Nottingham Now 112

Issue. 112 - May - 2022 0115 6972670 | www.nottingham-now.co.uk | sales@nottingham-now.co.uk

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New Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Nottingham

See page 2........

Splendour adds new artists

Pioneering police team helping to cut mental health detentions See page 8

pages 14-15.......

Page 2.

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New Lord Mayor and Sheriff of Nottingham

New Sheriff of Nottingham Cllr Nicola Heaton Nottingham’s two civic roles have new appointees for the year ahead, following their inauguration at the meeting of the full council yesterday (May 9th).

Councillor Wendy Smith has become the Lord Mayor of Nottingham for the forthcoming year. She has been a councillor for Bilborough since 2013 and has a particular interest in education, disability, the arts and supporting older people to stay in their own homes.

Previously a teacher, she learnt British Sign Language and was part of the team which established the Deaf provision at Firbeck Primary School. Wendy is now an Associate Governor at Mellers Primary School which has the city’s primary provision for Deaf children.

A Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music, with an interest in Tudor, Baroque and church music, she now plays drums in two jazz bands, and helped set up the Bilborough

New Lord Mayor of Nottingham Cllr Wendy Smith

Arts Festival. She was also the first ‘Voice of the Tram’ for on-board announcements and has fostered 11 children and campaigns on breast cancer and dementia awareness.

Councillor Nicola Heaton is the new Sheriff of Nottingham. She has represented The Meadows, where she lives, since 2011. As Executive Member for Community Services for four years, she helped steer Nottingham to become Britain’s Cleanest City.

Nicola has served on a number of City Council committees including Licencing Committee, Corporate Parenting Board and Audit Committee and also sits on

Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Fire Authority. She is a Governor, previously Chair of Governors, at Victoria Primary School in The Meadows. Nicola is now undertaking a PhD in the International Development Department at the University of Birmingham, where she previously completed an MSc International Development and an MA Social Research.

City Council Leader, Cllr David Mellen, said: “Wendy and Nicola have twenty years of dedicated service on the council between them. I congratulate them both on their appointments and I’m sure they will devote their year in office to serving the people of Nottingham diligently.”

The new Executive team of councillors was also approved at the council meeting, including a new deputy leader, three new executive members and changes to portfolio responsibilities.

Drugs and weapons seized in police raid A large amount of what is believed to be cocaine was recovered during an early morning police raid.

Officers acting on intelligence gained entry to an address in Fourth Avenue, Edwinstowe, shortly before 7am on Thursday morning (5 May).

Inside they found drugs, mobile phones and digital scales. Weapons including a machete and a knuckle-duster were also recovered.

Two men, aged 35 and 26, were arrested on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply and possession of offensive weapon.

Both have been released under investigation.

Sergeant Mike Taylor, of the

Newark Operation Reacher team, said: “We regularly carry out intelligence-led raids to disrupt the trade in illegal drugs.

“On this occasion, we

found a very significant quantity of what we believe to be cocaine and arrested two suspects. Our investigation is ongoing.”

Anyone with additional information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 76 of 5th May.

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Page 3.

Twenty Days of Action to tackle local residents’ top issues Following a successful programme of Days of Action in 2021/22, partners across the city are joining forces again to tackle issues in local areas, including crime, anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and dog fouling.

A series of Days of Action will be taking place across Nottingham over the next six months, following feedback from members of the public about issues in their neighbourhoods that they want partners to address.

These Days of Action will see an intense day of activity in each ward, which will make a visible difference to some of the problems that have been identified.

These days will run along the key themes of crime, anti-social behaviour, community safety and the environment. The overarching aims of the days of action are to: • Reduce crime and anti-social behaviour • Increase community engagement and empowerment • Improve the perception of an area • Encourage residents to take ownership in improving neighbourhoods • Create and strengthen networks and partnerships.

These Days of Action will be happening in all twenty wards across the city between May 2022 and October 2022. The first one will take place in Mapperley ward on Wednesday 11th May 2022, followed by Dales ward on 27th May and then the Leen Valley event on 8th June.

Activity will vary between areas depending on residents’ concerns but will include some of the following: • Street deep cleans • Community litter picks • Crime patrols by Nottinghamshire Police • Patrols to tackle rubbish on streets • Fire safety advice and free safe & well visits from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service • Patrols to tackle fly-tipping and dog fouling • Operations to tackle car idling and inconsiderate parking • Engagement activity and support from Nottingham City Homes • Rented property visits, inspections and tenant support from the council’s Safer Housing team • Free youth and play activities • Community drop-in sessions, including health and wellbeing information and advice and a chance to talk to local councillors.

The Days of Action will involve teams from the Nottingham Crime and Drugs Partnership including Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Nottingham City Homes, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association, The Renewal Trust, the voluntary and community sector, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University. Other partners will be involved in the days of action, depending on the issues identified in that ward.

Lord Vernon Coaker, the Independent Chair of the Nottingham Crime and Drugs Partnership, said: “Following the success of the previous Days of Action, we want to continue to make a real difference in neighbourhoods across Nottingham, to reduce crime

and anti-social behaviour and to improve community safety and the environment.

“The Nottingham Crime and Drugs Partnership is made up of partners from across the city and we are bringing agencies together to make real changes to neighbourhoods, through these days of intense activity. These Days of Action will help towards achieving the goal of everyone in Nottingham living in a clean and safe area.”

Cllr Neghat Khan, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods, Safety and Inclusion at Nottingham City Council, said: “We know that the safety and cleanliness of our neighbourhoods matters to local residents and we work tirelessly to tackle these issues on a daily basis. But we know from previous experience that coming together with partners and local residents on Days of Action like this can have a bigger impact.

“I would encourage residents to take part in these Days of Action and to keep a look out for when we are in your area – we will be targeting hotspot areas and key issues in your wards. We’re grateful for the great input we always get from our partner agencies on Days of Action, which help us towards our efforts to make the city safer and cleaner for everyone.”

Superintendent Kathryn Craner, Area Commander for Nottingham, said: “We continually work closely with partners to ensure that Nottingham is a city is a safe place to live, work and socialise. These days of action form just a small part of that ongoing commitment.

They also show how we take a coordinated approach to reducing crime, engaging with and listening to the people we serve and tackling issues that they have told us matter most to them.

“We constantly strive to improve by listening and acting on feedback from members of the public to make our communities even safer places to live, work and visit. To help us achieve this goal I encourage anyone who has any issues to speak to local officers on patrol or report them to us via 101, so we can take appropriate action.”

Bryn Coleman, Head of Prevention, Protection and Partnerships at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This is a great opportunity for us to get important safety messages about smoke alarms, escape routes and similar issues over to the public. We offer free Safe and Well visits to vulnerable people all year round and hope these Days of Action will see more people taking advantage of them.”

Residents are encouraged to get involved with the Days of Action. Keep an eye out on your local area social media page, for example My Dales or My Mapperley.

Day of Action dates can be found below, please note these may change. More information and timetables for the days will be announced closer to each day.

DAYS OF ACTION 2022/23 PLANNED SCHEDULE

Ward Mapperley Ward Dales Ward Leen Valley Ward St Ann’s Ward Bestwood Ward Aspley Ward Wollaton West Ward Bilborough Ward Sherwood Ward Berridge Ward Basford Ward Bulwell Ward Bulwell Forest Ward Clifton East Ward Lenton and Wollaton East Ward Castle Ward Hyson Green & Arboretum Ward Radford Ward Meadows Ward Clifton West Ward

Dates of Days of Action Weds 11th May 2022 Fri 27th May 2022 Weds 8th June 2022 Thurs 9th June 2022 Weds 15th June 2022 Weds 22nd June 2022 Weds 29th June 2022 Weds 29th June 2022 Tues 5th July 2022 Weds 13th July 2022 Weds 20th July 2022 Fri 16th September 2022 Weds 21st September 2022 Fri 30th September 2022 Weds 5th October 2022 Tues 11th October 2022 Weds 12th October 2022 Thurs 13th October 2022 Fri 7th October 2022 Fri 14th October 2022

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Page 4.

Cop running London Marathon to support best friend through his cancer journey

A police officer has vowed to put himself through the pain barrier by running the London Marathon in aid of his best friend who has terminal cancer.

PC Jim Campin is preparing to tackle his first ever marathon as a show of support to childhood friend Adam Richmond.

Despite never attempting anything like this before, PC Campin is determined to do whatever it takes to get across the finish line and has already started training ahead of the race this autumn.

“If I’m honest, at 16-anda-half stone, this is not what I’m designed to do! I haven’t set myself a target or anything like that, I just want to get to the end and cross the line,” he said.

“I just want to do it, finish it, and then say at the end of it to Adam – ‘this has

all been for you, mate’. It’s a bucket list thing to say you’ve run the London Marathon, but this has only ever been about Adam for me.

“I know that he’s suffering but – and I know that this is a weird thing to say – I want to suffer a little bit too. I want to show to Adam that I’m prepared to go on a journey with him; I know it’s not the same journey, but I want to show him that I’m prepared to put myself through pain for him too.”

PC Campin, a firearms officer at Nottinghamshire Police, first met Adam when the pair were both just threeyears-old, with the two going on to become lifelong friends and best men at each other’s weddings.

