A 59-YEAR-OLD man was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation after a house fire in Clifton.
A suspected electrical fault started the fire, which spread to other appliances in the property in Summerwood Lane.
Four firefighters tackled the blaze shortly after midnight today and saved the man, who was conscious and breathing but still taken to hospital by ambulance.
A MAN has appeared in court accused of indecent exposure and defecating next to a busy public footpath in Rise Park.
David Jukes, 49, of Lymn Avenue, Gedling, denies exposing himself in full view of members of the public, outraging public decency by behaving in an indecent manner and using threatening behaviour.
He is on bail to attend his trial at Nottingham Magistrates' Court today.
AROUND 400 jobs will be on offer at the Nottingham Post Careers Fair tomorrow.
Employers looking to recruit at the event include the Army, Nottinghamshire County Council, Boots and The Money Shop.
Training providers including New College Nottingham will also be on hand to offer advice on apprenticeships.
The event will be held at the Albert Hall between 10am and 3.30pm.
Nottingham Post deputy editor Charles Walker said: "There are positive signs that Nottingham's economy is on the move again. A business survey revealed that more than a third of local employers are planning to increase the size of their workforce during the next three months."
George Cowcher, chief executive of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "A combination of economic growth and a more stable business environment in terms of interest rates has led to an increase in business confidence."
The county council will be looking to fill a variety of roles, including those of foster carers, social workers and child protection co-ordinators.
LONELINESS had become part of the daily routine for pensioner Beatrice Duggan.
The 92-year-old was born and raised in Bulwell but, despite a lifetime living in the centre of the community, she had not seen anyone but her carer for almost two years.
Her two daughters live in other countries – one in Scotland, the other in Australia.
But it was when she lost her husband, Aloysius, six years ago that the loneliness really set in.
Rather than sitting alone in the same house she had lived in since 1945, her son-in-law suggested she sold up and went to live in Australia with them.
"I thought about it but how do I sell up? I wouldn't know how," she said. "If you are on your own it is hard to find out; you don't know anybody that can help."
With that idea dashed and not knowing who to ask for help, her days went by slowly, with only her knitting and photographs to keep her company.
"I didn't have anyone coming to see me," she said. "I can't walk very well. I can just manage to get to the end of the road but that's about it. It is very lonely."
Mrs Duggan has close ties to Bulwell, having not only spent her own life in the town but having parents who lived locally long before she was born.
Her father worked in the pit while her mother worked in the local factory and, aged just 14, Mrs Duggan joined her, working as a hand smocker on baby's clothes.
Having raised her children in a happy, busy home, it was a bleak situation for Mrs Duggan waiting for the doorbell to ring.
But, after a stay in hospital at the end of last year, the tide began to turn thanks to help from local charities.
She had the Red Cross visiting her for six weeks to help with her shopping but these visits were more about doing practical tasks than having a cup of tea and a chat
However, the charity told her Age UK Notts may be able to help with its visiting service, which provides regular volunteer visits to older people at home – those who are lonely, isolated or housebound.
They provide a friendly face for those in need of some company.
Now, local volunteer Paddy Long goes to visit Mrs Duggan once a week.
"We tend to go out for lunch if the weather is OK, otherwise I pick up a few ready meals on the way, ping them and then we have time to talk," said Ms Long.
Anyone can volunteer and sign up for as little as an hour a week to visit a lonely, elderly person. The only thing Age UK Notts asks is that they can commit to regularly seeing the person.
But even those few hours have been a blessing for Mrs Duggan.
"You look forward to them coming and you can have a bit of banter," she said.
Mick Tinkler, chief executive of Age UK Notts, said: "While I'm extremely pleased that Beatrice is now enjoying Paddy's company, it saddens me to know that there are thousands of people within Nottingham and Notts who live alone without any company."
Age UK Notts has launched a Campaign to End Loneliness to change these people's lives. It hopes to get 1,000 pledges by the end of June with people promising to offer their time to family, friends and neighbours.
