Judge hands out £36,000 in fines after man severs finger on treadmill

April 8, 2014, 8:31 am

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AFTER a man's finger was severed when he assembled a treadmill, the supplier and its director were taken to court and hit with £36,000 in fines today. James Max, from Aslockton, was building the £340 machine with his wife, Natalie, when its spring-loaded hydraulic arm flew open and trapped his right ring finger. He was rushed to hospital but not nothing could be done to reconstruct the top portion of his right ring finger. Mr Max contacted Nottinghamshire County Council's trading standards team. And West Midlands based IRG Europe Ltd and one of its directors Donal James Sharkey, 31, of Valley Road, Portslade, were taken to court. All pleaded guilty to supplying the treadmill to Mr Max, when it was not safely packaged, labelled and had insufficient instructions. They also admitted three charges of possessing a large number of the machines with intent to supply them and not taking steps to relabel the treadmills after the accident. Today the company was handed the fine of £30,000. Sharkey was additionally fined £6,000. The company has been ordered to pay £3,600 costs. Mr Max, 37, said afterwards: "Losing part of my finger has had a significant impact on my life as much of my job is computer based so I find typing difficult now. "There has been nerve damage so my finger is really sensitive and I've had two operations to reduce the pain. "However, I dread to think what might have happened – I could have lost all of my fingers and luckily my one-year-old daughter at the time was in another room. "I have since bought another treadmill and the warnings on the box and packaging were really large and clear." Councillor Glynn Gilfoyle, Chair of Nottinghamshire County Council's Community Safety Committee, said: "This company has blatantly ignored current safety standards and have put their customers at risk of severe injury. "Unfortunately, James Max has suffered greatly due their negligence which would have been avoided with proper warnings to prevent the treadmill from flipping up. "All sellers have a responsibility to ensure that their products are safe and we will pursue those who flagrantly flout current safety standards."For the latest crime news, click here.

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Grab a share of £35,000 for your group!

April 8, 2014, 8:39 am

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Are you involved in your local Scout group, a church knitting society, junior football team or do you partake in weekly willow weaving? If so, the Nottingham Post and The Nottingham Building Society have just the ticket for you! We've again joined forces with our friends at The Nottingham Building Society to give away a whopping £35,000 in cold hard cash to deserving causes across the county. Our mega prize fund is open to a variety of organisations across Nottinghamshire. Community groups can apply to receive a portion of the grant fund. Once each group has registered with us, they will be notified in writing as to whether or not they have been successful. Once that letter has been received, groups will then be able to collect coupons printed inside the Nottingham Post throughout the collection period. The equation is simple. The more coupons collected, the greater share of the cash each group will receive. We'll have more information closer to the time so stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter pages as well as NottinghamPost.com. Join in the conversation on Twitter using #CFYC Click here to go directly to The Nottingham's website

Motorbike accident cause chaos on Daleside Road

April 8, 2014, 10:08 am

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TRAFFIC chaos has hit Daleside Road after a motorbike accident has forced diversions. Police confirmed a collision between the bike and a car during rush hour on the A612 but said no serious injuries had been caused. Cars are now being diverted through Sneinton until the incident is resolved and disruption has been caused to the Red Line 44 and Citylink 2 bus services.

Shotgun stolen from car in Mansfield Woodhouse

April 8, 2014, 10:38 am

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Police are calling for witnesses after a shotgun was stolen from the back of a car in Mansfield Woodhouse. The licensed Lanber firearm had been left under a coat on the back seat of a Land Rover parked in Lime Tree Avenue. Thieves are thought to stolen the shotgun between 3am and 4am this morning. Now Police are hoping for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have been offered a shotgun to buy, to come forward. If you have any information please contact the Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

St Ann's road closed as police investigate 'altercation'

April 8, 2014, 11:13 am

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Police have closed a road in St Ann's while they investigate reports on "an altercation" in the area. The incident was reported at 3.52pm near Thorneywood Mount and has led to the junction between Thorneywood Mount, Gordon Road and St Bartholomew's Road, known locally as Donkey Hill, to be closed. Officers have asked for motorists to avoid the area whilst they carry out their investigation. If you have any information, please call the Police on 101, quoting incident number 535 on April 8.

