Nottingham Post Latest Stories Feed

NEW parking charges are set to be introduced across the city aimed at drivers trying to avoid the Workplace Parking Levy.

Restrictions will be introduced in streets around large employers like New College Nottingham and City Hospital.

They are designed to stop workers clogging up nearby streets, which has been a problem since the levy on parking at work was introduced last year.

Fees will be introduced in Basford, Sherwood and The Meadows, a common place for commuters to park.

Drivers will be charged between £1.50 and £2 per day.

This amounts to more than the £334 per year that workers pay in WPL.

Nottingham City Council has vowed to pump the proceeds into further parking schemes.

On-street parking has been an issue in Basford since the WPL was introduced in November.

Students and staff at New College Nottingham have been using Ladbrooke Crescent and Winrow Gardens to avoid fees imposed by the college to pay the parking levy.

Angela Cairns, 52, of Basford, said: "Since the levy was introduced it's been chaos. People who live on those roads have had tremendous problems.

"One person couldn't even get off his driveway to get to work one day.

"People were parking in dangerous positions and drivers had to pull out into the middle of the road to get a clear view."

Pat Thomas, 71, who lives in The Meadows, said: "Traffic and car parking has been a long-running problem in The Meadows for 20 years. Cars can be out there for hours and hours, even days.

"We have an excellent bus service and should be getting an excellent tram service soon. Most people who live here either walk or cycle to work anyway."

Ms Thomas said residents did not want to see their streets full of cars.

"It's not just people going to the city, but the station as well," said Ms Thomas.

Glenis Pegg, 78, of Sherwood, lives near Nottingham City Hospital – which employs 6,000 people – and has relatives who work there.

She said: "The parking isn't much of a problem on the streets around Sherwood. I don't think it's fair to charge people to park on the roads. They park there because they can't afford to park at work."

As a front-line NHS site, Nottingham City Hospital is exempt from the WPL but workers still have to pay a monthly charge to the hospital.

Mrs Pegg said that because a lot of staff work shifts, including nights, they shouldn't have to use public transport.

"Parking charges are another thing to worry about – they go to work, have to pay for childcare and then they have to pay to park their car as well – it all adds up. They have nowhere else to go."

The council was unable to confirm which streets would be affected by the charges.

In a report that went before councillors, officers said the charges were needed because residents and businesses "were becoming increasingly frustrated" about parking.

It said there were problems caused by displaced parking from surrounding businesses.

A city council spokesman said: "The intention is to reduce the impact of commuter parking in these areas on local residents and businesses, and any money raised will be used to fund similar local parking schemes."

NEW PARKING FEES COMING

THE last resting places of hundreds of soldiers who died in the Great War have been recorded in a collection of photographs compiled by a Notts woman.

The images were taken by Patricia Wakefield over 20 years and turned into a unique archive in a converted bedroom in her house in Bulwell.

Nottinghamshire Archives will now unveil her efforts in a exhibition named in her honour.

Patricia spent 20 years compiling photographs of graves and memorials across Europe before she died a few years ago.

Her arhive, currently being preserved by a Nottingham Archives team of volunteers, is now called The Wakefield Collection.

The project is being organised in the build-up to the 2014 centenary of the First World War.

It will continue over the next 15 months before being made available online.

Chris Weir, for Nottinghamshire Archives, first came across the collection after a visitor spoke about Patricia's work.

He said: "She died a few years ago and her husband was too ill to carry on but he was happy for us to talk to him about their collection.

"He showed me the spare room that had been converted and I was astounded. It was filled full of folders of files and medals.

"I couldn't believe what I had seen. The painstaking work that had gone into it was unbelievable."

Patricia's husband, Maurice, who travelled across Europe with her to take the photos, agreed to donate the material to the archives.

Chris added that The Wakefield Collection would commemorate not only those who died in the First World War but also the tireless efforts of Patricia.

He added: "It has been a privilege to be a part of the project and to see the dedication of one person building up this archive."

John Prichard, chairman of the Bulwell branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "I think it's brilliant what she's done. These are things that should not be forgotten.

"We have been all across Europe and take photos of any Nottingham graves we can find.

"It's a thing we should never forget – it's history. If they hadn't given their lives in World War One, where would we be now?"