Father-of-two Adam, of Epperstone, Nottinghamshire, shared the ‘horrendous news’ that he had multiple myeloma in November 2019, with his wife having to be induced to

give birth to their son the day after he received the diagnosis.

"If I'm honest, getting my diagnosis wasn't such a big thing because my focus at that stage was on my wife and son, so it wasn't until the dust had settled that I really started processing it," said the 45-year-old osteopath.

"They've given me a prognosis of about ten years, which is a useable amount of time to do something with, so I'm just grateful that I'll be able to make the most of that time with my wife and children.

"It might sound stupid to say but my overall feeling is that I am incredibly lucky, as things could have been a lot worse for me, and I feel very fortunate to have friends like Jim. "Jim and I have known each other all our lives and he's the closest thing I've got in this world to a brother. You know

when you've got Jim on your side that you've got 100 per cent back up."

The 45-year-old added: "There is a doubt in my mind that he's going to get around the course as he's built like a bowling ball but I know he'll try his hardest and suffer doing it, which if I'm honest, I'm going to enjoy a little bit! I know he'll do it though because he's a man of his word and just a great man in general."

Speaking about the day he found out about his friend's diagnosis, PC Campin said: “When I found out the news, I just sat in my car for an hour talking to him over the phone crying my eyes out. As you’d expect, finding out that your best mate, your brother, has cancer is just horrendous news.

“When you consider everything that happened with his wife having to deliver the baby the day after as well,

it really is the worst thing that you could ever hear. He should have another 40-odd years left but instead it’s unlikely that he’ll get to see his children learn how to drive or do their GCSEs, which is just tragic.”

Ever since that fateful day at the end of 2019, PC Campin and lifelong friends Eddie Deverill and Ben Henshaw have all been looking for ways to show their support for Adam by raising money for charity Myeloma UK. The friendship group last year completed the 140mile Coast to Coast cycling challenge – raising around £16,000.

PC Campin was sadly unable to get on the bike as part of that challenge but is determined to raise as much cash as possible for the charity by completing this year’s London Marathon on 2 October.

He said: “I remember sitting

watching the marathon last year on TV with a bacon cob and a cup of tea. I saw old people running it, people with disabilities, people in Big Ben and ostrich outfits!

I found it so inspiring to see all these different people running for such good causes. I just thought ‘I’m 45 but I can still do this – it’s for Adam.’

“I know that the training will take a real commitment and that the day itself will be a real slog but I’m determined to do it. The charity means a lot to me – ever such a lot – and it’s a really good cause.

For me, it’s all about running for Adam, but if I can raise £5,000 for the charity and help other people that are suffering too, that’d be fantastic.”

People can sponsor PC Campin and show their support for Myeloma UK by visiting his JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-campin

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Page 5.

Woman issued with CBO to protect neighbours A woman who carried out a campaign of harassment against her neighbours has been issued a criminal behaviour order banning her from parts of her hometown.

Janette Moffat, aged 66, has been issued with an indefinite Criminal Behaviour Order by Nottinghamshire Magistrates’ Court after a joint application from Nottinghamshire Police and Newark and Sherwood District Council.

The order was made in reaction to a campaign of harassment towards her neighbours, during which Moffat repeatedly made false and malicious reports to the police and council about a number of individuals.

The application to the court also evidenced Moffat’s history of verbal abusive towards local young people.

The order has no end date and forbids Moffat from: • Causing any nuisance or annoyance to any person living at or visiting John Gold Avenue and Hercules Drive • ntering Barnby Road

Academy • Entering Barnby Road Play Area • Making malicious complaints to any agency including Newark and Sherwood District Council and / or the police • Be verbally abusive to any young person under the age of 18 • Using any electronic device to film, record or photograph any person when on their private property.

Inspector Matthew Ward, district commander for Newark and Sherwood, said: “It is always disappointing when a person’s detrimental behaviour can’t be effectively changed for the better through the work of my officers and our partners at Newark and Sherwood District Council, but I am pleased that through that joint work we have been able to evidence the need for a CBO to be issued to Ms Moffat.

“The fact the court has issued an indefinite order with

such conditions demonstrates not only the seriousness of the repeated actions of Ms Moffat but also that Newark Neighbourhood Policing Team will take action against those determined to cause misery for others and support those victims of antisocial behaviour.”

Criminal Behaviour Orders are an effective way of com-

bating antisocial behaviour and criminality because the conditions can be tailored to specifically address the offending behaviour.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Ms Moffat repeatedly harassed those living in her local area, with neighbours left feeling unsettled in their own

home. We will not tolerate this unacceptable behaviour and this Criminal Behaviour Order shows the courts also recognise the need for action in this case.

“I hope this order allows those affected to feel more settled in our community, without fear of constant harassment. I also hope Ms Moffat moves forward from

this and accepts the support she has previously been offered.

“I am encouraged to see the partnership between the District Council and Newark Police once again working effectively to improve the safety and wellbeing in our community and I look forward to seeing more successful action being taken in the future.”

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Page 6.

City firms urged to take advantage of free 30-day electric van trial Businesses are being invited to test-drive a new electric van before taking a fully-funded one-month trial.

An event is being held next month in Nottingham where a range of vehicles will be on show for firms of any size, from the public or private sector, to consider for their fleet.

opportunity and key to addressing the barriers that businesses face with electrifying fleets.

“Not only will they be able to experience first-hand the cost savings in maintenance and operation, but also the improved driving experience, giving them confidence to go ahead Organised by the City and make their fleets Council as part of the Eleccleaner. tric Van Experience (EVE) “As a council we’ve project, this will take place long been commitoutside the Arc Building on ted to improving air the NG2 Business Park, Enquality in the city, terprise Way, between 11am and 3pm on Thursday 5 May. and this scheme will further help to reduce Staff from the Transport harmful emissions team will be on hand to from the city’s and explain the benefits of an region’s roads.” electric van, answer any Providing the questions and take interested premises are suitable, businesses out for a 15-minute drive to help them decide businesses who take up the offer will be if they’d like to sign up for a able to have a charge 30-day vehicle loan. point fitted at no cost Use of the van is free with a nominal administration fee and will be invited to take advantage of the dependant on the size of the services offered by company. Voluntary sector Nottingham Elecand charitable organisations tric Vehicle Services are exempt from this.

(NEVS) Funded by National HighLezli Hall, Property Manways and delivered as part ager at Castle Cavendish that of the authority’s Workplace have already participated in Travel Service, EVE was EVE said “We took part in launched a year ago and enables companies to see how EVE and tried out a Toyota making the switch to electric Proace 100% electric van. vans could be the right move Becoming more economically financially and environmen- and environmentally sustainable is important to our tally. business. The Electric Van Councillor Sally Longford, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Experience was helpful to get a feel for how electric vans Holder for Energy and the Environment at Nottingham perform and the type and size City Council, said: “With the of vans we needed and helped ban on the sale of new petrol us make the decision to invest in an electric van for our and diesel vehicles brought property maintenance servicforward to 2030, we want to es. We are looking forward support businesses to plan to taking delivery of our own ahead. Electric vehicles are the future but we understand van in the near future.”

Andy Jinks, Midlands Rethat making the switch is still gional Director for National a big decision.

Highways and funders of the “Since launching in 2021, the scheme has proved popu- Electric Van Experience said: lar and we’ve loaned vehicles “We’re working with councils across the country to encourto more than 70 businesses. age businesses to make the We now want to ensure that switch to electric vehicles and more companies have the opportunity to try it out and we expect many more to start using electric vehicles when see if this is for them. they experience the savings “The idea is for firms to experience the benefits of an possible.

“We’ve invested £2.69 electric van for themselves million in this initiative with before making any comNottingham City Council – a mitment. This isn’t available through dealerships or man- key example of how we are using our air quality fund to ufacturers, so it’s a unique

benefit the environment and communities around our roads, as well as the people travelling and working on them.”

Businesses interested in the 5 May event should contact the Transport team at transport@nottinghamcity.gov.uk so an accompanied test drive can be scheduled in advance.

More information on the Electric Van Experience, including how to apply, is available here.

Other grants and support is available through our Workplace Travel Service.

The initiative is among a host of schemes National Highways is investing in to improve air quality and tackle carbon emissions from road transport as the UK takes steps to become a zero-carbon economy by 2050. The scheme has been made possible by National Highways’ Designated Funds programme, which is designed to benefit people, the economy and the planet with an overall investment of £936m between 2020 and 2025.

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Page 7.

£3.5m to help struggling Nottingham households Nottingham City Council has secured over £3.5million to support city residents struggling with the rising cost of living. Pensioners and families are set to benefit as the council take steps to help the most vulnerable households.

The council’s Executive Board on Thursday 28 April will consider the recommendation to formally accept the new funding and approve the next steps of the scheme, to develop proposals to allocate the funds.

The City Council has secured the funds from the Government’s Household Support Fund.

A third of the funding will be ring-fenced to support families with children, while another third will be dedicat-

ed to pensioners. This ensures the people who need it most will continue to receive vital support to meet essential household costs.

Working with community partners and welfare advice agencies, the council will determine how to best use the remainder of the fund within the scope set out by the Government.Councillors will be focused on getting the financial assistance to those Nottingham residents who need it most.

In previous funding rounds the grant has been used towards a package of vouchers for Nottingham residents who receive Council Tax Support. These have included e-vouchers for supermarkets, energy bills and pupils eli-

gible for free school meals throughout the school holidays.

