The Beestonian 84: Winter 2022/23

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Beeston doesn't rest - you only need to nip into Hallams for some smoked haddock and bananas, and by the time you come out there's something new!

Fashion

1st name

Title Stuff

CHarItY Fashion

This has reached its apotheosis with his ‘Mark Steel In Town..’ series on BBC Radio 4, with the listening figures bearing out its genius (it’s now twelve seasons in, and now available in longer-form podcasts ). Focusing on a different settlement each episode, Mark sniffs out its oddities, snuffling up nuggets of pure singularity from the physical, cultural and social chaos. While usually focusing on towns, Mark decided to turn his attention to our sister City (East Beeston, aka Nottingham), and asked me to be his guide. Which explained while a few days later I found myself wandering the caves deep below the Broadmarsh with one of the funniest men around cracking jokes about the audio commentary, setting the tone for a day where we traipsed the streets as I tried to explain the deep reasons our Council Houses look like St Pauls, and why our most loved musician couldn’t play the Xylophone. We finished up in the Trip (start in a cave, finish in a cave, but with beer), and a couple more meetings and phone calls later and Mark had a show.

And so one balmy Summer night I was sitting terrified in the front row of Metronome in Nottingham as Mark prepared to record his thoughts on our city in front of an audience. Terrified, for two reasons: first, had I done my job properly and given Mark the raw material for him to spin into comedy gold? If not, this audience would swiftly, and vocally, let it be known. Secondly, he had warned me beforehand I’d be handed the mic to give my take on some subjects (the aforementioned Xylophone man/ Lord Byron’s willy).

I had no need for fear: it was startlingly brilliant to see how Mark saw the hilarity in what us locals see as everyday: our penchant for rebellion; our insistence on the left lion being the ONLY meeting place in the Square; our need to smash stuff, mainly peas. If one moment sticks in my mind it was looking to my left and seeing Ron Manager (of this parish and Twitter and Robin Hood doubled over with laughter, then looking to my right and seeing the Lord Mayor and Sherriff of Nottingham both in a similar posture. For the record,they were observed from a similar position, and blurred, due to the coursing tears.

It’s on BBC Sounds now, and you should give it a listen before diving into the rest of the series: the Newport one is especially brilliant. I can’t thank Mark and his team enough for giving me an opportunity to be part of the show, and should he ever wish to narrow his focus to Nottingham’s best satellite town, I know just the guy to help him put it together.

Most small boys found a love of transport. Whether it be cars, planes, or ships. One of the most popular is trains. Going down to the local railway station with notebook and pen, to record the numbers or names of the engines arriving or departing. For some, like Philip Williams, it’s a lifelong passion. From becoming an engineer for a Derby based railway company, to running his own line. Well one in miniature, and in his garden.

The model railway is a well known attraction, and one of my favourites on the Beeston Garden Trail, having been involved in it for some 22 years, and raising a substantial amount of money over the past six or seven for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.

I first asked Philip how long it had taken him to build. “We moved here in 1996 and it took several months for the track to be laid. We had to put in the railway and plant the garden at the same time. The posts are drainpipes and the trackbase was weatherboard. I replaced it during 2020/21 with decking. So, it should last a lot longer”. The track is at waist high and is built for ‘O’ or 1/43 scale trains. It runs round the garden, with a big central area that’s full of plants. I enquire if there’s ever a problem with leaves on the line. “No”, replies Philip, “But sometimes there’s snails. Especially when it’s been raining”.

Philips garage has been converted into the nerve centre of the action, with scaled buildings of shops, pubs and houses, and the radio control unit that operates the track. There’s also a bowling green, a station, and a Lido, based on the one that used to stand in Highfields, where the Lakeside Arts gallery building now stands, plus various other buildings. “There’s a couple of Beeston buildings, one of the Victorian houses on Park Street, that I thought looked like a doctors,

the former Royal Oak pub and the Christ Church in Chilwell. “Most of the buildings are scratchbuilt by me using plasticard and feature buildings from the 1930s to the 1960s”.

I ask if Philip belongs to a club of some kind. “It’s the Gauge O East Midlands group. We meet around eight or nine times a year. But since Covid, it’s been difficult to find anywhere to meet. We have a portable track that we like to use. There has been around 25 to 30 members, but I think we are at about 15 at the moment. Having an outside track, meant that six of us could still meet in the garden during lockdown”.

Being a big fan of the railway, I wonder if Philip has a favourite locomotive. “Not really. I’ve been on so many. I’ve been on the footplate of one as we went through the Channel Tunnel while working on the joint project with the French. I’ve also been on the blue Pullmans, that became the High Speed Trains.”

