Nottingham Now 16

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Issue. 16 - 17,10,2019 0115 6972670 | www.nottingham-now.co.uk | sales@nottingham-now.co.uk

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Inside this issue: christmas - what’s on - and more...

Ageing well in Notts Where sold

Third camera car begins school patrols in Nottinghamshire

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Take five to stop fraud

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Have your say on Taxi Licensing Policy

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Council Successful in Securing War Memorials Funding A rapid response service is helping over 160 older people return home from hospital when they are medically fit or support them at home during a temporary crisis every month. The Home First Response Service is just one of the ways the County Council is supporting people to be independent, according to a report about ‘ageing well’, which was presented to Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee yesterday. The ‘ageing well’ report details a range of other short-term services that can be offered to people to help them return to

independence after a period of ill health which may include a stay in hospital: Short Term Assessment and Reablement Service (START): a service that helps people achieve their goals and regain the ability to do daily tasks. Support may last for a few days or a few weeks depending on the person’s needs. Connect: a short-term service that helps people affected by loneliness or bereavement to find information about local services, activities and opportunities. Staff can work with people around money issues, housing problems,

health management and other things depending on their needs. Assistive technology: monitors and sensors in the home can alert to risks such as changes in temperature or a fall. They can also remind people to take their medication or raise an alert if someone is wandering around at night. Meals at home: everyone who has a hot meal delivery receives a safe and well check. The service has a range of nutritious hot or frozen meals that are provided to over 300 customers a day. Councillor Tony Harper, Chair of Adult Social Care

and Public Health Committee, said: “A study shows that just 10 days in bed can reduce hip and leg muscle strength by 14% and aerobic capacity by 12% - the equivalent of 10 years of life. So, it is vital that we do everything we can to support people to leave hospital as soon as they are medically fit. “We are also having different conversations with people now. We are working with people at an early stage and focusing on their strengths and abilities, rather than rushing in and carrying out an assessment which may result in them becoming reliant on our support. This early intervention and the short-term prevention services we offer are key to helping people retain their independence for as long as possible.” Find out more about services and support at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/adultsocialcare or by phoning 0300 500 80 80.

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Local dance artist ‘takes steps’ to get people living with dementia dancing

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Frank Key Supports Arnold Hill Academy to Reach New Heights

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Third camera car begins

school patrols in Nottinghamshire Pupils in Nottinghamshire are helping to take road safety outside schools up a gear with the launch of Nottinghamshire County Council’s third CCTV car. Priory Junior School unveiled the newest addition to the fleet which aims to prevent accidents and injury by targeting illegal and dangerous parking. The cars patrol outside schools to monitor vehicles parked on ‘School Keep Clear’ markings which are in place to ensure the safety of children getting to and from school. Other measures in place outside schools include 20mph zones and parents are being reminded to think twice about how and where they park to avoid facing a £70 Penalty Charge Notice. Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Communities and Place Committee, said: “Road safety for pupils outside schools remains a high priority for us as local residents and schools continue to express concerns about dangerous parking. “Pupils attending school should be able to feel safe in their surroundings, and it is the responsibility of parents and other motorists to not only consider the safety of their own children, but also that of other pupils and parents. “We are delighted that a third CCTV car will now patrol outside Nottinghamshire schools as a deterrent for those who continue to avoid putting safety at the heart of their journey.” The car will add to the current fleet of two after Nottinghamshire County Councils approved the addition at the council’s Policy committee in April. Councillor Philip Owen,

chairman of the Children and Young People’s committee, said: “Parking on keep clear markings outside schools is an ongoing issue across Nottinghamshire, and coupled with the rise in pupil numbers across the last five years, it is important that we continue to address this. “Areas around schools can become congested at busy

drop off and pick up times, and where vehicles are parked illegally, they are failing to respect the clear measures we have in place to maximise the safety of their children. “Parents have a responsibility to set an example for their children, and we hope that the addition of a third CCTV car will further highlight the dangers that young people are

facing outside their schools every day.” Alison Brown, Head Teacher at Priory Junior School in Gedling, said: “My top priority is the safety of our children, and so we welcome the new car, as it could help to prevent accidents. “We also hope the car will support residents around the school by encouraging considerate parking.”

Council donates hundreds of office items to African schools and hospitals Rushcliffe Borough Council has donated hundreds of former office items to a charity to aid those in African schools and hospitals. The authority teamed up with the National Police Aid Project after it cleared its former Abbey Road depot in West Bridgford. Chairs, tables, filing cabinets, storage racking and flip boards will now be sent for use in classrooms and facilities in Zambia or Malawi with previous efforts across the continent also aiding those in Sierra Leone, the Gambia, Rwanda,

Ghana and Somalia. It follows hours of work from local volunteers Andy Burton, David Paling, Eddie Davies and Phillip Fairburn and the Council’s waste and project teams to inspect and load the items onto the charity’s vehicles. Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis met the teams during the exercise. He said: “The charity makes such an impact in so many communities supporting the infrastructure for schools, hospitals and clinics in Africa and we thought it was an opportunity not to miss. “The items we have donated are used but still in good working order and could help make the difference to the learning or care of individuals which is really heartening. “I would encourage other

local organisations to donate office furniture in similar fashion. For more information on the charity visit www.npac. org.uk “ David Scott, chairman of the NPAC said: “Thanks to Rushcliffe. We are always delighted to receive donations such as this and do our part for recycling of redundant stock and everything donated will be going to help people in circumstances far worse

than ours. “These items will either be sent to remote parts of Zambia or Malawi where metal legged furniture is vital, or excess will be sold on to pay for freight.” The Council’s Waste and Recycling2go teams bid a fond farewell to the depot in May after over four decades at the site and have since relocated to Eastcroft depot close to London Road in Nottingham.


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Take five to stop fraud People across Nottinghamshire are being asked to take five to stop fraud and ensure they do not fall victim to a fraudulent attack by phone, text, email or online. Everyone should always take five minutes to reflect and step back from the situation if a phone call, message or online exchange requests personal or financial information. Even if an individual says they are the bank or other trusted organisation, you still need to take the time to stop and think about what’s really going on. That’s the message from Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue and Nottinghamshire local councils, all represented on The Safer Nottinghamshire Board. Always take a step back to take the five minutes and follow these key steps to avoid falling victim to fraud: • A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you out of the blue to ask for your PIN, full password or to move money to another account. Only give out your personal or financial details to use a service that you have given your consent to, that you trust and that you are expecting to be contacted by. • Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text. • If you’re approached with a request for personal information, don’t provide it. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number. • Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic. Just because someone knows your basic details such as your name and address or even

your mother’s maiden name, it doesn’t mean they are genuine. • Be mindful of who you trust – criminals may try and trick you into their confidence by telling you that you’ve been a victim of fraud. They can also make any telephone number appear on your phone handset so even if you recognise it or it seems authentic, do not use it as verification they are genuine. • Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. • Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot. They would never ask you to transfer money into another account for fraud reasons. • Listen to your instincts. If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. • Stay in control. Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. It’s easy to feel embarrassed when faced with unexpected or complex conversations. But it’s okay to stop the discussion if you do not feel in control of it. Remember to #Tell2 and simply tell two friends or family members to be mindful of scams too, especially those who may be vulnerable or elderly. Nottinghamshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cooper said: “Increasingly fraud is becoming more complex and deceptive, much of which is targeted at vulnerable and elderly people. “You wouldn’t let a burglar into you home so don’t let a fraudster in via their methods of contacting you. That can

be via your home phone, the internet, mobile phone, door stepping or through letters. “Fraudsters pose as persons in authority, create a sense of urgency to the situation or contact victims when they are expecting something to happen. “Our advice would be to hang up on cold calls from any company as fraudsters lie and identity theft can purport to be any business. This could be your bank, so we would echo the aim of this campaign and ‘take five’ to verify by a trusted means. “This is why we state to take five minutes, hang up, make a brew and then ring the number known and not the one given in a text or phone call, or ring the number from a trusted phone. “We want everyone to talk about fraud and we would encourage to spread this advice and awareness to your friends, family and those vulnerable in the community so they aren’t scammed in the future.” Anthony May, Chair of the Safer Nottinghamshire

Board said: “Whether over the phone, by text, email or online, even if someone claims they’re the bank or an organisation you know, you still need to take the time to stop, think and take five about what’s really going on when someone contacts you. “Deep down, many people already know these basic rules on how to beat financial fraud, everyone just needs to take a breath and stay calm to remember them. “You can play your part by remembering to also #Tell2 and make sure two family or friends are aware of the need to take a step back and think if anyone requests personal or financial information.”

Have your say on Taxi Licensing Policy Rushcliffe Borough Council is seeking views on renewing its Taxi Licensing Policy that aims to maximise the safety of residents and members of the public when taking a journey. Although the current policy is not due for renewal until 2022, changes to legislation have required alterations to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire rules. These include safe guarding refresher training for drivers so they can spot potential issues, greater protection for

assistance dogs users and disabled users when using vehicles and the sharing of information to assist clean air zones and air quality. More information on the policy is available at bit.ly/ TaxiLicensingPolicy and all are invited to submit their views by emailing licensing@ rushcliffe.gov.uk until October 21. Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “As

the Licensing Authority, we recognise that taxis play an important role in transporting our residents and members of the public around the Borough and beyond. “Due to changes in legislation we are required to update our current policy and are therefore looking for stakeholders’ views on these new rules that are seeking to protect passengers even further. “We also wish to encourage environmental sustainability

and further data we collect in line with GDPR guidelines will help us provide information to the relevant government team on improving air quality.” The views received will be considered and the policy submitted to the Licensing Committee on November 13.

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Nottinghamshire set to benefit from new pothole filling machine An innovative new machine in Nottinghamshire as part by Nottinghamshire County is improving the way potholes of a £1.75m investment in Council. and roads are being repaired new highways equipment The Roadmaster has been out on the County’s roads this summer and has already made a big impact, allowing Via East Midlands, who manages Nottinghamshire’s highways network on behalf of the county council, to make high quality repairs and ensure that less potholes develop on Nottinghamshire’s roads. A successful trial of the machinery has been taking place and the county council has now agreed to purchase a brandnew Roadmaster to be delivered ahead of the spring. The Roadmaster is an all-in-one spray injection

chip patching system. It treats surface defects e ff e c t i v e l y, sealing the target area, filling cracking and removing potholes whilst regulating the surface. It produces a better finish and it reduces the likelihood of road repairs failing prematurely. Councillor John Cottee, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Communities and Place Committee chairman at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “We’ve been delighted with the positive impact that the new equipment has had on our repairs so far, providing us with another tool to repair and prevent road surface deterioration in the County and significantly improving productivity. “Road repairs and resurfacing is one of our top priorities and this £1.75m is a longterm investment to save more money further down the line whilst improving the quality of road repairs, increasing productivity and extending the life expectancy of our roads and is another

example of our continuing investment in the network. “The new Roadmaster we have on order is due to be with us by the spring. It has a higher specification than the machine we’re currently using, including an integrated roller to provide an even better finish.” The Roadmaster allows relatively large areas of carriageway to be treated quickly meaning that teams can pull in more lower priority repairs in the process, slowing down the rate at which our roads deteriorate and reducing the need for future re-visits to the same locations. In addition, the council are introducing mechanised patching, where new and existing equipment will be used together to make patching

of larger areas of road, where the road surface has suffered significant deterioration, economically viable and also carry out deeper structural repairs. This will improve the quality of ride for road users as well as the appearance. The use of both types of equipment across Nottinghamshire will be prioritised and depend on factors such as the type of road and nature of the repair needed, with existing methods of repair continuing across the network. The county council will continue with its existing approaches to fixing potholes, including find and fix repairs using either Viafix or patching, ensuring the highway remains safe for road users. “We repaired more than 115,000 potholes in 2018 following a harsh winter and almost 70,000 this year to date. Potholes are a major concern for residents and we’ve listened to this,” added Coun Cottee. “These methods provide us with two new tools in our armoury when it comes to tackling and preventing potholes in the county, further ensuring that we can make the right repair at the right time.” A £20m cash pot was set up by the county council in 2018 to invest in Nottinghamshire’s roads.