To find out more about the archive and collection, see nawcat.nottinghamshire.gov.uk

How Patricia paid tribute to the Great War's dead

FORTY firefighters in Worksop are tackling a blaze at a recycling centre. The incident in Shireoaks Road was reported at about 4.38am today. Eight fire engines are currently at the scene, including crews from Worksop, Retford, Harworth, Warsop, Edwinstowe and Maltby, in South Yorkshire. The aerial ladder platform and command support unit is also in attendance. Recycled materials are involved in the fire. Shrieoaks Road is closed as a precaution and is likely to remain closed for the rest of the weekend. A diversion is in place via the A57 and A60. No one is believed to have been injured.

Firefighters tackle recycling centre blaze in Worksop

Those attending events like Riverside this weekend can expect a generally pleasant, sunny day with possible showery spells Saturday: Sunshine expected throughout Saturday with showers expected around 4pm, some heavy, clearing up around 7pm. Highs of 21°C around 4pm. There will be plenty of sunshine in the evening, with a few showers. Otherwise a dry night with clear spells expected. Minimum temperatures of 12°C Sunday: Sunshine to start the day before becoming cloudy with showers expected from 7pm onwards. Highs of 19°C

Weather - Sunshine with rainy spells across the weekend

THOUSANDS of people have turned out to enjoy the annual Riverside Festival. Nottingham City Council has organised the event at victoria Embankment, with a fairground, sports challenges and live music among the attractions. Sharon Lang, 42, of Clifton, attended with her two children Adrian, 14, and Ryan, seven. She said: "We come every year. The children love the rides. it;s just a nice afternoon out with the family." Ryan had been on as many rides as he could - but was disappointed that he couldn't go on all the big ones due to height restrictions. "I would have loved to go on Cyclone," he said. "But I've been on loads of others. My favourite was a Jumping Frog one." The festival will contniue in to the night with a schedule of bands from the Notts area. Fireworks at 10.30pm will round off the day until the gates reopen at noon tomorrow for the dragon boat challenge and annual duck race.

Nottingham out in force for annual Riverside Festival

A cagey, close fought first half saw neither side carve out a clear opening at the City Ground, as Nottingham Forest and Huddersfield went into the break goalless. The Reds included three of their new signings in the starting line-up, with Eric Lichaj and Jack Hobbs involved in a new look back four. While Jamie Mackie played up front alongside Matt Derbyshire up front, with Simon Cox in the hole. Derbyshire's four pre-season goals had played him into Davies' thinking, while Karl Darlow was given the nod in goal ahead of another of the new arrivals, Dorus de Vries, in goal. Forest suffered an early scare when Adlene Guedioura suffered a cut head in the first two minutes, with the Algerian international forced to leave the field for stitches. The Reds, sensibly, kept possession for the two minutes that the midfielder was out of the action, giving Huddersfield no opportunity to profit from the extra man. James Vaughan had a half-chance within 20 seconds of the game starting, but failed to muster power or direction in an awkward diving header. Martin Paterson came rather closer for the visitors when he let fly with a driven shot from the edge of the box, which took a deflection off Hobbs that left Karl Darlow looking on nervously as it looped just over the bar. Forest's first effort came as Simon Cox, playing at the head of a midfield diamond just behind Mackie and Derbyshire, had a shot charged down inside the box, following a probing move. While Guedioura sent a rising shot a few feet over the target, after being teed up by Andy Reid. Henri Lansbury flashed a low cross across the face of the penalty area, which was well cleared by former Forest man Joel Lynch and, when Lichaj hit a cross from the opposite flank, with the outside of his right boot, it briefly threatened to sneak inside the far post, before flying wide. Another Lansbury cross from the left, almost picked out Mackie six yards out in first half injury time. But it was a rare moment of menace as two well organised sides fought out a closely contested first period.

