Nottingham Now 14

Issue. 14 - September 2019 0115 6972670 | www.nottingham-now.co.uk | sales@nottingham-now.co.uk

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Inside this issue: Afternoon Tea - care - what’s on - and more...

Ada Lovelace House marks Blood Cancer Awareness Month Kirkby in Ashfield’s Ada Lovelace House will be one of over fifty buildings across the UK lit up to mark Blood Cancer Awareness Month.

Famous buildings across the UK are set to light up to raise awareness of leukaemia this September.

Ada Lovelace House on Urban Road will be turning red to raise awareness of leukaemia as part of the charity’s blood cancer awareness activities.

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Step into Robin Hood’s world

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'Sextortion' scam alert Officers from Nottinghamshire Police’s Cybercrime Unit are encouraging members of the public to remain vigilant in light of a new ‘sextortion’ email scam.

Victims are sent an email that claims the scammer has hacked their laptop

Shop front funding transforms businesses in Rushcliffe

and acquired footage of them engaging in sexual activity.

They often use the victim’s password in the email.

The sender then claims they will not share the video if they are sent a sum of money, typically via a bitcoin transaction.

Molly Steward, of

Nottinghamshire Police’s Cybercrime Unit, said: “These scams can often appear very legitimate, using a password obtained through a data breach on a company that may have logged your details.

“If you see one of these emails, do not be alarmed.

Never pay money as a result of these emails and report them to Action Fraud.

“We’d also recommend that you check whether or not your email address and passwords have been compromised in a data breach via www.haveibeenpwned.com.”

Anyone who is a victim of fraud should always report it to Action Fraud. For more information, head to https://www. actionfraud.police.uk/.

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Step into Robin Hood’s world: spectacular medieval experience set to wow Nottingham this October The Robin Hood Pageant, now in its 38th year, has been completely reimagined for 2019 and will be staged in a forest setting close to the historic Newstead Abbey for the first time ever while the Nottingham Castle is undergoing its £30m redevelopment.

This spectacular event will be themed around the power struggle between Nottingham’s best-loved outlaw and his arch-nemesis, the Sheriff of Nottingham (#ChooseYourSide).

It will offer a diverse programme of entertainment including dramatic medieval reenactments, a wealth of costumed period characters, historic demonstrations, hands-on activities, theatre and much more.

The Pageant takes place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October 2019 (11am – 4pm), and discounted early bird tickets are available until Monday 2 September.

This unique and highly immersive experience will see the grounds of the historic

Newstead Abbey transformed into a recreation of 12th century Nottingham, filled with the sights, sounds and smells of Robin Hood’s time and offering the chance to come face-to-face with medieval minstrels, artisans and colourful characters, including the legendary Robin Hood himself.

The aim is to depict the life and times of Nottingham’s iconic hero and some of the real historical figures of the time in a captivating and historically accurate manner, celebrating the legend and keeping it alive for future generations.

A diverse range of medieval characters will be wandering the grounds; visitors can get an audience with the great King Richard I and learn about 11th century cures from medieval field hospitaler Fra Justin, while avoiding less savoury characters such as the King’s Executioner and even the Medieval Gong Farmer, complete with cess bucket.

Dramatic ree n a c t m e n t s and combat demonstrations will include The Knights of Nottingham clashing on horseback and on foot, falconry shows and displays from

the UK’s leading 12th century re-enactment society, Historia Normannis, which will depict the lives of the Saxon outlaws and their Norman Overlords at the event in a number of interactive camps.

There will also be a wealth of theatre, storytelling and music to entertain visitors, with several bands of wandering Medieval Minstrels, storytelling from the Bard from the Bower and the tale of Robin Hood and the Monk performed by No Strings Puppet Theatre.

With plenty of demonstrations and hands-on arts and crafts activities to get involved with, from candle dipping to arrow making and from pottery to smithing, the event will be showcasing the various crafts and trades of the medieval era in a highly memorable and enjoyable way.

Visitors are also encouraged to eat, drink and be merry, with a variety of food stalls and a

licensed bar provided by local brewery Castle Rock Brewery.

Discounted early bird tickets are available now from www. whatsonnottingham.com until Monday 2 September priced at: Early Bird Adult (16+): £13.50 inc. booking fee Early Bird Child (2-15): £9.50 inc. booking fee Under 2s: Free Early Bird Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £40 inc. booking fee Cllr Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “We’re so glad to be able to host the Pageant at Newstead Abbey while Nottingham Castle undergoes transformation. We know that people from the city and beyond love to come and live the legend of Robin Hood! It’s going to be a great family day out with lots of exciting action to watch as well as activities to take part in and characters

to meet. Grab the great Early Bird saving and have your half term plans on the calendar all ready for October.”

Stephen Jackson, interim Chief Executive at Visit Nottinghamshire, said: “This year’s Robin Hood Pageant is set to be a truly enchanting and spectacular event. One of the most engaging ways to learn about a historical period is to experience the sights and sounds for yourself, and what better way to learn about Robin Hood than by stepping into his world? We’re confident that this event will inspire an interest in Robin Hood and his time in future generations as well as helping to keep the legend alive for years to come. This highly immersive and entertaining Pageant is expected to draw huge crowds, and is a great way for visitors to experience the legend of Robin Hood ahead of the Nottingham Castle reopening in 2020.”

Work to improve safety along

London Road in Newark set to start Nottinghamshire County Council will be carrying out work to remove four trees along London Road in Newark. The work is due to take place before the end of September.

Councillor John Cottee, Committee Chairman for Communities and Place explains, "Decisions to remove trees are not taken lightly. Trees are usually taken down when they can’t be pollarded and cutting them down is the best way to reduce the risk of harm and keep

motorists and pedestrians safe.

"The trees in question need to be removed because they are in a poor condition, showing severe signs of decay at the base of the tree or within the trunk cavity area. In one case, the tree is not stable when pushed by hand, as the roots are no longer holding the tree

in place."None of the trees are in a conservation area, but once budget becomes available, our desire is to plant some new trees to replace the ones that are being removed.” During these works, disruption to road users will be kept to a minimum.

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Shop front funding transforms businesses in Rushcliffe Businesses across Rushcliffe have transformed their appearance on the high street and made essential improvements to their shop fronts thanks to funding available from Rushcliffe Borough Council.

Business owners across the Borough have received support from the Shop Front Improvement Grant, which assists businesses

to match contributions to improvements, up to the value of £5,000.

Recipients of the grant include Cut N Curl in East Leake who installed a new door and double-glazing and Scissor Happy in Bingham

who invested in new signage.

White Rabbit Teahouse in West Bridgford also benefited, using artificial flowers to create a floral frontage for their Tudor Square property.

Any high street businesses based anywhere in

Rushcliffe can now apply for the grant. Find out more about eligibility via the authority’s website: https:// w w w. r u s h c l i f f e . g o v. u k / business/supportingbusiness/ businesssupport/ Piano Radcliffe in Radcliffe on Trent are also among those who have benefitted from the grant, installing a new awning along the shop front to allow visitors to embrace alfresco dining in the summer months.

Manager of Piano Radcliffe Katie Shaw said: “The Shop Front Improvement Grant contribution has enabled our valued customers to return to Piano time and again to enjoy surroundings as high quality as our food and service.

“The grant has helped us transform the area at the front of the business, really setting us apart as an attractive place to eat and drink.

“We would thoroughly recommend that any business making changes to their shop front consider applying for the support the grant can provide.”

Have your say on street drinking and outdoor sleeping order renewal Rushcliffe Borough Council is seeking views on renewing its PSPO (Public Space Protection Order) which seeks to control street drinking and outdoor sleeping within West Bridgford.

The authority introduced the order in 2017 to help combat the small number of incidents in public spaces in the town associated with the issues.

More information on the

proposed PSPO is available at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/pspo and all are invited to email their views to communitysafety@ rushcliffe.gov.uk or in person at Rushcliffe Community Contact Centre on Rectory Road in West Bridgford.

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “The Public Space Protection Order has

been effective in acting as a deterrent to those street drinking or outdoor sleeping in West Bridgford.

“This behaviour can be associated with begging, littering and aggressive or intimidating actions.

“Whilst there has been no significant rise in incidents over the last three years, it continues to give our partners and us a valuable tool to give

extra protection to the public should incidents occur.

“In the designated area, police, police community support officers and council officers will continue to have powers to help tackle these behaviours which will help to prevent some of the associated issues.

“We continue to signpost those in need to the support services on offer to help them back on their feet, and with partners, tackle the vast majority of anti-social incidents effectively.”

The views will feed into the Council’s Communities Scrutiny Group and if agreed, the new order will be reviewed at a Full Council meeting later this year with the target date for the order being effective from March 1, 2020.

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Business and Transformation Cllr Andy Edyvean said: “I am thrilled that so many businesses have already taken advantage of this brilliant scheme that can assist with the renovation, re-design or general improvement of their shop front.

“The grant not only enables businesses to make necessary changes, but also offers the potential to rejuvenate their shop front and improve experiences for their customers.”

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Ada Lovelace House marks

Blood Cancer Awareness Month Kirkby in Ashfield’s Ada Lovelace House will be one of over fifty buildings across the UK lit up to mark Blood Cancer Awareness Month.

Famous buildings across the UK are set to light up to raise awareness of leukaemia this September. Ada Lovelace House on Urban Road will be turning red to raise awareness of leukaemia as part of the charity’s blood cancer awareness activities.

National blood cancer charity Leukaemia Care have organised the lighting of buildings across the UK to raise awareness of leukaemia, as well as its signs and symptoms, as part of their Spot Leukaemia campaign.

Leukaemia is a form of blood cancer. Blood cancer is the UK’s fifth most common cancer and the third biggest cancer killer.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) takes place each September and is a

chance for patients, charities and healthcare professionals to raise awareness and share stories of their experience of blood cancer.

Across the country, over 50 buildings are lighting up in celebration of Leukaemia Care’s 50th anniversary as a charity.

As well as shining a spotlight on leukaemia, the charity is encouraging members of the public to take its free leukaemia awareness course which will help to raise awareness of the vague symptoms of this cancer. The charity also have free fridge magnets and symptoms cards available to order.

Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said: “We’re very proud to be supporting Leukaemia Care, a fantastic charity who do brilliant work for so many people.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Ada Lovelace House lit up just

outside our Council Offices in Kirkby. If our support of Blood Cancer Awareness Month can raise awareness for just one family in need then it will be worthwhile.”

Director of Patient Advocacy for the charity, Zack Pemberton-Whiteley, said, “We’re delighted that Nottinghamshire is supporting our initiative.

This is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that people are more aware of the vague symptoms of leukaemia which can often be mistaken for other common illnesses, such as the flu.

As well as enjoying the light up, we’d encourage members of the public to take our free online course which will improve their awareness of leukaemia”.

To find out more about the #SpotLeukaemia campaign and to take the free leukaemia awareness course, head to www.spotleukaemia.co.uk

Hedgehog /Fox- We are Best of Both Greek poet Archilochus appropriately said that ‘The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing’. Metaphorically, being a fox means seeing the details in everything you do, whereas as being a hedgehog leads to

doing great things at having one singular vision.

But now the question is, how that relate to the business we do? Seizing upon the vast variety of experiences we have had for last 30 years of our builder journey we

personified to be best of both animals – our single vision is to guarantee quality and to preserve the detail of every job we do. Connect with us through our social media page and website.

Mr D Singh (Bittu)

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Nottingham from the Air

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This month’s aerial photo shows St Mary’s Church in the Lace Market. It is the oldest church in Nottingham. The church is mentioned in the Domesday Book and is believed to go back deep into Saxon times.

The main part of the present building dates from 1377.

The photo was taken

by Robin Macey who is a member of Nottingham & Derby Hot Air Balloon Club. The club is currently looking to expand.

Members take turns being on the chase crew as well as flying in the basket.

For further details about how to get involved phone 0115-8541028 or visit www.facebook. com/ndhabc.

Photo by Robin Macey

Council appoints its first ever female Chief Executive

At last months Chief Officers' Employment Committee the committee passed the recommendation to appoint Carol Cooper-Smith as the interim Chief Executive of Ashfield District Council.

Carol, who has previously been the Interim Service Director, Place and Communities at ADC, will be the first female Chief Executive for Ashfield District Council or the Urban Councils that proceeded it.

Carol said “I am delighted

to be returning to Ashfield District Council as the first female CEO. The Council has a strong history of female senior leaders, with two of the Council’s five current senior leaders being female. This will rise to three on my return, and I will be proud to lead an organisation that values equality.” Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council said “It is a conscious decision of this administration to recommend that a female

is appointed to be the interim CEO. Carol has a wealth of experience, including four years at Ashfield District Council and I am pleased that she will be returning to the authority to take on this role.

“Carol will be in position for up to ten months whilst we recruitment for a permanent Chief Executive.”

Carol Cooper-Smith will take over from Rob Mitchell the current CEO, when he leaves the authority in September.

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Council’s win top award for Armed Forces support Charnwood and Rushcliffe borough councils have received a gold award for their support of the Armed Forces.

The Armed Forces Covenant Employer Scheme (ERS) Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for organisations which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served.

The award recognises employers who actively support the Armed Forces community in their workplace and encourage others to follow their lead.

Both councils currently have the silver award and are the first local authorities in the East Midlands to now receive gold.

Cllr Hilary Fryer, the armed forces champion for Charnwood Borough Council said: “We are extremely proud to receive the gold award for our

continued support of the Armed Forces community.

“The award is testament to our successful partnership with Rushcliffe and our work within the community to raise awareness of the issues affecting Armed Forces personnel.

“It’s important we continue to acknowledge the sacrifices our armed forces men and women, and their

families make, and the work of the covenant gives us an opportunity to give something back.”

“Congratulations to everyone involved in achieving this top award.”

Cllr Debbie Mason, deputy leader and armed forces champion for Rushcliffe Borough Council said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded the gold award from the Armed Forces Employee Recognition Scheme together with Charnwood Borough Council.

"The award acknowledges our work with our Armed Forces community with initiatives

such as Veterans' breakfast clubs, encouraging social enterprises and businesses to sign the covenant and events such as Proms in the Park that raise the profile of military causes and charities.

"We also introduced a guaranteed job interview scheme for Veterans and Reservists at the Council and if appointed, a buddy support system will help them settle into their new work place.

"We will continue to do everything we can to support those with a military background and to explore further ways we can assist

hard-to-reach veterans and families with the support they may require."

Charnwood and Rushcliffe have made pledges under the Armed Forces Covenant to help support the Armed forces community including serving personnel, reservists, veterans and families to ensure that they do not face any disadvantage as a result of their service.

The partnership was formed in 2017 and involves Melton Borough Council.

A ceremony will be held in London later this year when the Council’s will formally receive the ERS Gold Award.

Don’t get caught out by summer conmen, trading standards warn A warning has gone out to residents in Nottingham to beware of rogue gardeners and builders operating in the area over the summer.

The City Council’s trading standards team sees an increase during the warmer months of reports of con men offering building and landscaping services for the home and garden. These scams sometimes begin on social media platforms where rogue traders will advertise for work.

Householders are then asked for payment upfront, either in part or in

full, before little or no work is carried out.

Jane Bailey, Trading Standards Manager at Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s understandable at this time of year that people’s thoughts are turning to their homes and, especially, their gardens. We spend most time there in the summer and we invite friends and family around.

“Our advice is always to seek two or three quotes for any job, and try to take recommendations for reliable and reputable tradespeople.

Never sign up to anything, or agree a job, on the doorstep or after a quick search on the internet or social media.

“We are aware currently of a number of incidents of residents doing precisely this and being caught out.

What can then compound the situation is that victims are

reluctant to come forward and report the rogue trader because they feel embarrassed about admitting they were deceived into handing over money.

“However, it’s really important that they do contact us in those circumstances.

We will investigate any incident like this and as well as being able to warn other people, we are able to secure prosecutions against offenders providing we have the evidence to put before the courts.”

The warning comes after the recent conviction of Jason Clarke, who admitted three charges of fraud.

The 34-year-old, of Maplin Road, Leicester, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 24 July where he was sentenced to nine months in prison,

suspended for two years, and 150 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to repay £3,067 to his three Nottingham victims. Between May and October 2018, Clarke was contacted through Facebook and agreed to the work.

Two jobs were for garden landscaping and the other for a bathroom refit.

In two of the cases, he was paid upfront and then completed less than a day’s work. In the third case, he was paid in full for the job but did no work whatsoever.

In his sentencing, District Judge Leo Pyle described Clarke as ‘a persuasive conman’. Anyone wishing to report a rogue trader, or seeking more information or advice, is asked to call Nottingham City Council trading standards on 0115 844 5018.

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Garages transformed into new affordable homes

Metropolitan Thames Valley (MTVH) is turning old, unused garage sites into new affordable homes for local people in Rushcliffe, Nottinghamshire.

