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Headstone Restoration Pays Tribute To Lawrence Legacy

Local people have paid tribute to Eastwood born writer D.H. Lawrence, following work to restore the headstone at the Lawrence family grave in Eastwood cemetery.

The restoration has been funded by the D.H. Lawrence society, with a £200 contribution from Broxtowe Borough Council, who own and manage the nearby D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum. The D.H. Lawrence headstone being restored

Local people are invited to join members of the society and representatives from the Council for an official unveiling of the new headstone on Saturday 20 May, meeting at the D.H Lawrence Birthplace Museum at 8a Victoria Street at 3.00pm.

Dr Andrew Harrison, Director of the D.H. Lawrence Research Centre said: "The Lawrence family grave in Eastwood

Cemetery is an important landmark in the town, commemorating not only the author's life but that of his brother William Ernest, who tragically died of erysipelas in 1901 at the age of twenty-three, and the lives of his mother and father, who died in 1910 and 1924 respectively. The D. H. Lawrence Society is proud to have contributed to the upkeep of it."

Alan Wilson, Chairman of the D.H. Lawrence Society added: “We are thrilled to have this monument restored so beautifully, serving as a visual symbol of the legacy of D.H. Lawrence, his family, and a close connection with the Eastwood heritage.”

Carolyn Melbourne, Museum and Collections Officer at the Birthplace Museum said: “We’re really pleased that we have been able to assist in the restoration of the Lawrence family grave. Many of the people who visit us at the museum go on to explore the wider Eastwood area to see the places that Lawrence wrote about in his works and this includes visiting the grave. Having it restored is a tribute to

the legacy that Lawrence continues to leave in the town, county and across the world.”

The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum is where this literary legend was born on 11 September 1885. Only 30 minutes from Nottingham city centre, the Museum is a must see for fans of literature, and for those wanting to delve deeper into Nottingham’s literary heritage.

Step back in time to experience the traditional Victorian wash house, see the parlour; a room only for special guests, feel the warmth of the fire in the kitchen and have a wander around the parental and other bedrooms. The museum’s permanent exhibition features items from Lawrence’s family and even paintings created by the author himself. Find out more at www.broxtowe.gov. uk/dhlawrencemuseum

Police name cyclist who died in A52 crash

A cyclist who died in a road traffic collision has been named.

Henry Cressey, aged 62, died at the scene after a collision with a car on the A52 Bingham bypass yesterday (7 May) at around 12.30pm.

Henry lived in Southwell and his family are being supported by specially-trained officers.

Road closures were put in place in both directions on the A52, between the Saxondale Island and Grantham Road, while investigations took place.

Sergeant Steve Waft, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This is a devastating incident and the family are still coming to terms with the shock and grief of losing Henry.

“Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time and officers will continue to support them over the coming days. I’d ask that their privacy is respected.

“We continue to investigate the full circumstances around what happened and our appeal for information remains - if anyone saw anything which could help please get in touch.

“In particular, if anyone has dashcam footage that could be useful to us, please give us a call. This is a busy road and the incident occurred in the middle of the day so anyone in the area at the time should please contact officers.”

People with information are asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 306 of 7 May 2023.

Prolific thief put behind bars

A persistent thief who targeted shops and parked vehicles during a six-week crime spree has been jailed.

Stuart Askey, aged 39, walked into supermarkets and other stores in Clifton and The Meadows to swipe items from the shelves.

Ring doorbell footage also captured him opening the door of a van parked outside a home in Hockerwood, Clifton, on 9 April.

PC Jane Gibson and Mel Starmer - neighbourhood policing teams in Nottingham South carried out an extensive investigation into the thefts, with the help of local businesses, and arrested Askey on Tuesday (2 May).

Askey, of Southchurch Drive, Clifton, was locked up for 16 weeks when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court the following day. He pleaded guilty to 14 shop thefts and one charge of interfering with a motor vehicle.

The offences took place between 11 March and 23 April 2023 with Askey stealing goods totalling more than £500.

He targeted the Farm Foods store, in Southchurch Drive, Clifton, to steal meat, cheese and other food products on six occasions - stuffing items

down his jumper or inside his coat.

Askey also walked into the Wilko store, in Southchurch Drive, and stole laundry products on four occasions.

Further thefts took place at the Co-op store, in the Bridgeway Centre, The Meadows, where Askey stole laundry products and household items on two occasions, and at the Heron Foods store, in Southchurch Drive, where he took laundry products.

Inspector Steve Dalby, who has recently taken the reins as district commander for Nottingham South, said: “To secure this number of charges against an offender involves a huge amount of painstaking police work so I am grateful to all my officers who were involved in this case and particularly Police Constables Jane Gibson and Mel Starmer.

“Askey is a prolific shoplifter who has caused serious issues for a number of local stores.

“I am pleased the court has given him a custodial sentence and hope this sends a clear message that we take shoplifting and associated crime very seriously.

“We work closely with businesses and our partners to ensure the shops which

serve our communities are places which people want to visit in order to spend their money.

“We know that a disproportionate number of shop thefts are committed by a relatively small group of persistent

offenders like Askey. “By targeting resources at those individuals and working with businesses and other partners we are already seeing some very promising results.”

Weed control trials return to Lady Bay this spring

Last spring and summer, trials took place in the Lady Bay area to look at alternative ways of treating weeds. This was undertaken in response to the recommendation from the Highway Services Review to investigate alternative weed spraying treatments/regimes.

There were four weed control zones, each using a different control method.

Results were affected predominantly by the weather. July and August saw the sixth driest summer on record. This meant weeds in the trial zones received less water, inhibiting their growth and germination.

Of the methods available in the first trial, the recommendation was to continue exploring the potential of the ‘Spray On demand’ and single Glyphosate application techniques.

The trial will comprise two different weed treatment zones monitored weekly. More information on the trial along with a map of the streets included can be found at our website

The trial is now underway and will run until the end of the year.

The saying goes that “weeds are wild plants in the wrong place!”. They may have benefits for wildlife in the garden and can aerate soil with their roots. They can also produce

beautiful flowers and add interest to sites. However, many people find them unsightly.

Weeds are only an issue when they begin to damage the surface of the road, or in footways where they make surfaces uneven causing trips and falls or force users to move out into the road. Weeds can also force their way into walls and fences causing damage and making the structures dangerous. Weed problems such as these should be reported to Nottinghamshire County Council.

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “We know that residents have concerns around weeds in their neighbourhood but also around the methods used to control them.”

“We are particularly keen to further explore our initial findings that natural features of the area, such as shade and temperature, can help to manage the weeds.

“The trial does not mean weed treatment will stop entirely. If residents have concerns about dangerous weeds causing damage to the highway or a danger to people in their

area, we encourage them to report the issue and we will investigate.

“Please bear in mind that it can take a while for a weed to die away completely, even after treatment. It’s best to wait for up to six weeks before reporting a site again. We will monitor the area weekly as part of the trial.”

Issues with weeds, grass cutting, trees and hedges can all be reported by calling the Customer Services Centre on 0300 500 8080 or by using the website or MyNotts App.

Leading street artists selected to revamp Mansfield Railway Station

A community-based initiative hopes to revitalise the public underpass and platform areas at Mansfield Railway Station, with the installation of a permanent art piece.

The project has come about after the current state of the underpass and platforms were identified as a barrier to people accessing the station and the nearby areas of the town. This venture hopes to change this, and as creatively as possible.

Teaming up under their practice ‘Lick of Paint’, artists Megan Russell (Peachzz) and Alastair Flindall (Kunstity) will be working with Year 5 students from Sutton Road Primary and Nursery School to come up with a design, inspired by the local area.

The project is being funded by Community Rail Network, East Midlands Rail, Cross Country Trains, Nottinghamshire County Council, Mansfield District Council, Robin Hood Line Community Rail Partnership. They are working in partnership with First Art, Network Rail, Sutton Road Primary and Nursery School, and Mansfield Town Football Club to deliver the project.

The partnership was keen that young people were involved to ensure the community shapes, takes ownership, and safeguards the endurance of the artworks.

The Sutton Road students have been involved from the start, helping to select the artists from the shortlisted candidates.

Peachzz and Kunstity

will undertake a series of workshops with the students to formulate ideas before developing the

final piece. The duo will then create the artwork in situ on the walls of the underpass towards the end of May. The artwork will also be replicated on 34 Perspex panels that sit on the station platforms, adding some colour to the station itself.

Working alongside these artists will help the students increase both their artistic and environmental awareness while developing and using creative communication skills to identify themes of local interest.

Work by kunstity for uplift skate and art festival credit kunstity

Peachzz and Kunstity, who both champion the wider benefits of projects like these, said:

“We're passionate about encouraging children to create and experiment freely with art. And, by meeting and working with artists, it's a chance to show young people what's possible; that they too can follow a path in the arts if they want to.

“It's so important to bring art into communities where they don't get the exposure in the same way as the big towns and cities

and to introduce them to different mediums and creativity.

“It is proven throughout the world that a lick of paint can transform a space and uplift social attitudes. We can't wait to get started.”

The final piece will bring together ideas and illustrations from the school children, married with Peachzz and Kunstity’s guidance and bold style.

