Home Blog Page 934

Review: The Searchers at Lowdham Village Hall

Gedling Eye
-
0
Review: The Searchers at Lowdham Village Hall
Formed in the late 1950s by guitarist John McNally, originally as a skiffle band, The Searchers became a key part of Mersey beat scene regularly occupying the upper echelons of the ‘hit parade’. Although it is decades since the group enjoyed chart success, they still play to sell out audiences as this packed out gig at Lowdham Village Hall demonstrated, writes Mark Salter

‘I hope you’re ready for a lot of singing,’ declared other long standing member, singer and bassist Frank Allen, ever present since 1964. As the band, immaculate in crisp suits, white shirts and black ties, reeled off hits, Sweets For My Sweet, Don’t Throw Your Love Away, Needles And Pins, Sugar and Spice, and Love Potion Number 9, Allen will not have been disappointed  with the fans’ efforts. Indeed, straight off the bat, Sweets For My Sweet initiated a call and response exchange between Allen and the audience.

The-Searchers
POPULAR: The Searchers at Lowdham Village Hall

The Searchers line up was completed by Spencer James (vocals and guitar) and Scott Ottaway (drums). However, it was Allen who commanded centre stage, engaging in banter with the audience and with McNally, who proved the butt of a few jokes. Not least when McNally launched into impromptu intros of several Buddy Holly numbers before leading the band and punters in a lively rendition of Peggy Sue.  Covers of a similar vintage were The Premiers’ Farmer John, Runaway, originally by touring pal Del Shannon, and Twist And Shout. However, perhaps the most stirring was James’ take on Roy Orbison’s Running Scared, big shoes to fill vocally but James did more than acquit himself.

‘Roger McGuinn (lead singer of the Byrds) said in the press that they were more influenced by us than The Beatles back in the day,’ confided Allen with the group now in black shirts and maroon ties after a quick costume change. He then orchestrated a sing-along to the Byrds’s version of Mr Tambourine Man. Seven Nights To Rock saw choreographed clapping and pointing from the knowing fans, whilst James’ take on Bette Midler’s The Rose added a gentler contrast for no other reason than, ‘it’s just a great song.’

As is traditional at Searchers concerts, all was brought to a crescendo with a medley of the big hits.

‘We’re not packing up any time soon, so hopefully we’ll see you here in the future! Perhaps we can bring our Christmas show. That’s always good fun.’

No one was contradicting the sentiment.

Parish council urge residents to back proposals for Colwick play area revamp

Gedling Eye
-
2
Parish council urge residents to back proposals for Colwick play area revamp
A parish council is urging residents to back plans to fund the regeneration of a local park.

Colwick Parish Council is hoping to apply for WREN funding to revamp Valeside Gardens park in the village

They hope to get £50,000 funding to help make the park a great place for children to play and for people to socialise.

The proposals for the park revamp are currently on display in the main hall of the community centre in the village and local people are being urged to look and have their say before the bid goes forward.

Alison Nunn, a councillor on Colwick Parish Council, said: “Please take a look at these plans and add your name to the petition, so we can make a good case to Gedling Borough Council for the WREN funding application that we are in dire need of.

park-proposals
PLANS: How the revamped park on Valeside Gardens could look like if a grant is approved

“We are always hearing comments as to why other parts of Gedling borough have great play areas, and we don’t. It’s because these people work together and put a good case forward.

She added: “If we as a community don’t do this then we will not have a shiny new play area and our children cannot play near their homes.”

The parish council are asking residents to sign the petition at the community centre or share their views on the proposals by emailing alisonnunn@hotmail.com

You can visit their Facebook page HERE

Scammers applying for fake mortgages on empty homes in Gedling borough

Gedling Eye
-
0
Scammers applying for fake mortgages on empty homes in Gedling borough
Criminal gangs are carrying out an elaborate property scam by targeting unsuspecting Gedling borough homeowners.

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau’s (NFIB) Proactive Intelligence Team is warning homeowners about organised criminal groups that are target empty properties in the area to apply for mortgages and loans. 

The team have gathered information that shows criminal networks identifying empty properties by using names on the published obituaries and carrying out research on the Land Registry.

Once a suitable property is discovered the criminal group then organise for fake documentation to be produced and register on the electoral role and with utility providers.

The group tirelessly work through the legal hurdles until the funds are released by the organisation, whilst the innocent party has no idea a crime has taken place.

terraced-housing
TARGET: Gangs are using empty properties to apply for mortgages and loans

The gangs are also targeting properties where owners are living abroad, absent or properties owned by elderly people who are away for long periods of time due to hospital or residential care.