Working in partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council, the housing association is working across six different locations in the borough, demolishing 55 garages and one uninhabitable bungalow to build 23 new properties.

The homes comprise 16 for affordable rent – including six specifically for older people – and seven for shared ownership – a part-buy, partrent scheme designed to help

buyers on low to moderate incomes get on the property ladder. The homes are being provided for locals in the borough, with the rented properties allocated to people on Rushcliffe Borough Council’s housing register.

To date, 18 of the 23 homes have been delivered, with Cllr Roger Upton – Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing – recently visiting the latest site to be completed at Marlwood in Cotgrave.

Cllr Upton said: “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with Metropolitan Thames Valley

Housing securing good quality affordable housing to meet local housing need, sustain jobs and improve the economy.

“The scheme here at Marlwood is designed to help residents with lower incomes to live in a property built to a very high standard and I’ve

been really impressed with the finish of these homes. “It is one of six sites of a phased garage redevelopment programme which will deliver 23 homes for affordable rent and shared ownership both here and in Aslockton, East Bridgford, Radcliffe-on-Trent, Edwalton and West Bridgford.” Lisbeth

Banner, Head of Delivery at MTVH, said: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council to deliver quality new affordable homes in the area and contribute to meeting local housing need.”

As part of the redevelopment programme, new two-

bedroom houses are available for shared ownership at Queens Road in Radcliffe-onTrent. Prices start at £71,750 for a 35% share – for more information, call estate agents Benjamins on 0115 9371 713 or go to soresi.co.uk/find-aproperty/queens-road.

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New Range of Belvoir Ciders Celebrate Family Roots

A selection of four new smallbatch artisan ciders, inspired by the Duchess of Rutland’s family connections with the Welsh Marches, is now on sale at The Fuel Tank in Belvoir Castle’s Engine Yard retail village.

International award-winning artisan cider producer Celtic Marches Beverages from Herefordshire was specially commissioned to develop Belvoir Castle’s new offer.

The four ciders are each named after the Duchess and her three daughters.

Emma, Duchess of Rutland, explains: “I was brought up on the Herefordshire/ Radnorshire border and my daughters recall fondly childhood visits to their grandparents in Mid Wales.

So it was important to me to celebrate our heritage, as well as paying tribute to the exquisite cider apples produced in my family’s ancient orchards.

“As a young woman, I enjoyed my first taste of cider at the Three Counties Show in Malvern; a lasting memory which brings us to this exciting endeavour. This family, female-led, artisan cider producer is the perfect pairing to celebrate each of the ladies who currently reside at Belvoir Castle. Each cider has been carefully crafted to reflect our very individual personalities. I am delighted with the result.”

The Duchess of Rutland Herefordshire Cider is a traditional apple cider, staying true to its roots in the Welsh Marches. It is meticulously balanced, with a rich apple nose, full body and is sophisticatedly smooth. RRP £4.95 per 500ml bottle.

Lady Alice Manners Mango cider is a blend of craft cider and exotic mango. Bursting with flavour, its lightly balanced sweetness gives it a tantalising finish. RRP £5.25 per 500ml bottle.

Lady Eliza Manners Strawberry & Lime cider offers complexity. A delicate

balance of fresh strawberry sweetness is complemented by the citrus zing of the lime. Both flavours work effortlessly to balance each other and are mellowed by the classic blend of cider apples.

RRP £5.25 per 500ml bottle.

Lady Violet Manners Wild Berries cider is full of the flavours of the quintessential British hedgerow.

With a deep crimson hue, a delicate strawberry nose and wonderful afternotes of the blackberry finish. RRP £5.25 per 500ml bottle.

Collette Cumbes, Account Manager, Celtic Marches Beverages Ltd, says: “It’s not every day that you get invited to create a range of ciders for a Duchess and her daughters.

Creating the personalised cider flavours has been a lot of fun, with a great deal of involvement from their namesakes. The artisan nature of our small batch production also resonates with the ethos of Belvoir Castle’s Engine Yard and its celebration of local producers and community.”

Celtic Marches Beverages Ltd is a self-sustaining cider farm with 200 acres of orchards producing vegan, gluten-free ciders, assigned Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) by the European Union to protect regional foods that have a specific quality, reputation or other characteristics attributable to that area.

The full range of Belvoir Ciders is now on sale in The Fuel Tank cafe and restaurant at Belvoir Castle’s Engine Yard retail village.

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New recycling

facility now available at Colliers Park in Cotgrave

A new recycling bring site is now available for residents local to Colliers Park in Cotgrave offering glass, tetra pak and clothes recycling. The facility on Fieldfare Road is a further location to recycle in the town and to assist residents in the hundreds of new homes in the adjacent Hollygate Park. The new facilities are also an opportunity for residents in Cropwell Bishop, Cropwell Butler, Stragglethorpe and other local villages to deposit tetra pak cartons at the site. Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “This new facility is already benefitting hundreds of residents in the local area, all of whom are playing their part in helping to 100% recycle these items by depositing them at this dedicated bring site. “Remember to only place plastic bottles, cardboard, yoghurt pots, margarine tubs, paper and cans in the blue bin at home and bring the other items to these recycling sites across the Borough.”

Ashfield District Council is proud to have been awarded the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award.

The Council is one of just four local authorities across the East Midlands to have achieved the prestigious award for 2019.

The Silver award replaces the Bronze award we previously held.

Recognising the Council’s hard work to support the armed forces, including existing or prospective employees who are members of the community.

In 2018, the Council set out a large programme of commemorative events to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, including planting poppy beds and installing Tommy silhouettes, poppy lights and gateway signs.

Last November, Chairman

of the Council Cllr Anthony Brewer signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of Ashfield at a service held at Southwell Minster.

Cllr David Walters, ADC Armed Forces Champion said: “We are humbled to be receiving this prestigious award. It marks our fantastic

Fly Tipper Jailed A former Ashfield resident has been jailed for fly tipping and burning waste in the district.

Following reports of a fly tip in July 2018 investigations found that the waste had been collected by David Rowe, 30 of Bestwood Road, Bulwell.

Rowe failed to cooperate offering no explanation as to why the waste that he collected was found fly tipped.

In February of this year, a call was made to the emergency services regarding a large fire in the garden of a property on Alfreton Road, Selston. Fire officers witnessed David Rowe collecting waste from his van to burn on the fire. Putting the fire out, fire officers confirmed

that the waste being burned was a mixture of domestic and commercial waste.

Appearing in Mansfield Magistrates’ Court, Rowe was sentenced for two offences prosecuted by Ashfield District Council; being a carrier of controlled waste, failing to take reasonable measures to prevent another person from fly tipping, and disposing of controlled waste in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health.

The sentence also includes fly tipping offences prosecuted

by Amber Valley Borough Council and an offence of transporting waste

without a waste carrier’s licence prosecuted by the Environment Agency.

Rowe was sentenced to a total of 30 weeks imprisonment.

He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and was disqualified from driving for 12 months. In sentencing, District Judge Taaffe said that these “are serious matters because of the blight on the community locally and nationally. Fly tipping is a national emergency, it affects the quality of life of all and in this case clearly was for commercial gain.”

Cllr Daniel Williamson, Cabinet Member for Community Safety said “This

work in not only showing how proud we are of those who have served for our country but also that we are a veteran friendly employer as an authority.

“We will continue to be proud of the Armed Forces and ensure that service personnel, families and veterans can

is a fantastic result for all involved. David Rowe clearly thought he could get away with this behaviour, and his custodial sentence should be a message to anyone thinking they can make quick money from collecting and fly tipping waste. “The Council is committed to tacking fly tipping across the district.

We have numerous measure in place it catch offenders including dedicated officers investigating each case and the powers to crush vehicles of unlicensed waste carriers.

We are also focussing on prevention, joining forces with other authorities in Nottinghamshire to create the Cleaner Nottinghamshire Group. This partnership, which allows us to share information on fly tipping,

access the help and support available.”

Information relating to the Armed Forces Covenant is available on the Ashfield District Council website at the following address: https://www.ashfield.gov.uk/your-council/ working-together/armed-forces-covenant/ The Council will be presented with the award by the Ministry of Defence in November this year and is already working towards achieving the Gold Award.

along with our past and current projects demonstrate our dedication to ensuring that Ashfield remains a nice environment to live and work.” A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “The case shows how we take robust enforcement action to protect communities and the environment against those who deliberately ignore the law. It also demonstrates how

seriously the courts take waste crime.

“By operating illegally, Rowe has undermined both the regulations and those who are registered waste carriers and we hope it highlights to householders and businesses of the importance of only using licensed waste carriers to ensure any waste they hand over will be properly and legally managed.”

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The D.H. Lawrence Festival is back for 2019! Never leave items on view in your vehicle

Running from Saturday 31st August till Saturday 14th September, this year’s festival includes live music, open days, exhibitions, walks, talks and much more!

The D.H. Lawrence Festival is a fantastic community focused event which highlights local groups and activities across the borough of Broxtowe. No matter where your interests lie there is something to suit you!

Hester Pode, Duty Officer at the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum says “It is fantastic to see so many community focused events over the two week period, and with such a variety of events, so many of them free, there is something for everybody.”

For a full list of festival events, including times, prices and locations, then pick up a FREE festival leaflet from a variety of locations across Broxtowe including; The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum, Eastwood Library, Beeston Library, Kimberley Library, Broxtowe Borough Council Office’s - Beeston and Bramcote, Chilwell and Kimberley Leisure Centres.

Digital copies of the festival leaflet can also be obtained on the Festival Event webpage.

Presentation of the festival leaflet at the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum entitles you to 10% off in the shop for the duration of the festival.

The D.H. Lawrence Festival

2019 runs from Saturday 31st August to Sunday 14th September 2019 at a variety of locations across the borough of Broxtowe. Free festival leaflets can be collected across the borough now! For more information contact the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum on 01159173834 or email dhlawrence@lleisure. co.uk The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum is an award winning visitor attraction in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire. It combines D.H. Lawrence’s authentically recreated childhood home, with an exhibition and gallery space celebrating the author’s life, work and humble beginnings. From here you can also explore the surrounding countryside, which inspired his work.

The D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. For more information, please contact the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum on (0115) 9173824, email dhlawrence@ lleisure.co.uk or visit www. lleisure.co.uk/dhlawrence.

Facilities include a charming gift shop, tea and coffee, and a picnic area.

Never leave items on view in your vehicle. That’s the message from Rushcliffe Borough Council and Nottinghamshire Police who are reiterating to motorists to always remove anything from sight that could attract a thief.

Whether an old coat, cardigan, scarf or even an empty carrier bag, never give a thief the reason to target forced entry into your vehicle. Always check too that all windows and doors are locked as you leave the vehicle, park in

a well-lit or busy location wherever possible and leave the glovebox or other compartments open to show there is nothing of value in them.

At home, ensure keyless entry fobs are kept in a signal blocker pouch or metal box to ensure you are not victim to car thieves.

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “Never give a thief an excuse to target your

vehicle by removing anything that is on show. “You may be in a hurry on the way to a meeting, or a social occasion to see family or friends but taking a few extra seconds to ensure all items are removed can make all the difference to ensure it is not targeted.

“Always remember to lock the car and make sure windows are fully closed.

Again, it’s vital to do this to not give opportunist thieves the chance to steal items or cause damage.”

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Nottingham Castle seeks creative companies to

deliver exciting digital exhibits for new visitor experience Six exciting digital exhibits which will form an important part of the renewed Nottingham Castle visitor experience from 2021 are up for grabs for creative companies.

The £30m Nottingham Castle Transformation Project, made possible thanks to a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, is well underway and now a process to select companies to deliver six exciting digital projects has been launched.

These range from medieval themed interactive exhibits and games to immersive

film production and more, capturing a thousand years of history and transforming it into a revolutionary modern visitor experience.

Nottingham Castle has a highly ambitious vision for the various exhibits, experiences and games, which will bring history to life for visitors. It is therefore seeking digital companies with a talent for storytelling and the ability to produce highly immersive, creative, engaging and visual experiences. It is hoped that in the initial years after reopening in 2021, Nottingham Castle will attract around 250,000

visitors annually.

Any digital company involved in designing and delivering these projects can therefore expect a substantial amount of exposure and the opportunity to play a defining role in the future of Nottingham Castle.

CPU 3650 – Rebellion Films (£115k): A synced, multi-screen film experience telling stories of rebellion in Nottingham’s history. Closing date 11/09/2019.

It will be followed by an additional four opportunities which will go live on ProContract in September: Robin Hood Immersive film tender (£220k): An immersive film experience with accompanying audio soundscape that transports viewers on a journey from modern day Nottingham to the medieval world of Robin Hood. Opens w/c 02.09.19.

Gallery Screen Games tender (£180k): A series of fast-paced and challenging interactive touchscreen and tabletop games to

encourage visitors to engage with the world of medieval Nottingham by playing the role of particular characters.

Opens w/c 02.09.19.

Rebellion Digital Content (£70k): A series of high quality digital, explorable interactives and animations which bring to life objects in the gallery and the idea of satirical political posters, encouraging visitors to engage with these objects and concepts. Opens w/c 23.09.19.

Alabaster Carving & Salt Glazed Pottery (£30k). A series of ‘making’ stations which allow visitors to try out and learn more about the design and production techniques of alabaster carving and salt glazed pottery. Opens w/c 30.09.19.

During the tender process, digital companies will be asked to provide a company profile, detail of any relevant previous experience and a proposal for how they would design and deliver the project.

For more information, go to ProContract to register.

Nigel Hawkins, Head of Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “This is a very exciting stage in the development of the Castle Transformation Project. We are looking for the most imaginative and creative ideas from local talents and further afield who will play a defining role in the future of Nottingham Castle for years to come. “These exhibits will contribute significantly towards building the experience for our visitors as they begin to explore the site and the thousands of years

of history it holds. We’re really looking forward to receiving entries and expect there to be a great deal of competition as the project

continues to bring investment and opportunities into the city.” For more information, please visit https://www. nottinghamcastle.org

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Lutterell Hall listed as Asset of Community Value

Rushcliffe Borough Council have granted an application to list Lutterell Hall in West Bridgford as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

The application made by St Giles’ Preschool, who are based at the site, means the building cannot be sold without giving a community group the opportunity to purchase it.

If a group wishes to buy Lutterell Hall, this application means they can trigger a six month period in which they are given time to raise the money to purchase the building should the authority seek to relinquish ownership

of the venue. In May, the Council highlighted the need to assess the future options for the Hall, in line with the potential marketing

by Nottinghamshire Police of the neighbouring West Bridgford Police Station and Community Contact Centre site. The ACV update has been announced as the Council confirmed it is set to further assess options to market the Hall after continued dialogue with Police.

This will be alongside considering any expressions of interest from community groups that then can be appraised with the options

to retain Lutterell Hall for community use, as agreed at its Cabinet meeting in June.

Leader of the Council Cllr Simon Robinson said: “We are pleased to have granted this application from the preschool and welcome further expressions of interest from third parties as to the Hall’s future use or ownership.

“As we stated at our Cabinet meeting in June, a future report will consider any expressions of interest in the Hall and the outcome of marketing the site that then can be appraised alongside the options to retain it.”

Landowner ordered to pay more

than £5,000 for flouting planning laws A landowner who has been using a field at the back of his home to store up to 130 vehicles without planning permission has been ordered by a court to pay out more than £5,000.

Alan Hodson, of Willow Tree Farm, Eagle Road, Spalford,near Newark, was prosecuted at Nottingham Magistrates for an offence under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Magistrates heard that Mr Hodson had permission to store up to 25 cars at the site and had applied for an increase in that number to 100 but this had been refused by planners at Newark and Sherwood District Council subsequently at appeal.

Mr Hodson, who pleaded not guilty at the hearing on Wednesday, August 7 but was found guilty after a trial, was fined £2,500 – the maximum that can be imposed on this type of offence - and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of

£120 and legal costs in full of £2,834 to be payable within 28 days. The court was told that Mr Hodson had applied for planning permission to increase the volume of vehicles allowed to be kept on site in June 2017 but that was refused and a subsequent appeal to the Planning Inspectorate was dismissed in June 2018.

Magistrates heard he had failed to comply with the terms of a breach of condition notice served in September 2017 and after further being advised to comply with the notice, a deadline of September 17, 2018 was set to ensure that no more than 25 vehicles were on the site.

When council officers visited the farm on that date they counted 137 vehicles, in breach of the terms of planning permission.

The court was further told that Mr Hodson had emailed the council on November 5 to give assurances that there

were no more than 25 cars on site but when officers visited again on November 19, the number was 125. Council planning committee chairman Councillor Roger Blaney said: “Planning laws are set out to ensure that development on any land is appropriate and this site is wholly unsuitable for the amount of cars which have been stored there. We cannot allow such large scale commercial activity in such a countryside location.

