A COMMUNITY has come together to raise money for a pensioner who had her handbag and Christmas presents stolen.

The 79-year-old woman was mugged and knocked to the ground and £180 worth of Christmas presents were stolen as well as her handbag.

Users of a community website heard about the woman's plight online and decided to raise the money to help replace her Christmas presents.

The victim, who did not want to be named, said she was hugely grateful.

She added: "I think it's generous, I just don't know what to say.

"It's such kindness at this time of year. Thank you.

"I lost my handbag and my Christmas things. I just stood dumbfounded – I couldn't believe what had happened.

"I can't believe how kind people have been.

"I shall buy presents for family and a Mansfield vs Liverpool football ticket for my granddaughter."

The 79-year-old was on a footpath between Clifton Lane and Gardendale Avenue at 7.15pm on Sunday, December 2 when she was attacked by a man on a bicycle.

She had just returned from a trip shopping in London and her handbag and a Harrods shopping bag containing gifts were stolen.

Maria Watson, of Honister Close, helps to run the Clifton Community Group website and said the group had raised over £300.

She added: "A lot of people wanted to help.

"There's not many communities that do that kind of work. It's fantastic."

The group, which has been running for five months is now raising money for a local student who wants to go to Ghana to do charitable work.

Maria said: "We wanted to put a bit of spirit back and I think, for Clifton, it is nice to show people it's not all bad."

Karen Allsopp, of Fox Earth Avenue, also runs the community website and it was her idea to start the collection.

The 58-year-old said: "I think we get such bad press on the estate.

"I'm more than impressed with the generosity."

To find out more about the group, search for Clifton Community Group on Facebook.

Police say three people have been arrested in connection with the incident and have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Is your community fundraising for anyone? Call the newsdesk on 0115 905 1967 or e-mailing newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk

CONSTRUCTION of a new multi-million pound medical centre in West Bridgford could start in the spring.

Notts County Primary Care Trust says the £8 million surgery in Wilford Lane will bring benefits to patients when five GPs' practices come together under one roof.

Around 30,000 patients are registered at Ludlow Hill Surgery, Southview Surgery, Trent Bridge Medical Practice, and Compton Acres Medical Centre – which will merge – and Musters Medical Practice, which will operate as a separate practice within the new centre.

The plan was approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council's Development Control committee on Wednesday night.

Dr Trevor Mills, from NHS Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County, said: "We are delighted the council is supporting these plans.

"This project is being led by a group of West Bridgford GPs who have been working together for a number of years to develop and extend the range of services offered to patients.

"The new health centre is good news for the 28,000 patients registered with these five practices who, at last, can look forward to receiving comprehensive care in high quality, up-to-date surroundings."

The health trust says work is expected to begin on the site by May.

However the new health centre has proved controversial among patients.

Many have campaigned against it, saying it is the wrong location.

Councillors at the meeting were also divided on the plan, with eight voting in favour and seven against.

The meeting heard that four of the practices are so dated they wouldn't meet Care Quality Commission guidelines which come into force in March and could be closed.

Health bosses say the new centre will not only meet the new guidelines but also offer patients a greater range of local services such as physiotherapy, minor surgery, phlebotomy and extended GP hours.

A new pharmacy will be included in the building along with a coffee shop.

Campaign group Patients Against Surgeries Move (PASM) had presented councillors with an alternative plan ahead of the meeting.

However planning officers at the meeting told councillors that they could only decide on whether to approve or reject the plan that was before them.

PASM member Jake Jackson said he was disappointed with the decision.

Mr Jackson, 62, of Villiers Road, West Bridgford, has moved from Trent Bridge Medical Practice to St George's Medical Practice in Musters Road since the merger plan was announced.

He said: "I think this is the wrong decision.

"I think councillors didn't inform themselves enough of the alternatives, despite the paperwork we put their way.

"We were saying the site at Rectory Road ambulance station is going to become free, and should be focussed on.

"We put forward drawings and showed it could house three surgeries conglomerated, and Compton Acres and Trent Bridge surgeries could stay as they are.

"We've said all along it's a bad decision, a bad location, and the impact will be on patients.

"They will not like going to there and I think at the point when all the surgeries start to transfer patients will leave."

WORKERS will be protesting outside the city council's headquarters this afternoon about pay freezes.