Nottinghamshire v Lancashire: County Championship, day three report

April 8, 2014, 11:15 am

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NOTTINGHAMSHIRE will back themselves to beat Lancashire tomorrow in their County Championship opener despite losing a flurry of late wickets at Trent Bridge. The visitors closed day three on seven for one after being set 349 to win, something that looks well beyond them considering 15 wickets fell. Notts could have set a bigger target on the back of a fine innings of 90 from Riki Wessels. They slipped from 188 for three to 220 all out, including losing six for 14 at one stage as Tom Smith (five for 53) performed wonders. It is now a question of whether they can take the last nine wickets without being able to call on the injured Andre Adams and overseas star Peter Siddle, who was in the ground briefly having arrived in the city after visa problems. Even without the Australian victory looks likely considering the quality of Lancs batting so far against good bowling on a pitch that is offering plenty. The morning session belonged to Luke Fletcher despite him bowling just two balls. It took until ten minutes before lunch for him to be introduced to the attack, but when he was the innings was wrapped up immediately. First he had Simon Kerrigan caught behind down the leg side for 11 and then James Anderson was snared by Chris Read for a golden duck to put Fletcher on a hat-trick at the start of the second innings. Lancs were all out for 144 as they trailed by 128. Smith ran out of partners on 42 as he batted well for the visitors. Notts began with Harry Gurney and Jake Ball after Steven Mullaney bowled the final four balls from his over that was curtailed the night before. Gurney made the breakthrough on 81, Lancashire adding four to their overnight score, as he had Wayne White well caught at third slip by Samit Patel. Wessels shelled a relatively easy chance at first slip when Kabir Ali was on three but his error was not severely punished. It took Smith 24 balls and 51 minutes to get off the mark, but his patience paid off as he batted well thereafter. He brought up the Lancashire hundred in the 45th over of the innings before Ali (5) went with the score on 106, bowled by Andy Carter. Lancs looked in danger of being forced to follow on but Smith took that out of the equation as they progressed to 123 for eight. In fact they were just beginning to cut loose a little when Kerrigan uppercut Carter for six, but then Fletcher had his say. Notts set off with positive intent after lunch. Phil Jaques brought up the half century partnership with Mullaney by thrashing Anderson down the ground, Notts scoring at 3.97 an over at that point. They did well to see off Anderson's first seven over spell as the others bowlers struggled to back him up initially. However, Ali soon changed that when he switched to the Radcliffe Road end. First he bowled Mullaney for 26 with the score on 56 with one that looked to have kept a little low, then he took a double wicket maiden to make it 71 for three. Ali's first ball of the over moved off the pitch to find the edge of Jaques' bat, well caught by Alex Davies for 30. The last accounted for Patel, who was visibly unhappy to be given out, caught by Davies again as he went for a duck. Wessels was batting positively as he cut a wide ball just beyond the reach of Davies behind the stumps. He then hit a four to bring up the 100 for Notts. They led by 265 at tea with the score 137 for three, Wessels on 38 and Michael Lumb ticking over on 35. Wessels looked determined to go after Kerrigan following the interval, hitting him for two sixes to take him past 50 and the hosts beyond the 150. With his tail up, the batsman then treated Anderson with contempt, smashing him for two fours to push the lead past 300. A second double wicket maiden of the day dented the momentum as Smith removed first Lumb with a fine ball that saw him caught behind for 38 and Alex Hales shouldered arms as his off stump was rocked back by one that jagged in to make it 188 for five. Notts would lose six for 14 to give Lancs a ray of hope. Wessels looked to be done for on 85 when he skied one from Anderson, only for Ali to drop a chance at long on that most would expect to take in club cricket. There was to be no century though as Anderson got his man on with a yorker that sent middle and leg flying before the two looked to exchange words as Wessels left to deserved applause. Fletcher was next to go for one, caught behind for one off Smith, who promptly bowled Ball to put him a hat-trick. Anderson bowled Carter, who stopped Smith's treble, for a duck with one that certainly kept low – something Notts won't have minded seeing, Carter aside. Smith finished with five for 53 as he bowled Gurney, looking to hook to the leg side, for a duck. Notts were all out for 220 to set Lancs a target of 349. There was no hat-trick for Fletcher as the first ball of Lancashire's second innings didn't dismiss Paul Horton. However, Gurney did remove Lois Reece for six as he played a terrible looking hook to make it 6/1 and Notts on course for victory.

