The Beestonian 81: SPRING 22

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Editorial

THE BIG IDEA PAINT

Beestonian The

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beeston l a n o s r e p + e s o Upcl

Christopher

Frost

Beeston continues to thrive, with loads more exciting places opening in the town centre recently. More in the pipeline too, by the next issue there will hopefully be no more empty units left!

Essen The writing on the windows says it all deli, wine, homeware and all of the cheese!

Already proving very popular, particularly as it has plenty of indoor seating.

Big Mike's Artisan Cheesecakes

Beeston Halal Food Store A tardis-like store which is packed with foodstuffs from around the globe. Really good quality, and loads cheaper than the supermarkets.

Not a new venture, but a simply beautiful mural by Anna Wheelhouse.

Beeston's 'Light Night'

T

Nottingham has run a Light Night in the city for many years now, so it was about time that we had one of our own. And for a first attempt, it was spectacular, with something for just about everyone, and all with easy access.

The main event was the switching on of the new neon sign at the Interchange, that had been designed by members of the Beeston Street Art group and paid for by

One of the most eagerly anticipated openings of recent times, we're already seeing huge queues forming outside here.

New street art at the British Legion

This issue:

he title is a line by Austrian poet Rainer Maria Rilke, and is quite apt for Beeston’s first Light Night, that took place at the end of January. Created, organised and run by the Beeston Street Art Group under the creativity of Jeanie O'Shea (aka Jeanie Barton).

donations. ‘#alightinBeeston’ of course has two meanings; making Beeston less dark and about getting off the tram or bus and seeing what Beeston has to offer. This took place at about 5pm, and it seemed like half of Beeston was there to see it happen. Broxtowe’s Mayor: Richard MacRae said a few words, the switch was flicked by a hidden Jeanie, and the sign glowed green in the ever darkening sky.

Richard observed that it was good to see so many people out and about. Art, light and music were to be seen from Broadgate to Chilwell High Road. The Rylands were also involved with events down by the canal and at the Boat and Horses (see Lulu's coverage of that in this issue), and there was a small satellite event by the shops on Central Avenue.

Instead of writing about the things on offer, I’ll let my photos do the talking, as there was so much to see. I inevitably missed some things; namely drag artist Dixie Rect and the Sound Catchers.

Unfortunately, Fields of Fire had to pull out at the last minute due to illness. I also didn’t manage to watch all the films that were being screened at the Parish Church, which included ‘The Year of the Roses’ made by Italian artist and writer Roberto Alborghetti, who is no stranger to Beeston, having visited almost every year since 2015.

With so many happy and excited people milling around the town, this meant good news for shopkeepers and eatery owners, as they stayed open late to catch the passing trade. Queues outside various places was a healthy sign that sales were good for them. People were milling around all evening taking in everything on offer.

Requesting feedback through Beeston Updated, it clearly shows how much people enjoyed it.

“The event was lovely a real community spirit lifter” – Nicola Rowlson

“Great things happen when people come together, diversity and inclusion shone Saturday night and it was my birthday” – Shaun Dannheimer “Samba collective. When the rhythm comes into my head, I find myself smiling and moving involuntary" – Stephen Miles “It was fantastic and great to track around Beeston enjoying the different ways artists has used light to entertain us” – Ian Beestin “The Oasis church did a truly amazing job of keeping everyone warm with free hot chocolate.

We even got whipped cream and marshmallows on top! Much needed as it was a cold evening.

The whole event just shows what an amazing community we have right here in Beeston. We also loved making the LED creations and the fact that there was so much to explore, the event really showcased the new modern Beeston” – Fleur Delaney “The feeling of belonging to a community was lovely” – Naomi Atamaniuk “I loved the chaos of it. Something new around every corner. We had a map, but kind of ignored it and wandered round…It felt a bit like a second mini-Christmas, which I really needed after a long, dark January. The drag butterfly, the samba band and the umbrella octopus were the things I loved most. – James Hind “It was great to see families and people of all ages enjoying the friendly, fun atmosphere.

Beeston was definitely 'alight'” – Jayne Heal “It was lovely to see so many people - families, couples, singles - all out and about chattering, singing, laughing and dancing. The Beeston community at its best” – Jules Bellingham

I caught up with Jeanie a couple of days after the event, just so she could get her breath back, to ask her how she thought it went. “It was simply phenomenal, and we were honestly so surprised as to how popular it was. Way busier than any Nottingham Light Night that I have ever attended. I want to give the highest praise to all the volunteers and those who got involved, giving their time and creativity for free. Also, all the installations who participated so impressively.

Thanks also to Broxtowe Council for trusting us with the majority of Beeston’s EU ‘Welcome Back’ fund for the temporary attractions."

"Our permanent neon artwork #alightinBeeston, was organised by the Beeston and District Civic Society and paid for by crowdfunds and sponsors C P Walker & Son, Arc Cinema Beeston, The Victoria Hotel, Beeston, Dave’s Window Cleaning Services, Rylands Flooring Distribution Ltd and Ways Pharmacy plus a Borough Council Community Grant. Also special thanks to Neon Creations Ltd for building it and Terry from Slater Electrical who installed it”.

“If there is more funding found going forwards, we would like to repeat the venture, possibly involving Beeston’s sizeable Chinese community as it seemed to coincide with their Lunar New Year. I am so proud of Beeston Street Art and its continual organic expansion and popularity. It is definitely one of the greatest things that I’ve ever been involved in and met so many friends through it”.

“Looking through some of the comments that have appeared on social media, it can rightly be called a success”.

CF

Christopher

Frost i am

This issue:

Sam Cholerton Author

beeston speaks I I was born in the QMC. My mum Debbie was born in Germany and worked for Broxtowe Council until about 21 years ago, when my sister was born. My dad Jeff had loads of different jobs until the current one, which he has been in for 25 years. I can’t explain exactly what he does, but I know he works with servers for the university students. I lived in Chilwell before moving to Stapleford about seven years ago to live with my partner John”.

“Local people are very kind and friendly and are always willing to help others out if they need any help with shopping or anything like that. A good example of this is when we saw Sandiacre apartments on fire a few years ago.

Loads of people gathered around to help those who lived there with loads of essentials that they needed as they had lost them in the fire”.

“I like visiting all the charity shops in Beeston.

I haven’t had time to check out the new cinema

yet. I have been in to ask questions, but not actually seen any movies. But what I have seen is that the cinema is brilliant and in a very good location. I used to go for a walk around Attenborough Nature Reserve, with my dad when I was younger. He’s my rock, and has always supported my choices and has always backed me all the way”.

“I’ve written four short stories so far. Two are about Jack the Ripper, as I watched loads of documentaries of him and read up about him.

It took me a few months to write. I had some help from this lovely lady called Angela who is also a publisher, but she writes kids stories. My third is about the Krays called ‘Broken Families’, and my latest one is about Pearl Harbour. I sell them through Amazon. I haven’t done any writing courses, but I have been thinking of expanding my knowledge if I can find the right sort of course for me”.

CF

f o y rsit

e v i un

a i n esto

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W

e’re lucky in Beeston to have two great universities on our doorsteps, and many of you reading this may well have connections to one or both of them.

Following our recent Beestonian decadal size-and-shape review we’re going to use these pages in future issues to highlight some of the exciting work that’s going on east of Broadgate and south of the Trent, and in the other campuses linked to Nottingham’s two universities. As our universities work closer together through the recent Universities for Nottingham Civic Agreement, we hope to do our little bit to help spread the word. There’s a lot of things to choose from; recent work around Covid, understanding the impacts of Brexit, electric powered flight, feeding a growing global population whilst our climate changes…

You find amazing people and amazing things in universities; in many other places too, but this column is about universities and some of the amazing things you find in them, so please excuse the bias.

We encourage those of you working in our universities to get in touch and tell us and our readers about your work. We’re particularly interested in highlighting work that spans traditional subject spaces, work that spans science and the arts for example. There’s no further agenda, other than to provide a space to write and read about interesting stuff.

Matt

Jones

This issue: the Beestdon Files

I can’t ignore that I’m writing this intro piece in the midst of another round of UCU strikes. There’s a lot of pissed off people around, there’s a lot to be pissed off about.

But this isn’t the place, at this time, to dwell on those things. While we’ve been planning the content for the next few issues it’s again highlighted there’s so much great stuff going on in our universities driven by inspired and inspiring folk. I hope things can be resolved so that can be the focus for everyone soon, that systems put in place to drive strategy will encourage innovative thinking and collegiate working, rather than putting barriers and division in place.

I hope these pages can be somewhere to celebrate all that until our next decadal review.

MJ

contributors this issue: Scott Bennett, Tim Pollard, Lulu Davenport, The Beestonian is...

