Made Lifestyle Magazine – issue 40. May/Jun 24

Welcome to the May/June issue.

Made

Made lifestyle magazine is designed and created with love by Createinn.

We just love this time of year!

The perfect chance to explore the region, warmer weather, lighter nights, and lots going on! Over the next few months there’s plenty to explore. Open Studios Notts gives us the chance to sneak a peek inside some of the artists and makers workspaces across Notts, travel writer and photojournalist Sally Outram has prepared a walk for us to try around Daneshill Lakes and the Millennium Path Way, and make sure that you take a look at the feature on Mansfield Museum where there’s new exhibitions on display as well as a fascinating mix of local art and artefacts, the perfect way to explore the rich history and culture of Mansfield.

In this issue we’re championing all things ‘green’ across Notts! In these features you can read about Hockerton Housing Project, a catalyst for change towards economically sound and sustainable ways of living. Erin McDaid, the Head of Communications & Marketing at Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, tells us about some of the battles fought to protect habitats and preserve nature in the region. We have tips for sustainable interior design, how to choose your beauty products consciously, as well as environment focused snippets from across the region in our news updates too.

Look for the Made TV logo next to stories in the magazine to indicate associated video content on our YouTube Channel - Made Lifestyle. Don't forget to subscribe!

Speaking of green... don’t miss gardening tips for May & June by Dene Wood, Head Gardener at Clumber Park.

Are you making sure you’re getting your ‘five a day’? Fit extra fruit and veg in meals for your family with recipes from food demonstrator and home economist, Teresa Bovey.

Moving onto health and beauty, Dr. Bethany Rushworth from Renavé shares insights in the treatment for under eye concerns. And, do you know which of your brains is the boss? Chris Collins, Life Coach tells us why three brains are better than one...

Keep an eye on our social media for updates and events in the region to keep you busy over the next couple of months. Don't forget to send in your news and exciting events to: hello@madeinn.co.uk

NOTTS

SATURDAY 6TH JULY

SATURDAY 6TH JULY

WORKSOP

WORKSOP

MIXED COLOURS

• OLD MARKET SQUARE • 10AM - 4PM

• OLD MARKET SQUARE • 10AM - 4PM

Live Demonstrations

Live Demonstrations

Celebrity Chefs

Celebrity Chefs

Street Food, Market & Bar Area

SHED OF STORIES HOT DINNERS

Artisan Food & Drink

Artisan Food & Drink

Street Entertainment

Street Entertainment

VEGETABLE CRITTERS

Celebrity Chef BILLY FROST Award Winning Chef

Wildlife at Daneshill Lakes.

Photo courtesy of Sally Outram.

Inside This Issue

News & Events

08 The Local Roundup & May/June Events

The latest news and events from across the region.

Features

26 Open Studios Notts

‘Bringing Artists Into View’

Open Studios Notts invites you to meet artists and makers in their studios, workspaces and other venues around Nottinghamshire and Nottingham.

36 A Voice For Nature

Local voices for nature and climate can be heard – but only if people speak up. Erin McDaid, Head of Communications & Marketing, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

40 Going To Town On Town Life

Mansfield Museum, a true community hub, offers a fascinating mix of permanent displays of local art and artefacts and gives visitors a chance to explore the rich history and culture of Mansfield, championing the people who bring the town alive.

46

Hockerton Housing Project

A catalyst for change towards economically sound and sustainable ways of living. Made caught up with Debbie Yates, Project Director, to unearth more…

Home & Garden

5o Whatever The Weather

Gardening Tips For May & June by Dene Wood, Head Gardener at Clumber Park.

52 Sustainable Interior Design

Redefining your home with eco-friendly elegance.

Health & Beauty

55 The Window To The Soul

Advancements in aesthetic medicine have led to a paradigm shift in the treatment for under eye concerns. By Dr. Bethany Rushworth.

56 Which Of Your Brains Is The Boss?

Three brains are better than one... By Chris Collins, Life Coach.

Food & Drink

59 Five A Day...

Healthy recipes by food demonstrator & home economist, Teresa Bovey.

Travel & Leisure

32 Daneshill Lakes & The Millennium Path Way

A short walk perfect in all seasons and encapsulates nature at its best. By travel writer and photojournalist Sally Outram.

72 The All-New Maserati GranCabrio

The Italian brand has signed up the director Marco Gentile to celebrate its new convertible, synonymous with the most exclusive freedom when driving.

News

The local roundup

Bassetlaw Upgrade!

£3million upgrade to Bassetlaw town centres is on the way.

Worksop, Retford and Tuxford town centres are getting an equal share of £3million pounds to smarten up high streets and strengthen communities.

The funding will help upgrade shop facades, accessibility and start-up costs for new businesses as well as helping to reduce crime or improve community spaces.

The streetscape funding is part of £20million allocated to Bassetlaw as part of the Governments Levelling Up Partnership, which aims to improve where people live, crate employment opportunities and boost community facilities.

Cllr Julie Leigh, Cabinet Member for Identity and Place said: “We would like to encourage independent businesses and charities to come forward with their applications that could help to improve our towns, encour-

age new investment, and create new opportunities.

“This work will help deliver the Council’s Vision 2040 for Bassetlaw as a whole to become an even better place to live, work and do business.”

Independent businesses in each town can apply for a share of £500k to be spent on works including replacing shop windows, doors, guttering or signage or improving internal and external accessibility to premises.

The remaining £500k for each town will be spent on civic spaces, signage, reducing crime and improving security.

Cllr Emma Griffin, Ward Member for Tuxford and Trent said:

“I’m delighted that Tuxford is getting a share of this money from the Levelling Up funding.

“I look forward to seeing the money being spent on helping to improve our town centre for residents and visitors alike.”

Grants of up to £20k are on offer to both existing and new businesses, including sole traders, independent charities, and limited companies with 20% match funding required for business and 10% for charities.

To be eligible they must also be within the specified boundary of the town centre, show a viable business growth plan leading to the creation of new jobs, improve how the area looks and will increase footfall within the town centres.

Applications can be made from now until 1 November.

For more information visit: www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/ business-advice/towncentre-shop-frontagegrant

Mansfield

Goes Electric

Green light given to fund 23 electric buses.

A £13 million investment has been announced which will see 23 high quality electric buses enter service on bus routes around Mansfield as part of Nottinghamshire’s transition towards net zero.

Nottinghamshire County Council in partnership with Stagecoach East Midlands has been successful in securing £2.8m in funding from the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA 2) programme, with the remaining £10.2m investment provided by Stagecoach East Midlands. The 10 single deckers and 13 double deckers should be in operation by 2026.

For full details visit: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk

Nottingham Castle Surpassed Target

Nottingham Castle has surpassed its target of 200,000 visitors since it reopened last summer.

Since reopening in June 2023, Nottingham Castle has been a rapid success winning the hearts and minds of local residents and international visitors once again.

Already there is welcome news for the people of Nottingham – as the 200,000 visitor target for Nottingham Castle has not only been reached, but smashed, ahead of its June deadline, following the Nottingham 10K in early March.

Nottingham City Council had said it was ‘confident’ it would achieve the target, given the wealth of experience within other heritage venues it operates, Wollaton Hall & Deer Park and Newstead Abbey & Gardens. Its success is thought to be the result of a simple, great value pricing strategy that welcomes return visits, on a ‘Pay Once, Visit All Year Round’ ticket.

This open approach led to visitors enjoying exhibitions, activities and events at Nottingham Castle, all year round, including STIM Cinema, 70 Objeks & Tings, Caribbean Family Fun Day, Nottingham College Picture of Life, Battle of Britain RAF fly over

event, Open Air Theatre, Coronation Party & Eurovision Screening, Medieval Legends, Robin Hood Youth Orchestra, plus many more. The site has been developed to be even more accessible, with the introduction of large print and Braille information, enhanced digital access via the Bloomberg Connects app, and the new touring exhibition: STIM Cinema, dedicated to representing Neurodivergence.

Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Planning, Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, said: “It’s great that we have met our commitment of reaching 200,000 visitors to Nottingham Castle, so far ahead of its schedule. It’s been fantastic to see so many of these visitors enjoying Nottingham’s premier heritage attraction, and immersing themselves in the fascinating galleries, descending into the amazing caves beneath the castle, and strolling around the beautiful grounds to take in the stunning views over the city.

“Nottingham Castle’s success shows the importance of culture in the hearts and minds of residents, and international visitors to Nottingham too – and this

success is a testament to everyone involved.”

Now flying into its next year of running, Nottingham Castle turns its attention to continuing to be a success. From visitor feedback, the legend of Robin Hood and Local History have proved popular with visitors, along with the caves and talks, whether living locally, or travelling internationally, and so this will be a key focus for the site for the coming year.

There are even surprises in the works with talks of the ‘Medieval Legends’ weekend event making a comeback for the May bank holiday (Sat 25 – Mon 27 May 2024), for any visitors that have a ‘Pay once visit all year round’ membership… Who knows… perhaps Robin Hood himself will put in an appearance?

With ‘Pay Once, Visit All Year Round’ for Adults, and Kids Go Free for 15 years and under (3 per paying adult, accompanying children), it makes for a great value family day out at a popular heritage attraction on your doorstep.

Discover more and book tickets: www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk

Imagery courtesy of Nottingham City Council.

Tri Club Born Out Of Lockdown Named ‘Best In East Midlands’

A triathlon club which held its first sessions online during the Covid pandemic has been named the best in the East Midlands.

Nottingham Triathlon Club scooped three awards, including East Midlands Club of the Year, in the Triathlon England Awards.

The club, which has gone on to boast more than 100 members including Great Britain age group athletes, will now take part in a national contest to discover the best triathlon club in the country.

Triathlon events incorporate swimming, cycling and running, meaning competitors have to learn a range of skills and develop strong all round fitness levels.

The win is the second time in the last three years that the Nottingham-based club has taken the top prize, after also being named the area’s top triathlon club in 2022. The result effectively means the group has retained its title as the rules of the awards state winners are not allowed to defend their accolades, meaning the club did not compete in the awards last year.

At a ceremony at the club’s swim session at Harvey Hadden in Bilborough, the club also won the region’s Engagement Award, while Susan Wheatcroft won the individual Volunteer of the Year category.

In all, Nottingham Triathlon Club received nominations in multiple categories, with

three members being nominated for the Volunteer of the Year award.

The Engagement Award is given to the club or individual which has made a remarkable impact in engaging both active triathletes and the broader swim, bike, run community by fostering a sense of belonging, motivation and community spirit.

Susan’s Volunteer of the Year award recognises her contribution as what Triathlon England calls “the lifeblood of the sport”. The organisation said the award acknowledges volunteers’ commitment, passion and tireless efforts.

The awards, which celebrate those who give their time, energy and passion to making triathlon a supportive and welcoming sport, shine a spotlight on the work done by triathlon clubs up and down the country.

Nottingham Triathlon Club was formed during lockdown in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, with initial sessions being held online in 2020. In all, it now has more than 100 junior and adult members, including representatives of Great Britain age category teams.

Fully-coached sessions take place

at multiple locations in Nottingham including Harvey Hadden, Southglade and Bingham. As well as providing training for triathletes, the club caters for those who want to stay fit or improve their running, swimming and cycling individually.

Chair of Nottingham Triathlon Club, Mike McCabe, said: “To have been nominated in so many categories is an honour, but to have won three awards is just testament to our members and the passion for the club and sport.

“We strive to be engaging, inclusive and enthusiastic for swim, bike, run so to be recognised for these traits is certainly something to be proud of.”

Sarah Williams, East Midlands regional development manager for British Triathlon, who presented the awards last night, added: “Recognising the region's triathlon community is a highlight of the year.

“It is great to be able to hear about all of the work that goes on behind the scenes to grow and sustain the sport of triathlon.”

More information about the club can be found at www.nottinghamtri.com

Imagery courtesy of Chris Hill.

Sustainable Education At Highfields Independent School & Day Nursery

Sustainability continues to be a hot topic globally, and at Highfields Independent School it definitely does not stop with the adults!

With a Sustainable Schools Action Plan in place, Highfields is set to improve its sustainability across all areas of school life and ensure pupils are leading the process too.

“Our pupils are the eco-citizens of the future, and we hope to instil a passion in them for sustainability and their role in effecting change by heavily involving them in our Eco Programme” said Headteacher, Sarah Lyons.

The Sustainability Action Plan has ensured all staff have an aligned eco-mission. The whole team are involved; support staff, the admin and site teams, teaching staff and the school catering team. The sustainability mission was initially presented to the children during assemblies but with teachers linking sustainability to the curriculum using the ‘REALL’ teaching and learning framework, it is an increasingly embedded part of the provision.

of the grounds to be “re-wilded”. The new wildlife habitat aims to encourage a greater diversity of wildlife – especially bees!

“Sustainability has always been something that we’ve spoken about with great importance to our children, but we have really sharpened our focus on the issue this year, encouraging everyone to play their part and be a leader of sustainability. The whole School is involved - Form 6 and our Operations Manager are monitoring our energy usage, the Kitchen Team are using local, seasonal produce and reducing food waste, the children and teachers are reducing wastage in the classroom by ensuring they are reusing classroom resources where they can, and we are also looking into providing school transport, to reduce the amount of cars on the road generated by Highfields families!”

“The children have come up with a multitude of ways to reduce waste and create a more sustainable learning environment for themselves, their peers and future generations...”

The School Council, which is made up of a group of children from across the school, has also set their own sustainability agenda contributing to the school’s action plan. The children have come up with a multitude of ways to reduce waste and create a more sustainable learning environment for themselves, their peers and future generations of Highfeldians.

The Highfields school grounds are also playing a part in the eco-mission. Highfields is set in 14 acres of land, and with squirrels, rabbits, deer, badgers and a buzzard already calling it home, they have allocated a portion

This year’s School Eco Captain, Thomas Barthorpe, was elected for his great ideas and passion for sustainability evidenced since he was in the pre-prep department. Thomas and his friend Luke are allocated time to research and then present projects that will help the school become more eco-friendly.

Thomas said “twice a day we go around the classrooms to check waste is in the correct bin and that the lights and interactive boards are turned off. I do it because it’s better for the planet”.

To discover more about Highfields School and their ongoing sustainability journey, visit www.highfieldsschool.co.uk or call 01636 704103.

Mount St Mary's College Shines

In ISI Report

In the revised ISI framework implemented in October 2023, schools undergo a transformed assessment process, moving away from summary judgments like “Outstanding” or “Good.” Mount St Mary’s College embraces this change, with inspectors now assessing whether students make good progress or not, providing detailed summaries for each area. We can proudly say that our students consistently make good progress.

Under the new standards, schools are evaluated based on meeting or not meeting Independent School Standards and Regulations (ISSRs). Mount St Mary’s College and Barlborough Hall School met all ISSRs, with no identified action points for improvement.

Our ISI report highlights key aspects, emphasizing our commitment to high standards in education, ethos, student well-being, and boarding:

• Pupils feel safe in School, and they have adults they can talk to if they have any worries.

• Boarders benefit from well-organised houses that pupils say are like a second home to them.

• Pupils’ spiritual and moral understanding is developed through the School’s Catholic ethos.

• Pupils who have SEND make good progress and often exceed expectations.

• Pupils are encouraged to talk, ask questions and challenge each other and they think deeply about issues and situations.

• Pupils are actively engaged in their lessons, assimilate

new concepts and develop their understanding and skills.

• Pupils contribute to the wellbeing of the School community and bring about change.

• Pupils’ behaviour in lessons is positive and pupils apply themselves with focus and determination.

