Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by JOhn Smith
Ark at Laura Newman in Nottingham on new tour
And she comes to Nottingham's Theatre Royal on January 17. Laura Newman is one of the most exciting new voices in British stand up and her unique take has created a following of millions online. Ark At She is show is packed with sharp, warm and gloriously unfiltered observational comedy about the trials and tribulations of adulthood, womanhood and parenthood.
Eastwood and Kimberley to pause and remember the heroes this Remembrance weekend
Parades and services will be taking place across Broxtowe and Ashfield to mark the day. Eastwood A service will take place at St Mary's Church at 9.30am and the parade will then form up and march to the War Memorial at Plumptre Way at 10.40pm where the Act of Remembrance and two-minutes silence will be held at 11am, ollowed by the bugler playing The Last Post and Reveille when poppy wreaths will be laid.
Ashfield to pause and remember the heroes this Remembrance weekend
Parades and services will be taking place across Ashfield to mark the day. Sutton Participants and marchers will assemble at Portland Square, outside of Wetherspoons at 10.15am and the parade will depart at 10.20am, leaving Portland Square and going along Lammas Road toward Sutton Cemetery. The Act of Remembrance: service will take place at the Sutton War Memorial/Cenotaph within St Mary's Cemetery, featuring a traditional two-minute silence at 11M and a wreath-laying ceremony.
Eastwood Library re-opens after being shut for building works
The building, on Wellington Place, was closed in September after a visit by Inspire – which runs Nottinghamshire libraries on behalf of the county council – to look at problems with the building. Following that initial visit, further investigations were deemed necessary. Last month, Inspire said there was no confirmed date for the building to re-open. But now, in a post on their website, Inspire have confirmed the library re-opens today.
Police advice for online buyers and sellers after Mansfield robbery
Attempts have been made to steal motorbikes, bundles of cash and a games console in four incidents in recent days. In each case victims were targeted after arranging online to meet in person to buy or sell items. Having arrived at that location as planned, however, all wasn't as it seemed, with each then threatened with a knife. Half-a-dozen arrests have been made following the separate incidents, all of which have happened since last October 21.
Broxtowe Council leader says government should go back to the drawing board on LGR
Coun Milan Radulovic (Brox All) said he welcomed the the Government's announcement that its plan to expand Nottingham city's boundaries has been withdrawn by while all proposals are reconsidered. The Government chose option bii for Nottinghamshire – put forward by Labour-led Nottingham City Council – which would have seen Broxtowe split in two, with areas like Eastwood remaining in a new county unitary authority while Kimberley would have become part of a new city unitary authority.
Ashfield councillor says government has questions to answer over LGR withdrawal move
Ministers confirmed on October 29 that the previous decision on how Nottinghamshire's nine councils would be replaced has been withdrawn, with all options now back under consideration. However, the Government insists that local government reorganisation has not been cancelled, with new unitary councils still planned for 2029.
Greasley men wanted to support council's White Ribbon Day photo campaign
Taking place on November 25, the council is looking for local men to be photographed holding a few words they would say to challenge inappropriate behaviour towards women. It could be anything that you would say in a real situation, such as ‘mate, that isn't funny', ‘that's not banter, pack it in' or ‘don't talk to her like that' Posting on its Facebook page, the council said: “All it takes is one photograph to potentially influence local men and boys.
Prolific thief banned from several Mansfield shops
Dzintars Buageris, aged 53, has a string of convictions for offences including theft, being drunk and disorderly, and failing to comply with the terms of a previous Community Protection Notice. His latest jail sentence, of 16 weeks, came in September this year after he admitted stealing alcohol from B&M Bargains. Officers have now had their application for a restrictive Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) granted at Mansfield Magistrates' Court.
