Parents in Gedling borough are being warned about fraudsters taking advantage of young Fortnite gamers.
The game – which is played online – is currently one of the most popular in the world.
It involves players landing on an island, searching for weapons and killing one another until one player is left standing.
But scam-busters Action Fraud are warning parents in the borough that young players of the popular game are now being targeted by fraudsters.
Action Fraud has received reports, made mainly by parents on behalf of their children, of fraudsters placing an advert on a social media channel which claims that by following a web link and entering some information, they will receive free Vbucks (currency for the game).
Fraudsters will ask the victim for information about their account which will then allow them to log in and create fraudulent charges.
Fraudsters are also targeting victims in many other ways. These include asking for people’s phone numbers in return for Vbucks to then sign the victim up to a premium rate subscription service, selling access to other people’s Fortnite accounts, and offering VBucks for free then actually charging for it.
Action Fraud are also reporting a spike in fraudsters requesting Steam Cards as a way to gain upfront fees from unsuspecting young victims.
Victims are being called by fraudsters, claiming to be from well-known organisations. The victims are instructed to purchase Steam Cards in order to pay goods or services.
As with iTunes gift cards, the fraudster doesn’t require the physical Steam Card to redeem the value. Instead, the victim is asked to read out the serial code on the back over the phone.
Director of Action Fraud, Pauline Smith, said it’s vital that parents in the borough and youngsters playing the game online are able to spot the signs of fraud.
She said: “Fraudsters will go to great lengths to try to steal your money so it’s important that parents make their children aware of the threat of fraud online.
“If you are downloading or purchasing game add-ons, make sure you use the official website. You should never reveal your password or banking details to someone you don’t know, or be tempted to click on links to unknown.
“If you think you have been a victim of fraud, contact Action Fraud.”
How to protect yourself from online gaming fraud:
Personal information – Always question requests for personal or financial information. The promise of ‘free’ vouchers or credits is a common tactic used by fraudsters to persuade people to give out sensitive, personal or financial details.
Listen to your instincts – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information.
Every Report Matters – If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
‘Enjoy The Ride,’ implored Judie Tzuke performing the song written and recorded with Morcheeba early in her first set at Lowdham Village Hall for Warthog Promotions.
It was rather ironic as Tzuke, along with Bailey her daughter and backing vocalist, and guitarist Jolyon Dixon had experienced anything but an ‘enjoyable ride’ on their journey up to Nottingham from London. The team had spent several hours stuck in a jam behind an accident on the M1 which delayed them to such an extent that the concert was slightly late starting.
Delays notwithstanding Tzuke and Co provided the perfect soundtrack for a beautiful summer evening. Dixon’s contribution at Lowdham Village Hall was particularly impressive as he had only a week to learn the repertoire after Tzuke’s regular guitarist had double booked himself.
Ride was Tzuke’s ‘trippy number’. However, on the conclusion of So Emotional, Tzuke confirmed that her songs come from a place of emotion and prove cathartic and uplifting for her. ‘They might sound a bit depressing when I sing them but I actually find the writing process very uplifting!’
Tzuke’s voice remains a marvellous instrument maintaining its plaintive, haunting tone – a perfect vehicle to carry the often angst driven messages. Bailey Tzuke’s backing perfectly complemented her Mum, as they moved through a varied set-list Which spanned songs from early in her career through to several from her newest CD, Peace has broken out. The title track being an evocative piece sung over a waltz rhythm.
Bailey was given a couple of opportunities to take lead. Self-penned Bullet Proof equalling her Mum’s poignancy, was later followed by Dolly Parton’s, Jolene. The pair made a wonderful job of John Martyn’s May You Never, ‘a family favourite!’
Things were not all downbeat. Gold, Tzuke’s ‘vibey one’, was a homage to David Bowie. She was inspired to write it the day after Bowie’s death and celebrated his bravery as an artist in his quest to push boundaries usually with utmost success. A further celebration was to Davey Graham with Graham’s classic tune, Angie referenced in repeatedly in The Ballad Of Davey Graham.
