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Here is the Nottinghamian from Wednesday, December 21:
Hello,
Today's edition of the Nottinghamian takes a look at the first day of strike action by ambulance staff across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. We headed to the picket lines to hear from the staff themselves.
We will also take a look at how Victoria Centre is considering changes to their fountain after two men were seen taking coins over the weekend. Plus there is a new store opening on Derby Road and we see if Nottingham is ready for Christmas.
Walk out
Thousands of workers across the city and county have walked out on the first day of the most significant ambulance strike action for more than three decades. Staff are striking for 24 hours with campaigners on various picket lines from 6am today. Officials at East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) say up to half of the 4,000-strong workforce are part of the GMB trade union who could strike.
Agreements have been made to maintain response times to life-threatening calls but less urgent calls, such as for falls, could see long waits. Around 70 per cent of workers at Wilford Ambulance Station were on strike, but staff said they would be responding to life-threatening calls.
One long serving paramedic on the picket line outside the Beechdale Road station said it was not just about pay, but also working conditions. They said: "There are patients waiting for hours. I'm not on a bad wage but it's not gone up in five years. A lot of us worked for two years through covid and were applauded. We've gone out and put ourselves on the front line with no reward."
The worker added that as a result of pressures he had seen a patient die in a hospital corridor and seen no immediate response to a cardiac arrest. He added: "I know people will say people will die but they're dying already." Read more here.
Changes
Staff at Victoria Centre have hinted changes could be made to the fountain of the Emett Clock - days after footage appeared to show two men climb into the fountain and remove pennies donated to charity. Both police and staff at the shopping centre are investigating after a video was shared on social media which appeared to show two men fishing coins from the fountain.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the shopping centre said: "Although this was an isolated incident, we are looking at ways to ensure our shoppers can continue to make their 'penny wishes', while keeping their donations safe at the same time.” The clock is on the second floor of the shopping centre - and money donated in the fountain goes to food banks across the city.
Police are investigating and reviewing CCTV footage, but no arrests have been made in connection with the incident as of Wednesday (December 21). The Victoria Centre spokesperson added: “Like many other people, we were both shocked and saddened by the incident that happened in the centre at the weekend. For decades, our shoppers have supported the vital work of local charities by making ‘penny wishes’ in the fountain of the Emmett Clock. Our current chosen charity, Hope Nottingham, receives all of the donations we collect.
"Its team supports 14 food banks across the city, making their work - particularly at the moment - vital. And those services can only operate due to the generosity of others. It has been upsetting for everyone to see the kindness of our shoppers, and the important services that Hope Nottingham provides, treated with such disregard by the individuals involved. Nottinghamshire Police are currently investigating the incident and reviewing CCTV footage."
Weather and trivia
Weather: Cloudy with patchy rain at first on Thursday. Some brighter spells further north through the afternoon. Mainly light winds. Maximum temperature 9 °C.
UV: Low
Further reading: Campaigners criticise "disrespectful" delay to decision on saving Nottingham libraries
Trivia question: JJR Tolkein stayed with his aunt at her farm in Gedling and she is thought to have been the main inspiration for which of his characters?
The answer to today's trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Notts says
With just days left until the big day, we headed into Nottingham to asked shoppers: "How ready for Christmas are you?"
Sarah Whitham, 56, from Mapperley, said: "I think I am. It is my favourite time of year so I am really looking forward to it. I enjoy shopping for all my loved ones and can't wait for them to open their presents. It can get stressful so I am glad I've prepared."
Oliver Middleton, 22, a student from Grimsby, added: "Yes I am ready. I am looking forward to having time off with my family. I started shopping earlier than normal so I think that has helped."
Amber Cross, 36, from Basford said: "I still have a few bits left to do. I am spending less this year, with all that has been going on. You can still get swept away with the madness of it all though, I am trying not to."
Expanding
A Nottingham-based clothing brand is set to open a new store in one of the recently renovated buildings in Derby Road. Universal Works, which sells contemporary clothing, already has a head office and shop base in Broad Street above Rough Trade.
The brand is stocked all over the world with stores in Berlin and stock in Los Angeles and Seoul. The designs were inspired by the founder's upbringing in a working-class family in the Midlands in the 1970s. Co-founder David Keyte is also the designer for the label and has a long career spanning more than 30 years in the fashion industry.
He began the company from his kitchen table with his wife, Stephanie Porritt, in 2009 and has worked with industry legends such as Paul Smith and Maharishi. David Keyte and Stephanie Porritt, said: "As an expanding, global business we’ve now outgrown the space we currently occupy, so are pleased to be opening the doors to a bigger, standalone store on Derby Road in Nottingham.
"We aren’t a 'high-street' kind of brand and prefer alternative neighbourhoods and locations with potential and community spirit. Like Rough Trade, Derby Road fits the bill for us in that regard, with many of our new neighbours already offering interesting things in the world of food, drink and interiors. The new store will open in January 2023 - no exact date yet, but stay tuned.” Read more here.
That's all for today
Thank you for joining me for today's edition of The Nottinghamian. I hope you enjoyed it, and if you did why not sign up to receive it directly in your inbox every weekday by clicking here.
The answer to today's trivia question,JJR Tolkein stayed with his aunt at her farm in Gedling and she is thought to have been the main inspiration for which of his characters, is Gandalf.
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