Trade Union members of Unison, GMB and Unite have said they are protesting over a pay freeze for all staff since April 2011.

They are also complaining that staff earning under £21,000 will not be given a £250 lump sum for each year of the national public sector pay freeze, which was suggested by the Chancellor in 2010.

However, city council leader, Councillor Jon Collins, said: "Following Government cuts, we have seen a real terms reduction in the council's budget of around £27 million this year while we face a further £23 million reduction next year, potentially rising to £40 million the year after.

"Maintaining services and protecting jobs has to be our top priority. The freeze in incremental pay rises has saved 150 jobs since 2011. Continuing it next year would help protect upwards of 100 jobs.

"We're taking steps towards implementing the Living Wage to support the lowest paid staff and will be discussing this further with the trade unions."

A CUSTOMER has described the moment two masked men wielding a knife and a suspected gun tried to rob a post office.

The pair walked into the branch in Vernon Road, Old Basford, at about 10.10am yesterday and demanded cash from staff but were forced to flee with nothing.

A customer who was in the shop at the time, who asked not to be named, told the Post: "A masked man appeared in the shop doorway with a knife and told everyone that if they stood still no one would be harmed.

"At first no-one took any notice because it was all so random.

"A second masked man entered and on seeing him, the shop assistant shouted over towards the post office counters 'press your alarms'.

"One of the masked men then proceeded to bang on the glass, and damaged the screens.

"The postmistress dropped to the floor and pressed her panic alarm. Then they ran off empty handed."

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and say they particularly want to hear from anyone who saw a possible getaway car.

No-one was hurt and no shots were fired by the man who was believed to have been carrying a handgun.

People living near the post office have spoken of their shock at the incident.

One woman living in nearby Mandalay Street, who asked not to be named, said: "I didn't even know it had happened until someone told me. I'm quite shocked by it.

"I was glad I wasn't in there at the time. I go in there every day and was in there with my grandson at about 9.30am. I would've been frightened to death.

"I'm just glad no-one was hurt. The staff are so nice. I can't imagine how they must have felt."

The post office, which is believed to be run by a family, was still shut yesterday afternoon as police carried out forensic examinations.

A squad car was parked outside with an officer guarding the scene and police tape on the front door.

Matthew Lacey, 20, also of Mandalay Street, said: "It's a safe place really. I've never known anything like that happen there before.

"The first thing I knew was when I saw the coppers and wondered what happened."

Notts Police said detectives were keen to trace a silver three-door car which left the scene and was last seen driving along Bulwell Lane following the incident.

Officers are also carrying out house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage.

Another woman, who lives in nearby Vernon Road and preferred not to be named, said: "All the people in there must have been so scared. The staff in there are lovely."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Notts Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

NETWORK Rail has agreed to build a temporary bridge over a crossing where a 13-year-old was killed by a tram.

The company made the pledge at a meeting organised by concerned residents and councillors, in Bestwood Village on Wednesday evening.

Marlene Starling, the mother of victim Lindsey Inger, said the community has been "offered hope".

A WAR of words has broken out at a Notts council after one of its senior officials criticised a decision to pay staff a £250 Christmas bonus.

Ashfield District Council made the decision to pay £250 to all workers who earn less than £21,000 a year at a meeting last week.

But the council's own finance chief has hit out at the decision – claiming it was not budgeted for and could lead to the council having to make cuts elsewhere .

In a letter to all councillors, Dave Greenwood, the council's deputy chief executive and chief finance officer, said he had "grave concerns" about the move, which is costing the council £75,000.

He criticised councillors for not consulting with council officers before making the decision.

His letter comes as it has emerged that the council is also due to look at extending the bonus scheme to all 524 council workers, regardless of their pay.

This move could cost council taxpayers an additional £52,750.

Councillor Jason Zadrozny, Liberal Democrat group leader, described the internal dispute as "crazy" and something he had never seen before.

"Clearly the process of this financial decision had not been right," he added.

"This shows Labour cannot manage finances and cannot be trusted to run a council."

Mr Zadrozny accused the council of getting its priorities wrong in the face of cuts in services and a decision to double car-parking charges.

Chris Thorne, who is leading a campaign against the parking charges, said: "I can see double standards being applied by the council.