Apparently, during her collaboration with Morcheeba the band tasked her with writing about a piece of furniture. Hence, Blue Chair, a comforting sanctuary for Tzuke to curl up in.
As always, ‘My hit,’ Stay With Me Till Dawn, was wonderfully received. Encore, Safe, brought a message of resolution and acceptance, an apt way to round off an evening of contemplative music.
Friday 6, Sat 7, Mon 9 & Tue 10 July at 2.30pm; Wed 11 July at 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Thu 12 & Fri 13 July at 7.30pm; Mon 16 July at 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Tue 17 July at 2.30pm
Diane (Diane Keaton) is recently widowed after 40 years of marriage, Vivian (Jane Fonda) enjoys her men with no strings attached, Sharon (Candice Bergen) is still working through her decades-old divorce, and Carol’s (Mary Steenburgen) marriage is in a slump after 35 years. The lives of these four lifelong friends are turned upside down after reading the infamous 50 Shades of Grey catapulting them into a series of outrageous life choices.
Directed by Bill Holderman. Starring: Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen (1hrs 44 mins // US 2018)
Deadpool 2 (15)
Fri 6 & Sat 7 July at 7.30pm
Wisecracking mercenary Deadpool joins forces with three mutants — Bedlam, Shatterstar and Domino — to protect a boy from the all-powerful Cable in this highly anticipated sequel.
Directed by David Leitch. Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin (1hr 59 mins // US 2018)
Arnold On Film (U)
Sun 8 July at 4.45pm
A fascinating selection of historic film clips filmed in and around Arnold over the past 90 years; specially collated to show local life in times gone by. Come along and see who or what you can remember or simply learn about our local heritage.
Join us half an hour before the film starts for a drink at the bar and enjoy a little reminiscing before watching the film (Free tea & coffee will be available).
These shows are sponsored by a Heritage Lottery Fund project entitled “Gedling Borough’s Heritage Brought Alive”
1hr 30 mins // UK 2018
Entry Fee: Free but tickets essential
Booking Essential by email to denis.hill@gedling.gov.uk or calling 0744 353 6811 (Group bookings welcome)
Edie (12A)
Thu 12 July at 2.30pm & 5pm
PICTURE: Edie starring Sheila Hancock
After her controlling husband dies, an elderly woman embarks on a trip to fulfil her long-time dream of climbing a mountain in the Scottish Highlands. A life-affirming film, anchored by a superb performance from Sheila Hancock.
Directed by Simon Hunter. Starring: Sheila Hancock (1hr 42 mins // UK 2018)
Uprising: Spirit of 68’ Season
Yellow Submarine: 50th Anniversary (U)
Thu 19 July at 2.30pm & 7.30pm
As part of the BFI’s Uprising: Spirit of 68’ Season and the Gedling Borough Arts Festival, we’re screening Yellow Submarine, an unmissable big-screen revival giving generations of audiences the golden opportunity to revisit Pepperland for the 50th anniversary of the film’s original release.
1968 wasn’t just a seismic year politically, it also produced its fair share of brilliant films, many of them reflecting the tumult of the times. This Summer is the perfect opportunity to explore the social and cinematic legacy of this unique period.
Illustrated with mind-bending moving images, Yellow Submarine tells the story of how The Beatles battle the music-hating Blue Meanies armed only with the power of love, perfectly portraying the counter-culture movement of the 1960s.
This visionary feature film, designed by the great art director Heinz Edelmann, can now be experienced in glorious surround sound with the ground-breaking animation presented in stunningly-remastered 4k. Looking and sounding better than ever before, join John, Paul, George and Ringo on the technicolour adventure of a lifetime.
From Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds to Nowhere Man, and Eleanor Rigby to All You Need Is Love, the movie features some of the most-loved songs from the greatest band the world has ever known.
An exuberant fusion of music, film and art, Yellow Submarine is a landmark cinematic experience that’s as fun and vibrant as it was in 1968.
