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Here is Monday, October 31st's edition of The Nottinghamian:
Hello,
Happy Halloween! Today's edition of the Nottinghamian brings details of two Nottinghamshire houses going big with spooky decorations to raise money for charity.
We will also take a look at a couple closing their chippy after 36 years and how Birds Bakery is expanding in a modern way. Plus we have the top ten things to do in and around the city this week.
Trick or treat?
If you are looking for something to get you in a frightfully good mood this evening, then why not visit some of the scarily impressive Halloween gardens across Nottingham raising money. There are many different gardens across the county with everything from ghouls to goblins and ghosts to witches. Life writer Caroline Barry has chosen a few of the spooky settings on offer.
The list includes Brookfield Road in Arnold where Sally and Richard Bates have spent hours organising their Halloween display in order to raise vital funding for Haywood House Hospice at City Hospital. The spooky display in their garden features lights, coffins, skulls and multiple pumpkins.
Sarah Hills has created a Halloween display to raise money for Rainbows Hospice at her home in Margaret Place, Bingham. After the success of 350 visitors last year, Sarah has themed her garden display around a clown carnival which features an incredible pool full of blood complete with skeletons and fish.
Sarah said: "I started this back in Lockdown and I've been doing it ever since because Halloween is my favourite time of year. In lockdown, children weren't able to go trick or treating but I thought I would find a way to do it. I've just carried it on every year since but it gets bigger and bigger each time."
Mural approved
A mural of the Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi who is believed to be under house arrest has been unveiled in Nottingham, with her permission. The climber was competing in South Korea without a headscarf in protest at the recent death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by Iran's notorious morality police.
Rekabi received a hero's welcome when returning to Iran, but reports now suggest that she is under house arrest in the country. A painting of the climber has now been unveiled at Boatyard Boulders, a climbing and bouldering park which is being developed along the River Trent.
The developers behind the project launched a Women in Sport graffiti series which began with a mural of the Euro 2022 winner Mary Earps. Elnaz Rekabi was next on the list but following the latest reports, Boatyard Boulders did not want the mural to lead to any unintended consequences.
After the permission and approval from the climber herself was sought, the artwork has now been released. Boatyard Boulders will eventually be a full rock climbing and bouldering park, complete with a café and water sports activities.
Weather and trivia
Weather: Heavy overnight rain will quickly clear eastwards leaving a windy day on Tuesday, with scattered blustery showers, as well as some dry brighter spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.
UV: Low
Further reading: Wait continues over decision on fate of 'rough' Notts pub
Trivia question: The Nottingham Electronic Valve Company invented the first what in 1963?
The answer to today’s trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
What's on
Street Food Festival, The Garage Chilwell - Saturday 5
If you fancy giving your taste buds a bang this Bonfire Night, head to the old Batons bus depot in Chilwell. Once a month, six street food kitchens come together for a night of food, craft beers, cocktails and music. There is indoor and outdoor seating available with fire pits keeping guests warm. The Garage is a dog friendly venue, and therefore won't be having a fireworks display. Free entry between 3pm - 5pm, £1 after 5pm.
Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair, Newark Showground - Tuesday 1 and Wednesday 2
Held at the Newark and Nottinghamshire Showground on an enormous 84-acre site, up to 2,500 stands attract thousands of dealers and buyers from around the globe every other month. It is the perfect place to source antiques and vintage, including antique furniture, antique toys, antique jewellery, vintage clothing and much more. You never know what you might find!
Lace Appliqué Brooch Crafternoon, Debbie Bryan, 18 St Marys Gate - Starting Thursday 3
Spend an afternoon learning one of Nottingham's most famous crafts. Using a variety of natural or delicately hand-dyed Nottingham Lace trims, you can create your own wall hanging or accessory from these beautiful materials. Learn how to add embellishments through beadwork and embroidery too. Find out more here.
