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Nottingham News

A police-led football tournament designed to help young people unlock their potential has been successful on and off the pitch.

More than a thousand budding young footballers took to the field over the space of two days as part of Nottinghamshire Police’s KickOff@3 showpiece.

This represented a huge increase on the 200 people who competed in the inaugural Nottingham event a year earlier – with the seven-a-side tournament being expanded over a full weekend this time around.

Players aged 10-17 competed across three age groups, while a girl’s league was also set up – meaning four winning teams will now get the opportunity to play in front of professional scouts at the upcoming national KickOff@3 finals.

Even more encouragingly, the tournament between 10-11 June attracted large numbers of non-playing visitors too, who were all able to access the event’s careers fair and learn about and sign up to different college courses, clubs, and employment opportunities available for them.

This increase in numbers ensured Nottinghamshire Police were able to fulfil the other intended purpose of the engagement event, which was to enable young people to interact with the police in a different environment, to hopefully improve their trust and confidence in the police.

Event organiser Sergeant Jemma Connor-Iommi said: “Whereas last year, it was mainly just the players who showed up, it was really nice to see the numbers of people who came along to support people or to be around the event.

“We had brothers, sisters, mums, aunties, uncles and friends pitch up gazebos to enjoy the day, show their support, and also visit all the stands we had set up away from the pitch.

“Although they weren’t playing football, loads of people made the most of the other bits and showed an interest in engaging with us, which is exactly what we wanted to happen.

“That weekend was the first time a lot of these young people will have interacted with the police and certainly in that type of environment, so it was really pleasing to see so much buy in from the community, and that willingness to try and build a positive relationship.”

Around 800 people attended the first day of the football festival at Clifton Playing Fields, with more than a thousand then returning for the tournament’s finale on the Sunday.

A new attraction at this year’s Nottingham KickOff@3 saw all attendees get the chance to access an age-appropriate choices and consequences virtual reality session.

While wearing VR headsets, people were able to run through a series of life-like scenarios around knife crime and gangs – to make them aware of how getting involved in this could impact their lives.

“The VR experience was hugely beneficial in raising awareness about what could happen should these young people decide to pick up a knife or if they are placed in that kind of situation,” said Sgt Connor-Iommi.

“Every team got to participate, and the feedback was really good, with lots of people saying how they didn’t know carrying a knife in their bag could lead to them getting arrested.

“They also said, having played out that scenario, if they were placed in that same situation again on the street, they wouldn’t make the same decisions and get in trouble, which is exactly what we wanted to hear, so this element was really worthwhile.”

On the pitch, a team from Nottingham College came out victorious in the 15-17 age group category, while Acres Green won the 12-14, AJ Sports won the 10-11 age group, and the Arnold team came out on top in the girl’s league.

AJ Sports and Arnold will now compete in the nationals this Saturday (24 June), while Nottingham College and Acres Green will then represent Nottingham in the finals on 23 July, at competitions both held in London.

Sgt Connor-Iommi, a former footballer herself who represented the Republic of Ireland at international level, added: “I’m a true believer in the unique power sport has both to bring people together who may not normally interact, and to create opportunities for people to improve their lives.

“Initiatives like KickOff@3 allow us to do exactly that, while providing young people with a platform to showcase their talents, so I’m incredibly proud that we as a force have been able to continue to grow this scheme for the benefit of the community in Nottingham.”

This year’s even was partially funded by Nottinghamshire’s Violence Reduction Partnership, which is run by Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner and focuses on using early intervention to help reduce violence by tackling its underlying causes.

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said: “The KickOff@3 event was a fantastic example of the community, police and partners coming together in celebration of sport.

“It created a platform for meaningful engagement and participation with children and young people who may not have had the opportunity to engage with police officers in such a positive way previously.

“After listening to some of the fantastic feedback following the event, KickOff@3 has undoubtedly had a hugely positive impact, so I’d like to thank everyone for their involvement in making it a success and I am proud to have been able to support it.”

Lancashire News, Lancs Leisure

Recycle Vinyl started buying Record collections and selling them online 2 and a half years ago on Discogs market place, within 6 months we were in the top 40 sellers of Vinyl in the UK on that platform, so after a year we set up our own website and app, the App has now had over 11000 downloads and reaches customers from all around the world!

We have been open by appointment for the past couple of years from our 4 units located in an old mill but have now decided to open a shop. We spent a long time trying find the perfect location even looking at moving to Manchester or Leeds but we eventually found the perfect spot for us close to home in Elland above a Post Office which is perfect for our online business! 

