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Time is running out to apply for slice of £21k funding available from Gedling Homes

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Time is running out to apply for slice of £21k funding available from Gedling Homes

Groups and local schemes are being reminded that time is running out to get their hands on a slice of £21,000 in funding still up for grabs.

Gedling Homes, part of the Jigsaw Homes Group, is inviting people to apply for a share of £21,000 available in the area from the Jigsaw Foundation fund.  

The funding can be used to help set up and run community groups, support projects for borough residents and assist initiatives that make a difference to their local community.

Since April 2019, Jigsaw Foundation has awarded more than £450,000 to 62 different projects across the North West and East Midlands.  Resident groups, community groups, charitable organisations and social enterprises around the Gedling area have now got another chance to submit their bids if they want a piece of the pot.

In Gedling borough , recent projects already funded by Jigsaw Foundation include the Netherfield Forum, who received funding to host two free community events that proved very popular amongst residents from Netherfield and surrounding areas and Nabarro Court.  The latter, a social group in Calverton, received funding to support various activities that help bring Gedling Homes tenants and local residents together to improve wellbeing and give them more opportunities to socialise.  Jigsaw Foundation has also supported a social prescribing programme with Gedling Borough Council that helps reduce social isolation.

Suzanne Bullock, assistant director of Neighbourhoods, said: “We’ve been able to support some great bids for the first round of this year’s funding and I would really like to encourage community groups, no matter how small, to put in a bid for the remaining pot of money.”

Once bids have been received, they will be voted for approval by tenants through Jigsaw Rewards.  Jigsaw Rewards allows tenants from across the Jigsaw Group to earn points in return for submitting their views on a range of subjects, including Jigsaw Foundation funding.

For further details and to apply for a share of the funding, visit foundation.jigsawhomes.org.uk or call 0300 111 1133.  If you’re a Gedling Homes tenant and would like to join Jigsaw Rewards, visit rewards.jigsawhomes.org.uk.

Popular Arnold pub The Greyhound Inn to be relaunched under new owners

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Popular Arnold pub The Greyhound Inn to be relaunched under new owners

Well-known Arnold boozer the Greyhound Inn is set to be relaunched after being taken over by a community pub group.

The Craft Union Pub Company has taken on ownership of The Greyhound Inn on Nottingham Road.

Craft Union Pub Company focus on running community pubs with affordably priced beer, and a sports and entertainment offer.

Pint
The pub is aimed at traditional drinkers

A spokesperson for Craft Union Pub Company said: “We are delighted to confirm that we’ll be taking over the Greyhound Inn, Arnold.

“The site will benefit from a healthy refurbishment while still maintaining its character and atmosphere.

“We believe that the British pub plays a vital role in the lives of its customers and our philosophy at Craft Union is to put brilliant pubs back at the heart of local communities. We are committed to nurturing this by investing in the site, ensuring that we retain the tradition and the heritage alongside improving the quality of the community offer.”

An opening date has not yet been announced.

Frank Key strengthens its management team based in Arnold with new recruits

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Frank Key strengthens its management team based in Arnold with new recruits

Arnold-based independent builders merchant, Frank Key has strengthened its management team with two new full-time recruits.

New group head of marketing, Shafiq Sharif, and group head of human resources, Ruth Housley, bring with them a wealth of experience and have both settled into their roles at the Daybrook branch extremely well.

Shafiq has already made his mark by assisting with the implementation of the Frank Key rebrand, as well as the launch of the renovated Sheffield branch among other projects. His wealth of industry experience and marketing skills will help to strengthen the leadership team as the company continues to develop the business to meet future ambitions.

PICTURED: New group head of marketing, Shafiq Sharif, and group head of human resources, Ruth Housley

Ruth joins with a considerable amount of Human Resources (HR) experience from across many sectors. She will play a key role in developing the HR systems, processes and team, as well as ongoing projects such as the company handbook, role profiles and management training programmes.

James Norton is the Group Managing Director at Frank Key: “It is always exciting to welcome new members of staff, bringing with them a fresh perspective and ideas to the business. A very warm welcome to Shafiq and Ruth, you have both settled into your roles extremely well and have already made a big impact at Frank Key.”

Frank Key Group started life in 1907 from Daybrook in Nottingham. It has now expanded into a regional group operating across the Midlands, Lancashire and Yorkshire, with five building supplies branches and 15 plant and tool hire depots.

