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Bestwood mum wants parents to be aware of signs children are getting into knife crime

A mum who brought her son back from the bring of joining a gang is urging parents to be aware of the signs they are becoming involved in knife crime.

Jo Wynter, 38, from Bestwood Park, took positive steps to stop her son joining a gang after she noticed his behaviour started changing.

The 17-year-old is now back on track and studying for a qualification in construction at college.

Jo, a nursery nurse, said: “I had to intervene when he started wearing bags and clothing that weren’t his. He started staying out and turning his phone off and bringing items home that weren’t his. I started hearing about his life outside the home so I just had enough one day and used my knowledge I had learnt myself to get him back on track to a normal life.

“He didn’t get into trouble for carrying a knife, but I got to know he started to carry one. I found it and got rid of it.

“I also helped his friend – a boy aged 17 – who was fully groomed and immersed into the gang life, which he had been in and out of since 11 years old and got into trouble for joint enterprise involving a stabbing.

“He used to walk around with a machete and he was taken over county lines. I got him to realise. I had to help him out with his feelings. It was just talking to him and giving him guidance that helped him out. He had to go through a period of people realising he’s not in a gang anymore and he’s not running for anyone now.

“I got him back into college to do his maths and English so he can do sports level one next year and got him back into a football team.”

Jo speaks candidly about her experience in this video and gives advice to other parents on spotting the signs and where they can get support.

Fish and chip shops in Gedling borough targeted in green group’s anti-plastic packaging campaign

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An environmental group in Gedling  is calling on fish and chip shops across the borough to do more to tackle plastic pollution.

Members of the Gedling Climate Change Group (GCCG) say they have recently visited a number of fish and chip shops in the borough armed with samples of recyclable takeaway packaging such as cardboard boxes, paper bags and wooden cutlery in a bid to persuade them to become more eco-friendly.

They also sent out letters to a number of businesses asking them to consider environmentally-friendly packaging in the future.

GCCG spokesman Bob Vaughan-Newton said: “Unfortunately, gone are the days where you can pop to the chip shop and come away with your steaming hot chips wrapped in yesterday’s newspaper, instead you get your meal served on a polystyrene tray, wrapped up in a plastic bag with a plastic fork thrown in for good measure.

“A great tea, but an absolute nightmare for the environment.

calverton-fish-bar
MAKING A CHANGE: Calverton Fish Bar are now using more environmentally-friendly packaging for their takeaways
CAMPAIGN: Members of the Gedling Climate Change Group (GCCG) outside Calverton Fish Bar with the owner

“As Gedling Climate Change Group is a small and local group, we thought we’d set our sights on our small and local businesses and try to encourage them to follow suit with reducing their plastic usage. So we approached our local fish and chip shops across the borough and asked them to consider replacing their plastic and polystyrene products with environmentally friendly alternatives.”

“It is a work in progress,” added Mr Vaughan-Newton.

“We have heard that some changes have been made by some businesses and we shall be following them up to see how they are getting on, but we hear that here in Calverton they are using recyclable products, so we are popping in after our monthly litter pick today (Saturday, 7) to test them out and showcase their great work.”

A spokesperson for Calverton Fish Bar, which is on Main Street in the village, said: “We use recyclable products as much as possible. Foodstuffs like gravy currently have to go in waterproof containers but we check regularly with our suppliers for environmentally friendly products.”

The group are now calling on other chip shops which could benefit from more environmentally friendly packaging to please get in touch so they can provide sample packs in a bid to get more businesses on board.

You can contact Bob Vaughan-Newton on 07966 557119 or email bob.kate.vn@ntlworld.com

Here’s who could be representing you in Gedling borough after the local council elections

A full list of candidates standing in each ward in the Gedling Borough council local election on May 2 has been revealed today.

