Playgrounds, skate parks and ball courts are to reopen across Gedling Borough from tomorrow (July 4).
The facilities were temporarily closed in March as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, but following the latest government guidance, all sites will reopen this weekend.
Gedling Borough Council is responsible for over 40 children’s play areas, ball parks, skate parks and outdoor gym facilities across the borough, all of which will reopen on Saturday.
In preparation for reopening, the council’s Parks and Street Care Team have deep cleaned all of these locations, including sterilising equipment such as children’s play facilities, gates, benches and bins and following the reopening equipment at all appropriate locations will be cleaned on a daily basis.
Each site has had a risk assessment carried out to ensure they are safe to reopen and new signage is also being installed at every location with clear guidance for visitors, reminding them to maintain social distancing and encouraging good hygiene before, during and after using facilities.
PICTURED: Council workers clean Arnot Hill playground before it reopens on Saturday
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “I’m very pleased to announce that we’re reopening all of the wonderful facilities we have across the borough for our residents to enjoy.
We know it’s been a difficult time, especially for a lot of people who have young children looking for something for to do, and I’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while these sites have been out of use. It hasn’t been ideal but it was something that we felt was necessary to do to help protect our residents.
Officers from our Parks and Street Care Team have worked tirelessly to make sure we had everything in place ready to reopen, ensuring that everything is safe to use.
We’ve installed signage at each site with guidance on using our facilities and by following these guidelines we can help make sure these remain open and safe for everyone to enjoy.”
Angie Keyworth continues to share treasures and memories found in the archives of her relatives – the Godfreys, who were a hugely-influential family from Carlton…
Church-goers
John and Emma’s days consisted of family life, business and chapel on Sundays. in John’s case, meetings on many weekday evenings. They also holidayed on the east coast several times a year and enjoyed hosting teas with their extended family.
Emma was extremely good at entertaining and with the help of her live-in maid Lizzie, provided excellent teas both at home and chapel.
When Emma moved to The Willows on Conway Road in 1929, Lizzie moved with her and became her companion in later years.
John and Emma played a large part in the running of Main Street Methodist Church on Carlton Hill, although they married in All Hallows Church Gedling in 1880. Marriages couldn’t take place in non-conformist chapels in 1880. My grandparents’ Harold Godfrey and Helen Underwood were the first of my direct Godfrey ancestors to marry in Main Street Chapel in 1906.
There was a previous church on the site of the Methodist church, built around 1853/54, where John and his siblings would have attended as children.
John mentions in his diary taking part in Sunday school anniversaries as a small child and wearing a ‘frock’ made by his mother for the occasion.
PICTURED: Carlton Methodist church Sunday School
I too have memories of a couple of anniversaries at Main Street wearing very pretty dresses, but I found the occasion rather daunting having to recite my ‘piece’ on the platform – although I did enjoy the singing.
A Sunday morning sermon was slightly less tedious for me if Dad had been to watch Nottingham Forest the day before as he would still have a bag of Nuttall’s Mintoes in his overcoat pocket. Playing hangman in the back of Mum’s diary was another diversion. From the little I remember of Mum’s memories of my great-grandmother Emma, she would have been appalled at mint eating and hangman playing in chapel!
The congregation at the old church had to save hard for a new and larger chapel in Main Street. I have found photos of the interior of the old chapel in our archive.
A committee of church trustees had been looking around the area and further afield for ideas and designs for the new chapel. One trip took the gentleman to Gainsborough and John says this in his diary.
“Myself and committee members along with Mr Sutton went to Gainsborough to see the John Robinson Memorial Chapel which Mr Sutton (architect) is building and we would like ours to be similar, ” he wrote.
“We did enjoy ourselves. One gentleman said he had never enjoyed a day like it in his life, something of a holiday atmosphere. We came back via Lincoln where we visited the Cathedral.”
The gentlemen also visited the prison – surely that was not included in the holiday atmosphere!
The best of times
In the 25 years that John’s diaries cover, it is quite obvious the gentlemen had the best of times. In 1913 John, with sons Harold and Donald and nephew Wilfred Godfrey, holidayed in Italy for three weeks and in later years John travelled with his son Cecil to Canada for six weeks. Both trips were supposedly for ‘theological’ research. In fact, the Canada trip was taken with other Methodist gentlemen but they clearly enjoyed it all immensely.
