December 2022
All in all a positive month in the Mapperley community. Lots of support for each other and helping to keep costs down in what are uncertain times. The energy price rises have clearly made people change their behaviour and look to reduce those bills.
We posted about ‘a homeless guy outside Sainsbury’s at Mapperley Shops on Friday night. Does anyone know if he has any support/shelter?’ There were many comments suggesting what to do, including the charities that can offer support.
The Friends of Beck Hill Park told us:
Wow, wow, wow! What a day! Thank you to our amazing group of volunteers. We got the hedge planted, the orchard re-mulched and some native bulbs planted too. A huge thank you to Cllr. Michelle Welsh who funded the project and to Greenwood Community Forum for their direction on the day. Good work team Breck Hill!!!!! Gedling Borough Council Nottinghamshire County Council
Let’s hope that the recently formed Friends of Valley Road Playing Grounds are able to get similar support next year.
Another resident shared this:
Please could you post a thank you to the lovely band of litter-pickers I see walking along Digby Avenue. When I’m working and look up from my laptop to see this happy industrious procession (who may be from Carlton Digby School?) go by, it always makes me smile. You are doing a fab job keeping our neighbourhood tidy. Thank you x
Rudolph of Mapperley
Rudolph of Mapperley returned again. The huge inflatable reindeer on Westdale Lane has become the official reminder that Christmas is near.
When we shared the image from Rudolph’s own Instagram page, we had a phenomenal response.
There were 94k views of Rudolph, so we reposted it and asked:
Will this share take it over 100k?
Yes it did, with a further 9800 views.
We asked: What is your favourite local walk (without driving to a start point)?
There were many responses that mentioned Lambley and in particular Lambley Dumbles. This reply though shows that we still have a long way to go, to make walking more accessible.
It’s a good point and let’s hope that the petition to Nottinghamshire County Council (about the lack of a footpath near Mellish Rugby Club) gets a positive result next year.
There was a real cold spell at Christmas, with freezing temperatures. This was born out by people asking for loans of portable heaters and recommendations where to get thermal clothing locally. Thanks to the local councils and churches for offering warm spaces for people to visit during the day. We were grateful that St Judes and St James for being part of this.
Whenever people ask us to help promote charity collections, Mapperley people always step up with donations. On one occasion, we received this message of thanks:
Hi all. Wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone in this group for donating and collecting toys and presents for our Christmas Present morning at our Sneinton Primary school. 500+ presents were donated and every single one found a loving home today. Honestly so humbled and thankful for the kindness of so many of you!
Someone asked:
Anyone know where Langdale Cycles have moved to?
The answer is still not completely clear but it seems that the cycle shop and workshop on Westdale lane may have moved premises. If so then we wish them well in the future. Langdale Lightweights have been a feature in Mapperley since 1977.
It was great to see our wonderful Kanneh-Mason family on BBC1 with their Christmas Special. This talented family from Mapperley Park seem to go from strength to strength.
Someone asked:
I found bread pieces inside the bonnet of my car. Does anyone experience the same?
It was clear that even wild animals were seeking out new places to keep warm.
The year ended with the heartwarming story about the search for Simon, a pet ferret that went missing in Gedling Country Park.
Hi. Could you please update the post to say Simon (the ferret) has been found and happily reunited with Magda today. He ventured off on to one of the farms on the other side of Spring Lane and was captured on CCTV. Magda would like to thank all the lovely people who expressed interest and provided support.
We were even treated to the CCTV footage showing Simon making friends with a badger.
Apparently he had also borrowed a rabbit hole for shelter during his adventure.