“The terms of planning consent were very clear in this case and there was a breach of the conditions set out and this cannot be tolerated.

We have engaged with the defendant on numerous occasions and he has been given ample opportunity to comply. However, we were left with no other option than to take it through the courts.

We will be looking at further measures to ensure that the requirements of the breach of condition notice are met.”

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child’s secondary school place If your child is due to start secondary school in September 2020, you can apply from now until the closing date, Thursday 31 October 2019.

Nottinghamshire residents need to apply to Nottinghamshire County Council even if their preferred schools are in other areas such as Nottingham City or Derbyshire.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s service director for education, learning and skills, Marion Clay, said: “It probably seems no time at all since parents were looking for a reception place for their child and deciding which schools to apply for.

“However, if a child is about to start in Year 6 at primary school, it’s time to think about applying for a secondary school place for next September.

“This time around it might feel more complicated because your child may have strong ideas about which secondary school they want - or don’t want - to attend, and their ideas may not be the same as yours.

“The good news is that, last year, nearly 98% of families who applied for a secondary school place on time were offered one of their preferred schools. Applying within the deadline is key.”

The easiest way to apply is online at www. n o t t i n g h a m s h i r e . g o v. u k / schooladmissions.

Parents who apply online will receive email confirmation that their application has been received.

Parents are strongly advised to: 1) Apply on time – by Thursday, 31 October 2019.

If parents do not apply on time, they substantially reduce the chances of getting a place at one of their preferred schools. Late applications will only be processed after all on-time applications. By then, the schools that parents would really like their child to attend might all be full, so the County Council will make an alternative offer of a place at a school which could be at a distance from the home address.

2) Use all 4 preferences – so that they are more likely to be offered a place at a school they are happy for their child to attend.

3) Check the admission oversubscription criteria – and include at least one school within the four preferences where their child will have high priority within the admission oversubscription criteria and will therefore be most likely to get a place.

Information about the criteria can be found on the Council’s website.

All secondary schools in Nottinghamshire are now own admission authority schools and have their own oversubscription criteria – this can vary from school to school.

4) Include other relevant information in the application, parents should mention any information which may affect how the admission oversubscription criteria are applied. They should also tell the Council if they are moving house as this may affect how their application is considered. It is important to read the relevant sections in Admissions to schools: Guide for parents 2020/21, which can be found:

www.nottinghamshire.gov. uk/admissions.

The Council’s committee chairman for Children and Young People’s Services, Councillor Philip Owen, stressed the importance of applying on time and using all four preferences: “We cannot stress strongly enough the importance of applying on time and identifying four preferences.

If you apply late or only list one preference you may substantially reduce the chances of getting your child into your preferred school.

Last year, of those families that were not successful for any of their preferences, 58.4% had expressed only one preference.”

Secondary school offers will be made on Monday, 2 March 2020. If parents apply online an email will be sent on this day if they have opted to receive an email outcome.

All online applicants can log in to the online application service to view the outcome

As the nights start to draw in, and "Who Do You Think You Are?" is back on TV, many people have questions about how their own ancestors lived, and what jobs they did, but don't know how to find out.

Fiona Boardman of FPB

Family History Research can undertake research for you, using a range of sources to produce an illustrated report or a family tree chart. She also offers advice and support to those who are stuck on their own research.

If you want to surprise a friend or family member, Gift Vouchers are available in multiples of £25.

For more information contact Fiona on 01773 822819 or email: fiona@ fpbfamilyhistoryresearch.com

Want to know more about how and where your ancestors lived?

of their application. For parents who apply by telephone or by completing a paper application, the outcome of preferences will

be posted second class on Monday, 2 March 2020. For more information about the application process, schools, the number of places available

or how places are allocated, please visit the website at www.nottinghamshire.gov. uk/admissions or call 0300 500 80 80.

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Keyworth Councillors’ Community Support Scheme Grants help local groups

Volunteer groups in Keyworth and the Wolds have been awarded funding from Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Community Support Scheme assisting a Young People’s Centre and local Women’s Institute Group with much needed investment for projects.

Cabinet members Cllrs Rob Inglis and Andy Edyvean and Cllr John Cottee, all ward councillors for the local area, each selected funding towards the Keyworth Young People’s Centre and Willoughby-on-

the-Wolds Women’s Institute.

The Centre were able to purchase a new football table and games console, that were amongst the most wanted items by users and the WI were assisted with the cost of a day trip to the national learning centre in Oxfordshire.

Chris Seager, Youth Worker at the centre thanked the councillors for their support and funding, enabling them to buy new equipment that will assist further social and recreational activities for local young people.

He said: “Through the fund raising efforts of the young people here and a partnership with our local councillors we were able to raise enough money to buy the new equipment for the centre.

“It has been a really great project from start to finish with a wide range of the young people getting involved.

“Because it’s something that has been chosen by them, they have a real sense of achievement and success from their efforts and hard work.

“Thanks again to councillors Inglis, Edyvean and Cottee for their support with this project!”

The Chair of the WI Christine Hull described the support as “fabulous”.

She said: “We were so grateful to receive a Community Grant funding from our three Borough Councillors.

“We could finally arrange this trip which had been previously financially restrictive for some of our members.

“We all had a truly fantastic day and we cannot thank

them all enough.” Cllr Inglis said: “We consider it very important to support ideas that encourage social interaction amongst local community groups. “In the Youth Centre’s case, we were delighted to provide a joint contribution from our Community Grant funds to ensure they could make the purchases.

“If any there are any other projects within our Ward that need a funding contribution we ask groups to contact us

at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk.”

Cllr Edyvean added: “We were pleased we could make the difference to one of our local WI’s that enabled them to visit their college and enjoy an informative day.

“They certainly deserve something back for all their voluntary and fundraising work in the community.”

Cllr Cottee said: “We know how vital funding can be to local groups so they can pursue their activities that

increase people getting out and about and active in their local communities.

“It’s great to hear feedback that the groups really value the contributions we were able to make.” The Community Support Scheme allocates £1000 to each Councillor to spend in their ward for the benefit of their community.

Individuals or community groups in Rushcliffe that may benefit from the scheme can contact their local Councillor.

3 Decor Tips For A Luxe And Cosy Christmas Dress up the home for Christmas in 3 easy ways - by using velvet, opulent marble, and DIY place settings for an occasion to remember.

Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture Choice, shares tips on how to achieve a luxurious and cosy ambience for the Christmas season.

1. Reach for a luscious material like velvet “Invest in a statement piece like a lush velvet sofa that will continue to impress long after the holidays are over,” says Rebecca. “Velvet is a gorgeously rich and sensual material that instantly evokes a luxurious vibe.

And it really shines in a jewel tone like emerald green for a touch of glamour in a modern living room.” With such a show-stopping sofa, a few simple accents are all that’s needed to cosy up the space.

“Add a soft throw to warm up those chilly nights and some cushions for extra comfort.

Guests will also look forward to lounging around with the addition of a handy drinks cart,” she adds. “Stock up on favourites like whisky, mulled wine and spiced rum that are great for sipping by the fireplace.”

2. Lighten up a room with opulent white marble Take Christmas dinner parties up a notch with a bold, beautiful marble dining table that adds a layer of luxury to any setting.

“White marble not only brightens up a room, it’s incredibly durable and its beauty will never go out of style,” explains Rebecca.

“Smaller homes may want to consider a round table with a central pedestal to free up leg room when gathering over festive meals.”

When it comes to dressing up a table for the holidays, look at little ways to add glitz and shine. “There’s no better time than the Christmas season to accessorise with metallics - use candle holders, napkin rings and even cutlery in gold or brass for glamour and warmth.

A fresh green wreath as a table centrepiece sets the tone and is a beautiful contrast against metal finishings and creamy marble.”

3. DIY personalised place settings for a memorable party Finally, DIY personalised place settings with guests’ names or photos, as fun décor touches that also show you care. “Luxury is in the little details. Print photos of each guest to be used as part of their gift wrap, or make a simple name display for individual place settings - they’re sure to be remembered and appreciated,” says Rebecca.

For those who prefer using natural elements, tie sprigs of holly with ribbon or scatter a few pine cones to create a festive and elegant setting. “This season is about enjoying the holidays, spending time with loved ones, and revelling in all the merry, festive vibes that come with it,” says Rebecca. “Remember to have fun while preparing your home, too!”

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Notts to serve up healthy food

Nottinghamshire has been selected as one of only five councils in the country to deliver an ambitious programme to put healthy food on the menu for young children.

The Department of Health and Social Care made the announcement today that Nottinghamshire County Council will be a Childhood Obesity Trailblazer to test out new and innovative ideas. The Council will receive £100,000 a year for three years to target families of pre-school children (six months – five years) and their childcare providers.

Statistics show that almost a quarter (22.5%) of Nottinghamshire children are already overweight or obese by the time they reach reception age, showing that many of the current school age initiatives are too late to make a difference.

The Council’s plans include: • Testing the creation of low-cost healthy food recipe boxes. These will contain recipe cards and ingredients for at least two family meals a week and will be priced at £3 – 4.

• Promoting Healthy Start vouchers and testing out

innovative uses such as purchasing recipe boxes.

• Trialling the extension of the Council’s school meals to early years childcare providers.

• Offering nutritionist and development chef support to early years staff and child minders who cook and serve their own food.

• Developing g r o w - y o u rown schemes and small businesses in the community.

• Supporting parents to develop good eating habits with their children by offering them learning, peer support and the opportunity to cook, grow, eat and learn about food together at children’s centres.

• Promoting consistent

messages on healthy food for pre-school children.

Councillor Tony Harper, Chair of Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee, said: “I am delighted that we’ve been successful in our bid for this scheme, as there were initially 102 local authorities

who applied for the funding.

"Research shows that eating habits formed at an early age can last a lifetime, so we want to target families of young children and their childcare providers to try and make a positive difference.

This isn’t about telling families what they should or

shouldn’t be eating, but it aims to remove some of the existing barriers that are currently in their way. We will put a range of options in place to help people learn about growing, preparing, cooking and eating healthy food in a way that is available for everyone.”

Public Health Minister Seema Kennedy said: “Every child deserves the best start in life – communities need to come together to play their part in helping the next generation to be healthy and active. Prevention is at heart of our NHS Long Term Plan, but a one-size-fits-all approach does not work in public health.

These pilots are rightly rooted in the needs of the communities they serve and I look forward to seeing what benefits this grassroots approach has on our nation's obesity problem." Ann Crawford,

Deputy Director - Health, Wellbeing and Workforce Development at Public Health England East Midlands, said: “While obesity has no quick fix, this trailblazer project at Nottinghamshire Count Council is an innovative solution that clearly prioritises children and their long-term health.

From expert local knowledge, to local authority intervention, community support and government action, we all have crucial roles to play in combatting obesity.”

The programme will target areas where obesity in reception age children is currently higher, including parts of Bassetlaw, Ashfield, Mansfield and Newark and Sherwood.

Additional support will be available to early years and childcare workers across the county to provide chef time and nutritionist support and promote consistent messages.

The Department of Health and Social Care will share learning from these programmes with local authorities across the country to inspire wider innovation.

It is hoped that more local authorities will follow suit and use their powers to do similar work in their areas.

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Sutton shortlisted for Future High Street Fund Sutton has been successful in the Future High Streets fund following the announcement that a further 50 towns have made it through to the shortlist.

The £1billion Government fund can be used to improve access to town centres, convert empty retail units and encourage investment in the town centre.

The Council submitted their bid earlier this year and were disappointed not to have made the first 50 announced earlier this summer. Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council said “Our officers worked hard to put together a submission that outlined a strong case for Sutton town centre. I am delighted that our hard work

has now paid off.

“It was disappointing for all concerned when we didn’t make the first 50, I knew how strong our submission was and I’m pleased to see them increase the number of towns benefitting from the fund. We will now proceed in drawing up plans for the next stage.”

Following the announcement the Council will now wait to hear if it has been shortlisted for the second stage. If successful it will be able to access up to £150k to implement plans for Sutton town centre, that include improved pedestrian and public transport links into the town, investment in empty buildings and an improved offer within the town centre.

Cllr Zadrozny continued “The Council is fully committed to the regeneration of Sutton town centre and the recent investments from the likes of Wetherspoons and Angling Direct demonstrate that retailers share the vision too.

Our investment in Idlewells indoor market is allowing independent retailers to thrive, and funding from the Future High Streets fund would allow us to build on the work and investment that has already taken place. Helping to turn Sutton into a vibrant hub where people want to shop and do business.”

The Council now awaits further details from the Government on the next stage of the funding process.

Latest plans to upgrade the A614 take a step forward The latest plans for the £22m upgrade of the A614/A6097 corridor, which aim to unlock the economic potential of north Nottinghamshire are taking a step forwards as plans are to be shared with local people. The Secretary of Transport announced last October that £18m of funding would be allocated to the Council for the scheme following its bid to improve six junctions along the A614 and A6097 between Ollerton and Lowdham.

The scheme aims to support planned housing developments along the route in Bilsthorpe, Ollerton and Blidworth, reduce peak period traffic congestion for

the benefit of commuters and local businesses, and improve road safety for all users.

Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Communities and Place Committee, said: “The A614 forms the spine of the county and I am delighted that after thorough investigation work by the County Council along with our partners Via East Midlands we are now in a position to share the comprehensive design plans with local people for their views.

“This significant upgrade will support new growth and investment along the route for the benefit of residents and businesses.

“I’d encourage people to attend the consultation events that are planned throughout Newark and Sherwood this summer and have their say.”

The County Council submitted its outline business case to the Department for Transport for approval in May 2019 with the intention to start works on site in April 2021 subject to the approval of the business case and subsequent planning approvals. The remaining funding for the project will be coming from the Council, section 106 contributions from proposed developments along the route, including a proposed development at Edwinstowe, and Community Infrastructure Levy money.

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Southwell Twilight Market Southwell Town Council will be holding the Twilight Market on Friday 20th September on Southwell Market Square from 5pm-8pm. The Market will consist of stalls including craft and homemade items, local produce, speciality foods, liqueurs, playdoh sets and more. There will be Hot Food and Drinks and a Gin stall to keep your Spirits up!

If you would like more information or to book a stall please contact the Assistant Clerk on Email: admin@ southwell-tc.gov.uk Southwell’s annual Christmas Market will be held on Thursday 28th November 5pm-8pm, on the Market Square. Southwell Traders Late Night shopping event will also be on this date. This is a popular, well supported event and will have a variety of Christmas and regular Traders.

Visit Southwell’s beautiful Market Square where a number of specialist markets

are held throughout the year as well as a regular, bustling Saturday market and a smaller Thursday market. The market holds a range of products from fruit and veg, bread, cakes, cheese and fish to jewellery, clothes a n d greetings cards.

Saturday Market 8am – 4pm Thursday Market 8.30am – 3pm Ceramics F a i r Sunday 2 5 t h August 10am – 4.30pm Christmas Market Thursday 2 8 t h November

5pm – 8pm Any enquiries please contact Southwell Assistant Clerk Tel 01636 816103 Email admin@southwell-tc. gov.uk www.southwellcouncil.com

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things to do in and around Nottingham

As the children go back to school, and the nights grow darker and the jumpers thicker, there's still plenty to do in and around Notts, so grab a cuppa, relax and take a read of my pick of what's

on in September. We see the last of the festivals over the next couple of months but thankfully we still have one of my favourites to come, the

hugely popular Festival of Food and Drink and Clumber Park (14-15) The line up of celebrity chefs this year includes Masterchef's John Torode, plus past winner Lawrence Henry. Catch them both cooking up a storm in the food theatre.

The Green Festival at the Arboretum is also well worth a visit (15 ) Enjoy free live music, outdoor entertainment and activities plus community stalls with refreshments, ethical products, energysaving technologies and information with stalls from 100 small green businesses, craft workers, campaigns, artisan food producers and vegan caterers. There are chlldren's activities, workshops, sustainable technologies,

performers and entertainment throughout the park and live bands from both the Bandstand across the park.

We celebrate 31 years of Mela in the UK this month too (48). The theme is Illusions in Transit - exploring the journeys of people, art and society, and offering an exciting programme which captures the creative and cultural spirit of the city of Nottingham and the Midlands region. With a strong South Asian root, there is a constant theme of embracing an inclusive and vibrant society.

The festival will include live performance, exhibitions, poetry, and a series of special community engagement commissions.

