Melbourne Village Voice April 2016

ALL the children and staff at Melbourne Infants School embraced World Book Day and dressed up for a 'Where's Wally' theme.

The children looked striking in their costumes and amazing accessories which included hats, glasses, walking sticks and even the odd dog. A competition was held for pupils to design and draw their very own 'Where's Wally' scene with a winner from each class being celebrated for the best hidden Wally.

by Lucy Stephens

LEADERS of the Melbourne Sporting Partnership, responsible for putting £2.4million sports facilities on Cockshut Lane, have found themselves short of £100,000 needed to complete the project – so have asked local residents for help in stumping up the cash by the end of this month.

Letters were sent out to selected residents and businesses appealing for urgent help in raising the final sum of money. They say it is needed for “kitchen equipment, ventilation, tables and chairs, benches in each of the six changing rooms, showers and toilet fittings, along with CCTV coverage etc”.

The letter goes on to add that those were just “some of the essential items required” to make the facilities fully operational.

Recipients were told all donors’ names would be included on the partnership website unless they wished to remain anonymous. Those giving £1,000 or more would be named on a ‘roll of honour’ in the clubhouse, while even more substantial amounts would be recognised in other ways. These could include sponsoring a changing room, viewing gallery, lift or all-weather sports court.

A spokesman for South Derbyshire District Council – the body to which cheques need to be paid since it is undertaking the work – said tenders for the job had been received six years ago and building costs had increased with inflation over that time.

He said: “Over the past six years the council has been striving to help deliver a top-class sporting hub and community asset for Melbourne and surrounding villages.

“The project has already included extensive ground-levelling, implementing a major drainage scheme, creating two high-quality football pitches, installing a floodlit artificial grass pitch, putting floodlights on a rugby pitch and creating new car parking space.

“The next and current phase sees the creation of a new clubhouse with six changing rooms, match officials’ room, function room, meeting room, balcony viewing areas, kitchen and downstairs Continued on Page

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AT Melbourne Operatic Society’s annual dinner dance held at Donington Manor Hotel, about 40 members and friends enjoyed an evening meal followed by dancing to the accompaniment of Clive Allen.

After the dinner, chairman Mike McGhee presented Susan Strong with the Gerry Shaw Memorial Award for outstanding service to the society (pictured).

Mike stated that Susan thoroughly deserved the award having been a member of the society since 1973, served on the committee as vice-chairman and chair-

man, and on many occasions as wardrobe mistress.

She is already hard at work preparing costumes for the forthcoming production of Princess Ida at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton, from Wednesday, April 13, to Saturday, April 16.

Mike also thanked members and supporters of the society, especially producer Gary Askam, show musical director David Henshaw and musical director Keith Reaveley for their hard work throughout the year.

Award for Susan ... ... and for Christian

THE 16th Music Festival organised by Rotary in Castle Donington took place in the Methodist Church.

The evening gala concert had appearances by the Castle Donington Community Orchestra, followed by the Hemington C of E School clarinet group and choir, winners of the Primary Schools Competition held in February. This was followed by performances by the winners of each class from which the overall winners were chosen.

The Oliver Walton Foundation Cup was won, for the second year, by Christian Anderson playing the piano with a piece by Scott Joplin.

Awarded to that year’s most promising young musician, the trophy is named after Castle Donington’s Oliver Walton, who himself won the music festival but sadly died soon after starting his music degree at Leeds, where he specialised in jazz piano.

The runners-up of the main event were Maia Mortensen, who played the oboe, and Kirk Mellors on double bass. The overall winner of the Rotary Rose Bowl, who sang a passionate rendition of "I'd Give My Life for You" from Miss Saigon, was Jorja Foster.

Adjudication was by Rowan Cozens, who said that she enjoyed the day.

Concorde to a

A NEW local business in Melbourne has to be one of the most quirky and original in the area.

Martin and Rachel Ashby decided to set up in business just two years ago re-fashioning vintage lighting and creating lighting from unusual items – like a gramophone horn or aero parts.

“It started as a hobby, really,” said Rachel, “giving me the chance to be creative, and Martin to use his specialist knowledge of the aero industry.”

Their workshop is now crammed full of engines, parts from aircraft and what most would describe as scrap metal – but to them it is “unrestored stock” which they then turn into decorative items, such as mirrors, tables and attractive ‘conversation pieces’.

For example, a turbine disc from a Concorde plane was being turned into a coffee table; the support ring from an RB199 engine was the casing for a mirror; a propeller from a Messerschmitt BF109 stood polished and mounted on a granite block; the wing flap from a Boeing 737 has been transformed into a polished table.

They also won the Theo Pahphitis SBS award in August 2015, having the chance to meet the BBC Dragon at a prestigious event in Birmingham.

Rachel explained that every week Theo runs an online event called Small Business Sunday, where small enterprises bid on Twitter to be the #SBS winner of the week award.

“The support from the SBS community is really helpful, too, as they are like a business family you can ask for help and advice,” said Rachel.

Martin is still a full-time employee at Rolls-Royce, where Rachel used to work, and he is looking ahead to a time when the business can support them both.

“We are both passionate about finding a new use for something or bringing items back to life.”

Much of the salvaged items come with a long history – many of

them from the military. Martin lists Hurricanes, Merlin, Derwent, Spitfire as the origin of several parts they had accumulated. Although they don’t have a shop, and the online business is run from home in Aston, they are more than happy to have customers call by appointment and look through the stock they have and to take on commissions.

Their website http://www.ashbyinteriors.co.uk provides more information and contact details.

–Frank Hughes

l Christian Anderson being presented with the Oliver Walton Foundation Cup by Eric Woodward, of the Rotary Club.

l Rachel and Martin Ashby with Theo Paphitis, at the Small Business Sunday Awards.

Caravan tragedy woman’s tributes

by Lucy Stephens

A WOMAN from King’s Newton, who lost her home and beloved cats when her caravan was destroyed by fire, has issued a heartfelt thank you to all those who have been helping her rebuild her life – including a new caravan for her to live in.

Rachael Stubbs arrived at her home at Holywell Stables on Wards Lane at around 6pm on Thursday, March 24, to find her caravan ablaze.

Her two cats – five-month old kitten Eve and black moggy Smudgy, two – were in the caravan at the time and perished in the flames. Smudgy had been due to give birth to kittens.

Not only did Rachael lose her cats, she also lost treasured photo albums of her dead father, Joe.

But, despite the tragedy, she has paid tribute to all the people who have been helping her get her life back together since the blaze, including Don Amott Caravans in Hilton, who provided Rachael with a new home at a price she was able to afford with the help of a social media campaign.