We have spent the past year working on creating the perfect Record Shop experience for our customers, and starting from 4th March 2023 we will be open every Saturday and aim to keep the shop stock levels at about 20,000 Dance Music Records available at all times!

We are only opening on Saturdays 10am – 6pm as we are too busy during midweek with online sales to open then, however we are going to make the one day a week count by having live DJ’s in store once a month and those DJ sets will be recorded and played back in the shop on the other Saturdays!

Our shop features 4 listening posts so you can try before you buy and a coffee machine to keep you going as it will easily take you at least a day to go through what we have in store!

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay is confirmed to visit Nottingham during its final journey through England this summer, as the full route is revealed.

  • Queen’s Baton Relay route through England revealed
  • Baton will visit the city on Sunday 10 July
  • It will spend 2 days in the East Midlands between 10-11 July

Birmingham 2022 is hosting the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay – a journey which brings together and celebrates communities across the Commonwealth during the build up to the Games. In England, the Queen’s Baton Relay will provide the opportunity for communities to experience the excitement for Birmingham 2022, as the 11 days of showstopping sport nears ever closer.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is set to travel the length and breadth of England for a total of 29 days, before culminating at the Opening Ceremony for Birmingham 2022 on 28 July 2022. Kicking off on Thursday 2 June, the Baton will spend four days in London, coinciding with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend. The Baton will then resume the international journey and return to England on Monday 4 July to commence a 25-day tour of the regions.

On Sunday 10 July, Trent Bridge will officially welcome the Baton at the IT20 England v India match so those lucky enough to have a ticket for this sell-out fixture will be able to see the baton there.

A busy schedule of activities and events are planned for the Queen’s Baton Relay, with opportunities to highlight untold stories from Batonbearers who are striving for change in their community.

During its time in Nottinghamshire, the Queen’s Baton Relay will visit Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, and Nottingham Castle and will experience a ride along the Nottingham and Beeston Canal via kayak, before travelling through the famous network of caves to Nottingham Castle.

A detailed schedule of activity for the Baton’s time in Nottinghamshire will be revealed in due course.

Members of the public are encouraged to get involved with the celebrations and embrace the arrival of the Baton, taking the opportunity to experience the buzz of Birmingham 2022 in their community. The Birmingham 2022 website will be updated with information over the coming months, with detail on the events and where to line the route.

Councillor Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Planning at Nottingham City Council said: “We look forward to welcoming the Baton into the city in July and working with our colleagues at Trent Bridge, Nottingham Castle, and Visit Nottinghamshire to showcase the best of the area. Being able to experience World-Class sport, historic waterways, the famous Nottingham Castle and the legends of Robin Hood, over such as short journey will make for a great experience for the Batonbearers. I would like to extend my congratulations to community baton bearer, Amdani Juma on his nomination and to thank him for his incredible hard work in the city and beyond.”

David Johns, interim CEO of Nottingham Castle, said: “It’s a real honour to be welcoming the Queen’s Baton Relay to Nottingham on Sunday 10 July. The Relay marks an important opportunity to bring communities together and celebrate the upcoming Commonwealth Games, so the fact it’s making a pitstop to Nottingham is really special. Nottingham is a city steeped in history with a thriving and vibrant community, and so much to see and do. This includes its network of famous caves and Nottingham Castle with its stunning grounds and rich collection of art.

“We’re incredibly proud of our city and we look forward to shining a light on all Nottingham and the East Midlands has to offer during the upcoming visit.”

Robert Dixon – Interim Chief Executive of Visit Nottinghamshire said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Queen’s Baton Relay is coming to Nottingham and hope that as many residents as possible will turn out to line the route and be part of the celebrations. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase Nottingham and Nottinghamshire as a visitor destination and highlight our vibrant history, culture and sporting heritage.”

Thousands of Batonbearers, each with inspiring backgrounds and stories, will have the honour of carrying the Baton during the journey through England, including those nominated in recognition of their contributions to their local community, whether that be in sport, education, the arts, culture or charity. Between 40 and 130 Batonbearers will carry the Baton each day, and the Relay will reach hundreds of villages, towns and cities during its tour of the country.  

One of the confirmed community Batonbearers in the East Midlands is Amdani Juma, who was nominated for the East Midlands With the help of the British Red Cross. Amdani has been chosen as a Batonbearer as he is a figure of inspiration that positively challenges others to achieve their best.