Directed by George Dunning. Starring: Paul McCartney, George Harrison, John Lennon & Ringo Starr (1hr 26 mins // UK 1968)
Nothing Like A Dame (12A)
Fri 20 July at 2.30pm; Tue 24 & Wed 25 July at 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Together, they’re 342 years old. They’re in their seventh decade of cutting-edge, epoch-defining performances on stage and on screen. Special friends, special women and special Dames…
A chance to hang out with them all, at the same table, at the same time, and enjoy sparkling and unguarded conversation spliced with a raft of archive.
Directed by Roger Michell. Starring: Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Eileen Atkins, Joan Plowright (1hr 30 mins // UK 2018)
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (12A)
Fri 20 July at 7.30pm; Sun 22 July at 2.30pm; Thu 26 July at 2.30pm & 7.30pm
PICTURED: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdon
Three years after the destruction of the Jurassic World theme park, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing return to the island of Isla Nublar to save the remaining dinosaurs from a volcano that’s about to erupt. They soon encounter terrifying new breeds of gigantic dinos while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire planet.
Directed by J.A Bayona. Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard (2hrs 8 mins // US 2018)
Maya The Bee: The Honey Games (U)
Fri 27 July at 11am; Sat 28 July at 2.30pm; Sun 29, Mon 30 July, Wed 1 & Thu 2 August at 11am; *Mon 30 July- Babies & Toddlers Screening*
When an overenthusiastic Maya accidentally embarrasses the Empress of thriving hive Buzztropolis, she is forced to unite with a team of misfit bugs and compete in the iconic Honey Games. The stakes couldn’t be higher; if Maya loses, her hive on Poppy Meadow will be depleted of all its honey. In order to save the fate of her hive, Maya must call on her friendship with a cohort of clumsy, loveable and trustworthy bugs in the face of her biggest ever challenge.
Directed by Noel Cleary (1hr 25 mins // AUS/GER 2018)
The Little Vampire (U)
Fri 27, Sun 29, Mon 30 July & Thu 2 August at 2.30pm
After he moves to Scotland with his parents, only child Tony struggles to make friends at his new school. But when he meets Rudolph, a kid child vampire whose very existence is at stake (get it?), the two friends band together to help fight off their adversaries in this heartfelt animation.
Directed by Richard Claus, Karsten Killerich. Voiced by Johnathan Lipnicki (1hr 22 mins // GER/UK 2017)
The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society (12A)
Fri 27 July at 7.30pm
Based on the Best-Selling novel of the same name, a writer forms an unexpected bond with the residents of Guernsey in the aftermath of WWII.
When Juliet, a charismatic and free-spirited writer receives a letter from a member of a mysterious literary club started in Nazi-occupied Guernsey, her curiosity is piqued. Upon visiting the Island, she meets the delightfully eccentric members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, including Dawsey, the rugged and intriguing farmer who wrote her the letter. As the secrets from their wartime past unfold, Juliet’s growing attachment to the island, the book club and her affection for Dawsey will change the course of her life forever…
Directed by Mike Newell. Starring: Lily James, Michiel Huisman (1hr 55 mins // UK 2018)
AUGUST
The Happy Prince (15)
Sun 29 July at 7.30pm; Wed 1 August at 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Thu 2 August at 7.30pm
PICTURED: The Happy Prince
British screen legend Rupert Everett writes, directs and stars in this moving feature depicting the final years of Oscar Wilde. Following his release from prison for ‘indecency’ – another name for his controversial open homosexuality, Wilde travels around Europe, creating some of his most profoundly intimate work as both his health and wealth deteriorate.
Directed by Rupert Everett. Starring: Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Emily Watson (1hr 45 mins // UK 2018)
The Incredibles 2 (PG)
Fri 3, Sat 4, Sun 5, Mon 6 & Tue 7 August at 11am & 2.30pm; Wed 8 August at 11am & 5pm; Thu 9 August at 11am & 2.30pm ; Fri 10 August at 11am & 2.30pm; Sat 11 August at 2.30pm; Sun 12 August at 11am & 2.30pm
Everyone’s favorite family of superheroes is back, but this time Helen is in the spotlight, leaving Bob at home with Violet and Dash to navigate the day-to-day heroics of normal life.