Bestwood St Albans Ward

BISSET, Tammy Leanne
53 Roundwood Road, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6GB
Conservative Party Candidate

BISSET
Warren James
53 Roundwood Road, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6GB
Conservative Party Candidate

ELLIS, Rachael Elizabeth
63 Walsingham Road, Woodthorpe, Nottingham, NG5 4NQ
Labour Party

GIBBONS, Des
110 Redhill Road, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 8HA
Labour Party

HALL, Anthony Cedric
(Address in Gedling Borough)
UK
Independence Party (UKIP)

VINCE, Margret Susan Barbara
1 Chestnut Grove, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 8BD
Green Party

Calverton Ward

BOSWORTH, Pat
11 Paddock Close, Calverton, Nottingham, NG14 6GJ
Independent

EDE COOPER, Pamela
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Labour Party

ELLIOTT, Boyd Bryan
13 Bonner Lane, Calverton, Nottingham, NG14 6FS
Local Conservatives

FOSTER, Clive
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Labour Party

HARRIS, Sandra
46 Crookdole Lane, Calverton, Nottingham, NG14 6GG
Independent

HOPE, Mike
1 Broom Road, Calverton, NG14 6HD
Independent

KNOWLES, Marie Lesley
46 Orchard Drive, Calverton, Nottingham, NG14 6GP
Conservative Party Candidate

LOI, Fran
(Address in Gedling Borough)
UKIP Make Brexit Happen

SPURR, Matthew Peter
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Labour Party

WALKER, Jane Maria
118 Mansfield Lane, Calverton, Nottingham, NG14 6HL
Conservative Party Candidate

Carlton Ward

BEEKEN, Max
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

BROOKS, Nicki
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Labour and Co-operative Party

BURROWS, Amanda
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

CLARKE, Ged
5 Naylor House, Derwent Crescent, Arnold, Nottingham,
NG5 6TG
Conservative Party Candidate

KENWOOD, Gerald
212 Nottingham Road, Burton Joyce, Nottm, NG14 5BD
Conservative Party Candidate

WILKINSON, Paul O`Neil
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Labour and Co-operative Party

Carlton Hill Ward

BLANDAMER, Patricia Mary
29 Foxhill Road, Burton Joyce, Nottingham, NG14 5DB
Conservative Party Candidate

CREAMER, Jim
35a Bramble Drive, Carlton, Nottingham, NG3 6NL
Labour Party

FEENEY, Paul
63 First Avenue, Carlton, Nottingham, NG4 1PH
Labour Party

GREENSMITH, James Victor
5 Brechin Close, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 8GN
Conservative Party Candidate

HAJAT, Nadia
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

LOCK, Kevin Charles
14 Tennyson Avenue, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 3HJ
Conservative Party Candidate

MILBURN, Paul Richard
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

SCROGGIE, Alex
9 Dellwood Close, Mapperley, Nottingham,
NG4 3SL
Labour Party

SOAR, Hannah
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

Cavendish Ward

CLUNIE, Liz
22 Ashworth Crescent, Mapperley, Nottingham,
NG3 6BX
Labour Party

DUNKIN, Andrew Mark
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

GREGORY, Gary Graham
4 Radcliffe Gardens, Carlton, Nottingham, NG4 1SB
Labour Party

HUGHES, Paul Anthony
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

MILLER, George Peter
25 Ashworth Crescent, Nottingham, NG3 6BX
Conservative Party Candidate

REMZI, Mitchell Thomas Ahmed
79 Fraser Road, Carlton, Nottingham, NG4 1NP
Conservative Party Candidate

Colwick Ward

FLOR-HENRY, Michel
114 Dunstan St, Netherfield, Nottingham, NG4 2NZ
The Conservative Party Candidate

KATIMERTZIS, Jean
(Address in Gedling Borough)
UK
Independence Party (UKIP)

LAWRENCE, Meredith
26 Balmoral Road, Colwick Village, Nottinghamshire, NG4 2GD
Labour Party

Coppice Ward

BESTWICK, Stuart James
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Conservative Party Candidate

