Heartbroken daughter speaks out after e-scooter rider is sentenced over fatal collision
Trevor
Major works at Jesse Gray Primary School in West Bridgford have resulted in improved ventilation, air quality and security.
The school is one of 23 across the county to receive £9.5m funding from Nottinghamshire County Council’s School Building Improvement Programme, which will see school infrastructure improvements carried out over the next two years.
The works at Jesse Gray included replacement doors and windows, double glazing, improved ventilation and air quality flow and improved security.
Flyscreens were also fitted to new windows and doors in the school kitchen to allow the hot kitchen environment to have much welcomed fresh cool air.
The work was designed and delivered by Arc Partnership, a joint venture between the council and SCAPE.
Headteacher at Jesse Gray, Chris Belton said that staff and pupils were delighted with the improvements and were already enjoying
the benefits.
Mr Belton said: “Since the work was completed, the noise reduction in the classrooms has been particularly noticeable and we’ve noticed the rooms are warmer, so it’s been beneficial over the winter months.”
He added that it was the first-time the heating had been replaced since the 1960s, resulting in improved energy efficiency and reduced energy bills.”
Councillor Tracey Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said that the programme to improved school buildings was aimed at creating learning environments for pupils that were modern and fit for purpose.
She said: “As a Council, we are delighted that schools across the county will benefit from the programme and I’ve seen schools transformed in recent months, and even though the improvements at Jesse Gray were fixtures and fittings like windows, doors and heating systems, they have made a huge difference to everyday life here.
“I’ve been to schools across the county that have benefited from the programme and the feedback has been overwhelming positive from staff, pupils and parents.”
Councillor Jonathan Wheeler, Deputy Cabinet Member for Personnel, added: “I was
delighted to see for myself the improvements at Jesse Gray and on the school tour I saw a lot of happy, smiling faces.
“Investing in our schools is a policy we’re committed to and one that we acknowledge brings benefits for the whole community down the line.”
Dan Maher, Managing Director at Arc
Partnership, said: “Inspiring and supporting children by providing excellent learning environments continues to be our main priority.
“We are proud to be working closely with the council to deliver its ambitious programme and ensure real value is provided on each of the projects."
A flat that had become a magnet for drug-related crime and antisocial behaviour has been closed by police.
The property, in Priestsic Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, was closed on Friday after persistent complaints by neighbours about drug dealing and associated criminality.
The closure order, made under the Antisocial Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, was initially issued by Nottinghamshire Police and was later confirmed by Nottingham Magistrates’ Court.
The order bans anyone from entering the property for a period of three months.
Anyone who breaches the order - including the previous occupants - will be committing a criminal offence and liable to a fine or imprisonment.
The closure order is one of several secured in recent months in partnership with Ashfield District Council.
As well as offering an immediate reprieve to residents this order will allow the landlord to pursue grounds of mandatory repossession.
Inspector Jon Hewitt, district commander for Ashfield, said: “This property had become a magnet for drug-related criminality and antisocial behaviour.
“Neighbouring residents were left living
in fear, and I am delighted that we have now been able to take such decisive action to protect them.
“This latest closure is one of many we have concluded in the Ashfield area, and I can assure residents that it will not be the last.
“We are currently looking to take similar action against other local problem addresses and hope this latest proactive closure serves as a warning to others about the potential consequences of this kind of criminality.
“We won’t tolerate this kind of behaviour and will move swiftly to protect local residents when we become aware of this kind of behaviour.”
A popular Nottinghamshire tourist destination is to set to boost its visitor offer by housing 10 new glamping pods as part of a major £500,000 investment by the county council.
The self-contained luxury cabins will be installed in the grounds of Holme Pierrepont Country Park, home of the National Water Sports Centre, and operational in time for spring 2024.
They will each be capable of comfortably sleeping up to six people as well as boasting their own toilet and shower facilities.
Holme Pierrepont – operated by Serco Leisure Operating Limited, under a longterm contract to the county council – hosts events at the water sports centre which attract spectators and competitors from far and wide who stay overnight onsite or elsewhere locally.
The tourist-boosting scheme will cost £684,240 in total and includes a one-off £500,000 investment by the county council to cover the costs of the units themselves.
The remainder of the project costs will be funded by the county council’s operating partner, Serco Leisure. In return for the county council’s investment, there will be a reduction in the annual revenue fee paid to Serco to manage the country park.
It is anticipated the S-Pod Glamping Modules will encourage more people to stay longer at Holme Pierrepont and use it as a base to explore further afield in Robin Hood Country – ultimately supporting the recently refreshed Nottinghamshire Visitor Economy Strategy.
Councillor John Cottee, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Communities,
said: “Holme Pierrepont Country Park is a real jewel in the crown and draws thousands of visitors each year, as well as spectators and competitors who attend the many events which take place at the National Water Sport Centre.
“By making this significant investment, we are once again reaffirming our commitment to supporting this much-loved attraction and delivering on our pledge to make our wonderful county an even better place for people to visit.
“High quality accommodation like this will help visitors to enjoy even longer stays in the county and allows them to explore what Nottinghamshire has to offer as a tourist destination.
“I cannot wait to see the pods in use and hearing about visitors enjoying their overnight stays in this beautiful part of the world.”
Accommodation at the country park, near Radcliffeon-Trent, currently comprises of a campsite, a selection of hotel-style rooms in the Lakeside Building and a self-contained suite which sleeps up to 11 people at the Elms Cottage.
The campsite, which offers tent and caravan pitches alongside several ‘camping arch’ cabins with shared toilet and shower facilities, has benefitted from the growing ‘staycation’ market following the Covid-19 pandemic and it is hoped the introduction of the pods will build on its popularity.
Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management, said:
“This significant investment solidifies the county council’s vision to attract more visitors
to our county, especially at a time when the sector continues to recover from the devasting impact wreaked by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“More visitors coming to Nottinghamshire helps to attract more investment, stimulates growth, and provides more employment opportunities for local people.
"We're committed to boosting our visitor economy, breathing new life into it and moving on from the challeng-
es it faced during the bleak days of the pandemic.
“Therefore, investment schemes like this at Holme Pierrepont are vital in helping us to meet our pledge as part of our 10-year Nottinghamshire plan to strengthen businesses, create better-quality jobs and make our county somewhere people love to live, work and visit."
Demand for the pods is expected to be high when they are officially introduced
next year.
Jack Garner, Contract Manager at Serco, added:
“When launched, our new accommodation S-Pods will provide campers with a luxury holidaying experience.
"As well as self-contained toilet and shower facilities, the pods also boast their own hot tubs.
“We’re introducing these pods as there is a demand from our customers for a higher end camping option.
"They’re going to be perfect for long weekends, mini breaks and family holidays.
"When we launch the pods in spring 2024, we’re expecting demand to be high from people looking for an outdoor holiday but with indoor luxuries.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Nottinghamshire County Council with their ambitions to attract more visitors to this beautiful part of Nottinghamshire.”
Dozens of voluntary organisations and community groups are set to receive a share of £150,000 to help residents in most need.
This is the first round of a 17-month Local Community Fund (LCF) scheme worth a total of £450,000 to specifically help those most affected by the rising living costs.
Groups were able to apply for two types of grants. The first is aimed at helping those who are struggling to buy nutritious food to help improve health and well-being in the community.
The second is a contribution towards increases in fuel and energy bills incurred by community groups.
Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for Communities which oversees the LCF scheme, describes the response to the first round of these grants.
He said: “The response has been incredible. More than 100 groups applied for this funding from all over the county.
“We have allocated the money to as many eligible groups as possible. We want the funds to bring health and well-being benefits to those Nottinghamshire communities most in need.
“This includes funding for projects which have demonstrated an inbuilt sustainability beyond the lifetime of the grant and can also help reduce demand on health and social care services.
“We are proud that LCF is once again supporting groups, charities, and organisations so they are able to continue their essential work in community and are able to access the help they need to be able pay their own energy bills.”
The next round of funding is due open later this spring when groups can once again apply for up to £5,000 for both type of funds.
Councillor Matt Barney, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, describes how this funding is part of the council’s wider support to help those most affected by rising living costs.
He said: “Vulnerable residents and those on a low income are at the heart of our overall plans which include this targeted community funding. We want to do what we can to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents as they continue to face cost-of-living pressures."
Some of the 87 community groups and organisations who are set to be allocated cost-of-living funding are:
• The Acacia Centre, Annesley Woodhouse, Ashfield - £3,035 – the centre provides hot meals at reduced costs, signposting advice for people struggling to make ends meet – as well as a food bank for those in need. It is open seven days a week for everyone, providing a safe, warm space for those who are struggling with increased heating costs. The funding will be used to ensure the centre can maintain its current opening hours and contribute towards food and energy costs.
• Bothamsall Village Hall Management Committee, Bassetlaw – £3,390 – the facility provides a safe and warm environment
for people, as well as space for residents to meet other local people and form support networks. It also provides affordable, nutritious food in addition to improving people's cooking skills and nutritional knowledge. The funding will be used to make sure the hall can maintain its opening hours and contribute towards energy costs.
• Broxtowe Women's Project (BWP), Eastwood, Broxtowe - £2,140 – the project enables vulnerable women who have survived domestic violence and families to access food and other essential support in a warm environment. The funding will be towards food and installation of a radiator to heat and create a safe space.
