. February 2019 - Wilcop Media

February 2019

Nottingham News, Notts Sport

Nottingham Forest have confirmed after extensive negotiations that an agreement with the City Council for an extended lease on The City Ground has been completed.

This extended lease means the club are now able to proceed with plans to redevelop The City Ground and surrounding area. Central to this redevelopment will be the creation of a new, world-class Peter Taylor Stand and improvements to the Trentside area, Brian Clough and Bridgford Stands.

The new Peter Taylor Stand will see the introduction of world-class facilities including a museum, a new club shop, range of hospitality lounge options and restaurants and executive boxes. In addition to this there will be new spacious concourses for general-admission supporters as well as improved facilities for supporters with disabilities and a substantial increase in wheelchair spaces.

The club will now enter a period of consultation and engagement with the relevant supporter groups before making the necessary planning application.

Subject to the relevant consents the club are hopeful that building work will commence at the end of the 2019-20 season. The new, modern, state-of-the-art structure will see The City Ground’s capacity become the highest in the East Midlands, reaching 38,000 after completion.

Not since 1994 has The City Ground undergone any major development work. Even the previous redevelopment projects are dwarfed by the scale of the investment proposed in the new plans. The proposals illustrate the long-term strategy and commitment of the owner, Mr Evangelos Marinakis, to fully rebuild the football club.

Working with globally recognised architects Benoy, the project is ‘born in Nottingham, designed in Nottingham, built in Nottingham, from and for the people of Nottingham’.

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

Opens Sat 2 March – 22 December 2019 (selected dates)

Belvoir Castle Launches Biggest Season in a Decade Ahead of its Opening Weekend

Belvoir Castle has launched its biggest season in a decade with a packed visitor programme for the Leicestershire castle and garden to follow the opening of its £2.5 million artisan shopping village.

The Castle has greatly increased its opening days over the last three years with 2019 seeing it gear up to welcome more visitors than ever from 2 March onwards.   The new and improved offer includes opening up The Dooms, the castle’s underground tunnels, and the introduction of characters from upstairs and downstairs to bring the 1,000 year history to life for visitors of all ages.  

Emma, The Duchess of Rutland launched the 2019 season at Belvoir Castle ahead of its public opening on Saturday 2 March, with the help of The Knights of Nottingham proudly wearing the blue and gold ducal colours of the Leicestershire Estate. The popular jousting weekend returns this summer for the first time in 10 years.  

The Duchess of Rutland said: “I’m delighted to be launching this new and exciting season which promises to be our biggest in more than a decade. We feel so very fortunate to be acting as custodians for what is a short time in Belvoir’s many centuries of history and we hope to share Belvoir’s many treasures, history, stories and art with an inviting offer for visitors.”  

Once inside the turreted Regency castle – which doubles as Windsor in Netflix’s The Crown – visitors will meet a host of historical characters including the 5th Duchess Elizabeth Manners, instrumental in rebuilding Belvoir Castle after it was destroyed in a fire in 1816; the Housekeeper Elizabeth Stanley and Butler Thomas Douglas going about their duties in the Castle’s grand rooms. New for the 2019 season, they are just some of the characters who will be bringing the history to life for visitors this year.  

In the early 18th Century, along with Trentham and Chatsworth, the gardens at Belvoir were regarded as some of the greatest north of London – and the Duchess is determined to continue redeveloping these beautiful gardens to restore them to their former glory.
 
This year marks the beginning of a £200,000 restoration of the Rose Garden, following the rediscovery of the original plans drawn up by the 19th century designer Harold Peto in the Castle archives. These reveal that the Rose Garden is shaped like a boat, with the Chinese horse at the bow, and the circular seat at the stern. Visitors can explore the classical formal gardens, woodlands and views across the rural countryside from the castle’s hilltop position.  

An Annual Pass has also been launched to provide an affordable way for children, adults and families to visit the Castle and Gardens throughout the year. With tens of thousands of people enjoying the Engine Yard offer right next to the castle since its opening in October, the pass will enable the regular clientele to visit as often as they wish.  

