Nottingham Now 109

Issue. 109 - February/March - 2022 0115 6972670 | www.nottingham-now.co.uk | sales@nottingham-now.co.uk

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Nottingham gears up for a year to remember

Police workers proving there’s ‘no age limit to apprenticeships’

See pages 6 & 7........

SEE PAGE 10 ...

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County council supports

city bid for new bridge

Nottinghamshire County Council is supporting proposals for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Trent.

The £9.27million bridge is being funded by Nottingham City Council’s bid to the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund and, if approved in the future by the relevant planning authorities, will link Trent Basin to Trent Fields, Lady Bay. Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Chairman of the Transport and Environment Committee, said: “We support the proposals for this new bridge and the benefits it will bring to pedestrians and cyclists.

“The county council was not able to bid for funding from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, but we believe that this project, being overseen by Nottingham City Council, will benefit Nottinghamshire residents by enhancing the existing walking and leisure cycling network.

“The bridge will help promote cycling and walking, and we recognise that a number of improvements to existing highways networks are needed to ensure that pedestrians and

cyclists can safely access the new bridge.

“We will continue to work closely with Nottingham City Council to ensure that these

improvements are secured as We want to build a healthhope that this scheme will planning conditions when the ier, more prosperous and complement our ambitions.” application is submitted. greener Nottinghamshire and

Man arrested after multiple officers subject to violence A man has been ared and verbally rested after two officers abused.

Police were called to were violently assault-

reports of a separate incident in Fircroft Avenue, Bilborough, on Sunday 13 February, just before 8.20pm.

After entering the address, officers were reportedly met with hostility, violence and threats of abuse.

One officer was reportedly kicked to the chest as a man began to scream and shout.

A further officer was reportedly pinned to a sofa as a suspect attempted to bite and head butt the officer.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of two counts of assault and two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker.

He remains in custody as enquiries continue.

Detective Sergeant Nicole

Milner, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Once again this is another incident where our officers have been subject to violence and abuse while out doing their job and keeping the public safe.

“Not one but two officers have been subject to violence in this incident which as we have said time and time again

is totally unacceptable.

“Thankfully, none of the officers sustained any lasting injuries but this type of behaviour can also impact our staff emotionally and that is why as we have continuously stated we will take any reports of this nature extremely seriously and will never be tolerated by the force.”

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 637 of 13 February 2022.

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New crime-fighting inspector relishing new challenge

The new community policing lead for Mansfield has spoken of her admiration for the town as she vowed to continue with efforts to clamp-down on antisocial behaviour and drug-related crime.

Inspector Kylie Davies joined Nottinghamshire Police eight years ago and has previously worked exclusively in response roles – chasing down suspects and responding to emergencies.

During that time, she has helped to lock up a wide array of drug dealers, burglars, robbers and other violent criminals – many during her time leading a plain-clothes patrol unit in Nottingham City Centre.

After a year spent coordinating teams of response officers across the county, she has now been appointed to the role of neighbourhood policing inspector.

She said: “I am originally from Powys in Wales but have lived in Nottinghamshire throughout my policing career. Mansfield is somewhere that is relatively new to me, but I am really relishing the opportunity to get to the know it understand the key local issues.

“One thing that is immediately obvious is the very strong sense of community that exists here. Many of the people who live in the area have family here as well.

They are proud of where they come from and understandably feel very strongly about the small minority of people who behave in a criminal and antisocial way.

“Those concerns are shared equally by all the members of the local policing team. Most of them also live in the area and also have family here.

They too care deeply about the town and are working every day to make it a better place to live and work. My job is to work with them and other partners to carry on that work and find long-term solutions to the problems that do exist in the local area.

“As time goes by people will see regular updates of our work to target drug dealers and organised criminal gangs operating it the town, but I also want to reassure people that we will also be working hard to tackle issues of antisocial behaviour that we know can affect the quali-

ty of people’s lives.

“Just because something – like playing loud music – is not always a crime it still matters to me and to my team. So, if people are experiencing things that are having an impact on their quality of life we want to know about them. Mansfield is already a great place to live and work and we want to make it even better.”

Neighbourhood police officers work to build stronger relationships with local communities and regularly patrol the same areas – finding solutions to longer-term issues and responding to incidents as and when they occur.

As district commander for Mansfield, Inspector Davies is now in charge of a team of four Sergeants, 20 PCs, 18 PCSOs and seven managed incident officers. Her role is not only to manage their dayto-day work, but also to work in partnership with the police and crime commissioner, district council, Business Improvement District team and other key local partners to ensure the most effective response to local issues.

She added: “This is certainly a very different challenge to policing a busy city centre, but I am really looking forward to the challenge, to having the time and space to look into problems more deeply, and to meeting more local people.

“The good news is that we are in a really good place in Mansfield. We have more community officers than we

have in a very long time and have recently implemented a range of new initiatives with Safer Streets funding, including the implementation of our hugely successful burglary reduction scheme and the addition of a range of new automatic numberplate recognition cameras in the area.

“Ultimately my job is about building on the success of these innovations and making Mansfield the very best place it can be. I want families to feel 100 per cent confident to visit the town centre at all times of the day, and I also want them to feel safe and

secure in their own homes.

“But in order to do that we do need to work in partnership with residents. We need them to work with us and to tell us about the problems they are facing so we can investigate them. We can always be contacted by calling 101 or via social media, and our officers regularly hold in

person surgeries at local venues, which will now include council officers who may be better placed to offer immediate help with certain issues.”

The current priorities for policing in Mansfield are drug related crime, antisocial behaviour and 'fatal four' driving offences (drink driving, speeding, mobile phones

and seatbelts). To have your say on these priorities and more please visit www. nottinghamshire.police.uk/ whatmatters.

Former Mansfield Neighbourhood Inspector Nick Butler will be retiring from Nottinghamshire Police in the Spring.

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Recycling Pledge campaign raises £1,000 for local Charity

Veolia is delighted that its Reduce, Reuse, Recycle campaign has

once again inspired Nottinghamshire residents to make small

changes in their habits whilst raising funds for Nottinghamshire County Council Chairman's chosen charity When You Wish

waste in 2022. A range of inspirational pledges were made including: Sara, from Newark and Sherwood pledges: “To reduce plastic use by switching to soap, solid conditioner and trying out eco friendly toothpaste Upon a Star. alternatives as a family” During JanJo from Bassetlaw pledguary, Veolia es: “To rinse out my tins turned pledg- before I put them in my es into pounds recycling bin” donating Dean from Rushcliffe £1000 to this pledges: “To ensure I take amazing local my bags-for-life to the charity. shops so I don’t have to Hundreds buy a carrier bag.” of residents Lee from Ashfield “To across Notget a separate recycling bin tinghamshire in the bathroom for plastic took part in bottles and cardboard the campaign tubes” to make a Enid, from Newark and simple and Sherwood pledges: ”Not achievable to throw ANY food away. pledge to reUse wilted and past-theirduce, reuse or best vegetables in soups, recycle their stir-fries. Serve smaller

portions.”

Councillor Mike Quigley MBE, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in our campaign and made a Nottinghamshire Recycles Pledge during January.

Your pledges will make a difference to both the environment and to the lives of children living with life threatening illnesses.”

Lea Hawkes, General Manager Veolia Nottinghamshire said: “We are, once again, impressed by the commitment and creativity shown by Nottinghamshire residents. It’s amazing how small changes to daily habits can make such a big difference - in this case to both the environment and a local charity.

Many are really thinking about that next step towards a circular economy and pledging to switch to

products that don’t create waste. Thank you Nottinghamshire.”

Alexa Wigfield, Regional Fundraiser for When You Wish Upon a Star said: 'Thank you Nottinghamshire for taking part in Veolia's Notts Recycles campaign this year. The £1000 donation will go towards brightening the lives of children living with life threatening illnesses.

We are truly grateful to everyone who made a pledge and to Councillor Quigley and Veolia for their support of When You Wish Upon a Star,' To find out more about Veolia call 0203 567 4370 or visit www.veolia.co.uk/ nottinghamshire To find out more about the charity visit: www. whenyouwishuponastar. org.uk

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Additional investment for Nottinghamshire’s roads

Councillors at today’s (9 February) Transport and Environment Committee discussed proposals to make a significant investment in patching as part of £15m additional funding in roads and the environment over the next four years.

The funding will specifically target a right repair, right first time, approach that delivers permanent repairs whenever possible, and will involve increasing the number of structural patching teams that operate on Nottinghamshire’s highways network.

The funding was agreed at the council’s Finance and Major Projects committee on Monday (7 February) but is subject to Full Council final approval when the Council sets its budget on 24 February.

The funding announcement comes on the back of the all-party Highways Review which took place last year.

The additional funds will come from an earmarked reserve for highways and environmental improvements.

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Chairman of the Trans-

port and Environment committee said: “The cross-party review group agreed recommendations to improve the County’s roads at the end of last year. Officers were tasked with delivering a new highways improvement plan and this is what we’ve agreed today.

“The Leader of Council, Councillor Ben Bradley MP, prioritised roads as a key area to improve at the start of our administration and on the back of this I can tell you that this work has now started and will continue as a key priority.

“Part of the funding will allow us to employ additional structural road patching staff who can cover more of the county, getting it right first time.

“We will also be changing the way we communicate with residents to help improve the way we do things; we want to make it easier for people to report issues to us and when we’re out working, we want you to know what we’re doing and why.

“We’re exploring every avenue available to us to improve our highways. That includes looking at all of the options on the table from Government, including county deals and the new model of Combined Authority which we’ll be

discussing with Government will continue its work to very soon. In the meantime, monitor and review the new our own investment of £15m plans and ways of working. will start to address improvements in our roads that residents expect and deserve, and I am proud that we can put our money where our mouth is on this important subject.”

Key objectives agreed today include: Move to a right first-time approach to highway maintenance and reduce the need to use reactive short-term maintenance Publish a three-year programme of capital works to keep residents informed of future plans Maintain network condition and seek to improve it within financial constraints Prioritise local roads and footways Work with communities alongside improving communications, so that residents understand our approaches and are better informed about future plans Increase our effectiveness and efficiency, maximising return on investment by ensuring that our highways maintenance and management works are driven by our policies and strategy.

Councillor Clarke added: “The Highways Review Panel

We will also be prioritising a review of road safety measures and 20mph speed limits

following the motion at the last Full Council in January.”

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Nottinghamshire gears u Nottinghamshire is gearing up for a year of landmark celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the return of the coveted Tour of Britain cycle race and the second Nottinghamshire Day.

British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service, which is a fantastic achievement, and our pride in Britain and our county will be on full display as we all come together for the extended Bank Holiday weekend in early June.

I’m also really looking The showpiece events forward to the second and occasions will provide County Day on 25 August. residents with a fantastic Last year we managed to get opportunity to come togethNotts Day trending across er and celebrate a milestone the UK on social media – year which will shine a light and I am sure we can do on our wonderful county that again as we showcase as it continues its recovery why our county is a great from the Covid-19 panplace to live, work and visit. demic.

“And, of course, the Tour Council leader, Councillor of Britain is returning in Ben Bradley MP, said: “It’s September with routes a big year for Nottinghamaround the Nottinghamshire with a variety of events shire, which will once again and celebrations taking put the national and interplace which will ultimately national spotlight on our boost our communities towns and villages. and civic engagement, not “The two previous least the Queen’s Platinum occasions the race passed Jubilee. through Nottinghamshire “The Queen is the first were a massive success

and once again we’ve got a huge opportunity to attract tourists to our area to boost our local economy as well as get more people out on their bikes.

“It’s fair to say, there’s plenty to celebrate in our fantastic county in 2022 as the feelgood factor makes a long-awaited return after a challenging and difficult two years.”

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee The year-long Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Nottinghamshire begin with the Lord-Lieutenant hosting a Jubilee Concert to Celebrate the Commonwealth on 28 February, at The Playhouse in Nottingham.

It will be a spectacular night of dance and music, featuring some of Nottinghamshire's brightest talents, while several key dignitaries and ambassadors from across the Commonwealth will also be in attendance.

Other key dates for resi-

dents’ diaries include the Nottinghamshire Show, which this year will house a special Jubilee Exhibition at the Newark Showground on 14 May, as well as the lighting of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons at various locations across the city and county to celebrate Her Majesty’s reign.

Sir John Peace, the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, said he was looking forward to celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee throughout the year and has urged residents to play their part to make it a magical 12 months to remember.

He said: “Today, I am proud to launch the Platinum Jubilee here in this great county of ours.

“This a going to be a fantastic year for us all to look forward to and will include a series of special events taking place – including beacon lightings, street parties, thanksgiving services, parades – all to say a huge thank you to Her Majesty the Queen for everything she has done for our nation.

