The Beestonian Issue 30

Image courtesy of David Standard

ISSUE 30: CROGGYING INTO THE FUTURE… FREE

Two of Beeston’s best-loved sons are united in a new plaque. We slipped on our lycra shorts and pedaled over…

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id Standard is one of those names in Beeston that rarely fails to trigger a proud smile. A dedicated member of the community and allround good guy, since he died in a tragic accident 11 years ago, Sid’s place in local folklore has only strengthened.

Pedal power This was accepted, and the money already raised donated to the local Air Ambulance charity. A late, great Beestonian celebrated by one of our favourite sons: we salute you Sir Paul.

Sid’s children, David and Jill, told us, ‘“We are delighted by the plaque dedication and the immense support from everyone who has donated toward the cost of the plaque.

Amongst the cycling community, his name is even more venerated. His (still open) bike shop was, for many Beestonians, the start of a life of getting around on two wheels. Hugely knowledgeable, his custom bikes are still seen as classics.

“It has been lovely to have had the support of Sir Paul a great lover of cycling.

One of the people he encouraged into cycling was another local legend, Sir Paul Smith. Sir Paul frequently rode with Sid, an enthusiastic cyclist until an accident left him unable to cycle for several months. His hopes of becoming a professional cyclist dashed, he turned to fashion, and went on to enormous success. Yet he still has a deep love for cycling.

The plaque will be unveiled on Sunday, 14 September at 10 am, coinciding with the annual memorial ride to Shottle. Anyone and everyone is very welcome to come and watch the unveiling.

So when Sir Paul heard that the The Southern Broxtowe Blue Plaque Scheme were looking to raise money for a plaque to commemorate Sid, he got in touch and offered to fund it himself.

“What made my Dad so special, to so many, was his dedication to the many youngsters he introduced into the sport.”

There are two other blue plaques been unveiled in the next few weeks: the Ten Bell on Stoney Street (Thursday 11 September, 11 am), and Beeston Station on Wednesday 8 October, 11.30 am, with another great Beestonian (and BESTonian) the Head of English Heritage, Sir Neil Cossons OBE.

Lord Beestonia

Horlix new ad dimensions 98mm x30mm www.horlix.com

The University of

Beestonia A special guest post from Rachel Van Krimpen, who is part of the Off Campus Student Affairs Team at the University… and proud Beestonian.

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he Off Campus Student Affairs team at the University of Nottingham may be one of the institutions smallest departments, but we flatter ourselves that, like one well-known brand of detergent, we’re small but mighty. We’re a two-person set up, working in partnership with organisations across the City of Nottingham and Broxtowe to maximise community cohesion within the local communities our students become a part of during their studies.

can take to prevent burglary and be secure and safe. We run these sorts of educational campaigns throughout each academic year, and when issues do arise, we’ve got a Neighbourhood Helpline which residents or students can use to report any problems to us.

‘Maximising community cohesion’ sounds like something straight out of a strategy document, but it’s a simple enough premise.

We want to see our students making the most of what Nottingham has to offer, and we firmly believe that one of the best ways to do this is to integrate as fully as possible within the areas they live in. In a practical sense, it can be as simple as working with the Council to educate students new to living independently about managing their waste and bringing their bins in after collections, or going out with the Police to talk to students about measures they

Beeston is a particular point of focus for me. Considering the proximity of University Park campus to the town, and with plenty of our students choosing to set up home there (up to ten per cent of residents in some Council wards in Beeston are students according to the most recent census), it seems to me that if we as a University are going to fulfil our strategic aim of ‘being a good neighbour’, Beeston forms a crucial part of that.

“If we as a University are going to fulfil our strategic aim of ‘being a good neighbour’, Beeston forms a crucial part of that.”

BESTonian: Beeston’s finest Professor Dan Eley, OBE Image credit: rebus.demon.co.uk/nottgham

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absolutely no reason to not celebrate his onehundredth birthday this 1 October. His birthday will be a reminder of the great achievements of this great man.

But this guy is! Professor Dan Eley, OBE and Fellow of the Royal Society, proponent of the Eley-Rideal Mechanism and discoverer of the fact that DNA conducts electricity, has

Dan Eley has lived a truly inspirational life. Professor of Physical Chemistry at The University of Nottingham from 1954 to 1980, Dan remains one of the most respected chemists in the field. So to say that the professor’s birthday is a cause for celebration is an understatement. To reach the venerable age

fter a while birthdays begin to mean less. Hell, I’m twenty seven – nearly three quarters of a century younger than this issue’s Bestonian – and to me birthdays already feel like a yearly reminder of my own failure. But then I’m not an award winning Professor.

As a Beeston resident myself, I know how much the town has to offer and I’m very enthusiastic about letting our students know about what a great place they’re living in, and encouraging them to embrace the many opportunities on offer in the area – whether it’s attending events, involvement with community groups or simply exploring the many and varied options for coffee and cake.

More than that, though, it’s about the University being a presence in the Beeston community. There are already some great links between the University and Beeston organisations, and I’m hoping to see more develop over the coming months and years.