Age UK is holding a conference at Nottingham Playhouse todaywith a keynote speech by Esther Rantzen.
To find out more, call Age UK Notts on 0115 844 0011.
MORE than half (51 per cent) of all people aged 75 and over live alone, which is equivalent to 41,000 people in Nottinghamshire.
More than a million people aged 65 and over feel "always" or "very" lonely.
Over 27,000 older people in Nottinghamshire say they feel trapped in their own home.
Over 100,000 older people in Nottinghamshire say the TV is their main company
Around 39,000 older people in Notts are in contact with family, friends and neighbours less than once a week.
How to get involved
AGE UK Notts wants to get 1,000 pledges to its Campaign to End Loneliness by June 30.
The campaign is not about approaching strangers or knocking on a random door, but helping out those you know and love who are living alone.
You can make a pledge online to combat the problem for people in your local community.
Ways you can pledge include...
Talking to the older neighbour who lives in your street at least twice a week
Arranging a coffee morning in your community
Spreading the word among your friends, family and neighbours
Visiting or phoning your parents and grandparents once a week
Inspiring others by sharing your pledge on Twitter @ageuknotts and Facebook www.facebook.com/ageuknotts
Visit www.ageuknotts.org.uk to fill in the online pledge form.
A MUM will be sentenced on April 16 for killing her seven-month-old baby.
Amy Black, of Bestwood Park, drowned her baby daughter Zoe, then dumped the body on wasteland at the back of her home.
Black, 40, will learn her fate at Nottingham Crown Court after her case was adjourned last month for reports.
She was responsible for the killing when she was, in the view of two psychiatrists, "significantly mentally disturbed" because she had not fully recovered from giving birth.
CCTV from a neighbouring property happened to record Black's movements and it was clear that she had been up repeatedly during the night with Zoe, the court was told.
In one of the final CCTV clips used to time Black's movements, the prosecution suggested that Zoe was dead before she was dropped over an eight-foot garden fence into undergrowth.
DEMAND for Nottingham-made lace has inspired a wholesale company to make a move into production.
Litmans, in Radford Road, supplies a range of fabrics, including lace, net, tulle, mesh, chiffon, satin, embroidery and bridal trims, to several high street chains, online retailers and top designers.
Fabrics sold by the company have been worn by a host of celebrities and high-profile figures, including the Queen, Lady Gaga and Adele.
The company started producing its own lace this year following increased demand from clients for a Nottingham-made product.
Chief executive Stuart Prime, 51, who acquired the company in 2007, said: "We were being asked for Nottingham-made lace all of the time.
"Nottingham lace still receives a lot of recognition from the rest of the world, particularly in America.
"At the minute, it's not a big operation – we run one or two machines – but if it continues to work, we will expand it.
"Our plan is to continue to build on the strength of lace but we will also try to bring in other products.
"Litmans has been providing lace since 1946, when Alan Litman set up the company.
"Our core business is around lace. We try to find products that people want but can't find easily. Lace has been extremely popular in the UK for the last couple of years but it never seems to lose its popularity."
The company's lace production takes place in rented factory space off Meadow Lane.
Since the launch of its first black pattern a few months ago, the company is now producing seven different lace patterns.
Lisa Washington, 39, who is responsible for the company's marketing and social media, said: "The design and draft of the Nottingham lace began about eight months ago.
"We started out with a black pattern but we've had to add more colours because that's what people wanted.
"We've now got seven different Nottingham lace patterns."
Litmans was recently shortlisted in the textiles category for the UK Fashion and Textiles Awards, which are announced in May.
The business, which turns over between £3.5 and £4.5 million a year, employs 17 people at its Radford Road headquarters.
It stocks around 3,000 different products and sells about 500,000 metres each month.
Exports currently account for roughly 33 per cent of the business but in recent years, they have been as much as 60 per cent of its trade.
Catering to the UK's "fast fashion" market has helped the business to thrive as it can supply companies with fabrics in a fraction of the time it takes its competitors overseas.