Rachael told Village Voice she also wanted to thank the following for their help: Lorenzo Ricardo Curd, Tom G Man, Darren and Aaron Smallman, James Cox, Courtney Dolman, Toni Harrington – who negotiated the new caravan – and her mother, Suzanne Stubbs.

Since the fire Rachael has managed to find some mementoes of her father, after fearing initially that all she had to remember him by had been totally lost.

But she has since unearthed the teddy bear he bought her as a baby, a handwritten note and some old photographs.

Rachael’s new caravan was installed on the field just over a week after the fire, next to the pile of ashes that was all that was left of her old home.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Constabulary said police had interviewed three men, aged 39, 62 and 28 from Allenton, Allenton and Melbourne respectively, in connection with the fire. They have been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A crowd funding site has been set up to help Rachael get her life back together, which raised just under £1,000 in eight days.

To make a donation to the Go Fund Me page, visit https://www.gofundme.com/d7v y99sc

Standards high on hygiene front

FOOD businesses in South Derbyshire are demonstrating top standards of hygiene, with 75 per cent of the 600-plus food retail and catering businesses having received the maximum ‘five’ rating from South Derbyshire District Council’s Environmental Health team.

Cllr Peter Watson, chairman of the council’s Environmental and Development Services Committee, said: “Top-quality hygiene standards don’t just happen by accident.

“We’ve been working closely with all of our local food businesses over the past 10 years to help them understand what it takes to drive up standards.

Sporting project in appeal for cash support

From Page 1 servery, and three floodlit tennis courts, to include a netball facility.

“The council and its MSP partners have worked extremely hard over several years to raise money from various funders to enable the build phase of the clubhouse project to go ahead.

“The money that now needs to be raised is to furnish the inside of the building and allow it to become fully functional and fit for purpose.

“As the owner of the build contract this money must therefore come to the council to administer. After the project is completed it will be handed over to the Melbourne Sporting Partnership to manage.”

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“Businesses tell us that having the five rating isn’t just about keeping the food inspector happy – it’s about having independent evidence to show customers that they run a good business.

“We issue rating stickers to all of our businesses and we encourage them to proudly display them in a prominent position”.

The Bay Tree, Melbourne, is among recent businesses to have secured the maximum ‘five’ rating for food hygiene.

The authority promotes all five-rated businesses on its Environmental Health Facebook page and through Twitter at @SDDC.

Melbourne Rugby Club chairman and parish councillor Dave Smith said: “I think it’s a superb facility and the sooner it’s up and running the better. It’s a shame they’ve fallen short of the funds; let’s hope they raise them in some shape or form.”

The project to give Melbourne better sports facilities got off the ground several years ago with the sale of Bretby Crematorium which provided the first £1million. Approaches were then made to sporting bodies such as Sport England and the Rugby Football Union who gave further grants.

MSP chairman John Harrison said it had always been recognised that not everything on the project’s wish list could be provided at once and there would be a need for phasing the work. He was “quietly hopeful” that Melbourne businesses and residents would respond positively to the appeal so the facilities could be fully “fit for purpose”.

He said: “We are now poised to have a wonderful facility, the like of which no-one would have imagined.

“The shortfall of funding to finish the job which we are now trying to fill through the appeal is only four per cent of the total cost.

“For young kids it’s a major extension of their sporting facilities – and of course for the whole village.”

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l Rachael Stubbs (pictured left) with friends outside her new caravan in King’s Newton. Right: The blaze that claimed the lives of two cats.

Country Living

with Robert Parker

IT’S been another strange spring, which actually seemed to start in winter in the dark days of January.

Let me explain. In mid-January we had some daffodils in full bloom and some of the younger hawthorn hedges with lots of leaves emerging. We’re now in early April and in just the same position with plenty of spring flowers just coming out and plenty of hedges completely devoid of any greenery.

So I suppose you could say that spring was two months old before it officially started, but that’s not the whole story.

All winter farm crops, particularly grass, have continued to grow mainly due to a complete lack of frost except for a few days in March, which was generally cold and dry.

Late March saw that grass blown away with some cold east winds. and the prospect for some growth at the moment looks unlikely but it could be different by the time you read this.

Most dairy farmers would be very pleased to see a change in the weather so we could get stock out on some grass and reduce the need for expensive winter fare.

The problem, as so often is the case, is that the ground is so wet it just will not carry the stock. So we have to be patient. At least most of us have plenty of conserved feed in stock so there is an upside.

n We saw the first swallow this year on April fool’s day, which is always a joy for me. This was actually seven days earlier than last year.

I thought I heard them twittering in the sky a few days earlier but none was to be seen. Starlings do a very good imitation of swallows as they do of many other birds so they may have been the culprits.

Now, six days later, the sky is full of them and they are starting to go into the buildings looking for their old nest sites. Marvellous.

Vintage stuff for ploughing

THE annual ploughing match took place at Lodge Farm, King’s Newton, on March 13.

Organised by the Webster family, Judith and Steve together with Lee and Katherine, the match is a charity event on behalf of Cancer Research UK and is held each spring.

This year the event attracted 61 entries, each with their own vintage tractor. The competitors take part in various classes dependant on the equipment they use for driving and ploughing.

There were examples of tractors dating from the 1930s through to 1977 when the quiet cab

Pupils put thought into their art

SCHOOLCHILDREN from Barrow-upon-Trent showed that Easter is about more than chocolate when they contributed some thoughtful works of art to their local church.

Pupils from Sale & Davys Primary School were invited to come up with their own pictures around four Easter-related themes, which were then displayed in the village’s historic St Wilfrid’s Church.

The themes of ‘courage’, ‘hope’, ‘peace’ and ‘forgiveness’ were explored by children at the school, and the resulting art work was pinned up for all to see.

The Friends of St Wilfrid’s Church, who organised the exhibition, said they were very impressed

was introduced.

There were some national and ex-national champions involved with some competitors having taken part in a match the previous day in Banbury.

In addition to local competitors, others came from Oxford, Doncaster and York.

“It was a cracking day,” said Steve Webster. “With such a good turnout of competitors and some great raffle prizes, thanks to business associates and colleagues, the event raised £1,010 for the charity.”

l Ted Hallifield and John Hicklin inspect the results of James Wendt’s ploughing.

by the “care and attention” shown by children as young as four.

Picture shows: (l-r) Thalia Symeau, 10, Emilie Akers, 9, and Bradley Akers, 6.

This installation ‘is an eyesore’

PETER Innocent addressed the council with his concerns over the recent installation of an electricity distribution box on Cockshut Lane inside the boundary of the recreation ground.