Political shake-up at Ashfield Council as 10 independent councillors form new opposition group
The move creates the largest opposition grouping on the 35-seat authority, with the ruling Ashfield Independents holding 18 seats, giving them a majority of just one. The new group, known as District Alliance, brings together councillors from across Ashfield, including former Ashfield Independents and previously non-aligned independents. Coun David Shaw (Ind), who represents Hucknall West, has been appointed the new group's leader with Coun Kier Barsby (Ind) as deputy leader.
Eastwood MP applauds new government powers to tackle anti-social behaviour
Respect Orders, which are now in force, are a new behavioural order, designed to help police, local authorities and housing associations take more effective action against relentless offenders whose anti-social behaviour (ASB) is impacting local neighbourhoods. The order enables courts to ban adult offenders from engaging in specified activities relating to their ASB – for example, public drinking on a particular high street.
Bulgaria's cliffside cave church with a Last Supper older than da Vinci's
A day trip to the rock-hewn churches located near the village of Ivanovo, Bulgaria, was one of the tours available on my Danube River cruise. I quickly jumped at this opportunity for hiking and exploration. A UNESCO World Heritage Site Back in medieval times, it was apparently popular for monks to sequester themselves in cave churches that were often built high up in the mountain rocks.
Six of the best for Eastwood as they win nine-goal thriller
Having scored 12 goals in their previous two league outings, the Red Badgers added another half-dozen to their tally as they thrashed Deeping Rangers 6-3 with two goals each from Luke Rawson, Jamie Walker and Jordan Hallam. The result keeps Eastwood second in the table but now only two points behind leaders Belper United after they were beaten at Hucknall. The final result was all the more remarkable given that Spadling went 2-0 up early on with two goal from Bradley Rolt on seven and 17 minutes.
Here come the mods! The Goldhawks bring the ultimate mod revue to Mansfield
From The Who and Small Faces to The Jam and Ocean Colour Scene, The Ultimate Mod Revue promises a night packed with iconic anthems, unforgettable riffs and plenty of opportunities to sing your heart out. Presented by the team behind the acclaimed Quadrophenia – The Album Live! and Tommy productions, this electrifying show celebrates the music that defined a movement and continues to inspire generations of music lovers.
Weather can't dampen the mood at Poppy Appeal launch in Giltbrook
The event took place at Giltbrook Retail Park on October 24 and featured military vehicles, a the Seaforth Highlanders Military Pipe Band, Eastwood Male Voice Choir and dignitaries from across the county. There was also a short ceremony with a bugler.
'Tell my father' about new CD from Mansfield choir
The recording, priced at £10, celebrates the choir's heritage while showcasing the quality and versatility of today's membership under musical director Ian Grice. As Christmas approaches, the choir is encouraging local music lovers to consider Tell My Father as an ideal festive gift. The professionally-recorded album features 17 tracks celebrating the rich tradition of male voice singing while honouring the mining heritage that has shaped generations of local families.
Kimberley Big Clean has a spooky twist for Halloween
Therefore, any volunteers coming to take part are encouraged to do so in their spookiest attire. There might even be a special surprise in store for the best costumes. Organisers Kimberley Council are asking for volunteers to come and help keep the town centre clean this Saturday – October 31 – between 10am and 11am. Organisers need help to keep the town clean, litter pick, identify problem areas, clear the land and transport collected waste away.
The Queen reveals how she secretly read Eastwood author's most famous book 'under the pillows'
The Queen has recalled secretly reading the passionate and controversial novel by Eastwood-born Lawrence, by torchlight in bed as a teenager in the 1960s. Speakng to the BBC for the documentary The Book The Changed My Life, Queen Camilla said: "As teenagers you read a lot of romances. "It was the moment of Lady Chatterley, under our pillows, reading that by torchlight. "You know the minute something is forbidden, you want to get hold of it.
Eastwood Library to stay closed for now with no date yet for reopening
The building, on Wellington Place, was closed last month after, following a visit by Inspire – which runs Nottinghamshire libraries on behalf of the county council – to look at problems with the building, further investigations were deemed necessary and are currently being undertaken. Posting on the library's Facebook page, Inspire said: “We are very sorry that Eastwood Library remains closed at the present time and for any inconvenience this is causing you.