• Classrooms are well resourced, and teachers use these resources effectively to stimulate pupils’ interest and to challenge their thinking.

The ISI report serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire school community. At The Mount, we celebrate these achievements and remain steadfast in our commitment to providing an outstanding education that nurtures the well-being and academic success of all our students.

Contact the admissions department today to discover Mount St Mary’s College and its Preparatory School, Barlborough Hall. Enquiries can be made by calling 01246 433388 or by visiting www.msmcollege.com.

Events

LIVE At Sherwood Pines

Kings Clipstone, NG21 9JL .

Forest Live is a major live music series held in our nation’s forests. Join us among the trees to hear the best live music, connect with nature and discover unique locations across the country.

This is the ideal concert experience taking place in beautiful natural woodland arenas every summer, with a relaxed atmosphere and an incredible soundtrack.

Buying tickets from Forestry England helps to grow and protect our nation’s forests for generations to come.

Nile Rodgers & CHIC

21 Jun, 5pm

Nile Rodgers is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and a multiple Grammy Award winning songwriter, composer, producer, arranger, and guitarist.

Anne-Marie

22 Jun, 5pm

Anne-Marie entered the music scene in 2015; her first solo album, ‘Speak Your Mind’ was the UK’s biggest-selling debut of 2018 and spawned the international anthems ‘2002’, co-written with Ed Sheeran, and ‘FRIENDS’ alongside Marshmello. The follow-up album ‘Therapy’ (2021) built on her phenomenal success with singles such as ‘Kiss My (UhOh)’ with Little Mix and ‘Don't Play’ with KSI & Digital Farm Animals.

Sting

22 Jun, 5pm

Composer, singer-songwriter, actor, author, and activist Sting was born in Newcastle, England before moving to London in 1977 to form The Police with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers.

Book tickets on: www.forestryengland.uk

Flagship Site For Airlander 10

Hybrid Air Vehicles and the City of Doncaster Council agree terms on flagship production site for Airlander 10.

The City of Doncaster Council and Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd have reached an agreement for a major new production programme for Airlander 10, the world’s most efficient large aircraft, at Carcroft Common, for production, testing and certification operations.

Carcroft Common is a 50-hectare site identified by the City of Doncaster Council for development to unlock new economic growth.

The freehold for the site will be acquired by Hybrid Air Vehicles under the terms of the agreement.

Hybrid Air Vehicles will now initiate activities leading towards a planning application, working with the local community and other stakeholders as part of the planning and preparation process.

Subject to planning approval, Hybrid Air Vehicles will develop new flagship facilities for Airlander 10’s production, testing, and certification operations, capable of producing up to 24 aircraft per year at the site. It will house cutting-edge aerospace pro-duction equipment, such as new

assembly lines for Airlander’s composite-based airframe, propulsion systems, and electrical and avionics systems.

Airlander 10 is a new type of ultra-low emissions aircraft capable of carrying 100 passengers, or ten tonnes of payload. The reserved orderbook for Airlander 10 stands in excess of £1bn, with the first aircraft set to enter service from 2028 with the likes of Air Nostrum Group, the launch airline customer.

In partnership with the City of Doncaster Council, Hybrid Air Vehicles will establish Carcroft Common as a hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable aviation in South Yorkshire, creating over 1,200 new jobs and thriving supply chains. Hybrid Air Vehicles will also work closely with important regional partners like the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Re-search Centre, and the Doncaster UTC.

The announcement marks important progress toward the City of Doncaster’s Economic Strategy 2030, and the success of the South Yorkshire Investment

Zone, which is focused on advanced manufacturing. The Carcroft Common site is part of the In-vestment Zone, launched by the Chancellor of Exchequer in July 2023, which aims to improve investment through planning, development, and skills support.

Earlier this year, the City of Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority published ambitious plans for South Yorkshire Airport City, re-opening Doncaster Sheffield Airport alongside a focus on new green advanced manufactur-ing and sustainable industrial innovation, including Hybrid Air Vehicles investment into Carcroft Common.

The announcement of a production site builds on a previous agreement with the Mayor of Doncaster and the Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, in March 2023. Underpinned by a £7m investment by the region, this included a commitment to collaborate on skills and supply chain development.

For updates and further information visit: www.hybridairvehicles.com

Image courtesy Hybrid Air Vehicles.

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Country’s Largest Fish Pass Completed

Nottingham’s Colwick Country Park is now home to the largest fish pass in the country thanks to the completion of the Environment Agency’s £12m project.

After two years in construction, the Colwick (Holme Sluices) fish pass on the River Trent is now complete and ready for fish to reach their spawning and feeding grounds.

The flagship project opens up the River Trent and its tributaries for migratory fish, including salmon, trout and eels, making more habitat accessible for fish.

It is part of the Environment Agency’s work to improve fish passage across the country and provides a significant step in restoring the River Trent catchment to its former glory for salmon and other coarse and migratory fish. Fish will now be able to navigate past the Environment Agency-owned Holme Sluices, that was built in the 1950s as part of a large scale flood defence scheme which helps to protect Nottingham from flooding.

Simon Ward, Fisheries Technical Specialist at the Environment Agency, said:

“We are excited to see the completion of the country’s largest fish pass after two years of construction, and many more years in the planning stages.

“The fish pass will open up the River Trent for all fish species and is the first scheme of the ambitious Trent Gateway Partnership which aims to remove all barriers to fish migration along the River Trent - the third longest river in the country.”

The fish pass includes a 2-metre-high fully automated radial gate which constantly monitors the water levels and flow rates in the River Trent. The pass will then open and close based on the differing water levels throughout the year.

The pass is divided into 20 ascending chambers into which water flows through narrow slots. Fish of all species swimming upstream to lay their eggs in the gravel riverbeds of the Trent tributaries such as the River Dove and the River Derwent will be able to pass through these slots and rest in the chamber above before continuing.

The project also includes an eel pass to help support the critically endangered European eel; and a public viewing platform above the water, with highly visual interpretation boards to inform and advise visitors about the local wildlife in and around the river, including the fish that are expected to use the pass.

For details visit: consult.environmentagency.gov.uk/east-midlands/holmesluices-fish-pass

My Square Metre

From TikTok to tea, the carbon usage we don’t see and how to offset using a new online tool.

An online carbon calculator, My Square Metre, which identifies often overlooked daily carbon-producing activities and offsets through wildflower planting, has launched to market.

A first of its kind, My Square Metre has simple to use online calculators to work out carbon usage for everyday activities including TikTok scrolling, to how much tea and coffee we’re consuming. It equates that carbon to a precise wildflower offset solution with a cost within seconds.

Using wildflower planting to offset carbon is highly effective as wildflowers sequester carbon within the first year of planting, in comparison to tree planting which can take years to sequester CO2.

Passionate environmentalist and founder of My Square Metre, Ed Crowther, identified that when people consider personal or business carbon production, the focus was almost always on transport, utilities or paper, and more everyday social activities - which have rapidly grown over the last 1015 years - were not being considered, such as social media use, content creation, emails, video meetings and hot drinks.

The average person each month drinks approximately 120 cups of tea or coffee, sends 1,200 and receives 3,630 emails (including junk)

and spends 75 hours on social media. With a combined 14.4Kg of carbon produced from these three activities alone, it is the equivalent of boiling 360 kettles.

Ed also found that when we look at carbon offsetting, tree planting is often the most popular choice, when in fact planting wildflowers is a more efficient route to both offsetting carbon and boosting biodiversity, which wildflowers do above and below ground.

With a life-long interest in eco-systems, frustration on how we use carbon holistically and concern for the sharp decline in habitats in Britain – 97% of wildflower meadows have been lost since the second world war, and 53% of native plants have been lost in the last 20 years due to human impacts* - Ed wanted to take action and left his job working for a custom head company to create a platform that would offer people fast, easy, and affordable carbon offsetting while boosting biodiversity.

My Square Metre was born and is set to revolutionise personal and business carbon offsetting with its simplicity and affordability.

Once the carbon calculator has been used, the user can offset with a one off or monthly payment for the wildflower planting and the team at My Square Metre do the rest.

“One of the starkest findings is that non-native plants now outnumber native species in the UK & Ireland, a change which the report warns has huge consequences for the animals that rely on native plants. 53% of Britain's native species have declined, including harebells and heather, due to factors such as agricultural intensification and climate change. Only together can we achieve meaningful change, as the majority of lost meadowland is under farming ownership.

“Through My Square Metre, we are giving biodiversity space to thrive and monitoring it to make sure we are doing everything we can, especially for struggling native species. We are also helping to lower the carbon in the atmosphere by putting it into the ground and regenerating depleted soil at the same time.”

Ed and his team source the land, find out what it needs to make it ideal for wildflower growth, prepare it and then plant. When users buy a square metre or more of wildflower planting, it is protected by My Square Metre for a minimum of 30 years, giving habitats time to start, flourish and mature, enabling real change to biodiversity.

Founder, Ed Crowther, said: “My Square Metre was born out of a love for biodiversity and an idea to offer something that was missing in the market. While looking at other offerings, there was very little that combined supporting biodiversity and carbon reduction at the same time, and a lot of the tools were quite blunt i.e. what industry are you in x how many employees = this much CO2.

“I wanted to give people the option to micro offset their actions, ensuring traceability

and transparency. For our users, we hope to be a good resource to help them lower their environmental impact and they get full transparency, they know the location of their wildflowers and the exact amount of carbon being offset.

Ed’s hope is that we will all do our bit and now that My Square Metre has been created, more people will be aware of everyday carbon usage and know how to efficiently offset it. If every person planted one square metre of wildflowers, it would plant enough meadow to cover Bradford in wildflower meadow.

Interested in making a difference?

Please visit the My Square Metre website to learn more about your carbon usage and how to offset with wildflower planting - www.mysquaremetre.co.uk

Image: Ed Crowther.

Farnsfield Helicopter Is Topping For Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance

Following the launch of their Great Yarn Bomb Challenge, the team at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) believe they have spotted the first Post box topper, at Farnsfield, Nottinghamshire.

Created by avid topper designer Lee-Anne Willis a dental hygienist from Farnsfield, the crocheted masterpiece took two weeks to come together with LeeAnne spending hours each night designing the intricate pattern.

When Lee-Anne heard of LNAA’s Yarn Bomb Challenge she just knew she had to take part. She said: “The Air Ambulance attended a friend of mine last year, and that brought home to me how important their

work is in helping people in their time of need.”

Lee-Anne has been making post box toppers since 2022 and regularly decorates two in Farnsfield. She has become a master scavenger, collecting items that can be used as the frame with which she can then crochet over. She said: “I don’t use patterns, rather make it up as I go along, I had just made a few hedgehogs for another project and realised the nose pattern would be a perfect match for the nose of

the LNAA helicopter! Then using a plastic helicopter toy I was able to create the rotors and wheels and finally added the LNAA logo.”

LNAA’s Volunteer Manager, Kate Kerrigan said: “The yarn bomb challenge is a fabulous way to support the life-saving work of Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance from the comfort of your own home. With your help, we are looking to colour the counties of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire yellow. There is still time to get

involved. Just grab your knitting needles and crochet hooks and some yellow yarn and register your interest at ambucopter.org.uk/knitting

For more information on how you can support the work of LNAA visit www.ambucopter.org.uk

Lee-Anne’s helicopter topper will be on permanent display on the post box in Farnsfield village, one of thousands of helicopters that will be displayed in Lincs and Notts after the Yarn Bomb Challenge is launched in June.

Events

Welbeck Abbey Brewery

Worksop

Beer & Cheese Pairing

20 Jun

The event will be hosted at The Harley Café where you will be guided through a selection of beer and cheese pairings by Claire Monk, General Manager at the Brewery. Book at EventBrite. www.eventbrite.co.uk

Brewday Experience

Join the production team for a full day brewing beer. This is a real hands-on experience for any avid beer lover. Refreshments and take-home beers are included. Book online. www.welbeckabbeybrewery. co.uk

Brewery Tours

Last Thursday of the month

The tour presents a rare opportunity to peek behind the closed doors of an awardwinning traditional microbrewery includes two pints of beer. Book online. www.welbeckabbeybrewery. co.uk

Rufford Mill

Rufford Mill.

VE Day Celebration At The Mill

5 May

Celebrate Victory in Europe Day in grand style at Rufford Mill on 5 May. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the spirit of peace with an exclusive VE Day celebration. Experience the golden era of music as our guest singer, Trixie Holiday, serenades you with timeless classics. Indulge in a relaxing afternoon featuring a selection of handcrafted sandwiches and sweet treats, complemented by freshly brewed tea or coffee and a sparkling glass of fizz, adding a touch of luxury to your day. Join us at Rufford Mill for a VE Day celebration like no other, where history, music, and gastronomy come together for an unforgettable afternoon. ruffordabbey.co.uk

Funding For Community Recycling & Waste Reductions

Funding available for Nottinghamshire community projects that promote recycling and waste reduction.

Nottinghamshire community groups, schools and charities are invited to apply for a share of funding for initiatives that focus on waste reduction, reuse or recycling.

Veolia and Nottinghamshire County Council’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund aims to support local, community-based projects that encourage individuals to adopt a new perspective on waste and resources.

Grants of up to £1,000 are available for a variety of projects and initiatives throughout Nottinghamshire (excluding the city of Nottingham area). This

could include practical equipment, in-person or online workshops, social media campaigns, practical equipment, education activities or promotion and awareness raising.

One success story is the Winthorpe Road Community Garden, which was awarded £535 in 2023 to construct a new polytunnel made entirely from used plastic bottles. This garden serves as a valuable local space for cultivating food while promoting mental and physical wellbeing within the community.

Properly constituted and non-for-profit organisations

such as schools, charities and community groups are eligible to apply for up to £1,000.

The fund can be used for a wide range of projects and campaigns, whether needed for equipment, educational materials, the running of workshops and more.

Applications for the Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund can be made at www. nottinghamshire.veolia. co.uk/reduce-reuse-recycling-fund or forms can be requested by calling 0203 567 4391

The closing date for applications is 28 June 2024.

The Magpies Now Have 'The Nest'

Fanzone and events space opening this summer in Nottingham.

Notts County have been given permission to turn a disused factory into a matchday fanzone, a venue with a big screen, bar area and street food vendors.

The club wants to create a venue similar to Boxpark near Wembley stadium.

Based on a site previously occupied by East Midlands Fabrications on Iremonger Road, and sharing a boundary with the Derek Pavis car park, the Nest will

revolutionise Notts fans' matchday experience and also bring an exciting yearround calendar of events to Meadow Lane.

Nottingham City Council has now approved a planning application for the scheme.

The Magpies said that the aim is to open the Nest in time for the commencement of England's participation in this summer's European Championships and

intend to provide the very best venue in Nottingham to watch the tournament unfold.

The League Two club said the new fanzone will have space to accommodate 1,500 fans, it will also provide a venue for its charitable arm, Notts County Foundation, to stage community events throughout the year.

For full updates visit: www.nottscountyfc.co.uk

Events

Norwood Park

Halam Road, Southwell.

Spring Has Sprung

Celebrating 10 Years Of Southwell Music Festival

Specially commissioned 10th-anniversary new work to premiere at this year’s Festival.

Southwell Music Festival returns to the Nottinghamshire town this August for its 10th anniversary year. The fourday festival runs from 23 – 26 August.

Established by Marcus Farnsworth and music-loving members of the Southwell community in 2014, the Festival is celebrating 10 years of welcoming professional musicians and performers from across the UK, as well as shining a spotlight on the best of Nottinghamshire’s home-grown talent.