RVK

of one hundred is one thing, but to have lived the life of one of the most respected Chemists of the 20th Century makes it all the more special.

You can even look up Dan on the internet where one of his ex-students has compiled a list of some of his greatest, more memorable quotes. For example, he once said, “I seem to have got my notes in a bit of a muddle here”, “I should have read my own paper before I came in”, “Let’s imagine I’m a hydrogen molecule” and “Intuition is lying in bed until the answer comes.”* Don’t let that fool you. I’ve purposely picked some of the funnier ones there.

Journalistic bias, what what.

Dan is in fact so respected that not only is his good friend (and friend of The Beestonian) Professor Martin Poliakoff throwing him a big party at the university this month (which The Beestonian hopes we might get to tag along to and [cough] ‘report ‘on), but there is even talk of giving Professor Eley a plaque in Beeston to commemorate his contributions to Chemistry and to Beeston.

Well then, Happy Birthday, this issue’s Bestonian, Professor Dan Eley! I very much look forward to writing this all again when you reach one hundred and one.

CF

(*Chris Newall rebus.demon.co.uk/nottgham/chmquote.htm)

hooded terrors.

“We do have kids come here who are insecure, or overconfident, have problems with their behavior, have emotional and family difficulties.

For many, what we have here can really help, give them something positive, some self-esteem, channel their aggression positively” Anna tells me, “It’s my family: I have deep responsibility for them all and as such feel great pride when they achieve.”

Give and TEK A

few issues back, The Beestonian profiled TEK, the kickboxing centre on Station Road. We were hugely impressed with the facilities (though I best remember it as a seedy, smoky, American pool hall that’d we’d nick off to when avoiding college); the staff, and the incredibly enthusiastic kids training there.

Such as?

Over Summer we heard that not only had the centre had three of their young talent go up to Manchester to train for the Olympic Team GB Taekwondo, but was also sending five (five!) of their team to represent the Team GB in the highly prestigious Junior and Cadet World Championships in Rimini, Italy.

After a display of incredibly fast, precise and powerful fighting, we talk to four of the five who are soon to jet off to Italy. Sporting their Team GB outfits, they have an almost psychic bond when talking, flawlessly finishing off each others sentences, testament to the intensity of training together. You all get on well, I hope?

Here they will compete with hundreds of other fighters from over fifty countries, hoping to grab another haul of medals to go with their already over-stuffed trophy cabinet (they already have 1 World Gold, 1 World Silver, 6 World Bronze, 2 European Gold and 5 European Bronze medals). Remember, this is all from one small club just down from Tescos; a real example of Beeston not just punching above its weight, but following it up with a nifty little roundhouse kick too.

We meet the head coach and joint head of TEK, the effusive Anna Jermakova. Possibly the most hard-working woman in Beeston, Anna has grown the club into a world-class organisation, regularly putting in ridiculously long days to support her charges. Interviewing her is a joy: and I’m not just saying that as she could possibly decapitate me with one kick. She loves her job, is boundlessly enthusiastic and respected /adored by those who train with her.

We watch as the Team GB competitors complete a final training session “They’ve been on a two month, very intense training session,”Anna tells us, “luckily, this year’s Championships run before the school holidays, so it’s been better for them. Yet they still put in at least 25 hours a week here of physical training, adhere to a special diet to build strength, and are taught techniques to prepare mentally.”

“We attempt to recreate the atmosphere of a tournament, so put them in a spotlight, turn all other lights out and get a crowd round the tatami (the fighting mats used in kickboxing).

Even having you here as strangers is good, gives them that sense of pressure.”

“Yes” Nesta, 14 says, “We’re like a family. If one of us is down, the others pick them up. We look after each other, spur each other on’ Finley (14, from Chilwell), Conor (13, Wollaton) and Willian (14, also Wollaton) nod in agreement.”

Is it daunting to go abroad like this? (Due to the expense of sending fighters to events – around £800 they have to raise themselves as there are as yet no funds for Kickboxing, they do travel with parents, but not with their TEK coach) “We’re too focused. We are nervous but that keeps us focused. We’re all at the top of our game due to the training, we’re refined and ready.”

What’s it like representing your country?

“I’ve represented Team GB several times (he has been competing on the World stage since 2010, when he was just 10) but it’s still an honour.”

Nesta has also fought for Team GB once, but this is the first time for Fin and Conor. They don’t look nervous at all. For me at their age, a day trip to Boulogne was a daunting experience.

What are your expectations? Without missing a beat, and in perfect harmony, they all answer: “4 medals.”

Their discipline and dedication is in stark contrast to the stereotypes constantly plugged about teenagers - that they’re sedentary Playstation obsessives, or street-corner loitering,

I talk to one spectating dad who has been bringing his six year old down for some time “and then I got into it too. I watched him train and thought ‘that’s looks like fun’, so signed up myself. We train together, it’s bought us a lot closer together.”

