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Arnold family to take on Tough Mudder challenge for autism charity

Gedling Eye
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Arnold family to take on Tough Mudder challenge for autism charity

A family of ‘mudders’ from Arnold is set to take on one of the biggest tests of fitness and endurance to raise cash for an autism charity

Richard Lewin will be joined by family members Jo Lewin, Anthony Abbot-Lewin, and James Grimley for the Tough Mudder challenge next month.

The team, who have called themselves ‘Jumping in Muddy Puddles’, will face 12 miles of mud and obstacles which organisers say is “designed to drag you out of your comfort zone by testing your physical strength, stamina, and mental grit”.

Richard and his team have been inspired by his son Theo who has recently been diagnosed with autism and have chosen to fund raise for Autism East Midlands.

Richard said: “Before my son Theo was diagnosed I didn’t really know anything about autism, now I am still learning more and more about it each and every day and I am happy I can do something to help support people with autism.

“Theo is a lovely boy, he is happy, polite and his creative skills blow me away, I would like people to know more about autism and it’s great that I can do something I love to do and raise for this fantastic charity at the same time.”

Richard and team are set to take on the Tough Mudder Midlands challenge on Saturday. May 20 within the grounds of Belvoir Castle, in Grantham.

The 16,000 acres surrounding the castle will once again play host to miles of the tortuous course and a twisted collection of new and classic Tough Mudder obstacles.

A spokesperson for Autism East Midlands said: “We would like to take this opportunity to wish Richard and the ‘Jumping in Muddy Puddles’ team the best of luck with their Tough Mudder 2017 challenge and thank them for their generous support of Autism East Midlands.

You can sponsor the Richard and the ‘Jumping in Muddy Puddles’ team here at his dedicated Just Giving Page click link https://www.justgiving.com/companyteams/ATSM

Borough businesses reminded about changes to UK smoking laws this May

Gedling Eye
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Borough businesses reminded about changes to UK smoking laws this May

People and businesses in Gedling borough are being reminded a shake-up of the UK’s smoking laws is going full steam ahead from next month.

From May 21 it will be illegal to sell cigarettes in branded packs after top judges refused to let global tobacco giants appeal against the decision.

All packaging of tobacco products on sale in shops in the borough will be a standardised drab green-brown colour with large pictorial and text health warnings from next month.

The new regulations on the appearance of tobacco packaging came into force in May 2016, giving tobacco companies one year to make sure all packs on sale in the UK comply with the changes by May 2017.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards officers will continue to investigate the sale and distribution of illicit tobacco and will also be checking that businesses comply with the new packaging requirements.

Failure to comply with the new legislation is an offence and can include imprisonment of up to two years if heard a crown court or a fine.

Claudine White, trading standards manager at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The new plain packaging changes aim to make smoking less enticing by removing the stylish branding and attractive colours to encourage people to give up.

“We are working with Public Health colleagues at the Council to support local smokers to kick the habit and combating the problem of counterfeit tobacco is a key part of this.

“Counterfeit cigarettes undermine the Government’s pricing policy to discourage people from smoking by making cigarettes and tobacco more cheaply available.”

To report any concerns regarding the sale or distribution of illicit tobacco contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

For free support to quit smoking contact a stop smoking advisor on 0800 2465343 or text QUIT to 66777. For the locations of clinics visit www.smokefreelifenottinghamshire.co.uk

Viewers in borough ditching paid TV services in droves

Nick Salt
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Viewers in borough ditching paid TV services in droves

Viewers in Gedling borough are ditching paid TV subscriptions services in their droves and turning to illegal streams to access content, new research has revealed.

A new study from YouGov suggests that 10% of the population (around 4.9 million adults) are currently using modified Kodi software and Amazon Fire TV Chipped Sticks to access the illegal streams. Many also use illegal streaming apps on their smartphones and tablets.

The research highlights the scale of the challenge that pirated streaming pose to subscription services.

Since they entered the mainstream around 12 months ago, paid-for TV providers have come under significant pressure with one in seven (17%) users of the platforms – around 830,000 people – having already cancelled at least one subscription service.

However, the number of subscriptions cancelled is likely to be lower given the discrepancy between households and individuals.

Yougov-study

A spokesperson for YouGov said: “While we have started to see the damage this is causing to paid-for subscriptions – notably for sports and film channels – the indications are that this is just the beginning.

“Approaching a third (31%) of those who use pirated streaming platforms but who have paid-for TV services believe they will cancel their subscriptions over the next 12 months.

“Not only are those currently using these services starting to end their subscriptions to paid-for TV services, but over six in ten (63%) say they will recommend them to friends and family.”

The study also includes findings from a series of focus groups YouGov ran both to explore the motivations of those who currently access the pirated platforms and the attitudes of those thinking of using them.

They revealed that one felt that by using a pirate streaming platform they were not harming the industry as it already makes a lot of money.

They stated that “ultimately the movie industry is booming…it is insignificant what they lose from streaming.”

Meanwhile the price of subscriptions meant that some feel as though they aren’t getting value for money from pay TV. One person thinking of abandoning their subscriptions in favour of using a pirated streaming platform had “mixed feelings” about the move as it would be “likely to increase prices for others.”