"If they are saying they can't afford to reduce or scrap car-parking charges in order to maintain frontline services, why have they got money to give away to its workers? "

Independent councillor Gail Turner, said: "I truly appreciate the staff at the council, but the council cannot afford to do this. And to spend another £52,750 on awarding the payment to all staff members would be absolute lunacy."

The motion was put forward by Labour councillor Mick Coppin, who said the payment would reward workers who had "endured a three-year pay freeze" and "worked tirelessly to bring forward financial savings".

When approached for a response to Mr Greenwood's letter, Mr Coppin said: "We had money set aside for this. We are well within our budget. This will not make a difference."

In his letter, Mr Greenwood said officers should have been consulted before the motion was put forward. But Mr Coppin said: "Councillors make decisions, not officers."

The council's special local joint consultative committee is to consider plans, put forward by Ashfield GMB and Unison, to extend the one-off payment to all council workers at its meeting next Wednesday.

Ashfield District Council said Mr Greenwood's letter would not impact on its decision to pay out the bonus.

It follows a decision by Gedling Borough Council to spend £80,000 of its money on a £250 cash reward for workers earning £21,500 or less.

Are you affected by this story? Call Winnie on 0115 905 1963 or e-mail winnie.agbonlahor@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk

MANSFIELD Town are in line for a bumper windfall of more than £150,000 when they host Liverpool in the FA Cup.

And the boost of a good cup run could be vital in the club's quest for promotion, according to Stags fans.

The Blue Square Bet Premier club beat Lincoln on Wednesday night to set up a dream tie against the Premier League side, which will see all eyes turn to the One Call Stadium on January 6.

The Third Round game will be shown live on ESPN – and Stags fan Martin Shaw will be among those hoping for a good performance.

The 48-year-old said: "The last time we played Liverpool was in the League Cup in 1970.

"We drew 0-0 at home and then lost 3-2 at Anfield. To be honest, I think I would be happy seeing the same set of results again.

"The money will be a great boost to the club, and chairman John Radford must be delighted.

"There's a real buzz around the town since the Lincoln game and hopefully that can give us a boost in the league as well.

"The focus will be on promotion, but the cup run won't be a distraction for us. If anything, it will even help our form."

Mansfield Mayor Tony Egginton said that he was delighted with the Stags' victory over Lincoln.

He said: "Unfortunately, I had to watch the game on TV as I was at a meeting which went on past kick-off.

"The worst thing was that I wasn't chairing the meeting to hurry it up a little bit, because it was one of those games everyone wanted to watch.

"Earlier in the day I had predicted it would be 3-2 to Mansfield, but I'm not going to complain that I was out by a couple of goals.

"The crowd were fantastic at the One Call – it wasn't the best of games, but it was the result that mattered the most.

"And now we'll have players like Gerrard and Suarez here in Mansfield, which is fantastic. I'm hoping for a draw here and a replay at Anfield which will be a great money-spinner for the club."

Mr Egginton said he believed a giant-killing wasn't out of the question.

He added: "The Stags will be getting a lot of support – I think everyone except Liverpool fans will be wanting to see us win.

"We always tend to come good around Christmas anyway, and you never know how it will turn out on the day."

Mansfield will get £135,850 in television money for the game, plus gate receipts from a full house of 7,500.

If the Stags pull off a win, they stand to get an extra £67,500 in prize money.

George Cowcher, chief executive of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "This is terrific news for Mansfield and will provide a timely boost at a crucial time in the economic recovery.

"Not only will it result in thousands more people coming into the town to watch the game spending their money in local pubs, shops and restaurants, but the profile that the town will get from the game being televised is something you can't put a price on."

THE standard of bus services in Beeston proves there is no need for a new tram line in the town, residents claim.

Work on laying the new line through the town towards Chilwell is set to start next year.

But people living nearby have questioned if it is necessary.

More than 100 people attended a drop-in session last night at Beeston Town Hall where they were able to find out more information.

Representatives from tram operators Nottingham Express Transit, the city council and the Taylor Woodrow Alstom consortium, which will be doing the work, were there to answer questions.

Richard Moulds, 37, who lives in Beeston and runs a catering consultancy, said: "I'm not totally against the tram but I have to question if it is worth the money. We have a very good bus service here and the train as well.

"They say it will take 23 minutes to get to the city on the tram – you can get there in about the same on the bus."

