Nottingham Now 20

Issue. 20 - 20-12-2019 0115 6972670 | www.nottingham-now.co.uk | sales@nottingham-now.co.uk

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Inside this issue: christmas - CARE - what’s on and more...

Christmas ‘Around the World’ at Bassetlaw Museum

Fast-track your career into the healthcare profession …work as a phlebotomist! see page 3..

Idlewells Market nominated for National Award see page 4..

The Perfect Gift for the Divas in Your Life see page 7..

Bassetlaw Museum is ready to celebrate Christmas in style as they go in search of how Christmas traditions have evolved at home and in other parts of the world.

If you’ve ever pondered the really important Christmas questions like; Where did the Christmas tree come from?

Who invented the Chocolate Yule log? And who first reenacted the Nativity Scene?

You’ll find all of the answers at Amcott House throughout December.

The Museum has already got into the Christmas Spirit with decorations and Christmas trees showing how the festive season is celebrated in Great Britian, Poland and even Mexico. Visitors will also have the chance to experience a different kind of Christmas by seeing some of the folklore

of Christmas in Iceland.

Sam Glasswell, Curator at Bassetlaw Museum said: “Christmas as we celebrate it today has developed over hundreds of years and has adopted traditions from across the world. We’ll be giving visitors an insight into how these traditions have evolved and how other nations celebrate Christmas.

“You can also take part in our

‘just for fun’ world trail and discover some of the things that Santa sees as he makes his way around the world in one night.”

If you are not a fan of Christmas, you can also visit the new Pilgrims Gallery where you can learn why the Separatists who sailed to America on the Mayflower did not celebrate Christmas.

Entry to Bassetlaw Museum and the special Christmas exhibition is free. Bassetlaw Museum is located on Grove Street, Retford.

It is open from 10am to 4.30pmn Monday to Saturday.

Splendour 2020 Goes on Sale for Christmas see page 10..

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Plans for Bingham’s new leisure facilities go on display to the community Plans for Bingham’s potential new leisure facilities have gone on display to the community.

Specialist consultants have worked with Rushcliffe Borough Council to produce the designs for the new facility in line with the Bingham Masterplan that shows artists’ impressions for the sports element of the Bingham Hub. They highlight the new Chapel Lane site in the town could provide a 25 metre six lane swimming pool with spectator seating and teaching pool, fitness centre, spin and exercise studios, cafe and a community hall with capacity of 300.

A comprehensive needs assessment has been carried

out and sports clubs currently using the leisure centre were consulted to help identify demand and requirements for the new facility, that could open by January 2022.

The Council and Toot Hill School are working together to ensure the existing leisure centre site continues to provide outdoor facilities, including the athletics track and hockey pitch, indoor sports halls and courts. The Hub will more widely offer a community, office and leisure development consistent with the Bingham Growth Board’s aspirations to develop the site as part of a key gateway between the current town centre and the growth of its housing developments to the north. In February the

Council’s Cabinet approved recommendations to draw up plans for the facility that could create up to 90 jobs.

Bingham Town Council are

being consulted on the requirements for the community hall and final detailed designs of all aspects of the new facility are being reviewed that could lead to an application for planning permission in the coming weeks.

County Council leading local flood work County Councillors received an update today from officers who work across the county on flood prevention schemes and on their more recent work with the local communities affected by the November flooding.

The County Council is the lead local flood authority and works with partners including The Environment

Agency, Via East Midlands, Severn Trent Water, Town, District and Borough Councils as well as the Trent Rivers Trust to deliver a broad range of flood prevention schemes.

In the last eighteen months over 520 localised reports of flooding have been investigated and prioritised by the flood risk management team and as part of the ‘Prepare not Repair’ initiative the County Council is working with communities to become more resilient to flooding and to understand their land drainage responsibilities.

Most recently, parts of the County were hard hit; with Worksop, Shireoaks, Retford and Egmanton being amongst the worst affected during the most recent rainfall between 7 and 14

November. The Council’s flood risk management and emergency planning teams, together with Via East Midlands facilitated 66 road closures, placed over 750 flood signs to warn motorists, supported the establishment of rest centres, and delivered over 5000 sandbags to help protect communities, as well as working directly with many residents and businesses to support them (over 400 Nottinghamshire properties suffered internal flooding), and leading the coordination of recovery efforts since the flooding took place.

The County Council led the recovery effort and set up rest centres in the worst impacted areas where people were evacuated from their home.

The council also worked with the Red Cross, Salvation Army and District Council colleagues in Worksop to provide a drop-in centre for local people and businesses to provide and signpost them to immediate and longer term emotional and financial support. Financial support provided by Nottinghamshire County Council includes the provision of a £100,000 Hardship Fund in the immediate aftermath of the initial flooding to directly provide financial assistance

to the worst impacted families and businesses. To date £120,000 has been paid out. The County Council is now administering the Government’s Business Recovery Grant* worth up to £2500 for affected businesses. District Councils are administering the Community Recovery Grant, Business Rates Relief and Council Tax Relief Schemes.

Councillor Phil Rostance, Vice Chairman for Communities and Place Committee said: “We have seen in recent weeks just how flooding devastates communities across Nottinghamshire.

These communities are our immediate priority, and we have been working hard to offer all the support that we can, both financially and in terms of helping communities get back on their feet.

“At the same time, we are continuing to work closely with key partner agencies

such as the Environment Agency, and we will support the development of partnership plans that seek to deliver long term solutions to the flooding issues that many of our communities face.

"Currently, the Council is involved in the delivery of 17 significant schemes with a value of around £15m.

These will help many atrisk communities become more flood resilient. We’re also continually seeking additional external funding to support further potential schemes.”

Areas with current schemes include Southwell, Egmanton, Hucknall Tichfield Park, Lowdham, Thurgaton, Gunthorpe, Calverton, Arnold, Daybrook, Newthorpe, Girton, Sutton on Trent, Normanton on Soar, Willoughby on the Wolds, Clarborough, Gotham, West Bridgford, Kimberley and Newark.

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County Council secures Cotham clean up: unauthorised waste operations stopped Nottinghamshire County Council enforcement officers have secured the removal of unauthorised waste from land at Cotham, south of Newark, following reports that the area was being misused.

In May 2018, the County Council investigated complaints that land off Hawton Lane, Cotham, was being used for general waste transfer, rather than for composting, as had been approved.

Investigations revealed that a general waste transfer station had started operating from the land, without planning permission. This use of the land was not acceptable, and the operator was asked to stop the unauthorised activity.

While importation and other waste processing operations stopped, the waste materials on the land, which contained baled waste (waste compressed into blocks) and general mixed waste wood, were not removed.

In September 2018 the

County Council served an enforcement notice requiring the unauthorised use of the land to stop, and for the waste on the land to be removed as well. The waste was not removed within specified time limits. After further discussions with the landowners, and the threat

of prosecution proceedings, the waste materials were removed from the land and the enforcement notice complied with. Sally Gill, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Group Manager for Planning, said: “The County Council is actively seeking to encourage the

re-use and recycling of waste materials, but these activities should only be carried out in a suitable location and with the necessary planning permission and controls in place.

“If activities such as this are carried out without planning permission and cause unacceptable impacts, the County Council will take enforcement action to require the use to cease and for waste to be removed, including prosecution if needed.”

Fast-track your career into the

healthcare profession …work as a phlebotomist!

An increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals has led to a shortage of allied healthcare workers, especially phlebotomists - the skilled healthcare professionals who take your blood. Demand is at an all-time high with hospitals, clinics and GP Surgeries offering a golden opportunity for that “longed for” career change!

If you have good people skills and manual dexterity, and like the idea of working in a busy healthcare environment, a phlebotomist job may be just the job for you! Many people enter this profession

when they are looking for a career change or a fresh start and they often have no previous qualifications or experience in healthcare.

Phlebotomists can work part time (usually mornings) but also may choose to work full time as well as weekends, holidays and bank work.

Blood samples are usually collected before mid-day and then analysed in your local hospital’s Path Lab in the afternoon. “We train people from all walks of life and all ages” explains Amy, Geopace office manager.

“We’ve had school leavers, shop assistants, receptionists,

beauticians and dental nurses, as well as telesales staff, unemployed and the retired who are looking for a challenge.

We also have referrals from JobCentres (DWP), who can sometimes pay for your course in full if you are eligible” says Amy. Once you are on the healthcare career ladder there are often opportunities to progress into other areas, such as working in the hospital path lab or other departments. Promotion is much easier once you are “on the ladder” and have some experience behind you.

