COMMUNITY groups will have the chance to win a share of £35,000 when our third Cash For Your Community campaign launches next week.

Nottingham Building Society and the Nottingham Post have teamed up once again for the initiative, which aims to lend a hand to struggling charities as cutbacks continue to bite.

Readers will decide how much of the £35,000 cash pot is given to each group by collecting coupons and choosing a club to vote for.

Every group, club and not-for-profit organisation to have successfully made the final 200 is guaranteed a payout, with the amount of cash they receive depending heavily on the readers' support . This year the three groups which collect the most coupons will also receive a bonus prize of £1,000.

Chief executive of Nottingham Building Society David Marlow said: "This is the third year that we have worked with The Post on Cash For Your Community. In the last two years we have together distributed £70,000 to worthy causes across the region.

"The variety of the recipients has been extraordinary: from hospices to elderly groups, from primary schools to lifesaving clubs, from soup kitchens to scouts and even a local city farm.

"I know from talking to many of the groups that it's not just about the money, it's about profile too. With our partners at The Post we have been able to help raise the profile of these groups in their community, highlight the invaluable work they do and help them engage with existing and new supporters.

"I am sure Cash For Your Community 2013 will be just as successful as in previous years, and we look forward to the application process opening."

Registration for Cash For Your Community will open on Monday, May 13.

Any not-for-profit organisation can register and the first 200 groups to get their form in will be successful.

Registration will close at 5pm on Wednesday, May 22.

Readers will then be able to vote for the group they would like to see win the most cash from Monday, June 17, when the first coupons will be printed in the Post.

All coupons must then be sent in to the Post by 5pm on Wednesday, July 17.

Last year's £35,000 giveaway saw groups receive payments ranging from £11.29 to £2,347.57.

Nottingham Community Transport, which runs a Dial A Ride service for disabled people, received £340.75 after applying for the first time.

Project manager David Sweard-Tye said the money had been spent on improving the service for its users.

"We were very pleased to do so well," he said. "I know there were a lot of groups out there that do lots of charitable work, and to see the recognition from our customers who were collecting the tokens was really nice.

"Any extra funding or donation that we get is always greatly appreciated."

A HERD of arty elephants is on its way to Nottingham.

The Elephant Parade will see a 100-strong collection of colourful elephant statues displayed at the Victoria and Broadmarsh centres.

The parade, which raises money for The Asian Elephant Foundation, has previously had designs contributed by comedian Ricky Gervais, pop star Leona Lewis, and designer Tommy Hilfiger.

But organisers are looking for six schools in Nottingham each interested in designing an elephant for the parade, which kicks off this summer.

Trevor Pereira, commercial director at Intu, which owns the shopping centres and is supporting the tour, said: "Elephant Parade has set the standard for bringing the fun into supporting an important cause, and their elephant statues have become iconic around the world.

"We wanted to make this tour the people's parade – to enable people from all walks of life to be part of an Elephant Parade, whilst also giving them exposure to a national audience for the first time."

Organisers are looking for schools to submit their designs this month and next.

The winning designs will then become reality and cover six of the 5ft statues on the national tour.

The rest of the entries will be featured online.

The Elephant Parade is set to visit 13 locations over 375 days.

A preview day will take place at a yet to be announced location on July 17, before the elephants make their first stop at Intu Watford on July 21.

The herd will then visit 12 other locations before finishing in central London in July next year.

It is due to arrive in Nottingham for five weeks on March 3, 2014.

Mr Pereira added: "Raising lasting awareness of the conservation issues is as important this time round as just raising money for the Asian elephant.

"Perhaps above all, this festival of colour will unite communities and give people from all walks of life a reason to smile as the elephants bring moments of surprise and delight that will make a normal day out quite special."

A conservation education programme will be run for schools as part of the tour, which will be the longest-running Elephant Parade and its first UK nationwide tour.

More than 600 design ideas – including one by an eight-year-old – were submitted within a month of Elephant Parade announcing the tour earlier this year.

The public art creations will raise awareness of, and funds for, The Asian Elephant Foundation, which supports elephant conservation projects.

For more details about the parade visit www.elephantparade.com.

To register an interest in designing one of the Nottingham elephants, visit www.elephantcommunications.co.uk.

VICTORIA Market is open in the Victoria Centre from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays. It is one of a number of markets which take place regularly in the city. Others can be found at:

Bilborough Market, Bracebridge Drive – Thursdays 9am to 1pm.

Bulwell Market, Market Place – Open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 4pm.

Clifton Market, Southchurch Drive – Friday and Saturday from 8.30am until 4.30pm.

Hyson Green Market, Radford Road – Trading Wednesday and Saturdays between 9am and 2.30pm.

St Ann's Market, Robin Hood Chase – Tuesdays 9am to 1pm.

Clinton Street Market, Nottingham – The market is open Monday to Saturday from 9am until 4pm, but closed on Thursdays.

A number of markets also take place in communities across Notts. According to the National Market Traders Federation, they include:

Arnold – Market Place, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday every week.

Beeston – Farmers' Market on the fourth Friday of the month; Wollaton Road Methodist Church, Fridays 7.30am to 11.45am.