Visit East Midlands launches with ambition to grow region's visitor economy by £1bn
Visit East Midlands brings together the East Midlands Combined County Authority, local authorities, destination organisations and businesses to give the region a stronger voice, attract new audiences and help tourism and hospitality businesses grow. On October 14, the partnership and its new website were officially launched by East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward (Lab) at Nottingham Castle.
Panto fun with Aladdin in Greasley this Christmas
The show, which is specifically written for children aged three to 12 years-old, will be on Saturday, December 19 at 4pm at Greasley Sports & Community Centre. Tickets, which will include a tea, coffee or juice at the interval, are very limited, so early booking is strongly advised. No tickets will be available on the door, everyone attending must present a valid ticket and all children must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
Young performers invited to take the mic in Mansfield
Young performers across Mansfield and the surrounding area are being encouraged to showcase their talents at the next Young Performers Open Mic event, taking place at The Old Library on Leeming Street on Monday, November 9. Delivered in partnership with Inspire Youth Arts, the popular event offers a welcoming platform for young people to share their creativity, build confidence and perform in front of a live audience.
Final wave of acts announced for Hockley Hustle
The latest wave of acts for Nottingham's biggest DIY music festival includes JayaHadADream, Cappo, Congi, Davina Songbird, Saffron Gray, Rob Green, Rainbow Frog Biscuits, Midnight Rodeo, Seas Of Mirth, 94 Gunships, Benjamin Luhis, Floral Pattern, DJ Fever, Local Healers, Moran, Jah Digga, Leah Sinead and Dring.
Two men charged after Mansfield restaurant burglary
The incident occurred at Ciao Bella, in Nottingham Road, shortly after 9.30pm on Monday 5 October. Matthew Clay, aged 57, of Manvers Street, Mansfield, has been charged with burglary. He is due to appear at Mansfield Magistrates' Court on October 28. Simon Ward, aged 52, of no fixed address, has also been charged with burglary. In addition, he has been charged with two other unrelated counts of theft, and with breaching a criminal behaviour order.
Sherwood Forest MP blasts Ashfield Council after ex-leader Jason Zadrozny appointed to planning committee
Coun Zadrozny was found guilty of nine counts of fraud and four counts of income tax evasion at Northampton Crown Court on September 21. He is due to be sentenced on November 27 and has been warned he is at risk of an ‘immediate custodial sentence'. He subsequently resigned as council leader and from the Ashfield Independents group.
Ashfield Council gets £222,000 to help families access more healthy food
The Government Good Food Neighbourhoods grant will be used by the council to increase support in accessing food, leading to improved wellbeing and less families finding themselves dependent on food banks. The funding will build on the strength of the Feeding Ashfield Network, established in 2021 to support the vision of ‘healthy, happy lives for all who live in Ashfield'.
East Midlands Airport recorded biggest passenger growth this year in September
The year-on-year increase of nearly eight per cent saw an extra 35,000 people choosing the airport compared to the same month last year. Together with the numbers using the airport since the start of the summer season in April, it means East Midlands has handled a total of 2.85m passengers so far – up by 103,000 (four per cent) compared to this time last year.
Lift the lid on the dark world of murder investigations in Mansfield
Peter Bleksley, a founding member of Scotland Yard's undercover unit and former star of Channel 4's hit series Hunted, will take audiences behind the headlines to reveal the hidden realities of fighting crime, infiltrating dangerous gangs and pursuing some of the most notorious criminals.
Sutton site manager named among the best in the region
Nathan Mannion, aged 44, site manager at David Wilson Homes' site The Hawthorns, has received the East Region Award from the National Housebuilding Council (NHBC) after being runner-up a year ago. Across the UK, only 11 site managers receive a Regional Award in the large builder category each year, placing Nathan among an elite group of the industry's top performers.