A spokesman for NFIB said: “Owners who are concerned their property might be subject to a fraudulent sale or mortgage can quickly alert the Land Registry and speak to specially trained staff for practical guidance about what to do next by calling the Property Fraud Line on 0300 006 7030.

“Make sure your property is registered with the Land Registry – you will be compensated for financial loss if you do fall victim to fraud. Keep your contact information up to date once registered so you can be easily contacted if a complication arises.

They added: “Sign up for Land Registry’s free Property Alert service. If someone tries to take out a mortgage on a home you own you’ll receive an alert. You can then judge whether the activity is suspicious and seek further advice”

Carlton food firm offer healthy eating tips for New Year

Gedling Eye
-
0
Carlton food firm offer healthy eating tips for New Year

New Year, New Food Plan!

With the new year well under way for many it is the chance for a fresh start, eating healthy, exercising and changing their lifestyle with new focus for the rest of the year.

This can be difficult with many distractions in the way, busy lifestyles promote snacking and often on the wrong things. Also the tendency to eat out, have a takeaway or even skip meals and binge in one go. This doesn’t have to be the case as food and drink in moderation is fine but most of it comes down to planning.

If you plan your food a week in advance of going shopping and you’re more likely to stick to your healthy eating plan; it’s like making a food to-do list.

Anyone following a diet, doing any sort of exercise and training, eating a structured diet will help maximise your weight loses or weight gains depending on your goals.

Before you shop, write a shopping list to cover all days, this will avoid you picking up any cheat meals or thinking you can just get by that day. Keep lots of fruit and vegetables in your diet, along with lean proteins like chicken, fish and pulses.

Brown rice and sweet potato are good forms of carbohydrates to keep you energised for longer, then supplement you meals with healthy snacks like nuts, peanut butter and  natural yoghurt.

You are going to want to split your meals into 3rds between protein, carbohydrates and vegetables. Once you have these plans in place and can follow them for a couple of weeks, it will be much easier to stick to as you’ll form new routines and get used to the meals you are preparing.

One main thing to keep in mind is sugar levels, many foods talk about being low fat or low calories but they still have really high sugar. This will not help keep a balanced diet and also will spike your sugar levels and make you crave the foods you’ve been trying to avoid.

This may sound expensive or hassle but in general once you have the basics in your cupboards you can cook batches and freeze portions, rice, sweet potatoes and vegetables are not expensive, especially if you are using them regular and this food will prove cheaper than the ready meal or eating out alternatives and at least you’ll know exactly what has gone into your meal. Also look at seasonal produce as the costs will be lower.

Thanks to Thomas Ali of Carlton business Freshly Spiced who prepared these healthy eating tips.

His firm offer spice blend recipe kits. This allows you to plan your week and have natural, fresh spice blends to give maximum flavour.

You can visit their website http://www.freshlyspiced.co.uk/ for more information

Nottingham Forest donate match tickets to Mapperley hospice patient battling brain tumour

Gedling Eye
-
2
Nottingham Forest donate match tickets to Mapperley hospice patient battling brain tumour
A Nottingham Forest fan who attends a Mapperley hospice has received free match tickets from the club after they heard of his ongoing battle with a brain tumour.

Alan, who lives in Sneinton, has dysphasia as a result of the tumour, meaning although he can still talk about Forest and things he knows very well, he has difficulty with less familiar words.

He has been going to matches at the City Ground since the 1970s and became a season ticket-holder when he retired.

His partner Jean Blacow said: “Alan lost confidence earlier in the year and stopped going out and doing things with his friends,”

“My daughter and her boyfriend are also diehard Forest fans and they had recently a whip-round their friends to buy Alan Castle Club tickets for the Arsenal match – he gets panicky in crowds and that was the only option where you got a covered, quiet space.”

Alan has stopped receiving treatment now, so the couple are focusing on making the most of their time together.

Alan-Forest
TREAT: Nottingham Forest have handed complimentary tickets to lifelong fan Alan Thompson who is battling a brain tumour

After a friend of the couple got in touch, Forest have confirmed they are giving four complimentary hospitality tickets to Alan for their home game against Huddersfield on April 8th.

Jean has also been in the news recently, as she has raised over £1600 for Nottinghamshire Hospice, based near Mapperley, where Alan attends Day Therapy twice a week. Jean’s challenge was an 8-hour sponsored silence back in December to highlight Alan’s struggle to produce words.