The D.H. Lawrence Festival (running until 14th) offers a variety of events based in Eastwood and throughout the surrounding areas. The Festival has been organised by the local community who have ensured that the extensive programme has something to appeal to everyone. Events include - live music, open days, exhibitions, walks, talks and much more! Heritage Open Days is England's largest festival of history and culture (13-22), bringing together over 2,500 organisations, 5,000 events and 40,000 volunteers. Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors

to celebrate their heritage, community and history - for the first time there will be two packed weekends of events taking place. Keep an eye out for participating venues around Nottinghamshire. It is a chance to discover hidden treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture – and it’s all FREE. If you're a fan of artisan products then you might want to give the Engine Yard at Belvoir Castle a visit to enjoy the hustle and bustle of market day (15).

Expect a handpicked selection of artisan food producer, handcrafters as well as the occasional street food vendors and entertainers! Foodies can learn more at the School of Artisan Food. There are numerous courses taking place to make your stomach rumble including foraging (28) and Beer and Cheese Tasting (8 ) For something a little different, to celebrate the launch of the latest series of hit TV show Peaky Blinders Ye Olde Bell in Retford is hosting an authentic pop up night dedicated to all things from the roaring 20s (20) At the specialist night there will be a bespoke underground drinking bar serving a selection of bootleg cocktails and sultry singers will be giving extra authenticity by performing tunes from the era.

The Hotel has also launched a new intimate ‘baby moon’ afternoon tea for expectant mothers and their special guests. You could also try your hand at Sushi making this month. A screening of Lost In Translation complete with mini Sushi making school before hand is taking place at Kings Walk Kitchen (21) The cafes chef, Yuki will lead an 'Introduction to Temaki Sushi Class' teaching you how to create the perfect vegetarian sushi roll. After the cookery lesson, audience members will be treated to a plate of Japanese tapas to enjoy with the movie! There will be a pop up bar available on site serving drinks, which includes a speciality Bill Murray cocktail! There's no shortage of live music in the county. Catch the final 'Bands in the Park' sessions at The Arboretum (1) and the Embankment (8). The Royal Concert Hall welcomes Belinda Carlise (25) who I last saw supporting Culture Club at the Arena last year. Definitely worth going to see. If you'd rather throw your own moves, where do you go if your too old to go clubbing, but you still love to dance?Discos for Grown Ups comes to town at The Embankment ( 28) with a pop up party for ‘grown-ups’ who love to boogie the night away to the best ever soul, disco and feel good classics

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from the 70s and 80s. The evening was founded by ex -record industry executive Simon Stanford after finding there was nowhere to go to have a great night of dancing if your over 40. Or maybe you fancy being the singer? Join the fun at Bamalamasingsong at the Rescue Rooms (13) A Live band will be playing great songs that everyone knows. There's no singer. The crowd sing the songs! There's more music at The Theatre Royal with visits from Night Fever (3-7) Cabaret (10-14) On Your Feet (10 -21) and there's drama in town as Alex Kingston stars in An Enemy of the People (13-28) at the Nottingham Playhouse. The book, The Lovely Bones made me cry - will the play do the same when it visits The Theatre Royal (24-28) and Every Brilliant Thing runs at The Lace Market Theatre (24-28) This month is also the golden anniversary of the Beatles’ multi-platinum album Abbey Road – the last recording before their seismic breakup.

Leading Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn provides a fast-moving and smart illustrated history of our forever national heroes, their brilliant final album, and other major events of 1969 with a stunning array of rare music, photos, films and choice memorabilia at Lakeside (29) There's comedy coming to Notts too as Alexander Armstrong performs at Thoresby Hall Hotel as part of a package (20-23) Russell Howard returns to the Motorpoint Area (26) and Ben Elton visits the Royal Concert Hall (30) If you fancy

something a little quieter, give Forest Bathing a try (1), a unique experience and a beautiful way to immerse yourself in the therapeutic powers of the woodland of Sherwood Forest. Learn about the latest medical research in to the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time under the canopy of trees, with Holistic Healing Therapy.

Regular forest bathing has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduces stress, improves empathy and creativity and can help to boost your immune system!

Alternatively could join the free Photo Walk (8) at Thoresby Park for photo lovers of all ages, all abilities and all cameras! A chance for you to have a little creative 'photo me-time' and pick up ideas, hints and tips to help you make better photos, or enjoy a special night with a magical atmosphere of peace at Pure Land Japanese Gardens. The lantern-lit evening honours an ancient and venerable Japanese tradition and is the only place in Europe offering this beautiful experience (open until 30 Sep) or visit the enchanting Spectacle at Rufford Abbey (Sep 18 - 3 Oct) Explore the beautiful illuminated trail around the stunning gardens, marvel at the majestic trees and romantic ruins and enjoy wonderful music as you discover each new secret of this magical environment.

Time keeping has never been my strong point but a visit to The museum of Time Keeping is always interesting - catch their celebration of all things vintage and retro at Vintage

Times, featuring classic cars, pre-war radios, vintage clothes, restored jukeboxes, and much more.

Food will be available on site from Big D's BBQ and Grill, with Southwell School's Jazz Band performing in the ballroom. Fancy a challenge?

Take on the Aqua Challenge Inflatable Obstacle Course at Water Meadows in Mansfield (Until Sep 29) a giant, indoor inflatable obstacle course in the pool; 30 metres of nonstop fun and action. Find out if you what it takes to beat all the obstacles, escape down the exit slides – and then do it all over again!?

Can you conquer 'The Basher Wall', the 'Demolition Ball', 'S-Bend' and 'Spikey Hump'?

The challenges is on! Or have you tried an Escape Room recently? Did you know there is one above Pieminister in the City Centre? Solve the clues to escape and reward yourself downstairs with pie.

As always, don't forget the history right here on your doorstep. You can learn all about it while taking one of the many tours around the city, such as The Nutty Nottingham tour, The Wollaton Hall Ghost Walk, The Book Lovers Walk or the Robin Hood Town Tour. I experienced the Magic Lantern Tour of The Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall recently, led by awardwinning tour guide Eziekal Bone, the fascinating tour goes behind the scenes to learn about the venues history and how a show is made. *Always check with the venue ahead and book if necessary. There is usually a cost or entrance fee unless stated otherwise'

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Fitness Challenge Meets Beautiful Scenery At The Moorgreen Duathlon

Explore the beautiful scenery in and around Moorgreen, all whilst testing your fitness this autumn as the Moorgreen Duathlon returns on Sunday 13th October.

The popular event for anyone aged 15 and over is a fantastic opportunity to try something new and there are two disciplines to suit different levels of fitness.

The event starts at 9.00am with a run in around the Green Flag Award Winning Colliers Wood, followed by a bike ride on the surrounding roads in Moorgreen, Underwood and

Watnall. The event finishes with a second run within Colliers Wood.

Beginners Event - £14 • 2K Run • 8K Bike Ride • 1K Run Challenge Event - £18 • 4K Run • 15.5K Bike Ride • 2K Run The event will be chip timed.

For the event you will need trainers/running shoes, a roadworthy bike and a helmet.

You will also need comfortable clothing for taking part in.

Please bring your own water

bottle to help us to reduce plastic waste at this event.

Places sell out fast, book your tickets on our website by visiting, www.lleisure.co.uk/ events/duathlon/ Why not try a spin class as part of your bike ride training?

LLeisure have written a guide to everything you need to know about their spinning classes.

To book your place visit, https://www.lleisure.co.uk/ events/ or contact the Get Active Team on getactive@ lleisure.co.uk or call 0115 917 3572.

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Page 25.

Holiday Hotlist 2019

If you’re looking for holiday inspiration for the year ahead look no further as Post Office Travel Money reveals its Holiday Hotlist for 2019. Together with Airbnb, showcasing some examples of unique accommodation available in each destination to get your imagination fired up. The Post Office Travel Money Holiday Hotlist 2019 was selected by considering a number of decision-making factors.

These include affordable local costs, favourable sterling exchange rates to boost the spending power of UK tourists and local cultural events and celebrations scheduled in the year ahead. Hadi Moussa, General Manager for Northern Europe from Airbnb said: “The Post Office has picked out some amazing value travel destinations spotlighted in their hot list this year. From the extensive coastline of Southern Italy and Spain’s ‘off the beaten track’ beaches to the beautiful cities of Porto and Bratislava, there’s so much to see and do. Whether travellers are exploring the rich and varied locations in Europe or heading further afield to the likes of Bali and India, there is a breadth of listings* available on Airbnb to suit every guest’s needs.”

If value for money is your biggest priority consider Turkey, Spain or Bali TURKEY Why? A slump in the value of the Turkish lira means UK visitors will get around a third more lira for their pounds than a year ago, which helps to explain why holiday bookings for April-December are already up 65 per cent yearon-year1. In the annual Post Office Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer, Marmaris was second cheapest of 42 destinations surveyed.

Where?A stunning example of an Airbnb listing in Turkey, Sapphire is a bright and airy five-star apartment with white-washed beams in the heart of Istanbul.

The apartment boasts fabulous

views of Istanbul’s landmark mosques and the Golden Horn inland waterway from the Bosphorus and is close to the bars and restaurants of Beyoglu.

BALI Why? Bali is one of the very few destinations where the cost of living is low and where sterling is also stronger than a year ago.

UK tourists are catching on and sales of its currency, the rupiah, have surged by 483 per cent in the past decade to prove the point.

Where?

The Writer’s Treehouse is the ultimate five-star romantic retreat: an airy, jungle-style bamboo home just a stone’s throw from a quiet beach in west coast Pekutatan. Surrounded by trees, visitors can relax in a hammock in a gorgeous tropical garden where there is always something in bloom.

The treehouse is one example of many homes dotted across Bali that are part of the new Airbnb Plus tier, a premium category of homes inspected against a 100+ point checklist covering design, amenities and hospitality.

SPAIN Why? Rated best value in Europe in the Post Office’s Holiday Spending Report with a 90 per cent approval rating, Spain has also moved up the Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer top 10 after prices fell by over two per cent year-on-year.

BRATISLAVA Why? The ninth cheapest city in Europe according to the Post Office City Costs Barometer, Slovakia’s capital is becoming one of the ‘goto’ cities for millennials and little wonder. Prices in Bratislava are 44 per cent lower than in nearby Vienna.

Where? A stylish modern apartmentin a fabulous location next to the art nouveau Blue Church is among the contrasting range of accommodation available in Bratislava from Airbnb.

A great city centre base from which to walk to the

restaurants, bars and shops of the old town or the Danube promenade, the five-star apartment costs from £32 per night and sleeps three guests.

PORTO Why? Portugal’s second city is even cheaper than Bratislava and the best bet for a bargain break in Western Europe, according to the Post Office, which found prices a third lower than in Lisbon.

Porto will also play host to the first Nations League finals in June – featuring the England football team.

Where?

A romantic, rustic flatin the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site is among many examples of character homes available from Airbnb.Set in a 19th century building with stone and whitewashed walls as well as pretty, patterned floors, the flat’s vintage feel makes it a home-from-home in the old town.

The five-star flat costs from £41 per night and sleeps four guests. Culture vultures could be especially tempted

by Southern Italy, India or Patagonia this year SOUTHERN ITALY Why? The ancient city of Matera is this year’s European Capital of Culture, which will turn the spotlight on a region of Italy that has only recently started to attract significant numbers of UK visitors and which is cheaper than many of the country’s better-known tourist traps.

Where?

Il Sasso sotto L’Albero is located in the Sassi district of Matera, where unique cave dwellings carved from rock and originating from a prehistoric troglodyte settlement provide one of Italy’s most unique landscapes.

INDIA Why? 2019 marks the 150th anniversary of Gandhi’s birth and celebrations to mark this will run throughout the year, attracting UK tourists keen to understand the country’s history and culture.

PATAGONIA Why? Visitors in 2019 will

have the chance to travel the new Route of Parks trail set up to guide them through Patagonia’s 17 national parks.

Those visiting in July may be lucky enough to see a solar eclipse while they take the trail.

Where?

Accommodation is great value in Patagonia and there are several good examples of character homes in its northern lake region around Bariloche.

One of these claims to be the most beautiful lake loft in San Carlos de Bariloche overlooking Nahuel Huapi lake and just steps from the beach.

Prices for one night start from £70 and the five star apartment can sleep three guests. And finally, for a chance to walk in the footsteps of those from our favourite medieval fantasy epic, Croatia and Iceland can’t be beaten ICELAND Why: Iceland has made huge headway in attracting UK visitors over the past decade as a 237 per cent increase in sales of the Icelandic krona shows.

The krona is now one of the few currencies to have weakened against sterling in recent months so Iceland looks set to welcome yet more tourists in 2019 – especially those who want to see the ‘Lands beyond the Wall’ from Game of Thrones in real life.

Where?

Splash out on a luxury stay in a spacious new villa in Akureyri,the northern capital of Iceland.

Offering spectacular views of the Eyiafjordur fjord, the hillside house is a great base for visits to scenic Lake Mývatn, the Grand Canyon of Jökulsárgljúfur and the magnificent waterfalls at Goðafoss and Dettifoss.

Sleeping five, the property costs from £229 per night.

CROATIA Why: Croatia has been one of the biggest tourism success stories of the past decade, with Post Office currency sales up 325 per cent in that time.

The festival scene has made Croatia a youth favourite, while its long coastline and network of over 1,000 islands makes it a mecca for summer sun trips. The final series of Game of Thrones should encourage more visits to Kings Landing location, Dubrovnik.

Where? Character homes available in Croatia range from an historic old windmill – the Old Tower– in the historic heart of Hvar to a rustic ranch – Docine– in Selca on the island of Brac. Up to four people can stay at Docine ranch for a real escape from civilisation.

One night stays cost from £56. The Old Tower is a cultural monument originally

built in 1761. It has since been luxuriously renovated (using traditional methods and materials) to incorporate the latest technology. The Old Tower costs from £146 per night and sleeps six guests.

Don’t forget, the Post Office Travel Money Cardis a great way to manage travel money abroad. You can load your spending money in advance (in up to 13 currencies) when the rates are best and use abroad just as you would a debit card, with contactless available in millions of locations worldwide.

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Nature trail unveiled in Thornton le Dale Animal sculptures, detailed story boards and a bug hotel are among the features of a multiuse nature trail in Thornton le Dale. On top of fundraising efforts by the 160 Village Hub volunteers, £4,100 was provided by North Yorkshire County Councillor Janet Sanderson, member for Thornton Dale and the Wolds

division, from her Environmental Locality Budget. Along the trail visitors will find tree carvings depicting the birds and wildlife around the pond as well as boxes for hedgehogs, birds and bats. The local newsagent is offering booklets and maps.

A QR mobile app has also being designed to enable people to read the scripts as they go round by putting in the code on various

stations. Roger Sharples and Denise Rajab from the Village Hub were pivotal to the efforts to set up the nature reserve.

Along with volunteers, they held fundraising events ranging from litter picks to coffee mornings.

“The scheme is part of a wider project around the pond, which was looking neglected and was filled with rubbish,” said Roger. “Volunteers took it upon themselves to clear the area, plant new wildflowers and put compost heaps in place.

“The trail came to light as an initiative to get children interested in nature and the environment. There is a new performance area at the end of the trail, which is ideal for school groups, and a pond dipping area is popular with those with visual impairments.”

In line with Thornton le Dale’s Yorkshire in Bloom application, volunteers have planted 6,000 bulbs, painted railings and organised litter picks. Roger added: “I can’t thank the hub volunteers and residents of Thornton le Dale enough for all their hard work. I hope the nature trail is enjoyed by visitors and residents alike.”

New interpretive boards filled with interactive activities are to be put up in the near future.

“The picturesque village of Thornton le Dale is a popular

tourist spot for people of all ages and one of the best-loved sights in the National Park,” said Councillor Sanderson.

“The trail has taken a lot of planning, with its designers keen to make it accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

The whole place is buzzing with excitement from volunteers and residents who can’t wait to see people making use of it.”

County Councillor Jim Clark, chairman of the County Council, attended the opening ceremony. He added: “I was delighted to take a look around

the trail, which is a great investment in our community.

I would like to thank all of the volunteers who made this possible and for their hard work in maintaining the reserve for the future.”

The Environmental Locality Budget enables every County Councillor to respond to local needs by recommending the allocation of small amounts of funding to support projects and activities that directly promote the social, economic or environmental wellbeing of communities within their division.

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Exhibition is ‘distinctively Staffordshire’ Energy facility marks five years of reducing waste to landfill and powering homes

A plan of Tamworth Castle in 1743

A fascinating new exhibition will give people the chance to explore some of the extraordinary stories, objects and documents from across Staffordshire.

The Distinctively Staffordshire exhibition, which runs from 20 August to 29 September at the Staffordshire Record Office, will showcase the diversity of the county. The exhibition features the local customs, identities, industries and

people of Staffordshire, from pottery to the famous Abbots Bromley Horn Dance. Trade, travel and traditions and even tea-drinking feature in this celebration of everything that makes Staffordshire a unique county. Family visitors can design a teapot and make an Abbots Bromley Horn Dance jig puppet. Visitors will also have the chance to give their views on what they think represents Staffordshire for them, and what should be

collected in future. The free exhibition will be taking place at the Staffordshire Record Office 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Fridays, and 9am to 1pm on Saturday 21 September.

