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Nottingham News

Marie Gowns have been a fixture of Sutton town centre for the past 72 years. First opened in 1947 by Marie, the gown shop situated on Outram Street and is renowned for selling quality ladies wear along with the attractive window display.

The current owner of Marie, Anne Cooper, has worked at the shop for 50 years and took over ownership in 1981. Anne was presented with her plaque to celebrate the impressive milestone by the Leader of Ashfield District Council, Cllr Jason Zadrozny alongside Cllr Samantha Deakin, ward member for Central and New Cross. Cllr Zadrozny, Leader of the Ashfield District Council, commented “It is wonderful to see an independent business based on Outram Street thriving after 72 years of trading. It goes to show that hard work and a determination to succeed pays off.

Trading for over 70 years is a real accomplishment and deserves celebrating, we are proud to have local businesses that have stood the test of time.” “We need local retailers to continue to succeed alongside national chains to ensure that our town centres are buzzing once again. Hopefully Marie Gowns will remain a fundamental part of Sutton’s high street for many years to come.”

Nottingham News, Notts What's On

Small but perfectly formed, DHP Family’s Bodega is celebrating its well earned reputation as Nottingham’s go to venue for catching acts on the way up with a special 20th birthday weekender.

The artists who have passed through its intimate room over the last 20 years make for impressive reading. The Strokes, The White Stripes, Arctic Monkeys, The xx, Scissor Sisters, Florence and The Machine, The 1975, Easy Life and Slowthai are just some of the better known names to have played the 220 capacity venue.

Now the Nottingham institution is marking its birthday with a special series of shows and DJ sets. Headline acts from The Orielles (Thursday 28 November, sold out) and Stealing Sheep (Sunday 30 November) nod to its history with the Heavenly Records, while Kagoule (Sunday 1 December) is one of a raft of homegrown bands to have gone on to bigger things after showing off their artistic chops at the venue.

Cai Burns, Kagoule, said: “We feel very honoured to have been asked to headline The Bodega 20th anniversary show alongside some of our favourite Nottingham bands. It has been a kind of spiritual home for us over the years and has been an integral part of ours, and many others, growth as musicians. We are truly looking forward to celebrating its legacy on 1st December.”

Bodega’s Sam Keirl said: “It’s crazy to think of bands playing to a couple of hundred people in Nottingham and then a couple of years later they can be headlining Glastonbury. It’s very exciting to see who will be next!
With a gig on most nights, we see a lot of amazing bands, some go on to huge things and some stay underground hidden gems.”

The Nottingham music scene has also benefited from the nurturing environment of The Bodega from Saint Raymond getting a top 10 album to Amber Run touring the US, while upcoming band Do Nothing have spent a lot of their formative years within its four walls honing their performance skills.

Club nights have also played an important part in the appeal of the bar, club and music venue with the legendary Pop Confessional taking place every Friday since its inception in 2006. Share favourite gigs, pix and club nights at #20yearsofbodega. For more info, go to http://www.bodeganottingham.com/

Lancashire News

Dress up the home for Christmas in 3 easy ways – by using velvet, opulent marble, and DIY place settings for an occasion to remember. Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture Choice, shares tips on how to achieve a luxurious and cosy ambience for the Christmas season.

  1. Reach for a luscious material like velvet. “Invest in a statement piece like a lush velvet sofa that will continue to impress long after the holidays are over,” says Rebecca. “Velvet is a gorgeously rich and sensual material that instantly evokes a luxurious vibe. And it really shines in a jewel tone like emerald green for a touch of glamour in a modern living room.” With such a show-stopping sofa, a few simple accents are all that’s needed to cosy up the space. “Add a soft throw to warm up those chilly nights and some cushions for extra comfort.
    Guests will also look forward to lounging around with the addition of a handy drinks cart,” she adds. “Stock up on favourites like whisky, mulled wine and spiced rum that are great for sipping by the fireplace.”
  2. Lighten up a room with opulent white marble. Take Christmas dinner parties up a notch with a bold, beautiful marble dining table that adds a layer of luxury to any setting. “White marble not only brightens up a room, it’s incredibly durable and its beauty will never go out of style,” explains Rebecca. “Smaller homes may want to consider a round table with a central pedestal to free up leg room when gathering over festive meals.” When it comes to dressing up a table for the holidays, look at little ways to add glitz and shine. “There’s no better time than the Christmas season to accessorise with metallics – use candle holders, napkin rings and even cutlery in gold or brass for glamour and warmth.
    A fresh green wreath as a table centrepiece sets the tone and is a beautiful contrast against metal finishings and creamy marble.”
  3. DIY personalised place settings for a memorable party
    Finally, DIY personalised place settings with guests’ names or photos, as fun décor touches that also show you care. “Luxury is in the little details. Print photos of each guest to be used as part of their gift wrap, or make a simple name display for individual place settings – they’re sure to be remembered and appreciated,” says Rebecca.
    For those who prefer using natural elements, tie sprigs of holly with ribbon or scatter a few pine cones to create a festive and elegant setting. “This season is about enjoying the holidays, spending time with loved ones, and revelling in all the merry, festive vibes that come with it,” says Rebecca. “Remember to have fun while preparing your home, too!”
Lancashire News

We’ve said a big thank you to our foster carers who look after some of the borough’s most vulnerable children and young people. The council recently held a special celebration night to acknowledge what a great job our foster carers do.