“It hasn’t been an easy two years and what Her Majesty will be very aware of is the need for us all to celebrate and come together as a community, as a society and above all have fun.

“Here in Nottinghamshire, we have some great plans of our own on top of all the things which are going to be

happening nationally.

“One of the things Her Majesty is very keen we do throughout the next 12 months is reach out to everyone, whatever their background, whatever their faith to make it feel an inclusive Jubilee.

“We will be doing things that everyone can have access to and be involved with and over the coming weeks and months we will be telling you more about the different events taking place.

“The beacon events are an opportunity to shine a light on Her Majesty’s 70 years

as our Queen and, here in Nottinghamshire, I am very keen that all aspects of our communities get involved – particularly our schools “It is important everybody has a chance to take part in the commemorations, so I’m also asking residents to share with us their special memories of Her. “Perhaps you have met her on one of her visits to Nottingham and Nottinghamshire? If you have, we’d love to hear from you so we can document your experiences and publish them on our newly-launched, commem-

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up for a year to remember throughout the year.”

As part of the celebrations, everyone in the UK is also being encouraged to plant a tree for the Jubilee to create the Queen’s Green Canopy.

Here in Nottinghamshire, we are planning to create a new woodland in conjunction with the Woodland Trust, which hopefully will involve every school in the City and County planting a tree to remember this special year.

For more information about the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in Nottinghamshire and how residents can play their part, visit Platinum Jubilee | Nottinghamshire County Council Nottinghamshire Day Heading towards its second year, Nottinghamshire Day plans have also been unveiled today.

Thursday 25 orative website. across city and county durAugust will once again be “It promises to be a very ing the extended Bank Holia chance to celebrate all special 12 months, particu- day weekend from Thursday things Nottinghamshire, larly at the beginning of 2 to Sunday 5 June. whether it’s our heritage and June when there is so much “I hope you all have a world-famous legends, our happening with celebrations great time and I look forand events taking place ward to seeing many of you well-loved tourism sites and countryside or our top-class

sports grounds and teams.

Plans include a free Nottinghamshire Day festival, packed with live acts, music, entertainment, local stalls and much more at the home of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest Country Park, on Saturday 27 August, from 11am-8pm. Full line-up to be announced.

raising event will also take place at Newark Castle.

The site is one of the county’s most fascinating historical landmarks after facing three sieges during the Civil War. Visit our new Nottinghamshire Day webpages Nottinghamshire Day | Nottinghamshire County

the world’s top teams and riders, alongside the best British-based cyclists, with a field comprising of Tour de France winners, Olympians and world champions.

It is the third time the sport’s leading names will grace the county’s roads following the staging of the Tour of Britain in 2017 and

A range of on-line Nottinghamshire Day resource packs, designed for schools, businesses, and local attractions, will soon be available to help make the most of the day.

25 August marks the anniversary of the start of the Civil War in 1642, which began in Nottinghamshire, and is why a special flag

Council or follow our social media channels, using #Nottsday to find out more and how to get involved.

Tour of Britain Cycling’s premier road event in this country returns to Nottinghamshire on Thursday 8 September for the fifth stage of this year’s race.

Once again, it will feature

2018 – leading to national and international interest in Nottinghamshire.

The Tour of Britain is part of the UCI ProSeries, making it one of the most prestigious sporting events in the sport’s global calendar.

Visit our Tour of Britain webpage for more information about this year’s race.

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Drug dealer ordered to pay back £300,000 of ill-gotten gains A high-level drug trafficker who played a leading role in arranging for Class A drugs - mainly cocaine and heroin - to be brought to Nottingham has been ordered to pay back £300,000 of his ill-gotten gains.

Dutch law enforcement, Nottinghamshire Police was able to work alongside the National Crime Agency to expose a major drug supply into Nottinghamshire.

It led to the capture of Martin who was a highly-placed member of a criminal drug dealing organisation and who played a leading role in arranging for regular multi-kilo Last year 43-year-old David consignments of Class A drugs Martin was locked up for - mainly cocaine and heroin nine years for his role in a to be brought to Nottingham drugs conspiracy following a from Liverpool. complex investigation. Two During the Coronavirus other men were also jailed for lockdown, he discussed bora combined eight years. rowing an ambulance to transOperation Venetic was port the drugs and dressing the UK law enforcement women up as nurses to bypass response to the takedown of the restrictions. an encrypted global commuHis role involved him negonication service known as tiating the supply of consignEncroChat. ments of drugs, arranging EncroChat devices have cash payments for the drugs, been favoured by organised recruiting and managing crime bosses across Europe couriers and overseeing the for years as they allowed logistics. them to communicate secretTwo of the couriers he rely without police being able cruited, Jamie Wilkinson, 45, to view their messages - mak- and Lee Bennett, 31, were also ing it difficult to link them to taken down by police as part criminal activity. of the investigation.

But following a infiltration Wilkinson, formerly of of the service by French and Ash Crescent in Nuthall, was

subsequently jailed for fourand-a-half years.

Bennett, formerly of Kenbrook Road in Hucknall, was sentenced to three-and-ahalf years in prison.

Martin sent them to Liverpool to collect the drugs and make payments on his behalf. On one single journey, 5kg of cocaine and 2kg of heroin to the value of £300,000 was brought into Nottinghamshire.

The investigation which brought them down involved analysing communications over the EncroChat system between Martin and others, using automatic number plate recognition cameras to establish journeys were taken

and marry that up with the locations of devices at the time.

The enquiry found Martin operated through EncroChat using a “handle” nickname of Steelwhale to arrange the purchase of controlled drugs between 31 March and 8 June 2020.

EncroChat users were warned in June 2020 that the system had been compromised and were advised to dispose of their phones immediately.

Martin instructed Bennett to pick up a replacement upgraded device on 18 June 2020 and he was arrested upon his return. The device, along with the passcode, were recovered in Bennett’s vehicle and a police dog used to search the vehicle gave a positive indication that drugs had been in the car.

Searches of their home address and Martin’s Ultimate Gym in Hucknall were later executed, resulting in Martin's arrest.

The men - who were each described as “links in a chain of wholesale supply of drugs” - accepted responsibility for their roles organising the logistical movement of drugs on a wholesale scale when they each entered a guilty plea to conspiring to supply Class A drugs - cocaine and heroin.

On Wednesday (9 February), following a Proceeds of Crime Act application hearing at Nottingham Crown Court, Martin, formerly

of Third Avenue, Rainworth, was ordered to repay £300,000 – an agreed sum which he benefitted from his criminal activity.

Detective Sergeant Emma Pollard, of Nottinghamshire Police, led the investigation.

She said: "I'm delighted with this successful confiscation order and that such a significant sum has been taken out of criminal hands.

“The amount confiscated is considerable and will stay with Martin for the rest of his life until it is paid off.

“We are really proud to be one of the first forces in the country to bring a successful prosecution of criminals using EncroChat to sentencing.

"It was a hugely complex investigation and prosecution involving Nottinghamshire Police, the National Crime Agency and the Crown Prosecution Service.

"I'd like to pay tribute to the detectives and prosecutors who worked tirelessly on the case. Collectively thousands of hours were spent forensically piecing together all the evidence which resulted in disrupting a UK drugs supply chain into Nottinghamshire, ensuring those responsible receive the sentences they so deserve.

"We'll continue our work to combat drug dealing and we will also proactively look at ill-gotten gains and look to seize assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act when we can to ensure that offenders aren’t benefitting from their

criminal activity.

"This case is an example of how Nottinghamshire Police, in partnership with the National Crime Agency, will relentlessly target drugs traffickers who bring misery and harm to our communities.

“I’d like to reassure the people of Nottinghamshire that the force will continue its fight against those involved in serious organised crime to make our communities safer.”

A portion of the funds raised from confiscation is returned to law enforcement and can be reinvested in tackling crime or community initiatives helping to reduce crime and bring stronger cohesion.

Anyone who has information about drug dealing in their area is urged to please have the confidence to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Young people can also pass on information about crime completely anonymously, using a secure online form, through the youth service Fearless - which is a part of Crimestoppers.

The Fearless website offers young people non-judgemental advice so they can make informed decisions about reporting crime. The service also engages with and educates young people about the consequences of their choices around crime.

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Police workers proving there’s ‘no

age limit to apprenticeships’

Age is no limit for apprenticeships – according to two IT workers at Nottinghamshire Police.

Mike Black and Kyle MacDonald have both benefited from doing apprenticeships in the Force’s Information Services team – but have taken very different paths along the way.

Kyle, 19, has followed a more traditional apprenticeship route straight from college, whereas 52-yearold Mike decided to take the plunge and started his apprenticeship as an Information Services business analyst in October 2021.

The two IT workers’ respective success stories are among a number from across Nottinghamshire Police that are being shared this week as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

Mike spent 13 years working in the Force’s corporate

development and finance teams before deciding to train for the new role, which allows him to work, while also being supported to study for an international diploma in business analysis.

“I’ve always liked the technical side of things and have always been interested in IT, so when this opportunity came up and I could see that it included the chance to learn new skills as part of the job, I decided to make a change,” said Mike.

“Essentially, my job allows me to work with different teams across the Force to provide new IT solutions to help them do their jobs more effectively. We’re not working on the front line but being able to do things behind the scenes that helps officers protect our communities and makes their jobs just a little bit easier fills me with a great source of pride.”

Kyle meanwhile joined the Force 18 months ago as an apprentice after completing a general computing course and deciding to go straight into the world of work, as opposed to continuing his studies at university.

He has since gone on to complete his apprenticeship as an Information Services engineer – gaining a Level 3 BTEC in infrastructure engineering in the process – and has now started a full-time engineer role in which he plays a key role fixing day-today IT issues for police staff.

Kyle said: “When I first started, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, so I made sure I asked lots of questions and thankfully, I caught on very quickly and that’s made it very easy for me to fit in as an engineer.

“After I came out of my college course, I really didn’t fancy university but I wanted

to do something like this.

I maybe didn’t know I wanted to do this when I first got here but I soon realised and thought ‘thank god I didn’t go to university!’

“I think you get kind of numb to the fact that you’re speaking to police officers every day. You just speak to them as people and that’s something that a lot of people won’t understand.

They’re just normal people, with normal IT issues!”

Before he joined Nottinghamshire Police more than a decade ago, Mike spent 20 years working in banking and understands why many people with his experience would be hesitant to start an apprenticeship.

He has one message for these people though – ‘just go for it’.

Mike said: “All of your course dates are planned out for you, the mentor you get are very good and, for me, my line managers and the rest of the team have all been fantastic and so welcoming.

“It’s a very structured programme of training that you can do while on the job, and if you move internally to a new darpartment, like I did, you also stay on the same grade you were on before,

which is perfect for me.

"I’m loving it and am really glad I moved into the Information Services department and started this apprenticeship.”

Kyle added: “I’ve obviously had a very different route into this role, in comparison to Mike, but I can’t stress enough that everyone can go for these apprenticeships.

“It does require a lot of hard work but the flexibility the team have given me has been amazing. If you say you need a day to do coursework or to prepare for an exam, then that’s exactly what they’ll give you, which is so helpful and really reduces the stress of it all.

“Honestly, it’s the best thing; if you’re not sure about university, apprenticeships are the way to go. I’ve learnt so much from working for the police and there are so many different things going on that always keep the work week interesting.

“I’m starting to see more and more, as I stay here longer, that there’s the potential for so many different careers here, which I’m definitely enthusiastic to pursue in the future.”

To find out more about apprenticeships and the opportunities available, visit: https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/careers/become-a-police-apprentice

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NOTTINGHAM FROM THE AIR

This month’s aerial photo shows the historic Boots D6 factory at Beeston. It was designed by Sir Owen Williams and was opened in 1938. 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 details about getting involved phone 01158541028 or visit www.facebook.com/ndhabc.

Photo by Robin Macey

NOTTINGHAM & LOUGHBOROUGH Universities Bite Back

TUCO and OrderPay unite to create a delivery network run by students, for students at 130 universities

The network will support restaurants and university students seeking better opportunities, services and rates Local hospitality venues will be offered rates 80% lower than what’s currently available via competitors (Deliveroo, UberEats etc.)

To register interest as a hospitality venue, or university, see here: https://orderpay. com/tuco/ In a move to take on the delivery giants UberEats and Deliveroo, The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) today announced a first of its kind partnership with OrderPay; hospitality’s one-stopshop for B2C commerce.

The nine-year partnership will enable students at 130 participating universities to order from surrounding restaurants via QR stickers –placed strategically around campuses (including in almost every room). Scanning these codes will open up a site of local options to order from.

