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Here is the Nottinghamian from Monday, February 6.
Hello,
Today's edition of the Nottinghamian takes a look at the Victoria Market traders saying they have been "left in the dark". It comes as Nottingham City Council recommended the end the lease for the site last year.
We also take a look at a unique Nottingham business bouncing back after years of turmoil. Plus we have a round up of the top ten things to do this week and how one Nottinghamshire parrot had the "adventure of a lifetime".
'Left in the dark'
Traders say they have been "left in the dark" over the future of Nottingham's Victoria Market. It was recommended by Nottingham City Council last year that the lease for the market should be ended. It was estimated doing this could save more than £39million over the remaining 50 years of the current lease.
Market traders said they are unsure about what will be happening as Nottingham City Council has not yet made a decision regarding the future of the market. The council has confirmed it is continuing to talk to traders and no final decision has been made about the future of Victoria Market.
Owner of Tick King, David Bowey said: "Its been terrible. It's been causing a lot of stress, not just for us but for everyone. Hanging on to staff is quite difficult as they are getting cold feet and starting to look elsewhere. Although we have retained all of our staff, it has put pressure on us. We have no idea what's going to happen with the market."
Co-owner of Mona's Beauty Bar, Rajesh Dhingra added: "We don't really know where we are with it. It's just been a bit of a nightmare. We have a good business here that has been running for 15 years and we are at losses really. We can't make any future decisions as they are not really saying anything."
Bouncing back
It's one of Nottingham's most eclectic shops with everything you never knew you needed - but at the end of last year, Hopkinson was hit by financial difficulties that threatened its future. The business, known for antiques, vintage items and collectables, went into liquidation.
While the shop, in Station Street, was already struggling to get back to trading at the same level before the pandemic, owner of 20 years Liam Woodgates' attention was elsewhere after his wife Bryony had a premature baby. Much of the couple's time was spent at the hospital by the side of their daughter who spent more than 150 days in the neo-natal intensive care unit before being allowed home.
Dali-Grey, who was 1lb 1oz (500g) when she was born, has just celebrated her first birthday and is thriving but with so much worry and anxiety last year the shop hit rock bottom. Because of the uncertainty several traders who rented space there left. After closing for two weeks, the shop has now reopened. Bryony has become a director while Liam has stepped back from the business. He said: "Naturally I have dedicated 20 years to Hopkinson and am still passionate about its success and future. It is an asset to the city and important for tourism and the entrance of the city."
Bryony added: "I'm just hoping without the financial difficulty that we were struggling to recover from and now both of our children are in good health that Hopkinson will be what it used to be - that amazing community we used to have." Read more here.
Weather and trivia
Weather: Overnight frost and fog will gradually lift on Tuesday morning to leave another fine day. There will be plenty of sunshine during the morning, with cloud increasing later. Maximum temperature 8 °C.
UV: Low
Further reading: Nottingham couple share their favourite pub after visiting 1,000 Notts bars
Trivia question: What sauce was invented in Nottingham?
The answer to today's trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
What's on
Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity, Various locations - February 6 to February 17
Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity returns this February celebrating science, technology, engineering and maths with interactive and fun, free family events across Nottinghamshire. See the full list of events here.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Theatre Royal - February7 to February 11
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel takes us on a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life. The luxury residence is far from the opulence they were promised, but as their lives begin to intertwine, they are charmed in unexpected and life-changing ways. Tickets from £20.
Legally Blonde, Nottingham Arts Theatre - February 9 to February 11
'Omigod You Guys!' The University of Nottingham's Musical Theatre Society's main show is back. Based on the novel and the hit movie of the same name, Legally Blonde: the Musical chronicles the journey of the famously perky Elle Woods, a fashion-savvy, UCLA sorority girl who finds her life turned upside down when she is dumped by her boyfriend Warner. Tickets from £12.
Michael Akadiri: No Scrubs, Canalhouse - February 9
Following his debut sell out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, multi-award-winning comedian and junior doctor Michael Akadiri takes his NextUp Biggest Award in Comedy nominated show, No Scrubs, on its first national tour. This "consistently funny, routinely dark show" (Scotsman) sees the "supremely talented and likeable" (Metro) Michael traverse the challenges of life inside and out of the NHS, as he ponders if he's a scrub, when he's wearing no scrubs. Book here.
You Me At Six, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham - February 9
Icons of rock and emo You Me At Six will play hits old and new. Special guests include Waterparks, the Maine and Bears In Trees. Tickets start from £36.97 and can be booked here.
An Audience with Kenneth Alan Taylor, Lakeside Arts - February 10
This promises to be a hugely entertaining evening liberally laced with great anecdotes from Kenneth Alan Taylor, delivered in conversation with broadcasting legend and alumnus of the university, Matthew Bannister. Following the interval with a glass of prosecco/juice, there will be an opportunity for some questions from the audience. Audience members will be invited to submit these in advance. Book here.
Belinda Carlisle, Royal Concert Hall - February 11
‘The Decades Tour’ will see the internationally-acclaimed recording artist celebrate her rich musical catalogue and chameleonic musical prowess. This is a rescheduled date from October 8, 2021. There are still tickets available which can be found here.
Cocktails and Crime: Rest in Peace, National Justice Museum - February 11
The year is 1968 and Nottingham is in the full throes of the swinging 60s. After four years of bringing the grooviest sounds and hottest bands to the city, the Dungeon Club is closing down and the owner wants to make sure it goes in style - in a real dungeon. Where better than the former County Gaol that lurks beneath the court. Little does owner Mick know that it will be his last hurrah as well! The murder mystery night costs £23.99 and includes a complimentary cocktail.
Sunday Afternoon Jazz with Beverley Beirne, Peggy's Skylight - February 12
Renowned UK jazz singer Beverley Beirne has performed at leading clubs throughout the UK and Europe. Songs of hope, passion, of living life to the full, daydreaming, regret, love lost and love found and ultimately of dancing through the game and rhythm of life. The show starts at 12pm, book here.
Super Bowl Live, Annie's Burger Shack - February 12
Join the party from 9pm on a first come first served basis. Annie's full menu will be available until 11pm so why not get your favourite burger or their Super Bowl special before settling in for the game. They've also got you covered for half-time with a special half-time snack.
'Adventure of a lifetime'
A missing Nottinghamshire parrot has enjoyed the "adventure of a lifetime". Bruce, the 17-week-old green cheeked-conure, flew out of his front door on Thursday (February 2) morning and was found on a school child's head in a playground the following day. Aimee Summers, 42, from Harlequin near Radcliffe-on-Trent, usually has a safety mechanism for when Bruce is flying around the house.
Her husband normally texts when he is on the way home to make sure Bruce is back in his cage - but on this occasion he forgot. Aimee, a practice development midwife at Nottingham University Hospitals, said: "I was distraught, I put loads of posters up around the village and on social media. Everyone was looking for him."
The next day, Aimee received a call from a teacher at Radcliffe-on-Trent Infant and Nursery School to say they had found a parrot. She said: "Under no circumstances would I have thought he would have been there. He landed on a little girl's head and they caught him." Bruce, named after Bruce Willis, was an early Christmas present to Aimee from her husband. She said Bruce has "had the adventure of a lifetime and never going out again". Read more here.
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, what sauce was invented in Nottingham, is HP Sauce.
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