Spectacle of Light, Rufford Abbey Country Park - Starting Thursday 3
The magical after-dark adventure for all the family returns for 2022. Follow the White Rabbit and discover some of the amazing characters from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Sip delicious night-time warmers of mulled wine and hot chocolate as you follow this magical trail around the beautiful grounds or tuck into scrumptious hot food in the Abbey Courtyard. Read more here.
Lustre, Lakeside Arts - Friday 4 till Sunday 6
Get a head start on your Christmas shopping at the much-anticipated contemporary craft and design fair. At Lustre you can find everything from artisan jewellery and bags to ceramics, glass and tableware. This year, visitors can buy beautiful handmade objects or commission work direct from over 40 of the UK’s finest established and emerging designer/makers, selected for the quality and uniqueness of their craft.
The Nottingham MoRun, Victoria Embankment - Saturday 5
MoRunning is set to inspire everyone to have the best time running. On Saturday you can take on their 5k MoRun, 10k MoRun or step up the challenge and give our Half Marathon a go. Children can even take on a 1.5k Mini MoRun. The event starts at 9:30am.
The Vox Pops, Nonsuch Studios - Saturday 5
The Nottingham group are set to perform a hilarious sketch show based off the audiences' true stories. The Vox Pops improvise comedy out of the real life of a top secret guest. From off the cuff jokes to side splitting characters, The Vox Pops will leave you rolling in the aisles. Tickets cost £8.
Winter Craft Fair, Southwell Minster - Friday 4 and Saturday 5
As with the last few years, the magnificent State Chamber will once again be open where you'll find even more stalls and gifts on sale. If you're looking for jewellery, ceramics, embroidery, Christmas decorations or pretty much anything else, this is one fair not to miss.
Eurovision Sock Contest, Canalhouse - Sunday 6
The funny footwear show is back for their latest comedy house. Fresh from their appearance on Britain's Got Talent, take part in a whole Song Contest for your voting pleasure. With entries from Scandinavia to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, who will win? You decide. Expect the usual songs, sketches, and Gags Sans Frontieres. Tickets £8.
Sancho Panza, Rescue Rooms - Friday 4
Nottingham band Sancho Panza have been dominating indie playlists. Having been on a UK tour and taken to the Splendour stage this summer, the band are set for a hometown return. Jake Bugg has cited Sancho Panza as “the most exciting new band in Nottingham". Catch their intimate show here.
Letting go
The long-time owners of an Ilkeston fish and chip shop say that they can't go on forever and that someone now needs to bring the much-loved institution into the "right century." John and Flora Christofi, 74 and 70 respectively, recently announced that they were retiring after 36 years of running Johnny's Fish Bar.
The couple have decided to shut up shop and hand over their treasured business to new owners, who they would like to introduce new features, such as introducing a website and delivery services, which John and Flora never quite got to grips with.
The couple, surrounded by cards, flowers, and chocolates from well-wishers, added that they have made many friends over the years, and people who have worked at Johnny's rapidly become part of the family. John said: "It's sad in a way, but we can't carry on forever. I'm 74 and my wife is 70 - I moved to England in 1973, her in 1953. We've got to let go sometime."
Delivery expansion
Birds Bakery is expanding its deliveries with Just Eat across Nottinghamshire. In September Birds started by offering door to door deliveries from 11 East Midlands Birds Bakery stores; it will now increase by nine more stores, due to popularity in the service over the last five weeks.
From today, five more Nottingham stores will join the existing deliveries from Lister Gate, Sherwood, Sutton Lakeside, Beeston and Melton Road. The new stores include Birds Bakeries in Chilwell, Mapperley, Wollaton, Victoria Centre and Teal Park.
Tim Bird said: “The initial popularity of Just Eat deliveries has been outstanding. While we have many customers who love popping into store for a chat, we also know that there’s a whole new generation of customers who like to shop in a different way. It’s all about being able to offer choice and convenience to our shoppers."
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, the Nottingham Electronic Valve Company invented the first what in 1963, is the Video Cassette Recorder.
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