Kicking off at Loughborough University on 1st February, and then rolling out onto Nottingham University and

beyond, this partnership will see universities across the UK empower local independents and local students by giving them direct access to each other in a way that has never been done before.

In September an extension of this partnership will also permit students to order universities' internal catering offerings, delivered on campus exclusively by a network of student riders.

Participating universities will enjoy a profit-sharing scheme, providing much-needed additional revenue as well as the opportunity to fulfil local business and community support charters, whilst offering better value to independents and students.

The creation of the scheme is driven by the increase in demand for convenience, support local businesses and safer gig economy work. This platform offers restaurants and students a solution to the potential hazards faced by working for the delivery giants, such as delivering to unsafe areas they are unfamiliar with.

The partnership will also offer business students at supporting universities the opportunity to take part in training that will allow them

to present Dragon’s Den-style pitches of the partnership to other potential universities.

Mike Haslin, CEO of TUCO commented, "I have been part of a market scan and subsequent tender and have met over 15 businesses in the sector, OrderPay was a standout. OrderPay provides our members with the most comprehensive and flexible solution to support on campus ordering, payment and delivery. We are excited about the additional revenue streams that this partnership will deliver to our TUCO members, we look forward to working with them to revolutionise on campus hospitality commerce" Richard Carter, CEO of OrderPay, added, "We are delighted to have been awarded this contract to support TUCO members and associates in delivering the next generation of order, payment, gifting and delivery services.

We look forward to supporting both the University and wider government sector with our learnings from working with the UK's largest hospitality brands. We are grateful for the opportunity to immediately contribute to the bottom line of some of the country's most important institutions."

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On-street electric vehicle charging to be trialled by council Residents with electric vehicles (EVs) who do not have off-street parking will soon benefit from a county council trial to install on-street EV charging solutions.

The trial is the first step in helping residents with no off-street parking provision to charge their electric vehicle outside their home, rather than in public car parks, and will provide a short-term solution for residents in both urban and rural areas.

Now approved, the trial will enable residents to fund cable channels cut into the footway so that they can connect their electric vehicle to their household’s electricity supply.

Those who wish to install an EV cable will be able to apply to the county council, who will consider each request on a case-by-case basis.

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Chairman of the Transport and Environment Committee, said: “The ap-

proval of this trial at today’s committee meeting reinforces our commitment to climate change and creating a greener Nottinghamshire.

“Working in partnership with Nottingham City

Council and district councils as part of the Go Ultra Low programme, electric vehicle charging points have been installed in public car parks at 23 locations across the county.

“However, we know that electric vehicles are not only owned by those with offstreet parking, and so we are keen to provide an affordable solution to residents who must park their vehicles on

the street.

“This approach, while only an interim measure, will really help to inform our future plans for both on and off-street electric vehicle charging solutions.

“The pilot will see us working with a number of different partner organisations and I am optimistic that the measures we have approved today will be of significant benefit to residents taking part.

“It is particularly interesting that homes with energy saving measures installed, such as solar panels, will be able to charge their electric vehicles directly from the energy these measures have produced.

“As a county, we must do all that we can to protect the environment, and that’s why it is particularly important that we make these short-term measures available.

“The proposals will also involve investigating potential EV charging options located on the highway which would be available to all of the public to use, including where in the county these may be trialled.”

“I am really looking forward to hearing an update on this scheme at a future meeting of the Transport and Environment Committee.”

Two arrested and knife recovered following robbery Officers have made two arrests and recovered a knife after reports that a teenager was robbed of his wallet.

He was allegedly pushed by two boys inside the Victoria Centre, Upper Parliament Street, before they tried to take his backpack.

During the altercation, which happened just after 6pm on Friday (11 February 2022), he is also believed to have been knocked to the ground before the suspects took his wallet and ran away.

Officers who were made aware of the incident have since stopped two boys, aged 13 and 14, in Lower Parliament Street, Nottingham city centre. They were subsequently arrested on suspicion of robbery.

The 14-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of possessing a bladed article after officers recovered a knife.

Detective Chief Inspector Rich Bull, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This behaviour reported to us is

absolutely unacceptable and clearly left the victim shocked and shaken.

“Our priority is the safety of the public and thanks to officers working together we were able to bring two suspects in to be questioned about the incident. Not only this, but they were able to recover a knife and take it out of circulation.

“Carrying a knife is not only illegal and unnecessary, but it is proven that those who carry knives are likely to put themselves in more potential danger than by not

doing so. Knives can have potentially devastating consequences and officers will act swiftly to seize such weapons when they are found.”

“We are committed to investigating as well as educating young people around such criminality, and we will ensure that those involved are dealt with robustly and proportionately.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has further information is asked to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 642 of 11 February 2022.

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Jail for violent robber who stole

victim’s loved possessions

Lee Thompson Thompson, of Wilton Street, Townhead, A robber has been jailed after threatCoatbridge, pleaded guilty to robbery, burglaening a vulnerable man and stealing ry and failure to surrender. one of his most loved possessions.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Lee Thompson, aged 26, forced his way into the victim’s home in Northwood, Worksop on 22 October 2020, demanding to search the man’s home as he believed his bank card had been posted to his home.

Thompson who was drunk at the time continued to be aggressive towards the victim and threatened to kill him by holding a fork and pen to his neck all while demanding money.

Not content with the money, he then stole the victim's PlayStation 3 along with over 10 games, a pair of cycling gloves and some alcohol that was in the victim’s home before warning the man not to call the police.

Only three days later, officers received a 999 call from the victim stating someone was banging heavily on his door causing him to be scared and hide for fear of what could happen.

Police then attended and identified Thompson as the suspect involved.

After noticing Thompson holding a tray of confectionary items, officers then investigated and found a nearby bakery on Prospect Precinct, Worksop, had been broken into with the front door to the shop being smashed to pieces.

Thursday (10 February) he was jailed for five years and four months.

Detective Constable Lisa Porter, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was an incredibly distressing incident for the victim and left him understandable upset and scared.

“Thompson demanded entry into the victim’s home and then set about threatening him and stealing his most loved possessions that the victim had worked hard for and brought him happiness.

“This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable not only did Thompson rob a vulnerable man but he also then went on to burglar a business.

“These sorts of offences not only impact their victims financially but also emotionally too and cause a great deal of distress and that is why we will always do everything possible to find those responsible and bring them to justice for their actions.

“I am pleased Thompson has now been brought to justice and hope he uses his time behind bars to really think about his actions and the impact they’ve had on the victim and to reevaluate his life and think about the impact behaviour like this has on others.”

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New consultation on cycle route improvements Nottinghamshire County Councillors have today (9 February) agreed to consult with local people on potential cycle route improvements along the A453, A6005 and A612.

The consultation will be funded as part of the money awarded to Nottingham City Council as part of the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Chairman of the Transport Environment Committee said: “We’re really keen to understand resident’s views on proposals to improve some of the strategic cycle routes in the County.

“The County Council is wholly committed to delivering the local and national priorities around local transport but at the same time we want to make sure all stakeholders are listened to and that the feedback is used to inform and develop any plans.”

The Transforming Cities fund which was announced in March 2020 awarded both Nottingham and Derby City’s £161m of grant

funding to deliver a range of measures. The County Council was not eligible to bid for this funding, however, the improvements that Nottingham City want to make includes work which will fall within the county and as a result will benefit County residents too.

Councillor Clarke added: “We’re keen to work with the City Council and once we have consulted on the proposals, we will be working together to share our information. The results and options will then be shared at a future committee meeting to determine which schemes

Driver charged after car crashes into house A man is due to appear in court following a crash which saw a car smash into a garden wall.

The crash happened in Windsor Avenue, Newark, at about 7pm on Monday 7 February, when the driver of a Ford Focus crashed into the wall, causing significant damage.

A suspect was taken into custody where an officer was assaulted.

Michael Quinn, 43, of Bellmond Close, Newark, has since been charged with failing to provide a breath specimen and assaulting a police officer.

The 43-year-old has been bailed to appear at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on 23 February.

Sergeant Hannah Meadows, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Anyone who fails to provide an evidential

specimen can expect to be put before the courts.

“Likewise, those who assault frontline emergency service workers, who work tirelessly to serve and protect the public, can also expect a robust response from the force.

“All emergency service workers have the right to go about their duties without being assaulted. The force and its partners have made it clear

this type of behaviour won't be tolerated.”

Nottinghamshire Police along with other local key workers including doctors, nurses, fire crews, teachers and ambulance staff have previously released a joint video condemning violence and attacks on those carrying out their duties.

Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=wP2S9cKtFOw

will be developed further” Further information on how to get involved in the consultation and dates will be publicised shortly.

Councillor Clarke conclud-

Active Travel Fund scheme ed: “Whilst I am commenting on cycle improvements, I after the Department for am pleased to confirm that Transport extended the time there will also be a further the County Council had to consultation on the proposed deliver this project. This will Dovecote Lane in Beeston take place later this month”

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Healthier, tastier, more affordable food for everyone A new Food Charter has been launched to encourage councils, community groups and businesses to work together and help bring healthy, tasty and affordable food to everyone in Nottinghamshire – no matter where they live.

The pandemic has exacerbated existing food insecurity and increased the risk of obesity and diet-related disease in the longer term.

Findings from the Government’s National Child Measurement Programme 2020/21 show that for England as a whole, obesity has increased from 9.9% to 14.4% in reception age children (from 2019/20) and from 21% to 25.5% in year 6 children. The national figures show that children living in the most deprived areas were more than twice as likely to be obese than those living in the least deprived areas.

The new charter, which was signed off by the Nottinghamshire Health and Wellbeing Board today (9 February), sets out a shared vision and priorities to improve the local food system over the next four years, focusing on social, environmental and economic outcomes.

Some of the ambitions included as part of the Food Charter are to:

improve access to healthy and sustainable food for vulnerable groups, such as through FOOD clubs at community venues increase the opportunities for community food growing schemes increase the number of Healthier Option Takeaways in Nottinghamshire

reduce food waste in schools, hospitals and other public sector catering grow more food in the county to encourage and enhance biodiversity.

Councillor John Doddy, Chairman of the Nottinghamshire Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “We need radical change to help people

to live healthy and independent lives, particularly in some of the most deprived areas of Nottinghamshire.

“This Food Charter was developed following consultation with residents and stakeholders and I am pleased that local authorities and health partners have endorsed it today. We must all now work

together, with businesses, the community sector and other organisations, to bring the charter to life and ensure that tasty, healthy and affordable food is available for all our communities.”

Nottinghamshire County Council also passed a motion on 20 January to see nutrition developed as a key part

of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022 – 2026. The motion also set out to make Nottinghamshire a ‘healthy food sustainable shire’ and ensure that these principles are considered and reflected in the development of the Council Plan.

Appeal to identify men after robbery at store Detectives investigating a robbery at a Sainsbury’s store have released images of two men they would like to speak to in connection with their enquiries.

A man entered the store in Derby Road, Lenton, and was aggressive towards security staff.

As he was being escorted out it was reported the man threatened a staff member with a sharp instrument before stealing items from the store.

No-one was injured during the incident which happened around 9.45pm on 19 December 2021.

Detective Constable Natasha Ullyatt, of Nottinghamshire Police,

said: “This was a frightening and distressing incident and we are determined to track down those involved as soon as possible and bring them to justice.

“We are working hard to identify those responsible and to assist us with our ongoing enquiries we’re urging anyone who recognises the men in these CCTV images to please get in touch with us as we believe they may have information which could aid us with our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 663 of 19 December 2021, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Anything For Love- The Meat Loaf Story Nottingham Motorpoint Arena -Review and Photography by Luke Seagrave After a turbulent start to the year with gigs being cancelled and rescheduled repeatedly due to Covid.

It was great to see some bands returning to the stage once again. One such artist who was able to squeeze in a tour was Steve Steinman with his ‘Anything for Love’ show. To spice things up for the show at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, there was the addition of the Bad for Good symphonic rock orchestra.

through the arena as the intro to ‘I’d Do Anything for Love’ kicked off the night’s proceedings. The performance was made even more authentic due to the show having none other than special guest star Lorraine Crosby, the female lead vocalist on Meat Loaf ’s Grammy Award winning song and No 1 hit ‘I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).’

From here on in it was an all-out, no holds barred trip down nostalgia lane with all of the classic Meat Loaf songs being included.

However, it’s not just the music that keeps For anyone who has not heard of Steve Stein- fans entertained. It is the witty dialogue and sketches in between the songs which make man, he made his name by impersonating Meat Loaf and a tv programme called ‘Stars in the show stand out. This could be the reason their Eyes’ in the 1980s. Since then, Steinman Steve Steinman is able to keep selling out progressed to producing stage shows such as theatres and concert halls.