A packed events programme is planned for the year ahead with more to be confirmed throughout the season.  

Easter Eggstravaganza: 19-22 April Get egg-static this Easter at Belvoir Castle and Engine Yard, with exciting activities for all the family, including a Nursery Rhyme Treasure Hunt, chocolate egg decorating, face painting, a visit from the farm animals and a chance to see incredible birds of prey in flight. The Easter Bunny and her friends will also be popping in. Easter Afternoon Tea will be available at the Castle.
 
A Knight’s Quest: 1 & 2 June The Knights of Nottingham will be back to Belvoir for the first time in 10 years for the ever popular jousting weekend. See the beautiful horses and knights dressed in all their glory. Meet and greet with Belvoir’s Birds of Prey, and experience Belvoir in the Middle Ages. Tickets available.  

Belvoir Flower and Garden Festival: 13 & 14 July An expansion on the Flower Festival from 2018, this will be a quintessential British day out packed with garden inspiration and ideas. Specialist plant growers, garden furniture, sculpture artists, show gardens, border displays, tools and crafts as well as Expert Horticulturists will be on hand to answer gardening questions. Tickets available.

The Castle is open on selected dates from Saturday 2 March throughout the year from 11.00am – 5.30pm (check website for up-to-date opening schedule). Ticket prices for the Castle and Garden start from £18 adult, £9 children (under 4s free) for a free flow, with family tickets for 2 adults, three children now available at the new and lower price of £50. Discounts available for online advance bookings.   www.belvoircastle.com  
Nottingham News, Notts Sport

Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club has announced the second-highest annual surplus in its history for the year ending September 2018.

The £908,260 profit comes on the back of a record-breaking year of attendances for domestic cricket, together with a sell-out programme of international fixtures and success across the commercial functions of the Club.

The result, which comes on the back of a £279,000 profit the previous year, was driven by a £2.3 million increase in annual turnover from £10.8 to £13.1 million.

The average T20 Vitality Blast attendance of 11,377 represented 11% year-on-year growth in 2018 – and the Club’s Membership figure of 8,234 was the highest for a non-Ashes year.

“These results no doubt emphasise the importance of international cricket to our ongoing sustainability,” said Chief Executive Lisa Pursehouse.

“However, I’m delighted that maintaining consistent growth in attendances for membership and domestic cricket at Trent Bridge has also contributed to the bottom line.”

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T20 Vitality Blast tickets go on general sale on Monday 4 March. Be among the first to snap up your seats by registering your interest to access a priority booking window here…

Nottingham News, Notts Sport

Officers who oversaw the policing of tMonday’s Championship match between Nottingham Forest and Derby County have thanked the majority of supporters for their good behaviour during the course of the evening’s match.

Superintendent Steve Cartwright, Nottinghamshire Police’s match commander for the game, said: “Weeks of planning from Nottinghamshire Police, Derbyshire Constabulary, the two clubs, supporters groups and a host of other organisations go on behind-the-scenes to ensure the public can enjoy these events safely, so we are pleased to report that the evening has passed largely without incident thanks to the behaviour of the majority of fans.

“However, I am disappointed by a small minority of so-called supporters who continue to see these matches as an excuse to behave in an antisocial way, needlessly putting the safety of both sets of players, our officers and their fellow supporters at risk through their actions.

“That said, I would again like to thank the majority of supporters who did their teams proud, with most of the just under 29,000-strong crowd inside the City Ground being able to enjoy the match – and the evening as a whole – safely and sensibly.”

By 10.30pm on the evening of the match, four males had been arrested in connection with incidents reported before, during and after the match.

Officers will continue their work in the days that follow to investigate further offences which have been reported during the course of the evening.

In addition to the four arrests, another male was issued a Section 35 dispersal notice prior to kick-off, ordering him to leave the area surrounding the City Ground.

Nottingham News

Detectives are investigating after a woman in her sixties was robbed in the Tavistock Drive area of Mapperley Park.

A man approached her at around 7.15pm on Sunday (24 February 2019). He hit her on the head, causing her to fall to the ground and took her handbag. She suffered minor injuries.