In Italy, Wilfred took the photos which I still have and grandpa Harold filled out a daily diary entry in a Marks and Spencer’s jotter.
PICTURED: Members of The Godfrey family at Hadrian’s Wall
On their return Harold and Wilfred put on a lantern lecture of the slides at Main Street Church.
I do have some keepsakes from these trips. A lovely photo of John and Cecil on a mountain top in Canada, letters written from Harold in Italy to my Aunt Margaret, who was six at the time, the programme from the Lantern show and also jewellery from Italy.
There is one outing that was recorded in the diary and also a local newspaper back in June 1910. Emma, John’s mother, Ann Maria; Emma’s sister-in-law and Emma’s little daughter Emma all featured in the article. The party had driven to Colwick Hall in a horse and carriage. After tea at the Hall, the party continued home, when the horse became upset by a bicycle, and pitched the occupants down the bank and into the river. With the exception of little Emma, the ladies were all left soaked but unhurt. For me this conjures up a great image of the three ladies, with their bedraggled flowery hats and dripping wet ankle length skirts, trying to step elegantly out of the River Trent.
Diary entries covering the building of the new chapel
July 4th, 1897: Sunday School anniversary. The last services in the old chapel. Mr J Lewin preached in the afternoon and Mr Wheat in the evening. At night service, many eyes were wet with tears. Mr W Brettle had composed a special piece to be recited and finished up with Old Lang Syne.
July 6th, 1897: Mr J Lewin commenced to pull down the old chapel and school.
August 19th, 1897: A memorable day. Stone laying of new chapel that we have talked about and worked for, for so long; thankful we are spared to see it. Had my father been alive he would have been delighted.
May 5th, 1898: New chapel – 3 pm – preacher J H Hart. JP Birmingham made his home with us and we enjoyed his stay very much.
The pulpit for the new chapel cost £60 and was chosen and paid for by John’s mother, Ann Maria Godfrey. There is an inscription on the pulpit in memory of her husband, my great-great grandfather John Godfrey. Ann Maria joined the Wesleyan Church in 1849 but left with the other ‘reformers’ and formed what is now the United Methodist Church of Carlton.
A couple of years ago I visited the chapel and was pleased to see a much brighter and lighter church than I remembered from childhood. I was also shown two lovely stained glass windows in the front vestibule. The first was given by Samuel and his sisters in memory of their mother Ann Maria and the second is in memory of my great-grandfather John.
Ann Maria died in 1918 and John died in 1920.
I’m quite sure I would have been told about the pulpit and the stained glass as a child, but obviously the Nuttall’s Mintoes were far more to my taste!
As a young adult, Mum was a Sunday School teacher at our church on Main Street. I have taken three rather apt verses from a poem she wrote for the church centenary…
Anniversaries were special occasions, for the girls a new dress was a must. Adults brought their best out of mothballs, flowery hats were all given a dust.
I remember up there on the platform, my knees would be knocking with fright. In case all the words I’d forgotten, when my time came to stand and recite.
The Sunday School treat was on Monday we sang round the streets, then had tea. Then down to the field at my Grandma’s, for games and lots of sweets, free.”
‘Grandma’s’ referred to in the poem was Park House.
The school, located at the summit of Burntstump Hill already benefits from an idyllic rural setting, but until now, hasn’t been able to access the secure woodland at the rear of the school property.
“It’s a really amazing space for children,” said head teacher, Heather Gabb.
“When families are touring the school, they are so surprised at the land we have available for children to enjoy. Now we have opened up the new field and woodland we have even more magical areas for children to enjoy their outdoor learning.”
Ellis Atkinson is the school’s Early Years teacher and she says the area has opened up new possibilities for children.
She said: “It was during lockdown that we began turning the field and woodland into an outdoor classroom for structured sessions and child-led play. Our site manager used old logs recycled from playground equipment to make a story circle and everything else is handmade from natural materials or upcycled items.”
A favourite with the children; the environmental area now has a mud kitchen, wind spinners made by children, pinecone animals, old tyres to balance on and bird feeders made from recycled milk cartons.