Amdani Juma arrived in the UK following the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Inspired by the support he received, Amdani started volunteering for the British Red Cross, trained to become a first aider and began working with refugees and people who are HIV positive. In 2007, he set up his own HIV awareness project called African Institute for Social Development which offers health services and support.

The project gained interest from Prince Harry who was impressed by the methods of engagement used to support African men, women, and small businesses. In 2013, inspired by the London 2012 Olympics, Amdani set up Nottingham Sports Group, geared towards making sports accessible, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Following this, in 2014, Amdani set up Sanctuary Nottingham. The idea for the self-help group for LGBTQ+ refugees was born after learning about asylum seekers from South Asia who had experienced abuse. Since 2014, Sanctuary Nottingham has helped 22 people gain their legal right to remain in the UK.

Amdani also works in cooperation with Nottingham City Council, NHS and police network in Nottingham to offer support. Amdani finds his work hugely rewarding, especially when he sees people he has supported, working in secure jobs and enjoys celebrating their success. He is delighted to join in with the annual Rainbow Nottinghamshire festivities and is proud to introduce LGBTQ+ people seeking asylum to the support networks that exist.

Travelling via land, air and sea, more than 180 communities in England will experience the Queen’s Baton on a route spanning 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometres). From energetic cities and historic market towns, to rolling countryside and rugged coastline, the Baton will head as far south as Cornwall and as far north as Northumberland.

Since its inaugural appearance at the Cardiff 1958 Commonwealth Games, the Queen’s Baton Relay has been a tradition for the Commonwealth Games.

The Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay began at Buckingham Palace on 7 October 2021, when The Queen placed Her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton and passed it to four-time Paralympic gold medallist Kadeena Cox, who had the honour of being the first of thousands of Batonbearers to carry the Baton.

Since then, the Baton has visited Commonwealth nations and territories in Europe, Africa, Oceania. It still has further destinations in the Caribbean, the Americas, and more countries in Europe, including the Home Nations consisting of five days in Scotland, four in Northern Ireland and five in Wales, where it will finish on Sunday 3 July, before returning to England in summer for the final countdown to the Commonwealth Games.

The dates of when the Baton visits each region are:

  • 4 July – 5 July: South West
  • 6 July – 7 July: South East
  • 8 July – 9 July: East of England
  • 10 July – 11 July: East Midlands
  • 12 July – 13 July: Yorkshire and the Humber
  • 14 July – 15 July: North East
  • 16 July – 17 July: North West
  • 18 July – 28 July: West Midlands

Phil Batty, Director of Ceremonies, Culture & Queen’s Baton Relay, said: “Whilst the Baton has been travelling across the Commonwealth, we have worked closely with Local Authorities in England to devise a route that engages with hundreds of communities, passing sport venues, historic sites, local schools and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Yet the Queen’s Baton Relay is far more than just a journey. It symbolises connecting people from every corner of the Commonwealth, celebrates Batonbearers who take on challenges, and marks the countdown the biggest sporting event in West Midlands history. And by the time the Baton returns to England for the final leg, 71 nations and territories will have already experienced the magic that comes with it.

“We hope that communities across the country join the excitement, attend events near them, line the streets to cheer on our incredible Batonbearers and celebrate the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.”

Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin DBE said: “The Queen’s Baton Relay symbolises hope, solidarity and collaboration across the Commonwealth at a time when it is needed most. It continues to inspire people wherever it goes and creates huge excitement for Birmingham 2022 as it journeys towards the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on July 28.”  

Throughout May, the Queen’s Baton Relay continues its journey through the Caribbean and the Americas, with visits to St Kitts & Nevis, Antigua & Barbuda, Bermuda and Canada, amongst others.

The Queen’s Baton

The Queen’s Baton for Birmingham 2022 was created in a West Midlands collaboration that fused art, technology and science. Made from copper, aluminium and steel, the Baton also features a platinum strand in homage to The Queen in her Platinum Jubilee year. It is also equipped with cutting-edge technology; 360-degree camera, heart rate monitor, atmospheric sensors and LED lighting.

For more information on the Queen’s Baton Relay, visit www.birmingham2022.com/qbr.

The information provided on the route through England is subject to local authority approval and therefore could be subject to change.

About the Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay

Birmingham 2022 is hosting the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay – a journey which brings together and celebrates communities in every corner of the Commonwealth ahead of Birmingham 2022.

