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start [2019/04/24 19:51] – [Fauna] fulfordstart [2020/09/23 18:21] – [Parking] fulford
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 ===== News ===== ===== News =====
-[[ News | News & Belated News ]]+===== June 2019 - Rushcliffe Borough Council is reported as trying to sell off Lutterell Hall for development. ===== 
 +{{ :pasted:20190609-134148.png}} 
 +West Bridgford Community Hall, in recent years re-badged by Rushcliffe Borough Council as "Lutterell Hall". The hall has been a prominent part of West Bridgford life since 1929. Used as  a daily preschool, a venue for wedding receptions, political hustings, childrens parties, community meetings and for for numerous miscellaneous activities and classes the** Rushcliffe web site** says this: 
 + 
 +"**Lutterell Hall is an extremely attractive period building situated in a prime central West Bridgford location. 
 + 
 +The Hall is ideal for wedding receptions and celebrations of all kinds. It is adjacent to St Giles' Church and Central Avenue and within walking distance of West Bridgford Methodist Church and Holy Spirit Catholic Church. 
 + 
 +Lutterell Hall is very popular for children's parties, meetings and one-off events. In addition, the venue hosts regular weekday dance and exercise classes and children's activities. 
 +**" 
 + 
 +Sounds good? Sounds like a valuable part of community life in Bridgford, a local asset? I guess that's what  makes it a prime candidate to be considered for selling off for redevelopment.  
 + 
 +Those who want to stop this latest move to create private profit at the expense of the communtiy should scoot over to https://www.change.org/p/rushcliffe-borough-council-save-lutterell-hall 
 + 
 +==== July 2018 - The end of planning constraints in West Bridgford ===== 
 +[[https://gallery.fulford.net/picture.php?/8941/category/296|{{https://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2019/04/24/20190424234508-412325a1-la.jpg}}]] 
 +This monstrous great concrete and glass box that dominates the skyline and provides a picture window to all the neighboring gardens was not required to go through planning consent by Rushcliffe Borough Council. Because it contains concrete and glass the planners deemed that the construction was broadly similar to that of the beams and stucco of the Edwardian frontage. Nor was creation of a 2nd floor deemed to be a significant change in the shape of the roof. The local residents were not given the opportunity to comment, still less object and the build went ahead under permitted development. 
 + 
 +Interestingly the wooden framed windows and juliet balcony next door went through a 2 year planning process. Consent was denied and only after a Department of Environment review was consent granted. One can only speculate on what kinds of influence might have been brought to bear. 
 + 
 +Surprisingly it appears our Green Councillors support the officers' decision. 
 + 
 +I think from this point forward we can assume that no one in Bridgford will have to concern themselves with planning consent for any development. 
 + 
 +[[ News | More & Belated News ]]
  
 ===== Bridgford Park ===== ===== Bridgford Park =====
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 The cast iron drinking fountain which was hugely popular when I were a lad is still in place but is now surrounded by shrubbery and it is no longer functioning. Given contemporary concerns regarding the use of bottled water I wonder if anyone on the Council will have the good sense to return it to full functionality. Harumph! I somehow doubt it. The cast iron drinking fountain which was hugely popular when I were a lad is still in place but is now surrounded by shrubbery and it is no longer functioning. Given contemporary concerns regarding the use of bottled water I wonder if anyone on the Council will have the good sense to return it to full functionality. Harumph! I somehow doubt it.
  
-Most of the old park benches have been replaced over  the years with the latest incarnation being all metal, presumably some light weight alloy, structures but there is is still at least one old West Bridgford UDC cast iron affair left. Some of the slats have been broken out and I do wonder whether it will be survive to be restored to its former glory or if it will be replace with one of utilitarian all metal affairs.+Most of the old park benches have been replaced over  the years with the latest incarnation being all metal, presumably some light weight alloy, structures but there is is still at least one old West Bridgford UDC cast iron affair left. Some of the slats have been broken out and I do wonder whether it will be survive to be restored to its former glory or if it will be replaced with one of utilitarian all metal affairs.
 ==== Opening Times ==== ==== Opening Times ====
 The gates are supposed to be open between dawn and dusk but the process is very unreliable.  The gates are supposed to be open between dawn and dusk but the process is very unreliable. 
  