• St Wilfrid’s Church, Calverton, Gedling - £2,140 – the project provides food parcels in the community to those identified as being in need via schools. The funding will go towards food and energy costs.
• Ladybrook Enterprises Ltd, Mansfield - £2,700 – this well-used community hub provides a range of support, including a food bank and a warm safe environment for those most in need. Rising fuel costs have resulted in reducing the service they provide. The funding will be put towards the purchase of food and energy costs.
• The Social Action Hub, Rainworth, Newark and Sherwood - £3,570 – the social action hub provides support to the community which includes distributing food parcels and providing a social supermarket and a youth community fridge. Plans are in place to extend this support on additional days and evenings due to a recent increase in footfall. The money will cover food and energy costs.
• Sutton Bonington Village Hall, Rushcliffe - £1,785 – the village hall provides a venue for community organisations, including Inspire library services, to deliver services in the local community. The funding will be used to ensure the centre can maintain its current opening hours and contribute towards food and energy costs.
Nottinghamshire County Council has contacted thousands of parents and carers on national secondary school offer day (1 March), with the majority of those applying on time receiving their preferred school for their child.
Demand for places has risen in recent years and the council’s school admissions team received more than 9,600 applications this year. Despite this, 89.6 per cent of Nottinghamshire residents have received an offer of their first preference school, with 97.1 per cent receiving an offer from one of their listed preferences.
Councillor Tracey Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I’d like to thank
everyone who applied to us on time for their child’s secondary school place for September. We continue to work hard with our schools to ensure that there are enough places for the county’s growing population and officers have been working with schools across the county to secure additional places locally.
“Moving to secondary school is a special time in a child’s education and I’m pleased that we continue our strong record in meeting parental preference. I also understand the disappointment where this is not the case and I’d like to reassure parents that we do our utmost to offer a preference school.
“We are committed to providing sufficient high quality school places and the council has an ambitious programme of school
expansions and new school builds that aims to meet the increasing demand for places as more families choose to live and work here in Nottinghamshire.”
Any parent who has not been offered a higher preference will automatically be added to the waiting list and parents have a right to submit an appeal for those preferences. Parents are advised to accept their child’s offer, even if they plan to appeal for another school, until they have confirmed alternative plans for their child’s education.
The council follows the government’s school admissions code, which ensures that all school places for maintained schools and academies are allocated and offered in an open and fair way.
For further advice, parents can visit School admissions hub | Nottinghamshire County Council Families of children starting primary school in September 2023 will receive their school offer place on Monday, 17 April 2023
Police arrested a suspect within minutes after reports of an armed robbery at a city centre casino.
It was reported a man, believed to be armed with a knife, jumped over the counter at the Grosvenor Casino in Maid Marian Way and demanded a cashier to fill a bag with money. He ran off but officers chased after the suspect and detained him nearby.
The robbery happened around 9.37am today (Wednesday 8 March 2023).
A cashier suffered a minor stab wound to her hand during the incident.
A 26-year-old man is currently being questioned on suspicion of robbery.
Temporary Inspector Iain Blackstock, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: ““Robbery is an extremely serious offence and I am pleased officers were quickly able to arrest a suspect who remains in custody.
“In order to assist us with our ongoing enquiries into this incident I would urge anyone with information, including those who may have CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage, to contact us as soon as possible as it may aid us in our investigation.”
Anyone with any information or footage is urged to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 132 of 8 March 2023, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The heartbroken daughter of a woman who died after being hit by an e-scooter has spoken out to prevent further tragedies from happening - by urging people to fully understand the laws and safety risks regarding their use.
Linda Davis, known to her family and friends as 'Lou', was in Southwell Road East, Rainworth, when a teenage boy riding a privately-owned e-scooter on the pavement collided with her.
Lou, aged 71, was knocked to the ground and suffered a head injury which she died from in hospital six days later.
She is thought to be the first pedestrian to die in an e-scooter collision in the UK. The collision happened at around 3.50pm on 2 June 2022.
The e-scooter rider, a 14-year boy, was subsequently interviewed and charged. He pleaded guilty to causing death by driving a vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and causing death by driving a vehicle while uninsured.
Lou’s daughter, Rebecca Williams, said: “This boy’s choices and actions that day took my mum’s life and changed our lives forever. My family and I are now living with the impact of her loss every single day. I would never wish this pain on someone else.
“Mum was a very youthful, lively, and amazing nan. She would do anything for her family and was loved so much.
"She never let her age stop her doing anything. She would always join in in silly games, whether she’d be dancing around the kitchen, throwing parties or riding toy tractors.
“Nothing will ever repair the damage that
has been done but I desperately hope my mum’s case will make children and parents think about and understand the real-life devastating consequences of illegally riding an e-scooter before they buy or use one.
“What happened to my mum should never happen again. I don’t want her to be just another statistic, if I can just help make someone else stop and think before they get on an e-scooter then at least my mum’s life won’t have been taken in vain.
“I want people to make sure they are fully aware of the laws regarding the use of
e-scooters and the harm they can cause if they are ridden illegally or in a dangerous or antisocial manner. As soon as you’re riding one you have to be responsible.”
Lou, described by her daughter as 'a vibrant soul that loved life and family fiercely', formerly worked as a cleaner for Nottinghamshire Police, covering most stations including force headquarters and Epperstone. She finished working for the force in around 2006.
Currently in the UK, it is illegal to ride an e-scooter of any kind on a pavement.
It is against the law to use a privately-owned e-scooter on a public road, cycle lane or pavement.
Privately-owned e-scooters can only be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission.
As for roads and cycle lanes, the only e-scooters that can be used legally are those that form part of an approved local authority hire/rental scheme, such as the bright yellow e-scooters provided through Nottingham City Council’s trial scheme, provided the rider is aged 18 or over, has the correct licence and follows road traffic regulations. Otherwise they face potential prosecution.
Detective Constable Emma Temple, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This tragic case shows how vitally important it is for people to fully understand the laws and implications of riding e-scooters and where they can be used.
“A family has been truly devastated by their loss of a much-loved wife, mum and nan and our thoughts remain very much with them at this difficult time.
“This was a completely avoidable collision. This boy now has to live with the knowledge that his actions that day resulted in the death of a much-loved woman.
“Our priority is to keep people safe. We will continue to take appropriate and proportionate action against those who break the
law and will investigate reports such as the dangerous or antisocial riding of e-scooters.
“Where appropriate officers will proactively seize, and have seized, vehicles that have been driven or ridden illegally or consistently in an antisocial manner.
"Officers also try to educate those involved around the law regarding the use of e-scooters in public areas.”
If you cause serious harm to another person while riding an e-scooter, the incident will be investigated in the same way it would if you were riding a motorcycle or driving a car.
E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles and are subject to the same legal requirements as any other motor vehicle, requiring insurance, a valid driving licence, and tax.
As such, anyone riding one while under the influence of alcohol or while using a mobile phone or other handheld mobile device would be committing an offence and could be prosecuted.
If you're using an e-scooter in public in an antisocial manner, you can also risk the e-scooter being seized.
The 14-year-old boy, who can’t be named for legal reasons, was sentenced at Nottingham Youth Court today (Wednesday 8 March 2023).
He was given a 12-month referral order, requiring him to complete objectives, and a five-year driving ban. He will need to pass an extended driving test when his ban ends.
The District Judge also imposed a sixmonth parenting order, involving sessions directed by the Youth Offending Service which must be attended, imposed a £26 victim surcharge and ordered for £85 to be paid towards prosecution costs.
For more advice on using e-scooters visit Advice on e-scooter usage | Nottinghamshire Police
For more guidance on the use of using government trial scheme e-scooters visit E-scooter trials: guidance for users - GOV. UK (www.gov.uk)
Improvement schemes, road and path repairs, traffic signal upgrades, drainage schemes and road safety measures are all included in the county council’s plans for the year ahead.
The plans mean that Nottinghamshire County Council will be investing £44.6million into Nottinghamshire’s highways, transport and environment over the next 12 months.
This investment includes:
• £27m allocated to capital maintenance schemes to improve local roads and other highway assets, including £3m of additional County Council funding towards this work
• £4.8m allocated to integrated transport schemes (e.g., pedestrian crossings, capacity improvements, speed management schemes) which includes £0.35m of additional County Council funding for road safety schemes; as well as allocations to fund major transport scheme business cases
• £0.5m of County Council revenue funding to deliver the traffic management revenue programme development of major infrastructure improvement schemes
• £12.3m of funding secured to deliver Southwell Flood Risk Alleviation scheme; active travel programmes; Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure funding; and potential bus improvements through the Bus Service
Improvement Plan.
Highway maintenance funding is allocated based on detailed surveys of road condition across the county, therefore there will always be differences in the amount of money spent in each district – based on the maintenance required and the length of road in each district. For example, Newark has approx. 1038km of road compared with Broxtowe that has 398km of road.
The plans are the second in the council’s three-year Highways Capital and Revenue Programme and can be viewed in detail by visiting: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ transport/roads/highways-capital-programme
Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “There are more than 300 individual road, footway and drainage schemes planned across the county for the year ahead, as we continue to invest in Nottinghamshire’s highways.
“The capital programme will continue to see us focus on long-term repairs to the local road network, footways, and drainage, taking a ‘whole street’ approach where it is prudent to do so.
