. March 2019 - Page 3 of 5 - Wilcop Media

March 2019

Nottingham News

The first thing that strikes you when talking to Paul Toms is his professionalism, passion and a burning desire to help people who think they have nowhere to turn. Paul started EMEA Recruitment 2007. The company has since expanded and now has offices in Switzerland, The Netherlands and the UK. Now employing 35 people in the Lace Market office EMEA Recruitment has become a succesful international recruitment business which allows Paul & Kelly the time to build a new business, webuynghouse.com.

webuynghouse.com looks to help people who need to sell their property through financial problems, relocating to another city, breakdown of a marriage or partnership or simply would like to realise the true market value of their property. Most companies that buy homes look to take advantage of a sellers financial situation by obtain the property at the lowest possible price, and then selling on for a healthy profit.

Paul & Kelly try to find a solution where both parties are really happy with any deal rather than create a situation where the homeowner has to become a reluctant seller with no other alternative than enter into a deal feeling disappointed with the outcome. People may say this sounds too good to be true but webuynghouse.com are open and honest from the very first contact.

In a recent example a gentleman who had just been divorced, went through a tough emotional time, lost his job and was unable to pay the mortgage for three months. He needed the full market value of his house to be able to sell, the house was marketed by an estate agent and while there were plenty of viewings the offers that followed were too low to be accepted.
The house was on the verge of being repossessed when webuynghouse.com stepped in to help.

Together with the client a solution was found. webuynghouse.com paid of his debts, helped him find somewhere else to live, paid the legal fees and bought the house at market rate. If you are need to sell your house you really should give webuynghouse.com a call on 0115 824 7401

Nottingham News

An Ashfield private landlord has been ordered to pay almost £10,000 after numerous hazards were found in the rented home of a family with four children.Nottingham magistrates heard Leon Derrick of Netherfield, had been given nearly a year to carry out the repairs, failed to attended the court hearing and shown no regard for his tenant’s safety.

After a complaint in January last year, Ashfield District Council’s Environmental Health Officers visited the house on Bentinck Street, Hucknall. They found no fire detectors, a missing door, no buttons on the gas hob and repairs were required to an outhouse roof, which had partly collapsed. Lauren Gimson, prosecuting, told the court: “There was no gas safety certificate or evidence of the gas boiler being regularly serviced. There was damp and mould and floorboards were missing.” Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service were called in by Ashfield District Council’s Private Sector Enforcement team to fit smoke detectors and provide fire safety advice. At the time of the first inspection, one of the children was a young baby. All are aged under 12, and the landlord failed to address any risk and left the family in poor conditions.

A fine of £9,000 was imposed on Derrick. He was ordered to pay £829.41 council costs and a victim surcharge of £170. He was found guilty in his absence of failing to comply with an improvement notice issued by the council in February last year. Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council said “This shows the Council’s commitment in bringing rogue landlords to justice. The hard work by all Council officers involved means we will now be able to pursue further action to make the property safe for the tenants. This should act as warning to all rogue landlords in the district that poor and squalid housing is not acceptable and we will come after you.

Nottingham News

More environmentally minded food and drink outlets are joining Refill Rushcliffe, encouraging thirsty passers-by to refill their reusable bottles with water and reduce single use plastic alternatives. Volunteer and Rushcliffe resident Ami Harrison is among those helping to introduce the scheme at more sites across the Borough, having recently approached outlets in Radcliffe-on-Trent and Bingham, as the volume of outlets registering on the easy to use app fast approaches 50.

She was joined on a recent trip to Bingham by Leader of the Council Cllr Simon Robinson and Bingham West ward councillors Cllr Francis Purdue-Horan and Cllr John Stockwood.

They met Rose & May Deli owner Ian Turner from the town who has been among the businesses to recently join the scheme. Cllr Robinson said: “It is heartening to see more and more venues in the Borough sign up to this excellent and most simple of initiatives.

“A thank you to all businesses who are taking their environmental responsibilities seriously and joining the scheme. “Some are even proudly stating they are completely plastic free which highlights the true spirit of what can be achieved when we all assess our plastic usage.
“Thanks too go to volunteers such as Ami who have approached us to help spread the word and alert businesses to how they can sign up by downloading the app.”

