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Transport service in Gedling borough gets thumbs up from passengers

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VOLUNTEERS: Drivers are wanted by a Gedling community transport scheme.
PRAISE: Passengers rated the Gedling Voluntary Transport Service highly in a new survey

A transport service for elderly and disabled people in Gedling borough has been given the thumbs up by passengers in a recent survey.

The Gedling Voluntary Transport Service, which is used by residents who find it difficult to use public transport, was rated as “excellent” by over two thirds of people who took part in the annual satisfaction survey. The rest rated the service as “good” or “very good”.

The survey was sent out this spring and over 70 replies were received.

This is the first year the service has been run by Rushcliffe CVS and feedback proves that it is a much-valued service.

Many passengers use the service to get to health appointments, followed by visiting friends or relatives, for social outings, going to the hairdressers and shopping.

Carolyn Perry, chief executive of Rushcliffe Community and Voluntary Service (CVS), who runs the service said: “The voluntary transport scheme is a vital lifeline for our passengers.

“We are delighted that each year they rate the service so highly. This is in no small part to the fabulous voluntary drivers who transport passenger to and from their destination and provide a friendly service. “

“The survey very clearly indicates passengers highly value the scheme and it improves their quality of life immensely.”

Gedling Voluntary Transport Service relies on the goodwill and reliability of its drivers. There is a desperate shortage of drivers throughout the Gedling borough area.

Carolyn Perry added: “We would love to expand the scheme and take on more passengers, but to do this we need more drivers.

“If anyone has any spare time one day a week, can drive a car, has a clean licence and loves helping older people, then we would be very pleased if they got in touch. Drivers are paid 45p per mile and use their own vehicle.

“Drivers also undergo a DBS check to ensure they are suitable people to take our passengers.”

Anyone who would like to be a volunteer driver should email gedlingtransport@rushcliffecvs.org.uk or call during officer hours for more details on 0115 969 9060.

Gedling Mayor to take final bow at Arnold charity talent show

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The curtain’s up for current Mayor of Gedling Meredith Lawrence as he prepares to host his final fundraiser this May. 

Cllr Lawrence will be taking to the stage, along with a range of talented local performers, as part of the Mayor’s Last Stand – the annual talent show marking the end of each mayor’s year in office.

He will be singing alongside fellow members of the Colwick Theatre Club.

MAYOR: Meredith Lawrence
MAYOR: Meredith Lawrence

The Mayor’s Last Stand will be at the Bonington Theatre in Arnold on Saturday, May 21 from 7pm. Tickets are just £8 and all proceeds will go to the Mayor’s chosen charity We R Here.

Those attending will enjoy various musical and theatre performances from local groups, including Leah Dance Troupe, the Nottingham Ukulele Orchestra and Savinnah Quelcuti singing songs from the shows. As well as the arts, there will also be an OMAC Karate Demonstration to pack a punch.

Another familiar face taking to the stage is Cllr Sarah Hewson, who will wow the crowds with her ‘One of Us’ ABBA tribute act.

Mayor of Gedling Councillor Lawrence said: “I hope that people come along and support my last fundraising event as Mayor. We’ve got a brilliant evening of entertainment lined up and there’s something everyone can enjoy, whilst supporting We R Here, a worthy local charity.”

Cleaner trains for passengers at Carlton, Netherfield and Burton Joyce stations

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EastMidsTrainsConductor
CLEANER: East Midlands Trains has invested in providing cleaner trains across its network

Train passengers using Carlton, Netherfield and Burton Joyce stations are now benefiting from cleaner trains and stations as part of a £13 million investment programme to provide better journeys 

East Midlands Trains is providing new cleaning teams to carry out deep cleaning at stations right across the network. This involves using heavy duty cleaning equipment to jet wash platforms and pathways, cleaning harder to reach areas more frequently as well as helping existing station teams to tidy larger waiting rooms, ticket offices and station concourses and booking halls.

In addition, extra staff will be working on trains to and from London, cleaning 60 trains every day for the thousands of passengers who use these services.

The most recent National Rail Passenger Survey found 87% of passengers were satisfied with the cleanliness of East Midlands Trains stations and 84% were satisfied with the cleanliness of train carriages – both above the national average for similar train operators.

Andrew Conroy, Acting Customer Experience Director for East Midlands Trains, said: “We know how important it is to passengers that our trains and stations are clean and tidy. That is why we are investing to make sure they are cleaned even more frequently.

“Our deep clean teams will be carrying out intensive cleaning at stations across our route – as well as assisting our existing station teams to clean larger areas, such as booking halls and larger waiting rooms. Meanwhile, our extra staff on trains will be cleaning 60 trains every day, and passengers will see them on more trains, more often.”

Could owner of 19th century textbook found by Carlton volunteers be inspiration for Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley?

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SIGNATURE: The Maths textbook belonging to Constance Chatterley
SIGNATURE: The Maths textbook belonging to Constance Chatterley

Could the original owner of a 19th century maths textbook have been the inspiration for D.H Lawrence’s legendary literary creation Lady Chatterley?