Children at Burntstump Seely enjoy the new woodland classroom
Ellis says she believes that anything that can be taught in a classroom can be taught outside, often with more memorable results for children and their learning. “For example, when we did a maths session on measuring, rather than laminating pictures to compare and order in the classroom, the outdoors provided a more meaningful experience as we used rocks, sticks and leaves to talk about size. It also provides the perfect space to study wildlife and habitat, environmental issues and plant and tree recognition. We even have pheasants on the field and children love listening out for them and asking questions about them.” The area has also provided a space in which children can explore safety lessons when visiting woodland or rural areas.
“We have a newly grassed field area which in future we will use for games and sports activities. The early years class plan to have a teddy bears picnic on there too!” said Ellis.
Lilith, age 5, says it’s the mini beasts that are on her radar. “I like looking for bugs! I really like caterpillars because they change into butterflies. Also, we can run around outside, and we can be free in nature! It is so fun outside!”
Fellow pupils have big plans for the mud kitchen. Michael and Charandeep (both age 4) say the best activity is making mud pies, and Peter (age 5) agreed saying, “I like writing recipes in the woods. I wrote a recipe to make a mud milk shake for the mud kitchen and everyone followed the instructions to make it.”
Children also have their own plans for further developing the new space. Charandeep (age 4) said digging and planting seeds would be good and Peter (age 5) said he would like to do some composting. But for Nevaeh (age 5), it’s all about the wildlife. “I would like to learn more about hedgehogs and squirrels and all the animals that live in the woods!”
Teacher Ellis said that no matter what the weather, the school will make the most of their new woodland classroom.
She said: “We plan to continue making it a truly magical space for children, and one in which they are excited to learn.”
Nottinghamshire Police is warning motorists in Gedling borough of the dangers and consequences of drink driving with many pubs set to re-open their doors to customers on ‘Super Saturday’ (July 4)
Chief Inspector Simon Allardice said: “We recognise that the easing of Covid-19 related restrictions, in particular the ability to visit pubs and drinking establishments from this weekend, will be welcomed by many members of the public.
“We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun but we’re urging people to act responsibly and make sure that they can keep themselves and others safe on the road by not drinking or using drugs before driving.
“Just one drink or drug driver on Nottinghamshire’s roads is one too many and we’re reminding people of the dangers of getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs.
“The decision to drive when you’re over the limit takes just a split second, but the consequences can be devastating and could last a lifetime.
“The most costly of consequences are for those who find themselves mixed up in drink or drug drive incidents where a loved one is lost.
“The results of drink or drug driving also have massive life-changing consequences for those who commit the crime in terms of the loss of their job, relationship and freedom to drive.”
Pubs across the borough reopen tomorrow
Since the lockdown began in March, overall the force saw about the same level of drink and drug driver offenders on the county’s roads during April and May, compared with the same months in 2019.
Between 1 March and 30 May 2020 a total of 436 people were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving. During the first nine days of the lockdown (23-31 March 2020) a total of 26 people were arrested.
That compares to a total of 425 people arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving between 1 March and 31 May 2019.
Chief Insp Allardice added: “As our statistics show we have arrested a substantial number of suspected drink and drug drivers on our roads since the lockdown began.
“Our Roads Policing Team continues to be on patrol throughout Nottinghamshire and over the next two weeks will be conducting a summer drink drive campaign to focus on this issue.
“All uniformed patrolling officers across the force have also been briefed and are in a position to enforce any drink or drug driving offences.
“Our message is simple – drink and drug drivers will not be tolerated on our roads and those caught drinking and driving can expect to be dealt with robustly.
“If you don’t want to be stopped, arrested, charged and made to appear in court then don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“If you know or suspect that someone is driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, try to discourage them but if they won’t listen to you ring us and report them.
“Call us on 101 or 999 if there’s an immediate threat to life or property. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Police using a trained sniffer dog swooped on a house in Gedling to execute a drugs warrant.
The force’s Neighbourhood Support Unit, Gedling Operation Reacher Team, Dog section and local Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted the search of a house on Chestnut Grove in Gedling.
Police Sergeant Paul Ferguson, who led the operation, said: “Neighbourhood officers searched the property this morning, with support from the Operation Reacher Team, Neighbourhood Support Unit and the Dog Section.