 Sometimes you will find the gates locked at 5.30 or 6pm when it is still quite light until 8pm, other times they will still be open when it is very dark indeed, particularly if there has been a big match at the City Ground or an England game on TV. Bank holidays, the gates aren't locked at all, which I assume is to avoid paying premium rates to the park staff. Sometimes you will find the gates locked at 5.30 or 6pm when it is still quite light until 8pm, other times they will still be open when it is very dark indeed, particularly if there has been a big match at the City Ground or an England game on TV. Bank holidays, the gates aren't locked at all, which I assume is to avoid paying premium rates to the park staff.
-{{ http://photo.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2017/03/27/20170327221130-0bc7d1ff-me.jpg?317x475|Bridgford Park Dryad}}+{{ https://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2017/03/27/20170327221130-0bc7d1ff-me.jpg?317x475|Bridgford Park Dryad}}
  
 The eight gates may be locked in clockwise or counter clockwise order starting from any gate at all, so it is quite easy to get locked in. There used to be egress from the gate to the Hall car park but since the renovations started this has been closed off completely. The eight gates may be locked in clockwise or counter clockwise order starting from any gate at all, so it is quite easy to get locked in. There used to be egress from the gate to the Hall car park but since the renovations started this has been closed off completely.
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 There is now a very active restoration society with ambitions to restore the whole length of the canal to navigability. Meanwhile the stretches of waterway that run through West Bridgford form lush and peaceful habitats spoiled by often difficult and unsightly road crossings. There is now a very active restoration society with ambitions to restore the whole length of the canal to navigability. Meanwhile the stretches of waterway that run through West Bridgford form lush and peaceful habitats spoiled by often difficult and unsightly road crossings.
 ==== Fauna ==== ==== Fauna ====
-[[http://photo.fulford.net/picture.php?/5109/category/250|{{http://photo.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/05/15/20180515230725-bcc7afbd-me.jpg?400x290 |Counting the eggs 7th May}}]]        +[[https://gallery.fulford.net/picture.php?/5109/category/250|{{https://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/05/15/20180515230725-bcc7afbd-me.jpg?400x290 |Counting the eggs 7th May}}]]        
 There are a pair of swans that return to the Grantham Canal in Lady Bay each year to nest. This year (2018) they have produced nine signets. There were 10 eggs but only 9 hatched. I was luck enough to be around at some of the key stages in the nesting and rearing stages and you can click through the images below to see an awful lot of pictures of these elegant fowl. There are a pair of swans that return to the Grantham Canal in Lady Bay each year to nest. This year (2018) they have produced nine signets. There were 10 eggs but only 9 hatched. I was luck enough to be around at some of the key stages in the nesting and rearing stages and you can click through the images below to see an awful lot of pictures of these elegant fowl.
  
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 \\ \\
 \\ \\
-|[[https://gallery.fulford.net/picture.php?/5416/category/253|{{https://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/06/11/20180611214646-9c83c68d-sm.jpg |Counting the chicks 17th May}}]]|[[https://gallery.fulford.net/picture.php?/5184/category/253|{{ http://photo.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/06/11/20180611213020-5beb6db8-me.jpg}}]]|+|[[https://gallery.fulford.net/picture.php?/5202/category/253|{{https://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/05/19/20180519084352-5a1f24fb-me.jpg |Counting the chicks 17th May}}]]|[[https://gallery.fulford.net/picture.php?/5184/category/253|{{ https://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/06/11/20180611213020-5beb6db8-me.jpg}}]]|
  
  
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 There are two pubs, The Gamston Lock, reconstructed on the site of The Bridge at Gamston which burnt down in December 2013. and The Goose At Gamston by the new center built around Morrisons. There are two pubs, The Gamston Lock, reconstructed on the site of The Bridge at Gamston which burnt down in December 2013. and The Goose At Gamston by the new center built around Morrisons.
  