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Council Successful in Securing War Memorials Funding

It has been announced that Ashfield District Council has been successful in securing £6k in funding from the War Memorials Trust. The funding will go towards cleaning and restoring the four main war memorials in time for this year’s Remembrance Day events in November. • Titchfield Park War Memorial, Hucknall • Kingsway Old Cemetery War Memorial, Kirkby • Sutton Cemetery War Memorial, Sutton • Huthwaite Cemetery War Memorial, Huthwaite will all undergo works including cleaning, repointing, repairing surface damage to the stone and lettering repairs. This will mark the beginning of a rolling programme which will see all the Districts war memorials cleaned and restored over the next few years.

Having been successful in each of its four submitted bids, the Council will receive half of the costs of the repair and maintenance required. A further £6k will be invested by the Council. Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council said “The Council is committed to ensuring the memory of those who fought for our country is kept alive and is respected. The war memorials play an important part in that. Our plans for the restoration and maintenance will start with the four key war memorials, and will be completed in time for this year’s Remembrance Sunday events.” The restoration works will start at Kingsway Memorial, Kirkby on 9th October and will involve a team of specialist restorers to ensure that the integrity of the war memorials remain for future generations.

Cllr Jason Zadrozny continued “As a Council we work closely with local military groups and organisations on events including Armed Forces Day, Merchant Navy Day and not forgetting the epic poppy downfall that was put together to mark last year’s end of world war one centenary. “We recognise the importance of maintaining war memorials, both in terms of heritage and community significance. These works will form part of an ongoing restoration and maintenance plan of our War Memorials.” Plans for the restoration of the war memorial at the The Hills, Selston are also being discussed in conjunction with the War Memorials Maintenance Association. The War Memorials Trust is a charity that works to protect and conserve war memorials in the UK.

Property Health & Safety Checks raising money to support tenants The Property Health & Safety Check programme, delivered in partnership with J Tomlinson Ltd has raised over £4k. Each time an Ashfield District Council tenant provides first time access to their property for the checks to be completed J Tomlinson Ltd donate 50p back to Ashfield District Council for a contribution to assist with Tenancy Sustainment. So far £4802 has been raised from the first time access contributory donation. The contribution to the Community Fund for Welfare Support is used by the Council’s Tenancy Sustainment Officers, to support tenants to sustain their tenancy, by assisting those who have no income

to buy essential household items. Cllr Keir Barsby, Cabinet Member for Housing said “The Property Health & Safety Checks are a legality and have to be carried out in all our properties each year. It is great to see that so many of our tenants provide access first time and the money raised is making a real difference to those tenants that require a bit of extra help. “We want to make sure that our tenants know about the scheme, so that we can continue to raise as much money as possible through our partnership with J Tomlinson’s.” Dave Fisher, Operations Manager for J Tomlinson

Ltd commented “It is great news that the contributions resulting from first time access are being used for such a worthwhile cause. Tenants with a genuine need are being given vital help at a time when it is most needed. Tenants of Ashfield District Council can continue to support this important initiative by helping us to make sure gas safety checks are completed first time and look forward to increasing our donation in future as a result”

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Local dance artist ‘takes steps’ to get people living with dementia dancing

Local dance artist Annie Woodhouse from Kirkby is working in partnership with Ashfield District Council and PlatformThirty1 to create and deliver new inclusive tap dance classes to benefit local people living with dementia. The project, Tap In To is being funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. The dance sessions aim to spark creativity, inspire movement, empower individuals and encourage a sense of community through tap dancing. Councillor Tom Hollis, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Health and Leisure said: “Tap In To is a great initiative that allows those who live

with dementia the opportunity to not only have fun with the people that they care about, but to also allow them be in a social environment with others in the same situation. Dementia can be isolating and it’s initiatives like this that make us proud of our community in Ashfield.” The sessions will also use unique equipment sourced from Australia that the sessions are effective and suitable for those with limited mobility. Tap In To recently started delivering taster sessions in: • Beaumont House Care Home, Hucknall • Five Gables Care Home, Kirkby in Ashfield

• Ashfield and Mansfield working age dementia hub, Lammas Leisure Centre Councillor Tom Hollis added: “We are proud to support this fantastic initiative to enable the residents in our community, who live with dementia and those who tirelessly care for people with dementia the ability to take part in fun and social activities like this. We will continue to support initiatives like this to help Ashfield become more dementia friendly.” For more information about the project please contact Dianne Holmes, Health and Wellbeing Officer d.c.holmes@Ashfield.gov.uk or 01623 457233

County Council working closely with partners to help

protect Arnold homes and businesses from future flood risk With this summer’s excessive rainfall, Nottinghamshire County Council and partners have been working hard to protect homes and businesses from future flood risk. In June, the Arnold area was hit with torrential rain when 92mm fell in just 3 days, more than the average rainfall for the entire month. This excessive rainfall resulted in 24 homes and 20 businesses suffering serious flooding. As Lead Local Flood Authority, Nottinghamshire County Council worked closely with Gedling Borough Council and Severn Trent Water to react quickly and offer assistance to all those affected. The County Council

initiated and co-ordinated the emergency planning response and Gedling Borough Council and Severn Trent Water attended the site immediately following the event to assist residents and inspect drainage assets.Investigation work revealed that on the evening of the 12 June, a surface water storage area upstream of the event reached full capacity and broke its bank allowing excess surface water to run overland causing significant flood damage to properties downstream. A number of properties were flooded internally and many gardens had garden sheds and fences damaged. The area affected

forms part of the wider Upper Daybrook catchment which has been the focus of an in-depth study lead by Nottinghamshire County Council, in conjunction with Severn Trent Water and Gedling Borough Council, after securing £99,000 of Local Levy funding in January 2018. It is hoped that the study, which is due to be completed at the end of this year, will identify ways to improve the surface water management system. Councillor Phil Rostance, Vice-Chairman of Communities and Place Committee for Nottinghamshire County Council, said “We know flooding can be devastating for those affected and that’s why we are doing such an extensive study to identify how we can improve the flood management systems in place in Arnold to reduce the risk of something like this happening again and to ensure residents' homes and business properties are as protected as possible.”


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Newark project shortlisted for global engineering award Newark awarded What does Newark’s waste and water improvement scheme have in common with a bridge in Hong Kong? The project between Nottinghamshire County Council and Severn Trent Water has been shortlisted for a global civil engineering award alongside the Hong Kong- Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which is the longest bridge and tunnel sea crossing in the world. Both projects are finalists for this year’s Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) People’s Choice Award, which recognises civil engineering projects that have made a positive impact on their local area and communities. The Newark waste and water improvement scheme protects 400 homes from sewer flooding, provides 750 homes with new water mains and forms part of the infrastructure for 16,000 new homes in the town. Over 15 miles of new and improved water and sewer pipes and a state-of-the-art pumping systems that can empty 65 baths every second

Heritage Action Zone status

it operates are two of the features of the improvement scheme. Councillor Phil Rostance, Vice-Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Community and Place Committee, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award and it is a great achievement for the project to be recognised amongst others around

the world. “We know that flooding can have devastating impacts in communities across Nottinghamshire, and the Newark water and water improvement scheme is an innovative example of how Nottinghamshire County Council has addressed this. “We have worked in partnership with Severn Trent Water to protect homes and businesses, which are now benefiting from the scheme.

“We know that this project has been significant to the people of Newark and we are thrilled that its benefits will continue into the future to support the construction of new homes for future generations.” Nick Wallace, Design Manager from Severn Trent Water, said: “Most of the major engineering on our project was unseen beneath the town, so we are especially pleased to be finalists for this prestigious award and for our project in Newark to be recognised alongside other fantastic projects around the world. We hope that people will take the time to visit the ICE website and cast their votes for us.”

Newark has been awarded Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) status having secured a £250,000 boost from Historic England for conservation projects in the town centre. Funding will be focused on helping to revive and revitalise the town, particularly in helping to promote traditional shop frontages, offering assistance and incentives to convert upper floors, assisting in improving the fortunes of ‘problem’ buildings, and dealing with the consequences of heritage crime. The funding will be used for a variety of projects, including: • To complete essential repair works in historic buildings and reveal hidden and forgotten features of buildings by restoring shop-fronts and façades • Stimulating commercial investment in high streets by demonstrating how historic sites can be successfully repurposed and offering funding towards projects • Developing education projects and bespoke events to help repurpose historic buildings at the heart of local towns Councillor David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is excellent news and will assist helping to preserve the town’s unique historical qualities, address buildings which are of concern, and further enhance Newark as a place to visit and in which to stay.”


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County Council and Go Ultra Low

partners take next steps to electric future Nottinghamshire County Council is working in partnership with Nottingham (lead authority) and Derby

City Councils to deliver the Go UltraLow Programme which aims to create a major change in the number of ultralow emission cars and vans on the

roads. The objectives are to significantly improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions and create opportunities for the growth of electric car manufacturing. The Nottingham Go Ultra Low programme is funded by £6.1m grant from the Office of Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV). Each element of the programme will be expanded into the county wherever this is possible. £2m of the grant has been has been earmarked for expanding the public electric vehicle charging infrastructure to create an area wide network across Nottinghamshire, Nottingham and Derby area by 2020.

Locations that will form part of the charging network will be made publicly available for 24 hours every day. Work is currently taking place to identify potential locations and assess their feasibility and a number of potential sites have been proposed for inclusion in the electric vehicle charging network. Currently, 91 public electric charge points have been installed in the county in thirteen different locations. Two rapid electric vehicle charge points have recently

been installed in the public car park at County Hall and it is proposed that more charging points are installed at suitable County Council properties, such as visitor attractions to expand the charging network. In addition, work is under way to expand the County Council’s electric pool cars and vans. Local businesses or voluntary organisations may be able to apply for grants of up to £25,000 to help pay for the installation of electric charging points at their workplaces for their staff and

visitors. Additional advice or loans may also available to help organisations introduce low-emission vehicles into their fleets. Councillor John Cottee, Communities and Place Committee Chairman said: “The County Council and its partners are committed to supporting the Go Ultra Low Programme to help make its ambitions a reality. We are promoting the introduction and use of electric vehicles, expanding the charging infrastructure on council premises for public use, supporting local businesses and voluntary organisations in introducing electric vehicles and charging points in their workplaces. “The advantages can be enjoyed by everyone: lower costs involved with the maintenance and upkeep of electric vehicles and fewer emissions which leads to significantly improved air quality. These improve ments will help us to create a more sustainable environment, with the benefits being enjoyed now and in the future.”