To mark this special year, the Festival is commissioning a brand-new 15-minute piece for choir and orchestra, written by award-winning British composer, Cheryl FrancesHoad, with text by poet Kate Wakeling.

The as-yet-untitled new work will be premiered as part of the Festival’s Sunday night performance of Mozart's Requiem and will be a contemporary companion piece to Mozart’s captivating choral masterpiece.

As part of the commission, award-winning poet Kate Wakeling will visit Southwell on 26 Feb to run a series of

workshops with local people. Working with students from Lowes Wong Junior School and The Minster School, plus two adult community groups, Kate will collect texts about what music means to them, embedding their words and experiences into the final piece.

Festival Artistic Director Marcus Farnsworth said: “Southwell Music Festival has always been grounded in the community, from the volunteers who help make the Festival a reality, to the young people and local groups who perform, and the audiences who have supported and championed the Festival over the past 10 years. Commissioning this special new work in our 10th-anniversary year is a uniquely creative and fitting way to celebrate the rich and vibrant musical life of our town. We hope that Southwell Minster will be packed out for this very special world-premiere”.

Composer Cheryl FrancesHoad said: “I am thrilled that Southwell Music Festival has chosen me as the composer of their first-ever commission. I am passionate about the message this piece will communicate and the op-

portunity to create a contemporary response to Mozart’s beloved Requiem that can be performed by choirs and orchestras in years to come.”

The new commission will also premiere in Scotland later this year and then in Northern Ireland and Wales in 2025, with the piece being made available for choirs worldwide via publisher Chester Music.

The full four-day Festival line-up will be revealed at a free Launch Concert on 11 May at Southwell Minster. Reserve your free tickets online at southwellmusicfestival.com.

Tickets for Southwell Music Festival go on sale from 17 Jun. Festival Friends enjoy Priority Booking for all concerts and events. For more information about joining visit southwellmusicfestival. com/friends.

As a registered charity, Southwell Music Festival also welcomes new sponsors and donors. If you or your business wants to make a difference to arts in the region by supporting Southwell Music Festival 2024 please email sar@southwellmusicfestival.com

Garden Tour

10 May

Our Head Gardener Alex will discuss the development of our gardens and teach you how to get your garden ready for Spring with tips on bulb placement and pruning. Your ticket also includes tea coffee and cakes prepared by our chefs. £12.50. www.norwoodpark.co.uk

Father’s Day Lunch

16 Jun

Join the production team for a Join us for drinks on the terrace, followed by a threecourse meal and an evening of dancing Book online.

Adults – from £25pp, children –from £15pp. www.norwoodpark.co.uk

Norwood Park Summer Ball

28 Jun

Join us for drinks on the terrace, followed by a threecourse meal and an evening of dancing! Book online. www.norwoodpark.co.uk/ event-details/norwood-parksummer-ball.

Mansfield

Mansfield, Market Place.

Mansfield Carnival

22 Jun, 12.30pm - 6.30pm

Save the date for the Mansfield Carnival! Book a ticket to receive the latest carnival information by email.

Get ready for a day of laughter, joy, and endless fun! Join us as we transform Mansfield into a carnival extravaganza.

Sign up by booking a ticket to make sure you are kept up to date with all thing’s carnival. www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre

Image by Joe Briggs-Price.

Events

Clumber Park

Worksop.

Family Dog Walk

Sun 5 May & Sun 2 Jun 10.30am - 12pm

From Central Bark café

Monthly - Explore different areas of Clumber Park while meeting like-minded, dog-loving families. Free event, no booking, admission into the park applies.

Outdoor Theatre

Goose (Talegate Theatre)

31 May, 10am, 12pm & 2pm

This new musical for under-fives is the perfect theatre trip as they jump through muddy puddles, go on a wild goose chase and honk as loud as they can with Sophie and Goose. Booking essential through www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumberpark

Outdoor Cinema

14 Jun: The Greatest Showman singalong (PG)

15 Jun: Grease singalong (PG)

16 Jun: Pretty Woman (15)

The UK's biggest outdoor cinema tour is coming to Nottinghamshire! Pack a picnic and get ready for an experience like no other as Clumber Park offers outdoor cinema this summer. Booking essential through www.adventurecinema.co.uk

Photography Drop-In Session

18 Jun, 10.30am - 2pm

Join Clumber’s experienced volunteer photographers in the walled kitchen garden for an informal session. Please bring a smartphone or camera. Suitable for all abilities. Free event, no booking, admission into the park applies.

Half Term Fun

25 May - 2 Jun

Head to the Front Field at Clumber for active play and get involved in lots of different sports. Connect with nature by starting a ‘50 Things to do before you're 11 ¾’ adventure. Whether it's playing pooh sticks on Clumber Bridge, building dens in Leaping Bar or discovering wild animal clues in the woodland, there is so much fun to be had around the park, in the great outdoors. Visit the 50 Things room in the Discovery Centre for inspiration and to pick up an activities sheet. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Inspire Libraries Events

Louise Beech/Swanson

Worksop Library, 2 May, 2pm

£3. Join Louise Beech, author of nine novels and a memoir, Eighteen Seconds for a talk about her works and life. Her dystopian thriller End of Story is written as Louise Swanson.

Tyrannosaur’s Feathers With Jonathan Emmett

Mansfield Central Library, 11 May

£3 children/accompanying adults

FREE. Tyrannosaurus Rex may be the king of the dinosaurs, but that doesn’t stop know it all velociraptor from telling him he looks old fashioned and needs a makeover. Join author Jonathan Emmett for an amusing and informative look at how and why T.Rex’s appearance has changed since the giant prehistoric predator was first unearthed over a century ago. For children aged 6–11.

Jazz Steps Live At The Libraries:

Shell’s Belles

Worksop Library, 14 May, 7.30pm

£13. Shell’s Belles are Nottingham’s ever-popular all-female swing band who have been delighting audiences since their formation in 2014. With a wide repertoire, the band thrive on their love of swing!

Dangerous Women Of Nottinghamshire

Worksop Library, 15 May, 2pm

£3. This lively presentation by Adrian Gray looks at some of the women of Nottinghamshire who have had a significant impact in challenging the man’s world that they were forced to live in. The selection includes a mix of social and spiritual revolutionaries who had an impact beyond the county boundary.

Time to Connect: Alistair Morrison In Conversation

All Events:

Hands On Heritage Day

Mansfield Central Library - 18 May, 10am – 2pm

FREE. Hands On Heritage Day returns to Mansfield Library bringing a variety of fun and free activities from heritage groups and organisations from across the county. Meet costumed characters, play archaeologist for the day, or try your hand at traditional circus skills! Explore pop-up museums and mining heritage, discover more about local and family history, browse the books for sale, and get hands-on with fun crafts and activities for all the family!

Mansfield Central Library, 23 May

£3. Alistair Morrison is a prominent British photographer whose work is included in the Primary Collection of The National Portrait Gallery, London, with over 80 pieces on display.

For the past 40 years he has worked alongside some of the most notable international icons and dignitaries. His portraits are collected by private and corporate clients worldwide and he has exhibited in Paris, New York, Palm Beach, Miami, Florence, Berlin, Barcelona and London.

Beyond The Bassline

Mansfield Central Library, 31 May – 12 Jul

FREE. We’re delighted to be hosting a taster of the Beyond the Bassline exhibition currently on show at the British Library in London. The exhibition shines a spotlight on different voices and perspectives to celebrate Black British music as a form of entertainment and vehicle for community, as well as a source of liberation, protest, and education. Stepping into carnivals, clubs and record shops across the country.

Songs & Scones

Retford Library, 7 Jun, 5 Jul, 2 Aug, 6 Sep - 2pm

Live Music Now’s Songs & Scones programme brings people together to regularly engage with live music and connect with others in their local community over a cup of tea, a scone and uplifting live performances from

professional musicians. The events are particularly suitable for older people – including those living with dementia and their carers - but all are welcome to attend.

Fantastic Festivals

Mansfield Central Library, 8 Jun £4 members / £7 non-members. Join us for a fun visit to our Inspire Children’s Festival of Tunes.

Take front row seats as we explore some well-known festivals (and great music!) and give children and their families a trip to remember. Relive those summer vibes in the warmth and comfort of your local library. After the performance meet the musicians and try out some of the instruments for yourself. For children aged 5 -11.

Mishmash Productions

Presents: Ruby’s Worry Mansfield Central Library, 16 Jun, 11.30am or 1.30pm £4 members / £7 non-members.

Ruby had always been happy, perfectly happy… until one day… she discovered a worry. Ruby tries and tries to get rid of her worry, which grows bigger and bigger! Eventually she meets a boy who has a worry too. Together they discover that everyone has worries, and that if you talk about them, they never hang around for long!

Told through live music, song, puppetry and physical theatre, Ruby’s Worry takes the audience on a delightful musical adventure. For children aged 3 – 7 and their families.

Booking in advance is advised for all events. To book and find out further details of all the events listed here and more visit: www.inspireculture.org.uk Call 01623 677 200 Or pop in to your local library.

‘Draw My Town’

By Jayne Day Williams.

Cath Ray Gallery & Studios, 58b Bridgegate, Retford, DN22 7UZ.

May - June

Exhibited all together for the very first time, Jayne Day Williams is presenting her ‘Draw My Town’ project that captures the heritage and architecturally-rich properties that can be found all around Retford. Jayne has produced these drawings over recent years and meticulously recorded the intricate details and architectural features of all Retford’s important public buildings, alongside interesting shop fronts and domestic properties too.

It seems rather fitting that the exhibition is being shown in a building within Retford’s conservation area and many of the beautiful buildings and shopfronts on Bridgegate are included in the exhibition. Many of the original artworks are for sale, alongside reproductions and cards including prints of Jayne’s huge black & white project to showcase every building in Retford’s impressive Market Square.

Jayne is an intriguing artist who, alongside this meticulous and detailed observational work, also produces beautiful drawings that are completely imagined, with

landscapes, flowers, birds, rows of houses, people and gardens, all intertwined with roads and fields. Other pieces show neat, ordered grids of windows and doors to little shops selling gifts, food, musical instruments, taxi cab offices, cafes and restaurants. These wonderful and evocative drawings become even more poignant as our high streets go through the dramatic changes we see all round our towns and cities today.

Jayne will drawing at the gallery and be available to talk about her work at the Open Studios events on Saturday 4th May and Sunday 9th June (10am-4pm).

The exhibition is open throughout May and June and the gallery is open 10am-5pm Mon to Sat (closes at 2pm on Tuesdays).

See more of Jayne’s work on Instagram: @welshlady_doodles or @cathraygalleryandstudios

Contact Jayne by email at: dragon.blue@live.co.uk Or Cath at the gallery on: raybooks@msn.com

‘From Pets To Portugal’

Paintings

By Derrick Spence.

Bassetlaw Museum, Grove Street, Retford.

4 May - 29 Jun

Painting by Derrick Spence.

Derrick Spence returns to Bassetlaw Museum with a retrospective exhibition of oil paintings titled ‘From pets to Portugal’. This series of artworks, produced over a time span of six decades, covers a wide range of subjects with a special focus on animals and landscapes. Derrick is fascinated with big cats, especially tigers, but smaller animals, sometimes in the form of commissions or gifts, are another source of subjects. Other favourite themes include scenic landscapes of the Algarve and Portugal, along with the beautiful East Coast of Britain.

Derrick is a retired art teacher who spent 32 years in the profession, teaching 11 to 18-year-olds all manner of artistic styles and media. Originally from the West Riding of Yorkshire, Derrick trained at Eaton Hall College of Education in North Nottinghamshire. Detailed pen and ink work is a trademark style of his, often followed by adding a watercolour wash. Having helped build a studio in his garden, Derrick has been able to concentrate more time on developing his oil painting skills. Now, with a designated studio, he has produced a selection of oil paintings covering a wide range of subjects.

For details visit: bassetlawmuseum.org.uk

Chemist on Bridgegate in Retford by Jayne Day Williams. Read a full feature about Jayne Day Williams in Jan/Feb 24 Made, issue 38.

Events

Thoresby Park

Thoresby Park.

Spirit Of Wartime

Sherwood

18 & 19 May

Join us and be taken back to WW2. Experience life in military camps, see how life on the Homefront was and vehicles that would have graced our roads. Set in the beautiful grounds of Thoresby Park be taken back to WW2.

Experience life in military camps, from the view of both Allied and Axis. See how life on the Homefront was and vehicles that would have graced our roads. Treat yourself to something Vintage from the traders in the Vintage Village. As if this wasn’t enough, take a seat and enjoy listening to songs from the 40s sung by the wonderful entertainers. Bring a picnic and enjoy a day out with family, friends or by yourself and make new friends Weekend camping available. For camping details and to book your pitch visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ thoresbypark

Free entry. Car parking charges apply. thoresby.com

Dovecot Gallery

Poplars Farm, Styrrup, Doncaster, DN11 8NB.

Mid-Summer Potters Fair

22 & 23 Jun

25 potters selling their wares from stalls in the yard and garden, demonstrations of throwing on the wheel, and for those of you who would like to get muddy, an opportunity to have-a-go yourself. There will be an exhibition of paintings and printmaking with ceramics as image/theme in the Dovecot. www.dovecotgallery.co.uk

Although we endeavour to ensure that all of the events listed here are correct it is advisable to check before the event in case of alterations or planning changes.

Nottingham Poetry Festival

To reach out to communities across the city.

7 - 16 Jun.

This year’s Nottingham Poetry Festival is a supersized 10 days of blistering performances, open mics, workshops, panels and community events that will see people unite together across the city.

The annual celebration of words features headline shows from Linton Kwesi Johnson, Hollie McNish and Michael Pedersen, Luke Wright and Anthony Joseph with the full programme set to be released in April. Tickets are on sale now for these announced shows.

It’s the biggest and most ambitious programme lined up for this eighth year, under the direction a new creative director brought in for her experience of working in the community arts sector with a specific focus on the talent development of young artists, wellbeing and community events.

A number of community organisations are taking part in creative activities to bring new voices and perspectives to the festival. The groups include Nottingham Black Archive, the Young Carers Association, Big White Shed, First Story, Cultural Vibrations, City of Literature Youth Board, Young Producers and Kavya Rang.

The festival will also be working with Poets Off The Endz on their new work: Chapter 1, and Apples & Snakes on a wellbeing event with lots more to be announced. Working with one of the sponsors, It’s in Nottingham, there will also be a World Record attempt to create the longest outdoor poem.

Festival creative director Alma Solarte-Tobón said: “Community is at the heart of this festival. We have a fantastic core of poetry lovers who tell us how much they enjoy coming each year. Now we want to reach out to those who don’t know us. We all start our journey into poetry in different ways, but it’s something that can be accessible to everyone."

The community engagement will build on previous success which saw last year’s poetry festival engaging with 1,000 participants, as well as continuing to work closely with local partners to reach a broader audience, showcasing local artists alongside award winning poets, providing workshop opportunities in underrepresented communities, family poetry activities, school engagement and artist and producer development.

Alex Flint, the CEO of It's in Nottingham –the city's business improvement district –commented on sponsoring the event.

He said: "As a UNESCO City of Literature, it is crucial that we support the city's arts sector with community events like this one. It celebrates not only our literary heritage but also helps to develop the future generation of talented young artists. The event contributes to the vibrancy of the city and creates an attraction for visitors to choose Nottingham as their destination.”

The festival founded by poet Henry Normal and Confetti CEO Craig Chettle MBE has become an integral part of Nottingham’s cultural offer, attracting audiences from all over the country.

Henry Normal will once again be embarking on his library tour around the Inspire libraries of Nottinghamshire County Council, shining a light on the vital role they play within the community.