The Sheffield-based

artists have previously worked on projects internationally and closer to home, including Nottingham City Hospital.

The final artwork is due to be officially unveiled on 9 June. An exhibition of the students’ work for the project, together with recent works by the artists, will be on show at the same time in the First Art shop situated in Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mansfield.

Could Mansfield Market be the start of the next retail empire?

Mansfield's Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams is calling on people to show their support for Mansfield Market, saying it could be the breeding ground for the next rags-toriches success.

As part of the national Love Your Local Market campaign, which runs from Friday 12 May to Saturday 27 May, there are free rents to new stallholders throughout May.

New stall holders we are on the look-out for include those who sell pet products, baked goods, cheese and household / DIY items.

Mansfield District Council, which runs the market, hopes the promotion will encourage new traders and start-up businesses to take stalls, support them while they get established and attract more shoppers to visit the historic market and town centre.

Current regular traders will also get a discount per stall for 10 days as part of the incentive.

All the market stalls have fixed roofs and lighting and usually start from just £7 a day. The council actively ensures its market stall rates remain competitively priced within Nottinghamshire and the surrounding areas to help introduce new stall holders to

the Market Place and support our regular traders.

Launching the initiative, Mayor Andy said: "There has been a market in Mansfield for very nearly 800 years and we would like to see this continue for many more years.

"Buying from independent traders on markets is a great way to support your local economy and local jobs, and even, potentially, nurture big business talents.

"Mansfield already has an established reputation for being a fertile ground for business start-ups.

"Wouldn't it be brilliant if our market could be the same breeding ground for the entrepreneurial stars of the future as has happened elsewhere?

"Marks & Spencer, Dunelm, Lord Alan Sugar are just a few of the big names who started out trading from market stalls."

On Saturday 20 May the celebrations for Love Your Local Market will continue with balloon modelling, walkabout entertainment and free craft activities to take part in from 10am to 2pm.

As well as offers available during this month-long campaign, traders are supported by the council all year round with other benefits. Incen-

tives include free use of parking and toilets in the town as well as waste collection at the end of the day. Discounts are also available from January to March for the annual Kipper Season, and there are also incentives for new regular traders when setting up a business on the market through the incubation unit scheme, which offers free rent for 3 months, then 25% rent for months 4-6, 50% rent for months 7-9 and 75% rent

for months 10 – 12. More information can be found at www.mansfield.gov.uk/trading-mansfield-market/incubation-unit-terms-conditions (opens in new window).

The market is open five days a week from Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 4pm,

complete with a food court, Tuesday and Wednesday markets are mixed goods and Thursday, Friday and Saturday are new goods. The third Tuesday of each month is the Farmer's market. There are regular additional markets held on the Market Place too,

including vegan markets, and antiques and collectables markets.

Anyone interested in taking a stall should email tcm@ mansfield.gov.uk or call 01623 463073 to discuss availability, product lines and numbers of stalls.

Outgoing county council chairman raises £27,000 for the Nottingham Ukrainian Cultural Centre

A community organisation which provides support to Ukrainian refugees has received £27,000 from outgoing Nottinghamshire County Council chairman, Councillor Roger Jackson. He raised the money for his chosen community cause, the Nottingham Ukrainian Cultural Centre, through a variety of fundraising events during his year in office –including a Sunday lunch at Newark Showground which raised more than £8,000.

Cllr Jackson made the presentation to David Dowbenko and representatives from the centre at a meeting of the Council’s Full Council on Thursday.

He said: “My time as chairman has been a huge privilege and honour and I will look back on my year with immense pride and a great deal of fondness, particularly the fundraising for the Ukrainian Cultural Centre.

“This was an organisation I really wanted to support and champion.

“It does an incredible job supporting people who have come to Nottinghamshire following Russia’s invasion of their homeland, which happened shortly before I became chairman.

“Many have left behind their loved ones, homes, and belongings to settle locally and through the work of the centre they’ve been able to take advantage and enjoy what our county has to offer until it is safe for them to return to Ukraine.

“The centre has done so much to welcome guests arriving in Nottinghamshire and acted as first point of contact for many.

“I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and generosity during my year of fundraising and I’m very proud of the people of Nottinghamshire for taking this cause into their hearts to

raise this amount of money.”

The Ukrainian Cultural Centre is based in the GradeII listed Clawson Lodge on Mansfield Road in Carrington and acts as a hub for refugees who have been displaced in their war-torn homeland.

It provides a whole host of services to support families and individuals from Ukraine, including mental health, education and housing support.

The money raised by Cllr Jackson will be used to continue with those services as well as carry out a programme of improvement work to the centre’s premises.

Michael Holod, branch chairman of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain which the centre is a part of, paid tribute to the fundraising effort by the outgoing chairman.

He said: “We are very grateful to Cllr Jackson, his team, and his partner Jilly for what they have done to

support us as a group of volunteers in a year which, has unfortunately, been set against a backdrop of very tragic circumstances for us.

“The financial donations and the great support of Cllr Jackson have been truly fantastic and saying thank you to him will never be enough.

“What he and others have done is very important to us and will be forever remembered by everyone at the branch. His donation will always have a special place in our history, and we are very grateful.”

Other fundraising activities during Cllr Jackson’s year

as chairman included a prize draw for council employees which raised £1,000.

Pictured is Cllr Roger Jackson, centre, with Petro Tyminskyj and David Dowbenko, who are both committee members at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Carrington.

£11.2 million set to support Notts households struggling with rising bills

Around 40,000 Nottinghamshire households struggling to make ends meet are set to get extra support this summer and winter.

The fourth round of the Government’s Household Support Fund (HSF) is worth £11.2 million to cover a full year (March 2023 to March 2024) and will once again be administered by Nottinghamshire County Council in partnership with borough and district councils.

One-off summer and winter support payments, both worth around £100 per household will continue to support families with children entitled to free school meals as well as other households and individuals struggling with rising costs.

Plans to share the funds include:

• £3.2 million to be shared among approx. 19,000 households with children in receipt of free school meals, or with children five or under with an equivalent eligibility;

• £3.2 million is due to distributed among approx.15,500 households where one or more person receives or is eligible for Pension Credit;

• £3.2 million to be shared among any other households struggling with rising costs,

particularly those who may not be eligible for other government support, plus an additional £400,000 is being set aside to help buy white goods for those who can’t afford an oven or fridge etc. Applications for this share of the funds will once again be via a referral from a front-line worker such as housing officers, social workers or those working in benefit teams;

• £500,000 due to be used as discretionary housing payments (issued via district and borough councils) to help those facing homelessness.

The first set of payments are expected later this summer. Families in receipt of free school meals or Pension Credit will once again be contacted directly by the county council with details of how to apply for a seasonal payment. Front-line workers will be once again help identify other households most in need via a referral process.

Nottinghamshire has already benefitted from three sets of £5.6 million HSF funds, each covering a six-month period.

For the third round of HSF which ended on 31 March, the county council delivered a one-off winter support voucher payment

worth around £100 for each eligible household to use towards essential household costs, such as food, energy, and water bills. This support included:

• £2.6 million worth of vouchers benefitted more than 18,500 families with children eligible for free school meals or equivalent;

• More than £1.85 million was distributed to help more than 14,600 vulnerable people of a pensionable age;

• Front line workers helped identify those households most in need, particularly those not eligible for other government support. Vouchers worth £415,300 were allocated on a referral basis plus an additional £67,168 was spent providing basic white good items such as ovens and fridges to those who can’t afford to buy them or have them replaced;

• £210,000 used as discretionary housing payments to help those at risk of being homeless.

Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

“We are delighted that the government has extended this funding which this time has been allocated for the whole year. This helps us to plan the fairest and most timely way

to get the funds to those who need them the most and help ease their financial worries.

“To help reach those who may not be eligible for other government support and are in need of essential items such as ovens and fridges, an even wider range of organisations, such as community-based support groups, will work with us to help identify those most in need of support.”

Councillor Tracey Taylor, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said the latest round of funding will build on the county council’s overall work to deliver support for those struggling to make ends meet.

She said: “This shows our continued commitment to helping households who are most in need of support, including helping low-income households with children entitled to free school meals or equivalent.

“This support is in addition to other continuing schemes to support the wellbeing of children in the county, including our Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) which focuses on supporting youngsters to improve their knowledge of health and nutrition and encouraging them to eat more healthily and be more active during school holidays.”

NOTTINGHAM FROM THE AIR

This month’s aerial

Victoria Embankment Childrens Play Area next to the River Trent. Photo was

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

photo shows

taken

Nottingham’s Goose Fair will return for ten days

Nottingham City Council and the Showmen’s Guild have announced that Goose Fair will once again be held over ten days in 2023, between Friday 29 September and Sunday 8 October.

The decision follows the successful staging of the fair over ten days in 2022, which saw an extra 130,000 visitors in comparison to the five-day event in 2019.

Over half a million visitors came to Goose Fair last year from across the region, helping to generate a significant economic uplift for the city. This included visitor spend and local event suppliers and companies, who provided the visiting showmen with goods ranging from catering supplies and consumables to accommodation.