The Baton has already begun its epic journey across the Commonwealth, where it will have visited Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean, and the Americas, it will return to England in July 2022 for the final countdown to the Commonwealth Games.

The Queen’s Baton will travel around England for 25 days, before the Relay officially ends at the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games on 28 July 2022. The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Games tradition that celebrates, connects and excites communities from across Commonwealth during the build up to the Games.

This collective journey will ignite hope, solidarity and collaboration for the next generation, with these stories leaving us all inspired to take on the challenges that matter most to us. 

For more information, visit birmingham2022.com/qbr

About the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games   

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which will be held from 28 July until 8 August 2022, will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to put the city, the region, and its people on the global stage.      

The Games is already proving to be a catalyst for transformation across the West Midlands, attracting new investment and funding, creating jobs and apprenticeships for local people and new opportunities for local businesses, as well as accelerating projects that will ensure the region is ready to host a fantastic sports and cultural celebration.      

Birmingham 2022 will be the Games for everyone, bringing people together from across Birmingham and the region, to provide a warm welcome to millions of visitors during the summer of 2022. 

Find out more at www.birmingham2022.com

Nottingham News, Notts Sport

Nottingham Forest Under 18s took to the Old Trafford pitch in front of a sell-out crowd for the club’s first ever appearance in the prestigious FA Youth Cup final.

The Reds fielded nine local Nottingham lads, with eight of the squad young enough to be eligible for next season’s competition. 

Detlef Esapa Osong, who scored two late goals in the semi-final comeback against Chelsea, started up front alongside full Northern Ireland international Dale Taylor, who also scored in that memorable 3-1 semi-final victory. The youngest player in the Forest side was defender Zach Abbott who is only 16 on Friday.

It was a fantastic occasion on a perfect playing surface with more than 5,700 Forest supporters in good voice on a sunny evening in the north-west.

Playing in the luminous yellow and orange third kit, The Reds kicked off towards the Stretford End but it was United who forced the finest corner within 30 seconds which eventually fell to Robbie Mainoo who forced an early save from Aaron Bott in the Forest goal.

Captain Jamie McDonnell then nearly broke through for Forest down the right and, from the resulting throw in, The Reds won their first corner of the contest. From Taylor’s corner, McDonnell diverted a firm header just wide of Radek Vitek’s right post.

A foul by McDonnell on Isak Hansen gave the hosts a free-kick 35 yards out and, from Sam Murray’s left footed inswinging ball, United captain Rhys Bennett headed firmly past Aaron Bott from near the penalty spot to give Man United the lead.

Forest responded immediately and Josh Powell had a shot blocked inside the area and, immediately afterwards, from Powell’s right wing cross, Taylor acrobatically steered a volley on target that Vitek saved.

The Reds won another corner on 18 minutes and from Powell’s delivery, Justin Hanks headed over the crossbar. Powell then won a free-kick after good play on the right but United cleared. 

Forest had responded positively to the early setback and continued to push United back, with Head Coach Steve Cooper and his backroom staff watching on from the stands.

Another Powell free=kick midway through the half caused problems in the United box before a clever ball by Esapa Osong created more pressure but United managed to clear.

A fantastic cross-field pass by Abbott found Powell on the right as the Reds youngsters continued to play with confidence.

Ten minutes before the break, Alejandro Garnacho, United’s player of the year, had a cross-shot from onside the box but it went harmlessly wide for a throw-in but, moments later, the Argentinian’s curling shot from the edge of the box went just wide of Aaron Bott’s goal.

Then, a minute before the break, Forest deservedly drew level. Sam Collins and Josh Powell combined well down the right, as they had all half, with Powell’s low shot from the edge of the box slipping under Radek Vitek in the United goal.

After a minute’s injury time, referee Josh Smith below for half-time after an enjoyable first period with a 1-1 score the least Forest youngsters merited.

HALF-TIME: Manchester United 1-1 Nottingham Forest 

Forest were immediately back on the attack at the start of the second half and excellent control by Dale Taylor in the box set up a chance for Kyle McAdam on the edge of the six yard box but Radek Vitek managed to smoother his effort, getting injured in the process. The Reds then won a free kick on the right which caused more problems for United.

The hosts finally got out of their own half and had a number of shots blocked by Reds defenders before Aaron Bott saved from Charlie McNeill and then again from Marc Jurado. United forced successive corners which Forest dealt with before Powell won Forest a corner at the other end in front of the travelling fans.