While the majority of their team is local, their reputation is such that talented kickboxers are travelling miles to train with them. Nesta travels daily to and from Boston, Lincs. I also meet Rhys, 15. “I travel from Kettering. Clubs closer to home just weren’t as good, I heard about TEK and had to train in Beeston.” He is regularly driven here by his dad, or takes the train on the Midland Mainline.

Despite these huge successes, TEK still needs to raise loads of cash each year to fund entrance into competitions. They arrange fundraisers through the year (see teamelitelickboxing. org or their Facebook page search ‘tekcentreuk’ ), but if you fancy sponsoring them, they’d be very happy to hear from you.

LB and MH

Rest In Pieces?

Broken Beeston tomb stones awaiting removal. © Joe Earp

Our history editor Joe Earp goes to church.

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t the time of the Norman Conquest of 1066, the then village of Beeston had three Saxon Manors belonging to Alfag, Alwine and Ulchel. By 1086 these had passed to the Lordship of William Peverel. Although there is no mention of a church in Beeston at the time of the Domesday (1086) it is likely that one existed. When Peverel endowed his Priory at Lenton he gave the ‘living of the church’ and the right to appoint a vicar to the monks. Probably under their influence, the simple wattle and daub structure evolved into a substantial stone building on the site of the present church. The font to the church dates to the first stone built church on the site, built around the 13th century.

For the next 400 years not only the Church but the whole of Beeston and its villagers came under the control of Lenton Priory. By the year 1583 (the Priory’s Dissolution under Henry VIII) the medieval building had reached its height. After the Dissolution the Crown retained possession of the advowson of the vicarage. It was in the 16th century when the plague carried a way a third of Beeston’s population of between 300 and 350 souls. Their bodies were interred in a communal grave inside the Churchyard, this later became known as ‘the plague hole’. The church was rebuilt under Henry VIII, using stones from the 14th century church. It was in late perpendicular architectural style, with a nave, chancel and small tower on the south side. Its pews could accommodate 270 people, of which only 35 were free and unappropriated. There was a doorway in the south wall of the chancel, used then by priests, but inow blocked by the choir stalls.

Everything except the chancel was rebuilt in 1843 by Sir George Gilbert Scott. The new church was built to seat 800 and cost approximately £3,500, of which £3,100 was raised by public subscription thanks to the efforts of the Rev F.T.Wolley. Wolley’s wife laid the foundation stone for the rebuilding, but died before it was completed. The church was reconsecrated on 5 September 1844 by the Bishop of Lincoln, and a special train was laid on from Nottingham for the service.

Since 1843, Scott’s church has served the community of Beeston well. In 2007 a £860,000 re-ordering and renovation moved the main entrance to the west end, and cleaned the interior, with new heating, seating and a new organ. The next major stage of the restoration was in January 2012 and cost £5,000.

This was to replace the lead on the roof after it had twice been targeted by thieves.

The final stage started in June 2013 and included cleaning of all masonry and re-pointing open joints, which cost £40,000. Stone restorer and cleaner Ivan Sorockyj reported to the Nottingham Post in January 2014: “I have worked on the project since the start and now it is finished it looks brilliant. We used a lime mortar as part of the restoration which is what was originally used when the church was built. The only problem we experienced was doing our work around the day-to-day running of the church because we obviously had to stop for services and funerals. It has been a great pleasure to work on and you can tell the difference.”

Most recently the church has seen even more changes with the tram developments around the town. Part of the tram route goes past the church

and leads to the Beeston Tram Station. It has been quite interesting to note how the tram tracks run through the churchyard. In 2013, remains of a skeleton of a Victorian woman were exhumed after they were discovered during the construction work. The Rev Wayne Plimmer, vicar at Beeston Parish Church, made a statement to the Nottingham Post, “What has been discovered is the remains of a Victorian burial. Because it’s a full skeleton the contractors have to get the Ministry of Justice’s permission to exhume the remains. Part of that process is ascertaining if there are any living relatives. As long as the remains are treated with decency I’m philosophical about it. Any kind of activity around this body will be undertaken with dignity.”

The churchyard closed for burials in the late 19th century, while gravestones were moved from the original plots to the sides of the graveyard in the mid 1950s. During the period of tram construction work around the church it is sad to see how many gravestones have been damaged and destroyed. Recently some more gravestones and a magnificent looking sandstone tomb were brokenup and left to be taken away.

Despite all of the recent works on the church the future looks bright for the next chapter of its history. Rev Plimmer commented, “We are a thriving church. The churchyard is a feature of Beeston and when the tram comes it will be a focal point.”

JE

Joe’s book ‘Nottingham from Old Photographs’ is available from all good bookstores (and Amazon).

Embracing Change:

THE

GREY MATTER (GAELIC) 1/2 HR

Beyond Beeston

1. “Samhain”, literally means “end of summer” in Gaelic. What is the English equivalent?

Our new columnist, Mrs Cheerful Middle Ager (MCMA), wants to talk about change…

2. What was the original name of the person who would host a celidh?

At least there will be an end point to the turmoil in Beeston sometime soon. A new tram, a new shopping area, new architecture plans via Continuum, maybe even a new MP…?