Bingham – Every Thursday, with stall set up between 7.30am and 9am and finishing anytime between 2pm and 4pm. A farmers' market also takes place on the third Saturday of the month.

Eastwood – Thursday and Friday.

Hucknall – Market Place, off High Street, Thursdays and Fridays.

Kirkby-in-Ashfield – Market Place, off Ellis Street, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Long Eaton – Market Place, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Newark – Market Place, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Southwell – Market Square, King Street, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Sutton Bonington – First Wednesday of the month during term time at Sutton Bonington Campus, College Road, 11.30am to 3.30pm.

Sutton-in-Ashfield – Indoor Market Hall, Idlewells Shopping Centre, Monday to Saturday.

West Bridgford – A farmers' market takes place on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, usually on the Croquet Lawn along Central Avenue. Businesses in Melton Road also run a market between 10am and 4pm on the first Saturday of every month.

Are you planning a market? E-mail bryan.henesey@ nottinghampostgroup.co.uk.

SHE may have been handed stall number 13, but Desiree Bourne is not worried about being unlucky in business.

After years of perfecting, she's confident her quirky savoury muffins will be a hit when they go on sale at Nottingham's Victoria Market next week.

Miss Bourne, 53, of Cleveland Close, Radford, said: "I'm hoping to conquer the world with the muffins.

"I've always baked and done things for colleagues, and I'm always looking at new recipes for savoury muffins.

"I did a chicken one this weekend and people were sceptical, but I said 'try it' and they thought it was nice. I want people to try something new – instead of a sandwich a lunch, have a savoury muffin."

She will be offering a variety of different flavoured savoury muffins and cakes when her stall – called 4get Me Knott – opens for business on Wednesday.

The fledgling businesswoman is one of a number of traders who will be given the chance to trade for free in the market's food hall until May 29, as part of Love Your Local Market fortnight.

Miss Bourne said: "This is my first venture and I hope it will go well.

"I'm telling everybody about it and asking them to bring their friends down too."

Her venture also has a serious aim.

After a career working for learning disability charity Mencap and as an activities coordinator for people with dementia, she hopes 4get Me Knott will develop into a permanent business.

She said: "As I grow the business and have my own premises, I want to be able to have a day where people with dementia and their carers can come and full comfortable.

"It's my aim to give something back to them."

Of her stall number, she added: "I don't believe in superstition so I'm not worried about it."

Miss Bourne said she expects her top-seller to be a pizza muffin, as well as her cheese and bacon savoury biscuits.

She said: "I just love the smell of the pizza muffins.

"They look and smell like a pizza, but in cake form."

The national Love Your Local Market initiative, which is in its second year, aims to recruit new market traders and demonstrate the importance of the market as a community asset.

Nottingham City Council hopes the fortnight will encouraging people across the city to rediscover their local market.

Among the other new traders who will be at Victoria Market are people selling cupcakes, Chinese food, fresh baked bread, Caribbean food, as well as butchers and fishmongers.

The market will also be hosting two special events during the fortnight.

Sushi making demonstrations will be held in the food hall on Saturday, May 18, and Saturday, May 25 at 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Chef Nigel Brown will also be running demonstrations on Saturday, May 25, at noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

For more information about Love Your Local Market fortnight visit www.loveyourlocalmarket.org.uk.

THE current economic climate means that we all have to scrutinise the small print to make sure that we get the best deal possible.

So, if you are looking for somewhere to rent, and you are thinking of using a letting agent, how can you be sure that you will not be ripped-off?

The first thing you should do is to shop around and do your homework.

Clue yourself up on exactly what service each agent provides and be sure you know what is chargeable and what is not.

Not all agents make additional charges, but if they do, these amounts can vary significantly.

The next tip is to make sure there are no registration charges.

It is a criminal offence for any letting agency to apply a charge just because you have asked to register with them, and you shouldn't have to pay any fees until the agency has found you accommodation.

If you think that an agency is acting illegally, tell your local council's trading standards officer or tenancy relations officer – they will love to hear from you.

Another top tip is to check whether the agent is a member of a trade body – look out for the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS).

These trade bodies require their members to have arrangements to protect clients' money which means you don't lose out if the agent goes bust.

Also, look out for agents with the Safe Agent Fully Endorsed mark, which means they will look after your money through a client money protection scheme.

Next, check whether the agent operates a complaints procedure.

If they are a member of a trade body then they will be required to have one, but some also include access to independent redress – an ombudsman scheme for example, and this is worth looking for.

Finally, be aware of your rights if you are charged a tenancy deposit by making sure you ask the agent for the details of their tenancy deposit protection scheme.

You can find out more about your rights and what you can do if things go wrong, by going to www.adviceguide.org.uk, popping into our offices in Beeston, Eastwood or Stapleford, or by calling our advice line on 0844 4994194.

NOTTINGHAM scientists have enlisted the help of entertainment giant Sony to develop 3D glasses to treat children suffering from Lazy Eye.

The glasses are being developed by the University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

They decided to approachSony Computer Entertainment Europe for help in the development process.

It is hoped it will help thousands of children across Europe who suffer from Lazy Eye.

