Death of man in Sneinton is being treated as 'unexplained'

April 6, 2014, 6:57 am

≫ Next: Championship review: Ex-Forest star Morgan targets title with promoted Leicester

≪ Previous: Two crashes leave one man dead and a woman in hospital

$

0

0

Detectives are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Sneinton. A body was found by a member of the public on land off Sneinton Hermitage at around 4.40pm yesterday. An initial post-mortem has been carried out and at this stage the death is being treated as unexplained. A file is now being prepared for the coroner. If you have any information contact police on 101, quoting incident 695 of April 5 2014.For the latest emergency-services news, click here.

---

Championship review: Ex-Forest star Morgan targets title with promoted Leicester

April 6, 2014, 7:49 am

≫ Next: Thoresby Colliery: Union of Democratic Mineworkers ask Government for cash

≪ Previous: Death of man in Sneinton is being treated as 'unexplained'

$

0

0

LEICESTER will target the Championship title rather than celebrate winning promotion to the Premier League, according to captain Wes Morgan (pictured).

The Foxes will be back in the top flight for the first time in ten years next season, after defeats for QPR and Derby on Saturday secured their promotion.

Leicester saw off Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 on Friday night, then had to watch on as QPR lost 2-1 at Bournemouth and Derby were edged out 1-0 by Middlesbrough.

Former Nottingham Forest defender Morgan said: "It feels fantastic. We did our job on Friday night and we still have six games to go so we just want to concentrate on becoming champions now.

"It is definitely the greatest achievement of my career so far to achieve promotion. It is amazing and something I haven't done before.

"To captain Leicester and do it is even more special."

Leicester sit nine points clear of second-placed Burnley, who needed Scott Arfield's 87th-minute equaliser to rescue a point at Watford after Troy Deeney had put the hosts ahead.

Martyn Waghorn may yet secure promotion to the Premier League, but with Wigan rather than Leicester.

The striker celebrated his permanent move to Uwe Rosler's side by firing the winner in their 1-0 victory over Leeds.

Tommy Elphick and Lewis Grabban's goals were enough for that 2-1 victory over QPR, with Armand Traore registering in response for the visitors.

Ex-Reds loan ace Nathaniel Chalobah's strike secured Middlesbrough's 1-0 home victory over Derby, to help tie up Leicester's promotion.

Daniel Williams' 74th-minute goal was enough for Reading to move past Charlton 1-0, while James Hayter's penalty and Tom Lawrence's finish handed basement club Yeovil a vital 2-1 victory at Blackpool.

Jordan Rhodes and Rudy Gustede were on target as Blackburn saw off Ipswich, while Barnsley and Brighton ground out a goalless draw.

Joe Mason's 90th-minute strike scrambled a 1-0 win for Bolton at Huddersfield.

Federico Macheda's brace and a goal for Lee Novak guided Birmingham to a 3-1 win over Doncaster, with Paul Quinn on target for the hosts in the loss.

Thoresby Colliery: Union of Democratic Mineworkers ask Government for cash

April 6, 2014, 8:18 am

≫ Next: Graham Cartledge installed as new High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire

≪ Previous: Championship review: Ex-Forest star Morgan targets title with promoted Leicester

$

0

0

The Union of Democratic Mineworkers has urged the Government to apply for State Aid which will see Thoresby Colliery stay open for another four years. Despite its long history, high productivity and its potential ability to produce coal until 2018, owner UK Coal is seeking a deal with the Government for £10m for a controlled closure of the pit and another pit at Kellingley in Yorkshire. It would see the Edwinstowe pit gradually closed over the next 18 months. But if a deal cannot be found to secure its gradual closure, the colliery could shut down "straight away", resulting in a loss of 600 jobs at the Thoresby site. The Union of Democratic Mineworkers is urging the Government to apply to the European Commission for State Aid, which would see the colliery stay open until at least 2018. Jeff Wood, president of the union, told Sunday Politics East Midlands: "All we keep hearing at the moment from the Department of Climate and Energy Change is we can't apply for this reason, we can't apply for that reason. "We have been to Brussels with other trade unions this week and that have made it quite clear that the Government can apply for State Aid, they just need to put in the application." The National Union of Mineworkers is also calling on the Government to apply for State Aid, as previously reported in the Post. Mick Newton, former chairman of the NUM branch at the pit, said: "I am stunned because there is years' worth of coal left underground. "The money that it would take to keep it open is nothing compared to the devastation caused by the closure. "It is crazy to turn our backs on the coal industry when energy supplies are becoming shorter and shorter." What do you think? Tell us below