The new tram lines to Chilwell and Clifton are costing more than £500 million.

Fellow Beeston resident Daniel Robinson, 39, also questioned its worth.

He said: "There is going to be a lot of disruption with the roads being dug up. I like the idea of the tram, but then you have to think that in Beeston we have such a good bus service."

Chris Deas, project director at the city council, said the tram would be a massive boost to Beeston.

He said: "We do have a good existing transport network, but so does the rest of the city where the tram serves. It will complement this nicely."

He added: "The drop-in session has been designed so people can see how the work will be done and the end result. We are keen to hear feedback."

There were several information boards in the room. They included a detailed map of the new tram route.

Cyril Lakin, 73, of Beeston, said: "Everything seems to be done and dusted so I don't know why they're holding the event." His wife Fran said: "It's good to see where everything is going to go and how it's going to fall into place."

Traders in Beeston have previously expressed concerns about Chilwell Road being closed for a year from March to allow for the construction.

DETECTIVES are trying to trace people who tried to help a suspected kidnap victim when she called out for help from a car.

Police say the woman's ordeal is believed to have started in Hertfordshire at about 6pm on Friday, November 16.

The woman, in her 20s and of Asian appearance, was forced into a car by a man in Stevenage.

The blue BMW was then driven to Nottingham.

Detectives say the victim told them that she was able to call for help from the car somewhere in Notts.

Passers-by went up to the car but the alleged kidnapper is said to have told them everything was OK and they left. Hertfordshire officers now want to speak to these people in an attempt to solve the case.

DC Emma Landucci, of Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: "It was described as an industrial-type area and the passers-by were wearing uniforms or overalls.

"The information they have may be vital to our investigation."

The woman was later driven back to Stevenage unharmed. Her ordeal ended at about 10pm that night.

DC Landucci added: "The car was parked in a car park in an industrial area, next to a building or factory.

"It is believed two white men in their 30s and wearing some sort of blue uniform came over to the car to ask if everything was all right, however the male reassured them and they left."

Anyone with information about the incident should contact DC Emma Landucci at Hertfordshire Constabulary on the non-emergency number 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

PLANS for a development of student flats in the city centre are set to be approved.

Officers at Nottingham City Council have recommended planning permission is given for the redevelopment of Talbot House in Talbot Street.

The new development would include 205 studio bedrooms, each with a kitchen, 48 units with two bedrooms and a shared kitchen and 136 units with four to six bedrooms and a shared kitchen.

Under the plans, existing buildings would be demolished – apart from the art deco front section of Talbot House.

Councillors will have the final say on the plans, submitted by Kke Architects on behalf of Fusion Students Ltd, at a development control committee meeting next Wednesday.

PEOPLE across Notts woke to freezing temperatures across Notts today – but forecasters say it's still too early to say whether there'll be a white Christmas.

Temperatures dipped to -5.5°C in Watnall in the early hours of yesterday morning , while the mercury also dropped to -4.8°C in Sutton Bonington, and -3.4°C at Gringley on The Hill, near Retford.

The coldest place in England was in Oxfordshire at -9°C, while parts of Scotland recorded temperatures as low as -12°C.

Met Office forecaster Helen Chivers said temperatures reached a high of -1°C at lunchtime yesterday, but a cloudy night meant they were expected to be around 2°C this morning.

Ms Chivers said: "Throughout the week there have been cold days and nights, but milder wind is coming in from the southwest.

"We're expecting a cloudy and misty start to Friday with the wind picking up and cloud moving in from the south. Lunchtime will be downright wet, with between 10mm and 15mm of rain expected.

"In the early part of the night it will be cold, but temperatures will be high enough so there is no icing."

Temperatures are set to rise further still tomorrow, reaching 8 degrees by the time Notts County host Brentford at Meadow Lane at 3pm.

Sunday will also have sunny intervals and similar temperatures.

As for Christmas, Ms Chivers said: "We cannot say what it will be like on Christmas Day yet. It looks like wind from the west is going to be with us with bands of rain from time to time."

Farmer Chris Cockayne said the frost of recent days, combined with last month's heavy rain, had affected his sugar beet crops.

Mr Cockayne, 68, who runs Top Brackendale Farm in Cropwell Bishop with his brother Ian, said: "We've been able to do some planting work in the frost before it gets too frozen, but other than that we are way behind with lifting out sugar beet.