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Landlord fined £10,000 for failing to take action on hazardous property A Landlord has been fined including excess cold, fall and wellbeing of occupants contributed to the ill health of rent out are safe and fit for avoid court and provide a £10,000 and ordered to pay a further £5,700 in costs and victim surcharge after he failed to tackle serious hazards in a property he was renting out in Whitehall Road, Retford. Bassetlaw District Council brought a prosecution against John Bragasik, of Meadow View, Big Lane, Clarborough, at Mansfield Magistrates Court on 12th September 2019 where Mr Bragasik pleaded guilty to failing to comply with an improvement notice served under the Housing Act 2004. The Court heard how Bassetlaw District Council was contacted by a Health Visitor who had concerns for the tenant and her children, including a nine-weekold baby who had been hospitalised with bronchitis. Following a visit by a Council Environmental Health Officer, a number of hazards were identified in the property

hazards on the stairs, electrical hazards and fire risks. The property suffered from uncontrollable draughts, missing radiators, an obsolete electric consumer unit with no residual current device protection, missing internal doors and defective floorboards at the top of the stairs. The Council wrote to Mr Bargasik on the 12th December 2018 enclosing a schedule of works to be completed within 28 days. On the 10th January 2019, with no works undertaken and no contact from the Landlord, the Council carried out a formal inspection of the property under Section 239 of the Housing Act 2004. Using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), the inspection revealed a number of category 1 and 2 hazards. These are hazards that have the ability to impact upon the health, safety

and visitors to a dwelling. On the 15th January 2019 the Council served an Improvement Notice under Section 11 and 12 of the Housing Act 2004. A subsequent inspection of the property on 5th March 2019 found that no works had been carried out. On the 8th April 2019, Mr Bargasik was invited to the Council Offices for a voluntary interview under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, but failed to attend or even respond to the Council. The Landlord’s refusal to carry out any works and engage with the Council left the Authority no option but to proceed with a prosecution. In sentencing, District Judge Taaffe remarked that this was a wholly avoidable situation and the property was a disgrace. He further commented that defects were material, there was a fire hazard and they could have

a child. Councillor Simon Greaves, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council said: “Landlords have a duty to ensure that the properties they

purpose and that the wellbeing and safety of tenants are not at risk. There were many opportunities for the Landlord to carry out the works needed,

safe property for his tenant and her children. I’d like to praise the excellent work of our Environmental Health Officers in successfully pursuing this case.”

The relationship is over, can I be forced to leave the family home? Well this all depends on whether you are married or not. For the purposes of this article, any reference to marriage also includes civil partnerships. Upon separation from any relationship, one of you will inevitably have to leave the family home which can lead to stress and uncertainty. So what can you do? If the family home is owned in joint names between you and your partner, both of you have the right to occupy the property and to come and go as you please. An individual’s right to occupy their property can only be overridden by a Court Order (sometimes called an ‘Occupation Order’) and/or bail conditions imposed by the Police if there is any ongoing criminal investigation. If you find that the locks to the property have been changed, then you may have been unlawfully evicted from the property which is a criminal offence. If the family home is owned in your partner’s sole name

i.e. your name is not on the property title, then you will still have a right to remain living in the property - but your status will depend on whether or not you are married to your partner and requires more careful consideration. Practical tip To ascertain how the family home is owned, you can order a copy of the title register from the Land Registry for a cost of £3 (online copy) or £7 for a copy posted to you. ‘Matrimonial Home Rights’ If you are married to your partner and the property is owned in their sole name, then you should consider applying for a ‘Matrimonial Home Rights’ Notice to be registered against the property title. This ‘Notice’ confirms your right to remain living in the family home and prevents you from being evicted by your spouse/civil partner. But note, this Notice can only be applied for in respect of the family home and does not extend to any additional properties there may be e.g. a holiday home.

The right to apply for a Matrimonial Home Rights Notice does not just apply to properties that are owned, but any property where you have a legal right to live e.g. a rental property. An additional benefit of registering Matrimonial Home Rights is that should your partner try to sell the property, any potential buyers will be warned of your right to occupy the property and this would normally stall the sale. If you are not married, then you will not be able to apply for Matrimonial Home Rights Notice. Having lived in the property you will as a minimum be considered a ‘licensee’ and therefore in order to ‘evict’ you, a formal Notice to Quit would have to be served on you. Your legal status is a more complicated issue and you should immediately seek advice from a suitably experienced family law solicitor as soon as possible. You may also consider applying to the Court for an Occupation Order.


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Frank Key Supports Arnold Hill Academy to Reach New Heights A Nottingham-based building supplies and plant and tool hire company has donated more than £2,000 to help students at Arnold Hill Academy complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) expedition in Snowdonia. Frank Key Group in Daybook is owned by Robert Sansom, a long term supporter of Arnold Hill Academy. He pledged £200 per student to cover part of the cost of taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh expedition. The whole expedition process costs £525 per person. Twelve students planned and completed a four-day expedition across Snowdonia National Park. The expedition is a vital component of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Roger Smith is Arnold Hill’s DofE Centre Manager. He says: “The generous contribution that the school received from Frank Key went a long way

to making this expedition a reality. During the expedition, our students faced a real challenge that pushed them to the limit, both physically and mentally. The skills they learned will benefit them greatly in years to come. “The Duke of Edinburgh award is of huge value to young people in the jobs market. It provides a real point of difference, helping them to develop skills that will be useful in the workplace. It’s fantastic to see Frank Key investing in the future of our students.” Robert Sansom adds: “It is a pleasure to continue our support with Arnold Hill School and its Duke of Edinburgh programme. Helping the students take part in such a life-changing scheme is truly rewarding. We take great pride in investing in our local community and helping young people succeed. A massive well done to all of those who

took part; we are sure you have all developed valuable skills and made memories for life.” The Duke of Edinburgh Award is widely acknowledged as the world’s leading achievement award for young people. To achieve an award, students take part in a host of activities including volunteering, learning a skill, getting fit, taking part in a week-long residential and planning and undertaking an expedition in wild country. www.dofe.org. Frank Key is an independent family-owned company with its HQ in the Daybrook, Nottingham and branches across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire. It has an ongoing programme of charitable donations and supports many local community groups and campaigns. For more information about Frank Key, visit www.frank-key.co.uk.

(L-R) Ben C, Kat, Elodie, Ellie, Nina, Angus, Ben H, Zoe, Leo, James & Jonathan at Dolgam, Snowdonia.

Rushcliffe bowls players

celebrate as newly qualified coaches Members of a bowls club are celebrating after securing their first qualifications as coaches that will encourage more players to get involved in the sport. Maurice Price, Richard Bailey, Val Finch, Sue Bailey, Meryl Hudson and Richard Teare from Rushcliffe Indoor Bowls Club have all achieved their Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Bowls. The six members received support from Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Coach Scholarship Scheme last year with 50 per cent support towards the training costs, match funded by the English

Indoor Bowling Association. It will mean they can now offer more coaching sessions and will be running taster sessions at their Rushcliffe Arena base in the coming months to recruit new members. Deputy Leader Cllr Debbie Mason met the group to congratulate them on their first step of the coaching ladder. The club’s Publicity Officer Irene Herod was delighted the players have now achieved the qualification. She said: “This will really help more potential players of all ages to get involved and come and have a go at the sport. Well done to the coaches, they can’t wait to get

going and welcome more new players to the club. “We offer friendly and league matches, internal competitions and social bowling sessions as well as coaching and a dedicated junior section. “Anyone wishing to join us to have a taster session or to play in our local leagues should email irene.herod@ btconnect.com or call 0115 933 5202.” The news follows investment from Rushcliffe Borough Council last year that saw a new laser levelled floor and carpet to make games faster and fairer at the Arena facility.

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Let's Talk-Wellbeing 4 Healthy Weight Loss Tips Let’s Talk - Wellbeing is available in Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire, Leicester City and Leicestershire and Rutland. The service provides psychological assessment and treatment (talking therapies) for common mental health problems, which 1 in 4 of us will suffer with at some stage in our lives. This includes depression, anxiety, panic, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma and stress. It is normal to experience changes in your mood and behaviour at times of stress and emotional upset. Your physical health may also affect your mood and stress levels. If these changes continue to affect you, then the Let's Talk-Wellbeing service could help. Treatment. Our specialist practitioners use a range of approaches, including one to one appointments, group workshops, self-help books,

leaflets, online and telephone support. Support is provided at different venues in the community, including GP surgeries and community centres. Therapies offered are based on National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. They include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, Mindfulness Based CBT (MBCT) groups, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), guided self-help education and group therapies (see leaflet for more information). The service is part of the national Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. Service opening hours Our office opening

hours are as follows: • Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm • Leicestershire and Rutland Monday to Friday 9am 5pm (please note that some sessions can be provided outside of these hours) • Leicester City Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm Accessing our service This service is available to people aged 18 and over in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire, and people aged 16 and over in Leicester City and Leicestershire County and Rutland.

Let’s face it: there is a huge amount of information online about how to shed the pounds and get in shape. Wading into this endless stream of advice can be both confusing and overwhelming. And, when you take into account the new fads that seemingly pop up every day, the situation only becomes more dire. After all, who can keep up with all the raw food plans, prepackaged menus, and liquid cleanses that are constantly promoted in our social feeds? The main problem with these very restrictive diets is that they only lead to short-term weight loss at best. That’s because most people cannot maintain them consistently and end up giving up after a couple of weeks. Losing 10 pounds a week on a fad diet may seem tempting, but it often results in unhealthy and unsustainable weight loss.

The real secret to healthy and successful weight loss is to adopt a lifestyle that you can maintain for the long run. This involves changing your diet, following a regular workout schedule, and taking the right supplements for your body’s needs. With that in mind, here are 5 other tips to help you achieve your weight and fitness goals: Eat Better at Breakfast While all meals are important, breakfast is the most crucial one of all. That’s because it helps you start your days on the right track. A hearty, healthy breakfast will fill you up and give you optimal satisfaction for longer periods of time. Your goal should be to eat between 400 to 500 calories at breakfast. Build a meal that includes lean proteins (nuts or eggs), fibers (fruits or vegetables), and whole grains. Say Goodbye to Added Sugar The main reason for most lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease is added sugars – especially from sugary beverages and soft drinks.

Processed foods in general contain a lot of added sugars and do not provide any of the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Instead, jump on Nutribullet bandwagon and replace sugary drinks with healthier, green smoothie options. For most people, the fastest way to lose excess weight is simply by cutting out foods that are high in added sugars from their diet. Keep in mind that many “organic” or “healthy” foods can also have very high sugar content, so reading labels should be a regular part of your shopping process. Start Lifting Weights While changing your diet can help you lose a lot of weight fast, nothing beats keeping your body fit with regular exercise. Your best option is to visit the gym at least three or four times a week, doing some warm up, and lifting some weights. This form of exercise is ideal because it helps you burn off a lot of calories. It also keeps your metabolism from slowing down – a typical side effect of weight loss. You can also speed this process up with a fat burning supplement such as the range available at www.myelite health.co.uk. If lifting weights isn’t your cup of tea, then look for workout plans such as the massively popular Joe Wicks workout to get you moving in the comfort of your own home. Cook More Did you know that research shows that cooking more meals at home can promote healthy eating and weight loss? Eating out is fun, but it should not be your daily go-to. Instead, save the restaurants for special occasions and start eating more home-cooked meals. This is a great way of sticking to your healthy diet plan and keeping your weight in check.


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3 Decor Tips For A Luxe And Cosy Christmas Dress up the home for Christmas in 3 easy DIY place settings for an Rebecca Snowden, Interior ways - by using velvet, opulent marble, and occasion to remember. Style Advisor at Furniture Choice, shares tips on how to achieve a luxurious and cosy ambience for the Christmas season. 1. Reach for a luscious material like velvet “Invest in a statement piece like a lush velvet sofa that will continue to impress long after the holidays are over,” says Rebecca. “Velvet is a gorgeously rich and sensual material that instantly evokes a luxurious vibe. And it really shines in a jewel tone like emerald green for a touch of glamour in a modern living room.” With such a show-stopping sofa, a few simple accents are all that’s needed to cosy up the space.

