FISH finger sandwiches are rarely found on the menu of a city centre cafe – but that is what makes one deli stand out from the crowd.

Homemade, in Pelham Street, Hockley, is a quirky hideaway which fuses traditional homely grub with one or two surprises.

The lifelong dream of owner Jasmin Barlow-Wilkinson, it has been drawing in the crowds since it first opened its doors nine years ago.

The cafe is now in the running to win the Post and Nottingham Business Improvement District's competition to find the best independent businesses in the city, after being nominated by customers.

The contest, now in its third year, is designed to discover and celebrate the best independent retailers across the city for 2014.

For Jasmin, the key to Homemade's success is its "feel good, family-friendly" vibe.

The name perfectly sums up what Homemade is all about – food made from scratch that makes people feel at home.

The 35-year-old said: "When people come here they know what they're getting – we're not trying to be something we're not.

"Our feedback is really positive – we've got a great army of Homemade fans who tweet about us and write nice things on Facebook."

But far from being a "hipster hangout", Homemade attracts people from all walks of life.

Jasmin added: "Sometimes you'll look in the cafe and see some guys having a business meeting, some students celebrating the end of exams, some yummy mummies sitting with their babies and two old ladies having some tea and scones.

"It's always a real mix. But that's what's great about Homemade – there really is something for everyone."

Jasmin, who started cooking at the age of four, is passionate about food.

Her decision to open a city centre cafe has paid off, and there are now two other Homemade cafes in Sherwood and on The Forest recreation ground.

She said: "Having independent businesses is really important to any city.

"It gives it that USP and unique quirkiness.

"Brighton is one of my favourite places, where the independent shops outweigh the chains. I think that's what Nottingham could become.

"It's taken a while, but there are now more and more independent shops in prominent places, which is great."

Homemade Pelham Street cafe manager Jessica Buckley, 25, says being able to take the establishment in new directions marks it out from some of its high-street rivals.

She said: "I worked at Tesco for six years and left because I wanted to come to an independent company.

"I really feel like we're making more of a difference here – it's much more personal and I can actually make decisions that change the direction of the company by listening to what customers want.

"We've got so many regulars that we know so well – a lot of them have become friends."

Customer Harriet Shaw, 21, visited Homemade after hearing good things.

She said: "I love quaint little cafés like this – it has such a nice feel to it.

"I much prefer going to individual places like this than going to one of the chains."

To vote for Homemade or any other independent businesses you think should be nominated, click here. Voting closes on June 18.

AS the country's first female Defence Minister, and the only woman reporter at Central Television in the early 90s, Broxtowe MP Anna Soubry is no stranger to working in an all-male environment.

In her constituency office in Chilwell, the Under-Secretary of State for Defence describes her experience of the House of Commons. "I don't find any difficulty because of my sex," she says. "I just get on and do the job, and most people treat you like anybody else."

She believes the majority of sexism women in politics encounter comes from social media. The Conservative MP says: "It always goes back to mentioning the sex of the woman and it's much more vicious and more personal, much more about your clothes, your hair, your make-up, your age."

However, Ms Soubry does not believe sexism is to blame for the lack of women in the House of Commons – just 23 per cent of MPs are female. And, since the resignation of Maria Miller in April, there are only three women in the Cabinet.

Instead, she argues that it is the attitudes of women themselves which are responsible.

She says: "The simple reason is that not enough women come forward to stand. Then when they do go for a seat, women often see themselves as being in competition with the other women as opposed to being in competition with both the men and women, and women have really got to get their minds around that."

Although Ms Soubry's determination and passion has propelled her to a high Governmental position, she admits that it is a difficult and demanding job which involves seven-day weeks.

Organisations such as the Fawcett Society, which campaigns for women to be equally represented in positions of power, have identified several issues which affect female MPs on a larger scale than male MPs and are calling for change in Parliament to make politics more accessible and appealing to women.

MPs are classed as self-employed – which means they are not entitled to any specific maternity or paternity leave and have to negotiate with their parties. The long and inflexible sitting hours in the Commons – 2.30pm to 10.30pm – cause problems for MPs who have to organise childcare.

The Fawcett Society's spokeswoman Polly Trenow says: "Because women still tend to do the bulk of caring for children, they are disproportionately affected by rigid working hours."

The group wants a review of parliamentary sitting hours, maternity rights and prescription quotas of women in parties.

