Aston Villa chairman Dr Tony Xia has today claimed Cardiff City are close to signing former Sheffield Wednesday loanee Joe Bennett on a free transfer.
The left-back, who spent last season on loan at Hillsborough, has attracted the interest of several Championship clubs, including the Owls, Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest.
But Chinese businessman Xia has suggested Bennett is on the brink of moving to South Wales.
For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here
He tweeted: “We have agreed to let Joe move to Cardiff for free but not subside any wages. Wish him a bright career there as many SW fans expected!”
Bennett, who played four times for the Owls in their march to the Championship Play-Off final, has slipped down in the pecking order behind Aly Cissokho and Jordan Amavi at Villa Park.
For more news from Hillsborough click here
The 26-year-old looked set to rejoin Wednesday a fortnight ago until Xia blocked the transfer at the eleventh hour. Both clubs had agreed on a transfer fee and Bennett had passed a medical before Xia pulled the plug, citing they would not sell to a direct Championship rival.
Contrary to reports, this newspaper has learned Bennett was prepared to take a pay cut to join Carvalhal’s side and Villa would not have subsidised any of the player’s wages.
Follow Dom Howson on twitter

Sheffield Wednesday: Owls old boy Joe Bennett on the brink of joining Cardiff, claims Aston Villa owner Dr Tony Xia


Aston Villa chairman Dr Tony Xia has today claimed Cardiff City are close to signing former Sheffield Wednesday loanee Joe Bennett on a free transfer.


A Mansfield woman who called a chip-shop owner a ‘f***ing terrorist’ told police it was an act of drunken stupidity, a court has heard.
Tracy Ann Whitworth, 46, of James Murray Mews, admitted using threatening or abusive words that were racially aggravated, when she appeared before magistrates in Mansfield.
The court heard Whitworth entered the Maid Marian fish bar on Leeming Street, at 12.40am on May 5, when she was ‘heavily intoxicated’.
Rod Chapman, prosecuting, said: “He took that as being a slur on his heritage and was deeply offended by the language which was within earshot of other customers.”
She was identified by CCTV. In interview she told police officers it was ‘an act of drunken stupidity’ after the proprietor called her a racist.
“She said the exchange had been triggered by her asking him how much he paid staff,” said Mr Chapman. “She expressed her shame.”
Zahra Hussain, mitigating, said Whitworth suffers from paranoia, anxiety and depression.
She was fined £100 and ordered to pay compensation of £100 and costs of £85.

Mansfield woman fined for chip shop race slur


A Mansfield woman who called a chip-shop owner a ‘f***ing terrorist’ told police it was an act of drunken stupidity, a court has heard.


Gainsborough born actress, Julia Deakin, will officially open the new and enhanced Gainsborough Heritage Centre on Saturday, September 3.
Exhibitions Officer, James Titley, said: “After a considerable amount of planning, work, and investment, we invite visitors old and new to come along and enjoy what we have to offer at our Grand Reopening weekend.
“For the first time in a decade, since we moved out of Marshall’s, we will be back with a fully operational and open Heritage Centre.
“The Heritage Centre will reopen on Saturday, September 3, with the official opening ceremony beginning at 10.30am.
“We are also delighted to announce that Julia Deakin, a television and film actress, starring in Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and Coronation Street will be opening the Heritage Centre.
“The weekend will be a living history weekend, where our costumed volunteers will bring the displays to life and take you back in time to Gainsborough’s halcyon days.”
Julia was born in Gainsborough in 1952.
Julia said: “My mum performed with the Gainsborough Operatic Society and I first went to the Kings Theatre oi Trinity Street aged two and this developed my interest in musicals and I performed in a musical called Annie Get your Gun aged nine.
“I am delighted to be invited to open the Gainsborough Heritage Centre.”
Chairman Andrew Birkitt said: “I am really excited about Gainsborough born, actress Julia Deakin officially opening what will effectively be a new look Heritage Centre.
“For the first time since moving to the new building we will be able to offer areas on all three floors of the Old Post Office to the general public.
“There will be loads of new exhibits to see, that we hope will give visitors a real flavour of the towns past.
“Of course this has been brought about by massive investment from WREN and ourselves of approximately £45,000, with £22,250 from WREN and the rest raised by our volunteers and numerous supporters to whom we will always be grateful for making this happen.”

Gainsborough born actress who starred in Hot Fuzz and Shaun of the Dead to open Heritage Centre


Gainsborough born actress, Julia Deakin, will officially open the new and enhanced Gainsborough Heritage Centre on Saturday, September 3.


Legendary entertainer Ken Dodd’s successful career spans more than 60 fun-filled years.
He’s renowned for giving his audiences value for money in his lengthy shows .
Ken promises non-stop gags and your favourite songs in his Happiness show at Sheffield Lyceum on Saturday, September 3.
He got his big break at the age of 26 in 1954 when he made his professional showbusiness debut at the now-demolished Nottingham Empire. Before his first show he was so nervous he sat in a bar for most of the afternoon, going over his lines.
As a gifted live performer with perfect comic timing, it wasn’t long before he had risen to the top of the bill and by the 1960s his fame in the UK was such that he rivalled The Beatles as a household name. His recording of Tears was the UK’s third best-selling single of the 60s.
Ken’s show on September 3 begins at 7pm. Tickets £20-£22. Contact 0114 249 6000 or www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

Ken Dodd spreads happiness in a sparkling mix of mirth and song


Legendary entertainer Ken Dodd’s successful career spans more than 60 fun-filled years.


The Met Office forecast for the East Midlands for today, Tuesday, August 30 is for a dry, warm and sunny day.
Any early patchy mist or fog, mainly across the south of the region, will soon clear to leave a dry day with long sunny periods.
Generally becoming very warm, except along the Lincolnshire coast where a cooler breeze will develop.
Maximum Temperature 25 °C.
Tonight will be dry with largely clear skies for most of the night, allowing possibly a few mist and fog patches to form.
Minimum Temperature 13 °C.

A dry, warm and sunny day for the East Midlands


The Met Office forecast for the East Midlands for today, Tuesday, August 30 is for a dry, warm and sunny day.


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At what point does a mini blip turn into a full-blown slump?
Since beating Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the campaign, the Owls have been dumped out of the EFL Cup at the first hurdle and picked up just one point from their last three Championship fixtures.
Jack Hunt
It is not the fast start Wednesday wanted but there are still a whopping 126 points up for grabs between now and May.
Jack Hunt, the Owls right-back, told The Star: “We are only four matches into the new season so we have got a lot more games to go. We haven’t turned into a bad team overnight.”
Hunt refused to sugarcoat the team’s display against Leeds United last Saturday. He labelled their performance “terrible”, claiming Wednesday “weren’t good enough” individually or collectively.
“What was said afterwards will stay in the dressing room but we know we weren’t good enough,” said Hunt. “After the Burton result, we wanted to put things right.
Jack Hunt
“Teams just don’t show up at times and we didn’t in a derby which is very disappointing.”
For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here
In a refreshingly honest and candid interview, Hunt accepted he under-performed versus his hometown club. Leeds exploited the space on the flanks to good effect in the second half but Hunt knows he should have done better.
He said: “I was very frustrated with my own performance. I thought I didn’t really get into the game.”
Seven new additions have arrived at S6 over the summer and it is conceivable boss Carlos Carvalhal may hand starts to the likes of Will Buckley and David Jones when they go to Brentford tomorrow in his quest to find a winning formula.
Two of Carvalhal’s summer buys: Vincent Sasso and Daniel Pudil are familiar faces, having spent last season on loan at Hillsborough, but you get the impression patience will still be required over the coming weeks.
Hunt said: “We have signed quite a few new players. They need time to gel but the core is a lot stronger this year.
“Our first two results were good this season but the last two haven’t been.
“We have a good group and will all stick together.”
For more news from Hillsborough click here
Next up for Wednesday is a trip to Brentford, who sit eighth in the embryonic table.
“We picked up a positive result at Brentford last year so there’s no reason why we can’t do the same again,” stressed Hunt.
“We have to use the last two results as motivation. We have to use the hurt from the Burton and Leeds games and go again at Brentford.”
It was in West London nearly a year ago where Owls fans chanted ‘Carlos had a dream’ for the first time after their last-gasp success.
Speaking at his press briefing yesterday, Carvalhal said: “The fans follow the team and push the players all the time.
“It was a fantastic environment and the game was very exciting with the penalty and both teams having a man sent off.
“When Lucas [Joao] scored to make it 2-1, it was a big party to all of us. We can’t forgot those moments but this game will be completely different.”
The head coach hopes the Owls have learned from the Leeds setback
Carvalhal said: “We didn’t play badly. We just made a few mistakes.
“We lost our connection. I accept this and it is something we could see on the video and showed to the players.
“We have worked with the players to recover our heart and soul. We must play with our heart because this is our brand. I believe whether we win, lose or draw on Saturday I’m sure our team will answer more strong.”
Carvalhal insists he’s not overly concerned by their lack of goals. Wednesday have only managed two goals, with just one coming from open play.
Describing Fernando Forestieri, Gary Hooper and Steven Fletcher as “special killers”, Carvalhal said: “I would be more worried if we weren’t creating chances.
“We have seen in the past that these players score a lot of goals. I’m sure soon they will score. They have done it in the past and will do it again in the future.
“We have had some problems but we have the players to score goals, who can create chances and who can defend. Everything is here.”
Follow Dom Howson on twitter

Sheffield Wednesday: Honest Jack Hunt keen to make amends


At what point does a mini blip turn into a full-blown slump?


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On Wednesday, August 24, 50 metres of cable was stolen from a field off A1133 Collingham Road in Newton on Trent.