Ami highlighted businesses manage the registration to the scheme themselves meaning they can continue to support reducing plastic usage even if they move premises or expand.

She said: “I am really pleased that more businesses in Rushcliffe are registering to the scheme. I am meeting so many positive business owners who have a passion for making a difference with plastic reduction wherever they can.

“It takes a matter of minutes to register and I am sure as the warmer days arrive in spring and summer the free water refills will only encourage more people to use the participating outlets and their reusable cups.”

Nottingham News, Notts Weddings

  1. Image Quality/Style
    The quality of a photographer’s portfolio should be the first thing that captures your attention. A good photographer should be able to offer clients a variety of styles, capturing the personalities of the bride and groom and showcasing the happiness and fun of the day. Be clear on what style you would like and make sure the photographer can provide this in their portfolio. If you are drawn to a particular photographer, make sure you ask to view all of their images (not just the favourites they pick for their websites!) so that you can check the image quality is consistent throughout. Be aware that photographers have different editing techniques. If an image is heavily edited then chances are this will be a common theme within their photography portfolio and is usually an attempt to try to cover up poor quality.
    Above all, the style of the images should say something about you both as a couple. Whether you are looking for relaxed and informal photography or you would like to go for a more adventurous and contemporary style, be sure to do your homework and shop around.
  2. Personality
    As a bride and groom, you put a lot of trust and faith in your wedding photographer. In order to get the best images and a true account of the most important day of your life, it is imperative that you feel comfortable and relaxed in their presence. You can usually tell within the first 5 minutes of meeting someone, whether you feel a rapport or connection. First impressions are key and if you instantly strike a bond then you are on to a good thing. If you feel uncomfortable around your photographer for whatever reason then this will become very apparent in your wedding photos. Also, think of your guests. If your wedding photographer is approachable, friendly and down to earth, your guests will be at ease allowing the photographer to blend in and capture the day as it naturally unfolds rather than a forced and posed account. Remember, a true smile is impossible to fake so choose wisely and ensure you meet with your photographer a couple of times before confirming your booking.
  3. Value For Money/Cost
    This can often be a deciding factor for a lot of brides and grooms and although it is a vital element, it should not be the basis for your decision. High-end prices do not always guarantee the highest quality but likewise, reasonable pricing does not always depict low quality. A photographer should be open about their pricing structures and in turn, you should be clear on your budget. Neither one of you wants to waste any time so a clear dialogue right from the beginning will resolve this.
    Your photographer should offer a variety of packages to suit all and should always be flexible with pricing and what is included within each package. Your photographer is providing a service and each couple will have different expectations and requirements so do make sure that your photographer can tailor make a package to suit your needs.
    Always remember to ask about any hidden extras. Some photographers charge an additional fee for editing, VAT, creating artwork for an album or even travel and food expenses. You should always ensure that all costs are detailed in a quote before entering in to any contractual agreement.
  4. Experience
    The experience a photographer has will play a large part in the organisation and structure of the day. I am sure many photographers will agree that they have often played the role of coordinator, photographer, master of ceremonies and children’s entertainer. Taking the photos is just a small part of being a wedding photographer and without the necessary experience and the ability to perform under constant pressure important moments can be easily missed.
    Always try to choose a wedding photographer who has already worked at your wedding venue. This isn’t a necessity but your photographer must show a willingness to meet at the venue regularly, exploring the best photo locations and opportunities as well as taking the time to run through the structure of the day. It is also a good idea for the photographer to meet with the venue proprietor/wedding coordinator to make sure everyone is clear on the days agenda from start to finish.
    Ensure you ask how many weddings they have covered since they began trading and how long they have been in the business.
    This doesn’t mean that they are any less capable if they have only be trading for a short period of time but will give you a good idea of experience gained. Similarly, if a photographer has been in the business for years and has experience in abundance, you may want to check that their style has moved with the times and will meet the expectations of a modern day bride and groom.
  5. Recommendations/Word Of Mouth
    A lot of my bookings have come through recommendations from previous clients and word of mouth. If your friends and family have been happy with the quality of the service and work of a particular photographer then chances are, you will be too. Again, this should not be the main reason for your choice but should be the final piece of the jigsaw. Speak to your friends about their experiences with their wedding photographer and try to make use of tips and advice from those who have organised their own weddings. A good photographer will always be able to give you a testimonial from previous clients upon request or even provide you with contact details should you wish to hear from them directly. In conclusion, these top 5 tips should not be considered to be in any order of importance. Each point is as important as the next and when choosing the right wedding photographer for you, a combination of all of these factors should be used as a basis for your decision. May I wish you all the best of luck in your wedding planning and a long and happy future together.
Nottingham News, Notts Health & Care