Mr Prime said: "It's a fast fashion market now in the UK. Companies want to buy fabrics to be in the stores the following week. In other parts of the world it is still very seasonal.
"The business has done well in the recession because we are quick to respond and we don't have minimum order quantities – customers can buy one metre of fabric or 10,000 metres.
"We are seeing a lot of growth in garment making in the UK. I think a lot of that is driven by fast fashion."
A HOCKLEY bar has had its licence revoked after a spate of antisocial behaviour and disorder – including a stabbing.
Nottingham City Council's licensing panel voted for the action against the Coco Lounge, in George Street.
City council leader Jon Collins said: "This was a venue which was being poorly managed and this led to criminal and antisocial behaviour which caused people in the city nuisance or placed them at risk.
"This is simply not acceptable and I'm pleased that we have taken decisive action to revoke its licence.
"We take safety in the city at night time very seriously and are pleased with our progress with this, which is recognised by repeated Purple Flag awards. We won't tolerate venues in Nottingham which don't take their responsibilities seriously."
Bar manager Joe Macbeth said before the hearing that the venue used to have problems, but said there had been a "transformation".
"The issues in the report are a little outdated – there was the infamous stabbing in 2012 and after that we worked with the police to implement changes in terms of security measures," he added.
NURSES and midwives have been left stunned after being nominated for honours.
More than 100 nominations have been submitted for this year's Nurse or Midwife of the Year Awards, run by the Post and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Seven staff on City Hospital's Lister 1 ward were nominated – the largest number from any ward. They include ward sister June Vango, who said: "All our staff, not just the nurses, deserve recognition as they all play their part."
A group of 18 other nominees gathered at the City Hospital yesterday to celebrate.
Jeremy Burnside, 53, charge nurse on the City Hospital's Nightingale Ward, which specialises in treating infectious diseases, was one of them.
Jeremy, of Arnold, said: "I'm the senior nurse on the ward, so I just try and lead by example. The number of nominees is also testament to the work done here and at the QMC."
Jeanette Mulhern, 37, of Arnold, was nominated for her work as a research nurse in oncology. Mrs Mulhern said: "I thought my nomination was a wind-up. I don't know where it's come from but it's a real honour."
QMC-based midwife Laura Stockbridge, 25, said: "We all strive to give the best care we can. I enjoy the atmosphere of the labour suite and whatever it brings."
Now, judges have to whittle the nominees down to 15 shortlisted finalists. There will be five nominees in each of the three categories, best adult nurse, children's nurse and midwife.
Public voting for the awards, sponsored by Tramlink Nottingham, starts on Monday, when details of the final 15 will be revealed. Winners will be crowned in May.
Jenny Leggott, deputy chief executive and director of nursing at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "Thank you to the people of Nottingham for getting behind the awards and saying 'thank you' to our staff who go above and beyond to provide caring, safe and thoughtful care to patients."
Have the city's health professionals gone out of their way to help you? E-mail newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.