It’s a tough transition for everyone, made tougher by the fact that the family is still unaware of baby Jack-Jack’s emerging superpowers. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone must find a way to work together again—which is easier said than done, even when they’re all Incredible.
Directed by Brad Bird. Voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, Holly Hunter, Craig T. Nelson (1hr 58 mins // US 2018)
Ocean’s 8 (12A)
Fri 3 & Sat 4 August at 7.30pm
Debbie Ocean gathers an all-female crew to attempt an impossible heist, the stealing of a necklace worth more than $150 million, at New York City’s yearly Met Gala. Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway and Rihanna headline an All-Star cast for one of the biggest films of the Summer!
Directed by Gary Ross. Starring: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway (1hr 50 mins // UK 2018)
The Bookshop (PG)
Sun 5 August at 5pm; Tue 7 August at 7.30pm; Wed 8 August at 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Thu 9 August at 7.30pm
In the late 1950s, free-spirited widow Florence Green decides to open a bookshop in the sleepy coastal town of Hardborough, and expose the conservative locals to the best and at times, controversial literature of the time. But whilst some welcome the new literary horizons, others aren’t yet ready for this cultural awakening.
Directed by Isabel Coixet. Starring: Emily Mortimer, Bill Nighy, Patricia Clarkson (1hr 53 mins // UK 2018)
Mary Shelley (15)
Sun 5 August at 7.30pm; Thu 9 August at 5pm
PICTURED: Mary Shelley
Mary Wollstonecraft’s family disapproves when she and poet Percy Shelley announce their love for each other. The family is horrified when it finds that the couple has eloped, accompanied by Mary’s half-sister, Claire. While staying in the home of Lord Byron at Lake Geneva, the guests are challenged to write a ghost story, which leads Mary to conceive her novel Frankenstein. An incredible character is created, which will loom large in popular culture for centuries to come, but society at the time puts little value in female authors. At the tender age of 18, Mary is forced to challenge these preconceptions, to protect her work and to forge her own identity.
Skyscraper (12A)
Fri 10 & Sun 12 August at 5pm
Former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader and U.S. war veteran Will Sawyer now assesses security for skyscrapers. When on assignment in Hong Kong he finds the tallest, safest building in the world suddenly ablaze, and he’s been framed for it. A wanted man on the run, Will must find those responsible, clear his name and somehow rescue his family who is trapped inside the building…all above the fire line.
Directed by Rawson M. Thurber. Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Neve Campbell (1hr 50 mins // US 2018)
Swimming With Men (12A)
Fri 10, Sat 11 & Sun 12 August at 7.30pm
Rob Brydon plays Eric, an accountant suffering from a mid-life crisis. Believing he can win back his wife Heather by diving into the world of male synchronised swimming, Eric joins his local swimming team, but finds a surprising brotherhood in this motley crew as they train for the world championships in Milan.
Can their coach Susan whip them into shape? Will they master ‘the flower’, ‘the pyramid’ and ‘the spinning circle’ in time? More importantly, can Eric win Heather back with the help of his newfound confidence?
Directed by Oliver Parker With Rob Brydon, Charlotte Riley, Rupert Graves (1hr 36 mins // UK 2018)
Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again (U)
Fri 17, Sat 18, Sun 19, Tue 21, Wed 22 & Thu 23 August at 2.30pm & 7.30pm; Mon 20 August at 2.30pm; Fri 24, Sat 25, Sun 26, Mon 27 & Tue 28 at 7.30pm
PICTURED: Mamma Mia: here We Go Again
It’s time to sing, dance, laugh and love all over again! The sequel to the smash hit musical Mamma Mia is here, with all your favourites reprising their roles from the original. Join us for what’s sure to be one of the biggest feel-good films of all-time!