“This is part of our ongoing work to tackle drugs in the area and show our commitment to reducing this type of crime, which we know can have a huge impact on our communities.
“I would like to encourage local people to come forward with any information they may have about people growing or supplying drugs in their areas. By working together, we can make a real difference.
“Our investigations are ongoing and we will continue to do everything we can to make sure there’s nowhere to hide for those involved in drug crime in our area.”
The leader of Gedling Borough Council was one of 40 people who gathered outside County Hall to take a knee in support of Black Lives matter.
Councillor John Clarke knelt for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, along with the rest of the group.
This was to reflect the length of time George Floyd’s neck was knelt on before he died.
The socially-distanced protest was held yesterday evening (Wednesday, July 1)
One of the speakers at the event outside Nottinghamshire County Council’s headquarters was Errol Henry, the only black councillor on the council.
He represents Carlton West for Labour, and said: “We know that we have a huge challenge facing us.
“Many organisations feel they have had policies in place for years which address racism and protect employees.
PICTURED: Carlton West councillor Errol Henry who is the only black councillor on the council, gave a speech at the event (IMAGE: Facebook)
“Well, we know that doesn’t work. We have to have ongoing dialogues to address the underlying social structures that keep oppressive behaviours in play, in order to move forward.
“We know that for some people, conversations about racism are uncomfortable.
“So it is easier to offer a policy and talk about some sort of training that is not fit for purpose than to actively engage in listening.
“But leadership on this issue and ongoing active engagement and listening is what needs to happen now at organisations like Nottinghamshire County Council and others across the country and across the World, to root out racism from our society.
“I love this country, I have served this country in the RAF for 20 years, and I think at its best it is one of the most welcoming places in the world.
“But we are kidding ourselves if we are saying this is the best we can do, when we know so many of our black colleagues, family and friends are still living with the racism that our parents had to put up with 50 years ago.
“I know we can do better. But it will take time, courage and commitment.”
Nottinghamshire County County Council has been approached for comment.
Work to construct two new junctions has now started at the site of a planned new ‘flagship village’ at Top Wighay Farm site near Linby.
The council have said that more than 1,000 full time jobs could be created as part of plans to build 805 homes, a new primary school, shops, playing fields and offices on the 40-hectare site.
The new village could generate £873 million* in terms of economic output over a ten-year period.
Councillor Kay Cutts MBE, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said the project will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy following the covid-19 outbreak..
She said: “Now more than ever, ambitious developments like this will help boost economic growth for our county over the next decade, which is why I am so committed to this major regeneration project which will help generations to come.
Developers start work on the new junction
“Whilst this terrible pandemic hasn’t gone away and we continue to prioritise our services to ensure the well-being of our communities, we owe it to our residents to invest in Nottinghamshire as part of our road to recovery.”
It follows the Prime Minister’s announcement to focus on long-term infrastructure projects to help create jobs and boost economic recovery in light of the pandemic.
Cllr Cutts added: “I’m passionate about our plans as this development as the needs of the local community at its core. These current works will provide the road infrastructure needed to help open up the site.
“As we adjust to a new way of life, this new village could serve as a model for the way communities live as a result of COVID-19.
“As more of us work from home, having a primary school within easy reach and well-served by footpaths, cycle routes and traffic calming measures, will make dropping off the children for school safer and more convenient. It promises to be the ideal place to bring up a family which is why this project is one I cherish so much. ”
The current highways work, due to be complete next Spring, includes the expansion of a roundabout on the A611/Annesley Road and a new signal-controlled junction as well as a new, three-metre wide, shared use footway/cycle lane along the northern side of the A611 north of Hucknall and to the west of Linby.
Today (July 1) marks 100 days since the start of lockdown across the UK on March 24.
From often major lows to some rays of light in the darkest of times, here’s a month-by-month look back on the some of the events that took place over the past few months here in Gedling borough as we coped with life under lockdown…
March
The “Giving for Gedling” Volunteer Network was launched just days after the lockdown was announced to help the most vulnerable and elderly residents affected by the coronavirus outbreak . The network was set up by the council to co-ordinate and facilitate offers of help from local residents and community groups to support the most vulnerable in the community such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Volunteers who signed up for the Giving for Gedling appeal sort out produce at a local food bank
On March 27, Gedling Borough Council announced it was closing several of its car parks near play areas and open spaces to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The moves came following government and police guidelines on social distancing and how people should be exercising.