There will be plenty of free fantastic fun for the family on Saturday, September 3, when Nottingham Playhouse holds its Open Day, between 12noon-3pm.
Take a peek behind the scenes at the successful city centre venue.
To celebrate the start of the autumn season at the Playhouse, there will be an afternoon of free activites and eye-opening behind-the-scenes events for all ages.
There will be live music, arts and crafts, performance poetry, drama workshops, special effect, make up and much much more.
Organisers are confident this will be a great family-oriented event for all to enjoy.
Some events require reservation in advance, so make sure you give theteam a call at the Nottingham Playhouse box office on 0115 9419419.
Alternatively, you can check out more details at www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story Open day at Nottingham Playhouse Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


There will be plenty of free fantastic fun for the family on Saturday, September 3, when Nottingham Playhouse holds its Open Day, between 12noon-3pm.


Nottinghamshire’s hopes of aiding their Specsavers County Championship survival hopes with an unlikely draw against Yorkshire were boosted by the weather at Scarborough.
Needing to chase 452 for victory or bat out a minimum of 175 overs to save the game, Notts moved to 61-3 before heavy rain curtailed play for the day midway through the afternoon session.
Tom Moores proved to be the main barrier between victory for Yorkshire, with the youngster marking his debut for the Notts with a career-best 41 not out.
And the rain raised fresh questions regarding Yorkshire captain Gary Ballance’s decision not to enforce the follow-on on day two as the Tykes look to close the gap on Division One leaders Middlesex during what is their game in hand.
Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell, said: “Obviously we’re in a very tough position needing another 390 to win, so we’re clearly on the wrong end of the game so any time taken out of it is good for us.”
On Moores’ performance, he added: “Some of the quality of the shots that he played were outstanding.
“On a pitch where some of our senior batsmen have got out and are struggling for confidence, he has played some aggressive shots that really make you sit up.
“It’s going to be tough. Seven wickets in a day is not a huge amount but again lost time tomorrow would be beneficial to us.
“It will all depend on how much it rains today because the forecast is pretty good for tomorrow, so if time was taken out of the day then it would increase our chances of a draw and something to grab hold of.
“We were quite surprised they didn’t enforce the follow-on, so anything that happened this morning wasn’t particularly surprising for us.”
Yorkshire began the day leading by 388 on 200-4, and they batted for 12.2 overs following a 40-minute delay as Gary Ballance brought up a 29th first-class century.
Having resumed on 75, the England batsman moved through to his three figures from 163 balls having hit 14 fours as he shared in an unbroken stand of 69 with Tim Bresnan (35 no), who himselg hit five fours and a six.
The declaration came moments after he celebrated the milestone on 263-4, leaving Notts five overs before lunch to bat out.
But Jack Brooks struck with just his third ball as Steven Mullaney edged to Jack Leaning in the slips.
Youngsters Jake Libby and Moores were then tasked with seeing off the new ball, and they batted showed admirable defensive techniques before Bresnan swung the pendulum back in Yorkshire’s favour.
He removed Libby with the first ball of his spell as Jake Lehmann took a tumbling catch at fourth slip before Michael Lumb feathered an edge through to Andrew Hodd five balls later to register a pair against his former county.
Moores, however, continued to relish the responsibility of batting at number three for the first time in Championship cricket as he played some eye-catching strokes, including an imperious straight drive off the bowling of Steven Patterson.
He and Brendan Taylor were at the crease when the umpires decided the light was bad enough for play to be abandoned, and the heavy rain that followed brought about a premature finish to a day in which 58 overs were lost.
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Nottinghamshire’s hopes of aiding their Specsavers County Championship survival hopes with an unlikely draw against Yorkshire were boosted by the weather at Scarborough.


Relegation-threatened Notts’ hopes boosted by rain


Former England striker Alan Shearer is urging Wayne Rooney to retire from international duty to help his Manchester United career, reports The Sun.
Rooney was named in Sam Allardyce’s first England squad yesterday as a midfielder.
West Ham winger Michail Antonio, 26, is also celebrating after earning his first England call-up, It vindicated his decision to turn down repeated offers to play for Jamaica.
Chelsea have had a bid for Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez, 25, rejected but - Madrid president Florentino Perez would be open to a £60m deal, reports the Daily Mirror.
It could open up a rift with manager Zinedine Zidane, who has said the Colombia international will stay at the Bernabeu. (Daily Express)
Manchester United are considering a £1m bid for Sheffield United forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 19. (Daily Mail)
The club also hope to bring in two defenders, with Southampton’s Jose Fonte, 32, and Monaco’s Brazil international Fabinho, 22, the leading candidates. (Daily Record)
But United manager Jose Mourinho could still miss out on Fabinho, who is more likely to remain with Monaco than move to Manchester. (Daily Express)

RUMOURS: Is James Rodriquez leaving Real Madrid for Chelsea?


Former England striker Alan Shearer is urging Wayne Rooney to retire from international duty to help his Manchester United career, reports The Sun.


Yiorkshire's latest Radio 1 stars The Sherlocks proved a big hit at Reading Festival last night and are now heading home to do it all again - today they play Leeds Festival.
They top along list of big name local breaking local bands - including The Wired, Fighting Caravans and Faux Pas - who are being showcased at Leeds.
Local talent is joining the the likes of Biffy Clyro and Fall Out Boy - who played Leeds last night - Foals and Disclosure, who perform tonight, and Red Hot Chili Peppers who will close Leeds Festival this Bank Holiday weekend.
For more about Leeds Festival and tickets availability visit www.leedsfestival.com
The Sherlocks, singer songwriter Kiaran Crook, 20, brother and drummer Brandon, 23, guitarist Josh Davidson, 22, and his brother and bassist Andy, 17, recently played the biggest music festival in the world, the SXSW music festival in Austin, Texas.
But this is the biggest showcase weekend for the Bolton Upon Dearne indie quartet who have over 700 gigs to their name and have also just completed their first UK headline tour, selling out venues around the country, with their latest single Last Night getting lots of Radio 1 airplay.
Last year Kiaran, Brandon, Josh and Andy drew a huge number of fans before Sunday lunchtime at Reading, but a coveted evening slot on this year’s popular Festival Republic stage meant the crowds in the south were even bigger.
On a scorching summer evening the temperature in Berkshire was almost as high as the anticipation for the band of brothers’ 30 minute seven song set.
At exactly 5.45pm the lads, playing it cool as always, bounded on stage to kick off with single Last Night followed by favourites Escapade and Heart of Gold.
They continued with epic new song Candle Light, Live for the Moment and finished with Chasing Shadows as two giant beach balls flew back and forth across the arena.
Will You Be There?, which had one of its first plays at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, was another soaring highlight.
The huge Reading turn out for Yorkshire's latest Radio 1 stars The Sherlocks
Almost all the sides to the huge festival tent were drawn back meaning the Sherlocks’ sound carried beyond the tent poles. More and more joined the audience as the gig went on and by the end of the set the place was rammed.
“That was astonishing” frontman Kiaran told us as he came off stage.
“Last year was truly memorable, but this year Reading has taken it to another level. We’re seeing crowd reactions we'd only ever seen in the north before.
“We love it down here and now we're buzzing even more for Leeds.”
* The Sherlocks play The Festival Republic stage at Leeds Festival 5:45pm, Saturday August 27 and tour nationwide in September. More at thesherlocksmusic.co.uk.

Leeds Festival: The Sherlocks rock Reading ahead of Yorkshire homecoming


Two cousins have joined forces to open their own vintage tea rooms in Gainsborough. Edwina Bower, aged 59, and Anita Cyrnik, 57, both decided they wanted to change their careers.
Edwina said: “Considering we have been robbed of our pensions as it’s changed for us to 66, we have decided to spend our last years doing something different.
“From scratch and having no knowledge of hospitality we have embarked on this new venture.”
Edwina and Anita opened the doors to Lazy Daze Vintage Tea Rooms in Ropery Road, Gainsborough, on August 13.
Edwina said: “The reviews have been great and we have had fabulous customer feedback.”
Before taking on this new business Anita had been a barber for 25 years and ran the Trim Inn in Ropery Road, Gainsborough, and Edwina ran her own boutique in Scunthorpe.
Edwina said: “Previous to that I worked in the diet industry for more than 20 years.
“After a holiday earlier this year and a few glasses of wine our idea for Lazy Daze tea room was born and we opened after taking one month to do the refit.
“We both decided on a change of career which was a massive risk for us.
“The challenges are learning new skills at our age and the rewards will be making it a success.”
This new business came as a total surprise to them both, as well as their friends and family.
Edwina said: “This wasn’t anything either of us had ever thought about or dreamed about. We just said let’s try something different.
“It is very hard work. People don’t realise how hard it will be but we’re enjoying it and I’ve met some lovely people.
“That is one of the reasons I wanted to do something new when I moved to the area after living in Scunthorpe.
“Me and my husband were well known in Scunthorpe as I was also a Slimming World consultant and I went from not being able to walk down the street without someone recognising me to not knowing anyone.
“It’s nice to meet new people while you’re at work. You can drink coffee while getting to know everyone.
“It’s a really relaxing atmosphere and we are seeing new people coming in every day.”
Edwina has been married to her husband Matt for 28 years and they have a daughter Grace, aged 27, and a son Jak, aged 22.
Edwina said: “Grace is a professional singer and Jak works as an engineer for Eden Mobility.
“Matt and I relocated to Gainsborough in November 2015 from Scunthorpe for semi-retirement, which seems to have gone on the back burner, for me at least.
“Matt has been a jeweller since the age of 18 and we have run successful fine jewellery shops and also I have had a fashion boutique for the last nine years.”
Anita has been married to her husband Aidrian for 34 years and they have two sons, Mark, aged 30, and Sam, aged 25.
Mark is a building surveyor and Sam works for golf company Ping. Aidrian paints aircrafts full time and spent about 10 years painting the Red Arrows aircraft.
Edwina said: “He has been an asset for the signwriting and paint features. Everyone in our family has been behind us but they are missing us.
“We have gone from working three days a week to six but it is going to get easier and hopefully further down the line we will be able to take more people on to help us.
“Our ambition is for everyone who visits the tea room to have had an enjoyable experience and to want to return.”
Edwina and Anita are looking forward to the future and from this weekend, Saturday, September 3, the tea rooms can be booked for baby showers, hen dos and birthday parties. From October they will be offering children’s birthday parties.