A goal from Henri Lansbury helped Nottingham Forest kick-start the new Championship season with a 1-0 win over Huddersfield. The Reds had failed to score in five of their last six opening day games but, just like last season, when they beat Bristol City, a single goal was enough to secure three points. James Vaughan twice came close to scoring for the visitors, but Billy Davies' side had done enough to deserve victory, albeit in a closely contested game. The Reds included three of their new signings in the starting line-up, with Eric Lichaj and Jack Hobbs involved in a new look back four. While Jamie Mackie played up front alongside Matt Derbyshire up front, with Simon Cox in the hole. Derbyshire's four pre-season goals had played him into Davies' thinking, while Karl Darlow was given the nod in goal ahead of another of the new arrivals, Dorus de Vries, in goal. Forest suffered an early scare when Adlene Guedioura suffered a cut head in the first two minutes, with the Algerian international forced to leave the field for stitches. The Reds, sensibly, kept possession for the two minutes that the midfielder was out of the action, giving Huddersfield no opportunity to profit from the extra man. James Vaughan had a half-chance within 20 seconds of the game starting, but failed to muster power or direction in an awkward diving header. Martin Paterson came rather closer for the visitors when he let fly with a driven shot from the edge of the box, which took a deflection off Hobbs that left Karl Darlow looking on nervously as it looped just over the bar. Forest's first effort came as Simon Cox, playing at the head of a midfield diamond just behind Mackie and Derbyshire, had a shot charged down inside the box, following a probing move. While Guedioura sent a rising shot a few feet over the target, after being teed up by Andy Reid. Henri Lansbury flashed a low cross across the face of the penalty area, which was well cleared by former Forest man Joel Lynch and, when Lichaj hit a cross from the opposite flank, with the outside of his right boot, it briefly threatened to sneak inside the far post, before flying wide. Another Lansbury cross from the left, almost picked out Mackie six yards out in first half injury time. But it was a rare moment of menace as two well organised sides fought out a closely contested first period. Darlow had to be alert in the first minute of the second half as Vaughan ghosted into the box and let fly with a powerful shot towards the near post, which the keeper did well to push away. At the other end, Cox had a speculative shot from the edge of the box that was always well off target – but it was not long before Forest did take the lead. Cohen swapped passes with Reid and surged into the box down the left hand channel, before luring the keeper Smithies off his line and squaring the ball for Lansbury to sweep into an unguarded net from close range. Cox then had Smithies scrambling across goal as a low, bobbling shot from him bounced just wide. While former Forest man Joel Lynch collected a booking when he slid in with a late challenge on Cox. Vaughan should have scored when he attacked a Paul Dixon cross from the left, only to send his header wide. While, when Hobbs flicked on a Reid free kick, Derbyshire was agonisingly close to getting the vital touch at the far post. While Reid himself came close to giving Forest some comfort as he bent a cross-shot close to the far post in the 85th minute. Forest: Darlow, Lichaj, Hobbs, Collins, Cohen, Guedioura, Mackie (Henderson 75), Lansbury, Reid, Cox (Paterson 68), Derbyshire (Miller 83). Subs: de Vries, Harding, Halford, Majewski. Huddersfield: Smithies, Dixon, Clarke, Hunt, Lynch, Hogg, Scannell (Ward 59), Clayton, Gobern (Hammill 63), Paterson (Lopez 70), Vaughan. Subs: Bennett, Carroll, Gerrard, Norwood. Referee: Graham Salisbury

FULL TIME - Nottingham Forest 1, Huddersfield 0

We'll be here from 2.30pm bringing you all the action as Nottingham Forest take on Huddersfield and Scunthorpe play Mansfield Town. Follow our live blog for all the updates from the matches - as well as links to team news, half-time reports and full match reports as soon as the whistle blows.

MATCH DAY REPLAY: Live updates from Nottingham Forest v Huddersfield and Scunthorpe v Mansfield Town

NOTTINGHAM Forest will only get stronger as the season progresses, warned Billy Davies today. A goal from Henri Lansbury helped the Reds claim a solid 1-0 win over Huddersfield to kick off their Championship season. The Forest manager was pleased with his side's display – but feels there is plenty more to come from his team, as eight summer signings bed into the squad. "We have still got these partnerships to work on, the players' fitness to work on – which we will do in the next two or three weeks," he said. "The players do not know each other. They need to get to know each other and learn how to play with each other. "They need to learn how to understand each other. It will take many games to find that balance and to find that consistency. But it was a tremendous clean sheet and I am pleased and proud of the back five. We know that it takes time to build a team and develop the club. "The clean sheet was pleasing. We had some wonderful performances in the back five. I thought the attitude of our players was very good in the way that they just kept plugging away. "We have fitness to get into one or two of the players. There are partnerships we need to work on. We will get better as the season goes on, no doubt. But I am pleased with the clean sheet, I am pleased with a very important three points. "I am also pleased for Miller, Derbyshire, Mackie, Paterson, Hobbs, Lichaj and all the other guys that came in. They all put some great effort in towards helping us to collect three points." Davies also paid tribute to the opposition, with Mark Robins' side making it difficult for Forest to carve out chances for much of a closely fought 90 minutes. "I thought that we need, first of all, to give credit to the away team. I thought they came to the City Ground as a very well organised side. They made life very difficult," he said. "You can see the work they put in over the summer. The opening fixture is always very tricky, it is an exciting day. It is a real leveller, when you play on the opening day. "But great credit to Huddersfield because they were good at making things very difficult for us."