Many Geopace students are

now working as phlebotomists throughout the UK and a few have even chosen to work abroad where there is often a similar shortage and growing demand for this specialised skill. An interesting booklet featuring student’s “Success Stories” is written by the student’s themselves and looks at how they have made the move from wide and varied backgrounds to find themselves now working as phlebotomists. A copy can be downloaded from the Geopace website’s testimonials page.

If you like the idea of a challenging career in healthcare and particularly in phlebotomy then this may be the perfect move for you!

The comprehensive training course last a full two days and culminates in the award of a nationally recognised and accredited certificate.

“We practice taking blood from artificial arms”, says Lauren “and everyone on our course has a lot of fun! We get a great deal of satisfaction later on when we hear from our students that they are working for their local GP surgery or in their local hospital.”

Upcoming courses are running in Nottingham on Saturday and Sunday 25th – 26th January 2020.

If you would like to know more about phlebotomy as a career or to book a place on the course visit Geopace Training’s website at www.geopace.net

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Idlewells Market nominated for National Award

Sutton in Ashfield’s Idlewells Market has been nominated for Britain’s Best Small Indoor Market at the Great British Market Awards 2020.

Idlewells Indoor Market is now thriving following its refurbishment back in 2017 and now is the perfect time to visit in the run up to Christmas. The market boasts a variety of stalls including foodies, crafts, cafés and gifts all in a friendly and welcoming environment.

The open seating area at the heart of the market hall is also the ideal location to meet friends and grab a coffee or a bite to eat. The competition is the biggest in the markets

industry and is being run by The National Association of British Markets (NABMA).

NABMA is the leading markets organisation in the country. It promotes markets on the national stage and also provides a wide portfolio of services for its members. One recent reviewer said: “Hadn't been on the indoor market since it had been done up and I have to say I'll certainly be going again. Good choice of stalls and shops and the staff are really friendly.

I had a coffee in there and it

was so nice, light and airy and pleasant to sit and relax and chat.” Another reviewer said: “Looks good, better than before. I know most of the traders myself and they are all lovely people. Alan Family Butchers are excellent friendly and nothing is too much trouble, Munchies and More is fantastic and so is fruit and vegetables.

It’s very good for disabled as well, plenty of space, I come 3 times a week every week, thank you.” Theresa Hodgkinson, Ashfield

District Council’s Director of Place and Communities said: “This award nomination is brilliant for the market and it is testament to the hard work of the traders and Markets team behind the scenes.

Idlewells has come a long way and its fantastic to see how well received it’s been since the refurbishment.

“Sutton is host to around 150 independent businesses and with over 20 of those packed into the vibrant indoor market, it’s a great time to pay a visit!”

Ensure you get in a licensed taxi this Christmas If you’re using a taxi over the festive period in Rushcliffe always ensure it’s a black licensed hackney carriage or licensed private hire operator.

That’s the message from Rushcliffe Borough Council who are advising residents and visitors in the Borough to never get into a vehicle unless you have pre-booked it through a legitimate operator.

Remember as we near Christmas and the New Year, taxis are harder to find so booking early is a must.

Using a licensed taxi cab by pre-booking your ride home or using a recognised taxi rank means that the vehicle will have met specified standards, the driver is a fit and proper person to drive you home and that the vehicle roadworthy and insured.

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Executive Manager for Neighbourhoods Dave Banks said: “To ensure

you get home safely after a night out, always pre-book your journey home with a reputable local licensed firm for collection at a prearranged time and location.

“If you haven’t booked your taxi then use a Rushcliffe Hackney cab which are black and can be found at recognised taxi ranks. “Never get into a private hire taxi without pre-booking as you will not be covered by the

driver’s insurance meaning the driver may be committing an offence by picking you up, leading to the loss of his or her licence.”

All licensed drivers can be identified by photographic identity badges that must be worn at all times. All Rushcliffe Hackney carriages are built specially to carry disabled passengers and some Private Hire companies have similar vehicles for hire.

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Nottingham from the Air

Photo by Robin Macey

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This month’s aerial photo shows Nottingham's Christmas Market. The photo was taken in December 2017

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

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Works to public right of way network

Works to public right of way network between Lindrick Road and Southwell Lane to Penny Emma Way, Kirkby in Ashfield.

The initial tree works phase is nearing completion. Trees and shrubs have been pruned back away from the footpaths and grass and scrub has been flailed back.

The next phase to improve the surfacing on the footpaths is due to commence on Monday 9th December. Works will continue for two weeks until the 20th December and resume on 6th January 2020.

We ask you to take care whilst walking along the paths and please be mindful of signage that will indicate which paths are being worked on.

The works are due to be completed by the end of January (weather depending).

Local quiz raises over £50,000 for air ambulance charity The fundraisers from Carlton are about to present another £10,000 cheque later this month. Staff and customers at the Richard Herrod Centre, Carlton have been raising money for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance charity since 2008 and are about to hit a significant milestone when they present a cheque to the charity next week.

The air ambulance charity will have received over £50,000 in total from the group when

another cheque for £10,000 is presented to them on Friday 8 November at the Richard Herrod Centre, Carlton.

As well as the weekly quiz night, the team also hold three big raffles a year, which raise over £600 each, weekly raffles and they also sell books and other items to raise money for the charity.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said; “This is more than just a quiz night, this is a community who are getting together, having a fun evening and raising an incredible amount for charity.

The team who organise the events do a fantastic job, and

I know the money raised will be greatly appreciated.

The people involved should be very proud of what they have helped to achieve here, we couldn’t do this without them and it’s fantastic to see just how much money they have raised to help support this very worthy cause.”

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The Perfect Gift for the Divas in Your Life

The iconic anthems of female superstars from Shirley Bassey to Beyoncé will make up the fantastic playlist for the Diva:Limelight Orchestra show at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall on 8 March 2020.

The show captures the strength of women through five decades of classic hits from Get This Party Started, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, I’m Every Woman, Lady Marmalade,

Beyoncé and Lizzo backed by a breathtakingly big sound from the city’s leading contemporary orchestra.

The show is also raising money for the Nottingham I Am What I Am, Run The Women’s Centre, which has been working for more than World and Crazy In Love.

Tickets priced from £19.50 to 40 years to help women gain £29.50 are now on sale and make the perfect Christmas gift for the women in your life. Why not get together with your family and gang up with girlfriends for a fantastic night out to celebrate strong women all over the world.

The concert will be hosted by singer-songwriter Nina Smith and will feature memorable renditions of songs from the most iconic female singers of the last 50 years including Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Mariah Carey, Kylie, Amy Winehouse,

the confidence and skills to achieve their full potential.

Perfect as a Christmas gift for the favourite Diva in your life, tickets are available to purchase online from the Royal Concert Hall. https:// trch.co.uk/whats-on/diva/ Standard T&Cs apply.

Win a pair of tickets Competition To mark this special event taking place on International Women’s Day, we’ve got a pair of tickets (worth £19.50 each) to giveaway. To enter, answer the question which singer had a hit with ‘I Am What I Am’ in 1983? Sent your answer a long with your name to competitions@nottingham-now.co.uk

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County Council Investing

in the county’s roads County Councillors formally approved updated plans on how £45.59m will be spent investing in Nottinghamshire’s highways during in 2019/20.

This figure includes the council’s successful external funding bids and a proportion of the council’s additional £21.4m highways investment which targets local highway priorities.

Committee Chairman, Councillor John Cottee said: “The improvements that have been discussed at today’s Communities & Place Committee form part of our strategy to support the local economy, promote health and wellbeing and ensure communities thrive across our County.”

“We are delighted to be pushing forward with projects highlighted by local people and we look forward to the improvements that this investment will deliver in the coming years.”

Proposed funding includes:

• £22.41m allocated to improving local roads, footways, streetlights, bridges, signs and drainage • £7.34m allocated to transport schemes such as road safety schemes, pedestrian crossings and speed management scheme • £15.07m to deliver Gedling Access Road, Southwell Flood Risk Management Alleviation work and street lighting upgrades • £0.77m of revenue funding to deliver traffic management and the Department for Transport funded Access Fund which delivers travel planning work.

Full details of all the proposed schemes can be viewed on the Council’s website. The programmes detailed have been developed to ensure the delivery of County Council priorities along with national priorities and local transport goals and objectives.

