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