The condition, also known as amblyopia, affects the vision of around three per cent of all children.

The traditional treatment for the condition involves covering the good eye for hundreds of hours.

The original idea for the new treatment was developed several years ago by Stephen Haworth, a consultant eye surgeon at Queen's Medical Centre. A team was formed, known as I-BiT.

Software engineers from Sony have agreed to provide customised games for the I-BiT system, based on popular titles for the PlayStation 3 console.

It sees children play the games wearing specialised 3D glasses. The technology presents the game background to the good eye and the active content to the bad eye, so both eyes are involved. However, the patient sees only the one, combined, image.

Alex Foss, consultant opthalmic surgeon at the QMC, said: "The current technique of patching up the good eye isn't very effective, and children also dislike it, which means they are reluctant to comply, further reducing the levels of success."

Simon Benson, senior development manager at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, said: "Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is proud to be involved with helping to develop the I-BiT product with the University of Nottingham.

"The new PlayStation based solution will actually make it enjoyable for children to undergo treatment.."

A clinical trial programme, funded by the Wellcome Trust, has now started.

At the same time the group behind the study are looking at how the product could be developed commercially so it can be available through high street optical outlets, hospital eye clinics and in the longer term, possibly directly into the home.

STUART Jephcote and Brian Pendred may have appeared to be two locals doing a good turn for the people in their community.

They joined a residents' committee four years ago in Southchurch Court – a high-rise block of flats where they lived in Clifton.

But Jephcote had a series of convictions for sex offences on children, including a gross act of indecency on a child, attempting to have sex with a girl and three indecent assaults on boys.

Residents were unaware of his background or that both men were convicted of possessing six images of child porn last year.

Georgina Wyer, 66, chair of the Southchurch Court Committee, said: "They were on the committee when I arrived about four years ago. It makes me feel sick – we don't want them back in the flats."

Linda Siddell, 50, vice-chair of the committee, said: "Our young people have been let down.

"You take people at face value – we trusted them."

The men were subject to a court order called a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) which banned them from living with or communicating with a person under the age of 16 or taking their photo.

The restrictions extended to their activities near schools and nurseries, primary schools, playgrounds and recreational areas.

But Nottingham Crown Court heard Jephcote and his partner Pendred repeatedly flouted the terms of the order.

They had in their possession photographs of children who attended a Diamond Jubilee fête in the summer of 2012.

Jephcote had arranged the music and taken photos of the event organised by the residents' association, and Pendred handed out sweets.

By September last year they were babysitting an 11-year-old boy in their home, going on bike rides with him and had bought him a computer game.

Last Christmas the men helped organise a party in a community room, attended by 20 children under the age of 16. Jephcote had taken pictures of the children and 48-year-old Pendred was described as being "very involved in the event," said prosecutor James Hett.

Police made a routine visit to their home on January 27 and seized a computer and a memory stick.

Internet searches had been made for "boy sex", "Harry Potter sex" and "gay boy sex school".

Detectives returned to their home the following day and discovered the men had three more computers.

One of those had seven indecent photos of children stored on it.

Jephcote, 47, admitted three charges of making indecent photos and one of possessing them. The men admitted five identical breaches each of their SOPOs.

Judge Michael Stokes QC sentenced the men to three years in prison each. Jephcote received nine months concurrent for possessing child porn.

The judge said the offences demonstrated that the degree of monitoring was inadequate.

"You are both of low intellect. But the fact remains that I have no doubt at all that both of you fully understood what you were not to do in relation to young children, in particular boys under the age of 16."

After the case, a police spokesman said: "Mr Jephcote and Mr Pendred had withheld information from police and probation offender managers.

"Despite this, proactive police work from officers of the DPMU (Dangerous Persons Management Unit) brought to light breaches of their SOPOs and further offences of indecent images of children in Mr Jephcote's case."

NOTTINGHAM City Council has been branded "bonkers" after it painted double yellow lines along both sides of a cycle path - too narrow for a car.

The track, which leads from Park Row to Maid Marian Way, is just 136cm wide.

An average five door car such as a Vauxhall Corsa has a width of 173.7cm.

The city council insists the parking restriction is necessary to protect cyclists.

But Tim Garratt, share-holding director of Innes England Commercial Property Advisors, said: "Clearly anyone who could wedge a car in that gap deserves a ticket.

"But when you look I'm not even sure a smart car could find its way in there.

"I just think that it is rules gone mad and clearly a waste of time and money.

"Parking in Nottingham is bad enough but this is just bonkers.

"People are being pushed into car parks because free areas are constantly being restricted

"Some of the car parks are ridiculously expensive and a lot of people don't see they have any other choice but to use them.

"Parking in the city needs to be made easier or else we will start pushing people away."

However, service manager for traffic and safety, Caroline Nash, from Nottingham City Council, said the lines are necessary.

She said: "We realise how this may look peculiar to the casual observer, however we are committed to making Nottingham accessible and safe for cyclists. Sadly, sometimes drivers park half or wholly on pavements making it difficult for cyclists and pedestrians.

"For the avoidance of doubt and, importantly, so that we can enforce the restrictions, we have placed yellow lines on both sides of the track.

