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Here is the Nottinghamian from Monday, December 19:
Hello,
Today's edition of the Nottinghamian takes a look at one of Nottingham's most unexpected tourist attractions. For years, Rufford Ford has been a magnet for families to watch the cars go through, yet popularity has grown with the rise of social media and now it is closed.
We will also discuss new fares for NCT buses plus one popular chippy is bringing back a much loved but equally hated way of cooking. Plus I have rounded up ten things to do this week.
Not easy
Nottinghamshire's transport chief says there are "no easy options" for Rufford Ford's future after its recent closure over safety concerns. Nottinghamshire County Council announced that following talks with Nottinghamshire Police, drivers would no longer be able to drive through the watersplash on Rufford Lane after the site became an unexpected tourist destination.
Several popular YouTube videos began circulating of drivers unsuccessfully attempting to tackle the ford when the water was too deep. Crowds also began forming every weekend to watch vehicles going through the water. But authorities said they were becoming increasingly concerned about the safety risk that this posed, particularly given the numbers of people who were eventually gathering.
Gary Wood, the Group Manager for Highways at Nottinghamshire County Council, hopes this permanent solution will be found, but Councillor Neil Clarke, who holds the transport and environment portfolio at Nottinghamshire County Council, warned it would not be easy.
He said: "There are all sorts of possibilities and options but the trouble is that if there was an easy option, it would have been done. The fact is that it's a natural watercourse and anything easy would also be incredibly expensive. For instance, building a bridge over the whole ford would be extraordinarily expensive, so options need to be looked at and debated. I can't say what the final resolution will be." Read more here.
Lower prices
Nottingham City Transport has announced there will be reduced bus ticket prices in the new year. The maximum single fare for any journey will be £2 across all NCT services between January, February and March 2023.
It is due to the Government-funded Help for Households initiative. These trips are included on routes through to Loughborough, Southwell and Woodborough. The standard adult city area single will reduce from £2.50 to £2.00 and if you usually buy an all-day ticket, but only make two journeys a day, you can pay just £4.00 by paying for a single ticket on both buses you use.
All adult, under-19 and student single fares which are already £2 or less, £4.70 day tickets and all other tickets, such as Easyrider and longer term mobile tickets, remain at their normal prices.
Weather and trivia
Weather: Tuesday bright and cooler with some sunny spells once any early rain has cleared eastwards. Turning breezy by afternoon with a few showers. Maximum temperature 9 °C.
UV: Low
Further reading: Men filmed 'fishing penny wishes' out of Nottingham Victoria Centre fountain
Trivia question: Torvill and Dean both trained while working full time, what were their jobs?
The answer to today's trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
What's on
Ice Skate with the Nottingham Panthers, The National Ice Centre - Tuesday 20
The National Ice Centre will make dreams come true for hockey fans this Christmas with a unique opportunity to skate with the Nottingham Panthers professional ice hockey team for an exclusive one-hour session. Watch, meet and skate with Nottingham's pro-players when they take to the ice and mingle with fans this December. Book here.
Shantay You Sleigh, Rock City - Tuesday 20
The drag Christmas extravaganza is back with the most sickening line up of Drag performers. Hosted by Lawrence Chaney and a secret season four superstar. Support acts are yet to be confirmed. Book your place here.
Hanukkah, Old Market Square - Wednesday 21
The Lord Mayor will join with the Nottingham Jewish community in the lighting of the menorah at 6.00pm at the Council House. There will be free donuts, latkes, prizes for kids, music and a dreidel man. Everyone is welcome to attend
Christmas Holidays Activities, Various locations - From Thursday 22
Nottingham City Council has teamed up again with the Nottingham Forest Community Trust to offer free Christmas holiday activity clubs for pupils in the city who receive free school meals. There are dates across the half term and can be booked here.
Candlelight Ballet Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, Albert Hall - Thursday 22
Discover the music of The Nutcracker featuring ballet performances at Albert Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight. Sure to be a magical evening, book tickets here.
Frozen Sing-A-Long, Royal Concert Hall - Thursday 22
Sing along with Anna and Elsa, whilst on their magical winter journey. Follow the lyrics and watch the popular film on a cinematic screen, whilst a live host will get you in the mood and warm-up your voices. Buy tickets here.
Bad Manners, Rock City - Thursday 22
Two-tone and ska band led by frontman Buster Bloodvessel are set to bring their hits to Rock City. Expect to hear the likes of Lip Up Fatty and Special Brew. Tickets cost £22.50 and can still be found here.
East 17, Royal Concert Hall - Friday 23
The now legendary East 17 will be bringing their Stay Another Day winter tour to Nottingham, just in time for Christmas. They are joined by S Club All Stars featuring Bradley and Tina from S Club and Stacey from S Club Juniors as well as Blazin Squad. Book here.
Party Night, Ye Olde Bell - Friday 23
Step back into time with a music through the decades disco night at the hotel and spa. Party the night away to your favourite hits with a glass of prosecco on arrival as well as a two-course dinner for £55. Book here.
Sambossa, Peggy's Skylight - Friday 23
The unique UK based Brazilian music quartet will present all the sounds and rhythms of Brazil in a small band format. Compact but very powerful, with music ranging from sultry bossa nova and grooving Latin to blistering samba. There is a twilight and highlight show and tickets can be found here.
It's back
It was a controversial decision that divided customers when award-winning chippy chain, The Cod's Scallops, announced it was ditching beef dripping in favour of vegetable oil. Vegetarians hailed it a great move but die-hard dripping fans missed what they said was the chip shop's "unique selling point".
Some took their business elsewhere. One customer declared "so long to the best chip shop overnight", such was the strength of feeling when the chain introduced the new frying regime at its chip shops in Wollaton, West Bridgford and Carrington in Nottinghamshire, Long Eaton, Derbyshire, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, and Harborne, near Birmingham.
But more than a year later, the boss John Molnar has decided to reverse the decision - but before dripping fans get too excited, it's just at one takeaway and restaurant. The old-fashioned cooking method will return to the chippy in Bramcote Lane, Wollaton, in the new year.
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, Torvill and Dean both trained while working full time, what were their jobs, is Torvill was an insurance clerk and Dean was a Nottingham police constable.
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