We head back to the spacious bungalow, where I see Philip’s wife Karin trying to swat a fly. “Have you seen Phil’s collection of model cars”? I’m led through the house to a room with a large display case of model cars. I spot some old black Renaults, a couple of E Type Jags and some other familiar makes. Another cabinet contains some trucks, fire engines and buses. I Karin then shows me a diorama of a narrowboat passing some figures sitting by a picnic table.

We chat further about collecting, the space that they can take up and the Garden Trail. I mention Gerry Anderson and Karin tells me excitedly that she met him at Nottingham University during the late 1960s, where he came to give a talk about his success with Thunderbirds.

Steel band: Lord B, (left) producer Carl (right) Mark (second right) the production team

Prof Sir Martyn Poliakoff CBE Scientist Extraordinaire!

beeston speaks i am C

ongratulations to the University of Nottingham's very own scientist extraordinaire, YouTube celebrity and all round top Beestonian, Prof Sir Martyn Poliakoff CBE, as he was made a Freeman of the borough of Broxtowe on 16th November, at a special ceremony at the former town hall on Foster Avenue. Led by the deputy mayor Teresa Cullen, as the current mayor David Grindell was unable to attend, an invited audience watched as he and five others given this honour, whilst one became an Alderman Local councillors Janet Patrick and Helen Skinner spoke about Martyn's dedication to Beeston, through his long association with the Civic Society, the 'Beeston2020Vision' project and his enthusiasm in making Beeston a greener place to live through his support of the Greening Beeston Group. It was also mentioned that his YouTube videos about explaining the elements of the Periodic Table have been seen over one and a half million times. Not forgetting the fact that he has a tram named after him.

Martyn who originally hails from West London, has lived in Beeston since 1979, and has attempted to make his house as energy efficient and green as possible. His father was an electronics engineer and inventor, whilst Martyn’s younger brother Stephen is a playwright and film director.

The five other people from the borough who also received awards were David Bingham from Eastwood, for his commitment to the Eastwood Phoenix Project. Former Broxtowe Mayor Derek Burnett BEM, for his work with the Beeston Memory Café. Gillian Bourne from Stapleford, for her long standing commitment to the 5th Stapleford Scout Group. Historian David Nunn, who lives in Kimberley for his research work into the names of the dead from Notts during World War 1. 94 year old Kenneth (Bob) Storer for his charity work on the children’s ward at the QMC. Finally, former Broxtowe Councillor Kenneth Rigby becomes an Alderman for his varied community work in the district.

By Lucy Morrow

What brings the JOY to Beeston?

Little Pleasures in Tough Times

Winter isn’t the easiest time of the year for many, but one way to mitigate the blues is to appreciate what is there over what isn’t: a little bit of gratitude goes a long way. As such, we went onto Beeston Updated and asked what people there considered the ‘little pleasures of Beeston’: the small everyday things about the town that add a little sparkle to the day. The response: far, far too many to publish, so here’s just a taste of those moments of magic:

Helen Skinner

I just love the water feature in the sand pit area at Broadgate Park. Such a clever thing . I am sad to have run out of grandchildren to give me the pretext to play there.

Hilary Cook

Being able to usually bump into someone for a chat or a coffee when you’re not expecting it!

Sam Clements

The smiley hello from the security guard at Sainsburys

Purplesal Garlick

Fred Hallams, we are blessed to have this absolute gem of a shop. Our green spaces; being so close to Attenborough NR and the Canal is a joy which I never take for granted.

Sarah JT

Hearing the rumble of the weir as you approach the River Trent in the Rylands.

Geraldine Gray

A coffee in Greenhood Coffee House where their lovely jazz background music and friendly staff always calm me down.

Dean Hywel Farrelly

The Pottle and Lee who runs it. Both are intertwined delivering great beer, chat, and a happy place to spend an hour, or three.

Chris Storer

Access to green spaces: the river, Weirfields, canal, university, Attenborough Nature Reserve and many parks for children, families and dogs to exercise and meet new people. Cafes and pubs in both green spaces and centrally where the friendly people of Beeston pass the time of day.

Dog and Bean cafe where there’s always free advice for dog owners.

Shell Woo

Heading home on dark winter early evenings and seeing the Arc cinema lit up like a glorious barcode - love it

Stephanie Barnard

Walking down the High Street and hearing a dozen languages and smelling all the wonderful intercultural foods!

Tina Eaton-Claypole

When we go for a walk and see George the cat or sitting outside any local cafés and Broadgate Park, just people watching and catching sight of squirrels going about their business, I love.