In reaching this decision, it was recognised that a ten-day fair does impact on local residents and some businesses in and around the Forest Recreation Ground. The council will work with those affected to seek to mitigate some of the concerns raised during last year’s fair.

The environmental impact of the event, both on the city’s carbon neutral ambitions and more locally on Hyson Green, has also been considered. Showmen’s Guild members attending the fair will now pay a 3% levy on the site fees, to help the event become more sustainable in future years.

With over 250 rides and

attractions and thrills aplenty for all ages, the fair is one of the largest travelling fun fairs in Europe, and Nottingham city’s biggest event in its annual events calendar.

No decision has been made on the length of the fair in future years.

Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis,

Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Planning at Nottingham City Council, said: “Nottingham’s Goose Fair has been staged annually since at least 1284, and so it’s great to see that it will return in 2023 for a ten-day event.

“This longer period will allow opportunities for more

local and regional visitors, increase the city’s economic uplift, and enable new and impressive rides and attractions as well as returning favourites. We look forward to welcoming the Showmen’s Guild back for another fantastic event for all the family to enjoy.”

William Percival, Chair of the Showmen’s Guild (Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire branch), said: “We’re pleased to welcome this good news after the success of the ten-day fair last year, which worked well for the showmen, the council and local businesses in Nottingham.

We’re grateful to the council in allowing us to bring an extended fair for a second year, and hopefully it will be as successful as it was in 2022. We’d like to thank the council’s events team for the work they’ve done with the Showmen’s Guild to make this possible.”

Hemlock Happening Returns for Coronation Celebrations!

Join the celebrations to mark the Coronation of King Charles III with a free fun packed day for all the family with excellent music, dance, food, stalls, rides, crafts and more!Hemlock Happening 3 June 1pm-10.30pm

Bramcote Hills Park

With not just one, but two stages with live music and performances. Enjoy inflatable fun and fairground rides, then cool off and enjoy the stalls with a drink from Blue Monkey Brewery. Make sure you stick around for the firework finale at 10.30pm, you won’t want to miss it.

The Hemlock Happening is taking place on Saturday 3 June 2023, 1.00pm – 10.30pm at the Bramcote

Hills Park, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3JT.

What to expect:

• Main stage acts performing popular hits from the last few decades

• A secondary live music stage featuring singer/ songwriters performing original music

• A licensed bar provided by Blue Monkey Brewery

• Food and drink stalls

• An array of craft and trade stalls

• Sports activities, fairground rides and inflatable fun

• Community stalls

• Classic vehicles

• The Haven Performance Arena showcasing a host of talent from local dance

organisations and clubs.

• Coronation themed make and take arts and crafts for the family

• A spectacular Coronation themed fireworks display at 10.30pm

Parking is available on site for Blue badge holders only. Free event parking is available at Ilkeston Road Recreation Ground, Stapleford.

For further details visit www.hemlockhappening.org(Opens in a New Window)

Follow Broxtowe Borough Council on Facebook(Opens in a New Window) to keep updated. For more event information, please contact the Culture and Events team on 0115 917 3824 or email events@broxtowe.gov.uk.

Pursuit leads to arrest of suspected drug dealer

Police on patrol managed to seize multiple wraps of suspected crack cocaine after pursuing and arresting a suspect.

Officers from the Bassetlaw neighbourhood policing team were driving through the Worksop area when they saw someone acting suspiciously.

After spotting the police, the individual ran away in the direction of Kilton Hill, Worksop, with officers pursuing him on foot.

Within seconds of that initial spot at around 5.50pm on Monday (8 May), police caught up with and detained the suspect.

Multiple wraps of suspected crack cocaine were then found in their possession, along with two ‘burner phones’.

Police also carried out a search of the nearby area, which led to the discovery of more wraps of suspected Class A drugs, which were also seized.

A 17-year-old boy was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

PC Mark Holland, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “As a neighbourhood policing team, we carry out regular visible patrols of different areas within the Bassetlaw district, in a bid to detect and deter all sorts of criminal behaviour.

“By being out on the streets doing this,

‘Predatory’ child rapist jailed

A ‘devious and predatory’ sex offender who repeatedly raped young girls has been jailed.

Richard Stocks, now aged 55, assaulted the young girls repeatedly, instructing each of them to remain silent about what had happened.

His offending was finally exposed when one of the girls reported what had happened to her mother in July 2021.

Nottinghamshire Police were called and an investigation was launched.

Each of the girls provided compelling testimonies about Stocks’ behaviour and his distinctive physical characteristics.

Stocks, of Sutton-in-Ashfield, was further exposed by damming medical evidence.

we were able to spot and follow up suspicious behaviour in this instance, which ultimately led to us taking quantities of suspected Class A drugs out of circulation and arresting a suspect.

“It really should go without saying but we don’t want to see any drug activity in our communities, and we will continue to work in different ways to try and stop this from happening.

“Our inquiries are still ongoing into this incident, so we’d ask anyone who has any information to get in touch with the police by calling 101, quoting incident 539 of 8 May 2023.”

After repeatedly denying what he had done, Stocks later pleaded guilty to 12 counts of rape, one of attempted rape, two of sexual assault and two of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court he was jailed for 27 years and ordered to serve another year on extended license. He will have to serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before he can be considered for parole. He was also added to the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Constable Kerry Stringfellow, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Stocks is a devious and predatory sex offender who repeatedly preyed on young children.

“The nature of his offending was utterly horrific and has unsurprisingly had a very

significant impact on his victims.

“As Stocks prepares to spend much of the rest of his life in prison, my thoughts are very much with his victims today.

“But for their bravery in coming forward and telling us about what had happened, Stocks would have remained a danger to any children he came into contact with.

“Investigations of this type are difficult and upsetting to work on, but nothing is more important to us than the safety and wellbeing of children.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing this man to justice and hope this case serves to encourage other victims to come forward.”

MIMI WEBB - ROCK CITY

Mimi Webb stopped off at Nottingham’s Rock City as part of her 16-date sold out ‘Amelia’ tour.

The evenings proceedings got under way with Henry Moodie being the first of two support acts for Mimi Webb. He has over 5 million followers on TikTok. One of the highlights of Henrys performance was a song called ‘Eighteen’. and judging by the way the crowd were singing every word of his 30 minute set, he is clearly well liked.

The second support act Blake Rose kept the audience engaged with his style of soulful pop.

The stage was then set

for Mimi Webb’s imminent appearance. The stage had two gigantic light boxes set up which were used as a platform for the guitarist and drummer to be positioned on. Mimi bounced onto the stage looking like a genuine popstar dressed in a black body stocking/leotard costume with black elbow length gloves.

Mimi opened the set with ‘Ghost of You’ which instantly had her fans singing and swaying along.

From here on in, it was a wellpaced journey through Mimi’s material. The audience were treated to every track from the ‘Amelia’ album, and some selected tracks from the ‘Seven Shades of Heartbreak EP’.

Mimi has such confidence in her songs that she performed one of her biggest hits ‘Good Without’ midway through the set. Mimi then had a costume change into an all pink jacket and trouser combo.

After performing another big hit ‘Dumb Love’, Mimi and the guitarist sat on stools and slowed the pace down with the acoustic ballad ‘Amelia’, which was accompanied with the audience holding their mobile phones in the air with the torchlight on to create a memorable sight that is rare at Rock City.

For the encore Mimi treated her

Unlucky in Love Donkey Looking for the Perfect Partner

A donkey called Benny is looking for love after struggling to find a suitable partner since he arrived at Bransby Horses over a year ago.

Donkeys live in herds but like to also pair with another and is an essential requirement to them living happy, healthy lives.

fans to a three-song encore, for one of the songs a fan handed Mimi a red flag, which Mimi used whilst performing ‘Red Flags’.

There is no denying that Mimi is an incredible singer/songwriter and is able to deliver a knockout live performance. She literally had the entire audience hanging on every word and judging by the audience they would have happily watched and listened to Mimi for a lot longer than the 17 songs that were delivered. For someone to be only 22 years old and able to write and perform ballads in such an incredible way, it would be a safe bet to suggest that Mimi will be gaining more success in the next year or so.

Review & photos by Luke

Seagrave

Ideally this will be another donkey but, in Benny’s case he spent many years happily bonded with a pony who sadly passed away – leaving him distraught.

His elderly owner reached out to Bransby Horses for help and the charity were able to take him in, however he is one of the only donkeys in their herd who has not managed to pair with another.

Bransby Horses spokesperson Maria Thompson said: “Benny’s struggled to find a new partner because here at Bransby Horses most of our donkeys are already bonded and new additions have arrived in pairs.

“Benny’s perfect partner would be able to provide him with lots of fuss and attention regularly throughout the day”.

As a last resort Benny has been placed on the charity’s rehoming scheme to broaden his chances of finding a new life partner.

Preferring the simple things in life, Benny is searching for a quiet home where he can enjoy the company of another donkey or horse, with an owner who has donkey owning experience.

