Nottingham Now 119

We have listened to locals on cycling scheme, says county council

Nottinghamshire County Council has listened to the concerns of residents in Beeston surrounding a proposed cycling scheme.

The scheme on Dovecote Lane had been proposed to encourage walking and cycling in Beeston and as part of this, an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) would have been put in place to close the road to through traffic to make cycling safer.

The council successfully negotiated an extension with the Department for Transport (DfT) in January 2022 to work on the proposals further following concerns raised by local residents and undertook a second round of public consultation in April to gather more feedback on the proposed scheme.

Feedback from local residents shows that there is not enough support for the scheme to take it forwards, and so the county council will now work with the DfT to explore other potential schemes in Nottinghamshire using the allocated funding.

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We have listened to local residents and their concerns and feel that there is not the broad support for this scheme that we

require as part of the Active Travel Fund funding conditions to implement it.

“Dovecote Lane was initially identified for a scheme funded by our Active Travel Fund allocation as it is a key cycle route and links the town centre with the train station.

“Schemes such as this need to be supported by local people and where this is not the case it is not feasible to implement them.

“The views of local people are incredibly important to us, and we will continue to seek these out when proposing schemes of this kind.

“Our consultations with local people

showed that only 22% of the 408 respondents supported the proposals, that only half of the respondents living on Dovecote Lane supported the scheme and that only 30% of the 285 respondents who said they walk, cycle and use a motor vehicle to travel along Dovecote Lane were in support of this.

“We have been working closely with the DfT throughout the process and are now exploring alternative schemes in Nottinghamshire to reallocate this funding.”

The county council will now work with the DfT to explore the possibility of reallocating this funding to other projects.

Pupils learn about knife crime dangers

Police and council teams worked together to organise and support a special event raising awareness of knife crime among young people.

More than 40 students from four secondary schools in Rushcliffe attended the event at the Rushcliffe Arena leisure centre in West Bridgford.

The event, a joint initiative between Nottinghamshire Police and Rushcliffe Borough Council, included guest speakers who gave personal and emotional accounts of how violence and knife crime have impacted their lives.

There was also an engagement session with police officers who explained some of the consequences of carrying a knife.

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety, Cllr Rob Inglis, said: “Initiatives such as these are crucial to young people and it starts with education to raise awareness about this crime which is sadly prevalent in some communities across Nottinghamshire.

“The young people saw the impact that knife crime has not just on the victim and perpetrator but on families and the whole community.

“We delivered this thought-provoking session with Nottinghamshire Police, Equation and partners which was positively received by the students and teaching staff who attended.

“We work continuously with all parties on this topic throughout the year to help keep our residents and young people safer.”

Police Constable Karen Crane, Nottinghamshire Police’s Schools Early Intervention Officer for the Rushcliffe area, thanked

She said: “This event was ultimately about saving lives and educating young people so they avoid making potentially life-altering mistakes in the future.

“These students are at secondary school with all the peer pressure that brings so we are working to equip them with the knowledge they need to keep safe.

“Even if events like this result in just one young person deciding not to venture out with a knife, they have been worthwhile –because that is one young person who isn’t either going to get hurt with a knife or hurt somebody else with one.”

The students, in years nine and ten, got more involved in an interactive afternoon session which saw them exploring how anger develops within us and the effects

it has on our body, state of mind and our behaviour.

Students gave extremely positive feedback about all they had learned on the day.

The event followed a national week of action in November when Nottinghamshire Police shone a light on the ongoing efforts to reduce knife crime in our communities.

The force highlighted some of the proactive policing that takes place all year-round to tackle knife crime as part of Operation Sceptre.

Sergeant Sarah Merrall, from the Rushcliffe North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This was a really important event in our ongoing work to engage and educate young people about knife crime to coincide with the national week of action during Operation Sceptre.

“I would like to thank all the schools for supporting the event and look forward to working with them in the future.”

Notts PC lands role on national drugs committee

A Nottinghamshire cop will help shape how police forces provide drugs evidence to courtrooms across the country after landing a place on a national committee.

PC Ashley Clark is among just 13 officers chosen to sit on the Drugs Expert Witnesses and Valuation Association (DEWVA) committee.

The Substance Misuse officer was selected for the role after submitting his CV and application form.

The DEWVA committee meets four times a year, plus the annual DEWVA conference, but also has monthly communications.

Set up in 2009, the committee provides professional development opportunities for officers through national and regional seminars in

line with the legal definition of an expert witness.

It also looks to promote the role of Drugs Expert Witness, ensuring that officers get the appropriate support from supervisors and forces to maintain and develop their knowledge.

PC Clark's supervisor Sergeant Graham Whitt said: “I am absolutely chuffed to bits with Ash becoming a committee panel member on DEWVA.

“Not only is this prestigious position a reflection on Ash's professional competence, hard work and value as a Drugs Expert Witness, but it is also a reflection on the high level of work completed by all of Nottinghamshire Police's drugs experts as a whole.

“Having Ash on the

committee means that Notts Police will have a real say in how drugs experts work is developed throughout the country and ensures that we are at the forefront of this essential work moving forwards."

PC Clark, a former Response cop who became a Drugs Expert Witness in 2019, said he was delighted to land a role on the committee.

He said: “The purpose of the committee is to help

guide and advise drugs experts nationally, of which there's over 1,000 members, with best practice in providing independent and unbiased reports for court.

“I applied for a place on it because I'm keen to make real change and improve how policing manage drugs and organised crime investigations.

“I'm really pleased and am looking forward to the first meeting, which will be in February."

Bingham’s Toot Hill School, West Bridgford School, East Leake Academy and South Wolds Academy in Keyworth for supporting the event.

Shop closed by police after repeatedly flouting rules

A local convenience store that stocked illegal products and repeatedly sold restricted goods to children has been closed.

Nottinghamshire Police, supported by Ashfield District Council, issued a closure order to the Buy and Save store in Stanton Hill on earlier this month.

The order, issued under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act and confirmed by Mansfield Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Thursday), will force the closure of the shop for a minimum period of three months and will also trigger a mandatory licencing review.

Nottinghamshire Police has received multiple complaints about the store and has worked in partnership with Ashfield District Council and Nottinghamshire Trading Standards in order to take action.

Complaints have included the repeated sale of cigarettes, alcohol and vaping products to under-age customers, and the repeated sale of illegal vaping products.

The store also sold a large kitchen knife to a child during a test police purchase and was also found to have two machetes behind the counter – items the store claimed were for protection.

A large quantity of cannabis-infused sweets were also found behind the counter during a police visit.

Multiple complaints were also filed by residents about antisocial behaviour linked to the store – from the reckless use of fireworks outside to aggressive driving and littering.

Inspector John Hewitt, district commander for Ashfield, said: “Thanks to its continued and reckless disregard for the law this

business has sadly become a magnet for antisocial behaviour.

“We have received regular complaints about this venue and have worked in partnership with colleagues at the local council and Trading Standards to take this decisive action.

“Licencing laws and other retail restrictions are there for a reason and we simply won’t tolerate people who repeatedly choose to flout them.

“This business has received multiple warnings and has failed to make the changes demanded of it. I hope the decisive action we have now taken will serve as a warning to others about the consequences of such behaviour.”

Robert Docherty, Director of Place and Communities said: “Our Environmental Health team work with colleagues in Trading Stand-

ards and Nottinghamshire Police to ensure premises in the district of Ashfield do not contribute towards a risk to public health. Putting public health and safety first is our priority. A number of health and safety offences and food hygiene concerns were also noted and officers will be ensuring these are addressed if the store re-opens. Ashfield District Council officers continue to work in partnership with the police, trading standards and other agencies to ensure the safety of all our residents.”

Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for Communities at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The sale of age restricted products to children and illegal vaping products not only harms honest local businesses, but it also affects our local communities through associated health

risks and anti-social behaviour.

Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards will continue to work closely with partner agencies to support businesses to trade legally and safely and where

necessary take action to tackle illegal trading. The Closure Order in this case sends a message to unscrupulous traders that illegal trading will not be tolerated.”

Councillor John Cottee

Good causes enjoy early Christmas treat

Charities and good causes across Notts will enjoy free tickets to the

Kilimanjaro, organisers of lights trail Christmas at Wollaton at Wollaton Hall & Deer Park have donated tickets to local Notts charities, to gift to the people they help, their teams and volunteers.

The Christmas donation project was announced earlier in November and the event organisers where overwhelmed with over 100 applications for tickets.

The 500-ticket giveaway has been split across 26 charities who will now be able to get the chance to attend the all new spectacular festive lights trail which opens on 2nd December.

The charities and causes chosen cover a huge range of organisations specifically young people, children, elder support, domestic violence, baby loss, palliative care, LGBTQ+, all receive tickets and are from the county, Nottingham and the local area.

One charity who will be receiving tickets is Clifton Community and Family Support Group, in Clifton, who run solely on volunteers and support families who are in short term need of a helping hand. Since they started 10 years ago, they have assisted families with food, clothing, household items and toys, helped victims of fire, flood, and burglary. The charity plans to bring along volunteers and people who receive support to enjoy the festive lights installation.

Another charity who will also be receiving tickets is Forever Stars, based in Beeston, who support families who’ve suffered a stillbirth or infant loss, who are sharing tickets to the families they support.

The Nottinghamshire Deaf Society serves deaf people across the county with a range of services including British Sign Language interpreting, welfare rights and supporting other deaf community groups. They will be taking volunteers and

members to the trail to see the stunning lights.