The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers is at Rock City on new UK tour
The tour is in support of his first solo album Thrasher, which came out in August.
Council extends support the homeless in Mansfield
The Housing First project, which supports people with a history of homelessness and rough sleeping, has opened a new office to be able to provide intensive, person-centred support to its clients. The new office is embedded within a block of repurposed flats that have been allocated to previously homeless people, enabling them to sustain their tenancies, engage with the community and get help to rebuild their lives.
'Business as usual' for Eastwood Volunteer Bureau and Food Bank despite building issues
EVB's office is part of the main Eastwood Library building which has been shut indefinitely due to structural concerns and at this stage, it is not known when it will reopen. The building is owned by Nottinghamshire Council which is working to resolve the issues and had apologised for any inconvenience caused.
Eastwood shop shut down for supplying more than £64,000 of illegal tobacco products and vapes
Your Shop, on Nottingham Road, was raided by Trading Standards officers, who seized 3,560 packets of illegal cigarettes, 109 packs of illegal hand-rolling tobacco and 795 non-compliant vapes, with an estimated value of £64,170 Following an investigation between Nottinghamshire Council's Trading Standards officers and Nottinghamshire Police, Nottingham Magistrates Court issued a maximum three-month closure order for the premises.
Special Mansfield school celebrates UNICEF UK gold award
The special school, which is part of Nexus Multi Academy Trust, supports children and young people aged three to 18-years-old with profound and multiple learning needs, complex physical and medical needs and sensory needs. It has recently been awarded a UNICEF UK Gold Rights Respecting Award. The gold award recognises schools that have embedded the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into school practice, ethos and culture.
Mansfield Woodhouse vet urges pet owners not to overlook the signs of dental disease
Carrick Vets in Mansfield Woodhouse is warning pet owners to look out for the signs of dental disease in older cats and dogs. To help raise awareness and identify potential issues early, the practice has launched a dental health campaign and is offering free dental assessments for cats and dogs aged six years and over.
Former rough sleepers share their stories for Framework's 25th art anniversary exhibition
The exhibition aims to give a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. From trauma to hope to independence brings together paintings, installations, spoken word performance, real-life testimonies and a soundscape of noises heard by people experiencing rough sleeping.
Free three-course meal for kids at Zizzi this October half term
Kids eat free over the October half-term holidays at Zizzi restaurants across England, Scotland and Wales. Kids can eat three courses from Zizzi's Bambino menu for free when an adult main meal is purchased, with prices starting from £13.95. The Kids Eat Free offer is available to Zillionaires, members of Zizzi's loyalty club, which is free to join and accessible via the Zizzi Zillionaires app.
Selston care home owners launch 150-mile cycling challenge to fund lifesaving community defibrillators
Church Farm Care, a family-run group of five care homes, including Wren Hall in Selston, providing specialist residential, nursing and dementia care, will hold its Pedal for Pulse fundraiser on October 16, coinciding with Restart a Heart Day. The challenge encourages colleagues, family members and the wider community to collectively cycle the equivalent of the entire border of Nottinghamshire.
Have your say on Broxtowe Council's next budget
Everyone with a stake in Broxtowe is encouraged to take part, including businesses and voluntary groups that operate within the borough. As well as helping the council understand where residents feel the budget should be spent in the year ahead, there are also questions about satisfaction with council services. Questions will be on a wide range of services provided by the council, including waste collection, car parks, housing, street cleanliness, and the state of the local parks.
The Snuts to play Rough Trade and Rock City in November
The album is out on October 23 and the band will visit Rock City in Nottingham on the subsequent tour on November 27. And before that, they will play an instore gig at Nottingham's Rough Trade on November 4. The Snuts have established themselves as one of the most successful breakthrough bands of recent years. Their debut album, W.L., entered the charts at number one in 2021, followed by top three second album Burn The Empire in 2022.