The highlight of the night was when a special award was given to Lynda and Ron Bibby, who have been fostering in the borough more than 30 years. Lynda said: “We have been fostering for more than three decades and have loved it. “Don’t get me wrong, fostering is quite challenging and there have been many highs and lows, but overall it has been very rewarding. “We have fostered all ages from new born babies to young people over 18. “If you are thinking of fostering, we would definitely recommend it. You will need lots of patience, time, understanding and a big heart to welcome someone into your home.”

Deputy Mayor Councillor Jenny Harrison, her consort Councillor Shaid Mushtaq, along with the Youth Mayor, Samah Khalil, attended the evening at Oldham Event Centre and handed out the awards to the dedicated carers who have given between five and 30 years of support. Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to all our foster carers for the amazing work they do, day in, day out.

“Fostering isn’t just a job, it’s a vocation. Our carers welcome children and young people into their homes and treat them as a member of their family. We are truly grateful to them.”

Oldham Fostering Service would like to hear from anyone thinking about becoming a foster carer. Life experience and personal qualities make all the difference to a child or young person. If you are a good listener, have a great sense of humour, plenty of energy and always see the bright side of life, you already have the qualities we are looking for.

All we ask is that you are over 21, enjoy working with children and have room in your home. Carers receive a generous support package, including a competitive financial package, extensive support and ongoing training.
Call 0161 770 6600 or go to www.oldham.gov.uk/fostering to find out more.

Nottingham News

Cllr Dale Grounds, also known as That Spidey-Tastic Superhero, has been nominated for the Unsung Hero of the Year Award at the Nottingham University Hospitals annual Team NUH Awards 2019. Cllr Grounds has been shortlisted for the award thanks to his tireless work entertaining ill children and young people. He has been visiting Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, every week for over three years, dressed as Spiderman. He first suited up in 2016 in an effort to soothe his son Reece who is autistic.
The Unsung Hero of the Year Award recognises the contribution of staff who provide essential work yet do not provide direct clinical care to patients.

There were over 1,100 nominations received for all of the categories this year. Cllr Grounds nomination was handpicked as one of the three finalists from the 156 nominees that were received for the category. Cllr Grounds has also been fundraising, as Spiderman, for the Ducklings, the charity of the Nottingham Children’s Hospital School.

Cllr Grounds said “Being nominated for this award is such a huge honour. I started doing this as a way to soothe my son and then eventually to bring joy to children in hospital. I never thought that I would end up being nominated for an award alongside some incredible people. I become Spiderman because I love it, nothing beats bringing a smile to the children’s faces.

The children that I visit are so strong and brave; they are the real heroes.”
All of the shortlisted nominees will attend the award ceremony on the 5th December where the judging panel will choose the winners of each category.

Nottingham News

Kirkby residents have had their say on the new leisure destination coming to the town. Throughout September, Ashfield District Council consulted with residents to see what they want from Kirkby’s new facility. Over 300 people responded to the survey, which was made available online and in person at several events across Kirkby.

The Council also spoke to young people at the Acre Centre for Young People to ensure that young people were listened to and catered for.
Here are ten clear messages we heard from the consultation and how plans are already being put in place to respond to the wishes of residents.
• 75% of respondents said they were looking forward to a swimming pool coming to Kirkby, seeing it as an important activity in the plans. The latest plans for the destination incorporate water space for fun, fitness and swimming.
• Health and Wellbeing came out as an essential aspect of a new facility with 93% of people saying it is important to them.
The Council’s recently published Corporate Plan outlines an increase in physical activity participation levels and a reduction in both child and adult obesity as key outcomes it wants to achieve for Ashfield.
• 63% of those who responded were people who currently never or hardly ever use the existing Festival Hall site.
• Councillor Tom Hollis, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “We are certain that the new leisure centre will increase participation in sporting activities and also provide a hub for the Kirkby community. When Lammas Leisure Centre first opened we saw participation increase by over 50% so it’s fantastic to see potential new service users having their say on the new facility.”
• 44% of people who took part in the survey said that the cost of activities is a barrier to their participation.
Ashfield District Council is working with partners to develop the business model for the new leisure destination and is also looking at options to remodel concession rates to increase participation.
• 72% said that a gym and fitness suite was an important part of the new leisure destination. As a result of this, the latest plans will see an increased gym space for the expected increase in members as well as an area for free weights.
• 69% also said that activities for all abilities was an important part of the new facility. Ashfield District Council are developing plans for a facility mix that will be accessible to all, including increased availability of activities, state-of-the-art changing facilities and a health and wellbeing suite.
• 46% of respondents said that they also see arts and culture as an important aspect in the project.
With this in mind, the latest plans will incorporate an events space with a large cinema screen and bleacher seating for over 200 people, the perfect environment for film screenings.
• 90% of people said that easy parking is a must for the new leisure destination. The Council is planning to increase the number of spaces available on the site as well as ensuring parking is free for service users.
• Throughout the consultation, the Council has been working with current service users to ensure the new destination works for them. A key group is the 50 Plus Club who are keen to see bowls provision maintained for their group.
• Barry Brown from 50 Plus Club’s Bowls section said: “We are pleased we have been able to make our voice heard and that the Council is listening to us.
Participation in activities for people of all ages is important so I believe the officers appreciate our expertise when it comes to the facilities we need.”
• Numerous respondents said they wanted to see a less programmed access to swimming facilities, with more availability to drop-in than other leisure centres. The Council is committed to ensuring the offer is different to the other sites across Ashfield, including adventure play, a climbing wall and more opportunities for residents to access the pool.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Jason Zadrozny, said: “I’m overwhelmed with the number of residents who have taken the time to help shape the new leisure centre. “Having spoken to residents, it is clear that there is passion for having high quality and accessible facilities for all. I’m proud that we are already acting on the feedback we’ve had from the consultation and shaping our plans accordingly.”