More Forest pressure resulted in Esapa Osong creating a shooting opportunity inside the box but United again blocked the effort.

Sam Murray then flattened Taylor with a heavy challenge that drew a talking to from referee Josh Smith. 

The match was delicately poised as the hour mark was reached with Forest winning another corner that the hosts cleared.

With the match continuing to be played largely in the United half, the hosts Head Coach Travis Binnion made a double substitution on 64 minutes with Maximillian Oyedele replacing Isak Hansen and Joe Hugill replacing Charlie McNeill upfront.

However, it was Forest still pushing forward and, after being released down the right, Powell’s cross was intercepted by Vitek before it could reach Esapa Osong.

With twenty minutes to play United won a corner from which Rhys Bennett again connected with a header but the effort was blocked to safety.

Forest Head Coach Warren Joyce made his first substitution with Ben Perry replacing Sam Collins who appeared to suffer cramp after an energetic display.

Esapa Osong then won the ball back in midfield and when the ball was fed to Powell, his left foot pile-driver was blocked for a throw-in.

On 77 minutes, United controversially won a penalty when Abbott was unable to control a pass from Pharrell Johnson and Alejandro Garnacho nipped in. The young defender brought the Argentinian down seemingly outside the box but referee Smith ruled otherwise and Garnacho sent Aaron Bott the wrong way to put United 2-1 up.

Joe Gardner replaced Justin Hanks and Rhys Bennett then became the first player booked for up-ending Esapa Osong from behind.

Sonny Aljofree replaced Sam Mather for the hosts as the match moved into the last five minutes.

The referee signalled eight minutes of added time as Jamie McDonnell was replaced by Aaron Korpal in The Reds final change of the evening.

Garnacho then ran from deep before firing over Bott’s crossbar, and then four minutes into added on time, another mazy run by the wide man ended with a shot that was unfortunately deflected into his own net by Pharrell Johnson.

It was a cruel outcome on Warren Joyce’s youngsters who had put in a spirited and skilful display that could easily have brought the silverware back to Nottingham at the end of a memorable cup run.

FULL-TIME: Manchester United 3-1 Nottingham Forest 

MATCH STATISTICS

Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Radek Vitek; Marc Jurado, Rhys Bennett (c), Louis Jackson, Sam Murray; Robbie Mainoo, Dan Gore; Sam Mather (Sonny Aljofree 86’), Isak Hansen (Maximillian Oywdele 64’), Alejandro Garnacho; Charlie McNeill (Joe Hugill 64’)

Substitutes not used: Tom Wooster (gk), Logan Pye, Omari Forson, Ethan Ennis 

Bookings: Bennett (82’), Garnacho (90+4’)

Goals: Bennett (13’), Garnacho (pen, 77’), Johnson (go, 90+4’)

Nottingham Forest (3-5-2): Aaron Bott; Ben Hammond, Zach Abbott, Pharrell Johnson; Josh Powell, Justin Hanks (Joe Gardner 81’), Jamie McDonnell (c) (Aaron Korpal 90+1’), Sam Collins (Ben Perry 73’), Kyle McAdam; Detlef Osong, Dale Taylor  

Substitutes not used: Alex Akers (gk), Jack Perkins, Jack Thompson, Jack Nadin

Goals: Powell (44’)

Referee: Josh Smith

Attendance: 67,492

Nottingham News, Notts Sport

  • Grabban goal sees The Reds progress into Emirates FA Cup fourth round
  • Victory sets up home tie against Leicester City

Head Coach Steve Cooper made three changes from the Huddersfield match with new signings Steve Cook and Keinan Davis making their Reds debuts and Ryan Yates also restored to the XI after illness.

The Reds lined up in a 3-4-3 formation attacking the Bridgford End and Cook’s first involvement was to spread a fine crossfield ball to Djed Spence who was unfortunately unable to collect. 

Within the first five minutes, Davis nearly released Philip Zinckernagel but Bernd Leno in the Arsenal goal gathered at the feet of the Dane. Arsenal’s first effort came shortly afterwards when Ben White shot wide from the edge of the box.

Davis then showed his strength to hold off Rob Holding much to the approval of the home crowd. Spence was fouled on the break and then a nervous back pass from Nuno Tavares forced Leno to concede a corner as Forest started with intent.

Arsenal forced their first corner after a quarter of an hour when Spence blocked Gabriel Martinelli’s cross, and, after Samba collected from the corner and quickly released Davis, the Aston Villa loanee seemed to be fouled on the break but referee Craig Pawson ruled otherwise.