If you think you may be the Perfect Partner for Benny visit the Bransby Horses website for more information: BransbyHorses. co.uk/benny

If you think you may be the Perfect Partner for Benny visit the Bransby Horses website for more information: BransbyHorses. co.uk/benny

DINING OUT, COLLECTIONS, DELIVERIES, GRAB & GO

Customers require different foods and some like a great, tasty Pizza, whilst others have a favourite of traditional Sunday Lunch and a memorable Dessert – probably, in my case (at different times), both! A good number of restaurants and eateries provide collections and/or deliveries, as part of their services, as well as inside and outside dining too.

deliveries are available also and online ordering is easy. The Sunday Lunches are extremely popular and sell out, regularly. Whether Chicken, Gammon or other preference is a favourite, No.58 does not disappoint. Vegetables and Yorkshire Pudding etc, accompany the various dishes.

Quality produce, freshly prepared, cooked and presented to perfection, has numerous,

watercress, with rocket and

have extensive knowledge

Road, Long Eaton, ‘ticks all the boxes’. From Savoury Snacks, through Yogurts, including Pasta Pots, Salad Bowls, Sandwiches, and Ready To Heat at Home delectations, plus Biscuits, Cakes, Muffins and Fresh Fruits, this is the place. All-Day Breakfast Sandwich – No problem! A range of beverages is available also. Most worthwhile, checking out.

For more information,Tel: 0115 946 8736 E-mail:

grant@no58.shop and visit Web: www.no58.shop and for No. 58 Grab & Go visit Web: www.no58grab. shop No.58, 46 Market Place, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 1LT. No.58, Grab & Go, 26 Derby Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham NG10 1PD.

No.58 provides excellent foods, including very impressive Breakfasts, plus Snacks, Main Courses and Sunday Lunches. Collections and

very satisfied customers. Hot and cold finger and fork buffets are perfect for office and business lunches, as well as for anyone’s lunch and dinner. An excellent range of quality Salads is available. Avocado, Chicken Breast & Bacon is a popular and regular choice for many, being presented on a bed of

tomatoes, complemented by mustard and red wine vinaigrette. Catering advice is also available, to suggest menus that are suitable for every occasion.

Grant, Nichola and the team

of cuisine and continue to gain new customers, as well as retaining many regulars. If going for a visit, inside or outside, be it for a casual coffee, snack, sweet treat or a substantial meal, No.58 certainly has a lot to offer. Perhaps the Sunday Lunch appeals? Very much recommended.

If ‘tasty food to go’ is required, then, No.58’s other venue, Grab & Go, located on the Canal Bridge, Derby

DRINKS: WHITE WINE TO WHISKY – IRRESISTIBLE!

White wines are very popular and also excellent to accompany many foods, such as fish and white meat dishes. Personal preferences say a lot and there are no fixed rules which state that a certain wine must go with a particular food choice.

SAUVIGNON BLANC (12% vol) from South Africa is hugely popular. The Fairtrade production, from the Western Cape, I found to be zesty, with great character, very pleasant on the nose and with an excellent mouthfeel. Grapes for this production are certified as Fairtrade. If a sparkling white wine is required then PROSECCO (11% vol) makes for a much loved choice. I sourced a DOC Brut production, which suited my taste buds splendidly. This Italian delectation has proved to be a winner, in the sparkling section, over many years. The Rosé version of this PROSECCO (11% vol) DOC Brut, with hints of ripe, red fruits is ideal should a little colour (pinkish) be wanted – perhaps at the dining table or when dining al fresco – great!

Red wines appeal to numerous people. If I really had to choose, then Merlot or Malbec do seem to be regular selections for many.

I located a Fairtrade Organic MALBEC production (13% vol) from Argentina, which ‘ticked all

the boxes’ (for me). With an abundance of juicy, red fruit flavours, this production is a full-bodied wine which delights a good number of red wine lovers and connoisseurs. For a sweet wine SHERRY has a ‘following’ of ‘devotees’. With productions ranging from dry, through medium, to sweet and very sweet, my vote goes to PX Pedro Ximénez (17% vol) from Jerez, Spain. Extremely smooth and sweet, this sherry needs little introduction and is made by Bodegas Lustau. With award-winning sherries, being produced since 1896, this sherry goes down a treat with chocolate desserts and/ or ice cream (Vanilla is my favourite).

If Whisky is preferred (anytime) the SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY (40% vol) will not disappoint. Matured, using ex-bourbon barrels, this is a smooth and well-balanced whisky.

I located these drinks at a Co-op store, in their ‘IRRESISTIBLE’ range. If Co-op membership is of interest, rewards can be gained on purchases. Web: www.coop.co.uk Co-op supports Fairtrade. Web: www.infofairtrade.co.uk

STEVE HARLEY ACOUSTIC BAND COMES TO NEWARK

Steve Harley has announced a set of Spring / Summer live dates with his acclaimed Acoustic Band [all dates below, some already Sold Out]. Having recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Cockney Rebel, Steve is widely considered one of the most charismatic performers and he continues to play to sold-out venues across the UK and Europe. The Times wrote, in a profile marking this half century, that signature hit ‘Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)’, “Remains one of the most beloved songs of the modern age”. For Steve, life on the road is more than just a job: it is almost his life’s blood.

The Acoustic Band for 2023 will find Steve supported by long-standing bandmate, violinist/guitarist Barry Wickens, with Oli Hayhurst on double bass, and Dave Delarre on lead guitar. Steve has been playing Live shows around the world for over 50 years and the thrill of another night in another place to another audience has not dimmed at all. “I still get a buzz when boarding the tour bus, like I did all those years ago. There’s still that magical feeling. It has not diminished at all.”

The acoustic sets will include songs taken from his last album ‘Uncovered’ [re-recordings of a couple of his own songs nine others he’s always wanted to perform] but of course a selection from the vast and eclectic Harley Songbook. ‘Mr Soft’, ‘Judy Teen’, ‘Sebastian’ and the legendary ‘Make Me Smile’ will all be reproduced in the unique acoustic style. Close-Up Culture stated of an Acoustic Band show: “It was an intimate night in the presence of a great musician. An individual whose passion for live performance and perfection (it shows in his face) remains undiminished.”

Rod Stewart, who covered Steve’s song ‘A

Friend For Life’, describes him as “One of the finest lyricists Britain has produced.” MOJO said simply, “Harley creates rock songs that are proud, lyrical and full of yearning.” Steve has also been described as “A consummate performer at the top of his game,” and Record Collector said: “Harley’s eloquent, on-the-edge shows never fail to impress”.

Steve has previously received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Acoustic Music from the Acoustic Festival of Britain, and a prestigious Gold Badge of Merit from the British

Academy of Composers and Songwriters. Tickets for the following STEVE HARLEY ACOUSTIC BAND – Spring / Summer 2023

UK Tour Dates are available from:

Saturday 20 May HARPENDEN –Eric Morecambe Centre

Thursday 1 June EXETER – Corn Exchange

Friday 2 June FROME – Memorial

Theatre

Thursday 8 June HAYES – Beck

Theatre

Friday 9 June ALDERSHOT –

Princes Hall

Friday 16 June BARROW – Forum 28

Thursday 29 June KINGS LYNN –Corn Exchange

Friday 30 June NEWARK – Palace Theatre

Saturday 1 July BLACKBURN –King George’s Hall

Ticket available fromhttps://www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Steve-Harley-Acoustic-Band.htm

Super Soccer Special - An Evening with Jeff Stelling and the Boys

Friday 9th June - 8:oopm - Tickets £27.50 to £152.50 (VIP)

Footballs No 1 Saturday results host Jeff Stelling, alongside football experts Phil Thompson and Matthew Le Tissier will be live on stage for an evening of unscripted fun as they reminisce about those football glorious football memories old and new and give the live audience a real insight to what really happens off the screen.

Jeff’s knowledge of the game is second to none. Having worked with football legends such as George Best, Rodney Marsh, Frank McClintock, Alan Brazil, Clive Allen, Alan Mullery, Gordon McQueen, Charlie Nicholas, Kris Kamara, Paul Merson, Matthew Le Tissier and Phil Thompson, he is able to give more than an insight into what happens when the cameras are off and let everyone know what these footballing legends are really like. He will be joined by Matt Le Tis-

sier and Phil Thompson, both of whom have had remarkable footballing careers and have stories to share.

On the night willing audience members can take part in a LIVE Text Q&A session! Ronaldo v Messi? Who is your favourite player of all time? What did George Best enjoy in his spare time? ……get your questions ready.

Who knows what will happen as the team meet up on this ‘Super Soccer Special in Nottingham to give you their ‘off camera’ stories.

VIP Packages

Platinum Package £152.50

Meet Jeff Stelling, Phil Thompson and Matthew Le Tissier for an autograph and photograph.

Top price ticket included.

Gold Package £62.50

Meet Jeff Stelling, Phil Thompson and Matthew Le Tissier for a photograph only.

Top price ticket included.

Shows

TOWARDS ZERO

by Agatha Christie

When a house party gathers at Gull’s Point, the seaside home of Lady Tressilian, Neville Strange finds himself caught between his old wife Audrey and his new flame Kay and the scene is set for one of Agatha Christie’s most intriguing plays.