PALING, Marje
14 Kirkley Gardens, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 7GF
Labour Party

STUART, Jim
1 Chestnut Grove, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 8BD
Green Party

VOCE, David William
(Address in Gedling Borough)
UK
Independence Party (UKIP)

WALKER, Geoff
8 Spinningdale, Arnold, Notts, NG5 8QT
Conservative Party Candidate

WHEELER, Henry Thomas Neil
28 Bentwell Avenue, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 7EZ
Labour Party

Daybrook Ward

BARNES, Peter Graham
20 Roundwood Road, Daybrook, Nottingham, NG5 6FJ
Labour Party

BARNES, Sandra Jean
20 Roundwood Road, Daybrook, Nottingham, NG5 6FJ
Labour Party

GAMBLE, James
55 West Street, Arnold,
NG5 7DB
Independent

GREEN, Jordan Samuel Jack
(Address in Gedling Borough)
UK
Independence Party (UKIP)

MAJOR, Eric Antoni
Bulcote Lodge Farm, Bridle Road,
Burton Joyce, Nottingham, NG14 5FQ
Conservative Party Candidate

RIDDLE, Mark Jason
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Conservative Party Candidate

Dumbles Ward

DUDLEY, Janet Dinah
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

GARLAND, Lee Jonathan
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Labour Party

GREENSMITH, Helen Monique
5 Brechin Close, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 8GN
The Conservative Party Candidate

Ernehale Ward

BURROWS, Antony
7 Killisick Road, Arnold, Nottm, NG5 8BY
Conservative Party Candidate

DAWSON, Robert James
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Conservative Party Candidate

ELLIS, David Sidney
63 Walsingham Road, Woodthorpe, Nottingham, NG5 4NQ
Labour and Co-operative Party

ELLIS, Roxanne Elizabeth
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Labour and Co-operative Party

KEY, Paul Richard
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Independent

PEET, Desmond Paul
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Independent

POYNTER, Raymond Andrew
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

SMITH, Philip Nigel
(Address in Gedling Borough)
UK
Independence Party (UKIP)

STANSFIELD, Jason Martin
48a Arnot Hill Road, Arnold, Nottinghamshire, NG5 6LL
Liberal Democrat

Gedling Ward

BEXON, Alan Sydney
18, Waterhouse Lane, Gedling, Nottm,
NG4 4BP
Conservative Party Candidate

COOK, Jane Louise
7a Victoria St, Gedling,
NG4 3JE
Conservative Party Candidate

DUNKIN, Maggie
10 Park Avenue, Carlton, Nottingham, NG4 3DP
Liberal Democrat Focus Team

HOLLINGSWORTH, Jenny
112 Main Road, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 3HE
Labour Party

THOMAS, Jennifer Lynn
6 Third Avenue, Gedling, Nottingham,
NG4 3LL
Labour Party

WHITE, Martin George
177 Shelford Road, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4JH
Liberal Democrat Focus Team

Netherfield Ward

CLARKE, William John
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Labour Party

HAJAT, Essop
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

HAJAT, Fran
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

LARGE, Curtis Nicholas
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Conservative Party Candidate

MILLER, Barbara Sylvia Russell
120 Chandos Street, Netherfield, Nottingham,
NG4 2LW
Labour Party

PITMAN, Anthony
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Conservative Party Candidate

Newstead Abbey Ward

BARNFATHER, Chris
48 Milton Crescent, Ravenshead, Nottingham,
NG15 9BA
Conservative Party Candidate

HARDING, Ben
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Labour Party

HUCKERBY, Adam
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Labour Party

MURRAY, Simon Peregrine Gauvain
Blidworth Dale House, Longdale Lane, Ravenshead,
Nottinghamshire, NG15 9AL
Conservative Party Candidate

SMITH, Martin David
132a Main Road, Ravenshead, Nottingham, NG15 9GW
Conservative Party Candidate

