MORNING EDITION: Things to do over half term in Gedling

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🎈📽️ Things to do in Gedling borough this February half term 2026

The kids are out for half term – but what is there to do in Gedling borough? A whole lot, as it turns out. We’ve put together a guide to all the family-friendly fun happening in the borough this February half term.

Gedling Leisure holiday fun
February 16 - 20
Arnold, Calverton, Carlton Forum & Redhill Leisure Centres

There are lots of affordable, fun activities on offer at the Gedling Leisure Centres to keep younger visitors entertained and active during the school holiday.

Choose from roller discos, fun family swim sessions, badminton, bouncy castle fun and much more!
READ MORE

Sherwood Forest Day
February 20
FREE

Sherwood Forest Day celebrates and promotes Sherwood Forest as a national environmental, cultural and historic asset and thanks those who are preserving it and working to secure its future.

On this first ever Sherwood Forest Day, plaques are being unveiled across Nottinghamshire, including The Mayor of Gedling, Cllr Kyle Robinson-Payne unveiling a plaque and reading a proclamation at The AMP building in Arnold at noon

Build your very own unique Scribble-bot
February 20
FREE

Make a robot that draws as it moves. Scribble bots are made from craft materials and introduce you to basic electronic circuits.

There are two free workshops: 9.15am and 11am.

All materials are provided and at the end of the session your Scribble-bot is yours to take home. Some of the other robots from the University of Nottingham will also be on hand to entertain and introduce you to the wider worlds of robotics.

All attendees must book a free ticket. Places are limited. Book your places at The Bonington Theatre website.

Half term films
February 14-22
Tickets from £5

Keep the kids entertained during half-term with films on the big screen, including:

The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants (PG)

Nottinghamshire Festival of Science and Curiosity: Big Hero 6 (PG) + Meet the Robots!

The Scarecrows' Wedding

Zootropolis 2 (PG)

More information HERE

🚫 Vaping to be banned in cars carrying children under plans by government

Vaping would be banned in cars carrying children, according to new government proposals.

If the new vaping ban was imposed, people would be prevented from smoking, vaping or using devices that heat tobacco in children’s playgrounds, outside schools and in cars carrying youngsters, according to the plan, which is subject to consultation.

The Department of Health said the move to extend smoke-free places would protect children and vulnerable people, including from the harms of breathing in secondhand smoke.

It would mean smoking is banned outside hospitals and other health facilities, though vaping would still be allowed there in a bid to support smokers who are trying to quit.

All existing indoor places where smoking is already banned will become “heated tobacco-free and vape-free”, including workplaces, public transport and private vehicles carrying under-18s.

Outdoor areas near hospitality venues, such as bar, pub and restaurant gardens, will be exempt from the ban, alongside “wide-open public spaces” including beaches.

People would continue to be able to choose whether to smoke or vape in their homes or in private outdoor spaces.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer and we want to protect children and the sick from harm.

“Prevention is better than cure, so this government is taking pressure off the NHS and building a healthier Britain where everyone lives well for longer.”

The consultation will look at how outdoor boundaries will be set alongside possible exemptions, with the intention of making the rules proportionate and workable, the Department of Health said.

🇬🇧 Big interest’ from businesses in advertising on £75k Union flags – Reform boss

The leader of Nottinghamshire County Council says the authority has had ‘big interest from the business community’ in advertising on the Union Jack banners currently attached to lampposts across the county.

Reform boss Mick Barton was answering a question about whether the £75,000 spent on the project could be better spent elsewhere.

The controversial idea to spend money on raising British flags in the borough and wider Notts was announced in September.

Many contested the Reform council’s plan to use taxpayers’ money to pay for a solely decorative venture.

But Ashfield’s Reform MP Lee Anderson said in December that the taxpayer would not fund any of the cost because the party would get businesses to sponsor the flags, and in January, it was reported that they’d eventually be replaced entirely by business adverts.

In a letter defending the £75k banners, Councillor Barton said: “I took the decision after making considerable savings to put 180 banners up right across the county.

“These banners will be used for a multitude of purposes, including fostering kinship, adoption and caring programmes, Nottinghamshire Day, Remembrance Day and we also have a big interest from the business community wanting to hire the space.”

His response was read out by Mayor Abrahams at a full meeting of Mansfield District Council on Tuesday, February 3.

Councillor Barton continued his response by saying: “The banners we have made at the minute are of the Union flag and we are very proud to fly the flag across the county. I have had literally thousands of people contact me to tell me they feel it’s a lovely thing to do.

“Since we have put them up, the public seems to have stopped putting up their own flags. From a public safety perspective, I feel this is a good thing. Lots of people feel very patriotic at the moment and I believe this is down to how poorly this country has been run for the last three or four decades under both Labour and Conservative administrations."

Joseph Connolly - Local Democracy Reporter

🌤️ WEATHER UPDATE

Looking out the window so you don't have to...

It will be cloudy for much of today. There will be rain early on and snow may fall later in the day, though generally becoming light. Rain, sleet and snow will clear through the evening with clear spells and isolated snow showers following. Becoming clear and cold overnight, frosty with icy stretches. Minimum temperature -4 °C.

There will be a cold, frosty and icy start to Saturday, but it will become drier and brighter, with long sunny spells. Sunshine will become hazy into the afternoon, with rain, snow and strong winds overnight. Maximum temperature 5 °C.

Expect rain, snow and strong winds on Sunday with band of rain following later.