Community crafts

crocheted Christmas tree

A 12 foot crocheted Christmas tree has been installed outside the council offices in Kirkby.

The community Christmas tree is the idea of Claire Lilley, owner of the Artful Buttoner, and is made up of individually crocheted granny squares created by members of the community and the Kirkby Craft Bombers.

After Christmas, when the tree is taken down, the squares will be washed,

dried and stitched together to create blankets which will be donated to the Beacon Project, a charity that provides support to homeless people, based in Mansfield.

Claire Lilley also organised the crocheted poppy downpour installation in 2018, which took pride of place on The Regent in Kirkby to mark the end of World War 1 Centenary celebrations and was reinstalled on Kirkby

Plaza this year. Claire Lilley, owner of The Artful Buttoner, commented “I’m so proud of the amount of effort and community spirit that has gone in to making this another successful craft bombing project, it has been a pleasure to bring everyone together to create the Christmas tree.

It is brilliant that we are able to support a local charity when the tree comes down so nothing from the project

will go to waste.” Theresa Hodgkinson, Director of Place and Communities at Ashfield District Council, said “It is absolutely fantastic that Claire and the Kirkby Craft Bombers have created such a wonderful feature for the community to enjoy.

It is a fabulous addition to our Christmas festivities and represents the generous community spirit that exists in Ashfield.”

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Splendour 2020 Goes on Sale for Christmas The first release of tickets has been put on sale for Splendour, one of the best festivals in the East Midlands, just in time for Christmas.

With this year’s Splendour selling out in record time, now there is the chance to gift family, friends and loved ones with a festive

Splendour Christmas card and tickets to guarantee entry to Nottingham’s biggest summer party on Saturday 18 July 2020.

Now in its 12th year, Splendour is delivered by the multi-award-winning live music promoter DHP Family.

Owner, George Akins says: “Splendour has established itself as one of the biggest and best festivals in the East Midlands, with thousands of people returning each year for

an epic day out. With tickets always in high demand, we’ve released tickets especially for Christmas. It’s the perfect stocking filler. Grab yours while you can and keep your eyes out for Splendour 2020 announcements in the New Year.”

Splendour 2019 had it all, with a total of 25,000 tickets sold in record speeds making it the fastest-selling Splendour ever. The wait for the hotly anticipated Splendour 2020 line-up will soon be over, with the first announcement to be revealed in January.

Tickets for Splendour 2020, taking place in the lush grounds of Wollaton Hall & Deer Park, are on sale now from www.splendourfestival. com. Festive Splendour gift cards will be available as downloadable e-cards and can be printed at home. These are separate from tickets which will be sent in the post

closer to the event.

To hear the latest, sign up to the Splendour newsletter online.

Follow Splendour on social media: Facebook: @ splendourfestivalUK Twitter: @splendourfest Instagram: @splendourfest #SplendourFest.

Festival of Science & Curiosity 2020

Wednesday 12 - Wednesday 19 February 2020 Various Locations ​​​A week long festival which takes Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths out of the lab and into our everyday lives. The festival is about inviting the people of Nottingham to share not only what they know, but also what they would like to know; it’s about celebrating curiosity, asking questions and taking a leading role in finding out the answers.

Scroll down to see all events taking place as part of the festival. More about the festival

Curious Communities The festival is all about engaging new audiences with STEM, and so we go out into communities where there aren’t usually science activities on offer. We have a strong partnership with local libraries and run Fun Days, special challenges and talks for older people, reaching all 15 Nottingham city branch libraries in 2019. We also work with community groups and youth clubs to run targeted activities and projects.

Curious Lates Nottingham’s got a great after-dark scene, so we run

events for adult audiences, including talks, seminars and comedy nights to show how science is a part of our cultural live How It Happens After being organised as a collaborative but informal partnership across numerous organisations for five years, the Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity has now been established as a Company Limited by Guarantee, number 11842873, registered in England. The is a proud member of the UK Science Festivals Network. http:// sciencefestivals.uk/

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Alcohol and me

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Alcohol was my safety – my only friend. It was the only thing that didn’t judge me, it was there for me. I had nothing else.” Sarah Glasby, former alcoholic*.

A new campaign encouraging people to think about ‘alcohol and me’ is being launched by partners in Nottinghamshire.

The harmful effects of drinking alcohol can be measured using alcoholrelated hospital admissions, which are higher in Nottinghamshire compared to England. The rate (per 100,000 population) of admissions for alcohol related conditions was 670 in Nottinghamshire and 881 for Nottingham compared with 632 in England (2017/18).

Sarah Glasby from the Mansfield area talks about her struggles with alcohol and how she has benefited from Change Grow Live (CGL) – a drug and alcohol treatment and recovery service commissioned by Nottinghamshire

County Council. She said: “Alcoholism is an easy road to go down, but it’s damn hard to climb back up. I have to be self-aware and that’s what will keep me sober. It’s important to not be complacent. It’s been a gradual process, but I manage to talk myself out of trouble.

“CGL will always be with me. It wasn’t all about me.

They also supported my family. You don’t think about the effect it has on the people who love you.”

Amanda Fletcher, Consultant in Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Sarah’s story shows that it can be done and that people can get their lives back with the right support. It’s fantastic that she’s now helping other people to recover. “Many people wouldn’t consider that they’re drinking too much, so this campaign aims to give people the information they need about units of alcohol, calories and the possible

effects on their health and wellbeing so they can make informed choices.”

84% of people are unaware of the Government’s low-risk drinking guidelines, meaning that the vast majority do not have the information they need to make informed choices around their drinking.

Anyone who is concerned about addiction can refer themselves or someone else for support to: • Nottinghamshire county: www.changegrowlive.org / 01158 960 798 • Nottingham City: www. nottinghamrecoverynetwork. com / 0800 066 5362 People can get information, check their units, find out how healthy their drinking is and calculate the calories at www.alcoholchange.org.uk Alcohol is a priority in the NHS Long Term Plan.

Case study *Sarah Glasby, from the Mansfield area, talks about her journey with alcohol and the support she has received

from CGL – a drug and alcohol service commissioned

by Nottinghamshire County Council: “I had a normal life – I got married, had a child, held down a good job with the NHS tried to conform.

But I was a functioning alcoholic. I was drinking so I could function at work, so I wouldn’t shake. The alcohol would keep me safe.

“Looking back, I spent all my life hiding. I knew about my sexuality – that I was gay. I also struggled with dyslexia as a child. I came out when I met somebody at work.

I left my marriage and my family disowned me. I started really depending on alcohol at this point. “I moved in with this girl, but it was the wrong time for both of us.

Drinking was an issue, as my partner drank as well and this didn’t help. It became a normality. I began to hide drink and I was convicted for drink driving. Things went from bad to worse and I split up with my partner.

“I felt really lonely then and lived in a rented house by myself. I would wake and get ready for work, then feel my withdrawals beginning so I would top myself up because I was scared they would get out of control at work. I was taking time off. Alcohol was my safety – my only friend. It was the only thing that didn’t judge me, it was there for me.

I had nothing else.

“Things started to get back on track with family and then I had the opportunity to buy my own house. But drink was still a big issue. My family knew I was drinking, but not to what extent. If I was round their house, I would feel myself getting hot, sweaty and getting the shakes. So, I’d make an excuse to go home just so I could top up with alcohol. I didn’t have any friends – I pushed everybody away. As soon as I finished work, I walked to the station and on the way there I would get a bottle of vodka and have half on the journey home. If I didn’t have any on standby, I was really scared.

“At the weekends, I would work at festivals. I was an absolute mess.

I would have blackouts and seizures.

Sometimes I’d wake up covered in blood. I couldn’t remember how I got home.

My parents found me once at home covered in cuts and bruises. I don’t know how I got in that state. “I decided to come off alcohol on my own. I didn’t realise the implications of coming off it suddenly, even though that was my job – I worked in a mental health unit. My seizures started because I stopped drinking all of a sudden. It made me ill and I had seizures and blackouts. I lived on my own and my brother would come round and find me passed out.

I really isolated myself.

“I had a seizure at a family wedding in Spain because I’d come off the alcohol too quickly. I had psychosis and they put me in a hospital in shackles. It was like being in a mental institution in the dark ages. But even that didn’t stop me drinking. “I went back on the drink on several occasions and tried giving up again.

“My sister in law tried to help me, but she was beside herself. She took me to the doctor and they told us about CGL. My sister in law supported me tremendously in going there. I went there and was clean for five weeks.