Editor in Chief / Lord Beestonian:

Matt Turpin Co-founder /Resident Don: Prof J Editor / Ad Sales : John Cooper Deputy Editor /Community Editor: Christopher Frost Design & The Beest: Dan Cullen Creative Editor: Debra Urbacz All Things Rylands: Janet Shipton / Naomi Robinson

Lucy Morrow, Joe Earp, Jo Norcup, Jamie Martin, Amy Victoria Gathercole, Katie and Helen Goodbarton

Thanks to all who help us get the issue sustainable and available to all who want to read. If you’d like to help out - by advertising, promoting or writing with us, then drop us a line at thebeestonian@gmail.com. We are an absolutely independent, grassroots nonprofit community magazine with the sole intention of making Beeston a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

Stockists: (Subject to Lockdown ruling updates)

Fred Hallams, Out Of This World, Cycle Inn, Broadgate Post Office, The Bird Hide, John Flynn Opticians, J&B Autos, The Commercial, The Victoria, The Circle Eatery, The Doughmother, Gill’s Fish & Chips, Dessert Haven, Attenborough Nature Reserve, Canalside Heritage Centre, The Berliner, The Hop Pole, Totally Tapped, The Pottle, The Crown, The Star, The Commercial, The Malt Shovel, Metro, Charlie Foggs, Cartwheel, The Little Plant Guys and the Boathouse Cafe, Essen, Yellow Wood Cafe, Happy Daze Global Village Cafe (aka Tastie Bites), Boat and Horses events at the Bartons Garage.

Katie

???

Beeston A graduate hotspot

This issue: The Odd Allure of Beeston

O

ver the past decade, Beeston has seen a rapid increase in young people choosing to make this quaint town their postuniversity base. Originally drawn to Nottingham for its educational purposes, grads are finding a happy home in suburbia and deciding to plant roots instead of fleeing to larger areas. But why are fresh faced graduates giving up on their dreams of the big city and making humble Beeston their desired location? I spoke to some resident Beestonians (new and old) about why they think more young people are deciding to stick around post university.

Meg graduated from Nottingham Trent in summer 2021, making the move from the outskirts of the city to Beeston the following September and now works in a local charity shop. Amy graduated from the University of Nottingham in 2015 and moved to Beeston the following year, and Claire has been here ever since she finished her PhD in 1991. The three of them provide interesting insights into why they came to, and subsequently stayed in, the comfort of Beeston.

Claire

Having moved out of the city to a more provincial location, Meg is a big fan of her new home. She says the town has ‘everything I need on an everyday basis’ and is ‘so accessible and easy to get around’. For students ready to take on the next stage of life, Beeston feels like a safe place to gain some greater independence and offers a tranquil escape from the buzz of the city centre, without compromising on character.

Although Meg says she wouldn’t have lived in Beeston as a student, as a recent grad it suits her well. She says there is ‘a stronger community feel’ as well as being a pretty penny cheaper than the centre. Although she considers one day moving to London, Meg admits there is a charm about Beeston, saying ‘it has its own thing going on’ and that you can always be sure to bump into a friendly face around the town – something you don’t get so much living in a city. With a range of pubs, cafés, and everyday shops (and the infamous giant Tesco), Beeston provides the perfect half-way location to adulthood. It is just far enough from out of the student bubble but still has the faint ring of student life close within reach.

Amy

However, it’s not just recent grads who

are anchoring themselves in Beeston’s firm foundations. Amy, who has been living in Beeston for 6 years, equally finds an affinity with the friendly nature of our town. Living in Lenton before making the move to Beeston, Amy says she was ‘excited to live somewhere that had more of a high-street, nice local shops and cafes’, of which we are spoilt for choice.

Living a short walking distance from the canal, she appreciates the duality of having beautiful green, open spaces, while never being too far from a coffee shop. Claire, a long-term settler, also believes the range in facilities and opportunities is key to Beeston’s appeal. Having moved here herself after finishing her PhD, Beeston has seen her through her student days, through to now settling down with a family.

She believes that the town has ‘a really vibrant little life’ that is suitable for many stages of life. She says, ‘there’s nothing like going into your local corner shop and having a friendly face that knows you to say hello’ and this sort of grounding is really useful.

Amy also agrees that having those familiar faces surround you is a ‘really attractive thing’. She says that ‘people are being drawn back to that sense of community’ and being part of something more than just where you live. Beeston certainly provides this, with its vibrant arts scene, community projects and groups, it’s never lacking opportunities for residents to get out and get involved.

Whereas big cities can feel like you’re just another face in a crowd, the intimacy of Beeston makes it somewhere worth staying.

Amy, Meg and Claire all praise the community aspect of Beeston’s appeal, and suggest that increasingly, people are beginning to prioritise the family feel in a place when deciding where to settle. After graduating, a lot of students are looking for a form of stability- a place to feel needed and known - and it seems Beeston’s homely atmosphere and abundance of friendly faces have captured the hearts of many grads searching for a ‘forever home’.

K

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Pollard

This issue: Don't mention the war

Bow TREES OF Selecta BEESTON

T

he sun is out, it’s warm enough weather to walk my daughter to school without a thick coat on – and this very morning she decided to ditch the shirt, skirt and cardigan and wear a summer dress instead.

"... running around with other kids, lightsaber fights, using the Force and eating cake.”

And it’s not just because of that I can tell things are changing in the world (or at least my tiny part of it) as for the first time in literally years I’ve been getting actual, physical, turn-up-in person Robin Hood gigs! Lockdown and Covid haven’t been good for anyone socially, but for performers, entertainers and musicians it’s been a nightmare; I did a few online things, like a guest spot in the Treetops Hospice video pantomime and a fair few Zoom interviews, but the last big public event was the twice-postponed, rescheduled and ultimately cancelled Robin Hood Pageant back in 2019.

So imagine my joy when I got the call as few weeks ago asking me to take part in the return of the St. George’s Day parade in Nottingham, not just a celebration of England’s national day but a celebration of celebrations themselves. As before, we’ll have St. George and his companion knight astride their mighty steeds representing the country, Robin Hood representing Nottingham and countless supporters parading with us into the Market Square – the big concern will be worrying about the weather, and for once that’s a great position to be in.

There are certainly some people who may still say it’s too soon, that the increase on Covid cases reported today (up to one in sixteen people apparently) means we should be more cautious – and I can see an argument for that.

It’s true that hospitalisations are creeping up and there are significantly fewer masks to be seen on public transport or at other events.

Scarlett and I were lucky enough to see the magnificent production of Jeff Wayne’s THE WAR OF THE WORLDS at the Motorpoint Arena a couple of days ago, due to the friends who’d bought the tickets for themselves testing positive; their sad loss in not going was our gain as Scarlett absolutely adored it from start to finish – but no-one there was wearing a mask, including us. Hopefully as society, the country and the world learns to live with Covid we’ll still be aware of the issues it causes but as the effects for most people lessen we can focus more on keeping the vulnerable safe.

And as another sign of this, Scarlett is off this weekend to a school friend’s birthday party, a young man turning seven who’s last two birthdays have been just him and his Mum and Dad (great though they are, of course). This time he’s having a Star Wars themed do in a hall and hopefully having a whale of a time, enjoying all the fun of running around with other kids, lightsaber fights, using the Force and eating cake. Not that cake is a massive part of the Star Wars saga, unless you count Leia cake…* And that joy is inspirational – Scarlett’s wide-eyed amazement at seeing a giant Martian tripod with real flamethrowers, her friend’s excitement at actually having a birthday party, and my happiness seeing that and being able to enjoy springtime in what seems to be a revitalised Beeston, walking in shirtsleeves, seeing the changes in the Nature Reserve and elsewhere and thinking how lucky we are to live in this wonderful town, a place where (unless you own a bike or need a wee) life is pretty good, and hopefully getting better. *I apologise. But at least I didn’t say he’d gone from SOLO birthdays to having a Star Wars party.

TP

A

fter two years of lockdowns and the lingering presence of a global pandemic, many of us Beestonians have found respite and restorative escape in nature.

We are very fortunate to be located in a part of Nottinghamshire where green spaces are within relative ease of access, daily exercise in our parks and traversing through the streets have given many of us the opportunity – should we wish to observe it – to take time to take in our trees. They have served to provide markers to seasonal rhythms and offering up larger philosophical perspectives: that the global pandemic may be ongoing, but non-human lives remain consistently persevering in their seasonal rhythms ignorant of stressful news headlines. Trees offer - as Hesse quote states - sanctuary, for those who take the time to observe them closely and choose to spend contemplative time in their company.

So as January drifts into February and beyond (February 1st celebrated by Pagans as Imbolc, the equal point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox) and early spring, do check-in on your favourite Beeston trees – how are they doing? What are their buds looking like? How do they feel? What size are they? What is their colouration? Buds are a useful indicator when identifying species of deciduous trees in the winter when no leaf foliage is available from which to make identification. There are a number of smart phone apps that can ease this process (for example, Plant Identifier) as well as books you can find in Beeston Public Library.

Taking time to look closely, you will notice the different coloration of twigs from which the lateral and terminal buds (side and tip of twig buds) emanate. It is good to check in on deciduous trees at different times of year as they serve not only as a marker of seasonal shifts, but the more we take time to appreciate just one tree, say hello to it, look closely and study it, the more grounded and connected we become to worlds beyond the politics and confusion of the human world.

While we might not live in a forest, this small act is a nod to the Japanese practice of Shintin-yoku or 'forest-bathing'. Taking time to be calm and quiet amongst trees or with just one tree, observing the nature around you and noticing your breath and slowing your breathing pattern can help all humans to de-stress and boost a sense of wellbeing and connection. In the last few years, many people have felt dislocation and disconnection from loved ones, but have taken some time to appreciate, value and connect with the trees in our streets, parks, gardens, nature reserves, canals, on the verges of rivers and railway tracks. These places might not be a ‘forest’ as such, but taking time to look, listen and observe their presence can help us connect with our own imaginations and ourselves. We can become more us, restoring a sense of balance and calm, albeit momentarily, in our lives, and practised regularly, those moments can become precious regular practice in connecting with the trees and nature that surrounds us and in turn enrich our daily lives.