The festival has been awarded National Lottery Project Funding by Arts Council England and is supported by It’s in Nottingham, NTU, Confetti Media Group and Castle Rock Brewery.

For full details visit:

www.nottinghampoetryfestival.com

www.instagram.com/nottmpoetryfestival

www.facebook.com/NottinghamPoetryFestival

www.twitter.com/nottmpoetryfest

Henry Normal.

Museum Of The Horse

Sally Mitchell Fine Arts, Tuxford.

Celebrating 10th Anniversary

Specially commissioned 10th-anniversary new work to premiere at this year’s Festival. Anniversary opening on 9 Jun.

Did you know that the Museum of the Horse is all about our history? Everybody who travels in any form has connections with horse history. Many of our buildings are related to the horse. When you move house many of our well-known companies were formed with horses. Our clothing industry was connected to very early horse transport. Agriculture, industry, mining and of course military, were all connected to the history of the horse. Many of our sayings come from the world of the horse. Did you know ‘Crestfallen’, ‘Hobson’s Choice’ and ‘Dropped Off’ all come straight from the horse? If not, is it time you visited the Museum in Tuxford to find out more?

From June, the Museum will be celebrating its 10th anniversary with events, exhibitions and family open days giving you the perfect opportunity to visit.

The Museum, situated in an old Posting House on the original old Great North Road in Tuxford, North Nottinghamshire was opened ten years ago in June 2014, by Sally Mitchell, better known for her art dealing, print publishing and the books she has written. Now almost 80, Sally created the Museum single handedly and it has won many accolades including a Heritage award, appeared on TV shows Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip and has been hailed by The Club International D’Eperonnerie as one of the most comprehensive Horse museums in Europe. It appears on their website alongside such renowned museums as The Metropolitan in New York and the Hermes in Paris.

Sally commented: “Having visited the horse museums in Verden, Germany and Saumur in France, I thought it was a great shame that England, a great equestrian country, didn’t have a museum of the horse. It has the racing museum at Newmarket and the Royal Armouries in Leeds, which both have superb collections of a specialised area, none have the full history of the horse. The Museum of the Horse houses collections from 600 BC through Roman and Medieval times to the present day and covers items from many parts of the world. It has sections on North and South America, Africa and India, China and Tibet, Japan and Indonesia.

It has dedicated sections on Coaching, Veterinary, Children’s items, Racing, Shoeing, Agriculture, Industry and Military. It is an amazingly comprehensive collection with many very rare items. I would challenge anyone to be able to say they had seen every item before. People are amazed at the diversity and size of the collections. Nine rooms and nearly two thousand items on show.”

The Museum is a collection for all ages. Recently a little girl of seven wrote in the visitor’s book: “The best and most interesting thing in the world!” Older visitors say how they are reminded of things they saw in their youth. It really is a collection to intrigue anyone with an interest in history and curiosities.

The Museum produces talks, on-line and inhouse and is also an ideal place for group visits which can be booked by appointment. A fascinating curious objects quiz in which items can be handled and your knowledge challenged, can be arranged. With its own spacious car park behind the museum and a coffee shop in the courtyard offering delicious light lunches and cream teas with homemade cakes, it is a lovely way to spend a few hours. In the summer there is a delightful courtyard, overlooked by the Museum’s Mail Coach, where you can sit for lunch or just a coffee. There is also the internationally known Sally Mitchell art gallery on the floor below the museum with animal and country themed paintings, prints and cards.

As part of the 10th anniversary celebrations, the Museum will be holding an exhibition of recent acquisitions to the collection from 9 Jun to the end of Aug. The anniversary opening is taking place on 9 Jun, 2pm – 4pm. The Museum is open 6 days a week 9.30am – 4pm Mon – Frid and 9.30am – 1.30pm Sat. From 9 –15 Sep there will be a Heritage Open Day event with a Coaching exhibition of the history of our roads and of our coaching town, Tuxford, accompanied by talks.

For information visit: www.museumofthehorse.co.uk or follow us on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram, ‘Museum of the Horse’. Entry is free but donations are very much appreciated as the museum has no outside funding.

Mick Cawston Auction

Online auction offers the opportunity to purchase artwork from the late great Artist Mick Cawston.

13 - 19 May

Sally Mitchell Fine Arts based in Tuxford, Nottinghamshire will be holding the 8th biennial on-line specialist auction of the work of the late great artist Mick Cawston from 13-19 May. The auction will include some previously unseen original paintings and prints, a number of very rare remarqued prints, a selection of his bronzes and some of his hugely sought after dressed animals.

Mick was one of the UK’s leading sporting, dog and countryside artists and lived in the Retford area for more than 10 years. It was during this time, in 1987, that he was discovered by Sally Mitchell, founder of Sally Mitchell Fine Arts and Gallery, art agent and author. They worked together for 20 years and the business has helped share Mick’s work with a wide international audience ever since.

A free catalogue showing a selection of the artwork is available, email: info@sallymitchell.com or call 01777 872152.A wide range of Mick Cawston’s prints and greetings cards are available via the Gallery and online at www.sallymitchell.com

Open Studios Notts

‘Bringing Artists Into View’

Open Studios Notts invites you once again to meet artists and makers in their studios, workspaces and other venues around Nottinghamshire and Nottingham.

Through May and June, you can meet the artists and view their art and craft. Their varied work includes painting, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, photography, sculpture, glass work, wood carving, printmaking and more.

Alongside these artists events are a trio of exhibitions at Southwell, West Bridgford and Worksop libraries, running from Sat 27 April to Sun 9 June 2024 - as curated by Inspire: Culture, Learning Libraries. These exhibitions shine a light on the creative process using photographs of selected participating artists in their studio workspaces, together with examples of their work, all alongside details of where and when studios are open.

Look out for the Open Studios Notts brochure available from April in local libraries and other outlets around the county and city such as tourist information points, museums, cafes and independent shops. The brochure lists all the events, art trails, participating artists and venues and includes a map so you can find them.

Full details: www.osnotts.co.uk

Follow Open Studios Notts on Instagram @osnotts, Facebook @openstudiosnotts, YouTube @openstudiosnotts2027 and X @OSNotts

The Open Studios Notts initiative is organised and co-ordinated by volunteers and operates on a not-for-profit basis. It is supported by Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.

UptonTrail

The Upton Trail includes seven artists at four different venues to explore in the village.

Upton Studios this year is over the late May bank holiday (25-27 May) and involves seven artists and makers at four venues. Visitors will be able to meander around this beautiful historic Notts village (with its unique 9-pinnacled church) to meet the artists, to see their work and discuss their working practices.

At High Farm, Susan Isaac is a wellknown landscape painter and a maker of sculptural ceramics. She will have two guests - Elsa Rickett-Trueman, a painter and illustrator of whimsical animal characters and pet portraits, and Mark Greene, who makes bespoke functional pieces from reclaimed wood and materials.

Nearby at Meadow View (overlooking the church) Susan Morton makes stoneware ceramics (mainly woodfired) for the home and garden. Her guest will be glass artist Naomi Stewart who takes inspiration from the innate qualities of coloured glass.

Charles Beaumont is a painter whose work ranges from landscapes to still lives, and who will be showing his work at the Cross Keys Inn. Opposite him, at Rookery Nook, is Jude Rawson - a painter of landscapes and portraiture inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites.

Image opposite: Karen Chesney. Imagery on the left from the top: JC Middlebrook, Elsa Rickett-Trueman, Debbie Bryan, Kit Anderson. Imagery on the right from the top: Susan Isaac, Sue Morton, painting by Charles Beaumont. All imagery courtesy of Open Studios Notts.

Retford Arts Hub

11 Churchgate, Retford, DN22 6PA. 4, 6, 11, 18 & 25 May 10am – 4pm

Artists will be in their studios on 4 & 6 May to demonstrate work and meet visitors. There is a café and artisan shop at this venue.

Instagram: retfordartshub Facebook: retfordartshub

Dovecot Gallery

Poplars Farm, Styrrup, Doncaster DN11 8NB. 11 & 12 and 18 & 19 May, 10am - 4pm

Exhibiting work by Hilary Cartmel and Michael Johnson. You will also find Mike and Hilary in the Open Studios exhibition at Worksop Library which runs from the end of April to early June. www.dovecotgallery.co.uk

Cath Ray Gallery & Studios

Cath Ray Gallery and Studios on Bridgegate in Retford will be opening up the whole building to visitors on 4 May & 9 Jun this Summer as part of Open Studios Notts.

All six resident artists who work at the studios throughout the year, will open their doors and visitors will be able to meet the artists and talk about their work, methods, and materials.

The premises is set back in a quiet corner of St. Michael’s Place, off the main street and opposite the Church. It is the perfect place for artists to work in the ground floor studios and is a tranquil refuge for art in the busy town. William Boulby has a Fine Art studio here and specialises in Portraiture, but also enjoys painting and drawing landscapes and still life. His current work is based on tiny drawings and sketches that are then re-drawn on a much larger scale and developed into finished artworks. Cath Ray and Andy Hill are both painters who also love using oils. Their adjoining studios will be open for visitors to see their paintings and both artists at work.

Find full listings of artists and creative studios to visit on the Open Studios Notts website and in the booklet available from libraries. www.osnotts.co.uk

Tracey Page produces intricate lino-prints and drawings based on the natural world of plants and sea creatures. She shares a large studio with Alison Beevers, whose botanical prints on fabric and paper, and collographs are made from flowers and plants that she grows on her nearby allotment. Bev Ramsbotham’s tiny textiles and needle-felt assemblages will also be on display in the studio where she works. In the teaching and workshop space, information will be available on classes and courses at the gallery and visitors will be able to have a go at plant-based monoprinting. In the main gallery, people will be able to meet and chat to Retford Artist, Jayne Day Williams, whose exhibition ‘Draw My Town’ is on display there throughout May and June. The whole building is ground floor, so accessible to all and can accommodate wheelchairs.

Further details

www.osnotts.co.uk

Or contact Cath at the gallery on 0780 320 4424, or email raybooks@msn.com

Artist Open Call

Call for entries: The Harley Open Exhibition.

The only restrictions are that artists should be from within 100 miles of the Harley Foundation, and entries must be original, wall-based art, made in the last 2 years.

Previous exhibitions have included work by well-known names such as Olivier Leger, Chris Eckersley, Susan Isaac and Joanna Whittle - but entries are not restricted to established artists.

Lisa Gee, Director at The Harley Gallery, says “What makes the Open so exciting is the range of work that we get to show. It can be really hard to get your art shown in galleries and this exhibition levels the playing field. You don’t need a huge portfolio or exhibition list to get involved – you just

need to send us some photos of your art. This means we get a brilliant, diverse range of art to exhibit, and the Open has helped us to discover some incredibly talented artists.”

Open Exhibition entrants have gone on to have their own solo shows both at The Harley Gallery and in other exhibition spaces.

This year, the Foundation expects to show around 150 artworks in the exhibition, and as a bonus there are prizes which include a top prize of £2500.

For details and entries visit: www.harleyfoundation.org.uk

Byron 200 Launch In Nottingham

To reach out to communities across the city.

7 - 16 Jun

‘Byron 200’ launches across the city with a programme of exhibitions, events and activities that celebrate the sensational life and legacy of Lord Byron through this year, since he died in April 200 years ago.

In June and July, there will be a series of talks and events at the Central Library, Nottingham, in collaboration with the University of Nottingham. More details about these will be on the University of Nottingham and the Nottingham City Library websites in the run up to the events.

Throughout August there will be ‘Summer Seas Abbey Adventures’ for families to climb aboard and get ready for some fun adventures through the school holidays at Newstead Abbey.

In September, Newstead Abbey welcomes ‘Heritage Open Day’ on Sat 7 Sep, where visitors join us at Newstead to see Byron’s ancestral home and look inside the tomb of

Lord Byron’s favourite pet, his beloved dog Boatswain.

Alongside planned exhibitions and events, inside Newstead Abbey’s Historic House, even more activites are happening, including costumes made by final year students of Costume Design & Construction course at Nottingham Trent University, that will be available for visitors to try on.

To complete the Byron 200 year, Newstead Abbey will launch ‘Magical moments, memories and mayhem!’ with Christmas installations inspired by Byron’s last year at Newstead.

There are even more activities being added to the programme over the course of the year.

Discover the latest for Byron 200 and plan your visit at: www.newsteadabbey.org.uk/ byron-200

Events Bawtry

Town centre, Dower House Square & The Courtyard, Market Hill Area and White Hart Garden Area.

Bawtry Festival

17 - 23 Jun

An established event in Bawtry, to showcase the wealth of creative talent that resides within the town and local communities with a week of activities incorporating all things related to the “arts” from music, dance, drama, painting, photography, crafts, film, poetry, fashion, quizzes, as well as talks and heritage trail walks highlighting the remarkable history of the town itself.

On the closing Sunday (23 Jun) there will be a craft fair in the town centre (incorporating Dower House Square and The Courtyard), street entertainers, magic and music both in the market Hill area and The White Hart garden area where it will continue into the evening. bawtryarts.co.uk

Bawtry

The Courtyard, Bawtry.

The Courtyard Pop Up Market

12 May, 16 Jun

Micro Makers Market, a celebration of all things small and independent in this cosy courtyard series of market pop ups. Shop from a variety of small independent businesses, makers, creators and bakers.

Find details on Facebook

@Bawtry – The Courtyard Independents

East Markham

East Markham Village Hall.

Craft & Produce Fair

1 Jun, 10am - 1pm

Come along and support local businesses. Refreshments available. Funds raised will be donated to local charities. For further info find details on Facebook or email: eastmarkhamcpf@gmail.com

At The Movies!

The latest cinema releases and live screenings of major exhibitions, famous operas and the best theatre at the Savoy Cinema in Worksop.

SCREENINGS

2 May – The Fall Guy

After leaving the business one year earlier, battle-scarred stuntman Colt Seavers springs back into action when the star of a big studio movie suddenly disappears. As the mystery surrounding the missing actor deepens, Colt soon finds himself ensnared in a sinister plot that pushes him to the edge of a fall more dangerous than any stunt.

10 May – Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes

Many years after the reign of Caesar, a young ape goes on a journey that will lead him to question everything he's been taught about the past and make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.

17 May – If

After discovering she can see everyone's imaginary friends, a girl embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.

24 May – The Garfield Movie

Jon buys another pet dog named Odie in order to impress the girl he likes from his high school. However, when Odie is abducted, Garfield, along with his other animal friends, sets out to rescue him.

5 Jun – Bad Boys: Ride Or Die

When their late police captain gets linked to drug cartels, wisecracking Miami cops Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett embark on a dangerous mission to clear his name.

14 Jun – Inside Out 2

Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust have been running a successful operation by all accounts. However, when Anxiety shows up, they aren't sure how to feel.

28 Jun – A quiet Place: Day One

As New York City is invaded by alien creatures who hunt by sound, a woman named Sammy fights to survive.

Visit www.savoyworksop.co.uk for full listings of your most awaited movies and live screenings not to miss.

All imagery courtesy of Savoy Cinema.

ShowTime

It's show time! Grab your popcorn, ice cream and treats, and enjoy all the fun of the theatre here in Nottinghamshire. Here's a few of our favourites...

Punch by James Graham

The Nottingham Playhouse, Nottingham.