Teams from Gedling Borough Council’s leisure services stepped in to help out on bin rounds across the borough after the coronavirus outbreak caused staff shortages that threatened to impact collections.
IMAGE: Gedling Borough Council
Neighbourhood police officers were put on patrol across Gedling borough to enforce social distancing measures.
PICTURED: Police were been out and about across the borough during lockdown (IMAGE: Notts Police)
The officers were asked to enforce the government’s latest guidelines to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
People were told during the early days of lockdown that they could only leave their homes for one of the four following reasons: shopping for basic necessities; one form of exercise per day; any medical need or to care for a vulnerable person; or for travel to work if absolutely necessary.
Gedling borough’s bulky waste and glass collection services were suspended due to council staff shortages.
Gedling Borough Council made the decision to stop all bulky waste and glass collections from Tuesday, March 31 ‘to ensure its critical waste collection services continued to be prioritised’.
The council blamed reductions in staffing levels and an increase in the amount of waste being created due to people staying at home in response to the Coronavirus outbreak.
April
Mourners were told they must keep two metres apart at funerals being held in Gedling borough and only members of the same household and close family should attend. Public Health England (PHE) said that funerals had to be conducted in a manner consistent with social distancing principles to avoid the further spread of Covid-19.
Gedling Borough Council suspended all car parking charges to reduce the risk of Coronavirus spreading to free up staff to work on maintaining the council’s critical services.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “We would normally offer two hours free parking so, for the time being, people can park for longer without having to display a ticket.”
PICTURED: A car park ticket machine in Netherfield (IMAGE: Gedling Eye)
A kind-hearted farmer from Papplewick donated 20 bags of potatoes to help feed those in need during the coronavirus crisis.
Alex Marshall, who operates a farm in the Papplewick area, put together the 12.5kg bags for distribution to food banks and care homes in the borough.
PICTURED: Farmer Alex Marshall with police officers from Gedling Neighbourhood Police team
The generous people of Gedling borough dug deep to support a fundraiser set up to help feed people across the area during the coronavirus crisis.
The ‘Giving for Gedling Food Bank Appeal’ was launched on Friday, April 3 to help support vulnerable residents in the borough during the Coronavirus outbreak. A target of £20,000 was set, with all donations being given directly to registered food banks supporting residents across the borough, or to be used by Gedling Borough Council to purchase food and essential items for distribution to those food banks or directly to residents in need.
Residents helped the council, who set up the fund, hit the £20,000 target in just 48 hours with their generous donations.
Residents across Gedling borough who were struggling to meet their council tax bill in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic were offered help from a hardship fund.
Gedling Borough Council used £870,000 of government grant funding to establish a hardship fund to assist residents who need support with their finances.
The Council Tax Hardship Fund helped families who in receipt of Council Tax support, meaning they could receive a reduction of up to £300 in their Council Tax.
Police in Gedling borough had to step up patrols at a number of locations across the area following reports of people defying social distancing rules.
Local police teams committed to targeting these areas and encouraged local people to continue reporting those that are breaking the rules.
The areas targeted were Colwick Park, Kingsley Drive, Carlton Cemetery, Digby Avenue and Carlton Willows.
The Humanitarian Centre
The outside of the newly-established Gedling Borough Council Humanitarian Centre in Carlton was lit up blue on April 9 as part of the nation’s recognition of our NHS staff and key workers who are working on the front line in response to the Coronavirus outbreak.
A 20ft banner thanking the NHS staff and key workers was also displayed on the side of the Richard Herrod Centre, which housed the operation, to coincide with the national ‘clap for carers’ campaign.
Drugs found during a raid in Carlton Hill
Police asked people in Gedling borough to help them crackdown on drug dealing in the area by reporting any suspicious activity they see in their street during the lockdown.
Detectives from Nottinghamshire Police have said recent intelligence revealed that drug dealers were working from home while the UK is in lockdown.
Detective Superintendent Mike Allen, who leads Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “Drug dealers’ business models are based around hiding in plain sight. In the current circumstances, that tactic has been taken from them, and while this poses a problem for them, it creates an opportunity for us.”