The installation comprises two telegraph poles with a large box joining the two at a height of approximately 15 metres.

“It is an eyesore,” he said, ‘and, located in front of the new Melbourne Sporting Partnership building, is inappropriate.” He questioned why it had been installed and what planning approval had been given.

District Cllr John Harrison, who was present at the meeting, advised that it had been installed by Western Power Distribution, which has statutory powers to erect equipment where it chooses.

Neither South Derbyshire District Council nor Derbyshire County Council has prior knowledge of intentions or powers to object.

First to take the floor at the meeting was Robert Rowan, from Digital Derbyshire.

He spoke about the partnership with BT to deliver broadband to cover 90/95% of Derbyshire with speeds up to 80mb/second with a minimum speed of 24mb/second.

To date, three cabinets have been installed in Melbourne with an additional five to come by September.

BT also has six cabinets planned for its commercial pro-

TOM MILLS reports from the April meeting of Melbourne Parish Council

gramme but no location for any of the additional cabinets has been identified.

The scheme has been funded by the EU, central government, BT and Derbyshire County Council.

In response to questions, Mr Rowan stated that the funding from Europe had been spent first. When questioned about the location of new cabinets he confirmed that this will be resolved following consultation with the community, a condition that had not been a requirement when the initial cabinet was installed in Potter Street.

The parish council has been operating under strength since the resignation of Cllr Rose Minifie. A further letter of resignation from Cllr Christopher Howard now sees the council two under strength.

Provision had been made to co-opt a new councillor at the meeting and, with two applicants, a vote was taken resulting in the preferred candidate being selected. Tom Gates will be formally notified of his appointment by the clerk. The formal process must now be repeated to appoint a replacement for Cllr Howard.

It was reported that progress with the Melbourne Sporting Partnership project is going well, although the shortage of funding to fit out the new pavilion/clubhouse and make it fully functional continues to be a problem.

A letter has been sent to businesses and some private individuals identifying the need for funds and inviting contributions from them. The council chair Wendy Earp and others expressed their concern that this situation had arisen, saying she felt uncomfortable with the request for money to finish off the project.

Hopefully, fund-raising activities by the clubs and associations will help to raise the necessary finance.

Councillors expressed their concern that the recent incident regarding contaminated water supply was poorly communicated by Severn Trent Water. It was also confusing for many who tried to keep abreast with the ongoing situation through the STW website and social media.

It was agreed that the clerk should write to STW expressing the concerns of the council and request that an improved communication procedure be implemented urgently.

n Residents are reminded that the parking of cars on pavements may result in a fine of up to £500.

n It is imperative that residents participate in the current Bus Service consultation, the outcome could mean a loss of service.

l The ‘eyesore’ electricity installation.

n There has been a successful prosecution for fly tipping brought by SDDC. The accused was caught on a covert camera and subsequently fined £1,200.

n Councillors objected to an outline Planning Application for 34 houses on Jawbone Lane.

NEW GATE PIER IS INSTALLED

OBSERVANT motorists will have spotted that a new gate pier has been built at Swarkestone at what was once the entrance to Swarkestone Hall. The original pier, Grade II listed, was destroyed beyond repair as a result of a motor vehicle collision.

The work was carried out by restoration specialist Alan Staley Building Contractors of Melbourne.

Using Birchover Stone, it took just over four months to hand carve the stone and a little over a week to install. Each section is fixed using stainless steel pins and lime mortar.

Landowner William Lucas is pleased that the repairs are almost complete and reported that he has received a number of favourable comments about the new pier.

Pickers’ war on litter

LAST year proved to be very busy for the Ticknall litter picking team (pictured), who cleared more than 70 sacks of rubbish from the verges of the approach roads.

2016 is the year of "Clean for the Queen" and it promises to be even busier following a link-up with newly-formed teams in Milton, Ingleby and Stanton by Bridge.

The combined groups’ ‘war on litter’ will keep the connecting roads between the villages clear of unsightly mess.

The first outing saw 14 volunteers collect 47 sacks of assorted litter.

Invitation to tea

SENIOR citizens from Castle Donington, Shardlow, Lockington, Hemington and Breedon are invited to a tea party organised by the Rotary Club.

The Castle Donington branch of Rotary have run the event for many years, and this year’s will be held at St Edward’s Church Hall on Wednesday, April 13, from 4pm to 5.30pm. Graham Grummer will be entertaining guests on the piano.

Things are looking up on internet

THE frustration of poor internet provision in rural villages appears to be coming to an end thanks to the intervention of an innovative local business.

The Coopers Arms at Weston-on-Trent has recently gone “live” with a new provider and it has “brought us into the 21st century” according to owner James Cooper.

“Before installation we were achieving speeds of less than one megabyte per second. This has improved 40-fold, and now we are getting 40mbps download and 30 mbs upload.”

“It will make a tremendous difference to the business and better for our conferences, functions and for customers more generally. It is what people expect nowadays, and if you are at a business meeting you expect to be able to connect back to the office.”

The new service is being provided by the Derbyshire-based Big Blue Rocket company whose managing director Craig Hall told Village Voice that Weston-on-Trent had been top priority for them to bring modern communications to rural areas.

“We provide a line of sight service through the air. With the installation of a mast on Aston Hill Farm, other locations can benefit by the simple provision of a node on the building. The microwave link from Aston Hill Farm back to their base in Derby provides access to an internet service which will be achieving speeds of 100mbps and higher in the not too distant future.”

Whilst Aston and Weston are now benefiting, the villages of Thulston and Elvaston are next up with rollout of the service happening right now.

Craig, as well as having years of technical experience of the telecommunications business, is passionate about providing a service which he feels is a right for everyone.

“We are about solving problems,” he said “and there has been no shortage of failures to provide service in the past. We are now providing to communities which have been very poorly served. One of our customers said that better broadband provision was on his child’s Christmas list,” he said.

“We have invested ourselves in the technology and we are able to offer fast broadband to communities at competitive prices. These days people have a right to superfast broadband – it’s like the fourth utility. In some of these villages they have been told its coming, its coming, but the reality of a cable based solution has its limitations. We are at the start of a journey and it can only get better.”

The company is also providing, free of charge, broadband connection to the village hall as a community service.

–Frank Hughes

TOP COP ELECTION

ELECTIONS for the post of Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) will be taking place on Thursday, May 5. Derbyshire is one of 41 authority areas holding elections.

The responsibilities of the PCC include setting priorities for the Police Force and preparing the annual Police and Crime plan; appointing (and dismissing) the Chief Constable and holding him/her to account; publishing an annual report saying how priorities and targets have been met; and representing and engaging with communities.

