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Play area revamp plans for park saved from closure in Mapperley

Gedling Eye
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Play area revamp plans for park saved from closure in Mapperley

Residents in Mapperley living near a park recently saved from the threat of closure can now look forward to a revamp of the play area.

Gedling Borough Council, who manage Haywood Road park and community centre, has launched a consultation for a new children’s play area after it was saved by a residents’ campaign.

The facilities were set to be sold to housing developers last year, but were then saved by Gedling Borough Council in October, after they responded to the concerns of hundreds of residents about its potential closure.

The park will now have a new lease of life and the council will be displaying proposed design plans at a consultation event at Haywood Road community Centre on Monday, April 23 between 4pm to 8pm.

PICTURED: Plans for new play area at Haywood Road park

The proposed plans include the installation of a children’s play area, a boundary fence, tree and shrub planting and levelling the surface of the site.

There are three proposed design schemes and the council are asking for comments and suggestions on the proposed schemes.

Local residents have already been informed about the consultation and the council are welcoming anyone who uses the park or potentially will in the future, to attend the consultation.

Councillor Peter Barnes, Portfolio Holder for Parks and Open Spaces said he is looking forward to now improving the facilities for residents.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see how far this park has come in such a short period of time.

“We have done exactly what our residents have asked us to do: we’ve stopped the park from being sold on to developers and we are transforming this space into something the whole community can enjoy.”

New day therapy model at hospice in Mapperley ‘puts patients first’

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New day therapy model at hospice in Mapperley ‘puts patients first’

People who come for day therapy services at a hospice in Mapperley can now help design their own unique support package in a bid to provide flexible services to more patients with a palliative diagnosis.

Patients at Nottinghamshire Hospice work with staff to choose services to suit their individual needs from a menu including specialist nurse support, occupational therapy and symptom control, complementary therapies, arts activities and counselling.

Clinical nurse specialist Liz Morgan said: “Our previous model where people would come for the whole day didn’t suit everyone. We hope our new individualised approach where people can dip in and out of services will attract patients at an earlier stage in their illness.

“You do not have to be at death’s door to come to us for day therapy. Our services are designed for anyone with a palliative diagnosis and are completely free to patients.”

One person to benefit from the new bespoke approach is Ron Gascoigne, 68, from Mapperley, currently on a 12-week treatment programme including breathlessness management, anxiety and relaxation techniques.

When Ron first came to the Hospice after being diagnosed with COPD, he had lost a lot of his independence, and with it, his confidence. One thing he missed being able to do was to walk into the kitchen and make himself a cup of tea, which his breathlessness prevented him doing. He also missed his hobbies, especially woodwork, which he could no longer do at home.

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PICTURED: Nottinghamshire Hospice in Mapperley

Nursing staff and occupational therapists taught him breathing techniques to manage his symptoms.  With the help of a wheeled walking frame provided at the Hospice, Ron can now walk into the hospice kitchen to make himself a cup of tea. And through the hospice activity programme he has rekindled his love of carpentry in the hospice woodwork sessions.

Liz said: “Ron couldn’t get out to his shed so we brought the shed to him. He’s been making bug boxes for our garden and has been sharing his skills with other patients too.

“Simple things like being able to make a cup of tea or continue with a much loved hobby can make a huge difference to people’s confidence and independence. Teaching Ron techniques to manage breathlessness has helped him maintain independence, self-care and self-confidence and helped him to ‘live well.’”

Ron said: “It’s frustrating not to be able to do the things you’ve always done. I’d had that many trips and falls I lost confidence. Today I used the frame to walk across to the dining room and back which is the most I’ve done for ages. Now I’ve got my confidence back. It’s been a life-saver.”

Nottinghamshire Hospice is keen to extend its reach to more patients and their families in its day Therapy Centre and to find out what services meet the needs of the local community. Anyone with a palliative diagnosis can refer themselves to the service. GPs and other healthcare professionals can also refer.

Liz adds:  “We hope this new approach of individualised care will encourage people to access our services at an earlier stage in their treatment. If they come to us sooner we can help them manage their symptoms at an earlier stage and give them self-help skills to help them live at home for longer.”

 

‘Pets deserve happy holidays too’: Expert warns animal owners in Gedling borough about travel dangers

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‘Pets deserve happy holidays too’: Expert warns animal owners in Gedling borough about travel dangers

Pet owners in Gedling need to be aware of all the health risks before travelling with their four-legged friends abroad, one expert has warned.

More and more people from across the borough are choosing to take their dogs and cats with them on holiday and doing so means they don’t have to feel sad, guilty or worried about leaving their pining pets behind.