Jean got plenty of support on the day, including staff and patients at the Queen’s Medical Centre, where Alan had a MRI appointment, and Rebecca Lister of Becca’s Facepainting, who painted a zip across Jean’s mouth to help her meet the challenge.

Food was provided by Dave Fitzmaurice – another seasoned Forest fan – at the ‘King Billy’ pub on Eyre Street, where Jean counted down the last two hours.

“A lot of people tried to put me off, but I didn’t let them! Come half past six, I did swear a lot though,” Jean added.

 Nottinghamshire Hospice provide care, counselling and social activities for people like Alan with life-limiting illnesses, across Nottinghamshire.  You can still donate in support of Jean and Alan through Jean’s JustGiving page, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jean-blacow.

MATCH REPORT Linby CWFC 3 – 2 South Normanton FC

Gedling Eye
-
0
MATCH REPORT Linby CWFC 3 – 2 South Normanton FC
Linby were able to keep their heads and hold on to beat South Normanton 3-2 in a game that looked likely to flare up on more than one occasion this afternoon at Church Lane, writes Kieran Booker

The home side led at half time through Aidy Harris’ late strike after a Shaun Smith goal cancelled out Lewis Weaver’s early strike. South Normanton levelled again through Fraser Kirk before Lewis Weaver got a second with 12 minutes to go.

The Reds made an early impact in the first game of the new year when Weaver was able to break through on the left side of the box after just two minutes, he showed composure to slot past Branon Meehan in the Normanton goal to give his side an early lead.

The pacey striker nearly got himself a second after ten minutes when he beat a tight offside line to break through 1v1 with the keeper. Unlike his earlier effort this time Lewis could only fire the ball high over the goal.

South Normanton had to continue to withstand some heavy Linby pressure as the first half went on. They first survived a goalmouth scramble as Stef Cobb’s cross wasn’t cleared and then minutes later Meehan showed bravery as he smothered the ball after Weaver managed another 1v1 breakaway.

Kyle Johnson had the away team’s best chances of the first half hour. He first managed to get a shot away on a Normanton break but saw his effort fly just wide to the right side of Davies’ goal and then wasted a good opportunity from a set-piece when he saw his free-kick from the edge of the box curl high over the goal.

The Shiners started to get themselves back into the game following that early onslaught and were unlucky not to level when Sam Sims found himself open in the middle of the box, the defender could only shoot over under pressure.

With 32 minutes gone the game was back level. South Normanton was able to patiently pass the ball down the left side of the pitch, it was then played into the centre where striker Shaun Smith buried it in the net for his 14th goal in as many games.

As the half came to an end Linby managed to get themselves back in front. Aidy Harris and Lewis Weaver chased a loose ball down and won their side a corner. The set piece led to the ball being cleared off the line from a header in the middle, it continued to scramble in the box before Aidy Harris eventually tapped it home.

Linby continued to threaten in the second half without pressuring the goalkeeper too much. First a Glenn Tolley free kick could only fly straight at the keeper before a Kye Pilmore shot flew wide of the post from inside the box.

Fraser Kirk showed some dominance in the air for South Normanton when he headed wide from a free kick into the box. The same player grabbed an equaliser for his side from another set piece when he connected with a header from a corner into the box.

Linby CWFC
VICTORY: Linby celebrate after their 3-2 victory over South Normanton FC (PHOTO: Ellena Hutchinson)

The sides were level for only 7 minutes as Lewis Weaver grabbed his second of the day after 78 minutes. The young player used his pace to meet a Aidy Harris through ball before racing 1v1 with the goalkeeper and again showing his composure to put the ball away.

After finding themselves behind for the third time, the South Normanton players clearly started to get fired up. This led to a fracas which ended with a crowd of players arguing, the Linby captain being booked and two South Normanton players being spoken to.

In the aftermath of that incident, Normanton made a triple substitution in the hope of pulling something back from the game. They tried to push forward but Linby’s towering defence were able to head and kick away a number of balls played towards their goal.

In injury time, tempers flared up again. Fraser Kirk was at the centre of the drama as he attempted to grab Linby striker Weaver’s face a number of times before pushing at the player as their teammates surrounded them. The referee deemed the incident only worthy of a yellow card for the Normanton man.

The game ended soon after in a result that pushed Linby up to 6th in the league. After the match Linby manager Lewis Saxby said “That win shows that we can mix it with the teams pushing at the top of the league. We’ve had to keep our heads today and we’ve had to show good concentration at the end to see the game out, but we’ve played well and got the result.”