Graham Cartledge installed as new High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire

April 6, 2014, 9:03 am

≫ Next: Nottinghamshire speed camera locations from Monday, April 7

≪ Previous: Thoresby Colliery: Union of Democratic Mineworkers ask Government for cash

$

0

0

THE new High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire was today installed in a ceremony at a church in his village. Graham Cartledge CBE, the chairman of global architecture firm Benoy, has taken up the post for the next year. He takes over from outgoing High Sheriff Nicky Weston, who was also at today's ceremony at St Andre's Church in Caunton, near Newark. Mr Cartledge announced that during his year in office he would be supporting several sporting charities. They include the Trent Bridge Community Trust, which is the charitable arm of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, and Football in the Community, which sees both Nottingham Forest and Notts County run sessions to help disadvantaged young people. In his speech in the church, he said: "I am honoured to stand here before you as High Sheriff. "I will bring these groups together with the aim of raising their profile." Mr Cartledge will also support Maggie's cancer caring centre, which is based at Nottingham City Hospital. He said he plans to invite Health Minister Jeremy Hunt to the centre "to see the fine work being undertaken in the county both an the centre and in the community". He added: "There is much to do and Nicky [Weston] has set the benchmark very high. To emulate the work she has done will be very hard." The office of the High Sheriff is more than a millennium old. It is the longest-serving continuous secular office under the Crown. The High Sheriff is the Queen's representative in the county for all judicial matters. Mr Cartledge is the third man from Caunton to gain the honour, following Sir John Peace - now Lord Lieutenant of the county - in 2011-12 and Major Samuel John Markham exactly 50 years before that. In front of about 150 people in the church, Mr Cartledge swore an oath before receiving his official documents. He was welcomed into the role by Mrs Weston. She said: "If he enjoys the challenges only half as much as I have, [he] will still have had a rewarding year. "I've been very fortunate to get under the skin of our county. I am privileged to have met so many dedicated people within this county, who work so hard to support those in need." Mr Cartledge selected existing Under Sheriff Deborah Hutchinson to stay in the role. She said: "I am very honoured and privileged to do so." Have you done something remarkable? E-mail newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Nottinghamshire speed camera locations from Monday, April 7

April 6, 2014, 9:46 am

≫ Next: Ice hockey: Sheffield Steelers win Elite League Play-Offs in Nottingham

≪ Previous: Graham Cartledge installed as new High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire

$

0

0

HERE is the location of the speed cameras in Nottinghamshire for the week starting tomorrow: New Mill Lane/ Sandlands Way, Mansfield Woodhouse B6023 Mansfield Rd, Sutton in Ashfield A6117 Old Milll Lane, Mansfield B6030 Forest Road, Mansfield Kirkby Road, Sutton in Ashfield A60 Leeming Lane North, Mansfield Woodhouse A60 Carlton Road, Worksop A616, Ompton A617, Kirklington A612 Main Road, Upton A17 Sleaford Road, Coddington A610 Alfreton Rd, Nottingham A611 Hucknall Rd, Nottingham B682 Sherwood Rise through to Hucknall Lane, Nottingham Glaisedale Drive, Bilborough, Nottingham Beechdale Road (Robins Wood Rd- Strelley Rd), Nottingham B6008 Bells Lane, Broxtowe A608 Church Lane, Brinsley B600 Nottingham Rd / Kimberley Rd, Nuthall Coppice Road, Arnold A6211 Arnold Lane, Gedling --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ice hockey: Sheffield Steelers win Elite League Play-Offs in Nottingham