The nominees
THE Following nurses and midwives have been nominated for this year's awards:
Adult Nurse category
Andrea Webber Taylor, Lawrence ward, City Hospital
Anita Boswell, Renal unit, City Hospital
Antony Drakefield, City Hospital
Bindhu Joji, C53, QMC
Carol Pulford, B50, QMC
Caroline Kent, F20, QMC
Catherine Harrison, B3, QMC
Charmaine Buss, Critical Care, QMC
Danielle Greenwood, C6, Queen's Medical Centre
Dawn Boot, Neonatal, City Hospital
Eden Akiatan, CSU, QMC
Fay Colton, City Hospital
Gavin Hitchman, SRU, City Hospital
Gill Black, Neonatal, City Hospital
Heather Brierley, C31, QMC
Iffy Choudhury, C25, QMC
Isma Thurne, Carisbrooke Nursing Home
Jayne Johnson, C25, QMC
Jeanette Mulhern, Oncology, City Hospital
Jeremy Burnside, Nightingale ward, City Hospital
Jiji Siby, SRU, City Hospital
Jo Lashma. RAU, City Hospital
Julie Murray, F22, QMC
Julie Turner, D8, QMC
June Vango, Lister 1, City Hospital
Karen Bilton, DDT, QMC
Karen Mather, B48, QMC
Lara Steele, C32, QMC
Laura Barnett, RAU, City Hospital
Laura Mannering, Haematology, City Hospital
Lauren Gent, Harvey 2, City Hospital
Lucy Needham, Neonatal, City Hospital
Lucy Grocock, Lister 1, City Hospital
Margaret Bolingbroke, D8, QMC
Maria Higginson, Tissue Viability Nurse, QMC and City Hospital
Mary Gadsby, Outpatients, QMC and City Hospital
Mary Palframan, Neonatal, City Hospital
Michael Brown, Hospital at Night, City Hospital
Moya Fernie, Haematology, City Hospital
Olga Vint, Hayward House, City Hospital
Rebecca Saunders, St Francis Unit, City Hospital
Sally Muir, C25, QMC
Sarah Dillion, D8, QMC
Shahnaz Hama, Haematology, City Hospital
Shani Kirk, C31, QMC
Stacey Mcguire, SRU, City Hospital
Stephen Mason, Winifred 2, City Hospital
Sue Fox, ACU, City Hospital
Susan Kaye, Haematology, City Hospital
Wayne Packer, Lister 1, City Hospital
Jan Lindo, Eye and Macular, QMC
Karen Bilton, C31, QMC
Lydia Sangha, B50, QMC
Lynette James, Lister 1 and Harvey 2, City Hospital
Nicola Wilshaw, Oncology and Radiotherapy, City Hospital
PIONEERING surgeons rebuilt a man's face after he fell four storeys from a hotel balcony.
Jon Fenton was on holiday in Spain when he slipped and fell, shattering the bones in his face and breaking all of his limbs.
Staff at the Queen's Medical Centre used state-of-the-art technology for the reconstructive surgery and spent hours teaching him how to walk again.
During a 14-hour operation, surgeons re-broke nearly every bone in his face and reset them in a bid to return his appearance to how it was before the fall.
And the 27-year-old, of Beechdale, who works at a DIY store, is now looking forward to a bright future and planning his wedding.
"They've literally given me my life back," he said.
"I will keep working with the doctors and I will make it back to my best. I am so grateful. I know now to take life every day and enjoy it."
Jon faces another 18 months of intense physiotherapy but his fianceé, Rachel West, a trainee accountant, was also full of praise for hospital staff.
The 23-year-old said: "They've just been fantastic with him. It's a unique case and they have been so supportive.
"It's given us the chance to look forward to something nice – our wedding. It's not been the best year but we're really positive now.
"Six months ago everything was looking really bad but his face operation has gone so well and he looks so much better. Before he was quite disfigured."
Surgeons in the QMC's maxillofacial department used a 3D printer to create a model of Mr Fenton's skull – giving them a complete view of all the repairs that were needed – before embarking on the delicate operation.
Dr Dilip Srinivasan is the surgeon who oversaw the process. He said: "It was a 14-hour operation, a big undertaking.
"We had to break nearly all the bones in his face. It's like a jigsaw.
"The biggest reward is when patients say they are happy."
Have you had pioneering treatment at Nottingham's hospitals? E-mail us at newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.
Nurse of the Year award nominees are named: Pages 10&11
THE bones of legendary outlaw Robin Hood are believed to have been discovered in Maid Marian Way, in Nottingham.
The ancient remains were found by staff from North Midland Construction who were carrying out work outside Castle Sound and Vision.
Arrowheads, pottery and a sandstone plaque engraved with "RH" were also uncovered at the site, giving more clues to the person's identity.
Now, after carbon dating and DNA testing over the weekend, archaeologist Doug Skelton said there was "little doubt" the remains belonged to Nottingham's favourite son. "The arrowheads, pottery and other finds at the site all point to a date in the mid or late 13th century, and this is also consistent with the style of the lettering in the inscription," he said.