She adds: "Decisions of national importance that affect us all are being made without women round the table so the different experiences and perspectives of one half of the country are not being heard."

Women MPs have only been permitted in the Commons since the Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act of 1918, but almost a century later the numbers are still low.

Out of Nottinghamshire's 11 MPs, only three are women - Lilian Greenwood for Nottingham South, Anna Soubry for Broxtowe and Gloria de Piero for Ashfield.

University of Nottingham Political History Professor Stephen Fielding explains that sexism remains the major issue in the progression of women in Parliament.

He says: "Politics has always been dominated by men and assumptions about leadership remain inherently sexist.

"Most party members who choose candidates are men and many women party members still think it more natural for men to take positions of leadership than women."

Dr Rosie Campbell, an expert in Gender and Politics at Birkbeck University of London, was shocked to hear that no women had been included in the 11-candidate list for the Newark by-election. She says: "I would encourage all political parties to adopt all-women shortlists which would circumvent the problem."

The Labour Party introduced such shortlists in 2002.

Graham Allen, Labour MP for Nottingham North, said he would welcome an all-woman shortlist in his constituency when he is no longer MP. He added: "We only get to influence the number of women in Parliament every five years or so and we should seek to balance the representatives as in line with the population."

The Conservative Party does not support all-women shortlists and instead launched campaign group Women2Win in 2005 to encourage women to get involved in politics. Co-founder of Women2Win, Baroness Anne Jenkin says she was surprised by a by-election without a female candidate and believes that the way to boost the number of women in Parliament is by offering more support in the election process.

Ms Soubry talks passionately about getting women involved in politics without the use of all-women shortlists because women can only be properly respected if they succeed through merit.

She says: "If we get more people involved in politics then we will see more women in politics. And if we have more women in Parliament we will continue to make advances as women – so get stuck in!"

What do you think? Email newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

ANDREW Kelley, 25, of Arbrook Drive, Beechdale, pleaded guilty to drink-driving in Ainsley Road, Radford, on May 9. Magistrates in Nottingham heard he was behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Astra when he had 83 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the limit of 35. He was handed a 20-month driving ban and a £220 fine. He was ordered to pay a £22 victim surcharge and £85 costs. No separate penalty was imposed after he admitted the Vauxhall was uninsured.

CHRISTOPHER Hallam, 30, of Port Arthur Road, Sneinton, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to wiring belonging to a woman in West Bridgford on March 8. At Nottingham Magistrates' Court, he was ordered to pay £310.55 compensation and £85 court costs. A restraining order was made to stop him going to Melton Road, West Bridgford.

EMMA Miller, 25, of Hornbeam Gardens, Bulwell, admitted producing one large cannabis plant in Bulwell on May 8. Magistrates in Nottingham conditionally discharged her for 12 months and ordered she pay a £15 victim surcharge and costs of £85.

LIAM Mulvany, 33, of Cross Street, Carlton, will go on trial accused of a series of road traffic offences. He is accused of driving a red BMW in Standhill Road, Carlton, and having an accident with a Nissan Juke car and failing to stop on January 18. He denies he was disqualified from driving, having no insurance and driving without due care and attention. His case has been listed at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on August 28 at 10am. He remains on bail.

NICOLA Johnson, 43, of Oxclose Lane, Arnold, is charged with assaulting a female in Hyson Green on April 2. She has been bailed to attend Nottingham Magistrates' Court on June 13 at 2pm.

BRYAN Martin, 28, of Laughton Crescent, Hucknall, denied drink-driving in Lower Parliament Street, Nottingham, on February 15. His trial will be at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on July 18 at 10am. He remains on bail.

ADAM Downie, 25, of Thorneywood Mount, Thorneywood, will appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on July 30. He admitted failing to provide police with information about the identity of the driver of a BMW. The driver was allegedly guilty of a road traffic offence in Arnold last August. He also admitted driving without due care and attention in Westdale Lane, Carlton, last August.

DARREN Glanvill, 40, of Maws Lane, Kimberley, has pleaded guilty to producing cannabis in the town on December 14 last year. He was fined £100 at Nottingham Magistrates' Court. He was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

JONATHAN Cash, 50, of Lombard Street, Newark, has been bailed to attend Nottingham Magistrates' Court on September 8. He will have a trial accused of assaulting a male and causing him actual bodily harm in Newark on March 23.