April 6, 2014, 12:15 pm

≫ Next: Lowdham crash victim named as Adrian Watson

≪ Previous: Nottinghamshire speed camera locations from Monday, April 7

$

0

0

NOTTINGHAM Panthers fans will have been left shaking their heads after their arch rivals stormed into town to win the Elite League Play-Offs title on their own ice. With defending champions Panthers only able to watch, after being knocked out in the quarter-finals by Braehead Clan, Sheffield Steelers went on to claim a dramatic 3-2 overtime success over Belfast Giants at the National Ice Centre after a weekend of thrilling action. Belfast had edged past Fife 1-0 on Saturday, while Steelers beat the Clan 3-2 to set up the final showdown a day later. And after the Clan beat the Flyers 7-6 after overtime to win the third-placed match, the final also needed extra minutes to decide the winner. The Giants and the Steelers ended regulation tied at 2-2 in what had been a tremendous final where all the goals had come in the second period. But only 1.34 into overtime it was defenceman Drew Fata who ignited the huge Steelers following in Nottingham when firing a bullet past Stephen Murphy to give his side victory.

Lowdham crash victim named as Adrian Watson

April 6, 2014, 12:44 pm

≫ Next: Thoresby Colliery: Nottinghamshire County Council seeks talks with UK Coal

≪ Previous: Ice hockey: Sheffield Steelers win Elite League Play-Offs in Nottingham

$

0

0

The victim of a crash in Lowdham has been named by police as Adrian Watson. Mr Watson, 41, of Lowdham, was driving a grey Peugeot car when it was in collision with a lorry. The smash happened on the A612, near the junction with Gonalston Lane, at about 8.15am on Saturday. Mr Watson was pronounced dead at the scene. A crash seven hours later, just under five miles away, saw an elderly woman airlifted to Queen's Medical Centre. Two cars collided in Oxton Road, Southwell, near to the entrance to Hollybeck Nurseries. The woman suffered serious injuries. Police are appealing for witnesses to both crashes and anyone with information should call 101.Read more about both incidents here".

Thoresby Colliery: Nottinghamshire County Council seeks talks with UK Coal

April 7, 2014, 2:42 am

≫ Next: BBC's University Challenge criticised by Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero

≪ Previous: Lowdham crash victim named as Adrian Watson

$

0

0

Nottinghamshire County Council is seeking "urgent" talks with the owners of Thoresby Colliery to try and keep the county's last remaining deep coal mine open. UK Coal has announced that it will close the Edwinstowe pit in 18 months and unless it can secure investment from the Government it could shut sooner. As a result the council is seeking to hold talks with UK Coal, Government officials and the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership to see what can be done to save more than 500 jobs. Councillor Alan Rhodes, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: "UK Coal is still a large employer in Nottinghamshire. Closing Thoresby Colliery would have a devastating impact on nearby communities, where the unemployment rate and levels of deprivation are already above the national average. "We are seeking urgent talks with partners in Government, the Local Enterprise Partnership and UK Coal to secure the immediate future of Thoresby Colliery and discuss the longer term future. "Coal still plays an important part in the UK's energy mix. It would be crazy to damage the UK and Nottinghamshire economy by halting production of the plentiful stocks still available at Thoresby, in favour of increasing imports from elsewhere in the world. "It is essential that we look further ahead too. While we must exhaust all the options to try and keep Thoresby open, if there is then no option other than closure, we will be asking the Government to provide assistance to all the partners for the retraining of employees, the creation of equivalent quality jobs and the successful redevelopment of the site." The unemployment rate in the Mansfield Travel to Work Area, which includes Thoresby Colliery is 3.3 per cent - higher than the national average of 3 per cent. Other former coalfield communities such as Clipstone and Boughton have rates closer to 4.2 per cent.

