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Here is the Nottinghamian from Tuesday, December 20:
Hello,
Today's edition of the Nottinghamian brings news of the second day of strike action for nurses in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. We hear from nurses on the picket line about how they feel the action is going.
We will also take a look at a pub which has been criticised for opening on Christmas Day as well as a pizza restaurant closure. Plus we delve into the history of one of Nottingham's landmarks.
Second day
Nottingham nurses began their second day of strike action as they fight for fair pay and better conditions. Dozens of nurses returned to the picket lines outside Queen's Medical Centre for a day of action organised by the Royal College of Nursing.
Many strikers could be seen at the roadside as early as 7am, with many more joining throughout the day. Regional organiser for Royal College of Nursing, Sarah Leigh McMahon, said: “This strike has been a long time coming. If you had asked our members four years ago we probably would not have got the mandate for strike action, but a lot has happened in the last four years.
"Our members have had 10 years of below inflation pay. With the pay that is being offered, we can’t attract people to the profession or retain people in the profession.”
When asked if she felt the Government was listening, she said: “No, they need to come to the table and actually discuss pay.” Sarah warned strikes will continue into the new year if the Government does not act. Read more from the nurses on the picket line here.
Weather and trivia
Weather: Early rain clearing eastern parts, then another dry and bright day on Wednesday with sunny spells. Breezy throughout the day but winds easing overnight. Maximum temperature 8 °C.
UV: Low
Further reading: 'Great backstreet boozer' saved from closure as new tenants step in
Trivia question: Since 1845, what has been illegal to rent out in Nottingham?
The answer to today's trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Notts nostalgia
For many people, a trip to the theatre is a festive tradition. From watching the year's pantomime to seeing top singers, comedians and performers take to the stage: the Theatre Royal has a long history for the people of Nottingham.
Since it first opened its doors in 1865, the Theatre Royal has survived the reign of six monarchs, two World Wars, seen the dawn of cinema, radio and television and is still a vital and much-cherished part of our community. The Theatre Royal opened on Monday, September 25, 1865, with Sheridan’s The School for Scandal.
On October 6, 1952, the theatre made history with the world premiere of The Mousetrap as part of a pre-West End tour. The play has gone on to be the longest-running theatrical production in the world. Two years later William Douglas Home's comedy The Manor of Northstead premiered there before transferring to the West End.
In 1969 the city council bought the theatre and began restoring, since it had earned a reputation as one of the worst theatres for backstage conditions in the country. At a cost of £4 million in the day, the theatre reopened on 6 June 1978 by Princess Anne who was “impressed and delighted” and said “…what an improvement on the old place. All you had there was the smell of gas.”
Hitting back
A Nottingham pub that opened on Christmas Day last year will once again be inviting customers for a festive drink on December 25. Regulars and anyone who might be at a loose end are welcome at the Trent Navigation Inn.
The pub was labelled "bored and sad" for opening in 2021 but defended the decision, explaining that Christmas could be a very lonely time for those who don't have families or friends to celebrate with. Bosses at the pub, in Meadow Lane, have decided to open from 12noon till 4pm on the day.
There will be no food served, just drinks. But once again, it drew criticism. One person commented: "Give your staff the day off. Let them be with family and friends. Money shouldn't matter." Tom Holodynsky, the operations manager at pub owner, the Great Northern Group, said: "We have had one or two negative comments again asking 'why?' and 'put your staff first' but we stand by our comments last year.
"We want our community pub to be a safe and welcoming haven for those who seek company and to avoid loneliness on Christmas Day as well as to share the big day with our beloved regulars. Last year it was nice and steady with a mix of familiar faces and new ones who we're happy to say a year later have become more familiar. And as for the staff, more of them have asked to work than we actually require!"
'Do better'
A Bingham pizza joint that opened earlier this year has closed its doors for good. Nigel Regan, owner of Who Said Pizza? has called time on the business, calling for someone to do a "better job".
Mr Regan announced the closure on Facebook and Instagram, saying: "Well, that was fun! Hope you all enjoyed it. Opportunity for someone to bring something new and adventurous to Bingham and do a better job than I did!" He added that he didn't give the business "the energy it needed and didn't follow my own advice... stick to the plan and focus, focus, focus."
Followers leapt to his defence. One commented: "Given the timing and economic climate, you did a fabulous job. The service was excellent and so was the food. Sorry it didn't work out." Who Said Pizza? was competing with high street chain Domino's which opened around the corner in Church Street earlier this year and well-established takeaway Barolo opposite.
He also runs Yeung Sing Cantonese restaurant in Bingham with his wife Pok U, along with cocktail bar, Bar 15, and hotel, the Bingham Townhouse, which featured on Channel 4's Four in a Bed. 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, since 1845, what has been illegal to rent out in Nottingham, is the caves. It comes after the creation of the Nottingham Inclosure Act in 1845.
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