NottinghamshireLive • 19th November 2021

'I went to Skegness for the first time- in middle of November'

Wrapped up in the thickest woolly scarf I could find in my wardrobe, I set off for a day out in Skegness from my home in Nottingham.

From word of mouth, I had mixed expectations on what my day would hold but with an open mind, I took the 2-hour train journey to find out for myself.

When I arrived at the station, I was met with the crisp seaside air as I took a wander down to the seafront.

As I got there so early the high street was empty and looked almost abandoned, which gave me an initial u

NottinghamshireLive • 25th October 2021

We tried new cocktail menu at Caribbean restaurant

Turtle Bay is a well known bar and restaurant with Caribbean inspired cuisine and so I visited to give it a try.

Nottingham is lucky enough to host the popular chain at the Cornerhouse in the city centre.

As well is its delicious food it is also known for its late night happy hours and bottomless brunches.

At the end of September, they decided to shake things up and announced an exciting new menu filled with delicious cocktail flavours that are said to make anyone's mouth water. It's a bold c

NottinghamshireLive • 29th September 2021

We went to Dot to Dot and here's how it went

This weekend saw the return of the city's metropolitan festival, Dot to Dot.

I have never experienced a festival that works in this way before so I was excited to not only be returning to a festival after a over a year of cancellations and postponements, but also to try something a bit different.

Rather than being outside, the festival instead was hosted by an array of famous music venues across the city, including Rock City, The Bodega, Rescue Rooms, Rough Trade and so many more.

The city wa

Newark Advertiser • 19th May 2021

Woman plays role of town's Cupid with Valentine's heart hunt

A woman is playing the role of Bingham’s Cupid with a special Valentine’s heart hunt, write Courtney McLaven and Ellie Danemann.

Following the success of her Halloween and Christmas trails, Sarah Hills decided to create a love-themed course.

A total of 152 homes are on the trail and the list of those involved have been distributed to residents’ doorsteps.

The contributing households have been asked to make their own hearts to display in their windows for others to seek.

Businesses are taking

Newark Advertiser • 19th May 2021

Massive potholes on major road near Newark damage at least 12 vehicles

A village resident has brought attention to the poor condition of a major road near Newark, which has caused damage to at least 12 vehicles, writes Courtney McLaven.

The Great North Road towards Muskham has 34 potholes in total, some reaching depths of up to eight inches.

Concerned resident Charles Brightmore said local contractors had been called out 67 times in the past 12 months to make repairs.

Mr Brightmore, of Little Carlton, said: “There have been complaints after complaints. It needs

Newark Advertiser • 19th May 2021

Youngsters' tartan treat to mark Burns Night

Nursery children dressed in tartan and listened to Scottish poetry and music to mark Burns Night, writes Courtney McLaven.

The youngsters at Cherubs Edwinstowe also spent the afternoon creating their own Scottish-themed art, including tartan designs, and making their very own poetry for the occasion.

Nursery manager Sarah Hickling said: “We like to offer a variety of cultural experiences to develop the children’s knowledge and own experiences.

“The children had haggis, neeps and tatties for t

Gedling Eye • 31st March 2021

Courtney McLaven: Students have been made a scapegoat throughout the pandemic, yet this really isn’t the truth.

Sunshine and heat above 20 degrees only brings one thing to mind, and that is pub gardens. But what do you do when you’re in the middle of a pandemic?

Young people across Nottingham have been flocking to their local parks to make the most of the first glimpse of summer.

This has been met with some controversy, with spectators complaining over what they’ve thought to be reckless behaviour.

People reacted angrily in Gedling Eye about scenes at Colwick Country Park.

However, as someone part of

Gedling Eye • 25th March 2021

Pub in Gedling and new bar in Arnold share plans to welcome back customers when lockdown restrictions ease next month

Businesses across Gedling borough are preparing to reopen with the looming easing of Covid restrictions on April 12.

As of this date, all non-essential shops are allowed to return to operation and pubs and bars are allowed to open their outdoor spaces.

Currently, all non-essential retail and hospitality venues are unable to open due to the restrictions imposed by the government with the third national lockdown.

Many businesses have used the closure time proactively to improve their services.

Gedling Eye • 24th March 2021

New coronavirus laws are being laid before Parliament to support Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown.

The government has set out regulations which will pave the way to the easing of all restrictions from June 21.

These plan proposals are to maintain support for the most vulnerable, businesses and public services.

Government support packages, such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, have been rapidly rolled out under the Coronavirus Act, providing income for many families and a life-line to thousands of businesses throughout the pandemic.

With the e

Gedling Eye • 18th March 2021

£3bn 'bus revolution' could improve services across Gedling borough

Passengers across Gedling borough will benefit from a new National Bus Strategy, which will deliver the most ambitious reform to the sector in generations.

Nottinghamshire County Council will need to work in partnership with operators on the determined new Bus Service Improvement Plans for the benefit of passengers to be eligible for future funding.

Only councils and operators who work to meet these requirements will continue to receive the around £100 million per month emergency Covid funding

Platform Magazine • 20th March 2021

Two Nottingham Trent students are fighting back against female violence

The Nottingham Trent University students are targeting female-directed violence by offering self-defence classes to other students.

The session’s aim is to teach girls four different techniques which they can use to protect themselves if they ever find themselves in a dangerous environment.

Lewis said: “That one technique could save their life.”

After recent women’s rights protests, Lewis decided to use his 19 years of taekwondo and boxing experience to make Nottingham women feel safer on the

Platform Magazine • 31st October 2020

Opinion: Miley Cyrus doing Metallica? Why Not?

Miley Cyrus has announced she will be creating a Metallica cover album, which has had a controversial reception from the metal band’s fan base…

Many people have taken to Twitter to air their distaste to the announcement, calling it a disappointment and many questioning: “who asked for this?”.

Metallica is one of the biggest names within the rock and roll industry, so of course, there was always going to be fans who disagreed with covers being made. If it isn’t broke, why fix it right?

This of

Platform Magazine • 19th October 2020

Single Review: Lana Del Rey - Let Me Love You Like A Women

The queen of glamours melancholia is back with her new single, Let Me Love You Like a Woman. We all know Lana Del Rey for her captivating voice and moving musical masterpieces, and this single is no different..

It is a sneak peek of what can be anticipated from the upcoming album, Chemtrails Over The Country Club. The melody encompasses soft guitar riffs played in harmony with tranquillising piano chords, evoking all kinds of emotions with her staple subdued vocals.

The song tells a story of m

Platform Magazine • 7th October 2020

Savage X Fenty showcases body diversity

Body diversity is a hot topic right now, and we are finally seeing fashion brands begin to recognise its importance on self confidence.

With the Savage X Fenty Vol 2 collection dropping last Friday, it is clear to see that Rhianna is dominating the industry.

The show offered the most diverse collection of models possibly ever seen in a fashion campaign, and other brands out there have a lot to learn from Rhianna.

Rihanna had well known faces from the fashion industry modelling the collection,