---

BBC's University Challenge criticised by Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero

April 7, 2014, 3:14 am

≫ Next: Ban on sweet sellers outside three Nottingham schools gets seal of approval

≪ Previous: Thoresby Colliery: Nottinghamshire County Council seeks talks with UK Coal

$

0

0

THE final of a popular academic quiz show has been overshadowed by an argument over gender equality. Two all-male teams, Trinity College, Cambridge, and Somerville College, Oxford, will be competing to be crowned champions in tonight's University Challenge. It has also been revealed that the BBC2 show starring Jeremy Paxman has had an 84 per cent male dominance this series and out of 112 contestants across 28 university teams, only 18 have been females. As a result, Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero has said that the BBC must do more to include females. The Shadow Minister for Women and Equality said: "It's a pity universities are picking all-male teams to represent them, particularly when more women than men are going to university and they are outperforming boys at school. "The BBC also has a responsibility for the shows it screens and it should take action to ensure there are more women competitors." However, the BBC said it was reluctant to interfere with team selection. A University Challenge spokesman said: "Every university has their own team selection process and we do encourage them to reflect the diversity of their student population. However, the make-up of each team is determined by the universities."

Ban on sweet sellers outside three Nottingham schools gets seal of approval

April 7, 2014, 4:07 am

≫ Next: CCTV cameras will be placed in Nottingham taxis

≪ Previous: BBC's University Challenge criticised by Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero

$

0

0

SWEET sellers and chip vans will be banned from outside three schools from this summer, it has been confirmed. Nottingham City Council's regulatory and appeals committee this morning rubber-stamped new legislation. It means roads surrounding Ellis Guilford School in Basford, Bulwell Academy and Trinity School in Aspley will be labelled consent streets from the start of June. This means traders must first gain permission from the council to operate there. Councillors had previously talked about extending the ban to all city schools, due to fears the traders would simply move elsewhere. This was not considered necessary. The move came about after complaints from the schools involved, particularly Ellis Guilford. Every day, before and after school, a man sells cheap sweets and fizzy drinks to students from his car. The items include 500ml bottles of fizzy drinks for 50p and bags of crisps for 30p, half the price they can cost in shops. Head teacher Sally Coulton told the Post: "Some of our students are spending their dinner money on sweets, crisps and fizzy drinks before school."

CCTV cameras will be placed in Nottingham taxis

April 7, 2014, 4:08 am

≫ Next: Shane Meadows and Vicky McClure welcome work on new Teenage Cancer Trust unit at QMC

≪ Previous: Ban on sweet sellers outside three Nottingham schools gets seal of approval

$

0

0

Plans to fit CCTV cameras in taxis have cleared their final hurdle. Members of the city council's appeals and regulatory committee today gave their seal of approval. The pilot scheme, costing nearly £100,000, is to be launched in Nottingham – with 100 cabs taking part. The idea is to make taxi journeys safer for both drivers and passengers. Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping, who is helping to fund the project, has said that the move "will help guarantee security for passengers and drivers". During the meeting today, councillors also agreed that the scheme should be reviewed every six months.

Shane Meadows and Vicky McClure welcome work on new Teenage Cancer Trust unit at QMC