PAMELA Raynor, 62, of Macaulay Close, Balderton, admitted drink-driving. Magistrates in Nottingham heard she was driving a Peugeot 206 in Grange Road, Newark, when she had 75 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over the limit of 35. She was fined £125 and banned from driving for three years and also has to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

WILLIAM Reilly, 18, of Nottingham Road, Woodborough, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine in the Blue Bell pub, Parliament Street, Nottingham, on May 11. At Nottingham Magistrates' Court, he was handed a community order with 60 hours of unpaid work, to be completed in 12 months. He was ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

A NUMBER of people have been fined at Mansfield Magistrates' Court for not having a television licence. They are:

Zoe Allsop, 35, of Willow Crescent, Sutton-in-Ashfield, was fined £40 and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and costs of £80. She did not have a licence on March 13 and pleaded guilty by post.

Helen Baguley, 37, of Leeming Lane South, Mansfield Woodhouse, was fined £400 for having no licence on March 9. The case was proved in her absence. She was additionally ordered to pay a £40 victim surcharge and costs of £120.

Elvis Baker, 32, of Chaucer Street, Mansfield, was fined £70 for not having a TV licence on March 21. He was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £80 costs. He pleaded guilty by post.

Penny Bend, 48, of Derwent Drive, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, pleaded guilty to having no licence between March 9 and March 14. She was fined £40 and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and costs of £80.

Sharna Coleman, 22, of Spinney Close, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, was fined £200. She had no licence between January 30 and March 14. The case was proved in her absence. She was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and costs of £120.

Sam Cook, 34, of Willow Tree Close, Forest Town, was fined £80 for having no licence on March 10. She was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £80 costs.

NEARLY 16,000 people a year are relying on handouts from food banks to help them survive in Notts.

And of those in desperate need of a three-day food package, shocking new figures have revealed that more than 6,000 were children.

With economic difficulties hitting families hard, reliance on food banks in the area has increased by 251 per cent from the previous year, according to a study by Oxfam and Church Action on Poverty.

Now charities and local leaders are warning that the situation could become even worse – with Oxfam chief executive Mark Goldring calling the need for such places a "stain on our national conscience".

Nigel Adams is the director of Hope Nottingham, which runs 13 food banks in the county, including ones in Netherfield, Beeston, Bestwood, Bulwell, Carlton and Stapleford.

He said: "The sort of stories I have been hearing recently have been shocking. We have been approached by doctors' surgeries asking to set up a food bank in Bilborough because they are having patients come in who aren't eating.

"And recently a head teacher at a school asked for help setting up a breakfast club, because she hadn't experienced poverty like this in 40 years.

"Our food banks in Notts have at least doubled output in the last year – it is horrific."

Mike McCarthy has used the NG11 food bank in Clifton while looking for work.

The 23-year-old said: "I have used it when money has been really low. I'm getting so desperate now.

"It's a low part of my day when I have gone there. I don't like asking people for help when I'm out of food."

Dr Keith Hebden is an Anglican priest from Mansfield who recently fasted for 40 days to highlight the problem of people not being able to afford food.

He said: "It is a symptom of increased hardship in our time – and we are hearing stories that are horrendous.

"It's affecting people from all walks of life. I had a letter from a lawyer who was articulate and well-qualified, but disability led to her going hungry.

"It can happen to anybody and we need to show compassion."

In Notts, 15,832 people were given three-day food packages at least once during the last financial year, according to the figures from Oxfam.

MIKE McCarthy has had to ask for help to feed himself on three occasions this year.

The job-seeker from Clifton has been given lifeline food parcels by his local food bank but said accepting the handouts was the lowest he has felt.

The 23-year-old said he had been left with no choice after his outgoings increased.

"There's so many things you have to pay for, food, electricity and increased council tax," said the former People's College student.

"They don't consider how I am going to feed and wash myself. I'm not surprised how many people need support.

"Everyone says my CV is great and I have the qualifications but no one wants to hire me. Society does not seem to want to give me a chance."

Despite Nigel Adams overseeing 13 food banks to which vulnerable and desperate people turn, the magnitude of the problem still shocks him.

The director of Hope Nottingham says he wants to weep when he hears confirmation that 15,832 – including more than 6,000 children – were struggling so much that they needed to be given a three-day food parcel in the financial year 2013-14.