A METHODIST church could soon be demolished and rebuilt at a cost of £1.25 million.

If the plans are approved, the current Methodist church in Shelford Road, Radcliffe-on-Trent, would be pulled down and replaced with a modern two-storey church and community space.

The existing church and schoolroom were built at the end of the 19th century.

Other rooms, including the kitchen and toilets, have been added bit by bit since then and extensive refurbishment was done in the 1970s.

According to Roger Allton, chairman of the Radcliffe Methodist and Community Project, the premises have served the congregation and the community well for many years but they are no longer fit for purpose.

Mr Allton, who has recently completed a sponsored Coast to Coast walk to raise funds for the project, said: "We seriously started fundraising about 18 months ago.

"Since then we have been trying our very best to inform the community about our plans and get the computer-generated image seen by as many Radcliffe residents as possible.

"The main point is that the new building is going to be a central part of the community, not just for worship but for groups, meetings and families."

Problems with the existing building include it being too small for the amount of people who use it – the church organisation has grown by a quarter over the last ten years. The parent and toddler session is also very full and families are not joining because of the overcrowding, the ventilation is poor, the front door is too small for a coffin to be brought in on the shoulders of pallbearers and the floors are at different levels, hampering disabled access and causing accidents.

Mr Allton added that the committee had raised around £125,000 so far.

"We expect the total amount of the rebuild to be £1.25m. This is a long project. Once we have finished consulting with residents we will start looking seriously at trying to secure grants," he said.

The new building will include a 200 sq metre multi-purpose worship space which will be nearly 50 per cent bigger than the current space, seat 200 people and be acoustically suitable for concerts.

A planning application for the building is likely to be submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council around Christmas time.

To donate to the fundraising efforts for the rebuilding project online go to www.btplc.com/mydonate, search the charities for "Radcliffe" and click on the mydonate button in the side bar.

Methodists in £1.25m bid to replace village church

RESIDENTS are celebrating the 50th anniversary of a well-used park in the centre of Clifton.

Clifton Playing Fields were introduced into the estate when it was built to bring a green space to the area.

And August marks 50 years of their contribution to Clifton Estate, with regular fun days, football, skating and a wide variety of other activities taking place there over the years.

Nicole Hollingsworth has lived in Clifton since 1976.

She said: "The playing fields are really important for Clifton people – there are 60 people on there every morning walking their dogs and they all meet there and have a chat.

"Then you get people using the skate park and people walking in the afternoon and people playing football and cricket. It's really quite nice.

"It's needed. If they took it away there would be much more trouble in Clifton.

"I always go down there with the dog and I used to take the children down there and now I take the grandchildren. It's the place to be and it really brings the community together."

To mark the 50th anniversary, this year's annual Picnic in the Park celebration is set to be bigger than ever.

The annual event will take place this year on Tuesday, August 13, from 11am to 3pm and is free of charge.

Yvonne Bell, 47, also agreed that the site was important to the area.

She said: "I used to use it when I was younger. We used to have a summer school down there and played tennis.

"It's a really important place for people – there is always football and cricket being played down there.

"It was a good thing for the kids growing up. It's always been well used."

Nottingham South MP Lilian Greenwood said: "Clifton Playing Fields are a precious open space where residents can exercise, play and relax.

"I was delighted when the skate park was built and it's great to see it so well used by young people from the estate.

"I very much hope that over the next 50 years Clifton playing fields will support a new generation of Nottingham sportsmen and women."

50 years of fun as park's big anniversary is marked in style

UNUSED land will be opened to the public after a local community centre got involved.

Volunteers at the Bell's Lane Community Centre in Amesbury Circus, Aspley, are hoping an adjecent field will be open to the public in the next few months.

The land, which is also next to Rosslyn Park Primary and Nursery School, is currently unused.

Gill Bainbridge, secretary of Bell's Lane and Aspley Tenants' and Residents' Group and the Cinderhill Community Association, which are based at the community centre, said: "It's been a long process over the past few years.

"Now we're in the process of applying for funding, and our insurance and risk assessments are being finalised."