If you are reading this and thinking, 'well, this all sounds great but I’m not going to do that in the middle of The Square', we might have the solution. I have had a number of enquiries over the four years I have contributed the Trees of Beeston column about the possibility of running a walking tour so that people can find out a little bit more about our arborial heritage.

So it is with great excitement to provisionally announce that an inaugural Trees of Beeston Tour will take place in late spring (sometime towards the middle of June but To Be Announced) with a focus on Central Beeston’s trees; the ones we pass everyday: on foot to and from work, school drop-offs and pick-ups. The tour will be hosted by myself on behalf of the Beeston and District Civic Society and I would value the input of Beestonian readers for suggestions as to their favourite Central Beeston trees. Do drop The Beestonian an email if you have any ideas / suggestions: thebeestonian@gmail.com Happy Beeston ‘forest-bathing’ and bud– identifying, Dr JN

Dr Jo

Norcup

This issue:

Forest bathing, bud observing and Trees of Beeston Tours.

"Trees are sanctuaries.

Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth" Herman Hesse

Joseph

Earp

This issue: Delving into the history of Chilwell

chilwell brickyard C hilwell was originally a hamlet on the road from Nottingham to Ashby-de-la-Zouch. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book, but along with Toton it became part of the parish of Attenborough. Suburban development spread gradually from Beeston along Chilwell High Road.

Chilwell Brickyard was located off the top of Field Lane. The entrance was off the corner at the bottom of School Lane. The exact location of the brickyard is where modern day Leamington Drive and Letchworth Crescent meet. The original entrance to the brickyard off School Lane is still there and is now a cut through to the houses on Leamington Drive (see photo).

The population in the area grew substantially during World War I, when most of the area of level ground between Chilwell and Toton was occupied by the National Shell Filling Factory. The original direct route between Chilwell and Toton became a gated military road, now known as Chetwynd Road.

The brickworks at Chilwell seem to have been worked by several generations of the Thompson family and was in operation for well over 100 years. The earliest date found for the Thompson family at the works is 1865. From other information found it seems that the brick works was possibly started up to twenty years earlier then that.

Chilwell's industry in the 18th and 19th century was mainly agricultural and horticultural. Hosiery and lace manufacturing was also to be found in the area. One of the other industries found in Chilwell around this time was brick making.

Edward Thompson of Breaston had taken over the Chilwell brickworks on the 31st of December 1865. It had previously operated as J.G. Thompson & Company. This company had been owned by John Garton Thompson of Chilwell and Richard Thompson of Chellaston. The latter two of this partnership had retired from brickmaking. As a normal time span for a brickmaker was up to twenty years, it would seem plausible that John Garton Thompson started the brickyard around 1845. With Edward Thompson taking over the business on New Years Eve 1865 and an entry in a trade directory for a Henry Thompson at the works in 1876, it appears that Edward Thompson owned the business for around ten years.

The first trade directory entry for a owner of the works is for Henry Thompson in Kelly's 1876 edition. This entry continues until 1908 when the entry reads Henry Thompson (exors of). Kelly's 1912 edition then records William Thompson at the works. This would suggest that Henry had passed away and William took over ownership of the brick works. It is quite possible that William was Henry's son. William continues to be listed for the brickyard in Kelly's Directory up until the last available directory in 1941.

The exact year Chilwell Brickyard closed is unknown, but the brickyard was certainly operational into the early 1960's. The brickyard was demolished in the late 1960s/ early 1970s and modern day Leamington Drive and Letchworth Crescent was built on the site. The former brickyard may be gone but it has left it's mark on the area. Walking around modern day Leamington Drive and Letchworth Crescent you can literally get a feel for where the brickyard was located and see the physical impression it has left on the local area.

JE

Community

Matters

N This issue: Pass the Prosecco

ow it’s not just the conservative government who know how to organize a party.

If you’re a parent of young children this is a skill you need to be hot on.

written 16.00hrs. That was a bit odd, who is she inviting? The SAS? It’s a birthday party mate, you’re not going paintballing in Helmand Province, wind your neck in pal. If I see kids doing commando rolls through the doors and abseiling through the air vents I’ll know why.

This afternoon my daughter is going to a party for one of her friends. I’m thrilled about this. There is nothing a parent loves more than sending their angelic child into a church hall on a Saturday afternoon, only for them to emerge two hours later, red faced and sweaty, clutching a plastic trumpet and charged up like Al Pacino in Scarface. Unable to sleep after having ploughed through more sugar than the Tate and Lyle factory.

There are so many places pitching for your kids' special day now. Firstly there is the trampoline park. Which is perfect if you want that magical cocktail of vomit, slush puppy and broken collar bones. Why go home with a party bag when you can have concussion?

That is one of the joys of hosting a kids party, just watching the fear in the parents eyes, knowing that you’ve swapped their child for a nightmare.

My youngest daughter is in the party phase at the moment. There seems to be one every weekend. She’s basically a socialite now, I’m not her daddy, I’m just her driver. She’s even started sitting in the back, air-con on full blast, wearing sunglasses and sipping a Fruit Shoot, like one of the Kardashians.

It’s not easy organizing a party for your kid.

It was so much simpler when I was young. You submitted names to your parents, and they filtered through the list and removed anyone who they thought was a lunatic: “Not him love, one blue Smartie and he’ll set fire to his fringe, we can’t have that.”

You then all piled into the back of your dads hatchback and went to McDonalds and sat in a boat for an hour. You were given a hat, they sang happy birthday, then it was over.

Now it’s a bit more of an event. First of all there is the understanding that children should write their own invites. This isn’t just basic admin now, this is a chance for your child to express themselves, and to be independent: “Susie did hers in calligraphy, she added stickers, and rose petals, it was like an invite from the Queen. We need to go one better! Get a stamp made with the family crest on it, seal it with wax and have it delivered via carrier pigeon!”

Then you remember that your child is only five and takes about an hour for them to write four letters, two of which are the wrong way round.

It’s painful to watch. By the time they’ve finished these invites it’s time for their next birthday.

My five year old did hers this week, Toy Story themed. On the arrival time she had

Then you have the wonderful world of Build a Bear. Where a child can make their own teddy bear to take home with them. How magical: “Happy Birthday Sweetheart, ever wanted to know what child labour is like, well here we are!”

I’ve felt like turning to the staff and saying: “I’ve signed the contract, I’ll pick her back up in 18hrs, no toilet breaks!”

For her 18th I’m getting her a week in the Primark factory, she’ll love that.

It’s an amazing place is Build a Bear, it always makes me smile. A chance for your child to make their own teddy bear for the bargain price of thirty five pounds. Thirty five quid?!? What are they filling it with, crack cocaine? They offer you these amazing optional extras, like you’re buying a new car.

“Would you like a voice box for it? A birth certificate, have you thought of a name?”

It's a teddy bear, I’m not re-animating a corpse! This isn’t Frankenstein. Why does it need documents? It isn’t going on the grid! Why stop there? Let’s get it a passport in case it wants to fly home to Peru. A national insurance number, enrol it in the local school. Honestly there is more admin for this bear than there was for the child I am buying it for.

Having an entertainer come along to your child’s special day is always a risk. We’ve been very lucky in the past, they’ve all been wonderful, but it’s a tough gig. As a comedian I have had my fair share of on stage nightmares, some that have been so brutal that I feel like part of my soul has evaporated, but I’d still rather take on a room full of angry builders in Hull, than ten seven year olds powered by Haribo.

Next time you have a children’s entertainer for your child’s birthday, try and stare into their eyes, you’ll be able to see their truth. It’ll be there, hidden behind the clown paint. Their real pain, they did a drama degree. Some of their friends are on stage in the west end and this is their life now. The only role they’ll ever come close to is a sausage one.

Sometimes parents opt for a Disney themed party. Frozen was always a popular choice. I remember taking my youngest daughter to one that was clearly done on a budget. It was in a social club, which are amazing places. They have been preserved in time. Polystyrene ceiling tiles, old men in the back playing snooker, a carpet that your nanna still has, and posters that say things like, “top male vocalist Bobby Benson, here next Friday!”

When I dropped my daughter off, in her brand new Elsa dress, that magical shine was soon removed when we saw Olaf hiding behind a transit van having a crafty cigarette.

A plume of smoke coming out from under his carrot. He clocked my daughter and said “ooh I shouldn’t be doing this sorry!” she quickly replied, “no you shouldn’t, you’ll melt!”

A climbing party is a new one, which is becoming very popular amongst my daughters' friends. I like the idea of these, it’s normally the parents who are climbing the walls, so it makes a change to let the child have a go. They also normally have a decent café, so you can sit back on your phone, sipping a cappuccino whilst your little darling dangles from a harness twenty feet in the air, legs flapping like a kite stuck on a pylon.

The presents have gone up a gear too.