Pam Williamson from When You Wish Upon a Star, based in Basford, grants the wishes of children living with a life threatening illness.: “Giving our children the gift of Christmas, and creating the forever important memories with their loved ones is what we do. This means so much, we’re so excited that this year they will be able to enjoy Christmas at Wollaton and we’d like to thank the team for arranging this for our children.”

Spreading kindness and the gift of visiting the breath-taking Christmas outdoor lights trail is very important to Christmas at Wollaton, and sharing a gift, that some may not

otherwise have access to, after a difficult year for so many people. The festive lights installation, filled with bright lights, music, and an awe-inspiring atmosphere is sure to capture everyone’s hearts.

A spokesperson from event organiser Kilimanjaro explained: “Donating tickets to local charities is something we’re incredibly proud to be able to do for the first time this year. We were touched by the number of applications we received and would love to thank each charity for their incredible work within the community. We really hope these tickets will help create memories and experiences like this are so important to cherish.”

In addition to those mentioned, the other charities

that will receive tickets are: Beeston Rylands, Afro Caribbean National Artistic Centre, Footprint Conductive Education Centre, Nottinghamshire Hospice, Juno Women’s Aid, Rumbletums Café and Training Project, Notts LGBT+ Network, Bags of Blessings, The Bestwood Partnership, Nottingham Women’s Centre, TUVIDA, Children’s Bereavement Centre, Rainbow Parents Carers Forum, PASIC – Cancer Support for Children & Young People, Sunrise house teenage parent service Framework, L’Arche, The Peaceful Trust, Self Help UK,The ICCA, Harvest Army Church International UK, Wollaton Historical & Conservation Society, and The Little Ted Foundation.

The Christmas at Wollaton team would like to share huge thanks to all the charities that applied, and that work tirelessly, especially through the Christmas period to support those who need it most.

Councillor Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Planning from Nottingham City Council added, “We appreciate that our delivery partner, Kilimanjaro, has released over 500 free tickets to local charities. The Christmas at Wollaton light trail is a fantastic event and it’s great that volunteers and those helped by the charities can enjoy this festive experience.”

Wollaton Hall is one of the city’s most distinctive sites perched high above

the surrounding park. Never normally open in the evening, the Christmas at Wollaton outdoor trail, is a unique festive experience for all ages and has become an annual tradition for many visitors and for many marks the start of the festive season.

The installation team has now started work on site to create a thrilling display, with a brand-new trail for 2023 taking elements from previous designs and creating a stunning new display.

Christmas at Wollaton runs until Sunday 1st January 2023.

For more information, visit. www.christmasatwollaton.org Facebook @wollatonhall Twitter and Instagram –

wollatonlights

city’s latest festive extravaganza

NOTTINGHAM FROM THE AIR

This month’s aerial photo shows part of the Nottingham Trent University buildings at junction of Shakespeare St & Goldsmith St. 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 0115-8541028 or visit www.facebook.com/ndhabc.

Photo by Robin Macey

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY (L.P.A.)

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.

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

Council celebrates outstanding young people in Nottinghamshire

Kieran Frankland, 17, has been named as this year’s county-wide winner of the 4Uth awards at a recent event at County Hall.  Kieran, from Gedling, who has autism, was nominated for his time and hard work helping his local community, supporting other young people and improving services. As well as volunteering at the Trussell Trust foodbank, he fundraises for the East Midlands Blood Bikes and is an active senior member of his local Boys’ Brigade. Kieran has been a member of Voice of Adoption for many years, setting up activity days for children and young people who are adopted. Alongside this, he is involved in the Nottinghamshire Pioneers Youth Forum for young, adopted people with disabilities and represents voices of adoption on the Nottinghamshire

young people’s board.

The 4Uth awards are a Nottinghamshire County Council initiative to celebrate the achievements of young people across the county.

Councillor Tracey Taylor, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Kieran is such a worthy winner and it was a privilege to present him with this award. What stood out about him is his commitment to getting involved, helping others and making a difference.

“It’s significant to note just how many groups he’s been involved in and from such a young age. He has a drive to help other people and making sure their voices can be heard.

“The sheer tenacity and energy that he’s shown is absolutely exceptional and I am delighted that he is our overall winner this year.”

Commenting on all of the young people who were praised for their accomplishments and who received district awards at the event, Councillor Taylor went on to say, “These awards are now in their 11th year and the one constant is the young people’s ability

to impress us. I am thrilled that we gathered here to celebrate these young people for their hard work and resolve in facing challenges, and for their many achievements. They are all commendable winners and very special young people that Nottinghamshire can be rightly proud of.”

Returning to County Hall for the first time since the Covid pandemic, the ceremony saw eight young people presented with a district award in recognition of their efforts.

Other district award winners:

Ebony Hutton, 19, from Kirkby-in-Ashfield. She has dedicated her time and passion in setting up the 16+ and care leavers groups for young adults who are care experienced.

Chloe Bibb, 12, from Bircotes. She has overcome personal challenges and is a senior member at Bircotes young people’s centre where she supports sessions and welcomes new members to the club.

Luca Pandur, 19, from Beeston. Losing her best friend in a tragic accident, she has worked hard to get through a difficult time and channels her energy into

helping others.

Kieron Roper, 18, from Mansfield. He uses his experiences of being looked after and advocates for all looked after children and young people in the care system.

Hayden and Jamie Roberts, 24-year-old twins, from Boughton. They have overcome barriers presented by learning difficulties to work at a local charity, successfully learning about and encouraging recycling in their community.

Owen Stolworthy, 13, from Keyworth. He has gone through the personal tragedy of losing his father, throughout this he supported family members including looking after his younger siblings.

Young people and their families were joined by Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Councillor Tracey Taylor, Deputy Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Councillor Sinead Anderson, Chairman, Councillor Roger Jackson and the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Paul Southby. Attendees enjoyed music from local groups, winners’ inspiring stories and refreshments.

Tour of Britain provides financial boost to Nottinghamshire’s economy

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s hard to believe it’s less than three months since the world-famous AJ Bell Tour of Britain cycle race returned to Nottinghamshire.

I’m sure the day will live long in the memory of everyone who lined the route from West Bridgford to Mansfield on 8 September and it was great to see so many of you turn out to cheer on the riders – including our very own Ross Lamb.

Not even a sprinkle of rain in the north of the county could put a dampener on proceedings as we once again showcased why Nottinghamshire has so much to offer to a global audience of millions watching on television.

The showpiece event provided a real boost for our plans to make the county an even better tourism desti-

nation, with an economic report commissioned by Tour organisers revealing the stage generated £4.34m in net visitor expenditure for the local economy.

It showed that an impressive 225,000 fans lined the 116-mile route, with nearly three-quarters of spectators coming from outside Nottinghamshire to watch the race and 60 per cent saying they would visit Robin Hood Country again.

The figures also reveal that the average daily spend for day visitors per group was more than £48, while overnight visitors spent more than £135.

I am absolutely delighted the race was once again well supported by our communities, even more so considering we hosted this year’s stage on a Thursday and not a weekend day like in 2018.

For me, the report once again highlights how Nottinghamshire can successfully host an international event

and be a tourist destination which people want to visit and return to in future.

We are all rightly proud of our county’s heritage and history and we all know it is a great place to live, work

and visit.

However, it is always nice to hear this view supported by people who do not live here and have perhaps never visited Nottinghamshire before.

The findings really are the icing on the cake after what was truly a stage to remember – especially for the fans who travelled here in their thousands to watch the race pass through our county.

Hopefully the AJ Bell Tour of Britain will make a return here for a fourth time in the future, so we can once again showcase everything our towns and villages have to offer.

DINING OUT: KOTTARAM

Nottingham Castle and Caves, Robin Hood, plus the River Trent, Sports and more keep Nottingham vibrant and very much loved by residents, locals and visitors, alike. The inns, eateries and restaurants offer culinary delights, plus foods and drinks for all.

very good flavours, matched by presentation.

cooked and presented, warranted ‘Compliments to Chef’, without hesitation. Head Chefs, Visakh Suraj, Amit Kumar and their team, have a lot of experience and knowledge and provide exceptional dining experiences. Sides, including breads, rice and salads, add to the enjoyment.

extremely popular.

I located Kottaram Indian Restaurant, close to Nottingham Castle, Theatre Royal, Royal Concert Hall and the Old Market Square. The finest and freshest ingredients are used to create most memorable dining visits.

To start, following a very acceptable poppadom and pickle tray, I chose CHICKEN TIKKA SALAD. I found this dish to be an excellent commencement to the meal, having

For the main event, from the inspiring menu that offers Malabar Classics, Dosas, Indo Fusion, excellent North Indian dishes, including Taj Mahal Curry Classics and Dharbar Classics, Chef’s Specials and more, plus an excellent, extensive range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, I opted for MALABAR FISH BIRYANI (Popular delicacy from North Kerala. King Fish marinated, shallow-fried, cooked in spicy masala gravy and layered with aromatic rice. Served with a pairing sauce). This main course had an abundance of complementing flavours and, being perfectly

My choice for dessert went to GULAB JAMUN (served with vanilla ice cream). A splendid ending, to the dining occasion. Wines/drinks offer quality choices and gift vouchers are available – now, there’s an idea! Collections/deliveries, plus outside catering are also options and parties/gatherings can be booked, too. The Christmas menu is

Thank you to Jumy and Vinod, for their genuine, warm welcome and to Johns, for exemplary service throughout. Very worthwhile noting are the Lunch Specials, Early Bird Offers and Concessionary Parking at St James’ and Mount Street car parks, for up to 24 hours for £4, when dining at Kottaram (Register and confirm at Kottaram reception). Highly recommended. Tel: 0115 958 0115. E-mail: admin@kottaramrestaurant. com www.kottaramrestaurant.com Kottaram Pan Indian Restaurant, 28 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham NG1 6GF.