St Ann's road closed all night as Police investigate 'altercation'

April 8, 2014, 1:33 pm

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Police have closed a crossroads in St Ann's tonight whilst they investigate reports of "an altercation" in the area. The incident was reported at 3.52pm near Thorneywood Mount and led to the junction between Thorneywood Mount, Gordon Road and St Bartholomew's Road, known locally as Donkey Hill, to be closed. An officer at the scene said they had yet to gather all the details, but were conducting enquiries. "We have got several witnesses we are speaking to [but] stories aren't firmly corroborated yet," he said. "As soon as we have more information we will be doing a witness appeal as it is clearly a public place and anyone else that saw anything we want to call us." Police have asked for motorists to avoid the area whilst they carry out their investigation and said it was likely the roads would remain closed all night. "We will re-open them as soon as we are able," he added. Local residents, who wished to remain unnamed, claim the altercation involved a firearm and that one man had been injured. However, Police were unable to confirm this and said the investigation was ongoing. A spokeswoman from Nottinghamshire Police said they had "no victim and no offender at the moment" so didn't know at this stage whether anyone had been injured. No arrests have been made so far. If you have any information, please call the Police on 101, quoting incident number 535 on April 8.

Police search roads in St Ann's after 'altercation'

April 9, 2014, 3:17 am

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Police are continuing to search roads in St Ann's after an "altercation" on Tuesday afternoon. The junction between Thorneywood Mount, Gordon Road and St Bartholomew's Road, known locally as Donkey Hill, has been closed while investigations are carried out. On Wednesday morning, police officers were seen doing a fingertip search of the road and placing down five evidence markers - three on the road and two on the pavement outside the Taste of Paradise restaurant on St Bartholomew's Road. The incident was reported at 3.52pm near Thorneywood Mount. The junction is still closed and Nottingham City Transport Blue Line 39 cannot serve any bus stop along Gordon Road or Thorneywood Mount. All other bus stops on the route are being served and the nearest alternatives for passengers are Porchester Road (39), Carlton Road (25, 27) or Beacon Hill Rise (39). Police have asked anyone with information to call 101, quoting incident number 535 of 8 April. For more police news, click here.

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Nottingham Forest Ladies score donation from Domestic and General

April 9, 2014, 4:00 am

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NOTTINGHAM Forest Ladies Football Club has scored a £1,000 donation from one of Nottingham's biggest employers, Domestic and General. The Talbot Street-based warranty specialist has pledged a further £200 to sponsor midfielder Annabel McKechnie, who also works for the company. Annabel said: "I have been playing with the Forest Ladies Club since I was 15. I'm now 24 so it's been a big part of my life and we're just like a big family. "Having worked for Domestic and General for more than three years, I think it's great that my employer is sponsoring us – it really does mean a lot." Deborah Martin-Rerrie, site operations manager at Domestic and General, said: "We're delighted to make this donation. As one of the biggest local employers, we're proud to support our employees both in and out of the workplace, as well as this local football club." Steven Gray, club operations manager at Nottingham Forest Ladies FC, said: "This is the first donation we've received towards next year's season so we're absolutely thrilled. "Last year, Domestic & General was first to step in following a plea for support from our community when we were unsure about our future and needed essential funds last season. "To get sponsorship for Annabel, who is a vital member of the senior squad, is fantastic - and to receive support again them again this year even better." Domestic and General's Nottingham office employs around 1,000 people. The company works with many of the UK's leading brands to provide customer service and sales advice on warranties.

Police name woman who died in Southwell crash

April 9, 2014, 4:18 am

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Police have named an elderly woman who died following a crash in Southwell.The collision happened in Oxton Road just before 3.15pm on Saturday, April 5, and involved three cars — a Peugeot, a Volvo and a BMW. The 91-year-old victim, Barbara Ruth Smith, of Ravenshead, was driving the Peugeot. She was airlifted to the Queen's Medical Centre where she died at 9.30pm on Monday. No one else was injured in the incident. If you saw the collision or have any information contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. For more police news, click here.