The man searched the handbag and then fled in the direction of Lucknow Avenue (pictured on map). It’s possible he could have discarded the handbag in nearby gardens so officers are asking residents to keep an eye out. It is a navy blue bag with a monkey on the strap and black/blue purse. If you see something suspicious in your garden, then please leave it where it is and call us to recover it.

The offender is described as being in his early to mid-20s, Asian, around 6ft tall, of a slim build and wearing ‘smart’ clothing which included a black jacket.　

It’s believed he was loitering in the area before the attack. If you saw him or have any information that could help, particularly in relation to CCTV, please call us on 101 quoting incident 858 of 24 February. You can also call anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.　

Nottingham News

Officers are appealing for information after a man suffered what is believed to be stab wounds.

He turned up at a house in Ransom Road, St Ann’s, with the injuries at around 3.05pm today (Tuesday 26 February) but the circumstances of the incident are still being investigated.

He was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-altering.

Officers were quickly on the scene and have put up a cordon in Ransom Road and Cromer Road in connection with the incident and are making house-to-house enquiries looking for CCTV footage.

Anyone who saw or heard anything in the area is urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 495 of 26 February 2019, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Nottingham News

Updates on the Growth Boards in West Bridgford, Bingham, East Leake and Radcliffe-on-Trent are now available on the Rushcliffe Borough Council website, providing up to date information to local stakeholders, residents and business owners alike.

The groups are made up of public sector partners, local representatives of the community and business sectors who are working together to agree, plan and implement a long term vision in these towns and villages.

It ensures they have the support and infrastructure in place to meet the needs of the existing and future residents as these settlements grow in the coming years.

You can find out more about the items and local issues the Boards have addressed so far and hear of updates following their regular meetings by visiting https://www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/business/growthboards/

The Borough is growing significantly over the next decade with 13,150 new homes planned for the Borough by 2028, the Growth Boards are an integral part of ensuring we proactively plan to create communities that will be desirable to live, work and play in.

Cllr Andy Edyvean, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Business said: “This area of our website is now a central point for all enquiries for the latest in each of our Growth Board areas.

“It is important that we are keeping people informed of the work of the growth boards and how their plans are progressing and developing.

“Updates will be posted on the webpage following each quarterly meeting so we would encourage residents to look out for further updates.”

Activity undertaken across all of the Growth Board areas so far includes a retail health check of each area to understand the challenges and opportunities within Rushcliffe’s high streets and accompanying workshops for local businesses.

The #WDYT social media campaign last year was also used to encourage more small independent retailers to adopt the use of social media and drive up footfall on the high street.

Shop front improvement grants have been introduced to support local retailers and the Great British High Street social media campaign championed Rushcliffe’s local high streets, which has evolved into a High Street Heroes campaign to further highlight their initiatives.

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care, Lancs Sport

Carly Evans – whose daughter and son were both born naturally at 29 weeks – is running London Landmarks Half Marathon in March 2019 for charity, Bliss.

Miss Evans said of the charity: “The main reason I’m running is to give back for what Bliss do medical wise, to make sure our babies are here today, fit and healthy.

“They are miracle workers and if I can give something back and maybe help another family, even if it’s in the slightest, I will be happy.”

Bliss – which was founded in 1979 – is a charity in the UK for babies born premature or sick.
It was founded after a group of concerned parents noticed that no hospital had the equipment or trained staff to safely care for vulnerable babies.
Their mission is to be as involved as possible in the process of caring for sick or premature babies, supporting research that will enable better outcomes, and supporting neonatal professionals to deliver high quality care for babies.

In 2011, Carly gave birth to her first child, Daisy-Rae, in Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
Her daughter weighed 3lb 4oz at birth but dropped down to 2lb 6oz.
Daisy-Rae was on the unit for just over seven weeks but was able to go home almost four weeks before her due date.

Carly said: “I witnessed first-hand how stressful it is for parents’ to support their baby while being so far away from home.

“I was lucky enough that I lived close to get to and from the unit, but families travelling far were given phenomenal support by Bliss.”