"Perhaps most exciting of all is that we were able to extract DNA from the bones and compare it to samples from living descendants of the Earls of Huntingdonshire.
"None of the pieces of evidence is conclusive by itself, but taken together they leave little doubt that we are looking at the remains of the historical Robin Hood."
Terry Wibberley, contract manager at North Midland Construction, said he was thrilled his company had made the discovery during work last Tuesday. .
"When we discovered the bones and the artefacts, we did have our suspicions that they may have something to do with Nottingham's most famous outlaw, but we didn't know for sure," he said. "It's just great that it has now been confirmed that it really is Robin Hood. Everyone at North Midland Construction is absolutely delighted that we have made such a notable discovery that will go down in history."
Nottingham City Council is now trying to decide how best to show off the exciting find.
"We are currently considering the best place to display the bones and artefacts to create a city centre visitor attraction fit for a legend," said a council spokesman.
"We hope that through 3D computer modelling, we can allow the people of Nottingham and visitors who will flock to the city to finally come face to face with our world-famous outlaw."
The Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Ian Malcolm, said: "This is an incredible find which makes Leicester's spat with York over King Richard's bones look foolish.
"I can hardly believe that the legend has now been confirmed as reality and that my old foe has been lying all these years on the corner of Maid Marian Way and Friar Lane."
What do you think of this discovery? Let us know!
What we know about Robin Hood...
Up until now, no one has been able to prove that Robin Hood existed.
The earliest certain mention of Robin Hood is found in the text of William Langland's Piers Plowman, dated to about 1377.
Nearly all that is known about the legend is found in five of the earliest surviving ballads and part of a play, dating back to the 1400s.
The early ballads do not tell us why Robin became an outlaw and he and his merry men are described as yeoman, which basically means a cut above peasant but below the status of a knight.
Nowhere in the early ballads is there mention of Robin or his merry men robbing from the rich to give to the poor. In the Gest, Robin does say "Or yf he be a pore man, Of my good he shall have some".
Maid Marian does not appear in any of the early ballads. Her association with Robin Hood is due to their joint participation in the May festivities of the 16th century.
From the mid-1200s, the nickname 'Robin Hood' was given to known outlaws.
The colour worn by Robin Hood and his merry men is Lincoln Green.
In 2009, local businessman James Mellors proposed a 100-metre-high statue of Robin Hood, featuring a restaurant and a lift in his leg.
ENGLAND'S World Cup strip will be available in city shops this week – but at up to £90 for a shirt, fans and sports shops could show the kit the red card.
The official England football shirt costs twice as much as a Nottingham Forest strip, which comes in at £45, while a Notts County shirt costs just £40.
England begin their World Cup campaign in Brazil in June and fans are expected to buy millions of shirts to wear while cheering the players on.
The England shirt will be on sale in Notts sports shops from tomorrow but yesterday shoppers told the Post they were stunned by the price.
Notts County fan and editor of fanzine Black and White, Stuart Brothers, said: "It's quite awful really. At £90, you're pricing a lot of the fans out of the market – and there seems to be a new England kit out every few months. They even have special one-offs for friendlies."
The 32-year-old from Arnold said he would be tempted to buy a retro shirt instead if he was going to the World Cup.
"England is about everyone leaving their club behind and coming together, so I don't think I'd wear a County top. I imagine I'd go for a Euro 96 one, maybe with Gascoigne on the back."
Michael McPhilbin, 34, of Hucknall, thought most football clubs charged "extortionate" prices. "I wouldn't pay more than £40-50 for a football shirt," said the betting shop manager.
And recruitment agent Peter McGrory, 22, of Mapperley, said he was relieved that he supported Scotland, whose new shirt costs a more modest £40.
He said: "Football is all about money these days. That's all they care about, and £90 is way too much but they know fans will pay anything. You might expect to pay £90 for a full kit but I wouldn't pay more than £60 for just a shirt."
England's new shirts are inspired by the kit worn by the team for the World Cup in Mexico in 1970 – white with a subtle pinstripe in the fabric and the Three Lions crest.
The kit was hit by a storm of criticism as it was revealed yesterday, with shadow sports minister Clive Efford saying the price was "disappointing" and QPR midfielder Joey Barton calling it "appalling".
Nottingham Forest would not comment on the shirt prices but a spokesman for Notts County said the team's shirts were cheaper because they were intended for a different market. "We work closely with our production partners when deciding on the pricing structure for our own kits and are guided by prices across the market."
Sports Direct, which has a branch in Clumber Street, said it would be selling the shirts from tomorrow. But JD Sports, also in Clumber Street, said it would be offering fans a cheaper replica kit. Decathlon, which has a branch at the Giltbrook Retail Park, said it would not be stocking the authentic shirt but would release an adult's replica for £49.99 over the next few weeks.
England's Nike strip costs £90 for the match shirt identical to the ones that will be worn by players, with an adult "stadium shirt" priced at £60. Tops for children between eight and 15 cost £42 with mini-kits priced at £40, making it one of the most expensive football kits on the market.
Will you be sporting your England kit this summer? Or would you rather pull-on your Forest or County clobber? Tell us your views at www.nottinghampost.com.
WHEN it comes to passion and pride, few people can even come close to Stuart Pearce. Most of us are not even in the same ball park.
The guttural roar he unleashed, seemingly from deep within the very core of his being, in the summer of 1996, after firing home from the penalty spot against Spain, remains one of the best examples of a sportsman baring truly raw emotion for all to see.
For England fans of a certain age, it remains an iconic moment. Put him on the back of a horse and put a sword in his hand and Pearce could have been a medieval warrior celebrating a bloody victory on the battlefield.
And, while grandiose, over the top gestures are not unusual at the homes of professional footballers, Pearce did not have tasteless mock Georgian pillars or marble lions decorating his house.
But, for many years, he did have a proper, full sized flag pole, where the St George cross would proudly fly every day.
This is a man who takes immense pride in his country and in his work.
Forest fans will remember him for his unwavering habit of saluting the Reds faithful prior to kick off in every game; for his obvious pride in representing Forest and for his loyalty to the club.
And, of course, they will remember him for being one of the most committed, fearsome players of his generation; one of the last remaining defenders to have struck fear into the opposition, before football became something more akin to a non-contact sport.
It is for that reason alone that the hearts of every Forest fan will swell at the sight of him walking back through the City Ground gates if, that is, a deal can be agreed to bring him back to the club as manager.
There is nobody of a red persuasion who will not be desperate to see Pearce flourish if the club's plan to bring him back, probably in the summer, comes off.
There will be a few who fear, in their heads rather than their hearts, that his iconic status, his position as a club legend, could be tarnished if he does not make a success of the job.
Football, after all, is littered with people whose appointments have been based on sentiment rather than sense – and have ultimately proved to be flawed.
But Forest are looking to replace a man whose priorities were questionable; a man who spoke of securing personal vengeance as much as team success. In contrast to Billy Davies, Pearce's unfinished business, you suspect, would be exactly that.
When he left the club, shortly after a brief spell as player manager in 1997, the club were relegated from the top flight.
You just know establishing them as a Premier League force would be Pearce's number one priority; restoring the fortunes of the club where he was viewed with compete adulation would be all that mattered.
"I miss that. The best times of your life are when you are playing, the adulation that brings; the chance to represent a group of supporters," said Pearce back in November, when asked if he craved a return to Forest. "Forest fans are passionate about their club. Being part of that was incredible.
"I lived in Nottingham for longer than 12 years, which transcended Brian Clough, it was great to be managed by him and to be part of things afterwards.
"The reception I still get in Nottingham is incredible. It is beyond football. It blows you away. It is a fantastic football club and I am a manager."
As a manager and coach, Pearce's helped develop many of England's current stars while coach of the under-21 side, between 2007-13. But he also had more than two seasons in charge of Manchester City in the top flight.