Whether it’s lunch with work colleagues or an evening celebrating with friends, most of us tend to eat less healthily when we eat in restaurants, pubs and cafes. Senior Dietitian Victoria Taylor offers her tips for eating out without overdoing it.Believe it or not, it is possible to eat, drink and be merry without overdoing it. Here are my tips for having a good time while keeping an eye on your waistline and good health.

  1. How often are you eating out?
    A one-off meal out probably won’t make any difference to your health in the grand scheme of things, so enjoy it. However, if it’s one of many, consider carefully how it fits into your overall diet. This could mean having a lighter meal in the evening, like soup or a sandwich, if you had a big meal earlier in the day. Or you could choose the healthiest menu options to make the meal fit into your normal diet, rather than just going for your favourites.
  2. Check what’s on the menu
    Don’t be afraid to ask the restaurant to adapt dishes
    One of the best ways to ensure you make healthy choices when eating out is to check the menu before you arrive, whether online or in person. It means you can choose your meal without others influencing you. Many larger restaurant chains offer nutritional information online.
  3. How many courses?
    The tendency when we eat out is to have more than we would at home. Sticking to just one course once you see what everyone else is having is hard. Decide before you begin if you are going to have a starter or a dessert, and which one you’ll find easier to decline. Having a coffee or cup of tea while others have a pudding is a good way to round off a meal, or you could share a pudding with others.
  4. Adapt your dishes
    Don’t be afraid to ask the restaurant to adapt dishes. It’s not usually a problem to replace chips with a jacket potato, salad or vegetables. You can also ask for no extra cheese, butter or oil, and to put sauces in a dish on the side.
  5. Portion control
    A small portion of saladIt can be easy to eat more than you intended when eating out. If you don’t want to feel too stuffed, consider a starter (perhaps with a side order of vegetables), instead of a main course, or ask for a smaller portion.
  6. Keep it lean
    Choose dishes which are based on lean proteins like chicken or turkey (where you can remove the skin) or lean red meats like fillet of pork or beef. Avoid fattier cuts of meat like belly pork or rump steak and remove any visible fat like the fat around the edge of a chop. Watch out for battered and deep fried dishes – even if the contents are lean (like chicken, fish, tofu or vegetables) the coating means they will come with lots of extra fat and calories.
  7. A bit on the side
    Having a coffee or cup of tea while others have a pudding is a good way to round off a meal. Having a good helping of vegetables with your meal will add vitamins, minerals and fibre and help you towards your five a day, but beware vegetables that come with added butter, cheese sauce or salt. Ask the server for more information and see if there are any healthier alternatives.
  8. Be drink aware
    Keeping alcoholic drinks within the guidelines is important, particularly if you are going to be socialising more than usual. Try not to exceed the recommended 2–3 units a day for women and 3–4 for men. Don’t forget the calories that drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, can add. If you can, choose sugar-free drinks or water, and alternate these with any alcoholic drinks you are having.
  9. Entertain at home
    A dinner partyWe all enjoy eating out sometimes, but have you considered inviting family or friends round for a meal? That way you can control what’s on the menu, and it’s often cheaper, too. Ask your guests to bring a dish if you don’t want to be overwhelmed by cooking, although don’t forget to let them know if you want them to bring a healthier option.
  10. Fancy a nibble?
    Nibbles are always a very tempting option. It’s fine to indulge in a shortbread biscuit, or a chocolate sweet, but sticking to a regular pattern of meals and snacks will help to make sure you aren’t hungry between meals and help maintain your willpower.
Nottingham News, Notts What's On