SUTHERLAND, Tom
4 Chatsworth Close, Ravenshead, Nottingham, NG15 9JA
Liberal Democrat

SWIFT, Margaret Joan
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

TETLEY, Mark David
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

WRIGHT, Carol Ann
39 Swinton Rise, Ravenshead, Nottingham, NG15 9FS
Labour Party

Phoenix Ward

ELLWOOD, Andrew Mark
2 South View Road, Carlton, Nottingham,
NG4 3QL
Liberal Democrat Focus Team

GODWIN, Charlie
26 Willow Lane, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 4DG
Conservative Party Candidate

HENRY, Verna Eliza
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Labour Party

HEWLETT, Cheryl June
3 Tennyson Avenue, Gedling, Nottingham, NG4 3HJ
Labour Party

TAYLOR, Chris
7 Ian Grove, Carlton, Notts, NG4 3EG
Conservative Party Candidate

TOWSEY- HINTON, Clive John
45 Wollaton Avenue, Gedling, Notts,
NG4 4HY
Liberal Democrat Focus Team

Plains Ward

BOYLE, Michael Aime
49 Kent Road, Mapperley, Nottingham, NG3 6BG
Labour Party

BUTTERWORTH, John
24 Bourne Street, Netherfield, Nottingham,
NG4 2FH
Labour Party

DOYLE, Kevin Backhouse
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Conservative Party Candidate

FAULCONBRIDGE, James Anthony Patrick
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Conservative Party Candidate

GLADWELL, Martin Nigel
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

HEWSON, Sarah
2 Walcot Court, Woodside Drive, Arnold, Nottingham,
NG5 7FN
Independent Network

KENEALLY, Rosa
104 Ramsey Drive, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 6QQ
Labour Party

PARR, John Michael
Pathways,
19 Sheringham Close, Woodthorpe View,
Arnold, Nottingham
Conservative Party Candidate

PEARCE, Jen
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

STEELE, David Ian
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

STICKLAND, Don
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Independent

Porchester Ward

COLLIS, Bob
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Labour Party

DAWSON, Alan Peter Morrell
19 Pilkington Road, Porchester Gardens, Nottingham,
NG3 6HL
Liberal Democrat

NAJUK, Julie
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Labour Party

POWELL, Stephen John
Longcroft, Honeyknab Lane, Oxton,
NG25 OJX
Conservative Party Candidate

SMITH, Alison Joy
36 Linsdale Gardens, Gedling, Nottingham,
NG4 4GY
Conservative Party Candidate

SOAR, Seb
19a Hallam Road, Nottingham, NG3 6HA
Liberal Democrat

SWANN, Stephen Nicholas
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Conservative Party Candidate

SWIFT, Robert Andrew
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

TRUSCOTT, John
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Labour Party

Redhill Ward

ABBOTT, Michael
26 Mapperley Orchard, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 8AG
Conservative Party Candidate

FOX, Kathryn
9 Cookson Avenue, Gedling, Nottm,
NG4 4GA
Labour Party

JONES, Tadeusz Zdzislaw Edward
24 Monsell Drive, Redhill, Nottingham,  NG5 8LY
Liberal Democrat

LITTLEFAIR, Malcolm Lulham
106 Church Road, Burton Joyce, Nottingham, NG14 5DQ
Conservative Party Candidate

LOWDON, Andrew
(Address in Gedling Borough)
UK Independence Party (UKIP)

PAYNE, Michael Richard
14 Derry Hill Road, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 8HP
Labour Party

SUTHERLAND, John Antony
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

Trent Valley Ward

ADAMS, Michael James
149 Main Street, Burton Joyce, Nottingham, NG14 5EL
Conservative Party Candidate

FIFE, Richard Ian McDuff
23 St Helens Crescent, Burton Joyce, Notts, NG14 5DW
Liberal Democrat

FLYNN, John Edward
9 Glen Road, Burton Joyce, Nottingham, NG14 5BQ
Liberal Democrat