"This covers the whole area from the centre line of the track all the way back to the building line.

"We hope this prevents further parking in this area and keeps things accessible for cyclists and pedestrians."

Jeff Allen, chairman of the Nottingham Business Improvement District, said: "We understand how important the issue of parking is to our members – retail and leisure businesses in the city centre - as the provision and cost of parking are factors which directly impact on how attractive Nottingham is to shoppers and visitors.

"We have an ongoing dialogue with the council and private car park providers about on and off street parking provision to ensure Nottingham remains competitive and attractive to shoppers and visitors."

THE thought of spending thousand of pounds on a place to park might seem extreme to some people.

But Savills estate agents is selling a patch of concrete that could attract more attention than some houses. they get for some houses.

It is tucked away in Fleeman Grove, Lady Bay, and is accessed by a private road.

It goes up for auction next month at a guide price of £4,000 to £5,000.

Bob Crocker, director of residential auctions at Savills, said he expected lots of interest in the space from residents, Forest and cricket fans and commuters.

He said: "The gentleman that owns the parking space previously built four flats just in front of it.

"He used to do business in Nottingham so retained the parking space for his own use.

"But he has now relocated and is no longer using it, so decided to sell it. I think there will be a wealth of interest.

"People affected by the parking levy will be interested because they can park their car there and get a bus into town, avoiding the levy and in the long run saving a lot of money.

"And residents and sports fans might also be interested.

"Parking is sparse in West Bridgford so this little space could be exactly what someone is after."

But neighbours said they were surprised by the price being asked.

Laura Dearie, of nearby Holme Road, said: "It's not too bad where I live on Holme road but around football match times it's terrible.

"I think £5,000 is a bit excessive but someone would probably be interested around here."

Shaz Ahmed sub-post master at Trent boulevard post office, said: "Parking around here is fine and not much of an issue.

"Sometimes it's gets a bit busy on match days but it's not too bad. £5,000 is a bit excessive."

While another person, who did not want to be named, said: "It is lacking in spaces around here.

"It is particularly bad on match days and Forest fans leave their cars wherever they want – you can't get in or out. £5,000 is a ridiculous price."

The parking space will be put on sale in June and anyone who is interested in it should telephone Mr Crocker on 07967 555577 or e-mail rcrocker@savills.com.

TODAY'S families come in all shapes and sizes. A home bought for a couple and their two children may still be the family home when they've grown up but stay living with mum and dad until they can get on the housing ladder.

Perhaps an elderly parent or the children of your partner have come to live with you. For whatever reason, houses are having to become more flexible to cater for changing family dynamics. So how can you modify your home to suit you?

Extending

A single-storey extension (say over a garage) could provide a granny flat that shares the same front door but has its own living space. This could also serve a young couple or as an additional bedroom for extra children.

You may be able to add an extension under permitted development rules, so you don't need planning permission. Check with your council first.

Converting the loft

You may not be able to put granny up there but you can re-jig the rest of the accommodation to make it work. How about creating a mezzanine level in the loft space? Consult a professional, as you'll be removing roof beams and will need to comply with building regs. But think about lost storage.

Converting the garage

This an affordable way to create extra room. If you need to maintain the external look of the house, leave a small portion at the front for storage and convert the rest. You'll need to insulate the walls and floor.

Converting the cellar

It's not just sleeping arrangements you may need to tackle. For extra leisure space, think about converting the cellar.

Developing an outhouse

Older, rural properties often have disused outbuildings. You may be able to develop them on the basis that they are dependent on the main house.

Getting planning permission to convert an outbuilding into a separate dwelling will be harder but would allow you to give or sell this to a family member for them to own independently. Get the building surveyed – you may need to demolish and rebuild, which would cost more and raise planning issues.

Building a garden house

If you don't have an outhouse to develop but do have garden space, there are upmarket wooden garden structures that could work for you. Think hard about how it is going to be insulated and heated. Go to armadilla.co.uk for examples.

Re-jigging what you have

If the household purse doesn't stretch to having the house extended or parts converted, then give careful thought to how best to use the existing accommodation. Try:

Partitioning rooms so that siblings can still share but have some privacy. Glass brick walls are a trendy alternative to a stud partition. If an actual wall is out of the question, then partition with room dividers.

Sacrificing a little-used dining room or office to create a ground-floor bedroom. As no permanent changes have been made, it can revert back to its previous use in the future.

Reclaiming space from large rooms or wide landings. Can you create an extra room from an inefficient layout?

For more information, visit www.martinroberts.co.uk

YOU must remember that childhood song "A mouse lived in a windmill in old Amsterdam", well, surely a little part of you dreamt of living in such a mill. Round rooms, views for miles and the quirkiness of it all...

The Lawrence family did it. They sold their bungalow and took on a "project"... "and how happy they were..."

Thirty-five years ago, Mike and Yvonne, now 74 and 73, decided it was time to move. They were living in Cropwell Bishop in a bungalow with children Shaun and Sarah and had their eye on a piece of land on which to build.

But the bungalow was taking its time to sell and, though the landowner was patient, he couldn't wait for ever. The land eventually sold and so did the Lawrence's bungalow – a week later.