Cousins embark on a new business journey as they open new tea rooms


Two cousins have joined forces to open their own vintage tea rooms in Gainsborough.
Edwina Bower, aged 59, and Anita Cyrnik, 57, both decided they wanted to change their careers.


North Nottinghamshire College is preparing for the new academic year with a new image as part of a £1 million plus investment carried out over the summer.
The project, which has been part funded by Sheffield City Region and managed by Moxon Project Management,
includes a new frontage together with other internal refurbishments such as a new reception and draft lobby.
There is also a new student services area for the new cohort of students starting their study at the college this September.
Phil Sayles, deputy principal, said: “We’re delighted with how this project is coming along – the new frontage really showcases the college well as the new term starts and makes a positive contribution to the fabric of the town.”
It is hoped the new draft lobby that has been installed will improve the economy of the building by keeping the heat in, reducing heating costs and ensuring there is no disruption caused by the elements.
The new reception area aoms to make the entrance easier to find upon entering the building.
The College has already gone through some major changes recently as it celebrated the merger with Rotherham College to form the RNN Group earlier in the year.
Mr Sayles added that staff are now looking forward to the start of a new academic year with improved facilities and resources which will give students a better experience in their learning environment.
For more information about the college and the courses on offer please call 01909 504500 or go to www.nnc.ac.uk

North Nottinghamshire College begins term on high note thanks to £1m revamp


North Nottinghamshire College is preparing for the new academic year with a new image as part of a £1 million plus investment carried out over the summer.


Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
Sheffield United have opened talks with arch-rivals Sheffield Wednesday about signing Caolan Lavery, The Star can confirm.
Sources at Bramall Lane last night revealed they expect Lavery, a former Northern Ireland under-21 international, to officially join Chris Wilder’s team next week.
Despite leaving Hillsborough earlier this summer, Wednesday will be entitled to compensation when Lavery’s move is processed although the exact amount could be decided by a Football League tribunal if the two clubs fail to agree a fee.
Unveiling Lavery, who scored four goals in 11 starts after joining Portsmouth on loan last season, would represent a welcome boost for Wilder after seeing attempts to bolster his defensive options stall.
Craig Morgan appeared destined to be unveiled ahead of tomorrow’s game against Oxford before the deal, which had been provisionally agreed with Wigan Athletic, fell through due to personal reasons. Byron Webster is another confirmed target with a further approach likely despite Millwall’s initial refusal to sell. United are believed to be encouraged by reports the centre-half is interested in returning north after previously representing York City and Doncaster Rovers.
Wilder, speaking at United’s training complex yesterday, said: “I’ll go into it more after the window but we’ve spoken to people in this division and been quoted £1.5m and £750,000 for players. We aren’t in that market anymore. I’m not saying this to curry favour but the people here have backed me as they’ve always backed managers in the past. But, perhaps on occasion back then, the right controls weren’t in place with regards to expenditure. Those controls are there now and, quite rightly, that’s the case.”
Caolan Lavery is expected to join Sheffield United shortly
Wilder has admitted goalkeeper George Long “wants to see what’s out there” after losing his starting place.
Craig Morgan helped Wigan Athletic win promotion from League One last season
Byron Moore (right) also interests Sheffield United

Sheffield United: Blades open Caolan Lavery talks with Sheffield Wednesday and plot second move for centre-half


Sheffield United have opened talks with arch-rivals Sheffield Wednesday about signing Caolan Lavery, The Star can confirm.


Arsene Wenger will splash out more than £50million before the transfer deadline on centre half Shkodran Mustafi and striker Lucas Perez, report the Daily Mail.
The paper reports the Arsene Wenger has had bids accepted on both players.
England goalkeeper Joe Hart is looking to clinch a move to Liverpool by taking a big pay cut, report the Sun.
The Guardian say West Ham have agreed a €28m (£24m) fee with Juventus for Simone Zaza, with the Italy striker set to fly to England on Friday for his medical after agreeing personal terms. Southampton defender Jose Fonte looks set to stay at the club and reject interest from Manchester United after holding one-on-one talks with Saints chairman Ralph Krueger to discuss his future. (Metro)
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata wants to stay at Old Trafford despite not being guaranteed a starting role under manager Jose Mourinho, reports the Daily Telegraph.
Chelsea forward Patrick Bamford is expected to agree a season-long loan with Burnley on Friday. (Daily Mail)

Transfer rumours: Arsenal to spend big and Joe Hart keen to drum up Liverpool interest


Arsene Wenger will splash out more than £50million before the transfer deadline on centre half Shkodran Mustafi and striker Lucas Perez, report the Daily Mail.


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Children doing the Summer Reading Challenge will be presented with certificates and prizes at library event


Children who have taken part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge will be presented with their certificates and prizes at an event at Gainsborough library on Thursday, September 9, at 4pm.


It is a brand new season - and Adam Duffy hopes a new cue will bring him a change in fortunes.
The Sheffield potter, who is ranked outside the top 100, kicks off his campaign against a qualifier in the first round of the Paul Hunter Classic today.
Duffy told The Star: “I accidentally snapped my old cue about three weeks ago. I was having loads of problems with it anyway.
“It has probably done me a favour as I love playing with my new cue.”
The Eckington-based cueman is back on the pro tour after a two-year absence.
“I’m so happy and relieved to be back on the tour,” said 27-year-old, who practices at the Star Snooker Academy. “It has taken a huge weight off my shoulders.
“After becoming an amateur, I had to look at what I had done wrong. It made me appreciate the game even more.
“When I was pro first time around, I took my foot off the pedal and started enjoying life a bit too much. I went out with my friends a lot, got into bad habits and started thinking I had made it.
“Obviously with snooker, if you don’t respect it, it gives you a kick where you don’t like to be kicked.
“By not respecting the game and my life, it taught me a lesson.”

Snooker: Duffy hopes for upturn in fortunes


It is a brand new season - and Adam Duffy hopes a new cue will bring him a change in fortunes.


With only three rounds remaining, the 20th round of Notts Premier League fixtures on Saturday sees matches where there is something at stake for at least one of the teams involved.
With the top three split by 33 points it’s make or break for title hopes, while at the ‘wrong end’, the bottom four are just eight points apart.
Clifton Village v Mansfield Hosiery Mills
Despite being abandoned last weekend, the home side moved up one place in the standings to ninth, but sit a mere eight points above the bottom side.
Visitors MHM have won their last three away matches, but are yet to secure their status as a top half of the table side.
Kimberley Institute v Hucknall
Kimberley’s long run without a win continued last week, their abandonment stretching the run of futility to 12 weeks.
Hucknall secured enough bonus points last week to close the gap up at the bottom of the table such that the bottom three teams are only two points apart.
Plumtree v Nottinghamshire CCC Academy
Plumtree secured a big win over Radcliffe last weekend, which enabled them to close the gap on leaders Cuckney to 11 points, and having won both of their last two home matches will be confident of keeping the pressure on this weekend. The Academy have surged to fourth place in the table over the last few weeks, and will be keen to secure that position for season’s end.
Radcliffe-on-Trent v Cuckney
The home side have just one win in the last 10 games played on their own ground, and with the leaders coming to visit and a margin of only 19 points between them and second from bottom, they will know an upturn in fortune is required.
For Cuckney, it’s 15 weeks since they last lost a match, so despite seeing their lead eaten into last weekend, they know that keeping that run going should be enough to get them over the line.
Welbeck v Ordsall Bridon
This might be the biggest game of the weekend, with these sides sitting in 11th and 10th places respectively, split by just a single point.
Defeat for either could be terminal.
Although both sides have just one win from their last 10, Welbeck’s record at home is good, just one defeat, while Bridon have just one win on their travels.
With the knowledge that the loser is likely to find themselves bottom come the end of the day this will be about who handles that pressure best.
West Indian Cavaliers v Caythorpe
Having their match at MHM cancelled without a ball bowled last week, meant Cavs lost more ground on the top two, so they will know they will have to win all of their remaining matches to stand any chance of over hauling the sides above them.
It has been 13 weeks since their last defeat, and with six wins out of nine games at Birchover Park, they will believe they can get the job done here.
Caythorpe come off a valuable win last week which leaves them needing to find 23 points over the last three matches to secure NPL status.
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With only three rounds remaining, the 20th round of Notts Premier League fixtures on Saturday sees matches where there is something at stake for at least one of the teams involved.


NPL excitement builds with just three weeks to go


American actor Gene Wilder has died at the age of 83.
Famous for his collaborations with actor/comedian Richard Pryor and director Mel Brooks, Wilder was perhaps best known for his performance as the titular character in 1971’s Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.
Before that he had starred in Brooks’ Broadway spoof The Producers, for which he was Oscar nominated and went on to become one of the biggest comedy actors of the 70s and 80s.
He worked again with Brooks on the likes of Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein - earning another Oscar nod - and teamed up to huge success with Pryor for Silver Streak, Stir Crazy and See No Evil, Hear No Evil.
As tributes from co-stars, celebrity fans and ordinary cinema-goers poured in from around the world, pop culture blog i09 put together this compilation of some of Wilder’s greatest on-screen moments.