New rules introduced in 2012 have made it cheaper and easier to travel abroad with a pet.

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows animals (dogs, cats and ferrets) to travel or return to the UK from other EU countries without the need for quarantine, providing they’ve been microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and have a pet passport. Dogs must also have had a tapeworm treatment to be allowed to travel.

Hannah Newbury, technical manager for MSD Animal Health, said more relaxed rules have benefitted owners, but increased pet travel has also increased the risk of animals being exposed to diseases that are uncommon or non-existent currently in the UK.

She said: “The PETS travel scheme requires pets to have a rabies vaccination to keep the UK free of this potentially fatal disease. Although there have been control programmes in place in Europe, there are still occasional causes of rabies in foxes in places such as Greece and Italy.

“Likewise, tapeworm treatment of dogs is required before return to the UK because they can easily pick up these parasites, which can then be passed on to humans, leading to serious health consequences.”

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But according to Hannah, there are also other risks that pet owners might not be aware of, such as tick-borne Encephalitis, a disease that isn’t present in the UK – although Britain’s most common tick found on dogs (Ixodes ricinus) is the vector. This virus can infect the brain, cause awful tremors, seizures and in some cases even death.

She added: “In southern Europe, the brown dog tick – also known as the kennel tick – is commonly found and it also spreads other disease in dogs. It likes warmer climates but there’s a risk of infestation in homes or kennels if they’re brought back to the UK.”

And findings from MSD Animal Health’s “Big Tick Project” – a study carried out to understand the prevalence of ticks and tick-borne diseases in the UK – showed that a worrying 76 per cent of dogs in the study travelling abroad returned with ticks.

“Sandflies are also active in southern Europe from March to October and carry Canine Leishmaniasis, a nasty disease that causes lesions, weight loss and kidney failure. They feed between dusk to dawn, so keeping dogs indoors during those peak times and wearing a special collar can help minimise the risk.”

“Other parasites include heart worms that infect dogs but also cats and other animals. They cause damage to the heart, lungs and other tissues and can also be fatal.”

Owners should consult their vet before travelling with their pet and on their return to the UK. It’s also a good idea for pets to get health checked before any upcoming trips.

“Pets deserve a happy holiday too and owners need to be aware of all the risks before taking them abroad,” Hannah said.

Tips for pet owners travelling abroad:

  • Ensure you meet the PETS requirements
  • Be aware of other parasitic diseases that pets can be exposed to while travelling abroad
  • Minimise the risk of exposure where possible
  • Are your pet’s core vaccinations and regular parasite prevention up to date?
  • Consult your vet before and after travel and get your pet health-checked
  • Other considerations for travelling pets include: hot temperatures, heatstroke, sunburn, the stress of long journeys (owners should plan regular breaks and ensure fresh water is available)
  • Pet insurance – is your pet covered while you’re abroad?

Brave Netherfield karate ace battling arthritis secures silver in top European competition

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Brave Netherfield karate ace battling arthritis secures silver in top European competition

A brave karate ace from Netherfield still managed to secure a silver medal in one of Europe’s biggest competitions – despite battling with arthritis.

James Scott travelled to Kristianstad in Sweden and secured a silver medal in Northern Europe’s largest Karate Competition.

It’s been a tough few months for the karate champ who recently began treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

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PICTURED: Netherfield karate ace James Martin

James told Gedling Eye: “Training has been hard. But, I’ve eased off and played each day by ear. I came to watch this competition last year and it’s great to take part amongst so many counties.”

James hopes to be back training Monday at his karate school in Colwick.

He recently also received a provisional place at Loughborough University for a Masters degree in September.

Drama group from Gedling fly high at Derby Theatre

Gedling Eye
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Drama group from Gedling fly high at Derby Theatre

A drama group from Gedling took to the stage at Derby Theatre this weekend as part of a national festival of performances.

Flying High Expressive Arts CIC performed  The Ceasefire Babies on Saturday 14 April alongside other young actors from across the region.

This was part of the National Theatre Connections festival, a nationwide exhibition of new writing and talented performers in association with London’s National Theatre.

Flying High’s Young Company had been working on the play since October and the show in Derby was its second public performance by the group after it was revealed to a warm reception at the Bonington Theatre in Arnold last month.

Carrie Bird, director of Flying High Expressive Arts, said: “It’s been a long journey, taking this play from script to stage and watching our young members grow as performers and in their characters.

“It’s a very proud moment every time we get to be in a place like this and this year’s Young Company really gave it their all as they went out to do their thing with this play for perhaps the final time.”