Directed by Ol Parker Starring: Lily James, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Meryl Streep (1hr 50 mins // US 2018)
Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! (U)
Mon 20, Tue 21, Wed 22 & Thu 23 August at 11am
Brand new episodes with more humour, sing-along songs and life lessons from Thomas and his friends, including new engines Nia and Rebecca!
Directed by David Stoten. Voiced by Rufus Jones, Peter Andre (1hr 25 mins // UK 2018)
Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation (PG)
Fri 24 & Sat 25 August at 11am & 2.30pm; Sun 26 August at 2.30pm & 5pm; Mon 27, Tue 28 August at 11am & 2.30pm; Wed 29 August at 5pm; Thu 30 August at 11am & 2.30pm; Sat 1 September at 11am; Sun 2, Mon 3 & Tue 4 September at 11am & 2.30pm
Drac and his family embark on a much deserved holiday, as they turn from hosts to guests on a luxury monster cruise ship. But it’s not all smooth sailing after daughter Mavis realises Drac has fallen for the mysterious captain of the ship, Ericka, who hides a dangerous secret…
Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky. Voiced by Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez (1hr 50 mins // US 2018)
50th Anniversary Screening: Funny Girl (U)
Wed 29 August at 7.30pm
In her feature film debut, Barbra Streisand won the Academy Award for Best Actress and received consistently rave reviews for her portrayal of Fanny Brice, famed comedienne and stage actress in Funny Girl. We’re giving you the chance to see this classic musical on the big screen to mark the 50th Anniversary of its release!
Directed by William Wyler. Voiced by Barbra Streisand, Omar Sharif (2hrs 29 mins // US 1968)
Catch-Up Screening: The Greatest Showman: Sing-A-Long (PG)
Sat 1 September at 2.30pm & 7.30pm
A walloping original musical inspired by the imagination of P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman celebrates the birth of show business in high style. Sensational, entertaining, and definitely something to sing about…
Directed by Michael Gracey. Starring Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron (1hr 45 mins // US 2017)
Spitfire (PG)
Sun 2 September at 7.30pm
Spitfire is an epic, sweeping tale of determination, vision and courage. It is the story of an aeroplane that was forged in competition, shaped as the war clouds gathered, and refined in the white heat of combat – going on to become the most famous fighter plane ever made. With stunning aerial footage from the world’s top aviation photographer, the film also contains rare, digitally re-mastered, archive footage from the tumultuous days of the 1940’s when her power in the skies was unrivalled.
Directed by David Fairhead & Ant Palmer (1hr 37 mins // UK 2018)
You can find out more information at http://www.boningtontheatre.co.uk/ or book tickets online HERE
Parents and carers of three and four-year-olds in Gedling borough are being invited to find out if they are eligible for more funded free childcare for the coming autumn term.
All working parents with children aged three and four are now entitled to 30 hours a week, 1,140 hours a year. By helping with childcare costs, parents are now able to consider returning to work and/or increase the hours they currently work.
The Government states that people must earn at least £120 a week and that each parent must not earn £100,000 or more a year.
People could still be eligible if they or their partner is on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, are unable to work if they have a disability or caring responsibilities. Single parents can also apply.
Parents of children born before September 1, 2015 can apply anytime up to the August 31 cut-off date.
Cllr Boyd Elliott, vice-chairman of the Children and Young People’s Committee, at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “It is coming up to the time of year that parents need to apply for September and the funding does help to reduce the financial burden of childcare.
“Nottinghamshire also has an excellent provision of Ofsted registered childcare providers providing a lot of choice and quality childcare for parents and carers.”
A TREAT is in store for garden lovers when Mapperley Park residents open the gates to their beautifully tended plots this Sunday (July 8).
Mapperley Park Open Gardens has become a much-loved event on the horticultural calendar.
For the past 40 years green-fingered volunteers have been opening up their gardens to the public around the beautiful conservation area of Mapperley Park.
This year many of the gardens will be debuting new styles, sizes, colours and designs.
Organisers have now confirmed 15 gardens will be open, including the Daily Mail Garden of the year 2016 as featured by Alan Titchmarsh on Love my Garden.