I am planning to embrace the changes. After all, what can we do but that? I am jealous that my husband is expecting to commute to work via the swanky new tram. After years of living here but working away, rushed internet shopping and holidaying, I am finally (for the last 5 years) engaging more than ever with local shops and businesses, enjoying the surroundings, amenities, history and culture of Beeston.

I am very excited about the future. How about you?

CODEWORD

MCMA

3. In Gaelic football, in which county is Austin Stacks Park?

9. Which Irish Saint is said to have found America a thousand years before Cristobal Colon?

4. “Dancing at Lughnasa” was written by which Irish playwright?

10. Peig Sayers’ autobiography is one of the most read pieces of Irish literature. Why was it a unique achievement?

5. Which bird is said to be ‘King of the Birds’?

11. From which disease did King Robert the Bruce die?

6. In Scottish music, where would you find a chanter and a drone?

12. When and what was ‘Nollaig na mBan’?

7. Which Samuel Beckett play and American sit com have the same title?

ANSWERS: NOVEMBER/FEAR-AN-TIGH/GALWAY/BRIAN FRIEL/WREN/BAGPIPES/HAPPY DAYS/ ANTONINE WALL/SAINT BRENDAN/PEIG WAS ILLITERATE BUT SHE DICTATED HER STORY TO HER SON / LEPROSY / JANUARY 6TH - ‘LITTLE WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS’ WHEN MEN WOULD TAKE OVER THE HOUSEWORK FOR THE DAY!

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here are so many changes around us here in Beeston at the moment. The pace is almost overwhelming. People have to deal with so many changes in their lives, usually kept behind closed doors. Maybe they depend on a firm infrastructure outside the front gate to help them stay grounded. However, having just turned fifty, and dealing with children seeking qualifications and jobs, parents seeking a secure environment after severe illness, juggling a local business and family life with changes in my own poor, middle-aged body, the tram roadworks are the least of my worries!

8. Lollius Urbicus was responsible for building a defensive wall to keep out Scottish tribes, what was it called?

WIN!!! Contact us (see back page for how) with the winning codeword to enter a draw to win a pair of tickets for a night out at Just The Tonic, Nottingham’s Original Comedy Club.

(Closing date: 28 September)

You will doubtless have seen many of the tram contractors sporting high-viz clothing with the ‘Step Up’ logo emblazoned on the back.

But what exactly is it? Put simply, Step Up is a new exercise craze, following on from the likes of aerobics and Zumba Fitness.

Despite an energetic-sounding name, the Step Up philosophy is actually centred on the ‘less is more’ principle, which seeks to conserve energy rather than expend it. Relaxation and minimal movement is the key to a Step Up way of life.

Drawing from yoga, pilates, and other low-impact practices, the spiritual element is just as important to Step Up as the pose.

You may have noticed some of the contractors in various meditative states now and then, and there is nothing to stop you from joining in, either in the comfort of your own home or outside a cob shop. Have a go at some of the exercises below, and before you know it you too will be ‘stepping-up’ your life!

The Early Rise This is an outdoor meditation routine which gives the perfect start to the day. Firstly get settled in a comfortable position, then remain as motionless as possible for some time.

The state of relaxation can be further enhanced with monotonous white noise, which blocks out all distractions, eg when sitting corpse-like in the seat of a dumper with the engine running for half an hour.

The Forward Lean A relaxation/stretching combination which shifts weight away from the lower back, restoring energy and balance to the upper body.

The Fingers and Thumbs A common misconception about Step Up is that it doesn’t focus on the minor biological elements.

This exercise does just that, embracing technology in order to harmonise the digits, plus other muscle activity associated with surfing adult-only websites on a smartphone.

Best performed using a solid, sturdy surface at midriff height eg safety barrier or scaffolding.

‘Leg lifts’ can be alternated to keep the yin/yan circle turning.

Concept/words by Poolie. Photos/illustrations by Christopher Frost. Special thanks to Mark the Model for stepping in at short notice, when the bearded bloke from the ‘Joy of Sex’ book got stuck on University Boulevard.

The Peer It is very important to remember your role in the great workings of the cosmos, no matter how insignificant. Lean forward and stare downwards. Erase everything from your mind, and concentrate on nothing else but the very core of the planet.

After time, everything will become clearer, the elements themselves become decipherable, and you will be able to think and make decisions with crystal clarity.

For example, spending twenty minutes gawping at the bottom of the metre-deep hole it has taken you three days to dig out, and determining which exposed pipe is gas and which one is water.

The Sentinel This is a vitally important part of the daily routine - correctly marshalling the flow of the positive and negative. By protecting the gateway, you are doing greater good for others.

Form a symbolic ’guard’ with your body, extending two limbs in unison.

Remaining in this position for several hours creates a secure and calming effect on your fellow beings, safe in the knowledge that you are their protector - eg when you send a delivery lorry round the top end of Chilwell so that your mates can carry on playing poker in the Portakabin for the next half hour.