For information, visit www.frank-key.co.uk.

Police and community team up to tackle speeding in Burton Joyce

David Bratton
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Police and community team up to tackle speeding in Burton Joyce

A joint neighbourhood police and community operation to tackle speeding in Burton Joyce took place this week.

Police officers and members of the community based themselves on A612 Church Road in the hope of catching motorists speeding through the village.

The fire service also took part in the day of action and were on hand to offer safety information regarding the consequences of speeding to any drivers caught in the act.

Signs are put in place to display the speed of passing traffic on the A612 (IMAGE: Notts Police)

A police spokesman said: “Our officers taking part in the operation were once again accompanied by local volunteers from the village who offered their time and training and helped make the operation a success.

“No offenders were caught due to our presence alone of which acted as a visual deterrent.

“A big thank you to all our volunteers and the fire services.”

Inspector Chris Pearson: Operation Reacher team gets off to flying start across Gedling borough

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Inspector Chris Pearson: Operation Reacher team gets off to flying start across Gedling borough

We received some excellent news in January when it was revealed that a new proactive police team will be landing in Gedling.

The team is known as ‘Operation Reacher’ and the Gedling team will be looked after by Sergeant Matt Sisson. Along with Matt there will be six Police Officers working on the team and they will work closely with the existing Neighbourhood Policing Team. I’m sure you will agree that this is a great opportunity for us in that we will be able to better respond to the needs and concerns of our local communities.

The ‘Operation Reacher’ model was first launched in Bestwood and saw some excellent results. Whilst the challenges in Gedling are different I’m sure that the team will make a huge contribution towards dealing with some of the communities concerns such as burglary and drug dealing.

The force has plans to have a Reacher team across each area and I’m really pleased that Gedling was selected to be one of the first.

The team got off to a good start on Wednesday afternoon (29th January) when they assisted with a drugs warrant on Westdale Lane, Mapperley working jointly with the neighbourhood policing team and other resources such as Trading Standards. The team were joined by the local media and Insp Marcus Oldroyd who is now overseeing the development of Reacher across the force. The warrant resulted in a 36 year old male being arrested on suspicion of drugs supply offences following the discovery of drugs and illicit tobacco at a local convenience store.

This was a two tiered approach as following the warrant the neighbourhood policing team and I worked closely with licensing colleagues from the police and Gedling Borough Council. The result was an application for a ‘closure order’ made to Nottingham Magistrates Court on Friday, January 31. I’m pleased to report that the order was supported by the Magistrates and the property will now remain closed and secured for the next three months to prevent further criminal offences and nuisance to the local community.

This really was an excellent result all round and the policing activity came about by information received from members of the public. I really would encourage you to report concerns to us. Information we receive is always carefully assessed and prioritised. In some cases we can act immediately, whilst in other cases the information we receive has to be developed before we can take action. With the Operation Reacher team now working so closely with the Neighbourhood Policing team I’m confident that this will put us in an even better position to take action where required.

Cannabis found in shop
PICTURED: Police found cannabis at a shop in Gedling (IMAGE: Notts Police)

The investigation into the drugs supply offences is ongoing and I would encourage anyone with information to contact us.

Following this the Op Reacher team have been working in the Gedling South area which has resulted in further vehicle and drugs seizures. The team will be publishing a lot of their work on our social media pages and I’d encourage you to give these a follow.

On 17th January I met with Gedling Borough Council and police colleagues including PS Helen Walker, PS Mike Ebbins and Cllr David Ellis to discuss our policing priorities for this quarter. Following feedback through our website and Police and Crime Commissioner Surveys these have now been set as Residential Burglary, Drug Supply and Shop theft. We have chosen to look closely at shop theft as we know that the offenders are often linked to other acquisitive crime such as burglary and autocrime. The priorities will be refreshed again in time for April this year. The public surveys indicated that drug use and supply are of significant concern to the local community so we have adopted this as a priority.

I wanted to provide an update regarding Burglary as this continues to be a top priority for us across Gedling.

We have seen late evening and overnight offences with hotspots of Gedling and Carlton in the Gedling South area. Offenders have largely gained entry to properties by smashing windows. Across Gedling North offences have taken place in Woodthorpe and Redhill with windows smashed in order to gain entry. The county burglary team continue to work closely with us in order to investigate the offences. The neighbourhood teams have also worked later into the evening and have been joined by operational support colleagues in order to provide high-visibility patrols in the area.

