Summer fun awaits swimmers of all ages on the weekend of 21 and 22 July when pools at Arnold, Calverton and Carlton Forum will be offering free swimming to both adult and junior swimmers.

Gedling Leisure will be helping swimmers take the plunge along with local authorities across the county with the support of the County Sports Partnership; in a joint promotion with is the first of its kind.

Coinciding with the start of the school summer holidays, the promotion is designed to help improve water safety at a time when many people are about to spend time, in, on or near the sea, rivers, canals or swimming pools. It also aims to encourage residents to use their local leisure facilities, increase participation and offers access to everyone.

In addition, at Arnold, Calverton and Carlton Forum pools junior swimmers will be able to swim in special free sessions timetabled during the weeks of the summer holiday.

This year’s event is set for Wednesday 8^th August at Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, from 1pm to 4pm. Last year around 2,500 children and parents enjoyed a wonderful time. This year’s theme will be centred on “places to play” where parents, carers and children are invited to sample various activities and discover something new.

   Good Luck to Good Shepherd    

Good Shepherd Junior School is flying the flag for the Arnold area at this year’s Road Safety Quiz, area final on Wednesday 20^th June. Up against strong competition from schools across the Borough, we are sure they will do well and wish them every success.

 Front Street – work begins    

Work is starting this month on the refurbishment of Front Street. This will see the road re-aligned, new bus stops, changes to parking arrangements, the introduction of pedestrian crossings and new pavements. In our recent newsletters we have invited suggestions for possible artworks or statues that might be provided at selected points, and it still isn’t too late for you let us have them. Pleas send suggestions to one of the Forum contacts shown on the contacts page.

Next month (Sunday 15^th July) sees the County Youth Arts “Showcase 07” come to the Bonington Theatre. Open to anyone between 13 and 19 with a talent to show off, rehearsals begin at 2pm with performances from 7pm. Professional support will be available. So, music, dance, drama, DJ, rap, poetry or even circus acts are welcome. To book a place phone County Youth Arts on 01623 644377 or e-mail andy.dawson@nottscc.gov.uk.

Plans for our inter-generational event this autumn are advancing with the Forum’s “Golden Eagles” group working alongside Gedling’s Youth Assembly to organise the event. Topics will range from new technology to local history, citizenship, health and fitness, music, photography, drama, security and crime reduction, recycling etc. Keep your eyes open for details of the event.

 The Lodge – Update 

The Lodge one stop youth contact point being opened at the entrance to Arnot Hill Park, Arnold, has fallen a little behind schedule with necessary works being held up through legal technicalities. We are however pleased to see that work has now begun and we look forward to its delayed opening this summer. This should be a major contact point for youth focused services and the Youth Assembly.