Liezel Magill

Walking through Broadgate park in the spring and summer time, admiring all the beautiful cherry trees in bloom, on my way into town

Fiona Garton

My little pleasure of Beeston (Rylands) is the weir. The times I spent sitting on top of the concrete slope when I was growing up. I love the smell of the weir and on a windy day, you can feel it too. Visiting home, it’s still my favourite thing to do.

Julie Giles

I always say a silent hello to the Owen Jenkins mural. Also enjoy sitting outside the many lovely eateries in the summer months

Helena Durham

Jo’s Local Not Global Deli on Chilwell High Road is my go-to place for homemade lunches and cakes. She usually has tasty options that don’t contain gluten, so are perfect for me. And it’s handy for picking up a few ingredients, food gifts or even hampers. Oh, and wine and beer!

It truly is a local relief from global chains and supermarkets. As there’s just Jo and a few tables, it has a lovely atmosphere whether you’re there alone or with others.

Tim Pearson

Driving over the bridge into the Free State of The Rylands

Em Stephenson (and many, many others!)

Seeing Joey the cat

Bow Selecta

Featured Artist: TBC

Debra Urbacz

Creative Beeston

This month: TEXT

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Christopher Frost Rock Choir

It’s not every day that you’re greeted by a giant silver and gold bell. But that’s what happened when I went to a rehearsal of Beeston’s Rock Choir. Which took place at the Lanes Junior School.

I’m writing this in early November, so naturally its Christmas. Well, it is in the Rock Choir’s world, as they were rehearsing for a concert at the Albert Hall later in the month.

The group’s leader and musical director Jennie Harwood met me in the hall’s doorway dressed as a bell, as members arrived dressed as Santa’s, elves, and other iconic Christmas emblems, and with plenty of Christmas jumpers on show.

After some voice warm up exercises an announcement that nearly all the tickets for the show had been sold, and a groanworthy cracker joke, Jennie announced that the

evening would be dedicated to learning this one particular song: Carol of the Bells’.

There was in the region of 80+ people in the choir that had been split into three groups, sopranos, altos, and basses. Each group took a turn with their particular part of the song, before they had a run through, all singing together into one harmonic melody. It’s not a song that I am particularly familiar with, only really hearing it on a tv advert some years ago for a supermarket or department store.

The evening was light and full of laughter, despite the work that was being put in. Jennie’s cracker jokes punctuated the rehearsal, which caused much groaning amongst the group.

Stalwarts of Beeston’s Oxjam for many years, they usually open the event, either in the Square, or as happened this year, outside the Oxfam shop on the high Road.

The break arrived, and I was able to chat to Jennie about the group and the forthcoming concert. “The Rock Choir began in 2005 by Caroline Redman Lusher in Farnham, Surrey. She was a music teacher at a 6th form college and was asked to create a choir for the students. She wanted to be in one herself, so that’s how the Rock Choir was formed”.

I then asked about the forthcoming concert at the Albert Hall in Nottingham. “Well, besides the Beeston group, I also run the ones in Derby, Mansfield, Mickleover and Duffield, we are all getting together to sing 14 songs on the 20th of November. Over 276 singers, singing their hearts out for the Rainbows Children’s Hospice”. At the time of the interview nearly all the tickets had been sold, but at the time of writing, it was a sell out. Meaning that over 600 people had seen the concert.

“I’ve been a professional musician for and number of years and joined the Rock Choir in 2013. It’s a great way of using my musical skills, and I think everyone has a good time. You don’t need to be able to sing, or understand music, just a love of singing”.

I wondered how the songs are chosen. “We have a creative team that looks after that, the membership and booking events”. It a big operation, as looking on their website, they have 30 employees at their HQ, who organise 2000 events a year, and look after the 80 leaders like Jennie.

Should you fancy having a go yourself, they offer free taster sessions. By the time you are reading this, they would have broken up for the holiday, so their new term starts on Thursday 12th Jan 2023 at 8pm at the Lanes Junior School on Cater Lane.

A victory for our community!

The Plot to Split Beeston

Afew months ago I received a tip that as part of the Boundary Commissions consultation in constituency borders, the local Conservatives, not least our MP, had submitted proposals to carve Beeston in half, putting a very non-Tory chunk of the town in a different constituency.. Half of Beeston would be in Broxtowe, half in Nottingham. While this would be only a Parliamentary change, not a council one, it could be assumed that would be the next step. The arguments presented were almost laughably weak: NCT operates buses here, NET runs trams. That little bit of Beeston that borders the Uni campus is technically in the city, so hey, let’s move the line West. And so on. This seemed to be blatant gerrymandering.