Mr Adams has a warning even more grim than the statistics: "Things are still getting worse. Our food banks stores were full at Christmas and by mid February we were struggling for supplies," he said. "It's been so busy. We've found ourselves in the last month or two working hand-to-mouth to keep up the supply.

"I think it's getting worse. I think it's appalling. It makes you want to weep. The economic situation is such that increasingly the most poor and vulnerable in society are having support stripped away from them."

But while Mr Adams admits "there does not seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel", comfort can be taken in the mammoth efforts of charity workers and volunteers.

He said: "There are different charities doing their best to address the situation and we do have individual success stories of people we can help to turn their lives around. We are beginning to find ways to help – it's not just about providing money and food – it's about providing all the support people need. We have had some successes in terms of getting people housed, into work and off drink or drugs so they can get to a stage where they don't need crisis support."

Charity bosses produced a report which looked at the picture across the country and concluded that changes to the social security system, benefit sanctions, low wages, insecure contracts and rising food and energy prices are contributing to the increasing numbers of meals handed out.

The report highlights that food prices have increased by 43.5 per cent in the past eight years. During the same time the poorest 20 per cent of people have seen their disposable income fall by £936 a year.

As a result, the study, led by Oxfam, said 20 million people had to access a food bank in the past year.

Dr Keith Hebden, a priest in Mansfield who does a lot of work around poverty and hunger, says the numbers could cause problems which become hard to undo. He said: "It's important that we don't get used to food banks being around so that they are normal – it's important that we've got them now but we need to be planning to get rid of them.

"This is a national crisis despite us being the seventh wealthiest country in the world."

Wendy White, co-ordinator of Clifton's NG11 food bank, says a solution is dealing with people's wider issues. She said: "What we're doing in NG11 is having advice training so we can show people where they can go for more help rather than giving them a food parcel and leaving them to it.

"It's all right giving a food parcel – but it's not enough. The situation is heartbreaking, absolutely devastating."

THE University of Nottingham Students' Union has launched a project to collect unwanted food for local food banks.

The 'Yes We Kan' campaign, which began on June 2 and runs until the end of term, has seen plastic bins designed for collecting unwanted products placed on campuses.

Students will be able to donate items such as rice, pasta, flour, cooking oil and foods in sealed tins and jars that otherwise would be thrown away.

University chiefs hope the project will reduce waste left behind by students and benefit the local community.

Dave Cordell, community officer at the Students' Union, has led the project. He said: "At the Students' Union we are aware that local food banks are coming under more strain as demands for food donations city-wide are rising. The reaction from students has been positive and we hope for a great collection when our volunteers do the rounds."

Milk (UHT or powdered)

Sugar

Fruit juice (carton)

Soup

Pasta sauces

Sponge pudding (tinned)

Tomatoes (tinned)

Cereals

Rice pudding (tinned)

Tea bags/instant coffee

Instant mash potato

Rice/pasta

Tinned meat/fish

Tinned fruit

Jam

Biscuits or snack bar

I WAS born in Nottingham, but I lived in Langley Mill in Derbyshire until I was ten years old. I went to the Infant School in Aldercar and then I went to the all-age Langley Mill Boys' School.

We moved to Nottingham in 1950 and for a little over a year I attended Highbury Primary School in Albert Street, Bulwell, which is long since demolished.

My primary schools were very old-fashioned and basic, in dreadful buildings, teaching overwhelmingly the children of coal miners or factory workers.

The standard of education was extraordinarily high in the circumstances, though some of the teachers probably concentrated on their most able pupils to an extent that would not now be totally approved of.

I passed the 11-plus and I was put in for an extra 11-plus examination for boys who might go to Nottingham High School, which I passed. I then attended Nottingham High School from 1951 to 1959, with the city council paying my fees.

I was so used to being in the top one or two of a class that I was startled to discover that the boys in my A-stream class at the High School were all of the same ability as me. I steadily settled in and I always enjoyed – and was best at – the traditional arts subjects, such as History and English.

I was dreadful at Modern Languages and I was totally bored by Science. The result was that I refused to take any Science subject at O-level and did Art and Architecture instead. No one would allow me to abandon Science like that nowadays.

In the sixth form I did English and History at A-level and I also did an A-level in Economics, which was the only economic qualification that I ever acquired for being Chancellor of the Exchequer.