LEGEND: Gene Wilder’s greatest on-screen moments


American actor Gene Wilder has died at the age of 83.


Punk duo Slaves say they may be unable to live up to the name of their forthcoming album and Take Control of the 'wild' Leeds Festival crowd this weekend.
Drummer vocalist Isaac Holman and band mate Laurie Vincent, on guitar and vocals, play Leeds Festival main stage on Sunday after Reading Festival on Saturday.
And they say northern fans are often more wild than anywhere else in the country.
"I don't know if we can take control of the Leeds crowd but I'll give it a good old go," laughed Isaac, promising fans 'blood, sweat and laughs'.
AUDIO: Listen to Slaves star Isaac Holman's exclusive chat with Graham Walker - CLICK HERE.
"We are a southern band so we did a bit better down south at first. But the northern crowds are even more wild for us now than down south sometimes. I think Leeds is going to go off.
"It's completely what I live for. I love playing live. It's the only time my mind goes quiet and I feel comfortable when I step out on stage. The more people there the merrier."
GET LEEDS AND READING FESTIVAL APP: Daily set times for Reading and Leeds Festivals are now live on the R&L App - iTunes and Android.
Slaves are on the same bill as Red Hot Chili Peppers. Imagine Dragons and Courteeners.
Other superstar bands playing this weekends include Biffy Clyro, Fall Out Boy, Foals, Disclosure, The Vaccines and Chvrches - along with rising local stars, such as South Yorkshire's own Radio 1 hitmakers The Sherlocks. Leeds Festival is set to attract around 80,000 people.
Isaac, who also revealed they still get starstruck, said it will be a highlight of their year which also includes a 15 date UK headline tour in November and the release of next album Take Control on September 30.
Isaac added: "Sometimes you get starstruck. Me and Laurie definitely do fanboy some people we meet. But the more you get into the scene you realise everyone is just a person and it becomes a little bit more normal.
"We've worked our way up through the stages. Being main stage is like another level - Leeds and Reading were the festivals we went to when we were younger and I don't think we ever imagined we would be on the bill let alone on the main stage. It's brilliant."
Slaves, from Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, will be laying waste to venues across the country as they launch into a full UK tour in November. Yorkshire dates include Leeds O2 Academy on Tuesday, November 15 and Sheffield O2 Academy, on Friday, November 25.
See full tour, ticket details and album download links links below.
Slaves earned a reputation for themselves as one of the UK’s fiercest live acts with their constant touring and festival appearances off the back of last year's debut album, Are you Satisfied?
Their next hit album in waiting was part recorded at Jackson Browne’s studio in Santa Monica, California.
Take Control was produced by one of the legends of early hip hop and New York punk, Mike D who, says Laurie, “Became like another member of our band – we can safely call him our friend, which is just surreal!”
The album finds the young pair sharpening up their skills, both in songwriting and in execution and sounding heavier in places.
Several tracks on the album were recorded on vintage equipment used by the Beastie Boys on their classic records, Including STD’s PhD’s, Angelica and Consume Or Be Consumed.
Recorded back home in London, Steer Clear was a collaboration with another hero, Baxter Dury, who lent his distinctive vocals to a duet with Isaac.
Slaves first emerged in 2012, working their way up through the local toilet-venue circuit to become one of the success stories of 2015.
The band’s debut album Are You Satisfied? smashed in to the UK top 10 and earned the band huge critical acclaim. Thanks to their charismatic mash-up of punky urgency and silly humour, they bagged Kerrang!’s Spirit Of Punk award and NME’s Best Video award (for Cheer Up London), while also securing nominations for the Mercury Music Prize, and for Best New Band at Q and NME.
Along the way, they’ve won the hearts of The Streets’ Mike Skinner, stolen the show on last year’s NME tour, had Skepta join them on stage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend and toured with Jamie T and Wolf Alice – the latter in America in March, after which Wolf Alice’s drummer Joel Amey bunked off to California to play on new track People That You Meet.
Pre-order new the album now to get a free download of Spit It Out, first single from the album, at youareallslaves.com - you can also order at iTunes, Amazon or Google Play.
VIDEO: Check out Spit It Out, the first single off the album - a snapshot of their manic daily lives in Tunbridge Wells and New Cross - CLICK HERE.
Leeds Festival Ticket Information
Weekend tickets are £205 + £8 booking fee = £213 total Day tickets are £59.50 + £7 booking fee Early entry permits - £20 (No booking fee) Campervan permits - £75 (No booking fee) Lockers - £16 (No booking fee)
Slaves 2016 UK Tour dates (All shows 14 +)
Thu 10 Nov 2016 – Bexhill - De La Warr Pavillion - UK
Fri 11 Nov 2016 – Truro - Hall for Cornwall - UK
Sun 13 Nov 2016 – Cardiff - University Great Hall - UK
Mon 14 Nov 2016 – Cambridge - Corn Exchange - UK
Tue 15 Nov 2016 – Leeds – O2 Academy - UK
Thu 17 Nov 2016 – Newcastle – O2 Academy - UK
Fri 18 Nov 2016 - Glasgow – Barrowland - UK
Sat 19 Nov 2016 – Birmingham – O2 Academy - UK
Mon 21 Nov 2016 – Bristol – O2 Academy - UK
Tue 22 Nov 2016 – Leicester - O2 Academy - UK
Wed 23 Nov 2016 – Nottingham - Rock City - UK
Fri 25 Nov 2016 – Sheffield – O2 Academy - UK
Sat 26 Nov 2016 – Manchester - Albert Hall - UK
Tue 29 Nov 2016 – London - Shepherds Bush Empire - UK
Wed 30 Nov 2016 – London - Shepherds Bush Empire - UK
MORE:
VIDEO & 360 PHOTO: Biffy Clyro intimate gig for lucky Leeds Festival fans
VIDEO: Leeds Festival preview
AUDIO: Take plenty of wet wipes, says 'Mr Leeds Festival' Frank Turner
Leeds Festival 2016: What we know so far about this year’s line-up

AUDIO: 'I don't know if we can Take Control of wild Leeds Festival crowd', jokes punk stars Slaves


Punk duo Slaves say they may be unable to live up to the name of their forthcoming album and Take Control of the


A man who was killed in a car accident in North Nottinghamshire last week has been named by police.
Ryan Willis, 26, of Swans Quay, Retford, died after the Hyundai Accent car he was travelling in crashed on the A620 at Ranby at around 11.45pm on Thursday 25 August.
A 20-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Anyone with information about the collision is asked to telephone Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 975 of 25 August.

Man who died in Notts crash named by police


A man who was killed in a car accident in North Nottinghamshire last week has been named by police.


While a weather warning still looms over the weekend, expect sun acrross the East Midlands today (Friday, August 26).
After a fine and sunny start, and whilst some fair weather cloud could develop during the day, it will remain dry. Although less humid than recently, it will be feeling warm in the sunshine. Maximum Temperature 22 °C.
Tonight will have a dry and clear start with only light winds, turning rather chilly, with the odd patch of mist or fog possible by dawn. Minimum Temperature 9 °C.
The Met Office had placed a four-day yellow weather alert over the region, expecting heavy rain and thunder across the midlands for the rest of the week.
The warning has now been lifted for Friday but is still in place for Saturday and Sunday.
Forecasters said: "Outbreaks of rain will develop over central UK through the course of Saturday, and by the evening are likely to be heavy at times. This rain is likely to be prolonged over many areas overnight into Sunday morning, gradually becoming lighter and dying out later on Sunday. Please be aware of the risk of local disruption to transport and outdoor activities.
"A frontal zone associated with very warm and moist air over southern UK early Saturday will ease northwards during Saturday, and become slow moving over central areas of England and Wales later Saturday, persisting overnight, before slowly easing away to the east during the course of Sunday. Rainfall will be heavy at times, and locally prolonged. Rainfall totals are likely to be in the range of 20-40 mm, but 50-75 mm is possible in some areas."
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While a weather warning still looms over the weekend, expect sun acrross the East Midlands today (Friday, August 26).


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A local history day for all the family to be a part of is taking place at Worksop library this month.


Uncertainty over the decision to leave the EU has not diminished the demand for new homes in Nottinghamshire according to an East Midlands house builder.
Persimmon Homes North Midlands, which builds homes across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, announced in its half-year results that legal completions were up by six per cent compared to the same period in 2015 with 7,238 homes completed between January 1 and June 30 2016.
Director-in-charge Liam Scott said: “Customer interest in our new homes remains high, despite the increased economic uncertainty which the result of the EU Referendum created. In the region, visitor numbers to our developments has increased by around 20 per cent year on year.”

Homes are selling well despite EU concerns


Uncertainty over the decision to leave the EU has not diminished the demand for new homes in Nottinghamshire according to an East Midlands house builder.


A women who was dazzled by full-beam headlights when she drove her car into a hedge was over the drink drive limit, a court has heard.
Varaporn Parkinson, 48. of Goldthorpe Avenue, Langold, admitted driving with excess alcohol when she appeared before magistrates in Mansfield on Wednesday.
The court heard her Nissan Note became embedded in the hedge on Eel Pool Road, Everton, on August 13. A breath test revealed she had 49 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath when the legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Rod Chapman, prosecuting, said: “She admitted drinking four halves of beer. Her loss of control resulted from being dazzled by the lights of a following car.
“She was trying to adjust her mirror when she crashed.”
Mary Dixon, mitigating, said the mother of one had recently lost her job, but refused to claim job seekers’ allowance on principle.
Parkinson was banned for 14 months and fined £120, and ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £30.

Langold drink driver dazzled by full-beam lights embedded car in hedge


A women who was dazzled by full-beam headlights when she drove her car into a hedge was over the drink drive limit, a court has heard.