We’re not a political magazine, and try and represent a plurality of views as befits a community-led publication. I do, personally, write on political issues in other places, but I’ve always found that this place is best kept free of party politics as much as we can. Otherwise we risk polarity, and, as was seen in the rancid FB ‘Rant Rooms’ during the tram debacle, an outright cleave of the town.

Yet this suggestion to cut the town in two was doing just that, and thus transcended party politics. The Boundary Commission can only accept suggestions and submissions that aren’t party-politically driven, and this clearly was. Labour, Conservative, Lib Dem or Green, this was crazy to all Beestonians. It seemed vital to do something.

I set up a poll on Beeston Updated, and had a huge response with near-unanimous opposition to the revised plans. I worked through these, collating opinions and statistics, before making representations to the Boundary Commission; first online, then in person at a public consultation at Nottingham Council House. My evidence at the consultation was not me giving my opinion, but as faithful amplification of the feeling from my own consultations. We then waited, fingers crossed. While it seemed obvious that the Tories’ plan was cynical and ridiculous, with virtually no public support, the mechanisms to influence the commission from wellresourced places still ensured this wait was full of uncertainty. Then, in mid-November, news.

Our efforts appear to have worked: the Boundary Commission have rejected the Tories proposal and Beeston as a complete entity in parliament is (nearly) saved (the final details are being finessed after we go to print),

This Commitee’s latest report shows the arguments against were persuasive in rejecting cutting us in half : “We were particuarly persuaded by the arguments made to prevent the alternative (the Conservative plan) of a division of Beeston, as it is a single, unified community” Amen to that.

Perhaps there is an argument that Beeston belongs in the City. I hope that conversation is had at some point, rationally, and transparently, and with the whole of the community engaging with the idea. But only putting half the town into the city was a display of political cynicism, beaten back by community strength

Survive & thrive

We often talk about Beeston Rylands being a wonderful community to live in, and in this edition, I’ve been trying to unpick what we mean when we talk about community, and share my thoughts on how I think it can shape our lives.

According to the Collins online dictionary community can mean:

1. SINGULAR NOUN [with singular or plural verb]

The community is all the people who live in a particular area or place.

2. COUNTABLE NOUN [with singular or plural verb]  A particular community is a group of people who are similar in some way.

3. UNCOUNTABLE NOUN Community is friendship between different people or groups, and a sense of having something in common.

Humans have evolved to thrive best within a community, like a tribe protecting each other, however through the changing stages of our lives our emphasis and dependance on ‘community’ alters.

When you grow up in an area, you place particular importance on friendships and belonging within the community and your experience or appreciation can be quite different to that of a so called ‘newcomer’.

The role community plays when you mature, reach adulthood and have children of your own can be quite significant. The community that meets outside the school gates can be very influential in positive and negative ways. Then there’s the community groups that are provided for our elder residents such as the Friday Club that allow old friendships to be rekindled years down the line.

Over the last few years, months and weeks, it’s become apparent to me that our community can often play a significant part in how we recover from personal trauma and loss. Loss is part of being human, whether it’s loss of a family member or friend. Or whether it’s a loss of status, health, relationship or material thing that’s important to you.

Community can include the people (some you know well, others might be neighbors or acquaintances) who rally round to help you pick up the pieces, act as a safety net and feel like a warm hug when you most need it.

Unfortunately, community can also be the thing happening around you seemingly beyond your reach that makes you feel separate, excluded and alone. Sometimes it can seem like a club you’re not part of.

Like the social problems online communities can create, real life communities can have similar issues; bullying, exclusion, misunderstandings and hurt. Sometimes it’s important to reassess the role community plays in your life and how important it is.

We do well to remember that community can mean different things at different times and that its role in our life doesn’t stand still. Who could have imagined the role community played in our lives when Covid 19 struck, but also how soon we all got back to living our individual lives once the pandemic was over. Even the seasons affect our sense of community. In the summer many of us see lots of our neighbors, in the winter it can be weeks/ months between chats.

It’s worth remembering particularly during Winter and the festive season that we have the choice how to engage with our community, how much effort we put into it, and how much we rely on it. To some extent we can decide what place it occupies in our life.

We can also look out for those that might seem separated and outside of your community. Sparing five minutes of your time for a chat can mean so much to someone who is feeling isolated.

Equally don’t be too harsh on those that don’t seem to have time, as we might not appreciate how extremely busy, they are or what problems they are having problems of their own.

So, let’s make an extra effort over this winter and festive period to not take our community for granted and make sure we look after it and those within it.

Janet Shipton (Barnes) Rylands Community Activist

This month: Winter Reflections

“... only putting half the town into the city was a display of political cynicism.”