I have fond memories of two primary teachers in particular, a Mr Burnett in Langley Mill and a Mr Fletcher in Bulwell, who most undoubtedly transformed my education and put me in a position to take up a full academic course through the High School and university.

The teacher who particularly steered me through the High School was a man called David Peters, who was especially inspirational when he taught me in the sixth form. I studied Medieval History under his guidance and it was that which got me into Cambridge.

I always enjoyed my school days, although I was fairly non-conformist and not a model pupil, I am sure. No one dreamt of making me a monitor at my primary school or making me a prefect in the High School.

I could pass examinations without any great difficulty, I quite enjoyed the best lessons and I enjoyed playing in the playground.

I look back on my school days with fondness and pleasure and I am not sure that I realised how much everything I was doing then was going to transform my quality of life in future. I just assumed I was going to go on to pass the next examination, as I was expected to do.

MATTY Fryatt is understood to be one of the two signings Nottingham Forest are closing in on today.
The Hull City striker has rejected the offer of a fresh contract at the Premier League club.
And Forest are hopeful of completing a move to sign the former Leicester man on a free transfer.
The 28-year-old has an impressive scoring record through a career that has seen him play for Walsall, Leicester and the Tigers, netting a goal almost every three games in the league.
Fryatt has scored 110 goals in 264 league starts and 75 sub appearances over all. He was previously a target for former boss Billy Davies, during his first spell in charge at the City Ground.
But Forest finally look likely to get their man in what would be an impressive capture on a free.
Fryatt had found first team chances hard to come by at Hull last season, making only ten substitute appearances in the top flight.
He was a regular in Hull’s FA Cup squad, however, and started in their Wembley defeat against Arsenal.
But it seems he is close to being persuaded to join up with incoming boss Stuart Pearce at Forest.
Pearce himself yesterday confirmed that he expects to make two signings today, with another striker also expected for talks in the city.
“We are hoping to announce two signings tomorrow. We are on the ball, that is not a problem, that is for sure,” he said  yesterday.
The second target is thought to be Dutch striker Lars Veldwijk.
The 22-year-old Excelsior striker has played for FC Volendam and FC Utrecht and had a loan spell at Fc Dordrecht during the 2012/13 season where he scored 16 times in 33 appearances.
He hit peak form for Excelsior last season, bagging 30 goals in 38 appearances.
Forest would have to shell out around £2.5m to land the highly rated youngster.
Pearce has also regularly watched Coventry striker Callum Wilson, with the 22-year-old having had the scouts flocking to watch him as he fired 22 goals last season.
But the League One club are thought to value the player at £3m – and reportedly rejected a seven-figure bid for Wilson from Bournemouth in the last few days.
And Forest seem more likely to move for Veldwijk.
Forest were also one of several clubs interested in Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford, who flourished on loan at Derby and MK Dons last season.
But the Reds may have to be patient if they hope to bring the player back to the City Ground.
Bamford will join up with the rest of the Chelsea first team on their pre-season tour, with boss Jose Mourinho keen to monitor the England under-21 international’s progress.

Bad #flood in #Kimberley#Nottinghamshire. Road is blocked. pic.twitter.com/5QMS43NTdX

— James Winsoar (@winsoar) June 9, 2014

Casual 3-4 foot flood in the middle of the road

— Neroh (@nerohkun) June 9, 2014

yikes, next to Ilkeston fire station flood pic.twitter.com/W1u4KJt0cj

— natalie (@nat_rams) June 9, 2014

WELCOME to coverage of Nottinghamshire's trip to Yorkshire.

Notts resumed day two looking to take early wickets with the home side starting on 52 for two after the visitors made 205 all out at Headingley on the opening day.

Teams:

Notts: PA Jaques, AD Hales, MJ Lumb, JWA Taylor, SR Patel, MH Wessels, CMW Read*†, PM Siddle, A Shahzad, AR Adams, LJ Fletcher

Yorkshire: A Lyth, AZ Lees,JA Leaning, AW Gale*, JM Bairstow†, AJ Finch, AU Rashid, TT Bresnan, RM Pyrah, SA Patterson, JA Brooks

3.42pm: No more play today I'm afraid.

3.30pm: It started to rain again but has now stopped. The umpires are out having a look.

3pm: Conditions have improved and there will be a further inspection at 4pm.