PICTURED: An NHS key worker was amongst the heroes on display in Orlando Drive (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)
An army of scarecrows took over a street in Carlton to spread some much-needed cheer during lockdown.
Householders produced a number of imaginative creations that lined Orlando Drive and put smiles on the faces of passers-by.
NHS key workers join other superheroes like Spider-Man and Superman in the scarecrow line up and carried the warning to stay safe and stay home.
Gedling borough’s council leaders warned they risked having to issue P45s to the ‘heroes that are helping local communities beat this virus’ unless funding to help the borough fight Covid-19 was quickly increased.
In the letter council chiefs John Clarke and Michael Payne called on the government to urgently ‘deliver on the promise’ to reimburse councils for the cost of fighting the virus’ otherwise the impact on the council will be ‘crippling’.
In the impassioned letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson the council leaders said ‘you, rightly, told us to do what it takes, and you would back us. Now we’re asking you to deliver on that promise’.
PICTURED: Postman Simon Stevenson
Postmen in Carlton brought smiles to customers cooped up in quarantine when they did their rounds in fancy dress one weekend to help raise cash for an NHS ward who treated a colleague with coronavirus.
The fundraiser was the brainchild of postman Simon Stevenson, who had already been spotted making his way across the borough delivering mail as Superman. He persuaded others at the Carlton Post Office depot to also ditch their uniforms and carry out their rounds in costume.
PICTURED: Students taking part in the video
An adorable video was filmed by a Netherfield singing school thanking the NHS heroes and key workers for all their work during the coronavirus crisis.
In the video, members of the Rebecca Lomas Academy of Voice sang and danced to their own version of Gary Barlow smash hit ‘Sing’.
The film was edited together by Academy owner Rebecca using the footage filmed by the families of the young singers in their homes.
A leading provider of supermarket packaging in Colwick created an innovative protective visor in just 24 hours, which it said could be rolled out to medical staff on the Coronavirus frontline.
Colwick-based food packaging manufacturers The Wilkins Group worked around the clock to create face protectors which could be rolled out on a mass scale.
The visor created by staff at The Wilkins Group
A group of mummers from Calverton turned to technology in a bid to keep their ancient play performance tradition alive during the UK lockdown – and also raise cash for Arnold Food Bank.
Each year, the Calverton Plough Boys normally act out the traditional St George’s Play in pubs around the borough on the nearest Saturday to the saint’s day – a tradition dating back hundreds of years.
But with pubs being forced to shut their doors due to the lockdown, the group were forced to turn to YouTube so they can entertain the masses virtually.
The group managed to perform the play remotely, edit it together and then made it available online as ‘the Isolation Edition’ of St George’s Play.
In return for their efforts, the Plough Boys asked for donations to be made to the Arnold Food Bank in return.
A scene from the online play
It was announced glass collections would be reinstated across Gedling borough from Saturday, May 2.
The decision was made by the Leader, Deputy Leader and Chief Executive of Gedling Borough Council after listening to the concerns of residents balanced alongside the considerable pressure coronavirus has placed on frontline council staff, including refuse collectors.
A letter was also sent to the council by local MPs Tom Randall and Mark Spencer calling on the council to reinstate the collections.
The council planned to begin the process with a special collection on the Saturday, to deal with the backlog of glass boxes with staff working extra hours to meet the demand.
May
Residents in Mapperley showing off their creativity during lockdown by making some brilliant scarecrows.
The creations were part of the new Mapperley Scarecrow Festival, which was put in place to give the community ‘a positive way to come together during lockdown for COVID-19,’ said organisers.
Maria, who is also a Co-op member pioneer for Mapperley Co-op, told Gedling Eye: “Our community can enjoy them whilst on exercise walks or journeys to work or shopping. People who are shielding can also enjoy the scarecrows via social media as we’ll be sharing photographs on Facebook.
PICTURED: Entrants in the Mapperley scarecrow competition
After being shut down on March 23, garden centres in Gedling borough were alllowed to reopen from May 13, with social distancing measures in place.
A number of places have been offering click and collect and delivery services, but now, some borough garden centres decided to reopened their doors to customers – albeit with social distancing measures in place.