The post, which attracts a salary of £75,000, is supported by a staff of 17 and manages a budget of £2.8million (2014/15). The current incumbent, Alan Charles, is standing down.

Going Postal once again in Melbourne

LORDRalph Kerr ‘cut the ribbon’ at a ceremony to celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished Melbourne Post Office.

Lord Ralph said: "I welcomed the news that Melbourne Post Office was to be modernised and am delighted to be here today to congratulate Munir on his hard work and to formally declare the new look Melbourne Post Office open.

"The Post Office is vital to our community and I'm sure the new improved office, and the longer opening hours, will be warmly welcomed by local people."

As part of Post Office plans to modernise the Melbourne branch for customers, the new look building, located on Derby Road, offers Post Office services from two counter positions, one screened and one open plan.

The branch opens from 9am5:30pm Monday to Saturday.

Postmaster Munir Ahmed said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to open the new look branch for our community.

I hope our customers like their new look Post Office and I’d like to thank Lord Ralph Kerr for taking time from his busy schedule to come here today.

“I’d also like to thank the local community for their continued support and use of the branch.”

Richard Hall, Post Office Public Affairs Manager, said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in the area and I am confident that this new modern office will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.

“This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office, and secures services for the future.”

New head –but an old face

MELBOURNE Infant School has a new head teacher – and she is a familiar face.

Governors appointed

Charlotte Gibbs as the new head of the Outstanding Ofsted-rated school in March, the previous head –Jo Sadler – having left at the end of last year to take the helm at Stenson Fields Primary.

Mrs Gibbs is already very familiar to many parents whose children attend the school, having taught there for the past 14 years.

Writing to parents, Mrs Gibbs said she was “tremendously excited to be the head

teacher of an outstanding school”.

She wrote: “Having worked at Melbourne Infant School for the past 14 years I knew MIS is where I wanted my first headship to be. The attitudes of children towards their learning, dedication of staff and supportive parents and governors make Melbourne Infant School a fantastic place to learn and work.”

Mrs Gibbs, who recently got married, went on to tell parents that outside school she was enjoying married life with her husband and two chocolate Labradors, Muffin and Coco.

Beacons for Queen’s 90th

THERE is a long and unbroken tradition in our country of celebrating Royal jubilees, weddings, coronations and special birthdays with the lighting of beacons.

The last major beacon celebration was the Queen's Diamond Jubilee on June 4, 2012.

And, on Thursday, April 21, beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom in celebration of the Queen's 90th birthday.

n A NEW choir has been born in Aston. Arioso is under the guidance of musical director Ellie Gregson (pictured on the left), and it is proving to be very popular.

The choir meets each Monday evening (78pm) in the Heritage Centre. Such is the enthusiasm, there are already four possible dates booked for the choir to perform locally.

If anyone is interested in joining, just turn up and you will be made most welcome.

And they’re off ...

MELBOURNE Town Cricket Club is holding its annual race night at Melbourne Royal British Legion on Friday, April 15 starting at 7.30pm.

Enjoy virtual horse races with betting and a chance to win various prizes including tickets to Derbyshire Cricket Club, a Leicestershire signed cricket shirt and a Harpur’s meal voucher.

The organisers invite you to go along and support your local club’s fund-raising events.

Breedon on the Hill residents will be lighting their beacon –next to the church – at approximately 7.30pm, as part of the nationwide chain.

The church will be open and members of Breedon Women's Institute will be serving drinks and cakes. The bell-ringers will also join in the celebrations when the beacon is lit.

l Lord Ralph Kerr is pictured with Jamil Ahmed and Munir Ahmed at the formal re-opening of Melbourne Post Office.

Source of the smells is found

THE latest Melbourne flood liaison meeting with representatives from Severn Trent Water took place at the Assembly Rooms.

Reporting on current status, STW stated that the cause of the ‘unpleasant smells’ that have been reported have been attributed to problems at Stanton by Bridge Pumping Station. Funding to address these problems is available, although it will take several months to carry out the work of fitting a chemical tank to drip feed in order to prevent septic sewage smells.

A solutions engineer is to be engaged to take part in a comprehensive assessment of problem issues throughout Melbourne, which may possibly involve Highways and other agencies.

A budget for this has been approved and will also cover other local areas. It is unlikely that any information on the results of the assessment will be available for almost a year.

Castle Mews, Selina Street and South Street are still on the priority list for attention by STW, although it is a long list and no dates for attention have been offered.

Proposals to fit flood doors to some properties on Castle Street still require planning permission from South Derbyshire District Council. Doors take 15 weeks to make and two have been ordered, but planning approval to fit them is still needed.

The meeting reflected some positive outcomes and attention by STW, although it should be noted that, with the exception of County Councillor Linda Chilton, there were no representatives or officers from Derbyshire County Council the lead body, South Derbyshire District Council or Melbourne Parish Council.

The next meeting has been planned for July 1, at Melbourne Assembly Rooms at 6.30pm.

–Tom Mills

n ASHBY Art Club held its annual exhibition over the Easter weekend at Ticknall Village Hall.

The event was very successful with over 500 visitors attending.

Income from the event is shared between club funds and this year’s chosen charity Hospice Help.

Pictured (l-r) are: Gill Schofield, Paul Pritchard and Bob Harris looking at Richard Saville’s entry to The Art Club of the Year national competition for art clubs organised by Leisure Painter magazine.

It is one of five paintings selected by the club’s committee for submission to the competition.

ON THE WRITE TRACK ...

MELBOURNE Rotary Club has announced the winners of the 2016 Rotary Writing competition for pupils at Melbourne Junior School.

The children are given a few sentences to start with and they then continue to develop and write their own story.

Rotary Club members judge all the entries for each year group and present the authors with a certificate. The winners from each year group also receive a book token.

The overall winner is chosen from the short list of winners, and the winning children will be invited to read their stories at a future Rotary Club meeting.

Pictured are Rotary members Margaret Sharp and Kate Dumelow with the winners, Freddie Oxspring (Year 6), Anna Chantrill (Year 5), Charis Collins (Year 3) and Millie Burns (Year 4), who was also the overall winner.

It’s back

THE flavours of The National Forest were back in Swadlincote when the town’s award-winning farmers’ market returned.

The market on The Delph featured food, drink and crafts grown, raised, made, brewed, pickled, baked or caught within 35 miles of The National Forest.

Taking place on the last Thursday of the month, future farmers’ market dates for your diary include a St George’s Daythemed event on April 28 and a celebration of Wimbledon tennis on June 30.