Experience a great traditional family day out this Spring at Nottinghamshire County Show.  New for this year are three HOYS Qualifiers, including British Ridden Heavy Horse of the Year and, following on from the success of the dedicated ‘Heavies Ring’ in 2018, our Heavy Horse ‘Village’ will have even more to entertain, including ‘working horse’ demonstrations on both days. These working horses will also be taking part in the Heritage Harvesting parade in the Main Ring. This first show of the season showcases the best cattle, sheep, goats and pigs alongside superb equine events, including majestic ‘heavies’ and first-class showjumping.
Classes and competitions run all day both days. In addition to the usual farmyard favourites, will be gun dogs, hunting hounds, giant tortoises, and birds of prey.  Children will particularly enjoy the antics of the animals in the Countryside Area and alongside old favourites like the Sheep Show will be fascinating demonstrations of heritage crafts such as coracle making and fashioning traditional hats from straw.

A welcome sight will be the return of last year’s very popular 8ft stilted animatronic character, Froojamaflip, and his hilarious sidekick, Fred the Gardener. New for this year is a ‘Magic Wand Making Workshop’ run by Amerton Arts and suitable for children from around 4 years old.
The courses run all day and are a drop-in format with around 20 places for each course. Featuring as the Main Ring attraction is Dzhigitovka, an exciting Cossack trick-riding spectacular, straight from Russia, with fabulously costumed riders and dare-devil horses, performing to crowd-pleasing music and bringing a flavour of the legendary warriors on horseback, masters of sword, archery and outstanding gymnastic skills. Visitors can look forward to visiting the Farriery Competition marquee where they can watch experienced and apprentice-level farriers getting very hot under the collar as they demonstrate their horseshoe making skills to compete for prizes.

The marquee will be located near the Heavy Horse Village.
Visit the recently rejuvenated Food Experience area to sample and buy tasty locally-made produce and where youngsters are encouraged to check out the NFU Discovery Barn. Then step next door to admire the gorgeous floral art displays in the Lady Eastwood Centre and those with small children in tow may want to let them try their hand at floral crafts in the ‘Have A Go’ children’s corner. With ample opportunity to shop for crafts, gifts and clothing, many items on sale will not be available in the high street stores.
The Show benefits from plenty of food outlets, with inside or outdoor seating, where tasty snacks, two-courses lunches, hot and cold drinks, including beers and wine, can be bought and enjoyed. Offering a fun-packed weekend of family entertainment, the Show successfully combines tradition with modern-day life – from discovery and adventure to hands-on experiences and learning while you watch – there really is something for everyone.

See www.nottingamshirecountyshow.com for further details and Membership information.

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

Spring may be in the air, but in terms of going out, there’s a lot going on indoors in and around Nottingham throughout March. Before we forget, lets start with Mother’s Day. Keep a look out for activities around the City, and there are opportunities to pick up a unique gift from the numerous independent shops.

Many bars and restaurants are holding special events. Debbie Bryan in the Lace Market are holding a Mother’s Day weekender. Enjoy a delicious cream tea or afternoon tea on arrival before indulging in one of their creative activities (30-31 March) and Chef Craig Floate is back at the venue with a terrific vegan menu for a very special Sunday Mother’s Day dinner in the evening. The dinner includes 3 courses with a cocktail and snacks on arrival. or let Mum be spoilt with a lunch at Harts Restaurant (31 March).
For something completely different, take her on a deluxe river cruise of the Trent. A three hour cruise includes a two course dinner and Mum gets a complimentary Rose.

Speaking of food and drink, there’s the opportunity to take an introduction to the world’s major wine regions with Notts Derby Wine School on (2 March).

Gauntleys, one of the oldest independent companies in the city, situated on the entrance to Nottingham’s famous Exchange are holding a whisky tasting evening on 20 March, and discover how to create delicious components for your own afternoon tea with a hands-on course designed to help you master British patisserie.