Scott Bennett Comedian | www. scottbennettcomedy.co.uk

Twitter - @scottbcomedyuk | Instagram - @ scottbcomedyuk

Stand up from the shed – Live stream Every Week Live – www.facebook.com/scottybcomedy

Podcast – Search “Stand up from the shed” on Apple and Soundcloud Twitter - @standupinashed

Debra Urbacz

This month: The Art of Balance

October has been a truly exciting month for the team at Thortify! The much anticipated release of the first of the three workbooks took place on Monday 10th – to coincide with World Mental Health Day. The response in the first twenty-four hours was overwhelming, and wonderful in equal amounts

Coincidentally, the launch of the Ground Yourself workbook also happened right at the start of the week the first ‘official’ Bee Creative Community face-to-face session was scheduled, since the pandemic called them to abrupt halt back in

March 2020. The feedback we received was just as encouraging.

‘The workbook is accessible and fun, with easy activities which are tempting and creative, presented in playful style – I love and will be using it’.

‘I’m enjoying the Ground Yourself Workbook – so many ideas to think about and put into practice. I have much difficult, emotional stuff to process at the moment so the workbook couldn’t have come at a better time.’

‘Spending time mindfully making art is so relaxing and offers a place of sanctuary.’

You can choose to download the whole booklet, or just the worksheets to save on paper and ink. Of course you can simply view on line and work in a notebook or on paper if you would rather.

Come and join Thortify’s online community and take advantage of our free gift to you!

www.thortify.com/workbooks

Meanwhile, out in our Beeston community we have many brilliant opportunities for keeping balanced in a variety of interesting ways. You might recall we spoke to the ebullient Amy Gill of Circle Power Academy in the last issue, and she has returned to our festive edition to bring some calm among the Christmas chaos.

For this publication I have been chatting to Caroline Challender a Qi Gong practitioner who has recently begun sessions at The Pearson Centre. Caroline tell me that Qi Gong (‘Qi’ meaning breath or air, ‘Gong’ meaning work or effort) is an ancient form of exercise originating in China. Although it has the same roots as the more well known Tai Chi, it focuses more on cultivating energy than mastering specific sequences and precise movements. This means it is simpler and more accessible for beginners.

Caroline runs themed classes which are different every time. She may choose to concentrate on a flow to promote seasonal energy, aligning the body with the earth’s

natural movements, or a particular common ailment like lower back pain or joint pain. Each session will begin with breathwork and stretching, as well as incorporating exercises to release stale energy from the body and activate the Qi. Once the energy has been accessed, flowing movements follow, which are designed to circulate this energy around the body. Sessions end with a meditation to ensure participants are fully grounded and rebalanced.

And it really does have a positive impact on people! Caroline tells me of one gentleman that told her after a class, “that was the first time this week that I haven’t been in my head.” Powerful words, and testament how we all might be finding it difficult to find headspace in an ever-increasingly ‘switched-on’ world. If you have tried meditation through yoga but the poses are a little too unattainable for you, then you might just find that Qi Gong allows you to create the same kind of peace in your mind, without overstraining yourself. Flows are gentle and you generally stand, or sit if you need to, whilst moving the arms. Despite the gentle approach, Caroline highlights the powerful effect on our internal energies, which supports healing, revitalises the body and calms the mind.

Caroline combines her expertise to help participants regain equilibrium. She trained as a Qi Gong teacher during the first lockdown. The course was completely online and she qualified as a practitioner in

December 2021, setting up as a teacher in January 2022. Having delivered sessions in various settings, her back garden during the summer months being one of these, Caroline found the dance studio at The Pearson Centre tucked away at the back and feels that it is an ideal all year round space.

Sessions are currently running on Friday afternoons from 4:30pm – 5:30pm – the perfect way to end a busy week, don’t you think!? Caroline is also considering introducing a lunchtime session on that day and two hour workshops on Saturday mornings, so keep an eye out for updates on her socials. Longer workshop based sessions would allow for more social time and discussion after the exercises.

Caroline is also a licensed acupuncturist and outlines the benefits of Qi Gong to everyone coming for treatment ‘It is easy to do at home and even a few minutes of Qi Gong every day can help to relieve many common ailments. People who practise Qi Gong alongside their acupuncture tend to get better quicker - it is very empowering!’

Sounds like an excellent approach to self care to us at Team Thortify!

You can contact Caroline via her website www.carolinechallenderwellbeing.co.uk And follow her on Facebook as ‘Qi Gong for Wellbeing’.

“...it really does have a positive impact on people!”