Club captain Glenn Loovens has expressed his relief over returning to action after a six-week absence.
Having recovered from ankle surgery, Loovens featured in the Owls development squad’s 2-0 victory over Birmingham City at Hillsborough today.
Trialist Reise Allansani
The Dutchman played over an hour as Neil Thompson’s team sealed their second successive home win courtesy of strikes by Claude Dielna and Warren Clarke.
Loovens told The Star: “It is always really good to get back out there after an injury. I have only been back in full training since Monday but I asked if I could play and hour and I’m glad I did. You can only do so much in training.”
For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here
It was the 32-year-old’s first outing since the Championship Play-Off final.
“I was struggling with the injury all season last year,” revealed Loovens. “I played through it with a lot of pain killing injections so I had to get it sorted.”
For more news from Hillsborough click here
Dielna opened the scoring in the 15th minute, curling in a glorious 25-yard free-kick.
After the break, Clarke lashed in the second before Daniel Cleary saw red late on.
*Owls: Dawson; Percival, Loovens (O’Grady 63), Dielna (Lee 83), Penney; Stobbs, Murphy, Clarke; Bus, Allansani (Centeno 35). Substitutes: Wallis, Rodney.
Follow Dom Howson on twitter

Sheffield Wednesday: Owls captain Glenn Loovens relieved to put injury woes behind him


Club captain Glenn Loovens has expressed his relief over returning to action after a six-week absence.


UPDATE: Man confirmed dead after crash on Notts road


A man has been confirmed killed after a crash in Ranby, near Retford, last night.


Today’s rumours from the world of football on Thursday, 25th August 2016
Boss Jose Mourinho has warned Anthony Martial he must raise his game after lacklustre start The United chief fears that his chaotic personal life is starting to affect his performances on the field. Martial, 20, recently split from childhood sweetheart Samantha and has been subjected to a series of public attacks from his ex-girlfriend. (The Sun).
Click HERE to read the full story
Olympic Gold medal winner Gabriel Barbosa is on Man Utd’s radar but they’ll have to hurry up if he decides to leave Brazil. United’s Brazilian wonder kid target Gabriel Barbosa has been told it is up to him whether he leaves Santos or not. Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho is said to be interested, however, the South American club’s president has revealed that, despite the Reds being linked with the 19-year-old striker, there have only been concrete bids from Italy. (Manchester Evening News).
Click HERE to read the full story
Mark Hughes is ready to offer Liverpool outcast Mamadou Sakho an escape route with a loan move to Stoke City. Hughes has made an inquiry for the French centre-half and is hopeful of concluding a deal before the transfer deadline. Sakho is free to leave Liverpool on a temporary basis after falling out of favour with manager Jurgen Klopp and Stoke have asked about his availability. (Daily Telegraph).
Click HERE to read the full story
Former Premier League player Richard Chaplow has been suspended for two matches for verbally abusing openly gay opponent Robbie Rogers. Rogers, 29, said he was subjected to a repeated “gay slur” during a match between his LA Galaxy II team and Chaplow’s Orange County Blues.
Click HERE to read the full story
Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater has signed a new five-year contract with the Premier League champions. The 26-year-old England international was instrumental as the Foxes won the title by 10 points last season. His previous deal was due to expire in 2018, and there had been speculation of a move to Tottenham. (BBC Sport).
Click HERE to read the full story
West Ham are aiming to push through a deal to sign striker Loic Remy on a season-long loan from Chelsea, according to Sky sources.
Click HERE to read the full story
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Today’s rumours from the world of football on Thursday, 25th August 2016


Martial warned over girlfriend row, United chase Olympic ace, Chaplow’s USA homophobia slur, Drinkwater deal


Residents of Foxby Court care home in Gainsborough have celebrated the official opening of their refurbished garden, complete with new summerhouse.
The Mayor of Gainsborough, Councillor Ken Woolley, cut the ceremonial ribbon, watched by more than 50 residents, members of their families, friends and OSJCT employees.
Everyone then enjoyed a buffet afternoon tea and live music from singer Emma Kelsey in the warm summer sunshine.
The enclosed garden space has been completely revamped, with new fencing and planting, as well as the summerhouse.
The garden is in an area around the back of the care home which had not been developed and the idea for the garden came from the residents who wanted an area where they could spend time with their families.
Tracy Turfrey, Peripatetic Home Manager, said: “It’s wonderful to see such a positive change to this outside space.
“We are very grateful to the local nurseries who donated plants, and to everyone who has mucked in to help with the planting and other work to make the garden so lovely for the residents.
“Everyone is just thrilled with the new outdoor facilities and it will make a big difference to all who live and work at Foxby Court.
“We’re looking forward to being able to hold lots of events and activities outside when the weather permits, and will be inviting our neighbours and friends in the local community to enjoy these with us.
“It’s been really well supported.”
Foxby Court in Middlefield Lane, Gainsborough, is part of the Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) and for more information about the care services available at Foxby Court call 0800 988 8133 or visit www.osjct.co.uk.

Care home create new garden with summerhouse for residents


Residents of Foxby Court care home in Gainsborough have celebrated the official opening of their refurbished garden, complete with new summerhouse.


For anyone who has found the whole process of internet shopping too much like hard work Amazon has come up with a solution.
The online retailer today revealed that it is introducing its Amazon Dash Buttons to the UK.
The dinky little gadgets are a one-touch way to order a host of popular products without all that complicated rigmarole of actually logging onto your Amazon account and searching for them.
The Dash Buttons are literally that, small plastic boxes housing a button, which when pressed will connect via wi-fi to your Amazon account and using one-click buying order your selected products.
Each button is linked to a particular item and there are 40 brands available from launch so you can get everything from cat food to condoms and nappies to NERF ammunition delivered to your door.
Daniel Rausch, director of Amazon Dash, explained the thinking behind the devices: “We’ve all experienced the frustration of running out of something we need - Dash Button and Dash Replenishment Service are designed to make that moment a thing of the past.
“Dash Buttons offer the convenience of one-click shopping from anywhere in the home - they can be placed near those frequently used items you don’t want to run out of, and when you see supplies running low, the Dash Button makes it easier than ever to order more. Just press the button and your item is on its way.”
The £4.99 devices are only available to Amazon Prime customers, which means you’ll have to sign up to the £79-a-year service to enjoy the Dash Button’s convenience. The good news is that you’ll get £4.99 back off your first order of each product.
Alongside the buttons, Amazon also announced the UK rollout of its Dash Replenishment Service.
Like the button this links to your Amazon account but rather than having to do the ordering yourself it allows connected smart devices to order supplies themselves.
This means the likes of washing machines, dishwashers and printers from big-name brands including Bosch, Samsung, Whirlpool and Siemens can monitor your consumables usage and order more before you run out.
If they could just design a button that remotely loads the dishwasher too, they could be onto a winner.

Amazon Dash lets you order your loo roll at the touch of a button


For anyone who has found the whole process of internet shopping too much like hard work Amazon has come up with a solution.


Just when you thought it was safe to talk positively about Nottingham Forest, they sell our brightest talent in the blink of an eye.
Unless you have been on Mars; you’ll no doubt have heard about Oliver Burke’s departure from Nottingham Forest at the weekend. However, I will embellish on this fiasco later on in the week.
So let us rewind to Saturday when everything was a bit brighter and even I refused to be negative!
Leeds United were the visitors the City Ground and under the stewardship of Gary Monk looked a tricky tie on paper.
It’s no surprise that both clubs have identical records since their respective tumbles from the Promised Land that we call the Premier League.
Leeds have had an indifferent start to this campaign under Gary Monk but you get the feeling that he will turn it around anytime now, luckily for us that time was certainly not 5.45pm last Saturday.
Forest started brightly against the Yorkshire men and forced some early corners, Oliver Burke almost netted one of them off Lansbury’s whipped delivery.
The home side did indeed take the lead by virtue of an identical delivery; Pajtim Kasami exploited the same defensive frailties and blasted home from close range with ease.
It was fantastic to see Stephen Henderson have a solid game too; despite the odd flap here and there he was on hand to produce a cracking save to prevent a Leeds equaliser. He also plucked a couple of dangerous crosses safely from their intended targets.
Speaking to a couple of Leeds fans, it soon became evident that they had a real problem defending crosses and corners. Forest punished them in this manner once again to go two goals ahead in the second half.
Damien Perquis hung in the air like Michael Jordan before planting an unstoppable header past Rob Green. It seems more than just a coincidence that the reds were utilising every opportunity to get the ball into the box, if this was indeed tactical nouse by Philippe Montanier, then hats off to him.
I’m still not sure about him but he’s certainly not boring, that’s for sure!
I even thought that we might achieve our first clean sheet of the season, but the home defence, manager and goalkeeper cannot be held responsible for Leeds United’s goal in the 83rd minute. Kevin Phillips scored an absolute beauty of a free kick, from all of thirty yards out.
The familiar nervous grumblings began to echo around our famous old stadium soon after the Leeds goal - a predicted score line of 4-3 carried itself from the Trent End to the A block, accompanied by a wave of nervous laughter.
Well, on previous evidence, you’d be a brave man or woman to disagree!
Unbeknown to the remaining supporters in the ground, they were about to witness a moment of history in added on time at the end of the game. In the same way that those stragglers who witnessed Des Walker’s only ever goal did, the Forest fans were treated to a swansong from Oliver Burke.
The young genius weaved and powered his way from the left touchline before finishing from the tightest of angles past Green. If this is the last we ever see of Oliver Burke in the famous red jersey, then it was a wonderful way to say goodbye.
You could compare it to Carl Froch’s last ever punch in professional boxing; a career defining moment that will live long in the memory.
It is beyond comprehension that the club have allowed such an amazing talent to go at the first sign of any real money, especially after we offloaded Jamie Paterson in the same week.
As I said at the beginning of this piece, I have LOTS to say about the Burke transfer but not just now. As the Irish like to say: “A windy day is not for thatching”.