But I got too complacent, thought I was sorted, went back to work and within four days I was back on it heavily.

I was having psychosis.

“I went back to CGL. They breathalysed me and I was off the scale. My sister in law couldn’t believe I was walking straight and talking normally with so much alcohol in my system. I had a key worker who supported me and my sister in law.

She got me the medication I needed for my psychosis. I was a higher level of danger at this point because I was seeing things. I kept thinking someone was in my house. It was a really difficult time.

“When my mum passed away, she left me her house.

I moved in straight away. I’d cut alcohol down at this point but one afternoon, when I was being really sick, I remember looking out of the window and just thinking ‘I’ve got to stop’. That was on 17 June 2018 and I’ve been dry for 16 months now.

“I stuck with it and stuck with it and stuck with it. It was really difficult but I did it. My worker, Liz, referred me to Double Impact, a centre in Mansfield that supports people back into work. I’ve thrown myself into the courses. I’m really determined.

“I want to work in recovery.

I currently volunteer with Citizens Advice Bureau as an advisor. It’s been amazing.

I’ve got my confidence back, they’ve given me a chance.

“CGL will always be with me. It wasn’t all about me.

They also supported my family. You don’t think about the effect it has on the people who love you.

“I’ve achieved so much in 16 months. I’ve passed my driving test again and got my licence back, I’m doing volunteer work and I’m building my relationship with my daughter. I appreciate everything so much more.

“Alcoholism is an easy road to go down, but it’s damn hard to climb back up. I have to be self-aware and that’s what will keep me sober. It’s important to not be complacent. It’s been a gradual process, but I manage to talk myself out of trouble.

“If I was talking to someone else who was going down the same road as me, I would explain how it can take over your life and possess you.

Breaking up with vodka is the worst divorce you’ll ever have. You have to grieve it.

My main aim now is to work with people who are going down that road. I’m a mentor at Double Impact and I’m supporting others. That’s my passion. It’s not in my life no more.”

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THE GRAND’S STEVE PARKER ‘BRAVES THE SHAVE’ FOR MACMILLAN

Steve Parker from Bullwell in Nottingham, who is a kitchen porter at The Grand care centre in West Bridgford, has 'braved the shave' for leading cancer charity Macmillan.

Steve who is a cancer survivor himself wanted to give something back to the charity for all the support that

he received while undergoing treatment, and for the ongoing support that his father Mick Parker (age 77) is receiving for his terminal diagnosis of cancer of the oesophagi.

The caring team at The Grand made a day of the charity event, starting with lunch for the family who had all come

along to offer moral support.

Mick took great pleasure in administering the first shave of Steve's head; after that, the electric shaver came out before there was any time to change his mind. In total the event raised £420.00.

Steve said: "The support that both my father and I have received from Macmillan has been exceptional, and I was delighted to accept this challenge and give something back." Home manager at The Grand, Yana Whitehouse, said: "Staff and residents have been supporting this cause by sponsoring Steve for his head shave and giving ongoing support to Steve's dad and to Macmillan. Everyone is so proud of Steve for his bravery here at The Grand."

To keep Steve's head warm one of The Grand's lovely residents Mrs Cairns knitted Steve a woolly hat.

New Care is one of the UK’s fastest growing development-

led care home operators.

Catering for the aspiring needs of its residents, its ‘new generation’ care facilities provide high quality, person-centred care and an exceptional clinical offering, including residential, nursing and specialist dementia care services, in an expertly designed purpose-built environment. In addition to

communal lounges, formal dining rooms and gardens, residents enjoy the privacy of their own well appointed and restful bedroom, complete with en suite wet rooms, and a host of hotel-style services including fine dining, a hair salon, nail bar, concierge and a busy and varied programme of activities and events.

For further information on

New Care and its care homes across the UK, please call 0800 240 7200 or visit www. newcarehomes.com.

For further editorial information please contact Philosophy Public Relations Victoria Maltby, 07944 150043, victoria@ philosophypr.co.uk Gemma Carey, 07944 150051, gemma@philosophypr.co.uk

Let's Talk-Wellbeing Let’s Talk - Wellbeing is available in Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire, Leicester City and Leicestershire and Rutland. The service provides psychological assessment and treatment (talking therapies) for common mental health problems, which 1 in 4 of us will suffer with at some stage in our lives. This includes depression, anxiety, panic, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma and stress. It is normal to experience changes in your mood and behaviour at times of stress and emotional upset.

If these changes continue to affect you, then the Let's TalkWellbeing service could help.

Treatment. Our specialist

practitioners use a range of approaches, including one to one appointments, group workshops, self-help books, leaflets, online and telephone support. Support is provided at different venues in the community, including GP surgeries and community centres.

They include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, Mindfulness Based CBT (MBCT) groups, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), guided self-help education and group therapies.

The service is part of the national Improving Access

to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. Service opening hours. ur office opening hours are as follows: • Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm • Leicestershire and Rutland Monday to Friday 9am 5pm (please note that some sessions can be provided outside of these hours) • Leicester City Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm. Accessing our service.

This service is available to people aged 18 and over in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire, and people aged 16 and over in Leicester City and Leicestershire County and Rutland.

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New GP Exercise on Referral scheme to help increase physical activity levels

Get Healthy Rushcliffe is launching a new exercise on referral programme to help residents of Rushcliffe with long term health conditions become more physically active. Exercise is a critical component of achieving a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

Get Healthy Rushcliffe aims to make that as easy and as accessible as possible to those living in Rushcliffe.

By being more active, you can help reduce the likelihood of developing long term health conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and high blood pressure.

Mark Lambourne, Managing Director of Parkwood Healthcare, the organisation behind the Get Healthy

Rushcliffe project said that “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to work with our partners at Lex Leisure and the wider health and social care community to help embed physical activity within the community of Rushcliffe”.

The new 8 to 12 week programme allows residents of Rushcliffe who have been referred by their GP to engage in a personalised and safe exercise programme on a one to one basis with a qualified instructor.

The programme offers expert advice in relation to health conditions and exercise. Our instructors are highly trained in planning and delivering programmes tailored to

the needs and goals of the individual participants.

As part of the programme, participants are able to access the fantastic facilities at Bingham Leisure Centre, Cotgrave Leisure Centre, Keyworth Leisure Centre and Rushcliffe Arena at a discounted rate to enable them to take up more physical activity. Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Executive Manager for Communities Dave Mitchell said: “We’re delighted to support Get Healthy Rushcliffe at our leisure centres, building on the Borough’s great sport, lifestyle and place.

“Encouraging those with health conditions to continue to be active is vital, whether in a role to assist recuperation or to make a significant difference in wider physical and mental wellbeing.”

As well as an Exercise on Referral scheme, Get Healthy Rushcliffe also offers residents of Rushcliffe an online resource through which they can access advice, guidance and resources on

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 a m a z i n g 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.

how to stop smoking, eat a healthier diet, be more physically active, drink less alcohol and maintain a healthier weight.

Anyone who is a resident of Rushcliffe is welcome to register at www. gethealthyrushcliffe. co.uk to access the range of services that are available.

If you would like more information please do not hesitate to contact us on 0115 784 5690, PA R K W O O D . g e t h e a l t h y rushcliffe@nhs. net or visit our website on www. gethealthyrushcliffe. co.uk

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Broxtowe’s Towns are switched on for Christmas Stapleford, Eastwood, and Beeston saw record numbers attending their annual Christmas lights switch on events last week showing that community spirit is definitely alive in Broxtowe.

Organised by L Leisure events on behalf of Broxtowe Borough Council , Stapleford Town Council and Eastwood Town Council, this year’s events featured amazing performers, street theatre and music attracting large crowds to each town centre.

Headline bands The Frandell’s, The Jaxx Band, and SKA’s were fantastic additions to the switch on’s with crowds singing along to wellknown songs.

Eastwood saw the amazing ‘Spark!’ performing; this fabulous drumming group proved to be a massive draw and attracted large crowds with their rhythmic, light show. Christmas stilt walkers spread

Christmas cheer throughout the streets and Santa made an appearance at all three events.

The beautiful Christmas Fairy arrived for another year at the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum where she welcomed children to her winter wonderland in order to hear their Christmas wishes.

Afterwards, the children experienced the museum, which was decorated in the style of an authentic Victorian Christmas.