DRINKS: MEAD AND VARIATIONS

Mead is recognised, widely, as an alcoholic beverage, produced utilising honey, to a great advantage. Meads can incorporate fruits, grains and also spices, plus other ingredients, in their production. An overtone of honey is predominant and Mead can be classed as a medium to sweet wine, in my opinion. The ABV can vary, from quite low to over 20%, in some instances. Mead is known to be an ancient production and has evolved, through centuries, to the very popular beverage it is today.

Award-winning Nidhoggr Company meads are brewed, produced and bottled in York. The city of York has a lot of interesting history, dating back many centuries. Numerous visitors, both from the UK and worldwide

origins, find great enjoyment and interest in York. The City Walls and York Minster are amongst numerous places and venues to admire, appreciate and visit. Be it for a day, weekend or longer vacation, there is lots to do and explore, for the whole family. www.visityork.org

NIDHOGGR TRADITIONAL MEAD (17% vol) I found to be – as the name suggests – traditional. The sweet flavour, for the mouth’s pleasures, continues through to the palate’s delight, with an excellent, smooth, extended sensation.

NIDHOGGR GINGER MEAD (17% vol) has the ginger element showing through, perfectly. Sweet and warming.

NIDHOGGR ELDERFLOWER MEAD (17% vol)

entices with fresh elderflowers, that will surely impress lovers of elderflower flavours, which are very well balanced, in this production.

NIDHOGGR RASPBERRY & LEMON MEAD (17% vol) has lemon detected, as well as raspberry, which is a further, extremely popular mead variation, being perfectly blended with sweet honey. If a more citrusy production is required, then the NIDHOGGR LEMON & LIME MEAD (17% vol) will not disappoint. An abundance of citrus flavours, with honey, pleases the nose and then follows on to the mouthfeel, wonderfully.

I found the authentic Nidhoggr meads to have great appeal, with splendid flavours of ingredients, that produce exceptionally smooth beverages.

Nidhoggr meads are made using ingredients which are sourced locally. Great to include in cocktails, too. The excellent website has all details, including information and dates for forthcoming events – all good for sampling! Tel: 0333 121 6323. E-mail: sales@nidhoggrmead.co.uk www.nidhoggrmead.co.uk

HOLLY HUMBERSTONE REVIEW ROCK CITY - 4TH DECEMBER

It’s hard to believe that after only two years of being on the music scene, Holly Humberstone has already started to sell out venues such as Rock City. Singer/songwriter Holly played the final show of her ‘Sleep Tight’ tour at Nottingham’s Rock City.

Fans who had made the effort to venture out to Rock City on a rainy, cold Sunday night were rewarded with an evening of Hollys impressive brand of Indie-pop music. The audience was mainly a teenage crowd, interspersed with the occasional parent who clearly had drawn the short straw to ensure their child could attend the gig.

Set opener ‘The Walls Are Way Too Thin’ created a wave of energy throughout the crowd and left no one in doubt about how powerful Hollys vocal range was. From this point on Holly had the audience eating out of her hand. In no time at all, Holly had ploughed through her 70-minute long setlist, which included all the songs from her EP- ‘The Walls are way too thin’. As well as treating her fans to her more recently written material like ‘You Can’t Afford to Lose Me’ . Which will appear on Holly’s debut album set to be released in 2023.

One of the highlights of the set was ‘London is Lonely’ in which the stage lighting had just one white beam of light shining on Holly to make her become more of a separate focal

point as the rest of the band were left in the dark. This helped to illustrate the feeling of loneliness.

Throughout the set, Holly would impart little insights into her song writing by giving the fans byte sized bits of information about the meaning behind certain songs. At one point Holly noticed two fans trying to use their phone to get a photo, and Holly kindly reached out for their phones and took a photo whilst on stage. Which I’m sure will be a talking point for the two fans for many years to come.

Unlike many other musicians that like to dazzle fans with pyrotechnics and all types of other stage effects to keep the fans interested, Holly can keep an audience impressed with just her song writing and vocal talent. This was a pure, no thrills, let the music do the talking type of show.

Holly decided to save her most streamed song ‘Scarlett’ for the encore, it was the perfect way to bring the show and tour to an end.

Setlist:The Walls Are Way Too Thin Vanilla

Please Don’t Leave Just Yet London Is Lonely Drop Dead

Can You Afford To Lose Me? Friendly Fire Haunted House Deep End Overkill Thursday Falling Asleep At The Wheel Sleep Tight Scarlett Review and photos by Luke Seagrave

Fisherman’s Friends The Musical

Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical is a feel-good voyage about friendship, community and music that will give any land-lover a mighty pair of sea legs.

Following a highly successful, sold-out season at Hall for Cornwall, where box office records were smashed (the biggest selling production in Hall for Cornwall’s 25-year history), the world premiere production of Fisherman's Friends: The Musical will begin a UK & Ireland Tour on 1st September 2022 at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.

It is based on the true story of the chart-topping Cornish singing sensations ‘Fisherman’s Friends', and the hit 2019 film about their life.

The band said, “Well not only did they make a film that we are not in, now there is a musical which we are not in as they dint think we were handsome enough to play ourselves! BUT we are thrilled that our musical is going on tour next year. We’ve seen it and it’s bloody fantastic and the music will blow you away. You’re all going to have a brilliant time.”

WHAT IS FISHERMAN'S FRIENDS THE MUSICAL ABOUT?

Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical tells the story of the world’s most unlikely ‘buoy’ band!

When a group of Cornish fisherman

came together to sing the traditional working songs they’d sung for generations, they hoped to raise a few quid for charity. Nobody, least of all the fisherman, expected the story to end on the Pyramid stage of

Glastonbury..

So climb aboard, set sail and feel the salty sea air rush through your hair with this brand new musical. Or better still, forget that emmet nonsense and pour yourself a

pint and just start singing along.

Featuring hit shanties made famous by the band including Keep Haulin’, Nelson’s Blood, No Hopers Jokers & Rogues, Sweet Maid Of Madeira and many more.

The Commitments Musical

The Commitments Musical is a fantastically feel good celebration of soul. Returning to tour the UK and Ireland 6 years after a phenomenally successful, record breaking run in London’s West End and subsequent sell-out tour.

The Commitments is based on the BAFTA award-winning film classic. It received universal critical acclaim following its London World Premiere and was quickly hailed as a smash hit musical sensation.

The Commitments tells the story of Jimmy Rabbitte, a young working-class music fan, who transforms an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians into an amazing live act, which becomes the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced. Placing a classified advert in a music paper, Jimmy auditions a number of wannabes before finalsing the members of his new band, which he names ‘The Commitments’.

Humour kicks in as the

band get to know each other and their instruments, grappling with inter-group differences as they muddle their way through early rehearsals for the band’s first gig. Just as they improve and begin to get a name for themselves, they combust.

The backing singers are more interested in the middle-aged horn playing legend, the singer has entered Eurovision, the drummer has walked out mid-gig and the saxophone player has danger-

ous leanings towards a jazz career.

Featuring over 20 soul classics performed live on stage including: Try A Little Tenderness, Mustang

Sally, Knock On Wood, River Deep, Mountain High, Papa Was A Rolling Stone, Save Me, I Heard It Through The Grapevine, In The Midnight Hour and

more!

A guaranteed fantastically fun night out that will have you singing your heart out and dancing up out of your seats!

IT’S PANTO TIME AT NOTTINGHAM THEATRE ROYAL

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, don’t miss the fairest pantomime of them all!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning scenery. Throw in a magical mirror, seven friendly dwarfs, a beautiful princess, a handsome prince and plenty of audience participation and you have the perfect recipe to outwit the Wicked Queen and let love prevail in this glittering festive treat for all ages.

With a stellar cast featuring much-loved

and top-selling comedian Joe Pasquale who will play Muddles. Steps singer, television personality and West End star Faye Tozer as the Wicked Queen. Dame extraordinaire and East Midlands local David Robbins. West End performer Jamal Kane Crawford who will play the Prince. Actor musician Lucy Ireland will play Snow White, and Nottingham-born singer and musical theatre performer Natalia Brown will play the Spirit of Pantomime.

Book your tickets today, or you won’t be able to look yourself in the mirror!

Best Unusual Christmas Gifts: Quirky And Unique

Show how much you care this Christmas with an offbeat gift that shows you know them better than anyone else Stuck for ideas when it comes to Christmas gifts this year?

After all, you can only buy socks, chocolate or aftershave so many times before they become a bit samey. Even a small twist on a generic gift can show a loved one you care, and that you’ve put thought into choosing something that screams unique.

However, there are so many present options out there it can be difficult

to know where to begin – from wacky food and drink gifts to novelty clothing (that you know they'll never wear). But do not fear – we have written this guide to cut through the noise. Whether you're looking for a present for a partner, friend or family member, our philosophy is the quirkier the better. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best unique gifts to buy your loved ones for Christmas 2021.