Sign reminding customers of social distancing rules at Timmermans garden centre (IMAGE: Facebook)
People were reminded to only make ‘essential visits’ after huge queues formed outside of Calverton Recycling Centre on its first day of opening since lockdown.
PICTURE: queues outside Calverton Recycling Centre (IMAGE: Linda Watson/Facebook)
Friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man swung in to lift children’s spirits during lockdown in Gedling.
The popular Marvel hero was spotted around the streets of the village, much to the delight of youngsters in the area.
The webslinger’s visit has been organised by TB Sport, which carries out sports coaching and activity camps in the area.
Spider-man in Stanton Road
Two Gedling photographers captured unique images of life in lockdown across the borough.
Saul Morgan and Sue Simons run Trent House Studios in Gedling village, which provide wedding and portrait photography.
When the country went into lockdown and all gatherings were cancelled, the pair admit they were ‘left with with very little to do’.
So instead of capturing classic family portraits and weddings, the snappers were inspired to let their work tell different stories during lockdown by taking pictures of people on their doorsteps.
They journeyed around Gedling, Carlton, Arnold and Mapperley to capture the pictures, obeying social distancing rules at all times.
A Mapperley couple are took part in a non-stop 24-hour gaming marathon to raise cash for a local hospice.
Lily Jane Hickling and her fiancé Jasonwill started and finished with Minecraft, tackling Skyrim, Jurassic Park, Ninokuni and Jedi Fallen Order plus other video games along the way.
They took part in the challenge to raise funds for Nottinghamshire Hospice, which is based in the town.
Lily said: ““We were wondering what we could do that would challenge us whilst remaining safe and indoors and thought we could do this between us.
“We’re both passionate gamers. We’ve been gaming ever since our dad’s got us our first games consoles. We love that you can drift off into another world and get involved in the story.
“We’ve chosen to support Nottinghamshire Hospice because they are suffering at the moment due to the Covid-19 outbreak and losing vital funds through cancelled events and closed charity shops.”
PICTURED: Lily Jane Hickling and her fiancé Jason battled it out in a 24-hour non-stop gaming marathon
Police stepped up patrols after reports of anti-social behaviour at Newstead Abbey.
Staff at the tourist hotspot reported receiving verbal abuse and encountering aggressive behaviour from members of the public who have refused to pay to enter the grounds over the past few days
Beer bottles and litter have been left all over the grounds by those paying a visit to the park to soak up the sun while pubs remain closed during lockdown.
IMAGE: Gedling Eye
A plea for help was made by a cat rescue charity in Burton Joyce which was battered by the Covid-19 crisis.
BJ Cat Rescue continued to provide care and rehome cats during the pandemic but said it is was now ‘under immense pressure’ to find funds so they can continue their work during lockdown.
The charity said the number of pets being rescued and treated had risen considerably during the recent pandemic.
A satirical cut-out mocking Dominic Cummings for breaching lockdown rules appeared one morning in Redhill.
The cutout, which was first spotted in Arnold last week, again appeared at traffic lights on Mansfield Road at the junction with Redhill Road.
It features a sign reading ‘Back to School’ in reference to pupils being asked to return to schools across the borough today by the government.
PICTURED: The cutout of Dominic Cummings appeared in Redhill today (PHOTO: Des Gibbons)
June
PICTURED: Food waiting to be delivered to vulnerable people across Gedling borough (IMAGE: Nicola Murphy)
Gedling Borough Council sent a heartfelt thank you message to more than 500 people who signed up as volunteers as part of the borough’s pandemic response.
In April, the council opened the Giving for Gedling Humanitarian Centre to help those in need throughout the borough.
The council asked for volunteers to provide assistance preparing and distributing food parcels as well as carrying out neighbourhood checks and offering assistance to elderly and vulnerable residents.
Over 500 residents contacted the council to offer their help after seeing the request on the council’s website and social media pages.
To date more than 800 households have received support and 600 food parcels have been delivered to residents in need by volunteers and council officers.
PICTURED: Ian West after starting out on his charity walk
A plucky pensioner walked around a village square for 72 hours non-stop to raise money for the NHS.
Ian West, who lives in Bestwood Village, began the epic challenge on Friday, June 12 at 10am and continued walking around the square until 10am on Monday morning.
The 65-year-old only rested during five-minute breaks he took every four hours.