They continued their search for land, sold the bungalow and rented for a year. "We loved the Vale of Belvoir and so wanted something in this area," says Yvonne.

Then one Saturday, Yvonne bought a copy of the Post and "here was this place".

"Mike's brother is a master carpenter. We asked him if he thought we could restore it and he said it could be done but it would be a five-year project."

"More like 30-year," jokes Mike, "and I'm still doing it. A heritage project is never really done."

So, on February 10, 1978, the deal was done. The family bought The Windmill and the adventure began.

"It was a shambles when we bought it," says Yvonne.

The now-kitchen was just a barn and the entire interior needed renovating.

The mill was originally owned by the Gash family, who established a bus company in the village in 1919, and there had been buses parked in what are now the gardens.

"We employed a building company to carry out the renovation in the beginning," Yvonne says.

"The scaffolding went up and work began. But the company did more damage than a little and one day, Mike just said, 'right, that's it, no-one is going to touch the old girl again but me' and from that point on we did everything we could ourselves."

Mike has carried out all the major work, rewiring, plumbing... and all the time the family were living in a 28ft caravan at the bottom of the garden, with the children camping out when the weather allowed

"We kept the cast iron windows and had them shot-blasted to clean them up," says Yvonne. "The uneven floor in the sitting room was re-laid – Mike and I took a pickaxe to that one day – sewers have been renovated and every floor and staircase, Mike has done."

In the process, there was heartache but the couple made some good friends along the way.

They talk of local farmer Robert Lockwood and of Stan Wright, who welcomed them to the village from the off.

Stan died earlier this month. "Stan was a true gentleman of the village and was such a help to us when we moved in. He lent us his cherry-picker, provided an oak beam from his wood yard," Yvonne recalls.

"It took six men to bring that beam in," she says, pointing to the beam above our heads in the dining room, "and it was lifted using a block and tackle."

An extension was put on to the side of the mill to create the kitchen, utility and garage area and now the accommodation also includes a reception hallway, a cloakroom, a shower room, a dining room, a lounge and three bedrooms.

"We reclaimed materials where possible. There was a hotel on the Saxondale island that was demolished to make way for the Shell station years ago. We used windows from there in the extension.

"The whole idea was to keep everything as simple as possible and everything in keeping."

After three years of hard work, the family finally moved in. And then the question has to be: do you need special furniture for round rooms? Yvonne says not. "The curve isn't that great so everything we have is ordinary furniture."

The Windmill, which was listed in March 1986, stands on the edge of the village and, at 50ft high, has some fantastic views from each of its five floors out over open countryside towards Belvoir Castle and the surrounding area. The half-acre garden is a haven for wildlife and includes lawns, a veg garden and fruit trees. There is also a large store.

The mill was featured in a Post article in October 1983, when Yvonne was quoted as saying: "There were times when we felt like giving in when it got very expensive and the repairs seemed endless but she is such a lovely old mill that we wouldn't dream of selling and moving now."

But the time has now come to downsize. Sarah and Shaun, now 40 and 42, have moved out and so it's just the two of them. Yvonne says: "We've had a lovely life here and have enjoyed doing it."

Mike adds: "It is a great achievement, there aren't many people that can say they've restored a windmill in their lifetime."

N OT too long ago we'd all get excited about a home in Nottinghamshire being over the £1 million mark. Today, you can scroll through dozens of £1m houses on zoopla.co.uk and there are at least four for sale at double that, including Marsett House, which has been valued at £2.8 million.

So, what do you get for your money?

Tom De Ville, of Savills, said: "Marsett House is a classic English country house, which perfectly blends refinement with state-of-the-art home technology, which modern-day buyers demand from 'best of breed' houses.

"The interior finish and decor offers maximum elements of style, with just an adequate hint of bling! And for those looking for a property with extreme leisure facilities, you'll find it hard to beat Marsett House."

This beautiful English country home provides the ultimate in luxury and refinement.

There are four acres of formal grounds, which wrap around the whole house. There is a leisure suite, including an indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, with independent changing facilities. Then it's on to the entertainment area, with games room, bar and home cinema.

All accommodation is immaculately maintained and presented, from the reception hallway to the formal reception rooms – the sitting room, dining room, drawing room and sun room/orangery.

A high-quality Clive Christianson kitchen is fitted and there is a study, a utility room, a laundry room and two cloakrooms.

On the first floor is a generous master bedroom suite with dressing area and en suite bathroom, a guest bedroom with en suite, two further bedrooms and a luxurious Clive Christianson bathroom. Second-floor accommodation provides two further bedroom suites, both with personal bathrooms.

The house also comes with is a very well designed and fitted self-contained apartment, which Tom says would be ideal for teenagers, staff or guests. It includes a bedroom, a bathroom, a living room and an independent kitchen.

The "entertainment zone" has been cleverly designed on the lower ground floor. It features a games room with bar and intelligent lighting, a home cinema and further cloakrooms.

Tom said: "The ambience and atmosphere of this exceptional Nottinghamshire home ooze quality throughout.