OPINION: Oliver Burke says goodbye in style with Nottingham Forest


Just when you thought it was safe to talk positively about Nottingham Forest, they sell our brightest talent in the blink of an eye.


Nottinghamshire health bosses are so far claiming they won't have to cut hospital services, despite numerous others areas already admitting major cuts to services are required.
Research funded by campaigns organisation 38 Degrees released on Friday revealed that Nottinghamshire needs to find £500 million in saving over the next five years, and despite claims that the service foresees resizing of 'hospital footprints', so far those in charge of transforming the NHS into a sustainable service have not admitting any cuts to acute services at our hospitals.
The report is part of national analysis describing a crippling funding crisis in the NHS which is forcing more than half of healthcare areas to cut acute services - but campaigners are saying health bosses aren't being transparent enough about their plants to save billions over the next five years.
Some 23 out of 44 healthcare 'footprints', including Nottingham and Nottinghamshire has revealed that 'configuration' changes are needed under their Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs).
The plans are being produced across the health service under partnerships between CCGs, trusts and local authorities, to steer local services.
In Nottinghamshire, our health commissioners expect a 'do-nothing' deficit of half a billion - needing a total of £2.3 billion a year to maintain services as they are now.
And according to research of published NHS documents by Incisive Healthcare, draft STP plans state trusts may need "acute service consolidation" and "resizing of the acute hospital footprint".
Analysis by Incisive Healthcare said the plan "doesn't describe what this would mean for patients" but historically "consolidation" and "resizing" mean cuts to hospital services.
A Nottinghshire STP document seen by the Chad claims our health service's key issues concern finance, and states that current services are 'unsustainable'' and 'unaffordable.
The document, from an STP presentation continued: "We don’t currently have fully developed solutions for this... We don’t allocate or use public funds to best effect."
A number of unpublished STPs were uncovered by an FOI request by 38 Degrees, and the draft plans spell out huge cuts across the health service to meet funding shortages, but in many cases individual plans for local areas are still vague.
Laura Townshend, Director at 38 Degrees who used crowdfunding to drive the investigation, said: “This is new evidence that plans are being made to close local NHS services. We all rely on these services, yet we are being kept in the dark.
"These proposed cuts aren’t the fault of local NHS leaders. The health service is struggling to cope with growing black holes in NHS funding. These new revelations will be a test of Theresa May’s commitment to a fully-funded National Health Service.
"The NHS belongs to all of us - so local people in Nottinghamshire should get a say in any changes to their local services. That’s why hundreds of thousands of us have joined the 38 Degrees campaign calling for Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to commit to full public disclosure of plans for each and every one of the 44 areas across England.”
No confirmed plans for downsizing
For the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 'footprint', a gap of £500 million must be closed, and initial comments from our health services have denied plans for consolidation and downsizing, suggesting that research doesn't properly represent the local picture.
But compared to other areas, cuts may be unavoidable to meet the £500m target.
According to Incisive Healthcare's research, Hertfordshire & Essex's STP is looking to scrap pre-existing plans for a new hospital to meet its target savings of £234m - less than half of Nottinghamshire's.
Dorset's plan said to meet £158 million of saving 'hospital beds are at risk', and Leicestershire & Rutland's plans to bring down its five-year 'black hole' of £700m is to end acute services from one of three hospitals.
Other areas are considering selling surplus land and estates, cutting staff and closing or downgrading A&E departments.
Nottinghamshire County Council's deputy chief executive and director of Health and adult social care, David Pearson is one of only four out of 44 STP leaders in the country to be appointed from a local authority, while most of the country's transformation plans are being lead by health chiefs.
He told BBC Radio 4: "The transformation of services is rarely just one big dramatic closure."
"Sometimes, we have particular conditions or particular treatments that are best in a centre of excellence.
"But this is fundamentally about making sure we are doing the best things across Nottinghamshire and that, as far as possible, services are locally delivered to an agreed understanding of what best practice is."
We have tried to contact Mr Pearson for an interview but he is so far unavailable.
An NHS England spokesman said: "This is a unique exercise in collaboration. It is hardly a secret that the NHS is looking to make major inefficiencies and the best way of doing so is for local doctors, hospitals and councils to work together to decide the way forward in consultation with local communities.
"Proposals are at a draft stage but we expect all local leaders to be talking to the public and stakeholders regularly - it is vital that people are able to shape the future of their local services.
"No changes to the services people currently receive will be made without local engagement and, where required, consultation."
To sign the 38 Degree petition to make STP progress public, go to the |38 Degrees website|click here}.
Draft plan outlines areas of concern:
According to a Nottinghamhire STP draft presentation, local funding issues are based on a shortfall, with annual increases in NHS revenue rising in line with inflation (2-4 per cent), but not covering the continuous increase in demand (an additional 2-5.5 per cent).
Nottinghamshire'a main areas for bad performance:
• A&E waiting times,
• Ambulance Red 1 response times
Key issues faced by the area:
• Sustainability and affordability of services
• Workforce – particularly in primary care and some specialties
• Fragmentation / duplication / gaps in services
• Nottingham University Hospitals and Sherwood Forest Hospitals merger
• National outlier for high spending but poor outcomes in mental health, Genitourinary and Musculoskeletal departments.
Areas where funding can be better used:
• Handoffs and delays within / between organisations
• Thresholds for treatment in different settings (primary, residential, acute and community care)
• Mental and physical health parity of esteem (spend doesn’t match overall population need)
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story NHS IN CRISIS: How will Notts close £500m 'black hole'? Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


Nottinghamshire health bosses are so far claiming they won


NHS IN CRISIS: How will Notts close £500m 'black hole'?


Believe it or not, there was a positive to come from the Owls’ last outing.
For the first time in his pro career, Sam Hutchinson started and completed three matches in a week. It is testament to the work Hutchinson has put in behind the scenes to improve his fitness and the way the club have managed his workload that he came through unscathed against Norwich City, Burton Albion and Leeds United.
Shortly after the Owls reported back for pre-season training at the start of July, boss Carlos Carvalhal confirmed Hutchinson would play at centre-half this season. Carvalhal liked what he saw from Hutchinson when the former Chelsea youngster filled in there last time around and he had little other cover.
As he has demonstrated on countless occasions, Hutchinson is an intelligent footballer and equally adept at centre-back as he is in midfield.
If ever there was a match that was tailor-made for Hutchinson’s combative style, it was Leeds. He relishes a battle and nearly always makes his presence felt.
For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here
With Hutchinson having been switched to the back four, Owls do miss a destroyer. Someone who loves a tackle and can make interceptions. Someone who can disrupt the opposition’s flow. Someone who can give an extra layer of protection to the back four.
The combination of Barry Bannan and Kieran Lee acquitted themselves well versus two sides in Aston Villa and Norwich City who like to get the ball down and play. Against Burton and Leeds, Wednesday needed more soldiers than artists.
You could argue the Owls have too many ball players and not enough grafters. The blend in the centre doesn’t look quite right...and Carvalhal knows it.
For more news from Hillsborough click here
Two ordinary teams beat them last week because they earned the right to play. Wednesday were outfought, lacked bite and looked lightweight. Carvalhal’s men came up short in a big way.
We can talk about personnel and tactics all day long but it’s the players who have to step up and deliver after two poor, disjointed displays.
All sides are, of course, entitled to an off day once in a while. One bad day at the office you can excuse but two in a row is concerning. Three defeats on the spin for a team who harbour promotion aspirations is just unthinkable.
Carvalhal has ruled out the possibility of Wednesday dipping into the summer transfer market before it closes next week to sign a ‘midfield enforcer’. (Not that there are many of those around or available anyway) It is another left-back and left winger who Carvalhal wants to add to his squad.
Soon Carvalhal will have to work with what he has got and find a solution to their midfield issues.
Could Hutchinson be the answer? He was for much of last year. Surely it is worth another shot?
Follow Dom Howson on twitter

Dom Howson column: Sam Hutchinson can add some much-needed steel to Sheffield Wednesday midfield


Believe it or not, there was a positive to come from the Owls’ last outing.


It was a painful experience for Steven Fletcher and everyone of a Scottish persuasion watching the European Championships over the summer.
Scotland were the only nation from the British Isles who failed to qualify for the major international tournament in France.
Most of the Home Nations, with the exception of England, acquitted themselves well on the main stage.
Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland reached the last 16 of the showpiece event while Wales, inspired by Gareth Bale, made it through to the semi-finals.
Fletcher, the Owls striker, told The Star: “It was hard to watch seeing all the other Home Nations playing there but that’s football. It gives our camp a bit of a lift to see them doing well.”
For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here
You have to go back to 1998 for the last time the Scots qualified for a major international tournament. Nine tournaments have come and gone since the World Cup in France.
“One of the things I want to do in my international career is play in a major tournament,” admitted Fletcher, who has yet to get off the mark in Wednesday colours since moving to Hillsborough on a free transfer at the start of July. “We fell at the final hurdle in the last qualifying campaign.
“Hopefully we will give ourselves a chance and make it this time around.”
For more news from Hillsborough click here
Scotland kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign at Malta on Sunday.
Fletcher, named in Gordon Strachan’s squad along with Wednesday teammate Barry Bannan last week, said: “I want to play as many games as I can for my country. I’ve got a good relationship with Gordon. As long as I’m playing, he’ll be happy to pick me. I’ve got good experience to bring to the squad. You never take your place for granted but I’d like to think I’ve got a lot to offer.”
England, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia make up the rest of Group F.
“We’ve got a tough group,” said Fletcher. “Every international game is tough but we’ve got as good a chance as everyone else in the group.
“If we can get off to a good start, that’s going to help in the long run.”
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Sheffield Wednesday: Owls striker Steven Fletcher sets sights on Scotland success


It was a painful experience for Steven Fletcher and everyone of a Scottish persuasion watching the European Championships over the summer.