PICTURED: Victoria Retail Park
The management at Victoria Retail Park thanked visitors for making the site a ‘safe and pleasant place to shop’ following the reopening of non-essential stores on Monday, June 15.
Stores that reopened include Argos, B&M, B&Q, Boots, Greggs, Halfords, JD Sports, M&S, McDonald’s (Drive-thru only), Oak Furnitureland (Click and Collect only), Pets at Home, Subway and TK Maxx.
A spokesperson from Victoria Retail Park commented: “Throughout the day a steady stream of shoppers visited the retail park, showing a pent up demand for the services on site. All visitors were extremely respectful of the new regulations in place and we would like to thank everybody who visited for helping to make it a safe and pleasant place to shop.”
A Ravenshead man who campaigns and volunteers tirelessly for Diabetes UK has received a special award from the charity.
Jeff Clarke, 65, from Ravenshead, has volunteered for the charity for five years, and works tirelessly to improve diabetes care in his local community and across the county.
Jeff was presented with the Diabetes UK East Midlands Inspire Award for Campaigning and Influencing.
He has campaigned for better healthcare services, and challenged poor care when he comes across it. His support covers an array of vital issues that include reaching people at risk of type 2 diabetes, working on footcare pathways to reduce variance of care, and improving access to structured education.
Jeff, who has been married for 38 years, and has just passed 36 years since being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, completed Diabetes UK’s patient leader programme after retiring as a civil engineer after 40 years.
He said: “I have been able to promote the patient’s perspective in various Nottinghamshire and East Midland Steering Groups where strategic health decisions are made. I’m particularly enthusiastic about the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
“While we are trying to improve overall care for people with diabetes, there is no greater satisfaction than seeing people reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.”
Peter Shorrick, Diabetes UK Midlands and East Regional Head, said: “Jeff is a real professional in the way he conducts himself and is a true asset to Diabetes UK, but more importantly to the community as a whole.
“He has made a good and long lasting positive impact on diabetes care in his local community and he thoroughly deserves this award.
“Our volunteers and fundraisers are out there working hard in the community day in and day out. Our much-needed work wouldn’t be possible without their incredible support and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of our volunteers for the enormous difference they make every day.”
The Inspire Awards celebrate Diabetes UK’s dedicated volunteers who campaign to improve the quality of care available to people with diabetes; fundraise for pioneering research; raise awareness to stem the rising tide of diabetes; and provide vital peer support and connection to others living with all types of diabetes within their local communities.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer for Diabetes UK, or to join a local support group, please email midlands@diabetes.org.uk or call 01922 614500.
Arnold‘s Bonington Cinema has announced it will reopen on Saturday (July 4) – although moviegoers can expect to see some changes.
The venue, which has been closed throughout lockdown, has revealed it will have a new-look seating plan and reduced capacity when it starts screening again this weekend.
There will be a reduced number of seats to accommodate customers so they can keep two metres apart.
Sofas, armchairs and tables have replaced the usual cascading seats and there are a number of measures in place to ensure people are safe.
Council leader John Clarke unveils the new seating layout inside The Bonington
Capacity will be reduced to just 24 seats per screening to allow people to have enough space.
Tickets must be booked in advance through the Bonington website or by telephone. No tickets are available to buy from the box office.
The venue has been thoroughly cleaned during the closure and there will be hand-sanitising stations available and extra cleaning will take place between each screening.
Leisure Officer, Nastarsia Smith helps prepare The Bonington for reopening on Saturday
A one-way system has also been introduced to reduce contact with others with signage situated throughout the cinema to give people clear directions about where to go.
The cinema will be showing a host of family films as well as some of the best national and international films including the winner of the Best Picture Award at the Oscars, Parasite.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “We’re delighted to be opening the Bonington Cinema. Our number one priority is the safety of our patrons and our team have been working very hard to get everything in place so people can come and watch a film and know they are safe.
“We have reduced the capacity significantly, to allow for the cinema to be open safely. We know it means we won’t be making much of a profit but this is more about getting us back open and to give our residents an opportunity to have some much needed distraction from the news and enjoy some great cinema on their doorsteps.”
Full details about the upcoming films and the measures in place to ensure the safety of customers is available at www.boningtontheatre.co.uk