“Combined with the works delivered by our mechanised patching teams, it means we’ll be able to deliver large-scale surface repairs to
a significant number of roads and pavements across Nottinghamshire as part of our continuing plan to improve the county’s roads.
“We can’t repair all of the county’s roads immediately and we need to prioritise where these repairs are taking place, but our move to a three-year programme, means more residents can see when their road is going to be repaired, and our plans for this year and provisional plans for 2024/25 and 25/26 can
be found on our website.
“Our ongoing investment into Nottinghamshire’s roads demonstrates our commitment to delivering improvements following our cross-party highways review panel.
“The investment is also part of our strategy to support the local economy, promote health and wellbeing and ensure communities thrive.”
Cops have been out patrolling the streets of Newark as part of continued efforts to crackdown on antisocial behaviour. Whether out on foot or behind the wheel of a squad car, the visible presence of officers in the community can be key to tackling these offences.
Like other policing areas, reducing antisocial behaviour (ASB) ranks among Newark and Sherwood neighbourhood policing team’s top priorities. Despite this, people breaking windows, off-road bikers causing a nuisance, and people shouting abuse in the street are all reports commonly received by the team.
As an example, while out on patrol with beat manager PC Lydia Day, a call is received of groups of young people gathering in Hawtonville, Newark, causing a disturbance.
PC Day then quickly attended the scene in the police van and managed to disperse the group, having visited the hotspot area only minutes earlier during a proactive patrol.
“Carrying out these patrols provides a visible presence in
the community and ultimately helps deter this kind of behaviour,” she said.
“On a typical day, our neighbourhood policing team will get called out to a range of different incidents, including ones relating to ASB.
“The kind of incidents we’re generally called out to range from large groups causing a nuisance, through to criminal damage and general threatening or abusive behaviour.
“By going out in the police van and providing that visible presence on the streets, the aim is to stop people from acting in this manner, for the benefit of the wider community.”
Extra patrols aren’t the only tool at the police’s disposal when it comes to combatting this issue, with Newark and Sherwood officers regularly visiting schools to talk to pupils about the impact ASB can have.
On top of these long-term measures, the force also has powers at its disposal to have more of an immediate impact, such as using dispersal orders which allow the police to move people away from
certain areas.
A 48-hour dispersal order was put in place last month (February) across parts of the Hawtonville area, after reports were received of young people climbing on shop roofs, throwing stones and causing a general nuisance.
The order allowed the police to return anyone under the age of 16 they found in the affected area during that time back home to their parents, with the move successful in preventing further incidents taking place.
Despite these recent
reports, Newark and Sherwood’s District Commander was keen to point out the different forms of ASB that can take place within the community, beyond just incidents involving young people.
Inspector Matt Ward said: “When you think about antisocial behaviour offences, the stereotype is young people getting together and causing a nuisance.
“But there are lots of different kinds of ASB – whether that’s disputes between neighbours, drunk behaviour, people riding round on off-
road bikes or revving their cars in the street.
“There is a wide scope for this type of offending, so we do dedicate a lot of our time responding to this by targeting known locations for offending – known as hotspots – during our regular proactive patrols.
“We also have the option of using dispersal orders to manage issues and carry out proactive work as well, such as visiting schools to carry out positive engagement work with children.”
Inspector Ward added:
“Everything we do is aimed at making our communities safer and improving people’s lives.
“We take all reports we receive of this nature extremely seriously – tackling this issue is one of our top policing priorities for Newark and Sherwood.
“ASB can be the precursor to people committing crime, so it’s important that we continue to crackdown on this because of the impact we know it can have on people’s lives.”
With Nottingham constantly welcoming visitors, from worldwide origins, the city needs little introduction. Popular with residents, locals and all, Nottingham is a major attraction for many. Nottingham’s history is renowned around the globe and those who visit enjoy the architecture, culture, world-class entertainment, sports and more. Shopping in Nottingham is a major draw, plus restaurants and eateries provide that much-needed refreshment and revitalisation. A good number of venues in Nottingham offer a wealth of beverages and foods, to suit all tastes and palates. Be it a casual coffee/ tea or something stronger,
a snack or something more substantial, Nottingham certainly provides the required delectations.
I located ViDa by Lorentes (Established 2020) in Nottingham. Having had it recommended, I found this eatery very worthwhile
experience, with authentic Tapas, Arroces, Picoteo, Cured Meats and more.
seeking out. Certainly, with the ambience and setting, we could easily be in Spain!
The welcome, by Vicente, is genuine and sets a relaxing
To commence, I opted for ALMENDRAS (Olive oil fried and salted almonds). Just perfect, for setting the progression of my taste buds
on to the further courses. Next, I chose POLLO CON COUSCOUS (Fried chicken bites with a vegetable couscous topped with a yoghurt and mint sauce), from a splendid list of tapas selections. Superb flavours prevailed and, absolutely, ‘Compliments to Chef’, were very much justified. The complementing flavours and presentation added to the enjoyment of this dish. Head Chef, Albi and the team impress – very much so –with knowledge and skills to satisfy, memorably. For Postres, I selected TARTA DE OUESO (Homemade cheesecake baked in the oven). Excellent! Grand Spanish cheeses and cured
meats are also available and very popular too. Quality wines/drinks, including beers and ciders, have something
you to Vicente and all staff, for advice and impeccable service throughout. ViDa by Lorentes fulfils that relaxing, authentic requirement. Collections and gift vouchers are also available. Very much recommended.
for everyone. Cocktails have many ‘devotees’ here, also.
If in the Lace Market area of Nottingham, do make a point of visiting ViDa by Lorentes. Thank
ViDa by Lorentes, Spanish Tapas & Wine Bar, 47 Stoney Street, Nottingham NG1 1LX. Tel: 44 (0) 115 959 0047 E-mail: vidabylorentes@ gmail.com www.vidabylorentes.com
The award-winning Bluestone Brewing Company was founded during 2013. Simon, Kerry and Amy (founders) have grown the business forward, to the thriving micro brewery it is today, with an increased workforce to produce alcoholic beverages to a high standard and also to accommodate increased order quantities. Tyriet is a working family farm and the team ensure that all of the bi-products from the brewing operations are utilised on the farm, including going to animal feeds, which contribute to the eco-friendly practices of this company. From energy-saving light bulbs, to solar panels, plus a zero-waste brewing process and so much more (as detailed on their excellent website), the Bluestone Brewing Company can be justifiably proud of their achievements.
BLUESTONE BEDROCK BLONDE (4.0% vol) Blonde Ale. Hops: Hallertau, Saaz. Good, straw-coloured, easy-drinking
beer. Ideal for social occasions. BLUESTONE STONE COLD (4.2% vol) Pale Ale. Hops: Simcoe, Mosiac, Very appealing, with citrusy and fruity overtones. BLUESTONE
THE BOTANIST (4.4% vol) Hemp Infused Lager. Hops: Huell melon, Mandarina Bavaria. The Finola Hemp Seed for this excellent beer is grown in Pembrokeshire. Fruity and malty for the aroma and the palate’s sensation.
BLUESTONE ROCKETEER (4.6% vol)
Best Bitter. Hops: Bramling Cross, Challenger, Fuggle. This traditional bitter ale I found to be full-bodied, with a very good mouthfeel, having flavour of malts forward. BLUESTONE SAINT CROIX (5.6% vol) New England IPA. Hops: Idaho 7, El Dorado, Citra. A splendid, hazy beer, with a good aroma of tropical fruits. BLUESTONE THE OATY WAY (6.0% vol) Oak Porter. Hops: Amarillo. Oaty and smooth. Richly flavoured, evoking thoughts of cocoa and coffee.
Other beer productions include Moonstone, Preseli Pils, and Stardust – an Imperial Stout (9.0% vol), twelve packs, plus mixed box and gluten-free bundles. For more details, including information about their taproom, on-site shop, live music events and merchandise, please contact and/or visit the website. Online ordering is easy and products are dispatched quickly and efficiently. I found the
beers to have great taste and excellent presentation, from the environmentally sustainable Bluestone Brewing Company. Highly recommended.
Bluestone Brewing Company, Tyriet, Cilgwyn, Newport, Pembrokeshire SA42 0QW, Wales.
Tel: 01239 820 833. E-mail; brew@ bluestonebrewing.co.uk www.bluestonebrewing.co.uk
Mothers Day generally catches us unaware. It doesn’t have a set day, it is on the fourth Sunday of Lent or three weeks before Easter Sunday. If that means nothing to you, it is either in March or the start of April and is always on a Sunday. Google is your friend here!
Just like Valentines Day, the shops will be full of Mothers Day gifts. Special teddies, plastic crowns and fake flowers don’t make mums feel that loved. ‘I love mum’ mugs, unless hand painted, would not fit in well with vintage Denby. What mums really want is some time to relax and possibly a hand made card.
Facebook groups came up with some great ideas for things mums really do want.
Things mums really want
candles
cupcakes
sewing things
books
seeds
bulbs
gardening things
cooking things
flowers
colouring books for grown ups
colouring pens/pencils
Plants are a really popular idea with lots of mums.
Welsh Mum Christy said “I’d love a new potted plant for the bathroom – something that will live a long time, doesn’t require much maintenance and will help clean the air. Cut flowers are pretty, but a potted plant is simple and sustainable.”
Alison suggests a packet of seeds and her website The Mindful Gardener is full of ideas on how to use them.