That spell, between 2005 and 2007, will not be remembered as a resounding success.
But it was also his first permanent job in management and the six years of experience he has gained working with some of the brightest young talents in the game will have taught him a lot.
There may well be a significant learning curve for Pearce to face, when it comes to returning to club management again. But, when it comes to installing passion, belief and determination into the Reds squad, Pearce is unlikely to be found wanting.
Another man who will be remembered with equal fondness by Forest fans is surprised that Pearce has not returned to club management before.
Des Walker played with Pearce both with Forest and England – and remains convinced he has the attributes to be a success.
"Him and Bryan Robson were the two people I have seen who could have a massive impact on a game of football," said Walker. "Robson was the best player I have ever played with, ever. But Pearcy was the same, in so many ways. If you needed a goal, he would go and get one or he would get one for somebody else.
"He had courage. He was going to get a goal. He would not leave that pitch losing 1-0.
"If you needed a clean sheet, he would turn to you and put the onus on you. He would tell you to do your job, to get that clean sheet.
"It is funny why those two players have not managed to the very highest level that I thought they would. Because they managed on the pitch."
Walker also knows first hand about Pearce's passion for Forest.
"When he was manager of Manchester City, he would ring me up when Forest were playing Derby and he'd say 'we have to make sure we beat them today'," said Walker.
"He was managing Manchester City that afternoon and he was concerned about Forest beating Derby."
Whether Forest and Derby are still in the same division next season remains to be seen, with both clubs still hopeful of securing a play-off place.
The responsibility for overseeing that challenge, it seems, is likely to remain in the hands of Gary Brazil, unless Pearce agrees to take the reins before then.
There are few Forest fans who would not relish the prospect of seeing Pearce in the home dug out at the City Ground, providing the same brand of lion-hearted passion that was his trademark as a player. The only question mark that remains is whether that unwavering determination and desire would translate into success on the pitch.
There is no reason why it should not. Either way, it looks increasingly likely that Forest fans will soon get the chance to welcome back a returning hero.
Pearce's challenge is to ensure that, in 12 months time, his status in the eyes of fans has been enhanced further, not tarnished by frustration.
FOREST players and fans gathered at the unveiling of a memorial of one of its forgotten heroes.
A new headstone for Tinsley Lindley, who played for the club as well as England in the late 19th century, was revealed in a ceremony at Wilford Hill Cemetery on Monday, March 31.
As well as Forest stars like Andy Reid and Chris Cohen in attendance, long-lost members of his family arrived including a great grand-son who had flown in from Luxembourg.
The project to build the new memorial was kick-started by club historian Ron Clarke, who had discovered Lindley was buried in an unmarked grave at the cemetery.
Through his campaigning Ron was able to muster up support from schools, businesses and supporters across Nottinghamshire to make donations towards the new memorial.
Mr Clarke, 72, of the Silverdale Estate, said he was overwhelmed by the public gesture.
He said: "I feel as though I've won the lottery, I nearly broke down in tears when they played the Mull of Kintyre.
"He's the youngest player to have ever played for Forest. He went to captain England as well.
"I'm amazed, his grandsons were able to come here, it's been absolutely marvellous I'm over the moon."
In his football career, Tinsley scored 85 goals for Nottingham Forest in a single season during the 1880s.
He also played rugby and cricket and eventually became a barrister.
The memorial, which has cost over £5,800 to build has been paid for by a number of donors.
These included; Mark Flint of Oakfield Constuction, Nigel Hunt of Nottingham Industrial Cleaners Ltd, The Nottingham Boys' High School, Donna Bacon of Blackstone Close in Somercotes, as well as contributions from the Catchems Corner Pub in Basford and Big Eats cafe in Bulwell.
Forest also gathered a collection from all the players as well as donating signed kit for charity auction.
Reds midfielder Andy Reid said: "What you're talking about here is not just a legend of Nottingham Forest but a legend around the local area as well.
"People respected him and wanted to be close to him so to have a memorial here is only fitting.