Pastry chefs and tutors Graham and Rose Dunton have produced patisserie for some of the world’s finest hotels and restaurants and they will be share their expertise as they guide you through a day of making and baking a selection of British favourites at the School of Artisan Food in Worksop (28 March), or join National Treasures Si King and Dave Myers, aka The Hairy Bikers as they visit Nottingham, bringing with them their irresistible enthusiasm for an epic night of cooking and conversation at the Royal Concert Hall on 17 March. There’s tons of choice for music lovers too. Fatboy Slim brings his new tour to Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena (1 March) and Bryan Adams follows him on 2nd. George Ezra continues his phenomenal career as his first ever headline arena tour stops off on 12th March. Bringing the wonders and mysteries of the planet’s oceans and its inhabitants to the arena stage, Blue Planet II – Live In Concert will present a selection of incredible visuals from the BAFTA Award winning BBC One landmark series (15 March)

Up the road at the Royal Concert Hall in March are 10cc (2), The Oslo Philharmonic (7) Mike & The Mechanics (10) James 12), Billy Ocean (13), The Drifters (14), Halle (16), David Gray (23) and Symphonic Queen & the Beatles (30) theres also Wannabe, a spectacular concert created to celebrate the career of the World’s biggest girl band, the Spice Girls (10 March)
Fans of the theatre might enjoy Bumper Blyton, an improvised Enid Blyton parody for grown ups (15 March) and the Youth Theatre perform Daisy Pulls It Off at the Lace Market Theatre, an affectionate parody of boarding school adventure stories, which will again please fans of Blyton.
Fancy a laugh? Father Ted star Ardal O’Hanlon will appear at Lakeside Arts on 2 March In his latest stand-up show. Visit Nottingham’s Theatre Royal for an evening of Eric and Ern, a brilliant homage crammed full of renditions of those famous comedy sketches, that hits all the right notes! (13 March) or book a dose of Benidorm sunshine and see your favourite stars from the Solana live on stage for the very first time in Benidorm Live at The Theatre Royal (25-30 March)

Don’t forget that there are lots of local Nottingham tours and events taking place as always. My pick for March includes the Newstead Abbey Garden History Tour (31 March) The Ghosts of Nottingham Industrial Museum (2 March) The multi award winning Robin Hood Town Tour (2,9,16, 23, 30 March), the new family show, a promenade performance, starting from Nottingham Contemporary, of one of the earliest medieval Robin Hood ballads, Robin Hood & the Monk, which has been adapted for young minds and family audiences (23) There’s also the opportunity to explore Nottingham’s largest cave system, which has not been open to the public in many years, with the Peel Street Cave Tour (8, 14, 29 March)

Finally, head to the Old Market Square to enjoy a range of Irish and Irish-inspired live music on stage for St.Patricks Day on 17th March.

*Always check with the venue ahead and book if necessary. There is cost or entrance fee unless stated otherwise

Nottingham News, Notts Leisure

A little venture off the beaten track can lead to unique encounters and rewards, so indulge your curiosity with a trip to Nottingham’s lesser known, but ever-so-intriguing attractions. Too often these hidden gems remain the reserve solely of those in the know, and while you may not have heard of them before, we’re certain that once you visit, you’ll be glad you did.

The Hockley Arts Club
Tucked away down an unassuming allerway in the characterful independent district of Hockley, lies an impossibly beautiful, Garde II listed building that houses The Hockley Arts Club – a creative space for social eating and drinking. Elaborately and impeccably decorated, it’s a great spot for delectable cocktails, boozy brunches, an express lunch, intimate dinner, or a private party.

Bromley House Library
In the heart of the city lies a little-known oasis of calm, hidden away from the rush and hustle of Angel Row. Established in 1816, Bromley House Library brims with classic charm, with cosy reading nooks and curious antique features throughout, including a gorgeous original spiral staircase straight out of a storybook. Outside their tranquil and secluded walled garden is the perfect place for quiet reflection or to soak up some inspiration. Discover the delights of this hidden gem on one of their regular tours, Wednesdays at 2.30pm, or seek out their programme of thought-proving talks and inspired events.