Time without
It makes me feel like a terrible mum to say it, but one of the best Mothers Days I had when my son was an exhausting toddler was an “I’m not a Mother Day”. His dad took him off for the whole day and I remember the bliss of going to the loo on my own for once.
Sarah from the Mummy’s Whine Club said a morning in bed with a good book would be ideal. “If a cuppa and a pancake was delivered too that would be a bonus.”
Vicky from Cosy Crochet loves the idea of a lie in and breakfast in bed too.
Latte Lindsay from would love some “Peace and quiet! My kids are always fighting, screaming and just being plain loud! I would love them to sit with a colouring book for an hour or two ????“
Beth from Twinderelmo has twins so doubly deserves “A hot uninterrupted bubble bath (why does everyone need the toilet when you go in?!)”
Emma Reed would like “Sleep, quiet time and perhaps a nice massage somewhere. Just some serene time.”
Andrea from www.mothertonguenotes.com says “A day off. No kids. No husband.” would be an ideal Mothers Day gift.
Gemma from www. mummyswaisted.co.uk wants “Sleeeeeeeeeeep! It’s all I’ve wanted for the last five years ????”
“a day without bickering is nice”
Tasks done by others A break from doing everyday chores is really popular with lots of mums.
“time is a nice gift. A meal made by my kids (and cleaned up after) would be the best gift
“all I want is time to sleep
and not have to prepare dinner now and then.”
Kate from www.everafterwithkids.com would like “Someone else to cook the dinner!”
The Growing Mum Victoria wants “A cleaning fairy ???? Failing that, child-free time to productively tidy and declutter.”
Simple things
Jacqueline from Just Add Ginger would like “A cup of hot coffee that I can drink at a leisurely pace and a family day together where using phones is banned!”
Carly from Mummy and the Chunks likes the simple things in life too. “Honestly just some nice handmade cards or pictures from the kids. I love their proud little faces when they hand over something they have made especially for you!”
The Ad-Lib Mummy Kathryn would like “ A lie in and a nice day out somewhere simple… If we weren’t in the middle.of a snowstorm I’d have loved a picnic or similar… Maybe we’ll have an indoors tea party instead!”
And Justine from Lil Jem and Baby E has a simple request I really relate to. “A hot drink. Not cold. Not lukewarm. Not tepid. Not forgotten about and found again two days later. Hot! ????“
Time with people
As my son got older I started to cherish time with him more, recent Mothers Days have been spent eating out using special offers or going to the cinema. Kaya from Earning by the Sea summed this up by calling it “Presence over presents”
Taking time to go somewhere or do something as a family can be a wonderful present. How about:
a walk in the country
Vicky from Vicky Myers
Creations would like a walk on the beach with no moans!
a local treasure hunt (Groupon often have deals for these)
afternoon tea
a picnic (indoors or out)
Gypsy Soul Gina has a lovely idea with “A nice country walk with the family followed by a roast dinner in
a pub with open fires (and red wine of course)”
Gifts to others
If you don’t want to give or receive but others are insistent ask them to buy supplies for refuges, donate to food banks or to the animal rescue instead.
What do mums really want for Mothers Day?
The one thing that stands out in all the ideas for Mothers Day presents is the need for time to recharge. Mums don’t need stuff they will never use. They might love a handmade card but they would prefer a decent nap, someone else cooking or a day without a tantrum more than anything else.
Over 50 years of continual touring and recording It’s a remarkable milestone few bands have achieved… and always at the
highest level.
Discover for yourself why Wishbone Ash are one of the most enduring and popular bands in British Rock. Wishbone Ash take their audience on a unique journey through their illustrious history by combining the old songs with the new, with a live show that remains as fresh and in demand as ever.
Definitely one not to be missed!
WISHBONE ASH – April 2023 UK Tour
Dates include:
Thursday 27 April - COLCHESTER – Arts
Centre
Friday 28 April - NOTTINGHAM – Rescue Rooms
Saturday 29 April - BARNSLEY – Birdwell
Tickets for the above shows are available from - https://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Wishbone-Ash.htm
For further information on WISHBONE ASH, check out the following website / social media links:
Website – https://wishboneash.com/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ wishbone.ash.official Twitter – https://twitter.com/wishboneash_ com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ wishboneashofficial/
2023!
Red Hot Chilli Pipers... celebrating 20+ years as the most famous bagpipe band in the world, ever!
There has never been anything quite like The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, from their formation in 2002 and a cameo appearance at T in the Park in 2004 with the Darkness to opening the main stage in their own right in 2014. The past 20+ years have seen the Red Hot Chilli Pipers become the most famous bagpipe band on the planet, ever! Bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent and a show that carries its own health warning.
The band’s achievements
have reached incredible heights with their ground breaking fusion of traditional Scottish music and rock / pop Anthems which they proudly call “Bagrock”. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are a genuinely unique experience.
Tickets for the RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS – May 2023 UK Shows are available from
Friday 5 May
LINCOLN – The Drill
Saturday 6 May
HOLMFIRTH – Picturedrome
Sunday 7 May
LYTHAM ST ANNE’S –Lowther Pavilion Website - https://www.
thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Red-Hot-Chilli-Pipers. htm
For more information on RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS, please visit the following website / social media links below:
Website – https://rhcp.scot/ Facebook – https://www. facebook.com/redhotchillipipersofficial/ Twitter – https://twitter. com/chillipipers
Instagram - https://www. instagram.com/redhotchillipipers/ You Tube Channel - https:// www.youtube.com/user/ chillipiper
Hanwell Wine Estate, Hickling Pastures, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 3QG
Sunday 2nd April | 2023 | 10am - 12.30pm
Hanwell Wine Estate
£55.00
With an Easter theme what better way to spend your morning making lots of Easter treats to enjoy.
This is the perfect workshop to make handmade gifts and spend time with fellow chocolate lovers. Your tutor Cathy will guide you through the process using only the best natural ingredients and fine Couveture chocolate to give a truly luxurious taste.
Please note that all chocolate used is gluten and nut free.
Outline of the session: Welcome with refreshments
and meet your tutor Cathy
Introduction to the world of Chocolate
Demonstration on how and what to do
Choose your flavours
Get creating and having fun Refreshments
Continue where you left off finishing off with plenty of chocolate to take home with you.
All materials, tools and refreshments are including in the workshop price. Nothing to remember to bring, just yourself, it couldn't be easier! So book now.
Robin Hood. Lace. An 11th Century Castle. There are a few things that perfectly sum up Nottingham – and Raleigh is one of them. Whether it’s at their HQ in Eastwood or at the Experience Centre on Maid Marian Way, Raleigh’s heart is, and will always be, in Nottingham.
From Burners and Choppers to Grifters and Vektars, they’ve imagined and reimagined the world of cycling more times than we could possibly count. 130 years of dreaming, designing, building, riding. And, after all that time, they continue to
develop innovative (and very nice looking) bikes.
Their premises on Maid Marian Way has a little bit of everything. Want to learn about their history? Check. Want to try one of their popular new models? Check. Want to get expert advice from people who deeply love cycling? Check. On display is a selection of electric and regular bikes, forward-thinking cargo bikes and a wall of classics from by-gone era’s. The future is bright. The future is on two-wheels. Go and check it out on Maid
Marian Way
Friday 31st March - 9:30am - 12:30pm - Rural Antics Barn, Hanwell Wine Estate
£61.00 per person
Get into Easter and impress with a gorgeous Easter bunny cake. Your tutor Emma will teach you how to cover a pre-prepared 6 inch cake in smooth beautiful fondant and dip into the world of sugar modelling to create the dearest little rabbit. Create buttercream piped grass, sugar paste daisies and adorn your creations with mini chocolate eggs and sprinkles!
Approaching a range of skills this course is perfect for beginners or intermediate cake decorators from age 10-100! Take your cake home to friends and family to share, or as a template to recreate on Easter Sunday itself. Please make us aware of any allergies. Where will the workshop take place? Take place in the 100sqm converted craft barn with
stunning views of the open Nottinghamshire countryside of Hanwell Wine Estate. The setting provides the perfect space to relax and engage in your passion while learning new useful skills.
Who is the workshop for: Suitable for beginner, no previous experience is required. Minimum age is 12 years accompanied by a paying adult.
What is included: All materials and refreshments.
What to bring – Your apron
Other note: Gluten free can be accommodated, please state in the 'comments' box at checkout. Unfortunately this workshop is not suitable for vegans or other allergies.
3rd - 6th and 11th - 14th April 2023 | 8am-6pm, Nottingham Emmanuel School, West Bridgford, £156 per child, per week. Scholarships available
Amazing adventures, friendships and discovery every school holiday! Based at The Nottingham Emmanuel School, Camp Williams is an unforgettable way to spend the school break. Camp Williams is back for the Easter break! A funpacked day camp for 4-15 year olds, Camp Williams is a day camp full of new skills, new friends and new experiences. From archery to skateboarding, music to art, and Camp Rallies to their unforgettable Gaga Ball - there's nothing quite like the energy and fun of Camp!
The Camp Williams Camp Leaders have a fun-packed camp ready! Expect... Camp Rallies • Juice Jam • Sports & Games • Village vs Village Challenges •
Core Values Awards • Soak a Coach • Arts & Crafts • Camp Games • and more! For 8-15 year olds, there are Skills Clinics too, including...