The Horizontal Earth This is one of the easiest yet most important exercises, perfect for aiding digestion and alleviating stress. Simply lie down on a dry, turfed surface, and relax.

As a large proportion of your surface area is in direct contact with the ground, it won’t take long before you are ‘earthed’. The perfect remedy for a gut full of stodge, or an integral part of a detoxifying regime eg inability to do anything due to a skinful the previous evening.

The Quick Start A rare, energetic routine, which makes good use of all the conserved energy. It involves a rapid transformation from a sedentary state to high alert, when all the senses are heightened and the life force flows fast.

Akin to prey fleeing from a predator, this is most often witnessed when a foreman appears, and it is imperative to look useful in the blink of an eye.

key point to mention that they use this term rather than the more negative ‘protestors’ ) and I wanted to capture that.”

Recently the subject has grown very hot. In spite of wide criticism and opposition the government expanded plans for fracking across the country.

“It’s very backward-thinking. There is a climate agenda that the EU are a part of, and this government isn’t following that agenda. We could use renewables a lot more, but the government isn’t saying that enough. It isn’t doing anything towards that.”

So FFN, as well as a number of other groups, are raising awareness, not just of the potential dangers, but also the viable alternatives to fracking.

Sara introduces me to Milly, a close friend who has spent time with a group called the Protectors, “By a sheer fluke,” she says, “I ended up at Barton Moss last November and I met really great clued up brave passionate and committed people. You’d have to be to camp in a field in Manchester over the winter!”

What was it like?

“I watched people getting beaten up by Greater Manchester Police on an almost daily basis. It was horrendous. The mainstream media ignored us and what we were actually doing, but printed things that the Police spread to discredit the Protectors, things which weren’t true.”

“The general public don’t know this,” says Sara.

I’m pretty shocked. In Milly’s own words this was a peaceful protest – environmentalists trying to raise awareness, being treated terribly. Milly spent two weeks in Barton Moss, then two weeks in Daneshill in Retford.

“I spent a weekend at Upton, where they’ve actually occupied the field where they supposed to be fracking. The farmer is on their side so as long as someone stays there at the camp, there won’t be any drilling there.”

Fantastic news. So Milly has very much been on the front line of this movement, and in her own way so has Sara.

She regularly attends meetings. There is one every Monday at 5 p.m. at Fade Café in Nottingham which is open to anyone who wishes to come.

Illustration: Tim Smedley

Fracking is a contentious issue right now, and it’s very possible we could be finding, quite literally, the ground shifting beneath our feet.

Christian Fox had a bit of a gas with ‘Frack Free Nottingham’.

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ara Gaynor is a self-employed photographer. She has two sons; one of whom lives at home, and she’s a single parent on a low income.

But despite this, Sara sets aside regular weekly time to engage in environmental activism. She is a member of ‘Frack Free Nottingham’ (FFN). She tells me that a surprising number of people are still unaware of the potential dangers of fracking; with many more not sure what fracking actually is.

“Some people have a bit of an understanding as to what the word means,” says Sara, “but I don’t think a lot of people know the real nuts and bolts of it.”

So what, I ask, would Sara say to encourage people to get involved?

“I think it’s about having a vision of the future. You say to people, ‘how would you like to see this country, this environment, in the future?’ You have to think about this for your children, for the legacy you’re passing on to them. The health problems and environmental problems have been widely documented... ” “... and the Science has come out against fracking,” adds Milly.

“So that’s that.”

It seems pretty clear-cut to me; this is a national and global issue about which awareness has to be raised. Sara and Milly are doing their bit, and maybe you’d like to help too.

If you want to get involved, or just learn more, you can visit their websites at frackfreenotts.org.uk and frack-off.org.uk, or find them on Facebook.

CF

For readers who might not be aware, even though fracking has figured a great deal in recent local and national news coverage, fracking is the contraversial act of injecting water, sand, and/or chemicals into the shale formations deep under the eart; breaking them apart so that valuable gases or oil are released and can be extracted. “‘Frack Free Nottingham’ are doing their best to try and get information out there. Awareness is growing.”

So with Sara’s already busy life, why did she get involved?

“I’ve always been really concerned about environmental issues. I watched the documentary ‘Gasland’ a year ago. It talked about the problems they’ve had with fracking in the ‘States – people’s water systems being affected, their health, even Methane coming out of people’s taps. I thought it was outrageous. Once I heard they were going to bring it to Britain that made me want to get more involved. I went to my first meeting in April and I really liked the organisation. It was very structured, very proactive.”

It also tied-in nicely with Sara’s other work, as a photographer. “I decided I wanted to photo-document what was going on as well, out on the sites and at the camps. There is so much passion in the people protecting (it’s a

Do you like what you see here?

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Bow Selecta:

Telling tales It was a dark and stormy night as Nottingham’s Official Robin Hood and Maid Marian made their way through the depths of Sherwood Forest…

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ctually it wasn’t, it was a Bank Holiday Monday afternoon but, as is traditional, it was hammering it down with rain falling from leaden grey skies. We weren’t in the forest either but the considerably nicer (and drier) surroundings of The Star Inn in Beeston.