The Ceasefire Babies, written by Fiona Doyle, looks at a group of young people in Northern Ireland living in the wake of the troubles.

The Connections festival sees the National Theatre commission new plays and musicals from both well-established and up and coming writers, which are then produced by drama groups and schools across the country.

One version of each script is then selected to go and perform at the National Theatre on London’s Southbank.

Flying High had that opportunity in 2012 when its version of Alice by Heart, a musical written by the makers of the hit Broadway show Spring Awakening, was selected to go down to London.

The performers took to the stage in front of nearly 1,000 people, including the writers themselves and Will Young.

That show is set to open as a professional production in New York next year.

MATCH REPORT: Kidsgrove Athletic 3-3 Carlton Town

Alan Murphy
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Romulus’s defeat at Lincoln Utd meant that Carlton would have been safe from relegation whatever the outcome of this game, but the draw at least prevented the Millers falling to a third successive defeat.  In reality Wayne Scott’s side will be kicking themselves for not winning having squandered a two goal half-time lead.

On a bright sunny afternoon Carlton made a flying start.  Some lovely passing between Tyler Blake and Ben Hutchinson saw the ball fed sideways to Danny Elliott on the edge of the box.  He took it around Dave Parton before calmly knocking it into the open goal in just the sixth minute.

Carlton doubled their lead just four minutes later.  Akaunu went on a splendid run down the right holding off Rhys Thompson and captain Leon Ashman before threading a pass to Blake.

 

At this stage Kidsgrove looked shell-shocked, barely able to play a pass and Carlton were in total control.  Their first effort saw Eric Graves fire over after Jack Steggles had saved from Kyle Diskin.

Rumineo Valido-Barai then curled an effort just beyond the post as Athletic sought a way back into the game.

Akaunu saw Parton make another decent save following a good run and shot and the goalkeeper released Thompson quickly.  He fed Alex Lingard whose cross found Lee Cropper completely unmarked but the striker headed wide.  It was the kind of chance the onlooking Anthony Malbon, out through injury, would have buried without breaking stride.

Hutchinson went agonisingly close, curling just over the bar, after some fine passing from Akaunu, Blake and Elliott.

Next it was Riece Bertram’s turn, with a 25 yard half volley after a one-two with Hutchinson.

The Millers had controlled the majority of the first half with some pass and move football that exposed gaps in the Kidsgrove midfield.  As a result they rarely needed to resort to the generally unsuccessful long-ball football which has so often been a feature of their play.

In addition, defensively, the side looked very solid, with Louis Danquah and Kane Baldwin rarely troubled and Kieran Walker and Daniel Fletcher dominating the middle of defence.  Bertram, in midfield, was having a very effective game.

Kidsgrove acted at half time and brought on striker Tim Sanders.  Carlton seemed to change shape and switch to one up front, presumably to preserve what they had earned.  Whatever the reason, the second half couldn’t have been more different to the first.

The Millers should have gone three goals up on 52 minutes.  Niall Davie beat two players on the left, cut into the area and looked up to see Hutchinson and Blake waiting.  Neither made a move into the space where Davie played the ball and the chance went.

Kidsgrove took full advantage and reduced the deficit immediately, with Sanders firing home from the edge of the box.  Steggles seemed to be caught unawares, trying to kick the ball away as it went past him.

The home side levelled six minutes later.  A deep free kick from the right was headed across goal to Sanders, who had a free header and made no mistake.

The game had been turned on its head and it was now Kidsgrove who looked the more likely to win. Sanders put an absolute sitter over the bar after a good run and cross by Lingard, before Steggles made a decent save from a Lingard shot.

Carlton weathered the storm and regained the lead on 71 minutes with the best goal of the game.  Akaunu and Elliott combined to play Hutchinson just into the area.  With defenders surrounding him the ex-Celtic striker cheekily lifted the ball over the Grove defence towards Blake, who hit a magnificent swerving volley into the corner of the net to the delight of the travelling support behind the goal.

Kidsgrove responded and Sanders volley over.  Back came Carlton and Akaunu hit the post from the edge of the box after yet more interplay involving Blake and Elliott.

Grove levelled moments later when Cropper fired into the corner of the net unchallenged after the home side had advanced down the right.

The game settled for the final quarter hour.  Steggles made another decent save, this time from Ross Davidson, while Hutchinson saw an audacious 40-yard volley held by Parton.