Cllr Sam Webster, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, said: “This funding will enable us to support Nottingham people who are struggling with the cost of living.

With rising energy bills and increased prices at supermarkets, more and more people are struggling to pay bills and put food on the table.

“Securing this funding for city residents is another commitment to support Nottingham people through difficult times.

“I welcome the Household Support Fund but I know it provides only temporary and partial relief to people.

The bigger issue is financial inequality in the UK. Cities like Nottingham need more

sustainable investment to provide opportunities for people to lift themselves out of poverty and keep pace with the rising cost of living.

We will continue to press the government strongly for

more sustainable solutions to be found to tackle inequality whilst also demanding that Nottingham people get the financial assistance they desperately need during this crisis in the cost of living.”

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY (L.P.A.) with your affairs, instead your friends or family members will have to apply for Deputyship through the court of protection which may take over 8 months and can become very very costly.

Our service We will discuss It’s not just for the elderly; younger people may also become your individual requirements incapacitated through accident or illness. Many of us will and give you professional care for, or know someone who is caring for, someone with advice on making a Lasting Alzheimer’s or Dementia. With people living longer, mental Power of Attorney. We will illness is becoming more common and is a sad reality many complete your Lasting Power of us will be faced with at some point in our lives.

By making a Lasting Power of Attorney you are ensuring that, should you ever face mental illness in the future, this difficult time will be made much easier for you and your loved ones.

Plan ahead now for a time when you may not have the mental capacity to make financial decisions Mental illness is a sad reality many of us will face Making a Lasting Power of Attorney will help you plan ahead to a time when you may not have the mental or physical capacity to look after your financial affairs and/or personal welfare.

Even when we are young, we can find ourselves incapacitated by illness or injury and it can be invaluable to have a reliable person who is able to manage your personal affairs and remove the anxiety of having unpaid bills, at a time when you most need peace of mind.

Appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf We will assist you in creating a Lasting Power of Attorney which will allow you to appoint someone to act on your behalf. This will enable them to make decisions in your best interests, making a difficult time much easier for you and your loved ones.

Don’t leave it too late It’s imperative to make a Lasting Power of Attorney sooner rather than later, as Lasting Powers of Attorney can only be made while you still have mental capacity. Once you lose mental capacity you will not be able to make a Lasting Power of Attorney and choose who deals

1 in 4 people will require care at some point in their lives. Who would you like to manage your affairs if you couldn’t?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is the only way to give another individual the legal authority to make financial or health and welfare decisions on your behalf should you lose the capacity to do so.

of Attorney forms for you and guide you through the complicated signing and registration procedure.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Can anyone make a Lasting Power of Attorney? Yes - so long as they are over 18 and have mental capacity. Who can act as my Attorney? You may appoint anyone you choose such as your spouse, children, relatives, or friends. partner.

Can I appoint more than one Attorney? Yes - you can appoint as many Attorneys as you wish, however we advise against appointing

too many as this may make it difficult for your Attorneys to reach decisions together.

The majority of people will appoint only one or two.

Can I cancel my Lasting Power of Attorney?

Yes, to do so you must notify the Office of the Public Guardian and your chosen Attorneys.

JUST CALL OR EMAIL TO FIND OUT MORE

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Page 8.

Pioneering police team helping to cut mental health detentions A pioneering police team is helping to reduce the number of people detained because of their mental health.

The Street Triage Team sees police and NHS specialists work in partnership to respond in the most effective way to people in mental health crisis – often those who are threatening harm to themselves or others.

By combining their skills and experience, team members – supported by access to police computer systems – are better able to respond to people’s needs and direct them to the help they need without using their legal powers to detain them.

In the year to April 2021, the team helped to record the lowest ever number of detentions under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act, with 338 recorded in total.

That figure has reduced by more than 66 per cent since the team was first introduced back in 2014.

Sergeant Anthony Horsnall has led the team for the last eight years. Speaking at the start of national Mental Health Awareness Week, he said: “When people are in mental health crisis our immediate priority is to keep

them and those around them safe from harm.

“As police officers we have the legal power to detain them but in reality that is the very last thing we want to have to do because we understand how distressing that experience can be to people who are already very vulnerable.

“Ultimately our aim is to help that person get the specialist support they need in order for them to address the behaviours that have brought us into contact with them.

“By working in partnership with specialist healthcare providers for so long we now have a very good intelligence picture of many of the people who need our help. We understand the challenges they have and how best to respond to those challenges.

“We are also better able to respond to people who are completely new to us by getting them specialist help at the earliest possible opportunity – all while causing them the minimal amount of additional distress.”

Another element of the team’s work is proactive intervention before people present to emergency services in crisis.

Thanks to the recent addition of an extra police officer

and a high intensity mental health practitioner, the team is now reaching out to and helping more people than ever before.

A recent example of this work involved a woman who had been repeatedly calling the force control room to accuse her neighbours of various non-existent offences.

Sergeant Horsnall added: “This was obviously a person who required significant police resources at a cost to the public, but who also very clearly needed help she wasn’t

getting from elsewhere.

“After the case was referred to us, our high intensity practitioner nurse worked with the local neighbourhood policing team, housing officers and adult social care to ensure she had the help she needed.

“Eventually, this approach succeeded in getting her a hospital admission to treat

her illness and reduce the demand she was placing on our service.”

The street triage team operates between 8am and 1am everyday and will travel to anywhere in the county to support front-line officers dealing with high-risk incidents.

People who are already using mental health services

are encouraged to follow the crisis information which they have been given. Anyone who isn’t already being seen can refer themselves for crisis support on 0808 196 3779.

Alternatively, people can also seek support from their GP, by calling Samaritans on 116 123 or by calling NHS 111.

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Page 9.

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Page 10.

City Council to review its operation of Victoria Market Nottingham City Council has put forward a proposal to review its operation of Victoria Market to save estimated running costs amounting to £39m over the remaining 50 years of the current agreement.

The council leases the market space in the Victoria Centre and provides a significant annual subsidy. This is due to reduced income to cover the landlord’s service charge and other running costs for the Indoor Market. Any proposal relating to the market would have to be agreed by the owners of the Victoria Centre, represented by asset managers of the centre Global Mutual.

The council has seen its main Government grant fall from £127m to just £25m over the last decade, which along with rising demand for its support for vulnerable adults and children and other pressures, has squeezed its budgets. It has set out a four-year financial plan, including the disposal of property assets, which seeks to make £38m of savings to help place the council on a sustainable financial footing.

A range of alternative options for the future of the market include: Continuing with the current arrangement and paying the subsidy. The council currently does

not have the financial resources to continue with this option Investing in the market infrastructure and requiring traders to pay full rent. This would also require a significant investment from the Council to make the market viable for the long term which the Council does not currently have the capital resources to deliver Another entity operating the market. This option is difficult to deliver as the lease is legally and financially onerous and it is unlikely to be taken on by a third party An indoor market being established at an alternative location operated by the City Council.

Some work has been done to understand if this is deliverable, currently, there are no suitable buildings identified and would require a significant new funding strategy.

The options that have been considered are in the council’s view not viable either from a financial or legal perspective. Discussions have therefore taken place with the owner’s representatives around the principle of the council exiting the lease arrangement. However, before any final decision is made, the council is consulting with all stakeholders, customers and the wider public for their views on the future of the market and how it impacts them.

Any representations received as part of the six-week consultation will be given material consideration by the council in coming to a final decision. Consultation commences Monday 25 April.

As well as the significant cost of subsidising Victoria Market, the council estimates that substantial funding would need to be invested for immediate upgrades as well as longer-term improvements to help it operate effectively – meaning the total cost to keep the market

running for the rest of the lease is forecast to be over £39m.

Victoria Market has been operating from its current site since 1971 and despite council investment in the market in recent years, it has not been performing well and is less than half occupied. In 2015, previous owners intu increased the service charges for the market up to the same level as other retail units in the shopping centre and it was also badly affected by the Covid pandemic, despite the council providing support to traders through Government grants to reduce and spread the cost of rent.

Acting Portfolio Holder, Cllr Linda Woodings, said: “In its heyday, Victoria Market was a busy, popular market but sadly although the small number of customers who still use it have great affection for it, it has been under-used for years.

“Increased service charges by the previous owners intu, bringing the market in-line with other retailers, meant the council has had to subsidise its operation for many years, turning it into a financial liability for us – a situation which was worsened by Covid severely impacting traders’ income. The sort of investment that would be needed is something we simply cannot afford when our budgets are being squeezed by other demands and reduced income from Government.”

Any proposed change to the current arrangements would require the co-operation of traders in addition to the owners of the shopping centre but any final decision on the future of the market would be subject to consideration of views gathered as part of the six-week consultation process.

You can engage with the consultation at: https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/engage-nottingham-hub

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Page 11.

NOTTINGHAM FROM THE AIR

This month’s aerial photo shows Newstead Abbey which is famous as the ancestral home of Lord Byron.

Photo was taken by Robin Macey who is a member of Nottingham & Derby Hot Air Balloon Club. The club is currently looking to expand. Members take turns being on the chase crew as well as flying in the basket. For details about getting involved phone 01158541028 or visit www.facebook.com/ndhabc Photo by Robin Macey

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External reports into misallocation of Housing Revenue Account to be considered by council Bringing the management of council housing back under the direct control of Nottingham City Council is a key recommendation made in one of two independent reports being considered by the council’s Executive Board this week.