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Prints now available

Rendered in pen and watercolour, our expanding collection of Beeston's spectacular pubs and restaurants are now available as limited edition, signed Giclee prints.

Love The Shovel

Iwas saddened, but not really surprised to hear that OneUnion (who also run The Commercial among other great pubs), had pulled out of running The Malt Shovel, and it was closing down. The perfect storm of rising costs due to inflation, combined with the cost-of-living crisis meaning less people are going out was bound to have an effect on the pubs in Beeston. I for one was amazed they all survived the lockdowns. The Malt Shovel always seemed the most vulnerable to me, hidden away from view behind the High Road. If you've lived in Beeston all your life, it's understandable why you take for granted good pubs on your doorstep. There are loads of them. Although I've now lived in Beeston for over 20 of my 47 years, I still love living in the thick of so many of them, old and new alike.

Pubs are actually the reason I moved to Beeston. I used to work on Padge Road near the sorting office, and lived in the north of the city. Every year, we would have a work outing on the last Friday before Christmas (aka Black Eye Friday), which involved trying to drink in as many of the pubs in Beeston as possible before we were full or last orders were called.

My memories of those all-day sessions are a bit hazy, but I do recall that there were many pubs very close together, so even if the weather was awful, it wasn't long before you were back in the warm and dry with another pint. They were also all very welcoming, with a varied mix of clientele laid back enough not to mind their locals filling up with once-ayearers like me and my colleagues.

I was looking to move from where I was living, and looked at a few different areas - Carlton, Sherwood, West Bridgford etc. But Beeston won the day thanks to 1) the number of great pubs and 2) a nice short journey to work on Padge Road. Obviously when I actually moved here, I realised there was loads more great things about the town, but it was the pubs that hooked me in.

back, and our first stop was the Hop Pole. He fell in love with the place, remarking that he wished he had a local like it so close. He didn't quite believe me when I told him that it was just one of many superb pubs in the town, but over the day he was marvelling at them all, constantly remarking on the choice and quality.

I can't really pinpoint when it happened, but the swap from favouring a night out in Beeston rather than the city occurred for me and a group of friends a while back. We would all meet somewhere near Market Square, most of us travelling from Beeston/Chilwell, but others from Long Eaton and Derby. Nowadays a trip to the city is rare for us, as there is everything a pubgoer could want in Beeston.

In December last year I think it must have been a full moon or something, as me and my wife and kids were all squabbling with each other quite severely. Even after we'd had our tea, which usually puts a stop to any 'hangry' behaviour. I decided to go out for a couple of quiet solitary pints to escape.

I had a quick one in The Pottle, which was quiet, then headed for another excellent Beeston micropub, Totally Tapped. However, when I arrived, they were empty and just closing up. At 9.30pm on a Thursday! Next stop was the almost deserted Hop Pole, where the bell for last orders rang out at 10.15pm!

As someone only really used to the busy Friday and Saturday nights, this was a bit of a revelation to me. There isn't any point in pubs being open if there is little or no trade to make it worth their while. Covid definitely changed people's drinking habits, but I still just assumed everywhere would be open until 11pm at least.

It was then that I decided what my New Year's resolution would be - I would aim to spread my drinking around more of the pubs in Beeston rather than just the same 3 or 4 me and my mates would default to. I set myself a challenge of drinking at least one pint a month in the following places that had a good selection of proper beer during 2022: THE HOP POLE TOTALLY TAPPED THE CROWN THE STAR THE VICTORIA THE POTTLE THE COMMERCIAL THE MALT SHOVEL

Sadly, I didn't manage to stick to it - a combination of work, kids, and all the other stuff that life throws out got in the way. The news about The Malt Shovel closing has made me even more determined to do it properly during 2023 though. Plus visit a couple of those a bit further out every few months, such as The Boat and Horses and The Bird Hide

If we don't use them, we will lose them. If you've picked this magazine up in one of the bigger, busier pubs, think about paying a visit to one of the others you rarely go to. Spread the love around!

Until about 10 years ago there were 3 butchers in Beeston, and now we're down to one. It would be a crying shame if the number of pubs reduced. Every time I pass The White Lion, I think about the potential of it as it slowly decays (personally I reckon it would do well as a 'carvery/Sunday dinner' type place, with bands on in the evening).

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Some of those pubs I visited on the festive crawl are sadly no longer with us, but in recent years Beeston has really bucked the trend with several brand-new pubs and bars opening. And with the cinema drawing people in from near and far, hopefully there will be enough people to sustain them in the longer term through the current economic downturn.