That’s what organisers of an upcoming charity sale in Carlton are trying to find out after stumbling across the unusual book amongst donations.

The textbook, which is dated 1899, belonged to a Constance Chatterley, who was born in the same year as renowned author, Lawrence. She also lived in Eastwood around the same time.

The rare find was amongst items donated to the Federation of Masked Booksellers for their charity book sale, ExLibris, which begins this weekend.

READ MORE: Literary lovers to flock to Carlton charity book sale

The team, intrigued by their find, began carrying out research to find out more about the Constance, using a genealogy website and found her details very intriguing.

Records from 1891 show that a seven-year-old Constance Chatterley, born in Greasley, lived in a house with her parents in Eastwood. Interestingly, her father and Lawrence’s both worked at the local colliery in Brinsley.

The 1901 census shows the family are still residing in Eastwood. Constance now lives in the house with her parents, a sister, baby brother and also a servant. Her father, George, is now a company accountant.

Ten years later Constance is 27, still single, and still living with her parents and little brother Leslie George. George Chatterley is a now colliery accountant; Constance has no occupation listed.

Constance Chatterley died in February 1951 at the City Hospital. Her brother Leslie George administered her affairs and she left over £6,500 – a considerable sum. She had been living at Hawton Crescent, Wollaton.

Chris Cann, one of the book sale’s organisers, said: “We’ve been really excited by find, and speculation is rife.  A favourite theory amongst the team is that Lawrence had a crush on Constance as they were about the same age, but she rejected him because of class differences – or so he perceived. Years later he got his own back in a particularly imaginative way.”

This book will be one of the raffle prize drawn at the end of the mega charity book sale which takes place over the next two weekends at 16,Vernon Avenue, Carlton.  Tickets for the raffle are £1 or 5 for £4. Those wearing a mask to the book sale, which is run by the Federation of Masked Booksellers, you can ask for a free ticket.

For more information about the event visit https://www.facebook.com/Ex-Libris-939813552768798/

Citizens Advice Bureau cold call reports trigger warning from trading standards

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WARNING: Bogus calls have been made by someone claiming to be from the CAB
WARNING: Bogus calls have been made by someone claiming to be from the CAB

Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards are warning people to be aware of bogus phone calls purporting to be from Citizen’s Advice Bureau after reports they have been received in the area.

The callers have been contacting people in the borough claiming they want to discuss the consumer’s debt. When the resident asked for more details and challenged the legitimacy of the call, the person hung up.

A spokesman from Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards said: “From our experience we believe it is likely that the caller would have attempted to extract money or personal/bank details from the resident.

The Consumer Advice Bureau have informed us that they would never cold call. If you do receive a call from someone claiming to be from The Citizen’s Advice Bureau and you have not had any recent dealings with them, ask for their full name and a telephone number and say you’ll contact them back. If the caller is bogus they are likely hang up without giving you any details.”

If the bogus callers have given you information which may help trace them, please report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit http://www.actionfraud.police.uk

Crowds gather in Gedling Country Park as beacon is lit to mark Queen’s milestone birthday

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PICTURED: Mayor of Gedling Meredith Lawrence and Mayoress Wendy Lawrence in front of the lit beacon in Gedling Country Park
PICTURED: Mayor of Gedling Meredith Lawrence and Mayoress Wendy Lawrence in front of the lit beacon in Gedling Country Park

Hundreds of people from across the borough descended on Gedling Country Park this evening to join in celebrations marking the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Despite the cold weather, people tucked into ice creams and refreshments, enjoyed the on-site entertainment and got the chance to meet with local organisations who play a big part in the day-to-day running of the park.

Crowds then climbed the hill and made their way to the beacon which was, like thousands of others across the UK, lit up at 7.30pm as part of celebrations marking the Queen’s landmark anniversary.

Mayor of Gedling Meredith Lawrence made a short speech and was then joined by wife, Mayoress Wendy Lawrence, who led a rousing sing-a-long of God Save The Queen.

The lighting of the beacon is a long and unbroken tradition to celebrate Royal jubilees, weddings, coronations and special birthdays.

BRAVINGTHE COLD: Crowds watch the lighting of the beacon in Gedling Country Park
BRAVING THE COLD: Crowds watch the lighting of the beacon in Gedling Country Park
TRIBUTE: Pipers play Happy Birthday moments before the beacon is lit
TRIBUTE: Pipers play Happy Birthday moments before the beacon is lit
ON FIRE: Crowds at Gedling Country Park watch on as the beacon burns brightly
ON FIRE: Crowds at Gedling Country Park watch on as the beacon burns brightly

Retired PCSO’s vision for new village CCTV camera becomes a reality

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SUCCESS: (l to r) Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, Cllr David Ellis; retired PCSO John Taylor; Calverton Ward Cllr, Jane Walker; and Clerk to the Calverton Parish Council, Gareth Bott.
SUCCESS: (l to r) Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, Cllr David Ellis; retired PCSO John Taylor; Calverton Ward Cllr, Jane Walker; and Clerk to the Calverton Parish Council, Gareth Bott  Picture: Emily Beaumont

A retired PCSO who focused all his efforts on getting a new CCTV camera installed in his village was today invited to see it finally unveiled.