The group had to go through several steps to get to this stage, including having fencing installed on the Nottingham City Council land and applying for the land to be maintained.

Drainage also had to be redone after the new school building was put up.

Now, the group is hoping to secure a management contract for the land from the city council and is applying for over £70,000 from the Wren organisation to start its first project for the land, a small skate park.

Other plans for the space include an outside gym, play equipment and a wildflower meadow.

The centre put forward three plans for the area, which were finalised after consultation with local parents on the things they would like to see on the land.

Community centre volunteer Tracey Griffiths said: "We've done everything we possibly can to try to raise a bit of money.

"If the land is open at least we know there's somewhere for kids to kick a ball and not cause havoc on the streets.

"It would be lovely if we could have it and we just want to get it open as soon as possible."

The community centre already runs projects for children, including a Surprise Club for children during the school holidays.

ONE of the biggest business centres in the region is being refurbished and upgraded to attract new interest.

Property investor Charterspace says it is creating a state-of-the-art "hub" in The Quadrant building, in Nuart Road, Beeston.

The building has been empty since it opened in 2010.

Charterspace's move has come after the firm recognised the potential of the town, with the tram extension well under way.

Director Paul Landa from Charterspace said: "With the Workplace Parking Levy causing so much controversy in the city centre, there's never been a better time for a business to move to Beeston.

"Not only can staff escape having the levy passed on to them, they will eventually be able to leave the car at home altogether and arrive at work via the new tram system.

"We are currently putting in all the internal fixtures and fittings and once the building is complete, it will be a modern, high-tech business hub.

"We have already had interest from law firms and those looking for creative art studios.

"In the past Beeston has been left to the side but that is changing now with all the development.

"This will be one of the biggest business centres in the East Midlands."

The Quadrant has three floors and a total net internal area of 18,000 square feet. The office spaces inside the building can be made to measure for individual needs.

The building is also located close to the railway station and one mile away from the Beeston enterprise zone, where thousands of jobs are expected to be created.

The first of these jobs will be created at MediCity, a hub for up-and-coming healthcare businesses which will be located in the D6 building in the Boots site off Thane Road, Beeston.

The Beeston Business Improvement District (BID) has been promoting the town's prospects.

BID manager Stephanie Wilkinson said: "It's great news that Charterspace is investing in Beeston by kicking off the refurbishment of The Quadrant.

"With the tram coming to Beeston next year, there's never been a better time for businesses to move to the town.

"We're sure The Quadrant will become a major draw for ambitious businesses of all sizes."

Revamped business hub aims to boost town's economic future

YOUNG Forest fans gathered at the weekend for a charity walk founded by a former club star.

Organisers hoped to raise £2,500, which they said they had already smashed by midday.

Children aged two to 12 met at the Brian Clough statue in the city centre for the sponsored ramble to the City Ground yesterday.

They were raising money for the Luey Jacob Sharp Foundation, a charity set up by former Nottingham Forest loan player Billy Sharp in 2012.

The LJS Foundation helps fund research towards combating gastroschisis, a potentially fatal birth defect that affects one in 2,000 babies in some areas of the UK.

Billy's son, Luey Jacob, died from gastroschisis in 2011 only two days after he was born.

Around 40 children, alongside relatives, took part in the walk from the statue to City Ground.

The walk was followed by a reception at Bombay Bridgford restaurant on Radcliffe Road.

Rio Hill, who organised the walk with fellow Forest fan Melissa Bell, said they hoped it would encourage more kids to take part in charity events.

She said: "We want them to get involved at as early an age as possible.

"When Billy's son died, it touched a lot of our hearts."

Melissa, who helped lead the walk, said she was moved when she first heard the story.

She said: "I'm a mother myself and I felt sympathy for them.

"This is about raising awareness, as not a lot of people know what gastroschisis is.

"The more money we raise, the more lives we can save."

Among the families attending were the Nicholsons. Not only are they Forest fans but they have also been tragically affected by the condition.

Mum Leanne, 28, of Welsh Avenue, Stapleford, said it had been great to see so many people come out in support.

She said: "We lost a little boy because of it. He was stillborn.

"It's really good that so many people are on board."

Her son, 12-year-old Finley, said giving something back had made him feel great.

He said: "We even got to visit Hooters for some photos.

"My little brother died because of the same thing. It feels awesome that we did something for this charity."