One of my mates who lives down south came up for a boozy weekend a few years

Since writing this article I'm really pleased to learn that the Malt Shovel won't be going the way of so many other pubs in this country, converted into housing or a shop or simply boarded up. Reunion Pub Co, which I've been told is part of Shipstones, are lined up to breathe new life into it. They have 'rescued' other Notts pubs in recent times, including the brilliant Johnson Arms in Dunkirk.

When the bells chime on New Year's Eve, don't delude yourself into thinking you will attempt Dry January - make a resolution to visit more of the pubs in the area more regularly, especially the Malt Shovel.

Practising Mindfulness During the Festive Season

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a state of being completely present and focussed on the present moment it simply means being present in what you are doing instead of letting your mind wander or getting lost in your thoughts about the past and future. I personally have been practicing mindfulness for years now and it has helped me relieve stress (besides the laughter yoga that i practice ), it has helped improve my sleep as well especially since going through menopause.

Benefits of Mindfulness.

It is said that the cultivation of mindfulness has roots in Buddhism but most religions do include some type of prayer or meditation technique that helps shift our thoughts away from our usual preoccupations towards an appreciation of the moment and a larger perspective on life . The founder and former director of the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center Professor emeritus Jon Kabat -Zinn helped to bring the practice of mindfulness meditation into mainstream medicine and demonstrated that practicing mindfulness can bring massive improvements in both physical and psychological symptoms as well as positive changes in health, attitudes and behaviours. This reminds me of the quote by Eckhart Tolle where he says “Wherever you are, be there totally” because we as humans are always anxious of the next moment instead of being present in the present moment.

Mindfulness and the Christmas Period.

In this article I would like to share the importance of practicing mindfulness during this Festive season. As much we are all looking forward to this period, it’s important

that we practice mindfulness so as to avoid Exhaustion Overspending and Overeating . Taking care of ourselves is crucial especially during this period when we can easily feel overwhelmed and anxious . Taking some time out for your own wellbeing will help you to cope with the feeling of being of overwhelmed and anxiousness better.

Exhaustion during the Christmas period.

Rushing around with a long Christmas to do list can be daunting and stressful . This is when it’s important to be mindful. Focus on the moment and do one thing at a time . A survey found that “one in three adults suffer from holiday burnout ‘, with 36% claiming that the affliction sets in before mid December”. Therefore it’s important that one takes time to practice mindfulness by setting aside time to reflect on what really matters during Christmas like the joy , the spirit and the peacefulness of Christmas.

Overspending during the Christmas period.

A survey found that the average person in the UK gets into £439 of debt over

Christmas. Many of us get into social pressure and feel the need to treat our loved ones with plenty of presents and gifts . Everyone feels that Christmas is the special time for us to spend without realizing that over spending can lead to financial difficulties . It’s important therefore that we be mindful of our financial situation and remember that Christmas can equally be wonderful if we just spend quality time with our loved ones because it isn’t spending money that counts it’s spending time that matters.

Overeating during the Christmas period.

Christmas is that time of the year when a large variety of festive food is readily available at the restaurants, shops and also in the form of gifts. It’s common to have the tendency to over indulge during this period. It is therefore important that whilst we enjoy the food we are mindful instead of being mindless . Try not to eat in front of the TV as watching Christmas movies for hours can be a trigger for mindless overeating. Practicing mindfulness simply means to be mindful of what we are eating self awareness can help us make the right decisions as to what should be consumed so as to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

I hope you find these tips useful and whenever you feel the need to slow down, take some time to breath in slowly, hold it and release, repeat this a few times and repeat to yourself “I am focussed on what I can control”.

Last but not least, wishing you a mindful Christmas and remember; “ Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing “- Jon

Kabat -Zinn

AM Gill - Circle of Power Academy

Where to Get a Copy

We are determined to ensure that everyone who wants to read The Beestonian is able to, in times of lockdown or otherwise.

For locals who are unable to get to any of these places, we have set up a subscription service – for just £15 you can have the next 8 copies of The Beestonian delivered direct to your door (for those living outside NG9 it will cost a little more, as they will be sent by first class post).

Simply visit our Ko-Fi page – ko-fi.com/thebeestonian – and check out at our shop. Every subscription includes a free gift featuring local artwork.

If you’d like to support The Beestonian anyway, you can also make a donation through the Ko-Fi page. We’re a community-led, non-profit making, and reinvest all funds into getting The Beestonian to as many people as possible (we currently print 2,000 copies of each issue and are hoping to increase this when it is affordable).