“Add a soft throw to warm up those chilly nights and some cushions for extra comfort. Guests will also look forward to lounging around with the addition of a handy drinks cart,” she adds. “Stock up on favourites like whisky, mulled wine and spiced rum that are great for sipping by the fireplace.” 2. Lighten up a room with opulent white marble Take Christmas dinner parties up a notch with a bold, beautiful marble dining table that adds a layer of luxury to any setting. “White marble not only brightens up a room, it’s incredibly durable and its beauty will never go out of style,” explains Rebecca. “Smaller homes may want to consider a round table with a central pedestal to free up leg room when gathering over festive meals.”

When it comes to dressing up a table for the holidays, look at little ways to add glitz and shine. “There’s no better time than the Christmas season to accessorise with metallics - use candle holders, napkin rings and even cutlery in gold or brass for glamour and warmth. A fresh green wreath as a table centrepiece sets the tone and is a beautiful contrast against metal finishings and creamy marble.” 3. DIY personalised place settings for a memorable party Finally, DIY personalised place settings with guests’ names or photos, as fun décor touches that also show you care. “Luxury is in the little details. Print photos of each guest to be used as part of their gift wrap, or make a simple name display for individual place settings - they’re sure to be remembered and appreciated,” says Rebecca. For those who prefer using natural elements, tie sprigs of holly with ribbon or scatter a few pine cones to create a festive and elegant setting. “This season is about enjoying the holidays, spending time with loved ones, and revelling in all the merry, festive vibes that come with it,” says Rebecca. “Remember to have fun while preparing your home, too!”


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Nottingham Winter Wonderland 2019

Thursday 14 November Tuesday 31 December 2019 Old Market Square and Long Row Free Entry Christmas returns to Nottingham with the largest event in the East Midlands! Best of all entry to Nottingham Winter Wonderland is FREE!! Featuring your favourite rides, bars and shopping spots from previous years, this is the perfect place to soak in the Christmas spirit. Christmas Market While away the hours browsing over 70 traditional, Bavarian-style stalls, searching for the perfect gift as well as sampling the delicious homemade and artisan cheeses, chutneys and chocolates on offer. This year’s Christmas market has been expanded, with something for everyone including plants, mead, jewellery, scents, fashion, retro style, Eco art, Lego art, Fair-trade, Continental food, local homemade stew and home accessories to offer the discerning visitor. Ice-Skating & Rides Back by popular demand is the Toboggan Slide! Visitors can experience exhilarating fun while sliding down Kings Street in tubes! There will also be a variety of rides and attractions including: a

traditional Carousel, Santa Toy Ride, Helter Skelter and everyone’s favourite skills games, keeping not just the children but the entire family amused. Why not relax awhile and take in the festive atmosphere while having a drink in the truly unique Helter Skelter Bar at this year’s event. The children can enjoy a slide down the traditional fun of our Helter Skelter attraction while you take a well earnt break. Situated on Long Row, the Helter Skelter bar sells mulled wine, spiced cider and other hot toddies to keep you aglow as you take a break from your Christmas shopping. Sur La Piste Bar | Ice Bar | Altitude Bar After all that, chill out with

a drink (or two) in some pretty cool surroundings at the UK’s biggest mobile ice bar. Yes, the impressive Alpine Ice Bar is being brought back for 2019 with completely new sculptures, designs and theming to keep you entertained over a schnapps or two.

Did you know drinks are served to you in real ice glasses from the Vodka bar? A carefully selected schedule of entertainment has been put together apres ski style in and around the bar with roving entertainers ranging from violinists to Club DJ’s who often mingle with the crowd,

plus plenty more. You are more than welcome to bring in your camera for a memento of this special occasion; just don’t leave it lying anywhere as ice sticks! The impressive Altitude Bar is an all-glass chalet, perched up high, offering panoramic views of the Christmas

crowds below. With cocktails, table service and a private DJ, Altitude is the go-to winter bar at Winter Wonderland! An online table booking service is available at the Sur La Piste bar – ideal for large groups or corporate parties (minimum spend per head applies)


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Top Tips on Toys this Christmas With Christmas rapidly approaching and children already circling their musthave gifts this year, Smyths Toys Catalogue has published their list of the top toys for Christmas 2018. Smyths reveal their broad range of gifts for children of all ages, from old classics like LEGO to the newest plush toy collections. Paw Patrol Sea Patroller

PAW Patrol returns to the top toys list with this year’s Sea Patroller. Kids will love saving the day with Ryder with the land-to-sea rescue vehicle featuring flashing lights and a working crane for all rescue missions. Also includes a Ryder figure and his Rescue ATV. PJ Masks Deluxe Talking Figure 4-Pack

The PJ Masks Deluxe Talking Figure 4-Pack is the perfect gift for little superheroes. Smyth’s set features Catboy, Owlette, Gekko and Romeo as 15cm poseable figures. Hear iconic phrases from the show by pressing the characters’ amulets! Luvabella Doll

The unique Luvabella is making an impact this year! Luvabella is a lifelike interactive doll who responds affectionately to love by changing her expression just like a real baby. Luvabella is capable of over 100 words

and phrase, giggles when Bush Baby World Dream gift in which kids can discover 50 layers tickled, plays peek-a-boo and Tree of surprises as they responds to her accessories. unbox their L.O.L. Cozmo by Anki Surprise, uncovering new accessories and clues at every layer. The glittery outer container can act as a purse or a display case once the gift has been Bush Babies is the newest unraveled, while the line of collectible plush toys. exclusive (or maybe Cozmo is an intelligent The toys wiggle their ears, rare) dolls inside have little robot with a mind of waggle their eyes, and come secret features, for its own and a one-of-a-kind in their individual delightful even more surprise personality that grows the hanging sleepy pods, and the fun! Modulus more it is played with. Cozmo Dream Tree helps kids give NERF responds to its environment Bush Babies a home for their Regulator NERF blasters allow and will nudge you when it collection. children to create wants to play! Drag and drop Toilet Trouble Game blocks help to make coding A new family board game a blaster for any Cozmo’s functions accessible which is a game filled with mission with the fully and fun for all children and suspense… Hasbro’s Toilet motorised Regulator. Trouble allows players to take Three different firing adults alike. Imaginext DC Super turns s pinning the toilet paper modes can be chosen roll, flushing the toilet handle due to the SwitchFire Friends Batbot Xtreme in the hope that they don’t get Technology, while sprayed with water from the the included swivel game’s loo! Who doesn’t love handle and the 2 toilet humour?! versatile barrel-scopes Our Generation Healthy allow for blasterPaws Vet Clinic customisation. Our Generation’s take on a Laser X classic veterinary clinic is a Laser-tag… at home! stunning, high quality playset Laser X contains a 2 for your children’s favourite player pack which has The Batbot Xtreme is dolls. The Our Generation everything needed for over 2 feet tall and packed Healthy Paws Vet Clinic the first head to head with several epic features! features a waiting room, an match. The receiver The Batbot Xtreme boasts exam table, and an X-ray light vests will gradually projectile launchers, box that really lights up! It change colour as they are hit… Get hit ten extendable wings, a hidden times and you’re out! Batcycle, a lift for the This high-tech gaming included Batman figure and experience comes with an awesome voice changer. 2 Laser X blasters and Squeeze the trigger to unleash 2 receiver vests. a super-charged one-two LEGO Ninjago punch! Destiny’s Fur Real Roarin’ Tyler the contains over 50 accessories, Movie leaving the kids enjoying Bounty Playful Tiger hours of imaginative role play Based on the LEGO fun. Ninjago Movie, Sky Viper Stunt Drone Destiny’s bounty, Drones are at the top of every Master Wu’s flying techie’s wish list. The Sky ninja training base, Viper Stunt Drone is a high- is able to be the new quality model which is able to platform for your perform 8 breathtaking stunts children’s adventures. FurReal’s adorable Roarin’ at the touch of a button! Flight With 7 minifigures, Tyler the Playful Tiger loves assist features include auto weapons and to play—as much so that when take-off, hover and land, while accessories this LEGO kids roar, he roars back! With the included guardrails protect ship allows kids to over 100 sound and motion the drone whilst learning to either recreate their responses, he’s incredible fly it. favourite scenes from Surprise Big the movie or imagine play value. The soft plush fur L.O.L. The L.O.L. brand new adventures makes Tyler a super huggable Surprise. Surprise Big Surprise is a of their own! friend for your child.


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Top 12 Christmas Gifts

from Nottingham Independents Small Business Saturday is quickly approaching and with such an amazing array of Independent shops in Nottingham it’s easier than ever to shop local this Christmas. Here are 12 of our top picks for Christmas gifting this year. 1. The Comic Book Story of Beer£14.99 Page 45, Market Street

Shoppers come from far and wide to visit the famous Page 45 on Market Street, winners of our independent of the year competition not once but twice. The expertise and service really goes above and beyond here and with such a variety in store you can find something for everyone, including yourself of course! 2. Delilah Favourites Hamper- From £50 Delilah, Victoria Street The epitome of the foodie festive feasting gift has to be a hamper and you can choose delicious, ready selected favourites at Delilah for the foodie in your life. 3. Sterling Silver and Enamel Stags Head Cufflinks- £135 Carolyn Codd, Trinity Square For the gentleman in your life whether that be partner, father, son or self - these sophisticated sterling silver cufflinks are a sublime way to share that festive feeling. 4. Tatty Devine Gin Purse- £15.99 The Tokenhouse, Bridlesmith Gate Glitter and Gin! What could be more festive? This beautiful Tatty Devine purse is ideal for a night out on the town and perfect as a gift or a Christmas treat for you. 5. Robin Hood T-Shirt£20 Dukki Gifts, St James’ Street Ay up Mi Duck! Dukki Gifts have an abundance of great gifts celebrating the unique dialect of Nottingham and for the Nottingham lovers out there this Robin Hood

T-shirt is an absolute must have. 6. Baking Jars- £9.95 The Treat Kitchen, Wheeler Gate Christmas is the perfect time for baking with family and friends always around to wow. The Treat Kitchen have made baking even more fun with their all-in-one baking jars, with Belgian Millionaire Brownies as just one of the many options our mouths are already

watering. 7. Sebastian Professional Hydre Gift Set- £29.90 Zullo and Holland, Upper Parliament Street Award winning salon Zullo and Holland are renowned for keeping Nottingham’s tresses in check and

with this gorgeous gift set you can cultivate perfect locks at home too. 8. Bespoke hampers made to orderFrom £20 The Cheese Shop, Flying Horse Walk. With an astounding variety of cheeses and other treats you can knock together a bespoke hamper, perfectly curated to the tastes of the giftee, in no time at The Cheese Shop. 9. KATANA Shoulder Bag- From £7 Bag Company, Wheeler Gate. This stunning genuine cowhide leather shoulder bag just shouts sophistication. Treat the lady in your life to this or one of many other fashionable bags from Bag Company. 10. Locally roasted fresh coffeeFrom £7 200 Degrees, Poultry. Coffee lovers rejoice! 200 Degrees coffee is

all roasted locally and bursting with flavour, plus the simple packaging gives it a brilliant independent aesthetic, you won’t be able to find a better gift for a caffeine lover. 11. Valentino 100mm Pumps- £620 Gigi Botegga, Flying Horse Walk. Located in the beautiful Flying Horse Walk, Gigi Bottega is the place for high end fashion in the city. With designers like Valentino and Versace it’ll be hard to choose which bag to get to go with these stunning Valentino pumps. 12. Belgian Chocolate truffles- £7.99 Andersons of Nottingham, King Street. And last but my no means least you can never go wrong with a box of delicious, decadent chocolates from Andersons, an eternal staple of Christmas gifting for a very good reason!