In line with ongoing work the council is undertaking to carry out improvements following the Government’s non-statutory review of the authority, an externally commissioned review identified that funds from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) had been wrongly used in the general fund for all council services. Swift action was immediately taken by the council’s section 151 officer and monitoring officer with the support of the council leader to issue a Section 114 notice acknowledging that it had acted unlawfully.

A report to the Executive Board on 28 April outlines the findings of two subsequent independent investigations commissioned by the council into the matter by CIPFA (the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) and Richard Penn, a local government expert. It is recommended that all proposals to address the issues outlined in both reports are accepted and implemented in full.

Richard Penn’s report makes a series of recommendations, including bringing housing services currently provided by Nottingham City Homes as an Arms’ Length Management Organisation back under the control of the City Council to ensure that HRA money is appropriately ring-fenced.

Reverting housing services back to the host local authority is now a common practice. The Executive Board report highlights that from an initial 70 Housing ALMOs (Arms’ Length Management Organisations) created in the early 2000s to gain Decent Homes grant funding from Government, there are now only just over 20 ALMOs still operating.

The Penn report also recommends strengthening the council’s housing authority role with improved financial

knowledge, more detailed involvement of senior officers and auditor scrutiny.

It states that the payments from the HRA to the general fund were made ‘in an environment where there were many proposals to reduce expenditure or increase income in order to maintain services and avoid cutting jobs’ but concludes that it was not ‘a mechanism conceived to divert HRA funds to the General Fund’.

The CIPFA report identifies that an additional amount of up to £24m from the HRA – rent payers’ money which should only be used for transactions related to council housing landlord functions – could potentially have been incorrectly used since 2014/15 by both Nottingham City Homes and the City Council. It is recommended that this is repaid and the process has already begun

with an amount of £14.4m identified by CIPFA in the first phase of their investigation.

CIPFA also reports serious concerns about the lack of transparency in HRA reporting and the need to separate HRA from non-HRA activity in the work of Nottingham City Homes.

City Council Leader, Cllr David Mellen, said: “This is a clearly a setback, particularly as the council has been making significant progress on improving our financial governance over the last year.

This issue demonstrates the importance of that work and how thorough it has been.

“Last year we took swift and firm action to issue a Section 114 Notice and commission two independent reports into the circumstances surrounding the HRA funding.

“The findings of these investigations show that

the finance and governance arrangements around the ring-fencing of the HRA fell seriously short of acceptable standards, although we are disappointed that this wasn’t flagged up at the time by the council’s external auditors.

“Since these decisions were first taken, new leadership and senior management have shown determination to take the action necessary to address these issues and move forward positively.

“I would like to reassure our council tenants that we are committed to dealing with these past issues, ensuring that lessons are learnt so that these mistakes cannot be repeated in future.”

“It’s important to make clear that the funding in question has been used for purposes that benefit local people but that are not an appropriate use of what is effectively tenants’ money.

“It also needs to be recognised that in addition to achieving decent homes standards, Nottingham City Homes has worked to improve core housing services, empower tenants and bring about significant improvements to housing stocks, including the response to fire safety following Grenfell and home insulation works.

Cllr Linda Woodings, the council’s Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing and Heritage, said: “Bringing housing services back under the direct control of the council is something that has been recommended we do to address the issues raised in the reports. We will ensure that listening to tenants and ensuring their voices are heard is a priority as we work to continually improve services for them in future.”

City Council Chief Executive, Mel Barrett, said: “These

reports identify underlying issues around governance and finance which the council is addressing as part of our ongoing improvement work through our Together for Nottingham Plan.

“While the reports bring to light the serious failings in past practice, Nottingham people may be reassured in knowing that the new leadership of the council have, at every stage, taken steps to identify, understand and own these issues. We have invited independent scrutiny and ensured open, honest and transparent management of our financial governance to ensure compliance is improved for future practice.

We are determined to provide reassurance to local residents, the Improvement and Assurance Board and Government that we understand what went wrong and that we can and will put it right.”

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Splendour Festival Adds more Acts to Wollaton Park, Nottingham Splendour Festival just got even better with chart-topping rapper Example, British soul singer Heather Small and rock band We Are Scientists joining the bill, plus more, along with over 20 rising stars from the local music scene and Comedy Stage acts also announced.

before with a line-up stacked out with headliners serving up contemporary and classic hits galore covering two days (23 - 24 July 2022).

George Akins is MD of DHP Family. He says: “We want to give the people of Nottingham something to look forward to with our biggest Splendour ever so have added even more big names, as well as a fantastic line-up of more than 20 local acts.

They join the already announced headliners including Bring on the summer!”

Example is sure to get the Richard Ashcroft, Anne-MaSplendour crowd jumping rie, Supergrass, Craig David with his catalogue of platipresents TS5, The Human num albums and chart-topLeague, Razorlight, The Vamps, Ocean Colour Scene, ping singles, including hits ‘Changed the Way You Happy Mondays, Belinda Kissed Me’, ‘Stay Awake’ and Carlisle, and many more.

‘Kickstarts’. Back with a new Nottinghamshire’s biggest upcoming album, the singmusic festival is back this er-songwriter-rapper is no summer and the organisers, stranger to the festival scene.

DHP Family, are making it He has previously headlined bigger and better than ever

at Stereosonic alongside Avicii and Calvin Harris, as well as Parklife and opened for Drake at the last ever Future Music Festival.

Fresh from the stage of The Masked Singer, soul singer

Heather Small is the former lead singer of the band M People, which clocked up a string of hit songs and sold over 10 million worldwide in the early 90s. Small launched her solo career in 1998, with

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o its Two-Day Summer Party 23 - 24 July 2022

her signature song ‘Proud’ in 2000 earning her international success.

Rock band We Are Scientists are back in Nottingham following an intimate acoustic performance at Rough Trade last autumn.

With their winning formula for guitar pop hits with perfect hooks, the band's breakthrough success came with their debut studio album ‘With Love and Squalor’, which sold 100,000 copies in the first six months. Their latest album ‘Huffy’ includes some of the biggest sounding rock songs of their 15-year career.

Coach Party, Aaron Smith and The Skinner Brothers also join the jam-packed Splendour bill. The music media claim that Coach Party “really should be on your festival must-see list this summer” (DIY Magazine), Smith is a rising star from Scotland that is set for major stardom, and The Skinner Brothers recently sold-out Bodega.

Over the years, Splendour has provided a platform to many rising stars from the local music scene, with many going on to achieve international fame. As the county’s biggest music festival, it’s a fantastic opportunity for up-and-coming local acts to perform in front of a crowd of more than 25,000 festival revellers.

This year is no different, with more than 20 local acts also added to the Splendour bill.

Among those include Deco, Sancho Panza, Cucamaras, Vona Vella, Celestines, The Crying Violets, BLLE, Bee-Sides, Midnight Rodeo, Concrete Rose, Remy CB, Tash Bird, Joey Knight, Jess Breame, Melonyx, Left Hand Lane, Chloe Rodgers, Drive Through Hazy, Alice Robbins, Marvin’s Revenge, The Black White, and Lajay.

The Confetti Stage at Splendour is in partnership with Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies, a leading provider of creative industry education. Craig Chettle MBE, Chief Executive Confetti, says: “It’s incredible to see amongst the great line-up so many local acts sharing the stage

with seasoned performers. These acts include Confetti student band Marvin’s Revenge, who having won the recent Battle of the Bands in front of a sell-out crowd at Metronome, win a coveted spot on the Confetti Stage.

“It will be fantastic seeing them perform, alongside our other stellar Confetti acts: Left Hand Lane, The Black White, Jess Breame; and Drive Through Hazy, fresh off the back of recording this year’s Confetti/Denizen single with producer Shuta Shinoda (Hot Chip/ Anna Meredith/Ghost Poet).

“What an amazing opportunity it is for them to play in front of the huge Splendour crowds!”

Weekend tickets start from £85 for adults, with day tickets priced at £56. Accompanied children aged 10 and under go free, and Nottingham City residents are eligible for a discount. VIP options are also available across all ticket types. Tickets can be purchased from splendourfestival.com

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STEVE HARLEY ACOUSTIC BAND – SPRING / SUMMER 2022 UK TOUR COMES TO THE EAST MIDLNDS Widely considered one of the most charismatic performers on stage, Steve Harley continues to play to sold-out venues across the UK and Europe.

For Steve, life on the road is more than just a job: it is almost his life’s blood.

And with the February 2020 release of the all-acoustic CD, “UNCOVERED”, the original Cockney Rebel shows no sign of slowing down.

The Acoustic Band for 2022 will find Steve supported by long-standing violinist/guitarist Barry Wickens, and Oli Heyhurst on double bass, with Dave Delarre on lead acoustic guitar.

Steve has been playing Live shows around the world for over 45 years and the thrill of another night in another place to another audience has not dimmed at all.

“We have real adventures on tour, “says Steve. “I’ve seen the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun and dozens of wonderful galleries, museums and great cities, all on my down-time. I have a great life as a Wandering Minstrel!”