In the early hours of Monday, August 22, two males were seen acting suspiciously around the Rose and Crown pub in Upton.
Lincs Police want to hear from anyone who saw anyone in and around the village at that time or any vehicles.
If you saw anything call 101 and quote incident number 31 of August 22, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


In the early hours of Monday, August 22, two males were seen acting suspiciously around the Rose and Crown pub in Upton.


After last week’s record-breaking A-levels, pupils from Worksop College are celebrating again as today’s GCSE results are revealed.
With a GCSE pass rate of 99.3 per cent, comparing to last year’s figure of 99.1 per cent - the school has excelled itself once again.
Abi Speight with her mum Helen Speight are all smiles.
As well as an impressive pass rate, pupils did brilliantly at achieving the higher marks, with the school reporting a notable 164 A & A* grades.
The school is bucking the national trend, as reports suggest that GCSE results across the country are at their lowest since 2008.
Amongst the happy pupils at Worksop College are Abi Speight (7A, 4A*), Nick Lowe (5A*, 7A), Eleanor Cooley (9A*, 2A, B) and Huw Brown (12 A*)
16 year old Nick, from Sheffield, said: “I’m just a bit overwhelmed. It hasn’t quite sunk in.”
Worksop College student Eleanor Cooley with her results.
Dad Gordon Lowes said: “It’s the result of two years of hard work. I’m very proud indeed.”
Abi Speight, 16, is equally happy, pronouncing: “It’s just such a relief!”
Mum Helen Speight said: “I’m not sure how she manages it. She was selected to play Hockey for Britain U16, I just don’t know she’s juggled both. I’m just so proud.”
Ceri Thorman, 16, from Dinnington (7A*, 3As, B) checked her results online this morning and said: “Mum instantly started crying - dad thought I was lying!”
Nick Lowe with his A-Level results.
Huw Brown (12 A*), the school’s top performing pupil says his results are a great birthday present. “I turned 16 yesterday”, he said, “this is a pretty good birthday present!”
Mum, Caroline Brown is grateful for the support that the school has given Huw. “He’s had lots of support”, she says. “The study clinics were brilliant, they couldn’t have been better orchestrated.”
Headmaster Gavin Horgan is very proud of the students’ results, and looking forward to the coming academic year.
“They have worked incredibly hard”, he said. “We strive to ensure that every single child achieves their full potential and these results are testament to the sheer determination and hard work that’s been put in over the last two years. After our record-breaking A level results last week, I have high expectations of these students – I’m looking forward to welcoming them back to school – and into Lower Sixth in a matter of weeks.”

GCSE victory for Worksop College students


After last week’s record-breaking A-levels, pupils from Worksop College are celebrating again as today’s GCSE results are revealed.


A Gainsborough resident has taken the top prize in a garden competition looking to find the best creative use of a small space.
Margaret Conway scooped the award in the Acis in Bloom competition which is open to all of the social housing provider’s 5,500 homes.
The awards were judged by Acis Chief Executive Greg Bacon, A Place to Call Our Own’s Alan Withington and gardening expert Colin Bates.
Colin said: “The competition was incredible. There were so many beautiful gardens and you could really tell people put a lot of effort in making their gardens unique.”

Greenfingered resident scoops garden prize


A Gainsborough resident has taken the top prize in a garden competition looking to find the best creative use of a small space.


Gary Ballance ensured Yorkshire sustained their dominant position at Scarborough as his half-century helped the Tykes move towards setting Nottinghamshire an imposing fourth innings target.
He made an unbeaten 75 as the White Rose county stretched their lead to 388 by the close at North Marine Road.
Having bowled out the visitors for 94 to secure a first innings lead of 188, Yorkshire’s stand-in captain Ballance made the slightly surprising decision not to enforce the follow-on.
That allowed openers Alex Lees and Adam Lyth to play freely, with the former hitting Steven Mullaney for four successive fours early in the afternoon session.
The pair shared in a 72-run stand for the first wicket before Lees pushed forward to a Brett Hutton delivery and was adjudged LBW for 30.
Lyth followed shortly after having made 41, with an attempted flick into the leg-side landing back in the hands of bowler Luke Wood via a leading edge.
Those wickets saw the tempo of the Yorkshire innings drop somewhat, with Ballance and Jake Lehmann playing in a circumspect fashion as they took the lead past 300.
It was not until after tea that Lehmann looked to cut loose, but his innings ended on 35 as he miscued an attempted slog over mid-on off the bowling of Samit Patel which allowed Wood to take a steepling catch.
Jack Leaning also fell before close after being stumped off the bowling of Patel, leaving Ballance – who hit 12 fours in his 139-ball innings – and Tim Bresnan to see the hosts through to close, though play was abandoned seven overs early due to bad light.
Nottinghamshire had resumed on 38-2, but lost Michael Lumb without scoring as Ryan Sidebottom had him caught behind with a fine out-swinging delivery.
The former England seamer was at his devastating best, and dismissed both Steven Mullaney and Patel as he took three wickets in the space of 12 balls in the day’s opening half an hour.
Jack Brooks then followed his new ball partner’s lead by forcing Chris Read into a mistimed pull with just his fourth ball, allowing Lees to take a simple catch at cover, before having Brett Hutton caught at second slip by Lyth.
The procession continued as Brendan Taylor – who had been dropped when on nought – was bowled by Steven Patterson via an inside edge before Bresnan wrapped up the innings with the wickets of Wood and Luke Fletcher.
Nottinghamshire first-team coach, Wayne Noon, said: “We knew yesterday at 51 for six that we’d let them off the hook, but we didn’t realise we were going to be 94 all out.
“It’s not a 280 pitch and it’s definitely not a 90 pitch, so you’d say somewhere in the middle is par. It’s been a disappointing effort second half with the ball and definitely first half with the bat.
“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves – no one out there is going to feel sorry for us. It’s two weeks running that we’ve lost a wicket with the last ball or in the last over of a day’s play, and when you’re at the bottom don’t go your way.
“We are down in there but hopefully with a bit of weather tomorrow and a rearguard action with the bat we can fight for these five points then see where the next three games take us.
“We need a lot of weather and we need to hold our hands up. The top seven haven’t done it in recent times on flat wickets at Trent Bridge and now we’re going to have to do it on a wicket that’s seaming, bouncing and starting to spin a little bit as well.”

Notts with it all to do as imposing fourth innings target looms


Gary Ballance ensured Yorkshire sustained their dominant position at Scarborough as his half-century helped the Tykes move towards setting Nottinghamshire an imposing fourth innings target.


Socialist folk singer Roy Bailey heads a line-up of artistes at a concert to raise money for the homeless.
Roy teams up with singer songwriter Marc Block in a duo, poet Les Barker; Irish band Whiskey in the Jar and Carfield Community Choir.
The concert at Sheffield Cathedral on Saturday, September 3, will raise money for HARC (Homeless & Rootless at Christmas). The charity provides meals and services to hundreds and homeless people every year.
Last year’s event raised more than £2500.
Tickets for the concert cost £12 and are available from the cathdral or visit www.wegottickets.co.uk


Socialist folk singer Roy Bailey heads a line-up of artistes at a concert to raise money for the homeless.


Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can
The summer transfer window should shut before the Championship season kicks off, according to Owls boss Carlos Carvalhal.
Wednesday have been active in the market, recruiting seven new players over the summer, and the Hillsborough outfit have not finished yet.
Carlos Carvalhal
Carvalhal wants to add a left-back and left winger to his squad before the window shuts next Wednesday.
But the Owls head coach admits the window is not easy to operate in and took a swipe at how other clubs conduct their business.
Carvalhal said: “The transfer window is not good for football or the competition. It is not fair that we are playing and other clubs are talking with our players. We don’t do this. We try to do things properly.
“The window creates problems for all the coaches, who have to manage all these things.
“In my opinion, they must close the window before the competition starts and after that clubs have to work with what they have.”
For our Owls news and opinion on twitter follow here
Carvalhal wishes it was a level playing field in the second-tier. He admits it is difficult for Wednesday to compete financially with Norwich City, Newcastle United and Aston Villa, who are all armed with lavish parachute payments following relegation.
“We know exactly what we want but it is not easy because the market is very tough for us,” he conceded.
“I don’t want to talk again against the rules of the competition but the problem is that sometimes we have a target, we go there and immediately the teams that are relegated, they take the players very easy.
“We don’t have the capacity to go like them. Some teams have big budgets.
“There is a big gap between the conditions these teams have to prepare and others.”
For more news from Hillsborough click here
He stressed he is happy with who the Owls have captured since pre-season but admits the club have to be mindful of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. FFP rules state clubs cannot exceed losses of £39m across the next three seasons.
“We have our feet on the floor,” stated Carvalhal.
“The chairman is very conscious because we have FFP to consider and must do things properly.
“I agree one hundred per cent with my chairman. We can’t put our team with salaries that we can’t control in the future.
“The chairman is caring about the club for the future, not just the present.”
Despite the financial constraints, Carvalhal remains optimistic his side will be in a stronger position by the end of the month.
Carvalhal said: “We are trying to bring in more players.
“I’m not saying we’ll achieve this because, as I tell you, some targets that we had - one or two or three or four of five or six - when we go there they (other clubs) put five times (more money) than us. I’m not complaining but this is the reality. We can’t fight against these teams.”
“The market is open. Before August 31, Sheffield Wednesday and all the teams in the world are trying to improve the team and see the best opportunities.
“We have some gaps in the team and we are trying to fill them. If we can improve the team, we are open to that.
“We must cover the gaps and that’s our priority.”
Follow Dom Howson on twitter

VIDEO - Sheffield Wednesday: ‘It is not good for football’ - Carlos Carvalhal slams transfer window


The summer transfer window should shut before the Championship season kicks off, according to Owls boss Carlos Carvalhal.