"We have normally done our lifting by now, but we have still got about two-thirds of our 120 acres of sugar beet in the ground. That's because of the weather."

Mr Cockayne was also one of around 150 people who signed up to be a snow warden for Notts County Council last year.

He was called out in February to help stranded motorists on minor roads between the A52 at Saxondale and the Hickling estate.

This year he is on standby to plough roads between East Bridgford and Kneeton, and Car Colston and Flintham.

Mr Cockayne said: "We're prepared for it if the snow comes."

Notts County Council said it had been business despite the freeze, with all Meal at Home services having been delivered on time to around 17,000 residents in recent days.

Councillor Kevin Rostance, Chairman of Notts County Council's Adult Social Care and Health Committee, said: "Many of our services such as Meals at Home and home care are a vital lifeline for older people and people with disabilities in the county.

"The Council has 4x4s on standby to help move people or provide vital services if weather conditions are particularly challenging to ensure vulnerable people are given the assistance they need.

"We also encourage local people to keep an eye out during the winter months to make sure elderly or vulnerable neighbours or relatives are safe and well."

NOTTINGHAM City Council has now been paid back about £30 million of the £41.6 million it paid into Icelandic banks.

The council had investments stashed in three Icelandic different banks before the country's financial system collapsed in October 2008.

The latest council report revealed that the authority has now received £11.9 million back from Heritable Bank, where £15.6 million had been invested.

It is only expecting to receive about 88 per cent of the total back.

The council has received £7.4 million of its £15 million back from Landsbanki Bank, although it expects to get the full amount back by 2018 – and it has already received the full £11 million from Glitnr Bank.

However, 21 per cent of this has been paid in Icelandic Krone and because of ongoing currency restrictions, it is being kept in an account in the Central Bank of Iceland.

WHEN they leave primary school aged 11, children are expected to have basic levels of competency in English and maths.

For years, Nottingham schools have been criticised for falling well below national standards, with more than a third not reaching expected levels in 2007.

Fast forward five years and the situation is changing.

This summer, for the first time, exactly three-quarters of children started secondary school having achieved the expected level (level four) in the Standard Assessment Tests (Sats) in English and maths, according to Key Stage 2 figures released yesterday by the Department for Education.

The figures show that in 2007, 64 per cent of children reached the mark. This rose to 65 per cent the following year and 67 per cent in 2009. It remained the same in 2010 before climbing to 71 per cent last year and now 75 per cent this year.

It still leaves the city below the national average of 79 per cent – and equal 140th of 154 local education authorities.

The city council is determined that this picture will continue to improve.

Councillor David Mellen, portfolio holder for children's services, said: "The city has made some major improvements over recent years, with eight per cent more children reaching expected levels in English and maths. That is down to more focused schools."

Mr Mellen added he hoped the city could continue to close the gap on national averages.

He said: "We don't just want to remain where we are. There have been improvements, which may well level off. But the national average has improved by just seven per cent over four years. We want to see 80 per cent of children getting expected levels and get closer to the national average.

"We will continue to work hard with schools which aren't doing well and ensure that the many children who arrive in our schools halfway through their primary school years and speak little English have the right amount of support."

The figures show that girls in Nottingham outperformed boys, with 79 per cent reaching level four, compared to 71 per cent of boys. It was the best ever results for both girls and boys.

Meanwhile, improvements were also made in Notts, with 82 per cent of 11-year-olds reaching the benchmark, up by five per cent from 2011 and ten per cent in 2007.

Girls in the county also outperformed boys – 84 per cent and 79 per cent respectively.

Notts County Council committee chairman for children and young people's services, Councillor Philip Owen, said: "These figures are a real credit to pupils, teachers and parents who support them.

"We have seen steady improvement over several years in Nottinghamshire and the county is now placed comfortably within the top third of all local authorities in England for primary education.

"We shall continue to support our schools to make yet further improvements, with emphasis upon the small minority which most need our help, in order that all our children reach their full potential."

Many primaries did better than the national average when it came to the percentage of children reaching the expected levels in English and maths combined.

These included Greenfields Community School in The Meadows, where 80 per cent did so.

Head teacher Terry Smith said: "The school's results were excellent, as were those for the entire city. It is all down to the hard work and dedication of staff in the schools and the children, with the support of parents. It is very important we give children the best start possible to life."