Mansfield pub closes for major makeover
Situated on Botany Avenue, the pub, part of Greene King's Hungry Horse chain, has temporaritly closed for renovation works taking place. Customers will be able to experience all the new-look venue has to offer when it reopens later in the month. Greene King say The Bold Forester will receive a ‘top-to-bottom refurbishment to provide friends, families and sports fans with a great pub offering a range of modern comforts'.
'Bright Journeys' launch to help up to 2,000 Nottinghamshire pupils stay safe on school run
The scheme, launched by David Wilson Homes, will support local schools through the housebuilder's new Bright Journeys campaign. It will provide up to 2,000 pupils across the country with equipment to help them shine bright on their commutes throughout the school year. Pupils will receive a selection of hi-vis items such as vests, drawstring kit bags or reflective bag tags, ensuring they remain visible during the school run, particularly as darker mornings and evenings return.
International and local art in Eastwood as touring exhibition comes to DH Lawrence Museum
Displaying a mixture of around 25 paintings, photographs, and mixed media, the artwork offers diverse perspectives on life across Europe on themes such as distance and proximity, connection and difference. The exhibition explores how art transcends borders, building bridges and fostering greater connection with our European neighbours and is part of the C-City partnership.
From rock 'n' roll legends to Motown magic – Mansfield Palace Theatre turns up the volume this October
From the rock & roll revolution of the 1950s and 60s to the timeless songs of Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Elton John, Meat Loaf and Motown, there is something for music lovers of all ages – and plenty of opportunities to sing along. The musical journey begins on OCtober 7 with Rave On: The 50s & 60s Experience, taking audiences on a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of rock ‘n' roll.
Pets & Friends Mansfield expands quality food and natural treats range
The store continues to grow its food offering with products designed to suit a wide range of feeding preferences and budgets, from convenient everyday options to fresh, raw and more specialist diets. One of the latest additions is Fidelis fresh dog food, giving local customers another fresh-feeding option to discover in store.
Mansfield care home to open its doors for Homes Together Week
The week runs from October 12 to 16 and during it, on October 16 between 2pm and 4pm, Berry Hill Park Care Home in Mansfield will be hosting events and activities designed to bring residents, families, colleagues, visitors and members of the wider community together.
From Lola to Felicia, JJ can't wait to be fabulous all over again in Mansfield
The show follows three friends on a comical and heartwarming road trip across the Australian Outback in a battered old bus – nicknamed Priscilla – to stage the show of a lifetime. And for cast member JJ McCormack, who will play the part of Adam – and his alter-ego Felicia – donning the heels and becoming a fabulous force of nature at the Palace is nothing new after Mansfield theatregoers saw him on the stage in another West End smash hit, Kinky Boots, when he played the iconic Lola.
Political comedy ace Matt Forde bringing his new show home to Nottingham
And he will be returning to his home city to play the Theatre Royal on May 21 next year. Another new Prime Minister, another new Government, another set of black holes. Join leading political comedian satirist Matt Forde as he embarks on a mission across the political galaxy and tries to find out exactly what planet they're all living on.
Cult hit Solve-A-Long-A-Murder-She Wrote back in Nottingham in the new year
Author-cum-sleuth Jessica Fletcher is invited to the remote island hideaway of a painter friend, but soon there's a murder only she – or you – can solve. Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote returns to Nottingham following riotous performances of Sing a Song of Murder, A Fashionable Way to Die and more. Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote is a unique and hilarious night featuring games, prizes and audience participation, with special permission from NBC Universal Television.
Mansfield care homes to open their doors for Homes Together Week
The week runs from October 12 to 16 and during it, both The Beeches Care Home in Mansfield Woodhouse and Berry Hill Park Care Home in Mansfield will be hosting events and activities designed to bring residents, families, colleagues, visitors and members of the wider community together. Events at The Beeches will be from 2pm to 4pm on October 15, while events at Berry Hill Park will be from 2pm to 4pm on October 16.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with JOhn
Contact JOhn, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack