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Here is today's edition of The Nottinghamian:
Hello,
Today's edition of the Nottinghamian focuses on warm hubs being set up across the city. In an effort to support people through the winter months, businesses and community centres are opening their doors.
We will also take a look at a mum who won a Birds Bakery competition and can now see her creations in store. Plus we have a selection of ten things to do this half term and find out about the return of a Nottingham music festival next year.
Warm spaces
Businesses across Nottinghamshire have confirmed they will be offering warm spaces this winter. In order to help people save money by not having to heat their homes, Greene King pubs will be opening their doors. Among the pubs is the Nottingham Knight, off Loughborough Road, between Edwalton, Ruddington and West Bridgford.
The hub will be open every Tuesday evening from November 1 until Christmas from 6pm to 9pm. A spokesperson for the Nottingham Knight said: "As nights draw in earlier, we wanted to support our local community and offer a space where people know they will be welcomed by our friendly staff and a complimentary hot drink.”
Fellow Greene King pub The Hayloft, in Nottingham Road in Giltbrook, are also offering up the pub as a 'warm hub'. From 12pm daily, there will be a warm space and free WIFI. St George Centre in Victoria Street, Netherfield, is currently being used as a warm hub too. The hub provides many services from job fairs to memory cafes and Slimming World groups.
One of the most popular services is its cafe, which offers nutritional meals for as little as £1 along with a cup of tea or coffee. They encourage people to pop in, not just for food or heat but for their mental health too. Tina Simpson, treasurer and trustee of the centre, said: "Everyone is worried but it's a support mechanism. If you are all together, here and chatting with your friends then you have a bit of support."
Weather and trivia
Weather: After a fine start on Tuesday cloud will increase with the odd shower likely, though most parts staying dry. Winds increasing. Heavy rain possible later. Maximum temperature 16 °C.
UV: Low
Further reading: Nottingham Center Parcs to launch new swimming feature at Sherwood Forest holiday village
Trivia question: Transport Minister John Profumo launched the first ever UK helicopter commuter service between Lenton and which East Midland's city?
The answer to today’s trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
What's on
Halloween Cinema, Newstead Abbey - Tuesday 25 - Wednesday 26
Snuggle up and watch spooky films against the beautiful backdrop of Newstead Abbey. Catch the classic 80s vampire movie the Lost Boys or the villainous trio of witches in Hocus Pocus. The films start around 8pm and dressing up is strongly encouraged. Book here.
Halloween, Nottingham Castle - until Monday 31
A half term packed with Halloween activities at the Castle. Witches and wizards will be working away in their magical laboratory, spooky crafts and activities will be on offer and for those 15 and up, descend below ground into the castle caves after dark. Full information can be found here.
Giant Rooftop Monsters, City Centre - until Monday 31
Nottingham has been taken over by a group of bright coloured monsters. Spend half term wandering around the city trying to find them all. The friendly beasts have taken up rooftop residency at the Theatre Royal, Bravissimo on Bridlesmith Gate, Victoria Centre and the Council House in Old Market Square. Take photos along the trail for a fun free activity.
Batman and the Batmobile, King Street - Sunday 30
Gotham's favourite superhero is visiting the city. With permission, Batman is parking his Batmobile up on King Street from 10am – 4pm for photo opportunities throughout the day. He may however have to disappear from time to time to make sure his arch-enemies aren’t misbehaving back in Gotham City, but he will return! Make sure you catch him whilst he is there.
Free face painting, City Centre - Sunday 30
Three face painters will be stationed across the city offering free face painting to children over 3, just in time for Halloween. Find them at The Cornerhouse, Foreman Street, and the Hilton Hotel, Milton Street, between 10am till 4pm. O’Neill’s on Beastmarket Hill will be offering face painting from 12pm till 4pm.
Sweet Stops, City Centre - Sunday 30
Trick or treat! Across the city there will be 88 sweet stops for children to pick up a Halloween treat. From the British Heart Foundation to John Lewis and the Cosy Club, there are plenty of places to stop by to pick up a sweet. A map detailing all the locations can be found here.
Ice skating, National Ice Centre - Until Sunday 30
The National Ice Centre have a full half term schedule including a Spooky Skate Night on Friday, October 28. Intensive skating lessons returns and parents and tots skate happens every Monday. On Tuesday, there is an opportunity for skaters to show off their skills in the “Eric Frost” Spin, Spiral, Jump Competition. Daily public skating and all events can be booked here.
Black Victorians, Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall - Thursday 27
Following the release of Black Victorians: Hidden in History, the Theatre Royal is welcoming co-authors Keshia N. Abraham and John Woolf to discuss their work. In the book and this subsequent talk, Woolf and Abraham reach back into the archives to re-centre our attention on marginalised Black Victorians. The free talk can be booked here.
The Spirits Tour, National Justice Museum - Thursday 27
Combining ghostly happenings with the dark art of mixology, the evening starts with a cocktail to steady the nerves before a spine-chilling ghost tour around the Museum. Follow the tour through the streets of Nottingham as you hear eerie tales of the city, ending up at the beautiful surroundings of The Alchemist to recover with a cocktail. Tickets here.
The Smyths, Rescue Rooms - Friday 28
Relive the sounds of Morrissey and Marr at this Smiths tribute night. Strangeways, Here We Come is the album the band never got to play live, having been released after they split. Celebrating the 35th anniversary of the album’s release, The Smyths perform the album in full for the first time ever. Tickets here.
Winner
A mum has won a competition to design a new Halloween product to be sold in 63 Birds Bakery stores across the East Midlands. Lauren Milner wowed a panel of judges with her 'Pumpkin Puff', a spooky take on a classic cream puff.
The cake is filled with chocolate orange cream, covered with orange icing and finished with green chocolate on top for the pumpkin stalk. The ‘Get Your Bake On’ competition launched during the summer, encouraging cake enthusiasts to share their designs on social media.
Lauren said: "As soon as I saw the competition, I knew I wanted to do something around a pumpkin. I didn’t want to venture too far from what Birds is about – I thought it best to stick to an original, well-loved classic and give it a twist. The cream puff is the perfect shape for a pumpkin and as chocolate orange is my favourite flavour, it was a no brainer." Lauren’s Pumpkin Cream Puff will run as an exclusive alongside Birds' Halloween range until October 31.
Beat the streets
One of Nottingham's best-loved music festivals is returning to raise vital funds for Framework Housing Association. Beat the Streets will take place on Sunday, January 29, across multiple city centre venues.
More than 25 acts have been confirmed for the festival, featuring performances from Ferocious Dog, Lawnmower Deth, Palm Reader, Girlband and The Chase. Winners of the Future Sound of Nottingham, Alt Blk Era, will also perform at the event.
Festival fans will be able to visit different venues such as Rock City, Rescue Rooms and Bodega to catch their favourite acts. All proceeds from ticket sales, the bar and merchandise will be donated directly to Framework. Tickets cost £10. More information can be found 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, Transport Minister John Profumo launched the first ever UK helicopter commuter service between Lenton and which East Midland's city, is Leicester. It cost 11 shillings for a single trip or £1 return.
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