To find out more about the foundation and how to make a donation, visit www.ljsfoundation.org.uk

Young fans on the march to raise Luey charity cash

A GLOBAL fast food chain wants to open a drive-through restaurant on Mapperley Top.

Plans have been submitted for a new KFC franchise, creating 40 full and part-time jobs.

If approved, the restaurant would be built on the site of the World of Mowers business at 701, Woodborough Road.

Among the proposals are a drive-through takeaway and increased car parking. Suggested opening hours would be 7am to 11pm throughout the week.

It is understood that World of Mowers and KFC have discussed the plans. The application is still in its early stages.

Resident Alan Marshall, 51, of Cavendish Court, Mapperley, has lived in the area for two years and said he was in favour of the plans.

He said: "I can remember there was quite a few KFCs around Nottingham but they seemed to have diminished.

"I would make a big difference to the area."

Sam Patel, 40 has been running Mapperley News, in Woodborough Road, for over eight years.

He said: "It might help trade and bring more people into Mapperley. There's no competition since there are no chicken places around here.

"Trade's pretty bad at the moment.

"People are all doing the same things, like cafes and hairdressers. A different trade around here would be nice.

"It's a bit of a risk though, because prices are going to be very expensive for a posh designer building."

Lu Chowdrey, 50, grew up in the area and now lives in Tavistock Drive, Mapperley Park.

She said: "I wouldn't use it. I don't like fast food.

"It would change the community quite a lot, but it may bring people from outside and more money into Mapperley."

The news comes as KFC launched its newest branch in Milton Street in Nottingham city centre on Friday.

A spokesman for KFC said: "We can confirm that we have submitted plans for a site in Woodborough Road."

At the time of going to press, the owner of World of Mowers was unavailable for comment.

KFC drive-through outlet could generate 40 finger-lickin' jobs

MARINE and Royal Navy reserve forces are to share sites with the Territorial Army as part of a £1m move planned for next year.

Both Royal Naval and Royal Marines Reserves are currently based at Chalfont Drive, Nottingham, a former Government office complex.

From 2014, both groups will join 350 Field Squadron Royal Engineers headquarters at Foresters House, Chetwynd Barracks, in Chilwell.

350 Field Squadron, which has been based in Chilwell since 1999, will also be given a new role as a bomb disposal and search squadron.

Commander Martin Clegg, commanding officer of HMS Sherwood, as the Chalfont Drive base is known, said the facilities were no longer suitable for the Navy and Marines reservists.

He said: "We have been looking for an opportunity to relocate for a number of years. We moved to Chalfont Drive just under 30 years ago. It wasn't built for purpose.

"The way we do our training has changed over the past five to ten years and we've been looking for an opportunity that would support that."

The move will bring with it a development of the Chilwell site, including new educational training facilities and building conversion to accommodate the increased numbers.

Captain Paul Kelly, the permanent staff administration officer in 350 Field Squadron, said the decision could create a unified reservist presence in Notts.

He said: "It's making better use of the resources and we welcome the Royal Navy and Marines to Chilwell.

"People will see the reservists more and hopefully it will generate interest for those who would consider joining.

"The knowledge and experience the services will bring will help make sure we offer the best training possible."

Martin Capewell, head of estates at the East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, also welcomed the move.

"It gives the TA, Marine and Naval reserves a modern facility and training environment," he said.

The development work will last around 26 weeks with the reserves re-housed by March 2014.

Navy reserve forces set sail to join TA at Army barracks

AN American couple who are obsessed with Robin Hood flew thousands of miles to renew their wedding vows in Sherwood Forest this weekend.

The ceremony for Debbie and Joe Tencza, of New Jersey, took place in the Oak Room at Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre yesterday and marked 15 years to the day when they first tied the knot.

The timing was more than perfect for the couple who adore the myth and legend around Nottingham's most famous hero, as it came the day before the start of the annual Robin Hood festival, which starts today.

Project manager Debbie, 56, was dressed as Maid Marian for the service and said the day had extra special significance to her.

"Last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through several months of surgeries and reconstruction," said Debbie. "But we knew we had this occasion coming up so we wanted to make it as special as possible."

The couple were accompanied by Debbie's parents, Frances and Dominic DiGirolamo, her best friend Nancy Baker and Nancy's daughter Anna.

Debbie explained that her fascination with all things Robin Hood began when she was at Rutgers University in New Jersey. She said: "I studied medieval history at college and did my thesis on Robin Hood. I have always just sort of felt a connection with the story and I'm a big romantic."