Carlton Town: Steggles, Baldwin, Fletcher, Bertram, Danquah, Walker, Elliott, Davie, Blake, Hutchinson, Akaunu (Wilson 80).  Unused substitutes:  Oldham

Goals: Elliott 6, Blake 10, 71; Tim Sanders 53, 59, Lee Cropper 74

Carlton Town Supporters Club MOTM: Riece Bertram

Attendance: 102

Meet Olivia Nightingale, Gedling’s latest 4Uth award nominee

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Meet Olivia Nightingale, Gedling’s latest 4Uth award nominee

Meet Olivia Nightingale from Arnold. She’s one of the latest top young achievers to have been nominated for this year’s 4Uth awards.

The annual 4Uth awards recognise the outstanding achievements of young people across the county for a variety of different areas such as outstanding achievement, caring for others, making a vital contribution within a local community and overcoming adversity.

14-year-old Olivia, who lives on St Mary’s Close, has been nominated for the 4uth Achievement award, as she has been a positive influence and member of the youth centre since joining as a junior member in September 2015.

People at the centre said Olivia has grown in confidence and maturity encouraged other young people to join the club and regularly comes up with suggestions for the youth club programme.

Youth worker Cathryn Reade said: “Olivia values the provision here at Redhill Young People’s Centre, and the fact that there is somewhere for young people to meet up after school and in the evenings.

“Olivia has said that sometimes she felt low and lacking in confidence, but has been able to work on these issues at the youth club, through taking part in a range of activities, meeting new friends and talking with youth workers.”

PICTURED: Olivia Nightingale

After taking part in an activity day at the Mill Adventure Base in 2016, Olivia was keen to arrange an overnight residential for other young people in her age group. She was instrumental in organising a residential for eight young people, which took place in July 2017, and contributed greatly to the group planning process. During the residential, Olivia challenged herself through a number of adventurous and team building activities.

In 2017, Olivia expressed interest in volunteering opportunities to develop her personal and social skills, and to explore future career options in Health and Social Care. Since May 2017, Olivia has been volunteering at Gedling Sport Plus (GSP), a sports club for young disabled people.

Olivia has been interacting with the group members, showing respect and sensitivity to their issues, but not treating the group members as “other” or different. She also started to learn a few Makaton signs, as she recognises the value in new skills to communicate with others who have different learning and communication needs.

Maureen Fox, the group leader said that Olivia shows enthusiasm to help others, she is kind, empathetic and has formed positive relationships with the group members.

Since September, Olivia has been working on her Sports Leaders Award at school, and is aiming to use some of the practical skills she has learned with the GSP members.

Olivia’s mum Zanam said: “We have recognised a wonderful maturity and understanding of diversity and that Olivia has continued to grow in confidence and self-esteem as a result of her engagement with the Youth Service.”

Councillor Tracey Taylor, Vice-Chairman of the Children and Young People’s Service, at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We are delighted to hear that Olivia has been so involved in a wide range of activities which has helped her develop her confidence.

“She is helping her peers with her efforts and it is wonderful news that she has been nominated for this year’s 4Uth awards.”

For more details about the awards visit the Nottinghamshire County Council website: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/4uth  and #4Uth  on social media.

Claire Richards ‘steps up’ search for Arnold’s Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year

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Claire Richards ‘steps up’ search for Arnold’s Specsavers Spectacle Wearer of the Year

Steps superstar Claire Richards is calling on stylish glasses wearers in Arnold to have a go in a contest – with a £10,000 cash prize up for grabs.

To mark the launch of Specsavers’ annual search for the Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2018, Claire took part in a sensational new photoshoot, showcasing her own fabulous specs style.

Glasses wearers from Arnold, aged 16 and over, can put themselves forward for the prestigious accolade.

Finalists will attend the uber-glam awards ceremony in London, with one overall winner scooping the top award and cash prize.

Having picked up the Specs Appeal gong at last year’s awards, pop star Claire said: ‘I’ve been a glasses wearer for a few years now and I absolutely love it. I love to mix things up and try a geek-chic frame one day and then a sexy cat’s eye the next.

“Winning the Specs Appeal award last year was incredibly flattering and it was an honour to share a room with so many proud and fabulous glasses wearers.

“I can’t wait to see all the nominees this year – I’m sure there’s going to be some real corkers.”

Claire Richards took part in a photoshoot to promote the new campaign (IMAGE: Joseph Sinclair)

Claire Fletcher, store director at Specsavers Arnold, says: ‘We’re asking all glasses wearers in the area to pucker up and share their best selfie. Not only is it the perfect opportunity to showcase their personal specs style to the country, each entry helps raise funds for anti-bullying charity Kidscape.’

The competition has raised more than half a million pounds for anti-bullying charity Kidscape over the past nine years.

Claire added: “Bullying is an issue that has always been close to my heart so I’m proud to be representing a competition that supports a charity like Kidscape.