Blue Bell Hill Primary in St Ann's also recorded good results, equalling the national average, an improvement of its mark of 73 per cent in 2011.

Head teacher Jo Bradley said: "All schools in the city are working hard to achieve the best for pupils, which is shown by these results.

"I am really pleased with these results; they are a credit to everyone. However, the exams themselves do put children at a young age under a considerable amount of pressure."

Unions have also raised questions over the validity of Sats for young children.

Ivan Wels, joint division secretary for the National Union of Teachers in Notts, said: "It is very pleasing to see that local schoolchildren are performing well. Congratulations to them. However, the tests are unfair on them. Primary education shouldn't be about testing children in this way. It should be more about preparing children for life. Schools shouldn't be judged according to their results."

But parent Becky Humber, who has two children at Glenbrook Primary in Bilborough, believes the marks are important.

She said: "It is encouraging to see Nottingham has done well in these results. As a parent, if you are moving to an area, you take into account how well the schools are performing."

See the county results at thisisnottingham.co.uk.

NOTTINGHAM Forest must keep the faith when it comes to their promotion chances, said Lewis McGugan today.

Sean O'Driscoll's side may sit on the fringes of the top six as they prepare to face Brighton tomorrow.

But the midfielder is convinced they are well placed to mount a challenge in the new year – and says the key is to keep believing.

"With the squad we've got, we have to be aiming as high as possible," he said.

"I look at the teams around us and I look at the quality we have and I think to myself 'why not?'

"It is not a case of win promotion or bust, that would be ridiculous. But we are going to be trying to get ourselves in and around there come the end of the season.

"We believe that is something we are capable of. You have to use the squad to achieve things in this division and we believe we have a good enough squad to compete at the top end.

"This season can still hold what we want it to. You know what this division is like. You lose a few games and you can drop a long way down the table – win a few and you are right back up there.

"There is still a long way to go and if we can put a few results together between now and the end of January, we can see where we are then and reassess things."

Forest made a flying start to the campaign, but have suffered a few spells of inconsistency since.

When they have been at their best, however, McGugan believes Forest have proved they are a match for anyone.

"The start to the season we had was excellent. We have to stick together, we are getting over a sticky period but we have something to build on now," he said.

"We have confidence in the changing room, we know each individual in there has something they can bring to the team. We know we can beat anyone in this league if we play to the best of our abilities."

McGugan has found it hard to force his way into the starting line-up on a regular basis – but is willing to remain patient.

"We are a tight-knit group, we win together and we lose together. There are a lot of people who are not in the team who want to be," he said.

"But we are in this together, we are a close squad and we accept it when we are not involved.

"It is a squad game and, in a few months time, there might be a few players who have not been involved who come into the side and play an important role for us."

SEAN O'Driscoll has urged Nottingham Forest to consider fitting under-soil heating at their training ground.

The facilities at the Nigel Doughty Academy are already some of the best outside of the Premier League.

But the club's owners, the Al Hasawi family, have already stated they plan to further improve them in the future.

And, with the cold weather having closed in for the first time in the past week, O'Driscoll believes having under-soil heating could give Forest a further advantage over their rivals.

The Reds have managed to train this week, despite freezing temperatures on Wilford Lane – although they did have to train later in the day, when the pitches had thawed out slightly.

And O'Driscoll said: "We have to look at it, with the weather being harsh every winter.

"If you are a Premier League side, you have one area on your training ground that has under-soil heating.

"That might be an investment the club should look at. It might give you an edge over sides who cannot train and have to go indoors.

"We have been OK, we just moved training back a little bit.

"It is not ideal, but it is winter after all . . ."

AS 2012 draws to close and Christmas approaches I want to dedicate this column, from the bottom of my heart, to the thousands of Carl Froch fans who have really capped an amazing year for me. The atmosphere at the Nottingham Arena for the Lucian Bute fight in May still gives me chills when I watch the fight back.

It was a fantastic win which beforehand, the majority of the respected writers in the boxing press had me down as a big outsider.

But the one thing they under-estimated was my home crowd.

My army of fans crushed Lucian's spirit before even the first bell had rung and he really had no idea how vociferous you would all be.

When I appeared to the 'Rocky' theme track the fans literally took the Nottingham Arena's roof off.