We are an independent theatre in Nottingham city centre, staging a varied programme of high-quality amateur productions

Salad Days

Something Unspoken/ Suddenly Last Summer

by Tennessee Williams

How far would you go to cover up an unpalatable truth? On the patio of her “well groomed” jungle, Mrs Venable has bribed a young doctor from the Lion’s View Sanitorium to find out, from the only witness, what really happened to her son in the city of Cabeza de Lobo. A powerful one act play preceded by Something Unspoken, a thirty minute two hander.

Summer 1954: an enchanting tale of a young couple discovering love. Timothy and Jane leave university to make their own way in the world. A chance meeting with a tramp brings the couple together as his street piano gives everyone around them an irresistible and unstoppable urge to dance.

Book and Lyrics by Dorothy Reynolds and Julian Slade. Music by Julian Slade

Matlock Bath in the Peak District

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

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

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

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

Gulliver’s Kingdom

Matlock Bath is home to this large, family-friendly theme

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

Peak District Lead Mining Museum

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

Crich Tramway Village

Located just a short drive outside Matlock Bath, the fabulous Crich Tramway Village is a fabulous place to spend a day,

with plenty to keep the whole family happy. It is home to the National Tramway Museum, with more than 60 vintage trams for visitors to admire in airy exhibition halls, and it also features a beautifully recreated period village with a pub, café and olde-worlde shops.

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

amused. Matlock Bath Illuminations

Armed Forces Week in Blackpool

Armed Forces Week, taking place from the 19-25 June, is Blackpool's opportunity to say thank you to our heroes.

To mark the national event, we are welcoming serving military personnel, veterans and cadets with a wide range of activities targeted at them and their families, as well as the many thousands of people visiting Blackpool.

Armed Forces Week Flag

Raising

19 June 2023

Time: 10:30

Location: Blackpool Town Hall, Talbot Square, Blackpool Blackpool Armed forces week officially begins with the raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag above the Town Hall.

Marton Institute

21 June 2023

Time: 18:00 -23:30

Location: Marton Institute, oxford Square

A celebration of Britain’s Armed Forces will take place at the Marton Institute. Live entertainment, music, bingo, a raffle, and a hot pot supper will be provided at this free to attend event.

Coral Island Armed Forces Day

22 June 2023

Location: The Buccaneer, Coral Island

Tickets: Booking is required, and a fully-refundable deposit of £5 to secure a place call 01253 922182

As part of Armed Forces Day 2023, Coral Island will be putting on its annual event

for veterans from the UK’s Armed Forces on Thursday 22 June, with a complimentary two-course carvery, The Buccaneer’s a full three-meat carvery, and a seasonal dessert, and a drink upon arrival.

The Royal British Legion Riders will also be here on the day, displaying their motorbikes and helping to make collections around Coral Island.

We would like to extend an invitation to any serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and Armed Forces families, and especially to the younger veterans.

It is expected to be a popular event, so booking is required, and a fully-refundable deposit of £5 to secure a place, which can be done by calling 01253 922182. Deposits will be returned on the day.

We hope that you will all come and join us in showing support to our brave servicemen and women this June and that our invited Armed Forces personnel and veterans enjoy our complimentary hospitality as a token of our gratitude for the work they have done for the UK. We hope that you will all come and join us in showing support to our brave servicemen and women this June and that our invited Armed Forces personnel and veterans enjoy our complimentary hospitality as a token of our gratitude for the work they have done for the UK.

Fylde Memorial Arboretum

23 June 2023

Time: 11:00 – 12:30

Location: Millennium Grove, Moor Park Avenue, Blackpool, FY2 0LY

Founded by Don Aiken, a D-Day Veteran and located in the fields next to Moor park school, the Fylde Memorial Arboretum stands as an area of remembrance that provides the service associations, and the people of Blackpool and the Fylde, a place of peace and beauty in which to remember their fallen comrades and loved ones.

Post service there will be the unveiling of a seafarers memorial to which all are welcome.

As part of Blackpool Armed Forces week, the Fylde Ex-Service Liaison Committee will host a service of dedication at the centre of the Memorial Arboretum’s Glade area.

National Armed Forces Day 24 June 2023

Time: 10:00–16:00

Location: Hangar 42 Spitfire Visitor Centre, Blackpool Airport, Squires Gate Lane, FY4 2QY

Tickets: FREE for serving members of the UK Armed Forces and Veterans and their family members upon production of ID such as MOD 90, Veterans badge etc. (Max 4 per party). All other tickets are £7.00 Adults, Children 6-16 £4.00, age 5 and under Free.

Once again, Blackpool’s Armed Forces Day event will take place at Blackpool

Airport, partnering with the Spitfire Visitor Centre, Hangar 42.

There will be a range of activities and displays taking place at the Airport to commemorate the vital role that the UK Armed Forces have played in the past, are currently taking part in and their potential roles in the future.

The Spitfire Visitor Centre this year focuses on the Royal Air Force in World War Two and the vital part played by Groundcrews and Aircrews serving at RAF Squires Gate.

The team of volunteers will bring to life the realities of wartime Blackpool and the sacrifices made by the Blackpool’s residents, in supporting the War effort, in the local Aircraft factories and across the resort.

Additional Charges apply to Cockpit Access photos and virtual reality experiences.

Conditions: NO PETS ALLOWED, NO VIDEO RECORDERS/Filming & NO BACK PACKS or similar items permitted.

Free Car Parking on site and Disabled facilities in H42.

Sunday Morning Service & Parade

25 June 2023

Time: Assemble from 10:30 Service 11:00 Parade approx 11:30

Location: Blackpool Cenotaph/Promenade

Blackpool comes together to honour and unite Britain’s Armed Forces past, present and future in an emotion-

al and fitting tribute to the Armed Forces Past, Present and Future.

Attending the service will be veteran’s associations, cadets, serving military as well as their friends, families and associates. Everyone is welcome to the service of appreciation that takes place within the grounds of Blackpool grade II listed War Memorial.

Following the service, Blackpool invites members of the Armed Forces, veterans and cadets to join in the military parade. Friends, family and members of the general public are invited to line the route, cheer and wave their Union Flags. Those wanting to lay wreaths may do so after the service.

Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated fairly and should not face disadvantages when seeking to access public or private goods and services in the UK.

The Covenant is a voluntary pledge. Organisations may choose to sign up in order to demonstrate their support for the Armed Forces Community and for the principles of the Covenant. All organisations – public, private or voluntary and small, medium or large – are welcome to sign the Covenant.”

Step back in time

Did you know Blackpool maintained its tourism offer throughout World War Two and gave many holidaymakers, and soldiers on leave, a chance to temporarily escape and forget the horrors of war? The town also had two operational RAF airfields and even manufactured bomber aircraft.

How can children get involved?

There are plenty of opportunities for children to learn all about World War I and World War II. We have uploaded some colouring sheets below which are a useful way to introduce the importance of veterans and our Armed Forces to your little one. All you need to do is download and print. Happy colouring!

The best parks in Yorkshire to visit with the family

Make the most of the warm weather this summer and head off on an outdoor adventure with the family.

Ideal for picnics, nature walks and soaking up some sun, these parks and gardens around Yorkshire offer a scenic spot to relax and unwind.

Bolton Abbey Estate

Combine sightseeing with outdoor adventures at Oakwell Hall and Country Park, where you can take a tour of the bautiful Elizabethan manor house, which offers an intriguing insight into the late 17th century, before heading off to explore the 110 acres of country park which surround it.

The vast estate is home to a network of footpaths and nature trails, where you can expect to find glorious scenery, flowers and wildlife along the way.

Visit: Nova Lane, Birstall, Batley, WF17 9LG – www.kirklees.gov.uk

Manor Heath Park

This nineteen acre park in Halfax is perfect for an active day outdoors, thanks to its many exciting on-site attractions.

the riverside provide a wonderful spot for a picnic.

Visit: Fountains Abbey And Studley Royal Estate, Ripon, HG4 3DY – www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Roundhay Park

A firm favourite spot to soak up some sun in Leeds, Roundhay Park stretches across 700 acres of pretty parkland, lakes and woodland, providing a picture-perfect location for leisurely picnic.

Youngsters are well catered for with two playgrounds on site, along with the popular Tropical World visitor attraction where a variety of exotic animals and plants can be seen.

of glorious landscape, with lakes, fountains, woodland, temples, rolling lawns, an ornamental garden and a children’s playround just a few of the delights which await to be explored in the grounds.

Visit: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA –www.castlehoward.co.uk

Greenhead Park

Nestled just half a mile from Huddersfield town centre, Greenfield Park is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle, and enjoy some time outdoors.

The vast Cistercian ruins of Fountains Abbey provide an impressive backdrop for a picnic

Visitors will be spoilt for choice with things to do at the popular Bolton Abbey Estate in Wharfedale.

Put your balance to the test crossing the 60 stepping stones, take a walk to see the Strid in the ancient woodland, enjoy the scenery along the nature trails, or nestle down on the lawns in front of the magnificent 12th century ruins.