There is a pressure there. It used to be so simple. Three pound coins stuck inside a card on a strip of sellotape. If the card has come from a Grandma it should ideally be one of those that had a hand drawn footballer on the front, or a train or a sportscar, which is really relevant when you’re six years old and live in the box room. Now parents have upped their game. Lego, Barbies, LOL dolls, it’s expensive.

I’ve already two children I buy the affection of, I don’t need another one.

Sometimes you have to turn down a party, because your child doesn’t want to go.

That’s always tricky. You can’t be honest.

These are children after all. The easiest and most painless option is to say your child is ill or you’re on holiday, then all you have to do is simply life like a hermit for the entire weekend, doing your shopping in full disguise and never looking out of your windows. It’s a bit of a sacrifice but more palatable than the truth which is, “my child actually hates yours.”

You have to remember though that to a certain extent your child’s social life depends on how well you bond with the other parents.

This is something you need to realise fast.

You have to find out quickly, who the key characters are, the ones you need to be in

with. Basically what I’m saying is, if there is a kid there whose parents have a hot tub and a villa in Portugal, your kid needs to be their best mate.

“But I don’t like him daddy, he’s rude?”

“It doesn’t matter, I don’t like going on holiday to Skegness, so suck it up and mingle mate!”

Sometimes you get to parties and it’s a drop off. They are the best, you can just roll up, get your kid out of the car, hurl them through the fire escape and you can be in Wetherspoons within fifteen minutes. Others, you have to stay.

It’s so strange being a parent at a kids birthday party, the only connection you have with these other adults is your child.

You find yourself stood next to some random dad, just making small talk, like some sort of forced speed date. Your wife will ask you when you get home: “How was the party?”

“Great, I spent two hours standing next to a fire escape in a church hall talking to some dad called Paul about Game of Thrones!”

You do adult chat, but in a children’s world it’s so surreal, you start reminiscing about other parties your kid has been to: “You done the chuckle hut soft play, that’s good, great staff in there, very clean too” “You should’ve been at Grace’s party. That was special. Her parents gave everyone Prosecco. They even laid on a buffet, M and S too! If I close my eyes, I can still taste those Chorizo bites!”

Sometimes if you’re the parents of the child who’s party it is, you have to make tea and coffee for the parents. It’s not good enough to just keep the kids happy now, you have to focus on the adults too. I’ve been in that situation. Making tea for about 30 parents. I didn’t leave that kitchen. I missed my daughter blowing her candles out, because I was stuck in there. I felt like a barista in Costa.

There is always that awkward moment when a parent brings along an older sibling who wasn’t invited, because they couldn’t get a babysitter.

“Can they come in?”

“Well yeah, they’ll have to now won’t they!”

That upsets the dynamic. Now you have this eleven year old giant smashing his way across the bouncing castle sending toddlers flying onto floor. It’s like entering a rottweiler into Cruft’s!

There is an unsaid etiquette when it comes

to the party food too. All the parents know that this looks really good. But you can’t have any of it.

You stand behind your child, you push them up to the table and that’s the nearest you get to it. But there are mavericks out there who break the rules. I once saw a mum just pull up a chair, load up a plate and plough through some buffet like she was nine years old. A massive grown adult, sitting in between the little kids like Will Ferrell in Elf! Look, all parents want to eat it, but there is a way. You have to use your kid as a conduit: “Have you finished with that Sausage roll Samuel?”

“Yes, you have haven’t you, well don’t waste it, give it to Daddy!”

“You’ve had enough now haven’t you Sophia, you’ll not want those fifteen chocolate fingers, come on then…..give them to your Daddy, I’ll deal with those!”

The whole time all you can think about is getting to those party bags. When you see the parents organising those you know it’s almost over. The best moment for a parent comes later that evening. When your child is safely tucked up in bed, shattered after a great party, and you’re downstairs on the sofa, watching The Crown and polishing off their sweets while they sleep.

You sling the cake though don’t you. It might be home made, it might look delicious, but as soon as that kid blew out those candles, it’s been baptised in bacteria. One slice of that cake will have so much DNA on it, by the time you’ve finished eating that, you’d probably be related.

Scott Bennett Comedian | www. scottbennettcomedy.co.uk Twitter - @scottbcomedyuk | Instagram - @ scottbcomedyuk Stand up from the shed – Live stream Every Week Live – www.facebook.com/scottybcomedy Podcast – Search “Stand up from the shed” on Apple and Soundcloud Twitter - @standupinashed

Jamie

NG9 News W ATTHE FU ZZ ?

H NG9 Roundup Martin

By Lucy Morrow

This issue: January March 2022

It has been a fairly interesting recent few years, I think we can all agree, with the pandemic and various other occurrences - but we are here to speak about what has happened this year, in 2022...

JANUARY

Can you guess the Fuzzy Felt Formations?

(Answers below)

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Earlier in the year, NG9 News had the splendid opportunity to interview the amazing Isabel Caswell, a Beeston born and future ‘big-time’ acting prospect who has starred in a hit show called “The Bay”, alongside showing-off her skills in various productions locally and afar. When I phoned her up, I could hear/visualise the passion that Isabel not only has for acting, but for the community she was born and bred in - and hopes that her home town can get behind her, and support her ‘bright future’. (see our feature on Isabel in this very issue!)

January also brought some controversy in the community, as new plans drawn up by a developer showed the proposed conversion of the former 'Brodgate House' office building. Hoping to house around 84 students, this is something many Beestonians have been vocal about, some concerned, some optimistic.

Of course, the stand out feature to finish the month was the amazing Beeston Light Night, which showcased neon light installations, dancers, drummers, torch parades and much, much more. For many Beestonians, the high street was viewed as a place to shop, socialise and explore, but for just one night of the year (29th January 2022), the whole town was lit up in bright rainbow colours in an event many hope returns under the helm of Beeston Street Art. Thousands flocked to see the installations and various other events, and thousands left with a great smile on their face - the beauty of Beeston.

FEBRUARY Ah, yes, February - now that was a busy month! To ‘kick’ off the year, the local social hotspot, The Garage Chilwell, announced it would welcome ex-England rugby stars to its venue, in a *hopefully* regular event when sports are on. George Chuter, Tim Stimpson and Tom Croft would soon join Beestons rugby lovers at the venue, sharing a pint, watching the Six Nations and having a laugh - the true spirit of both Beeston, and sports!

At the heart of Beeston sits the classic and popular, Bird’s cafe, famed locally for its beautiful bakes, great staff and a shop that many have grown up seeing and visiting. Given its age, the shop decided to have a refurb, with less seating space and more emphasis on 'takeaway' service. The shop is showing clearly more movement into the modern high street, and give consumers what they really want - a quick, easy and affordable bakery service locally.

Following on from the outstanding and both locally/nationally recognised success of the art installations around Beeston, such as the murals on the Bird’s building, Beeston Street Art revealed their 47th installation in Beeston - this time, at the Royal British Legion building, and creating a beautiful image of a poppy growth in tribute to those who have served in the British armed forces over the years.

Nottingham’s Gamble Street artist Anna Woodhouse designed the colourful artwork that features poppies intermingled with bees.

MARCH So far, we can all agree the weather has most certainly improved, the canal finally glimmering with sunlight, and the population of short-wearers in Beeston quintupling! To add to this great news, the announcement of new businesses opening in the units under the local cinema, Arc Cinema Beeston, were welcomed by many locals. With Ottimo and The Beeston Social joining the roster of other new openings in Beeston, the future of this bustling and busy town looks very, very bright!

News Beestonians really wanted to see, and have done for a while, is movement regarding the direct train to Matlock. This was removed in a controversial decision that prompted passionate passengers of the line, locals, to set up a petition and get the line reinstated. The line returns every Sunday, with 11 direct services available throughout the day - but although the compromise made by EMR seems enough for some, others are still campaigning for a full reinstatement of the line.

Grease Magritte - Son of Man

5.

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The Fifth Element The Wizard of Oz

To view Lucy's online gallery or to make a request, visit @capturedbythefuzz on Instagram. Greetings cards are available at www.etsy.com/uk/shop/capturedbythefuzz

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2022 has potential to be a great year, and we hope that in the next issue we can share lots more good, local news with you!

Fuzzy Felt Answers: 1. Black Sabbath 2. Elvis

March still has some news to come…so keep an eye on this space for the next NG9 News column in this great magazine. Never hesitate to contact us, we volunteer and do so to inform you, our great community!

65 Only £ A3 for an or print A4 r £55 fo

Prints now available

Rendered in pen and watercolour, our expanding collection of Beeston's spectacular pubs and restaurants are now available as limited edition, signed Giclee prints.

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by Dan Cullen

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It’s nearly Easter, and so this Mini Beest is ‘choc’ full of puzzles and activities to get you hopping with joy.

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Save baby chick

Can you help get baby chick back to its mum, using the stepping stones?

You must use the two-times-table, in the correct order, from 2 to 22.

• • • •

High quality Giclee prints, on thick A3, textured paper.

Each print is individually signed and numbered by the artist £65 for A3, £55 for A4 (plus £5 postage if outside Beeston) Postcard sets coming soon...

Interested? Visit ko-fi.com/thebeestonian to buy!

All p ro go to fits supp help o Bees rt the tonia n

You can only move left, right, up or down, as shown. You cannot move diagonally.