-[[http://photo.fulford.net/picture.php?/6420/category/309|{{http://photo.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/12/10/20181210005615-3c6367b2-me.jpg?600 |Unpopulated Spaces }}]]+[[https://gallery.fulford.net/picture.php?/6420/category/309|{{https://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/12/10/20181210005615-3c6367b2-me.jpg?600 |Unpopulated Spaces }}]]
  
 I found it curious on recent walk around the old village 28h October 2018) that the newly fashioned attractive public spaces had no one in them, Perhaps the designer intended that these spaces should only be eye candy for the motorised visitor, there were certainly no benches or bins that might suggest the presence of people. In contrast to the Bridgford Park facility, the play park here was also bereft of parents and toddlers. I found it curious on recent walk around the old village 28h October 2018) that the newly fashioned attractive public spaces had no one in them, Perhaps the designer intended that these spaces should only be eye candy for the motorised visitor, there were certainly no benches or bins that might suggest the presence of people. In contrast to the Bridgford Park facility, the play park here was also bereft of parents and toddlers.
  
-[[http://photo.fulford.net/picture.php?/6423/category/309|{{ http://photo.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/12/10/20181210005624-305eebf3-la.jpg |Unpopulated Spaces}}]]+[[https://gallery.fulford.net/picture.php?/6423/category/309|{{ https://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/12/10/20181210005624-305eebf3-la.jpg |Unpopulated Spaces}}]]
  
  
 ==== Lady Bay ==== ==== Lady Bay ====
-[[http://photo.fulford.net/picture.php?/6376/category/273|{{http://photo.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/12/08/20181208183335-93aa519c-la.jpg}}]]+[[https://gallery.fulford.net/picture.php?/6376/category/273|{{https://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/12/08/20181208183335-93aa519c-la.jpg}}]]
 ==== West Bridgford ==== ==== West Bridgford ====
 ==== Wilford Hill ==== ==== Wilford Hill ====
 ===== Economy of West Bridgford ===== ===== Economy of West Bridgford =====
-As a dormitory town to Nottingham City across the River Trent, West Bridgford has never been dependant on it's own resources. The local town shopping centre continues to do well but in recent years high rents and business rates have largely driven out independent retails. The shopping centre is now dominated by chain coffee houses and charity shops. The town centre has three small supermarkets in Marks and Spencer, Iceland and the Co-op. M & S occupies the site of the old Manor House, once a club, more latterly a public house. Part of Bridgford Park was given over to the creation of additional public car park when M&S was built. There are two larger supermarkets, ASDA on Loughborough Road and Morrisons on the Gamston Estate.+As a dormitory town to Nottingham City across the River Trent, West Bridgford has never been dependant on it's own resources. The local town shopping centre continues to do well but in recent years high rents and business rates have largely driven out independent retailers. The shopping centre is now dominated by chain coffee houses and charity shops. The town centre has three small supermarkets in Marks and Spencer, Iceland and the Co-op. M & S occupies the site of the old Manor House, once a club, more latterly a public house. Part of Bridgford Park was given over to the creation of additional public car park when M&S was built. There are two larger supermarkets, ASDA on Loughborough Road and Morrisons on the Gamston Estate.
  