April 7, 2014, 4:19 am

≫ Next: Hillsborough inquests: Jury hears biographies of more victims

≪ Previous: CCTV cameras will be placed in Nottingham taxis

$

0

0

FILM director Shane Meadows and actress Vicky McClure may end up biking up a mountain after launching building work on a ward for teenage cancer patients. The big names donned hard hats at the city's Queen's Medical Centre to see work start on the project. But the Teenage Cancer Trust still needs to raise £200,000 to pay for the £600,000 five-bed facility, for 13-to-18-year-olds with cancer from the East Midlands. Now actors from Meadows' film and TV series This Is England could be recruited to help. "I am thinking about me and the cast doing a bike ride up a mountain," said the director, an ambassador for the charity. "My idea is to have a live camera in each person's helmet and you pay 50p to watch 'agony cam' as we go!" "Well, it has to happen now you have said it!" added Vicky. Shane urged people to donate to the cause. "I think a lot of people have the idea that charities are national but this is actually a ward being built here in Nottingham and, who knows, it could be my kids that need it," he said. "People think it will take a lot of time and not everyone has got the time to organise a fundraiser, but even if it is just £3 over a text message that will help." The Nottingham actress, who plays Lol in This Is England, started working with the trust 18 months ago when it asked her to open its unit at Nottingham City Hospital This week the Line Of Duty and Broadchurch star was announced as an ambassador for the charity and told the Post: "It is not the sort of thing once you have done that you can turn away from. "It is hard enough being a teenager anyway, never mind battling with cancer and all the difficulties that will come with that. Being 17 with hormones and God knows what else... the ward brings a social life to them," said Vicky, who lives at Toton. Kris Dunn, 17, from Bulwell, was diagnosed with terminal osteosarcoma in March 2012 and, after treatment at QMC, was moved to the unit. "It makes such a difference be with people your own age," he said. "When you are in a kids ward, you spend all day in bed and all night and it makes you feel worse, it reminds you that you are sick. "Don't get me wrong, I got on with the nurses at QMC really well, but I was surrounded by babies crying and just me in the middle. The closest age I had to me was 10 or 12 so I was talking more to the parents than the kids." The unit at City Hospital has helped him handle the treatment he is going through, giving him some respite from the stress he is under. "Now I can go to the chill-out area, play pool and chat with people the same age and like me," he said. "It just makes you feel a lot better and not like you're sick. People don't seem sick around you. It really does help." Professor Richard Grundy, paediatric oncology consultant at the QMC, was excited about work getting under way at the ward, which is due to be finished in October. "It will make a huge difference when we create this space that teenage patients can regard as their own," he said. "Having their peers around means they can talk together about what they are going through. That peer support is so valuable in helping them with their treatment." The Teenage Cancer Trust unit is just one part of a major investment into children's services at the QMC. The £4.5 million development will also see a new, improved ward for younger cancer patients up to 13 years old, paid by Nottingham Hospitals Charity, the Teenage Cancer Trust and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Call 0115 962 7905 or visit nottinghamhospitalscharity.org.uk to talk to Nottingham Hospitals Charity about fundraising.

Hillsborough inquests: Jury hears biographies of more victims

April 7, 2014, 7:30 am

≫ Next: Derby make official complaint over £85,000 debt with Nottingham Forest

≪ Previous: Shane Meadows and Vicky McClure welcome work on new Teenage Cancer Trust unit at QMC

$

0

0

The jury on the Hillsborough inquests have been hearing more 'pen portraits' of the victims. Family members of the 96 people who died are telling the jury information about their lost loved ones. The inquests are now into their second week. In the latest tribute heard this morning, the widow of Steven Brown, Sarah, said words could not describe the void left by his death at the age of 25, when she was six months pregnant with their daughter Samantha. She said: "For Steven to have passed away when I was six months pregnant and never got a chance to meet and greet his new little baby, there are no words to describe that void." Coroner Lord Justice Goldring has ruled that the biographies of each of the victims should form the first section of evidence at the inquests. The Liverpool fans died during the FA Cup semi-final with Nottingham Forest at the Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield, in April 1989.

Derby make official complaint over £85,000 debt with Nottingham Forest

April 7, 2014, 7:43 am

≫ Next: Campaign to End Loneliness: The volunteer's story

≪ Previous: Hillsborough inquests: Jury hears biographies of more victims

$

0

0

NOTTINGHAM Forest have been the subject of an official complaint from East Midlands rivals Derby County. The Rams have told the Football League that they are still owed £85,000 by the Reds. The money is said to be related to ticket receipts from their clash at the iPro Stadium last month, which Derby say remains unpaid – and have appealed to the authorities to get involved. Forest boss Billy Davies had been sacked following the game, after his side had been humbled 5-0. Earlier in the year Forest escaped a court appearance after resolving an issue with Impact Sports Management Limited, a football agency, who had issued a winding-up petition over an unpaid debt. It is understood that Le Bistro, a subsidiary of stadium caterers Elior, has also issued a winding up petition recently, with a court date set for May 12. Although the Post is informed that the money involved in this case is closer to £200k than the £9m reported in a national newspaper. A club spokesman said that the club are working to address the outstanding issues. "The club are going through a period of reconciliation with their accounts," he said. "Once the accounts are all finalised, all outstanding monies will be paid."

