Crescent

November 9 — 14

Delays possible – Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)

Roadworks listed may cause delays

MAPPERLEY

Mapperley Plains

November 5 — December 16

Delays likely – Traffic control (two-way signals)

Works location: Junction of Arnold Lane and Chartwell Grove (Footway, Carriageway)

NETHERFIELD

A612 Victoria Road

November 8 — 9

Delays likely – Road closure

Works location: Carlton Level Crossing. Signals and telecoms test. Unmanned. – hours of work 2330pm – 0530am.

Victoria Road

November 7 — 8

Delays likely – Traffic control (two-way signals)

Works location: Carlton Level Crossing (Victoria Road)…

Works description: On track plant machinery to be used to deliver and remove scrap – 2335pm – 0700am …

Arthur Street

November 3 — 5

Delays possible – Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)

Works location: Entire Length (Carriageway)

Manvers Street

November 3 — 5

Delays possible – Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)

Morello Avenue

November 3—5

Delays possible – Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)

Woodthorpe

Gresham Gardens

November 9

Delays possible – Traffic control (Stop/Go boards)

TONY CAVE: It’s the end of the line for railway franchising

Tony Cave
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TONY CAVE: It’s the end of the line for railway franchising

Carlton Station news

I feel as though I have been in a ‘siding’ recently – only able to make it down to the stations about one visit a week, mostly Saturday mornings, although I did manage one early morning. I cannot see things changing in the immediate future and not only because of coronavirus. However, we have monthly updates from EMR and a dedicated team for Station Adopters, which is a big improvement on a few years ago.

On Tuesday, September 8 I saw the 08.02am to Newark (no-one on or off), 08.08am to Matlock with only five joining and the 08.19am to Lincoln with four on and three off. This was the day after full train services were re-instated.

Off-peak services seem to be doing better: for instance, on Tuesday, October 13 I set the autumn plants in the garden and managed to see the 15.08 to Matlock had 8 joining and 2 alighting. On Saturday, September 19, 12 adults and 2 children joined the 10.07 to Matlock.

Unfortunately, we have gone back to a second wave of coronavirus and from October 26, some local services have been suspended again, as many train crews are having to self isolate. This has been done to try and avoid last minute cancellations, so you can check if the train you wish to catch is still running. This reduction is due to be reviewed in January, and should only affect the lightly-used trains.

The plan to change the train service at Carlton this December will not now take place and trains will still run to Matlock and not Crewe. There should not be any changes to train times at Carlton, other than the odd minute, as I have checked some of the morning trains and they are still the same times

Sponsors for the flower garden and planters this Autumn and Spring 2021 are Dawn Christadelphian Publications, 5 Station Road, Carlton. They are a registered charity. We distribute Bible based literature, much of it to countries which cannot afford books, and also have a large selection of second-hand books and more on religion and general subjects (especially railways!). Open Mondays and Fridays only from 10am to 4pm. Other times by arrangement. info@dawncp.co.uk

Netherfield Station news

On Tuesday, September 8 and 3 joined the 08.33am to Liverpool.

A site meeting has been arranged by EMR for November 4 at both stations to see what improvements can be made to the surroundings. The planned meeting in September did not come off.

Norwich to Liverpool: There has been a lot of discussion about the future of this service, with the favoured outcome being that these trains would be split into two sections with EMR retaining Norwich to Nottingham and also extending this service to Derby and even Matlock and Trans Pennine Express (TPE) running the Nottingham to Liverpool section. Now however all that has been scrapped for the time being and EMR will continue to run the full route beyond December 2021 when the changes were due to take place. In fact TPE had gone as far as to recruit new trainee drivers at Sheffield to operate this service, but all that has now had to be cancelled.

East Midlands Regional

Emergency Measures Agreement (EMA)

The Government has announced an extension to the EMA introduced on March 23, whereby train operators bear no financial risk, this being shifted to Government whilst passenger numbers remain low. The Emergency Recovery Measures Agreements will last until March 2022.

Railway Franchising has now finished and EMR and other companies are currently working with the Department for Transport in terms of the future of their franchises. Even before the pandemic the Williams Rail Review, yet to be published, was expected to recommend moving from franchise to concessions, which should benefit us, the customers.

You can read more here: https://www.gov.uk;government/speeches/rail­update-emergency-recovery-measures-agreements

Engineering works

A lot of upgrade work is taking place on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) including to the track layout at Kings Cross, and a new flyover at Werrington (Peterborough).

Target date for completion of these works is June 2021, but it means there will be some disruption to train services, mostly at weekends, but including a 9-day partial closure from 16-24th January. This will impact on Liverpool to Norwich services, especially affecting Grantham, as on occasions these services will be diverted and miss out Grantham, so Skegness services will be the alternative for Grantham. So it is best to check if you are thinking of using these services.

Also electrification work continues on the St. Pancras line, mostly affecting week­end services. eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk or call National Rail Enquiries 03457 48 49 50.

Local railway heritage news

The planned Open Day at Gedling station in September had to be cancelled. Meanwhile, initial work has been carried out to see if the old railway line from Netherfield station through to Gedling Country Park, via Gedling station, could be re-opened as a potential walking and cycling route. This would connect 6 existing parks and is 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles) in length. Long term plans are for the line to be used as a tram route.