Gary Brazil hoping for positive news for Nottingham Forest ahead of QPR clash

April 9, 2014, 4:22 am

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NOTTINGHAM Forest boss Gary Brazil is hoping for some better fortune as the Reds prepare to face promotion chasing QPR at Loftus Road this weekend. The Reds will be forced to make at least one change, with Danny Collins set to sit out a suspension following his sending off against Sheffield Wednesday. But, while Brazil admits it would be useful to have the chance to name a consistent line-up, he should be boosted by the return of Kelvin Wilson following a slight injury problem. There is also a slim chance that David Vaughan could feature against Rangers, although Andy Reid is still thought to be a little way off a return. "We have had more than one curve ball thrown at us and, as much as this is a temporary situation for us, we still feel that the gods are working against us, when you look at the things that have gone off," said Brazil. "To be able to play the same team two games in a row would not be a bad thing for us. "Overall, the display (against Wednesday) was better than the one against Millwall. We could have done certain things better. But there is some positivity and spirit there for us to take into the game at Loftus Road. "Kelvin was not available, but he was desperate to be involved. He just pulled up a bit after the game against Millwall. But I am hoping that, on Thursday, he might be somewhere close for us, when it comes to returning to training. "Kelvin's problem is related to his previous issue, but it is not the same. It is something different. It is a temporary thing, but we need to manage it carefully because of the length of time he has been out. "We are confident that he will be in and around the team this weekend. With the situation that we have with Danny Collins at the minute, that will be a blessing for us. "I am also hoping that Danny Fox will be back available. We hope that he will be back in training with the rest of the squad on Thursday. "David Vaughan is getting closer, Andy Reid is getting closer as well. But it may be the Easter period before we have all those boys available again." One player who will not be available is Ishmael Miller, despite the striker having left Championship strugglers Yeovil following a row with boss Gary Johnson. Officially Miller will remain registered as a Yeovil player until the end of the season and he will not return to train with Forest. His City Ground contract is set to expire in the summer. "Ishmael is not training with us. I understand he has had a spat with the people down at Yeovil. From our point of view he is registered for them until the end of the season and cannot play for us," said Brazil. "That is it. We cannot play him. He signed for them until the end of the season, that is the end of it. He is registered as a Yeovil player until the end of the season."

Fire crews called to church blaze

April 9, 2014, 4:25 am

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Firefighters are tackling a blaze at a church in Eastwood. Crews were called to the chapel at Eastwood Cemetery between Chewton Street and Church Street at 1.50am on Wednesday. Four fire crews were dispatched to the church which was "well alight", according to Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue. As of 7.30am on Wednesday, three fire engines were still at the scene. For more Eastwood news, click here.

Police investigating after loud bang and dispute heard in St Ann's

April 9, 2014, 4:28 am

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Police were called to St Ann's on Tuesday afternoon after reports of a loud bang and a dispute between a group of people.Officers closed off the area known as Donkey Hill around Thorneywood Mount on Tuesday afternoon. Forensic searches are being carried out to establish if a firearm has been used. But police said at this stage there was no evidence of damage to property and no one was found injured in the area. House-to-house enquiries have been conducted and Thorneywood Mount, where it meets Gordon Road and St Bartholomew's Road, remains closed to traffic. Police are asking anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting incident 535 of 8 April 2014, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. For more police news, click here.

A tragic tale of war, murder and a Nottingham family torn apart by conflict

April 9, 2014, 5:02 am

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NOT all victims of war are killed on the front line.

During the First World War, hundreds of thousands of servicemen and women died in the fighting, but the tentacles of conflict also reached into the homes of the innocent.

Just such a tragic incident occurred in a house in Dale Road, Carlton, in February 1918 when Sherwood Foresters' hero Private Thomas Pole came home on leave.

The soldier had earned his time away from the trenches after nearly three years of action in which he had survived the killing fields of Gallipoli and the slaughter in France and Flanders.

He did not know it at the time, but Private Pole had been recommended for a gallantry award. During the battle of Broodeseinde in October 1917, he had been one of the leading wave in an attack which was held up by enemy machine guns.

With an officer, Pole charged a gun post, put the German team to flight and captured the gun, his bravery helping to save the lives of many of his comrades.