“UNCOVERED” includes a re-recording of Steve’s popular song “Love, Compared With You” with a newly composed third verse, plus eleven other songs he’s always wanted to perform. The album features Barry Wickens on viola and acoustic guitar, Oli Hayhurst on double bass, Tom Hooper on percussion and the Roots Music Legend, Martin Simpson, on guitar. Steve also sings a duet with the amazing Scottish singer, Eddi Reader.

The acoustic sets for 2022 will include songs from the new CD, plus a selection from the vast and eclectic Harley Songbook. Mr Soft, Judy Teen, Sebastian and the legendary Make Me Smile will all be re-produced in the unique acoustic style.

Close-Up Culture stated: “It was an intimate night in the presence of a great musician. An individual whose passion for live performance and perfection (it shows in his face) remains undiminished.”.

Rod Stewart, who covered Steve’s song “A Friend For Life”, describes him as “One of the finest lyricists Britain has produced.”

MOJO said simply, “Harley creates rock songs that are proud, lyrical and full of yearning.” Steve has also been described as “A consummate performer at the top of his game,” and this show will bear that out.

Steve received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Acoustic Music from the Acoustic Festival of Britain in 2018.

Tickets for the following STEVE HARLEY ACOUSTIC BAND – Spring / Summer 2022 UK Tour Dates are available from:

Saturday 7 May NOTTINGHAM – Albert Hall Great Hall Thursday 12 May REDDITCH – Palace Theatre Friday 13 May LINCOLN – New Theatre Royal Saturday 14 May LEEDS – City Varieties Sunday 15 May MANCHESTER / SALFORD – The Lowry Friday 20 May HUDDERSFIELD – Lawrence Batley Theatre Saturday 21 May BANGOR – Pontio Sunday 22 May LLANDRINDOD – Wells Pavilion MidWales Saturday 28 May CORBY – The Core @ Corby Cube Sunday 29 May NORTHWICH – Memorial Hall Wednesday 8 June BRISTOL – St George’s Church Thursday 9 June PORTSMOUTH – New Theatre Royal Friday 10 June TELFORD – Oakengates Theatre Saturday 11 June STAMFORD – Corn Exchange Thursday 16 June GLENROTHES – Rothes Hall Friday 8 July SWINDON – Wyvern Theatre Ticket available from www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/ Steve-Harley-Acoustic-Band.htm

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Why Fantasy Island Is The Perfect Place For A Picnic After spending so much time indoors, it’s fair to say we are all looking for ways to spend more time outside. Going for a picnic is the perfect idea for those wanting to enjoy the great outdoors, bask

in the sun and relax with friends and family. Fantasy Island is the ideal spot, and here are just a few reasons why.

Somewhere different If you’re tired of going to the same parks every day, having a picnic at Fantasy Island is a fantastic change of scenery. If your kids are sick of the same days out in Lincolnshire, our theme park offers an incredible range of spots to enjoy your sandwiches and scones. Whether you want to watch the roller coasters race by or relax on the Island Beach, there are so many places to choose from to enjoy your lunch. With so much to see and do, you will never be bored again.

Food stalls If you’ve forgotten your sandwiches at home (or you don’t trust your own cooking!) we have an enormous range of food stalls offering incredible meals, snacks and desserts. Choose from over 40 eateries for delicious pizza, Chinese, fish and chips and so much more. This is perfect for fussy eaters, anyone with allergies or dietary requirements or simply for families who can never agree on where to eat! With so many

options, you’re sure to find something to suit every taste.

No queuing or booking needed Since everyone is keen to get out and about these days, finding a place to set up and enjoy a picnic is getting harder and harder. At Fantasy Island, you’ve no need to waste time by queuing or booking in advance. Although we recommend you buy wristbands online if you are planning to enjoy the rides, if you just want to come in and enjoy the atmosphere, you don’t need to

book or wait in line.

Bring your dogs When we say fun for all the family, we mean ALL the family! Bring your furry family members along for the picnic; as long as they are on a lead, they are more than welcome on site.

With so many reasons to visit, what are you waiting for? Host your next family picnic at Fantasy Island and find out why we are one of the best day trips in the UK!

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World of James Herriot - Explore & Discover It’s easy to see why the World of James Herriot visitor attraction attracts visitors from all over the world. There’s so much to see and do here… It’s not just for fans of the books!

worked and wrote his much-loved stories based on his experiences as a young veterinary surgeon working among the farming community of North Yorkshire.

The 1940s home and surgery

Stepping through the famous red door of 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk is to step inside the World of James Herriot, the fully-restored site of his original 1940s home and veterinary practice (known in his books as Skeldale House, Darrowby) set in the heart of stunning Herriot Country.

The home retains many of the original furnishings in the family rooms, frozen in time.

The dining room doubled as the practice office, where farmers’ bills were typed up at the desk; the sitting room displays original books and family photos; the basement converted to an air raid shelter during the Second World War; the breakfast room favoured for its relative warmth and the reproduction of a typical farmhouse kitchen.

The dining room and practice office The original dispensary containing all poExplore this magical time-capsule, where the tions great and small world’s most famous vet and one of the most As well as a family home, it was also a busy popular writers of the twentieth century lived, surgery with a dispensary crammed with fas-

cinating ancient and bizarre remedies and the The latest addition to the centre’s collection is cramped and primitive consulting room that the original 1938 Austin Seven car, Registrasaw the treatment of many a poorly pet – only tion JK 7443. creatures small were dealt with by Alf in here!

It appeared in the film “It Shouldn’t Happen to a Vet” with actor John Alderton as James Interactive Gallery Herriot, when it famously broke down in a There’s no telling children ‘don’t touch’ in this river in the Yorkshire Dales. gallery! Designed to engage children, young and old, the pieces use fun and interaction to Veterinary Science Rooms educate visitors about farm animals and how There’s an incredible array too of veterinary they interact with our lives. paraphernalia from Herriot’s time as a young Full of fascinating facts, the gallery gives vet – in an era before advances in diagnostics, visitors the opportunity to test their skills, modern medicine and agricultural machinknowledge and reflexes whilst learning how ery. It is the largest collection in the world. vets work with farmers to keep animals fit and well. Not just for children!

There is one installation that TV viewers particularly will recognise and that’s the ‘not to be missed’ opportunity to place your hand up a cow’s bottom! An essential skill that every vet has to learn, All Creatures Great and Small actor Christopher Timothy famously did his part on several occasions, much to the amusement of the cast, crew and viewing public!

On display is a 4,000 piece archive showcasHerriot Memorabilia ing veterinary instruments from the past to The World of James Herriot houses the largest the modern day. These items chart the history collection of Herriot memorabilia in the and progress of the profession over the years. world – from books, posters and letters to Some of the instruments appear primitive but ornaments and collectables. were all designed for a particular purpose, The Memorabilia Room is dedicated to dis- since refined and updated for the modern playing items that were instrumental in James vet’s practice.

Herriot’s writing career.

The display reveals the close link with veterinary surgeons and the armed forces, from TV Studios the days of the mounted cavalry and horses Take a close-up look behind the scenes of pulling gun carriages and supply wagons in a reproduced set from the BBC series All warfare. Even today, ceremonial horses and Creatures Great and Small and experience battle-trained guard and sniffer dogs are the the fascinating world of the TV studio and responsibility of the Royal Army Veterinary what was involved in the making of the TV Corp, formed in 1796. program.

Foldyard and The Farrier’s Workshop Much of Alf Wight’s work took place in farms all over North Yorkshire. To the rear of the house you will find the Foldyard and The Farrier exhibits, both with which Alf would have been very well-acquainted.

The Foldyard (described as an enclosure for sheep or cattle) houses a collection of primitive-looking hand tools in everyday use You can be the star of the show! Get in in farms before machinery appeared. In the front of the camera and imagine yourself as hands of skilled workers, however, these tools Christopher Timothy playing James Herriwere most effective. The Foldyard provides ot, Robert Hardy as the eccentric Siegfried an authentic setting for visitors to watch an Farnon, Peter Davison as Tristan Farnon, or exclusive short film of Alf Wight, his family Carol Drinkwater and Lynda Bellingham who and friends and the cast of All Creatures both played James’ wife Helen Herriot.

Great and Small.

The series was a hugely popular show and In the Farrier’s Workshop. the role of the had two runs from 1978 to 1980 (based farrier, which combines skills of both blackdirectly on Alf ’s books) and 1988 to 1990 smith and vet, is brought to life in this inter(filmed with original scripts). The equipment esting exhibit. Before tractors and combine on display shows just how far technology has harvesters, farming relied on manual labour moved on in TV and film, the huge cameras, and what limited mechanisation existed was endless cables, the intense heat from the light- driven by horses. Farriers were an integral ing rigs all making life pretty uncomfortable support to this system until the inevitable march of progress. for the actors involved.

World of James Herriot Ltd, 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire,YO7 1PL The Austin Seven Car from ‘It Shouldn’t Tel: 01845 524234 Happen to a Vet’

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Huttoft Boat Shed and Café now open The facility is in a prime position for visitors and locals to enjoy, whether they're walking the coastal path, enjoying activities on the beach or just passing.

As well as the high quality café and kiosk, there is an external area capable of hosting larger 'pop-up' events. Inside there is information about attractions throughout the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park, as well as refreshment and toilet facilities.

Colin Davie, executive councillor for economic development, environment and planning at the county council, explains: “Huttoft is part of a largely undeveloped and beautiful stretch of natural coastline.