Lowdham signal box moved

Over the weekend of 24/25th October the old signal box which closed in 2016, was lifted over the line and placed in the ‘garden’ of the Station House.

The plan is to turn it into a working museum so you can see how traditional signal­ling on the railway worked.

There are still lines using this system, but the plan is to gradually replace them with control of trains transferred to signalling centres.

Our local area is controlled from Derby.

Modernisation update

­Midland Main Line electrification is apparently ‘back on the table’ with Midlands Connect director calling the news a “massive boost for the region” and a key step towards a ‘Midlands rail revolution”.

It is currently at an early stage, but being examined by Network Rail.

Electrification would continue from Market Harborough to Sheffield via Derby and Nottingham.

In-cab digital signalling

Preparatory works have been authorised for this European Train Control System to be installed on the ECML from London Kings Cross to Stoke Tunnel (between Peterborough and Grantham), a distance of just over 100 miles.

McDonald’s Drive-Thrus in Arnold and Netherfield will stay open through lockdown to offer takeaway and deliveries

Gedling Eye Reporter
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McDonald’s Drive-Thrus in Arnold and Netherfield will stay open through lockdown to offer takeaway and deliveries

McDonald’s has today confirmed that it’s drive-thru sites in Arnold and Netherfield will remain partially open during England’s second lockdown. 

The fast food giant said that its Drive-Thru, takeaway and delivery services will still be on offer to customers, in line with the incoming coronavirus regualtions on restaurants. 

On Saturday night, the Prime Minister announced that non-essential hospitality venues will be forced to close from Thursday, November 5, until at least December 2. That means that pubs, cafes and restaurants will shut, but can offer takeaway and delivery services. Though that forces various eateries to close indoor dining facilities, it does allow other services to stay open. 

The news was confirmed in a statement by Paul Pomroy, chief executive officer for McDonald’s UK and Ireland

He said: “On Thursday we will close our dining areas across England but, in line with government guidance, we will remain open for takeaway, Drive-thru and McDelivery via Uber Eats and Just Eat.

“Following the first lockdown, together with our franchisees, we have made significant changes to our restaurant operations and kitchens to enhance our health and safety procedures in order to help keep you, our customers and our employees safe. These procedures include:

The fast food giant said it will continue offering some services during lockdown

The safety of you and our employees is an absolute priority to us. I am incredibly proud of how our restaurant teams have continued to adapt to the new ways of working and I am also grateful for your understanding as we have all got to grips with a new normal. Once again, as we all adjust, I would ask you to be patient with our teams.

“We remain committed to ensure that our people can come to work safely, whilst continuing to serve the communities in which we operate. In some restaurants, our operating hours and services may vary. As always, we will keep you updated via the My McDonald’s app and our website.

A number of measures will be put in place to protect customers during the lockdown and these include:

  • Fewer people working on each shift and the introduction of new measures, including additional screens in our kitchens and service areas, to provide a safer environment to help you and our teams adhere to social distancing.
  • Serving a reduced menu with some restaurants running reduced hours.
  • Hand washing at least every 30 minutes and providing sanitiser for our teams, delivery partners and customers.
  • Asking customers to respect social distancing guidelines and to wear face coverings when entering the restaurant, using floor markings in our restaurants for takeaway, and signposting routes for customers and delivery partners.
  • Cleaning surfaces and equipment, including self-order screens and card readers, even more regularly.
  • Providing our teams with additional protective equipment, including face coverings, and using contactless thermometers to check their temperature.

Campaigners want takeaway beer ban lifted to help support borough boozers during lockdown

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Campaigners want takeaway beer ban lifted to help support borough boozers during lockdown

Campaigners are calling on the government to lift a ban that will prevent pubs in Gedling borough from selling takeaway beer during the upcoming lockdown.

Official guidelines state that although restaurants, bars and pubs must close from Thursday (November 5), food takeaway and delivery services are still permitted – but serving alcohol to take away is not.

Struggling pub bosses in the borough could now be forced to pour any beer they have left in their cellars down the drain.

Now the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) is calling on drinkers to email Gedling MP Tom Randall and get the ban lifted.

CAMRA’s national chairman Nik Antona said: “Offering alcohol for takeaway was a lifeline for many pubs, and particularly breweries, during the first lockdown in England.

“It is a baffling and damaging decision to remove this option, particularly when other businesses such as supermarkets can continue to sell takeaway alcohol.” 

PICTURED: Camra chairman Nik Antona

“Pubs and breweries were already reporting losses and the risk of closure before Christmas, and this will only add to the risk of permanent closures within the next few months.

“CAMRA and the entire pub and brewery industry are now urging the Government to reverse this bizarre decision and ensure the survival of our pubs and breweries. 

“We are encouraging all concerned consumers to write to their MP and request the scrapping of the takeaway sales ban to give pubs and brewers in England a better chance of surviving the lockdown.

“We also need a sector-specific support package to avoid permanent closures, otherwise the damage to communities across the country will be irreparable.” 

Campaigners have now created a template that can be used to email MPs here: https://camra.e-activist.com/page/68352/action/1

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