- Skateboarding
- Climbing
- Music
- Football
- Archery Campers join Villages of
similar age children whilst they're at Camp, making sure they experience activities, challenges and fun that grow up with them. Camp Williams is 100% not-for-profit. Scholarships are available for low-income families.
3rd - 6th and 11th - 14th April 2023 | 8am-6pm, YMCA Village Newark £156 per child, per week | Scholarships available
Amazing adventures, friendships and discovery every school holiday! Campers join Villages of similar age children whilst they're at Camp, making sure they experience activities, challenges and fun that grow up
with them.
Camp Williams is back for the Easter break! A fun-packed day camp for 4-15 year olds, Camp Williams is a day camp full of new skills, new friends and new experiences.
From archery to skateboarding, music to art, and Camp Rallies to their unforgettable Gaga Ball - there's nothing quite like the energy and fun of Camp!
Based at YMCA Village Newark, Camp Williams is an unforgettable way to spend the school break.
The Camp Williams Camp Leaders have a fun-packed camp ready! Expect...
Camp Rallies • Juice Jam • Sports & Games
• Village vs Village Challenges • Core Values Awards • Soak a Coach • Arts & Crafts • Camp Games • and more!
For 8-15 year olds, there are Skills Clinics too, including...
- Skateboarding
- Climbing
- Music
- Football
- Archery
Camp Williams is 100% not-for-profit.
3 Apr 2023 - 6 Apr 2023
Monday - Thursday 08:00 - 18:00
11 Apr 2023 - 14 Apr 2023
Tuesday - Friday 08:00 - 18:00
Rutland is England’s smallest and arguably prettiest county, and certainly lives up to its motto, Multum in Parvo (much in little); This rural escape is the perfect place to spend time enjoying the great outdoors. Rutland Water offers a multitude of leisure pursuits including watersports, cycling, fishing and bird watching, while Rutland’s many attractive villages, set in the wonderful English countryside, are home to picture postcard cottages and traditional country pubs.
The quaint towns of Oakham and Uppingham offer a range of individual boutiques; Uppingham is famed for it’s antiques and galleries, whilst the county town of Oakham offers a great mix of quality high street and independent shops – not to mention a castle!
Rutland Water
If you’re looking for a place to spend a day or two (or a week or two!) which will keep everyone entertained, then look no further. There are three main car parks which are tailored to different experiences (all with toilet facilities & seasonal refreshments) and a daily car park ticket is valid at all 3 sites – Sykes Lane | Whitwell | Normanton
One of the largest man made lakes in Europe, and the largest in England (by surface area) and is considered one of the best designed, both environmentally and aesthetically. Set in over 3,000
acres of beautiful rolling countryside there are plenty of activities found around and on the water for families, couples and individuals wishing to explore.
Enjoy Water Sports, Nature Reserves, Sporting Events, Cycling, Fishing & Walking
Look out for the Rutland Belle, which you may spot taking visitors on tours across the water from April until the end of October. Perhaps one of the most iconic features of Rutland Water is Normanton Church which was saved from demolition back in 1970 when plans were outlined to flood the area to create the Rutland Water we have come to know and love today. The church now sits safely on a new level of rubble topped with concrete above water level, on its own peninsular. It is a spectacular sight to behold and creates a picture-perfect backdrop for your Rutland selfie. Come rain or shine Rutland Water offers a plethora of things to do, so why don’t you plan your next break or day out to one of England’s finest landmarks?!
Anglian Water are asking all visitors to;
• Be respectful of the areas around our Parks and the staff work-
ing within them
• Please only park in the Anglian Water car parks provided, not in local villages
• Please take your litter home with you or use the bins provided
• Enjoy your visit and thank you for your support.
Matlock Bath was developed as one of England’s first true tourist destinations. It occupies a beautiful position in a limestone gorge on the River Derwent, and boasts attractive riverside gardens and steep wooded hillsides.
Matlock Bath has been a popular tourist attraction since the late 17th Century, when the healing properties of its warm spa waters were first discovered. Access to the area was improved in the 18th Century, and by the 19th Century Matlock Bath was a place for society’s finest to visit.
The town is still a wonderful place to visit, with a long street of shops, cafes, amusement arcades and places of interest, including an aquarium and photographic museum. The riverside walks are great for peaceful, shady strolls, and there is a good children’s playground area to keep younger visitors amused.
Matlock Bath Illuminations
Matlock Bath is home to this large, family-friendly theme park, which is within walking distance of the town centre. It is particularly suited to visitors aged 13 and under. The park is located high on a hill overlooking the town, which adds an extra element of thrill to the rides! Please see www.gulliversfun.co.uk/gullivers-kingdom-matlock-bath for more information.
Peak District Lead Mining Museum
Located within the Grand Pavilion, the eye-catching pink building at the top of the main street, the Peak District Lead Mining Museum tells the story of the mines and miners of this area. It houses thousands of items from the lead mining industry, as well as hundreds of rock and mineral specimens from around the world. See www.peakdistrictleadminingmuseum.co.uk for more details.
Running throughout September and October, the Matlock Bath Illuminations are well worth a visit. The beautiful riverside park is illuminated and filled with stalls and fairground rides, while brightly-lit and decorated rowing boats parade along the river. On Saturday nights throughout the event there are fabulous firework displays that light up the gorge.
Gulliver’s Kingdom
Located just a short drive outside Matlock Bath, the fabulous Crich Tramway Village is a fabulous place to spend a day, with plenty to keep the whole family happy. It is home to the National Tramway Museum, with more than 60 vintage trams for visitors to admire in airy exhibition halls, and it also features a beautifully recreated period village with a pub, café and olde-worlde shops.
A number of the trams run through the village and can be hailed at historic tram stops. Visitors pay one old penny (original coin included in the admission price) to take unlimited rides for more than a mile into the surrounding countryside, with stunning views of the surrounding Derwent Valley. There is also a Woodland Walk with a sculpture trail that is perfect for keeping little people interested along the way, as well as a picnic area and a children’s playground. See www.tramway.co.uk for more information.
Make the most of the warm weather this summer and head off on an outdoor adventure with the family.
Ideal for picnics, nature walks and soaking up some sun, these parks and gardens around Yorkshire offer a scenic spot to relax and unwind.
Bolton Abbey Estate
Combine sightseeing with outdoor adventures at Oakwell Hall and Country Park, where you can take a tour of the bautiful Elizabethan manor house, which offers an intriguing insight into the late 17th century, before heading off to explore the 110 acres of country park which surround it.
The vast estate is home to a network of footpaths and nature trails, where you can expect to find glorious scenery, flowers and wildlife along the way.
Visit: Nova Lane, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9LG – www.kirklees.gov.uk
Manor Heath Park
This nineteen acre park in Halfax is perfect for an active day outdoors, thanks to its many exciting on-site attractions.
the riverside provide a wonderful spot for a picnic.
Visit: Fountains Abbey And Studley Royal Estate, Ripon, HG4 3DY – www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Roundhay Park
A firm favourite spot to soak up some sun in Leeds, Roundhay Park stretches across 700 acres of pretty parkland, lakes and woodland, providing a picture-perfect location for leisurely picnic.
Youngsters are well catered for with two playgrounds on site, along with the popular Tropical World visitor attraction where a variety of exotic animals and plants can be seen.
of glorious landscape, with lakes, fountains, woodland, temples, rolling lawns, an ornamental garden and a children’s playround just a few of the delights which await to be explored in the grounds.
Visit: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA –www.castlehoward.co.uk
Greenhead Park
Nestled just half a mile from Huddersfield town centre, Greenfield Park is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle, and enjoy some time outdoors.
The vast Cistercian ruins of Fountains Abbey provide an impressive backdrop for a picnic
Visitors will be spoilt for choice with things to do at the popular Bolton Abbey Estate in Wharfedale.
Put your balance to the test crossing the 60 stepping stones, take a walk to see the Strid in the ancient woodland, enjoy the scenery along the nature trails, or nestle down on the lawns in front of the magnificent 12th century ruins.
Visit: Bolton Abbey, Skipton, BD23 6AL –www.boltonabbey.com
Golden Acre Park
Golden Acre Park in north Leeds is popular for its circular lakeside walk and pretty gardens
Hugely popular for its pretty gardens and circular lakeside walk, this north Leeds park stretches across 55 hectares, providing plenty of space to bask in the sunny weather. There’s a huge amount of space to set up a picnic, or you can head to the on-site cafe if you’d prefer.
Visit: Arthington Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 8BQ – www.leeds.gov.uk
The vast Oakwell Hall estate stretches across 110 acres with a network of footpaths and nature trails for visitors to explore
Alongside woodland walks, a walled garden and wild flower area, children will love playing in the water park and sand pit, or spotting an array of exotic plants and creatures at The Jungle Experience, the park’s tropical on-site greenhouse.
There’s also plenty of spots to set up a picnic and if you’re feeling energetic, there is an outdoor gym where you can work up a sweat.
Visit: Halifax, HX3 0EB – www.visitcalderdale.com
Valley Gardens
These English Heritage grade II listed gardens in Harroage spread across 17 acres and feature an array of different areas giving visitors plenty to explore.
Have fun in the playground, skate park, boating pool and games areas, which include tennis, pitch and putt and crazy golf, take a dip in the paddling pool, or simply take some time out to wander the footpaths through the gardens.