Campaign to End Loneliness: The volunteer's story

April 7, 2014, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Long Eaton Invaders open season with draw against Rye House Raiders

≪ Previous: Derby make official complaint over £85,000 debt with Nottingham Forest

$

0

0

The only cure for loneliness is company, and older people across Nottinghamshire know this better than anyone. Around 39,000 older people in the county are in contact with family, friends and neighbours less than once a week. And with over half of all people aged 75 or over living alone - equivalent to 41,000 people in the county - that leaves a lot of hours to be whiled away with no-one to talk to. However, Age UK Notts has launched a campaign to end loneliness in older people and is running a number of schemes to try and take those who live alone out of isolation and back into a community that cares. One such scheme is the visiting service. It aims to provide a regular volunteer visitor to older people at home, particularly those who are lonely, frail or housebound. The service is free, confidential and independent and Age UK does its best to match you with the best person to share interests. Keith Sharpe, 55 from Warren Hill in Arnold, is one of the volunteers. He grew up in Carlton and now owns his own packaging business, but he has always taken an interest in helping others, previously volunteering at Sanford Hospital to work with handicapped children. "The reason I signed up for the volunteering scheme is I wanted to give back," said Mr Sharpe. "You get to a certain age and realise so far it has all been about me and it is time for a change. "I especially wanted to help older people. These people are lonely with no-one doing a lot for them. I think they get a very bad deal nowadays." Mr Sharpe sadly lost his 96-year-old father in January, leaving his mother Dora, 93, on her own. "We now have a situation where someone has to look after my mum," he said. "I try and I help out, but my brother, who is a retired teacher and personal tutor, has been able to move in." "So she has my brother, she has me, and it is very different. But some people don't have that support at all and some people don't have anyone." Mr Sharpe spoke of one lady he visited who lives alone and had become so disillusioned, she threatened to take her own life. "She had been having a really rough few weeks," he said. "When she visited the hairdressers, they got perming solution in her eye so her eyesight suffered for a couple of weeks." "When I spoke to her she said all she had left was her garden and if she couldn't see that, she didn't see the point in living." He sat with her and calmed her down, then called after he left to make sure she was OK. "Older people end up in these situations where they are so lonely and never expected it," he said. "She has got no-one but just think, we could all end up there." "We need to focus more on these people and stop them from being forgotten." In the time Mr Sharpe has been volunteering, he has already made a difference to the lives of those he has supported. Irene Catherall, 84, from Southglade Park, was visited by Keith once a week after her husband passed away. "Irene does have support from her daughters and good neighbours but she was really down because of the loss of her husband and I helped her through the worst part," he said. "What I tried to do was take her mind off of it. I decided to try out showing her pictures on an iPad. I know technology isn't normally something old people are interested in but she loved it! Now she does email, Skype's her daughter in America, she is even on Facebook!" Seeing the improvement in Mrs Catherall is just an example to Mr Sharpe of why the scheme is so worthwhile. "I would say to anyone considering it, definitely do it," he said. "You get a real sense of fulfillment. "I never knew I would get this feeling but when you see that you have made a difference, even a small one, to someone's life and if you know some is happier now than they were, it is just fantastic." Age UK Notts' Campaign to End Loneliness hopes to get 1,000 pledges by the end of June with people promising to offer their time to family, friends and neighbours. Whether you want to volunteer for the visiting service or just promise to call an elderly relative more, Age UK Notts wants you to get in touch. Mick Tinkler, chief executive at Age UK Notts, said: "It is through our volunteer's compassion and kind heartedness that our charity is able to help so many older people and without people like Keith our Visiting Service could not function." "I hope our Campaign to End Loneliness and Keith's story has inspired people to volunteer or to make a pledge; together we can make a difference." To find out more, call Age UK Notts on 0115 844 0011.