11.35am: Rain stops play with the score still 72/2

11.30am: Gale and Leaning have now put on 50 together from 91 balls. Yorkshire 72/2 with the prospect of rain looming.

11.20: Yorkshire have progressed to 65 for two. Gale on 18 and Leaning on 32.

11.00: Play gets underway.

BEFORE I got a real job, I did a degree in history and a master's degree in politics. Now I'm in a real job, I've discovered I'm one of the few history and politics graduates whose degree is useful. Of course, I work in a political world, so that's the politics element. But history? Well, von Bismarck once said, "History existed primarily to be learned from. Even if the events do not repeat themselves, at least circumstances and characters do." History has been particularly pertinent in looking at the recent European elections. Major gains across Europe for far-right and far-left parties have shocked people, as has the rise of Ukip in the British elections. I am one of the few who is not surprised. Look at the Great Depression of 1929: after that, we saw voters stream to extreme ends of the political spectrum because they felt traditional, centrist politics had caused all these problems, and what was needed was new blood. Of course, this new blood had easy scapegoats: foreigners, immigrants, trade and so on. Easy-to digest-sound bites, simplified politics and a belligerent refusal to discuss issues of running the country because their issues were more important to Joe Public. Sounding familiar yet? It makes sense that, in European elections, with far-right parties blaming Europe for problems in their own countries, anti-Europe parties would be elected. But what of 2015? Ukip are convinced these victories will propel them into Westminster. The BNP were convinced of that too, a couple of years ago, and even Nick Griffin's lost his seat at the European Parliament now. I'm not convinced. I think the national election will still be between Labour and the Conservatives – certainly, that's where my organisation's likely to focus its energies. We want to know how these parties will protect those that charities work with and protect, and how they will make sure government cares for its country's worst-off. I have written constantly about the current government's attacks on the poorest under the guise of "reforming welfare" – any more repeats of this post-2015 will see the greatest division of society since the Victorian age, with charity picking up people that the state will not. All parties have to do better than this. The Conservatives surely can't go on savaging the poor. Labour have to stand up and protect them, but I'll be surprised if they do, as welfare's the only easier scapegoat than immigration. The Lib Dems… well, I think they're in for a (hugely justified) hammering from the voters they betrayed. Ukip? Well, that could be a huge mistake, if Herr von Bismarck – a conservative, and creator of the world's first welfare state, by the way – is right. 

The anniversary wish of a retired couple has come true thanks to a little help from the Nottingham Post.

Following an appeal by the paper to find the long-lost bridesmaid of Ken and Christine Cooper the trio have now been reunited - fifty years after the golden couple walked down the aisle.

Mrs Cooper, 69, who lives in Robins Wood, Aspley, with her 74-year-old husband was overwhelmed by the response to help find Juli Terzza, who was only four when she played bridesmaid.

She said: "After the story appeared in the Post I had people calling me saying they had been on Facebook and seen a Tony Waterfield - who was one of Juli's brothers - but nothing came of it.

"Then a lady called, who was an amateur family historian, she had found a Terry Waterfield and had the address, which was in Bilborough - only a stone's throw from where the family were based.

"These were all complete strangers I just couldn't believe it. I had thought maybe a family member of Juli's may have seen the story and got in touch but these people were just being kind and helping us - it's one of those awful things where I was so surprised that i didn't even catch the lady's name."

With address in hand Mr and Mrs Cooper headed to the address not knowing if anybody would be at home let alone a relative of Juli's.

Mrs Cooper said: "I was quite nervous because people don't really like callers these days but we knocked on the door and a lady answered - it was Terry's wife.

Sadly, Terry had recently died but we spoke with his wife Christine for quite a while and she passed on Juli's details."

Juli, now 55, was the daughter of Mrs Cooper's mother's best friend, and was the youngest bridesmaid at the ceremony on June 20 1964 at Aspley Evangelical Church.

Mrs Cooper said: "Julie was just amazed when I called her. It was a real blast from the past – she was only a young lass when she was our bridesmaid but she seemed really pleased.

"We are hoping that she will make it to a bit of our party if not we would like to meet her at some point. We are so grateful to everyone who has helped us."

Mr and Mrs Cooper will be having a service of thanks to celebrate their milestone anniversary at the same church they were married in on Saturday June 21 followed by a party at Strelley Hall.