However, they felt that sports streams are “ripping of the consumer and can see why people feel justified” in avoiding pay TV services.

Roofing firm offer to fix damaged Carlton park pavilion roof for free

Gedling Eye
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Roofing firm offer to fix damaged Carlton park pavilion roof for free

A public-spirited firm has this week stepped in to repair damage caused by vandals to a Carlton park pavilion roof for free. 

Kind-hearted husband and wife Jason and Jane Wright, who run J Wright Roofing, made the generous offer after hearing it would cost the Friends of Onchan Park over £1,000 to make necessary repairs caused by vandals to the roof of the park pavilion

The repair bill had come as a huge blow to the group who had intended to spend their budget on upgrading the park’s ageing facilities so they could again be enjoyed by the local community.

But following the generous offer from owners of the Nottingham roofing firm, the group can now press ahead with plans to make improvements to the park on Oakdale Road.

Maria Robinson, who is a member of Friends of Onchan Park, told Gedling Eye: “Jason and Jane Wright, who run J Wright’s Roofing, live locally and their very generous offer means that the pavilion roof can be made good once again.

“We were delighted to receive this offer and it will make a massive difference to the park.

She added: “When we contacted Gedling Borough Council’s parks department, they were astonished by the offer and admitted that this has never happened before.”

Friends of Onchan Park organised a successful spring festival at the venue last Sunday – which was attended by hundreds of people from the local community.

As well as enjoying stalls, games and refreshments, those at the event also got to see the unveiling of new artwork on the side of the pavilion walls.

Park-winners
NEW LOOK: Competition winners are pictured with Anthony Carver Smith, from NCT, and Paul Goodson, OP Events Co-ordinator.

The designs were created by professional graffiti artists and based on artwork submitted by pupils from Carlton schools who entered a competition to create pictures which would help to spruce up the sides of the park building.

Got a story for the Gedling Eye news team? Email us at news@gedlingeye.co.uk

CCTV images released after attempted robbery in Sherwood

Gedling Eye
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CCTV images released after attempted robbery in Sherwood

Nottinghamshire Police has released CCTV images of two youths who they want to speak to in connection with attempted robbery in Sherwood.

The shopkeeper at Leihal Stores in Valley Road, was threatened with a broken bottle during the incident on April 9 at around 4.10pm.

The youths fled empty-handed and no one was hurt in the incident.

If anyone has information regarding the identity of the males please call 101 asking for Nottinghamshire Police and quote incident 521 of 9 April 2017. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Volunteers wanted at borough libraries for summer reading challenge

Nick Salt
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Volunteers wanted at borough libraries for summer reading challenge

Libraries in Arnold, Carlton and Mapperley are looking for people who have an enthusiasm for reading and love working with children to become volunteers for their forthcoming Summer Reading Challenge.

As part of the challenge, children are encouraged to read up to six books of their choice, earning rewards along the way.

It’s a great way to boost children’s literacy skills and enthusiasm for reading during the holidays.

Last summer was the most successful challenge in the county with over 10,600 children taking part and more than 70 volunteers giving up some of their spare time – a total of 1282 hours – to support the campaign and help children discover the pleasure of reading.

Inspire, the company set up by Nottinghamshire County Council to improve the county’s libraries, has now formally launched its volunteer search for this coming summer.

People have until May 19 to register their interest.  They are looking for people aged 14 upwards, to be able to commit around 12 – 15 hours (averaging 2 – 3 hours a week) between 26 July and 6 September.

The following libraries in the borough are recruiting for Summer Reading Challenge volunteers: Arnold Library, Carlton Library and Mapperley Library,

Trainee teachers, young people seeking to develop their CV and employability skills and many book lovers within local communities have benefited from the volunteering opportunities in recent years.

The tasks involved are:

  • Sharing enthusiasm for reading by listening and chatting with children about books they read during the challenge
  • Explaining to children and their parents/carer how the challenge works
  • Helping register children for the challenge and handing out stickers and rewards when they complete various progression stages
  • Keeping challenge records up to date by completing and filing registration cards.

Volunteers will also be able to claim for reasonable travel costs to and from the library and will receive a certificate for taking part which will be useful to add to their CV.

Peter Gaw, Chief Executive of Inspire commentred ; “Our Summer Reading Challenge volunteers  work with library staff to help run and promote the Summer Reading Challenge, their enthusiasm and dedication plays a significant role in its ongoing success”.

To find out more or to apply online visit www.inspireculture.org.uk/volunteers .

Facebook users in Gedling borough handing out clues to fraudsters

Gedling Eye
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Facebook users in Gedling borough handing out clues to fraudsters

Facebook users in Gedling borough are being warned not to gift fraudsters with their personal details.

Recent YouGov research from Equifax has revealed people are making it easy for crooks to steal an identity by sharing too much personal information, including birthday updates.

The research revealed criminals only need your name, date of birth and address to steal your identity, access bank accounts, take out loans or take out mobile phones in your name.