County Councillor Gill Heath said: “Staffordshire is made up of a diverse landscape of customs, local identities and people. This fascinating new exhibition is a chance for people to explore some of the distinctive and often extraordinary stories, objects and documents from across our county.”

Distinctively Staffordshire features the collections of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Archive Service, the William Salt Library and the Staffordshire County Museum.

A 10-year plan to manage Cannock Chase’s natural habitat has been approved by the government’s nature conservation agency.

The agreement with Natural England means Staffordshire County Council will receive more than £2 million in Government funding towards managing the nationally and internationally important wildlife areas on the country park.

Mark Winnington, the county council’s cabinet member responsible, said: The Chase is identified at national and European level for its wildlife significance and we are required by law to protect and maintain its special features while, at the same time, balancing those duties with maintaining its use for recreation and enjoyment.

We welcome this tremendous support for its future management. There are few sites in the region that are so

significant for wildlife and heritage, but also so important for people’s enjoyment.

Through this scheme we will get the best we can for all interests and use more sustainable and effective ways to manage this beautiful place.” Natural England has approved a plan to support continued restoration and management work to help bring the habitats into better condition for wildlife.

Approved management methods include controlling areas of scrub, trees and bracken, cutting and burning heather to prompt regrowth and careful management of wetlands and wood pasture habitats.

The new scheme also includes a pilot grazing scheme and the exploration of wider grazing on the site to make management more sustainable and to address management needs that can’t be replicated through other means.

Emma Johnson, Natural England Area Manager, said: As people become increasingly aware of the need to balance their enjoyment of nature with the need to look after it, it is our role to advise councils like Staffordshire on how best to achieve this balance.

That is why we are delighted to support the new conservation plan for Cannock Chase, an area loved and enjoyed by many.

Famed for its beauty and rare wildlife, it is more important than ever that we conserve this valuable heathland and bring the site back into good condition through sustainable and effective techniques such as grazing.”

Cannock Chase is an internationally significant home to rare plants and animals, especially important as around 80 per cent of heathland has been lost in the UK since 1800.

Staffordshire’s energy recovery facility has now been operating for five years – diverting a million tonnes of non-recycled household waste from landfill to generate electricity.

That’s enough to power the equivalent of 220,600 homes through energy generated into the national grid. Over 25 years the facility at Four Ashes in South Staffordshire will save the county council over £250 million in landfill tax.

While the county council’s focus is on recycling waste through doorstep collections and at its household waste recycling centres, nonrecycled waste can be used to produce energy.

Environmental solutions company Veolia began operations five years ago this week. Waste taken to the energy plant at Four Ashes is burned at extremely high temperatures in a controlled environment to produce energy which is fed back to the grid. Tours of the plant can be arranged on request

for Staffordshire schools and community groups. People can call 0203 567 6300 for further information on tours. The facility has a ‘living roof’ which means sections are planted with species to help the building blend into the surrounding area and to increase biodiversity.

The scheme also has the benefit from extensive landscaping, sustainable drainage and habitat creation. Staffordshire County Council’s communities leader Gill Heath said: It is a significant milestone that the Four Ashes facility has been operating for five years now – diverting over a million tonnes of non-recycled waste from landfill to create energy.

Landfilled waste is costly to the environment due to the time it takes to break down and creates harmful gases.

It’s also costly to councils and the taxpayer.

We estimate we will save £250 million over 25 years using the facility.

Our priority is to maximise recycling first and then recover energy from the leftover residual waste.” Scott Francis, regional manager for Veolia’s Energy Recovery Facilities said: Veolia is delighted to have played a major part in changing the way that Staffordshire deals with its recycling and waste. In conjunction with the county council we’re ensuring that less and less waste ends up in landfill and, instead, helps to power homes across the county and beyond.”

£2m Cannock Chase conservation plan approved Mark Winnington added: By law we must preserve Cannock Chase’s natural habitats and Natural England expects us to use environmentallyfriendly methods such as grazing to help manage vegetation to prevent the land becoming overgrown.

The current grazing plan beginning next year involves up to six cattle in one small area and all rights of way are being kept open and the area will remain fully accessible.

Before the grazing scheme can be expanded there would be a further public consultation and the scheme would need approval from the Planning Inspectorate.”

Cannock Chase is

and remains legally protected because much of it is common land and it is designated as both a Site of Special

Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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Page 28.

Artist And Optometrists Complete £52,700 Improvement Projects An Optometrists and a Ceramics artist in Rutland have successfully modernised and expanded their operations following a combined £52,700 worth of grant funding from the LEADER programme.

Simmons Optometrists in Oakham received a £40,100 grant towards a building extension that has created more private consultation areas for customers, provided greater accessibility and

incorporated more modern display units for the store.

“The improvements achieved through the LEADER programme have really enhanced the level of customer care we can offer and allows us the space to develop the business over the coming years. Thanks to the funding we’ve extended our premises so that we can see more patients, but still give them the time, space and care they’ve come to expect from us – we can already see the difference it will make to us going forward! The whole place feels

much more bright and contemporary, and gives us a much more practicable and inviting environment for our staff to work in and our customers to visit. Already we’ve received a fantastic reaction from our patients, who really seem to appreciate the hard work put in.”

James Alexander, Practice Director at Simmons Optometrists.

Katherine Staples, a ceramics artist, has also finished construction of a studio complete with industrial kilns for use on her own creations and for the classes she aims to set up thanks to a £12,600 grant.

With her children going to school, Katherine is getting back into producing large scale commissions and wants to bring the mental health benefits of artwork to a wider audience. “It’s been so rewarding to get back into project work and I’ve been blown away with the support from the local community.

Without this grant I would have really struggled to get my business off the ground so quickly. Art is such a fantastic outlet. Personally I’ve found working with clay very therapeutic and that’s what I want for my workshops for people to unleash their creativity, really use their imagination and get a boost from socialising and learning new skills.”

Katherine

Staples, Ceramics Artist.

LEADER funding aims to boost the rural economy, from supporting tourism and small business growth to aiding the development of agriculture, farm diversification and forestry.

Across rural Peterborough and Rutland, the £1.3 million funding programme is being delivered

by Opportunity Peterborough with support from Rutland County Council. This work is supported by a Local Action Group (LAG) made up of 14 local volunteers from a variety of sectors and professions.

The LAG approves funding for projects with the aim of improving the overall prosperity of the area. “We are thrilled to see so many projects reaching completion.

With these four in particular, there has been an impressive dedication to providing a fantastic customer experience – an essential consideration for any business – which we’ve been very happy to support.”

Dennis Stanley, chair of the LAG. “It’s really encouraging to see so many independent businesses capitalising

on their hard work and enhancing their services with the LEADER programme.

Success builds success and, often, entrepreneurs just need access to the right injection of funding at the right time to in order to take their business to the next level. Ensuring local services and community hubs remain accessible and competitive is vital for our rural communities.”

Councillor Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council. “These projects fulfill so many of the LEADER programme’s priorities; to support small businesses, rural services, tourism, increase farm productivity and heritage activities. It’s been a privilege to help this diverse range of organisations whose contribution to the rural economy goes so much deeper than finances - they strengthen community cohesion and improve wellbeing for residents, in turn, helping services and businesses in the area to run efficiently and remain productive.” Tom Hennessy, chief executive of Opportunity Peterborough

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Page 29.

Armed Forces Survey Gets Excellent Response Rutland County Council is keen to thank residents after more than 700 people responded to a recent survey conducted to understand all aspects of military life.

The survey targeted people in Rutland, Harborough and South Kesteven with a connection to the British Armed Forces and was developed by Rutland County Council, Harborough District Council, South Kesteven District Council and

Healthwatch Rutland.

“Recognising that personal engagement with and understanding of the service family is so important; we had an absolutely fantastic response to the Armed Forces Covenant survey and feel hugely privileged that so many across the military family shared their personal experiences and the challenges they face. The survey feedback is being analysed and the findings will be used

to improve local services for individuals and families who are connected to the Forces.

The survey report will be published in the autumn. It gives us plenty to think about as we develop support for our armed forces community and we hope that those who engaged with us will continue to do so as we seek to develop support services in the coming months and years.” We're on this journey together and only through sharing experience

can we become better informed and prepared for the future.” Councillor Ian Razzell, Rutland County Council Armed Forces Champion.

“It’s been a privilege to reach out to all those within the services community living in South Kesteven. I am delighted that so many people from

Consultation on Ketton Conservation Area Rutland County Council is inviting people to comment on proposals to increase the size of a conservation area in the village of Ketton.

Conservation areas are defined as areas of special or architectural interest and are given special protections under the Listed Buildings and Conservation areas Act. Following a review of Ketton Conservation Area, the Council has produced a draft appraisal document that sets out the special interest of the conservation area and suggests a number of ways to further enhance the space.

A number of proposals being considered as part of the consultation include: • To designate Geeston a conservation area, forming a smaller character zone of Ketton

• To extend the conservation area to include the former railway station building, Station Road • To extend the conservation area to include ‘The Paddock’ on Hunts Lane • Minor changes to rationalise the boundary of the conservation area The full Ketton Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan can be viewed on the Planning

Policy section of the website. https://www.rutland.gov. uk/my-services/planningand-building-control/ planning/planning-policy/ conservation-area-appraisals/ People living in Ketton are invited to share their views on the proposals as part of a public consultation that will run until 4 October 2019.

Comments can be made by writing to Rutland County Council’s Conservation

Adviser or emailing: conservation@ rutland.gov.uk.

The postal address for the Ketton Conservation Area Appraisal consultation is: Consultation Adviser Rutland County Council, Catmose, Oakham Rutland, LE15 6HP

our military community have come forward to take part in this survey and want to thank them for doing so. Those connected to the armed forces are a really important part of our district and this has been a golden opportunity to listen to their concerns. I am looking

forward tremendously to hearing the survey findings when they are published in the autumn.” Councillor Dean Ward, South Kesteven District Council Armed Forces Champion

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Page 30.

Bondage to Liberation: Anarchic Collections Iconic pieces by designer Vivienne Westwood and artist and activist Jamie Reid come to Lincoln Castle. Bondage to Liberation brings together iconic pieces of footwear and clothing by designer Vivienne Westwood from the private collection of Lee Price, and ‘The Sex Pistols Mural’ by radical artist and activist Jamie Reid.

Vivienne Westwood and her team have also included a selection of items to compliment Lee Price’s collection on the theme of human rights and freedom of speech including a handwritten cape which will

be exhibited inside the Magna Carta Vault. The work of Westwood and Reid epitomises a key moment in British cultural history; the 1970’s punk movement.

Westwood opened her first boutique SEX in 1974 with Malcolm Mclaren and later renamed the store Seditionaries in 1976. Around the same time Jamie Reid was protesting social injustices with his now signature ransom note collages. The pair became infamous for the creation of the punk and new wave aesthetic when the Sex Pistols started wearing many of the items from Seditionaries and commissioned Reid to create artwork for their records, such as ‘Nevermind the Bollocks’ and ‘God Save the Queen’.

Set against the backdrop of Lincoln Castle’s Victorian Prison and the Magna Carta Vault, the exhibition includes

pieces from the 1970’s onwards and celebrates the pairs’ legacy of nonconformity throughout the decades. ”We are very excited to see Lincoln Castle’s Victorian Prison transformed into the historic backdrop for this brand new exhibition. It includes iconic pieces from the Punk movement onwards and is a celebration of Vivienne Westwood and Jamie Reid’s legacy throughout the decades. We are privileged to

have the support of Vivienne Westwood and her team, who have also selected items to be displayed in our Magna Carta Vault. It is a must see this Summer.” Kimberley Vickers, Lincoln Castle General Manager.

This brand new exhibition is brought to you in partnership with The Civic, Barnsley and Lincoln Castle.

For more information, visit www.lincolncastle.com or call 01522 554559

Countdown to preliminary works

for £100,000 Cross Keys Bridge refurbishment Specialist surfacing will be trialled at the bridge in Sutton Bridge on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 September, ahead of major improvements.

Although the bridge will remain open over the two days, temporary two-way

traffic lights will be put in place. In addition, motorists will be encouraged to use the A47 and A1101 wherever possible, in a bid to reduce congestion at the bridge.

Karen Cassar, assistant director highways, said: “The bridge has suffered a lot of wear and tear since it was last resurfaced around 10 years

ago and it’s vital we repair it.

“Unfortunately, this isn’t as straightforward as resurfacing a regular road - swing bridges require specialist techniques and materials. “These two days are a trial run and will allow us to better estimate how long it will take to fully resurface the bridge. ”It will also give us an opportunity to

see how the temporary lights impact the flow of traffic and whether we need to look at this again ahead of the main works.

“This is an important route for the county, and there will inevitably be some disruption, so we would ask motorists to be patient, to leave additional time for their journeys and use alternative routes where possible.”

The main works are currently scheduled to begin on Monday 30 September. A further update on the timings and arrangements for these works will follow after the trial.

During the trial, the team will also be erecting scaffolding for repairs to the control room.

The bridge will remain operational for marine traffic throughout the project.

For more on roadworks taking place across the county, visit www. lincolnshire.gov.uk/ roadworks

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10 tips for healthy eating out Whether it’s lunch with work colleagues or an evening celebrating with friends, most of us tend to eat less healthily when we eat in restaurants, pubs and cafes. Senior Dietitian Victoria Taylor offers her tips for eating out without overdoing it.Believe it or not, it is possible to eat, drink and be merry without overdoing it.

Here are my tips for having a good time while keeping an eye on your waistline and good health.

1. How often are you eating out?.

A one-off meal out probably won’t make any difference to your health in the grand scheme of things, so enjoy it. However, if it’s one of many, consider carefully how it fits into your overall diet. This could

mean having a lighter meal in the evening, like soup or a sandwich, if you had a big meal earlier in the day. Or you could choose the healthiest menu options to make the meal fit into your normal diet, rather than just going for your favourites.

2. Check what’s on the menu Don’t be afraid to ask the restaurant to adapt dishes One of the best ways to ensure you make healthy choices when eating out is to check the menu before you arrive, whether online or in person. It means you can choose your meal without others influencing you. Many larger restaurant chains offer nutritional information online.

3. How many courses?

The tendency when we eat out is to have more than we would at home. Sticking to just one course once you see what everyone else is having is hard. Decide before you begin if you are going to have a starter or a dessert, and which one you’ll find easier

to decline. Having a coffee or cup of tea while others have a pudding is a good way to round off a meal, or you could share a pudding with others.

4. Adapt your dishes Don’t be afraid to ask the restaurant to adapt dishes.

It’s not usually a problem to replace chips with a jacket potato, salad or vegetables.

You can also ask for no extra cheese, butter or oil, and to put sauces in a dish on the side.

5. Portion control. A small portion of saladIt can be easy to eat more than you intended when eating out.

If you don’t want to feel too stuffed, consider a starter (perhaps with a side order of vegetables), instead of a main course, or ask for a smaller portion.

6. Keep it lean. Choose dishes which are based on lean proteins like chicken or turkey (where you can remove the skin) or lean red meats like fillet of pork or beef. Avoid fattier cuts of meat like belly pork or rump

steak and remove any visible fat like the fat around the edge of a chop. Watch out for battered and deep fried dishes - even if the contents are lean (like chicken, fish, tofu or vegetables) the coating means they will come with lots of extra fat and calories.

7. A bit on the side Having a coffee or cup of tea while others have a pudding is a good way to round off a meal. Having a good helping of vegetables with your meal will add vitamins, minerals and fibre and help you towards your five a day, but beware vegetables that come with added butter, cheese sauce or salt. Ask the server for more information and see if there are any healthier alternatives.

8. Be drink aware. Keeping alcoholic drinks within the guidelines is important, particularly if you are going to be socialising more than usual. Try not to exceed the recommended 2–3 units a day for women and 3–4 for men.

Don’t forget the calories that drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, can add. If you can, choose sugar-free drinks or water, and alternate these with any alcoholic drinks you are having.

9. Entertain at home. A dinner partyWe all enjoy eating out sometimes, but have you considered inviting family or friends round for a meal? That way you can control what’s on the menu, and it’s often cheaper, too.

Ask your guests to bring a dish if you don’t want to be overwhelmed by cooking, although don’t forget to let them know if you want them to bring a healthier option.

10. Fancy a nibble?

Nibbles are always a very tempting option.

It’s fine to indulge in a shortbread biscuit, or a chocolate sweet, but sticking to a regular pattern of meals and snacks will help to make sure you aren’t hungry between meals and help maintain your willpower.