New £80k sauna and steam rooms unveiled at Carlton leisure centre

Gedling Eye
-
1
New £80k sauna and steam rooms unveiled at Carlton leisure centre
A new £80k health suite with sauna and steam rooms was unveiled to the public in Carlton this week.

The suite was officially opened at Carlton Forum Leisure Centre today (January 12) along with newly-refurbished changing rooms.

The suite will offer gym goers the opportunity to relax with a sauna experience or rehydrate in the steam room after a workout. The sauna also offers mood lighting and fragrance essences while the heat in the steam room will have respiratory benefits.

health-room
OPENING: Andy Fretwell, Phil Goodwin, Councillor Gary Gregory, Councillor Henry Wheeler, Steve Wiseman and David Wakelin cut the ribbon at the new health suite at Carlton Forum Leisure Centre

The newly refurbished changing rooms will be equipped with hair dryers and hair straighteners, perfect for people who want to exercise before they go to work.

NEW: A new health suite is to be based at Carlton Forum Leisure Centre

Carlton Forum Leisure Centre is a large multi-use centre with a state of the art gym, swimming pool and offers over 50 types of exercise sessions available seven days a week. The installation of the health suite comes after consultation over the last few years with users about how they think the leisure centre could be improved.

Monthly gym memberships at any of Gedling Borough Council’s five leisure centres across the borough start from £32 per month for adults and £17 per month for young people. To find out more visit www.gedling.gov.uk/leisure or download the Gedling Leisure app on android or iPhone.

Councillors open Nottingham’s newest register office in Arnold

Gedling Eye
-
0
Councillors open Nottingham’s newest register office in Arnold
Nottinghamshire’s newest register office officially opened its doors to the public last week – with an open day and ribbon-cutting event.

Arnot Hill is a Grade II listed building surrounded by beautiful parkland in Arnold.

53 wedding ceremonies have already been booked in the historic building and bookings are also being taken for baby naming day ceremonies, renewal of vows and other ceremonies.

Arnot-Hill
Councillors Glynn Gilfoyle and Alice Grice, representing the County Council’s Community Safety Committee covering the Registration service, cutting the ribbon to open the new register office at Arnot Hill, Arnold.

Councillor Glynn Gilfoyle, Chair of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Community Safety Committee, said: “We are delighted to open this landmark building in the heart of Arnold, which provides a wonderful venue for weddings and other ceremonies.

“With many people no doubt getting engaged over the festive period, now is a great time to think about where to get married. We believe that Arnot Hill offers the perfect balance between style and affordability.”

Find out more about Arnot Hill at http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/celebrate/venues/arnot-hill or phone 0300 500 80 80 to book.

Panto stars take on role of firefighters during Arnold Fire Station visit

Gedling Eye
-
0
Panto stars take on role of firefighters during Arnold Fire Station visit
Pantomime stars currently treading the boards in Nottingham halted rehearsals this week to spend the morning with firefighters at Arnold Fire Station.

The visit was organised over Christmas after the stars of Jack and the Beanstalk at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal joined fire officers from the station on a visit to Nottingham’s Children’s Hospital to pass on gifts donated to the children and spread some festive cheer.

FUN: Stars of Jack and the Beanstalk take part in training exercise at Arnold Fire Station (Picture: Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue)
Fire-visit
HAVING A BLAST: Stars of Jack and the Beanstalk take part in training exercise at Arnold Fire Station (Picture: Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue)

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The team has been doing the visit for around seven or eight years now and they organise for big local firms, such as Ikea, to donate gifts which they then pass on to the children – who absolutely love it.

“They then spend some time with the kids, have a chat with them etc, and are also joined by the Theatre Royal Panto stars and, this year, players from Notts County.

“Following on from the trip to the hospital, the crew invited the panto stars to have a look round the station as a sort of thank you.”

Police say Calverton care home deaths ‘not suspicious’

Gedling Eye
-
0
Police say Calverton care home deaths ‘not suspicious’
A police investigation into deaths at a Calverton care home care home in Calverton has found they were all a result of natural causes.

Police received information in August 2016 which raised concerns around the deaths of six residents at Springwater Lodge Care Home, on Smithy View.

A thorough investigation, post mortem examinations and further extensive tests were carried out and have shown that all of the deaths were a result of natural causes.

Nottinghamshire Police continues to work closely with the home, the Care Quality Commission and other partners to ensure that appropriate safeguarding measures are in place at the home.

1...933934935...1,015Page 934 of 1,015