It's already a popular spot and has massive potential if we add the right kind of activities and attractions.

"The National Trust have recently acquired the former golf course at Sandilands and are developing this into a new nature reserve providing

a year-round visitor experience.

"We're keen to encourage nature tourism and outdoor recreation here to really embrace the unspoilt beaches and countryside we have. The Boatshed Café really supports the kind of area we want this to be."

The café is dog-friendly and provides a great place to stop along the coast between Sutton on Sea and the North Sea Observatory at Chapel Point. It replaces an existing redundant boat shed, metres from the seafront.

The project has been co-funded by the council and the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP).

Pat Doody, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The Greater Lincolnshire LEP is extremely pleased to have provided grant funding to enable this innovative scheme, transforming what was originally a small boat

shed on the beach into a great facility.

“It will play an important role in the recovery of our visitor economy post Covid and provide a much needed stopping off point between existing attractions along the coastal area, enticing more visitors to stay longer and creating a new interactive space for both tourists and local communities.”

Vicki Holmes who already runs the café at the North Sea Observatory down the coast, is the new operator of the Boatshed.

She said: "We're so excited about this new venture which is such a welcome addition to this part of the coast especially as we're planning to open all year round. We'll be offering a range of locally sourced food and drink to take away or enjoy on site. We hope the building will also act as a focal point for other activities and events during the year."

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Bakewell Farmers' Market Generally held on the last Saturday of every month, the District Council's popular Bakewell Farmers' Market is now regularly attracting more than 5,000 visitors and is so popular that many of the 70 stall holders are selling out before closing time – and there is a waiting list of more than 50 traders.

The Farmers' Markets are organised by Derbyshire Dales District Council and are held at the District Council's Agricultural Business Centre (ABC).

Outdoor stalls and bustle at Bakewell Farmers' MarketThe Agricultural Business Centre is now not only widely recognised as home to one of the UK's top five livestock markets – it has the second largest

farmers' market in the country, with only Winchester boasting a larger number of stall holders.

With more than 9,000 conferences staged at the Agricultural Centre since it opened and 75 livestock auctions a year involving 300,000 animals, the Agricultural Business Centre is a thriving operation and a true 'one-stop shop' service

for the rural community.

The added bonus is that local hotels and businesses in and around Bakewell are reaping the benefits of the trade we generate.

Several local shops and

cafes employ extra staff on Farmers' Market days to meet demand.

Plentiful parking is available at the Agricultural Business Centre in Bakewell.

Bakewell Farmers’ Market dates in 2022 30 April 8.30am to 1.30pm 28 May 8.30am to 1.30pm 25 June 8.30am to 1.30pm 30 July 8.30am to 1.30pm 27 August 8.30am to 1.30pm 24 September 8.30am to 1.30pm 29 October 8.30am to 1.30pm 26 November 8.30am to 1.30pm 17 December ** 8.30am to 1.30pm ** Early for Christmas

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Matlock Bath in the Peak District

Matlock Bath was developed as one of England’s first true tourist destinations. It occupies a beautiful position in a limestone gorge on the River Derwent, and boasts attractive riverside gardens and steep wooded hillsides.

Matlock Bath has been a popular tourist attraction since the late 17th Century, when the healing properties of its warm spa waters were first discovered. Access to the area was improved in the 18th Century, and by the 19th Century Matlock Bath was a place for society’s finest to visit.

The town is still a wonderful place to visit, with a long street of shops, cafes, amusement arcades and places of interest, including an aquarium and photographic museum. The riverside walks are great for peaceful, shady strolls, and there is a good children’s playground area to keep younger visitors amused.

Matlock Bath is home to this large, family-friendly theme park, which is within walking distance of the town centre. It is particularly suited to visitors aged 13 and under. The park is located high on a hill overlooking the town, which adds an extra element of thrill to the rides! Please see www.gulliversfun.co.uk/gullivers-kingdom-matlock-bath for more information.

Peak District Lead Mining Museum

Located within the Grand Pavilion, the eye-catching pink building at the top of the main street, the Peak District Lead Mining Museum tells the story of the mines and miners of this area. It houses thousands of items from the lead mining industry, as well as hundreds of rock and mineral specimens from around the world. See www.peakdistrictleadminingmuseum.co.uk for more details.

Crich Tramway Village

Matlock Bath Illuminations

Running throughout September and October, the Matlock Bath Illuminations are well worth a visit. The beautiful riverside park is illuminated and filled with stalls and fairground rides, while brightly-lit and decorated rowing boats parade along the river. On Saturday nights throughout the event there are fabulous firework displays that light up the gorge.

Gulliver’s Kingdom

Located just a short drive outside Matlock Bath, the fabulous Crich Tramway Village is a fabulous place to spend a day, with plenty to keep the whole family happy. It is home to the National Tramway Museum, with more than 60 vintage trams for visitors to admire in airy exhibition halls, and it also features a beautifully recreated period village with a pub, café and olde-worlde shops.

A number of the trams run through the village and can be hailed at historic tram stops.

Visitors pay one old penny (original coin included in the admission price) to take unlimited rides for more than a mile into the surrounding countryside, with stunning views of the surrounding Derwent Valley. There is also a Woodland Walk with a sculpture trail that is perfect for keeping little people interested along the way, as well as a picnic area and a children’s playground. See www.tramway. co.uk for more information.

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DINING OUT: THE BREAKFAST CLUB A tree-lined drive creates the impressive approach to Beeston Fields Golf Club. Offering one of the best golf courses in Nottinghamshire and also a traditional country house, built during 1837

by Alfred Thomas, this venue covers 135 acres.

Open to members and non-members alike, the restaurant attracts numerous ‘regulars’ (always a positive sign), including a good number of diners and visitors from further away, who have ‘discovered’ Beeston Fields, perhaps from a recommendation. The Georgian-style marquee, walled garden and spacious lawns offer one of Nottinghamshire’s premier wedding and event venues, with requirements arranged in detail, by a multi

award-winning events team.

For restaurants and eateries that offer breakfasts, one

which comes top of the ratings is Beeston Fields Breakfast Club. From Light Bites, through English Breakfasts, to Breakfasts from around The World, the Breakfast Club at Beeston Fields has proved very popular from the outset and is open to everyone.

The greeting from Ravinder is welcoming and genuine.

Light Bites include Granola Bowl (Greek yoghurt, fresh fruit, raspberry coulis, honey, flax seeds, oats). Sourdough Toast choices, with several accompaniments, including Eggs Benedict, Eggs Royale, Cowboy Woodland and Beeston Stack are all very popular. Beeston Fields Full English has two rashers of smoked back bacon, two free range eggs, two Lincolnshire sausages, grilled tomato, black pudding, hash brown, mushrooms, baked beans and toast. Breakfasts from around The World are very popular – just looking about – and include All American Pancakes, Turkish Eggs, plus Mexican Huevos Rancheros.

I opted for Granola Bowl to commence and then Mexican

Huevos Rancheros (Poached eggs baked in a chipotle tomato sauce, red peppers, coriander). With complementing flavours, I was most impressed – Compliments to Chef. Teas, coffees and other beverages complete the breakfast experience.

Other dining menus include Clubhouse, Lunch, Sunday Carvery and Afternoon Tea options. Head Chef

Joe Richards ensures, with his brigade of chefs and kitchen personnel, that everything is very memorable. Vouchers are available – perhaps for a special surprise? Booking is advised, particularly for

popular times. Highly recommended.

Beeston Fields, Old Drive, Wollaton Road, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 3DA. Tel: 0115 925 7062 E-mail: info@beestonfields.co.uk www. beestonfields.co.uk Facebook: beestonfields Twitter: beestonfields 1 Instagram: beestonfields

Articles by Trevor Langley

WINES FROM THAILAND: A GOOD CHOICE Thailand (officially the Kingdom of Thailand and previously known as Siam) is a country in Southeast Asia.

The capital city is Bangkok.

Today, manufacturing, plus tourism and agriculture are leading parts of Thailand’s economy. Countless tourists visit Thailand, constantly.

From the shopping malls of Bangkok, through the fabulous coastal beaches, with hundreds of tropical islands, plus the nightlife and world heritage attractions, culture, history, sports and more, there is something for all to appreciate and enjoy.

Thai cuisine and wines are very popular and can now be found globally.

Monsoon Valley is a multi award-winning fine wine producer. Grapes are carefully selected and transported in air-conditioned vehicles from the Monsoon Valley Vineyard to the Siam Winery. Producing splendid wines, with

grapes only grown in Thailand, Monsoon Valley wines are now recognised around the world and enjoyed by numerous connoisseurs, as well as being available in 5-star hotels and restaurants, in Thailand and many countries, worldwide.

Monsoon Valley White wine has a pleasant bouquet, plus a good mouthfeel and palate.

Excellent with seafood and white meats. The Monsoon Valley Red has good red fruits for the bouquet and for the mouth’s pleasures. This pairs wonderfully with red meats, etc. If it’s a rosé that is preferred, then the Monsoon Valley Rosé will not disappoint, having grapes grown on ‘floating vineyards’ and at the Monsoon Valley Vineyard. This wine has a delicate nose, excellent mouthfeel and palate. A wine that is extremely popular, with many, on numerous occasions. If a Shiraz is required, for satis-

faction, then Monsoon Valley Shiraz, from the Premium Range, with its ruby-red, enticing appearance, has it all.