The age-old adage goes something like this: the fastest horse wins the Guineas, the luckiest horse wins the Derby, and the best horse wins the St Leger.
Sadly, that isn’t the case in this day and age. Breeding operations place more emphasis and value on speed than the kind of stamina attributes required to win Doncaster’s historic race. A Champion Stakes or the Arc are more likely to be on the agenda of the top 10f and 12f 3yos, rather than a tilt at the 14f Classic. So there is little chance of revisiting the days when Guineas, Derby or Oaks winners in the mould of Oh So Sharp (1985), Reference Point (1987) and User Friendly (1992) landed the spoils.
However, the Ladbrokes St Leger is still a big deal. It is still the jewel in the crown of a four-day festival ranked among the best in the country. One that will attract more than 65,000 enthusiastic racegoers to Town Moor next week and equate to a £25 million shot in the arm for the Doncaster economy.
It might have become fashionable to knock the race in some snooty quarters. But Leger Day is a day out beyond compare for the many doyens of Donny. And let’s face it, the race is still a Classic, for heaven’s sake. The oldest too, dating back to 1776, and one that still forms the last leg of a Triple Crown, as revered as it elusive.
Who can forget the fervent anticipation of four years ago when the crowds flocked to witness Camelot’s bid to become the first horse since Nijinsky way back in 1970 to land the Guineas/Derby/Leger hat-trick? And equally the burst-balloon-type deflation of Aidan O’Brien’s colt failing.
Who can forget either the high drama of just 12 months ago when the winner, Simple Verse, was controversially disqualified on the day, only to win the race back on appeal, leaving O’Brien, trainer of the runner-up-come-winner-come runner-up, Bondi Beach, with more heartache?
Oh yes, the St Leger continues to give, make no mistake about that. So what might the race have in store this time round?
Not surprisingly, it again revolves around O’Brien, the best trainer in the business. Notwithstanding his disappointments of 2012 and 2015, he has saddled four winners since 2001 when Milan strode to probably the most impressive victory I have seen of the great race. And a week on Saturday, he will send out the red-hot favourite, IDAHO, third in the Derby and winner of York’s Great Voltigeur Stakes, one of the main trials for the Doncaster showpiece.
A class act, the son of Galileo is almost sure to win if he stays the 14f trip. But his pedigree, his style of running and the patient way he is generally ridden instil sufficient doubts to suggest you should cast your net in search of better value.
There is still time for supplementary entries to throw a spanner in the works. But at present, Idaho’s chief rival in the market is MUNTAHAA, trained by another successful patron of the race, John Gosden, who has fielded three winners since 2006. Another not exactly bred to relish the Doncaster distance, he has made rapid improvement this term, culminating in a taking pillar-to-post triumph over 13f at Chester two weeks ago. It was only a Listed handicap, but the son of Dansili had to defy a mammoth mark of 108 against older, more seasoned rivals and also the tight turns of a track far from sure to suit such a big, long-striding colt. He’s a player.
Two horses who were behind Idaho at Epsom, RED VERDON and ALGOMETER, might well get closer faced with an extra 2f, and don’t rule out the favourite’s own stablemate, HOUSESOFPARLIAMENT, reversing Voltigeur placings. He is guaranteed to stay and will relish the galloping expanse of Town Moor. Similar comments apply to a third O’Brien contender, Royal Ascot winner SWORD FIGHTER, while ORMITO is no mug and VENTURA STORM would have to be considered if the ground turned on the Soft side.
It’s a head-scratcher that makes punters grateful the Leger Festival is not all about the main event. Classy, competitive racing abounds on all four days, while the Leger Legends contest on the opening day, featuring past jockeys, continues to delight the crowds and raise valuable money for racing charities in equal measure. Last year, it was won by Tony McCoy no less. This year, two more ex-champions, Richard Hughes and Joseph O’Brien, Aidan’s son, are in the line-up.
Day two on the Thursday is DFS Ladies’ Day, highlighted, appropriately, by a couple of Group races for fillies, the Park Hill Stakes, where Sir Michael Stoute’s ABINGDON will be primed to continue her progression, and the Sceptre Stakes, which has been earmarked by Charlie Hills for his lightly-raced 3yo, JADAAYIL.
The historic Doncaster Cup for stayers is the star attraction on the Friday when PALLASATOR will be a warm fancy to repeat his 2015 success. Vying for the limelight are three crack 2yo contests, including the Flying Scotsman Stakes won so spectacularly by the mighty Frankel six years ago. The 5f Flying Childers Stakes could throw up a thrilling duel between the unbeaten filly MRS DANVERS and Mark Johnston’s YALTA, while the Mallard Handicap on the same day might be a target for Roger Varian’s MONOTYPE.
The supporting card on Leger Day itself includes the Champagne Stakes, one of the leading juvenile heats of the season, in which RIVET and PEACE ENVOY would be interesting, and the 7f Park Stakes, which might yield as striking a winner as last year with NEMORALIA aiming to follow in the footsteps of Limato.
I’m hoping too that there might be openings over the four days for ANOTHER TOUCH, HAGGLE, EL VIP and CARTMELL CLEAVE. If not, best of luck in finding a few winners of your own.
Spectacular autumn schedule ensures the Flat season no longer fizzles out
Autumn is fast approcahing, but gone are the days when the Flat season fizzled out during September and October. On the contrary, next week’s Ladbrokes St Leger Festival at Doncaster is followed by a veritable feast of action across the world to wrap up what has been another compelling campaign on the level. Newmarket’s under-rated three-day Cambridgeshire meeting is swiftly followed by a sensational Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe day in France. Back to Newmarket it is for the two day Future Champions extravaganza. On to Ascot next for the Qipco Champions Day finale, and we haven’t even mentioned the global giants of the Breeders’ Cup in the USA and the Melbourne Cup in Australia. I love Jumps racing as much as the average racing Joe, but I couldn’t even have a National Hunt horse on my mind until late October at the earliest.
Have you got something to share on the story? Were you there? What do you think? - Send your pictures, videos or story and we'll publish the best × Continue the story It’s the oldest swinger in town -- but Doncaster’s St Leger is still a big deal Loading ... Add up to 3 photos or 1 videos to the story There's been a problem uploading your files. Please try again. By uploading your file you agree to our Terms and Conditions × Continue the story Sign in to contribute sign in shape the news in your area...


The age-old adage goes something like this: the fastest horse wins the Guineas, the luckiest horse wins the Derby, and the best horse wins the St Leger.


It’s the oldest swinger in town -- but Doncaster’s St Leger is still a big deal


The chief executive of the Bassetlaw Hospital Trust has announced he will be stepping down after four years in the role.
The Trust confirmed this week that Mike Pinkerton is resigning from his post in order to “spend more time” with his family.
He is set to continue as chief executive until the end of January next year.
He said: “It has been an extraordinary privilege leading the Trust for the past number of years and I want to thank each and every member of staff for their support throughout my time in this role.
“Although a very difficult decision, I have decided to step down so I can spend more time with my family.”
Prior to taking up the role with the Trust, Mr Pinkerton has held a number of NHS positions including at the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, the National Cancer Peer Review and Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals.
Chairman of the Bassetlaw Hospitals Trust, Chris Scholey, said: “I have particularly enjoyed working alongside Mike, his open style, knowledge and experience of the NHS, and I find his total commitment to patients and staff has been both refreshing and motivating.
“During the last year, Mike and his team have worked tirelessly to set the Trust on the road to financial recovery, whilst ensuring that the Trust’s quality measures are regularly in the top 20 per cent of the country.
“Mike is a talented manager and I am saddened but understand and respect his decision. The search for his replacement will start immediately while Mike will continue in his role until the end of January 2017.”
During his time as chief executive, Mr Pinkerton has had to rise to the challenge of tackling the Trust’s £12m “financial blackhole” which was revealed in October last year.
The hospital boss said the Trust had manage to save more than £45million in the last few years but it had “come to a point where it was difficult to make the savings required whilst maintaining and improving quality.”
It is understood the Trust’s debt is improving after controversial measures were introduced such as an almost 50 per cent increase in parking fees at Bassetlaw Hospital.
A spokesman for the Trust said it will begin the recruitment process for a new chief executive in the coming weeks.

Bassetlaw Hospital’s chief executive steps down


The chief executive of the Bassetlaw Hospital Trust has announced he will be stepping down after four years in the role.


The Met Office has issued a weather warning for heavy rain later today (Saturday), potentially leading to some travel disruption.
The yellow alert comes into force at 11am today (Saturday), covering Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, and remains valid until 9am on Sunday.
After a dry and cloudy start, showers will spread into much off the region, potentially turning heavy and thundery.
The Met Office has warned there could be the risk of local disruption to transport and outdoor activities.
“Thundery showers are likely to move northwards into some southern parts of England during Saturday morning, becoming more widespread and heavy over central UK through the course of Saturday and overnight into Sunday morning,” they said.
“There remains a lot of uncertainty in where the heaviest and most prolonged thundery showers will occur, with some places having only small amounts of rain. However, there is a risk of some locally large rainfall totals, with 25 to 50 mm of rain possible in places.”

WEATHER WARNING: Heavy and thundery showers for East Midlands


The Met Office has issued a weather warning for heavy rain later today (Saturday), potentially leading to some travel disruption.