Zinckernagel’s chipped cross was then headed behind by Cédric Soares after a passage of play where Brennan Johnson escaped down the right.

Eddie Nketiah forced a corner for the Gunners after half-an-hour when his shot was deflected wide and Albert Sambi Lokonga did the same shortly afterwards as Arsenal put pressure on the Forest goal for the first time in the tie.

Mikel Arteta made an early change when Kieran Tierney replaced Nuno Tavares, seemingly due to the performance of the former Benfica full back, who reacted by throwing his glove to the ground.

Philip Zinckernagel was the first man booked by referee Pawson when he fouled Bukayo Saka as the England man broke from the Arsenal half.

The Reds had held their own against their Premier League opponents and went into the break goalless.

HALF-TIME: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

Forest started the second half on the front foot with Djed Spence crossing from the right and creating a spell of pressure around the Arsenal box.

Eddie Nketiah then broke deep into Reds territory after a slip by Joe Worrall but his shot was blocked but The Reds then created the clearest chance of the match.

Brennan Johnson spun on halfway and accelerated down the right flank before crossing for Philip Zinckernagel whose close-range volley was superbly saved by Bernd Leno.

The Reds attacked again, this time down the left, but a one-two between Keinan Davis and Jack Colback just failed to release the former Newcastle man in the box.

Arsenal responded by forcing a corner when Gabriel Martinelli’s shot was deflected wide and, shortly afterwards, Nketiah headed Arsenal’s best chance of the match wide from Bukayo Saka’s cross from the right.

Ryan Yates was then fouled as the ball broke loose and James Garner forced a superb save from Leno from fully 35 yards with the free kick. As the ball broke loose, The Reds appealed for a penalty as Colback was bundled over by Saka but referee Craig Pawson waved away the appeals.

Steve Cooper made his first change midway through the second half as Lewis Grabban replaced Keinan Davis, who received a warm round of applause.

Eddie Nketiah then shot over Samba’ crossbar before Mikel Arteta made his second change as Alexandre Lacazette replaced Charlie Patino.

With 15 minutes to go, Djed Spence beat a number of Arsenal players near halfway only to be cynically fouled by Martinelli who was booked.

The second Forest change of the evening came when Cafu replaced Philip Zinckernagel and then Spence was booked for fouling Kieran Tierney.

The match was finely poised going into the last 10 minutes when Saka escaped in the box but Alexandre Lacazette couldn’t force the ball home amid pressure from Joe Worrall.

Then, with 82 minutes on the clock, Forest took then lead. Ryan Yates broke up Arsenal play in midfield, exchanged passes with Brennan Johnson, and crossed for Lewis Grabban to score emphatically from close range.

Three minutes were added on at the end of the second half as Cedric Soares made way for Sead Kolašinac.

The final whistle blew, with The Reds knocking out The Gunners to set up a tie against Leicester City in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round.

MATCH STATISTICS

Forest (3-4-3): Brice Samba; Joe Worrall, Steve Cook, Scott McKenna; Djed Spence, Ryan Yates, James Garner, Jack Colback; Brennan Johnson, Keinan Davis (Lewis Grabban 67′), Philip Zinckernagel (Cafú 75′)

Substitutes not used: Ethan Horvath (gk), Tobias Figueiredo, Joao Carvalho, Gaetan Bong, Xande Silva, Braian Ojeda, Lyle Taylor

Goal: Lewis Grabban 82′

Bookings: Philip Zinckernagel 35′, Djed Spence 78′

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno; Cedric, Ben White, Rob Holding, Nuno Tavares (Kieran Tierney 35′); Albert Sambi Lokonga, Charlie Patino (Alexandre Lacazette 68′); Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Martinelli; Eddie Nketiah

Substitutes not used: Aaron Ramsdale, Alexandre Lacazette, Calum Chambers, Pablo Marí, Mika Biereth, Salah Oulad M’Hand, Omari Hutchinson

Bookings: Gabriel Martinelli 74′, 

Referee: Craig Pawson

Attendance: 24,938 including 4,489 Arsenal supporters

Possession: 33%-67%

Shots: 7-10

Shots on target: 3-0

Corners: 5-6

Nottingham News

A man was arrested after reports that a woman had been threatened and harrassed.

Officers received a report that the woman had been receiving abusive messages, which included threats to kill her.

They attended an address just off Lincoln Street, Worksop, and subsequently arrested a 50-year-old man on suspicion of making threats to kill and breaching a restraining order.