Visit: Valley Drive, Harrogate, HG1 2SZ –www.harrogate.gov.uk
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
If you’re looking for a park that is a little more out of the ordinary, Yorkshire Sculpture Park won’t disappoint.
The magnificent open air gallery is home to around 80 sculptures and installations, offering a more unqiue way to appreciate some contemporary art by some of the world’s finest artists.
Visit: West Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LG –www.ysp.org.uk
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Tucked away in a secluded valley, visitors are guaranteed to be impressed by the vast Cistercian abbey ruins and Georgian water farden at this National Trust site in Ripon.
A medieval deer park, Elizabethan Hall and Gothic church are also on site to see, while the vast green lawns which lead down to
Visit: Mansion Lane, Leeds, LS8 2HH –www.roundhaypark.org.uk
Castle Howard
This stunning 18th century historic house just outside of York stands within 1,000 acres
Home to a skate park, tennis courts, play areas, paddling pool and ornamental lake, as well as a miniature steam railway, there’s a great variety of attractions to keep the whole family entertained.
And visitors can even enjoy horse and carriage rides on weekends.
Visit: Trinity Street, Huddersfield, HD1 4DT – www.kirklees.gov.uk
There are over 600 castles in Wales and it is said to have more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Here are the top 5 castles to visit in North Wales:
Built in the 1280 by Edward I, Caernarfon is the largest castle in the area and does not disappoint. Having included all the mod cons for its day like toilets, running water and glass in the windows, this vast building is spectatuclar. A brute of a fortress. Caernarfon Castle’s pumped-up appearance is unashamedly muscle-bound
and intimidating. Picking a fight with this massive structure would have been a daunting prospect. By throwing his weight around in stone, King Edward I created what is surely one of the most impressive of Wales’s castles. Worthy of World Heritage status no less. Most castles are happy with round towers, not Caernarfon! Polygonal towers were the order of the day, with the Eagle Tower being the most impressive of these. You will also note the colour-coded stones carefully arranged in bands. The site of this great castle wasn’t chosen by accident.
It had previously been the location of a Norman motte and bailey castle and before that a Roman fort stood nearby. The lure of water
and easy access to the sea made the banks of the River Seiont an ideal spot for Edward’s monster in masonry. Edward wasn’t one to miss an opportunity to tighten his grip even further on the native population. The birth of his son, the first English Prince of Wales, in the castle in 1284, was a perfect device to stamp his supremacy. In 1969, the investiture of the current Prince of Wales, HRH Prince Charles took place here. Whilst you’re visiting this formidable fortress, don’t miss the opportunity to see the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, which is housed in two of the castle’s towers.
CONWY CASTLE
Conwy Castle entrance is truly impressive with two fortified gateways and made up of eight enormous towers. The great hall, private chambers and kitchen can still be seen on visiting which gives you a real sense of what it would have been like back in the day. Built for Edward I, by Master
James of St George, the castle is amongst the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain. In a word, exceptional. You can’t fault it, from the grandeur of its high towers and curtain walls to its excellent state of preservation. An estimated £15,000 was spent building the castle, the largest sum Edward spent in such a short time on any of his Welsh castles between 1277 and 1307. Money well spent. Two barbicans (fortified gateways), eight massive
towers and a great bowshaped hall all sit within its distinctive elongated shape, due in part to the narrow rocky outcrop on which the castle stands. You won’t find Edward’s concentric ‘walls within walls’ here. They weren’t needed. The rock base was enough security in itself. Some say it is the most magnificent of Edward I’s Welsh fortresses. To get the full picture, head for the battlements. Breathtaking views across mountains and
sea. If the outside impresses (and it will), wait until you go in. With an outer ward containing a great hall, chambers and kitchen, and a more secluded inner ward with private chambers and a royal chapel, it is very easy to imagine how Conwy functioned when the royal entourage were in town.
HARLECH CASTLE
Harlech castle is built on what is said to be the oldest rock in the world. It was impenatrable in its day due to its location.
Ms. Lina Osman, a Consultant Ophthalmologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS trust and The Stoneygate Eye Hospital, explains about Glaucoma, including commonly asked questions and treatment options.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause irreversible damage to the Optic nerve. The Optic nerve is the nerve that connects your eye to the seeing part of the brain. Having high pressure in your eyes is the most significant risk factor for developing glaucoma, although glaucoma can occur with normal eye pressure. Vision loss from Glaucoma occurs normally in the outer edge (peripheral) part of the vision and then progresses to the centre. If left untreated it can cause irreversible loss of vision. In most of the types of Glaucoma the disease shows no symptoms until later on. Possible symptoms are often non-specific and include blurred, patchy or misty vision.
What should I do?
A check up at the optician is vital
to screen for glaucoma and be referred promptly to the glaucoma specialist if there are any early signs. This is more important and strongly advised if a family member has already been diagnosed with glaucoma. If picked up early, treated promptly and follow up regularly, almost all types of glaucoma can be prevented from causing irreversible loss of vision and keep good vision for life. How can you treat Glaucoma?
Treatment options are individually tailored. The main aims of all available treatments are to reduce the eye pressure. This remains to date the only risk factor that we can alter.
Whilst the most common type of treatment is eye drops, there are other treatment options that can be explored when eye drops are not suitable or not effective. Other treatment options include laser treatment (Selective laser Trabeculoplasty, laser peripheral iridotomy, cyclodiode), Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries, Minimally Invasive Bleb-forming Surgeries, Trabeculectomy and
After Christmas we are all likely to feel overweight and not happy about ourselves. Our skin may look dehydrated due to the alcohol intake over the festive period.
The answer to getting our skin to bloom again is Micro needling which stimulates our skin’s natural collagen, reduces fine lines, and will also flatten white raised scars. The treatment involves tapping a fine needle into the skin with a fast, repetitive motion, using either a single needle or a Dema-roller (a multi-needle device)
The procedure can also used for Crow’s Feet (around the eyes), naso-mentalis lines (either side of the mouth) and stretch-marks on the body.
If you would like to know more about this or any other treatment - Microblading, Medical or Cosmetic Tattooing (permanent
makeup), hair removal by Electrolysis, make-up lessons - please contact Dawn Cragg MBE by telephone 01777 860 500, or email dawn_cragg@hotmail.co.uk. Dawn has a private clinic in Retford.
Glaucoma drainage devices or Tubes. Cataract surgery can also be a treatment option for some types of Glaucoma. Research into neuroprotective treatments is still underway and is not yet conclusive.
Can you cure Glaucoma?
Most types of Glaucoma are conditions that require lifelong follow up. As the disease does not show any symptoms early on, you will need to be monitored in the clinic to pick up any early changes to the nerve. By keeping a regular check-up, prompt treatment can be advised and progression of the disease can be halted. Can I still drive with Glaucoma? Certain types of Glaucoma can affect both eyes. In such situa-
tion your glaucoma specialist will advise you to inform DVLA as it is a legal requirement. Having Glaucoma doesn’t mean you cannot drive, however you will be assessed periodically to ensure you are safe to do so.
What to do next?
To find out more information or to book a no-obligation private consultation with Ms. Lina Osman, please contact The Stoneygate Eye Hospital on 0116 270 8033 or visit www.thestoneygateeyehospital.co.uk
As couples plan for their big day for 2023 now is the time to get into shape. and start organizing for what will be the best day of their lives. For the bride, you can’t start earlier enough.
You want to arrive at the alter looking vibrant with health and beauty, so what better excuse do you need to invest a little bit of time, money and energy in getting you there? Whether it is planning a few pampering trips to some spas or joining a gym, not only can you trim your figure, you’ll do wonders for your complexion and overall energy levels.
Shopping for the wedding dress is probably the part of the wedding plans you are
looking forward to more than any other aspect. The majority of bridal gowns bought in the UK are classed as ‘off the peg.’ You try on a sample of the gown in the shop; they take your measurements and order the most appropriate size for you which is then delivered to the shop for alterations to fit your exact shape and size. Don’t panic, there may be a huge amount to do but here is a handy checklist with some of the main points to take into consideration in the build up to the big day!
12 months before…
Choose a wedding date
Decide on a budget
Make a list of guests and decide on numbers
Book your Church/Ceremony location. Book your reception
venue/caterers. Choose your Bridesmaids, Ushers and Best Man. Start looking for The Dress!. Choose and book your photographer
8 months before…
Choose bridesmaids’ dresses
Book entertainment
Choose and order your wedding cake
Make an appointment with your chosen florist
6 months before...
Give Notice of Marriage
Purchase or hire menswear
Select your wedding rings
4 months before...
Send out your wedding invitations
Arrange fittings for the wedding dress and menswear
1 month before...
Arrange a final fitting of your wedding dress your bridesmaids, ushers and best
man. Enjoy your hen and stag parties!
2 weeks before...
Confirm the date and time of the rehearsal to the relevant people
1 week before...
Arrange to collect your wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses and the menswear
Have all your beauty treatments
Drink plenty of water and have some early nights
Relax and enjoy this time –all your hard work is about to come to completion!
Choosing who will be standing by your side on your wedding day will need to be taken with some careful thought and discussion with your partner. Your close family and friends will probably be hoping or assuming they will be asked, so choosing who to ask can be a bit of a nightmare, and you may be worried about upsetting someone. The key is to prioritise what is important, you can hopefully
create a squad that will please everyone.