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Also, it seems the Easter Bunny has been reading this copy of The Beestonian and dropped a few eggs on the way. Each egg has a different letter on it. Can you spot them all and rearrange the letters to spell out her secret message?

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W o r d s e a r c h

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Find these Spring words, hidden in the wordsearch

Count the eggs

basket bonnet bunny chick easter eggs hunt lambs hot cross buns g

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Can you count how many of each of the three colours of eggs have been collected?

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Easter Bake

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I​​love to make a good cake​​at Easter, and cover it with​​sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs and a few of those little fluffy chicks!​​Here's a lovely chocolate cake recipe. Get a grown up to help.

The Cake: •

The Topping/Decoration

3 large eggs

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100g milk chocolate

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175g self-raising flour

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200g butter, softened

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175g caster sugar

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400g icing sugar

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175g softened butter

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5 tbsp cocoa powder

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1½ level tsp baking powder

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2 tbsp milk

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40g cocoa powder

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4 tbsp boiling water

Mini Chocolate Eggs, sprinkles, easter chicks!

1. Preheat the oven to 180ºc and grease and line two round cake tins.

2. Beat together the eggs, flour, sugar, butter and baking powder in the mixing bowl.

1. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a glass bowl over a pan of a small amount of boiling water and stir it until melted. OR melt it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Leave it to cool a little, 2. Sift the icing sugar and add the butter.

Slowly mix in the butter, using a fork at first, then a spoon or whisk,

3. Put the cocoa powder in a small bowl and add a little of the boiling water to make a paste Add the paste to the mixture.

4. Divide the mixture equally between the two tins, spreading it out to the sides.

Bake in the oven for 20 - 25 minutes.

3. Add in the cocoa powder and melted chocolate and mix in.

4. Spread that yummy chocolate buttercream in between the two cakes and all around the sides and top of your cake. Now decorate it with all of your bits and bobs to make an Easter delight!

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Survive & thrive T he dawn of a New Year often brings renewed energy, new projects and different opportunities, and this seems certainly the case for the Rylands.

In this issue we want to mention some of the amazing activities we have on our doorstep and celebrate the breadth and diversity to be found in the Rylands community. The Rylands has a unique character with it’s residents ensuring it is no poor relation to Beeston. This was in clear evidence on the recent Light Night when the community came together to parade, and celebrate the lighting up of the canal and lock area that’s so unique to the Rylands.

Beeston Rylands Community Association (BRCA) continue to support diverse projects, and are working with a locally based theatre group with Parkinson’s called Parky Players to put on their first two performances of “SHAKE IT UP”, an original piece of comedy theatre.

The Parky Players received funding from Arts Council England, and with the help of a director, script writer and musical director they have created the brand new piece of theatre. The two performances at the Beeston Rylands Community Centre were sold out in January 2022, with many local people attending and enjoying the entertainment, food and raffle.

Lifts were provided for those elderly residents unable to make their own way to the performance. The Parky Players continue to rehearse in the community space, allowing them to fulfil their mission to raise awareness of Parkinson’s, and to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe in August 2022.

Our more established Rylands community groups also continue to go from strength to strength, largely due to the efforts and commitment of local volunteers. A good example is 2nd Beeston Sea Scouts, a unique scout group that offers a wide range of adventurous activities for young people (boys and girls) aged 6 – 18 on a weekly basis at Lilac Grove HQ in Beeston. They also have exclusive use of a River Base, Barton Island, which is where they spend most of, if not all of spring/summer running water activities for members of the group. They don't just limit things to water activities, they run a

broad range of other activities too, including arts and crafts, team challenges, cooking, survival skills, and loads of camping!

A slightly less adventurous, but just as important resource for our young people is BRCA’s youth club on Monday evenings.

This club continues to provide a safe space for our young people to express themselves and have fun and friendship, and numbers attending is increasing.

Then there’s Friday Club that continues to provide food and company for our over 60’s residents, plus other clubs and social activities that help our residents get through the week.

The community spaces we enjoy in the Rylands such as the Leyton Crecent (BRCA) Community Centre, Trent Vale Sports Association and The CanalSide Heritage Centre provide the space to bring these much needed social, arts, sports and cultural activities to the Rylands.

The latest community group to choose to base itself in one of these is one of these venues is the 6th Beeston Guides, meeting at Beeston Rylands Community Centre on Leyton Crescent on Tuesday evenings.

2022 will bring even more community space with the building of the new social club as part of the new housing development.

This space will be a social club, community fish and chip shop and hireable space all run by and for the benefit of Rylanders .

Community

Matters

This month: 2022 - A Bright Future

It seems apt to use the Parky Players' mantra of the three A’s when describing the Rylands in 2022 and beyond: Acceptance, Adaptation and Ambition. Accepting the past and history of the place, adapting to meet the evolving needs of the residents, and ambition to create more, bigger, better things for all in the future.

For more information about the various projects and initiatives contact details are below.

If you feel you’ve been missed out, and would like to tell us about your part in the Rylands community, please email us: janetmbarnes@ntlworld.com Janet Shipton and Naomi Robinson; Rylands community activists

JOHN FLYNN OPTICIANS AN INDEPENDENT PRACTICE IN THE HEART OF BEESTON

John Flynn Opticians introduces latest technology imaging for

4D ADVANCED Eye Examination in Beeston

NEW LOW VISION AND EYEWEAR STYLING CONSULTATION SERVICE FOR NEW AND EXISTING PATIENTS!

New technology offers early detection of eye disease Following completion of higher qualifications in Glaucoma and Medical Retina from the College of Optometrists via Cardiff University Dr. Janjua and his team at John Flynn Opticians in Beeston continue to strive to make a difference in the fight against the 50% of sight loss cases that could be avoided each year. Highlighting the fact that more than 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight each day, they are promoting the importance of the earliest possible diagnosis. With an ADVANCED eye examination being much more than a new pair of spectacles or contact lenses, the practice has invested in the most advanced diagnostic technology so early changes in the eye can be detected, long before there are any obvious symptoms: this allows for early treatment and better results.

With the latest SPECTRALIS 4D high definition Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging technology, Dr. Janjua is now able to identify and monitor the smallest change.

The SPECTRALIS 4D HD OCT ADVANCED eye examination is the same instrument that can be found at the QMC eye department and uses a patented eye-tracking system that allows Dr. Janjua to identify those at risk of eye disease more easily. The tracking system allows the 3D scan to be placed in exactly the same place (to one micron which is a 1/100th of a hair) at each visit, giving a true 4D view of change over time. This helps to reveal eye disease which may not yet be noticeable by the patient or detectable with a basic eye exam.

Fast, painless and non-contact, the scan does not include any bright flashes of light or puffs of air, and takes place in seconds.

“We are really excited to offer our patients this new 4D HD OCT advanced eye examination,” said Dr. Janjua “Using the SPECTRALIS technology, we can examine tiny details that help us detect eye disease at the earliest stages, reducing the risk of sight loss and improving our patient’s lives.”

Common eye diseases can impair vision and cause permanent vision loss if not caught at an early stage. The best preventative measure to protect good vision is an annual ADVANCED eye examination, and treatment when needed.

John Flynn Opticians is able to now provide eye examinations throughout the week on most days. The practice has also a brand new Eyewear Styling Service for existing and new patients at their practice in Beeston after recently training their team as professional eyewear stylists. This individually dedicated consultation service, offers patients a unique and bespoke eyewear styling consultation to help them to discover their perfect eyewear to suit both their optical and style needs. The consultations are curated by Annette and Wendy and this will enable all patients to feel assured they are being given an unparalleled consultation service to find them their perfect eyewear.

BOOK AN EYEWEAR STYLING CONSULTATION

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BOOK AN EYE EXAMINATION

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BOOK A LOW VISION ASSESSMENT

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BOOK A DRY EYE/BLEPHARITIS CONSULTATION

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DO YOU SUFFER FROM POOR VISION OR DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO MAY BENEFIT FROM SPECIALIST SPECTACLES AND AIDS?

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“I chose John Flynn Optician as it is local to me a well recommended. I like that it is an independent practice and not a large chain. They also have good quality frames and lenses.

“I was recommended to come to John Flynn Opticians by family. They have lovely staff who explain everything in detail, much more thorough than other opticians I have been to.

My eye examination with Dr. Janjua picked up an astigmatism that had not been previously recognised.

It made a positive difference to my headaches.

I love my new glasses, the shape and the colour. My eye examination was very thorough and detailed and the optician explained what all the technical words meant.”

All the staff are a delight friendly and helpful. It’s a pleasure to visit.”

“John Flynn Optician have friendly and knowledgeable staff who take their time to help with frame choices.

It’s a local opticians with a large selection of frames and a fast service. My glasses are perfect and fashionable.

Just what I wanted. The exam with Dr. Janjua was very professional and thorough.

He takes his time to explain everything whilst being friendly and kind.”

E. Collins

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DO JUST N’ T OUR WTAKE FOR I ORD T..

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“Friends and people I know had told me how satisfied they were with John Flynn Optician, so I thought I would give it a try. I do not think my experience could have been bettered by any other practices.

I refer of course to the service and advice of the optician given to me two years ago at this practice at which time I was suffering with cataracts, and under his directive, I received hospital appointments where they were removed o.k. Dr. Janjua once again gave me a good examination.