Best unusual Christmas gifts

Polaroid Originals OneStep+ Camera

A 70s-style instant camera with modern Bluetooth connectivity is the best of both worlds.

The OneStep+ allows you to connect to the Polaroid app and access extra effects and features so, no, it’s not quite as analogue as the original –but it looks just as cool.

Throw Throw Burrito Card Game

This game isn’t for the faint of heart. Though

it’s described as a ‘card game’, that’s underselling it. It’s a bonkers card game crossed with dodgeball in the form of squishy toy burritos. It’s stacks of fun, but beware: it could get messy.

Sculpd Pottery Kit

For a gift that will outlast Christmas, consider buying a friend or family member a new hobby.

For the creative minds in your life, this kit includes everything they need to get started with pottery – they'll be making plant pots, candle holders, coasters or minisculptures before you know it.

LuckyVoice Karaoke Set

This stylish at-home set from London and

Brighton’s leading karaoke bar would make the perfect gift for someone who likes to belt ballads like Beyoncé.

That’s the Boxing Day entertainment sorted.

Oxfam Poverty Busting Pig

Part of a series of charity gift cards, this povertybusting pig makes a donation to Oxfam in your loved one’s name,

Unique Present Ideas To Stand Out From The Crowd

PG Tips tea or a

Kit

If you count a ‘turophile’ (that’s a cheese enthusiast to you and I) among your

which enables the charity to set up farming cooperatives and provide training for farmers living in poverty. A thoughtful gift that gives back.

Personalised Marmite

Personalised gifts always go down a treat with tricky-to-buy-for friends and family.

You really can find something for everyone, whether it’s personalised

monogrammed whiskey glass, but what’s not to love (or loathe, depending on which camp you’re in) about personalised marmite?

The School of Life Conversation Menus

The School of Life (cofounded by philosopher Alain de Botton) creates a range of thoughtful gifts, from charming children’s

books to an ‘emotional first aid kit’.

We love this pack of Conversation Menus, which consists of curious, thought-provoking questions that promise to connect you to others and make every dinner party a delight.

The Big Cheese Making

nearest and dearest, this is a gift worth knowing about.

The Big Cheese kit contains everything you need to create 10 different cheeses across 40 batches, including mozzarella, ricotta, mascarpone, halloumi, feta and paneer.

This pasta maker will allow you to take your tagliatelle to new heights.

It won’t break the bank, either, so it’s a great choice for budding chefs who are dipping their toe into pasta making for the first time.

Personalised Floral Liberty Framed Picture

Another personalised gift that will go down a treat, especially among loved ones who are into interior design.

The print is backed with gorgeous Liberty floral fabric and finished with bespoke lettering. It’s completely personalisable, comes framed and is made in England.

Chefly Pasta Maker

Toys For This Festive Season

From the toys that every child will want to the best time to start shopping, here's what you need to know.

Christmas is a magical time for all the family. Whatever your age, it's a time to catch up with loved ones, reflect on the year and - of course - give presents! If you have a little one in your life and aren't too sure what to get them this year, we've spoken to top industry experts to find the toys every child will want. We've also gathered advice on the best time to buy to avoid disappointment.

Here's everything you need to know... Christmas 2021 trends to expect What toys will be popular for Christmas 2022?

"Some of the top toy trends we’re seeing for 2022 are those tied into films, with the lack of new releases last year meaning we saw very little along these lines in 2021," says Peter Jenkinson, AKA "The 'Toyologist," a UK-leading toy expert who regularly features on popular television programmes. "This year, we’ll have a new Ghostbuster

film, Paw Patrol hitting the big screen and a Top Gun movie, too."

The consensus is also that big-brand toys will remain popular. "There are lots of brands we’re excited about for Christmas 2022," says Gary Grant, Founder and Executive Chairman of toy shop The Entertainer. "This includes Paw Patrol, following the movie this summer. Other popular brands will include CoComelon (based on the popular children's TV show), Super Mario, L.O.L. Surprise! (mini baby dolls), Barbie and Bluey (another popular kids TV series)."

We can also expect people of all ages to fall in love with toys and games for Christmas 2022. "This year we’ve seen a huge surge in the popularity of traditional toys and games that can be enjoyed by the whole family," says Rachael Larkman, Toy Buyer at John Lewis. "For example, sales of construction toys and puzzles such as Lego have risen 50% in the last 12 months, and we predict this trend will continue for Christmas 2022." What toys will children ask Santa for this

Christmas 2022?

Having insight into what your kids might want is great for surprise gifting, but what can we expect them to ask Santa for?

John Lewis may well have the best predictions for this. The retailer enlisted a panel of five under 12's to help select and approve the top 10 toys for Christmas. The Toy Testers spent hours playing, testing and competing in the John Lewis Toy Testing Lab and then selected their favourites.

To give you some insight into a little one's Christmas wish-list or letter to Lapland, John Lewis' tiny toy testers revealed the top 10 toys will be:

• Scalextric Batman vs Superman

• Lego Elf Clubhouse

• John Lewis FSC Wooden My 1st Train Set

• Space Puzzle Ravensburger

• John Lewis FSC Wooden Waitrose

Supermarket

• Gravi Pro Starter Extreme

• Kaloo My first Doll

• Harry Potter Games Compendium

• Tonies Soft Cuddly Friends - Hoppie

Rabbit Audio Play

• Secret Garden book

Should I order toys online for Christmas 2022?

With some people still feeling uncertain about shopping on the high street at busy times, it’s totally understandable that you may be looking to buy toys online for Christmas 2022. Not sure what to order?

Amazon has released its Toys We Love list, which is curated by experts to give insight into the most popular toys for Christmas 2022. “We’re so excited to unveil this year’s Toys We Love list, which features more new products and Amazon exclusives than ever before,” says Anne Carrihill, Director for Toys and Games at Amazon. “Customers will discover family-friendly gift ideas that spark imagination, promote inclusion, and help kids learn in fun and engaging ways.” Many toys made the list, but here are 10 recommended by Amazon that we think will be perfect for kids of all ages:

How To Dress To Impress This Christmas

Christmas is a season for love, joy, and peace, and the season to let your hair down, get glam, and dress to impress.

It is party season, a time when you have every excuse to get your glam on. Most work environments have an office Christmas party where the food and drink is generous,and then there are family occasions, nights out with friends, and a movie date night with your partner. The time is right for getting out and about, even if you live in pyjamas for the majority of the year.

If you want to stand out from the crowd, you may need to invest in your wardrobe. Relying on a dress that has been in your closet for five years might not be the fit of current fashion today, so a fashion investment for your Christmas party may be necessary.

The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune

to look good, you can find perfect vintage styles and preloved clothing that you can customise, or just wear as it is in a retro look.

If you are buying clothes online, you certainly shouldn’t just but the first thing you see without checking you can get it cheaper, you need to look for voucher codes, special offers, free delivery offers, literally everything you can that will save you money.

Feel Good Look Good What you choose to wear to a Christmas party can say a lot about your personality and how you feel about yourself. Dress for yourself and your outfit will display your confidence, but try to impress wearing something that you feel uncomfortable in and this can be counterproductive. You don’t have to opt for something revealing or too clingy, you will feel more confident if you are comfortable and love

your look. Try a midi dress if you have a curvaceous body, or a crop top with high waisted trousers if you are naturally slim with a boyish figure.

Long sleeves are also fine, it is Winter after all. Try Quirky and Different If fast fashion is not on your radar, you might be interested in quirky or vintage fashion.

Vintage fashion is not for everyone, but if you can carry off this look wear it with pride.

Vintage items are about finding your own fashion style and era. Think polka dots, sixties style dresses, mini or maxi skirts, and colourful short fitted jackets. This look relies on a confident individual who will be complimented numerous times on the outfit. Difference is good with fashion.

You might not always be the latest trendsetter, but a colourful outfit quirky or vintage outfit makes a

statement about who you are and your signature style. Ditch the Black Black is the classic colour when it comes to style, Coco Chanel and many others that have followed know the allure of the Little Black Dress. Nothing beats the little black dress when it comes to elegance, and it can also be slimming’ which can add to your confidence, particularly if you don’t usually wear dresses. But whilst black can be slimming and elegant, it can also boring, especially at Christmas time. If you choose to wear black, you could opt for a sequined effort, or glamorous lace, or you could choose to add an item of clothing in a bright shade to wear with your black jacket or trousers/skirt.

10 Ways To Have A Healthier Christmas

Christmas is notoriously a time to indulge, but don’t let this be the green light to overindulge! You can still enjoy all the festivities of the season and get through the Christmas period without too much impact on your health and waistline. Try our top 10 tips for a healthier Christmas.

Don’t sit down all day We know every Christmas special under the sun will be showing on the TV, but you don’t need to plonk yourself on the sofa all day! Encourage the whole family to get out for a walk at some point – ideally, after dinner to aid digestion.

The more activity, the better, so take along any new outdoor gifts, like bikes, scooters, footballs or Frisbees, or play oldfashioned games.

Go easy on the booze

If you are firmly ensconced at home over the festive period, those alcohol units can really mount up. Mulled wine on Christmas eve, Bucks Fizz with breakfast, wine with dinner, Baileys, brandy… the list goes on! So, do try to keep tabs on how much you are drinking, and intersperse alcoholic drinks with soft ones.

Don’t give yourself a Christmas stuffing!

