Ping pong gives Peggy, 96, a new lease of life: FREE Page 3 Issue 1 December 2013 The best place in town... Advertise in BILBOROUGH Community News

Community News See page 2 for details WIN! £20 See page 5

Natter: Barbara Herrod meets reporter Pragati Bhandari Come along Meet the team: Bilborough College students Ruby Porter, Pragati Bhandari, Tamsin Parnell, Joe Oakden, Esther Samson, Jake Hevness, James Radford, Holly Banks, Saskia Roberts, Chloe Fisher, for a knit Charlotte Bell and Holly Smith. Gabriela Heaton, not pictured, is also a member of the team and a natter

Do you like knitting or We want to want to learn? The Knit and Natter Club meets every Monday at Bilborough Library from 10am to noon. Everyone hear from YOU is welcome. Mark and Barbara, who By Ruby Porter stories and insights into the lives of local run the club, say it’s a people. great place to be creative Welcome to Bilborough Community News! while having a chat. We also hope readers will contribute to the Our aim is to help strengthen the sense of newsletter and feel it belongs to them. The knitters also support community in Bilborough by keeping people charities and are always We’d love to hear your stories and anything informed about what is going on in the area. grateful for donations of you’d like to share: from coffee mornings to wool and knitting This new­look issue was written and put poems and photos, or perhaps tales from equipment. together by students at Bilborough College. bygone Bilborough. Or maybe there’s a To find out more about We hope you’ll discover just some of what’s community champion you’d like write about. the club, please email going on around Bilborough while enjoying We look forward to hearing from you! [email protected]

Get in touch: email [email protected] or phone 0115 8515000 2 Bilborough Community News

Thanks to our friends We would like to offer sincere thanks to all those who have supported Bilborough Community News, especially:

Students of Bilborough College Angela Hayes and Carolyn Caldwell from SupportNet St John's Social Centre Local primary schools Members of SupportNet Carmel Bradley Berry Tasty Bilborough Library Marlow Photographic Rob Ounsworth (The University of ) Nottingham University Samworth Academy (NUSA) The University of Nottingham for its support under the Teacher Fellowship scheme, which helps teachers to develop and lead a community­focused project.

Highly skilled: Beatrice Compton was interviewed by the Queen’s dressmaker Above all, we would like to thank the people of Bilborough, who have provided inspirational stories and demonstrated what an amazing A gift worthy community we all live and work in. Get in touch!

In order for the newsletter to of a queen continue we need your support! If you’d like to contribute a news item or publicise an event please By Charlotte Bell far from home in London. Due to these email difficult times, it was virtually impossible [email protected] While many people in the late 1930s were to deliver a message to somewhere this or phone 0115 8515000. still rebuilding their lives following the far away from London. Unfortunately she First World War, 14­year­old Beatrice You can hand in contributions for never did hear back from Norman Compton was nurturing her passion for the newsletter at Bilborough Hartnell. embroidery at Sunday school. Library or give them to Angela or Reflecting on the whole experience Carolyn at SupportNet on Tuesday The standard of her work was so exquisite Beatrice says: “Although naturally I was mornings at the Community that it later came to the notice of the disappointed at the time I have no regrets Centre. Queen’s Dressmaker, Norman Hartnell. about this experience now.” Hartnell decided that he must have this After being evacuated to her aunt's home, Advertise here young lady on his team and offered her an Beatrice recalls spending most of her time interview. Naturally Beatrice couldn’t We have limited funds to keep the working on the land. Her great passion, reject this great opportunity so she newsletter going so would welcome embroidery, was neglected but in later attended. However, tragedy struck while advertising or sponsorship from years Beatrice again took up crafts. she awaited news of whether she had businesses. Please use the above landed the job. Beatrice, 88, is now sewing quilts for the contact details if you would like to local church in order to raise money for help keep the newsletter a part of Her house was bombed. The Second charity. And in doing so she has raised a our community. Advertising space World War had begun and she had to be massive £500—all for a good cause! can be bought for as little as £10. evacuated to her aunt's house in Wisbech, Bilborough Community News 3 Peggy, Peggy, 96, is 96, is table table tennis tennis starstar

Still smiling: Table tennis for the elderly at the SupportNet Group has given Peggy Smith, 96, a new lease of life