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PECS FITNESS

When working out whether it's for a certain goal, i.e. competition, sporting event, diet or that special occasion it is essential to eat the right foods, so here at PECS Fitness we think we have that unique combination of not just providing the facilities but also providing the right foods to make the body perform right, to produce the results for those said events.

We make sure that the meals we provide always consists of the essential ingredients the body needs for maximum performance and energy requirements.

Through PECS Right Bite Prepped Meals we only use the very best quality meats from Long Eaton based butchers, Paul Walkers, chicken breasts all marinated to our customers liking.

Meal choices are; American Pepper Chicken with mixed roast veg

Jerk Chicken with green beans & broccoli Piri-Piri Chicken with broccoli & peas Cajun Chicken with peas & sweetcorn Sweet Chilli Chicken with mixed roast veg Salmon with green beans & broccoli All meals are served with your choice of carbohydrates, including wholegrain rice, wholegrain pasta with pesto or sweet potato. With new meal choices being planned for the upcoming months.

Pecs Right Bite meals are not only available to our members but can also be provided and ordered by members of the public who are not gym members that may just want to eat more healthily. Call in at PECS to order, whether you want to pick up a meal for your lunch or make a full weeks order.

MONTHLY CHALLENGE In July we introduced our monthly challenges and challenge competitors consisting of PECS members and PAYG visitors that fancy challenging themselves.

Our July challenge was a 1 mile bike ride on one of our static bikes. The bike was set on Level 5 and it was up to the individual to set the pace......

JULY CHALLENGE WINNERS

The fastest time set by our fastest female was Lisa Bourne from Carols Lingerie who set the winning time of 3 minutes 10 seconds.

The fastest male was Alan from Star Barbers with the time of 2 minutes 15 seconds.

Remember our memberships at PECS is only £3.50 per week (if paying by Standing Order) all classes included in the price or £10 per week or £4.50 per session/ class.

Follow us on Facebook @ PECS Fitness Online @ pecsfitness.com

Yoga for Everyone We cannot open a magazine these days without reading about yoga; but why all the fuss and what’s it all about?

Yoga is an Indian philosophy that dates back thousands of years. The Sanskrit word yoga means unite and it was practised to create the union of the physical body, mind and spirit in order to reach enlightenment.

Different paths of yoga were created in order to reach this state.

One of these paths was called Hatha yoga and its purpose was to develop the body in preparation for further spiritual practice. These days,

particularly in the west, we practice Hatha yoga. Classes largely focus on health and fitness but still with attention on how we feel in both our bodies and minds. This is achieved using physical exercises (asana), breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation and relaxation.

Yoga really is for everyone and teachers are taught to be inclusive and modify postures to suit the needs of individuals. However, classes are available for different abilities.

If you have mobility issues, you can try yoga in a chair

or a gentle yoga class. Some classes specialise in teaching children and also senior citizens.

At the other end of the scale, Ashtanga yoga is a more physically challenging, fast flowing yoga. Yoga is also not meant to be competitive and students are encouraged to listen to their bodies. The benefits of yoga are immense.

It helps us to relax, release tension from our bodies and to deal with stress. It gives us energy, makes us stronger and more supple. It can also complement other forms of exercise, by using the muscles

in a different way.

Yoga is often recom-mended to alleviate physical symptoms of certain health conditions.

If you are looking for a class suitable for your needs, local publications and websites such as www. localyogaclasse. co.uk, list classes in your area. For further information contact Jackie Hart at jemyoga7@gmail Tel 0781 667 9919.

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LIFE COACHING? LIFE CHANGING!

Overwhelmed?

Stressed?

Unfulfilled? Life coaching can help.

For many of us, life often seems to be a constant battle to juggle work and family, coping with the needs of

children and aging parents. So often we struggle to see how we can make improvements and find it difficult to keep on track with plans we have made. This is where a life coach can help us move forward more quickly and productively than on our own.

According to Life Coach, Karen MacDuff, “Life coaching can create positive changes.

It helps people achieve happier, more fulfilled lives in which they can cope with their difficulties as well as unlocking their potential and realizing new ventures and achievements. Even small changes can have profound, positive, energizing effects on well-being, lifestyle and careers.� More people than ever are beginning to realise the benefits of working with a life coach to cope with their difficulties and achieve their aspirations.

For decades, life coaching was only available to those in elite corporations or those who could afford the high cost of coaching sessions.

Thankfully, life coaching

is now becoming more mainstream and affordable.

Using a variety of methods, including skilled questioning and visualization, coaches help clients challenge negative thinking whilst supporting and encouraging them to overcome obstacles and create positive changes.

All aspects of our lives can be helped, whether they be specific individual one -off problems, long standing difficulties or a desire to follow a dream. Truly remarkable things can occur through small changes and challenging misconceptions.

Life Coaching can help us all to reconsider how we cope with our difficulties, and take back control of our lives: making time for ourselves and regaining a sense of purpose, calmness and wellbeing.

The author is a life-style development coach with additional specialisms in educational motivation and career transition.

She is also a teacher and writer of educational books. www. lifecoachkaren.co.uk info@ lifecoachkaren.co.uk

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4 Healthy Weight Loss Tips Let’s face it: there is a huge amount of information online about how to shed the pounds and get in shape. Wading into this endless stream of advice can be both confusing and overwhelming.

And, when you take into account the new fads that seemingly pop up every day, the situation only becomes more dire. After all, who can keep up with all the raw food plans, prepackaged menus, and liquid cleanses that are constantly promoted in our social feeds?

The main problem with these very restrictive diets is that they only lead to short-term weight loss at best.

That’s because most people cannot maintain them consistently and end up giving up after a couple of weeks.

Losing 10 pounds a week on a fad diet may seem tempting, but it often results in unhealthy and unsustainable weight loss.

The real secret to healthy and successful weight loss is to adopt a lifestyle that you can maintain for the long run.

This involves changing your

diet, following a regular workout schedule, and taking the right supplements for your body’s needs. With that in mind, here are 5 other tips to help you achieve your weight and fitness goals: Eat Better at Breakfast While all meals are important, breakfast is the most crucial one of all. That’s because it helps you start your days on the right track. A hearty, healthy breakfast will fill you up and give you optimal satisfaction for longer periods of time.

Your goal should be to eat between 400 to 500 calories at breakfast. Build a meal that includes lean proteins (nuts or eggs), fibers (fruits or vegetables), and whole grains.

Say Goodbye to Added Sugar The main reason for most lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease is added sugars – especially from sugary beverages and soft drinks.

Processed foods in general contain a lot of added sugars and do not provide any of the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Instead, jump on Nutribullet bandwagon and replace sugary drinks with healthier, green smoothie options.

For most people, the fastest way to lose excess weight is simply by cutting out foods that are high in added sugars from their diet.

Keep in mind that many “organic” or “healthy” foods can also have very high sugar

content, so reading labels should be a regular part of your shopping process.

Start Lifting Weights While changing your diet can help you lose a lot of weight fast, nothing beats keeping your body fit with regular exercise. Your best option is to visit the gym at least three or four times a week, doing some warm up, and lifting some weights. This form of exercise is ideal because it helps you burn off a lot of calories. It also keeps your metabolism from slowing down – a typical side effect of weight loss.

You can also speed this process up with a fat b u r n i n g supplement such as the range available at www.myelite health.co.uk.

If lifting weights isn’t your cup of

tea, then look for workout plans such as the massively popular Joe Wicks workout to get you moving in the comfort of your own home.

Cook More Did you know that research shows that cooking more meals at home can promote healthy eating and weight loss? Eating out is fun, but it should not be your daily go-to.

Instead, save the restaurants for special occasions and start eating more home-cooked meals. This is a great way of sticking to your healthy diet plan and keeping your weight in check.

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Poor sleep, weight gain, lack of energy and brain fog every day?

Is this you? Are you really overwhelmed by all the health advice??

Should you fast or remove certain food groups or count calories???

The suggestions go on and on!

What is the best advice – firstly it depends on what you want to achieve – your goal.

Is it better sleep, or is weight loss your goal, would you like more energy or less brain fog, all of these will improve your health dramatically. Our health & our children's health

is really suffering and will have huge implications for us soon unless we do something NOW!! Have you heard about the Microbiome in your Gut? It is said to be your second brain and can have a HUGE impact on every area of your Health! Would you like to hear about a different approach – it is a 21-day programme of sensible eating, no fads or starvation! You will be fully supported and receive all the tools and information you need to make a change

to your health and ultimately your life! This programme has been scientifically tested and clinically trialled on humans with amazing results and is all totally natural!

I'd love to hear from you to have a chat and see how I may be able to help you.

To claim your free call to discuss your situation and find out more about how this programme has already helped thousands of people, please text 'YES HEALTH' to 07730 128556 or call Claire.

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Workshops supporting

sufferers of Tinnitus We are all leading more stressful lives according to The Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Tinnitus Support Group and this can manifest in many ways including Tinnitus.

Tinnitus is a condition, which is characterised by ringing or noises in the head or ears, which has no external source.

The onset of Tinnitus can be very frightening and can lead to anxiety and depression.

However, there is help and support from people who themselves experience tinnitus. The Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Tinnitus Support Group have developed wellbeing workshop to support those suffering from Tinnitus.

The Group has members from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and welcome anyone suffering from Tinnitus onto the workshops.

Founder Member Audrey Carlin stated “Understanding tinnitus and their perception of tinnitus is important in helping people to learn how to manage the condition.

Within our Tinnitus Wellbeing Workshops we promote understanding of the mechanisms of tinnitus in a way that is easy to comprehend. We promote critical thinking in supporting people to understand their emotional reaction (stress and anxiety) to tinnitus. Peer support is important and the workshops provide this in a relaxed atmosphere. We have developed a range of support techniques and strategies that will help people to manage stress, not only to tinnitus but also other situations in life, and we encourage people on their journey of selfawareness and in developing a healthy and happy lifestyle.”

Sarah Richards one of our members stated. “I attended a series of workshops run by the group. Four sessions at intervals which explained the causes of tinnitus and were designed to help us to come to terms with the problem.

Discussions took place as to

what each of us found helpful, and we were encouraged to exchange experiences.

During these sessions I was introduced to the practise of mindfulness. Relaxing your body, and reducing stress – why I believe my tinnitus has got worse. As a result I have started listening to a mindfulness tape each night before I go to sleep, helpful indeed. And when I feel stressed I try to slow my breathing, and relax.”

The Tinnitus Wellbeing Workshops run as a set of 4 which will take place at Loundsley Green Community Centre, Cuttholme Road, Loundsley Green, Chesterfield S40 4QU from 1.30pm – 4.00pm on Wednesday 2nd October – Workshop 1 Wednesday 16th October – Workshop 2 Wednesday 23rd October – Workshop 3 Wednesday 6th November – Workshop 4 To find out more information or to book a place please contact Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Tinnitus Support Group on 01246 380415 Sarah’s story I have had tinnitus for a long time. I remember speaking to my mother about it nearly thirty years ago. Since then it has become a bit worse, but it’s something I felt I just had to bear with. I did not see the point of wasting my doctor’s time – it was just an inconvenience after all.

One day, just over a year ago, I was walking through the Pavements shopping centre in Chesterfield and saw a notice in one of the vacant shop windows. “Do you have tinnitus? Give us a Call”. Well maybe not those exact words but I took out a pen and paper nevertheless. To make the call was one of the best decisions I have taken. Shortly afterwards I went along to my first meeting. Yes I felt nervous – who doesn’t when there is a new experience and you don’t know anyone? I felt at times like a fraud – my tinnitus,

whilst with me and making its presence known, isn’t with me 24 hours a day. And I have got used to the persistent ringing in my left ear.

My worries about joining the group were unfounded.

The Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Tinnitus Support group are so friendly I was immediately put at my ease. I met others who are far more afflicted than I am but they still smile and get on with life.

Shortly after I joined them I attended a series of workshops run by the group.

Four sessions at fortnightly intervals which explained the causes of tinnitus and were designed to help us to come to terms with the problem.

Discussions took place as to what each of us found helpful, and we were encouraged to exchange experiences.

During these sessions I was introduced to the practise of mindfulness. Relaxing your body, and reducing stress – why I believe my tinnitus has got worse. As a result I have started listening to a mindfulness tape each night before I go to sleep, helpful indeed. And when I feel stressed I try to slow my breathing, and relax.

As well as the workshops there are social gatherings at the Badger pub – where usually a speaker is engaged and coffee mornings for an informal chat at the Monkey Park Café. And I have really got involved in the Poetry Buzz sessions where a small group of us spend the afternoon trying to write poems. My tinnitus rarely accompanies me to the meetings which are truly enjoyable.

One thing that I have come to realise is that if you are fully focused on something else, be it reading, listening to music, writing poetry or maybe going to the theatre – the distraction takes over, the tinnitus “melts away”. I would encourage anyone else suffering from tinnitus, who maybe feels there is no escape, to come along.

Sarah Richards July 2019

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Getting Married Abroad the Pros and Cons You might end up regretting not inviting family members if you jet off alone. If it’s just the two of you, you’ll need to rope in a stranger to act as witness.

Although your wedding abroad may work out cheaper initially, if you put on a second reception in the UK for all those who couldn’t make it, you can end up paying as much or more than you would have done if you’d married in the UK in the first place!

Even if you head for tropical climes, you can’t guarantee sunny weather. And remember, unless you head off for a second week somewhere else, you might be stuck on honeymoon with your friends and family!

Thinking about marrying abroad but worried that your grandparents won’t be able to make it?

Perhaps your close friends and family can’t afford an overseas holiday or maybe you’d rather just get away on your own. Weigh up your options here with our list of pros and cons to help you decide.

The biggest issue with getting married abroad tends to be that not everyone on your guest list will be able to make it. So if your grandmother has always dreamed of being at your wedding but is unable to travel, don’t be surprised if she seems upset when you drop the bombshell that you’ve decided to get married abroad.

Do reassure anyone who can’t make it that you’ll have a second reception when you’re back in the UK. Pros You’ll be able to take your vows in the open air and celebrate your special day in an exotic or unusual location, with different food, flowers and music to complement your wedding.

Getting married abroad can often be less expensive than the average British wedding.

Many couples buy their own tickets and, while the bride’s family may pay for the wedding package, it’s acceptable for guests to pay their own way.

You can invite just a small handful of family and friends to the wedding,

so you’re only with people that you really want to celebrate with. It’s the ideal excuse for not inviting your 20 odd cousins and all their children.

Alternatively, you can jet off alone and get married in a romantic, private ceremony, just the two of you.

If you book through a travel operator, they’ll do practically all the organising, leaving you plenty of time for dress shopping and planning your honeymoon!

If you’d rather be totally involved in the planning process, you can opt for a tailormade wedding.

Cons Friends and family might not be able to afford to travel abroad, or be able take the time to go further afield.

You might upset people who’ve been left off your list – but you may be able to ease some disappointment by having a big bash when you get home. You won’t have as much control over the organising as you would at home.

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Outstanding rating for Shared Lives A service that matches vulnerable people with carers in Nottinghamshire has just been rated as outstanding by

the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Shared Lives, which is run by Nottinghamshire County Council, has a team of 63 carer households around

the county who offer a mixture of long-term support – where the service user lives in the carer’s home full time – respite care and outreach services. The main benefit of Shared Lives is that the person lives as part of the carer’s family and can become involved in activities in their local community.

The CQC report stated that ‘People received a remarkable service from extremely compassionate carers, who were fully supported and exceptionally well-liked by the management team.

The registered manager and care co-ordinators were very passionate about people receiving a personal service in

the comfort and security of a family setting.’

Councillor Tony Harper, Chair of Adult Social Care and Health Committee, said: “This fantastic achievement is testament to the service offered by our amazing team of Shared Lives carers and also the staff who carefully match carers and service users and provide that vital ongoing support to keep the scheme working so well.

“Shared Lives offers an excellent alternative to residential care for many people – giving them the enjoyment of family life in a real home setting. We are always on the look out for more people to become Shared Lives carers, so please get in touch if you think this could be the role for you.”

Shared Lives carers receive training and are paid depending on the level of need of the person they look after. Find out more, apply

to be a carer and link to a full copy of the CQC report: www.nottinghamshire.gov. uk/sharedlives Case study Julie Lenehan from Retford cares for Jo, 38, providing practical support which includes help with medication, day-to-day tasks and self-care.

Julie is also there for Jo as a friend - providing company while watching hours of soaps on TV, going to Zumba or swimming and meeting up with friends. They also go on trips away a few times a year. Recently, they went to Fuerteventura - Jo's first ever foreign holiday - which Julie says was eye-opening and very enjoyable for both of them.

In addition, Julie is part of the Shared Lives community, and takes part in frequent training to improve her skills and connect with other Shared Lives carers through the carer events and group meetings

arranged by the Shared Lives team throughout the year.