The 27-year-olds second child, Jude, was born in 2017 at Arrowe Park Hospital, weighing 3lb 2oz.

He was transferred to the Liverpool Women’s Hospital when he was one week old and remained there for five more weeks.
Carly said: “Daisy took a long time to gain weight and strength after dropping down to 2lb 6oz.

“Jude was like a mini superman. He only lost 2oz and gained weight straight away.”

Miss Evans spent a lot of time on the neonatal unit alone and spoke to numerous consultants, doctors and nurses.

“The information they give you is a lot to take in all at once and remember”, she explained.

“But the staff at Bliss help you to understand exactly where the babies are up to and are there to reassure you.

“The care my own two had was unbelievable and I will be forever grateful to everyone involved in getting them stronger and back home with me both times.”

You can donate to Carly Evans’ charity half marathon here:

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/carly-evans29?utm_campaign

Lancashire News, Lancs Leisure

In 1800, a 15 year old girl called Mary Jones walked 26 miles from Llanfihangel y Pennant to Bala to buy a book.

What was that book? And why did her journey inspire a movement that’s still thriving today?

Mary Jones World is a state of the art visitor and education Centre brings Mary’s story to life through multimedia and interactive displays, exhibits and activities. Set on the edge of Llyn Tegid in a redeveloped Grade 2-listed building, visitors can discover the impact Mary’s story has had on Wales and the rest of the world.

The Centre warmly welcomes all visitors, pre-booked groups and school visits for which staff can arrange a visit that caters to their needs. The bespoke education facility provide a great setting for pupils to learn whilst having plenty of fun participating in various activities.

Awarded Visit Wales’ Hidden Gem award for a second year, Mary Jones World is idyllically placed in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. The Centre is along some of the best walking and cycling routes in the UK, and the beautiful backdrop of the Welsh mountains provides an ideal stop for any journey.

The café serves refreshments in a picturesque location with a picnic area, facilities and children’s playground – the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy.

The Centre reopens for the 2019 season on Monday April 1 and will be open 7 days a week until Saturday November 2 from 10am – 5pm (last entry 4pm). If you know of someone who would love to visit please contact the Centre on 01678 521877 or email centre.manager@bydmaryjonesworld.org.uk. More information can also be found on their website www.bydmaryjonesworld.org.uk

Lancashire News, Lancs Health & Care

To show support for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (1–31 March), doctors at NHS Blackburn with Darwen and NHS East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) are encouraging women in the local area to familiarise themselves with the key symptoms of the disease.

Every year 7,300 women in the UK are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Compared to other countries, fewer women in the UK live for a year following a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Early diagnosis could prolong the life of many women.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common types of cancer experienced by women. It mainly affects women who have been through the menopause (usually over the age of 50), but it can sometimes affect younger women.

Common symptoms include:

  • Feeling bloated for a long period of time
  • Swollen stomach
  • Discomfort in your stomach or pelvic area
  • Needing to pee more often
  • Feeling full quickly when eating

There are several signs to look out for, it does not mean you have cancer but it is good to get things checked out and to be safe.

Make an appointment and go see your GP if you have been bloated for the last three weeks, you are experiencing other symptoms of ovarian cancer or you have a family history of the disease.

The main treatments available include surgery, which often involves removing ovaries, the womb and the fallopian tubes. Chemotherapy is usually used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells but is sometimes used before surgery to shrink the cancer.

Dr Neil Smith GP cancer lead at the CCGs said:

“At the moment, women in the UK are being diagnosed with ovarian cancer too late. We need to educate local residents on the symptoms so it can be caught more quickly.

“Women who feel they are experiencing symptoms of ovarian cancer should contact their GP for a check-up.

“With an early diagnosis, life expectancy increases dramatically, so it is important for women to know what the signs are before it becomes too late.”

In total, about half of women with ovarian cancer will live for at least five years after diagnosis and around one in three will live at least 10 years.

For more information about ovarian cancer, including the symptoms and treatments, visit http://www.nhs.uk. To find out about the survival statistics visit Cancer Research UK.