That same action which took place near the village of Poelcappelle in Belgium, during the Third Battle of Ypres, had seen Foresters' comrade Fred Greaves earn the Victoria Cross, emphasising the ferocity of the fighting.

So, for courageous Private Pole, of the 9th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, the chance to take a few days' leave to get home to Nottingham to see his wife would have come as a precious relief from the horrors he had experienced in Flanders.

But his joy turned to heartbreak... and then fury, when he arrived at his home in Dale Road in February 1918.

There he discovered that, while he had been away, his wife had had a relationship with another man and had given birth to an illegitimate child.

The pain of what had happened proved too much for the traumatised soldier. On the last day of his leave, alone in the house, he took the baby, an 11-month-old girl, and drowned her in a dolly tub which stood beneath a rain spout.

Pole made no attempt to flee and told police officers when arrested: "I ought to have drowned my wife as well if I had done right, but I felt sorry for her mother and father."

Within a few months Pole had been brought before a jury at the Nottingham Assizes Court. He did not deny the crime.

His lawyer, Mr Hurst, told the judge his one regret was that the man who had seduced Private Pole's wife had not been brought before the court.

Pole, proudly wearing the Distinguished Conduct Medal awarded for his courage on the battlefield, and which he had received while in prison awaiting trial, stood to attention to hear his fate.

The jury returned the inevitable verdict – guilty. But they added the strongest possible recommendation for mercy, a recommendation the judge said he would endorse.

But when it came to sentencing Pole, the judge's hands were tied.

Murder in 1918 was a capital offence punishable by death and so the judge donned the fearsome black cap and told Pole he would be hanged.

However, the circumstances surrounding the case, including Private Pole's bravery and the subsequent discovery that he had been betrayed by his wife, led to the sentence being commuted to life in prison.

And in the end, Pole served just seven years in Maidstone Prison before he was released.

According to records held by the Sherwood Foresters, Pole was 37 at the time of his imprisonment and later in life lived at Windmill Row, Carlton Hill.

The tragic story of Private Pole has been pieced together by researcher Mel Siddons and Sherwood Foresters historian Cliff Housley, but neither has been able to turn up a photograph of the soldier or uncover much about his life after his release.

The sinking of the Scharnhorst: I was there – see Tuesday's Post.

VIDEO: Paralympian Richard Whitehead's 40 marathons in 40 days subject of new exhibition

April 9, 2014, 5:20 am

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A photographic exhibition has opened telling the story of Richard Whitehead's 40 marathons in 40 days challenge. The Nottingham-born Paralympic gold medallist completed the epic run last year, raising more than £350,000 for charity. Nottinghamshire photographer David Baird followed Richard along the journey and took the selection of pictures. The images capture the athlete going through immense highs and lows on the 977-mile adventure. They are on display at the Antenna Media Centre in Beck Street. The exhibition is free to enter and runs until Friday.

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Gun fired in St Ann's, police confirm

April 9, 2014, 6:52 am

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Police are searching hospitals across the region for the possible victim of a shooting in St Ann's. Officers were called to the junction between Thorneywood Mount, Gordon Road and St Bartholomew's Road - known locally as Donkey Hill - at 3:52pm on Tuesday after a loud bang was heard. This followed reports of a dispute between a group of men outside a takeaway in Thorneywood Mount. The road was closed for almost 24 hours whilst police carried out their enquiries and forensic evidence was discovered suggesting a firearm had been discharged. There was still confusion as no property had been damaged and no one had been found injured. But CCTV images revealed that a man may have sustained an injury to his foot. Officers are now making enquiries at hospitals across the region in order to trace the victim. Detective Inspector Mike Allen said: "Despite no one being found injured at the scene, extensive CCTV enquiries indicate that someone was hurt, although the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, and we are in the process of trying to trace the victim. "If you know someone who came home injured last night, or have heard something that could assist our enquiries, call police immediately." Officers are also keen to trace the occupants of a blue Ford Focus which CCTV showed to be in the street around the time the reports were made. "Extensive enquiries have been conducted throughout the day and as a result we are keen to trace the occupants of a car seen in the area around the time police were called," added the Detective Inspector. "The people in this vehicle may have vital information that could assist detectives who are working to establish exactly what happened in Thorneywood Mount last night." If you have any information about the incident contact the Police on 101, quoting incident 535 of 8 April 2014, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Fundraisers bag £5,500 toward cerebral palsy operation target