By Joe Oakden inspirational women running the group showed St John’s, a a video of a table tennis world championships A heart attack and stroke would resign many to for the elderly, inspiring the whole group to get the house for the rest of their lives. Not brief history involved on a weekly basis. 96­year­old Peggy Smith. How much do you know Peggy didn’t let the limited use of her hand put Peggy, from Bilborough, lost all feeling in her about Bilborough’s her off, and joined in, going every week. arms and had only limited use of her hand after history? the stroke and struggled to do many everyday She gradually regained the use of her hand and Take St John’s Church, for tasks. is again able to complete everyday tasks. instance. Did you know that the church’s Victorian But picking up a table tennis bat gave her an Peggy really looks forward to her Friday architecture once made it unexpected new lease of life. afternoon table tennis sessions. She said: “I’ve much­loved landmark? made many new friends at the club.” SupportNet, a community group co­ordinated It was also renowned for its choir. by Angela Hayes and Carolyn Caldwell, set up a The table tennis club meets at Bilborough table tennis club for the elderly on Friday Community Centre on Fridays at 2pm. All are However, during the night afternoons. welcome. of 8 May 1941, much of the church was destroyed Peggy decided to give it a try. The two by a German bomb. Ten years after the war, St John’s was replaced with huts. Three years later it was rebuilt, and A homework club meets every The library also lays on craft consecrated on 21 March Where to Thursday at Bilborough activities if you finish your 1959. Library, between 4pm and homework and still have get help 6pm. some spare time. Crochet Club with your Homework Help allows use of It’s a chilled­out atmosphere. Crochet Club meets on the library computers. You Just turn up and Ruby, Jess Mondays between 10am can also print off your work and Sonia will be there to and noon at Bilborough homework for free. help you if you get stuck! Library. All are welcome. 4 Bilborough Community News Schools page

Firbeck Primary

School By Logan Walton and Nicole Page Hello, our names are Logan and Nicole and we are in Year 6 at Firbeck Academy.

Our school is quite special because we have a lot of deaf children so we all get to learn British Sign Language (BSL).

We start learning sign language in Reception or Year 1. It is a very good skill. It helps us to communicate with lots of different people, and we use signing outside of school as All dressed up: Enjoying Children in Need in Bilborough well as in school.

Our Christmas performance is at school on Tuesday 17 We love Pudsey! December at 2pm and 7pm. It is based on a story called Cinderella by Roald Dahl so it Portland School will be quite funny. By Sinead Wright and Megan Pearce It will be performed by the Portland School joined people across the UK Juniors. Everything we say in in fundraising for Children in Need. the performance is signed and Children were asked to donate 50p to come every song we sing is also to school dressed as their hero. Not famous signed, so it takes quite a lot of superheroes, but the everyday people that practice! we admire and who do things to help us. Visitors always tell us how Children came dressed as teachers, nurses, beautiful it looks when we all police officers, scientists, historical figures sing and sign together, it’s just and even their parents! what we always do! In each class, teachers were asked to pick a winner. Children were asked why the person they were dressed as was special to them. and cheerful and makes her laugh. Melbury Primary The class winners then had to repeat their Altogether, Portland School raised £197 for speeches in a special assembly. The overall School Children in Need. “Everyone looked fantastic winner was Jenna Marshall in Year 6 who and it was great to see so many people By Holly Henson, Megan dressed up as her younger sister. Her dressed up,” said one teacher. Milnthorpe, Millie Moss and reasons were that her sister is always happy Mya Mercer On Friday, 15 November, we had a marvellous time because Brocklewood Primary should do again!” This is proof that we wore our pyjamas to school making chocolate is and can be great fun! to support Children in Need. School We also had to make the wrapper, which was fun, too. We sold the chocolate bars Everyone brought a £1 on at play time. donation and some people By Chelsea Musgrove and Jenna­Clare brought wristbands and Johnson For Children in Need nearly the whole biscuits. school wore their PJs and brought in £1 to Year 6 have been busy making and selling raise money. We played games for 20p each our own chocolate bars. Whilst making and some parents came in and the chocolate, we have covered maths, Jenkin said: “It was great fun because we played Pudsey puzzles. It was literacy, D.T and your 5­a­day. We got to got to bring in our teddies and wore PJs loads of fun! let our chocolate­making imagination run and we got to help the children.” We had a fabulous day and wild! Jordan said: “I thought it was great Sophia said: “It was the best day ever raised nearly £500. fun, a nice treat and something that we during school hours!” Bilborough Community News 5

Know your onions... Festive fun for families

This year, Bilborough is celebrating Christmas with a festival.