Pleasingly progress is being made as a number of people have now been arrested and charged with burglary offences over the last couple of months. A 29 year old male was arrested last week on suspicion of a burglary offence in Woodthorpe back in October 2019. He has since been released on police bail but the investigation is very much ongoing.

In terms of other crime vans have been targeted across the area with hotspot locations of Gedling, Mapperley, Colwick and Arnold. Offenders have gained access by damaging locks or bodywork in order to take tools left in vehicles overnight. Patrols are ongoing and local officers will be joining colleagues from Rushcliffe to carry out overnight operations to target offenders.

Crime prevention advice is available on the force website and can be found at www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/advice.

I know that road safety continues to be of concern to many. The Gedling South team are continuing to develop the ‘Community Road Safety’ scheme with PCSO Trevor Parkinson leading on this work. Further training sessions have taken place the team have deployed in both Lambley and Burton Joyce following concerns from the local community. A number of days of action are scheduled this year and as a Gedling team we will be fully supporting these.

Finally I wanted to end by mentioning that we are recruiting ‘Senior Cadets’ within the Carlton area and this is an excellent opportunity for young volunteers who might want to learn more about policing or get involved in communities initiatives. There is information available on our social media or the recruitment pages of our website which can be found at https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/volunteer.

Pupils get chance to dine with ‘very special someone’ during Valentine’s meal at Arnold school

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Pupils get chance to dine with ‘very special someone’ during Valentine’s meal at Arnold school

Restaurants and cafes will be busy serving up the finest foods this Valentine’s Day – and a school in Arnold is now looking to get in on the act.

Pupils at Pinewood Infant School and Foundation Unit in Pinewood Avenue, are for the first time able to invite their ‘very special someone’ to a Valentine’s Day Dinner at the school on Friday (February 14).

As the School’s 200 pupils are only three to seven-years-old the ‘romantic dinner’ will be mid-day in the dining hall rather than candle-lit and their ‘guest’ must be an adult (16+) family member, but a tasty menu of incluing chicken or Quorn tagliatelle with garlic bread and mixed salad followed by desert might even give some professional eateries a run for their money.

At £3 per head (for adults, pupils will eat for free) it’s also unlikely to be beaten on value.

Headteacher Rachel Otter said: “We often put on special celebrations during the year, to which parents are invited, but this is the first time we’ve held a Valentine’s Day Dinner.

PICTURED: Kai Speed Elkin, aged four.

“The children have got very excited about the idea of inviting someone to eat with them. As long as they’re aged over 16 it can be mum, dad, grandparent, other family or carer.

“At what can sometimes be a bit of a grey time of year, we’re looking forward to helping our pupils show a bit of love to their special someone.”

Teachers at the School will be decorating the dining hall with hearts and flowers, to add to the ambience. 

Pinewood Infant School and Foundation Unit has around 200 pupils aged from three to seven-years-old; split over Foundation 1 and 2 classes, and Year 1 and Year 2 classes. The school’s lively curriculum includes outdoor areas, a school garden and pond, and a double-decker bus converted into a reading library.

In its last OFSTED report (2009), Pinewood was ranked as ‘outstanding’. Its Headteacher is Ms Rachel Otter and its Chair of Governors, Ms Rachel Makey.

For more information on Pinewood Infant School and Foundation Unit see its website at www.pinewood.notts.sch.uk/

Carlton Town FC begin fundraising campaign to help repair ground damage caused by Storm Ciara

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Carlton Town FC begin fundraising campaign to help repair ground damage caused by Storm Ciara

Carlton Town FC are having to ramp up fundraising efforts to help pay for repairs to the ground which was badly damaged during Storm Ciara.

Dugouts were damaged along with floodlights areas of the car park and parts of the 3G pitch. Perimeter fencing was also ripped out of the ground during the high-speed winds on Sunday.

The club are now being forced to find extra funding after it was revealed the insurance won’t cover all the damage caused by the storm at the Bill Stokeld Stadium on Stoke Lane

Club secretary Trevor Wells said: “We have now been hit badly by storm Ciara.