“The work they do to support individuals and families affected by bullying is invaluable.”

The competition has five age categories – 16-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-59 and over 60s – plus a Facebook favourite voted for by the public.

A winner from each category will win a VIP makeover and mingle with celebrities at the awards in London in October.

One pound will be donated to Kidscape for each entry made.  The money raised will help to support the charity in providing practical support to children and families affected by bullying, including advice resources, phone support and workshops.

To be in with a chance of scooping the biggest accolade in the specs-wearing world, glasses wearers can enter the competition online at specsavers.co.uk/loveglassescomp. Deadline for entries is 1st July 2018.

Fire advice for residents after chip pan blaze kills Bestwood man

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Fire advice for residents after chip pan blaze kills Bestwood man

​A chip pan caused the death of a Bestwood man during a fire, investigators have confirmed.

Mr Ben Williams, aged 30, was house sitting for a friend when he is thought to have returned from a party and cooked chips using a chip pan on the hob, which was later involved in fire.

Assistant Coroner for Nottinghamshire, Mrs Heidi Connor, heard of how Mr Williams died from inhaling smoke and fire gases following the fire on December 4, 2017.

The inquest heard that the kitchen was severely damaged by fire, and that the most likely scenario leading to the death of Mr Williams was that he became distracted while cooking, something which Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) would like others to be aware of in their home fire safety routine.

Returning her conclusion of accidental death, Mrs Connor heard evidence from Fire Investigation and Arson Reduction Officer, Lucie Poxon, who attended the scene and explained that Mr Williams would have quickly become unconscious due to the smoke produced from the fire.

Mrs Connor, said: “I would like to acknowledge that this is such a sad loss of a very young man.

“These circumstances which led to the death of a young man whose family have explained him as ‘happy go lucky’ are incredibly tragic and I would like to offer my condolences to the friends and family of Mr Williams.

“I am satisfied that the most likely scenario is that Mr Williams returned from a party in the early hours of the morning of 4 December and decided to cook a meal using a chip pan, which unfortunately resulted in a fire.

“This case particularly highlights the dangers of cooking using oil and becoming distracted and I would like to urge others to be aware of these circumstances.”

Following the conclusion of the inquest, NFRS has taken the opportunity to refresh the safety messages surrounding cooking.

Station Manager Tom Clark, said: “Firstly on behalf of the Service, I would like to express our condolences to the friends and family of Mr Williams.

“Almost one year ago I attended an inquest of another young gentleman who died as a result of becoming distracted by cooking following drinking alcohol, and I cannot stress enough that it is very important to keep an eye on your cooking, as sadly, incidents like this can happen very quickly.

“We know that when you are in your own home you will naturally do as you please, but if just one person takes note of this tragic case and changes their routine because of it, that will be one more person aware of the dangers.

“We are by no means discouraging cooking with oil, but would instead like to reinforce that there are safe ways to do this.

“If you have been drinking, it is best not to attempt cooking, but should you do this, please make every effort you can to not become distracted. Other alternatives are getting a takeaway or even using a thermostat controlled deep fat fryer to regulate the cooking process. Remember, when attention stops, fire starts.”

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has a range of advice on cooking safely:

  • Never fill a pan more than one third full of oil.
  • Never cook under the influence of alcohol or drugs as this can impair your judgement.
  • Keep cooking appliances clean and away from flammable items such as curtains and tea towels.
  • If a fire does occur in your property, get out, stay out and call 999.

Get a glimpse inside abandoned former station building in Gedling

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Get a glimpse inside abandoned former station building in Gedling

For nearly 100 years Gedling Station played host to thousands of passengers taking trains to and from Gedling.

But sadly, the shutters were finally brought down on the station back in 1962.

The building was then given a new purpose – housing one of the area’s popular youth clubs for over forty years.

The kids have now long since left as the club was closed during the early part of this century, leaving this historic building in a state of disrepair.

But a team of volunteers have plans to breathe new life into the former Gedling Station building and celebrate its heritage.

To promote their campaign, the building was today opened by Friends of Gedling Station to visitors who could explore the once-magnificent Victorian building and learn more about it’s history.

Evidence of its use as a youth club still remains and these pictures will hopefully bring back memories for those using it as  station and also people who spent the best part of the teenage years there when it hosted the Gedling Youth Club.

Gedling Eye would like to thank Francis Rodrigues and Friends of GedlinG Station for the tour and allowing us to take pictures.

Tours of the building for the public are arranged on a regular basis. Look out for more info about tours and also the group’s campaign to save the station at their website: gedlingstation.weebly.com on twitter: https://twitter.com/GedlingStation

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