The forthcoming Richmond Aston-on-Trent Retirement Village offers so much more than just retirement properties. Take the 1- and 2-bedroom Village Suites as an example. These Suites come with an independent living package including all meals, laundry and daily maid service and have been designed to help you remain living independently within a social, friendly and caring environment. For added peace of mind there is the reassurance of Richmond Villages’ 24-hour on-site support team.

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CCTV clues to chip shop crime

DETECTIVES investigating a robbery at Melbourne Fish and Chip Shop have released CCTV footage of the crime in a bid to trace witnesses.

The footage shows a man walking from the bus shelter in the Market Place, pulling a balaclava over his face before entering the shop.

He snatched the till from behind the counter and ran off, followed by two members of staff, one of whom followed the thief down an alleyway to a car park. Here the robber threatened his pursuer, who backed away.

The incident happened at 9.45pm on Friday, March 4.

The robber is described as being in his late 20s or early 30s, about 6ft tall. He was wearing a green jacket and black trainers.

Police are also trying to trace several people who were in the area at the time. The footage shows a young customer come out of the shop just

after the robbery. It also shows a youngster stood outside the premises and a person walking past with a bag on their back.

A different camera shows a man walking near the bus shelter just prior to the robbery.

Officers would like to speak to all four of these potential witnesses in case they have information which could help the inquiry.

Police believe there could have been other people at the location at the time who have yet to come forward.

Anyone with information should call DC Tom Barry on 101, quoting crime reference number 9911/16. Alternatively, send him a message online by visiting the Contact Us section of our website www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The footage can be viewed on YouTube https://youtu.be/qOb9eSAYMwU

–Lucy Stephens

New drums are a big hit

MELBOURNE Town Band and The Melbourne Royal British Legion (Branch) Committee are delighted to have held the first drum corp rehearsal. The rehearsal was held using rubber drum pads with a very enthusiastic group of beginners, all of whom have never played a drum in their lives.

The drums pictured are new and were patiently waited for by all in the corp.

The corp members are shown the drum technique and playing style by Naomi Redfern, who plays with Melbourne Town Band.

They are also taught how to march and drill to a high standard by Brendan O’Neill, who plays for the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers and is known in Melbourne as the director of music for the town band.

The corp will be taking part in this year’s Remembrance Sunday Parade with Melbourne Town Band, but if you want to see them perform sooner, they will be sharing the stage with the band at the annual St George’s Day concert on April 23 at the Royal British Legion.

The corp rehearses each Monday evening at the Melbourne Assembly Rooms (7pm-9pm). If you would like to discuss having a go or you wish to donate funds towards the corp please contact Brendan on 07968 126325 or 01332 988750.

Pictured are (back row): Ria Dunajko, Rose Minifie, Oliver Dawson, Rhian Redfern; (middle row): Paul Smith, Sophie Wright, Steve Lavender, Naomi Lister, Michael Hunt, Brendan O’Neill; (front): Naomi Redfern, Lauren Minifie, Oliver Hewett and Megan Minifie.

Village hall’s facelift continues

DURING the last few months, Ticknall Village Hall has benefited from a series of improvements organised by the village hall committee.

This follows the successful installation of a new heating system that was funded with a grant from the National Lottery.

With great support from local residents responding to fundraising events, donations from regular users and Ticknall Parish Council combined with a very generous grant from the East Midlands Airport Community Fund of £2,000, new tables and chairs have arrived and have been well received by the

n MELBOURNE Parish Council held a special Mother’s Day celebration in the chapel in the grounds of the Packhorse Road cemetery.

More than 40 visitors attended, taking time for quiet reflection and to enjoy some light refreshment. Visitors were presented

with a daffodil as they departed. This was the first time the parish council has used the chapel for a community event of this nature.

DG Light Haulage, of King’s Newton, worked in partnership with the parish council to sponsor the occasion.

community.

A promotion event was held at the village hall recently to showcase the venue in order to encourage more people to use it for weddings, conferences and other events. The committee is still actively fund-raising and hopes to continue with the improvement programme.

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Bus services under threat

LOCAL residents are being asked for their views on proposals by Derbyshire County Council to make budget cuts by stopping subsidies to bus services and community transport.

Against a backdrop of reduced funding from central government the council is reviewing its expenditure on local bus services which don't carry enough passengers to be run commercially They are also reviewing the amount of money given to Derbyshire's six community transport schemes to run Dial-a-Bus (DAB) 'shopping buses'. This would impact significantly in this area on the No 2 Arriva Midlands Service from Derby to Swadlincote, which would see the weekday evening and Sunday services cease in Autumn 2017.

The Trent Barton Villager services 1, 2, 3 and the Notts+Derby service V3 in the evenings would also be affected. If implemented there would be no bus running from Melbourne after about 7pm in either direction on weekdays and no service on Sundays.

The council is already scaling back on support for DAB services this year and will fund only one of these trips a week for every community to a nearby town centre or supermarket. Some areas currently have enjoyed several services a week.

The new proposals to save £4.4m on transport costs include:

n Withdrawing all county council funding for subsidised buses from October 2017. This means that, unless they can be run commercially, they will stop.

n Withdrawing all county council funding for

DAB services from October 2017. This means that, unless they can be funded from elsewhere, they will stop.

n Providing some funding (£1.3m) for a new Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) service. This could be used by passengers currently using subsidised buses and those using DAB.

n Providing a new Door-to-Door Plus service for people who currently use DAB but would be unable to use the proposed DRT service.

n DRT services would have to be booked. Passengers then turn up at a named location, on a specific day and at a given time. The drop off point is usually a nearby town.

Councillor Dean Collins, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Infrastructure, said: "We know from previous consultations that public and community transport is vital to helping people get out and about, enabling them to maintain their independence and wellbeing, but unfortunately, the fact is, we just don't have the money to continue funding these services to the level we have previously, so we need to look at running things differently."

Councillor Linda Chilton said she was “concerned about the proposals and very sad that the rural areas are the ones that will suffer. She urged people to complete the consultation” and in due course – if the proposals are adopted – to attend the meetings to let their views be heard, The consultation will run until April 24.

Details of how to respond can be found at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/council/news_events/new s-updates/2016/february/news_items/consultation_on_subsidised_buses_launched.asp

–Frank Hughes

Community award for stalwart Paul

A COMMUNITY stalwart from Aston-on-Trent has been recognised for his years of service to the village by being singled out for a special award.

Paul Hudson was handed the Excellence in the Community Award at the latest meeting of the parish council for his sterling efforts supporting the area where he lives.