The fairground rides are always a great hit for the kids and this year was no exception; The new funfair location in Beeston proved to be a great success.

What’s more, the charity stalls had some fantastic tombola

prizes and sweet treats for the visitors to sample. Stapleford Churches Together ran a treasure hunt from their stall; a great addition to the Stapleford Switch on.

The lights were switched on by the Mayor of Broxtowe and each Town Mayor, with huge crowds gathering for the countdown before the Christmas trees and decorations were lit.

Each event concluded with a spectacular fireworks d i s p l a y which also

symbolised the end of this year’s events delivered by L Leisure.

Keep a lookout for next years events organised by L Leisure including The Hemlock Happening, Summer Play Days, Reel Outdoors and Mini Reel cinemas as well as Spooktacular Fireworks

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Nottingham Winter Wonderland 2019

Christmas returns to Nottingham with the largest event in the East Midlands! Best of all entry to Nottingham Winter Wonderland is FREE!!

Featuring your favourite rides, bars and shopping spots from previous years, this is the perfect place to soak in the Christmas spirit.

Christmas Market. While away the hours browsing over

70 traditional, Bavarian-style stalls, searching for the perfect gift as well as sampling the delicious homemade and artisan cheeses, chutneys and chocolates on offer.

This year’s Christmas market has been expanded, with something for everyone including plants, mead, jewellery, scents, fashion, retro style, Eco art, Lego art, Fair-trade, Continental food, local homemade stew and home accessories to offer the discerning visitor.

Ice-Skating & Rides. Back by popular demand is the Toboggan Slide!

Visitors can experience exhilarating fun while sliding down Kings Street in tubes! There will also be a variety of rides and attractions including: a traditional Carousel, Santa Toy Ride, Helter Skelter and everyone’s favourite skills games, keeping not just the children but the entire family amused. Why not relax awhile and take in the festive atmosphere while having a drink in the truly unique Helter Skelter Bar at this year’s event. The children can enjoy a slide down the

traditional fun of our Helter Skelter attraction while you take a well earnt break.

Situated on Long Row, the Helter Skelter bar sells mulled wine, spiced cider and other hot toddies to keep you aglow as you take a break from your Christmas shopping. Sur La Piste Bar | Ice Bar | Altitude Bar. After all that, chill out with a drink (or two) in some pretty cool surroundings at the UK’s biggest mobile ice bar.

Yes, the impressive Alpine Ice Bar is being brought back

for 2019 with completely new sculptures, designs and theming to keep you entertained over a schnapps or two. Did you know drinks are served to you in real ice glasses from the Vodka bar?

A carefully selected schedule of entertainment has been put together apres ski style in and around the bar with roving entertainers ranging from violinists to Club DJ’s who often mingle with the crowd, plus plenty more. You are more than welcome to bring in your camera for a memento

of this special occasion; just don’t leave it lying anywhere as ice sticks!

The impressive Altitude Bar is an all-glass chalet, perched up high, offering panoramic views of the Christmas crowds below. With cocktails, table service and a private DJ, Altitude is the go-to winter bar at Winter Wonderland!

An online table booking service is available at the Sur La Piste bar – ideal for large groups or corporate parties (minimum spend per head applies)

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sowa winter festival 2019

'Tis the season for the 5th Join us December 6 - 8 for village in Boston. annual SoWa Winter Festival. the biggest winter shopping About this Event

Friday, December 6, 2019: 6 pm – 10 pm Saturday, December 7, 2019: 10 am - 8 pm Sunday, December 8, 2019: 10 am - 6 pm https://www.facebook.com/ events/1400618090103137/ You'll find the perfect

handmade gifts, sip on winter cocktails, and discover the best of the SoWa Art + Design District. Enjoy Boston's best food trucks, live ice sculpting, holiday workshops, as well as the galleries, artist studios, and shops that call SoWa home year 'round. The SoWa

Winter Festival is family friendly and free to attend.

View Parking Info, and click for Directions.

MAKER MARKETPLACES 460 + 500 Harrison Ave Shop from 130 of the region's best makers and specialty food vendors spread across two maker marketplaces.

FOOD TRUCKS + BAR 500 Harrison Ave While you stroll, savor our favorite winter cocktails, craft brews, spiked hot chocolate and mulled wine.

A portion of all alcohol sales will be donated to this year’s neighborhood charity partner, South End Soccer.

THAYER ST On Thayer Street, enjoy live ice sculpting (Sat + Sun), as well as the galleries, artist studios, and shops that call SoWa home year 'round.

How to pick the best turkey this Christmas Last Christmas an estimated ten million turkeys were eaten in the UK but do you know what to look for when

buying a bird? Did you know that your turkey shouldn't weigh less than 10lb (5kg) as it suggests the bird wasn’t the

healthiest in the flock? And how should you stuff the bird?

The bird should be mature or over 22 weeks – ideally it will

have been hatched in summer and allowed to grow slowly.

Mass produced birds

are fattened too quickly and have a purple colour to them; birds which are allowed to mature at a slower pace build up the fat in the skin making them whiter in colour and more moisture after cooking, Look for a turkey that has been hung for at least a full week.

For a top quality bird you should choose a slow growing heritage strain. There are ten heritage breeds in total; the original being bronze, with other popular breeds being Bourbon Red and Norfolk Black. These slower growing breeds, which take around six months to reach maturity, will have had time to develop a larger chest giving you around 45 percent more breast meat than you could expect to find on more commercial birds. The older the bird the better the flavour will be, although beyond 29 weeks the meat will start to get tough. Slow growing breeds, which the heritage breeds are, will have a finer texture; and the smaller the bird, the smaller the muscle fibres to retain moisture and texture. When buying a whole turkey, allow for around 1lb (500g) per person. A healthy bird

shouldn’t weigh less than 10lb (5kg), anything less than that suggests the bird wasn’t the healthiest in the flock.

If you are buying turkey for a smaller number of people then there are lots of options offered by Q Guild butchers, such as a turkey crown or simply turkey breast.

Look out for a purple cavity, this probably means that the bird has been previously frozen. Only stuff the neck of the turkey with your Christmas stuffing; the cavity can be used to place an onion, lemon or orange to help give an aromatic flavour.

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CHRISTMAS IS ALWAYS

MAGICAL AT BROWNS

Make this year's Christmas extra special with a Browns festive feast.

You’ll be greeted with all our usual refinements, with lots of added sparkle, done in our own unique way.

From our specially created dishes made using fresh, seasonal ingredients, to our expertly mixed cocktails overflowing with Christmas cheer, our buzzing brasserie atmosphere is purely enchanting at this time of year. We’re open on Boxing Day and Christmas Day too, with specially selected menus and the real sense of occasion you want on days like these So bring everyone together and let us make this wonderful time truly memorable for you all – in a way only we can.

Festive Menu 2019.

Indulge to your heart's content with all of your festive favourites with your loved ones at Browns Nottingham. The Festive menu will be available for bookings and walk-ins until 30th December (excluding Xmas Day and Boxing Day) Choose from a tempting selection of luxurious main dishes, featuring choices like our succulent Roast Breast of Turkey or our vegan Cranberry, Walnut & Almond Roast. Follow your main course with a touch of

style. Take your pick from delicious desserts, like our St. Clement’s Posset (V) or the delightful vegan-friendly Biscoff Cheesecake (VE).

Whatever it is that you decide on, you can be sure to enjoy a fine festive season.

Our chefs have also put together a stunning Gluten Free Festive menu that’s just perfect for those with specific dietary requirements.

Please note, there is a required deposit of £10 per person to secure all festive bookings. Once you have booked a festive meal with us, a member of our team will be in contact to arrange payment.