April 9, 2014, 7:27 am

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COMMUNITY groups and local organisations have come together to raise more than £5,000 for a youngster to have a life-changing operation. A whole host of clubs and groups across Nottinghamshire are raising money toward a £45,000 target after the Post reported the story of Theo Hunt, who has spastic diplegia – a type of cerebral palsy. The three-year-old was due to have selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery at Queen's Medical Centre in February, which could have given him the ability to walk. However, funding for the operation was pulled by NHS England as Theo was missing one of the tests required for the op to take place. And Theo's mum Melissa Hunt, of Underwood, is raising the money herself for the operation - which she estimates to cost around £45,000 - and is appealing for more people to help with donations and buy tickets for upcoming events. She said: "We've raised around £5,500 already. We're really pleased but we just need to keep pushing it. "Anything is valuable. If everybody could just text and give £1 or £2 it would make a big difference and share it on Facebook. "Everybody is jumping on board, we just want to keep the momentum going. We're definitely grateful. "We've got all sorts of events planned. If anyone can help in terms of prizes or free use of a function room that would be great." One of the organisation's currently planning fundraising events is Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue. Chris Emmott is crew manager at Highfields station. He said: "We have plans to run four or five different events through the spring and the summer. It's something that is a worthwhile cause. "The fire service are the kind of people who would get on board and run with it." He added: "Our plans are to climb a ladder to the height of Everest, by continually climbing. "We are hoping to run something for the public to wear breathing apparatus and go into a mock up flat fire and we are looking at pulling the fire engine through the streets of Beeston too. "Hopefully we can help. We seem to be able to attract the public's attention when we do something. We're hoping the events will raise a nice bit of money for Theo." Some events have already been organised by Melissa. They include: A haunted event taking place at Newstead Abbey this coming Saturday. Tickets are still available to take part and cost £50. The event will run from 10pm to 7am and will include a ghost walk and an overnight stay at the stately home where ghostly investigators will track any ghoulish goings on. An Easter fair in Underwood at the Miners' Welfare and St Michael's Church. The event will include stalls and activities and an evening disco which costs £10 per family. A boxing match is being arranged which will take place at the Forum nightclub. Details to be confirmed. Anyone wanting to buy tickets or donate to Theo's cause can do so by e-mailing melissahunt@virginmedia.com or calling her on 07872629025. People can also donate by texting THEO75£ followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70070. Are you organising any fundraising events? E-mail us at newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Gamston singer Lauren Lovejoy launches assault on the charts

April 9, 2014, 7:30 am

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MUSIC lovers have another exciting name to champion after soul singer Lauren Lovejoy launched an assault on the charts. The 24-year-old from Gamston who is also a Miss Universe Great Britain finalist, has released Dontcha Go - her first video single. And since being released this week, the music video has already had thousands of people watching on the internet. Lauren, who has Aspergers Syndrome, is now hoping she can follow in the footsteps of Indiana or Jake Bugg by coming a national success story. She said: "It's quite a major release and it's being sent worldwide to all the TV channels and all the DJs - it's a really big thing. It's exciting and I've worked really hard. "There's been a lot of sessions, meetings with my producer and we had to do the video. It's been a lot of planning out." She added: "I'm hoping to sell a lot of my songs and have it played on all the stations and I want to make a name for myself. "I love performing live and I'm currently getting a good set together with some new musicians - we'll be doing loads of performances." Lauren is due to go back into the studio in around five weeks to record her next song and is looking to produce an album after that. She is also planning to tour the country's nightclubs performing. "The reception has been really good so far and I know that MTV has viewed the video three times and people are buying my track and new fans are coming along all the time," she said. And the 24-year-old has a message for other young people. She said: "Music is my release - it's what I do full time. It's a good thing for people to do. You can make something of yourself. A lot of people with Aspergers syndrome think they can't do anything but they can." Lauren, who has been likened to Paloma Faith and Shirley Bassey, created a 60s theme for the song's video, which was filmed at the Three Wheatsheaves in Derby Road, Lenton. And the young star said it was an honour to be considered a local talent. "I think it's fantastic the success we've had," she said. "It would be great to be the next Nottingham success story. I'm quite a quirky artist and I'm quite different. It's nice when people like you." The singer, who describes herself as a "blues soul" artist, co-wrote her new song with music writer and producer Jorden Milnes. Lauren is also competing in the Miss Universe Great Britain competition and is due to fight for the overall crown on April 21. Lauren's partner Phil Brown, 43, said: "We've been working really hard over the last few years. "We want everyone to get to know about Lauren and it's working really well. "This is a major release - Lauren's right up there, she's got all the makings of somebody who's going to be really big. She's original and has a huge voice. She's got such a big fan-base. "At the moment people are hearing of Jake Bugg and Indiana and they will be hearing of Lauren next." Are you trying to make it big in the music industry? Contact us at newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Plans to demolish the Long Eaton Green get the axe from council