He remains in custody.

Detective Sergeant Jamie Moore, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Receiving threats, and especially those of such a serious nature, is something which can be extremely distressing for victims and we are dedicated to doing everything we can to investigate incidents like this.

“Officers quickly began making enquiries after these threats were reported and arrested a man in the early hours of Wednesday morning – 5 January 2022.

“However, we would reassure people that we believe the suspect and the victim are known to each other and that there is no wider risk to the public.

“We would encourage anyone who is being harassed or threatened to get in touch with us on 101, or in an emergency 999. We hope this action taken just goes to show how seriously we take these reports and gives victims the confidence to report incidents.”

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Nottingham News

Building on the success of last year’s years campaign Veolia (Nottinghamshire County Council’s recycling and waste contractor) are relaunching the Notts Recycles Pledge again this January to raise funds for Nottinghamshire County Council Chairman’s chosen charity When you Wish Upon a Star. In return for each pledge made during January Veolia are donating £1 to the charity. 

There are lots of reasons why reducing waste, reusing wherever possible and recycling correctly is the best New Year’s resolution to make, but this year it could also help to raise money for When you Wish Upon a Star, a charity that is dedicated to brightening the lives of children living with life threatening illnesses.

Nottinghamshire residents are encouraged to make a Notts Recycles pledge online at www.veolia.co.uk/nottinghamshire/nottsrecyclespledge. In return for each pledge made during January Veolia are donating £1 to the charity and be in with the chance of winning an eco hamper to help start their reduced waste journey this year. 

Potential pledges could be:

  • To check the recycling information online and put the right things in the right bin
  • To take a reusable cup for your takeaway coffee
  • To learn how to compost at home
  • To get a separate recycling bin in the bathroom for all those plastic bottles and cardboard tubes
  • To tell 5 people that aerosol cans can go into the recycling bin at home

Once they have decided on their pledge Veolia and Nottinghamshire County Council are asking all participants to share their pledge online using the hashtag #NottsRecycles encourages more people to take part.

Councillor Mike Quigley, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council: “We can all play a part in saving our environment by reducing our waste, reusing where possible and recycling. 

Join with me this January in making a Notts Recycles pledge, and in return Veolia will donate £1 for every pledge to my chosen charity for the year When You Wish Upon a Star.”

Alexa Wigfield, Regional Fundraiser for When You Wish Upon a Star said: ‘We are delighted to be part of Veolia’s Notts Recycles campaign this year. Every penny we receive from pledges will go towards brightening the lives of children living with life threatening illnesses. We are truly grateful to both Councillor Quigley and Veolia for their support of When You Wish Upon a Star,’

Lea Hawkes, General Manager Veolia Nottinghamshire said: “We want Notts residents to make a Notts Recycles pledge for a greener 2022, protecting the environment by choosing to reduce reuse and recycle more next year. We can all do something more no matter how small, together we can pledge to make small changes that will make a huge difference.


To find out more about Veolia call 0203 567 4370 or visit www.veolia.co.uk/nottinghamshire

Nottingham News, Notts Leisure, Notts Sport

Over 3,000 people are taking part in swimming lessons across Gedling Borough Council leisure centres, the highest number of participants since the centres opened.

Over half of the swimmers are using Arnold Leisure Centre for lessons, which is seeing its highest membership in its 40 year history. More than 1,500 babies, young children and adults are taking part in lessons ranging from basic water safety awareness to competitive swimming. Swimming lessons are an essential part of a child’s development as it teaches them important skills around water safety and drowning prevention, while also keeping them active.
A wide range of lessons for all ages and abilities are being offered at the three leisure sites, Arnold, Carlton Forum and Calverton. The lessons start at the earliest stages with baby and toddler sessions, junior and programmes for people with disabilities right up to adult lessons and private lessons.

The Gedling Swim Stars programme helps children aged 4 and above to progress with their swimming skills through various stages while achieving Swim England badges at each stage. Children who take part in the Gedling Swim Stars programme from stage 3 upwards will be celebrated at a special swimming gala at Arnold Leisure Centre this month.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said:

“We’re thrilled to have so many people currently signed up to swimming lessons within the borough, and we are seeing the highest number of participants we have ever had taking to the pools at our three centres. As a council, we are very proud to be able to provide affordable swimming lessons that will help keep people healthy as well as providing a vital survival skill. One of our main priorities is to provide opportunities for people to have healthier lifestyles and to support physical activities and, despite us working through a pandemic, we are meeting those priorities with these schemes.”