The meeting heard how Paul was vice-chairman of Recreation in Aston for nearly 20 years and the mainstay of “Santa Round the Village”, which raises funds for village groups.

He also organised the annual Aston Run. Handing him the award, parish council chairman Haydn Wheeler said: “He’s the sort of person who won’t be up the front, but will be at the back – he just gets on with it. So I’m very pleased to give him our special Excellence in the Community Award 2016.”

Runners-up were Barbara James, from Recreation in Aston, who has been behind establishing the village’s Recreation Centre; the Aston Hoover

l FAMILY and friends of Audrey Hicklin got together for a special 90th birthday celebration. The themed party was held at the Thomas Cook Memorial Hall.

Group, who pick up litter; and Steve Aynsley, who organises the village’s annual music festival Astonbury.

l Paul Hudson (left) receives his award from Haydn Wheeler.

MEMBERS of Melbourne Tangent Club are pictured at the Coopers Arms, Weston on Trent, presenting a cheque for £1,000 to John Williams, of the Derby, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance Service.

The money had been raised from various events during the time of Pam Cooper’s year as chair and was one of two nominated charities. A further donation had previously been made to the Alzheimer’s Dementia Trust.

Pictured (l-r) are: Viv Stanley, Jo Shepherd, John Williams, Pam Cooper, Linda Wright and Jane Hill-White.

VISITORS to Staunton Harold Reservoir and its adventure playground can finally buy themselves a warming coffee again, thanks to a new café which has opened two years after the previous one shut.

The National Trust is running the new café up at the reservoir, which is managed by Severn Trent Water.

The new eaterie has been extensively refurbished to include a new indoor seating area, work that was completed by The One Off design agency, based in Melbourne.

The manager is Natasha Deacon (pictured), from Ashby, who has come to Staunton Harold Reservoir from her previous job at Calke Abbey. She said: “The café has been closed for so long, people didn’t realise it was ever going

to open again. It’s been shut for two years now and I think quite a lot of people who come to the park with kids want somewhere to be able to come and have a drink.”

Water problem probe goes on

INVESTIGATORS responsible for monitoring Britain’s drinking water are still working with Severn Trent to find out why excess chlorine levels affected supplies for nearly 4,000 people in this area.

Residents from Melbourne, Ticknall and other local areas were first told about the drinking water problems on the afternoon of Friday, March 11.

News that no-one with a DE73 postcode was able to use the water because of excess chlorine in the Castle Donington reservoir gradually filtered through the local community, with many parents only aware of the problem when picking up children in the afternoon – schools having been informed soon after the issues came to light. Customers were told they were not able to use the water for any purpose at all, including drink-

ing, cooking and even flushing the toilet.

Mass panic-buying of bottled water ensued, with Sainsbury’s in Melbourne entirely sold out by 4pm, along with supermarkets in Castle Don-

ington and Ashby.

Further information emerged after a few hours which enabled water customers to check their exact postcode to see if they were affected – and many local residents discovered at that point that their supplies were absolutely fine.

Problems lasted until the following Sunday, with 3,700 customers affected in total.

A spokeswoman for Severn Trent said residents had been compensated with £50, and businesses £100.

She said: "We’d like to apologise again to everyone for the disruption. We’ve compensated all of the c3,700 homes and businesses who received a ‘do not use’ letter. For those people who did not receive a letter, we are happy to discuss any specific cases with our customers.

"We’re also working with community leaders to identify a number of local projects that we can

support. We’re working with the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) by providing information for their investigation, which as a regulated business is a standard process.”

Sharon Lucas, owner of the Wheel Inn in Ticknall, said the pub had had to shut on the Friday night and for Saturday lunch because of the water issues – but said customers had been very understanding.

She said negotiations were still underway with Severn Trent as to how the business would be compensated, but added that the water company had shown good communication when the issues first surfaced.

Calke Abbey in Ticknall was also affected and not able to serve hot drinks while the water was unusable. However, visitors to the National Trust property were still able to use the loos, since they operate from spring water. – Lucy Stephens

l Severn Trent tankers in King’s Newton at the height of the incident.

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Chloe’s a catwalk qu

A YOUNG student has started to take the fashion world by storm after being named runner-up in a major national contest on the London catwalk.

Chloe Jackson, from Breedon, beat off students from across the UK to win a place in the FAD competition – organised by the Fashion Awareness Direct charity as part of London Fashion Week. Showing her highly complex pleated designs to a crowd of fashionistas including representatives from high street and online brands such as Asos, Karen Millen and Uniqlo, Chloe – who is studying fashion design at Nottingham Trent – was named overall runner-up and handed a £500 prize plus a professional photoshoot for her two designs.

The FAD competition has been going for 15 years and several previous finalists are now successful players in the UK

fashion industry.

Chloe’s award-winning intricate designs were inspired by the brief for the competition which was “A sense of

place”, this being for her a recent placement at American Summer Camp Fernwood.

To get to the final she worked her fin-

gers to the bo plex clothing metres of fab the hem, and After bein said: “It felt announced a prestigious e standard of t

“It was ve hard work re itive industr opportunity window and try experts w I could do.

“It has giv even harder of university.

Chloe said on finishing her portfolio one day own

Fury over couple f

by Lucy Stephens

SHOCKWAVES have swept through Melbourne after a local couple – whose heritage is British, whose ancestors fought for the British and who have bought a house in the village – have been told they must leave the UK.

Home Office officials say the pair don’t know enough about life in this country.

It was three and a half years ago that Clive and Yvonne Karusseit settled in Packhorse Road with Yvonne’s parents after fleeing daily violence in their home country of South Africa.

“The crime was terrible,” said Yvonne. “I was attacked; my wrist was broken in three places.”

They had previously lived in Zimbabwe but left there in fear for their lives after Yvonne’s brother, Terry Ford, was brutally murdered by the Mugabe regime.

In tragic images broadcast around the world, his faithful dog refused to leave his dead body.

Now the couple, both of whom suffer with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder because of the violence they have experienced, have been caught in an appalling catch-22 situation after their application for Indefinite Leave to Stay in the UK was declined because they did not take an English test.

Clive and Yvonne’s nightmare began last

autumn as they began downloading and filling in the lengthy application forms required to settle in this country – in accordance with regulations, a month before their existing Visas were due to expire.

Having taken the Life in the UK test, which they passed, they called the telephone number on the form and asked whether they needed to take the English test as well – only to be told they would be contacted should this be a requirement.