April 9, 2014, 7:50 am

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Campaigners have welcomed the news that £600,000 plans to demolish a beloved roundabout have been axed. Following fierce opposition from residents, councillors have decided to no longer remove the Long Eaton Green. The roundabout was proposed for demolition as part of safety measures aimed at preventing accidents. The intersection has been ranked as one of the most hazardous in the area for cyclists with five serious and 21 slight injuries in the past five years. The proposals, that were put forward by Derbyshire County Council, would have seen it replaced with traffic lights. It was part of a larger infrastructure project, worth £600,000, which also included the installation of new cycle lanes on nearby Derby Road. However a number of businesses and community leaders have resisted the roundabout's removal, saying it would cause misery for motorists. The decision to keep the roundabout was announced by the council earlier this week. Marie Crowley of the Long Eaton Civic Society helped lead the fight against the plans and said she was delighted by the result. She said: "It's fantastic news. it really is, and a testimony to the people of Long Eaton who took part in the consultation and voiced their opposition. "Without their help, the plans wouldn't have been able to have been challenged so we're really, really happy. "The plans as they originally stood were to reduce cycle injury and accidents but we felt that it would not reduce accidents and we felt the green was not an accident hot spot but part of a long stretch of road between Wilsthorpe Island and Toton." A new set of proposals, which will cost £110,000 are to be discussed by councillors at a meeting on Tuesday, April 15. These include installing cycle lanes along Derby and Nottingham Road putting in a toucan crossing on Derby Road just west of College Street and extending the 30mph speed limit along Derby Road to west of Parkside Avenue. The installation of the toucan crossing and the extension of the speed limit are subject to public consultation. Leader of Erewash Boroguh Council Councillor Chris Corbett was pleased the Green had been saved but was cautious over the new plans. He said: "This is excellent news. I'd like to say well done to all thee people who organised the campaign against the ideas for the Green. "They were united in their concern for Long Eaton and the borough. "It's a shame there's still one crossing suggested to come in but I don't know what the impact will be, we'll have to look at that." Derbyshire County Council's Deputy cabinet member for Jobs, Economy and Transport Councillor Dean Collins said: "It was clear from the consultation we carried out that local people did not want us to remove The Green. "We've taken these comments on board and are now looking at a reduced package of measures that will improve safety for cyclists, but still keep The Green as it is." Are traffic plans in your area causing headaches? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Royal wedding cake sold for £420 in Nottingham auction

April 9, 2014, 8:00 am

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WEDDING cake made for Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding has sold at auction for £420. Nottingham auctioneers Mellors and Kirk sold the regal treat - which was valued between £50 to £150 - on Wednesday. Crown Speciality Packaging in Mansfield, made the tins for the royal wedding in 2011 so guests could take a piece home. The multi-tiered traditional wedding fruit cake, decorated with sugar flowers, had said it was built inside Buckingham Palace. The slice was sold on behalf of former employee Adrian Richardson, 59, who was sent a piece as a thank you gesture for his work. Mr Richardson said he was one of few employees from the firm to be given a slice in the commemorative tin he helped design, along with a note from Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. A slice of the same cake has fetched £2,000 over the pond in America in November. Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge wed bride Catherine on April 29 2011.