‘Vampires Rock’ and ‘The Meat Loaf Story’, and his current show ‘Anything for Love’. It goes without saying that this show is full of the classic musical anthems that were written

by Jim Steinman and turned Meat Loaf into a household name. In-between touring, he managed to secure a no.1 album ‘Take a Leap of Faith’ and managed to find time to release a Christmas single ‘Journey Home.’

Before anyone attending was allowed to enter the arena there were thorough Covid pass and bag checks taking place by the security team. Now that Steinman has had his own success with his own album ‘Take a Leap of Faith’ and the Christmas single ‘Journey Home’, Once everyone was seated, the spectacle was all set to begin. The lights faded to black, and which he incorporated into the show. The the ear bursting squeal of guitar reverberated lead single ‘Take a Leap of Faith’ blended in extremely well with the rest of the set, you

would be forgiven for thinking it was written

by Jim Steinman. (It wasn’t!)

With this being the last show of the tour and being so close to Christmas, it was a golden opportunity to squeeze in his Christmas single ‘Journey Home’, surprisingly with a real bagpiper in full costume taking centre stage to start the intro and play the bagpipes throughout the song. It was a nice touch and for some fans the music made them emotional. It was a wonderful addition to an incredible show.

Steinman’s music seem like a walk in the park.

The dancers/backing singers (Emily Clark and Trixabelle Bold) provided a healthy dose of energy to the show. Johnny Sax provided the beautiful sound of saxophone, whilst John Evans provided extra vocal support with his backing vocals. Naturally Lorraine Crosby was able to hold the audience with her vocal range, and to hear her version of ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ is nothing short of a showstopper! (Due to technical difficulties, it nearly was a real showstopper) Of course, when it comes to Meat Loafs music there is only one song that you can really end the show with, in fact it would be sacrilegious not to end on it. That song of course is the mighty rock anthem ‘Bat Out of Hell’, accompanied with the obligatory pyro effects.

On this occasion the band returned to do a cover version of Slades ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’, which got the crowd swaying and singing along in a jovial spirit.

The No.1 album ‘Take a Leap of Faith’ is available from Amazon and iTunes.

Even though it is Mr Steinman’s show, it would be unfair not to mention the fact that on stage he is surrounded by an ensemble of incredibly talented musicians and dancers which helps elevate the show into the impressive spectacle that it currently is. The guitarists Rosie Botterill and James Marsh made playing guitar look effortless, at times making some of the complex pieces of Jim

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What mums really want for Mothers day

It makes me feel like a terrible Mothers Day generally mum to say it, but one of catches us unaware. It doesn’t have a set day, it is the best Mothers Days I had on the fourth Sunday of when my son was an exhaustLent or three weeks before ing toddler was an “I’m not Easter Sunday. If that a Mother Day”. His dad took means nothing to you, it is him off for the whole day either in March or the startand I remember the bliss of of April and is always on going to the loo on my own a Sunday. Google is your for once. friend here!

Sarah from the Mummy’s Just like Valentines Day, the Whine Club said a morning shops will be full of Mothers in bed with a good book Day gifts. Special teddies, would be ideal. “If a cuppa plastic crowns and fake and a pancake was delivered flowers don’t make mums too that would be a bonus.” feel that loved. ‘I love mum’ Vicky from Cosy Crochet mugs, unless hand painted, loves the idea of a lie in and would not fit in well with breakfast in bed too. vintage Denby. What mums Latte Lindsay from would really want is some time to love some “Peace and quiet! relax and possibly a hand My kids are always fighting, made card. screaming and just being Facebook groups came up plain loud! I would love them with some great ideas for to sit with a colouring book things mums really do want. for an hour or two ????“

Beth from Twinderelmo has twins so doubly deserves “A hot uninterrupted bubble bath (why does everyone need the toilet when you go in?!)”

Emma Reed would like “Sleep, quiet time and perhaps a nice massage somewhere. Just some serene time.”

Andrea from www.mothertonguenotes.com says “A day off. No kids. No husband.” would be an ideal Mothers Plants are a really popular Day gift. idea with lots of mums.

Gemma from www. mummyswaisted.co.uk wants Welsh Mum Christy said “Sleeeeeeeeeeep! It’s all I’ve “I’d love a new potted plant wanted for the last five years for the bathroom – some????” thing that will live a long “a day without bickering is time, doesn’t require much nice” maintenance and will help Tasks done by others clean the air. Cut flowers are A break from doing everypretty, but a potted plant is day chores is really popular simple and sustainable.” with lots of mums.

Alison suggests a packet “time is a nice gift. A of seeds and her website The meal made by my kids (and Mindful Gardener is full of cleaned up after) would be ideas on how to use them. the best gift Time without “all I want is time to sleep Things mums really want candles cupcakes sewing things books seeds bulbs gardening things cooking things flowers colouring books for grown ups colouring pens/pencils

and not have to prepare dinner now and then.”

Kate from www.everafterwithkids.com would like “Someone else to cook the dinner!”

The Growing Mum Victoria wants “A cleaning fairy ???? Failing that, child-free time to productively tidy and declutter.”

Simple things Jacqueline from Just Add Ginger would like “A cup of hot coffee that I can drink at a leisurely pace and a family day together where using phones is banned!”

Carly from Mummy and the Chunks likes the simple things in life too. “Honestly just some nice handmade cards or pictures from the kids. I love their proud little faces when they hand over something they have made especially for you!”

The Ad-Lib Mummy Kathryn would like “ A lie in and a nice day out somewhere simple… If we weren’t in the middle.of a snowstorm I’d have loved a picnic or similar… Maybe we’ll have an indoors tea party instead!”

And Justine from Lil Jem and Baby E has a simple request I really relate to. “A hot drink. Not cold. Not lukewarm. Not tepid. Not forgotten about and found again two days later. Hot! ????“ Time with people As my son got older I started to cherish time with him more, recent Mothers Days have been spent eating out using special offers or going to the cinema. Kaya from Earning by the Sea summed this up by calling it “Presence over presents” Taking time to go somewhere or do something as a family can be a wonderful present. How about: a walk in the country Vicky from Vicky Myers

Creations would like a walk on the beach with no moans! a local treasure hunt (Groupon often have deals for these) afternoon tea a picnic (indoors or out) Gypsy Soul Gina has a lovely idea with “A nice country walk with the family followed by a roast dinner in

a pub with open fires (and red wine of course)” Gifts to others If you don’t want to give or receive but others are insistent ask them to buy supplies for refuges, donate to food banks or to the animal rescue instead.

What do mums really want for Mothers Day?

The one thing that stands out in all the ideas for Mothers Day presents is the need for time to recharge. Mums don’t need stuff they will never use.

They might love a handmade card but they would prefer a decent nap, someone else cooking or a day without a tantrum more than anything else.

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Bluecoat Wollaton Academy students shine at World Class Schools ceremony in Oxford Year 9 student Mark walked away with prestigious ‘Student of the Year’ award.

Students from Bluecoat Wollaton Academy who were nominated by staff for their outstanding contribution to school life have been recognised at the World Class Schools Quality Mark (WCSQM) awards ceremony held at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford.

The academy itself was also shortlisted for the prestigious ‘School of the Year’ award and saw its students nominated in a writing competition as well as five further student categories including community, charity, work place, commitment to achievement and leaders.

On the day, Bluecoat Wollaton Academy student ambassador Mark Baffoh-Botchway became winner the prestigious ‘Student of the Year’ accolade for contributions to school life. Mark said, “It was a reminder of where hard work can get you. When I first started secondary school, I wasn’t really into becoming a student ambassador, -but when I got a letter of congratulations following an event, it pushed me into wanting to achieve more, and that little push that the school gave me enabled me to achieve this award. I’m grateful for all the love and support I was given to get this award.”

The glittering awards ceremony included a keynote address from Robert Douglas-Fairhurst, Fellow and Tutor in English at Magdalen College, author of ‘Becoming Dickens’ and newly published ‘The Turning Point’, and also an audience with Dan Freedman, author of the best-selling Jamie Johnson series.

Student Aria Charles (Year 8) was nominated for the Community category after organising events including stone painting sessions to raise money for the Poppy Appeal.

Aria enjoyed the experience saying, “The most memorable part of the day was arranging for Professor Robert Douglas Fairhurst to sign copies of his book for myself and one as a gift for school.”

Fellow student Caleb Russell (Year 9), nominated in the Charity category for holding bake sales for Children in Need and arranging acts of worship said the visit to Oxford was a memorable occasion. “I was surprised by the size of Oxford University and how old some of the buildings are. I also was surprised by the wonderful artwork in the gallery.” Caleb said helping to organise visitors at the event was a confidence boost.

“I enjoyed helping to organise the award ceremony and being able to talk to many people. Doing this I became more confident, and it helped

me because I had to stand in front of a crowd.”

Audrey Chikasha is Student Leadership Coordinator at Bluecoat Wollaton Academy and said that students were a credit to their school community, especially in their deportment helping organisers of the event. “We are very proud of all of our students and the whole academy was pleased to be represented by their peers at such a prestigious event. In all, six of our students received recognition for their contributions to

school life and learning.”

Ridha Ajaib (Year 8) was nominated in the Commitment to Achieve category after overcoming a fear of public speaking to address an audience of parents at an academy event. Not only did Ridha speak eloquently, also helping to produce a video, but was praised by Bluecoat Wollaton Principal Stuart Anderson who received letters from school visitors praising Ridha as ‘a wonderful ambassador’ of the academy.

Student Lowri Moore (Year 8) was nominated for the Leaders category after writing a children’s book exploring what it is like to wear glasses from a young age. Lowri also wrote to Disney to ask for greater representation of lead characters who wear glasses.

Lowri said, “Honestly I really enjoyed the whole experience but if I had to pick a favourite it would definitely be the tour of the castle and getting to learn more about history and origins of Oxford. I also really enjoyed getting to help with the ceremony and seeing all the schools of world class in one building.”

Year 8 student Riley Chimbetete was shortlisted in a writing competition organised by

author Dan Freedman. Riley’s impressive essay asked, ‘How much can motivation from parents, or the important adults in your life, help or hinder your success?’ Riley’s Mother also attended the ceremony, and both were able to meet and have their photograph taken with the author.

Audrey Chikasha said the students should be proud of their achievements. “The students had a wonderful experience, not only at the ceremony but also enjoying the sites of Oxford during the day. We know they will be an inspiration to fellow students, staff and the wider school community and hope they will have a positive, lasting memory of their day.”

In a letter from the World Class School Quality Mark awards, organisers said, “Bluecoat Wollaton Academy has been shortlisted for World Class School Quality Mark School

of the year amongst eight other elite schools. As with all World Class Schools, the school has a reputation for academic excellence having been judged to be ‘outstanding’ in all categories in its last inspection (May 2018). The inspection report, led by Her Majesty's Inspector Rachel Tordoff, noted at the time that, ‘’There is a tangible culture of high expectations for pupils and staff. Leaders ensure that all pupils, regardless of their backgrounds, excel.’’

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CHECKING IN: HAMMER & PINCERS RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS The Hammer & Pincers is located in Wymeswold, an attractive, charming village, near Loughborough. This multi award-winning, fine-dining restaurant with rooms, is most proud of their 2 AA rosettes, plus Michelin and Harden’s Guides’ listings. From 2004, Sandra and Danny Jimminson have provided the extremely impressive cuisine. Their past experiences include top restaurants in the UK and Europe.

with a splendid wine flight, if you wish.

An example of a grazing menu, on the occasion of my visit, was Amuse Bouche, Bread & Cultured Butter, Tomato – Seaweed – Tuna (Greenhough Chardonnay, New Zealand 2018), Scallop – Celeriac – Apple (Knightor Trevannion, England 2019), Cucumber – Apple – Dill (Oliver Zeter Sweetheart, Germany

Following an excellent Amuse Bouche, I opted for Hand-Dived Orkney Scallop (HaySmoked Celeriac, Granny Smith Apple, Toasted Hazelnut Emulsion). This was ‘outstanding’. Next, Cucumber & Dill Sorbet (Lime Yoghurt, Perry Ice). For main I chose Saffron & English Brie Arancini (Courgette, Basil, Pine Nuts, Sour Raisin Puree). Absolutely, ‘Compliments to Chef ’. Complementing flavours, textures, all spot on. Beef and also Halibut were amongst other popular choices.

Written by Trevor Langley

2017).

Individually designed guest rooms have Luxury Pashmina Mattresses and Egyptian Cotton Sheets, High-Grade Power Showers, plus UHD TV and Coffee Machine, with the choice of a Forest Room or Blossom Suite (with Private Lounge and Private Roof Terrace). These are often booked well in advance.

Following a most comfortable night’s sleep, the breakfast is a ‘joy to behold’.