Our current stockists include: Hallams, Out Of This World, Broadgate Post Office, Gill’s Fish and Chips, the Cycle Inn, Dessert Haven, The Circle Eatery, John Flynn Opticians, The Doughmother, J&B Autos, The Commercial, the Victoria, Attenborough Nature Reserve, Canalside Heritage Centre, The Berliner, The Hop Pole, Totally Tapped, The Pottle, The Crown, The Star, The Commercial, The Malt Shovel, Metro, Charlie Foggs, Cartwheel, The Little Plant Guys and the Boathouse Cafe, Essen, Yellow Wood Cafe, Happy Daze, Global Village Cafe (aka Tastie Bites), Boat & Horses, Dog and Bean, Broadgate Barbers, Beeston social and events at the Bartons Garage.

This Issue Brought to You by....

The Beestonian is...

Editor in Chief / Lord Beestonian: Matt Turpin

Co-founder /Resident Don: Matt Jones

Business stuff: John Cooper

Deputy Editor /Community Editor: Christopher Frost

Design & The Beest: Dan Cullen

Creative Editor: Debra Urbacz

Managing Editor: Amy Victoria Gathercole

Queen o' the Rylands: Janet Shipton

Music and Booze Editor: Lulu Davenport

contributors this issue: Hellen Goodbarton, Jade Moore, Tim Pollard

Ron Manager, Scott Bennet, Lucy Morrow

Thanks to all who help us get the issue sustainable and available to all who want to read. If you’d like to help out - by advertising, promoting or writing with us, then drop us a line at thebeestonian@gmail.com. We are an absolutely independent, grassroots non-profit community magazine with the sole intention of making Beeston a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

Ron Manager

Trashdoodling, by Jade Moore. Insta: @trashdoodling

This issue: Beeston Beats the Streets

Its Grinchy Lou here, rather than sparkly and shiny I take on a rather grumpy form around this time of year, Ive seen grown men reduced to tears over a pot of cream, questions about how many minutes it takes to cook a frozen turkey in a microwave and lets not even talk about the insanity of seeing in Easter Eggs before Ive even had a slurp of eggnog.

The bit about the festivities I am rather partial to is New Years Eve, its a chance to wipe the slate clean, to announce new resolutions and commitments that quite frankly have more staying power than Mat Hancock in the Jungle ( how does that joke fare?) Given half the chance I would celebrate Halloween at Christmas ( Nope I missed out on Blink tickets as well as Glasto!) and Christmas in January, saving myself a fortune, I could miss the shopping hordes and have the pubs to myself come January! Winner! Patent pending.

The new year however does have its perks, its the month of the mighty fine Beat the Streets event, the one day multi venue festival is back for its forth year and quite frankly that was all the Christmas pressie I needed, to see not one but yes two, Beeston Bands on the very fine line up, both of which I have interviewed for this very magazine! Eeekkkk!! in the words of Borat Veryyy Niceee!

The date is set for Sunday 29th Jan and tickets start at £10 for a wristband, now here is the very clever bit all money taken on the door AND merchandising AND the bar sales are donated by the team over at DHP family to Framework, a local Homeless prevention service, this means that last year alone £76,000 was raised for Framework Charity to be used to provide housing and specialist support to rough sleepers in and around Nottingham, and

in its four year history a huge £320,000 has been raised.

This year boasts Lawnmower Deth ( hmm how do I sum up that crazy parody metal rock band? Done..) my fave song is ‘Egg samichh’ but more famous for their ‘Kids in America’ cover. Stuart Pearce ( my sport is hazy but am sure he was a footballer?) Ferocious Dog, English Folk Punk band for lovers of the Levellers, and the two mighty fine bands from Beeston Nactus Kunan, who have graced the stage for BBC Introducing and are hot off their Hockley Hustle slot at the Angel as part of the Phlexx records stage.

Then there's Lilac Grove who have been busy promoting their new E.P, Resonate and hosting a sold out E.P launch party, phew them boys have been busy!!

Also a huge mention to the lovely Sharp Class band also announced for BTS, they recently had their launch party at the Chequers in Chilwell for their debut album ‘Tales of a Teenage mind’ . Also on the line up, 7th in Line, Alt blk era, Buenos Tree house, Cat milk, Electric Pets, Ellie Stainsby, Express Offcie Portico, Fat Bamboo, George Gretton Girl band, Good-goodbye, Head-sticks, Herd, Jack Wolff & Ty Healy, Joey Collins and the Bushido Code, Left Hand Lane Palm Reader, Reflekter , Sharp Class, Tash Bird, The Avion, The Big Sad, The Chase, The People Assembly, and finally Vona Vella. FYI This is the first wave of artists announced as well!

Aaaah go on Santa Ive been good!!!

Happy Christmas see ya in the new year for more ramblings, musics and shenanigans. LD