---

Long Eaton Invaders open season with draw against Rye House Raiders

April 7, 2014, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Mansfield Town striker Matt Rhead will not change physical style

≪ Previous: Campaign to End Loneliness: The volunteer's story

$

0

0

THE new speedway season got underway for the Long Eaton Skills Coaches Invaders and they draw 18-18 with Midland Development League newcomers Rye House Raiders at Leicester's Beaumont Park stadium. The meeting was overshadowed when Luke Whitehead, making his debut for the Invaders, collided with team-mate Ben Holloway in the penultimate race. After treatment, he was taken from the track in an ambulance with a leg injury. In the meeting itself, between two evenly-matched teams, the visitors opened up a two-point lead after three races, which was quickly cancelled out by the Invaders. And with neither side able to open up a lead, the outcome of the meeting rested on the final race. Invaders skipper Lee Geary was the clear winner, but Lee Springthorpe was excluded, handing the visitors third place which ensured they returned to Hertfordshire with a league point. Invaders: Geary 8, Springthorpe 5, Holloway 3 (1), Whitehead 2 (1). Raiders: Ayres 7 (1), Harris 6, Watts 5 (1), Blake 0.

Mansfield Town striker Matt Rhead will not change physical style

April 7, 2014, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Lucky escape for Olympic medallist Sam Oldham in Japan

≪ Previous: Long Eaton Invaders open season with draw against Rye House Raiders

$

0

0

STRIKER Matt Rhead will not change his game, despite coming in for criticism during Mansfield Town's 1-0 victory at Morecambe on Saturday. The Stags front man was at the centre of several flashpoints at the Globe Arena, with the hosts complaining about his physical style. Several Shrimps players came out of the game the worse for wear – with Alex Kenyon suffering a broken nose and Mark Hughes requiring stitches in his mouth – during a spiky encounter which saw ten players booked and the home side's Andy Fleming sent off. Morecambe boss Jim Bentley said of Rhead, "he is one of those players that puts his elbow into challenges". But the man himself pointed out he also came in for a bit of a battering. "They gave as good as they got. They just weren't happy with the physicality which dominated the game," said Rhead. "I think winding them up is part of it, to be fair. I think they were trying to get me sent off for long periods of the game. "It was nice to see one of them get sent off seeing as they were trying to get me sent off." And Mansfield boss Paul Cox also stuck up for his player. "I was talking to some of their lads as they were coming off and they said Rheady lead with the elbow a couple of times," he said. "And yet he's got scratch marks all down his neck – he's getting elbowed left, right and centre. "If you're going to dish it out, you've got to receive it, and Rheady does. But he just gets himself up and gets on with it. "There was a few nasty tackles and I think the sending off was deserved. "There was a lot of incidents that went on off the ball that maybe should have been pulled up, but I think it was pretty even on both sides. "Just because someone gets a bloody nose, it doesn't necessarily mean somebody's done anything untoward or out of order." Colin Daniel's stunning free-kick made it three wins in a row for the Stags, and sees them 12th, ten points above the bottom two. The manager though, is keen to see further improvement from his players in the final five games. "I thought we lacked a little bit of quality," said Cox. "When you look at the season as a whole, you can look at what we've done well but also look at what we've done badly. "I want us to improve and I want us to get better – and I still think there's an awful lot we can get better at. "But the players are running through a brick wall for the football club and the badge, as they did again on Saturday. "You can't fault them."

Lucky escape for Olympic medallist Sam Oldham in Japan

April 7, 2014, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Beeston set sights on conquering Europe after defending Premier title

≪ Previous: Mansfield Town striker Matt Rhead will not change physical style

$

0

0

SAM Oldham appears to have had a lucky escape after a 'freak accident' at the World Cup series meeting in Tokyo. The Keyworth gymnast rolled his ankle during his vault run up and had to land on one leg as he went on to finish seventh overall. His father Bobby Oldham said: "It was a freak accident that's never happened before to Sam. It looks like he's okay. We think he's had a lucky escape." The Olympic bronze medallist is set to have his injury assessed this week but he should be fit for the European Championships with the Great Britain team set to be announced at the end of the month. Despite finishing second to last in Japan, Oldham was thrilled with his result when looking at the whole event. "He's chuffed. If he hadn't had a nightmare on the vault he would have been challenging for a podium against some fantastic gymnasts. He's on track for where he wants to be when the Europeans start we think," said Bobby Oldham. Becky Downie registered one of the highest scores in the world this year on bars at the latest round of European Championship trials this weekend at Lilleshall, Shropshire. The Notts Academy Gymnast scored 15.60 on the way to victory. Downie also won on the beam. Her place in both disciplines and the vault is set to be confirmed in the next few weeks. However, there is still some doubt over younger sister Ellie's place at the junior Europeans as she struggles with a knee injury. She is set to get another chance to prove her fitness in Germany this weekend.