Drinks offer excellent quality, premium and limited wines of the world productions.

Gins have 40+ to choose from! A gift voucher could surprise ‘someone special’. Thank you to Richard and Jenny, for their genuine welcome and Amy, for exemplary service throughout. Pre booking is very much advised. Highly recommended.

Hammer & Pincers Restaurant with Rooms, 5 East Road, Wymeswold, Loughborough LE12 6ST. Tel: 01509 880735 E-mail: info@hammerandpincers.co.uk www.hammerandpincers. co.uk

2018). Followed by a choice for main course of Beef – Carrot – Anise, Halibut - Leek – Herb, Saffron – Courgette – Basil, each paired with Urbina Reserve Rioja, Picpoul de Pinet and Argaden Sauvignon Blanc, respectively.

Strawberry – Basil – Vanilla Chocolate Cremeaux (Sauternes Petit Feuillantine (Fig Leaf Guiraud, France Ice Cream, Blackcur2014), Chocorant Compote) had my late – Fig Leaf taste buds appreciating – Blackcurrant this perfected dessert (Black Muscat, delectation.

Australia 2012), A grazing menu is English Cheese available, too. Eight (Niepoort Tawny courses and paired Dee, Portugal

DRINKS: SOME FAVOURITE GINS

The basic flavour of gin is from juniper berries. History dictates that the production of gin goes back to the Middle Ages.

Different styles and flavours of gins are a personal choice, for many gin connoisseurs, with London Dry and numerous flavoured gins being amongst the choices available.

Cocktails, with gin included in the ingredients, are extremely popular, too.

Whitley Neill productions moved to the City of London Distillery in 2020. The City of London distillery brought gin distilling back to the City during 2012, after an absence of nearly 200 years.

It is the only distillery in the heart of the City of London.

Today, visitors can observe the production process, enjoy a drink at the bar and even take part in the gin school experience.

LONDON DRY GIN (43% vol. Original.

Botanicals: Juniper, Coriander Seed, Cassia Bark, Orris Root, Angelica Root, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Cape Gooseberry, Baobab). I found this to have an interesting, enticing bouquet and excellent flavour, with the palate’s continued enjoyment following on from the soft, smooth mouthfeel.

The label states that this production is

inspired by the captivating flavours of South Africa. I fully agree.

BLOOD ORANGE GIN (43% vol. Botanicals: Juniper, Coriander Seed, Cassia Bark,

Orris Root, Angelica Root, Liquorice, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Sicilian Orange). This gin has the extract of sanguine Sicilian blood oranges, to give it the splendid, citrusy overtone.

RHUBARB & GINGER GIN (43% vol. Botanicals: Juniper, Coriander Seed, Cassia Bark, Orris Root, Angelica Root, Liquorice, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Rhubarb, Ginger). Certainly, English country garden and with real ginger to tantalise the taste buds and palate – excellent.

RASPBERRY GIN (43% vol.

Botanicals: Juniper, Coriander Seed, Cassia Bark, Orris Root, Angelica Root, Liquorice, Sweet Orange, Lemon, Raspberry). The Scottish raspberries make a great enhancement to this production. Sweet, and again smooth, a true, flavoured gin person’s delight.

Other productions, in the Whitley Neill range of gins,

include Quince Gin, Aloe & Cucumber Gin, Blackberry Gin, Pink Grapefruit Gin, Connoisseur’s Cut and several more. These gins are widely available and very popular.

The Whitley Neill gins offer something for all gin lovers.

Great on their own, with a tonic or as part of a cocktail concoction. For more information www.whitleyneill. com Written by Trevor Langley

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Spring is finally in the air in and around Notts, and about time too (It felt a long old January) With it comes plenty of things to do, so read on for my pick over the coming weeks.

Over at The Royal Concert Hall, Pop icon Adam Ant will be performing his classic chart-topping singles and personal favourites (12 March) Creating some controversy when it was first released was Fatal Attraction. See how it transforms to the stage (will it have the kitchTalking about Spring, Holme Pierrepont is en scene?) Starring Kim Marsh (Hear'Say, renowned for its glorious displays of SnowCoronation Street) as the iconic Alex Forrest. drops during February and March, along When happily married New York attorney with other winter flowering plants including Dan Gallagher, meets charming editor Alex hellebores, aconites, cyclamen, cornus and on a night out in the city, they both commit winter flowering irises, so where better to visit to a night of passion they can't take back.

The garden is open to the public daily until 6 (15-19 Feb) March (except Saturdays) Smash-hit musical, There’s Something About Another great venue to have a wander Jamie also visits (23-27 Feb) featuring West round any time of the year is Newstead Abbey End star Layton Williams and EastEnders’ and its grounds, but have you seen it after Shane Richie. In this feel good musical Jamie dark? If you fancy a night with a difference, overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and have daily sessions which include: Pizza join Haunted Heritage on a ghost hunt (5 Baking Workshop (17 Feb) Cool Science (18 steps out of the darkness, into the spotlight.

March) Newstead was built in the 12th Was it Miss Scarlett, with the revolver in the Century as a monastic Abbey so has over 800 Feb) Bread Baking Workshop (19 Feb) dining room, or Professor Plum, with the lead My other pick is the National Justice Museyears of history. Discover whose spirits still pipe in the library…? Starring Michelle Colum.

Your child can journey back to Victorian reside here? lins at Miss Scarlett, CLUEDO is an exciting, Nottingham and solve the case of the escaped The Abbey was also home to the famous poet, comedy thriller based on the hit 1985 film prisoner before he commits another crime!

Lord Byron and you will have the chance CLUE and the classic board game loved by Search the different areas of Narrow Marsh, to wander through his private apartments, generations also drops by Nottingham ( 7 - 12 seeking out clues and solving puzzles. Once the Victorian kitchen and room displays. you've finished gathering your evidence, you March) Be a part of discovering the families who There’s drama at The Albert Hall (16 - 19 will be escorted to the Grand Courtroom to once considered the house their home. Use go through your findings and solve the case!

Feb) when the ultimate serial killer thriller paranormal equipment yourself to see what As always, there’s plenty of entertainment to Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet phenomena you can capture! choose from. Motorpoint Arena Nottingham Street comes to Nottingham with a full orIf you don’t want to brave an investigation, play host to Simply Red (17 Feb) who return chestra. The gruesome story of the murderous but are still interested in the world of spirits, to the city for the first time since their ‘Star’s’ revengeful barber is one of Stephen Sondmaybe a Psychic Table Night is more your anniversary tour. Special guest Mica Paris will heim's most well-known musicals combining thing? Meet psychics and mediums with tragedy and dark humour with powerful support. The Wanted also visit (11 March) SpiritWorld at the Abbey (18 March). They songs.The staged concert will open with the with their ‘Greatest Hits' tour. strains of the famous Binns Organ echoing eerily around the music hall to transport the audience to the streets of Victorian London and the tale of bloody revenge Meanwhile, The Lace Market Theatre welwill be providing short taster readings to your table throughout the evening.

Of course February sees the first school holiday of 2022. There are numerous activities taking place around Notts. My pick however for this half term is Green’s Windmill. They

comes a radical re-imagining of Stevenson's classic story, Jekyll and Hyde, where the civilised Edinburgh society of Mrs Jekyll meets the seedy Flossie Hyde of Soho in a thrilling collision of Victorian England with the here

and now(7-12 March) If it’s comedy you’re after, The Embankment Pub hosts a night of stand up (17 Feb) with 4 top flight comedians hosted by the Midlands Comedy Award winner Tommy Tomski.

Triple Award winning show at the Midlands Comedy Awards* The Canalhouse Comedy Night (23 Feb/9 March) features a mixture of established acts trying new material and new acts.

Comedy superstar John Bishop comes to the Motorpoint Arena (1 - 2 March) Nottingham with his highly anticipated brand-new stand up show – Right Here, Right Now For something slightly different, The Guilty Feminist comes to the Theatre Royal (6 March) Part comedy, part deep-dive discussion and part activism. Hosted by Deborah Frances-White and featuring a different array of world class guests each night, together, they examine our noble goals as 21st century feminists – and our hypocrisies and insecurities that undermine those goals.

Which leads us onto International Women’s Day. Join the New Art Exchange (8 March) for Fempowerment, a welcoming and sociable event including inspirational talks by local women, interactive workshops, friendly conversation and delicious food.

Fancy learning more about one of Nottingham’s famous writers? Visit the Weston Gallery at Lakeside Arts (3 Feb - 29 May) to learn more about DH Lawrence and literature. An iconic figure in English literature, and also one of the most controversial. He struggled with publishers throughout his career to express himself in the form he wanted. Drawing on a range of items including manuscripts and typescripts, and rare first editions, this exhibition traces the ways in which his writing was amended and censored, and the innovative approaches to publishing he developed in response to censorship. Follow it up with a screening of the 1960 adaptation of DH Lawrence's early masterpiece, Sons and Lovers (23 Feb) at Djanogly Theatre. Filmed partly on location in Nottingham, Jack Cardiff directs the drama, which was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning Best Cinematography.

Finally, if you love a little Nottingham history, join Champion of Nottingham, local hero and Chairman of Green's Windmill Trust Tom Huggon for a guided walk around historic Sneinton.

This walk will take in St Stephen's Church, Bendigo Statue, the birthplace of William Booth and the heart of the conservation area amongst others, and will provide the opportunity to learn about some of the hidden gems and little known facts about this fascinating district.

Tanya Louise

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RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS PLAY NOTTINGHAM Albert Hall on Thursday 26th April 2022!

The most Famous Bagpipe Band in the World, ever!

There has never been anything quite like The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, from their formation in 2002 and a cameo appearance at T in the Park in 2004 with the Darkness to opening the main stage in their own right in 2014. The past fifteen years has seen the Red Hot Chilli Pipers become the most famous bagpipe band on the planet… ever!

The band’s achievements have reached incredible heights with their groundbreaking fusion of traditional Scottish music and rock/pop Anthems which they proudly call “Bagrock”. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are a genuinely unique experience.

The Chillis have never been more in demand for their infectious style of feel good music which appeals right across the age range to people all over the world.

They have collected together an impressive group of musicians, dancers and singers from Scotland and further afield, many holding World Championship titles and all seriously good players with impressive credentials and qualifications.

In 2014, The Chilli Pipers released a new live DVD and CD entitled `Live at the Lake`. In an explosive evening of entertainment captured on this live DVD and CD, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers recorded their most adventurous project to date, bringing 16 musicians and dancers across the Atlantic to perform at Milwaukee Irish Fest, the US spiritual home of the band. They captured the

unique and explosive power of the Chilli Pipers in one unforgettable evening by the shores of Lake Michigan.

Tracks include Insomnia, Gimme All Your Lovin', Thunderstruck, Everybody Dance Now, Amazing Grace, Fix You, Chasing Cars, Wake Me Up, Don’t Stop Believin and We Will Rock You. In February 2019, the Pipers and Tom Walker released a new version of his massive hit “Leave a Light On”. The release is in aid of Nordoff Robins, the music therapy charity and it went straight into the iTunes top five.

The collaboration came about after Tom performed with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers at Murrayfield Rugby Stadium before the Scotland v Italy Six Nations match.

In June 2019,

the Red Hot Chilli Pipers released a new studio album, entitled "Fresh Air”. An exciting fusion of brand-new songs and carefully selected covers. In a new departure for the Red Hot Chilli Pipers many of the songs include lead vocals. Some of the highlights are “Leave the Light On” featuring Tom Walker on vocals. Leonard Cohen´s “Hallalujah” and “Shut Up and Dance” from the American band Walk the Moon, both songs feature the incredibly talented singer Chris Judge on vocals.

Some facts and figures about the Red Hot Chilli Pipers: Gold disc for over 100,000 UK sales of their first album `Bagrock to the Masses‘.

To date, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers have performed live to over 1 million people.

Triple platinum status for the album and DVD - `Blast Live`.

Awarded twice for `Best

Live Act in Scotland`.

Over 4.5 million views on YouTube of their viral cover of the Avici track `Wake me up`.

Sell out gigs and tours in USA, China, Australia, Germany, Switzerland and Australia.

Winner of the BBC TV prime time talent show `When Will I be Famous` hosted by Graham Norton.

A Big Hearted Scotland nomination for their charity work.

Performances at BBC Proms in Hyde Park, T in the Park, Wacken Open Air Festival.

Performances at major sporting events including NBC Olympics Studio and the Rugby World Cup. Over 350,000 Facebook followers.