So far Mrs Cooper and Juli, who is an operations manager at Eon and lives in Derby, have only spoken once on the phone.

Juli said: "I was four or five when I was a bridesmaid so I don't really remember very much, and since then I've been married and separated so I guess people just lose touch.

"I think she was quite lucky finding me really as Waterfield isn't the most common name and I don't think any friends know my maiden name. 

"I won't be able to make the party as I am going away but I want to arrange meeting them before, it would be a shame to pass of the opportunity considering how much effort everyone has gone to, I don't want to disappear again."

Speaking previously to the Post Mr Cooper said: "We had four bridesmaids and two of them have regrettably died.

"The other was Christine's niece, so we are in contact with her, but we would just love to have Juli with us as well.

"I guess she looks a little bit different by now." 

Have you tracked down a long-lost relative? Get in touch: Newsdesk@nottinghampost.com 

Drumming lessons, zumba classes and even a human jukebox will be among the entertainment on offer at a community horticultural event. 

 The 23rd Lady Bay Open Gardens Weekend offers residents a chance to look behind the flower beds of sixteen private gardens while enjoying cream teas, live music and dance. 

Organisers will have fingers firmly crossed for nice weather to showcase the Victorian suburb's "hidden gems" while raising money for local good causes including Holme Lodge Cheshire Home.

The care home for adults with physical disabilities in Julian Road, West Bridgford, is hoping sales of homemade cakes will raise funds for a new communal TV and a wheelchair friendly flower bed. Service manager Shona Ramshall feels the event is a great chance for neighbours to get to know each other as well as raise money for the home.

She said: "It's important that the community know about us and that we interact with he community that's really why we take part. "Last year's event was great because two people ended up asking to volunteer with us as a result.

"The garden really is accessible for everyone and we already have a few raised flower beds which can be accessed by wheelchair users but we would like a few more round the back."

The garden which already has some raised flower beds is looked after by a team of volunteers - with 350 hours of time donated each month. Cheshire Home along with 15 other gardens will be open to the public on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June with the £2.50 entrance fee going towards FIELDS - a countryside action group - who help run the event.

Chief organiser Keith Wright, 68, of Pierrepont Road is also a keen gardener and will be opening up his gates for green-fingered residents to come and explore.

He said: "Gardening is very relaxing and therapeutic - I would recommend it to everyone. "We have lots of exciting events and entertainment planned for this year's Open Garden Weekend including the Trent Navigation's Sea Shanty Group who will be touring round on the Sunday."

And back again by popular demand will be the human jukebox - a Punch and Judy style stage which visitors can pop £1 into in exchange for a live rendition of a selected song. Husband and wife team Phil Preen and Julie Palmer are behind the gimmick which showcases the talents of the Poppy Folk Club.

Ms Palmer said: "We came up with the idea as a way to participate in the open gardens weekend about three years ago.

"We are thinking about changing the name to iPod Shuffle though instead as we don't think anyone knows what a jukebox is anymore."

The human jukebox will be based at 131 Holme Road, where homemade wine will also be available courtesy of John Pankhurst. 

Participating gardens will be identified with a yellow balloon and a map of the gardens and entertainment will be posted at the Post Office, in Trent Boulevard.

Are you organising a community fundraiser? Get in touch: newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

Rip Rik Mayall. True comedy genius

— gordy(c) (@gordy_11) June 9, 2014

Sad to hear the news of Rik Mayall's passing. He was such a talented actor and comedian. RIP.

— Gareth Finch (@GazNotts1) June 9, 2014

RIP Rik Mayall. Thanks for making me laugh over the years, thanks for memories.

— Ryan (@ryanburnett1234) June 9, 2014

So sad to hear about rik mayall passing grew up watching bottom and the young ones #rip

— Hayleigh Stevens (@HJS888) June 9, 2014

Good night and god bless to Rik Mayall :( another legend lost... *snot face* — feeling sad