4 - 25 May

Based on the book Right from Wrong by Jacob Dunne. Teenager Jacob lives in The Meadows, Nottingham. Like his mates, he spends his Saturday nights drinking in the city, looking for a bit of trouble. One adrenalinefuelled night in Old Market Square, he throws a single punch at a stranger – with fatal consequences. Released from prison, Jacob is lost and adrift. Searching for answers, Joan and David – the parents of his victim James –ask to meet. An unlikely connection is made,and Jacob’s life begins to turn around. nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

James Bond Concert

Spectacular

Newark Palace Theatre, Newark.

26 May

The James Bond Concert Spectacular is the most critically acclaimed 007 Concert in the world and it’s coming to Newark! Set up by local resident Warren Ringham, the show is considered by every Bond fan club around the world as the finest performances of the songs since the original versions. They have toured the UK and performed all over the world, selling out in the West End and at the 02 Arena in London. palacenewarktickets.com

An Evening Of Burlesque

The Palace Theatre, Mansfield.

31 May

A night of laughter, cabaret, mystery, and glamour!

Suitable for ages 18+

Roll up, roll up... a scintillating night out of sparkling entertainment – the UK’s longest running burlesque show – is back touring the nation. And, it’s bigger than ever.

Join us for the good old-fashioned night out as we bring you the ultimate variety show, blending stylish cabaret, comedy, music, circus and burlesque to light up all your senses. mansfieldpalace.co.uk

Go Your Own Way

The Majestic Theatre, Retford.

1 Jun

Go Your Own Way is a brand new spellbinding show featuring the music from the legendary multiple Grammy Award Winning Fleetwood Mac. Their rock 'n' roll legacy is beautifully performed by a highly talented and acclaimed ensemble of musicians who will take audiences on a powerful journey through their incredible song book. majesticretford.org

The Lady In The Van

By Alan Bennett

Robin Hood Theatre Company, Averham.

11 - 15 Jun

The Lady in the Van tells the (mostly) true story of Alan Bennett's strained friendship with Miss Mary Shepherd, an eccentric homeless woman whom Bennett befriended in the 1970s before allowing her temporarily to park her Bedford van in the driveway of his Camden town home. She stayed there for 15 years. www.rhtc.co.uk

The Full Monty Musical

Nottingham Arts Theatre, Nottingham.

25 - 29 Jun

Based on the cult hit film of the same name, The Full Monty a 10-time Tony Award-nominee, is filled with honest affection, engaging melodies and the most highly-anticipated closing number of any show. The powerhouse team of Terrence McNally (Ragtime) and David Yazbek (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) cook up an aggressive crowd pleaser that both entertains and grabs your heart.

nottingham-theatre.co.uk

Unfortunate

Theatre Royal, Nottingham.

25 - 30 Jun

The Untold Story of Ursula The Sea Witch. The Musical Parody. Fresh from complete sell out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and around the UK comes this critically acclaimed smash hit parody musical. Starring Shawna Hamic (Orange is the New Black, 1776 on Broadway) as ‘Ursula’ and River Medway (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK) as ‘Ariel’, Unfortunate is coming to Nottingham and things are gonna get wet! trch.co.uk

TheArts

Events

Dukeries Arts Society

Stanford Raffles: Art Collector and Discoverer of Singapore.

1 May

Civic Centre, Carlton-in-Lindrick, S81 9AP.

Our speaker is Denise Haywood. Raffles, whose name is synonymous with a luxury hotel, rather than the greatest Buddhist temple in the world, was the enlightened colonial administrator of Java, Indonesia. He discovered the eighth Century Temple of Borobudur, hidden under volcanic ash, in 1804, acquired wondrous artefacts in Java, such as shadow, puppets and textiles, now in the British Museum, and founded Singapore, the most important trading port in the East.

Painter Fra AngelicoSweetness and Light

5 Jun

Civic Centre, Carlton-in-Lindrick, S81 9AP.

Our Speaker is Brendan Cassidy

Born in 1395 and working for most of his life in Florence, during the early renaissance, Fra Angelico was unusual, they’re not unique, in being a painter, who was also a cleric. Although he engaged with the revolutionary developments that marked Renaissance art - notably, an interest in ancient Roman sculpture and the application of linear perspective - his own paintings retained the almost naive charm of an earlier period.

This lecture will consider the full range of his paintings in the context of early Renaissance Florence. It will examine his style and aesthetic impact in relation to the work of contemporary artists, such as Uccello and Donatello. It will also explain the underlying meanings in some of the frescoes at San Marco.

For further planned lectures and details visit:

www.theartssociety.org/Dukeries

Please note, if for any reason we have to cancel/change a speaker at the last minute, full details are given on our website and an email is sent to Members.

The Society meet at the Civic Centre, Long Lane, Carlton-in-Lindrick, S81 9AP. Tea/Coffee is available before the Lecture which starts after notices at 10:50, finishing around 12 noon. Free car parking. Members pay an annual subscription and Visitors are welcome paying at the door.

For further details on lectures, study/ special interest days, theatre trips or the Society in general, please contact Gill on 01909 540506 or Gordon on gordonpmcdougall@gmail.com www.theartssociety.org/Dukeries

Daneshill Lakes & The Millennium Path Way

This charming short walk is perfect in all seasons and encapsulates nature at its best. By travel writer and photojournalist Sally Outram.

Once a gravel pit, Daneshill Lakes was reformed into this wonderful nature reserve in the 1980s and is managed by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

The reserve is habitat to an abundance of birdlife; swans, Canada geese and coots are a regular sight. The summer months bring the whitethroat and willow warbler and during the winter you might be lucky enough to see a goldcrest or a siskin. The habitat supports a host of other wildlife, dragonflies, damselflies, and an impressive variety of butterflies which include the gatekeeper, meadow brown and common blue. Look out for toads and newts too in the wetland areas.

The wildflowers are many, and during the spring and summer months gives a splash of colour with dainty violets evoking a sense of nostalgia and providing a source of nectar for those early bees and other insects.

Autumn months see an array or fungi, there are some fabulous examples of the bright red fly agaric, extremely poisonous but wonderful to encounter.

The lakes have a variety of uses; birdwatching all year round for the enthusiast, fishing and the local sailing club meet on a regular basis. The summer months are busy with walkers and the lakeside is the perfect spot for a picnic. As the paths and tracks are mostly surfaced, walking all year round is possible and ideal for wheelchair users and pushchairs if you stick to the main lakeside path.

Daneshill also partly stands on the site of the former Ranskill Royal Ordnance Factory. It was built to manufacture cordite; a low explosive which was used in rifle cartridges in World War I, and tank guns, artillery, and naval guns during World War II. Production of the cordite at the factory stopped in 1945 but the

site continued for another 30 years. In 1975 the site was broken up, demolished, and now landscaped with very few buildings remaining. You can see the site from the main lakeside path, it is marked by an information board.

Across from the main car park, you can follow the pretty woodland tracks along the Millennium Path Way. The circular trail is easy to follow and a delightful way to immerse yourself in nature, surrounded by the serene beauty of trees, birdsong, and dappled sunlight on a summer day. It is a favourite with dog walkers and perfect for those moments of quiet contemplation.

The neighbouring village of Lound is also worth a visit, you can either drive, or if you are feeling energetic, walk the extra mile or so. It is such a pretty village, with an unusual layout. The dwellings run endways on to the street on either side of the main street, Town Street. These houses are the oldest in the village and are known as ‘Tofts’ or homesteads, owing to the village’s Danish origins. The earliest documented mention of Lound and the surrounding area was in 986!

On the east side of the village lies the Wetland Wildfowl Reserve, which is immensely popular with birdwatchers and walkers alike. The area extends to other reserves which are also managed by Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

The area certainly has so much to offer and makes for a wonderful family fun day out.

So, lace-up your walking shoes, follow the waymarkers, and absorb wthe beauty of the North Nottinghamshire countryside.

Happy ramblings!

All imagery courtesy of Sally Outram.

Directions

1. Start at the main car park, walk through the green metal main entrance gate and along on the wide gravel track until you reach the end where the path splits.

2. Veer to the right and onto the lakeside path, you will see the sailing club hut to your right alongside the lake.

3. Continue along the path, you will pass a small wooden jetty to your left. A perfect spot for some wonderful views over the lake. Walk along for approximately ¼ of a mile until you reach the railway.

4. You will see a large sign ‘Edinburgh 250 miles’, by the edge of the railway. You can either continue along the lakeside path or walk straight towards the railway and take the left-hand path which runs next to the railway.

5. Walk for about 300 meters and rejoin the lake side path if you have taken the second option. You will see a smaller lake to your right and the area around is quite marshy.

6. Continue along the lake side path until you reach the fence at the bottom, you will see open fields. Here bear left and continue for about 250 metres. You will see a narrow grass track leading into the woods to the right. Follow the track through

the trees, you will see a small pond, continue along until you reach the end and turn right, then right again after a short distance, back to the carpark.

7. Walk along the small, signposted path which goes through the trees, which can be found to the left-hand side of the main entrance, then cross over the main road, taking care as the road can get busy during busy periods.

8. You will see a waymarked gate on the opposite side, go through the gate then turn left on to a wide tree lined forest lane which is signposted 'Easy Access'. Do NOT use the path to the right.

9. Walk along the lane bearing left until you arrive at a small wooden bridge. Cross over the bridge, turn right and continue to walk along until to reach a sign at a pond. Continue to follow the clear path and keep the stream to your right. Continue back up along the main path which takes you around the whole Nature Reserve.

10. After approximately 1 mile you will return to the wooden bridge. Turn right here, cross over the bridge, following the track to the main road ahead. Cross over the road and return to the car park.

The basics

Distance: 4 miles/6.4km.

Severity: Easy.

Gradient: Flat/no steep gradients.

Approx time: 2 hours – allow extra time for exploring or a picnic!

Stiles/Gates: None.

Maps: OS Explorer 279.

Path: Surfaced paths and grass tracks.

Start Point: Daneshill Lake car park off the A638 – clearly signposted.

Parking: Daneshill Lake car park.

Dog friendly: Yes; on the lead as there are wildfowl on and around the lakeside.

Public toilets: None at the lakes, but there are public houses in nearby villages of Ranskill and Lound.

The National Garden Scheme May Gardens

It is often said that May is the loveliest month, when gardens really begin to flourish, and winter is a distant memory. Garden visitors will be spoilt for choice, as here in Nottinghamshire there are lots of gardens open, waiting to welcome visitors through their garden gates.

Remember your visit helps to raise money for our nursing and caring charities and in 2023 a record £3.4 million was donated to our beneficiaries including Macmillan and Parkinson’s UK. For a full list of our beneficiaries, please visit: ngs.org.uk/beneficiaries.

Here are the gardens you can visit in May:

12 May

New garden. The Poplars, Cotham Lane, Newark. NG24 3RL.

2pm – 5.30pm

1.2 acres of newly redeveloped garden, which wraps around an early Georgian farmhouse (not open). A number of distinct areas, including a formal garden, featuring ornamental grasses and white planting; a large Mediterranean style gravel patio; productive garden; new orchard; wildflower areas and courtyard. Masses of spring bulbs. Partly wheelchair accessible. Dog friendly, plants for sale, refreshments and card payments.

16 May

Rhubarb Farm, Hardwick Street, Langwith, nr. Mansfield. NG20 9DR. 10.30am – 3pm

This 2-acre horticultural social enterprise provides training and volunteering opportunities to 60 members of the community. There are 8 polytunnels, 100 hens, pigs, donkey and Shetland pony. Many features including a forest school barn, flower borders, farm shop, café and comfrey bed and comfrey fertiliser factory. A chance to meet and chat with volunteers and staff. Some wheelchair access. Plants and refreshments in aid of Rhubarb Farm. Parking, card payments.

18 May

The Old Vicarage, Halam Hill, Halam. NG22 8AX. 1pm – 4.30pm

This 2-acre garden full of unusual plants and trees make for a welcoming gem to visit. Set on a hillside, the garden has matured over 27 years into a much admired landscape garden with beautiful views. New garden plant-

ing/design at the bottom of the garden. The wildlife pond attracts diverse wildlife to complement planting. Some wheelchair access, dog friendly, plants for sale, parking. Refreshments and card payments.

19 May

10 Harlaxton Drive, Lenton, Nottingham. NG7 1JA.

11am – 4pm

City centre oasis, just a short walk from the city centre. Garden presents on 3 levels, separated by steep steps with handrails. The top terrace overlooks a large koi carp pond surrounded by bog plants, marginals and herbaceous perennials. Seating areas on second terrace under mature beech trees. On the third level, a summerhouse, small pond and densely planted borders. Free on street parking. Dog friendly, plants for sale, refreshments, picnic tables and card payments.

6 Hope Street, Beeston, Nottingham. NG9 1DR.

1.30pm – 5pm

A small garden packed with a wide variety of plants, providing flower and foliage colour year-round. Collections of alpines, 60+ hostas, ferns, grasses, carnivorous plants and succulents. The garden features a pond and a greenhouse which houses sub-tropical plants. Lots of troughs and pots. Homemade crafts. Limited wheelchair access. Dog friendly, plants for sale, refreshments.

38 Main St. Woodborough, Nottingham. NG14 6EA. 1pm – 5pm

This garden began as a lawn at the front and back with 125 junipers and one rose. Today it is a varied 1/3 acre garden with bamboo fenced Asian species garden with traditional outdoor wood fired Ofuro bath, herbaceous

border, Asian species raised bed, vegetables, greenhouse, pond area and art studio on the terrace, which will be open. Plans for sale, refreshments.

Norwell Nurseries, Woodhouse Road, Norwell. NG23 6JX.

2pm – 5pm

Jewel box of over 3,000 different, beautiful and unusual plants sumptuously set out in a one-acre plantsman’s garden, including shady garden with orchids, woodland gems, cottage garden border alpine and scree areas. Pond with opulently planted margins. Extensive herbaceous borders and effervescent colour themed beds. Featured on Gardeners’ World programme. Home to National Collection of Hardy Chrysanthemums. Some wheelchair access, plants for sale, parking, refreshments.

26 May

The Palace Garden of Southwell Minster. 11am – 4pm

Set amongst magnificent ruins of the Archbishop’s Palace, the garden is packed with shrubs, flowering plants, mature trees, lawns and medieval herb garden. Separate short walk to Potwell Dyke, which is not to be missed, a spectacular array of wild flowers and many orchids. The Minster, churchyard and garden are accessible to wheelchairs. No wheelchair access to grasslands. Dog friendly, plants for sale, parking, refreshments and card payments. Refreshments in aid of Southwell Minster.

For a full list of June Open Gardens visit: ngs.org.uk

For the latest information and Open Gardens, please visit: www.ngs.org.uk

Imagery courtesy of the National Garden Scheme.

A Voice For Nature

Local voices for nature and climate can be heard – but only if people speak up. Erin McDaid, Head of Communications & Marketing, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

Over the past three decades I’ve worked with colleagues and alongside communities to protect fragile wildlife habitats and precious species from disturbance and destruction linked to wholly inappropriate, poorly located or badly designed development. Given that the system is stacked against nature, during that time I’ve sadly not had much experience of being on the winning side in planning battles.

The steady erosion of planning safeguards, not least by the ‘Presumption in favour of Sustainable Development’ enshrined in National Planning Policy back in 2012 - described at the time as a ‘golden thread’ for the planning system. With developers and their lawyers seemingly able to argue that almost any type of development is ‘sustainable’ in some way or other; the presumption in favour has sadly become more like a ‘silver bullet’ – capable of killing off legitimate and balanced opposition to developments that threaten wildlife habitats or impact key species.