Tickets for the RHCP April / May & June 2022 - UK Tour Dates are available from: Thursday 28th April 2022 NOTTINGHAM – Albert

Hall Great Hall Friday 29th April 2022 SCUNTHORPE – Bath Halls Sunday 1st May 2022 MANCHESTER – Royal Northern College of Music Thursday 5th May 2022 HASTINGS – St Mary In The Castle Friday 6th May 2022 LONDON – Cadogan Hall Saturday 7th May 2022 SOUTHEND ON SEA – Palace Theatre Thursday 12th May 2022 ALDERSHOT – Princes Hall Friday 13th May 2022 HARROGATE – Royal Hall Thursday 19th May 2022 PETERBOROUGH – Cresset Friday 20th May 2022 NEW BRIGHTON – Floral Pavilion Theatre Saturday 21st May 2022 TELFORD – Oakengates Theatre Thursday 26th May 2022 CHELTENHAM – Town Hall Friday 27th May 2022 BATH – Forum Friday 3rd June 2022 BARROW – Forum Saturday 4th June 2022 BUXTON – Opera House Sunday 5th June 2022 BLACKPOOL – Grand Theatre Tickets are available from: http://www.thegigcartel. com/Artists-profiles/RedHot-Chilli-Pipers.htm

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GLENN TILBROOK announces

Spring 2022 UK Dates

Glenn Tilbrook has more than earned his place at pop’s top table as one of our most cherished singers, guitarists and songwriters, not to mention an in-demand and endlessly endearing live performer. But more than 40 years after he first answered an ad placed by Chris Difford looking for like-minded sorts to form the band that became the much-loved evergreen Squeeze, an ending is nowhere in sight.

Such is the continuing work ethic of a fellow who’s never been far from the action since Squeeze made their recording bow with the Packet Of Three EP in 1977. Those humble three tracks led to such enduring pop classics as Take Me I’m Yours, Cool For Cats, Up The Junction, Another Nail In My Heart, Tempted, Labelled With Love, Black Coffee In Bed, Hourglass (this could go on for a while...), not to mention landmark albums like Argybargy, East Side Story and Some Fantastic Place.

Squeeze’s demise in 1998 (though not permanent) saw Glenn embark on a solo career that spawned the albums The Incomplete Glenn Tilbrook (2001) and Transatlantic Ping-Pong (2004), showcasing an ever-maturing songwriting talent. Arguably, though, Happy Ending is Glenn’s most personal work to date, a series of evocative portraits of time, people and places, that included writing and vocal contributions by his own children Leon and Wesley, in addition to old friends Simon Hanson (Fluffers/ reunited Squeeze drummer) and Dennis Greaves (Nine Below Zero, also Glenn’s compatriot in the side project band The Co-operative).

Anyone who has witnessed Glenn on the live stage can attest to the properness of his doings, as it were.

Armed with ready wit, raucous vibes and a shed load of grin-inducing great songs, there are few musicians able to connect with their audience on such an immediate and warm level.

The ever burgeoning festival circuit is frequently enriched by Tilbrook the troubadour, whether he be leafing through the plentiful back catalogue of Squeeze or dashing off impromptu

audience requests ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Tony Orlando & Dawn, and all points in-between.

Tickets for the Glenn Tilbrook – Spring 2022 shows are available from: Friday 25th February BASINGSTOKE – The Haymarket Saturday 26th February GLOUCESTER – Guildhall Sunday 27th February EXETER – Phoenix Thursday 3rd March NUNEATON – Queen’s Hall Friday 4th March STAMFORD – Corn Exchange Saturday 5th March CHESTER – Live Rooms Thursday 10th March ILKLEY – King’s Hall Friday 11th March HOLMFIRTH - Picturedrome Saturday 12th March STOCKTON – Arc Sunday 13th March YORK - Crescent Wednesday 16th March LINCOLN – New Theatre Royal Thursday 17th March SOUTHPORT – Atkinson Friday 18th March WHITLEY BAY - Playhouse Saturday 19th March CASTLETON – The Devil’s Arse Cavern Wednesday 23rd March WINCHESTER – Theatre Royal Thursday 24th March BURY ST EDMUNDS - Apex Friday 25th March WOLVERHAMPTON / BILSTON – The Robin 2 Saturday 26th March BURY – The Met All tickets are available from - https:// www.thegigcartel.com/Artists-profiles/Glenn-Tilbrook.htm

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Page 31.

New signs in Chesterfield provide information to road users Newly installed highways signs in and around Chesterfield will help to provide information to road users including parking advice and traffic conditions.

the new signs and hear about how they will be able to help with traffic flow in the town.

“The information they display can be changed at the touch of a button, so we can really help drivers in Chesterfield with up to date traffic and car parking advice.”

Chesterfield road signs The signs cost a total Councillor Kewal Singh Athof £440,000 to install and wal, middle, with 2 highways commission, with the money officers. coming from a D2N2 grant, The signs, which are in 8 as part of a broader scheme different places across the to develop and implement a town and on the major routes range of traffic technologies into the town, can display a around and on the A61 corrirange of different messages dor. They are located at: to help the travelling public.

Lordsmill St Chesterfield They give information about Northern Gateway (Donut) car park occupancy rates and Chesterfield provide information about Saltergate Chesterfield traffic conditions. They will Chatsworth Rd (West Bars) also be used to promote any Chesterfield events or major roadworks in Brewery St Chesterfield Chesterfield.

A61 Derby Road NorthCouncillor Kewal Singh bound Chesterfield Athwal, Derbyshire County A619 Lowgates westbound Council’s Cabinet Member towards Staveley for Highways Assets and A617 Temple Normanton/ Transport, said: Heath (M1 to Chesterfield “It was good to go and see Westbound)

Derbyshire and Derby recognised as national

leader with County Deal announcement

Derbyshire and Derby have been recognised as national ‘Levelling Up’ leaders with the government announcing today that they had secured a County Deal set to bring substantial investment to the area.

We and Derby City Council, working alongside the 8 other district and borough councils in the area, have been awarded ‘pathfinder’ status by the government as part of the deal - one of the first to be awarded at county level.

Though figures have not yet been announced, the deal will bring extra investment to support economic growth in the area, alongside the transfer of specific powers from central government to a local level in areas like

transport, bus services, housing and skills, giving greater autonomy to local leaders over decision making and funding.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said the success would improve people’s lives across the county and city.

He said: “Today’s County Deal announcement for Derbyshire and Derby is the result of significant and long-term work between councils and wider partners like the NHS and police with a shared focus on improving opportunities, growth and quality of life in our county through our collaborative approach.

“I’m delighted that the government has recognised our unique partnership offer, and we welcome this significant investment in delivering

levelling-up locally by those who know our communities best.

“Derbyshire has been at the forefront of this process over the last couple of years and it’s fantastic to see the hard work come to fruition with this announcement which demonstrates our national reputation as a county that delivers and stand ready to level up for Derbyshire and Derby.”

Leader of Derby City Council Councillor Chris Poulter said that the announcement was great news for the area, and that the councils now need to negotiate the right deal for the city and county: “This is excellent news for Derby and Derbyshire. We’ve worked closely together to get our county deal on the table – a credit to our partnership working – and now the real

work begins as we await conversations with government officials to understand expectations and agree terms and timescales.

“The councils included in the deal serve over 1.1 million people, and yet so many decisions that directly impact them are being made by central government.

A County Deal for Derby and Derbyshire is our opportunity to reflect our people and businesses through local level decision-making.”

More information is expected from the government in the coming weeks.

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Planning For Your Wedding Day 2022 As couples plan for their big day for 2020 now is the time to get into shape. and start organizing for what will be the best day of their lives. For the bride, you can’t start earlier enough. You want to arrive at the alter looking vibrant with health and beauty, so what better excuse do you need to invest a little bit of time, money and energy in getting you there? Whether it is planning a few pampering trips to some spas or joining a gym, not only can you trim your figure, you’ll do wonders for your complexion and overall energy levels. Shopping for the wedding dress is probably the part of the wedding plans you are looking forward to more than any other aspect.

The majority of bridal gowns bought in the UK are classed as ‘off the peg.’ You try on a sample of the gown in the shop; they take your measurements and order the most appropriate size for you which is then

delivered to the shop for alterations to fit your exact shape and size.

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

12 months before…

Choose a wedding date

Decide on a budget Make a list of guests and decide on numbers Book your Church/Ceremony location. Book your reception venue/caterers. Choose your Bridesmaids, Ushers and Best Man. Start looking for The Dress!. Choose and book your photographer 8 months before…

Choose bridesmaids’ dresses Book entertainment Choose and order your wedding cake Make an appointment with your chosen florist 6 months before...

Give Notice of Marriage Purchase or hire menswear Select your wedding rings 4 months before...

Send out your wedding invitations Arrange fittings for the wedding dress and menswear 1 month before...

Arrange a final fitting of your wedding dress your bridesmaids, ushers and best man.

Enjoy your hen and stag parties!

2 weeks before...

Confirm the date and time of the rehearsal to the relevant people 1 week before...

Arrange to collect your wedding dress, bridesmaids dresses and the menswear Have all your beauty treatments Drink plenty of water and have some early nights Relax and enjoy this time – all your hard work is about to come to completion!

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How To Get An Upgrade On Your Honeymoon!

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

Calling first class!

There are so many moments where you might be able to wangle an upgrade when you go on honeymoon. The first is the flight. This is a lot easier to accomplish if you haven’t booked a package deal through a high street travel agency. If you’ve booked flights and accommodation separately then turning up at the airport in your finest clobber, rather than like a scruff bag (albeit a very comfy one), is a great way to find yourself boosted up to First or Business class. This is an important fact to consider as the area you want to be moved into is usually full of very well-heeled people. The next step is to arrive at the airport early.

This gives you the best opportunity of nabbing any last-minute upgrades.

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

Tell the world you’re here for your honeymoon Once you’ve made it to your honeymoon destination the next step towards getting an upgrade is to tell everyone that you’re on your honeymoon! It’s important to do this at the right time though. Telling businesses that you’re going on your honeymoon when you make the booking tends to hike the prices up. So, you’re better off waiting until you hit the runway to mention that you’re newlyweds on honeymoon. If you’re staying in a hotel then mention at check-in that you’re on your honeymoon and ask if there are any honeymoon suites available for you to

upgrade to or if there is anything they can do your honeymoon, to have a once in a lifetime experience and to truly live it up like a rock for you to help make your honeymoon more memorable.

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

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

Live like an A-lister Of course, before you even get to this stage you need to decide on where to go! If you’re at a loss for ideas, other than knowing that you want the A-list treatment, then take a leaf out of @RocknRollBride’s book. She says that ‘If you’re looking to really go all out on

star, then the Maldives has to be top of your list.’

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Hundreds of appointments available as health bosses

urge 12-15-year-olds to grab a jab over half term

Health bosses are encouraging 12-15-yearolds to grab a jab over half term to protect themselves and their families from Covid-19.

Children and young people aged 12-15-years-old are being offered vaccinations through school clinics.

However, this cohort can also receive their jab at clinics held outside of school hours if they prefer.

Amanda Sullivan, Accountable Officer at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire CCG, said: “I would urge all 12–15-year-olds to take up the offer as soon as they can, to receive greater protection from the virus. Half term is a perfect time to get vaccinated come into contact with. and reduce the risk of passing “Getting the vaccine on the infection to others in can also make it easier for their family and others they children and young people

to avoid putting their lives and their education on hold because of further disruption to schools, hobbies and social

events due to the virus. It is not too late for a first vaccine, so I urge all who have not yet come forward to do so.”

In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, latest data shows 56.7 per cent of 12-15-year-olds have had one dose of the vaccine.

Lucy Hubber, Director of Public Health in Nottingham, said: “We continue to have high rates of Covid-19 in

our city and so I would urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. It remains the best thing you can do to protect yourself against the virus, significantly reducing the risk of becoming severely ill or dying.

“If you are yet to have the vaccine, it is not too late.

The half-term holiday is a good opportunity for parents and carers to go along to the

Forest Recreation Ground vaccination centre in the city to make sure young people have their jab. Please do everything you can to stay safe from Covid-19.”

While most children infected usually have mild symptoms from Covid-19, some do become quite ill and some go on to develop more serious symptoms. This includes ‘Long Covid’ which has side-effects such as extreme fatigue and weakness. While doctors are still learning about these long-term effects, it is clear that vaccination protects against the damage they can do.

Jonathan Gribbin, Director of Public Health for Nottinghamshire, said: “Children and young people aged 12 – 15 should have two doses of the vaccine for stronger and longer-lasting protection against Covid-19.

“They are safe, effective, and free of charge. I urge parents and guardians to help their child get their first or second dose during half term. They can book an appointment online, call 119 or visit their nearest walk-in site in the county or city.

“Please also think about the additional actions you and your family can take to stay safe during the half term break, including regular testing and self-isolating if required. Rapid lateral flow tests are available free of charge, and you should take one on days when you’re more likely to catch or spread Covid-19.