OGUNDIPE, Femi
22 Meadow Road, Netherfield,
Nottingham, NG4 2FF
Labour Party

SMITH, Sam Thomas
36 Linsdale Gardens, Gedling, Nottinghamshire,
NG4 4GY
Conservative Party Candidate

STRONG, Margaret Ruth
8 Ousebridge Drive, Carlton, Nottingham, NG4 3BJ
Labour Party

Woodthorpe Ward

CLIPSHAM, Mark Raymond
59 West Street, NG5 7DB
Conservative Party Candidate

MCCROSSEN, Ron
20 Calstock Road, Woodthorpe, Nottingham,
NG5 4FH
Labour Party

MCCROSSEN, Viv
20 Calstock Road, Woodthorpe, Nottingham,
NG5 4FH
Labour Party

PATTERSON, Roger
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

STEPHENSON, James Alan
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Conservative Party Candidate

SWIFT, Andrew Julian
(Address in Gedling Borough)
Liberal Democrat

Nursery in Daybrook unveils their new life-saving defibrillator

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A life saving defibrillator has been installed inside a nursery in Daybrook

The emergency device – used to give a high energy electric shock to the heart to someone in cardiac arrest – is now available for use at Busy Bees nursery on Sir John Robinson Way.

The automated external defibrillator (AED) has been installed as part of the nursery’s commitment to safeguard children, staff, parents and visitors in the event of a cardiac arrest.

To mark Family Safety Week (April 1 to 5) staff and parents at Busy Bees were joined by first aid trainers following the installation of the AED. Training sessions were delivered to staff, demonstrating how to use the AED and deliver CPR.

Karen Bird, head of first aid at BB Training, which ran the CPR workshop in the nursery, said: “Every year in the UK there are 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests, with a survival rate of fewer than 1 in 10.

busy-bees-defibrillator
PICTURED: (l to r) Gemma Shephard, nursery assistant manager; Lexie Attwood, who attends nursery; Danielle Attwood, parent; Charlie Attwood, who attends nursery and Diane Clowes, who is third in charge

“Part of this devastating statistic is that 270 children pass away from a sudden cardiac arrest. Installing more AEDs in nurseries, schools, businesses and public spaces, can only help to save lives and we hope other organisations will follow suit, as every minute counts when someone has a cardiac arrest.”

The nursery installed the AED as part of a nationwide campaign that has seen Busy Bees introduce more than 350 AEDs in its nurseries throughout the UK. The industry-leading scheme will help boost the survival chances of people who have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

The AED, supplied by Cardiac Science, has both adult and paediatric pads. It was specially chosen as it provides both text and voice prompts to the rescuer to enable them to remain focused during the high-pressure situation.

Anna Allen, nursery manager at Busy Bees, Daybrook  said; “Protecting and safeguarding the children in our care is our top priority and that’s why we’ve undertaken this potentially lifesaving initiative. We see it as part of our commitment to best practice and to deliver outstanding care to our children, as well as to protect staff, parents and visitors.

“Although we hope that our defibrillator never has to be used, it means that if the worst-case scenario happens, we are able to increase the survival chance of anyone who has a cardiac arrest inside or within minutes of our nursery.”

MasterChef champion treats patients at hospice in Mapperley to three-course gourmet dinner

Patients at Nottinghamshire Hospice in Mapperley had their tastebuds spoilt this week when MasterChef:The Professionals youngest champion paid a visit and cooked up a three-course gourmet treat.

Laurence Henry gave up his time to create the meal for 50 people at the hospice as a finale to the national ‘Taste of Home’ campaign.

Patients invited their partners or carers and other guests bought tickets with proceeds going to raise funds for the charity.

Chef Laurence, 26, served up canapés with Prosecco on arrival. This was followed by a Cornish brill with cured mussel veloute starter, pork XO, onion and apple main and tiramisu pudding.

Patient Tina Barnes, who is on oxygen 24/7 for a rare lung condition said: “It’s lovely food. It’s nice to have a top chef give up his time to do it.”