The pair, whose home has been adapted to accommodate Yvonne’s frail mother, 82-yearold Eileen – her father having died since moving to Britain – heard nothing for four and a half months until March

Then they got a letter out of the blue from the Home Office, telling them their application had been declined because they hadn’t taken the English test.

In a distressing downward spiral, because the pair’s Visas had by this time expired, highly qualified Clive was then told he was not able to carry on with his job as a bid engineer, leaving them with no source of income.

Clive and Yvonne have been left in despair, nearly £10,000 out of pocket, and say that not only will they be faced with utter poverty if they have to go back to South Africa – the country’s positive discrimination laws meaning they would be unlikely to get a job – but that Yvonne’s mother, who has the right to stay in Britain and who has Alzheimer’s,

would have no-one to look after her and would have to rely on help from the state.

Yvonne said when they heard the news they simply “cried and cried”.

She said: “This is like taking us and throwing us off a cliff. We have no right to appeal.

ANGUISH ... Clive and Yvonne Karusseit w

ueen

one making the highly comg, including pleating four bric by hand, hand-stitching d ironing for two solid days!

ng named runner-up Chloe incredibly rewarding to be as the runner up at such a event, especially when the he competition was so high. ery nice to have all of my ecognised. In such a competry, it has been an excellent to put myself in the shop to allow some of the induswho were present to see what ven me a real boost to push during my final few months .” she was now concentrating her degree and building up , adding that she hoped to her own fashion business.

facing deportation

since we arrived in this country.

“It’s all so wrong. It’s worse than a nightmare. We never said we weren’t going to do the test – we are British. I’ve always regarded myself as British – our heritage is British.

“We live in Melbourne and we’re really, really happy here. The community is great, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”

Clive and Yvonne are members of the Baptist Church and already well known to village children because of their puppet shows illustrating Biblical tales.

Many local people turned out to pledge their support for the Karusseits when an ITV camera crew turned up to cover their story on the news.

Not only can Clive and Yvonne not appeal against the decision, they cannot now take the English test, but have been advised their best course of action is to apply for further fiveyear Visas.

The Home Office says the “onus is on the individual” to “ensure their application is submitted with the necessary supporting evidence”.

There’s no common sense.

“Mum is entitled to outside help from the NHS; we don’t do that because other people need it. We don’t rely on anyone else to take her to hospital – I do it.

“We have never ever asked for a penny

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MP Heather Wheeler said “a way forward” had been found to help the Karusseits, but they said the advice given was to submit a fresh application

which they cannot legally do because the Home Office had taken such a long time to respond to their original request that they no longer have valid Visas, which are a requirement when filling in the forms.

An online petition appealing to the British Government to grant the Karusseits leave to stay in Britain has so far attracted around 5,000 signatures, but needs double that number before Home Secretary Theresa May will look at it.

You can sign it here: https://www.change.org/p/theresa-mayurgent-petition-grant-clive-and-yvonnekarusseit-indefinite-leave-to-stay-visas

LEFT: Chloe pictured centrally with her models.

(Photo: Tony Wellington. Copyright FAD)

FAR LEFT: Some of Chloe’s fashion designs.

with 83-year-old Eileen.

l Press and TV outside the Karusseit home as the story broke.

Villagers’ speed campaign on TV

TICKNALL’S campaign to stop speeding drivers has been beamed out to audiences nationwide after being broadcast on TV.

The well-publicised Speedwatch campaign to slow drivers motoring down the A514 through the village was featured in the first of a thought-provoking two-part ITV programme entitled Speeding Wars, shown in March.

Narrated by well-known actor Hugh Bonneville, star of Downton Abbey, Speeding Wars focused on the problems brought on by fast motorists in rural Britain, where there are fewer cameras and regulations to slow them down.

Featuring different areas of the country, including speeding hotspots in Essex and Wales – as well as the tragic story of one teen who was killed by a speeding motorist – viewers saw how Speedwatch campaigners in Ticknall were using monitoring equipment to clock drivers going over the 30mph limit.

Campaigner Kevin Harris, who has now stepped down from Speedwatch, told how he had joined in the exercise after his wife, Carol, had a near-miss with a car while crossing the A514 in Ticknall.

But the programme showed how things went sour for Speedwatch after a row with police and the county council over use of the equipment and the fact that, despite many motorists driving over the limit, little could be done to stop them.

Kevin told the cameras: “You’d have more chance of winning the Lottery than getting a speeding ticket driving through Ticknall – you’d be very unlucky to get one.”

Later in the programme, he added: “We can’t keep having near-misses like we’ve been having – eventually a near-miss will be a fatality.”

The Speedwatch campaign worked by checking if cars were going over the limit, with drivers then sent a letter advising them of their transgression.

But campaigners were catching hundreds of drivers travelling at over 30mph, so they were then told only to catch those who were travelling at over 36mph, as well as noting down details such as make and colour of speeding cars which they found tricky data to compile rapidly.

Derbyshire Constabulary and the county council issued a joint statement shown at the end of the programme, which said: “On occasions we received incomplete data from Ticknall Speedwatch. Due to time pressures we cannot research the correct vehicle without make and model details and asked Ticknall Speedwatch to provide accurate and complete data.

“Contrary to national guidelines, Mr Harris was recording speeds of 31 mph and above. We asked Mr Harris to record speeds of 36mph and above. There was no assumption of conspiracy or equipment fault.

“We have identified improvements to the road layout and signage and have an ongoing commitment to making the A514 through Ticknall safer. We are always grateful to community Speedwatch volunteers.”

The second part of the programme showed another Speedwatch campaign in rural Wiltshire. As with Ticknall, villagers there were told they could not have a speed camera to slow drivers –at a cost of around £20,000 – so one resident took matters into his own hands by building his own for the princely sum of £8. Though this was welcomed by the community, he was then asked to take it down.

– Lucy Stephens

n THE Aston Welldressers held their first fund-raiser of the year with the annual afternoon tea. There was a good turnout with lots of visitors enjoying the stalls and the generosity of villagers for their contributions both in cake making and other duties.

With the support of those attending, the event raised an excellent £500-plus. The nominated charities for this year’s Welldressing Festival were announced as the Derby, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance and the newly-formed Aston Village Cricket Club.

Chris scores again

CHRIS Hill, the Melbourne Young Musician of the Year 2013, continues to achieve great success in his musical endeavours.

In one week he recently won the Dalesmen Young Musician trophy, with which he is pictured, on the flute.

The 17-year-old then went on to win a gold medal for solo advanced woodwind, and also the Bacchus Trophy for advanced woodwind repertoire.