“If you have any family-fun activities planned in Nottinghamshire, consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces and let plenty of fresh air in if you’re meeting with friends and family indoors. Although the days are starting to get longer, we are still in Winter Plan A and need to remain cautious and act carefully to protect our health and care service and keep everyone safe.”

Children and young people can book an appointment on the NHS website or by calling 119.

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5 HEALTHY WEIGHT LOSS TIPS FOR 2022 Let’s face it: there is a huge amount of information online about how to shed the pounds and get in shape.

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 Wading into this endless it often results in unhealthy stream of advice can and unsustainable weight be both confusing and loss. overwhelming. And, when The real secret to healthy you take into account the and successful weight loss is new fads that seemingly pop to adopt a lifestyle that you up every day, the situation can maintain for the long only becomes more dire. run. This involves changing After all, who can keep your diet, following a regular up with all the raw food workout schedule, and plans, prepackaged menus, taking the right supplements and liquid cleanses that are for your body’s needs. With constantly promoted in our that in mind, here are 5 other social feeds? tips to help you achieve your The main problem with these weight and fitness goals: very restrictive diets is that • Eat Better at Breakfast they only lead to short-term 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 burning supplement such as the range available at www.myelitehealth.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.

• Sleep at the Proper Time It might sound funny, but sleep deprivation can cause you to pack on the pounds. In fact, research demonstrates that getting less than seven to eight hours of sleep every night can actually slow down your metabolism! So stick to a regular sleep schedule in the next year for a leaner, fitter you.

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Why Fantasy Island Is The Perfect Place For A Picnic After spending so much time indoors, it’s fair to say we are all looking for ways to spend more time outside. Going for a picnic is the perfect idea for those wanting to enjoy the great outdoors, bask

in the sun and relax with friends and family. Fantasy Island is the ideal spot, and here are just a few reasons why.

Somewhere different If you’re tired of going to the same parks every day, having a picnic at Fantasy Island is a fantastic change of scenery. If your kids are sick of the same days out in Lincolnshire, our theme park offers an incredible range of spots to enjoy your sandwiches and scones. Whether you want to watch the roller coasters race by or relax on the Island Beach, there are so many places to choose from to enjoy your lunch. With so much to see and do, you will never be bored again.

Food stalls If you’ve forgotten your sandwiches at home (or you don’t trust your own cooking!) we have an enormous range of food stalls offering incredible meals, snacks and desserts. Choose from over 40 eateries for delicious pizza, Chinese, fish and chips and so much more. This is perfect for fussy eaters, anyone with allergies or dietary requirements or simply for families who can never agree on where to eat! With so many

options, you’re sure to find something to suit every taste.

No queuing or booking needed Since everyone is keen to get out and about these days, finding a place to set up and enjoy a picnic is getting harder and harder.

At Fantasy Island, you’ve no need to waste time by queuing or booking in advance.

Although we recommend you buy wristbands online if you are planning to enjoy the rides, if you just want to come in and enjoy the atmosphere, you don’t need to book or wait

in line.

Bring your dogs When we say fun for all the family, we mean ALL the family! Bring your furry family members along for the picnic; as long as they are on a lead, they are more than welcome on site.

With so many reasons to visit, what are you waiting for? Host your next family picnic at Fantasy Island and find out why we are one of the best day trips in the UK!

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Matlock Bath in the Peak District

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

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

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

Matlock Bath Illuminations

Matlock Bath is home to this large, family-friendly theme park, which is within walking distance of the town centre.

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

Peak District Lead Mining Museum

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

See www.peakdistrictleadminingmuseum.co.uk for more details.

Crich Tramway Village

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

Gulliver’s Kingdom

Located just a short drive outside Matlock Bath, the fabulous Crich Tramway Village is a fabulous place to spend a day, with plenty to keep the whole family happy. It is home to the National Tramway Museum, with more than 60 vintage trams for visitors to admire in airy exhibition halls, and it also features a beautifully recreated period village with a pub, café and olde-worlde shops.

A number of the trams run through the village and can be hailed at historic tram stops.

Visitors pay one old penny (original coin included in the admission price) to take unlimited rides for more than a mile into the surrounding countryside, with stunning views of the surrounding Derwent Valley. There is also a Woodland Walk with a sculpture trail that is perfect for keeping little people interested along the way, as well as a picnic area and a children’s

playground. See www.tramway.co.uk for more information.

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Rock City Looking for ‘Night Owls with a Passion for Music’ to Join the Venue Team

Rock City is on the hunt for night owls with a passion for music, a great work ethic and the desire for a stellar events career to join the team at the legendary Nottingham venue.

It’s a rare chance to fill a key role at the venue that has hosted seminal shows through its illustrious 40 year history from Nirvana, Run-DMC, Rage Against the Machine, Daft Punk and Motorhead to Yungblud, Garbage, Queens of the Stone Age, Skunk Anansie, Placebo, Public Enemy and De La Soul.

The assistant manager role will bolster the existing tight-knit team as it gears up for a busy year ahead with a packed programme of live events, rescheduled

shows and the popular club nights Tuned, Get Lucky and Rebel Rebel. The right person will become part of a team working to deliver a great experience at the sell out club

nights week after week with progressive production and an eclectic mix of DJs as well as world class live events.

Will Richardson, General Manager, Rock City said: “If

you have a passion for music, an excellent work ethic and a feverish desire to pursue a career in venue management, we’d love to hear from you.

The role is not your ordi-

nary nine-to-five, it will be a mixture of late nights and even later ones in a demanding industry. If you’re not a morning person and friends and family constantly de-

scribe you as a night owl, this job will fit you like a glove.”

One of the key elements of the job will be liaising with bands, artists and tour managers to ensure everyone has a great time as well as acting as duty manager for live events and club nights.

The role could start as soon as next month and is open to those with experience in the industry looking for a step up on the ladder, as well as those already in a similar role who are looking for a fresh challenge.

Despite the challenges of the last two years, the team at the Talbot Street venue have kept the flame burning with a constantly evolving response to restrictions to enable it stay open as much as possible.

Adam Wood, Senior Promotions Manager, DHP Family, said: “We came up with loads of ideas from livestreaming club nights for people to enjoy at home to turning the car park into an outdoor bar and even filling the famous dancefloor with tables and chairs so we could offer sit down sessions.

Everything we could do to keep welcoming people through our doors, we did and that’s down to our great team working together to make these ideas happen. It’s a great place to work so get in touch if you share the same passion and drive to make things happen whatever the challenges.”

The successful candidate can look forward to working on an exciting diary with upcoming shows from The Libertines, Tom Odell, Professor Green, Angels & Airwaves, I Prevail, Jake Bugg, The Fratellis, Ferocious Dog, Enter Shikari and Charli XCX just to mention a few.

To apply, send a CV and letter to jobs@ rock-city.co.uk with the subject Assistant Manager Application.

For information about Rock City owners, DHP Family, go to www.dhpfamily.com

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An Arnold care home pulled out the stops to put a smile

on the face of 80-year-old resident June Charles

June, who used to run a Bulwell industrial cleaning company with her late husband Keith, had been nominated for Resident Outstanding Contribution at the Ideal Care Awards. But when she was unable to attend the ceremony due to Covid restrictions, staff decided to create their own celebration for their shining star.

The team at June’s home, Coppice Lodge, which is operated by Ideal Carehomes, rolled out the red carpet and even though June narrowly missed out on winning at the Ideal Care Awards, the team presented June with an award of their own making.

The cut glass keepsake read: “June Charles, Coppice Lodge’s very own star”.

Following the ceremony, which was held in the dining room of the Coppice Road residential and dementia care home, June was treated to a restaurant-style three course dinner of her choosing.

For the winning lady, the menu featured a prawn cocktail starter, followed by topside of beef with all the trimmings and a chocolate orange tart with raspberries and raspberry jus.

June moved into Coppice Lodge in February 2020 after losing her husband Keith and then surviving a huge stroke within six months. With weeks of physiotherapy

and support from the Coppice Lodge team, as well as sheer determination on her part, June has gradually regained her independence.

Lorna Thornley, lifestyle manager, Coppice Lodge, said: “June was so excited to be nominated and had even bought a new outfit for her big night.

“Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, June was unable to attend such a large-scale event but we made the best of it and sat together to watch a live stream of the awards evening from the residents’ lounge.

“June was disappointed when she didn’t win her category and we knew we had to pull out the stops to cheer her up. She has had a really difficult time of it these last 18 months and we wanted to do something big.

“So we held our own gala awards dinner at Coppice Lodge, and June got to wear her new outfit, and celebrate being a star. We all had an amazing time and June had the special moment she had been longing for.”

As one of Coppice Lodge’s most engaged residents, home manager Alex Field said that June can regularly be spotted in the residential home’s gardens.

“Not only is she a dab hand at pruning, but she rises early every morning to exercise outdoors,” she said.

“June is the driving force behind our entry into the annual Gardens in Bloom competition and has become the ‘house mother’,

welcoming new residents and encouraging them to get involved with activities.

“She certainly is a star and is working so hard on her rehabilitation. She was very well deserving of this award.”

Coppice Lodge is a purpose built luxury

care home with 64 ensuite bedrooms. Close to local services and amenities, it is rated good by the Care Quality Commission.

For more information, call 0115 964 9510, email coppice.lodge@idealcarehomes. co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk

‘POOH’ AND BREWS RAISED MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AT CARE HOME A Bulwell care home celebrated two mental health awareness days in one with a Pooh Bear themed tea party.

Residential and dementia care home Fairway View decided to create a ‘mash up’ of Brew Monday and Winnie the Pooh Day to highlight the importance of talking about mental health.

Residents and staff shared homemade fairy cakes with bright yellow Pooh Bear faces and pots of tea and coffee. The residents’ lounge was decorated with smiling Winnie the Pooh cut outs and positive quotes from the books. Residents were photographed smiling through a colourful balloon studded

frame.

Brew Monday is a campaign by the Samaritans that encourages people to share a cuppa and a chat on the third Monday of January. Some-

times referred to as ‘Blue Monday’, it is said to be the most difficult day of the year.

Winnie the Pooh Day, which fell the following day, marks the birthday of Pooh

creator AA Milne. His wellloved children’s books about the animal friends who live in Hundred Acre Wood are frequently praised for their positive mental health mes-

sages.

Brenda Walton, aged 93, a resident at the Swale Close home, said: “It was lovely to get everyone together and have a giggle, the cakes were very tasty.”

Gaynor Smart-McCann, home manager, Fairway View, said: “As part of our ongoing mission to support our staff and residents with their mental health, we wanted to invite everyone to come together for a fun tea and coffee morning where they can connect, drink tea and share how they are feeling during the cold winter months.

“We tied our Brew Mon-

day tea party with Winnie the Pooh Day for a double celebration.

“Winnie the Pooh and many of the characters within it have been said to be associated with mental health conditions so, not only is Winnie the Pooh a fun and colourful theme that our residents would recognise, we were able to tap into themes around mental health.”

Fairway View is a purpose built luxury residential and dementia care home operated

by Ideal Carehomes. With 41 ensuite bedrooms, it is rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.

For more information, call 0115 975 8771, email fairway. view@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes. co.uk

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CROONING CARE HOME HERO GILLIAN NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

A singing kitchen assistant who ensured residents at a Bulwell care home were well fed throughout the pandemic has been named employee of the year.

Gillian Prowett, 56, had only been working at Fairway View for four months when she found herself running the kitchen due to staff absences.

But according to staff and residents, Gillian, who is well-known at the home for singing at the top of her voice, was not phased and rose to the challenge admirably.

Gillian was voted employee of the year by a landslide during a secret staff ballot. Each of the 47-strong team at the Swale Close luxury residential and dementia care home had three votes.

At a small celebratory event, Gillian was presented with flowers and gifts by home manager Gaynor Smart-McCann and Lorraine Abbiss, regional director of Ideal Carehomes.

Gaynor said that Gillian's 'unwavering commitment' meant food service was unaffected and residents continued to enjoy all of their favourite dishes throughout the day.

She said: "Like all care homes, we have had our challenges during the pandemic. But Gillian's absolute dedication meant that our kitchen was able to keep on providing the hot, nutritionally-balanced and tasty choice of meals that our residents enjoy.

"Despite her years of experience in catering, Gillian had decided to take on a part time kitchen assistant role to enable her to fulfil her own caring responsibilities for a family member.

For three months this lady juggled her role as a family carer alongside stepping up to looking after residents' dietary needs full time. She never once complained and just said she was doing her job.

"Gillian clearly does not recognise her own value but everyone at Fairway View certainly does.