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Christmas is a wonderful time in the Peak District and Derbyshire Christmas is a wonderful time in the Peak District and Derbyshire; the air is fresher, hot chocolate in a village café tastes better, country pubs seem cosier and the shops and markets are filled with potential presents and festive cheer! So, what’s on this Christmas? With so many inviting

Christmas Markets, light switch-ons and special events happening, the Visit Peak District website is a great place to plan the Christmas events that you’d most like to go to! Using our Itinerary Planner you can easily create your own personalised Christmas must-see list and make sure you don’t miss out

on a single Christmas Market, Grotto or Christmas light switch-on! One of the major events to look forward to this festive season is Christmas at Chatsworth. The 2018 theme is a ‘Once upon a time’ and storytellers with the air of the Pied Piper will roam the halls enchanting visitors young and old as scenes from a selection of favourite tales leap off the pages, from classics like Snow White and Cinderella to contemporary stories like James and the Giant Peach and Charlotte's Web. Love Christmas markets? Check out our guide to the best local Christmas Markets in Derbyshire and the Peak District for 2018. From traditional festive markets to food fairs and Victorian-themed events,

there’s Christmas cheer to be found around every corner. Chatsworth Christmas Market takes place from 16th November-4th December 2018, with a festive atmosphere and more than 100 stalls offering a wide range of Christmas gifts and decorations – you’ll be sure to find perfect presents for all the family. Bakewell Christmas Market has to be one of the best known Christmas Markets in Derbyshire and the Peak District, from 24th-25th

November 2018, with over 80 stalls selling all sorts of Christmassy goodies, as well as a Santa’s Grotto in the Original Bakewell Pudding Shop, Christmas time takes this already idyllic town and transforms it into a hub of festivity! Matlock Victorian Christmas Market is another excellent Christmas event in Derbyshire, with 200 stalls under two marquees in Matlock’s beautiful Hall Leys Park, you’re sure to find some unique local products and

Christmas gifts. Happening over the first weekend in December, there’s also a Santa’s Grotto, light switchon and fireworks! Christmas in the Peak District and Derbyshire is a wonderful time to visit. There are Christmas events galore to enjoy including festive fairs, Christmas markets, pantomimes, Santa special steam train rides, the impressive Chatsworth Christmas market, and who can resist a Christmas lights switch on!

Santa's Woodland Adventure at Bluebells Dairy Check in with our North Pole Elves at the ‘Candycane Express Departure Lounge’…. but first a test to see if you have the true Christmas spirit! In the departure lounge Children and Adults can visit the ‘Sugar Plum Sweetie Shop’ and adults can enjoy a complimentary Mulled Wine! Play Christmas board games, write a letter to Santa and add your Christmas wish to our wish trees whilst you wait to board the Candycane Express All aboard!!! Follow the Candycanes down the path..you can’t go wrong! Step aboard the Candycane

Express and journey across to The Wood’s where Mrs Claus will warmly greet you all before going in search of Santa’s Woodland Cabin! Follow the winding paths through the Christmas trees where you will find Santa’s Woodland Cabin… Enjoy a thorough 10 minute session with Santa in his cosy cabin as your children laugh and play with him and tell him their Christmas wishes… Once they’ve had that special visit to Santa, it’s off to choose a Toy! Follow the Christmas tree lined paths to the Toyshop

where Children can choose whichever toy they would like! There’s something for everyone! Hidden away in the Christmas Trees are some little Elves houses! Santa needs your helping in finding all them all! The Baker Elf, The Shoemaker Elf, The Toy Elf and more! Find their houses and mark them on your quiz sheet. Head over to the stables to make some nutritious Reindeer food to take home with you and sprinkle on your garden to lead Rudolph to your house!


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HUGH CORNWELL announces November & December 2019 – UK Tour playing

NOTTINGHAM – Rescue Rooms on Wednesday 27th November!

The Gig Cartel presents Hugh Cornwell Electric The Monster Tour. 'Golden Brown, Strange Little Girl, Always The Sun, Peaches, No More Heroes, Nice & Sleazy.....sound familiar? All big hits, all great songs, all written and sung by Hugh Cornwell, the songwriter behind The Stranglers. He is the hitman and he’s back with a new album ‘Monster’ this Autumn on Sony Music. Expect an opening set of prime solo songs, including picks from ‘Monster’, followed by a storming set of those iconic hits, sung and played by the man himself and his band. 'Just strap on your guitar and we’ll play some rock and rock'. You can’t miss it. The hitman is back!. The album ‘Monster’ is out now. HUGH CORNWELL -

November & December 2019 UK Tour Dates include: Tuesday 12th November: LIVERPOOL – Arts Club Wednesday 13th November: CARLISLE – The Brickyard Thursday 14th November: ABERDEEN – Lemon Tree Friday 15th November: EDINBURGH – Liquid Rooms Saturday 16th November: LEEDS – Brudenell Sunday 17th November: BURY – The Met Thursday 21st November: HARPENDEN – Public Halls Saturday 23rd November: SOUTHAMPTON – 1865 Sunday 24th November: EXETER – Phoenix Tuesday 26th November: BASINGSTOKE – Haymarket Wednesday 27th November: NOTTINGHAM – Rescue Rooms

Thursday 28th November: BURY ST EDMUNDS – Apex Friday 29th November: WOLVERHAMPTON / BILSTON – Robin 2 Saturday 30th November: SWANSEA – Sin City Sunday 1st December: GLOUCESTER – Guildhall Tickets for the above shows are available via the following: Box Office No: 08444 780 898 / Website – https://www. thegigcartel.com/Artistsprofiles/Hugh-Cornwell.htm For further information on HUGH CORNWELL, check out the following website / social media links: Website -​ http://www. hughcornwell.com/ Facebook -​https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / hughcornwellofficial Twitter -​https://twitter.com/

INFORMATION CAFÉ IN DRAYCOTT

– TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2019 The Erewash Mental Health Partnership will be holding an Information Café at The Elephant Rooms, South Street, Draycott DE72 3PP from 11.00 am – 1.00 pm. The aim of the Information Café is to provide people with information about local community and voluntary groups and activities in Erewash as well as how to

get started with volunteering including signposting to volunteering opportunities. Information will be available about the Erewash Mental Health Partnership. Catriona Paterson, who is leading the Erewash Mental Health Partnership and mental health peer volunteers, will be available to provide information and guidance on

local opportunities. There is no need to book just drop in anytime between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm. There will be free tea, coffee and cake available on the day. For further details contact Catriona at Erewash Voluntary Action Tel 0115 9466740 or email catriona@erewashcvs. org.uk

HughCornwell You Tube Channel https://www. youtube.com/user/ HughCornwellOfficial


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There are so many reasons to visit to the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Take a cheeky short break… Although it feels a million miles from city life, Snowdonia is much closer than you may think so ideally placed if you feel the need to get away, enjoy some fresh air and grab a cheeky short break! You can even come by train with through services straight into the area from Birmingham or Crewe. There is a wonderful variety of things to do and places

to stay, there is bound to be something that takes your fancy, and the trains can take the strain of travelling around. The two railways run between the towns of Caernarfon, Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog, each town with its individual character, privately owned shops, quirky places to eat and a range of short break accommodation So where will you stay? Come glamping in stylish safari tents

high up on the hill in Blaenau Ffestiniog or a luxury cabin in Beddgelert. Treat yourself to a stay in a family run guest house or hotel. There is a wide range of self-catering too and there are often some good deals to be had on a last minute short break. There is so much choice along the route. Rover tickets for events or for normal operating days are available on line, making

it even easier to plan your trip. And at the end of your journey, why not sit in the beer garden at Spooner’s bar on the platform in Porthmadog and watch the trains go by. Now that’s a real treat! w w w. f e s t r a i l . co.uk

On holiday with your four legged friend… The Snowdonia National Park has a stunning mix of mountains, lakes, forests and coastline and there are footpaths and bridleways abound. And for those who have a four legged member of the family, there are some fantastic walks to be had for all different abilities. Many campsites and self catering properties welcome dogs and there are also a number of dog friendly hotels and guest houses nearby. Well behaved dogs are welcome to travel with the family in the standard class carriages on both railways. Your day rover ticket allows you to hop on and off the train to take

Camping and Caravanning around the railways... Both railways run through the heart of the Snowdonia National Park with its stunning mix of mountains, lakes, forests and coastline. The air is fresh and clear and much of the area enjoys Dark Sky status – great for campers! It also boasts a wide variety of camp sites, allowing you to make the

most of this wonderful area. Some are run by the larger organisations and there are some wonderful privately owned tiny sites too that will take you right into the heart of the Welsh countryside. A number of sites enjoy close proximity to the railways. Several are within walking distance of a station –

especially handy for motor homes and camper vans. Many stations have their own car park or there are council car parks close by which are barrier free if you at a site that is slightly further afield. The railways are part of a network of tourist routes including the Wales Coast Path, many cycle and walking

routes, plus national bus and train routes. So whether you want to go out exploring or simply sit back and let the steam engine do the work, the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways make a great part of your camping holiday. For more information on how you include the railways in your camping holiday visit the website and look for our camping leaflet. www.festrail.co.uk

a walk, or you can purchase a single ticket to combine a walk with a train ride. Dog rover tickets cost just £3 for the day. Tan y Bwlch station, with its woodland setting, is a great place for a family walk with the dog and there are walks leaflets available in the tearooms. The railways are part of a network of tourist routes including the Wales Coast Path, many cycle and walking routes, plus national bus and

train routes. So whether you want to go out exploring or just take a short walk, the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways make a great part of your family holiday. For more information on bringing your pet for a train ride, visit the website. www.festrail.co.uk


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ighland Railways and the beautiful area through which they run Driving Holidays and Car Club excursions… The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways run through an area with a stunning mix of mountains, lakes, forests and coastline. Its roads offer great driving and splendid views, just the thing if you enjoy driving or for a car club meet. The major routes into the area are now much improved and Visit Wales are promoting the main arteries within Wales as The Wales Way. The railways are on or close to all these routes so make an ideal add on to a driving itinerary. There is a good

range of accommodation from campsites to boutique hotels that can safely look after cherished vehicles and provide good photography opportunities as well. The railways offer lots of ways for driving groups to get involved. Park in one of our car parks and take a ride out – the scenery is even better with someone else driving! Use our cafes as a pit stop on a tour of the area. We have a large yard

with licensed shed at one of our stations which can be used for rallies. But it is that chance too to get the shot of your favourite car with a classic steam locomotive that’s worth driving for. If you are travelling as a group, special rates are available to parties of 20 or more and both parking and refreshments can be arranged for you. www.festrail.co.uk

Great for gardens…

The two railways run through some of the most beautiful parts Snowdonia. The National Park enjoys amazing micro climates and, with the effect of the Gulf Stream, is lucky to have some amazing gardens containing plants from all over the World that survive happily next to our own native species. For garden lovers, there are plenty to choose from within a short distance of the railways. The wonderful world of Portmeirion is only a mile away, while Sir Clough Williams Ellis’ own gardens of Plas Brondanw offer a different insight into this fascinating man. Plas Tan y Bwlch gardens contain some interesting species from the great plant hunters of the 19th Century. Alight at Tan

Take a Romantic Welsh Break… The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are easily accessible from the East Midlands so ideally placed if you feel the need to slow down and treat yourselves to a romantic short break away from it all. There is a wonderful variety of places to stay and things to do in the area. The two railways run between the towns of Caernarfon, Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog, each with its individual character, privately

owned shops, quirky places to eat and a range of short break accommodation So where will you stay? There are some excellent spa breaks in beautiful locations, the nearest being Portmeirion village with top class accommodation and Mermaid Spa. Of perhaps you yearn for a tiny cottage with a cosy log burner and hot tub. There is

so much choice and it is all yours. The luxury first class observation carriages of the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways offer a real treat and on Saturdays, there is the Pullman Afternoon Tea between Porthmadog and Caernarfon with morning coffee on the outward journey and afternoon tea on the return. It’s just like a mini

y Bwlch station for a lovely woodland walk through the historic woods of the Vale of Ffestiniog down to the house and gardens. The railways themselves boast some beautiful gardens their stations. All are lovingly cared for by the staff and volunteers; though the local sheep view them as a handy place to eat! Keeping the stations smart and bright throughout the year might be thought of as a labour of love but, in fact, it is a chance for many volunteers