Dank and dreary though it was outside, we’d been booked for an afternoon of Robin Hood storytelling for whatever children and families had braved not only the weather but also made it past the huge variety of other entertainments laid on pretty much everywhere.

Initially there weren’t too many people there but slowly, like rain down the back of your neck, people trickled in. Storytelling is, for us, great fun. I’m a natural show-off (with no other marketable skills) and Sal is just brilliant at engaging with everyone and playing a variety of roles so we can tell stories with more characters than there are actors (and when we started, more characters than audience members too).

But live storytelling is quite rare these days and occasionally it’s as close to live theatre as some people, especially children, will see. Sometimes they don’t know quite how to react to it either, as rather than just passively staring at a television or other screen the characters whirl about, ask them questions, make odd comments and ‘asides’ and even pick on people to be part of the story. We moved through the (thankfully increasing) audience and it began to feel like it was really working.

We’ve been doing these plays for a while now, at events and in both Trinity and the Market Square in town and we have parents coming up to us afterwards expressing wonder and delight that their children have sat through the entire thing transfixed, something ‘they’d never do at home’ – and that makes me really believe in the power of interaction, of proper involvement and treating the stories as something to engage, educate and inspire as well as to entertain.

As the afternoon progressed we had a bigger audience, albeit mainly of adults, some of them friends and family too, but they were all quite happy to join in and enjoy the experience, the silly voices, quick-changes, wig-wearing and what passed for coherent storyline. The children even came back inside from the bouncy castle after each break, which was encouraging.

Stories have a real effect, a real power for adults at least as much as for children. Stories can illuminate issues, work as allegory or a way of seeing another point of view – all very valuable to us on a daily basis. Only dealing in facts and figures, in what you can see and touch takes you away from a valuable social and very human experience…

Adultz woz

WEA OK!

“Learning never tires the mind.” So said Leonardo Da Vinci, and that particular polymath should know. We agree. School may have been out for many years for most of our readers, but for those who seek brain food, there are plenty of places to graze. One excellent organisation are serving up a real feast in the coming weeks. Welcome to the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA).

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n operation since 1903 the WEA are the largest charitable provider of adult education in the UK and us lucky Beestonians have a vibrant branch committee of volunteers based in in our town.

This autumn the weekly courses schedule comprises: Philosophy, Make up, nails and beauty techniques, play going, Literature (looking at contemporary writers of the East Midlands), and Creative Writing.

Taking place at Beeston Library there will also be a free talk by author and poet Mike Wilson. Based on a book that Mike has contributed to, the talk is entitled “A Modern Don Juan – Cantos for these times by Divers Hands” and covers the question; “If Byron was alive today, which present day figures would be targets for his scorn and derision?” Expect comedy and seriousness as Mike pays homage to our local romantic firebrand.

The talk takes place on 19 September at 10.15 a.m. and refreshments will be available.

For more information about the WEA visit wea.org.uk The website provides detailed information on this organisation dedicated to providing access for adults in all works of life to learning. A friendly bunch, the WEA welcome suggestions for new courses, and interest from potential new committee members to get involved and contribute to their vision; “A better world - equal, democratic and just; through adult education the WEA challenges and inspires individuals, communities and society” Details of course lengths, fees and start dates can be found online at wea.org.uk where a PDF brochure can be downloaded, or alternatively a course brochure can be requested on (0115) 9628400. Local WEA information can be found at: weaeastmidlands.org MH

Every Sunday is SAMBA DAY! Every 2nd Tuesday: Quiz Night (hosted by The Beestonian)

So what’s my conclusion?

Every 3rd Tuesday: Open Mic Night

That even on the coldest Bank Holiday on record a good pub and fine company means… we can all live happily ever after.

TP

The White Lion, 24 Middle Street, Beeston

trusty ale-ey allies chipping-in a good adjective or two... and, occasionally, a bad one (yes, Adam, I mainly mean you).

Brown Hairstreak, 4.2% (Tawny) A lively one this one. A hefty maltiness (“Marmitey”) but with a hint of christmas, or caramel too. A bit dark for my taste, and (this bottle at least) quite cloudy despite careful storage.

You’ll like if you like… Shipstones, Newcastle Amber Ale. Puffin, 3.8% (Best Bitter) I didn’t like the aroma of this one at all “wardrobey” said someone. But I was told that it grows on you, developing a more oaky, smokiness. Which explains my response, as I’m not a fan of peaty, smoky flavours, and I did think it had whisky undertones.That said, it’s more of a easy-drinking, session beer perhaps, if you like a bit of the hard stuff.

You’ll like if you like… whisky, wardrobes, Puffins.

Tern brew of the

Here is the first of a two-part round, where Tamar and Tim Pollard give us a taste of the ales on offer from ‘From the Notebook’ brewery; each with their own opinion on a selection of the range. Tamar goes first with her bevvy of beers (chosen at random for her

by Austen at The Crown Inn).