Since her interest was sparked, Debbie and Joe have visited Notts once previously and decided that their second visit would be combined with the renewal of their vows.

Joe, 50, who is a laboratory technician, and was dressed as Robin Hood for the ceremony, added: "I'm not as nervous this time as I was when we first got married.

"This is something Debbie has wanted to for a long time. During her health issues she created what she calls her Bucket List, and this is one of the things on it.

"My interest in Robin Hood comes from Debbie so it means a lot to me to be able to give her this service. Every girl wants their fairytale wedding."

During the ceremony the couple exchanged hand fasting ribbons, a medieval symbol which signifies tying the knot.

The couple will today be special guests at the opening ceremony of the 29th annual Robin Hood Festival organised by the county council.

US couple fly in to renew their vows in the land of Robin

TWO police officers who chased down and arrested a knife murderer have been nominated for a national award.

PC Helen Burdett and Sergeant Mark Golds-Jones were called to reports of a break-in at a flat in Hyson Green on Bonfire Night, 2011.

Once inside they were faced with a distressed and bloodied Mark Calpin.

The 44-year-old had been stabbed five times by his friend, Gary Cooper, who had climbed in through the window and carried out the frenzied attack with a knife.

PC Burdett and Sergeant Golds-Jones administered first aid until the paramedics arrived – before realising Cooper, then 45 and over 6ft tall, had returned to the scene.

Shouting to her colleague, the 5ft 2in tall PC Burdett gave chase.

The pair caught and handcuffed Cooper and have now been nominated for Police Federation Bravery Awards.

PC Burdett said: "I thought if Cooper got away he could stab someone else. The risks didn't enter my mind.

"I'd taken another man outside because I didn't want him to see how badly hurt his friend was. While we were outside, Cooper turned up. He just came out of the shadows.

"I recognised him because we'd had dealings with him before over the years. He stood there and I said 'Gary, I need to talk to you', and then he ran."

Mr Calpin was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre, where he died from his injuries.

Cooper, who had been staying with Mr Calpin in Ashwell Gardens, was jailed for life at Nottingham Crown Court on October 1, 2012.

PC Burdett and Sergeant Golds-Jones will travel to Downing Street for the ceremony in October.

"To be singled out for the award when there are so many officers and staff doing incredible things every day is truly humbling for me," said Sergeant Gold-Jones, who has been with Notts Police for 29 years.

"I feel very proud to represent the force – but I do believe that almost anyone who found themselves in the position I was would have done the same."

In total 63 officers from across the country will attend the Police Federation Bravery Awards.

A formal drinks reception and awards dinner will be held after the officers have met Prime Minister David Cameron.

Notts Chief Constable Chris Eyre said: "I am enormously proud of the courage and care shown by Helen and Mark in the most challenging of circumstances.

"Their determination to save lives and catch a ferocious and drunken attacker represents the qualities and values that make British policing the envy of the world."

Cops who collared killer are up for bravery award

MOST visitors to the annual Riverside Festival see it as a great day out made better by the fact it is just a short walk or bus ride away.

Fairground rides, sports activities, craft stalls, food from around the world and fireworks all come together at Victoria Embankment, making it one of the biggest events on the calendar for Nottingham folk.

But other visitors – like Ken and Iris Lee – have travelled from a little further afield for the weekend showpiece.

The couple from Newcastle arrived at a caravan rally in Holme Pierrepont on Friday – after 167 miles, five hours and two traffic jams.

"We came last year as well," said Iris, 69.

"We've got a motor home and we stay at the rally at Holme Pierrepont.

"We just like everything here. There's a good mixture of different things."

Ken, 69, was also pleased to see the event was on once again.

"It's just a really enjoyable atmosphere," he said.

"There's loads to do and all the different nationalities of food they have means there really is something for everyone.

"I think we'll be coming back next year. There's nothing really like this in Newcastle – it really brings the community together."

While the Lees preferred the quieter side of the festival, taking in craft stalls, steam engine displays and performances, there was also plenty to keep younger members of the family entertained.

Have-a-go archery, a "scale the heights" climbing wall, a golf exhibition, a "beat the goalie" hockey challenge, a fastest-serve tennis competition and "learn to fish" with the Environment Agency were among the activities.

There were also demonstrations and instructions in football, rugby, beach handball, boxing and netball.

And for those who prefer a bit of an adrenaline rush, there was a ghost train, waltzers and roller coasters, along with a fun house, carousel and dodgems.