The Heart of Bilborough Christmas Festival includes switching on the Christmas lights, a vehicle parade, ...to win carol singing, face painting and a festive fair to make it fun for all of the family.

Activities begin on Bracebridge Drive at 4pm on December 13 We love Pudsey! £20! and are expected to last until 8pm. Christmas in the Community Fun Day Nottingham University Samworth Academy, Do you know your onions? And your apples? Make sure you add your name and contact on Bramhall Road, will be In fact, all things fruit and vegetable! Here we details. Here goes! holding a free fun day have a wonderful quiz created by Peggy from for everyone in the local The cat’s delight SupportNet, designed to test your knowledge! community to attend The vehicle rusts on Saturday 15 December Even better, if you complete the quiz and hand 2013. it into either the Library or Berry Tasty on The thin sprinter Bracebridge Drive, before 10 January, you Tread on this and whine Bilborough Kid’s could win £20! Group Nativity Play Two at a meeting This December, members Not a pretty sight of Bilborough Kid’s Group will be putting on a Small in a pod Christmas production at St Lady Helen John the Baptist Church. Spud Murphy Christmas services

Rhythm underground St Martin of Tours: Ice and slice Christingle, evening of 18 December, time to be Is an old prune confirmed. Christmas Holy Bring tears to your eyes Communion, Christmas Day, 10.30am. Holy A male leaving Communion, Boxing Day, Sit on a wrestler 10.30am Green but big hearted Christmas table Boxer’s ears decorations

Beatles record Bilborough Library, Thursday 12 December Your tap might have one 10.30am–noon. Only He’s from Scandinavia £3.50! 6 Bilborough Community News

Gem in the heart of the city

If you are looking for something different to do, check out the .

Location: Weekday Cross (near the )

Open: Tues – Sun from 10am

Current Exhibitions: Geoffrey Farmer, Let’s Make the Water Turn Black and Asco, No Movies. Open until 5 January 2014

There are many free activities and events to get involved in at Nottingham Contemporary this winter. Medieval: St Martin’s Church. They hope to start the project in spring 2014. Free family activities

Every Saturday and Sunday 11am­3pm our friendly Play and Learn Bid to share St Team offer fun, creative activities for all ages in the Studio!

Family film screening ­ Martin’s riches The Muppets Sunday 15 December By Holly Smith hard­hat tours of the restoration and a virtual 11am – 3pm. tour made available on the St Martin’s Hilary Wheat, Church Warden for St Martin’s Escape the cold weather website. In 2015 and 2016, there will be Church, is heading a project called Hidden and join us for a morning pilgrimages between the churches of Treasures which hopes to restore the medieval of creative family Bilborough, and Strelley, and church to its former glory. activities followed by a intergenerational handicraft workshops. screening of The Muppets An extension built on the church in the 1970s St Martin’s secured a grant to take forward the on our giant cinema meant that two 20th century wall paintings by plans in June 2012; the application is now in screen. Morning activities Evelyn Gibbs were covered and assumed lost the second round and still pending approval. are free. Afternoon film until 2009, when they were rediscovered The outcome will be released by the end of screening £3 per person. above the pine ceiling in the chancel. Painted this year. Bring your own picnic. in 1946, they are believed to be the last surviving examples of monumental work by Other members of this project include Revd Free live music the war artist, which resulted in a Mandy Cartwright, architect Bruce Bradley, Every Saturday evening recommendation from English Heritage to Evelyn Gibbs biographer Pauline Lucas, and from 8pm in our Café bar. have the paintings restored. Simon Gledhill. They said: “The Hidden Featuring jazz, blues, Treasures of the project title doesn’t just refer The project hopes to not only restore the soul, reggae, rock, to the hidden heritage but also the hidden paintings but also improve parts of the church country, world and more! skills and talents within each one of us.’ both internally and externally, such as For more information, installing under floor heating and putting back “We are eager to make the church as open contact us on 0115 948 a clear glass East window. The project will run and accessible as possible and we hope you 9750 or visit: alongside three years of heritage activities. want to come on board and be part of taking www.nottinghamcontemp These will start in 2014 with activities such as this project forward.” orary.org Bilborough Community News 7 It’s all in a day’s work for CPO Maria

By Holly Banks and Chloe Fisher

Community Protection Officers often don’t get the credit they deserve. “I get the impression that they really care about the community” said local neighbourhood development officer, Julianne Christou.