Recent research suggests that we consume around 3,000 calories in our Christmas dinner –more than the entire recommended daily intake for a grown man!

This huge feast not only contributes to weight gain but also to indigestion and heartburn – not to mention lethargy for the rest of the day, reducing the chances of you burning much of it off.

Instead of gorging yourself on Christmas dinner, eat a normal-sized meal and then take a 20-minute break to see if you are still hungry (it takes this long for the brain

to register that the stomach is full). The chances are, you’ll realise you’ve had enough.

Keep colds at bay Colds are rife at Christmas, partly because many of us travel around the country, exposing ourselves – and others –to different cold viruses. Minimise your risks by maintaining a healthy immune system (eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and not smoking will help), so you are more able to fight off any viruses.

Don’t stress ‘Tis the season to be jolly’ but jolly is the last thing many of us feel with overspending, cooking, cleaning, endless ‘to do’ lists and visitors we could do without.

Try to keep a sense of humor and proportion.

Is it really the end of the world if the carrots are overcooked or if the mantelpiece is a bit dusty? Do you really care about Auntie Mary’s disapproval of the fact that you and your partner are living together and aren’t married? Remember, Christmas is just one day out of 365 and it isn’t worth stressing over.

Eat fruit Let’s be honest, most of

us get through the entire Christmas period eating no more fruit than the satsuma in the Christmas stocking. It just doesn’t really feature on the Christmas menu.

But at this time of late nights, overindulging and partying, it’s more important than ever to get your vitamins and minerals, to help you stay in good health. Ensure that your Christmas shopping list enables you to fill up the fruit bowl and get your recommended daily portions of fruit and veg. (And no, mulled wine doesn’t count as one portion!)

Do something for others It’s hard to avoid the consumerism that has overtaken Christmas in the western world, but it doesn’t all have to be about giving or receiving gifts.

Try to do something for others this festive season, whether it’s baking some extra mince pies for an elderly neighbor, or donating gifts to a local charity.

Think before you eat Christmas is a time of plenty, and with nuts, chocolates, mince pies and cheese straws wherever you look, it would be rather Scrooge-like to

suggest

a moment thinking about whether you really want it, or are just eating it because it’s there.

Engage your brain

Instead of switching off in front of the TV, keep your mind active by playing games like Trivial Pursuit or Charades. This is also a great way of getting everyone together. If you aren’t a ‘game’ person, engage your mind by setting up any new gadgets, such as Playstations, iPads, mobile phones or laptops.

Be a careful cook

If your Christmas duties include cooking the dinner, you won’t be delighted to hear that according to the Food Standards Agency, December is one of the

most common months for people to get food poisoning.

To minimise the risks, don’t leave food out all day. Put out small amounts at a time, so that what is on the table has just been cooked or just come out of the fridge. Ideally, try to use any leftovers within 48 hours or freeze them.

As for the turkey, always defrost it in the fridge, allowing 10 to 12 hours per kilo and do not wash the bird, as this can spread bacteria around, which will be destroyed by cooking anyway.

And most importantly, have a happy, healthy festive season!

that you don’t eat any treats over the festive period! But rather than mindlessly popping whatever is in front of you in your mouth, spend

Gedling Borough Council protects Stoke Bardolph green belt land

Following a meeting of Gedling Borough Council’s Cabinet today, the Leader, Cllr John Clarke MBE, Deputy Leader Cllr Michael Payne and Cabinet Member for Growth & Regeneration, Cllr Jenny Hollingsworth released a statement confirming that green belt in Stoke Bardolph to the east of Teal Close will not now be consulted on for housing development.

In a joint statement, the members said:  “We’ve listened to the views of the residents we serve in Stoke Bardolph,

Teal Close, Burton Joyce and surrounding communities and decided to protect the green belt land to the east of Teal Close. We have removed this specific site from the public consultation on the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan Preferred Approach. This specific site in Stoke Bardolph will not now be consulted on for a future housing allocation.

The Government set a compulsory housing target for a least 7,950 homes to be built in Gedling Borough by 2038. The Government’s policy has been to penalise

councils that do not meet their compulsory housing targets.

The Government’s targets mean sites such as green belt land to the east of Teal Close in Stoke Bardolph were put at risk for future housing development.

We share residents’ concerns about compulsory housing targets set by central Government that do not take account of local views and local circumstances.

We urge the Government and their Members of Parliament to urgently clarify

their policy in terms of compulsory housing targets for council areas - a letter from the Secretary of State doesn’t amount to a change

in Government policy.

Thank you to the residents of Stoke Bardolph, Teal Close, Burton Joyce and surrounding communities who

shared their views with us. When we say we are a listening Council, we mean it.”

New “Green Lung” tree trail to open up acres of green space

A tree trail at Digby Park, Mapperley, has officially opened as part of Gedling Borough Council’s commitment to protect and create a sustainable environment.

The trail is being opened to coincide with National Tree Week, an annual celebration where the country’s conservation sector, volunteer groups and tree-lovers come together to plant thousands of trees to mark the start of the annual tree planting season.

More than 500 trees have been planted at the trail at Digby Park so far, including native trees and ornamental trees such as Pride of India, Tibetan Cherry and large Leaf Lime, which can grow up to 100 feet.

Children from Carlton Digby School will be planting trees and native daffodils at the park as well as planting a tree that they can ‘adopt’.

The trail is lined with saplings of more than 30 different tree species and can be used by pedestrians and cyclists. When fully grown many of the trees will reach heights between 60 and 100 foot and become part of an area called the “Green Lung”. The park will also be receiving new benches, bins and improved drainage to make it easier to access.

Each tree along the trail is marked with a plaque featuring a QR code, which when scanned, takes the user to a webpage with detailed information about that species of tree.

The trail leads from the entrance at Digby Avenue, Mapperley all the way to Arnold Lane and back. Plans are also being made for access improvements from Digby Park to Gedling Country Park once nearby housing development is finished.

“The pupils at Carlton Digby

pleased to be part of this environmental area improvement. Our pupils use the park on a regular basis as part of their learning, and it will be positive for them to see the growth of 'our tree' and notice the seasonal changes, as

the daffodils come through in the spring.”

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said;

“We’re really pleased to be opening this new trail at Digby Park as part of National Tree Week, and it’s great to be joined by local school children. Seeing these young children here with us who are so passionate about

their environment is truly inspirational.

We made a commitment to plant 500 trees each year and this year alone we’ve planted more than 2,000.

Thanks to this new trail, more residents will be able to enjoy the environmental and health and wellbeing benefits that areas like this bring.”

Janet Spratt-Burch, Head Teacher at Carlton Digby School said;

School are

Ground breaking treatment for Dry AMD – in Beeston

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss for people aged 65 and older.  Losing central vision can make it harder to see faces, drive, or do close-up work like cooking or fixing things around the house because the central retina known as the macula develops ‘Dry’ yellow degenerative lesions known as ‘Drusenoids or Drusen’. Globally, the prevalence of AMD is estimated to increase by 20% between 2020 (195.6 million) and 2030 (243.3 million).

To date, treatment options for Dry AMD have been limited to dietary supplements and lifestyle changes. However, Dr. Janjua and his team at John Flynn Opticians are absolutely delighted to launch a new treatment for Dry AMD which is a safe, non-invasive and painless therapy. It is known as photobiomodulation (PBT) and is a cold laser system which utilise low levels of light including wavelengths of red, yellow and near infra-red to rejuvenate the retina on a cellular level by energising and providing oxygen to the all important retinal

cells. Recent clinical studies using this laser therapy have shown an increase in the vision and contrast sensitivity in 90% of individuals who obtained an improvement in visual acuity of 5-8 letters on the letter chart – which is up to 2 lines of improvement! A reduction in drusen has also been seen! Initial research in Germany has also shown this therapy to help diabet-

ics who have diabetic maculopathy. If you suffer with dry AMD, you are invited to discuss the possible benefits of you having this treatment with Dr. Janjua at John Flynn Opticians in Beeston. Alternatively, the likelihood is you may know someone (family, friend or neighbour) who may benefit from a consultation and possible treatment. Call 0115 9255051 or 0115 939 2421 to make an appointment

Planning For Your Wedding Day 2023

As couples plan for their big day for 2023 now is the time to get into shape. and start organizing for what will be the best day of their lives. For the bride, you can’t start earlier enough.

You want to arrive at the alter looking vibrant with health and beauty, so what better excuse do you need to invest a little bit of time, money and energy in getting you there? Whether it is planning a few pampering trips to some spas or joining a gym, not only can you trim your figure, you’ll do wonders for your complexion and overall energy levels.

Shopping for the wedding dress is probably the part of

the wedding plans you are looking forward to more than any other aspect. The majority of bridal gowns bought in the UK are classed as ‘off the peg.’ You try on a sample of the gown in the shop; they take your measurements and order the most appropriate size for you which is then delivered to the shop for alterations to fit your exact shape and size.

Don’t panic, there may be a huge amount to do but here is a handy checklist with some of the main points to take into consideration in the build up to the big day!

12 months before…

Choose a wedding date Decide on a budget

Make a list of guests and decide on numbers

Book your Church/Ceremony location. Book your reception venue/caterers. Choose your Bridesmaids, Ushers and Best Man. Start looking for The Dress!. Choose and book your photographer 8 months before…

Choose bridesmaids’ dresses Book entertainment

Choose and order your wedding cake

Make an appointment with your chosen florist 6 months before...