Cave Escape
Nottingham’s curious cave network may be relatively well-known, but the latest addition to the escape room scene, Cave Escape, utilises our subterranean sandstone labyrinth with unique charm. Descend below ground for a truly immersive escapology experience, full of riveting twists and turns, cryptic tasks, conundrums, and puzzles.

Papplewick Pumping Station
Located in the scenic Nottinghamshire countryside lies a stunning feat of Victorian architecture and engineering – Papplewick Pumping Station, which is the most spectacularly preserved water works in Britain. Built in the late 19th century, ornate and elaborately decorated structures of polished mahogany and brass shine with light that streams through stained glass. Regular steam days and special events give visitors the opportunity to see the imposing boilers and impressive pumping engines at work, and to take in a tour of the underground reservoir.

Creswell Craggs
Follow in the footsteps of Ice Age man to explore the majestic landscapes of Creswell Crags and discover a world shaped by nature and carved by our ancestors. Hidden away in a picturesque limestone gorge, honeycombed with caves, lies Britain’s only known Ice Age rock art. Wander round the central lake to admire the abundant flora and fauna or be amazed by the curious discoveries that helped us understand times past on a cave tour.

Welbeck Estate
Nestled nearby you’ll find the grand Welbeck Estate, a treasure trove of brilliant attractions, and among the most intriguing of all the traditional landed estates in Nottinghamshire.

The original Abbey dates back further than the Domesday Book and has been home to the Dukes of Portland since 1607, including the eccentric ‘burrowing Duke’, who commissioned a maze of underground tunnels, along with a Gas Works to light his excavations. The building now houses the award-winning Harley Gallery – which this year celebrates 25 years of delivering engaging and intriguing exhibtions by leading artists – hosting contemporary exhibitions by leading visual artists, and the Portland Collection, showcasing the paintings, jewellery and other art collected by the Dukes over 400 years.

With a wonderful farm shop selling the best in locally sourced produce, and The School of Artisan Food offering creative cooking courses, Welbeck estate is a must-visit for lovers of art and foodies alike.

Nottingham News, Notts Health & Care

A large clinical trial involving around 40 hospitals in the UK is to investigate the best way to feed babies who are born between 10 and 7 weeks prematurely. The £1.6 million NIHR-funded study will test two methods of feeding these premature babies to gather evidence on whether introducing milk at the earliest opportunity could benefit both the baby and their family.

The FEED1 trial is led by neonatal experts at the University of Nottingham and University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust (UHDB) with support from Bliss, the leading charity for babies born premature or sick. The research will be managed by the Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit and will involve around 2,000 babies born between 30 and 33 weeks and their parents over the next 4½ years. Around 8% of babies in the UK are born prematurely and of these 12% are born between 30 and 33 weeks into the pregnancy. Currently most premature babies are fed through a drip into a vein and when stable are only given small amounts of milk by a feeding tube into their stomach. The milk is slowly increased until they are fully milk fed.

Neonatal doctors have traditionally been wary of feeding premature babies with full milk straight after birth because of a potentially life-threatening gut condition called necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). Previous evidence suggests that in babies who are in a stable condition, larger milk feeds can be successfully given within 48 hours of birth without increasing the risk of NEC and this could reduce the risk of severe infection.

Leading the work, Dr Shalini Ojha, Associate Professor of Neonatology at the University of Nottingham and Neonatal Consultant at UHDB, said: “We want to find out if babies born between 30 and 33 weeks can be safely fully milk fed from the day they are born and if avoiding giving them fluids through a drip (intravenously) can reduce infections and help them go home sooner. We also aim to help mothers to start expressing breast milk as soon as possible after the birth. We will give this milk to the baby first and then give extra milk if needed. The type of milk we use will be the mother’s decision with staff guidance, but any mother’s breast milk will always be given first.”

“We also want to gather more robust evidence about the risk of infection and gut problems in babies who have earlier milk feeding. Simultaneously, we will find out more about parents’ feelings about how their baby is fed and the impact of premature birth on breast-feeding.
The impact of this early milk feeding for premature babies on how neonatal services are delivered and the cost of care will also be explored in collaboration with health economists at the University of Warwick.”
Introducing milk feeds earlier in this group of babies who are relatively stable could have many benefits including the nutrients and protective antibodies of breast milk, as well as allowing closer bonding that comes with near-immediate contact and care from the parents. It could mean the families can be reunited sooner and it may reduce the demand for neonatal cots which are in short supply.