N

ow, ordinarily, had you offered me half of an Arctic Tern or Puffin I would have to politely decline, “I’ve had me tea, thanks”. However, since From the Notebook’s beers have become available around Beeston, I’d now know to first check whether you meant the one with an ABV. From the Notebook Ltd are brewers with – and, hopefully, making – a difference. Their unique brand of beers are not only inspired by, illustrated with and named after a menagerie of wildlife, but money from sales of each of them goes towards charitable organisation seeking to conserve the welfare, awareness and habitat of their namesakes. Each even has an idiosyncratic write-up about the shared characteristics between beer/creature. A bit hippyish maybe, but as their website explains, “From the Notebook Ltd is all about celebrating the diversity of British wildlife through the lovely drink that is beer!”

Based in the North East and Nottingham, members of the FTN team bring with them a wealth of diverse experience and interests in nature and Real Ale – but none from brewing!

The diversity doesn’t end there, either.

The full range of beers form around four series of wildlife (Butterfly, Moth, Seabird and Dragonfly) and each has its own beautiful illustration, mainly designed by their ardent natureman, Steve Sexton.

A portion of each series’ sales go to support either Marine Conservation Society, Butterfly Conservation or British Dragonfly Society (later this year they also hope to support the People’s Trust for Endangered Species). So you can sit and feel all gloaty lovely while you sup; wallow in the warming knowledge that your session drinking is helping the wingéd creatures of the British Isles.

In a bid to avoid just blindly singing its praises, Nottingham’s Official Robin Hood and I drew the short quiver in the draw of who would have to taste every single beer on offer. Pity poor us.

However, seeing as he’s an Outlaw with a busy schedule we devised it best to split the booty 50/50 and go our own merry (very merry) way…

My beers were: Brown Hairstreak, Puffin, Arctic Tern, Orange Tip and Golden-ringed Dragonfly.

I drank them in my garden with a couple of

Arctic Tern, 6% (IPA) Austen at the Crown told me to try this with a curry. In the end I didn’t, so I can’t comment on whether that’s actually a good idea or not. But it certainly has hoppiness galore and packs a solid, bitter punch. At 6%, it is the strongest of the FTN ales. My fellow fem-ale, Julie, thought it “like Special Brew, but for classy hobos”, while I thought it probably would go well with a massive pie. Both of which are most certainly compliments. We loved it.

You’ll like if you like… Belgian beer, the taste of pennies.

Orange Tip, 3.8% (amber) Lively and a little cloudy, this is a complex little number. Its dry bitterness is offset by citrusy orange weirdness at the end. It had us surprising quiet for a while trying to figure it out. And all for 3.8%. A good summer beverage, though someone suggested it’d go well with roast turkey. Definitely quaffable.

You’ll like if you like… Hoegaarden, to normally choose cider, shandy.

Golden-ringed Dragonfly, 3.8% (Golden) This was my favourite. A light pilsner-esque (sorry, ale snobs) smooth ale to enjoy a suncomprehending, endless glass of, I’m imagining, while on a barge on a river somewhere… with Benedict Cumberbatch at the tiller…

Friends varied wildly on this one. From “clear, crisp and rounded” to “metallic. No depth”. But I’m sticking with Cumberbatch. Lovely.

You’ll like if you like… Sunchaser, Pilsners, Picnics on barges with Cumberbatch.

TF Available from The Crown Inn (limited availability), Local Not Global Deli, online at beersofeurope.co.uk See fromthenotebook.co.uk for full stockists.

s t a e B n o t Bees Second hand

nature

Our new columnist Karen José goes digging in the treasure trove of Beeston’s charity shops, and picks out this month’s top finds.

B

eeston is known for its array of charity shops – you could argue there are too many of them, but the beauty of shopping in this sort of place is that you never know what you might find. They even bring in eager treasure hunters from all over.

When a shop unit becomes available, we wait in anticipation to see what might appear on our high street. Will it be another hairdresser, estate agent, café or something really disappointing, like a bookies? In most cases it’s another charity shop – a bonus for us bargain-hunters who love to have a good old-fashioned rummage around.

Charity shops actually remind us of the ‘throwaway’ society we live in. People give away (albeit to a good cause) clothes with tags still on, designer goodies, valuables, vintage items and anything and everything they no longer want. Which is why, unlike regular high street shopping, the variety of wares on offer make for a fun way to shop; giving us a chance to be creative and imaginative with our purchases.

Whether you’re looking for something smart

for work, a posh dress for a dinner dance or something unique for a fancy occasion, you will always find an outfit to suit, and friends and family are sure to say “ooooh, that’s nice, where d’ya get that from?”

Walk into any charity shop on the high street and you’ll probably find teens searching out ‘Grandma chic’, normcore and all things vintage and retro. If you are looking for something specific but haven’t managed to find it yet – have patience, it will almost certainly come along and the moment will bring you a thrill.