Kate Naish, 37, of Burton Joyce, had brought her three children: William, 9, Oliver, 6, and Imogen, 2.

"We've been in previous years and the children always really love it," she said. "We bring a picnic and then try out all the children's activities.

"It's a really good family day out."

Riverside kicked off at 6.30pm on Friday, with music from The Steve McGill Band, Frankie Rudolph and The Gorgeous Chans opening the two-and-a-half-day festival.

Talent from Nottingham was showcased on Saturday, including Brad Dear, The Joe Strange Band, The Loophole Project, Leo and the Seraphim, as well as Mr B, The Gentleman Rhymer, of Glastonbury and Edinburgh Fringe fame.

Saturday ended with a bang, with the fireworks spectacular at 10.30pm.

Meanwhile, Sunday brought a slightly gentler musical programme with the Hucknall and Linby MC Brass Band among those to perform.

But the annual dragon boat challenge, also on Sunday, was by no means quiet – with corporate teams battling it out on the water to raise money for their chosen charities.

Ryan Lang, 7, has been to the festival every year with his mother Sharon, 42, and brother Adrian, 14.

"I just like every single ride," said Ryan, who lives in Clifton.

"I want to go on Cyclone, the really big roller coaster, but I'm not big enough."

Riverside Festival is here again – big, loud and full of fun

A SHOPPER whose toe was ripped off by an escalator is still waiting to hear what caused the accident – 17 months on.

Michael Reddington, 24, had been to pick up a phone from the West End Arcade when he decided to cut through the split-level shopping centre to avoid being late for work.

But he was left in agony when his left foot got caught in a gap in the escalator.

With the escalator still moving, Mr Reddington was left standing on one leg as his other foot was crushed in the mechanism, ripping off his big toe.

When a worker at a nearby barber's shop hit the emergency stop button, Mr Reddington asked for a screwdriver – and set about dismantling the escalator himself.

As he removed the last panel the fire service arrived and helped lift him free.

He was rushed to the QMC, but his toe could not be re-attached by surgeons.

More than a year later Mr Reddington, of St Ann's, is no closer to knowing how the accident happened.

"I was running late and just decided to use the escalator and, in that split second, I guess my fate was sealed," he said.

"I also wonder if I had gone the other way, would it have happened to someone else?

"I think it's quite lucky that it did happen to me because I'm young and had the ability to free myself, but a child or an elderly person could have been more badly injured.

"That immediate feeling of my foot being crushed is something I've never felt before – it was absolute agony.

"Because I'm an electrician I know how things are put together and I looked down and instinct took over and I just sprung in to action, yelled for a screwdriver and started lifting up the panels."

A maintenance worker next door provided the tools and it took two people to help Mr Reddington remove the bolts, which he said were very rusty and stiff.

After the fire service lifted Mr Reddington out of the escalator they dismantled it further to reach his toe.

When paramedics arrived the toe was placed on ice in a surgical bucket and Mr Reddington was rushed to the Queen's Medical Centre.

He had five operations on his foot and stayed in hospital before being discharged.

"I couldn't resist looking at my foot as the fireman pulled me out," he said.

"The bone was sticking out, the flesh was torn, it was a mess and the surgeons told me, if they reattached it, I could die because of the risk of gangrene.

"I was also told that it could take between six months and a year to recover, which was a huge shock."

Mr Reddington threw his energy into recovering and returned to work after three months.

He still experiences pain in his foot, has no use of two of his toes and has had to give up football.

It is not known if the injury will have any further effect on Mr Reddington in later life.

A claim for compensation submitted by Mr Reddington cannot be pursued until Nottingham City Council concludes its investigation.

"It is annoying and I am angry because I want to move on with my life now and until this is concluded I can't do that," said Mr Reddington.

A city council spokesman said the investigation was still going on.

He said: "There are various technical elements, including specialist engineers' reports, which need to be finalised before the investigation can be concluded.

"Unfortunately it's not possible to say when that will be."

Although the city council is leading the investigation the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provided a specialist mechanical engineer to assist. Part of the reason for the delay is because the engineer died suddenly. A HSE spokesman said: "We can confirm our specialist mechanical engineer passed away suddenly last year "Another member of staff was assigned and continues to support the city council in the investigation." The West End Arcade, off Angel Row, is managed by Hodgkinson and Elkington The firm declined to comment.

Shopper who lost toe on escalator still waiting for answers