Give Notice of Marriage Purchase or hire menswear

Select your wedding rings 4 months before...

Send out your wedding invitations

Arrange fittings for the wedding dress and menswear 1 month before...

Arrange a final fitting of your wedding dress your bridesmaids, ushers and best man. Enjoy your hen and stag parties!

2 weeks before... Confirm the date and time of

the rehearsal to the relevant people

1 week before...

Arrange to collect your wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses and the menswear Have all your beauty

treatments

Drink plenty of water and have some early nights Relax and enjoy this time –all your hard work is about to come to completion!

HOW TO CHOOSE A WEDDING

Finding the perfect venue is likely to be at the top of any newly engaged couples list. With the venue playing a vital role in the success of your day it’s the big decision you really need to get right. Just like viewing a new property it is easy to become overexcited and fall in love with a place without checking the venue can cater to your requirements, so hitched.co.uk are here to answer that question - how to choose a wedding venue? Wait until you get the feeling Much like finding your dress, the shoes, a new home, it is true that when you view venues you will know if it is right for you. You need to be able to picture yourself there on the day and ensure the style of the building both exterior and interior will work with the theme of your wedding.

Finding the right venue in our opinion is the most important factor, once you

fall in love with somewhere before rushing in to anything at the very least check the following match your criteria: Is it the right location?

Where will your guests be coming from? If they are not local, choosing a venue that is easily accessible, has accommodation on site or hotels in close proximity is desirable. If you have guests coming from abroad how far is the closest international airport? These factors may play a role in your decision making. Is the capacity right for you? Think about whether you need a large capacity wedding venue or a smaller and more intimate wedding venue. The size of the venue is just as important, too small for your number of guests and the room will feel stuffy and overcrowded, too big and guests will feel lost and the space will feel cold. When a space is empty it is hard to imagine how it will look when filled with tables. For

this reason we would always advise viewing a venue when it is set up for a wedding. If this is not possible ask to see photographs, most venues should have a photo book or slide-show. Another tip is to ask for a seating plan of the room at capacity, this will give you a good idea of how much space there is and how comfortably your guests numbers will fit.

Ask about the flow of the day Make sure the venue representative talks you through how a typical day runs. The flow of the day is crucial, any long pauses or delays and your guests will become bored. If your ceremony and reception is in the same room how long does the turnaround take, where will the guests be and what will they be doing? This is also relevant between the reception meal and the evening dancing. The weather in the UK can be unpredictable to say the

How To Get An Upgrade On Your Honeymoon!

Getting married isn’t just about going on honeymoon, but it sure is an exciting plus to the whole shebang! But how do you go about milking the special occasion for all its worth? Everyone loves an upgrade and if you can’t get one when you’re going on your honeymoon then when can you? It’s the perfect opportunity to be pampered and spoiled, especially after all the stress of the wedding planning is over.

Calling first class!

There are so many moments where you might be able to wangle an upgrade when you go on honeymoon. The first is the flight. This is a lot easier to accomplish if you haven’t booked a package deal through a high street travel agency. If you’ve booked flights and accommodation separately then turning up at the airport in your finest clobber, rather

than like a scruff bag (albeit a very comfy one), is a great way to find yourself boosted up to First or Business class. This is an important fact to consider as the area you want to be moved into is usually full of very wellheeled people. The next step is to arrive at the airport early.

This gives you the best opportunity of nabbing any last-minute upgrades. Don’t forget to check again when you reach the gate in case an upgrade has become available since you checked-in. Another hot tip for making it more likely to receive an upgrade is to fly on a Saturday as this is when business travellers are usually at home, meaning you have less competition.

Tell the world you’re here for your honeymoon

Once you’ve made it to your honeymoon destination the next step towards

getting an upgrade is to tell everyone that you’re on your honeymoon! It’s important to do this at the right time though. Telling businesses that you’re going on your honeymoon when you make the booking tends to hike the prices up. So, you’re better off waiting until you hit the runway to mention that you’re newly-weds on honeymoon. If you’re staying in a hotel then mention at check-in that you’re on your honeymoon and ask if there are any honeymoon suites available for you to upgrade to or if there is anything they can do for you to help make your honeymoon more memorable.

Then as you go about making your precious memories whilst you are away, you need to keep speaking up.

Tell everyone you meet

that you’re there on your honeymoon. You never know, it might lead to a couple of free glasses of champagne over dinner at any of the restaurants you might visit! The same can be said for any activities, excursions or day trips that

you intend to do whilst you’re away.

Live like an A-lister Of course, before you even get to this stage you need to decide on where to go!

If you’re at a loss for ideas, other than knowing that you want the A-list treatment,

then take a leaf out of @ RocknRollBride’s book. She says that ‘If you’re looking to really go all out on your honeymoon, to have a once in a lifetime experience and to truly live it up like a rock star, then the Maldives has to be top of your list.’

WEDDING VENUE: WHAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER

least! If it does rain does the venue have indoor space for the reception drinks? Do they provide a master of ceremonies/manager? This takes the stress off you and is the best way to make sure all your guests are where they are meant to be at all times.

Check the timings. Planning the time of your ceremony is a big decision; when do the venue advise? In our experience weddings of 8-9 hours work well, any longer than this and the atmosphere dwindles towards the end, you want your wedding to end on a high! Also bear in mind where the majority of people will be coming from on the day, leave plenty of time for people to get ready and arrive. Also ask, what set up time is included in the hire fee, when will your suppliers have access to the room and when do things need to be collected?

Think about the lighting.

Lighting plays an important part in any event, if your ceremony is during the day does the room have lots of natural daylight? During the evening do they provide/ let you bring in candles?

Cameras will be a big part of your day so practise your smiles! Bearing this in mind what is the surrounding area around your venue like? Where will your photographs be? If you are looking at a central town hall where will you take outdoor photographs? The view from the venue and any outdoor space is also a massive plus not only for photographs but for your guests enjoyment.

Does the venue have grounds or ample outdoor space – this is useful if you have children attending and for guests to stretch their legs for ten minutes after the reception meal. Check the finer details.

At the venue viewing stage you will not know every detail of your day however

you must ask the venue what is not permitted…. If you envisage a romantic candlelit winter ceremony check the venue permits candles! If you are having your ceremony at the same venue can you throw confetti?

Finding these details out early in the planning stage before you book is essential, you are likely to have an idea of what your day will be like and the venue needs to be able to live up to this, for this reason write a list of….. Make a list of your nonnegotiable's. Before viewing any venues sit down with your partner and discuss any non-negotiable's these could include: Budget –will the venue be able to provide everything you need within your budget, is VAT included in the price, are staff gratuities added and if so are they optional? Catering –What type of cuisine would you like? Can the venue provide this?

Suppliers – do you have artistic friends that want to bake the cake or take the photographs? If so check the venue will permit this or do you need to use their recommended suppliers? Live music – if you would like a band does the venue permit this? If you would

like a string quartet during reception drinks do the venue allow music outside?

Fireworks, sparklers, flame eaters etc. – if you have any different entertainment ideas check your venue will allow it. Finding your venue will be one of the big milestones in your wedding planning and

will determine your date, location and therefore will impact a lot of your other wedding planning decisions. You may even want to consider finding a wedding dress that perfectly suits your venue.

Killisick Junior School children plant a

‘happiness’ tree in their local Killisick Park

Children from Killisick Junior School in Arnold taking part in their ‘Youth Voice in Action Initiative’ at the school, have planted a new rowan tree in their local park.

The tree, children say, should be a place for the local community to be able to shelter and reflect, and find some happiness!

Sam Crew is a teaching assistant at the school, and she explained, “The idea of the tree originated with our Youth Voice in Action initiative working together with Jackie and Claire from Positively Empowered Kids Community Interest Company. The initiative was funded by the Jones Trust and the children were given a chance to come up with ideas about what they would like to see in school, and also in their community, and share those ideas with each other. For example, we wanted more bins within the community and that has already happened. Also, the majority of children voted to plant a tree in Killisick Park. They wanted it to be a ‘happiness’ tree, so that when people are feeling sad, they can go and look at the tree and it makes them feel happy.” Sam says they are also planting daffodils around the tree and hope to have a plaque to explain its meaning.

The tree planting, voted for by the children, was made possible by Cllr Henry Wheeler who provided the school with a community grant via Gedling Borough Council.

Sam Crew said, “Children wanted a tree because we are very aware of our environment and how it is being destroyed. We are an ecoschool; we carry out litter picking in the community and in fact our year 6 children are doing that today. We want the children to see that their ideas and actions can have a lasting effect.” Sam says the tree will become a lovely red colour when mature, with bright red berries in autumn.

Pupil Harry-Lee age 10 said the children will be caring for the tree to give it the best start. “We wanted a tree because they absorb carbon dioxide and give out oxygen which is good for the environment. We really want the tree to grow and survive

because it means a lot to us.

I will be showing my brother in year 3.”

Joining children to plant the tree were Jackie Wilson and Claire Clements of ‘Positively Empowered Kids CIC’, a social enterprise that empowers young peoples’ voice and unlocks the potential of children by creating a supportive culture, using an early intervention and prevention model, to boost mental health and wellbeing.

Jackie said, “The Youth Voice in Action uses a digital platform for young people to come up with ideas of how they can improve their school or community.

“They rate each other’s ideas to create priorities which can then be planned within the school or community.

The tree planting was one of those ideas. They wanted a

‘happy’ tree in their community and the children’s voice was listened to. Their head teacher thought it was a great idea and children have taken part in making this happen from beginning to end.”