Once you factor in pressures on planning authorities to meet centrally calculated housing targets; boost economic growth - sustainable growth being something of an oxymoron (but that’s a whole other article) - campaigners can be on a hiding to nothing. Add in the massive reductions in capacity

and resources within Local Authority planning teams and increasingly restrictive laws relating to demonstration and protest and the prospects of success in any local fight to protect nature from damaging development become vanishingly rare.

Against this hugely frustrating and worrying backdrop, it was with great pleasure that, together with my colleague Janice Bradley MBE, our Head of Nature Recovery (North), I recently joined local campaigners, including members of Frack Free Misson, in Misson Village, to mark the success of a long and, at times, arduous battle to protect our Misson Carr Nature Reserve from the impacts of fracking.

Misson Carr was a former Military training site and military activity restricted public access and protected the site from intensive agriculture – preserving a fascinating range of habitats including nationally rare wet woodland, marsh and old grazing pastures. It also has the county’s largest remaining fragment of a fenland system. For the best part of a decade, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has fought cheek-by-jowl with local campaigners in a modern day ‘David vs Goliath’ fight. This battle pitched us against the might of companies determined to extract shale gas – a greenhouse gas emitting fossil fuel - from deep beneath the

ground. At times it seemed as if we were fighting the whole shale gas industry which was looking to gain a foothold via experimental drilling sites - backed by a government keen to unlock the revenues from the new industry and seemingly willing to change planning rules to make it easier for fracking to succeed.

Campaigners were rightly worried about the potential impacts on Misson Carr’s wildlife – particularly the owls that became emblematic of the whole campaign. They were also worried about earth tremors, water pollution and other impact on residents' quality of life. The campaign had many facets, not least the determination and dedication of local campaigners, support from other campaigns across the UK and beyonddetermined to prevent a whole new fossil fuel industry. When expert technical planning responses crafted by my colleague Janice on behalf of the Trust, and the resolve of local councillors to support residents were added in to the mix – this eventually became a winning combination.

Speaking at the celebration to mark the success of the fight to save the wildlife of Misson Carr Janice said that it was a great day for the nature of the reserve, but also a great day for nature further afield. Janice rightly pointed out that fracking contributes to climate change- and that it would be inexcusable

to open up a new source fossil fuels whilst we’re in the midst of a climate and nature crisis.

The long road to protecting Misson Carr’s wildlife and finally seeing off the threat looming over villagers has created many special memories. The day me and Janice visited the protect camp just outside the village; the day I had to run from our office in Sneinton Market all the way to County Hall to hand Janice some new advice from Friends of the Earth’s legal team during a key planning meeting and the day when County Councillors voted to make the developers restore the site – signalling the beginning of the end for fracking at the site. Whilst these memories will live long, they now sit alongside the joyous recent celebrations, where campaigners spoke of the value of partnership, solidarity and the need shout from the rooftops that local voices can make a difference.

All too often, people step back from challenging damaging developments in their area believing that they have no chance of success, or that their voice won’t be heard. If I’ve learned anything from working alongside the wonderful folk of Misson and their supporters down the years, it is that local voices can be heard – and can make a massive difference - as long as people speak up and keep speaking up.

Page opposite: Decades as a military training site meant that the special habitats at Misson Carr were protected from intensive agriculture and that the wildlife experienced long periods with no human disturbance, image courtesy of Erin McDaid.

This page from top left clockwise: The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust sign at Misson. Misson contains areas of old pasture habitat and is now grazed by a resident herd of Long-horn cattle, image courtesy of G. Hardy. The population of owls living and breeding at Misson Carr Nature Reserve became emblematic of the campaign to prevent fracking close to the reserve – a protected Site of Special Scientific Interest. An early shot of the protest camp which I visited with Janice to meet passionate campaigners determined to see off the threat of fracking.

Whilst I like to think I have a reasonable way with words, when it comes to the importance of and power of local people speaking out, I think Sheelagh Handy – one of the inspirational figures behind the local campaign put it far better than I could when she said:

“...If you seriously believe that something is wrong – it's bad for the community, it’s bad for the nature community – then it is wrong, and there's so many things that you can do to stand up and fight. Our community is tiny and yet we have fought an oil and gas company at every level of planning and even to a High Court action.”

For details of all our nature reserves as well as events and ways you can take action for nature visit nottinghamshirewildlife.org

Will you join us in creating a Wilder Nottinghamshire?

Whilst Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust has been working to protect wildlife sites and create a wilder Nottinghamshire for over 60 years, the successful fight to save the wildlife of Misson Carr proves that we can’t do this on our own. We can all be part of a people-powered movement for nature’s recovery, and we need to act together now. We know that local action, by people who know their areas best, will make the difference.

With your help we’re creating the Wilder Nottinghamshire Network – a place for everyone involved in nature’s recovery across Nottinghamshire to connect, be inspired, share ideas and celebrate success. Together, we can demonstrate impact and encourage more people across the county to champion a Wilder Nottinghamshire – making more space for nature and speaking up for nature’s recovery.

We’re committed to supporting more people than ever before to bring about positive change for nature through the Wilder Nottinghamshire Network - a community for everyone involved in nature’s recovery across Nottinghamshire. The network will:

• Share learning and best practice, enabling us to support others at the start of their journey

• Celebrate positive action for nature – from microhabitats to landscape-scale projects, all action is valued

• Connect individuals, groups and organisations to share knowledge, expertise and, where possible, resources

• Identify Wilder champions across Nottinghamshire – people and organisations who are actively encouraging and supporting others to take action for nature, from grassroots projects to countywide initiatives

For details about action being taken in your area and how you can make a difference visit nottinghamshirewildlife. org/wilder-nottinghamshire

One of the best known facts about the reserve is that all five species of resident owl – Tawny owl, Barn owl, Short-eared owl, Long-eared owl & Little owl – have been recorded. This image: Short-eared owl, John Smith.

Below images: Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust recently joined local residents and campaigners to celebrate the success of the decade long fight. Images, Sophie Bell.

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Going To Town On Town Life

Mansfield Museum has earned a name for itself as a true community hub, offering a fascinating mix of permanent displays of local art and artefacts and giving visitors chance to explore the rich history and culture of Mansfield, championing the people who bring the town alive. A rolling programme of national and local temporary exhibitions means there is always something new to see. Made went to find out more…

First up, this is a small museum, but don’t be fooled, for as we soon found out, it is totally engrossing and packs a serious heritage punch, full of lovingly collected displays, artefacts and dedicated exhibition space. It’s also, as we could see for ourselves, a really warm and welcoming place where many locals come together to enjoy family activities (at the time of our visit birdbox painting was being enjoyed by all ages, and the room was packed – clearly popular!).

As we make our way through the front of the building a series of display boards offer a journey back through Mansfield’s working heritage, celebrating textile, mining and the many other industries that have shaped the town, complemented with boxes of artefacts and some interactive learning. Right from the start, you sense the pride in the town, and we found out some really fascinating information. We also spoke to a few visitors who live locally, and they commented on how many childhood memories were being sparked by looking at some of the exhibits and photographs.

The museum team, led by Curator Jodie Henshaw have worked hard to create somewhere that is relaxed,

welcoming and modern, designed to break down any social barriers and encourage all ages to come inside. The ethos is on keeping history alive and cherished, whilst successfully balancing with forward-thinking events and activities. The result is a place that belongs to the community, that is designed with community spirit at its heart, a little bit quirky, a little bit fun, and certainly full of learning.

“We know that some people can fear coming inside a museum, or feel they won’t connect, and so we have created somewhere which we think encourages everybody to visit, to use as a community resource, and to have fun inside, whilst discovering new things and meeting new people, every time they visit”, explains Jodie. “What we are doing is celebrating what Mansfield has achieved over the years, highlighting its diverse heritage, but also making it about the people of Mansfield, their journey through the ages, and what we hold dearest to us in modern day. We also want to introduce new hobbies, interests and learning, making it available and accessible to all.”

Mansfield Museum has been open since 1904. The brainchild of William Edward Bailey, a wealthy local collector and

natural historian, who offered his collection to the town, along with a building in which to showcase it, known as the Tin Tabernacle. Other donations followed from local men, including the artist Albert Sorby Buxton and an extensive collection of stuffed birds and animals from the naturalist Joseph Whitaker, followed by a significant collection of African natural history specimens from Captain Webb in 1912.

With the collection growing and the Tabernacle building deteriorating, the new building we see today was opened in 1938. As collections and displays grew a fourth gallery was opened in the 1960s, increasing the visitor space, and in 1989 a purposely designed extension, known as the ‘Arcade’ was built, which helped to raise the museum’s public profile.

By the 90s major development took place which included an education room and state-of-the-art storage facilities, helping the museum to widen its remit and increase visitor numbers. The popular XplorActive hands-on environmental gallery was added in 2004, paving the way for collaborations with local schools and the Made In Mansfield Gallery was introduced in 2014 – now an established space for welcoming both local and national artists.

Above: Mansfield Museum on Leeming Street in Mansfield. Below: Museum Development Officer, Kirsty Sanders and The Museum's Curator, Jodie Henshaw.

It's pretty clear as we walk around that education in its broadest sense is a core activity. The museum houses many areas in which to develop personal interests such as creation stations and hands-on experiences, along with opportunities to increase your knowledge on Mansfield's Story, and it seems to have struck the right balance between learning and having plenty of fun. And this sense of fun seemingly continues into the gift shop – which is now also available online – where there are many nods to local and Nottinghamshire-based traditions and jovial sayings.

“We’ve worked hard to find ways that can broaden appeal, so that we can find something that everyone will enjoy. And we are really child-friendly, which is not always the case with some museums or heritage spaces”, explains Jodie. “We encourage visits by younger people and their carers, and we have games and toys, and a fully interactive and eve-changing calendar of activities to make this a familyfriendly place.

“We are also really focused on working with groups across the community”, adds Kirsty Sanders, Museum Development Officer. “From local schools to Cub troops, reminiscence groups, artist societies, archaeological associations, and so many more. You name it, we want to be somewhere they can all come to learn or to use the space for community activity.”

The museum has a fun-filled and varied calendar of events and activities, from dance classes and writing workshops through to music and comedy, and a host of children’s activities and games. The team have put together a full programme celebrating art, including Monet, Matisse, Klimt, Sargent and Vermeer themes this summer, also teaming up with local interest and hobby groups on introducing new areas of interest, and involving schools and colleges on new exhibitions.

Arts Council, National Lottery and government initiative funding over the years, bolstered by local donations, has meant that the museum team have been given opportunity

to explore new ideas and events, ensuring the programme is fresh and socially inclusive.

“Generous funding has meant that we are free, there is no charge to come in and walk around, enjoy what we have on offer. You can also bring your own food and drink in, bring a picnic if you like, which also makes it an affordable and attractive option”, Jodie adds.

“Donations are of course always welcomed!”, she smiles, “but we want to be open to everyone across all sectors of society, driving togetherness and inclusivity. By keeping locals engaged we will hopefully be able to ensure these resources are here for years to come.”

It's clear that social inclusivity and making every resource accessible is something very important to the museum team, and in recent years they have been offering both volunteering and employment opportunities for locals of all backgrounds and special needs, running a successful EDI (equity, diversity and inclusivity) programme.

“We have a number of staff with disabilities in our team and we are really proud of our very own close-knit community of staff”, says Jodie with a smile. “We believe in equal opportunity and work with charities and community groups on a number of educational programmes.”

As we continue our chat with the team, we learn that there is also a very close connection with local businesses, many of whom donate to or sponsor the museum’s events, and as such, the museum actively engages in promoting the economy of the town hosting workshops and events for all manner of local companies and independent traders.

“Cultural services are seen as a major influencer in the lives of local people”, explains Kirsty “so we are proud to position ourselves as a cultural leader in the town, not just as a focal point in the community but also as an economic driver in the

local community, championing local business and heritage trades. We have built up a strong network across the town and listen to what is happening on the ground to see where or how we can help. We are after all ambassadors for celebrating all things’ Mansfield!”

When we visited we were excited to see what looked like a new exhibition being installed, albeit behind closed doors, and when we asked the team we found out that this would soon be the new “A World of Birds” exhibition, part of the museum’s celebrated rolling programme of exhibitions. An exciting time for the team as they get set to showcase the best of the museum’s rich natural history collection, featuring some spectacular 19th and early 20th century display cases and unique specimens. Visitors can expect 600 birds of over 500 species, many of which are historically important and some rare, little-known gems.

During “A World of Birds” there will also be plenty of other resources for people to explore and enjoy along with screens, reference books and a specially created seating area with comfy seats. In displaying so many wonderful birds the aim is also to increase awareness of habitat and the effect that migration and climate change are having on some species, giving visitors also chance to look at ways they can make small changes themselves at home to help the environment and promote sustainability.

“We are really excited about this one!”, smiles Jodie. “It’s taken a lot of planning and installation, but we know that it will bring a huge amount of joy to everyone who visit. There are so many unusual birds in the collection that you would never normally have a chance to see so we know people will be fascinated with so many incredible species. It also takes us full circle to some of the very first collections that contributed to the creation of our museum which included ornithological exhibits.”

“From 2nd April we will also be unveiling “Football: The Beautiful Game”, Kirsty informs us. “This has been a real labour of love for us, and will be highlighting the diverse facets of football, many often overlooked. We explore concepts of gender, racism, stereotyping, including player and fan experiences, and highlights of the game through time. And of course, we celebrate the successes of Mansfield Town FC, Notts County and Nottingham Forest, in a nod to our exceptional local teams.”

Both “A World of Birds” and “Football: The Beautiful Game” are free for all to enter, and details of opening hours and the full calendar of events and activities for the year are available on the museum website: www.mansfield.gov.uk/museum/

 @mansfieldmuseum

 mansfieldmuseum

A selection of the birds in the exhibit “A World of Birds”. Imagery courtesy of Mansfield District Council - Ian Dearman.

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Hockerton Housing Project

Hockerton Housing Project has earned a reputation for acting as a catalyst for change towards economically sound and sustainable ways of living. Its five innovative earth-sheltered houses have brought international renown to the village of Hockerton. Made caught up with Debbie Yates, Project Director, to unearth more…

Hockerton Housing Project first arose in 1993 when Nottinghamshire land owner and builder Nick Martin and his family became interested in creating a very low energy self-build project on some of his agricultural land. Following a number of local meetings and researching options at green fairs and selfbuild exhibitions a plan was hatched with a group of five keen families on board. The 25-acre site outside the village of Hockerton would become the centre of a sustainable development that pledged to use minimal energy and create little environmental impact.

The internationally renowned architects Professor Brenda and Dr Robert Vale took on the architectural planning for the exciting new project. Known for their work, including the New Autonomous House they were ideally suited to shape the environmentally innovative vision of the group and bring the plans alive. The premise being to provide sustainable homes that would generate their own clean energy, harvest their own water and recycle waste materials, causing no pollution or CO2 emissions, making them (still today) the most energy efficient, self-built dwellings in Europe. Fortunately, the local council at the time were enthusiastic supporters of the project, providing key backing, and it made planning history in 1996 by securing special permission to build a sustainable housing development on what was agricultural land. By 1998 the families had moved in.

We learn that each dwelling has an associated 999-year lease, in keeping with standard leases but with an overarching provision for nature. For example, specific conditions of the lease include a restriction on fossil-fuelled cars, with electric charging points on site for each home, and an obligation to contribute a number of hours to the cooperative per year. Interestingly, this can involve many facets within the project, which also includes a business alongside the self-sufficient co-housing development.

“We all pitch in, as part of our lease requirements, but also because as a community we all wish to see the development flourish and are all joined by our commitment to sustainability”, Debbie explains. “Typically, we all provide so many hours of our time per year per house, and this can be really varied. It might involve tending to garden maintenance or the community allotment, for example or looking after the chickens and beehives.”