We spoke to Maria Summers, a woman who has been a Community Protection Officer (CPO) in Bilborough for nearly a year. She told us about the role and about the variety of people she meets. On the beat Maria told of a recent case involving an elderly woman, scared that her house was being burgled. She dialled 999 but hung in Bilborough up as she was too frightened. Maria visited. She discovered that the house wasn’t being burgled, By Gabriela Heaton events for the public and aim to anonymously but the woman was struggling to live alone and was scared. The police within Bilborough and surrounding take people’s views on any issues within the areas play a huge role in the community, community in order to decide, prioritise and Maria found the woman a care whether they are monitoring speeding or look to solve the problems which are having the home where she now happily controlling anti‐social behaviour. biggest effect on the neighbourhood. lives, and still receives regular updates on about her. Maria said Having been patrolling the area for several The Bilborough Ward Roadshow in November she found this experience very years the police have built relationships with allowed everyone in the area to have their say rewarding. the community making them very and put forward any concerns they had. These approachable. A speed watch was put in place events will become more regular in the future However, Maria’s job in after the community raised the issue of drivers allowing residents to put their views forward Bilborough varies from situations exceeding speed limit in Bilborough. Police and and hopefully will make the community a like this to helping many different members of the community went and better place. groups of people in the area, such as resolving neighbourhood monitored the area which raised awareness of The police also have strong links with many disputes and environmental the issue and improved the relationship services in the area, such as schools, doctors, issues. It’s all in a day’s work. between the police and the community even fire and ambulance services, as well as more , which allows them to promote themselves and raise awareness of In addition to keeping the local area a safe and their role in the community. pleasant place to live, the police also organise Bilborough Community News 8 Let’s hear it for our young Gems

By Esther Samson

Bilborough Gems Awards is a chance to celebrate the young people in Bilborough who go the extra mile within their local community and friends and family to make a difference.

The awards are all about recognising those who make a positive impact on the people around them.

The Gems Awards are run by Bilborough Youth Network, an organisation which brings schools, churches and services together to help young people access services. Well done: Outstanding Contribution award winner Joel Oduro with Lord Fifty people under the age of 19 were Mayor Merlita Bryan nominated this year, the second year of the awards scheme. Five took home Outstanding serving ward councillor, who was The awards took place on Contribution Awards. Chosen by West loved throughout Bilborough. 28 November at Hadden Park High 8 staff for their contribution to the It was introduced by Jill Wilkinson, a School, and there was a fantastic community, were Shania Kirkham, family friend, who described Derek as turnout; visitors included the Lord Amber Elliot, Kaytlyn Wragg­Hopkins, a “true gentleman.” Mayor of Nottingham Merlita Bryan. Joshua Sims and Rebecca Godber. The award stands for consistently Hadden Park head teacher Gareth Their awards were well deserved, contributing to the community and Owen kicked off the ceremony, with Joshua Sims being involved with making a difference in whatever you reminding the audience that the many aspects of the local Scout do. The winner was chosen by the Gems are for those who do “fantastic group and helping at Messy Church at Cresswell family, and Derek’s widow, things, day in, day out”. St John’s, and Shania improving the Maureen, presented the award to community with gardening, and the Councillor Wendy Smith then Joshua. other winners also doing amazing welcomed everyone and said how things in various local projects. The night was a big success, with lots proud she was of the nominees, some of well­deserving young people being A new award, the Derek Cresswell of whom were nominated more than recognised for the great work they do Outstanding Contribution Award, once! The Lord Mayor then took to in the community. the microphone, and said it was nice went to Joel Oduro, of Hadden Park to see young people doing their part. High School, who is heavily involved Kaytlyn, an Outstanding Contribution in community work, including a youth Award winner, said: “It’s an awesome Young people can be nominated for group which does charity work. event, and it’s an honour to have won a number of reasons, as long as an award!” they’ve made Bilborough better in The award is in memory of the late some way. former Sheriff of Nottingham and