The rest of the evening will be remembered by everyone who was therefor a very long time to come . . . except for Lucian, of course, who will more than likely try to forget as much as he possible!

All my fans turned out in force once more again last month for American Yusaf Mack – and the Cobra fans softened him up too.

He was playing to the crowd during the entrance, but no sooner had I landed some heavy blows, all he could think about was the exit door.

While many of you will now be stocking up on mince pies and bottles of Baileys, apart from a few pints of the black stuff, I will be pounding the bags and frequenting the Nuffield Gym for my festive fitness fix.

This is because next year promises to get even better than this and I need to be at the peak of my powers in readiness.

My old friend Mikkel Kessler scored a dominating stoppage win over a former opponent of mine in Brian Magee the other weekend.

People thought that Kessler would have maybe declined slightly since our fight, but if anything he looked even better.

He fired home some wonderful body shots that I remember well myself, which sunk Magee to his knees and he couldn't continue.

A rematch with Kessler is one that I dearly covet.

Talks have already entered the preliminary stage between our respective promoters and if the bout does happen, then all parties seem to agree that in the interest of fairness, the return bout will be held on English soil.

I will put my friendship with the likeable Dane to one side for the night and put right the wrongs of Herning.

Our first fight was declared 'Fight of the Year' in 2010 by most of the boxing press and that was me only at 75 per cent of my powers.

For the rematch I want to win 'KO of the Year' and do a proper number on the big Dane.

He's a big hitter and very tough. It will hopefully be another mouth-watering night of action for my fans – but this time will be on home soil.

Finally, some personal news is that me and my beautiful partner Rachael Cordingley are expecting another new addition to the Cobra household.

My son Rocco will soon have a beautiful brother or sister to play with!

Which also remind's me that I have to go down to the toy shops. Keep your eye out in the 'superhero' section and you might spot me ;)

Have a wonderful festive break everyone and a prosperous New Year.

Yours,

Carl

You can also follow @Carl_Froch on twitter.

Sunday football

Notts Sunday League

Premier Premier: Gedling Inn v Nuthall, Green Dragon v Trentside, SPS Training v Plough Barflys

Premier One: L.A. FC v Robin Hood, Nottingham United A v Loft in Space, Nottm Rangers v Medz Reds, Station Hotel v Portland Arms HH, The Arrow v Wollaton Pirates

Premier Two: Burton Joyce A v Rempstone, Premium County v NALGO, The Crown Inn v Edwalton, The Masons v East Leake Bantams, Wolds A v Premiere Travel

Senior One: Beeston.Biz v Nottingham Maintenance, Nottingham Pirates v ABP, Real Nottingham v Birchover Park, Stratford Haven Res v Digica, Tricolore v Lenton villa

Senior Two: Bridgford Taverners v Burton Joyce B, Dovecrest v Carlton Top Spot Res , Eastwood & Kimberley v The Empire Hucknall, Sparta v Top valley, Nottingham Breakdown Ltd v Premium Res

Senior Three: Bilborough Rangers v East Bridgford Rangers, Crusader v Griffin, Heath Hill v Trent Bridgford Tigers, Medina v Beeston Biz Res , Ryedale v Ark Athletic, The Castle Inn v East Bridgford

Notts Sunday Combination

Premier: Afc Pelican v Cema, Athletico T8 v Hilltop Castle, March Hare v M.I.S United, Phoenix Athletic v Mellish, Sycamore St Ann's v Priory

Division One: Blacks Head v Afc Nottingham, Park Tavern v Bear Fc, Sporting Wheelbarrow v Optima, Sports Direct v South Notts Spartans, Woodhouse Colts v Afc Rolls Royce

Division Two: Gremio v Redhill, La Toque v Broad Oak, N.C.H v Kimberley M.W, Notts United v Pure, Sherwood Chestnut Tree v Nuthall County, Southglade Park v Southbank

Division Three: Aspley United v Scorpion Exhausts, Karimia Fc v Medz Fc, Real United v D.H Simpson, Rose And Crown v Ac Nottingham, The Vale v Arnold victory

EMPAL

Division One: Elwes Arms v Cropwell United, Nottingham United v FC Olympico

Division Two: Boots Wednesday v Notts Athletic, Brooks Villa v Arnold Old Boys, Priory Celtic v Fanzines United