Claire Clements said the outcome demonstrates that children are thinking of ways to look after their school and community. “It’s about giving them pride in their community, and as they grow up, it continues to benefit future generations, helping them to take care of their environment, and knowing that they have played a part in that.

The children are just incredible. When you step aside as teachers and ask children what they actually want, it’s usually simple and straightforward to implement, and actually the power of doing something like this for these

children is really impactful.”

Teaching Assistant Sam Crew said, “We want to thank Jackie and Claire and also special thanks to Cllr Henry Wheeler for his support. He has been aware of the Youth Voice in Action initiative from the beginning, and he has been kind enough to come into school so children could share their ideas with him. Cllr. Wheeler has supported us to plant the tree and also create a quiet area in the school and helped to get new bins in the community which is what the children asked for. We are also grateful to Gedling Borough Council who sent Rob and Michael to help us to find the perfect place to plant the tree. They have informed children of the best way to plant and care for the tree and they have been great at

answering children’s questions today.”

Rosey Jones, age 10 said the Youth Voice in Action initiative has also helped children to create a quiet space within school for children to enjoy.

She said, “The quiet area is a place where we can chill out and read, or if you need to calm down it’s a good place to do that. It gives you time to think for yourself! I use it to read because I am very into reading! We have books in there and benches and pillows. I think every school should have one like ours, and I think that it’s good that our school cares about mental health and wellbeing. It is important to have a quiet space because if a pupil is worried about something, or needs to be in a calm place, -they can go to the quiet area to do that.”

The new rowan tree is now in Killisick Park in Arnold and Killisick Junior School head teacher, Lindsay Clark said, “Our children know that they can make a difference, both now and for future generations to come. It is important that we listen to their ideas and support and encourage them to be caring champions within their school and their community. We are very proud of their achievements and hope the tree will provide a beautiful reminder that the children and staff at Killisick Junior School care and want to play a positive role in the community’s environment and wellbeing. We truly hope the happiness tree will thrive and provide a focal point for those ideas for many years to come.”

Burntstump Seely C of E Academy pupils learn to use skateboards safely

Children at Burntstump

Seely C of E Academy have taken a skateboarding workshop at school.

Issy Hawksmoor from Team Ribicon helped children to get on their skateboards safely. “We start with the basics of getting on and off safely and then move on to more and more advanced stages as children become accustomed to being on the board. We can also give them a few tricks to practise.”

Issy says that children are always accompanied by fellow pupils while they have a go on the skateboard, or by an adult if they are new to skateboarding. “Children will work in groups of three, with two supporting the child on the skateboard. Everyone has a go and are helped at all times to work safely.

“It would be great to think

that some children will go away with an interest in skateboarding, but really this is more about giving children an opportunity to do more than the usual school sports of football and basketball etc. It’s about options and giving them a new experience.

Skateboarding is also very inclusive, and one of the only sports where gender doesn’t play a role in the sport.”

Issy says most children he teaches at primary schools have little or no experience of skateboarding. “We bring our own skateboards for children and by the end of their lessons everyone has learned the beginnings of a new skill that they can pursue further if that’s what they want to do. Children often learn very quickly.”

Pupil Perrie Machen (Year 5) took part and said, “It was

actually quite fun because the man helped us to start but then we got to do it on our own.” Harper Clarke (Year

5) enjoyed trying something new, “I really liked it! We got to have fun and it’s a new thing to do – we’ve never

done it here before!”

Pupil Tui Clayson-Foyster (Year 4) said, “Skateboarding is extremely hard, but it’s

worth it!” and fellow pupil Rio Aiston (Year 6) said, “I learned tricks and had fun with them!”

Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy recognised as a

THRIVE ‘School of Excellence in Relationships’

Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy has been recognised as a ‘School of Excellence’ by Thrive.

The ‘Thrive Approach’ was developed to support the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people as a foundation to improve their learning.

Nykki Hinton, is the Thrive Practitioner at Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy and she said, “We are very excited to announce that we have been awarded the “Thrive Ambassador School of Excellence in Relationships”, in recognition of our whole school Thrive Approach. At Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy, we have worked hard to create safe and meaningful relationships both with our children and with the wider community.”

Nykki says that by following a ‘whole’ school approach, every child benefits, whether through whole class activities, small group work or one to one sessions with the Thrive Practitioner. Parents are also invited to attend information sessions and the school’s Family Thrive course, to gain insight and strategies to support their own children.

To achieve the status of ‘Thrive Ambassador School of Excellence in Relationships’, schools have to demonstrate how they support the importance of relationships and make connections to the Thrive Approach throughout school.

Nykki said, “Children’s relationships, as well as their repeated experiences are big contributors to how their stress regulation system reacts and responds to perceived threats. Children’s relationships and experiences at school contribute to this and therefore it is our duty to ensure these are positive.

“This includes ensuring that all of our children are receiving Thrive input and that all staff have an understanding of, -and can implement the Thrive Approach using appropriate language and understanding. We also ensure that parents have information and opportunities to learn more about the Thrive Approach.”

Nykki says that the benefits are reaching every child. “At Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy we believe that relationships are key to building emotional strength and resilience and we are so proud that we have achieved this recognition after only introducing the Thrive Approach in the Summer term of 2021. However, our Thrive journey does not stop here, and we are committed to continuing to establish the benefits within our school community, sharing the ethos and supporting our children to become emotionally strong and resilient.”

Nykki says there are four more excellence awards created by Thrive, and the school is

working hard to achieve all of them.

Leek is Head Teacher at Bilsthorpe

Flying High Academy and she said, “The Thrive Approach is fundamentally about the wellbeing of children as a foundation to

improving their learning. The approach helps us to create an environment of safety for children, making every child feel special and to support their needs on an individual basis. This naturally improves their learning as

children grow in confidence. We are proud of being recognised as a school which is developing positive and aspirational children who will fulfil their best potential.”

Sam

Bulwell Care Manager Recognised in Awards Ceremony

Melanie Hayes, the Care Manager at Fairway View care home, operated by Ideal Carehomes, was recognised for going ‘Beyond the Call of Duty’ at the Ideal Care Awards 2022 for her compassionate work in the home.

The Ideal Care Awards were created in 2019 to reward and pay tribute to staff at Ideal Carehomes who constantly go above and beyond in their roles.

After receiving over 1000 nominations across 14 categories, including Resident Outstanding Contribution, Care Team Member of the Year, and Beyond the Call of Duty, a panel of judges chose a group of finalists for each category.

Those finalists were invited to a ‘dress to impress’ gala dinner at the Casa Hotel in Chesterfield, where the judges announced the winners of each award. The announcements were live streamed on the Ideal Care Awards Facebook page for the finalists’ friends, families, colleagues, and residents to watch.

After revealing that Melanie had won the ‘Beyond the Call of Duty’ award, the Ideal Care Awards judges praised Melanie for ‘consistently going above and beyond to support her team and residents in the home, offering a helping hand wherever she can’.

Having joined Ideal Carehomes in 2019 as a Senior Carer, Melanie’s dedication saw her progress through the

ranks, first to Deputy Manager and then to her current position of Care Manager. Melanie said,

‘I was really shocked but pleased when I heard I was in the running for the Beyond the Call of Duty Award. I was nervous about going to the ceremony, but it was amazing to see all the teams from our sister homes together for such a lovely evening.

‘I was delighted and overwhelmed when they announced I had won! The venue was fabulous, and I had such a great evening spent with incredible people.’

Stacey Linn, the Managing Director at Ideal Carehomes, said, ‘Since joining Ideal Carehomes, Melanie has been an inspiration to our

teams and our residents. Melanie shows care, compassion, and dedication in everything she does, giving her all to the staff and residents at Fairway View.

We operate 32 Care Homes across the country so to with this award is a huge achievement. Congratulations, Mela-

nie, and thank you for all you do to make Fairway View the warm and welcoming home we know it to be!’

For more information, you can contact Fairway View on 0115 975 8770, email fairway. view@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes. co.uk.

Fairway View is a residential and dementia care home operated by Ideal Carehomes. With 41 ensuite bedrooms, attractive décor and freely accessible gardens, Fairway View is proud to be rated as OUTSTANDING by the CQC (Care Quality Commission).

John Bostock Arrives at Meadow lane

Notts County have completed the signing of cultured midfielder John Bostock on an 18-month contract.

Bostock, 30, has represented the likes of Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest and Toulouse in a fascinating career to date.

He has been training regularly with the club in recent weeks and we are pleased to have this morning reached an agreement which will see him take squad number 24.

Head coach Luke Williams said: “The opportunity for John to come and train with us was a pleasant surprise to say the least and, very quickly, you could see he has the physique and quality of a top player.

“He’s powerful, very strong when he needs to protect the ball and can move freely. He doesn’t need backlift – he pushes the ball around very cleanly.

“What you don’t notice until a little later, however, is that he has the mentality of a top player as well. He’s very bright and his attitude is superb.

“I feel really strongly that John will add value – not only as a player, but as a man. He’s gone full circle in football, experiencing really high moments but also probably some low and disillusioned periods, with lots of success woven in.

“He’s bounced back from every difficult period he’s faced and is going to be able to give some really valuable help and advice to the players around him. He’s someone you can’t fail to respect.”

Over the course of his career Bostock has developed a reputation as a highly technical midfielder – with the added bonus of him being left-footed.