The cost is £5, children free, all proceeds to this year’s chosen charities: Maggies, The Ear Foundation and Voices.
The event takes place between 1.30pm-5.30pm
Further details are available on the official website, mapperleyparkopengardens.co.uk or contact Michael Blood telephone 9608502.
Police are appealing for witnesses after thieves claiming to be armed police entered a property in Ravenshead and demanded money.
The incident happened in Kirkby Road last night (Monday 2 July 2018).
Officers received a call at 10.10pm after three men, claiming to be armed police, broke into a property in Kirkby Road threatened the occupants and demanded money from them.
A male occupant was punched in the face and a female occupant was threatened with knife as the suspects demanded to know the location of the money. The woman managed to escape and ran to a nearby Sainsbury’s store where she called the police. The offenders left the house shortly after.
Thankfully the occupants weren’t seriously injured.
Three mobile phones were taken from the address but were later recovered. The suspects also took the key to a vehicle and a kitchen knife. The car wasn’t taken.
Two of the suspects were wearing face coverings throughout. The third, who wasn’t initially wearing a face covering, is believed to be aged in his 30s. All three are black and were wearing dark clothing.
Detective Sergeant Matt Scott, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Our investigation into this incident is ongoing and we’re following several lines of enquiry.
“We’ve carried out house-to-house enquiries, we’re examining any possible CCTV footage in the area and forensic examinations are still being conducted.
“I would like to reassure the community that we are making every effort to locate the offenders involved.”
Anyone with any information about the aggravated burglary is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 1127 of 2 July 2018, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A Nottingham businessman has called on more people to do “something daring” after he completed his first-ever skydive for a Mapperley-based charity at the age of 64.
Graham Shaw, chief operating officer of SMS Electronics in Beeston, took the leap into the unknown last month in order to raise money for Nottinghamshire Hospice.
He has raised £1,500 by completing his tandem skydive, after agreeing to sign up in order to do something different for a good cause – the hospice is SMS’s chosen charity of the year – and inspire others at the company to take on a personal challenge.
The skydive took place amid beautiful weather when Graham boarded a light plane at Langar Airfield and reached an altitude of 12,500ft, at which point the plane’s door opened and he and his instructor launched themselves into thin air.
After freefalling for 50 seconds, Graham’s instructor pulled the ripcord and it took them a further six minutes to parachute back down to the airfield.
The event was one of many charity skydives taking place in aid of the hospice this year, which is now looking for people to take part in another skydive in September.
PICTURED: Nottinghamshire Hospice in MapperleyPICTURED: Graham Shaw
He said: “The reality of what I was doing kicked in when I was sitting on the edge of the plane ready to fall out, but I told myself that it was going to happen and I should just try to enjoy it.
“It was an amazing experience. You could see the patchwork of fields far below and I was struck by how loud the air rushing past me was when we were freefalling, and how quiet it was after the parachute was deployed and we drifted down to earth.
“I have been in a hot air balloon but had never done anything like this before. I signed up because it’s a great charity but also because I wanted to show our employees what you can achieve if you put yourself forward.
“Loads of people have said they could never do a skydive, but I say that if I can do one at my age then there is always something daring people can do to take themselves out of their comfort zone.”
Nottinghamshire Hospice is funded purely by donations and it needs £2.7m every year to carry out its work caring for patients and their families across the county.
This year it wants to raise £50,000 by hosting a series of charity challenges and is looking for more daredevils like Graham to take part in a host of events, including the September skydive, running events and treks up Kilimanjaro and along the Great Wall of China.
Police have issued CCTV images of a man they want to speak to after a knifepoint robbery at a Carlton petrol station
At around 8pm on June 12, a man entered the service station in Carlton Road and demanded goods, before making off with an amount of cash and ten packets of cigarettes.
Officers said they think the man they want to speak to was wearing a grey Adidas tracksuit with the hood up and black Air Max trainers.
A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: “We appreciate that the CCTV doesn’t clearly show his face, but if you recognise the clothing, was in the area at the time, or have any other information, please call us.”