"We've got the greatest for what Ron Clarke in getting to where we are now. If it wasn't for him it wouldn't have taken place."
Tinsley's great grand-sons, James Enright, 67, Devon, and Adrian Enright, 68, who flew from Luxembourg came along to pay their respects.
James said: "All we knew of him was that he had been a marvellous football player. It's amazing to have come where we are now without knowing anything."
Adrian added: "I feel very honoured that one of your relatives has been recognised in this way. The club and its fans have gone of the way in their recognition."
Which local legends do you think deserve more of a mention? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com
SUFFERERS of a severe form of arthritis can learn more about living with the crippling condition.
Experts will be on hand to talk about the symptoms and diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, which can affects parts of the spine including bones, muscles and ligaments.
Consultant rheumatologist Dr Maria Al-Deiri will lead the session at King's Mill Hospital, in Sutton-in-Ashfield, on Monday, April 7. She said: "The aim of the event is to increase public awareness of the condition as patients tend to suffer for years until diagnosed."
It will include information about medications and exercises and will be held in the hospital's Lecture Theatre 2, from 6pm to 8pm. To book a place, call 01623 622515 extension 3575, or e-mail membership.sherwoodforest @sfh-tr.nhs.uk.
IT'S a sad fact of modern life that we often know more about celebrities on the other side of the world than we do about our own neighbours.
This aspect of modern life differs dramatically from many others that the older generation, in particular, complain about – from 24-hour TV to the loss of bobbies dishing out thick ears to young troublemakers.
The big difference is that the disappearance of good neighbourliness and the growth of loneliness are not inevitable.
Nottingham yesterday staged a national conference as part of Age UK's Campaign to End Loneliness, with Esther Rantzen the keynote speaker. Delegates included representatives of local councils which are making their own efforts to combat the isolation that envelops many of the single, elderly people who have not yet been put in a home for the good of themselves or their relatives.
All of this is highly laudable. But this really is a cause that the lucky majority of us can contribute to.
Those of us who have youth on our side, or the company of friends and family, need only pick up a phone or knock on a door to bring a little cheer to the lives of lonely relatives or neighbours.
Their generation made us what we are. Is a little kindness too much to ask in return?
RECYCLING centres across the county have extended their opening hours now the evenings are lighter.
Opening as usual from 8am, the 14 centres will stay open until 8pm instead of 6pm.
Centres include West Bridgford; Rugby Road, Beeston; Lilac Grove, Calverton; in Hollinwood Lane, Hucknall; and Wigwam Lane and Giltbrook, Gilthill.
All the centres recycle paper and cardboard, cans and aerosols, plastic bottles, and glass bottles and jars.
A range of other items including electrical and electronic items, furniture, garden waste, batteries, engine oil, scrap metal, textiles, wood, bric-a-brac, fluorescent tubes and used cooking oil can also be recycled.
Kevin Parker, of Veolia Environmental Services, which manages the recycling centres, says: "They are open all year round but the light nights provide us with the opportunity to extend the hours and give residents more time to recycle their unwanted bulky waste."
The start of the summer also marks the launch of the Community RePaint Nottinghamshire public paint evenings, where visitors can pick up free reusable paint with the first at Calverton Recycling Centre on Thursday, April 24, starting at 5pm – last slot at 7.15pm and Beeston on Wednesday April 30 from 5pm – last slot at 7.15pm.
A SURPRISE visit from relatives put the icing on the cake for Peggy Cook when she celebrated her 90th birthday.
Peggy lives at Stoneyford Care Home, Sutton-in-Ashfield, and spent the day surrounded by loved ones, with cards, cake and gifts.
Born in Leadgate, County Durham, she worked in the Women's Land Army. Before moving to the care home, she lived in Stanton Hill, Sutton-in-Ashfield, and enjoyed a long marriage to husband Jim. They had six children, 10 grandchildren and many more great-grandchildren.
Home manager Jane Clinch said: "Peggy is a great member of the Stoneyford family and we are delighted to have been able to celebrate this milestone with her."