Parent of two children enrolled in swimming lessons, Dan Surgey said: “My son first started coming to swimming lessons at Arnold Leisure Centre about 5 years ago in the disability sessions. He loves it and the instructors have all been great with him. My daughter also recently started swimming again and has progressed into stage two sessions.
Swimming is a life skill, you really need to know how to swim because you never know what might happen. They’re both happy and like coming to the lessons, plus it helps keeps them active”.

To find out more about swimming lessons and how to take part in them, people can visit www.gedling.gov.uk/leisure or call one of the leisure centres. Anyone who signs up for swimming lessons in December will also be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a children’s party at one of the leisure centres.

Nottingham News, Notts Leisure, Notts What's On

Kieran Powell (Alan-a-Dale)

It is a delight for all the family, from the youngsters all the way up to the grandparents in the audience. This year the Theatre Royal has pulled out all the stops to give families a brilliant Christmas evening out with their production of Robin Hood with amazing sets, fabulous song and dance routines, bright and colouful costumes, lots of ventriloquism and off colour jokes to try and explain to the kids on the drive home, delivering an inch perfect panto

This year’s must-see pantomime stars X Factor champ Matt Terry as lead Robin Hood, TV Stars Tristan Gemmill (Sheriff of Nottingham), Matthew Kelly (Dame Tilly Tuck) and Jodie Prenger ( Spirit of Sherwood) . Joining them are Dance act Flawless, Phil Walker, Kieran Powell, Lucy May Barker and special guest Denis Remnevfor an eye watering circus act.

Brought to you by Crossroads Pantomimes, Robin Hood features a fabulous cast and orchestra, laugh out loud comedy, stunning scenery, special effects and plenty of boos and hisses for all the family to enjoy.  

 Robin Hood is high energy and infectiously good fun from the moment the curtain goes up in act one. There is a constant stream of local references, great dance routines, plenty of laughs and a high energy performance by Tristain Gemmill playing villain The sherriff of Nottingham.   

 Robin Hood runs at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Sunday January 9th with tickets available now.   You can book online at www.trch.co.uk or by calling the box office on 0115 989 5555

Images credit – Whitefoot Photography



Nottingham News

Newark and Sherwood District Council launched the Crop Drop scheme 12 months ago and it is aimed at giving allotment holders the chance to support residents across the district with fresh fruit and vegetables.
One year on and the project is making great progress. A special ‘thank you’ event was held at Feel Good Gardens in Edwinstowe and it was a small way for the District Council to not only celebrate the success of its first year but to say thank you to all those that have contributed to the scheme.

The scheme has grown from strength to strength throughout the year attracting not only numerous allotments holders locally but also various organisations willing to take donations of the produce to distribute to families. The scheme was initially promoted to parish and town council allotments holders but very quickly attracted large scale growers, community allotments and even the NTU Brackenhurst horticultural research team.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council said: “This is a great initiative and it’s been rewarding to see it flourish and grow in the past year. “Not only has it helped our keen allotment growers find willing outlets for their excess crop, it also provided families across the district with delicious ingredients while teaching our younger generations about how food is grown, harvested and enjoyed. “It’s pleasing to see allotment owners supporting our communities and this initiative really brought the community together.”

Miles Harriman who lives in Winthorpe in Newark is one of the growers who contributes to the project, he said: “I moved back to the town three years ago and when I heard about the scheme I was really excited to get involved. It’s been brilliant so far and it gives those people the opportunity to try vegetables they would never have thought about getting. “It’s really gratifying to introduce these new vegetables to people and knowing that the donated food goes to those that need it most is a rewarding feeling.

“We regularly donate to Bean Block café in Newark and some weeks we could be giving them 40 cucumbers a day! “The scheme is making a huge impact in the community and I want to start getting more people involved in the growing of vegetables and trying it out for themselves.”

The growers not only volunteered to grow and donate produce but supported with transporting the crop drop boxes weekly to food clubs, food bank, local schools, colleges, emergency food provision centres and Beaumond House Hospice Care. It’s estimated that volunteers took donations and distributed food to more than 200 families per week.
Throughout the scheme recipe cards were given to families to support them and showed different ways to use the produce creating tasty healthy meals.

The District Council is currently getting ready to roll out Crop Drop again next spring, creating a newsletter and mapping the wonderful array of growing opportunities that exist in Newark and Sherwood.