“The perimeter fence to the stadium is destroyed in parts with fence posts completely ripped out the ground. There is damage to the car park floodlights and electrics

“I understand there is a significant excess on the policy given our past problems with floods, breaks in and of course the fire a few years ago, before my time here”

“We will all rally round as we always do, but we really could have done without this after the efforts that have gone in to getting the pitch right to avoid hopefully further postponements”

The club have since revealed on their website that the perimeter fencing will not be covered by the club’s insurance policy. A substantial number of posts and panels now need replacing after the damage and tis is expected to be costly.

Carlton-Town
PICTURED: The Bill Stokeld Stadium on Stoke Lane

The Millers say they are covered for repairs to the dugout area and electrical repairs as well as damage to other parts of the stadium – but also face a £500 excess for those repairs.

Club chairman Mick Garton and vice chairman Barry North put out a joint statement to supporters following the damage.

It read: “There has been substantial damage at the ground and we are not currently in a position to host fixtures. We have spoken to the league regarding Wednesday’s game against Chasetown. We will speak urgently to Notts FA to see if the home tie in the cup against Gedling Miner’s Welfare FC on February 18 can be rescheduled at Mapperley Plains”

“Supporters are aware we have spent a substantial amount on moving two Academy fixtures to Long Eaton United, calling in drainage expects and having the pitch Vertidrained, they are not aware that we have also had to spend a significant sum of money for our next ground grading inspection”

“Given the positivity on the pitch and generally within the camp, we will move heaven and earth to get these urgent repairs carried out as soon as possible so that the home game against Stamford on Saturday, February 22 can go ahead.

The club now hope to raise the extra funds needed by organising a number of events.

Former Nottingham Forest and Derby County legend John O’ Hare will be guest speaking at Stoke Lane on Friday, March 20. Tickets are now on sale for the event at the price of £40 each and this includes a two-course meal.

A fundraising afternoon will also be held at The Dragon public house in Nottingham City Centre on Sunday, March 29, with a raffle taking place and is also the opportunity to make a donation to pay for the work.

For tickets to the John O’ Hare talk or for more information about the event at The Dragon call commercial manager Brian Dennett on 07850 234543 or visit https://www.carltontownfc.co.uk/

Gedling Borough Council leader says new bridge over the Trent is urgently needed

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling Borough Council leader says new bridge over the Trent is urgently needed

The city and county need a new Trent bridge urgently, a senior figure at Gedling Borough Council has said. 

Roads have been gridlocked for days, and journeys which should take minutes are taking hours, after the partial closure of the A52 bridge.

The closure has put enormous pressure on the existing bridges, with severe traffic building on both sides of Trent Bridge.

Three road bridges currently serve the city – Trent Bridge, Lady Bay Bridge and the A52 at Clifton Bridge which is currently partially closed.

Further downstream are Gunthorpe Bridge and the A46 bridge, while upstream there are bridges at Sawley and the M1.

Even 16 years ago, Nottinghamshire County Council agreed there was a need for the bridge to the west of Radcliffe on Trent. 

But those plans for a new Trent bridge have stagnated, and no plans are currently in the pipeline.

Now, the leader of Gedling Borough Council, John Clarke, has said the whole area urgently needs a new bridge ‘for the future’.

New Trent bridge
Cllr Clarke has said a new bridge could be constructed at the back of Victoria Retail Park

Councillor Clarke, who represents Netherfield for Labour,  has long advocated a new bridge, and says the last few days demonstrate just how important it is, and how close to capacity the current bridges are running.

He said: “It’s not a political thing any more, this is about the livelihood and the economy of the city and county.

“Two hours it took me yesterday to get from County Hall to Carlton. It was mayhem. 

“I think the best place to build it is at the back of Victoria Industrial Park and bring the road up to Colwick Loop Road.

“It would take and divert traffic from having to go towards the city.

“I think we have got to be bold and ambitious with this, and build a bridge for the future that can take all forms of transport, with a vision for the tram eventually.

“I think it would be a massive boost, I think it would be as powerful and transformative as the A453.

“Yet we’re putting our collective heads in the sand and doing nothing.

“The economic cost for the city of the last few days will be in the millions, with people not getting to work on time, goods not arriving and people not going out. It’s been a clear reminder.

“This is the perfect time to put pressure on to build the bridge, the Prime Minister has said he wants a ‘infrastructure revolution’, and this is doable, it’s not quite spade ready but it’s already there.

“If we’re going to keep this city and county’s economy moving then we need this bridge as soon as possible. We can’t afford not to build it.