Jo has Down's Syndrome and has lived with Julie for two years now.

Julie describes Jo as bubbly and full of life - enjoying most things that are offered to her.

She loves dancing, attending local clubs in the community, theatre shows and avidly follows popstars such as Sam Smith and her favourite soap operas.

Julie adds: “Jo helps me to step out of my own comfort zone. We do all kinds of activities together. Jo is the favourite VIP customer of our local coffee shop and we visit as much as we can.

Jo goes to the day centre three times a week and volunteers in a charity shop once a week. However, during our time together we are very active and go swimming, walking and attend the local church, amongst many other activities.”

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2019 Scarefest Line-up Revealed The line-up for Scarefest 2019 be ‘bigger, better and spookier has been revealed by Alton than ever’. With a brand-new Towers Resort, promising to family maze, the revival of a classic scare attraction, the return of some of the Resort’s a w a r d winning scare mazes, and the appearance of some family favourite

characters, TowersTimes examines all the details of this year’s line-up.

Heading up the Resort’s line up of thrilling mazes for 2019 is ‘The Attic: Terror of The Towers’. This ‘chilling’ new maze invites guests to venture into The Attic to discover who is lurking there and what terrible crimes they are seeking to avenge. The Attic sees the revival of Alton Towers Resort’s signature scare maze which took a hiatus during Scarefest 2018.

There will also be an all new maze for families to enjoy with ‘Darkest Depths’ debuting in Mutiny Bay. Guests will go on a ghostly voyage into pirate folklore to discover some of the legendary creatures of the deep.

Whilst the precise location of the maze within Mutiny Bay has not been confirmed, the new logo for the maze suggests a possible link to Sharkbait Reef

by Sealife, therefore could we see the maze located within the Sealife Centre, or could it be located within the Courtyard replacing The Welcoming?

The Alton Towers Dungeon is promising less laughs and more screams for the arrival of Halloween, with even more shocks and surprises for those who venture down the Black River. Could this hint that the Resort’s newest addition will be receiving a special overlay for the spooky season?

Making a return for 2019 are Project 42; Sub Species – The End Games; and Altonville Mine Tours: Uncover the Legend of the Skin Snatchers, taking the total number of thrill mazes on 2019’s line-up to four, matching the number from 2018.

However, it would seem that The Beornen will not be inviting guests to The Welcoming with the maze having been removed from the maze roster for 2019.

There will also be no vloggers or guests entering the House of Monsters during 2019 with the popular family maze not returning. With House of

Monsters being located in Cloud Cuckoo Land, could its closure suggest that this area of the Resort could be the next part of the theme park to be re-developed?

Franklyn, Patch, Skelvin, Phil and Gretyl return with their Freaky Fun Zone, this time located on the Front Lawns, which will offer a full line up of shows and meet and greets.

Back for a second year will be the Freaky Funk Squad with their rock n roll performances, whilst over in CBeebies Land all your favourite CBeebies characters will be attending the CBeebies Land Monster Ball ensuring there is Halloween fun for all ages. Of course no Scarefest would be complete without the Alton Ancestors who will rise from the grave once more to bring their own unique dance moves to Towers Street and Gloomy Wood. With the theme park open until 9pm each night during Scarefest, there will also be plenty of opportunity to experience some of the

Resort’s most popular rides in the dark. This year, Scarefest is due to take place on 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th October, and 18th October – 3rd November. Tickets for the individual thrill mazes cost £8, with a 3 maze combi ticket available for £20 which gives access to Sub Species – The End Games; Altonville Mine Tours: Uncover the Legend of the Skin Snatchers; and Project 42.

Tickets for The Attic: Terror of the Towers can only be purchased as a single maze ticket for £8. Entry into family maze, Darkest Depths, costs £5. Those wishing to experience The Alton Towers Dungeon during Scarefest will need to buy a ticket at the slightly increased cost of £8.50.

An Advanced Day Pass is also available for £52 which includes theme park entry and a 3 maze combi ticket.

Timeslots currently available on the Alton Towers Resort website suggest that all scare mazes, including Darkest Depths, will open from 1pm9pm each day.

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5 Ways Your Child Can Benefit From Playgroup When talking about the benefits of playgroup, Karen van Woudenberg, Playgroup NSW Deputy CEO highlights that, “Playgroups allow parents to introduce their children to a range of activities they may not do at home. Here, Karen picked the top five benefits.

1. Allowing children to develop social skills at their own pace. Your baby may be a social butterfly or the type that prefers to play on their own and that is perfectly fine. Each child has their own approach towards developing their social skills. Karen explains that, “Playgroup is really about following the lead of the child.”

It allows children to develop their social skills at their own pace, and this usually occurs between the ages of one to three. From ages three to five children begin to truly interact with others their age, and experience what happens when they do. This is also the time when social boundaries are learned - a very important lesson for adulthood.

2. Building a child’s emotional

confidence. The real work begins at home, as the best thing for developing children is to have great relationships with their family members.

This gives the child a sense of attachment and stability, whether we are talking about developing relationships with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles or other carers.

A major benefit of playgroup is that children come assisted by their parents or other carers.

From an emotional point of view, this strengthens the relationship between the child and their carer, because it creates a shared experience.

At the same time, the child meets new people at playgroup, which allows for a safe test of separation from their carer. This is an important trait for building confidence in children, encouraging them to be independent from an early age.

3. Encouraging physical activity. Moulding playdough, running, jumping, singing, twirling and more! Your child can get very active when at playgroup. Don’t worry

if they’re not the physical activity kind. The range of activities on offer at each playgroup varies.

“Some playgroups have lots of really great outdoor space,” explains Karen, “while others are more indoor, so children get the opportunity to try a variety of activities. They can develop their fine motor skills through puzzles, craft and playing with toys.”

4. Supporting children’s imagination and creativity The key strategy for developing creative thinking in children is allowing them to play in an unstructured way.

At playgroup children can play dress-ups or develop play scenarios with dolls, DUPLO and other toys. “We know that children develop 80% of their brain in the first three years of life,” says Karen, “so we want to give them the space to get the brain firing.” Creative thinking is of key importance to the next generation, as they will need this skill to be successful in their personal and professional lives.

5. Learning through role-play Role play is a simple way for

kids to engage with the world; this is why you may see your child fixing cars like Daddy, teaching the plush toys a new geography lesson, or administering them their “much needed” medication. Role play develops children’s imaginations and puts them in reallife situations where they need to solve problems and think of solutions.

Playgroup is the perfect place to bring more characters into a child’s expansive world.

“We know that working through experiences with role-play has very strong benefits,” says Karen.

“It allows children to make sense of situations, understand what is happening

around them and what these experiences mean for them.”

Karen hopes parents will encourage their children to

practice role-playing, as, “it is important for children to be active learners and thinkers right from the start.”

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Students to discover What Next North Nottinghamshire’s largest skills and careers event – What Next – is all set to shape the future careers of the next generation of the district’s young people.

More than 70 businesses, services and education providers will be helping around 1,800 young people to have a greater knowledge of what options are available to them once they leave school,

bringing careers choices to life and inspiring them to pursue their dream job.

‘What Next in North Notts’, will take place on Tuesday 1st October at the North Notts Community Arena between 8.45am and 6pm, and Wildbore Vetstop, the first business to sign up to exhibit at the event, can’t wait.

Joseph Bend, Senior Nurse at Wildbore Vetstop, said:

“We are extremely excited to be participating in the very first ‘What Next’ event this year! As a leading business in Worksop, we endeavour to inspire future generations of both veterinary professionals and pet owners, to continue to improve the lives of animals.

“We hope to showcase the highly challenging yet extremely rewarding and intricate careers of our

veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses; breaking down social, financial and ethical stigmas associated with the industry in order to motivate the minds of tomorrow.”

Created by Bassetlaw District Council and funded by the North Notts BID, in partnership with the Bassetlaw Integrated Care Partnership and Futures, ‘What Next’ will introduce 15 to 19-yearold learners to the wealth of careers available to them in a multitude of sectors; in addition to post 16/18 options including Apprenticeships, A levels, Vocational Qualifications, and Higher Education. ‘What Next’ will have representatives from international, national and local employers and training organisations over seven themed zones including Engineering, Construction, Service, Technology, Health

and Life Science, Land and Environment, and Education.

Cllr Simon Greaves, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said: “What Next promises to be a significant opportunity for young people from across the district to go further and faster in their careers by talking directly to potential future employers and learning establishments.

“The event will also be a chance for the best of North Notts businesses and services to show the next generation what they have to offer and put themselves to the front of the queue when it comes to spotting future potential talented employees.”

Sally Gillborn, Chief Executive of North Notts BID, added: “One of the BIDs key priorities is ‘Keeping Talent Local’, and this event will enable us to inform young people of the excellent education, training and

employment opportunities and will hopefully encourage employers to recruit local people.”

In addition to the main ‘What Next’ event, parents and carers will also have the chance meet and talk to businesses and education providers and support their young people with a dedicated afternoon session between 4.30pm and 6pm.

The full details of the What Next in North Notts can be found on https://www. bassetlaw.gov.uk/whatnext.

Additional information about the businesses that will be exhibiting will be released over the coming weeks.

If you are a business and would like to be involved in What Next, please contact Tim Gladman, Skills Officer at Bassetlaw District Council, by emailing Tim.Gladman@ bassetlaw.gov.uk or by calling 01909 533217.

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Page 47.

Five Home Improvement Trends To Watch In 2019

Do you follow the home improvement industry? If so, the Home Improvement Research Institute thinks you should pay attention to these key trends in 2019. The nonprofit trade association is comprised of global building product manufacturers, national retail chains and allied organizations on the media and information side.

These five takeaways were among the key points industry experts shared at HIRI’s 2018 Industry Insights Conference.

Millennials are more apt to DIY their home improvements, using technology to help them do so. (Credit: Getty Royalty Free) 1. DIYers are more likely to be Millennials. Nearly a quarter of the UK population made home improvements in the last year and only 7% of them worked with a professional.

“DIYers spend more than 60 hours per week on TV and digital devices, including computers and smartphones,” Peter Katsingris, senior vice president of insights at Nielsen, told conference attendees.

“The technology and the choices it provides make DIY a realistic option for people.”

(A quick search of YouTube shows 252,000 results for home improvement DIY videos, potentially a useful albeit cluttered marketing platform for reaching this massive demographic – or figuring out how

to wire your new smart home security system.)

2. Over-inspiration is a key factor in home improvement regret. More than a third of homeowners who completed a home improvement project in the past year regret not spending more on the project, according to The Regret Factor Study.

“Regretters are more likely to have used a wide range of inspirational sources, especially television, magazines and social media,” observed declared Brenda Bryan of RICKI, the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence, who led the study with Leslie Gillock, vice president, director of insights at Wray Ward.

(FOMO, the fear of missing out, has apparently migrated from vacation and party video envy on Facebook to real world remodeling projects.

That’s worth considering when planning a remodeling project at the right investment level for your property, or supplying products or services for a client’s.)

3. The rental housing market is on the rise.

A wave of growth since 2004 has increased the number and share of rental households in the UK especially higherend rentals in urban areas.

According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies, 40% of recent additions to the rental stock charge £1,500 or more per month. (This insight could lead to greater interest in “portable” home improvement products that tenants can take with them when they move, such as hand-held massaging shower heads and freestanding wine refrigerators.)

4. Remodeling activity isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

The steady increase in remodeling activity will continue through 2021, HIRI experts predict. (With home prices increasing, new construction harder to find in some areas of the country, and homeowners aging in place, people are staying put and remodeling.) “With the existing house stock averaging 38 years old, much

of the inventory is in need of the sun to ease the impact of landscape of the smart home updating,” noted Mark Boud, artificial light on the human and lighting in general,” senior vice president and chief body.) “It’s changing the added Zhao. economist at Hanley Wood/Metrostudy.

5.

With home wellness on the rise, the lighting industry is leading the way. “Circadian rhythm lighting is a hot topic,” declared Jie Zhao, Ph.D., senior vice president of research and development at wellness real estate and technology firm Delos. (This new technology, also called human centric or tunable lighting, produces indoor illumination that more closely matches natural light in its warmth and, paired with home automation, shifts through the day with

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Page 48.

Home Improvement Tips This Autumn Autumn is a great time of year to perform important home improvements. Autumn creates plenty of predictable outdoor work, such as raking leaves and cleaning gutters.

However, there are a number of chores that are less obvious but just as important in order to get a house in tip-top shape before winter and to protect your family’s health.

3 Outdoor Home Improvement Tips When the gardening season draws to a close this autumn, it’s time to begin working on projects outside of the house.

This Old House suggests adding these tasks to this year’s home improvement list.

1. Walk and caulk – Reducing energy bills, preventing drafts and keeping critters out of the house in the winter starts with a fresh bead of caulk around windows, siding and joints.

Before it gets too cold, stroll around the entire exterior

of the home and seal any potential air leaks.

2.

Maintain paths and walkways – Even if your walkway looks safe now, it will turn treacherous when slush and ice come this winter.

Take a weekend to level brick pavers or repair concrete.

3. Wash your home – Many homeowners don’t realize how dirty their house can get with all the dust, dirt and rain that a house is constantly exposed to. They can be given a face lift with a power washer.

3 Indoor Home Improvement Tips Of course, no Autumn home maintenance checklist is complete without ensuring the inside of a home is safe, warm and cozy on cool nights. Here are a few improvements that you can make to save money and improve health and comfort.

1. Cover windows – If your home has older windows,

they could be a significant source of heat loss during the colder months.

While installing new windows is the best solution, using plastic to insulate drafty, single-pane windows can save considerable money and is a worthy fall home improvement.

2. Improve humidity control – Heating your home this winter is bound to dry out the air, leading to sore throats, bloody noses and even a greater chance of catching a cold or the flu. Help protect your family’s health and comfort this winter with a whole-home humidifier.

3. Improve air purity and freshness – When Autumn begins, it’s also a good reminder that it’s time to replace air cleaner filters. A whole-home air purifier can also trap fall allergens, bacteria and viruses, helping to keep families healthy all year round. Proper whole-home ventilation can also improve air quality by removing harmful air pollutants such formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and many volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Home improvement at this time of year is essential to keeping family members safe and comfortable during the winter.

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Easy ways to add value to your home Want to increase the price of your home without spending a fortune? Here are 9 easy ways to add value to your property without getting the builders in.

1. Sort out the exterior When a potential buyer arrives to view your home it's likely they will already know the asking price, so they will start questioning whether it is worth the price as soon as they see it.

Making sure that the outside of your home is neat and tidy can make a powerful positive first impression and have a knock on effect for the rest of the visit.

It's not very expensive to do things like: • Weed the garden • Fix the fence • Add a lick of paint to your outside windows However, doing these things can make a big difference to the value of your home.

2. Fix your roof Structural problems can easily reduce the value of your home; but a damaged roof is on display for everyone to see.

It's important to remember your roof forms part of the image of your home, unlike the foundations or pipe work.

This means any visible damage will be evident to potential buyers and could have an impact on the amount they're willing to offer - or put them off completely.

You should repair any damage before anyone comes to see your property even if it is just a few loose tiles. Clearing gutters and drains is also a cheap way of improving the appearance of your roof.

3. Make your home lighter Light creates the illusion of space. A dark property is of less value than a lighter one, even if it's slightly smaller.

So making your home lighter is a cheap and easy way to increase the value.

A few things that could make your home lighter include: Clean your windows to allow more light in to the house and make both the inside and outside look more appealing.

Install bright energy efficient lights. This can help if you are looking to sell your home in

the winter months when it can be dark outside.

Install a skylight, or sliding patio doors to increase the illusion of space your home. These are more expensive options, but more natural light and a view of the garden can be appealing to buyers.

4. Paint & decorate Doing odd jobs like fixing door handles and painting drab looking walls can make a significant difference to the price.

If you do decide to paint your home, avoid using bright colours. Painting a room lime green will probably be unappealing to most buyers, and it will highlight the fact that they will need to redecorate when they move.

Every job you do is one less task that the new owners will need to worry about.

Inexpensive updates can make all the difference.

5. Carpets & flooring If the carpets in your home are quite old it may be worth cleaning or replacing them.

You can hire home cleaning kits, and they can make a significant difference to the appearance of your carpet.

If you have wooden floors in your home then you can freshen them up by sanding them down and adding a varnish finish, or just give them a thorough wash before viewings.

Remember, if a buyer thinks that they will have to replace the carpets or varnish the wooden floor they will expect this to be reflected in the price.

6. Loft insulation Going green is an important factor for most modern homeowners and there are some simple steps you can take that will add value to your home.

Most DIY stores now sell loft insulation rolls which you can install yourself. Making your home more energy efficient can be a big selling point, and if you don't end up selling then you could benefit from cheaper heating bills.