Orient Express. And of course, when you get here, you may just want to chill out and enjoy a steak and a glass of wine in Spooner’s bar or take a drink out to their terrace overlooking the platform and estuary in Porthmadog and watch the world go by. Whatever you want from your short break you are sure to find it here. www.festrail.co.uk

to come together to share their love of gardening and help to make the railway a place to be proud of. Combining a train ride with a garden visit is an ideal excuse for a short break in the area and is a great idea for gardening groups, with one-way train trips available as part of your day out. Visit the group section on the website for itineraries and information. www.festrail.co.uk


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Councils given extra £1.5bn funding for social care Nottinghamshire County Council has welcomed the significant increase in funding for local authorities

revealed in the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Spending Review. An additional £1.5bn has

been pledged for adults’ and children’s social care including £1 billion direct from central government, as well as the continuation of £2.5bn of temporary social care grants and £700m for special educational needs, which is an 11% increase on last year. Councillor Kay Cutts MBE, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “This is the biggest increase in spending power for local government in a decade and will help councils to meet the rising cost and demand pressures they face in 2020/21. “We’ve been lobbying government for some time on the provision of extra funding for social care and I’m delighted that this Government has recognised the

pressures we face. “This new funding will help us continue to provide the social care services needed by Nottinghamshire residents. “It will help to ensure older people and disabled people can live the lives they want to lead and it will support our most vulnerable young people.” The new funding is a one year grant effective from April 2020. Councillor Cutts has been part of the County Councils Network of Leaders which has lobbied the Government throughout the summer for extra resources for local authorities. Councillor Cutts said: “The new Prime Minister and Chancellor have clearly listened to the views of local authorities and this new

funding is really positive news. It also bodes well for the ongoing review of the way funding is distributed between councils, which we hope will see large social care authorities such as Nottinghamshire receive a fairer and greater share of this and other new money in the future. “The Chancellor’s announcement also shows that, despite all the political pressures associated

with delivering Brexit, this Government is acting and investing in key domestic priorities such as health and social care, education and policing. It is a new chapter for our public services.” Extra funds announced by the Chancellor will take the real increase in day-to-day public spending to £13.8 billion or 4.1%, the fastest increase in such spending for 15 years.


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Survey shows majority of County Council’s children’s services staff feel supported in their roles A Nottinghamshire County Council survey has found that the majority of frontline staff working in children’s services, including social workers, feel supported by their managers, with 80 per cent finding their role rewarding among those who took part in the survey. The annual survey – known as the Children’s Workforce Health Check – is a comprehensive look at current issues, experiences and concerns faced by social care, family service, youth and education workers and early years teams. It is a chance to identify even more ways workers can be supported to help keep children across Nottinghamshire safer. Key findings, which were

discussed and debated at a recent Children and Young People’s Services committee include: • 98% of staff felt that their manager was accessible when they needed them • 93% of staff felt listened to and supported by their managers • 98% of staff said that they received regular supervision with 66% rating it as very good/excellent • Staff retention shows 65% of the current workforce have been in post for over five years, and 81% being in the role for more than two years • 80% of staff said that their job was rewarding Councillor Tracey Taylor, Vice-Chairman of

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Children and Young People’s committee said, “These are encouraging findings as those operating at the frontline, dealing directly with children, young people, and families face a number of challenges and pressures every day. “ It is essential that as an employer, we have an accurate understanding of how it feels to be involved in such work – and what we can do to improve things. “This feedback indicates that most staff feel they are being supported by their managers with two thirds of staff rating their supervision as very good or better. “However, we know there

are a few issues which we need to address such as levels of sickness absence related to stress. In turn we are continually committed to making sure workloads are at manageable levels “ Staff safety is a priority and we want our social workers to feel safe as they go about their vital work. “ We were also struck by the lack of ethnic diversity among our team manager positions so one of the action points from this is to review our recruitment activity to see how this can be improved.” Main actions include: • Ensuring that there’s a more consistent approach to staff safety across frontline teams so that staff feel safer and more

confident. New smart phones for the frontline workforce with a personal safety App are due to be introduced this month. • Reviewing recent recruitment activity for team manager role to see what can be done to encourage higher representation from BEM (black, ethnic or minority) backgrounds within management structures. • Continuing to monitor and address staff sickness levels, especially when related to stress/depression, and ensuring staff are aware of the current support in place, which includes a counselling service, workplace chaplaincy service, office-based staff support groups, workplace

health champions and mental health first aiders. The Health Check survey was completed by 287 staff from a frontline workforce of approximately 1,070 and saw a 5% increase in participation, when compared to last year’s survey.

Campaign to recruit adopters for priority children who wait the longest A new campaign to recruit adopters will focus on sibling groups, older children, children from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and children with complex health and disability needs. Every year the Regional Adoption Agency (RAA), part of Adoption East Midlands, will seek families for approximately 160 children, with many falling into these priority groups. The campaign will run during National Adoption Week from 14 to 20 October. The RAA was set up in April this year and incorporates Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council. The Government’s vision behind the regionalisation of adoption services is to accelerate the pace of change to ensure those children, for whom adoption is the right path, are given the best chance of finding a loving and stable family as quickly as possible. Adoption Service Manager for the RAA, Tracey Coull, said that finding the right adoptive family for children in care markedly improved their life chances and transformed their future. She said: “We want every child to be in a loving, stable home and by coming together and joining forces through the work of RAAs, Councils can use the

network to match children with the right families much more quickly." Tracey added that as well as celebrating adoption success stories, the RAA’s aim was to encourage more people to make the lifechanging decision to adopt whilst dispelling the myths surrounding the adoption process and challenging unhelpful perceptions. Nottinghamshire County Council’s Committee Chairman for Children and Young People’s Services, Councillor Philip Owen said: “We get a lot of calls from people interested in fostering or adopting who assume, quite incorrectly, that they can’t due to their sexuality, marital status or because they’ve reached a certain age”. “And I’m sure there are many more people out there who have dismissed themselves as ineligible long before they even pick up a phone and speak to us. They might have been misinformed or simply believe that working or being unemployed, renting a house rather than owning one or being religious or political automatically disqualifies them”. “These things don’t necessarily matter. What does is being the sort of person who can offer a stable and loving home to children and being able to meet a child’s needs. We’d urge anyone who has considered adopting in

the past, or is thinking about it now, to talk to us first and get the facts.” Some of the common myths the RAA has encountered surrounding eligibility to adopt include: • Thinking you need to be married – you can be single or living together. In fact, around one third of Notts adopters haven’t actually tied the knot. • A belief that only heterosexual couples qualify – in fact the RAA has several gay adopters. • Middle-aged couples convinced they’re too old – as long as you’re able to meet a child’s lifetime needs, age is no bar as long as you’re at least 21. A recent adopter has celebrated her 50th birthday. • A perception that having a disability will automatically disqualify you – again disability will not rule you out. “We’re currently looking for homes for 33 children and we need 114 more adoptive families to cope with the ongoing increase in demand. But our main challenges will remain finding families for children aged over four, sibling groups of two or three, children from black and minority ethnic backgrounds and children with complex needs,” added Councillor Owen. Adoption East Midlands offers excellent packages of support to adoptive families including

social worker support during the assessment process and afterwards; a programme of activities for children and young people; and ongoing

training and development. If you wish to consider adopting, find out more at www.adoptioneastmidlands. org.uk, come along to our

information evening on Monday 21 October, 6.30pm8.30pm, at Friends Meeting House in Mansfield or call 0115 804 4567.


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10 Useful Tips For Learning To Drive Learning to drive can be a stressful, time-consuming and financially draining experience. And it can seem daunting and overwhelming to learners. But most of us need to drive. So we’ve put together a handy list of useful tips that will help you pass your driving test as quickly and cheaply as possible 1. GIVE YOURSELF A HEAD START It pays to know the basics before your first lesson. The chances are that someone close to you owns a car, so get them to show you the key parts before your first lesson. Knowing your way around a vehicle beforehand might make it easier when your instructor comes to explain to you how to drive a car. 2. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TRANSMISSION Although people are encouraged to at least try to learn to drive in a manual car, it is not for everybody. Many people now opt to learn to drive in an automatic cars which can be more convenient

and even more fuel efficient than manual cars. But just be aware that if you get an automatic driving license, you will not be permitted to drive a manual car. 3. BLOCK BOOK YOUR LESSONS No minimum number of lessons are required to pass your test and there is no fixed time frame for learning to drive. Most people spread their driving lessons out over several months but you can also take an intensive driving course if your budget allows. If you decide to spread out your lessons, we suggest block booking them with at least one or two lessons per week for weeks in advance. This way you’ll remember more going into each lesson and you won’t have to worry about the availability of your instructor. Some instructors may also offer a discount for block booking. 4. SHOP AROUND FOR AN INSTRUCTOR Choosing the right instructor is crucial to how quickly you

learn. Don’t just go with the first instructor you find. Ring around the big driving schools and local approved driving instructors and question them on their prices, qualifications, experience and track record. Word of mouth from people you trust is usually a good way of choosing an instructor. But, if you’re really not happy with your instructor, don’t be afraid to switch. It could save you time and money in the long run. 5. LISTEN TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR Professional driving instructors know exactly what examiners look for during a practical driving test. Therefore, their advice and methods on aspects such as mirror checks and speed are invaluable. Even though their advice will likely be different to what you have observed as a passenger from other drivers. 6. BUY YOUR OWN CAR TO PRACTISE IN Buying a used car to practise in between lessons can help you learn and pass your driving test quicker. But it’s important to note that, until you pass your driving test, you must be accompanied by someone over 21 who has had a full driving licence for at least three years. Additionally, it’s crucial you practise in exactly the same way as taught by your instructor to

avoid picking up bad habits. Also, make sure you shop around for the best learner driver car insurance deals and check out our tips on what to look for when buying a car 7. STUDY THE THEORY FROM THE START Learner drivers are unable to take their practical driving test until they have passed their driving theory test. Your instructor should give you some theory learning resources once you understand the basics of driving. But there are plenty of great additional materials you can access whenever you like online, including a practice theory test based on the real thing. It won’t hurt to learn the theory from the start in your own time. It can only benefit your road knowledge and chances of passing. 8. LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES Mistakes are inevitable but you shouldn’t dwell on them. Whether it be stalling the vehicle under pressure or getting a manoeuvre wrong, it is important to remain calm in these situations and not to worry about what other drivers think. Just like you, they have been in exactly the same situation and should fully empathise. Some mistakes will also go unpunished on driving tests providing you rectify them and react in a safe and proper way. Practise responding in a calm way. 9. PERSEVERE Don’t beat yourself up if you fail once or even multiple times. Take any feedback on board so you won’t make the same mistake next time. Also book your next

test right away. Leaving it too long between tests may result in you forgetting certain things and end up costing you more money on further lessons and tests. 10. USE WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT AFTER YOU PASS When you pass your test, the learning continues. You’ll face new situations all the time, such as motorways, city centre driving and tight parking.

Therefore, it’s important you do not dismiss all you have learnt and that you approach each new situation with the same careful thinking and execution taught by your instructor.