John Taylor joined local councillors earlier this morning (21) to see Calverton’s newest CCTV camera being put into place.

The ex-policeman has campaigned for over three years to have a new camera put in at the junction of Flatts Lane and Collyer Road in Calverton, after it was identified as a problem area.

This will be the second camera installed in the village by Gedling Borough Council and will be used to detect and prevent crime. It has the ability to pan sideways, move up and down and zoom.

Recorded images are transmitted to a control room in Arnold, where operators have a direct link to contact Police and work closely with the council’s Neighbourhood Wardens, who carry out regular patrols in the village.

Mr Taylor worked with the parish council, schools and community centres to improve safety and created a strong link between the public and local police during his time as a PCSO.

A hotspot for shoplifting was identified around the Co-op on Flatts Lane and after speaking to locals, Mr Taylor saw that people were keen for a CCTV camera in that location.

Community Protection Manager Kevin Nealon, who worked with Mr Taylor through the police, remained in contact with him and promised he would have the honour of unveiling the new camera once it was fitted – a promise he has kept.

Mr Taylor said: “Working in Calverton was the highlight of my career thanks to the receptive residents and the way the community worked together on safety issues.

“I’m really pleased the camera has been installed and want to thank colleagues who worked with me to make this happen. It’s a pleasure to be at the unveiling!”

Cllr John Clarke, Leader of Gedling Borough Council said “It’s great that the camera has been installed in this area thanks to John’s work as a PCSO. We hope that this security tool will make residents feel safer and deter people from crime.”

Football fans in Gedling borough warned about online ticket scam

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Gedling borough residents are being warned to avoid buying football tickets on social media following an influx of reports to police about fraudsters targeting fans to get their bank details.

WARNING: Don't buy football tickets on social media
WARNING: Don’t buy football tickets on social media

Fraudsters post pictures of the tickets on Facebook and Twitter with a status update telling followers to contact them via direct messaging if they want to buy one. This then leads to a mobile messaging conversation. During the exchange of messages, bank details are provided by the scammer so that tickets can be purchased.

Once the money has been transferred, the conversation stops and they are blocked on social media, leaving victims without a ticket and out of pocket.

A spokesman for Action Fraud said: “Always check the security if the website and the validity of the post. Avoid taking the conversation offline to private. If you do make any kind of payment then do it via credit card PayPal so you have some sort of payment cover.”

If you have been affected by this scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk

Why does the the Queen have two birthdays each year?

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Happy Birthday Ma'am: The Queen celebrates two birthdays each year
Happy Birthday Ma’am: The Queen celebrates two birthdays each year

Tonight, people from across the borough will be descending on Gedling Country Park to witness the lighting of a beacon to commemorate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

But unlike most of us, the Queen gets to celebrate her birthday twice each year – once on the anniversary of the day she was born, and on an “official” birthday which takes place in June.

The tradition of two birthdays for a monarch was started back in 1748 by George II and started out because of an age-old problem for anyone in Britain: the weather.

George was born in November, and felt the weather was too cold at this time of year to take part in any annual parade to mark the occasion.

Instead, he combined his birthday celebration with the annual summer military parade still known as Trooping The Colour.

The tradition continues to this day and all British sovereigns are given the option of having an “official” birthday, and because her real birthday is on April 21, she continued the tradition of having an “official” birthday in June.

This year Trooping the Colour will be on June 11, the day after the Duke of Edinburgh’s 95th birthday.

Pre-school to abandon home of 46 years and make move to leisure centre

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Carlton Hill Pre-School
ON THE MOVE: Carlton Hill Pre-School

One of the borough’s oldest pre-schools is on the move after bosses decided to leave the church building that’s been its home for over 45 years.

Carlton Hill Pre-school will be based at the Richard Herrod Centre, on Foxhill Road, from September; it will be run from one of their community rooms.

The pre-school has also announced it will be changing its name to Carlton Preschool Playgroup following the move.

The popular pre-school has been based on Carlton Hill for 46 years.

Maxine Payne, who helps run the play group, told Gedling Eye: “We have been here for 46 years and unfortunately the building has started to fall into disrepair and the landlords are looking to redevelop the building.

“We are happy to be moving now and looking to the future in our new premises. The staff at the Richard Herrod Centre have been very supportive, and so have our parents who are looking forward to moving to a more modern facility.”

The pre-school is having an open day tomorrow (21) to show parents around their new premises. You can meet and talk to staff between 1-3pm at the Richard Herrod Centre Community Room.

To add your child to the waiting list for September 2016 call 0115 9115644