Visit: Bolton Abbey, Skipton, BD23 6AL –www.boltonabbey.com

Golden Acre Park

Golden Acre Park in north Leeds is popular for its circular lakeside walk and pretty gardens

Hugely popular for its pretty gardens and circular lakeside walk, this north Leeds park stretches across 55 hectares, providing plenty of space to bask in the sunny weather. There’s a huge amount of space to set up a picnic, or you can head to the on-site cafe if you’d prefer.

Visit: Arthington Road, Bramhope, Leeds, LS16 8BQ – www.leeds.gov.uk

Oakwell Hall and Country Park

The vast Oakwell Hall estate stretches across 110 acres with a network of footpaths and nature trails for visitors to explore

Alongside woodland walks, a walled garden and wild flower area, children will love playing in the water park and sand pit, or spotting an array of exotic plants and creatures at The Jungle Experience, the park’s tropical on-site greenhouse.

There’s also plenty of spots to set up a picnic and if you’re feeling energetic, there is an outdoor gym where you can work up a sweat.

Visit: Halifax, HX3 0EB – www.visitcalderdale.com

Valley Gardens

These English Heritage grade II listed gardens in Harroage spread across 17 acres and feature an array of different areas giving visitors plenty to explore.

Have fun in the playground, skate park, boating pool and games areas, which include tennis, pitch and putt and crazy golf, take a dip in the paddling pool, or simply take some time out to wander the footpaths through the gardens.

Visit: Valley Drive, Harrogate, HG1 2SZ –www.harrogate.gov.uk

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

If you’re looking for a park that is a little more out of the ordinary, Yorkshire Sculpture Park won’t disappoint.

The magnificent open air gallery is home to around 80 sculptures and installations, offering a more unqiue way to appreciate some contemporary art by some of the world’s finest artists.

Visit: West Bretton, Wakefield, WF4 4LG –www.ysp.org.uk

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Tucked away in a secluded valley, visitors are guaranteed to be impressed by the vast Cistercian abbey ruins and Georgian water farden at this National Trust site in Ripon.

A medieval deer park, Elizabethan Hall and Gothic church are also on site to see, while the vast green lawns which lead down to

Visit: Mansion Lane, Leeds, LS8 2HH –www.roundhaypark.org.uk

Castle Howard

This stunning 18th century historic house just outside of York stands within 1,000 acres

Home to a skate park, tennis courts, play areas, paddling pool and ornamental lake, as well as a miniature steam railway, there’s a great variety of attractions to keep the whole family entertained.

And visitors can even enjoy horse and carriage rides on weekends.

Visit: Trinity Street, Huddersfield, HD1 4DT – www.kirklees.gov.uk

TOP 5 CASTLES TO VISIT IN NORTH WALES

There are over 600 castles in Wales and it is said to have more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Here are the top 5 castles to visit in North Wales:

CAERNARFON CASTLE

Built in the 1280 by Edward I, Caernarfon is the largest castle in the area and does not disappoint. Having included all the mod cons for its day like toilets, running water and glass in the windows, this vast building is spectatuclar. A brute of a fortress. Caernarfon Castle’s pumped-up appearance is unashamedly muscle-bound and intimidating. Picking a fight with this massive structure would have been a daunting prospect. By throwing his weight around in stone, King Edward I created what is surely one of the most impressive of Wales’s castles. Worthy of World Heritage status no less. Most castles are happy with round towers, not Caernarfon! Polygonal towers were the order of the

day, with the Eagle Tower being the most impressive of these. You will also note the colour-coded stones carefully arranged in bands. The site of this great castle wasn’t chosen by accident. It had previously been the location of a Norman motte and bailey castle and before that a Roman fort stood nearby. The lure of water and easy access to the sea made the banks of the River Seiont an ideal spot for Edward’s monster in masonry.

Edward wasn’t one to miss an opportunity to tighten his grip even further on the native population. The birth of his son, the first English Prince of Wales, in the castle in 1284, was a perfect device to stamp his supremacy. In 1969, the investiture of the current Prince of Wales, HRH Prince Charles took place here.

Whilst you’re visiting this formidable fortress, don’t miss the opportunity to see the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, which is housed in two of the castle’s towers.

CONWY CASTLE

Conwy Castle entrance is truly impressive with two fortified gateways and made up of eight enormous towers. The great hall, private chambers and kitchen can still be seen on visiting which gives you a real sense of what it would have been like back in the day.

Built for Edward I, by Master James of St George, the castle is amongst the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain. In a word, exceptional. You can’t fault it, from the grandeur of its high towers and curtain walls to its excellent state of preservation.

An estimated £15,000 was spent building the castle, the largest sum Edward spent in

such a short time on any of his Welsh castles between 1277 and 1307. Money well spent. Two barbicans (fortified gateways), eight massive towers and a great bowshaped hall all sit within its distinctive elongated shape, due in part to the narrow rocky outcrop on which the castle stands. You won’t find Edward’s concentric ‘walls within walls’ here. They

weren’t needed. The rock base was enough security in itself.

Some say it is the most magnificent of Edward I’s Welsh fortresses. To get the full picture, head for the battlements. Breathtaking views across mountains and sea. If the outside impresses (and it will), wait until you go in. With an outer ward containing a great hall,

chambers and kitchen, and a more secluded inner ward with private chambers and a royal chapel, it is very easy to imagine how Conwy functioned when the royal entourage were in town.

HARLECH CASTLE

Harlech castle is built on what is said to be the oldest rock in the world. It was impenatrable in its day due to its location.

The new Bereavement Suite at QMC has opened with an official announcement

The new Bereavement Suite at QMC has opened with an official announcement.

The new suite will provide an even better level of service to those who have lost loved ones, and means that more staff can be housed in the purpose built facility, with updated equipment and improved facilities for those grieving.

The Bereavement Service has been in place for over a decade, after taking over from the chaplaincy. In 2019, it implemented the Medical Examiners service which is now a nation-wide function for NHS Trusts. Due to this huge change, it

became busier than ever and the facilities at QMC were struggling to keep up with demand.

The service was rapidly running out of space as the room was not large enough for all of the medical examiners, medical examiner officers, bereavement officers, management team, doctors, and consultants. The bereavement family room was also located three floors up from the main office, and families would often have to wait in corridors until the family room was free.

An initial bid for funding was turned down, but refusing to be disheartened, the team applied for the right to fundraise for the new bereavement suite themselves and had their eye on a disused pathology laboratory. A feasibility study then resulted in the cost being as high as £250,000, but the team were determined to try and raise at least some of the funds, in the hope that the Trust may cover the rest.

The team did everything they could to raise funds, from raffles, sponsored swims, card-making, they appeared on NUH radio, spent four weekends clearing out the old laboratory, liaised with local Nottingham companies, set up a Twitter page

and just-giving page, and they also had the invaluable support of the Friends of the QMC charity behind them who had pledged to fund all of the furnishings for the new suite.

The arrival of the pandemic threw the bereavement service into the fore-front of everyone’s mind more than anyone could have ever imagined. At this point the Trust agreed to the construction of the new suite, and it was furnished with the assistance of the Friends of the QMC charity.

During the first fundraising drive, the team had set up a

‘buy a leaf’ campaign for a mural that was to be designed in the new family room, and used the last of their just-giving money to fund a beautiful birch tree mural which features name dedications

Jo Frearson-Smith, Bereavement Services Manager, said:

“We would like to thank everyone that has been involved in this journey and who has supported us from the start.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and contributions made to get this project moving and finally completed.”

NHS nurse recalls King Charles as “the ideal patient”

Staff at our hospitals have been reminiscing about meeting and treating King Charles over the past 30 years – and remember him as “the ideal patient”.

On 11 January 1989, the then Prince Charles visited the Queen’s Medical Centre to meet survivors of the Kegworth air disaster and to chat with staff who cared for them.

Days earlier, a Boeing 737 - en route to Belfast from Heathrow with 126 people on board - was forced to divert to East Midlands Airport for an emergency landing after developing engine trouble. The plane came down short of the runway, smashing into the embankment on the side of the M1. Of the 79 survivors, 74 were seriously injured.

Nurse Lynn Dyer was not working that night, but was called in to the Emergency Department and remembers

the survivors arriving.

“I can remember it as vividly as anything – even down to the clothes people were wearing. I was in Resus with consultants.”

Lynn – who now works in Infection Control – lined up outside with her colleagues for the royal visit.

“It was a freezing January day,” she said. “Charles commented on how cold it was, and I said I should have put my thermals on! He said we should all go back inside and have a hot toddy – I told him I wasn’t allowed to drink on duty!

“It was a very proud moment in my career and one I will never forget – not only meeting Prince Charles –who had no airs and graces - but being part of the Resus team that night.”

Senior staff nurse Gail Burbage was at home when she was called in to look after Prince Charles on ward D9

when he broke his elbow in a polo match in 1990.

“I jumped at the chance,” said Gail.

Charles had a three-hour op and was in a normal side room on the ward, with a small bay occupied by his security team and personal assistants throughout his week-long stay.

“It was an honour to care for him. He was personable, chatty – the ideal patient. Of course, we had certain protocol we had to follow but he kept it all light-hearted and made it easy for us.”

Charles brought his own chefs to QMC as he didn’t want to cause any unnecessary work for the catering staff. Despite this, he was curious to sample the food.