You can contact police on 101, quoting incident number 829 of 12 June 2018.
NETHERFIELD: Throughout the summer the 08.51 to Skegness (08.48 Saturdays) will depart at 08.53 on Mondays and Fridays only.
Less people have been joining the 08.33 Liverpool recently, the average being 5 on and 4 off. However on Tues. 15th May, 14 joined.
Netherfield is cited as an alternative to Carlton, but people do not want to walk an extra quarter of a mile, and there is no disabled access or parking. Now if the 07.36 from Lincoln called at Carlton, people would use it. Poor old Netherfield station. People say “I thought Netherfield station was closed!” Even taxi drivers turn up at Carlton station when they should be at Netherfield. –
CARLTON — On Wednesday, May 9, I had an early start and saw all the trains between 06.01 and 09.05. Total of 9 trains and 99 passengers (85 on and 14 off). 7 joined the 06.01, and I have never seen more than three on this train at Carlton in past years. There were 21 on the 07.11 and 32 on the 08.08. The 09.05 is popular, as many as 26 joined this train on Tuesday, May 29 and most days numbers are in double figures. On Tuesday, May 22, I saw seven evening trains from the 16.55 to 18.23 and 83 passengers (65 off and 18 on). incidentally 76 passengers joined the 09.05 between Monday, June 11 and Friday, June 15.
DERBY STATION- UPGRADE OF TRACK AND SIGNALLING: This work takes place between July 22 and October 7. The clock is ticking!’ and this will affect anyone travelling to or via Derby during the above dates. Birmingham and Cardiff services from Nottingham will us a diversionary route, rejoining the usual route before Burton-upon-Trent. North East to South West services via Derby will also be diverted between Burton-upon-Trent and Chesterfield. For details see dby2018.co.uk Revised timetables for EMT trains have orange covers.
This is how the Newark to Matlock via Carlton service is affected
Replacement buses will run every 15 minutes between Nottingham and Derby and every 30 minutes between Derby and Matlock, when replacing trains. Between August 13. (3 weeks) and September 1 there will be no direct service from Carlton to Beeston except for the Lincoln to Leicester and Leicester to Lincoln trains which are unaffected. Trains from Nottingham to Beeston depart at 35 minutes past the hour (Leicester service) and between 7 and 12 minutes past from Beeston to Nottingham. 11.24 (Sat.), 16.19 (Sat.) 17.23 (Mon.- Fri.), 18.21 (Sat.) 18.23 (Mon.- Fri.) and 19.23 (Mon.- Fri.)are direct services Carlton to Beeston. 16.19 and 17.23 also call at Attenborough.
NEW EAST MIDLANDS FRANCHISE:The invitation to tender for this franchise, due to commence in August 2019, was released by the Government on June 7. There are three bidders: Stagecoach which currently runs the franchise, Abellio and Arriva. Trenitalia had previously withdrawn. The Department for Transport set out what they expect the new franchise holder to provide. This is usually increases in train services, speeding up of services and im-improvements for passengers at stations and on trains. RAIL Magazine issue 855, just published, gives a list which includes the Nottingham to London services having 20 minutes cut from the journey time, introduction of bi-mode trains (diesel and electric) by 2022, provide WiFi, improve seating and luggage on trains and improve Delay Repay by extending it to trains delayed by 15 mins. As regards our local services, not much is mentioned apart from the insistence that Lincoln to Leicester and Leicester to Lincoln trains are timed to pass each other at the flat crossing at Newark, to reduce the times when trains are unable to cross on the East Coast Main Line. The problem of this crossing was mentioned in the previously last month. The winning bidder will also be asked to write a business case for returning passenger services to the line from Shirebrook to Ollerrton.