Dark fruits are in abundance, with oak-aged barrels contributing to the exceptional pleasures of this wine. Fantastic with red meats. For an aromatic, sweet wine, Chenin Blanc Dessert Wine (flagship) ‘ticks all the boxes’, for me.

Having Chenin Blanc grapes,

left on the vines for several days more, ensures provision of the added sugars required to produce this impressive delight, which gives a grand finish.

These are just some of the wines from the Monsoon Valley ranges. For all details please visit www.monsoonvalleywine.co.uk www. siamwinery.com

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School of Artisan Food

The School of Artisan Food is a world-class, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to teaching skills in artisan food production.

Located on the beautiful Welbeck Estate in North Nottinghamshire in the heart of Sherwood Forest, the school offers fully equipped, spacious training facilities, and offers a wide range of practical, hands-on courses in butchery, baking, cheese and ice-cream making. Find out more at www.schoolofartisanfood.org

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Covid-19 vaccination programme opens up to healthy 5-11 year olds our communities by vaccinating 5-11 year olds.

“For decades, vaccinations have protected our children and young people from potentially serious diseases, including measles and flu. By From today, parents the time they leave school, and guardians can book a child will typically have 5–11-year-olds into specialist been offered vaccinations children-friendly vaccination against 18 different diseases clinics through the NHS web- or infections – the Covid-19 site or by calling 119. vaccine is one more vaccine Across Nottingham and that children will soon be Nottinghamshire there are a able to have to protect them number of specialist clinics from illness. offering the Covid-19 vaccine “We understand if parents in a safe and child friendly have questions, or simply setting. want to find out more about Amanda Sullivan, Account- the vaccine, and we would able Officer at NHS Notting- encourage you to speak to the ham and Nottinghamshire vaccination teams at our sites.

CCG, said: “The Covid-19 There is also plenty of inforvaccination programme has mation available to parents successfully kept thousands on the NHS website.” of people in our region from The Joint Committee on becoming seriously ill with Vaccination and ImmunisaCovid-19 and this is an option (JCVI) recommends that portunity to further protect 5-11 year olds are offered the

Children aged 5-11 are now eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination to help protect them and those around them from the virus.

vaccine, which has been approved by the UK’s medicines regulator, to boost immunity and increase their protection against any future waves of Covid-19. Children will be offered the Pfizer Covid-19

vaccine. Each vaccine is a third of the dose of vaccine that is given to older children and adults. Your child needs 2 injections of the vaccine usually 8 weeks apart. The vaccine has been tested to

make sure it is safe.

Children should not attend a vaccination session if they have tested positive for Covid-19. They should wait for 12 weeks before having the jab.

Children who are at increased

risk, should wait 4 weeks from a positive test result, before having their vaccine.

Those eligible can book an appointment by calling 119 or through the NHS website.

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NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire urge public to help ensure sickest patients can be cared for quickly

Urgent Treatment Centre in Newark is open 9am – 9:30pm.

Pharmacies have experts in allergies, constipation, headaches, ear aches and cold and flu treatments.

Lisa Kelly, Chief Operating Officer at Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, said: “We are here and ready to provide the The pressures that the NHS is seeing are specialist care for the most poorly people in our communities and we value your not down to a single reason, but can be attributed to a number of things including; support in helping us to do this.

“People who are attending our Emergenthe rise of people testing positive for Covcy Department with a minor illness, are id-19, an increase in patients needing to be admitted to hospital with other illness- waiting a very long time to be seen. For es, and too many patients in hospital beds minor illness and injuries please consider who are well enough to leave but are una- accessing other services provided by our highly skilled colleagues such as your GP, ble to. When we have patients in hospital pharmacists, the Urgent Treatment Centre beds who are well enough to go home, it at London Road and NHS 111. prevents hospital trusts from using them “We are grateful to families for continufor patients who need specialist care.

Currently across the system we have 485 ing to do everything they can to support loved ones to return home.” patients in our hospitals who have tested Chief Operating Officer for Sherwood positive for Covid-19. For the majority of Forest Hospitals, Simon Barton added: “We patients Covid-19 is not the primary reason for their admission, however this still always work hard to provide the best possible care to our patients in a timely way. causes pressures due to patients needing “We would urge people to use 111 online to be isolated for infection control reasons, so we continue to ask the public to remain if it is not a life threatening emergency, or visit our Urgent Treatment Centre at vigilant and consider wearing masks in Newark between 9am and 9:30pm if it is crowded areas. a minor burn, fracture or sprain you are If it’s urgent but not an emergency you suffering from, as you will be seen quicker.” can visit 111 online to speak to a nurse, Amanda Sullivan, Accountable Officer GP or emergency dentist. at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Urgent treatment centres can be used CCG, said: “Our hospitals remain under for things like; fractures, sprains, minor significant pressure. This is a result of burns, and skin infections. The Urgent rising staff sickness levels, busy emergenTreatment Centre on London Road in cy departments, the number of Covid-19 Nottingham is open 7am – 9pm and the Health bosses are asking for the public’s help to make sure staff can focus on caring for the sickest patients in our community who need life-saving care.

The public are being asked to use 111 online first, urgent treatment centres, GPs and pharmacies if it is a minor illness or injury and is not life threatening.

patients as well as the need to discharge patients who no longer need to be in hospital. You can help us to manage this pressure by making sure you wear face coverings in our hospitals, helping to get your relatives back home and by choosing the right

service. We would like to remind people to make sure they only attend emergency departments if it is an emergency. If you are unsure, use NHS 111 Online first and they will direct you to the right service for your needs.”

New Chief Operating Officer appointed for Sherwood Forest Hospitals Sherwood Forest Hospitals has appointed Rachel Eddie as new Chief Operating Officer.

Currently Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Nottingham University Hospitals, Rachel is an experienced senior leader, working at board level as Chief Operating Officer on an interim basis on two occasions over the past three years, with shared responsibility for leadership, development of strategy, planning, performance and governance.

She is committed to quality and safety, patient and staff experience and

Care System and increased collaboration with partners and stakeholders.

Speaking after her appointment, Rachel said: "Sherwood Forest is highly regarded for the way compassionate colleagues have continued has a record of delivering their improvement organisational improvements journey to deliver safe and and results through compas- effective patient-focused sionate leadership. care and services. I am Her existing network and looking forward to meeting relationships, locally and remy new colleagues as soon gionally, will help strengthen as possible."

Sherwood Forest Hospitals' Rachel will replace Simon place within the new environ- Barton, who is joining Uniment of the Nottingham and versity Hospitals Leicester.

Nottinghamshire Integrated

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Strategies for a Healthy Summer

Help prevent chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer with these 8 healthy habits for summer.

Move More, Sit Less

Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (e.g. at least 20 minutes a day or 30 minutes on 5 days) every week, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week.

Tip Be Sun Safe Make half your plate fruits and vegetables and Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, a half your grains whole grains. wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF Rethink Your Drink 15.

Substitute water for sugary or alcoholic drinks to reduce calories and stay safe.

Get Enough Sleep

Eat a Healthy Diet

Try healthy food choices like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. vegetables, fruits and whole grains

Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep at night.

Did You Know?

Kids 6-12 need 9-12 hours of sleep a night.

Teens 13-18 need 8-10 hours of sleep a night.

Tip Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays for the best protection.

Brush Your Teeth

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

Don’t Use Tobacco

You can do it! Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free support.

Learn Your Health History Talk to your family and your doctor about your family health history.

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TO ADVERTISE HERE PLEASE CALL OUR FRIENDY STAFF ON 0115 6972670

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A Bridge Too Far !!!

Having won our three previous fixtures we strolled into April on a high knowing what was still to play for. With four more league fixtures in front of us our destiny was still in our own hands as we knew the playoffs were still achievable. If there was any more motivation needed for a group of players, then now was the time for everyone to show the qualities even more consistently than we have done throughout. As Belper Town were the only team within sight and with a seven-point deficit to pull back we set about our tasks as only we know how to when there is a challenge in front of us.

would enter a period of the opposition ‘parking the bus’.

For all Carlton’s efforts and endeavours Belper held firm and The Millers for the next forty minutes were frustrated until Tyler Blake with virtually the very last kick of the game would hit the net and give us all three points.

we conceded with both sides trying to play some nice football. Trailing the game at half-time Carlton knew that despite our efforts and with nothing to show from the first half that we had to take the game to the opposition. The Millers again from the start of the second period applied more Carlton Town 2-1 Notting- pressure to The Reds who to ham Forest U23 be fair held firm until Nat Three days on and The Watson would score twice in Millers were back at it in a five-minute spell midway the ‘Senior Cup’. Billed as in the half. Both sides would possibly one of the biggest open the game up in the last games in the club’s history twenty minutes with Forest and with the lure of a final trying to pass their way only ninety minutes away through The Millers ranks Carlton knew they had a to try and recover whilst big opportunity here for Carlton would try and some silverware this season. outflank them. The Millers Carlton Town 2-1 Belper Forest started brightly and would take control of the Town showed some nice interplay final twenty minutes and With both teams well in the as you would expect from prove to be worthy winners hunt for the play-offs this a team of aspiring profesas Forest had no answer to game was seen as a must sionals and gave The Millers our hold on the game. win fixture for The Millers. some food for thought in Belper on the day came with the opening exchanges. The Cambridge City 2-3 Carlan agenda to not lose the Reds would pass the ball ton Town game and this they did very around with a lot of confiBack to league action and well for the first half as both dence and at times probably our main concern this seateams went in at the interoverplay themselves out of son, getting promotion. This val scoreless. The Millers as opportunities to gain the one was also expected to be usual started the second half advantage before Fin Back another tough task despite brightly and with only four would eventually score from Cambridge having nothing minutes in Aaron O’Connor a quick throw in that Carlto play for. The home side opened the scoring early broke the deadlock with a ton failed to manage. The neat finish. It would take Millers too were very much on which slightly stunned only four more minutes for in the game even up until The Millers before twenty the visitors to reply to even this point and it was looking minutes later after Carlton had settled well equalised things up before the game like a very even affair until

through Aaron O’Connor.