It also showed that a high proportion of social media users risk identity theft by giving fraudsters easy access to this type of personal information on their Facebook accounts

The survey found that almost 30% of adults with a social media account include their full name and date of birth on their profile pages.

Experts warned that even if you don’t publically show your age on your Facebook profile, fraudsters can still work out your age from people wishing you well on your timeline. Once they have your date of birth, they can find out where you live too.

People are now being reminded to review privacy settings and ensure they don’t reveal too much. If you need some guidance, this complete guide will help you keep control of your Facebook account.

John Marsden, head of ID and fraud at Equifax, said: “People must act now to protect their finances for the long term. More adults in the UK are engaging with social media than ever before, especially on their smartphones, and a high number are readily sharing their personal information on these platforms.”

“Fraudsters get hold of this type of information so they can impersonate an individual, either by setting up accounts in their name or accessing existing accounts and stealing from them. The extent of damage can run to thousands of pounds worth of debt being racked up in your name.

“My advice to consumers is to be social savvy; avoid unnecessarily sharing personal details and risking your identity on platforms that can so easily be exploited. It’s always nice to receive well wishes on your birthday – but is it worth the risk?”

Carlton park group determined to beat vandalism

Gedling Eye
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Carlton park group determined to beat vandalism

Residents in Carlton have vowed not to let a recent act of vandalism stop their efforts to regenerate their local park – despite being landed with a repair bill for over £1,000 following damage to one of its buildings.

The vandals recently smashed up concrete slabs and then threw them onto the roof of the pavilion at Onchan Park on Oakdale Road.

They caused damage to around 40 tiles – which will now cost around £1,000 to repair.

But Friends of Onchan Park, a group set up to secure the future of the park, say the damage will not put a stop to plans to regenerate the facilities.

Group member Maria Robinson told Gedling Eye: “We have worked so hard to save the park for local youngsters and are currently looking to raise funds to regenerate and provide better facilities on the park.

“It’s soul-destroying when a few mindless local youngsters wreck the place when all our efforts are directed at creating better facilities for them.

“We will not tolerate vandalism on the park and are working with the council to rectify the damage and discuss further action to be taken against the perpetrators.”

The group are now hoping to get the camera security system at the site working again to deter any further acts of vandalism.

Despite the damage, an fun-filled family event planned for this Sunday (22) will still be taking place at the park.

A new mural created to brighten up the pavilion is set to be unveiled which features artwork created by children from three schools in the Carlton area.

170 pupils from Carlton Central Infants and Juniors, Parkdale and Sacred Heart schools entered a competition to design graffiti art to adorn the pavilion.

Now local grafitti artists Dak and Dash have recreated the children’s designs on a huge scale to adorn the pavilion.

They completed an incredible 18 works of art in just 6 hours in preparation for the event.

Alison Pritchard, chairperson for Friends of Onchan Park, said she was delighted the event was still going ahead.

She said:  “We have an amazing event planned for Sunday when we will unveil 16 murals designed by talented local school children and we will  not let the thoughtless actions of a few deter the enthusiasm to create a fantastic day for the local community.”

The artwork will be unveiled by Anthony Carver Smith (NCT Marketing Manager) at 12:30pm.

The event will be attended by PCC Paddy Tipping, MP for Gedling Vernon Coaker, local councillors, head teachers of the schools, competition winners and Gedling Borough Council parks representatives, who have all helped to put this project on the road to success.

There will also be stalls, refreshments, a treasure hunt and other activities taking place during the event at the park.

Have you got a story for Gedling Eye? If so, email it to our news team: news@gedlingeye.co.uk

 

Drivers in Gedling borough to face harsher fines for speeding offences

Gedling Eye
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Drivers in Gedling borough to face harsher fines for speeding offences

Drivers in Gedling borough will face tougher penalties if caught exceeding the speed limit from next week as tougher sentencing guidelines come into force.

The maximum fine for speeding is currently £1,000, but from April 24 this is will be more than doubled to £2,500.

The changes are part of a consultation that took place back in 2016 that argued previous guidelines did not properly take into account the potential harm of speeding – and the risks it poses to the public.

The Sentencing Council, who has introduced the changes, said the move to increase penalties aims to ensure there is a “clear increase in penalty as the seriousness of offending increases”.

RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams welcomed the new tougher speeding fines.

He said: “We welcome the change in sentencing guidelines for gross speeders. Anyone who breaks the limit excessively is a danger to every other road user and is unnecessarily putting lives at risk.

“Hopefully, hitting these offenders harder in the pocket will make them think twice before doing it again in the future.

“While greater sentences for excessive speeders are obviously a deterrent, the best deterrent of all is more effective enforcement.”

Police investigate burglary in Netherfield

Gedling Eye
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Police investigate burglary in Netherfield

Police are investigating a reported burglary in Netherfield.

Officers were called to Curzon Street just after 2pm yesterday (Wednesday 19 April).

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: “If anyone saw anything suspicious or has any information that could help, please contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident 375 of 19 April.

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Got a story for the Gedling Eye news team? Email us at news@gedlingeye.co.uk

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