“I went to the ward next door to get a menu. We came up with a plan to order a meal for him using a made-up name so no-one would know it was for the Prince. He ate

it off the plastic trays we used at the time. He said it was really well-balanced!

“When he was able to start moving around, he would stop and speak to everyone – nurses, doctors, porters, cleaners – he wanted to know how we operated.”

After his stay, Charles sent Christmas cards and gifts from Harrods to all the staff that had cared for him.

The following year, he organised a charity polo match at Royal Windsor against Alpha Romeo and all those involved in his care were invited along to watch. The match raised £25,000 which Charles donated to NUH for medical equipment.

Gail said: “It was a great day – I was pregnant with my daughter Amy at the time.”

“Charles returned in 1992 to open the QMC daycase unit and theatre service centre, and visited ward B3. By then I was a Sister, and when

he came in, he said hello and congratulated me on my promotion!”

Charles also opened the multi-faith centre at QMC in 1999, the Breast Institute and the £6.9m Emergency Department - now home to Channel 4’s 24 Hours in A&E - in 2004.

This weekend – after 42

years in the NHS – Gail is taking some much needed time off from her role as a rheumatology consultant nurse.

“I’ll be watching the coronation live with my motherin-law and Amy. My motherin-law Marie is 92 so we’ll be having a nice little picnic and a cup of tea.”

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!

SHOULD

WE

HAVE A WEDDING CONTINGENCY

Without devising and sticking to a realistic budget, many couples struggle to finance the wedding day of their dreams. Buying all the bits and bobs that make a wedding just as fabulous as you are, adds up. Preparing your finances with a contingency fund is recommended, but where do you start when setting aside this essential cash reserve? We explore below. What are the benefits of having a contingency?

A quick online search will reveal the long list of products and services a couple needs to call upon for their wedding day.

Being aware of the wedding costs that could creep up when you least expect them will ensure you are as well prepared as you can be when planning the best day of your life. Hidden costs come in all shapes and sizes; from the stamps needed to send your save-the-dates and invitations,

to those last-minute beauty treatments. Your contingency fund is there should you encounter these unexpected expenses.

Work out how much you can afford to spend in total, make a list of everything you need to sort then decide how you will divide your wedding budget.

Try to make your list as detailed as possible, and ensure that you set aside enough for each item. Recently married friends, wedding magazines and websites are all good sources of advice.

How much should we set aside?

Most suggest a contingency of between 12.5 and 15% of the overall wedding cost. The average wedding in the UK now costs £30,355, which means a minimum contingency of £3,794. This is a significant amount to set aside.

We’d recommend saving as much extra money as you can

and earmarking this as your contingency fund. Whatever you can put aside as a contingency fund, if you don’t use it, it’s extra money towards enjoying your honeymoon – or building your first home together. How can we start building a contingency fund?

Even couples with a comfortable budget should consider building a contingency.

If you can’t save any extra money by cutting back on your monthly outgoings, as many couples planning weddings cannot – saving your savings is an ideal way to boost your wedding budget and build a contingency fund. For every little discount you receive on a wedding-related service or product, put the amount you saved straight into a savings account. With some hard bargaining, you’ll find you’ll quickly accumulate a sizeable

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR BRIDAL SQUAD

Choosing who will be standing by your side on your wedding day will need to be taken with some careful thought and discussion with your partner.

Your close family and friends will probably be hoping or assuming they will be asked, so choosing who to ask can be a bit of a nightmare, and you may be worried about upsetting someone. The key is to prioritise what is important, you can hopefully create a squad that will please everyone.

The best way to start is to write down a wish list of who you would like to ask to be matron of honour, bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, or ushers, think of who would be most suitable to take on the role at your wedding. It may help knowing what responsibilities and duties traditionally expected of the wedding party.

Maid of Honour

The role of maid of honour is usually given to the bride’s

sister or best friend. Choose your maid of honour carefully, as the role comes with a lot of responsibility. It is the maid’s duty to help with any pre wedding arrangements including helping the bride with some of the planning and preparations, accompany her when she shops for her wedding dress and to arrange the hen night. On the day itself, the maid of honour will support you and the bridesmaids and ensure everything runs smoothly and give you emotional support.

Bridesmaids

You can have two bridesmaids or several, it’s up to you. Traditionally your sisters and closest friends are chosen to be bridesmaids. A bridesmaid’s duties will include attending wedding dress fittings, rehearsals, looking after the flower girls, and walking down the aisle with you as part of the procession and standing with you at the alter until being seated for the ceremony.

Best Man

A groom will usually ask his brother or best friend to be his best man at his wedding. The best man will have a lot of responsibility, so you really need to think of who will be the best for the job. The best man will have the task of organising the stag do, help the groom get ready, keep the rings safe, great guests, stand with the groom at the altar and make a speech at the reception.

Groomsmen and Ushers

At a wedding the groom will have groomsmen who will be by his side just like the bridesmaids are for the bride. You may also wish to have ushers at your wedding. The general rule is that you need one usher for every 50 guests. The role of an usher is to escort guests to their seats and should traditionally escort ladies on their arm.

The ushers will also pass out Order of Service books, hymnals and carry out other duties at the ceremony.

Flower Girls and Page Boys

Flower girls and page boys are usually aged between four and eight years old. The role of the flower girls is to look pretty and walk down the aisle before the bride and her father. Flower girls sometimes carry baskets, and scatter rose petals along the way. The page boy will walk down the aisle carrying the wedding rings or will enter before the bride with the flower girls, holding hands with one of the flower girls to up the cute factor.

P.E.C.S. FITNESS Going from Strength to Strength

Here at P.E.C.S. we have been open since January2017, offering a range of facilities from free weights, pin loaded machines, plate loaded machines and fitness classes. Our ethos is to help the community to realise the benefits of a healthy exercise and nutritional lifestyle. We have not stood still in these seven years of business, we have survived covid and expanded twice since opening. We have future developments to make this a very exciting time to be a member.

We are continually striving to introduce new concepts and classes.

The gym is co-owned by Stephen Edwards and Tracy Kidsley. Stephen has been in the fitness industry for over forty years and brings a wealth of experience. Tracy has been in the industry for seven years and is currently exploring the impact of peripost menopause fitness ben-

efits. They are both local to the surrounding area and offer personal training sessions at very competitive prices. One of our main target groups at PECS Fitness is the growing Diabetic population in today’s society. Stephen Edwards co – owner was diagnosed 33 years ago and has first-hand knowledge and understanding of diabetes. Now at the age of 60 he manages the condition through his own specialist diabetic program of exercise and low carb diet. Adapting training techniques with his own substantial training experience to pass on knowledge to members at P.E.C.S. Fitness (Prevention Exercise Cure Solutions) Gibb Street, Long Eaton, NG10 1EE.

We at P.E.C.S. insist that the exercises do not need to be complex or complicated. The first is just to be more active by moving more. You can incorporate an exercise routine

using a chair if mobility is an issue. Basic bodyweight exercises and resistant bands can be used to progress to a more active stage.

What is Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the result of the body losing the ability to control its sugar levels properly. The level of sugar is critical, to high and it can cause damage to the body. Control of sugar levels is the job of a very important hormone called insulin which is produced by the pancreas.

Insulin sends the sugar to cells in the muscles, liver or converts it to fat for storage. When someone is type 2 diabetic those cells have become resistant to insulin therefore sugar levels remain elevated and dangerous. Factors such as ethnicity, high levels of stress, a diet high in processed foods and refined sugars, very sedentary lives all increase the chances of becoming type 2 diabetic. What is important to be aware of is that type 2 diabetes can be effectively managed and even reversed. Making dietary changes such as reducing consumption of processed foods and refined sugars, increasing daily activity and managing stress effectively can help the body to become more insulin sensitive again which lowers sugar to healthier less damaging levels. Over time medications can be reduced or even stopped and the person classed as non type 2 diabetic.

A Few Words From Dawn

After Christmas we are all likely to feel overweight and not happy about ourselves. Our skin may look dehydrated due to the alcohol intake over the festive period. The answer to getting our skin to bloom again is Micro needling which stimulates our skin’s natural collagen, reduces fine lines, and will also flatten white raised scars. The treatment involves tapping a fine needle into the skin with a fast, repetitive motion, using either a single needle or a Dema-roller (a multi-needle device)

The procedure can also used for Crow’s Feet (around the eyes), naso-mentalis lines (either side of the mouth) and stretch-marks on the body.

If you would like to know more about this or any other treatment - Microblading, Medical or Cosmetic Tattooing (permanent

makeup), hair removal by Electrolysis, make-up lessons - please contact Dawn Cragg MBE by telephone 01777 860 500, or email dawn_cragg@hotmail.co.uk. Dawn has a private clinic in Retford.

Hucknall Flying High Academy pupils seeking road safety improvements

Children from Hucknall Flying High Academy invited Mark Spencer MP to join them on their journey to school to see for himself a busy road that children say needs a pedestrian crossing.

Twin sisters, Hannah and Charlotte O’Hare were delighted when Mr Spencer agreed to listen to their suggestions, and following the journey to school, gave their local MP a tour of their academy.