"When viewing the property, it is instantly noticeable that the highest attention has been given to every detail to create a first-class country home with luxurious fixtures and fittings and a flair for design and decor."

The setting and location of Marsett House add to its appeal. The four acres of mature and private gardens are divided into formal and less formal areas. There is a water feature, terracing, an impressive cedar-clad tree house, a detached stable block providing practical storage and garaging for three cars.

Tom adds: "All this and without doubt some of the most superb open views across Nottinghamshire."

Standing between Oxton village and Southwell, in an attractive open landscape, Marsett House is about 11 miles from Nottingham and 12 from Newark. There are excellent road connections to surrounding areas as well as access to beautiful countryside, picturesque villages and local facilities.

Tom says: "Marsett House is without doubt one of the county's most premium properties of outstanding quality."

A SHORTAGE of money is stopping the city's unsung sons and daughters being honoured – despite a promise made 15 years ago.

A proposed list of names and sites for commemorative plaques was put forward by city councillors and Nottingham Civic Society in 1998.

While some of the famous names can now be seen around the city, others, including Raleigh Cycles founder Frank Bowden and children's novelist Geoffrey Treece, are still yet to be recognised.

When the Post contacted the council to find out why some of the plaques had never been made it could not give a definitive reasons and said it was happy to support plaques – but that the civic society was responsible for new plaques.

The civic society said a lack of money was stopping it putting up the plaques.

Chairwoman Hilary Silvester said: "It is something we would like to do and we are looking in to what we can do and how we can do it at the moment. We've been encouraging people to contact us about the subject and a lot of people have.

"Recently quite a lot of towns and cities have been putting up plaques. Beeston and Stapleford in particular have a very good programme and I have spoken to someone there and will do again to find out more about how we can go about doing something similar.

"It is a good time to do it and people are interested in their history, in particular in people in history because everyone likes to look up ancestors."

From the original list of names put forward in 1998, four plaques were installed.

As well as being recognised through the Adams Building at New College Nottingham, Thomas Adams (1817-1873), a lace manufacturer and merchant who was born in Worksop and apprenticed at Newark, has a plaque dedicated to him at St Mary's Church in the Lace Market.

George Africanus (1763-1834) Nottingham's first black entrepreneur who started out as a house slave, also has a plaque at St Mary's, close to his burial place in the churchyard, while England cricketer and Bell Inn landlord William Clarke's name hangs on the walls of the pub in Old Market Square.

A marble plaque on a block of flats in Hyson Green is dedicated to Mary Potter, as a health centre being named after her.

Ms Silvester was not sure why all the plaques never materialised.

"It would be really good if we could now get some of these up and any others that people want to see as well. Ideally people who would like to see a plaque go up will have the means and will to pay for it and then we will simply sort out the paperwork for them."

T IPS on how to avoid the drink-drive temptation this summer come from Britain's top advanced driver. Peter Rodger, of road safety charity IAM, advises:

If you've had a couple at a summer celebration, don't try to calculate whether or not you are over the limit. It's always best to make it none for the road.

Remember that home measures are often larger than those you'd get in a pub.

Many crashes involve pedestrians who have been drinking and drivers who haven't. When walking home after a drink or two, take care and pay attention to your surroundings. When you're driving, be aware that pedestrians may be the worse for wear and unpredictable, especially late at night, and be prepared for them to step out without looking for you.

If you drive to a party and drink when you didn't expect to, don't risk it. Get a taxi or arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up.

A drinking session the night before might put you over the legal limit the following day. Keep this in mind and organise alternative travel plans for the next morning.

If you are involved in a road accident, you will be breathalysed. Don't risk it, or somebody else's mistake could become your problem – being hit from behind while sitting at a red traffic light could get you banned.

Ignore peer pressure. It may seem like a better option to others – for you to risk driving rather than paying for a taxi – but it is your licence and your liberty that is at stake.

"The summer is a time of BBQs, jam-packed beer gardens and festivals," Mr Rodger says. "But the summer sees a rise in drink-drive casualties, too. Enjoy yourself and leave the car at home if you plan to celebrate with a drink."

AT a time when shoppers have been keeping their purses closed, no one doubts that life is a challenge for retailers.

But some of the challenges they face have been exaggerated or misunderstood. The survey that suggested nearly a third of Nottingham's shops were empty has been discredited, and the immediate threat posed by internet shopping is not so much that people won't visit the high street but that shops there must cut prices to compete.

While there may be little that councils can do about big economic trends eating away at retailing, that doesn't mean it's wrong to invest in trying to encourage more people to come to town.

So Nottingham City Council is to be congratulated on a grant scheme which could help bring empty shops back to life by giving landlords money to make them look more attractive. While some parts of the city centre are clearly doing well, others look down-at-heel. This needs tackling. But it shouldn't just be local government that does its bit to help shops in particular areas.

One of the biggest costs in retailing is the rates paid on shop premises, which are currently at levels based on out-dated boom era property prices. A Government-ordered rating revaluation would be music to retailers' ears.

A patch of concrete in Lady Bay is going up for auction as a parking space with a guide price of between £4,000 and £5,000. (Thursday, May 9)

You have to admire estate agents. They can make a bit of scrub land seem a bargain at several thousand pounds.

