Stay up to date with all the latest stories across Nottinghamshire in the daily Nottinghamian newsletter. You can receive the newsletter straight to your inbox every weekday by signing up right here.
Here is today's edition of The Nottinghamian:
Hello,
Today's edition of the Nottinghamian focuses on a woman's success in winning an international singing competition. She made it through eight gruelling rounds and defeated over 10,000 other entrants.
We will also discuss the loss felt in Lowdham as a fire damaged a farm shop in the early hours. Plus, I have hand-picked the top ten things to do this week including something for all the family to get involved in.
Top prize
A singer-songwriter from West Bridgford has won an international contest with her latest single. Sharon Watkins, who didn't think she would make it past the first round, was shocked to learn she had won the competition after making it through eight gruelling rounds of the contest.
Sharon not only won the pop category but the overall contest as well. The Song of the Summer competition, which is run by California-based company 'Artist Republik', had more than 10,000 entries mainly from the US with a prize of over $1,000 cash.
She said: "The level of songs that went into this competition was incredible. I feel really lucky to have won it and have the amazing support from people who voted to carry us through the rounds. It feels unreal." Sharon has a background in music and saw the contest advertised so decided to submit the song, 'Stranded', for consideration. She wrote the track with her brother Sammy during the pandemic after being inspired by boats stuck in the mud waiting for a tide to carry them out. Read more on Sharon's success here.
Loss to the community
A village community were left in shock this morning after between eight and ten fire engines were called out to a blaze at Gonalston Farm Shop in Southwell Road, Lowdham, at around 2am. Alison Thomas, 46, who lives near the farm shop, said: "I am in shock really. My immediate concern is obviously the family who owns the shop.
"It has been here for many years and I am just very sad for the owners. This shop means a lot to our community and we now feel like we lost part of it." A post on Facebook confirmed the shop would be closed 'until further notice'. A spokesperson added: "Unfortunately our lovely shop suffered a significant fire during the early hours of this morning. Thankfully all creatures great and small are safe and well. The shop will be closed until further notice.
"May we thank the amazing work of the emergency services who worked tirelessly through the night. We would also like to thank the kindness and generosity of all our neighbours, team, customers, suppliers and friends who have sent their best wishes and offers of help. We look forward to seeing you all again very soon. " The roof of the farm shop has been significantly damaged by the fire. Read more here.
Weather and trivia
Weather: Early mist and fog patches soon clearing to leave a fine and dry day tomorrow, with plenty of sunshine throughout. Feeling fresher, but still pleasant in the sunshine. Light winds. Maximum temperature 19 °C.
Pollen: Low
Further reading: Buzz on Nottingham's Derby Road with new openings and 'different vibe in each pub'
Trivia question: Nottingham was originally called Snotingham, but what did it mean?
The answer to today’s trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
What's on
International Archery, Wollaton Park - Thursday 15 to Saturday 17
Watch the European Para Archery Cup Finals or the Archery GB National Tour Final in the historic setting of Wollaton Park. Spectators can expect to see world-class shooting from these world-class UK and European, Paralympian and Olympic archers. You can either buy a grandstand ticket for the best view in the house or watch for free. Visitors can also try their hand at the sport. Book here.
YesTribe Social Climbing, Nottingham Climbing Centre - Monday 12
Head to Nottingham Climbing Centre for a social climb any time between 7pm and 9:30pm this evening. You will need to be a competent climber but there is no need to book, just register and pay on the door. They will be meeting outside the entrance before getting stuck in.
Canalhouse Comedy Night, Canalhouse - Wednesday 14
Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, you can catch top acts practicing new material or check out the up-and-coming stars. Expect a night of laughter for £2 and you never know who may become the next big name in comedy. Doors open at 7pm and the event starts at 7.30pm.
Corella, The Bodega - Tuesday 13
For a night of music, head to the Bodega to catch the indie-pop quartet from Manchester. Corella's signature catchy melodic hooks, propulsive multi-layered guitar riffs and reminiscent lyrics, relay a coming-of-age story of their own. Tickets cost £8 and can be found here.
Crochet with Barbara, Tiger Community Hub - Thursday 15
Spend an afternoon crocheting at Tiger Community Hub aimed at supporting mental health & wellbeing through a range of activities. Barbara is very experienced at crochet and loves sharing her skills. Whether you are a beginner or need help to move you to the next level Barbara will help to improve your crochet. Sessions are free and there will be hooks and yarn available to use. Booking is advised and a donation via a cake and drink is welcome. Book a place here.
The Amazons: Live + Signing, Rough Trade - Thursday 15
This unique performance and signing event celebrates the release of The Amazons' third album 'How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me' released on September 9. Tickets for this event also include a physical copy of the new album on a format of choice to be collected from Rough Trade Nottingham on the day of the show. Doors open at 7pm and tickets start from £15.50.
Nottingham Panthers vs Coventry Blaze, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham - Saturday 17
Spend Saturday evening cheering on Nottingham Panthers as they take on Coventry Blaze at 7pm. Tickets start from £12.40 and can be found here.
Gladrags: LGBTQ+ Club Night & Drag Show, Rough Trade - Saturday 17
Rough Trade is hosting a night to remember full of drag shows and music to get you on the dancefloor. Drag performances come from Nana Arthole, Beta Max, Axolotl Full Throttle and Hunter Gatherer. Music ranges from electro , techno, pop, alternative, vogue house and much more. Tickets cost £10 and gladrags are encouraged.
Raleigh Cycle Tour, Primary - Sunday 18
Partnering with Zig Zag Tours, join in for a bike ride on main roads and cycle paths in Nottingham to explore local history. Sights include Raleigh Cycle Company and Grade II listed The Howitt Building (former main offices). This 9km ride will take a route around some less-discovered parts of Nottingham, mostly on quiet back streets. Tickets cost £5 and can be booked here, own bikes are necessary.
Legend: Music of Bob Marley, Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall - Tuesday 13
An unforgettable evening celebrating this musical icon, combining his superb, distinctive vocals with flawless musicianship, and a talented cast. Together they recreate the timeless hits Could You Be Loved, Is This Love, One Love, No Woman No Cry, Three Little Birds, Jammin’, Buffalo Soldier and many more reggae classics. The two-hour rasta spectacular captures the charisma and culture of an icon gone too soon. Tickets start from £26.50.
'A whirlwind'
The landlady at a Nottinghamshire village pub has decided to call time just six months after taking over. Locals welcomed the return of the Four Bells in Woodborough after a lengthy closure during the pandemic.
But now, landlady Beccy Webster has announced on a Facebook post: "It’s been a whirlwind of a 6 months, but unfortunately September will be our last month at The Four Bells - Woodborough. We have taken the hard decision as a family to not continue this journey. We thank you all for the support you have given us."
Ms Webster, who also runs the Gedling Inn, took over the Four Bells earlier this year and spruced it up ready for reopening in April. Owners Star Pubs & Bars are now advertising for a new tenant at the pub which has an annual rent of £44,092 and an estimated annual profit of £44,690. 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, Nottingham was originally called Snotingham, but what did it mean, is the town of snot people.
READ NEXT:
Life next to 'dangerous' park where neighbours 'too scared to leave house at night'
City divided as huge accommodation block takes shape near Motorpoint arena
Frustration over 'disruptive' Nottingham city centre construction work that's months overdue
No plan for annual bank holiday for Queen Elizabeth II funeral date