— Suzy-Rose Attaway (@fidos_missus) June 9, 2014

"We couldn't have wished for a better welcome if we were David Beckham", a veteran's niece has said. Chrissie Fox, 68, escorted her 91-year-old uncle Cyril Crain to Normandy at the weekend for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Thousands of Second World War soldiers along with their families and friends made the trip to France on Friday and Mrs Fox says it was the homecoming the troops deserved. "It was a very very emotional time but there was also a celebratory buzz in the air. "Everywhere we went, walking around pushing Uncle Cyril in his wheelchair, people stopped us to say thank you, to shake his hand or to ask for a kiss. "Even children were asking if they could hug him. "The respect that was shown was overwhelming and very moving." Mr Crain, who was one of a few English members of the Canadian Queen's Own Rifles regiment to storm the beaches, set-off from Hall Park Care Home, in Bulwell, at 3am Thursday. Mrs Fox said: "It was a really long journey but Cyril travelled really well, it was five hours on the ferry across to Ouistreham and I got a little bit seasick. "The next day we went to the Canadian cemetery where he visited his best friend Freddie Harris' grave. "He also got to meet Charles and Camila who were amazing and made an effort to speak to all the veterans. "We've framed a picture of him meeting Prince Charles which we are going to give him for his 91st birthday on Wednesday – I can just imagine it hanging in his room at the home, he will love it." She added: "While we were away a lot of the time he couldn't say anything it was just all too much to take in, so we just let him be quiet with his own thoughts – it is truly frightening that the soldiers were 18, 19, 20 years old when they were sent over to fight, it is so important that we continue to remember." Mr Crain was only 18-years-old when he landed at Juno beach in Normandy, for the previous 24-hours he had been cooped-up under high security without a clue where he was going. Speaking previously to the Post he said; "I was given ten francs so I knew it was somewhere in France. On June 5 we lined-up our rum ration before breakfast, which I drank neat." Known affectionately as "Spider" by his comrades – due to his speed on nets – Mr Crain witnessed the death of his best friend as they landed on the beach. Sergeant Freddie Harris had taken Mr Crain under his wing and his death affected the veteran so much that he wrote a poem about his lost friend. The poem was read out at a ceremony held on Gold Beach on Friday where the Queen, Prince William and Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge were present. It is now available to purchase as a post card at the D-Day museum in Normandy and Mrs Fox says that scholars are now studying her uncle's poetry. She said: "The said that normally poems don't translate to well into French, that the meaning is lost but not with Cyril's poems, they thought they must have been written by an academic, but he wasn't, he was just an ordinary man." Do you have a relative who was in the Second World War? Get in touch: Newsdesk@nottinghampost.com

NOTTINGHAM Forest have completed the signing of Matty Fryatt on a three-year contract.

The striker rejected the offer of a new deal with Premier League Hull City to complete his move to the City Ground.

The 28-year-old front-man has long been a target for the Reds, who have tried to sign him on at least two previous occasions.

But incoming Reds boss Stuart Pearce has swooped to capture the former Walsall and Leicester City man on a free transfer.

Forest are also closing in on Dutch striker Lars Veldwijk, in a deal thought to be worth around £1m. That move is expected to be confirmed in the morning, with both players having undergone a medical in the city this afternoon.

But Forest have completed the deal to add Fryatt to Pearce's squad, as he looks to put together a side that is capable of pushing for promotion to the Premier League.

"I am delighted to announce the signing of Matty Fryatt on a three-year contract, he is a player this club has admired for many years," Said club owner and chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi on Twitter. "I am delighted to have finally got our man. I look forward to welcoming him into this great club when his contract starts on July 1."

LARS Veldwijk's move to Nottingham Forest is in limbo – after the Dutchman returned home to mull over the move.

The 22-year-old striker completed a medical in the City last night and discussed personal terms. Veldwijk was understood to be keen on the prospect of playing under former England and Reds defender Stuart Pearce.

But the 6ft 5in Excelsior front man has asked for more time to think over the move. It remains unclear whether Veldwijk's hesitancy has been inspired by late interest from another club, with newly promoted Leicester City having been linked with the player.

But, privately, Forest remain hopeful that the deal will still go through. The club believe they have made the player a competitive contract offer and hope that, after discussions with his family, Veldwijk will still agree to sign on the dotted line.

The situation does have echoes of Forest's failed bid for another Dutchman, ADO Den Haag winger Wesley Verhoek, in August 2011. The then 24-year-old had agreed terms on a move and was given a tour of the training ground and City Ground.

But he later pulled out of the move, claiming that he would be homesick had he moved to England.

Forest will hope that this saga has a different outcome and that the highly rated Veldwijk will still follow in the footsteps of Matty Fryatt, who put pen to paper on a three-year contract to join the Reds on a free transfer from Hull City last night.