Festive Menu 3 courses for • £34 Join us Sunday to Tuesday, 12pm to 5pm for our early week offer: 3 courses • £29 Available from 12th November to 30th December, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day. STARTERS ROAST PARSNIP & APPLE SOUP (V) Parsnip crisps, crispy sprouts NORTH ATLANTIC PRAWN COCKTAIL Classic cocktail sauce, buttered sourdough SHALLOT, ONION & ARMAGNAC TATIN (VE) Warm green bean salad,

rocket & walnut pesto DUCK LIVER PARFAIT Cherry sauce, spiced cranberry & orange toast SEVERN & WYE VALLEY SMOKED SALMON Beetroot, horseradish crème fraîche, orange vinaigrette, dark rye MAINS All dishes are served with mulled wine braised red cabbage and shaved brussel sprouts with chestnuts ROAST BREAST OF TURKEY Chestnut & cranberry stuffing, pigs in blankets, garlic & thyme roast potatoes, maple roast carrots and parsnips, red wine jus BRAISED BLADE OF BEEF^ Bubble & squeak, forestiere sauce, horseradish crème fraîche, crispy onions FILLET OF SALMON Lime & pistachio crust, crushed heritage potatoes, garlic butter, samphire, lobster & Champagne sauce SLOW-COOKED BELLY OF PORK Sage mash, festive spices, Bramley apple butter, crackling, red wine jus CRANBERRY & MIXED NUT ROAST (V) Roast potatoes, maple roast carrots & parsnips, onion gravy Please ask if you would prefer this dish to be vegan

DESSERTS TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS PUDDING* (V) Vanilla bean custard, brandy butter D A R K C H O C O L AT E TORTE (V) Brandy snap basket, vanilla ice cream S A L T E D C A R A M E L PROFITEROLES (V) Devon cream toffee sauce, raspberry & pistachio B I S C O F F CHEESECAKE (VE) Red berries ST CLEMENT’S POSSET (V) Candied orange peel, lemon biscuits TO FINISH B R I T I S H CHEESEBOARD (V) (£5 supplement per person) S h i r e v a l e Wensleydale & Cranberry, Sandham Lancashire, St Helen’s Farms goats cheese, Cornish Blue, sourdough crisps, Stokes red onion marmalade, roast figs, celery

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Putting the Individual at the Centre of Care

A.C.C.E.S.S. 2016 Ltd Home – they put the individual at the centre Ashfield, covering Care Company has a clear of the care they provide. They are a the Ashfield area. outlook when it comes to care home care company based in Sutton in Heather and Jeanette, senior staff members at A.C.C.E.S.S 2016 Ltd, explained that the company p r o m o t e s independent living, stability and peace of mind for all their service users, their families and their friends. They encourage full family participation in the development of the individuals care plan.

Manager, Sara, said: “Each of our service users are treated as individuals and encouraged to regain their independence and life in their

community whether its trips out to local towns, garden centres, coffee shops or attending family member’s weddings, A.C.C.E.S.S facilitate it all.

“Our staff treats each individual like a member of their own family, they are interested in the person’s life so far and what they would still like to achieve, be it with a little assistance.”

Our clients are full of praise for the company. Their comments include: “Really grateful to the exemplary care given.” “Nothing is too much trouble.” “A.C.C.E.S.S 2016 Ltd always go one step and beyond to help.” “The whole team are excellent at problem solving.” “Helpful in all situations.” “The care my brother receives is exemplary, great care is given to interpret his wishes and staff treat him in a dignified respectful way.” For further information on how we can help your loved ones please call on 07434884161 A.C.C.E.S.S is now recruiting if you want to have the opportunity to come and work for our great team please call 07434884161

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Nottinghamshire County Council gives the

go ahead to identify a new specialist school site

Plans for a new school in the Hucknall or Ollerton area to benefit those with special educational needs and/or

disabilities has moved to the next stage.

A new £150,000 feasibility study to identify a site in

the to build a new 75 place special school, which will include specialist provision for those with disabilities,

got the go ahead at a recent Nottinghamshire County Council Policy Committee Since 2010*, young people with special educational needs has doubled across the county – almost twice as much as the national 55 per cent increase.

These increases are mainly attributable to a significant change to the national criteria for special educational needs assessments including an increase to the upper age limit from 18 to include 18 to 25-year olds.

If the current trend continues,

by January 2023 there is estimated be more than 4,000 young people with educational needs in Nottinghamshire.

Growing demand has also led to an increase in commissioning places in

the independent sector.

Currently, there are over 450 children and young people with special educational needs being educated in this way across the county.

As the cost of these placements has increased by 50 per cent since 2015, plans for a new, local specialist school in one of the proposed areas aims to bring potential savings.

Additional benefits include saving time for some of the young people and parents who are currently travelling to independent placements based across the county.

Nottinghamshire County Council Leader, Councillor Kay Cutts said “Since 2015, the County Council has increased investment on special needs school ,including £2.9m at

Ash Lea Special School in Cotgrave and is currently investing £16.4m to help rebuild and expand the Newark Orchard Special School which will initially create 40 new specialist placements. “ The new school planned in either Hucknall or Ollerton aims to help further address the growing demand to provide more specialist school places in the county.

Data has identified that these two areas have the greatest need for this investment.

“Being able to fully meet the educational needs of all young people is clearly a priority for the County Council, so it is vital to move these plans on to the next stage and avoid any unnecessary delays to the creation of a new specialist school.”

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Winter activities indoors for your baby and toddler

Sometimes it’s good to embrace the indoors. We’ve rustled up some creative ways to entertain your little ones, without having to step outside.

Whether you have a baby, a toddler or both, here are some ideas to create a stimulating environment in your own home. You might also stave off cabin fever.

First of all, things might get a little bit messy.

Your baby builds their experience of the world through touch and smell, as well as the more obvious sight and sound."Encourage them to explore different materials to stimulate their senses. They’ll learn to notice the different feels, scents, textures and noises everyday items make." If you have a baby, embrace the mess with some sensory play Some of our favourites, which

will keep toddlers entertained too, include: Water play If you have a non-carpeted floor somewhere, a bit of water play will go a long way in keeping babies engaged.

Put your washing-up bowl on the floor with a range of plastic cups, bottles or whatever you have handy.

Just make sure you have a towel (or five) to hand.

Food for thought Raid your cupboards and you’ll find a treasure trove of sensory items just waiting to be explored by teeny hands.

Rice, lentils, different shapes of pasta or even breakfast cereal are all ideal.

Try filling a plastic bottle to create a makeshift rattle.

If you’re feeling intrepid, experiment with food colourings for an added sensory element. Just make sure you’re nearby to prevent your little one choking on those tiny bits of food.

Get gloopy

‘Gloop’ has a unique texture, changing from a solid feel to a liquid feel as it’s handled.

You might hate it, but your baby will probably love it.

Simply mix two cups of water, one of cornflour and a drop of food dye for a colour hit.

Then watch the fun unfold.

Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t try and gobble the gloop though…

Not so messy messy-play Want to give your baby the opportunity to play with paint, but can’t bear the thought of it in your own home?

We have the ideal solution.

Simply squirt a bit of washable paint into a resealable sandwich bag.

Your baby can explore the texture and squeeze to their heart’s delight, and your soft furnishings will remain intact.

Things to make and do with a toddler 1. Build a den Kids love a den. Chairs,

blankets, sheets and sofa cushions. Use whatever furniture you have to create a fun space for your little one to crawl into. For extra delight, give them a torch to take inside.

2. The Great Toddler Bake Off Mixing ingredients, rolling out dough, cutting different shapes and exploring creativity with icing. All perfect activities for a grey day. Keep the recipe simple and let the mess take centre stage.

3. Make a bird feeder The easy bird feeder tutorial from the RSPB is a fun way to repurpose yoghurt pots (or similar) while using up some leftovers.

Be sure to hang it in good view of a window so you can watch the feasting take place. Tweet, tweet.

Visit www.rspb.org.uk/ fun-and-learning/forfamilies/family-wild-

challenge/activities/feed-thebirds/ 4. Have an indoor picnic Who says picnics are just for summer? Your baby or toddler will love the change of scenery, and the novelty of eating off a rug instead of the table.

5. Draft in reinforcements It’s good for babies and toddlers to interact with others.

You will probably be thankful for company too, so invite friends over. Encourage them to do a toy swap with you. The appeal of ‘someone else’s toys’ is huge.

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Building on success to improve education results for children in Nottinghamshire Nottinghamshire County Council is looking to build on progress made over the past few years to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged children and young people in Nottinghamshire, which is a major driver of social mobility.

The Council has launched a new strategy to achieve this, driving positive action.

The Council, working with partners, schools and other education providers, to maximise the impact of available resources and to hold each other to account, has helped to raise the achievements of children and young people in the region.

Actions taken by these organisations, which have led to improvements, are now routine in the county.

Councillor Philip Owen, Children and Young People’s Committee Chairman said: “I am absolutely committed

to delivering the very best results that we can for children in Nottinghamshire.

While significant progress has been made over the last few years, we must continue to strive for better, doing everything we can to give our young people the best possible start in life, no matter what their background.

“This new strategy builds on past successes in this area, while reflecting new national priorities.