 Although gone from Central Avenue there are still 3 butchers in West Bridgford, one on [[business:butchers:rutherfords|Abbey Road]] another on Melton Road and a third in Edwalton. There is also a fishmonger on Melton Road. Although gone from Central Avenue there are still 3 butchers in West Bridgford, one on [[business:butchers:rutherfords|Abbey Road]] another on Melton Road and a third in Edwalton. There is also a fishmonger on Melton Road.
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 Try the [[http://www.liveandlocal.org.uk/QuickGuide.cfm|Live and Local]] listings for performance arts events in West Bridgford. Presentation of the arts at community venues is supported at subsidized rates by Village Ventures. You can pick up a digital copy of the current Village Ventures leaflet at [[https://issuu.com/livelocal/docs/village_ventures_not_aw17_what_s_on|issuu]]. Try the [[http://www.liveandlocal.org.uk/QuickGuide.cfm|Live and Local]] listings for performance arts events in West Bridgford. Presentation of the arts at community venues is supported at subsidized rates by Village Ventures. You can pick up a digital copy of the current Village Ventures leaflet at [[https://issuu.com/livelocal/docs/village_ventures_not_aw17_what_s_on|issuu]].
 ==== Christmas Lights.==== ==== Christmas Lights.====
-The Christmas lights switch on this year was on Saturday 2nd December. The switch on at 5pm is immediately followed by a short fireworks display as it always is, because Rushcliffe Borough Council knows that the best way to celebrate any event within a month of bonfire night, especially at a time of budget cuts, is to burn money to light up the night sky for a few minutes. T'was not a bad display but I do think that the cooperative efforts of the [[http://photo.fulford.net/picture.php?/4435/category/181|Fulfords and Rileys| Bonfire night in Edward Road ]] on the 5th did it quite out do. +The Christmas lights switch on this year was on Saturday 2nd December. The switch on at 5pm is immediately followed by a short fireworks display as it always is, because Rushcliffe Borough Council knows that the best way to celebrate any event within a month of bonfire night, especially at a time of budget cuts, is to burn money to light up the night sky for a few minutes. T'was not a bad display but I do think that the cooperative efforts of the [[https://gallery.fulford.net/picture.php?/4435/category/181|Fulfords and Rileys| Bonfire night in Edward Road ]] on the 5th did it quite out do. 
-[[http://gallery.fulford.net/picture.php?/4517/category/187|{{ http://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2017/12/06/20171206103941-b3384472-la.jpg?600x450Fireworks display over Bridgford Park December 2nd 2017 }}]]+[[https://gallery.fulford.net/picture.php?/4517/category/187|{{ https://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2017/12/06/20171206103941-b3384472-la.jpg?600x450Fireworks display over Bridgford Park December 2nd 2017 }}]]
  
  
-As always the prime purpose of these "entertainments" is to provide shopping opportunities and my cursory patrol around the [[http://photo.fulford.net/picture.php?/4525/category/187|"Christmas Market"]] on the croquet lawn was that the standard and variety of vending was a little improved on previous years. My wife says "no" but well, I still think so. Hot mulled wine was being sold on the street (Central Avenue) in greater volumes (per cup) than is usual at this type of thing and at gob smacking prices which is considerably more usual I suppose.+As always the prime purpose of these "entertainments" is to provide shopping opportunities and my cursory patrol around the [[https://gallery.fulford.net/picture.php?/4525/category/187|"Christmas Market"]] on the croquet lawn was that the standard and variety of vending was a little improved on previous years. My wife says "no" but well, I still think so. Hot mulled wine was being sold on the street (Central Avenue) in greater volumes (per cup) than is usual at this type of thing and at gob smacking prices which is considerably more usual I suppose.
  