Williams said: “We’re not blessed with too many left-sided players, so I think John brings some nice balance to us in the middle of the pitch.

“Those who watch us regularly will know we have a lot of actions down the righthand side – and I think one of the reasons for that is because our right-footed players are more comfortable playing passes into that channel.

“Adam Chicksen probably doesn’t get as many openings because of that, but someone like John should help open up the pitch even more.

“He has a terrific range of passing and, although we don’t go long too often, he certainly has the ability to play the big diagonals – similarly to Aden Baldwin, who offers us a different dimension with his distribution.

“He can also find passes through tight areas, which is often what we need because teams are very conscious to defend well

against us.”

Bostock is also well-known for his setpiece delivery and, while we predominantly play short in those situations, Williams believes it will still be a valuable trait.

He said: “In reality, what we’re seeing is a rolling set-piece. It’s harder to strike a stationary ball than a moving one, so what we try to do is work opportunities for our players to use the ball’s momentum to generate curl and power.

“John is one of a number of players who will be able to hit balls into dangerous areas with pace, power and whip – and with him being left-footed he’ll be able to help the likes of Kyle Cameron and Adam deliver from that side of the pitch in open play.”

While being aware of his qualities, Williams doesn’t have a set role in mind for his new recruit.

He said: “We’ve used numerous central midfield systems this season and feel John has a lot to offer in several roles, as is the case with all our midfield players.

“We’re looking forward to working with him in the coming weeks to see more of his characteristics and identify the many different ways he’ll be able to help the team.

“We need to take a closer look at where

he is physically and choose the right time to involve him. He’s a very good player, but we have to look after him in the correct way and monitor his progress as he gets up to full speed.”

Williams believes the squad deserves credit for convincing Bostock that this was an environment he could thrive in.

He said: “I think John could see from being around the lads that it’s an ambitious group that works very hard and plays the game in an enjoyable way.

“John looked like he was in an environment which suited him and for a player of his quality to fit in so well with the group is testament to the individuals we have here.”

More on Bostock

Born in south London, Bostock signed for Crystal Palace aged five and went on to earn ‘wonderkid’ status thanks to his performances at club and international level.

By the age of 14 he was being monitored by the biggest clubs in Europe, with Barcelona offering him a 10-year contract, only for him to continue at Palace.

He was rewarded with the opportunity to become the Eagles’ youngest ever player when he was selected for their FA Cup match against Watford aged 15, before

following up with four Championship appearances that season.

A high-profile move to Tottenham Hotspur was to follow but, despite also becoming Spurs’ youngest ever player when he made his debut in the Uefa Cup aged 16, the move didn’t work out and, following loans in the EFL and MLS, he departed White Hart Lane.

Belgium was his next destination and, after becoming a fans’ favourite at Royal Antwerp, Bostock won the second tier’s Player of the Season award when he helped fire OH Leuven to promotion with 13 goals and 19 assists.

His success earned him moves to Lens, where he won the French second tier’s Player of the Season award, and then to Bursaspor and Toulouse in Turkey and France’s top tiers.

From there he returned to England with a loan spell at Nottingham Forest, before signing for Doncaster during the 2020-21 campaign. He impressed despite Rovers’ relegation from League One last season and decided to turn down their offer of a new deal, paving the way for him to join us on a free transfer.

Head Scratchers !!!

Walking into November saw The Millers lying in a lowly league position and unusual territory for the club in recent times.

Despite all our endeavours and efforts over the previous months we found ourselves sitting in and around the relegation zone in the league table. As much as the table doesn’t lie and it is what it is at this stage of the season our inconsistencies have left us where we are currently in the league with still a lot of games to play.

Stockton Town 4-3 Carlton Town

Our first fixture of the month saw us take another long trip up north and to the league leaders at the time. As much as the form book suggested that the home side would probably gain a comfortable this was not the case as The Millers from the off took the game to them. Despite the teams being at the opposite end of the table Carlton didn’t look like a team in such a dire league position as we contained and pressed them early doors. We were rewarded for our efforts midway through the first half when Niall Davie opened the scoring to take us into the break with a comfortable lead after a good steady first forty-five minutes where The Millers looked the better side. As always, it’s important not to concede straight from the restart and we managed to withstand the early exploits from the home team until they scored twice within three minutes around the hour mark A third goal ten

minutes later saw Stockton increase their lead before three minutes on the inform Bradley Wells would reduce the arrears. Five minutes later Wells would bring the scores level and leave us all with an air of expectancy. Unfortunately, our hopes would be dashed as the home side were awarded a penalty with five minutes remaining which they would convert and send us home with nothing in our pockets but not too dismayed as our performance warranted a better outcome.

Carlton Town 1-3 Stocksbridge Park Steels

Three days later and we were back on home turf with an evening fixture which we knew would be as tough as the previous game. Stocksbridge again were put to the sword early on and The Millers were playing confidently with aplomb before they were rocked by the oppositions very first attack. The Steelmen broke away in a classic counterattack and netted with their very first attempt on goal after six minutes. The Millers continued to plough away at the visitors and were rocked again five minutes from the end of the first half when the visitors scored with only their second strike of the game. They scored a third just before half-time and it was three goals from three attempts against the run of play which gave them an emphatic lead at the break and left us scratching our heads as we had totally dominated the play. There were no more goals in the second half as Carlton continued to dominate the proceedings and would finish the game gobsmacked at the final whistle.

Carlton Town 1-0 Pontefract Collieries

Our next visitors were the league’s form team, and

another busy encounter was expected at Stoke Lane. We were not wrong as the opposition thwarted and frustrated us all afternoon. For a team that had steadily climbed the table in recent weeks our opposition didn’t really pose too much of a threat in front of goal but what they did was to engage in combat and restrict our advances on the playing field. It would take us the best part of seventy minutes before we could pierce their net and the jubilation that was felt when Niall Davie broke the deadlock was immense. There would be no further addition to the score line as both sides would continue to plug away at each other without any success.

Dunston 1-3 Carlton Town This was another long trek north and after an early pitch inspection on the Saturday was allowed to go ahead. Oh, how glad we were that this one was played. The pitch was heavy after many days of torrential rain, and it was set up for a real good scrap in conditions that football used to be

played in and should possibly be allowed to be more. As always, our fearless approach from the offset was engaged as we went straight to the heart of the home team to try to obtain an early lead. We played some nice flowing football at times despite the conditions and were unable to penetrate the home net until five minutes from the break when Niall Davie would score and take us into half-time with a deserved lead. The second half was controlled by The Millers and we would further increase our lead on the hour mark from Bradley Wells. The home side pulled one back with ten minutes to play to make for a nervy ending before a rare Niall Hylton solo effort would confirm a good day’s work.

Carlton Town 1-4 Lincoln United This one was a day to forget as our visitors on the day brought us back down to earth from our two previous results. They opened the scoring in the very first minute, went two up twenty minutes later and by half-time had a commanding three-one lead with a Kyle Tomlin effort cemented in between. Another goal just after the break gave them an extension to the score-line as The Millers on the day just didn’t get out of the starting blocks.

Carlton Town 1-0 Dunkirk A respite from league action and a quarter-final tie in the Notts Senior cup was next on the bill. Our near neighbours were the next opposition to grace the field at Stoke Lane and we knew that this would prove to be another tough encounter. The opposition started well and gave us some food for

thought as they furrowed away and showed great confidence against what was expected to be all the odds. At half-time we had seen no goals in a fairly even contest so far and the expectation of a good hard battle in the second period was looming. We were disappointed as both sides went at it and put on a game that was well worth the payment at the turnstiles. It would take another rare goal scorer in the form of Khyle Sargent to pop up at the near post with four minutes remaining to put this one to bed and take us into the semi-finals.

With another month of the season behind us already we now enter probably the most important month of the calendar season. Gaining the results at this stage of the season can determine how our plight towards the end of the season will turn out to be. We approach the halfway mark of the season in a position in the league that we are not happy with but at the same time know we are better than. So despite some head scratching at times we have complete belief in what we have in our locker and the ability throughout to turn things around and stride back up the league.

Merry Christmas from all at Carlton Town and a prosperous New year, we hope that the season will bring you what you wish for as we strive to gain what we wished for at the start of our season.

Forthcoming Fixtures:

10th December - Bridlington Town (h)

17th December - Ossett United (a)

26th December - Worksop Town (h) 2nd January - Long Eaton United (a)

Article by Phil Jennings

Reds sign Gustavo Scarpa

The 28-year-old will join the Club on 1 January 2023 following the expiration of his contract at Palmeiras and has agreed a deal that will run until June 2026.

The attacking midfielder spent four seasons with Palmeiras, making a total of 211 appearances and scoring 37 goals. He signed off his final campaign

by helping them to their 11th Brazilian Série A title last month and winning the division’s Golden Ball award.

Capped once by the Brazil national team, Gustavo will be part of The Reds’ squad that travels to Athens for a six-day training camp next week, as Steve Cooper’s side take on Greek Super

League duo Atromitos and Olympiacos on Tuesday 6thand Saturday 10th December respectively.

"I'm very happy to be here, it's a dream for me," said Gustavo.

"It's a new challenge and I can't wait for it to begin. It's always been an ambition since I was a little kid to play in

Europe, and my dream is to play in the Premier League.

"I'm a technical player but also I've developed my game defensively over the past couple of seasons. I'm very dedicated, hard-working and I'm excited to get started now."

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