Train tickets, fare rise
In December 2021 it is proposed to run the Norwich to Liverpool service in two parts. The new franchise would run Norwich to Nottingham and either Northern or TransPennine from Nottingham to Liverpool. However the new franchise holder could look at running a service from Sheffield to Norwich via Nottingham. I have heard, but not seen it in print, that some Leicester to Lincoln services could run to Grimsby, giving an hourly Lincoln to Grimsby service, and also provide an hourly Lincoln to Doncaster service. There is a campaign to provide a station at Finningley on this line, to serve Robin Hood Airport. The winning bidder should be announced in April 2019.
NEWS IN BRIEF: Four of the single car class 153s are due to be transferred from Great Western to EMT. They may retain their green livery for a while, but will help the shortage we have whilst class 156 units are being refurbished. The 158s have also been refurbished. Some 153s are to be fitted with Wheel Slide Protection which will reduce the problem of ‘wheel flats’ caused by greasy rails in the leaf fall season, and thereby eliminating the time spent out of service having their wheels re-profiled
Repairs to fire damage at Nottingham station is due to be completed in July and all facilities reopened.
I have a copy of ‘Today’s Railways UK’ Magazine Rover Ticket Guide to Britain and Ireland. This runs to 32 pages and also includes Light Rail (trams) and Metro systems. Some Rovers qualify for reductions with a Rail Card. many of these Rover tickets are not shown on websites, but I will always have a copy with me
Gedling Station: The desire to make this into a community asset appears to be progressing satisfactorily and a new committee has been formed.
Carlton station car park: Work to improve the surface is still pending, but should go ahead soon
The centre of the flower bed will be given over to perennial flowers, which have deeper roots and so do not need watering every other day. This is a problem when we have a drought like at present (end of June). Incidentally, a couple of geraniums in the planters ‘disappeared’, so the remaining one is now in the main flower bed
New Derbyshire Connect Bus Service from Cromford Station. Bookable bus service available for anyone to travel within the Wirksworth and Ashbourne area, and enabling visits to the Southern Peak District including Carsington Water. derbyshire.gov.uk/derbyshireconnect
Sunday, August 19 is Ladies Day at Southwell Racecourse.southwell-racecourse.co.uk
AND FINALLY… Q: Can you break your journey with an Off Peak Day Return?
A. The National Guide to tickets says “In most cases you may break your journey at any point, or more than once if you wish. Where this is not the case it will be stated in the restrictions shown for that ticket, available at the time of purchase.” On the Derby to Matlock trains you can hop on and off at stations, but must resume your journey in the same direction. Book a ticket to your final destination.
A summit is to be held with leaders of all seven district and borough councils to discuss plans which could see their authorities scrapped.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Cllr John Clarke has already said that they will “resist any plans for a takeover”.
Councillor Kay Cutts, who is the Conservative leader of the county council, said she wants to “get on with” a plan to abolish all seven councils.
It is understood that she has not been invited to the meeting, but has been made aware of it.
The meeting is set to take place behind closed doors at Bassetlaw District Council on Monday, July 9.
No public agenda has yet been released for the meeting, but a spokesman for Bassetlaw council said items to be discussed are likely to include “devolution and the local enterprise partnership, the metro strategy and recent announcements from the leader of the County Council on local government reorganisation in Nottinghamshire”.
PROPOSALS: Cllr Kay Cutts wants to scrap borough and district councils
There has been criticism from several district council leaders about the lack of debate, and the fact they were not informed of the proposals before they were made public.
Councillor Simon Greaves, the leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “What we’ve got now is the leader of the county council trying to create a mega-council for Notts in order to bail out the county’s finances.
“This would undermine local democracy, with decisions on growth, planning and housing taken remotely from the communities that we serve.
“Councillor Cutts is out on her own on this and she’s pursuing a long held personal agenda that has nothing to do with the best interests of residents.
“If she really cares about what is best for the people of Nottinghamshire then her time and energy would be better spent helping to create a D2N2 LEP that genuinely works for the whole area.
“What we need is a focus on jobs and investment instead of wasting time agonising over structures and boundaries.”
Councillor Cutts declined to comment on the meeting, but previously said she thinks there could be a host of benefits from abolishing some of the councils, including cost savings and efficiencies of scale.