Mark Spencer MP said he had enjoyed visiting the school. “The school is amazing, I have been shown around by Hannah and Charlotte, who showed me the whole academy. Their enthusiasm and commitment is unbounded. I do correspond with the school regularly because the children are so engaged with the world around them. For example, Year 4 wrote to me about the quality of water in rivers.

“But today of course, my reason for visiting is because Hannah and Charlotte have been talking to me about their journey to school, in particular, where they need to cross Watnall Road. This is a very busy road, and the children feel it is too busy to cross without a pedestrian crossing. So, I walked to school with them, to experience the busy road for myself, and now I will go and talk to the County Council to see what we can do to help children cross safely.

“This is very much democracy in action, and I will be in touch with the school, and the children, with any progress we make. After all, I have been lobbied by two very effective lobbyists!”

Charlotte age 8 said she was happy with the visit. “We had a walk with Mark Spencer MP to school and we let him have some cakes and biscuits when we arrived! We also gave him a tour of our school. He came to see how busy Watnall Road is when we walk to

school.”

Twin sister Hannah age 8 said, “The road is very hard to cross, and we thought that Mr Spencer might be able to help. There are lots of cars and vans and it makes it quite hard to cross. We hope that he can help us to get a crossing. He has said he will write back to us after speaking to the County Council. I will be searching the post every morning because we really want him to help.”

Karl Clowery is Head Teacher at Hucknall Flying High Academy and he said, “It

was great to give Mark a chance to see the progress the school has made since opening 3 years ago, and also, to hear the concerns of our children. We are grateful that he continues to listen to and engage with the school, its families and children.

“Hannah and Charlotte were great ambassadors for the school, and I am sure with assistance from Mark Spencer MP, they will make a good case for a pedestrian crossing to assist families on their walk to and from school.”

Carlton Town -Mixed Emotions !!!

We all knew that April was going to be a difficult month and that with the games running out that our League status was still very much in doubt. We were still sitting in the bottom four of the division and with only five fixtures remaining our situation was very precarious. With the fate of the North Shields ground grading appeal now thrown into the hat it was important that our results and good run continued as our survival at ‘Step 4’ was now looking likely to head into a lottery scenario.

Carlton Town 2-1 Consett AFC

The first of two fixtures over the Bank Holiday weekend saw Consett arrive at ‘The Lane’ and looking to do the double over us to add to our woes. Having played them earlier in the season and been on the end of a five-nil drubbing we were looking at the opposition knowing that we had to avenge that very sorry day. Things didn’t start well for us and within five minutes of the game the visitors had stole the lead with their very first offensive move. Carlton had started the game brightly and penned Consett back before Greenwood for the visitors would score on the break. Half-time arrived with no addition to the scoreline and with ‘The Millers still very much in the ascendancy. We came out for the second period and within two minutes of the restart our efforts were finally rewarded when Niall Davie would raise our spirits and level things up as we continued to oppress our opposition. There would be no further addition to the score sheet until Alex Troke would hit the net fifteen minutes from time with a well-taken penalty to give us the points.

Worksop Town 4-0 Carlton Town

Two days later and we were back on the road with a short trip up to the now crowned League Champions. The home side were looking to continue their undefeated season and were in no mood to let us spoil their record. Knowing that we had to go out and get a result and that we were going to be right up against it, the team on the day showed a great fighting spirit. We took the game to half-time without conceding and gave ourselves a great chance to possibly gain a shock result as the boys were fighting courageously against a very assertive side. The home side would break the deadlock very quickly after the break with an unfortunate own goal from Dan Brown who headed past Mike Emery to give them the momentum they needed. This encouraged Worksop and within five minutes they added to their account to leave us a little deflated but still not out of it. Both sides continued to try and out fight each other before the home side with ten minutes remaining would add to their tally. Six minutes later and the home side added a fourth to send us home with nothing to show but a hard-working experience.

Lincoln United 1-0 Carlton Town

With both sides sitting next to each other in the table and both hanging on to our lifelines by a thread this one was a real opportunity for either side to gain some breathing space. The game started disastrously for us and within the first couple of minutes we would find ourselves a goal down. With this early shock and still plenty of time to play we were still confident that we could turn things around and leave with the points. We finished the half still a goal down and with nothing to show for our efforts, but still very much in the fight. The second half continued in the same vein as the first and our fluency with our approach play would amount to nothing by the time the final whistle arrived.

Pontefract Collieries 2-2 Carlton Town

With the previous result not to our liking we headed north into West Yorkshire to a mid-week fixture knowing that we had to get a result against a very resolute team. The fixture would be played over three days when a very serious head injury to Niall Davie just after the half hour mark would lead to the game being abandoned with ‘The Millers’ a goal behind. Two days later we would return North and come home with a very welcome point in a two all draw after having taken the lead. Two goals from the home side sandwiched between an early Niall Hylton strike and a late Kieran Watson finish would bring a very welcome point back to Stoke Lane as our plight would be continuing to the wire.

Carlton

Town 2-0 Dunston

Our final league fixture of the season and a win was the only outcome that we needed. Even though we were unsure of how the

situation with North Shields was going to turn out we knew that if we took all three points we would still be at the peril of the authorities. We took to our task and with only five minutes passed opened the scoring. The game bounced from end to end throughout and was still in the balance right up until it’s demise despite ‘The Millers’ being in full control. With only two minutes to go Nat Watson would bring the curtain down with a good finish after some good build up play.

Carlton Town 2-3 Newark & Sherwood United

With our league campaign now over and our status confirmed we headed to the home of Eastwood Town for our County Cup final and a chance to retain the trophy. This one we knew was going to be a tough experience and that our opposition on the night would be a very hard-working opponent indeed. Our thoughts and concerns were confirmed very early on when the opponents would take the lead after only five minutes. A second goal was added ten minutes later and then a further ten minutes into the game we would concede a penalty which Mike Emery would save. The opposition on the night would throw everything at us and even though the scoreline at half-time was only a two-goal deficit we knew we were still in with a shout. Our play in the second half improved and we created more opportunities that we really should have capitalised on. As we entered the final ten minutes with no addition to the score-line, Nat Watson would pull a goal back before Newark would increase their advantage two minutes later

in what was now the most pulsating time of the fixture. Dean Freeman would get his head to the ball at the far post at the death as we headed into injury time to reduce the scoreline again in what was now a real blockbusting final flourish. The game would end with no further addition to the score-line and the cup would head to North Nottinghamshire for the first time in the club’s history. So, with our season over and our survival confirmed we head into the summer with mixed emotions. Our campaign was not as we had hoped and expected that it would be and our journey through the season had many twists and turns that surprised us. We knew from the off that we would be heading into the unknown after our appeal at the start of the season was turned down regarding the division allocation. Despite this and with all the high and low points over the past nine months we have come through it with only a few bumps and bruises. Our status for next season remains at ‘Step 4’ and our work will continue after the summer break to push our great club up the pyramid.

Article by Phil Jennings

Forest Women crowned league champions

Forest Women faced Stoke City Women at Halbrooke Stadium in their title decider where a win for The Reds would all but confirm the title and Forest’s place in the WNL play-off final.

Andy Cook made one change to the side that won the League Cup last weekend as Arryana Daniels returned to the starting eleven for Yasmin Mosby.

Only 5 minutes after kickoff there was a lengthy break in play as Stoke were forced into an early change with their ‘keeper unable to continue following a collision with Charlotte Greengrass.

In the 11th minute Reds’ captain Lyndsey Harkin found Greengrass in the box; the striker headed wide of the goal.

A minute later and the hosts

had their best chance of the game when Amy West fired over from close range.

Forest had the opening goal and lead in the 25th minute as Becky Anderson’s initial strike hit the post before the midfielder slotted home the rebound.

The Reds almost had their second of the afternoon when Greengrass headed just wide of the far post on 30 minutes.

Anderson and Mai Moncaster both had their efforts blocked in the 15 minutes before the break as the hosts entered half-time with a lead.

Half-time: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Stoke City

5 minutes into the second half and The Reds almost doubled their lead as multiple efforts were saved and blocked by the Stoke defence.

Hayley James whipped in a dangerous low cross on 64 minutes; no-one in red could reach the onrushing ball.

Andy Cook looked to freshen things up in the 72nd minute when he made five changes. Greengrass, Moncaster, Steggles, West and Daniels made way with Mitchell, Mosby, Powell, Reynolds and Hewitt being introduced into the action.

Subsitiute Gianna Mitchell wasted no time in making an impact when she doubled Forest’s lead in the 84th minute when the striker headed home. With one minute remaining of regular time substitute Yasmin Mosby slotted

home The Reds’ third of the afternoon to secure the three points and the league title.

Full-time: Nottingham Forest 3-0 Stoke City

Forest Women win the FA Women’s National League

Northern Premier Division for this first time since 2007/08 following a 3-0 win at Halbrooke Stadium with over 1,700 in attendance.

The Reds have now qualified for the FA WNL play-off

final at Stadium MK where they will face the winners of the FA WNL Southern Premier Division on Saturday 20th May to the chance a promotion to the Championship.

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