 Gordon Square end had the mini kid's ice ring (er perhaps I should say kid's mini ice ring. The children, it was my impression atlleast, were much the usual size. Substantial numbers of celebrants were imbibing on the frontate to the Test Match Inn and there were queues for both Santa's grotto and the Bridgford Chippy which was pleasing to see. (I do like to see queues at chip shops, it is, I always think, the right way to do things  and I have an especial  soft spot for the Bridgford Chippy since they desisted from taking up vital chip room in the now almost universal take away box with the mushy peas carton, and also because they went to such efforts to restore dandelion and burdock to the soft drinks menu. Gordon Square end had the mini kid's ice ring (er perhaps I should say kid's mini ice ring. The children, it was my impression atlleast, were much the usual size. Substantial numbers of celebrants were imbibing on the frontate to the Test Match Inn and there were queues for both Santa's grotto and the Bridgford Chippy which was pleasing to see. (I do like to see queues at chip shops, it is, I always think, the right way to do things  and I have an especial  soft spot for the Bridgford Chippy since they desisted from taking up vital chip room in the now almost universal take away box with the mushy peas carton, and also because they went to such efforts to restore dandelion and burdock to the soft drinks menu.
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 ==== Bridge Fields Fair ==== ==== Bridge Fields Fair ====
 Every year there is a bizarre ritual in Bridge Fields. At the beginning of October caravans start arriving and parking near the old railway embankment. Within a couple of days fair ground rides start arriving and are set up ready for the official opening on Thursday evening. The fair opens for a few hours each day until the following Sunday when it starts packing up again. A tiny handful of people go. Fun fairs I suspect are not generally popular among the burghers of Bridgford and the few that are interested will be visiting Nottingham's Goose Fair which runs over the same dates. It must make a substantial loss I would think and it puzzles me that the ritual survives although I am oddly pleased that it does. Every year there is a bizarre ritual in Bridge Fields. At the beginning of October caravans start arriving and parking near the old railway embankment. Within a couple of days fair ground rides start arriving and are set up ready for the official opening on Thursday evening. The fair opens for a few hours each day until the following Sunday when it starts packing up again. A tiny handful of people go. Fun fairs I suspect are not generally popular among the burghers of Bridgford and the few that are interested will be visiting Nottingham's Goose Fair which runs over the same dates. It must make a substantial loss I would think and it puzzles me that the ritual survives although I am oddly pleased that it does.
-|{{http://photo.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/01/24/20180124194426-74b137a7-me.jpg?280x220}}|{{http://photo.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/01/24/20180124194432-0da348a6-me.jpg?280x220}}|{{http://photo.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/01/24/20180124203105-4f65aeaa-me.jpg?280x220}}|+|{{https://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/01/24/20180124194426-74b137a7-me.jpg?280x220}}|{{https://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/01/24/20180124194432-0da348a6-me.jpg?280x220}}|{{https://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2018/01/24/20180124203105-4f65aeaa-me.jpg?280x220}}|
  
 ==== Octoberfest.==== ==== Octoberfest.====
-[[http://photo.fulford.net/picture.php?/4316/category/172|Food stalls, real ale, kids rides and live music on the croquet lawn, Central Avenue]]. Seemed pretty good this year (2017) despite some very blustery weather. The chairoplane ride was rather under subscribed when I was+[[https://gallery.fulford.net/picture.php?/4316/category/172|Food stalls, real ale, kids rides and live music on the croquet lawn, Central Avenue]]. Seemed pretty good this year (2017) despite some very blustery weather. The chairoplane ride was rather under subscribed when I was
 there and the big bouncy slide was deflated, probably due to the gusts of winds but a fare few had turned out the music was goodish and folks were enjoying themselves. there and the big bouncy slide was deflated, probably due to the gusts of winds but a fare few had turned out the music was goodish and folks were enjoying themselves.
-{{ http://photo.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2017/10/24/20171024114646-b9dedcba-me.png }}+{{ https://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2017/10/24/20171024114646-b9dedcba-me.png }}
 Beer prices were extortionate, as you might expect where there are low overheads (no staff, no buildings, no rates etc). Beer was £3.50 a pint, cider, being generally a cheaper product, was £4.00 a pint and larger £5.00 a pint. Still anything that reduces the consumption of lager get my vote and I didn't see any one approach the larger part of the sales stand at all. Beer prices were extortionate, as you might expect where there are low overheads (no staff, no buildings, no rates etc). Beer was £3.50 a pint, cider, being generally a cheaper product, was £4.00 a pint and larger £5.00 a pint. Still anything that reduces the consumption of lager get my vote and I didn't see any one approach the larger part of the sales stand at all.
  
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 A scintillating set at The All Hallows Community Hall, Pierrepont Road, Lady Bay, West Bridgford. At £10 per head for adults the event was very good value and took place in a convivial and relaxed atmosphere. Tables and chares are placed informally and the audience is invited to "bring a bottle". Teas and coffee are also served in the interval.  A scintillating set at The All Hallows Community Hall, Pierrepont Road, Lady Bay, West Bridgford. At £10 per head for adults the event was very good value and took place in a convivial and relaxed atmosphere. Tables and chares are placed informally and the audience is invited to "bring a bottle". Teas and coffee are also served in the interval. 
  