“I cannot speak highly enough of Dr Janjua and all his team at Flynn Opticians in Beeston. Due to wrong prescriptions in the past going to him changed my life.

Not only do you get the best product on the market and expert advice, everybody is so helpful and kind. I would not go anywhere else.”

J. West

The practice’s team are very good. They are welcoming, happy and helpful.

They are a pleasure.”

“Just picked up my third pair of specs from Flynns.

I’ve used them for years and cannot fault them, from the excellent care with my sight test to Annette and Wendy who are on hand to advise, make sure your specs fit and sit properly and just generally make you feel welcome.

Nothing is too much trouble.

Thank you all. Until my next visit.”

“I’d heard that the glasses were great quality and the service was great at John Flynn Optician. The staff have been very helpful and gave me all the facts I needed. I love the personal touch and that you don’t have to ask for help - it’s just given. I love my new glasses - the style, the colour, the quality - everything.

Dan and Annette have been brilliant from the minute I walked in the door. They are very friendly and provided perfect service in every way.

I will be coming back and will share my experience with others.”

J.Foster

E. Taylor

L. James

He, like myself, was happy his last examination and my requirements had been correct.

0115 925 5051/939 2421 ✔ INDEPENDENT OPTICIANS ✔ PROFESSIONAL EYEWEAR STYLING SERVICE ✔ LOW VISION AIDS AND SPECIALISTS LENSES FOR MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD), GLAUCOMA AND MORE... ✔ DRY EYE AND BLEPHARITIS TREATMENT

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Beeston Parish Church

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Purveyors of Luxury eyewear since 1938

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Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5:30pm. Saturday 9am-5pm

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John Flynn Opticians welcomes the registration of new patients and parking is available in the practice’s own car park.

Telephone 0115 925 5051 to make an appointment.

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John Flynn Opticians are dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality ophthalmic lenses and now the most technologically advanced care. For more information contact us at 0115 9255051 or 0115 9392421 or visit www.johnflynnopticians.co.uk

enquiries@johnflynnopticians.co.uk www.johnflynnopticians.co.uk

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Want to stay up to date with the latest news and arrivals?why not follow us on Instagram and Facebook @johnflynnopticians

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0115 925 5051

From Chilwell to the Baftas

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ats off to 12 year old Lowri Moore from Chilwell, who found herself on the red carpet at the Baftas as a guest of film director Jared Bush.

When she was aged just 9, Lowri wrote to Disney to ask if they could create more positive female role models who wear glasses. She said she sent the letter at the time because she was the only person is her family who wears glasses, and "felt a bit alone and didn't feel like I was beautiful enough."

Jared Bush, who wrote and directed Encanto, said that at the time of Lowri's letter they were already working on the glasseswearing heroine of the film (Mirabel), but couldn't reveal any details at the time.

Encanto was released at the end of 2021, and Disney sent Lowri a special drawing of Mirabel by one of the film's artists, Jin Kim. In March this year Lowri was invited onto BBC Breakfast along with her mother Cyrilyn to talk about how her wish had come true.

Live on air Jared Bush explained that he was attending the upcoming Baftas, and that he would like them to join him there. Encanto won the category of best animated film.

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6pm to 11pm.

This drop-in service has trained crisis intervention workers, who will provide recovery-

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This month: Feels so Good

It's great to see someone so young getting recognition for something really positive like this, hopefully others like Lowri will inspire even more representation in the future.

JC

Crisis Cafe he Yellow Wood Cafe on the High Road near the old Police station is currently host to one of the mental health crisis sanctuaries on Monday and Wednesday evenings, from

Debra Urbacz

focused mental health crisis support for people who require it out of hours. If required, onward community referrals will be made.

The Crisis Sanctuaries are delivered through a partnership of Framework, Harmless, Turning Point and Mind.

For more information, visit: www.nottinghamcrisissanctuaries.tv.

JC

A new look magazine and a new season are both on the horizon as I write this article, and this feels brilliant! The impending spring is a great spirit lifter and so is hanging out with the talented people of Beeston to learn about what inspires them and drives them to create. I have known Joe Johnson for years as a friend, so it was refreshing to reflect on his passion for creating beautiful things as an antidote to the mundanity of life.

In 2019 Joe created a music video for Ocata Records that could easily be described as just over four minutes of visual bliss. I am instantly immersed in a soothing neon infused glow that entices

me to slip out of the week and into a virtual cool blue sunset.

A smooth rollercoaster ride, my heartbeat slows in time with the heartcentred flowers that pulse intermittently on the side walls, descending further into the fantasy. A euphoric rush of fluorescent pink words remind me to ‘feel so good’ and the seductive journey continues, gently tilting and turning and accompanied by sensual sax and vocals. The beaming down of a luminous dancing figure is the only interruption in this reverie before I slow to a stop, feeling a whole lot more zen than I was before.

This particular piece of work was nominated for ‘best music video’ at the Nexus Film Awards in 2019, but his favourite piece was created two years previously. Genesis possesses the same oscillating glow seen in Feel so Good but is a much more chilling visual. A nuclear reactor rotating on its axis. Joe is particularly proud of this twenty-two second animation as it was the first full 3D animation that he completed from start to finish and set the foundations for his current style and workflow. He tells me it took two and a half weeks to render, with his PC running twenty-four hours a day, such was the desire to complete it.

Ctd. overpage

Joe describes the whole process of creating 3D animation "like climbing a ladder which is entwined in barbed wire and covered in oil while on fire. Any mistakes are harshly punished later along the process causing whole sections to be redone." He tells me that the software was prone to crashing which ended in hours of lost work. But it’s also hugely addictive, and massively rewarding upon completion. The ability to create anything with the only limitation being the power of his current PC. The end result is most definitely worth it. Joe walks my novice mind through the steps he takes to create his finished pieces, delicious eye-candy from a brilliant mind.

First come the ideas, based on the brief or just something that he can’t get out his head.

He enjoys idea generation, research, building the storyline, creating the narrative, creating, mapping and texturing the individual models, constructing the scene, creating the lighting and setting up the cameras - it’s actually a full studio setup just digitally. He renders the scenes which he says is a quite a lengthy process (5-20 minutes per frame at 30 frames per second).

This doesn’t always go to plan so multiple tests are done beforehand to eliminate any issues (rendering things more than once is soul destroying) and Joe is looking at new ways to render things in real time. Objects are rendered frame by frame, similar to traditional animation, and all the layers are split to help with the next step in this ‘crazy process.’ He then composites everything in post-production software (After Effects), adding any effects and colour corrections to bring the piece to life.

A self-confessed perfectionist, Joe tells me he works best when he is allowed time and space to get into his zone. His inspiration comes from his visual love of all things 80s, the vibrant colours, the lavish lifestyles and everything seemed to glow, citing Hong Kong neon skylines as one of the influences on his work along with sci-fi films from this era.

There were signs from a young age that Joe would develop an interest in building imaginary worlds.

Lego and K'nex featured heavily in his early life, as did an obsession with computer games and 80s Anime. There is evidence of ethereal glow in some of his work reminiscent of the latter. He wanted to "look at the world like it was The Matrix and see everything." And although he originally went to college to pursue a Diploma in Engineering, he was quick to realise that his interest lay in the spectacle rather than the practical. He wanted to expand his knowledge of the 3D software he was using and find out what more it could do.

After completing his Diploma Joe took a year out to hone his craft before applying to NTU to enrol on the Digital Media Design degree course. He downloaded 3DS Max, After Effects, The Trapcode Suite and Element 3D, and other related programs, then subsequently spent a fruitful twelve months learning them all. He thought he could easily create better animations than the ones he had already seen however quickly realised that it wasn’t quite so simple. Joe quickly discovered how many hours it would take in reality – one thing alone can take 10,000 hours to master.

He describes the initial ‘wave of awesomeness’ when new skills are acquired then the ‘pit of despair’ when it feels as though you are crawling instead of racing towards the ultimate goal of ‘mastery.’ Once this is accepted, progress can be made towards perfecting your art. Part of the NTU application process was to submit two test pieces, examples of what he could create – they were exemplary. He shows me a short video of a fully modelled iPhone 5s materialising on the screen, neon green circles circumnavigate it as it appears, switches itself on and displays a functioning home screen.

It’s impressive work, and strangely hypnotic.

Joe tells me that the course was all encompassing. He worked for eighteen hours a day and a lot of work had to be done at home. One major benefit was meeting his best friend Atif who is incredibly supportive and with whom he chats with every day. He describes a healthy rivalry between them at University, that encouraged them to achieve their best. He established The Dizzle in his final year of university ( 2016/2017) also switching from 3DS Max to Maya at this time, which is the software he continues to use. 2018 – 2020 were excellent years for Joe. Despite a huge confidence knock, by way of big projects not materialising just prior to the first lockdown and tidal wave that was the pandemic, he is feeling positive about the future.

Joe retains strong relationships with past clients and continues to work with Freedom Factory, Ocata Records and The TIRED Movement. You can see more examples of his amazing animations via the links below. thedizzle.co.uk instagram.com/3dizzle3d/?hl=en youtube.com/channel/UCSEUz_NabbqMQXUFHJ8ji5w facebook.com/3Dizzle3D linkedin.com/company/the-dizzle

DU

Featured Artist: Andy Winter You might have seen a large piece of Andy’s collage work as part of The Beeston Showcase last winter.