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St Michael’s Environmental Education Centre becomes the first Ambassador Centre for the Peak District National Park

Nottinghamshire County Council’s St Michael’s Environmental Education Centre is the first to become an Ambassador Centre for the Peak District National Park, following approval by the council’s Children and Young People’s Committee earlier this year. The partnership agreement between the County Council and the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) has awarded the centre ‘Ambassador Status’ by the National Park Authority. The aim of this partnership is to support the National Park in its efforts to conserve, enhance and promote opportunities for outdoor enjoyment within the Peak District. Through unique residential

experiences, children of Nottinghamshire can gain a greater appreciation of the National Park and how these internationally-important landscapes benefit all of our lives and the wildlife that makes a home in them. St Michael’s Environmental Education Centre is owned and operated by the county council and has been providing high quality outdoor learning experiences for primary school children for over 34 years. Set in a historic building in the village of Hathersage in the Peak District, St Michael’s is perfectly placed to promote the shared message about the importance of national parks and the environment. Each year, more than 1600 children and young people benefit from outdoor learning experiences at the centre. The agreement will further promote opportunities for learning outside of the classroom with time spent in nature while being inspired to care for their surroundings. Nottinghamshire County

Council offers high quality, inclusive outdoor and environmental education activities to children and young people through its residential bases and day centres in Nottinghamshire and the Peak District. The centres’ resources and activities encourage children to develop confidence, independence and a deeper appreciation of the natural work with an increased understanding of how to enjoy it responsibly. Councillor Tracey Taylor, Vice-Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Children and Young People’s committee commented: “I am very proud that St Michael’s is the first Ambassador Centre for this area. This partnership will mean an enhanced outdoor learning experience at the centre. In addition to the experienced team at St Michael’s, young people will directly benefit from conservation and environmental education and training provided by a team of

expert rangers caring for the environment. “As an Ambassador Centre, the aim is that even more young people will be able to benefit from the quality outdoor learning on offer while immersed in the special environment of the Peak District.” Councillor Andrew McCloy, Chairman of the PDNPA said: “We’re delighted that St Michael’s is the first of our Peak District National Park ‘Ambassador’ centres. The scheme is at the heart of our ongoing engagement work with local communities, not only in the National Park itself, but in the vast region surrounding the 555 square miles of the Peak District. “With some 20 million people within an hour’s drive of the National Park, Ambassador centres like St Michael’s have the opportunity to provide stepping stones into communities, where youngsters can begin to discover how caring for and protecting our National Parks is good for us all.”


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A new dawn for Newark schools

Parents, teachers and pupils in Newark are celebrating now that all three secondary schools have been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. It is the first time that all three schools have been rated ‘good’ for at least ten years, since when the Grove became Newark Academy. Newark Academy, Magnus Church of England Academy, and Newark Orchard School have all made great progress since previous Ofsted reports, which found them to require improvement. Newark Orchard School has been rated ‘good’ consistently since it opened, besides requiring improvement in 2017, and is now rated as good once again. Councillor Philip Owen, Children and Young people’s Committee Chairman said: “This is excellent news for all parents in Newark and represents a big step forward for children’s education in our area. “I was pleased to visit all three schools recently to congratulate them on their recent success. Nottinghamshire County Council aims to have every

child in our region attending a school rated ‘Good’ or better by Ofsted, and this is a significant step towards that goal.” “These schools are now recognised as good schools and are in a great position to become outstanding in the not-too-distant future.” The inspections, which took place earlier this year, praised strong leadership at all three schools, effective teaching, and high aspirations. The reports a l s o recognised g o o d behaviour and found that children were happy and well cared for, with high expectations of pupils. Applications for secondary s c h o o l s

are currently open, with Newark parents able to express a preference for the good schools online: www. n o t t i n g h a m s h i r e . g o v. u k / education/school-admissions/ apply-for-a-school-place Andy Seymour, Headteacher at Newark Academy, said: “We are delighted to have received an Ofsted report that clearly recognises our

passion, care and commitment in providing our community with a great local school, where our pupils are cared for and supported in a way that helps them to be the very best they can be. “The unrelenting dedication and effort my staff have shown over the last two years has transformed the school into one the town can justifiably be very proud of.” Anna Martin, Principal at Magnus Church of England Academy, said: “Since joining the school in September 2016 I have had one goal in mind; to build a great school for a great community. “I have made it my mission to grow Magnus Academy into a school the community is proud of and one in which Newark can have confidence. “The recent Ofsted report acknowledged the dedication of the team at Magnus to provide the best educational experience for our students both academically and for

their personal wellbeing and development.” Margot Tyers, Headteacher at Newark Orchard Special School, said: “These are exciting times for us all at Newark Orchard School. I am proud of the accomplishment Orchard school has made, as shown in our recent Ofsted inspection. “We are also looking forward to the completion of the new school next year, which will allow us to provide excellent opportunities for our young people and make the most of the

fantastic new facilities.“ The new £15million premises for Newark Orchard School, which includes Newark Day Service Centre, are due to open in April 2020.


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Surviving the Void of ‘Doglessness’ Doglessness is defined as 'the state of being without a dog'. It’s the little things that you miss the most: the soft weight of a head on your lap whilst watching TV, the wagging tail that only your presence can generate, a wet nose as your early morning alarm call, those big eyes, the colour of molten chocolate, that fixate on the passage of every morsel of food, from your plate to your mouth. Then there’s the loss of the almost telepathic understanding, that only a canine companion is

capable of and the complete, unconditional love that dogs bestow upon us. Without a dog, a thick cloak of silence envelopes your home, a quiet that is inescapable and emotionally empty. Whether you have previously owned a dog or have always yearned to do so, doglessness can be a miserable state to exist in and has been proven to even have a negative effect on your health. Pet ownership has been shown to reduce stress and help a person become more physically and socially active. There is a solution that you may not have even considered. Barking Mad, the U.K’s leading dog sitting company, organises dog

holidays as an alternative to kennels. They offer the opportunity of becoming a ‘host’ by providing a loving home environment for somebody else’s dog whilst they are away. Our hosts range from people who are retired and have plenty of free time, to families who love having a dog to stay just for the Summer holidays, as an exciting and educational experience for their school age children. It is up to you to tell us the type of dog you would like to look after and when you are available. For more information please visit www.barkingmad. uk.com/pet-holidays/ourhosts/

call us on 0115 8246924 or email Donna on Donna. cotton@barkingmad.uk.com www.BarkingMad.uk.com is the UK’s leading dog sitting company organises dog holidays as an alternative to kennels and recently hit the top spot on the independent review site TrustPilot. The Barking Mad system works to match dog lovers, often active retired people with a furry pal on a temporary dog holiday (as an alternative to kennels). Looking after dog gives many a lifeline and purpose which they might not have had otherwise. Host dog sitters benefit from the proven medical advantages exercising and looking after a dog can have.

Home Improvement Tips This Autumn Autumn is a great time of year to perform important home improvements. Autumn creates plenty of predictable outdoor work, such as raking leaves and cleaning gutters. However, there are a number of chores that are less obvious but just as important in order to get a house in tip-top shape before winter and to protect your family’s health. 3 Outdoor Home Improvement Tips. When the gardening season draws to a close this autumn, it’s time to begin working on projects outside of the house. This Old House suggests adding these tasks to this year’s home improvement list. 1. Walk and caulk – Reducing energy bills, preventing drafts and keeping critters out of the house in the winter starts with a fresh bead of caulk around windows, siding and joints. Before it gets too cold, stroll around the entire exterior of the home and seal any potential air leaks. 2. Maintain paths and walkways – Even if your walkway looks safe now, it will turn treacherous when slush and ice come this winter.

Take a weekend to level brick pavers or repair concrete. 3. Wash your home – Many homeowners don’t realize how dirty their house can get with all the dust, dirt and rain that a house is constantly exposed to. They can be given a face lift with a power washer. 3 Indoor Home Improvement Tips. Of course, no Autumn home maintenance checklist is complete without ensuring the inside of a home is safe, warm and cozy on cool nights. Here are a few improvements that you can make to save money and improve health and comfort. 1. Cover windows – If your home has older windows, they could be a significant source of heat loss during the colder months. While installing new windows is the best solution, using plastic to insulate drafty, single-pane windows can save considerable money and is a worthy fall home improvement. 2. Improve humidity

control – Heating your home this winter is bound to dry out the air, leading to sore throats, bloody noses and even a greater chance of catching a cold or the flu. Help protect your family’s health and comfort this winter with a whole-home humidifier. 3. Improve air purity and freshness – When Autumn begins, it’s also a good reminder that it’s time to replace air cleaner filters. A whole-home air purifier can also trap fall allergens, bacteria and viruses, helping to keep families healthy all year round. Proper wholehome ventilation can also improve air quality by removing harmful air pollutants such formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and many volatile organic compounds (VOCs).


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Millers Steering It Up Carlton Town 3-2 Frickley Athletic With a good opening to the season so far the team were upbeat about the visit to Stoke Lane from Frickley. The game again was to be another close affair with both teams struggling to break each other down. The first goal came ten minutes before the break when the visitors would manage to hit the target twice in two minutes. This stunned the Millers who reacted swiftly and came out in the second half with their reputation and unbeaten record to uphold. With their pride dented for a short while the team would push and press the visitors and three goals in a twenty minute spell from Tyler Blake would rescue this one to keep the record intact. Carlton Town 1-3 Worksop Town. After last week’s pulsating encounter the team would need to come out of the blocks flying to avoid a similar scenario of going behind. Unfortunately they didn’t and again would concede twice in two minutes

in the early stages of the first half. The ever reliable skipper Maddison would claw one back soon after the break to give the team some hope but that would soon diminish later in the half when the visitors would break against the run of play to score a third and give the millers their first taste of defeat this season. Stamford 0-3 Carlton Town An evening fixture next down the A1 was to follow and this would turn out to be a real cracker. Stamford sitting

second in the league and unbeaten also were vigorous and intense with their play but Carlton were ruthless in defence stood firm and took everything that was thrown at them. Carlton would head into half-time with a two goal lead with goals from Smithson and Moore. The second half was pretty much the same as the first with Stamford trying to dictate but with two minutes to go the in form Blake would put this one to bed and bring the Millers back with the

points. Carlton Town 3-1 Newcastle Town. Next on the agenda would be another team that the Millers hadn’t seen in over a season and a fixture that is normally guaranteed to be a close call. Again the opposition proved tough and again Carlton would have to come from behind to take all three points with goals from the inspirational Ball and a brace from Tyler Blake. Basford United 3-0 Carlton Town. Two days Later Carlton would take the short

trip across Nottingham to Greenwich Avenue where they would go down threenil to Basford United in the League Cup. This was another hard fought encounter, but the Millers would still put in another hard working shift for the watching crowd despite the expectancy in which a game the hosts were expected to win. Carlton Town 2-2 Sheffield The next proposition for the Millers would be the newly revigorated Sheffield as our scheduled fixture with Leek Town was postponed due to their commitments in the F.A. Cup. Again Carlton would have to come from behind but would still show a stout determination to not be defeated against opposition that have also had a good start to their season. Opoku and Maddison were to get the goals in a game that neither side looked like winning but where both teams were to give their all. Carlton Town 1-1 Spalding United. Back under floodlights and Spalding to the fore. For most of this one the Millers never looked like losing, and with a first half penalty from skipper Maddison would continue to cause the opponents a lot of worry. But with missed chances Carlton would rue this one and concede twenty-five minutes from time with the visitors gaining some reward for

their efforts and application. On reflection a fair result but nonetheless disappointing that we didn’t take all three points on home soil. Carlton Town 3-1 St Neots A home fixture in the F.A trophy beckoned next and the team would comfortably proceed to the next phase with a brace of headers either side of half-time from Ollie Clark and a Tom Maddison penalty later in the game. Despite the visitors pulling a goal back mid second half this one never looked in doubt. With another good month behind us and the team now sitting at the top of the league we move on and will try to maintain the standards that have been set so far. We are all aware of how much effort, time and commitment that is needed and that will continue right to the very end with the group that are currently involved. Up The Millers !!! Fixtures 5th October Chasetown (a) 12th October Biggleswade or Bedford Town (h) - F.A. Trophy