It recognises the key role that education can play in breaking down barriers to social mobility, faced by too many young people, helping them to achieve their potential and giving them a better future.”

“By removing these barriers, we can open new opportunities for young people to go onto further education or rewarding careers.”

Outcomes for children and young people

eligible for free school meals, which is a widely recognised indicator used to measure economic disadvantage, have improved year on year since 2012-13. The percentage of children in Nottingham-shire eligible for free school meals who achieved the expected standard rose by 12% from 2013 - 2018, both at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage (age 5) and at the end of Key Stage 2 (age 11).

Outcomes have also improved for children and young people not eligible for free school meals.

Partnership working in areas such as Newark and Worksop has helped to drive positive change.

For example, in Newark, those young people eligible for free school meals who met the expected standard in Key Stage 4 English and maths rose from 20.5% in 2016 to 34.4% in 2017. In Worksop, for Key Stage 2

eligible children, it rose from people who leave education them to find higher paid, more 37% to 50.8% from 2016 to with better qualifications and skilled jobs, and contribute to 2017, and from 66.9% in skills, the Council can help a more skilled workforce.

2015 to 75% in 2017 for Key Stage 4.

Success of the strategy will be measured in different ways, including progress towards the number of disadvantaged children in the county being in line with or above the national average for comparable groups in reading, writing and maths.

It also intends to reduce the number of young people in the Year 12 or 13 age bracket who are not in education, employment and training.

By increasing the number of disadvantaged young

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Improvements to major adaptations for disabled people Older or disabled people who need major adaptations making to their home will benefit from a new system approved by the County Council this week.

Major adaptations, such as the installation of stair lifts, hoists or lifts help people with mobility issues to continue living at home.

Occupational Therapists assess a person’s needs and, if they recommend any adaptations, they currently get at least two quotes for the work.

The householders are then inconvenienced by two different company surveyors and an Occupational Therapist coming to measure up their home for feasibility.

Under the new system, which will be established by the County Council

and District Councils, there will be one company countywide who will provide all adaptations made via the Disabled Facilities Grant. This will reduce the inconvenience for service users, as only one provider will need to visit their home.

It is estimated that there will be savings of over £67,500 a year which can be used to fund more equipment for others who need it. Councillor Tony Harper, Chair of the County Council’s Adult Social Care and Health Committee, said: “We want to help people to stay living independently in their community for as long as possible. By working with District and Borough Councils to change the system, we will be able to make things easier for people who have adaptations and also use the savings to pay for equipment for more people.”

The Council will go out to tender for the provider and it is planned that the new contract will be in place by April 2020.

Top 5 Winter Home Improvement Projects It may be winter, but don’t let the chilly temperatures discourage you from completing home improvement projects. Now is the ideal time to make a change to your home that will improve its efficiency over the colder months. These five winter home improvement ideas below will give you inspiration to get started.

1. Add insulation to improve your home’s energy efficiency. While it’s not the most exciting project, adding insulation to your home could help make your home more energy efficient. Start by checking your attic, basement and crawl space to see if more insulation is needed.

2. Update your floors during winter. Is your carpet hanging on by a few threads? Do your hardwood floors need refinished? Winter is the perfect time to refresh your floors and make them look amazing.

3. Install a new programmable thermostat. This is a simple DIY that can end up paying off

in the long run by increasing the energy efficiency of your home. With both low and high tech options, like Nest, there is a range of thermostats available to to fit any budget and lifestyle.

4. Update your bathroom in winter.

Whether you want to replace the tile, update your hardware or simply repaint the walls,

winter is the ideal time to make improvements to your bathroom.

5. Replace your windows in winter.

Don’t forget about your windows! Replacing the windows in your home this winter can help reduce the cold air getting into your home and save on energy costs.

Transferee cohort joins the force Seven new officers have joined the force after being transferred by neighbouring police forces on (9 December 2019).

The officers within Transferee Cohort One were welcomed into the force by Chief Constable Craig Guildford at a special ceremony at Hucknall Police Station.

The ceremony and one day induction included the new police officers reading their attestation sheet, receive their powers and sign their declaration of service, as well as inputs from the Health and Safety, Police Federation and Human Resources departments.

With the group of seven officers there is a mix of officers with a range of skills including Authorised Firearms Officers, a dog handler, an Inspector who is a Firearms Commander and

several detectives.

Within the cohort there is 28 per cent BAME, as the force continues to make the force more representational of the communities we serve.

Supt Suk Verma said: “"I'd like to congratulate the officers and welcoming them into the force.

I recognise that our transferee programme required reform, and thanks to Operation Uplift, we have addressed concerns raised after consultation with previous transferees. "I am committed to ensure that transferees where possible join in cohorts, and that they have a bespoke skills assessment by training school, to ensure that they are

ready for operational duty in Nottinghamshire.

"We also want to ensure that all kit and equipment is with the officers on day one, so that we get the best value for money, whilst displaying that we care about our workforce."

Following the induction day, the officers are off into their divisions to begin their careers with Nottinghamshire Police.

To learn more about a career with Nottinghamshire Police please visit: https:// w w w. n o t t i n g h a m s h i r e . police.uk/careers

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Tea-lightful! Residents celebrated at

Nottinghamshire Community Heroes Awards afternoon tea

County Council Chairman, Councillor Kevin Rostance honoured Nottinghamshire’s Community Heroes and nominees at an Awards afternoon tea on Monday 9 December at County Hall.

The event was an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the nominated individuals work and contribution to their local communities.

Councillor Kevin Rostance said: “In this round of the Awards we received the highest number of nominations since we launched this initiative a few years ago. It was truly inspiring reading about the achievements of some our

residents, and selecting the winners was tough.

“I wanted to host an awards event to celebrate all the nominees and winners and recognise their achievements.

It was fantastic to meet such remarkable people and have the opportunity to hear more about their work.”

The winners of the last round of Nottinghamshire Community Heroes for 2019, are a long-term volunteer and an inspiring young person early on in their charity work journey.

Kenneth Willows from Ashfield has been volunteering and helping his local community for over 68

years, having been involved with youth clubs, The Boys Brigade Northern Fellowship group, the Nottingham Battalion of the Boys Brigade with Girls Association, and local churches and schools.

Kenneth said: “Being named A Nottinghamshire Community Hero to me means that the work of volunteers in the community is really valued and is clearly appreciated

by Nottinghamshire County Council and by higher authorities.

Volunteering really is rewarding.”

Jasminder Kaur from Rushcliffe, has been involved with the Guru Nank Mission charity since the age of 15, helping to cook and feed the homeless. Now aged 17, Jasminder has taken her charity work further – she has done a skydive and climbed Mount Snowdon for local charities.

Jasminder said “I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community here in Nottinghamshire. I

encourage more people to spare even 5% of their time to make a difference and I’m looking forward to finding new challenges to raise funds for causes soon.”

Councillor Rostance said: “I hope both Jasminder and Kenneth’s stories inspire other people to volunteer, fundraise and help worthy causes as they’ve helped make a real difference to the lives of others.”

The Chairman will be on the lookout for more community heroes, like Jasminder and Kenneth and wants to hear from people who wish to nominate unsung heroes from their local area. It could be someone who

helps vulnerable people with shopping, or providing a lift to a medical appointment, supporting young people in their community, or leading a local community project which has made a difference to people’s lives.

Every few months, the Chairman will select one person to receive an extra special thank you and they will receive the Chairman’s Award.

The criteria for nominations is as follows: • Nominees must live in the county • They must not be a member of a local council • Nominees must work or volunteer within

Nottinghamshire • Nominations should not be party political • Nominees and those nominating must agree to feature in awards’ publicity The nominations will be reviewed on a regular basis by the Chairman of the County Council and the Chairman’s award will be presented to a successful individual nominated for the award.

To nominate a community hero, visit the County Council website: www. nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ council-and-democracy/getinvolved/nottinghamshirecommunity-heroes-award the next round of nominations will open up in the New Year.

Paw-fect dog welfare service gets Gold score A paw-fect dog welfare service has been commended by the RSPCA for going above and beyond in its commitment and dedication to lost dogs in Newark and Sherwood. The largest animal welfare charity in the UK has praised Newark and Sherwood District Council’s animal welfare team, which was awarded the Gold accolade in the Stray Dogs category as part of the RSPCA 2019 PawPrints Awards.