The best way to start is to write down a wish list of who you would like to ask to be matron of honour, bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, or ushers, think of who would be most suitable to take on the role at your wedding. It may help knowing what responsibilities and duties traditionally expected of the wedding party.
Maid of Honour
The role of maid of honour is usually given to the bride’s sister or best friend. Choose your maid of honour carefully, as the role comes with a lot of responsibility.
It is the maid’s duty to help with any pre wedding arrangements including helping the bride with some of the planning and preparations, accompany her when she shops for her wedding dress
and to arrange the hen night. On the day itself, the maid of honour will support you and the bridesmaids and ensure everything runs smoothly and give you emotional support.
Bridesmaids
You can have two bridesmaids or several, it’s up to you. Traditionally your sisters and closest friends are chosen to be bridesmaids.
A bridesmaid’s duties will include attending wedding dress fittings, rehearsals, looking after the flower girls, and walking down the aisle with you as part of the procession and standing with you at the alter until being seated for the ceremony.
Best Man
A groom will usually ask his brother or best friend to be his best man at his wedding. The best man will have a lot of responsibility, so you really need to think of who will be the best for the job.
The best man will have the task of organising the stag do, help the groom get ready, keep the rings safe, great
guests, stand with the groom at the altar and make a speech at the reception.
Groomsmen and Ushers
At a wedding the groom will have groomsmen who will be by his side just like the bridesmaids are for the bride. You may also wish to have ushers at your wedding.
The general rule is that you need one usher for every 50 guests. The role of an usher is to escort guests to their seats and should traditionally escort ladies on their arm.
The ushers will also pass out Order of Service books, hymnals and carry out other
duties at the ceremony.
Flower
Flower girls and page boys are usually aged between four and eight years old. The role of the flower girls is to look pretty and walk down the aisle before the bride and her father. Flower girls sometimes carry baskets, and scatter rose petals along the way.
The page boy will walk down the aisle carrying the wedding rings or will enter before the bride with the flower girls, holding hands with one of the flower girls to up the cute factor.
While technology became a lifeline for many during the Covid-19 pandemic, with funerals, GP appointments and school lessons delivered online, for others - including women - it highlighted the lack of digital inclusion across society.
As our daily lives become increasingly digitalised, gender gaps in digital access threaten to leave women and girls even further behind. Though efforts to close these gaps have led to improvements in the gender parity score, the absolute gap between men and women’s access has actually increased by 20 million since 2019. Today, 63% of women have access to the internet, compared to 69% of men. And women are 12% less likely to own a mobile phone, a figure virtually unchanged since before the pandemic.
This inbalance is the focus of this year’s International Women’s Day, with the theme DigitALL: innovation and technology for gender equality.
Three million people work in the UK tech industry, just 26% of which are women. By 2050, 75% of jobs will be in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and, without internet access, women can’t develop the digital skills to engage, limiting their opportunities for STEM careers.
Nikki Turner, Interim Director for Digital Services at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust, says visibility is crucial so that women who are considering a digital role can see a role model higher up in the organisation and know that the door is open. “Setting a good example and leading the way is key,” said Nikki. “Having women as
visible digital leaders is important – we are extremely proud at NUH to have women in our lead technical roles too.”
Bringing women into technology results in more creative solutions and has greater potential for innovations that meet women’s needs and promote gender equality.
“If you were to ask a classroom full of children who wrote the first computer programme, I imagine they’d probably guess a man,” said Nikki.
In reality, Ada Lovelace is widely considered to be the first programmer. Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) is considered the first computer programmer, known for her work on Charles Babbage's computer, the Analytical Engine. She was the first person to recognise that the machine had applications beyond pure calculation, and to have published the first algorithm intended to be carried out by such a machine.
Nikki, who looks after all things digital –including health records – and has around 250 staff, said the debate around women in technology roles ties closely to women in leadership.
“I remember, a long time ago, I was at a meeting and I was given some feedback afterwards that I was too emotional,” she said. Others in the same meeting praised her for her passion and leadership. “It’s two different sides of the coin of how women can be perceived,” said Nikki. “I’m pleased to say that I do believe that has started to change. But unfortunately I know that I won’t be the only one who has experienced that.”
Many people believe that leadership roles
don’t come with a good work-life balance, which can be a sticking point for women who are planning a family, or perhaps still take on the bulk of childcare and caring for elderly parents.
Tech Nation found that when a job advert included flexible working options, 16% more women applied for the job, and research by Timewise found that 91% of women prefer flexible working; 84% of male full-time employees were working flexibly or stated a desire to do so.
“It’s about everyone,” said Nikki. “Being able to work in a much more inclusive and digital way gives us more opportunities to make sure that we can get that work-life balance for women and men alike.”
But it’s not just about work-life balance.
“We should also consider the menopause,” said Nikki. “You can have memory problems and emotional problems which can affect
your confidence in applying for leadership roles or in doing your day-to-day job.”
Nikki highlighted how development circles back to women having the confidence to apply for the roles that have stereotypically been ‘for men’.
Having a wider support network is useful, she said, in other organisations as well as your own. “There are a number of emerging support networks led by the NHS Transformation Team,” said Nikki. “Hearing about challenges and experiences that are similar to ours and talking through any shared problems is really helpful.”
Digital leaders from across the region came together to do a podcast about women in digital leadership: https://open.spotify.com/ episode/0fNzcIw9jpE8mO1nprKdFS
Samworth Church Academy welcomed a visit by Ben Bradley, MP for Mansfield, to celebrate the launch of a new voluntary contribution scheme called the Academy+ Fund.
The aims of Academy+ Fund are to raise additional finance to enhance and broaden the educational opportunities and character education the academy provides for its students, said Lisa McVeigh, Principal of The Samworth Church Academy. “We are really passionate about character as well as academic development at Samworth Church Academy. But to continue to do this to the level and standard we want for our students, we need to put additional support in place. Our aims are to provide more for students than the standard education concepts and budgets in the UK allow.
“Each year the Department for Education sends us an amount of money per child which is used for the running of the Academy. Whilst these funds cover our basic operat-
ing costs, it does not allow us to fund the student character development work our Academy is known for. That work promotes the resilience and robustness of our children, preparing and enabling them to cope with the knocks of modern life.”
The Academy+ Fund will be entirely voluntary, and will aim to attract funds of any size, big or small, from the school community, former students, local businesses and suppliers, as well as charities who specialise in funding projects for young people.
Lisa says that this is the first time the academy has set up such a fundraising initiative, “We have never directly asked for help with funding for our Academy, but for us to do what we think is necessary for our children we need to be imaginative. For our parents it should be clear that any donation is entirely voluntary. Should they feel that they can contribute, no matter how small the amount, we can assure them that their support will go towards providing our
children with the additional experiences and opportunities that are rarely to be found within the state model. Whether parents decide to donate or not, they will be treated with the utmost respect and in the strictest confidence.”
The academy plans to update donors on a regular basis, demonstrating how and where the funds are being used to support students.
During his visit, Ben Bradley MP discussed the academy’s plans with Principal, Lisa McVeigh and Chair of Governors, Mr Nick Linney.
Ben Bradley MP said, “I think the Academy+ Fund is a wonderful idea. It has always been very clear to me that a school has to be about helping young people out of the box, and not trying to force them into boxes they may or may not fit into. The broader the range of experience that young people have, the more likely they are to grow into resilient and independent adults.
“So actually, it is really refreshing to see a school that
is not saying what they can’t do, -but is saying they can and will do. Not only that, but they are willing to drive that effort themselves, and get the resources they need to achieve that. I am hugely supportive of it. The best way we can help young people from Mansfield to have a fair shot and a fair opportunity in life is to make sure they get the full breadth and range of education and experiences that they possibly can.”
Nick Linney is Chair of Governors and he said, “At Samworth Church Academy it is one of our dreams to teach young people resilience and character strength. The Academy+ Fund will enable us to embark on new projects and to continue the work we are doing on character strength, delivering our ambition to prepare students for 70+ great years when they leave the Academy.”
Students who attended the meeting and welcomed Ben Bradley MP on his visit said they look forward to making the most of the opportunities
to come.
Selija Seniauskaite, Year 8 said, “I think it is an amazing idea. In fact, I think Samworth Church Academy is an amazing school with all the opportunities it gives to us.
But because of Covid, I know I wasn’t able to experience many things that were offered in the past for example. So, I think this is a great opportunity to add experience and widen our horizons, -now more than ever before.”
Fellow student Jennifer Davis, Year 8 agreed, saying, “I think this is going to be really helpful. I know that having a role as an Academy Host for visitors has really helped my confidence, and I think that having the chance to try new and different things can help others to do the same. I am proud that my academy is trying new ways to help us to gain confidence and experience.”
The academy is already running projects providing the broader education it aims to support through the Academy+ Fund in future. ‘Project
Can Do @TSCA’ is underway with twenty year 10 students participating in a 14-week course designed to teach skills needed for the world of work, finding out how businesses work, what they look for in successful candidates, whilst supporting students to learn more about their own talents and interests.
Another is ‘Project Flavour’; designed to promote and improve the health and wellbeing of young people by encouraging a greater understanding and passion for cooking, food and nutrition. Project Flavour uses a combination of hands-on learning and tasting of foods, carried out in the Academy’s extensive professional catering suite, and will also include visits to commercial and artisan producers in a wide-ranging study of the ‘food to table’ journey. The course will also empower students with the facts and practical skills to enrich their own lives through a passion for balanced nutrition and enjoyment of good food
The brand-new Channel 4 build series Brickin’ It is looking for people who have been left high and dry by builders Fronted by TV presenter and best-selling author Stacey Solomon, the new Channel 4 build series gives viewers easy and helpful tips to makeover their homes themselves.