Three minutes on and we were leading when Tyler Blake would score with a very neat finish in a ’one on one’ with the goalkeeper.

Our lead would only last ten minutes as the home side would level things up before that man Tyler Blake a minute later would regain our advantage. There would be no further goals in the game but both sides would hit the woodwork twice apiece as this game proved to be a real spectacle for the fans.

down and the game was concede when substitute creeping away from us CarlAaron Opoku would kill them off mid-way into the ton kept on in the second second half. half before Stamford would Stamford 3-0 Carlton Town further their lead from So, the final league fixture of a free kick which took a the season and nothing less massive bobble in front our than a victory was required keeper and bounced way over him and into the net. as we knew that our only rivals Belper Town would This pretty much stunned everybody as the keeper was need to win also in their fixture against Corby Town just about to collect the ball to capture the final play-off from a tame free kick before it bounced four foot in the spot. Stamford themselves air. A twenty-man brawl were also playing for the league title so we knew this would ensue ten minutes one was going to be our big- before the end of the game gest test yet. Both sides went when the Stamford centre Carlton Town 4-0 Spalding at it right from the start with -forward would take issue United Stamford creating more op- with a Carlton defender With our play-off surge well portunities than ourselves. right in front of the dugand truly firing on all cylin- The home side kept pushing outs and delay the end of ders The Millers would have whilst The Millers kept rethe game before right on our very last home fixture pelling and would eventual- the whistle Stamford would on the Easter Bank Holiday ly break the deadlock three score again leaving The Monday. Spalding were the minutes before the close of Millers deflated. visitors and whilst our push the half. for the top five was still on Even though we were a goal they were not to be taken lightly. Carlton started well early in the game and took control of the fixture when Aaron O’Connor would give us the near perfect start.

He would score again seven minutes before half-time with Tyler Blake adding a third three minutes later to ensure The Millers went into the break with a comfortable lead. Spalding throughArticle by Phil Jennings out were troubled by our persistence and would again

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Painting a picture for the blind at Nottingham Forest Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a blind or visually impaired football fan? Most fully sighted people that I’ve asked that question to produce the very same answer: “I guess they have to stay at home and listen on the radio.”

Well, thanks to Alan March Sport the days of visually impaired supporters being ostracised are a thing of the past. AMS provide a wonderful, free service at the City Ground called Audio Description Commentary which enables such supporters to not only return to the stadium but experience the exact level of intensity and action as a fully sighted fan.

So, how does that work? Any interested parties can find out from the Twitter page @NFFCAD, or the company website alanmarchsport.com when and where the game will take place and how to access the service.

For the purposes of hygiene, all listeners must bring their own headphones to the stadium.

Whilst inside the City Ground the prospective listener or their chaperone can ask the nearest steward for a receiver. The receivers are handheld devices which the headphones plug directly into, a bit like a pocket radio/ wireless. The team of commentators, myself, Elliott Stockdale, and Luke Savage (two of the three) will provide Audio Description commentary for the entirety of the game from our

Alan March seats in the press box at the back of the Peter Taylor/Main Stand.

The next question you’ll be asking is: “why not just bring a pocket radio into the stadium?” Here’s where AD commentary comes into its own, it’s a totally different concept to conventional radio and with good reason too.

Audio Description commentary is ball specific, meaning that with every breath of the commentators voice you will be able to locate the position of the ball on the pitch. The most important facet of all is the orientation, in referencing our commentary position in relation to the various stands around the ground the listener now has an image in their mind, as if that were their seat for the match.

To explain in detail just why the blind and visually impaired fans choose to be in the stadium as opposed to at home we need to counter in the following: the pre match drink with their friends, the hustle and bustle of the walk to the stadium, the smell of the burger

vans, the feel of the plastic seat being gripped in anticipation, and the roar of the crowd as the goal is scored.

The only thing missing is the placement of the ball and that’s where we step in. By offering our Audio Description commentary we are providing the missing piece of the jigsaw and allowing our listeners to immerse themselves in the full match day experience.

Whilst I’m waxing lyrical about the City Ground service, specifically for the Nottingham Forest supporters, the exact same experience is being replicated across the country and in Wales too.

Alan March Sport currently has nine football clubs under its umbrella as well as the Welsh national side to boot.

Then there’s the major tournaments like the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League, not to mention the European Championships and the pinnacle of all footballing hierarchy, the FIFA World Cup in Qatar!

Remarkably, the evolution of Alan March Sport began with the man himself winning a commentary competition back in 2006, this whilst working full time in a bakery. The comp, in conjunction with the RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind) offered a tantalising prize of commentating on that season’s FA Cup final via the BBC red button option. Alan’s performance on the mic that day, for one of the greatest final’s ever contested, between Liverpool and West Ham, was the springboard for his new career and the development of a wonderful business. Equally important, it was also the beginning of a much-improved service at the City Ground.

Wembley would soon approach Alan to provide his service inside the newly renovated stadium in 2007 and from here there was no looking back. He then went on to train AD commentators for the RNIB before being headhunted for the Olympic Games and a

Elliott Stockdale, and Luke Savage

plethora of other high-profile events on the global scene. At this point you’d be forgiven for thinking that his commitment to the AD commentary would lessen but quite the opposite in fact. Alan was concerned about the lack of cover for the Blind and Visually Impaired listeners, given the fact there were just a couple of individuals sharing clubs like Doncaster Rovers, Huddersfield Town, and Forest at the time. This concern was the catalyst for the efficient set up now employed at Forest, Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Southampton, Crawley Town, Mansfield Town, Lincoln City, Cardiff City, and Wrexham.

Speaking from experience, the service we provide at Nottingham Forest is as close to professional as you can get whilst under the banner of volunteers. The bar has been raised and the standard is exceptionally high which is music to the ears of the blind! The demographic of our service users ranges form the fully blind to those with slight impairments or gradual deterioration through the years.

We accommodate fans who’ve had the same seat in the stadium for over four decades and wish to prolong their matchday ritual despite their condition, if AMS are behind the microphone such loyal supporters will continue their legacy whilst not missing a single bit of the action. Also worthy of note, our commentary is widely used by the away fans who’ve commented upon our impartiality during broadcasts. The FA Cup tie versus Arsenal in January was a prime example given the feedback we received from the Gunners supporters on the day.

If you’re in any doubt of how precise Audio Description commentary is, digest the following analogy: Four Forest fans meet in the pub the evening after a game, one who watched on the TV at home, one who listened on the radio, another (fully sighted) who watched from their seat in the ground and a blind fan who listened to Audio Description commentary whilst also in their seat. Given the accuracy of AD, all four fans will be able to regale upon the very same talking points and action during the 90 minutes.

Alan March Sport has continued to excel at Nottingham Forest thanks to the continued support of Alan Bexon, who over the last decade has supported and assisted the Audio Description commentary programme during his employment at the City Ground.

Written by Steve Corry

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FOREST GROUNDS TEAM RECOGNISED BY EFL

The EFL have announced the 2021/22 Grounds Teams of the Season and Nottingham Forest have been awarded a Highly Commended certificate.

The Grounds team, led by Grounds Manager Ewan Hunter, have worked tirelessly to ensure The City Ground turf has been in an immaculate condition this season.

The EFL Grounds Teams of the Season awards recognise the staff who have produced the best quality playing surfaces across the 72 EFL clubs. Marks are provided

by the referee and away team manager for all EFL league matches.

The clubs with the highest divisional average were visited by Neil Rodger from Sports Turf Research Institute, with further assessments carried out including pitch quality, environmental conditions and usage, resources, management and sustainability. Indepth reports and recommendations were then submitted to the EFL Playing Surfaces Committee to determine the winners.

The EFL have announced that AFC

Bournemouth have won the Sky Bet Championship Grounds Team of the Season award, with Forest and Middlesbrough receiving a Highly Commended certificate.

Bolton Wanderers won the award in League One and Newport County in League Two. Dane Murphy, Nottingham Forest Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is great testament to the skill and efforts of Ewan Hunter and his team that the club has received a Highly Commended status from the EFL.

"With an unprecedented six additional home cup matches this season, it has been a particularly challenging campaign for the ground staff.

"The picture-perfect playing surface adds to the beauty of The City Ground and has certainly helped the team produce some flowing football at home under Steve Cooper.

"We thank all the ground staff for their unstinting efforts with the pitch.”

Each Edition of the Nottingham Now has an estimated readership of 50,000 from print and online. Published by Wilcop Media Ltd, 92L Rolleston Dr, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 7JP.