The eggs, vegetables and honey are all shared between the residents but sometimes available to the villagers to buy, where there is surplus.

“We also all help out with the business, which provides sustainability consultancy, workshops, sustainability courses, and housing tours, so we will pitch in to ensure this runs smoothly and that we can share our eco-vision with as

Left image: View of the Hockerton Houses. Image above: One of the younger residents taking part in beekeeping. All images © Hockerton Housing Project.

many people as possible. The tours are very popular, in fact, and we even have many overseas parties who come over to learn more about our sustainable practice and design innovation.”

Innovation being integral to the design of the project, we were keen to understand more about the earth sheltering for which it has become famous for. “We have five hundred tons of earth spread across the main part of the houses, which not only reduces the visual impact of our development thus making homes almost invisible from roads or points of public access, but it allows for the return of most of the green footprint”, Debbie explains. “When I say this, I am referring to how much of the roof has been re-colonised by grass and local plants, helping to encourage and protect flora and fauna.”

The impact of earth sheltering it would seem is huge in sustainability, providing a temperature buffer for the homes due to its naturally insulating properties, and given that soil temperature lags air temperature by several months.

“We are also collecting and sustaining our own water supply here, another facet to how we achieve our sustainability pledges.” Debbie adds.

We learn that the Hockerton residents benefit from collected water that is stored underground in cool, dark tanks, that provide a clean environment. The water is passed through a filter to remove any remaining small matter and then through a combined carbon/heavy metal filter to remove any dissolved chemicals and heavy metals. As a final stage it is subjected to ultra violet light which kills any bacteria or viruses, with the residents able to enjoy their own filtered, sustainably sourced drinking water.

Non-drinking water also undergoes filtering through a sand filter before reaching each house, removing any particles and providing some bacteriological action.

The houses use about 25% volume water compared to a conventional home. This has not been achieved however through any discernible loss of convenience or comfort, but by simple conservation measures. Water conservation measures include; low flush toilets, flow restrictors in showerheads and showers are used in preference to baths.

The houses are regarded as being extremely energy efficient, due to their high levels of low-cost insulation, and high thermal mass. This means that they do not need any heating, enough heat is generated from the sun, appliances and residents body heat, 80% of the homes’ energy needs are generated locally through solar hot water, two wind turbines on site, and some photo voltaics. Such is the success that residents firmly believe that this thermal mass is far more effective than lightweight construction methods, for example, which use straw bale technologies.

In fact, the project was the winner of a UK Solar Prize Award in 2000 and winner of the National Energy Efficiency Awards in 2006.

The properties, too, benefit from seamless, naturally inspired design that has successfully drawn on the use of natural light and natural materials to create a tranquil space that aligns beautifully with the outdoor surroundings. Rooms are filled with light, with a beautiful temperature and intriguing features throughout which showcase the use of natural resources sourced locally from the outdoor site. There is certainly a sense of peace and calm, with views over the lakes and surrounded by carefully maintained vegetation.

Making hay while the sun shines. © Hockerton Housing Project.

We learn, too there are some sheep on the development, something which Debbie herself has been helping to support, with lambing a new task on the day-to-day running of the development. “It’s just wonderful!” she exclaims. “Every day is so varied, there’s plenty to do, but it is incredibly fulfilling, and of course we benefit from organic produce and a lifestyle immersed in the countryside.”

“Sustainability is the creation and maintenance of systems that fulfils present needs without compromising the needs of future generations”, Debbie explains, “and there are three key interacting aspects to this; economic, environmental and social. What you find is that you cannot meet these needs if one of these aspects is missing which is why we take an allencompassing approach here.”

We learn that whilst other properties around the 25-acre site have benefitted from green design and eco-features, following similar principles to the original five properties on the development, there are no plans at this stage to create any new ‘earthed’ homes. Whilst this may be disappointing for those who wish to snap up one of the homes the existing property do sometimes come up on the market for sale, so it is worth keeping an eye on the Hockerton Housing Project website for news and updates. For anyone interested, it is recommended that you come along to meet other members of the project, attend several member meetings, and join in a couple of weekend gardening/vegetable growing sessions, giving you a first-hand experience of life in the community.

For those just curious into any of the aspects of the project, from the design though to green impact, and community life, the live tours are recommended, and we enjoyed ours. This gives you the opportunity to see what an earth-sheltered home

looks like and how it feels inside. Tour dates and information are also available on the Hockerton Housing Project website, and they include a guided walk around the site to learn about food, water and renewable energy systems, a tour of one of the homes, and a presentation on the challenges faced during the build and subsequent development of the project.

“The tours are great fun”, Debbie smiles. “Ideal for anyone who is seeking a more sustainable personal lifestyle, environmental and energy campaigns, and any other organisations with an interest in environmental issues. We also find that universites and schools like to come along regularly.”

The development also hosts a unique eco venue which can be hired for events and is popular for conferences, team away days and workshops. A audio-visual room, exhibition space, and outside space (in warmer months) are available along with on-site organic catering.

For residents at the development there certainly seems to be a strong sense of community, driven out of shared interest in both enjoying and protecting this coveted space, and in contributing towards more sustainable choices. “We would certainly like to see more of these projects crop up cross the country, and hope that we can provide sustainable education to designers, architects, and engineers, who could each use Hockerton as an innovative design model and as a business we are keen to provide consultancy to other developments”, concludes Debbie, “but for now we are certainly enjoying our own unique position in environmental championing.”

For more details visit: www.hockertonhousingproject.org.uk

Tour dates: 22 Jun, 21 Sep and 9 Nov.

Book on: www.eventbrite.co.uk

Left: The solar panels that supply power to the project. Right: The single bed accommodation. All images © Hockerton Housing Project.

Whatever The Weather

Dene's Gardening Tips For May & June.

Dene Wood, Head Gardener at Clumber Park.

There’s a saying that May gets its name because it ‘may’ scorch, it ‘may’ rain or it ‘may’ snow. Monitoring the forecast for late frosts, windy days, and dry spells pays dividends.

Seed catalogues on the doormat, extended daylight and the humming of neighbour’s lawnmowers pull us into the garden more. Personally, I like to spend garden time with a book, a cold beer, and some music. In reality though, I spot a million garden tasks and end up pottering for hours: the book and beer my reward on completion.

Traditional lawns benefit from frequent mowing now, but why not consider allowing some to go a little wilder or even replace with wildflowers. A surprisingly small amount of “rough” lawn can be beneficial to nature. Also, tightly mowed paths through meadow-length grass looks stunning, something we employ in the orchards in the walled kitchen garden at Clumber.

Around this time is when ornamental borders are typically at their freshest, turgid with spring showers and not yet baked under the harshest of the summer heat. Foxglove, camassia and clematis can all be bolstered by planting out canna, dahlia and pelargoniums to name a few. Consider adding culinary plants such as basil and chives to your borders, these are just as handsome as they are tasty. A strappy-leaved leek works well beside salvia, as does feathery carrots amongst your geraniums. Have a play.

As the daytime heat builds, the air is heavy with the scent of honeysuckle, philadelphus and lilac, all in competition with one another. Consider growing moth-pollinated flowers that release their scent in the evening, such as nicotiana and evening primrose, perfect timing for sitting out and enjoying some sunshine at the end of the day.

Please continue to feed garden birds, they are excellent pest control and may have young to rear.

Now that I’ve finished writing, I ‘may’ go and grab my book and a beer, but it ‘may’ well end up being secateurs again!

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumberpark

This image: Walled kitchen Garden, Johanna Mather. Below: Camassia, Dene Wood.

Sustainable Interior Design

Redefining your home with eco-friendly elegance.

As we become increasingly aware of our environmental impact, homeowners are seeking ways to create spaces that not only reflect their style but also contribute positively to the planet. Sustainable interior design is at the forefront of this, emphasising the use of eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, and mindful consumption. You can embrace this trend and create a home that is both beautiful and sustainable.

At the core of sustainable interior design is the careful selection of materials. Shop around for local artisans and use designers that source materials that are renewable, recycled, or upcycled. From reclaimed wood furniture to recycled glass accents, each piece tells a story of mindful consumption and environmental stewardship. By choosing materials that have minimal impact on the environment, you are not only reducing waste but also supporting local craftsmanship.

Energy efficiency is another key aspect of sustainable interior design. Invest in smart technologies and energy-efficient appliances to minimise your carbon footprint. From LED lighting to smart thermostats, these innovations not only reduce energy consumption but also lower utility bills, offering long-term savings. By incorporating sustainable practices into your home, you are not only reducing environmental impact but also creating comfortable and costeffective living spaces.

In addition to materials and energy efficiency, sustainable interior design also emphasises the importance of longevity and durability. Instead of opting for fast furniture that quickly loses its appeal, invest in timeless pieces that stand the test of time. By choosing quality over quantity, you are reducing waste and creating spaces that evolve with your needs. From heirloom-quality sofas to handcrafted ceramics, each piece is chosen with care, adding character and charm to the home for years to come.

Beyond the tangible elements of design, sustainable interior design also encompasses a mindset of conscious living. Embrace minimalist principles, declutter your space and focus on what truly matters. By adopting a less-is-more approach, you can create an environment that is not only visually appealing but also conducive to relaxation and well-being. From cosy reading nooks to serene meditation spaces, each corner of the home should be designed with intention, promoting a sense of calm and tranquillity.

As the demand for sustainable interior design continues to grow, eco-friendly innovation is emerging. From eco-conscious retailers to green design firms, there is a wealth of resources available to help homeowners create spaces that are both stylish and sustainable.

Choose eco-friendly materials, embrace energy efficiency, and adopt a mindset of conscious living. Look for environmentally conscious local artisan makers and retailers. By embracing these principles of sustainable interior design, you are not only transforming your home, you are investing in the longevity of our regions eco-friendly businesses and contributing to a brighter, greener future for generations to come.

Save Money With Cloudy2Clear. Your Local Glazing Experts!

As the foremost domestic glass replacement company in the UK for more than 18 years, Cloudy2Clear Windows are the leading name in the industry. There is now no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 340,000 happy customers and replace your glass ethically and affordably. If you have a failed glass unit it may not provide you with the protection you need, or be as energy-efficient as it once was. Why not take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems.

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear John Kendall it became evident that the value of saving their customers money has been held dear for a number

of years. In addition since starting the business in 2005, Cloudy2Clear have committed to supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public both time and money.

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. John commented “By doing this we make the customer considerable savings and there is much less upheaval in the family home. Also, whether communities find themselves in a financial crisis or not, saving money when you don’t need to waste it is always the sensible option, and our service does just that”.

For a free quotation please call 0800 61 21 118 or visit www.cloudy2clear.co.uk.

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The Window To The Soul

How advancements in aesthetic medicine have led to a paradigm shift in the treatment for under eye concerns. An insight with Dr. Bethany Rushworth.

The quest for bright, youthful eyes is a journey familiar to many, as the delicate under eye area often reveals the tell-tale signs of stress, fatigue, and ageing before the rest of the face.

Dr Bethany Rushworth, founder of Renavé Clinic, Retford, explains more; “Dark circles, eye bags, hollows, and puffiness are all common complaints among our patients and until recently we were quite limited in the treatments we could offer to address these concerns. For many years, the solutions were predominantly surgery or under eye filler, which although ideal for some patients, aren’t necessarily the best option for everyone. I am excited to be able to offer alternative solutions in my clinic such as polynucleotides, an injectable gel that brightens and tightens under eye skin whilst reducing puffiness and eye bags. Not only can we achieve beautiful, natural looking results, but having multiple treatment options allows us to formulate a truly bespoke plan for each individual, ensuring optimum aesthetic outcomes”.

When it comes to skincare, Dr Rushworth advised that using the right product to tackle your specific concern is key. “Dark circles, often synonymous with the appearance of fatigue, may actually be due to several factors including pigmentation, a true hollowing or even underlying vasculature showing through the skin. An accurate diagnosis of the cause will ensure you can make an informed choice about which ingredients to use in at home products to see maximum results”.

Ingredients such as Vitamin C, retinol and caffeine all have their place in the right circumstances, however it is important to recognise that there is no one-size-fitsall approach to addressing under eye concerns. With a tailored approach that combines advanced treatments and expert guidance, achieving brighter eyes and a refreshed look is within reach.

Call or book online for a free consultation to discuss your treatment goals and receive a bespoke treatment plan to help you feel like the best version of yourself.

“I am excited to be able to offer alternative solutions in my clinic”

Which Of Your Brains Is The Boss?

(And Is It Really Helping You?)

Three brains are better than one... By Chris Collins, Life Coach.

Great coaches are trained to coach the 'whole' person, not just listening to what is being said, but also what is not being said, observing a clients body language, emotional state and bringing their awareness to how a clients body feels to them at certain moments.

This is because we know that at any one time, we all have three 'brains' in action within our body. The 'head' brain, the 'heart' brain, and the 'gut' brain.

In most people one of these 'brains' takes the leading role and we use this to guide our day to day decision making, but when our other brains are in conflict with the leader, those decisions can feel 'off' in some way and we don’t feel quite as easy about them as we would like.

This is hugely magnified when more important, potentially life changing decisions or actions need to be taken, and these conflicts lead people to make no decisions, take no actions and become stuck in life at pivotal moments. It’s at these points that life coaches can be engaged to help people get 'unstuck'.

The guts’ influence on how your body feels is not a surprise when we now know that 95% of the bodies Serotonin (responsible for your feelings of happiness, wellbeing, focus and calm) and 50% of its Dopamine (responsible for feelings of pleasure) are produced and/or regulated in the gut. We also have 10 times the number of bacterial cells than human cells here, so if these are the ‘wrong’ bacteria it can have profound effects on our bodies, influencing our mood, sleep, and brain function.

As a coach it’s my job to be able to empower clients to unlock their fullest potential and navigate life’s challenges with clarity, confidence and resilience and if I’m missing out on some of your brain power then that’s lost potential for me and you.

It's now literally a case of three brains are better than one!

Amongst many other things, we help clients work on becoming aware of and developing all three of their brains so that once their 'wants and needs' for their best future life have truly been understood, they can 'cross check' any decisions and actions needed to get there in a more integrated way.

This is key to making progress, as when you are fully aligned in all three of your brains then your intentions are more likely to turn into actual decisions, that will feel great, and then confident, consistent, effective actions will follow.

The science behind this three brain phenomenon is becoming more and more clear, with gut health currently being a boom industry for this very reason.

It’s now literally a case of three brains are better than one!

Drop me a message on the details below if you would like to know more.

Chris Collins - ICF ACC.

For further details and to speak to Chris call: 07973 179982

Email: chris_collins22@hotmail.com

You can also find booking details through instagram:  @chriscollinscoach

 Chris Collins Life Coach

Sign-Up Today

For regular updates, prices and information regarding personal and group sessions, sign-up to Chris's mailing list by emailing: chris_collins22@hotmail.com

Eco Beauty

Tips on how to be more mindful in your beauty routine, choosing eco-conscious products.

1. Read Labels

Look for products with transparent labelling that clearly lists natural, organic, and sustainably sourced ingredients. Avoid products with harmful chemicals like parabens, sulphates, and phthalates.

2. DIY Beauty

Consider making your own beauty products using natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils. DIY recipes not only allow you to control the ingredients but also reduce packaging waste.

3. Buy Organic

Seek out products that are certified organic by reputable organisations. Organic ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, promoting healthier ecosystems. Look for ecocertifications which guarantee that products meet specific environmental standards.

