Exploring one of Nottinghamshire’s hidden gems

LIVING LANDSCAPE © The HopBarn

Back in August, Angie Atmadjaja was one of the first guests live in the studio for more than a year and a half when she joined June to share the story of one of the county’s hidden treasures.

Just a few miles up the A612 from Newark, The HopBarn is rapidly becoming known as a centre for contemporary culture in rural Nottinghamshire, a place where visitors can discover arts, music and nature through its events.

High on the agenda for that chat was Living Landscape, a trail created by artists and makers through The Hopbarn’s wildlife-rich land…

And two of the creatives whose work it features will be on Girls Around Town next weekend to share their own stories.

First up and on the phone to the studio at just after 10.20am is Susan Isaac, a Cardiff-born painter and sculptor now based here in Nottinghamshire whose contribution to the trail is a living sculpture entitled Green Fuse.

Then shortly after 11.10am it’s the turn of woodworker Steve Hunt, in the studio to describe how he adapts Scandinavian designs to develop finished items with well-proportioned, elegant shapes that are both practical and sculptural.

Both Susan and Steve will be telling listeners how and why they became involved in Living Landscape, the inspiration behind their own contributions and the reactions from some of the visitors over the past two months.

Make sure you’re tuned to 107.8FM or listening online, on the free Radio Newark apps or on Alexa between 10am and 12 noon next Sunday to hear what they have to say…

And, if you haven’t already done so, to find out how you can visit The HopBarn to see and enjoy not only their work but that of the nine other creatives taking part in this trail uniting nature and art.

Time for a break but back before you know it!

June‘s going off the grid for a little while, taking a bit of a break after a hectic couple of months, so no Girls Around Town next weekend.

But don’t worry, she’ll be back behind the mic at the end of October, inviting you to Put On Your Sunday Best on Halloween!

In the meantime, watch this space for the podcast of yesterday’s interview with Helen Stanbridge from Newark and Sherwood CVS about its Door2Door transport service…

And here’s a reminder of some the events mentioned on the same show that you and your kids might like to check out.

A little bit of self defense

If you went along to Newark’s Fun Palace at the beginning of the month, you may well have seen the self defence demo that took place in the Civil War Centre.

It was run by Newark Ninjitsu‘s Kiyth Fotitt, who’s putting on another event, this one especially for ladies, on Thursday 21 October.

The Ladies Self Defense Class runs from 10am to 12 noon at BeanBlock Cafe in the St Marks Shopping Centre – another free event but you do need to register online here to book your place.

Fun and games at Newark Library

Are you looking for some fun for the kids on a Saturday morning? Then the place to head for is Newark Library, where two new events will be on offer every weekend in the run up to Christmas.

Both will be taking place from 10am to 12 noon, alternating each weekend, with the Lego Club – a chance to build with Lego and join in the library’s Lego Challenge Themes – kicking things off on Saturday 23 October.

Then on Saturday 30 October it’s the Games Club, when youngsters can try out a few games and make some new friends.

The two Clubs alternate every week until Saturday 11 December – they’re absolutely free and kids of all ages are welcome but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Next Sunday’s litter pick

Do you live in or around South Muskham and Little Carlton and have a bit of free time on Sunday 24 October?

If you do, Charles Brightmore could really use your help!

He’s organising a litter pick in the area and he’s looking for a few more volunteers to get involved…

All equipment will be provided – just bring your own gloves, head over to the South Muskham Roundabout for the 9.30am start and help spruce up the area along the Great North Road and the A616 through Little Carlton.

Going the extra mile

There was good news from The National Lottery Community Fund for one local charity last month…

And this weekend’s guest on Girls Around Town will be on the phone to the studio to tell June – and you – all about it.

Helen Stanbridge, Newark and Sherwood Community Voluntary Service‘s director of operations, will be explaining just what its Door2Door transport scheme offers residents of the district and how they will be able to benefit from its planned expansion.

Providing a valuable service for vulnerable, isolated and older people, those with long-term conditions and those in rural communities unable to access more conventional forms of transport, the service helps members live more independent lives and stay connected with their communities, their friends and their relatives.

Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to take people to visit friends, go shopping, on day trips or to essential health-related appointments and the new funding will allow for extensive volunteer recruitment and training.

It will also enable the CVS to recruit an additional member of the team, whose key role will be to develop a fundraising and income generation strategy designed to ensure the future sustainability of the scheme, making it less dependent on public sector funds.

Don’t forget to tune in to 107.8FM or listen online, on the apps or on Alexa from just after 10.20am on Sunday to find out more from Helen…

Especially if you have a friend or family member who might be looking for a little help getting out and about from time to time!