Laurence, one of the youngest ever winners in the BBC MasterChef series, sourced all the ingredients for free and set up his own fundraising page to raise money for the hospice.

PICTURED: MasterChef: The Professionals champion Laurence Henry, left, at work in the hospice kitchen (IMAGE: Nottinghamshire Hospice)

He said: “I wanted to support this great local charity which helps people across Nottinghamshire who have terminal illness. Being a local lad it’s only round the corner from where I live. I’ve driven past for years but didn’t know what went on here so I’ve learnt more about fantastic service they provide.”

Donations came from Beeston fishmonger and greengrocer Fred Hallam Ltd, Sherwood butcher Johnny Pusztai, Cotgrave fruit and veg supplier Kerry’s Fresh, and national wholesaler Wellocks. Weavers Wine Merchants also supported the event as did Capital One who provided a team of volunteers to act as serving staff.

Laurence also brought two friends with him to help, former Sat Bains sommelier Sunniva Workinn and Sam Burns. Hospice Chef Jaqueline Welsh and  kitchen assistant Cath Charles were also on hand to help, but took a step back to allow Laurence free reign in the kitchen.

Jo Polkey, director of care at Nottinghamshire Hospice said: “It was a fabulous experience for our patients and guests. It was wonderful of Laurence to give up his time to create such a special event for us.

“Here at the hospice we aim to help patients live life to the full in the time that they have left and to create memories with their loved ones. We’re so grateful to Laurence and all the others who supported this event.

“In its day the hospice building used to be one of the finest houses in Nottingham and I’m sure it would have played host to many a lavish dinner party so it was extra special to be able to recreate that legacy with our patients.”

The event rounds off a national ‘Open up Hospice Care’ campaign which ran throughout March to promotes the benefits of hospice care in people’s homes. As part of the campaign, supporters were urged to put on dinner parties in a ‘Taste of Home’ fundraiser.

Man jailed after stabbing of teenager in Redhill

An Arnold man has been jailed for 13 years after a teenager was stabbed in Redhill

Joseph Lubasi, 24, of Redhill Road, Arnold, was also imprisoned for robbing a 20-year-old man.

Lubasi stabbed the 17-year-old boy to the chest and abdomen, in Mansfield Road, Redhill, at around 2am on May 25, 2018, following an argument.

His victim suffered a perforated his stomach and liver and collapsed in the street. He was taken to hospital and received treatment in intensive care. He has since been discharged but he still has a large surgical scar and stomach pain.

In a separate incident in Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, on 22 October 2017, he grabbed a 20-year-old man by the throat, punched him in the head and threatened to stab him – although a knife was not seen.

PICTURED: Joseph Lubasi

However, Lubasi was not content with the meagre amount of money his victim could give him so forced him to use his bank card to buy him cigarettes at a Tesco shop in the same street.

Lubasi had denied wounding with intent to cause grivous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article in connection with the Mansfield Road incident but entered a last-minute guilty plea at his trial at Birmingham Crown Court in November 2018.

He also denied robbery in connection with the Shakespeare Street incident, despite being caught on CCTV in the shop, but was found guilty following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court in January 2019.

Lubasi appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing today (Thursday 4 March) for both incidents.

He was given a ten-year extended determinate sentence for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to the 17-year-old boy – which means he will serve seven years in custody and three years on extended licence.

A two-year prison sentence was given concurrently for possessing a knife.

Lubasi was also given a three-year prison sentence of three years, to run consecutively, for the student robbery.

Mapperley student overcomes challenges of autism to write children’s book inspired by late mum

A student from Mapperley has overcome the challenges of autism to write a children’s book inspired by his late mum.

Ben Robson’s new book Kitty Realms is about a group of brave cats, which will launch on Sunday as part of World Autism Awareness Week (1 – 7 April).

The 22-year-old Nottinghamshire College Art and Design student will read a chapter from his book at a public launch, from 4pm on Sunday, April 7 at Espresso Gallery on Woodborough Road in Mapperley.

Signed copies of the book will also be available at the launch, plus an exhibition of Ben’s artwork. He will also be unveiling a preview of some of his upcoming stories.

Ben said: “I find patience very difficult, and so waiting for other people to finish their parts of the project was the hardest bit of it for me. I am very excited about the launch and I’m happy it is finally here.”

Ben’s mum Janine sadly passed away in 2017, after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease earlier that year.

PICTURED: Ben Robson

Since then Ben has been working with the support of his dad Ken Robson and step-dad Karsten Klups to write and illustrate the book, which is inspired by his mum’s pet cats.

Ben’s family say the new book is testament to Ben’s determination to get over any barriers to success. As a child he was fearful of animals, which he overcame by getting to know his dad’s rescue dog and his mum’s cats.

Ben lives with stepdad Karsten and their two cats in Mapperley.

PICTURED: The cover to Ben’s new book, Kitty Realms

Karsten said: “Ben has always been creative but it used to take him a lot of effort to venture out of his comfort zone. Since starting the Art and Design course at Nottingham College he’s come on leaps and bounds.

“Sitting with others who share his passion for creativity has really helped with his confidence and to try new things.

Prior to his Art and Design course, Ben completed Supported Learning courses at the College. Tim Maroney, Supported Learning Lecturer at Nottingham College, said: “I have known Ben since he first attended the College. He is highly motivated, very imaginative and has become increasingly skilful using design software.”

Tim encouraged Ben to pursue his art through the Level 1 Art and Design course, which he said has helped to develop his creative skills and his employability.

Tim said: “It has been a great pleasure to see Ben flourish, leading to the publication of his first book.”

Following the launch, Kitty Realms will be sold online on the tredition publishing website, and on Amazon as an e-book to download or printed on demand.

Arnold Market to host Easter events following revamp

Arnold Market will reopen in style this Easter once regeneration work is completed which aims to breathe new life into area.

The market will close for two weeks as new temporary stalls are installed and will reopen with a series of events.

Kids’ Easter egg hunts, the chance to reminisce on St George’s Day, local produce celebrations and street entertainers will all be part of a new series of events to promote the redevelopment of the market.

Once the new stalls are in place, a host of new food, craft and local history stalls will be introduced in the market, alongside the current stalls.

The new events will start from Friday, April 19 and will run until the end of April.

Arnold Market
PICTURED: Gedling Borough Council took ownership of Arnold Market last year

The first event will have an Easter theme with a children’s egg hunt, challenges and face painting. There will also be an event on Tuesday, April 23, St George’s Day, to mark the national patron Saint day with a live band and excerpts from local historians about the Arnold area.

On Friday, April 26, the market will host a special local produce market to celebrate local food and drink. There will be a chance to participate in live street entertainment and a children’s treasure hunt on the Saturday, April 27.

The new stalls and events are part of the council’s ongoing work to revitalise the market and Arnold town centre. The council acquired the market last summer and has been working to improve its appearance, increasing the use for community events and activities and working with market traders to widen and increase the choice of goods and services available.

The market improvement has been boosted by a bid for £1.25 million of funding from the N2 Town Centre Fund – part of the Local Growth Fund from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership that supports town centre improvements.

The council has also made a bid for £5 million to improve the high street. The bid was made to the government’s Future High Street Fund and, if successful, will go towards improving the access to the town centre, improve the appearance of the high street and create a more vibrant centre.

For more information about the market and events taking place, visit www.gedling.gov.uk/arnoldmarket

‘Poet from the Peaks’ pays visit to primary school in Arnold

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‘Poet from the Peaks’ Andy Tooze recently visited Burntstump Seely Church of England Primary Academy in Calverton to give a workshop on creative writing.

Known for his children’s books like ‘The Poetry Bug’, Andy, who lives in Buxton, Derbyshire, is often described as ‘the poet from the peaks’.

The popular poet said he had enjoyed his visit to the school in Calverton.

“I came to school today to work with the children, sharing some poems, and also getting them to write their own verse and present their work to the class.”

Andy helped every child to create their own poem about their favourite animals. “The poems the children wrote were absolutely fantastic,” he said. “It’s a lovely school with a great atmosphere and lots of freedom for self-expression. It’s been a brilliant day!”

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PICTURED: Andy Tooze with pupils from Burntstump Seely C of E Primary Academy

Teacher at Burntstump Seely C of E Primary Academy, Sally Glover, said she was delighted with the response that Andy had elicited from the pupils. “I have been really surprised with the way the children have coped with writing their poems and then standing up in front of their classes and reading them aloud. They had fantastic expression when they were reading and even children who are usually reluctant to get up in front of class not only have done that, -but have done it incredibly well. It was such a pleasant surprise and they were all so supportive of each other.”

Though she is only in Year 1, talented pupil Ava wrote an excellent poem about a mythical creature. “It was really good because we got to write poems. Unicorns are my favourites, so I wrote about them. I liked today because a person we didn’t know yet came in to see us in class.”

People in Gedling borough help remove 635 bladed weapons from circulation around Notts

People across Gedling borough have shown support for the fight against knife crime – by helping to remove 635 bladed weapons from circulation around Notts.

Nottinghamshire Police and a growing number of partners held a seven-day knife amnesty from 11-17 March, as part of national Operation Sceptre, in a bid to prevent potentially deadly weapons falling into the wrong hands.

Police say the public response has been overwhelmingly and increasingly supportive, with over 200 more knives being handed in than during the previous amnesty in September 2018.

People could drop off the knives at 16 amnesty bins across the county, without fear of prosecution for the duration of the amnesty.

Bins were placed across Gedling borough, with chosen locations being the Civic Centre in Arnold, Carlton Fire Station and Oxclose Lane Police Station

The weapons handed in included swords, machetes, butterfly knives, flick knives, throwing knives, Bowie knives and bayonets.

Chief Superintendent Rob Griffin, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I would like to thank everyone in communities across Nottinghamshire who took the chance to dispose of bladed weapons during the amnesty.

“To take 635 weapons out of circulation is a phenomenal response and really shows the strength of feeling among the public and their desire to help tackle this issue.

“Some people question why we hold knife amnesties because criminals don’t engage with them. What I would say to that is just look at the weapons that have been handed in ­- some of these are incredibly dangerous weapons that are designed to cause harm. So every weapon handed in is one less that can fall into the hands of someone who would use it for that purpose.

PICTURED: Knives collected during the last amnesty (IMAGES: Notts Police)

“Police and partners have a range of tactics to tackle knife crime, from enforcement through the Knife Crime Team to education through Schools and Early Intervention Officers, but amnesties offer a very direct way for the public to play their own part.”

The weapons will now be destroyed.

Chief Inspector Donna Lawton, knife crime lead for Nottinghamshire Police, thanked the partner agencies who hosted amnesty bins.

She said: “The support of external agencies is also important because some people feel more comfortable handing them in at locations where there are no police officers and for some people it is just more convenient for them.

“We will continue to explore opportunities to work with even more partners in future amnesties and if there are any organisations who would like to find out more about getting involved please get in touch by calling 101.”

Paddy Tipping, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Every knife that has been handed in is one less potential weapon and in that respect this operation was a great success. But the work doesn’t stop there.

“We are all working, each and every day, to prevent knife crime. That’s why I have budgeted for officers in our schools, it’s why I have applied for additional resources, it’s why I am funding community groups and partners to provide diversionary and awareness programmes. It’s why I have driven a county-wide knife crime strategy, it’s why I have funded a knife crime lead.

“We are tackling this scourge from all angles. But this is a national issue and it needs a national response backed by appropriate resources. The toll is appalling and it has to stop.”