A kaleidoscope of rectangles cut from old magazines. I spent a long time studying the slivers of glossy paper searching for something familiar to give it meaning, to make a connection.

Meticulously pieced together, the structural qualities of these images add cohesion where there could be chaos. They are definitely thought provoking pieces and you can read all about the messages behind their intriguing titles via the QR code on this page.

Debra

Urbacz

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he new quarterly format of this most excellent magazine, by the people for the people, has opened up the opportunity for greater pagination and so even more content! Exciting! It has been on my mind to introduce a wellbeing column for many reasons, and now seems like the perfect time.

The last two years have been challenging, for some this pandemic continues to be isolating and anxiety inducing and we are not out of the other side just yet. Whilst we may have been conscious of the effects of this difficult and extended period on our wellbeing for some time, it may be only now that we are realising the full impact on the mental health of people in our communities.

And that’s on top of the mental ‘unwellness’ that already existed in society before Covid.

Whilst pondering this worrying situation last spring, I was contacted by a creative friend whom I had first met over a decade ago at my first ever craft fair. Lauren was the founder and organiser of Molly Queen’s Marvellous Markets and also had a stall selling her delightful decoupage, poetry and handmade cards. We instantly bonded over a love of all things recycled and handmade and remained creatively connected over the subsequent years.

Her reason for getting in touch though, now a qualified social worker using art practices to manage her own wellbeing, was to pitch an idea she thought I might be interested in.

Title of collage: Jealous Monster Chopped Off My Fingers For Texting.

Thortify – The Art of Self Care, is a thoroughly researched and accessible concept that is centred around exploring the relationship between social theory and art, by way of starting a self care movement that supports and empowers the individual.

A response to the clever marketing behind the commercial self care market, which can make hollow claims and even be exploitative, Thortify aims to promote empowered mental health maintenance and build creative confidence.

‘Fortifying the notion of self care with social theory for personal development,’ Lauren draws on her social work background and creative practices to inform her ideas surrounding art and creative therapy. The theory is sound but what was less clear was how to put this into practice – and this is where I came in. Having volunteered at Middle Street Community Centre for the past three years running craft therapy sessions, I had the hands-on experience that would help Lauren to realise her vision.

Several message strings, phone conversations and a team meeting later, Lauren felt that she possessed the joined up thinking that would drive forward a much considered Arts Council Bid that could fund her community wellbeing project. Our overlapping ethos and genuine commitment to investing in community spurred on the writing of paragraph after paragraph collating the depth and breadth of our combined experience and a desire to translate this into something we could share.

It was Lauren that undertook the mammoth writing task that is the Arts Council application process, but the valuable bid writing and project planning experience that Gloria (currently undertalking a PhD in Drama and Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council), brought with her to this project was the icing on the creative cake. The team is pleased to announce that after a nervous two month wait following submission, the application was successful!

The project started its journey at the end of January, and will be employing three established artists, all of which will be contributing work to compliment the creation of self-care resources that will be free to all participants, as well as garnering support from Nottingham Contemporary, NTU and Wellness in Mind.

Participants are invited to share their creative self care work to a virtual gallery. If you would like to submit your creative work to be featured in our online gallery, tag us on socials or send us an email.

Come and join us on our wellbeing journey!

Facebook: Thortify Instagram: Thortifyresilience www.thortify.co.uk / www.thortify.com thortify@gmail.com #thortify #selfcarescrapbook #theartofselfcare

DU

Amy Victoria

Gathercole

This issue: What’s happening in 2022?

The

Garage

I

f you haven’t heard of The Garage aka the old Bartons bus depot, then where have you been?

Over the last decade The Garage has hosted warehouse parties, beer festivals, indoor and drive-in cinemas, modern art exhibitions, food festivals, stand-up comedy, silent discos, music festivals, artisan markets and this year they’re set to do even more.

Even with lockdowns and the pandemic they’ve been very active and hosted tons of events and celebrations (including ours for our 10th Anniversary of this here magazine - back in December 2021!).

From pop-up film/sports screenings to a lot of (now famous) food and craft weekend markets. Here’s the great news - this year they're set to do even more!

They took a break in January, as it’s their quiet month but there was still a lot of plotting, planning and pondering over a pint or two down The Crown for the lads, Rich, James and Tom. Each month The Garage keeps us entertained in Beeston and beyond, as they play host to a core range of popular pop-up events that bring thousands of people from around the Midlands together to have a good time. We had a chat to hear what’s being planned for this year from one of the great gents who run the place. Here’s Tom, so, what’s on the agenda for 2022 Tom? “After a short break in January, we’re excited about what we can bring to The Garage in 2022, a year where we can be much more creative and innovative than ever before.

A by-product of lockdowns was that our Sunday Market (previously held monthly) now runs every single Sunday and will continue to in 2022. Our Farmer's Market has been recognised in two national publications as one of the top markets to visit in the UK, and our craft market showcases almost 50 local independent businesses.

Anyone that has been knows it’s more than just a market these days, it’s a social occasion. The atmosphere each Sunday is wonderful, so we’re really pleased to be able to keep this Sunday morning ritual going in 2022.“

Anything exciting on the menu?

“Oh yes, fussy eaters, rejoice! Our monthly Street Food festival is returning too, running on the last Saturday of the month. For the uninitiated, we gather some of the best Street Food chefs in the country and bring them together at The Garage for a huge night of award-winning food, local ales, craft beers, cocktails and brilliant live music. It’s an amazing event, so to re-launch this event for 2022 in all its gorgeous food glory is really exciting.”

What events are you most looking forward to hosting in 2022?

“One of our all-time favourite events is our monthly Comedy Club which is back for 2022. We’ve hosted the likes of Joe Lycett, Lost Voice Guy and regularly have support acts for household names, and TV stars from Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo."

Any special events we should plan in our diaries for later in the year?

“Early planning has started for other events too, with our popular Oktoberfest pencilled in, a revamped version of our Budapest-themed Ruin Bar, beer festivals, live sports screenings, pop-up cinema, gigs and more.”

Thanks, Tom, we can’t wait for another year of unique events down at The Garage with you guys!

To keep up to date and in the know, with the wonderful and eclectic venue on your doorstep you can sign up to their mailing list on their stylish website - www.thegaragechilwell.co.uk and check out their events calendar whilst you’re there, and see what Tom, Rich & James have up their sleeve next.

They are also pretty active with their social media, so catch updates on: Facebook: thegaragechilwell Twitter: bartonbrosltd Instagram: the_garage_chilwell Oh, and if you’re a tradesperson, crafter or seller looking for a new pitch then contact markets@ bartonbroslimited.co.uk for information about how to sign up as a vendor at a future event

AVG

Purpose built and first used as the home of Barton Transport Limited (Bartons) from 1913, The Garage was the official base of a family firm that went on to become the largest independent bus operator in Western Europe.

For the last 15 years, The Garage has become reknown as a multi-use events space that has hosted Club Nights, Beer Festivals, Indoor & Drive in Cinema, Sports Fanzones, Stand-Up Comedy, Silent Discos, Music Festivals and nationally recognised Markets.

EVENTS IN 2022 AGE L I V E AT T H E G A R

COMEDY CLUB

ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE ONLINE

A fusion of the UK's finest stand-up comics and a venue that's seen an epic 21st Century reimagination, Comedy Club - Live at The Garage - is the sell-out show you need to see.

From Latin-infused trios to 21 piece big bands, The Garage hosts some of the biggest and best bands from Nottingham

Tickets £12 in advance

SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUB L I V E S P O RT. R E D E F I N E D

NEXT SHOW: TBC

MARKET T H E

G A R A G E

Relax in the beer garden on a sunny afternoon listening to the soun of an acoustic guitar, or don your band t-shirt and head down to th Street Food Smoke Up to enjoy some of your favourite songs live in concert!

STREET FOOD SMOKE UP LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

The Sports & Social Club takes live sport and turns it into an unforgettable matchday experience.

The Street Food Smoke Up is the East Midlands' biggest monthly celebration of food, drink, and live music.

Rub shoulders with sporting legends as we invite ex-pros and guest speakers to host a live pre-match show with Q&As, punitry, and player insight. Then settle in with your mates to watch the game in our huge fanzone.

Food-lovers, Rejoice!

the garage market THE

LIVE MUSIC

LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

EVERY SUNDAY - 10AM - 2PM Alternating each week between a Farmer's Market (2nd & 4th) and a Craft, Vintage, Homeware, Food & Drink Market (1st & 3rd), The Garage Market has gained National recognition as one of the top Markets to visit in the UK (The Telegraoh and Independent). Come find out why thousands of people are visiting The Garage every month.

Joined by some of the UK's top street food chefs, up to 7 world street food kitchens pitch up at The Garage once a month and showcase their award winning menus.

MORE EVENTS TO BE ANNOUNCED

Join our mailing list to be amongst the first to find out about new events, ticket deals and special discounts.

www.thegaragechilwell.co.uk

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We are determined to ensure that everyone who wants to read The Beestonian is able to, in times of lockdown or otherwise.