"Employee of the year awards are not just about length of service - sometimes someone can make a lasting impression in a very short time. We are so glad that Gillian chose to walk through our door."

Gillian, who has previously worked as a school cook, a van driver and a pattern cutter, said: “I can’t believe I won. I’m just doing my job. I can’t believe people voted for me.”

Fairway View is a purpose built luxury res-

idential and dementia care home operated by Ideal Carehomes. With 41 ensuite bedrooms, it is rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission.

For more information, call 0115 975 8771, email fairway.view@idealcarehomes.co.uk or visit www.idealcarehomes.co.uk

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Three Home Improvement Upgrades That Add Value

If you are looking to add value to your house, why not try out some home improvement upgrades?

as ensure you’re minimising your carbon footprint. If you opt to insulate your loft or Here are three home improvement basement, this is a job that you can easily upgrades that add value… It can be super do yourself with a little bit of time and exciting to embark on home improvement patience, but if you’re insulating your walls projects, but it’s even better when the then we recommend you hire a professional upgrades you opt for add value to your to do it right. Another method of insulation home. It’s worth bearing in mind, however, is double glazing — double glaze your that some improvements might be windows to further lock in warmth and add worthwhile to you personally, they may not value to your home. increase the value of the house to others.

2. Upgrade your heating system In this article, we’ll sum up our top five Next on our list of home improvement ways to add value to your home through upgrades that add value is to upgrade your improvements which you — and future heating system. buyers — will benefit from. Here are the Adding or upgrading your heating system top home improvement upgrades that add is a failsafe way to add value to your home. value…

You can do this with a few options, such as 1. Add insulation replacing windows (or add double glazing In addition to increasing the value of your if possible, as mentioned in tip #1), seal any home, installing energy-saving insulation drafts around doors and windows or replace will also reduce your energy bills as well a boiler. If your existing boiler is due an

upgrade and has passed the point of repair, then it’s a worthwhile investment to get a new boiler installed in your home.

3. Be more energy efficient There’s a number of ways to be more energy efficient and consequently add value to your home, such as updating your lighting to LED bulbs. LED is extremely energy efficient and uses less heat and electricity for the same light output.

If you have a larger budget and are looking for something a little bit substantial, then

adding solar panels and turning the sun’s light into free energy at home is a fantastic investment.

These are some top home improvement upgrades that add value to your home.

TO ADVERTISE HERE PLEASE CALL OUR FRIENDY STAFF ON 0115 6972670

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I just can’t get enough!

If I had to sum up Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup forth round victory against Leicester City in a single word it would be comprehensive. The holders, like their Premier League counterparts Arsenal before them, were played off the park by a side who looked destined for League One not so long ago.

In a rare break from my commentary role at the City Ground I sat in the stand with the shackles of impartiality cast aside. For once, I could shout and cheer on the Reds as a supporter and boy did I choose the perfect game in which to do so. When the line ups were announced it was no surprise that Leicester fielded a very strong eleven, with their hopes of Champions League football all but gone the FA Cup remained their last crusade of sorts. On

the contrary, Forest shocked all and sundry by announcing Joe Worrall fit enough to start the game, this despite broken ribs which had forecast him to be out for much longer.

There were tongue in cheek suggestions that Worrall’s severity level of injury had been played down by the club and especially Steve Cooper to fend off impending transfer bids in the January window. We were categorically told that this wasn’t the case in Cooper’s post match interview, but you just never know. If you’ve ever read Bobby Robson’s autobiography he regales upon a similar incident after his Ipswich side had drawn against Forest in the cup. In a nutshell, Robson was keen to get a quick replay knowing that a couple of Forest players suffered knocks in the stalemate. When he approached Clough in his office after the game, the legendary Reds boss was sat in the dark, having a drink

with Kenny Burns who’d been injured during the match.

Having been told to……go away twice, Robson relented and broached the subject of an early replay date. Clough’s reply was something like this; “we’ll play you next Tuesday on Brighton beach, now **** off!” Robson laughed and accepted that he’d learned the importance of keeping your cards close to your chest in management.

Well, if Steve Cooper wasn’t calling our bluff, he most certainly is calling the shots as far as team selection and identity are concerned. Forest totally outplayed Leicester City and as good as put the contest to bed within half an hour thanks to some relentless attacking. The football, which is now consistently played out from the back, was scintillating. We’ve gone from hoofing hopeful balls to a lone striker in the days of 4-2-3-1 to slick triangles and overlapping down the

flanks in a 3-4-3. The BBC pundits were heavily focussed on Djed Spence, and Brennan Johnson and they didn’t disappoint, both were instrumental in almost every Forest attack and chalked up excellent goals for themselves too.

Such is the identity and blueprint of the Nottingham Forest team since Steve Cooper arrived that you are consistently torn between six or seven candidates to name as your man of the match. It’s testament to the collectiveness of the squad and a million miles from the days of picking the best of the worst during Chris Hughton’s tenure.

There was something extra special in the air against Leicester, the noise level at the City Ground was deafening at times, something that Mark Chapman, Alan Shearer and Wes Morgan alluded to on several occasions during commentary. Many older

Reds fans will immediately pick out the Cologne game as the most electric of atmospheres sampled during their time supporting the club at the City Ground, but for those who weren’t even born when that happened, February 6, 2022, may well be their new moment of history and why not?

I lost count of how many shots had peppered Danny Ward’s goal during the tie, but the overall performance was as close to perfect as I’ve seen in an awfully long time. Outstanding games from Zinckernagel, Garner, Spence, Worrall, McKenna, Johnson, Davis, and the list goes on. Even the substitutes were flawless, Colback, Surridge, Cafu and Silva slotted in seamlessly and even began to showboat at times. In the words of my late father John Corry, “it was like a day you’d send away for.”

The burning question was could Forest continue the

momentum of the cup at second placed Championship side Blackburn Rovers? They certainly did thanks to a 2-0 win and at the time of writing sit in the final play-off place as a result of doing so.

If Mull of Kintyre has inspired our supporters prior to any given kick off then the latest post match music may well have the potential to light the promotion touch paper, because like every single Nottingham Forest supporter right now I just can’t get enough!

Written by Steve Corry

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Onwards And Upwards !!!

With the first fixture of the New Year already behind us and a win to boot we quickly found ourselves looking to push on and to start putting some results together as we had done earlier in the season. A poor December results wise had left us a little bit dumbfounded as the fixtures we had been involved in bore little fruition from a point securing position even though some of the performances had justified better. But this is football and this is what happens and you have to look onwards to move upwards.

Coleshill Town 1-1 Carlton Town We moved in to January knowing that we had to put things behind us and get back to some sort of consistency if we are to cement ourselves in the place-offs and our next opponents on the list were Coleshill Town. The Colemen as ourselves were sitting in the top seven of the Division looking also at pushing for a top five place showed on the day why they are where they are in the league. The opposition were solid and relentless in their approach as well as organised and disciplined and The Millers found them extremely frustrating and difficult to breakdown. The game was pretty evenly matched throughout until the home side would manage to find a way through The Millers resolve ten minutes after the break. This spurred Carlton on as we knew what was at stake and after relentless efforts and what seemed an age we finally broke through forcing the opposition to concede in their own net nearly twenty minutes later.

The game played out for the final quarter of an hour with both sides looking to gain the advantage but unfortunately a mighty resolve would not be defeated.

Carlton 2-0 Wisbech Town Next on the list were Wisbech Town and a personal favourite of mine with my family connection with the club. Despite their lowly league position and some good results and performances The Fenmen were no likely walkovers as some have suggested in the past. The opposition on the day played with a lot of endeavour and resilience and at times made it difficult for us to play with our usual competency. It would take us twenty minutes to break their ranks when new boy Aaron O’Connor would net his first for the club in what proved to be a very tight affair. This is how the score line would remain for the next fifty minutes before Nat Watson would finally take the pressure off and ensure the points were taken.

Loughborough Dynamo 2-2 Carlton Town So with seven points from our last three fixtures we headed off down the road to Loughborough and to a fixture that always produces entertaining combat. This one didn’t fail in that aspect either as The Millers went straight at it from the start. We were rewarded very early on with a great strike from Nat Watson before twenty minutes in the home side would level it with a dubious penalty decision. Ten minutes on and the home side no doubt encouraged by their stroke of fortune would take the lead in a game that initially

looked like Carlton had a hold of. The game would ebb and flow in the second half before Tom Maddison would eventually even things up with twenty minutes left.

Carlton Town 2-1 Soham Town Rangers Despite our resounding victory over the opposition previously we knew this one wasn’t going to be history repeating itself as the opposition on the day came with a game plan to try and frustrate us. Just under half an hour in we would break their ranks with a strike from Watson before the opposition would ‘close shop’ and batten down their hatches. The second period was pretty much the same as the first as Carlton as usual would take the half to the opposition and gain a further advantage ten minutes into it with a finish from the now fit again Aaron Opoku. Soham to their credit didn’t collapse and provided a late flourish pulling one back five minutes from time to leave The Millers biting their nails.

Histon 2-0 Carlton Town With a steady string of results behind us and an unbeaten month behind us we headed off to Cambridgeshire and to a fixture that we knew was going to be a difficult one against a side that are fighting for their status. This was not a good day for The Millers as we found it very difficult to create any real edge when we needed to. Time and time again we were thwarted by a very hard-working opposition as we tried to break their ranks. The home side would eventually break the deadlock midway through the second half with two goals in a five minute spell and break The

Millers hearts sending us home with our tails between our legs in a game they thoroughly deserved to win.

With twelve fixtures remaining and still a lot of football to be played we are still sitting in a good position within the league as we edge closer to it’s completion. There are still many twists and turns to occur and it is now going to be a case of who is the braver that will step over the line. Our passion and desire remains and our positivity despite it having been rocked by our last result will not be defeated as we push and push for our place in the top five.

Forthcoming Fixtures: 8th Feb Sporting Khalsa (h) 12th Feb Spalding United (a) 16th Feb Ollerton Town (a) (Senior Cup) 19th Feb Halesowen Town (h) 26th Feb Ilkeston Town (a)

Article by Phil Jennings

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Forest Women through to

FAWNL Plate semi-final

Forest Women book place in FA Women's National League Plate semi-final Steggles header secures win for The Reds

with a big chance on the stroke of half-time, with Amy West's free-kick falling for Charlotte Steggles who spun and fired a shot at the Alnwick 'keeper. The rebound fell for Mitchell who also saw a close-range effort superbly Head Coach Andy Cook made a host of changes to the saved.

HALF-TIME: Alnwick side which lost to ManchesTown 0-0 Nottingham Forest ter City in the Vitality FA Women Women's Cup fourth round Forest made a change at the last time out. break as Aja Aguirre replaced New signings Gianna Emily Batty in goal, after the Mitchell and Tamara Willatter picked up an injury in cock made their debuts for the first half.

The Reds, whilst the likes of Moncaster fired a longMai Moncaster and Niamh Reynolds also returned to the range effort over the crossbar and on the hour mark, starting line-up.

Wilcock drove into the area The Reds made a bright before sending a shot wide. start, with Niamh Reynolds In the 67th minute though, firing over the crossbar from The Reds finally broke the the edge of the area inside deadlock. Hayley James' three minutes. dangerous free-kick delivery In the 17th minute, Emily found the head of Steggles Batty was on-hand to produce an excellent save to keep who nodded in at the far post. out an Alnwick free-kick Chances were few and far from distance. between for both sides in Mitchell's first involvement the final stages, with Forest saw her powerfully drive forholding on to book their ward with the ball down the place in the semi-finals of the right channel before seeing a FA Women's National League dangerous cut-back cleared.

Plate.

Mitchell was then fouled, The Reds will travel to leading to Amy West firing a free-kick narrowly wide. The Cheltenham Town on Sunday, 6th March. forward then played the ball FULL-TIME: Alnwick forward to Reynolds whose looping effort was kept out by Town 0-1 Nottingham Forest Women the Alnwick goalkeeper.

STARTING XI The Reds were presented Nottingham Forest Wom-

en (4-3-3): Emily Batty (Aja Aguirre 46'); Grace Walters, Olivia Cook (Rosie Axten 60'), Charlotte Steggles, Hayley James; Amy West, Mai Moncaster, Niamh Reynolds (Alice Higginbottom 80'); Tamara Wilcock, Gianna

Mitchell, Naomi Powell ANDY COOK'S VIEW "It was a solid performance on a tough afternoon under tough conditions.

"We managed to rotate the squad, enabling players to get more minutes and allowing

Tamara and Gianna to get a full 90 minutes under their belts.

Alnwick had a resolute game plan and we found it tough to break them down.

They were buoyed by their

result against Leeds and we had to find a way around it which we managed to do.

“To score from a set piece is pleasing as we showed a different side to our game."

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