Parents who agree for their babies to be included in the research and who fall into the gestation category will either receive normal feeding intravenously from birth and gradual introduction of milk feeds at a later stage, or to receive milk feeds via a feeding tube into their tummies from birth. In order for the clinical trial to be a fair test, neither parents or doctors will be able to choose which method of feeding their baby receives – instead this will be chosen at random by a computer.
The amount of milk given will be increased over a few days and the babies in this group will get all of their fluids as milk, unless they are struggling with this and showing signs of sickness.

Caroline Lee-Davey, Chief Executive of the premature and sick baby charity Bliss, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting this pioneering research. We hope this study will provide further evidence about the best approach to feeding premature babies born between 30 and 33 weeks, to improve outcomes for these most vulnerable babies.”

The research team also includes parents who have had premature babies, like Charlotte Kenyon from Nottingham, who said: “I had a baby at 31 weeks and think that research trials like this are so important. I’m both proud and pleased to be involved especially if it helps another baby. As a parent being part of something like this means that we are thought about and listened to, research isn’t just about the science.”

The FEED1 trial also involves teams at the Dalhousie University Nova Scotia, Canada, University of York, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Imperial College London, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Warwick.

Nottingham News, Notts Health & Care

Academics and local business owners have launched a new research project to ease fear and anxiety around childbirth for parents to be. Innovative new research being conducted at the University of Nottingham is investigating the effects of a ‘Fearless Birthing programme’on the emotions experienced by people during pregnancy.This online, self-paced course was created to give people the power to change negative ways of thinking, clear any fears they have about pregnancy and birth, and emotionally prepare themselves for birth.

Confidence to clear fear
With funding from the University of Nottingham’s ‘Enabling Innovation’ project, Dr Megan Barnard from the School of Psychologyand Dr Sian Masson from the School of Chemistryare working in collaboration with Alexia Leachman, founder of the Fearless Birthing programme. They are testing the effectiveness of the programme by monitoring the emotional feelings of those in the second trimester of their pregnancy. The researchers believe that this programme has the potential to give people the confidence to clear their fear during pregnancy and childbirth. Alexia Leachman, founder of the programme, says that the techniques of fear clearance are now being taught to healthcare professionals: “I’m thrilled to be training midwives and doulas in the fear clearance technique so there will be more Fearless Birthing Professionals available to support pregnant women soon.” Additionally, Leachman praised the programme for its ability to tackle tokophobia, the extreme fear of pregnancy and birth, which affects around 14% of women: “Last month, a pregnant woman, Milena, from London was able to overcome her tokophobia in three weeks using the technique”. Milena, who is 30 weeks pregnant said: “I dived into very challenging yet satisfying work, desperate for at least some respite from being tokophobic. The pre-recorded clearance meditations shook me to the depth of my being, left me soaked in tears and absolutely exhausted as the toxic emotions were leaving my body, yet brought immediate relief and clarity. I now feel that I am the mother my baby needs me to be – strong, resilient, positive and, above all, caring and loving.”

Solving real-world issues
Dr Megan Barnard, the Principal Investigator for the project, emphasised the benefits of working with external collaborators: “I am really excited to be working in collaboration with Alexia and Sian on this project. By collaborating with local companies, we are able to use our academic expertise to solve real-world issues and make a difference to people’s wellbeing. In this case, it feels great to help parents-to-be overcome their fears and worries, and I’m thankful to the University of Nottingham for providing the funding through the ‘Enabling Innovation’ project.”

Enabling Innovation is a £20m programme jointly delivered by the Universities of Nottingham, Derby and Nottingham Trent, which has provided over 16,000 hours of support to small and medium-sized businesses in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire since April 2016. The programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and offers free or subsidised access to academic expertise,student placements, workshops and technical support. This research is currently ongoing. To find out more information about it, or if you are interested in taking part, please contact Principal Investigator Dr. Megan Barnard (Megan.Barnard1@nottingham.ac.uk).