-[[http://photo.fulford.net/picture.php?/4355/category/173|{{http://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2017/10/24/20171024165141-9059c0df-la.png|Dan Walsh - Almost Perpendicular Tour, All Hallows, Ladybay, West Bridgford}}]]+[[https://gallery.fulford.net/picture.php?/4355/category/173|{{https://gallery.fulford.net/_data/i/upload/2017/10/24/20171024165141-9059c0df-la.png|Dan Walsh - Almost Perpendicular Tour, All Hallows, Ladybay, West Bridgford}}]]
  
 These events are although very good value, are not well publicised, best to get on the Village Venture mailing list or check the website for forthcoming events. These events are although very good value, are not well publicised, best to get on the Village Venture mailing list or check the website for forthcoming events.
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 Parking is a major issue in many parts of West Bridgford. In the streets between Musters Road and Loughborough Road the parking situation is so bad it is sometimes difficult to even drive down the road as there is insufficient room for two cars to pass between the parked vehicles. Parking is a major issue in many parts of West Bridgford. In the streets between Musters Road and Loughborough Road the parking situation is so bad it is sometimes difficult to even drive down the road as there is insufficient room for two cars to pass between the parked vehicles.
  
-In the streets between Bridgford Park and Radcliffe Road the conflict is not just between residents competing for space. There are also would-be shoppers seeking to avoid the charges on the official car parks who cruise the streets behind the park looking for spaces. The problem is compounded on match days when there are also football supporters looking for free parking within walking distance of Nottingham Forest's City Ground. The football fans are at least, only likely to block access for residents for an afternoon whereas the cricket fans will leave their cars outside your home for anything up to 5 days during a test match while they stay with friends or use the local guest houses and hotels. +In the streets between Bridgford Park and Radcliffe Road the conflict is not just between residents competing for space. There are also would-be shoppers seeking to avoid the charges on the official car parkswho cruise the streets behind the park looking for spaces. The problem is compounded on match days when there are also football supporters looking for free parking within walking distance of Nottingham Forest's City Ground. The football fans are at least, only likely to block access for residents for an afternoon whereas the cricket fans will leave their cars outside your home for anything up to 5 days during a test match while they stay with friends or use the local guest houses and hotels. 
  
 When Rushcliffe Borough Council introduced night time parking charges in the Library, Nursery and Gordan Rd car parks, they ensured that the workers in the night time economy, which has boomed in the last ten years, would stop using them for the duration of their shifts and take to parking in the local streets as well. Who  When Rushcliffe Borough Council introduced night time parking charges in the Library, Nursery and Gordan Rd car parks, they ensured that the workers in the night time economy, which has boomed in the last ten years, would stop using them for the duration of their shifts and take to parking in the local streets as well. Who 
-can blame them, when your working a shift on little more than minimum wages who would want their earning+can blame them, when your working a shift on little more than minimum wages who would want their earnings
 instantly reduced by parking charges. instantly reduced by parking charges.
  
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 half on the pavement and blocking wheelchair user access. Campaigns to create parking bays and to clamp down half on the pavement and blocking wheelchair user access. Campaigns to create parking bays and to clamp down
 on selfish parking were spreading across the London Boroughs. Then when I visited home I thought one of the  on selfish parking were spreading across the London Boroughs. Then when I visited home I thought one of the 
-benefits of provincial life was that at least in middle class areas this wouldn't happen. How wrong I was.+benefits of provincial life was thatat least in middle class areasthis wouldn't happen. How wrong I was.
 ===== External Links ===== ===== External Links =====
 ==== Local Links in West Bridgford ==== ==== Local Links in West Bridgford ====
start.txt · Last modified: 2023/09/24 21:10 by fulford