There may also be grants available for insulation work

to help make your home more energy efficient. to see if you are eligible, visit the Energy Saving Trust website.

7. Security & locks Installing extra security measures, from a chain on the front door to an automatic light sensor, can add to the value of your home.

If the person viewing your home doesn't feel that it is secure then it may put them off making an offer.

8. Extra sockets Some buyers may be put off if your home does not have many electrical outlets, because most people now have several appliances they need to plug in.

It could therefore be worth installing a couple of extra electrical sockets in convenient locations, especially in the living room and bedrooms.

It's unlikely to add thousands on to your purchase price it could equally be that little extra positive that seals the deal.

9. Don't overspend The tips listed are focused on what you can do to increase the value of your home on a budget, but there may be the temptation to spend more in the hope that you will re-coup your money and more when you sell.

However, no matter how many extensions and extra features you add to your home there is likely to be a ceiling price for your street.

This is where your home becomes too expensive in comparison to the other properties in your neighbourhood.

If you are unsure what this

might be for your area, contact your local estate agent or simply look online to see what prices homes in your area are being sold for.

It may also be a good idea to see what properties currently on offer in your area offer potential buyers and their asking price so you can match or better what's available.

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Surviving the Void of ‘Doglessness’ Doglessness is defined as 'the state of being without a dog'.

It’s the little things that you miss the most: the soft weight of a head on your lap whilst watching TV, the wagging tail that only your presence can generate, a wet nose as your early morning alarm call, those big eyes, the colour of molten chocolate, that fixate on the passage of every morsel of food, from your plate to your mouth. Then there’s the loss of the almost telepathic understanding, that only a canine companion is capable of and the complete, unconditional love that dogs bestow upon us.

Without a dog, a thick cloak of silence envelopes your home, a quiet that is inescapable and emotionally empty. Whether you have previously owned a dog or have always yearned to do so, doglessness can be a miserable state to exist in and has been proven to even have a negative effect on your health. Pet ownership has

been shown to reduce stress and help a person become more physically and socially active.

If your beloved dog has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, emotions or circumstances can prevent you from wanting the commitment of owning another dog. Perhaps you have never had your own dog and considerations such as your job and family commitments make dog ownership an impossible dream. Is doglessness unavoidable in these circumstances?

There is a solution that you may not have even considered.

Barking Mad, the U.K’s leading dog sitting company, organises dog holidays as an alternative to kennels.

They offer the opportunity of becoming a ‘host’ by providing a loving home environment for somebody else’s dog whilst they are away. Our hosts range from people who

are retired and have plenty of free time, to families who love having a dog to stay just for the Summer holidays, as an exciting and educational experience for their school age children.

Everything is set up and organised by your local Barking Mad branch, Nottingham, who take this often informal arrangement and make it fully safe, insured and easy to take part in, without costing a penny. You provide the regular exercise and companionship and the cost, administration and transport is dealt with by your local representative, Donna Cotton. It is up to you to tell us the type of dog you would like to look after and when you are available. For more information please visit www. barkingmad.uk.com/petholidays/our-hosts/ call us on 0115 8246924 or email Donna on Donna.

cotton@barkingmad. uk.com www.BarkingMad. uk.com is the UK’s leading dog sitting company organises dog holidays as an alternative to kennels and recently hit the top spot on the independent review site TrustPilot.

Nearly 1000 delighted customers have left glowing 5* reviews following truly excellent customer service for their pampered pooches. Could you be a Barking Mad host?! The Barking Mad system works to match dog lovers, often active retired people with a furry pal on a temporary dog holiday (as an alternative to

Nottingham Centre gets food donation shot in the arm

Staff working for a local housebuilder have joined together to help support animal charities across the East Midlands – including one in Blidworth.

The team at Bellway East Midlands, which is building new homes at Bellway at Farnsfield, off Southwell Road in Farnsfield, set up a collection point for animal food to be donated at its head office in Meridian Business Park in Leicester.

Some of the food was donated to Jerry Green Dog Rescue, based in Warsop Lane, Blidworth, which works to rehome dogs in

Nottinghamshire.

In all, the housebuilder has supported seven different animal charities across the East Midlands. Danniele Shirreffs, Nottinghamshire Deputy Centre Manager for Jerry Green Dog Rescue, said: “We are really grateful for the support we have received from Bellway.

“As a charity, we rely solely on people’s g e n e r o s i t y.

With the help of donations

such as this one, we can continue to rescue, care for and rehome dogs across Nottinghamshire.”

Carolyne Watkinson, Sales Director for Bellway East Midlands, said: “We are extremely proud of how our staff have clubbed together to support this worthy cause – they are clearly real animal lovers!

“We are committed to helping different charities within the areas in which we build new homes, so we set up a collection point to encourage staff to donate animal food and we were so pleased with the response.”

She added: “Jerry Green Dog Rescue is a fantastic charity

and makes such a difference to so many animals, so we are really happy to be able to offer them support.” The shelter is currently running an appeal to help raise funds for her treatment.

There’s currently a choice of fourbedroom homes available to reserve at Bellway at Farnsfield, with prices starting from £355,000.

More information on the new homes available can be found at www. bellway.co.uk

Want to advertise here? call: 0115 6972670

kennels).

Looking after dog gives many a lifeline and purpose which they might not have had otherwise.

Host dog sitters benefit from the proven medical advantages exercising and looking after a dog can have.

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Frank Key Shoots for Success with Arnold Town Football Club Building supplies company Frank Key is once again providing vital support to the local football team Arnold Town FC to ensure they are ready to run out for the new season.

A long-standing relationship between the football club and the Daybrook branch of Frank Key stretches back a decade.

For the last five years Frank Key has been the main stand sponsor, support that is valued from the club.

Steve Holland, Arnold FC Chairman, says: “Frank Key has agreed to continue their sponsorship of our stand for the forthcoming season which is a massive help to us and goes mainly to support our men’s team. Frank Key is a real example of a local company giving back to the community and is very much appreciated.

“This time of year is extremely expensive for clubs like ours

as we have to replenish kit (where do those socks go!), medical kit, training balls etc so their generous sponsorship really is crucial to ensure we’re ready to go at the start of the new season.”

Richard Meeks, Group Hire Director at Frank Key, says: “We have supported the team for more than 10 years now, as we believe it is important to give back to our local community.

As fans of the sport, it just seemed right to provide the team with that extra support they need to continue doing what they love.”

Frank Key has previously donated more than £10,000 worth of building materials and financial support to enable the club to construct the facilities at their Eagle Valley football ground.

The Midlands-based independent builders merchant will be supplying

the football team with their new look signage to upgrade their main stand banners.

Frank Key is an independent

Notts County have confirmed the signing of forward Kyle Wootton on a season-long loan from Scunthorpe United.

The big striker arrived at Meadow Lane this morning and will train with his new team-mates for the first time ahead of Saturday’s trip to Yeovil.

The 22-year-old signed a new deal with Scunthorpe in January but wanted a new test for the 2019-20 season.

“This is a big club that wants to be back on the up and in the EFL,” said Wootton. “It’s a good challenge and I like that.

“There were teams in League Two interested but I felt this was the right move for me because of the manager and how wanted he made me feel.

“I know this league well. I’m a fairly young player but have a lot of games under my belt and that helps you no matter what, so hopefully I bring

what I know I can to the team.

“I’m physical, I like to hold the ball up and bring others into play, I win headers and look to get on the end of crosses but I can play neat and tidy as well.”

Notts manager Neal Ardley added: “Our intention is to use him as a target man, but he can do more. He’s mobile.

“When we did our work in the summer, he was one we really liked but we have had

family-owned company with its HQ in the Daybrook, Nottingham and branches across Nottinghamshire,

Derbyshire and Yorkshire. It has an ongoing programme of charitable donations and supports many local

community groups and campaigns.

For more information, visit www.frank-key.co.uk.

to stay patient - and that has eventually won through.

“Thanks to Scunthorpe – they’ve been very open with us since they made their enquiry and that’s all you can ask for. “He’s a very young lad and there’s loads I want to work on him with, but I believe he’ll score and create goals.

“People like Kristian Dennis, Wes Thomas and Nathan Tyson will benefit from playing off him. We’ve got a mix now – he’s only going to give us more options.”

More about Kyle…

Wootton came through the youth system at Scunthorpe and made his professional debut in August 2014, aged just 17. He made a further 13 appearances that season and scored his first senior goal in April 2015 – a stoppage-time equaliser to earn the Iron a 1-1 draw with Port Vale. That is one of 11 he’s registered for Scunthorpe, who he started for four times in League Two during the first month of the current campaign.

Wootton, who’ll wear number

14 for Notts, has spent time on loan at Cheltenham and Stevenage in League Two, and at Lincoln, North Ferriby and FC Halifax Town in the Vanarama National League.

Despite his age, he has already made 127 senior appearances, with his first taste of fifthtier football coming when he was 19-years-old during his spell with the Imps. If you would like to sponsor Kyle’s shirt for the 2019-20 season, please email commercial@ nottscountyfc.co.uk or call 0115 955 7241.

Notts land target man

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Page 55.

Maddo Four It !!!!

Carlton Town 4-0 Belper United The final warm-up game for the team would see Belper United travel to Stoke lane as late replacements for Gresley who had to pull out of the fixture due to their season having to commence only a few days later. The Millers again would show that they were organised and disciplined with their work on the pitch and end their pre-season with a convincing four-nil victory in this one.

Barton United 3-2 Carlton Town A week later and after an unbeaten pre-season the team would travel north to Hull and Barton United in an F.A. Cup fixture. The game would prove to be a tight encounter with both teams applying themselves vigorously to progress to the next round. It was always going to be a close affair with Carlton finding the home side very difficult to break down for many periods of the game. The Millers were always chasing the game and weren’t allowed to be as fluent as they had been in pre-season and would eventually succumb to a disappointing defeat

in a game where the home side were always ahead with the scoring.

Lincoln United 0-2 Carlton Town With players returning from injury Carlton would travel the following week to Lincoln United for their first league fixture of the newly sponsored Betvictor Northern Premier League. Wanting to put behind them the disappointing result from the previous week The Millers were looking to start off the new campaign as we mean to finish it, and thus we did. For the first thirty minutes the game was tight with very few opportunities for either side until Opoku would open the scoring for Carlton. Not long after this Elliott was

dismissed very harshly as The Millers continued to press the home side and try to increase their lead. We would play nearly sixty minutes of the game with only ten men on the field and Lincoln would be kept mainly to long distance efforts on goal as they tried in vain to take advantage of their extra player. The Millers would increase their lead just before the hour mark with Ollie Clarke scoring a far post header to send The millers home with all three points.

Carlton Town 1-0 Sutton Coldfield Town Four days on and we are now ready for the next task with Sutton Coldfield being the next visitors to Stoke Lane. Another hard-working

performance from the team against a very capable and tough opposition would see this one concluded by Tom Maddison from the penalty spot ten minutes into the second half. It was again another game where The millers had to dig deep and show character to obtain the result and continue the good work that has prevailed from the summer.

Kidsgrove 0-1 Carlton Town Up next would be a trip westward and across to Kidsgrove near Stoke and opposition that we had not encountered in over a year due to last season’s restructuring of the leagues.

Again this fixture was to be a close knit affair and again it would take another penalty from Maddo to conclude this one in the dying embers of a game where both teams had many opportunites in a game that was well worthy of the entrance fee.

So, with three games in and plenty more to happen the season is well and truly under way. A promising start from a new group of players and staff has increased the hope for the remainder of the season and with more people showing interest in the club the expectancy also. Obviously there is a still a long way to go and a lot of hard work to be put in, but with everyone’s commitment and endeavour the rewards will be very fulfilling in ensuring this great club’s future success.

Tee Off For Charity

TICKETS are on sale for the Mayor of Broxtowe’s annual Charity Golf Day helping to raise money for the Nottingham Hospitals Charity. Local golfers across the Borough are invited to join Councillor Michael Brown for the tournament in aid of the Trent Cardiac Unit who save lives every single day.

Last year 21 teams of golfers helped to raise over £1,500 for charity and we’re hoping for another hole in one this year.

You’re invited to take to the fairway at the prestigious Chilwell Manor Golf Club on Friday 20th September from 11:30am to play in an 18 Hole – 4 Ball Am-Am Stableford tournament. £40 tickets are on sale from the Civic Office for the event and golfers will receive bacon sandwiches and a onecourse carvery along with a chance to win the prize for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams, the prize for getting Nearest the Pin, or the prize for the Longest Drive.

Businesses are invited to sponsor one of the 18 holes for £30 in support of the Mayor’s charity. Any businesses who are keen to get involved will have their logos taking pride of place at their hole.

For more information and to find out about upcoming charity events, please contact Broxtowe Borough Council on 0115 917 3210, email civic@broxtowe. gov.uk or visit www.broxtowe.gov.uk/ civic.

Tom Maddison scoring from the spot at Kidsgrove.

Forthcoming Fixtures Tues 10th Sept Stamford (a) 745pm Sat 14th Sept Newcastle Town (h) Sat 21st Sept Leek Town (a) Wed 25th Sept Spalding Utd (h) 745pm Sat 28th Sept St Neots Town (h) FA Trophy All fixtures kick-off at 3pm unless stated.

Article by Phil Jennings

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Page 56.

Lamouchi Receiving the Love from the Forest Supporters

Steve Corry

Nottingham Forest produced a solid start to the new season under Sabri Lamouchi, prompting a lot of love for the Frenchman from the club’s supporters.

When the head coach was officially unveiled, just 19 minutes after the departure of Martin O’Neill, many fans, including myself, uttered the words “who’s he?”

Social media endured its usual meltdown as the ITK’s (In the know) frantically scrambled to google the relatively unknown 47-year-old.

His playing career was impressive to say the least, having starred for the likes of Monaco, Inter Milan, Marseille and Parma. However, regarding the coaching side of things, Lamouchi has limited experience.

Since landing the Forest job in late June he’s had a baptism of fire as far as fixtures are

concerned. The likes of West Bromwich Albion, Fulham and Leeds United are all well fancied to feature within the Championship’s top six come season’s end. Not only that, the enormity of the squad was enough to boggle the mind of a veteran, never mind a guy that’s only been around for eight weeks.

But Sabri Lamouchi has wasted no time in enforcing his system of choice and his players of preference to facilitate it going forward. His decision play with a solitary holding midfielder as opposed

to a pairing, favoured by previous managers at the club, is already paying dividends further up the field of play.

The fact that Forest have scored eight league goals in five matches would suggest that Sabri is not content to negate and stifle the opposition in the pursuit of safety.

Fear not, before I get carried away and announce imminent promotion to the Premier League, it’s a good time to remind one’s self that Stuart Pearce had the Reds top of the Championship approaching October of 2014. In my

opinion, it’s better to be in the hunt and have something to aim for at such an early juncture in the season. When you’re at the top there’s only one way to go!

Luck has played a part in the achievement of the impressive results thus far it must be said, even the most biased Forest fan will admit that we could and should have been three goals down before snatching a point at Leeds.

And Charlton too, at times it looked like a training exercise of defence versus attack.

But, to Lamouchi’s credit

he addressed the situation in both of those matches by utilising his subs bench and tweaking the formation. The man clearly has a plan B. As for luck, every successful team in history has received it on the route to glory.

Cast your minds back to the European Cup semi final of 1979, had Cologne’s Roger Van Gool scored and not hit the post when his side were already two nil to the good at the City Ground, the Forest badge may never have sported a solitary star, let alone two.

Going forward, I’ve seen enough to suggest that the former Rennes coach has enough about him to keep Nottingham Forest in the promotion hunt, and perhaps more importantly, to still be in charge by the end of the season.

There is plenty of work to do and his preferred starting eleven is not yet nailed down, but the framework looks good.

For the first time in years the team have a bit of midfield muscle in the form of Bostock, Semedo and Samba Sow; finally casting off the tag as Championship lightweights.

Throw into the mix a certain Joao Carvalho and you can certainly see room for improvement.

Even the record signing now has competition for his place in the form of Tiago Silva which indicates another facet that has eluded the club in recent years, strength in depth.

All over the park, except for strikers, Nottingham Forest have two decent players fighting for just the one shirt. This will be key to the long season ahead in league and cup competitions.

I’ve often said that winning over the Forest fans is one of the toughest gigs in football, but it seems as though they’ve really taken to Lamouchi. In reference to the idiosyncratic chant of “What is love? Sabri Lamouchi, j’adore,” bellowing from the terraces, it couldn’t be more apt at this moment in time. (written prior to the NFFC v PNE game)

Each Edition of the Nottingham Now has a print run of 10,000 copies. Published by Wilcop Media Ltd, 92L Rolleston Dr, Arnold, Nottingham, NG5 7JP.