Division Three: AC Calverton v Warren FC, Butler Benfica v Queen's City, New Inn Eastwood v AFC Southside

Newark Alliance

Premier: Coddington v Barnstone Celtics, Farnsfield Villa v Wheatsheaf United, Newark Flowserve v Claypole, Newark Town v Talbot Inn

Division One: Castle Barge 95 v Barkestone Le Vale, Farndon United Reserves v Rose and Crown, Holy Trinity v Sawmill, Laxton Athletic v Sutton On Trent, RHP Social Reserves v Fiskerton, Wheatsheaf United Reserves v The Fox (Kirton)

Division Two: Collingham Reserves v Belams Flowserve, Motonation v Knowhow United, Newark Cavaliers v Holy Trinity Reserves, Newark Flowserve Reserves v White Swan, Rutland Arms Rovers v RHP Social A

Alfreton Sunday League

Division One: Coronation Club v Crib, Hayloft v Codnor Miners Arms

Division Two: Gallows Inn v Holly Bush, Heanor Staff v Duffield Dynamos, Holmewood v Swanwick Villa, Railway (Pinxton) v Derby Madrid, Ripley White Lion v Blackwell MW

Division Three: Alliance Healthcare v Jacksdale Social Club, Hilcote MW v Gladiators, Marlpool Utd v Heanor Staff Reserves, Selston Bull & Butcher v Alfreton Miners Arms

CHRIS Cohen said his injury nightmare last season has only made him more hungry to succeed at Nottingham Forest.

A cruciate knee ligament injury in September 2011 kept him out for nearly a year.

But since coming back, he has been a mainstay in the side until given a breather in last weekend's 2-0 win against Burnley when he was on the bench.

He is hoping to start at Brighton today and said: "Before I made my comeback start against Derby this season I was no way near it and you never know contract wise, which was up in the air, what will happen.

"I wasn't playing so I was just waiting for an opportunity. So to play 11 or 12 games in a row has been fantastic from a personal point of view."

During that time, Cohen also penned a new three-year deal to give him stability off the field.

And he said: "I am happy to be back playing but I want to be part of a winning team – and I want to be a small part of that.

"Watching the games from afar, it makes you realise how lucky you are because 12 months sat there and not watching particular good times, with all the goings on off the field as well, was not nice.

"It was not a pleasant place for anybody – players, management, etc. We got through it and the future is looking very bright.

"Hopefully I can be a very small part of that, that would be great."

THE future of a community centre in The Meadows looks safe after the city council gave reassurance that it would not be sold off.

Concerns were raised about the Queen's Walk Community Centre earlier this week following a meeting at the Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service.

At the meeting, Councillor Dave Liversidge singled out the centre as the only one in the city that could make a profit if it was sold off.

He said: "There is only one community centre in the city where we could make money – in The Meadows, because it's next to the tram route, so it will be the most expensive to rent out.

"We've not made any decisions, but these decisions will be made."

But the city council has now issued a statement to allay people's fears over its future.

A spokesman said: "Councillor Liversidge was making a general point about the viability of community centres, but we can reassure people there are no plans to close any of our community centres including Queen's Walk Community Centre."

The route of the tram extension from the city centre to Clifton and Wilford goes directly past the centre.

Woody Hegliger, vice chairman of the Queen's Walk Community Centre, said: "There's nothing I've heard about it. In fact, they've been making plans for years ahead.

"They were thinking about bringing a coffee bar in for the tram.

"It does sounds ominous but there have been long meetings recently and they are quite happy with how it's going.

"There are so many people that use the centre.

"It's the most widely used in Nottingham, by different cultures.

"I'm not particularly worried – we've heard it all before."

William Stewart, chairman of the centre , said: "I haven't heard anything, but I wasn't able to go to the meeting.

"That could be quite damaging. It's not very healthy in this climate where we have cuts all the time.

"These things have been going on for some time.

"I will raise the issue. As far as I know there is nothing going on with the centre. I am concerned about what's been said."

The chairman of New Meadows Tenants and Residents Association, David Shaw, said: "There are key activity groups that take place there. We would be extremely concerned if it was under threat.

He added: "It's definitely an important place for Meadows residents and it provides a venue for large meetings like consultation and local councillor hustings. We would be very concerned if that facility were lost."