“Because why come and invest in Nottingham when you can’t get into it?”

However Nottingham City Council’s transport boss Adele Williams gave the age-old proposal a luke-warm reception, saying building more roads was ‘not necessarily’ the best way forward.

Councillor Williams, who represents Sherwood for Labour, said: “The current situation with Clifton Bridge is very unusual and while it shows how vulnerable Nottingham’s road network is to becoming gridlocked, building our way out of it with more roads is not necessarily the answer. 

“Our focus is on providing viable alternatives to using cars to get into the city. 

“For example, we are currently awaiting a Government announcement on a bid for funding which among other things will expand our park and ride facilities, encouraging more people to leave their cars outside the city and take public transport in – thereby reducing the amount of traffic on our roads. 

“The only extra bridge over the river we have in our thinking at the moment is a cycle and pedestrian bridge between Colwick and Lady Bay.”

Prime Minister recognises man who set up Mapperley-based charity to tackle loneliness and social isolation across Notts

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Prime Minister recognises man who set up Mapperley-based charity to tackle loneliness and social isolation across Notts

A man who set up a charity in Mapperley to combat loneliness and social isolation has been recognised today by the Prime Minister.

Damien Reynolds has been handed a Point of Light award, which are given out by the Prime Minister to inspirational volunteers across the country.

Mr Reynolds has been recognised for his work with the Wolfpack Project, which he established last year, to create social opportunities for those experiencing loneliness.

The charity helps people by providing 1-2-1 support through a buddy scheme. Buddies offer in-person support such as company for a walk, coffee or a football match to combat loneliness.

Over 250 isolated young adults have benefitted locally from the buddy scheme since the charity began.

The Wolfpack Project also encourages individuals to join their social groups, where people can make new friendships and further widen their support network.

The Wolfpack Project aims to tackle loneliness in the region

In a personal letter to Mr Reynolds, Boris Johnson wrote: “I know you do this with no thought of praise or reward, but allow me to offer my own recognition of how ‘The Wolfpack Project’ is tackling loneliness by bringing young people together in innovative ways, building friendships and a sense of community.”

The volunteer also won praise from Gedling MP Tom Randall after receiving the Point of Light Award.

He said: “Loneliness can affect people at different stages of their lives and I really enjoyed meeting Damien earlier this year to hear about the work that he has been doing to reduce loneliness amongst younger people in Gedling and across Nottinghamshire.

He added: “This is a well-deserved award and I congratulate Damien on his success.”

Mr Reynolds said he was ‘thrilled’ that his work has been recognised by the Prime Minister.

“I am honoured to receive the Points of Light Award, and for my work with ‘The Wolfpack Project’.

“Loneliness is an epidemic and significant challenge of society today, and never more so than in young adults whom are more likely to experience this than any other age group.

“‘The Wolfpack Project’ is reducing loneliness in young adults across Nottingham through our Buddy Scheme and upcoming ”Wolfpack” social groups.

“The recognition and exposure in receiving this award will help us reach more individuals and further our ambition in working nationally in the future.”

Ann celebrates remarkable 103rd birthday in style at Carlton residential home

Emily Sanchez
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Ann celebrates remarkable 103rd birthday in style at Carlton residential home

Carlton resident Ann Eaton described 103 as “just a number” as she celebrated her remarkable birthday in style yesterday (10).

Steamed fish with hollandaise sauce and vegetables and a variety of puddings were on the menu as friends, family and staff at Braywood Gardens Residential Home in Carlton came together for a big party (10) to celebrate Ann’s special day.

The 103-year-old said the secret to a long life was ‘having a good family’.

She told people at the party she used to enjoy going out on the town when she was younger.

Ann enjoys her party with friends and relatives

“I used to go dancing in the dance hall at the other end of Nottingham every Saturday as I didn’t care much for The Palais,” she said.

Ann also enjoyed cycling as a teenager and regularly took trips out into the country with her husband, who was her boyfriend at the time.

She said: “We used to do a lot of cycling and stop over at youth hostels. They were a shilling a night.

“I wouldn’t ride a bike now because back then there wasn’t a lot of cars. There’s too much traffic these days.”

If you or a friend or relative is celebrating a landmark birthday, let us know here at Gedling Eye and we’ll try and feature it on our site. Contact our news desk at news@gedlingeye.co.uk

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