Beeston set sights on conquering Europe after defending Premier title

April 7, 2014, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Wollaton man donated more than 100 pints of blood to help others

≪ Previous: Lucky escape for Olympic medallist Sam Oldham in Japan

$

0

0

BEESTON have quickly set their sights on conquering Europe, after successfully defending their English Premier Division title. The Bees won the championship in a thrilling penalty shootout in the play-off final against East Grinstead. And they are now preparing for a last-16 clash in the Euro Hockey League against Belgium champions Waterloo Ducks in Eindhoven on April 17. "The league play-offs are the perfect preparation for us because it's knockout time in Europe too now," said boss Graham Griffiths. "Winning the league has also given us the perfect boost going out there." Goalkeeper George Pinner was Beeston's hero in their shootout triumph against East Grinstead, making three saves as his team-mates Adam Dixon, Sam Ward and Ben Arnold all held their nerve to score their penalties in a 3-1 win. "It's most probably been the hardest season in the 28 years I've been here," said Griffiths. "We've had a lot of players miles away at Bisham Abbey because of the new centralised international training programme, we've had injuries and Martin Scanlon getting cancer, so it's been very hard, which makes winning it even more special. "We went into the play-offs confident. "We were missing (David) Ames and (Gordon) McIntyre with injuries, but then we had George Pinner and Harry Martin back. "We played some staggering hockey in the semi-final against Reading (to win 4-2). "I've seen us play some good stuff over the years and that was right up there. "We played well in the final as well. "Our defence was brilliant, not giving away one short corner at all. "They just didn't put a foot wrong and that was the reason we went on to win it. "I was fine when it went to penalties. "Pinner is the best in the business at saving them and we practice taking them a lot, so I expected us to do it. "The trophy is already back in the cabinet – it's a great feeling to bring it back."

Wollaton man donated more than 100 pints of blood to help others

April 7, 2014, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Owner's cat dies in arms after alleged dog attack in Carlton

≪ Previous: Beeston set sights on conquering Europe after defending Premier title

$

0

0

Medics are raising a glass to local lifesaver Robin Lloyd – who has donated more than 100 pints of blood. Just three per cent of the 1.6 million donors across the country have reached the milestone of 75 pints – and even fewer reach the 100 mark. The retired computer analyst, 68, from Wollaton, said: "I started when I was about 18 and I've given blood regularly over the years. "For the past year I've been giving every eight weeks, so it's clocking up quite quickly now – I think I'm on about 109 donations at the moment." The standard interval for a frequent male donor is once every 12 weeks. But with a shortage of donors, the NHS is experimenting to see whether regular donors are able to give blood every eight to 10 weeks. "It's always difficult for them to find donors so they want to get more blood but from the same number of people," added Robin. Judy also used to be a regular donor until she was treated for bowel cancer 15 years ago. "She made a full recovery, fortunately, but after you've had major surgery or received a blood transfusion you can't give anymore, so she's unable to donate now," he explained. Judy said she was incredibly proud of her husband. "It's something quite amazing, and I've been telling everyone because Robin's not someone to blow his own trumpet," she said. "He's quite unassuming but he does things quietly behind the scenes." Their son Tim, 35, and daughter Claire, 38, have followed their parents' example and also donate regularly. When asked why he has kept donating, Robin was ever the understated hero. "I suppose I've probably saved a few lives over the years," he said. "You feel that they really need blood for all the accidents and operations they have to deal with – it's something that's not much of a commitment but it's worthwhile and you can actually help a lot of people." Holly Mason, donor relations manager for the NHS, said: "We would like to thank Robin for his commitment and dedication over the years. "Only a small number of our donors reach 100 so it is really remarkable what he's done and we hope others follow in his footsteps. "Each donation can go to help three people so he has potentially helped over 300 people." For more information on how to give blood go to www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.