Tory Man

It's not even in the city centre.

smirc

This sounds like a good buy. With Nottingham's Workplace Parking Levy increasing at 16 per cent annually, you should have recovered the cost in seven years and have an appreciating asset ... unlike the WPL which will be an ever increasing cost forecast to be over £1,000 per annum in only nine years' time.

harrystotle1

Plans to develop Nottingham Castle into a world-class tourist attraction have hit a stumbling block after a bid for funding was turned down. (Thursday, May 9)

Applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a £15 million grant is tantamount to an admission that this attraction won't be quite so "world class" as the promoters would have us believe. If it is such a surefire proposition then the private sector would provide the – relatively – small amount of capital needed for this development to go ahead.

Nick2812

Why do we not make it look like a real castle? Surely this can be done surrounding the building with a facade to make it look ancient. Move all the contents into the council house so that becomes a museum and then do something inside the castle with a Robin Hood theme.

whyler

"World class tourist attraction" is a rather bold claim. As well as telling the story of the castle and its role in shaping Britain, the council also wants to showcase stories of key people who have lived and worked there. Thanks, but I think I'll stick to Disneyland.

Paul_Gamston2

Put up a statue of Alan Sillitoe. That's real Nottingham heritage!

david_nimrod

Thank god it failed. It's about time we started promoting things people might actually want to see and do – caves, caves, caves and caves. Maybe some industrial heritage stuff in the Lace Market and the canal.

SteveBasford

WHAT started as a few drinks with his friends, ended with Jason Murphy losing his job, home, and will to live.

"In the early days I was a binge drinker, drinking at weekends, but over the years it gradually became I'd drink every day," the 41-year-old father-of-two said.

"When I knew it was a problem, I reckon I was drinking eight pints plus a day."

Jason, who grew up on Broxtowe Estate, drank so much that he would often be late for work as a labourer, or not turn up at all.

The tipping point came when he was evicted from his rented home in Bestwood Park in the run-up to Christmas 2004.

"I was either paying for my rent or beer, and beer always won. I got into rent arrears and got evicted," he said.

"I've always had a mentality that if I got myself in this situation, I will get myself out of it. I only had myself to blame.

"I was living in a homeless shelter in London Road and decided I'd had enough. I stopped drinking two days before Christmas."

Jason went to see Double Impact for help in abstaining from drink.

Through the charity's group sessions and workshops, he improved his qualifications and became a support worker at the old Ken Wilde House shelter in the Arboretum, which also helped ex-drug and alcohol users.

But his road to recovery hasn't been plain sailing.

A nine-month relapse in 2009 saw Jason give up his job as he struggled with gambling and went back on the booze.

He said: "It wasn't a problem at first because I was winning. It ended up that I would blow a month's wage in the space of two days. I was feeling depressed and suicidal because of the gambling.

"It got to the stage where I handed in my notice at Ken Wilde House because I thought I was a hypocrite, and I started drinking again. I would go to Leicester to relapse. I'd start out at 3pm with the aim of having three or four pints, and end up back in Nottingham at 4am still drinking.

"I lost control. I even locked myself in a shed with a crate full of beer on one occasion."

But with the help of Double Impact, Jason, who now lives in the city centre, has kicked the habit again and will have been clean for three years in July.

He said: "In the last five years I've lost three close friends through alcohol. I reckon I would be dead without Double Impact's support."

Double Impact, which has its main base in Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, has helped thousands of people over the last 15 years.

Chief executive Graham Miller started the charity in 1998 with the support of local partners and a service user, who himself was in recovery.

The organisation has now grown to employ nearly 50 staff, working at ten different sites in the city and county.

Mr Miller said: "I am extremely proud of the work that Double Impact has carried out. Double Impact has created opportunities for our service users to rebuild their lives, not just by providing support, but also by getting people on their feet so that they can achieve a long term recovery."

An event is being held today to celebrate the charity's 15th anniversary. The new High Sheriff of Notts, Nicky Weston, will present £10,000, which has been donated by Nottingham chartered surveyors Geo Hallam & Sons.

The money was raised at an event held by Nottinghamshire Community Foundation, on behalf of Geo Hallam & Sons.

Visit www.doubleimpact. org.uk for more information.

OLYMPIC gold medalists and world champions are among those gearing up to take part in the legendary Milk Race.

The event is making a comeback after for 20 years and will come to Nottingham on Sunday, May 26.

The famous names taking part in the 1.2km city centre stage of the race include Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, London 2012 gold medalist Ed Clancy and former Tour de France stage winner Magnus Bäckstedt.

Nottingham-based Team Raleigh is entering a five-man team including Graham Briggs, a former national circuit championships winner.

The women's event will boast a similarly strong line-up including Dani King, another London 2012 Olympic gold medallist, as part of Team Wiggle Honda, along with fellow team pursuit world champion Elinor Barker.

Paralympic icon Dame Sarah Storey, who is expecting her first child in June, will be present on the day and is hoping to participate in one of three non-competitive public rides that are happening earlier in the day.