Article by Phil Jennings


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Notts 2-0 AFC Fylde Victory against last season's play-off finalists Notts County recorded a 2-0 win over AFC Fylde in front of over 9,000 supporters at Meadow Lane on Saturday afternoon. Wes Thomas gave the Magpies the advantage 19 minutes into the game and it stayed that way until the 80th, when Damien McCrory nodded home from a corner to make sure of the points. The result saw Notts record back-to-back wins for the first time this season and extend their unbeaten run at home to five matches. Neal Ardley kept faith with the squad that recorded an impressive victory at Boreham Wood in midweek, which meant Sam Osborne - who scored his first senior goal on Tuesday night - retained his place on the wing as Sean Shields’ wait to make his full debut continued. After a tentative opening 10 minutes, Notts began to put ther foot on the gas and called visiting keeper Dan Lavercombe into action twice inside the first quarter of an hour. First it

was Osborne as he looked to find the target for the second game in succession. Richard Brindley’s lofted pass was inadvertently headed into the winger’s path and he tried his luck with a dipping rightfooted strike of the bouncing ball, which was turned over the bar. Notts sustained the pressure from the set piece and a Mitch Rose long throw was headed down to Thomas, who had a difficult angle to try and beat Lavercombe from the Coasters’ stopper blocked his shot and it went behind for a corner. He could do nothing to prevent the former Grimsby man opening the scoring on 19 minutes, though. Connell Rawlison played a pass forward from centre half and picked the striker out on the edge of the box. He beautifully brought the ball under his spell before turning his man and bursting past another to find the space to rifle into the roof of the net for his third Notts goal. Referee Peter Gibbons was forced off with an injury midway through the half after colliding with Fylde’s Kyle Jameson and the

visitors had their first sighter on 28 minutes when Danny Philliskirk tried his luck with a free-kick from 30 yards, which wasn’t far over Sam Slocombe’s crossbar. Notts went straight down the other end and Osborne picked out Thomas with a whipped cross, which the striker controlled excellently but he lost his footing and the chance to double his tally passed him by. Fylde began to look lively as the first half drew to a close but they were restricted to efforts from distance, with Rawlinson and his central defensive partner McCrory making good interventions to clear a pair of dangerous crosses. Seven minutes were added on for stoppages at the end of the opening period, during which a Regan Booty corner led to an airshot from McCrory, who was later strongly challenged by Danny Rowe on halfway - the Coasters striker went into the book. The Fylde frontman registered the visitors’ first shot on target deep into the additional time but Slocombe comfortably

Sabri Lamouchi crowned Manager of the Month Nottingham Forest head coach Sabri Lamouchi has been named as the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for September. The Forest boss oversaw victories in all three league games last month, with superb victories away at Swansea and Stoke adding to a home triumph over Barnsley to see The Reds right in the mix at the top of the table. Lamouchi said: "I am very proud and happy because what we have done in September was just amazing. Thank you to the club, to the fans for your support and of course the staff, but the players because

they make the difference and they did a great job. "We had three games in September but in the last six games we took 16 points, this is not nothing; it is amazing. Now we need to keep going and keep working to keep this rhythm. "We know it is very difficult but we have given the players a lot of rest as they deserved it, but now we will start again and focus on Wigan, Hull, Reading, Luton and then the most important game for the fans against Derby. "It is a good moment and we will enjoy it but we know the trip is long and tough. We

know that we will face some bad moments but we have to keep working. We will enjoy now because what is done is done, and now we will focus on the future and that is Wigan away." The award was voted for by a panel consisting of former Barnsley manager Danny Wilson, Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman, EFL Communications Director Mark Rowan and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies, with Lamouchi beating Slaven Bilic of West Brom, Garry Monk of Sheffield Wednesday and Preston's Alex Neil to the award.

held his low 20-yarder before the sides returned to their dressing rooms. Notts started the second half brightly and won a corner inside a minute, which McCrory climbed well to meet but he couldn’t keep his header down. The visitors came out intent on levelling proceedings quickly and had the ball in good positions throughout the opening exchanges following the restart but Slocombe wasn’t called into meaningful action, with a deflected Ryan Croasdale shot not troubling him at all. Rawlinson made an excellent sliding challenge on Rowe on 54 minutes shortly before Osborne forced another strong save out of Lavercombe after cutting in from the right flank and shooting from 20 yards. The Coasters keeper pushed the attempt over the bar. The winger was withdrawn on the hour, with Shields on in his place for his first appearance at Meadow Lane, playing in a free role off the front two with Booty going out to the left. The Coasters were in the ascendency, though, and were getting dangerous crosses into the Magpies’ area with increasing regularity but were

still yet to trouble Slocombe. Ardley looked to seize back the initiative by throwing Kristian Dennis into the fray on 67 minutes, with Thomas making way, but the visitors has their best two chances moments later. Scott Duxbury’s low cross was deflected into the path of Jordan Williams at the back post and Slocombe had to rush out of his goal and make himself big to deny the former Rochdale man one-on-one. From the resultant corner, the ball broke kindly for Nick Haughton who fired a fierce effort towards goal and the Magpies keeper parried away. The saves seemed to spark Notts back into life and Kyle Wootton and Enzio Boldewijn both had openings on the right side of the Fylde area in the minutes that followed - the former slipping as he shot before the Dutchman’s effort was blocked behind for a corner. That proved to be the winger’s last action as he was replaced by Pierce Bird with 16 minutes to play, which signalled a change in shape for the Magpies, who went to a 3-5-2 in an attempt to see the game out. And the substitute had an almost instant impact

at the other end. Wootton had done well to win a corner which Booty whipped into the area where Bird flicked on at the near post. McCrory was perfectly positioned inside the six-yard box to clinically head home and register his first for the club to calm any nerves inside Meadow Lane. Another Booty set piece caused havoc with four minutes to play and Wootton attempted to scramble the ball home at the back post but was crowded out and Fylde cleared. Dan Bradley, who had looked lively all afternoon for the Coasters, almost made it a nervy finale when he showed neat feet in the area before bending a shot just past Slocombe’s far post. Four minutes were added on at the end of the 90, during which Duxbury whipped a devilish low ball into the area but there was no one on the end of it for the visitors. A late corner might have had Slocombe fearing he’d lose his third successive Meadow Lane clean sheet but Notts dealt with the delivery and left the field to a rapturous reception following the final whistle.

Golf Day Fundraising On Par With £1,000 For Charity

Over £1,000 was raised for Trent Cardiac Unit and East Midlands Ambulance Service at a Charity Golf Day hosted by the Mayor of Broxtowe. Councillor Michael Brown hosted the tournament which saw 20 teams compete for

first, second and third place at Chilwell Manor Golf Club. Teams came from across Nottinghamshire, with Steve Austin’s team, “Two nonbaldies” taking first place, followed by Adam Young’s team in second and James’

Jackets in third. Josh Gaughan won the coveted longest drive competition. The event ended with an evening presentation of prizes kindly sponsored by United Living, Chilwell Manor Golf Club and local businesses.


Sales E: sales@nottingham-now.co.uk | T: 0115 6972670

Page 32.

Drewe Broughton speaks

on World Mental Health Day

“I always felt different growing up. I was always very sensitive. I used to feel everything. From being a kid at school and then going into football quickly, there’s no time or ability to collect your feelings and think ‘How am I actually feeling?’ “Before you know it, all these feelings get buried. All these emotions get buried. It makes you sick. Some players say ‘no I don’t get it,’ but there’s a lot of players who do. Especially as men and in this industry, to start opening up is difficult.” These are the words of Mansfield Town’s performance coach Drewe Broughton who, on World Mental Health Day, spoke openly about his own experiences which saw him endure a period in which he was homeless, divorced and broke. “I wanted to escape the pain every day. After training I’d go shopping, buy a TV, clothes, or sleep around with women. You’re doing all this stuff just to escape because you can’t talk to anyone. I finished my career, and my wife, rightly so, asked me to leave. There was no money, it was all gone; I was driving a nice car but it was leased – it was all a façade.” Broughton pinpointed the moment he realised the severity of his struggles, saying: “I was 32 years of age, relegated out of the Football

League with Lincoln City. I was probably the top earner there, the most experienced, a lot was expected of me, the team was expected to go up that year and got relegated. “I remember leaving the ground that day and seven or eight fans were throwing stones at my car and swearing as I was coming out the car park. I realised there was nothing left in me, no fight. “Usually if that happens to me, the hand-brake’s up and I’m having a fight in the car park, but I realised at that point, ‘I’m emotionally gone,’ because I just whimpered out of the car park and pulled into a McDonalds up the road – ordered two Big Macs, two fries, six doughnuts and two milkshakes, just trying to fill

the void inside. I sat there until I was sick as a dog, drove home and my career was over. Done.” Prior to this, he had a conversation which acted as the catalyst for his mental health struggles, which affected him throughout his 17-year career. “I remember once a manager calling me in when I didn’t play so well on the Saturday after I got subbed on 60 minutes. He called me in and said ‘what was that on Saturday?’

“I responded ‘I’m sorry boss, I woke up on Saturday morning and didn’t feel great. There’s a lot of pressure on me, the girl I was seeing had just broken up with me – I was feeling a little bit down.’ The manager was looking right through me as if to say: ‘what are you talking about?’ He said ‘are you telling me you don’t want to play on Tuesday?’ I said ‘no I’m up for playing on Tuesday, you just asked how I was.’ ‘Get out, go and train,’ he replied.

“That was when I was 23 years of age. I left his office and thought – ‘well I can’t ever say that again otherwise that’s me done; I won’t play.’ So another ten years or so later I was in a very bad place by the time I retired. You can’t be honest with your feelings in football. It’s a tragedy really.” The 40-year-old sees ‘talking to people’ and being ‘open about your feelings’ as vital to maintaining positive mental health. He says: “If I was able to have that conversation in my twenties, it would’ve been OK. If, like me, you don’t and that stuff builds and builds, like a volcano, it’ll erupt.” For Broughton, that volcano did indeed erupt as he was forced into rehabilitation in the shape of former Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams’ Sporting Chance Clinic, which offers help to sports men and women experiencing difficulties. Recalling the time at which he entered rehab, he added: “At that point there was nothing else, I was at rock bottom, left with myself in a bedroom at the clinic in the middle of the woods in Hampshire – there was only me, a piece

of paper and a pen. ‘Who are you?’ I thought. ‘Money gone. Family gone. Career finished. Who am I?’ You’re in there for 30 days and that’s the process, rediscovering where you got lost.” Now, having been appointed as part of the Stags’ coaching staff, Broughton is feeling great, saying: “I’m still me – I’m feeling fiery, I’m feeling passionate, I’m feeling aggressive. All those things I had as a player that got beaten out of me, I have. “Eight years ago I was in rehab, I didn’t watch football for four years after that. I didn’t want anything to do with the industry. But now I’m back, I’ve got that buzz again. I’m enjoying it.” Having come out of mental health issues positively, he hopes many others can utilise the available solutions to do the same. “There’s some incredible free stuff out there. There’s plenty of anonymous groups where you can meet other people and get help. Go and sit in the room for an hour, you’ll hear things and come out uplifted, thinking – ‘hang on a minute. Everyone’s the same as me.’”

Each Edition of the Nottingham Now has a print run of 7,500 copies. Published by Wilcop Media Ltd, 92L Rolleston Dr, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 7JP.


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