It is Stacey to the rescue as she steps
in where the unscrupulous builders have left off, showing homeowners how simple, satisfying and cost effective it can be to pick up a power tool and do the work themselves.
From brick laying to basic plumbing, roof-tiling to mastering hacksaws, the show will see Stacey get her hands dirty helping homeowners who want to transform their home all by themselves. The series will follow big builds and smaller passion projects with Stacey sharing her money-saving skills and offering design inspiration, as well as challenging herself to master new DIY techniques.
The series is being produced by Hello Sunshine. Founded by Reese Witherspoon, Hello Sunshine puts women at the centre
of every story it creates, celebrates and discovers.
Stacey Solomon said of Brickin’ It, “From an early age, my dad taught me DIY and the importance of fixing things yourself where you can. I still find it so satisfying to build or repair around the house and it saves loads of money. I am beyond excited to work with Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine on their first ever UK project. They are all about empowering women and what could be more empowering than a power tool?! It’s a dream come true to share my DIY hacks with everyone at home.”
If you’re interested in being on the show you can apply here https://www. channel4.com/4viewers/ take-part/brickin-it
Mansfield Town striker Will Swan has been ruled out the rest of the season with an ankle injury.
The 22-year-old has scored nine goals in 31 games since joining the Stags on loan from Nottingham Forest in July.
He has missed three games already after suffering the ankle injury during training in late February.
Swan's season-ending problem adds to Mansfield's injury crisis, with boss Nigel Clough only able to call on 12 fit first-team players in recent weeks.
While ravaged by injury, eighth-placed Mansfield have maintained their bid for pro-
motion with five wins in an eight-game run that includes just one defeat.
After Saturday's 3-1 win at AFC Wimbledon, they are only outside the League Two play-off spots on goal difference and are just five points adrift of the automatic promotion spots.
While Clough has previously said the Stags "have to take chances" with their approach to training despite being short of players, first-team coach Andy Garner says the Stags are being cautious with managing the players that are sidelined and those who are still available.
"We have to look after the 11, 12 or 13
players that we have got because the the other ones are not looking like they are coming back very soon," Garner told BBC Radio Nottingham.
"What we can't do is brings players back too quickly so they are out for the next game.
"We certainly don't want to take chance with players, that's for sure.
"They are all frustrated and fed up, but they have to just keep going and hopefully recover quickly."
Garner said midfielder Elliott Hewitt would be treated as a "50-50" chance being available for Saturday's home game against League Two leaders Leyton Orient after being ruled
out with a calf injury.
Rhys Oates, who has not featured since Mansfield's 1-1 draw at Bradford on 4 February, is expected to return to light training this week and could feature this weekend.
"That is some good news, but everything has to be right," Garner said.
We moved in to February still confident that our precarious league position would be improving and that the forthcoming fixtures weren’t too much to be concerned about. We knew that this month was important to get the ball rolling again and to that we needed to end our baron run of poor results. With still over fifteen fixtures remaining the situation wasn’t critical and that if we could pick up some useful points in the forthcoming weeks that our outlook would be clearer. It was important that the results started coming and that our climb up the league would give us some breathing space as our survival at this level of football is paramount. Unfortunately again we were unable to improve our position and the opposite of what we were hoping for happened.
Tadcaster Albion 0-2 Carlton Tn
Our first fixture of the month would take us on an away day to the club that for most of the season had been sitting at the bottom of the league. Within twenty minutes we had taken a foothold on the game when the returning Aaron O’Connor would find the net and take us into half-time with a lead and a competent first-half behind us. We would enter the second phase confident that the game was ours for the taking and a further twenty minutes in O’Connor would net again and send us back home with all the points and a sense of relief.
With the previous result behind us and the thoughts that our poor run of results was behind us we went into this one with a lot of hope that our blip was now over. Within ten minutes the visitors opened the scoring after The Millers had started brightly. There were no further goals in the first half as both sides stuck to their tasks very
securely. Another goal four minutes into the second half would see the visitors further increase their lead and take a foothold in the game. Boyle for the visitors would add a third ten minutes later and The Millers woes would flare up again as the score line was now too wide to recover. We still took the game to the visitors and still kept plugging away and would be rewarded a further ten minutes on when Bradley Wells would pull one back. This opened up a spell in the game where both teams would throw everything at it and the visitors would be the first team to prevail. They would take a four-one lead before Niall Davie would reduce the arrears five minutes from time and bring an end to the proceedings where The Millers had never been in control of the outcome.
Carlton
We had previously met the day’s opposition earliar in the season on the coast and knew that we would have a tough game ahead of us. Our opposition opened the scoring just before the halfway mark in the first half and took this lead into the break. The next goal would arrive just after the break and again it was the visitors who would find the net. This opened up a spell of football which would see four goals in a twenty minute spell as the game now became a real end to end affair. Bridlington would score twice more with a Bradley Wells finish sandwiched in-between. Tyler Blake would reduce the arrears another eight minutes later with a strike from distance in a game where The Millers would always be chasing the score line.
Sheffield
A trip up the road to Dronfield next and a chance for us to pick up some useful points against a side that we had always in the past managed
to get good results against. This one is always a favourite amongst the Carlton fans and the team were certainly going to try to not disappoint. The home side started spritely but The Millers remained and stood firm and with just under the half-way mark of the first period approaching would find a potential game changer occur. The Sheffield goalkeeper would find himself in no-man’s land as a through ball for O’Connor left him one on one, the ball would take a high bounce and leave the keeper no option but to handle it midway in his own half. Away to the dressing rooms he would go and leave his side a player short, here was our opportunity we thought. However, the home side stood firm for the remainder of the game and even without a recognised keeper between the posts The Millers would still struggle to find the net as the replacement net-minder would make two or three great saves to deny us.
Carlton Town 0-2 Hebburn Having only picked up four points from a possible twelve, we now faced a side
that were currently sitting third in the division. Our boys were put on the back foot early on as the opposition played with a lot of energy and confidence. It would take until the half hour mark before the deadlock was broken and it would be the visitors that would open the scoring. The score line remained the same until half-time and despite being behind we still knew we had a chance to resurrect the situation. We addressed the second half as we always do by trying to move the ball freely, but each time we tried the opposition would find away to stop us. It wasn’t until another twenty minutes into the second period that we would see another goal, and again it was the visitors that would add to the score-sheet.
Our opponents on the day moved the ball better than we did and worked as hard off the ball as any team we have met all season and in the end deserved their victory. We now enter what surely must be the most critical month in the club’s history. As we now sit below the line of safety by a good seven points our results have to
improve immediately. The situation going into the final ten games now means that we need to do something that we haven’t done all season, and that is go on a winning run and hope that most weeks the results will go for us also. A very big ask from everyone at the club is now required to ensure that our status in this code of football remains and the reality of the fact is that we need to roll our sleeves up even further to ensure our survival. The club is bigger than any one single individ-
ual and we must keep this in mind when we go about our tasks on and off the field. Forthcoming Fixtures:
Forest Women faced Portsmouth at Halbrooke Stadium in their League Cup semi-final.
Andy Cook named an unchanged starting XI from last Sunday’s victory over Huddersfield Town, with Georgia Hewitt and Mai Moncaster returning to the matchday squad.
The visitors started brightly with opportunities in the 6th and 28th minute, before Sophie Domingo worked an opening on 35 minutes which
was blocked by the Pompey defence.
Domingo’s shot at goal sparked The Reds into action with a flurry of chances in the following five minutes as Forest looked to take control.
The hosts were rewarded for their period of pressure when Reds’ captain Lyndsey Harkin tapped home from close range after a goal mouth scramble in the 38th minute.
Laura-Jayne O’Neill almost double Forest’s lead four minutes before the break when her shot was saved at
the far post by the opposition ‘keeper.
Half time:
Forest 1-0 Portsmouth
The Reds couldn’t have started the half any better when Becky Anderson doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half, after some excellent build up play from Domingo out wide.
On 58 minutes Forest found goal again through striker Charlotte Greengrass; the number 22 found space behind the visitors’ defence,
drifted past the defender and fired home.
Anderson had her second and The Reds’ fourth of the afternoon in the 64th minute following some brilliant build up play from Forest to set up the number 19.
Andy Cook looked to freshen up the side when he introduced Naomi Powell for Amy West, while Mai Moncaster made her return from injury: replacing Yasmin Mosby.
With ten minutes remain-
ing, The Reds’ Head Coach replaced Domingo and O’Neill with Rosetta Taylor and the returning Georgia Hewitt. The number 3 making her 100th appearance in the Garibaldi. Moncaster worked an opportunity at goal with an excellent strike from out wide on the right side in the 85th minute.
Charlotte Steggles was replaced with three minutes remaining as Niamh Reynolds was introduced into
the action. Substitute Moncaster pressed high late into the cup tie and was rewarded when the number 8 dispossessed the Pompey ‘keeper and slotted home The Reds fifth.
Full time:
Forest 5-0 Portsmouth
The Reds progressed to their first League Cup final since 2011, where they will face Watford on Sunday 23rd April at Pirelli Stadium.