4. Biodegradable

Look for beauty products with biodegradable formulas that break down naturally without harming the environment. Ingredients like plant-based oils, waxes, and natural exfoliants are typically biodegradable.

5. Local & Independent

Moving Towards Balance in Life

6. Support Sustainable Research and support brands that prioritise sustainability throughout their production process. Look for brands that use renewable energy, minimise water usage, and implement eco-friendly manufacturing practices.

7. Minimal Packaging

Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging to reduce waste. Look for brands that use recycled materials or offer refillable options to minimise environmental impact.

8. Choose Cruelty-Free Opt for products that are not tested on animals. Look for cruelty-free certifications.

9. Reusable Packaging

Seek out brands that offer refillable or reusable packaging options. Refillable containers reduce the need for single-use plastic and encourage a circular economy.

By following these tips, you can make informed choices when selecting beauty products that are not only good for your skin but also for the planet.

Choose beauty products from local and independent brands to reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation and support small businesses that prioritise sustainability.

Five A Day...

Today’s supermarkets offer an exciting variety of vegetables and fruits. Rich in vitamins and dietary fibre, vegetable dishes should always be incorporated into your weekly menu plans, and remember, five a day is the minimum recommended portions for you and your family to keep you healthy and significantly reduce the risk of getting many chronic diseases. For those of you with a sweet tooth, instead of reaching for a biscuit try a few dried apricots, figs or raisins, or enjoy a fruit smoothie any time of the day. By food demonstrator & home economist, Teresa Bovey. Teresa's Cook Books are available on Amazon, Etsy and madeinn.co.uk/shop

Brushetta 3 Ways

Here are three topping ideas for a Brushetta. I put them onto sliced toasted Sourdough or they can also be used as toppings for Crostini using French sticks which have been cut into 1 inch slices. These are lovely for parties, lunch or as a starter before a meal and make use of seasonal vegetables.

Prepare your toppings to begin with. Each recipe quantity is enough for four people as a starter. Pile the toppings on sliced toasted Sourbread or oven baked French Bread slices.

Asparagus & Goats Cheese

Allow 3-4-asparaugus spears per person. Griddle the asparagus in a little olive oil until they are lightly charred and softened.

Mash the goats cheese and season with a little salt and black pepper. Alternatively you can use cream cheese with garlic such as Roule in this recipe. Spread over the toasted bread and top with asparagus. Spread the cheese onto the toasted bread. Arrange the griddled asparagus spears on top. Drizzle over a little Balsamic glaze if desired and serve.

Tomato, Roasted

Pepper, Red Onion & Garlic

8-10 large ripe tomatoes, 1 roasted red pepper diced, 1 small red onion - diced, 1-2 crushed garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, seasonings.

Cut the tomatoes and pepper into small dice. The pepper can be from a jar or try cutting one in half, drizzling over a little oil and roasting in an Air-fryer at 200ºC for 10 -12 minutes. Remove skin before dicing and adding to the tomatoes.

Mix all the ingredients and leave for ½ hour for all the flavours to combine.

Mushroom & Garlic

300g Mushrooms, 25g butter, 1 tsp oil, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tsp dried thyme, 3 tbsp double cream, salt and pepper.

Cook the mushrooms in the butter and oil, adding 2 crushed garlic cloves and 2 tsp dried thyme half-way through cooking. Cook until the moisture has evaporated off. Stir in the cream before serving.

Watercress, Potato & Stilton Soup

Ingredients

1 tsp olive oil

25g butter

1 medium onion, chopped

225g potato, peeled and chopped weight

750mls vegetable or chicken stock

salt and black pepper

80g watercress

3 tbsp crème fraiche

Method

1. Place the oil and butter into a pan and lightly fry the onion for 2-3 minutes.

2. Add the chopped potato, hot stock, salt and black pepper.

3. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes.

4. Add the watercress and cook for a further 2-3 minutes.

5. Stir in the crème fraiche.

6. Serve with chunks of bread Serves 4

Moroccan Style Vegetable Tagine

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1 large white onion

1 butternut squash, peeled and diced

2 sweet potatoes

3 carrots

1-2 garlic cloves

1 tbsp Ras el Hanout spice

300mls hot vegetable stock

1 x 200g small can chopped tomatoes

1 inch of cinnamon stick

Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve Chopped parsley and couscous

Method

1. Place the olive oil and onion into a large shallow pan and fry gently for 5 minutes. Add the remaining vegetables cook for a further 5 minutes.

2. Stir in the garlic and spices, cook for 2 minutes.

3. Add the stock and tomatoes, cover and simmer for 35-45 minutes until the vegetables are tender. (Timing could be less if the veg is cut into smaller dice or cooked on a higher heat.)

4. Season and serve with couscous. Serves 4

Roasted Chickpeas

Ingredients

1 400g can chickpeas

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp seasoning – eg Sumac, Harrissa

Method

1. Drain the chickpeas. You can reserve the juice to make Vegan meringues (recipe on page 64).

2. Place the chickpeas into a sieve and rinse in cold water. Dry them well on kitchen paper and then place them into an airfryer basket.

3. Drizzle over the oil and season with spice

4. Heat for 15-18 mins on 200ºC until toasted, shaking the basket during cooking.

5. Serve immediately with drinks as an alternative to nuts or sprinkle onto a ready-made grain salad to add a little crunch. These will soften on standing so need to be eaten quite quickly.

Green Fruit

Salad With Lime Yoghurt

Ingredients

2 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced

2 kiwis, peeled and sliced ¼ melon, cut into chunks

28 green grapes, halved

Lime Yoghurt

150g natural or Greek yoghurt

1 tbsp caster sugar

Rind and juice of 1 lime

Method

1. Pour half the lime juice over the apples.

2. Combine all the fruits and place them into serving dishes.

3. Mix together the remaining lime juice and zest with the yoghurt and caster sugar.

4. Serve with the fruit.

Vegan Meringues

Ingredients

120mls chickpea juice

120g caster sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp cream of tartar

To serve

Soya cream or coconut cream and summer berries

Method

1. Whisk the chickpea juice until a meringue like mixture forms. This will take a lot longer than using egg whites but works successfully.

2. Continue to whisk in the caster sugar a little at a time, finishing with the vanilla extract and cream of tartar.

3. Place dessert spoonfuls of the mixture onto two baking sheets that have been lined with nonstick baking paper and bake in a preheated oven 100ºC/Gas for 1 hour.

4. Turn the oven off and leave to cool in the oven for 30 minutes.

5. Serve with either soya cream or coconut cream and a selection of summer berries.

Makes approximately

50 small meringues.

Frozen fruits work really well in a smoothie so it's handy to have some in your freezer.

Simply add all the ingredients into a blender and whiz it up until it's smooth.

Tropical Smoothie Ingredients

300g frozen tropical fruit mixpineapple, mango, kiwi

330mls coconut water

5 tbsp low fat yoghurt

Strawberry & Banana Smoothie

Ingredients

100g fresh or frozen strawberries

1 banana

300mls skimmed milk or apple juice

3 tbsp low fat yoghurt or 6 tbsp if using apple juice)

Find more of Teresa's wonderful recipes in the Spring/Summer cook book available online on www.madeinn.co.uk/shop

www.teresabovey.co.uk

We Recommend...

Mr & Mrs Fine Wine

As we gear up for some lovely days in the sun and start to think about bright and breezy outdoor occasions, our minds start to wander to all things green! Now more than ever, people are paying attention to the environment and that includes the sourcing of their wines! We’re always more than happy to consider Organic and sustainable options when it comes to our offering, and it can be fascinating to learn about the ecofriendly methods our contemporary winemakers are using. It’s fair to say that the world of fine wine depends not only upon its environment, from the terroir to production methods but even the packaging, and that can only be a good thing!

Austrian Organic

The Austrian, highly aromatic, dark skinned, St. Laurent grape, is a lesser-known varietal and that means you can get great wines at great value! Similar in style to Pinot Noir, yet more bold and deeper in colour, this food-friendly, red wine can be a fabulous pairing with meals such as grilled meat, should you be barbecuing, or even alongside a tasty mushroom risotto! Landauer St. Laurent Gisperg, £19.99, is full of red berry aromas and it has a noticeable smoothness on the palate. Sehr Gut!

Move Over Vinho Verde…

It’s always fun for wine enthusiasts to discover new grapes that have the comfort of familiarity but also an exciting, new edge – yes, really! – and Avesso is a great contender!

A native grape of Portugal, lesser know outside of its home, Avesso is a light, summery style of white wine, with flavours of apple and lemon. Our summery Portuguese Organic white wine recommendation comes right from the border between Vinho Verde and the Duoro, Quinta de Santa Teresa Avesso, £19.99, and it’s a great choice alongside freshly grilled seafood or lighter lunches. Avesso has a crisp and bright acitidy and ages exceptionally, should you be able to wait!

Beautifully Balearic

From Organic vines on the beautiful Balearic island of Majorca comes a real treat for the tastebuds, our Organic red recommendation, Son Vich de Superna, £12.99. Made using Majorcan native grapes, this intensely cherry red coloured wine delivers an array of fruity flavours with a coastal freshness and a slight minerality. How fabulous to sip a wine from one of your favourite holiday destinations!

The Finest For Father’s Day

When it comes to Father’s Day, nothing shows you care more than a fine bottle of Bordeaux, especially one from a vineyard which dates back to the 18th century, representing one of the oldest Saint Estèphe wines! Château Tronquoy-Lalande 2018, £39.99, is predominantly merlot, the jewel of the appellation and it delivers flavours ranging from blackcurrant to tobacco, all with superbly well-integrated tannins.

Or Why Not Whisky?

Whisky never goes out of favour in our experience, and it really comes into its own at Father’s Day! For the dad who likes to try something new and embrace different styles of his tipple of choice, why not look to the original from the USA, Rye Whiskey, arguably the original American Whiskey! From Utah, USA, High West ‘Double Rye’, £49.99, has some bold, woody aromas of pine and oak with a warming dash of spice and flavours of honey and cinnamon. A new favourite for Father’s Day!

www.mrandmrsfinewine.co.uk

Stylish& Sustainable

There are so many ways to be sustainable with fashion, it doesn't have to be just the labels you buy.

Shop with a clear conscience and look out for brands that produce high-quality, eco-friendly collections.

Perhaps you could test out the rental market for a special occasion, or opt for secondhand over brand new. Care for your pieces properly and keep them looking their best as long as possible!

This

£60. Saskia stripe t-shirt, ivory, £39.

make women feel beautiful inside and out. The range features beautifully designed bras, bralettes, knickers in a variety of shapes and styles, plus a range of bed-to-beach-tobar wear including oversized shirts and embroidered sweatshirts.

This image: Peachaus. Salix blossom-embroidered ethical-cotton sweatshirt in shoreline peach, £80. Joggers, £70.

Left: Peachaus. Yew striped ethical cotton pyjama shirt in summer sand beige, £65. Sitka blossom-embroidered ethical-cotton joggers, £70. Acacia seamless stretch-bamboo bralette in blossom lilac, £35. Peachaus.com

Peachaus is a curated collection made from recycled Italian lace, low-impact cotton, bamboo and recycled polyester, all fabrics have been carefully selected to ensure that the products are super comfortable, soft, lightweight and breathable to

Pretty in pastel

Eco-Style

If you are looking for eco-friendly glasses then Obviously Optical has multiple ranges that are made from completely recycled materials. These frames are made from sea plastics, fishing nets and even old washing machines!

Visit Obviously Optical to see the full range available at 78 Carolgate, Retford, DN22 6EF.

obviouslyoptical.com

Eco Eyewear works with Trees for the Future to plant a tree for every frame purchased. With the help of its customers around the world, the company has planted over 2.5 million so far, and that number just keeps growing.

Eco's biobased frames are crafted using castor seed oil, making them lightweight, comfortable –and sustainable. The latest recycled collection is unique: it’s made from 95% recycled metal.

Eco’s FW19 recycled and biobased frames have magnetic sun clip-on! All Eco cases and packaging are made from recycled materials.

7.

1. Primark X Rita Ora, denim komono made with cotton from Primark Sustainable Cotton Programme, £26, www.primark.com

2. Fable England, Catherine Rowe pet portraits margarita green kimono, £68, www.fableengland.com 3. Fable England, blue forget-me-not hoop earrings, £36, www.fableengland.com 4. Fable England, meadow creatures lilac square scarf, £30, www. fableengland.com 5. Fable England, Whispering sands vintage blue bucket hat, £20, www.fableengland.com 6. Fable England, whispering sands powder blue camera bag, £55, www.fableengland.com 7. Celtic & Co, Low wedge double buckle sandal, £65, www.celticandco.com.

Neem London Recycled flannel British green check shirt jacket, £189. Comfort shirt performante lilac cut away shirt, £139.

Neem London

ZQ Merino supersoft crew neck modern sweatshirt, £149.

Neem London

Recycled Italian white cut away comfort shirt, £139.

Recycled ribbed cotton pop colour men's socks multi pack, £35.

The All-New Maserati GranCabrio

Our Ode To Joy

The Italian brand has signed up the director Marco Gentile to celebrate its new convertible, synonymous with the most exclusive freedom when driving.

To enhance the all-Italian beauty and free spirit of GranCabrio, the brand's latest creation dedicated to those who want to feel alive every day with the wind in their hair, to those seeking a car as a true travel companion to discover the world, Maserati dedicates its very own ode to joy: “The all-new Maserati GranCabrio. Our Ode to Joy.”

An all-new rhythm with a quickening beat, a melody that keeps pace with a sublime and engaging driving experience, accompanied by images that convey excitement, fun, desire for beauty, to make the heart rejoice and enjoy every moment to the fullest.

A portrait of pure nonchalance, a celebration of life encompassed in a short but powerful video, the creative concept of which was entrusted to the Naïve communications agency, then developed by the Movie Magic production house and directed by Marco Gentile. An internationally renowned storyteller, previous winner of a Silver Lion at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in 2010 and author of music videos and advertising campaigns for global clients, Gentile immerses Maserati GranCabrio in the warm, vibrant atmospheres and breathtaking panoramas of Salento, in Puglia. The area and its wonderful unspoilt views and corners of discreet and exclusive luxury embodies the most original and distinctive Italian spirit, speaking to the world as nothing else can, with its unmistakable attitude that epitomises the infectiously joyful lifestyle of this country.

Just like the spirit of Maserati GranCabrio, and of those who decide to sit behind the wheel of the Trident’s new convertible,

where elegance and performance enliven every emotion and take them to a higher level.

“Sing like no one is listening. Love like you have never been hurt. Dance like nobody is watching. And drive like the best is yet to come”, is the aphorism selected to set out Maserati’s expression in creations such as GranCabrio, a sports car capable of providing the best in comfort, to savour every single mile of your life.

The video made for the recent launch of GranCabrio Trofeo – a gem 100% made in Modena and a manifesto of the most all-encompassing driving in the great outdoors – offers an ouverture with the music of the waves at sea: the power of nature immediately merges in an engaging crescendo with the thunder of the Nettuno engine. In the meantime, the unmistakable refrain of the “Ode to Joy” comes in first as a whisper as if on tiptoe, then explodes into a rock version created specifically for Maserati GranCabrio, the setting for atmospheres of celebration, sharing, freedom, and pure enjoyment of the beauty all around us.

A concert of emotions and passions, in the most authentic Italian and Maserati style. An exhortation to lead life our own way.

“The all-new Maserati GranCabrio. Our Ode to Joy.” was launched on the brand's official YouTube channel and is also available on all the brand's main digital platforms. Watch the video on: www.youtube.com/@maserati

For further details visit: www.maserati.com

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