Lancashire News

Award-winning housebuilder Duchy Homes is excited to announce the launch of its exclusive Calder Park development in the beautiful Lancashire village of Bowgreave as sales open for these executive 2-bedroom to 5-bedroom detached homes with a luxury specification as standard.

A sophisticated mix of stone and brick gives the development a bespoke-feel while attractive features such as bay windows and stone detailing offers a befitting country charm. Fused with contemporary living styles and a luxury specification as standard – including AEG appliances, quart worktops, bi-folding doors and built-in wardrobes – Calder Park will provide generous, high-quality family homes, priced from £339,995.

Typical interior of a Duchy Home These stunning new homes are expected to be in high demand, so an early visit to the launch event is highly recommended. More information can be found online at www.duchyhomes.co.uk/bowgreave

Nottingham News

As Councils across the Country prepare to set their budgets for the year ahead, Broxtowe Borough Council is asking local residents to have their say on how they want their money to be spent. The consultation asks residents to rate services they receive from the Council and what services money should be spent on and where it should be saved.

Chair of the Finance and Resources Committee, Councillor Greg Marshall said: “Broxtowe, along with other local authorities across the country no longer gets any funding from the Government to help deliver its services and we don’t like being in that position. Rest assured that we will do all we can to protect our services, care for the vulnerable and prevent cuts. It’s important for us that residents help us decide where to spend the income we receive and how we deliver for our communities.

Please have your say.” The Council has seen a £2.1 million reduction in the funding it receives from Government and no longer receives any grants from Government. There is an anticipated £1.1 million funding gap for 2020/21.

To complete the consultation, visit www.broxtowe.gov.uk/budgetconsultation by Friday 29th November.
You can also send your comments to finance@broxtowe.gov.uk and include “BUDGET COMMENTS” in the subject line or write to: Deputy Chief Executive, Council Offices, Foster Avenue, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 1AB

Lancashire News

New lighting and re-surfacing work have been approved to enhance the redevelopment of Blackburn’s historic Blakey Moor. The Council has approved the £200,000 additional funding from the Local Transport Plan Fund, to finalise the works for the surrounding Jubilee Square. The works will cover re-surfacing and street lighting pieces to help enhance the Blakey Moor National Lottery Heritage Fund initiative. The wider project aims to bring back into use the historic terrace and reinvigorate the cultural, leisure and evening economy around King George’s Hall.

Cllr Phil Riley, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: This is an important piece of the jigsaw in terms of delivering this key development. Improving the leisure economy is one of the driving forces behind the regeneration of Blakey Moor.

Attractive new public spaces are part of the new offer and they are fundamental to the whole project around that part of the town.
King George’s Hall and the new cinema will be at the heart of the leisure economy and Blakey Moor is a key part of connecting it all together.
The work is expected to complete by December 2020.

Lancashire News

A giant book club is about to take over the North West – and you’re invited to join. The Great North West Read transforms the North West into one massive, interactive book club and this year’s chosen novel is The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick.

The book will be available at local libraries throughout the region, including in e-book and audiobook formats. Taking inspiration from Phaedra’s own love of libraries, the story tells of volunteer librarian Martha Storm, who finds a mysterious book of fairy tales. Within its pages lies a surprising dedication that stirs up family secrets and sparks her own emotional journey of discovery.

In November, Phaedra will also visit libraries across the region to read from her book, sign copies, answer questions and share stories about her journey to becoming a best-selling author. Readers are also encouraged to get involved on social media using the hashtag #GNWR.

Phaedra said: “As a child, I used to visit my local library in Oldham and dream that one day my own book would sit on the shelves. The Library of Lost and Found celebrates the power of stories and I’m delighted it’s been selected as the 2019 Great North West Read.”

Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Skills, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Luthfur Rahman, said: “Now it its second year, the Great North West Read’s goal is to be the North West’s largest community read and it is supported by public libraries across the region, including in Manchester.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to bring readers in the North West together through online and in-person book discussions.

The novel has received huge support from librarians, making it a fantastic choice to engage adult readers across the region.” GNWR is supported by the Time to Read North West Reader Development Network.