Our current stockists include: Hallams, Out Of This World, Broadgate Post Office, Gill’s Fish and Chips, the Cycle Inn, Dessert Haven, The Circle Eatery, John Flynn Opticians, The Doughmother, J&B Autos, The Commercial, the Victoria, Attenborough Nature Reserve, Canalside Heritage Centre, The Berliner, The Hop Pole, Totally Tapped, The Pottle, The Crown, The Star, The Commercial, The Malt Shovel, Metro, Charlie Foggs, Cartwheel, The Little Plant Guys and the Boathouse Cafe, Essen, Yellow Wood Cafe, Happy Daze, Global Village Cafe (aka Tastie Bites), Boat and Horses and events at the Bartons Garage.

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Where to Get a Copy

Christopher

For locals who are unable to get to any of these places, we have set up a subscription service – for just £15 you can have the next 8 copies of The Beestonian delivered direct to your door (for those living outside NG9 it will cost a little more, as they will be sent by first class post).

Simply visit our Ko-Fi page – ko-fi.com/thebeestonian – and check out at our shop. Every subscription includes a free gift featuring local artwork.

If you’d like to support The Beestonian anyway, you can also make a donation through the Ko-Fi page. We’re a community-led, non-profit making, and reinvest all funds into getting The Beestonian to as many people as possible (we currently print 2,000 copies of each issue and are hoping to increase this when it is affordable).

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS AND OFFERS FROM LOCAL TAKEAWAYS GET THE APP FROM PLAY STORE AND APP STORE

BEESTONEATS.CO.UK FACEBOOK.COM/BEESTONEATS

Morecambe and Getting Wise

M

any notable actors have come from, or have lived in Beeston, namely Barry Foster, Richard Beckinsale, Vicky McClure; and now we have Isabel Caswell.

Not a household name at present, but with her role as teenager Molly Williams in the third series of ITV’s crime drama ‘The Bay’, her profile can only go up.

I contacted her through Twitter and we met for a chat in Café Nero on the High Road.

Looking as young as she does in the series, even though she is actually in her early 20s.

I firstly asked her about her background, and whether she was a true Beestonian. “Yes, I was born in Beeston. My mother is a music teacher, and my dad is a manager at the Hope charity.”

Is there a direct connection with acting in your family? How did you get into it? “No, I’m the first. It started at school. Getting involved with the plays that were put on. Then at fifteen, I joined the TV Workshop. I was there for four years, before getting my first professional role in The Revenger’s Tragedy at Nottingham Playhouse”. The play was written by Thomas Middleton in the 17th century and updated to the glam rock era of the 1970s. Isabel played Castiza, to some good reviews, during its run in late October 2016.

Isabel’s next role was that of Jenny in the stage musical production of The Calendar Girls, written by Take That’s Gary Barlow and based on the 2003 film by Tim Firth. The true story revolving around a group of Yorkshire ladies from their local Women’s Institute who produce a tasteful nude calendar to raise funds for charity, after one of the members dies of leukaemia. It starred such household names as Denise Welch, Ruth Madoc and Lesley Joseph, and ran between August 2018 to November 2019 across the UK and Ireland.

How did you find working on a long running

show? “It was hard work, but I learnt such a lot from the other members of the cast.

They looked out for me and shared their experiences. The worst part was living out of a suitcase. It was so draining, especially with all those early morning train journeys.

But I got to see a lot of places around the country as we visited 37 cities. Playing in Nottingham at the Theatre Royal was great, as I got to sleep in my own bed for a change.

It made me appreciate Nottingham more.”

Did you do any nudity? “No, my role was a daughter, who moved the props for the photoshoot and holding up towels for the actresses that were nude. We were lucky to have finished the run just before the pandemic struck”.

How did you go about finding work during that period? While all the theatres were closed? “I was making audition tapes. They were a thing before the pandemic, now they are the norm. Then there’s Zoom calls, but you miss the personal connection with the director, that you get in a live audition. But it’s a good way of getting considered for a role, as more people can get to see it.”

Tell me about The Bay and filming in Morecambe. “I got the part in February last year, and shooting took place between March and July. There was a lot of travelling back and forth, as I wasn’t needed every day.

But the company gave me a chauffeur, so I didn’t have to go by train.”

There was a change of cast for the third series, did that worry you? “No. I saw the previous two stories, so I could get a feel of how it was made, the style, but because I wasn’t one of the main characters, it didn’t matter.”

Morecambe is a lovely seaside, with its vast promenade and the stunning Art Deco Midland Hotel. Were you based in the town?

“No, we stayed in Lancaster, but it was a lovely drive to work.” I bet your parents and friends were really proud of you when they saw the first episode? “Yes, they were. I don’t mind seeing myself on screen.”

Are there any parts that you’d like to do?

“I would love to appear in a period drama.

I’m a big fan of Jane Austen.” What about appearing in a soap? “It would be regular work, but it wouldn’t be right for me, as I like to keep doing different things. But being an actor, we can’t always be picky. I do watch a lot of TV, so I can pick up any upcoming themes.”

Do you have a favourite actor or actress? “I think that would be Florence Pugh. I’ve seen her in The Little Drummer Girl (2018), Little Women (2019) and Black Widow (2021).

Do you have a job while you’re ‘resting’? “Of course, I’m still going to auditions when I can, but I’ve just started a proof-reading service that’s aimed at PHD students. I enjoyed English a lot at school and have now gained my certification. I enjoy its flexibility, so I can do other things as well.”

What about hobbies? “I enjoy baking.

Especially cakes like salted caramel drips.

It’s very satisfying. I also love walking with my dad in Derbyshire.”

CF

Nottingham

Lulu

Davenport

This issue: Beeston Light Night

Rehab Gym

T

wo strangers hugged. Hardly newsworthy, but let me explain the back story. It was outside the Boat and Horses amid Beeston's first Light Night, and two people spoke about the charity that was the chosen beneficiary for the Ryland’s sector - SAP UK.

This led to a heartfelt discussion about real painful experiences with knowing someone who committed suicide, and the devastating effects it has on those left behind. It was a difficult conversation, one that normally requires the deepest level of friendship, but there we were two kindred spirits united in grief and loss, talking like old friends.

It is for this reason that SAP UK was chosen for Ryland’s first foray into a luminary event.

Let’s be honest, January is a rubbish, dark and cold month and seems a long way from the sunnier happier times that the warmer spring months bring. With the popularity of hit Netflix comedy After Life, maybe now is the time to address the subject, and to quote the hit comedy ‘Hope is Everything’.

With the dark endless nights closing in, to look around the surroundings I know so well in Beeston and see twinkling lights everywhere was a beautiful moment. The usually still and dark streets lit up as crowds wandered in the cold, giddy with excitement walking past houses decorated as if it was Christmas. Locals were joined with those from further towns to light up the area, armed with a sea of glow sticks and twinkling fairy lights.

Performers fired up the night sky with displays of Fire Poi (Nottingham Phoenix fire group). An illuminating peacock style cloak made drag queen Dixie Rect the leader of a dazzling parade, alongside paddle boarders (SUP fitness) that lit up the dark waters of the Rylands. The event was an emotional moment that pulled together the community.

the evening’s festivities, as written by my colleague ‘Frosty’ who covered the central area goings on.

My Light Night experience focused on the entertainment at the Boat and Horses, a pub nestled in the Ryland’s on Trent Road. This included a huge amount of acts booked in for the open mic, Ceidlh Celtic dancing (provided

by Schuggie) and dance performances with clogs on (Greenwood Step Clog). I probably saw more live acts and music than I did for the whole of last year and 2020 put together.

Firing up the open mic stage at The Boat saw Lowri and Stephen belt out some absolute sing along classics. Seventy piece outfit the Beeston Rock Choir didn’t even fit in the pub, and performed in the more spacious pub garden making the outside area very uplifting. Nuala and Meena provided the comedy inside and were joined by the Jazz Ants, Romy, Ooo La las, Stella and Chris, Peter, Lego Men, and Serah Beau and the Flying Dutchman, with Lowri and Dixie joining forces at the end to close proceedings.

T

There is so much going on in and around Beeston currently, it is difficult to keep track.

Something which deserves much more attention is the Nottingham Rehabilitation Gym, which was started last year.

Operating out of Trent Vale Recreation Ground, it is a not-for-profit community interest co-operation, which has a goal of providing accessible excercise opportunities for people living with long term health conditions (physical and or mental).

Their long-term goal is to build a purposebuilt rehabilitation gym, but in the meantime they are running group exercise and supervised gym sessions out of Beeston FC's new pavillion.

Thanks to funding from Sport England and the National Lottery, they are able to offer classes at just £6 per session. There is a physiotherapist on site at all times to ensure sessions are tailored to each person attending.

For more information visit their website: www.nrgcic.co.uk JC

Behind every event is a team working behind the scenes, and this magic is created by months of preparation, stress and tears of both joy and frustration that the organisers experience. It’s not for the faint hearted but everyone involved managed to pull together an absolutely cracking event. Hats off to Jeanie at the helm of the all things central, and Jimbo and Jackie Henson running things at the Rylands this end along with every volunteer and co-contributor.

‘A Light In Beeston’ managed to achieve quite effortlessly an event that could be a regular addition to the Light Night calendar.

Visiting the Nottingham one over the years and being present for the first event 13 years ago, I can confirm Beeston was well ahead of the game.

LD

The high winds that had suspended the night market in the centre didn’t stop a huge crowd descending on the town for

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