So charity shop-keepers of Beeston, keep filling your rails! The gems we so love to seek out keep the treasure hunt alive. Embrace these ordered jumble sales for their unique, cheap and exciting shopping experience. After all, we are giving, receiving and recycling all in one shot, so at the end of the day we can feel good about ourselves.

We can furnish and fill our homes with all sorts of interesting and quirky stuff and then sit back smiling in the knowledge that we haven’t broken the bank.

KJ

This month’s top finds: (clockwise from top right) Retro gravy boat £3.95, Horse painting £5.00, ‘Jamie at Home’ cook book £2.50, Royal Albert cup and saucer £2.95

Famous last words…

The Beestonian is…

Facebook, Twitter, email or even a proper, handwritten letter (we love those the most); get in touch and we’ll publish it here.

Editor / Lead Writer / Founder – Lord Beestonia

Dear Beestonian, I was gutted to hear that Mr. Falafel has closed.

Was this related to the tram works? Any idea how badly the other businesses are being affected? I’m really hoping that Mr. Falafel will reopen after a refurb; be a shame to lose him.

Speaking of the tram works, why do I continually see so many people standing around doing nothing? I’m now told it’s delayed until sometime in 2015. Even Glasgow City Council (not known for their efficiency and planning) managed to get the M74 extension done early and under-budget. What the heck is our council playing at?

Yours in a shawarma-less wilderness,

POETRY PLEASE The Reader’s Network returns to Beeston on 20 September, with a focus on poetry. They run some corking events, so we recommend you go along to voice your verse, swap poetry books and eat cake.

I’d like to go, where should I find them?

Down Beeston Library, from 2 pm Beat that, Larkin...

– Ed.

Co-founder / Resident Don – Prof J Design – Tamar Associate Editor – Christian Editorial Assistance – Mel History Editor – Joe Earp Top-notch contributors this issue:

– Twisted Lucidity (via email)

Rachel Van Krimpen, Joe Earp, Poolie, Christian Fox, Tamar, Darren Kirkbride, MCMA, Mel Heath, Tim Pollard, Karen José, Tim Smedley, Deman, Ric Salinger, Christopher D Frost.

We too were gutted when the whitewashed windows appeared. Although we haven’t been able to get to talk to the Manager, Rashed, before we went to print, it does look like it’s good news, as he’s extended into Kings chippy and will be re-opening soon! One of everything on opening night... ? – TF

Printed by Pixels & Graphics, Beeston.

BARTON IN FABIS – UPDATE There appear to have been nearly 1300 recorded oppositions to the gravel pit proposal say Barton In Fabis Against The Gravel Pit, “This is truly fantastic and we would really like to thank each and every one of you who took the time to send a response in... It will make a real difference!

THANK YOU!” We won’t know for a while the outcome of the consultation period. We’ll keep you posted on developments (or lack of, hopefully) as and when they occur.

Thank you to any Beestonians who took the time and effort to make a objection to the council on this. It’s a convoluted system of circumlocution, so those of you who worked your way through to having your input recorded really should give yourselves a pat on the back.

It’s almost as though they decided to make the consultation process, y’know, a bit... er, tricky on purpose, int it... ?

–TF

THE WHITE LION FLICKS Those lovely chaps behind the forthcoming Beeston Film Festival are starting up a fortnightly cinema at the White Lion, beginning with The Lego Movie on the afternoon of 19 September, followed by the Grand Budapest Hotel in the evening. Tickets are a snip at £5 for either show (£2.50 kids), and Sergio’s finest tapas and beers available to make the experience a thousand times better than the Showcase.

Stockists: NEW FLORIST ON THE BLOCK Those who regularly walk along Chilwell Road may have noticed the recent welcome smell of fresh flowers in the air. This is down to a new florists opening nextdoor to The Beestonian’s very own printers, Pixels & Graphics.

Gemma (above) and her partner Matt opened the shop a fortnight ago, as they saw there was the need for a good florist, following the demise of Greenfingers earlier in the year.

Matt orders the seasonal flowers from the wholesalers, who are based down at the Cattle Market, whilst Gemma runs the shop.

The shop is very welcoming and artistically laid out, just like you were walking into someone’s flower festooned house. Gemma creates floral designs for any occasion, and there is same day delivery across the county.

So for all your floristry needs, pop along to support them.

76 Chilwell Road Telephone (0115) 837 5800.

–CDF

Belle & Jerome, The Hop Pole, The Crown, The White Lion, The Star, The Greyhound, Flying Goose, Mish Mash Gallery, Attik, The Guitar Spot, Relish, Broadgate Laundrette, Bubba Tea, The Bean, Beeston Library, Cafe ROYA, Newsagent on Chilwell Road, ATOS, Metro, Beeston Marina Bar and Cafe.

Huge thanks to all of our contributors, sponsors, stockists, regular readers and anyone who has picked this up for the first time.

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Contact us: thebeestonian@gmail.com Facebook.com/thebeestonian Twitter.com/@TheBeestonian issuu.com/thebeestonian (all our editions online) The Beestonian, c/o 106 Chilwell Road, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 1ES