August 2026 was dominated by nature’s power, from an eclipse, a devastating flood and a spectacular thunderstorm.
Between 6 and 7pm on Wednesday 12th August, we were treated to a partial eclipse where roughly 90% to 96% of the Sun was covered by the Moon. It was the most significant coverage seen in the UK since 1999.
Thanks to Michael Hurst for this impressive use of a colander to view today’s eclipse.
Paul Harrison – I tried the colander but strained my eyes 🥴
Cherie Underhil – Ohh emmgee did it happen? X
Some people, unable to view it safely, were disappointed with the overall effect, commenting:
What eclipse? It was a no show and not worth all the fuss.
Local astronomer Steve Komarek sent us not only some images of it and also a time-lapse video, taken from Mapperley Plains, using a telescope set up at the Travellers Rest, where a reasonable crowd of people had gathered
Steve told us:
It was great to see so many people up there for the event. I shared my Solar glasses for adults and children, the kids loved it with many an exclamation of “WOW”. Also people could clearly see the live feed on my tablet and phone, it was like a proper little outreach party.
Notts Connect asked – Where did the moon go after when the sun set 😂
David Foulkes – Fantastic time lapse – I left my Seestar at home but had a great time sharing out my glasses so people could see it happening.
Chris Bright – I used a pair of binoculars to project an image of the eclipse on a screen. Many people were interested in this. Quite a social event.
Rachael Pycock – Thanks for this. I was nearby but didn’t have eclipse glasses or special lens filters for my camera or phone.
Andrew Liepins – Fabulous!
Maria Lowndes – Amazing
Tony Bowman messaged us from Crete – In Crete the sun set before the eclipse even started. I saw nothing here.
Golf Success
On the 14th we congratulated Mapperley Golf Club Junior Captain, Brandon Baldwin, on becoming the Nottinghamshire Boys Matchplay Champion after a fantastic week of golf.
And what a final it was! Brandon found himself five down after just eight holes, but showed incredible determination and resilience to fight his way back into the match. He reduced the deficit to two after 13 holes, won the 15th, and stood on the 18th tee just one down. Facing a 25-foot birdie putt on the final green to force a playoff, Brandon produced a moment of magic by holing the putt under immense pressure. Back down the 1st they went for the playoff, and Brandon held his nerve once again, making a superb birdie to complete an unforgettable comeback and lift the Nottinghamshire Boys Matchplay Championship trophy.
Callum Fearn the professional at Mapperley told us:
I’m sure I can speak on behalf of everyone at Mapperley Golf Club when I say how incredibly proud we are of Brandon. Not only is he a fantastic golfer, but he is also a wonderful ambassador for our club. His hard work, dedication and attitude continue to inspire our junior section, and this achievement is thoroughly deserved.
Congratulations, Brandon – keep up the fantastic work! See less
On the 15th August we asked:
Is this Mapperley’s oldest surviving building?
Thanks to FHP Living for these superb images of Mapperley Hall taken with a drone.
This brought back some memories.
Robert Tatlow – Visited the place once as a Post Office Telephones apprentice
Rob Andrews – Used as offices by Severn Trent Water late 70s
Alan Taylor – and before that the East Midlands Electricity Board (EMEB)
Disaster in Nepal
On the 27th August, news was coming through about devastating floods on Nepal where a river had swept away whole communities, so we posted:
Mapperley People extend their support to the people of Nepal and the Nepalese community in Nottingham. Following the launch of the Nepal Disaster Relief Appeal, Copper Mapperley is supporting the relief effort.
Owner Bikash told us: We have placed a donation box at the bar for anyone who would like to contribute. Every donation, big or small, will be gratefully received. The donation box will be opened live, and the full amount collected will be deposited into the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund to support those affected. If you are able to help, please donate and encourage your friends, family and local community to do the same. Together, we can make a difference. Thank you for your kindness, generosity and support.
Overnight Storm
On 27th, we were treated to a spectacular storm overnight. Most of us were asleep, but Steve Komarek recorded the moment for us again.
