I was proud to be joined by pupils from Claremont Primary School, fellow councillors, Lilian Greenwood MP, NHS and council staff and members of the community this week to dedicate the new Covid Memorial Tree at the Forest Recreation Ground.

The tree has been planted with a plaque by the Pavilion and is there for everyone to pause and reflect on our Covid journey over the last two years. The tree we have planted is a hornbeam, a species known for its strength and durability, and we hope this will serve as a lasting tribute for many years to come.

The Forest Recreation Ground was the obvious choice for such a memorial tree. This is the site of Covid testing and vaccinations in the city ? it has been a place at the forefront of our response to Covid.

We are holding a second memorial service on the steps of the Council House in Old Market Square on Saturday 2 April at 1pm and we?d like as many people as possible to join us to remember those we have lost to Covid-19.

I joined the leaders of Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council for a meeting with a Government Minister about the potential for a combined authority for our area, as part of ongoing talks about a devolution deal. If agreed, this would lead to more major decisions being made locally and more funding for services, building on our existing strengths and shared vision to benefit over two million residents across our counties and cities.

The East Midlands has been underfunded for many years compared to other parts of the country and so it makes sense for us to look very seriously at anything that could help to redress the balance. This isn?t just about what the Government wants from us, it?s also about what the Government can offer us ? investment in jobs and regeneration and additional powers that can help us meet our full potential. Working together with neighbouring councils, we will push hard for a devolution deal that delivers the resources for our region that the West Midlands, the Manchester City region and other regions have gained. There also needs to be further consultation and engagement with citizens before any deal is reached.

The first big jobs fair to be held since the coronavirus pandemic will see?employers from the retail, public transport, healthcare, emergency services, hospitality, local government, and marketing sectors coming to the city centre.

Nottingham Jobs, the city council's employment, skills and training service, are proud to announce that?more than 1,500 job vacancies plus training and support will be available at the fair next Monday.

The fair is open to people of all ages, whether they are looking for their first job after leaving education or returning to work. There's no need to book, just go along Monday 28 March from 10am to 2pm.

In partnership with the Department for Work & Pensions, the Futures Group and Nottingham City Council, Nottingham Jobs offers job seekers of all ages one-to-one support with everything from job searching tips and promoting job vacancies to how they can overcome personal barriers, prepare CVs and succeed in job interviews. Find out more at www.nottinghamjobs.com?

After two years of Covid-related cancellations, I?m pleased that we are working with the Showmen?s Guild towards staging a ten-day Goose Fair this year. Currently in early stages of planning, we are working with the Guild and city partners to ensure the fair can be delivered safely and any disruption minimised.

We are committed to making the return of this much-loved event a success for Nottingham residents and visitors alike. Keep an eye out for updates at www.whatsonnottingham.com

Thanks to funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Ay-UpMarket, this weekend, is going to be three days of shopping, entertainment and fun. Alongside the market stalls, the event will also include a full programme of live music and other street entertainers to attract visitors of all ages.

The website lists all of the stalls you will be able to browse and the different food and drink you will be able to sample, as well as the themed entertainment planned for each day which nods to the city's history of market trading. There are bus travel and parking offers too.

If you are visiting on Saturday, don?t miss the extra event at Sneinton - why not check out this great map between Old Market Square and Sneinton Market Avenues with lots of independent stops along the way? Come along and enjoy a great day out in the city centre sunshine. Read more

We are all appalled about the awful situation in Ukraine and many people in Nottingham are already helping by raising money and sending much needed items to the relief effort.

The council is working closely with our Ukrainian community and the Nottingham Ukrainian Cultural Centre to help prepare for the arrival of people from Ukraine and ensuring that they remain safe during their time in our city. Local organisations in the voluntary sector offer vital support to new arrivals in our city in whatever way they can and will also play a key part in supporting them.

Nottingham is a welcoming city with a large Ukrainian community and will always support those in need. Find out more