Competitor Dani King said: "The return of the Milk Race is a huge boost to the British cycling calendar, and I'm delighted to be racing in the first-ever women's edition. The Nottingham circuit looks great so I can't wait for the race in a few weeks' time."

The race has been organised by the Dairy Council and Registration for amateur cyclists to ride the same circuit as the elite racers has now opened.

Chairperson Sandy Wilkie said: "When we took the decision to bring back the Milk Race, our aim was to re-establish it quickly as a serious cycling event, and a world-class field is crucial to do that.

"It's great to see so many top names signing up, and the event promises to be a hugely memorable occasion."

Members of the public can take part in one of three events on the day:

The Advanced Ride: for cycling enthusiasts who want to tackle the course in the same conditions as the elite riders.

The Community Ride: suitable for cyclists of all levels and for children aged 8 and above.

The Family Ride: suitable for families with young children.

Councillor Jon Collins, leader of Nottingham City Council, said: "We are proud to be hosting the Milk Race this year and want to encourage everyone across Nottingham to play a part in this legendary cycling event.

"There is a race to suit all abilities, whether you're an advanced rider or want to share the day with your family."

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride a circuit around the city centre where elite racers will also ride."

People can choose a ride and sign up for the event at www.themilkrace.com with a small registration fee of £4 for adults and £2 for juniors aged 11 to 16.

Children aged ten and under can ride free of charge. Spectators are welcome on the day.

TEENAGERS with special needs are embarking on internships to help them prepare for the world of work.

Project Search was launched two years ago to help youngsters with conditions like Asperger's and autism, and four out of the five participants so far have already found paid work.

The scheme is the result of a collaboration between Notts County Council, the Nottingham University Hospitals Trust and Foxwood Academy, a special school in Derby Road, Bramcote.

The project sends people with learning difficulties to placements at the City Hospital, in departments including catering and IT.

Ryan Gibbons, 17 who lives in Eastwood, worked in the hospital's IT department and has now earned a one-year full-time contract.

Ryan, who went to Foxwood Academy, suffers from autism, dyspraxia and dyslexia.

He said: "I started off in the hospital's IT department, repairing PCs and that sort of thing.

"Working every day from 10am to 3pm, It prepares you for work quite well.

"Overall it has given me a lot of experience and more confidence. It's about routine and being in a proper job – It really opened my eyes to the world of work.

"The scheme is a really, really good opportunity for disabled people and other people who are finding it hard to get into work."

Darren Stapleton is employment co-ordinator and runs Project Search.

He said the idea originally came from America and revolves around people with special needs using their last school year to learn in a working environment rather than an academic one.

He added: "Together we put a plan together on how to get them a job.

"They do three rotations on three different departments and we support them heavily with the social aspects of work. They immerse themselves in the world or work.

"My job is to broker placements and the aim is absolutely paid work at the end. It's not just a work experience.

"These guys don't get the chance of work without the support of us and the hospital. There's just not many adult with learning difficulties going to paid employment."

Foxwood Academy funds the project and participants will be helped to find alternative work if there are no places at the City Hospital.

Stephen Ellison, technical operations manager in IT services at the Nottingham University Hospitals Trust, which runs the QMC and City Hospital, said: "Ryan is an excellent example of how well this project can work.

"He's been eager, enthusiastic and keen to learn – and has shown that by taking on some of the smaller jobs at first, you can develop skills and experience in the real world of work leading to paid employment."

RESIDENTS of a housing estate in St Ann's are celebrating after being handed £40,000 to transform their local park.

The Brewsters Road park and play area is to be radically overhauled in the next four months.

A new park, including a "sports zone" with a multi-purpose sports court, is to be developed at the site.

The revamp will come after months of work by residents, a community group called Epic and the Metropolitan Housing Association, which owns most houses on the estate.

Louise Chance, Metropolitan's community engagement officer, said: "This is great news and has given us all a tremendous boost.

"We can now forge ahead with our plans to build a sports zone for young people as well as revitalising play areas for parents and their kids.

"If everything goes according to plan, we'll be ready to open this August.

"Our thanks to WREN and Epic but the credit for this must go to the residents who really drove this forward – it's just amazing what can be achieved when people put their minds to it."

The Brewsters Road estate was awarded the funding by landfill tax organisation Wren – which grants to community projects.

Users of the park asked Metropolitan the estate, to improve the facilities and the housing association submitted a bid for the money in October 2012.

Epic is a not-for-profit group which works with Nottingham schools helping children in disadvantaged communities.

Mick Dawber runs a football project for Epic, forming two local teams, St Ann's United and Brewsters Ballers, with both playing at the park.

He said: "They're all local kids, the vast majority live within 500 metres of the park.

"They turn up week in and week out and developing the park will be great. They've been waiting for years for this to happen – they can't wait."

Elaine Bird, spokesperson for the St Ann's North Residents' Association added: "We applaud Metropolitan's plans for the improvement of the park and hope it will become a central point for community events."

Wren's local grant manager Cheryl Raynor said: "Metropolitan put forward a good application and showed how local residents had been involved in the development of the plans, so we were delighted to fund the project."

The Brewsters Road estate is made up of 490 homes and is home to over 1,200 people.