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Here is today's edition of The Nottinghamian:
Hello,
Today's edition of the Nottinghamian focuses on a redevelopment in Arnold which is hoped to make the town thrive. Several businesses are set to open in the £4 million project this month.
We will also take a look at a Nottingham singer who impressed the four judges on The Voice as well as the dates for three Christmas light switch-ons. Plus we delve into the city's past in our Notts nostalgia section and this week has a musical twist.
Town set to thrive
Excitement is starting to build in Arnold ahead of the opening of a £4 million project which will 'help their town thrive'. The recently finished AMP building at Arnold Market Place will soon be the new home of several start-up businesses as well as the town's Post Office.
There will also be a wine-tasting experience outlet, a cat and dog accessory and treats store, a cake shop and a delicatessen. The site was the home of Arnold Market for more than 50 years, but in 2018 Gedling Borough Council purchased the land and work started in 2020.
Local residents thought the delayed wait for the project's opening would prove worthwhile. Lizz Everitt, 57, from Arnold said: "I'm born and bred in Arnold and it is exciting, hopefully it will encourage growth here." John Townsend, 84, a retiree from Sherwood said: "Now that it is finally finished I'm sure it will be a good thing for the town it's already made a difference. It looks a lot better, but whether the businesses will be successful I have no idea until it gets started."
A small ceremony will take place on Tuesday, October 11 to celebrate The AMP being officially handed over to Gedling Borough Council. A time capsule, designed by local school children from Robert Mellors Primary School, will be placed into the ground on the site. Read more here.
Impressing the judges
A music student from Nottingham wowed the celebrities on The Voice UK and got them all to turn around. Contestant Olivia Mason impressed the coaches with her singing and spoken word poetry.
The 21-year-old, who lives with her mum in Nottingham, was on Saturday's episode (October 8) of the popular ITV show. With the combination of her vocals and spoken word poetry, she got Anne-Marie, Olly Murs, Will.i.am and Tom Jones to all turn their chairs around.
Olivia performed Killing Me Softly by Roberta Flack, which involved her own spoken word poetry. At the end of her performance the 21-year-old said: “Spoken word is just that unspoken hurt, I’m just a Nottingham girl.” After the four coaches tried to persuade Olivia to choose them, she chose team Anne-Marie for ‘female empowerment' as she moved to the next stage of the competition.
Weather and trivia
Weather: Bright and breezy for many first thing on Wednesday, however cloud and patchy rain will make slow progress eastwards. Maximum temperature 15 °C.
UV: Low
Further reading: Nottingham Robin Hood Beer Festival prices as event to operate with tokens instead of cash
Trivia question: What Nottingham song was dubbed the worst pop song of all time by Radio One DJ Noel Edmonds?
The answer to today’s trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Notts nostalgia
Back in the 1990s, a walk through Lister Gate would not have been complete without the sounds of Xylophone Man. Regularly sat outside C&A, the busker's notes would fill the air as shoppers walked by. Few knew Frank Robinson's name and so he was christened the Xylophone Man.
Frank, who lived in Cotgrave, commuted to the city each day for fifteen years to play his repertoire on a child's metallophone. His familiar sound created by the, arguably, random hitting of notes was accompanied by an excitable and enthusiastic approach to his instrument. His performances earned him great affection from passers-by, putting smiles on their faces and he became something of a cult following.
After his death aged 72 in 2004 from a heart attack, a plaque was dedicated in his honour at the spot where he used to sit outside the shop. The store is currently occupied by H&M and the plaque can be found at its entrance.
Switch-on dates
The Christmas light switch-on dates for three Nottinghamshire towns have been announced. Ashfield District Council will be turning on this year's Christmas lights events in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Hucknall in November.
All three events will feature funfair rides, an entertainment stage with performances from local talent, free face painting, and Santa and his sleigh. Christmas markets will fill the town centres with food and drink, as well as local businesses selling gifts and crafts. The events will finish with the official light switch on.
Sutton-in-Ashfield's event will take place on Thursday, November 17 from 4.30pm to 7.30pm at Market Place Car Park. Kirkby-in-Ashfield's event will be held on Thursday, November 24 from 4.30pm to 7.30pm at Kirkby Plaza and Ellis Street. In Hucknall, the event will take place from 4pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday, November 30 at Hucknall Market Place Car Park and High Street. 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, what Nottingham song was dubbed the worst pop song of all time by Radio One DJ Noel Edmonds, is Notts County’s theme song ‘County’s The Team For Me’.
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