The district council has been operating a dog warden service for more than 30 years and has helped thousands of stray dogs either reunite with their owners or find a loving

new home. The category recognises the measures that are in place to ensure the welfare of stray dogs, including rehoming processes and veterinary treatment procedures for injured strays. It also recognises the hard work of staff, ensuring that officers are given the appropriate dog handling training as well as the knowledge to provide to new owners on how to prevent the animal straying again.

The RSPCA congratulated the team and added that going straight in at Gold is a “great achievement”. In 2016, Stitch, a young English pointer-springer cross, was picked up by Newark and Sherwood District Council’s dog warden who noticed he had a ‘nose for work’ and now has cut out a new life sniffing out drugs for police and security companies. The animal welfare team also

played a key role in the case of stray dog Blake, a Border collie and Bella, an orphaned lamb, who famously went missing together in 2017 near Thoresby after forming an unlikely bond. Andrew Weaver - the council’s dog warden at the time - dedicated hours, both during work time and in his own time, to help find the pair. However, if this is not possible we do everything we can to reunite the dog with its owner, including publish a photo appeal on social media.”

The award also recognises the importance of education and rewards councils who actively promote schemes and services that may reduce the number of longterm strays and straying in the first instance, such as microchipping and neutering.

In August this year, the council host its second annual ‘Bark in the Park’, two

events aimed at promoting responsible dog ownership.

More than 40 dogs and their owners attended and took advantage of the free health checks, neutering vouchers, free micro-chipping and safety advice that was on hand. The Bark in the Park events were also set up in association with the district council’s PAWS campaign, which launched last year and was designed to promote all aspects of responsible dog ownership. On average, the council receives around 300 calls a year reporting a stray or a missing dog. Many of these are quickly returned to their owners. Non-microchipped dogs are then taken to the council’s holding kennels for seven days to allow the owner to come forward and reclaim after which point re-homing procedures are in place to find the animal a loving, new home.

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Club shop to operate extended opening hours over Christmas Nottingham Forest's opening hours over the Christmas period have now been confirmed.

Club shop Ticket office Saturday 21st December 9am-5pm 9am-4pm Sunday 22nd December 10am-4pm Closed Monday 23rd December 9am-8pm 9am-6pm Christmas Eve 9am-4pm 9am-5pm Christmas Day Closed Closed Boxing Day Closed Closed Friday 27th December 9am-5pm 9am-6pm Saturday 28th December 9am-5pm 9am-4pm Sunday 29th December 10am-6pm 10am-6pm Monday 30th December 9am-5pm 9am-6pm New Year’s Eve 9am-4pm 9am-5pm New Year’s Day 10am-6pm 10am-6pm

Chelsea tickets now on sale to season card holders Ticket details for Nottingham Forest's Emirates FA Cup third-round tie at Chelsea have now been confirmed.

Forest travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday 5th January (kick-off 2.01pm) and the club have received an allocation of 2,986 reserved seat tickets located behind the goal in the upper and lower tiers of the Shed End. Tickets for this fixture are priced as follows: Adults (20-64) - £30 Over 65s - £15 Under 20s - £15 As with all away fixtures, priority will first be given to away members to purchase tickets before any remaining tickets are released to season card holders in the following order: Thursday 12th December Away members (online only) Friday 13th December - Away members (online/phones/inperson) Monday 16th December Season card holders with at least 5 loyalty points (online/

phones/in-person) Wednesday 18th December - Season card holders with at least 2 loyalty points* (online/phones/in-person) Friday 20th December Season card holders with at least 1 loyalty point* (online/ phones/in-person) Monday 23rd December Season card holders with no loyalty points* (online/ phones/in-person) Friday 27th December NFFC Members* (online/ phones/in-person) Saturday 28th December Supporters with a previous NFFC booking history* (online/phones/in-person) *Subject to availability Any away member or season card holder who purchases tickets during the online-only window and have specific requirements, or wish to sit with friends/family who have purchased separately, can call the ticket office to make their request after buying their tickets. Access to tickets Tickets will not be available

to collect until Friday 20th December and all tickets purchased after 3pm on Thursday 2nd January cannot be posted. Instead, these will be made available for collection directly from the Nottingham Forest ticket office only.

Chelsea FC will not permit collections on matchday except for those tickets which have had to be duplicated if cases where they have been lost in the post.

On such occasions, the supporter must contact the Nottingham Forest ticket office directly on 0115 982 4388 before 3pm on Saturday 4th January to organise for duplicate tickets to be printed and collected at Stamford Bridge. Supporters who are collecting duplicate tickets must provide the full name of the person collecting these tickets and photo ID must be presented before Chelsea will release the tickets to the supporter. Failure to do so is at the risk of the supporter,

as it will result in the tickets being held back by Chelsea FC. In such cases, NO REFUNDS will be given.

Supporters with accessibility needs. Supporters who have registered accessible needs with Nottingham Forest and who are receiving the higher rate of care or mobility can claim their tickets either over the phone on 0115 982 4388 or in-person at the ticket office.

Alternatively, email a c c e s s i b i l i t y @ nottinghamforest.co.uk to confirm your requirements.

Matchday hospitality The club will be running a corporate away trip for the fixture and details will be confirmed in due course.

Official coach travel Official coach travel for this fixture will be available for £20 and will depart The City Ground at 8:45am.

All match tickets and official coach travel can be purchased by visiting tickets. nottinghamforest.co.uk or

by visiting the ticket office in-person. Chelsea FC has advised that the coach park is a 15-minute walk from the stadium. Therefore, should you intend to use the official coaches for this game and have any mobility issues, please book your travel by directly by calling the ticket office on 0115 982 4388 or emailing accessibility@ nottinghamforest.co.uk for further assistance.

Loyalty points and how to check them For further information on how loyalty points are applied, please click here.

The easiest way to check out

how many ticket you have is to visit nottinghamforest. co.uk/tickets and sign-in to your online account. Once logged-on, you will see your loyalty points balance displayed in the top righthand corner of the screen. If you do not have access to the Internet, simply call the ticket office on 0115 982 4388 or ask in-person when you are next in the area.

Season card holders are encouraged to check how many loyalty points they have before visiting/calling the ticket office to avoid the disappointment of being unable to purchase.

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Page 32.

We need to turn draws

into wins - defender Mansfield Town must begin to pick up wins heading into the festive period, left-back Mal Benning stated after a deserved point at Crewe Alexandra this afternoon.

Forward Chuma Anene had thrusted the hosts in the driving seat, flicking home in the eighth minute, before striker Andy Cook levelled proceedings just shy of the half-hour mark.

A clever lob beat opposing goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen but the Stags were unable to find a winner following several gilt-edged chances in Cheshire.

And Benning, who made his 200th appearance for the amber and blue at Gresty Road, subsequently felt the draw could act as a platform for wins in the coming weeks.

“Draws give us a foundation to build off but other than that we need wins – especially if we want to compete,” the defender told iFollow Stags.

“You never know what could happen in this league, a couple wins on the bounce

and we might not be far off. “[We’re] still disappointed.

It’s not good enough picking up draws because we want to be at the right end of the table, so we need wins.

“As long as we carry on from this we should get a couple more wins, and hopefully climb up the table.”

The 26-year-old then praised the defensive showing of his side, which included another start for youngster James Clarke in the absence of fellow full-back Kellan Gordon.

“I think it was very good [the defensive performance].

Crewe are not a bad side and they’re up there for a reason, but we didn’t have too much to do. “I thought the two centre-halves and young Clarkey were excellent.

“I think first half we weren’t quite at it, obviously we scored and woke up a bit, but in the first 25 minutes we were getting ourselves into the game. “The second half we dominated, I thought.

They had a couple where I

cleared one off the line, then they hit the post, but other than that I thought we were the ones causing problems.

Out wide, in the middle and linking up, it’s what we need to do.” Mansfield were only able to convert a single chance against the Alex

but the former Walsall man believes it must not affect them heading forward.

“As everyone saw, we created some clear-cut chances,” Benning reflected. “It was better than previous weeks where we’ve struggled to create chances but, to be fair,

we created some very good ones and we didn’t put them away. “It’s not as easy as it sounds to put the ball in the back of the net, so long as we’re creating them and the performance was better, as everyone saw, we can kick on from this. “I know it’s

been used before but we can’t take steps backwards after this. We have to push on, put those chances away and win games.” iFollow Stags subscribers can watch Mal’s interview in full by logging into mansfieldtown.net/ifollow

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