His week continued by winning the Thelma King Instrumental Award held in the beautiful London Guildhall, competing against finalists from BBC YM and principal players with NYO. Chris played his 30-minute repertoire from memory and received rapturous applause.

The judges commented that, although it was difficult to choose between such gifted players, there was one outstanding player who they all agreed should win the prestigious award, Chris Hill.

l Children proudly display their eggs at the Pool Cottage Easter Egg Hunt, held as part of the Easter activity day at the nursing home.

EASTER BUNNY FUN

THE first Easter Bunny Hunt organised by the members of the Melbourne Hall Visitors Centre was a great success, even with the inclement British weather on the day.

The turnout exceeded all expectations with more than 70 children taking part. The children all enjoyed meeting the big white bunny who helped them with the search and they also loved getting close to the new-born lambs on display.

The free prize draw was also a big success with the prizes kindly donated by the shops and businesses within the Visitors Centre. These included “afternoon tea for four” at the Melbourne Hall Tearooms, “Photography Day Course” from Millpond Antiques & Collectables, “Leg of Lamb” from Tori & Bens Butchery, “No Hands Massage” from High Flyers Beauty Clinic and gifts from Christy Cakes and Christian Rose Violins.

Pictured left with the Easter Bunny are Jack, Daisy, Pippa, William and Elodie.

Footpaths Group wins its case

DERBYSHIRE County Council has agreed to Melbourne Footpaths Group’s application to re-instate the much used walk between Woodlands Close and the “Bucks Orchard” path linking Main Street, King’s Newton, and Derby Road.

Two and a half years ago the group was approached by local people to help them with a claim for a footpath around the edge of their housing estate at the Woodlands. Subsequently, the planning application for the new estate was submitted, indicating that the path would be lost, and the route has been closed since the building works began on the Kings Croft Persimmon Homes estate.

The formal application made in February, 2014, under section 53(2) of the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside act sought to add the path, and was submitted with supporting evidence from 30 users that the route had been used for over 40 years without hindrance.

The order to reinstate the footpath will modify the county council’s Definitive Map and Statement which sets out all known Public Rights of Way. There is a period of six weeks for representations or objections, which closes on April 28. If none are made Derbyshire County Council may confirm the order

Melbourne Footpaths Group has written to Persimmon Homes asking them to reinstate the path along the route claimed adding that “the path is of great benefit to local residents making their way to the schools and other facilities between Derby Road, Melbourne, and Packhorse Road”.

Pub lease up for grabs

WHISTLEWOOD held its annual Easter Egg hunt with children running about to search for clues around the willow dragon. They were rewarded with a chocolate egg, when they told the Easter bunny the magic word.

Parents were treated to a cup of tea whilst sitting around the camp fire, using the filtered rain water on site. As the weather wasn't especially sunny this was very welcome to warm them up. The children were interested in how the water filter works and helps make Whistlewood sustainable.

Pictured (l-r) are: Lucas Lowe, Stanley and Rory Warwick and Oliver Hewett.

Looking back on a busy year for civic society

THE AGM of Melbourne Civic Society took place at the Assembly Rooms, when Brian Budd, in his last year as chairman, reported on a busy year.

Planting daffodils, clearing litter and maintenance of the Holy Well were routine activities. A varied range of interesting talks had been enjoyed.

Responding to the many large-scale planning applications had been most challenging and time consuming. Ian Turner, as chair of the cociety’s planning sub-committee, had worked long and hard on delivering robust responses.

Both the Civic Society and Melbourne were indebted to his input.

On a lighter note, a Midwinter Evening and Midsummer Evening had been highlights of the year. All committee mem-

bers were re-elected along with new member Lydia Hepenstal.

Judging for the Civic Award had taken place in March. The judging panel was led by retired architect Liz Walker, from Ashbourne, and included Wendy Earp, chair of the parish council, and members of the Civic Society.

The new garage at 60 Ashby Road, built to echo the style of the house, was judged to be a worthy winner.

The three new houses at 116118a Derby Road were highly commended, while commendations went to The Dower House and 30 Ashby Road.

Mr Budd handed over the reins as chairman to Dr. Paul Grimley (pictured), who by tradition will remain in post for the next three years.

The next talk will be on Monday, April 25, at 7.30pm in Melbourne Assembly Rooms when Jane Whitaker will give a talk on Frame Knitters of the East Midlands.

A spring litter pick has been arranged for Saturday, April 23. Volunteers should assemble at 10am in front of Melbourne Assembly Rooms.

ABBA TRIBUTE AT LIBERATION DAY

A TRIBUTE act to Swedish supergroup ABBA is lined up to play at South Derbyshire’s Liberation Day.

Music, nostalgia and stands featuring information aimed specifically at the over-55s age group will be the feature at the 14th Liberation Day planned for Wednesday, May 18.

Gresley Old Hall is again the host venue, and ABBA tribute band Sensation fit right in with the 1970s theme for this year’s event, according to organisers the Safer South Derbyshire Partnership. Transport to and from the event, which runs from 10am to 2.30pm, will be provided without

charge for those who need it and a free sandwich lunch will also be on offer.

More information is available online at www.south-derbys.gov.uk or by calling 01283 595878.

ON Sunday, May 8, Fiori Musicali are presenting a baroque programme of music by Vivaldi and Handel in the historic setting of Staunton Harold Hall by kind permission of owners Mr and Mrs John Blunt. The concert starts at 7.30pm.

ONE of Melbourne’s drinking spots could be changing hands after the leasehold was put up for sale.

The Alma pub on Derby Road is advertised on estate agency website Rightmove under a guide price of £50,000.

Owner Marston’s has explained that the pub itself is not for sale, just the tenancy agreement.

That means a new landlord or landlady is being invited to take over the reins, for which they would get a two-bedroom flat rent-free for seven years thrown in with the deal.

A Marston’s spokeswoman said: “It’s still a pub and will still be run as a pub.”

Pupils gearing up for Uganda trip

CHELLASTON Academy pupils are busy fund-raising and developing their skills for this summer’s trip to Uganda.

The school’s Uganda project, now in its 10th year, has purchased, renovated and is now successfully maintaining an orphanage, the Mlisada Children’s Home in Kampala, for former street children.

“The plan for this year is to finish off phase 3,” said organiser Richard Karran.

“We will be finishing off the building of the admin block to mark the last of the building work. Thereafter it will be fully functional and will become self-sustaining.”

A new group of 25 students have been picked and are gearing up for the visit. Hannah Rafferty said : “I am looking forward to the trip but the focus at the moment is to raise the £2,500 expenses.

“We had a terrific race night at school which raised an amazing £14,000.”

Ben Walker, a Melbourne resident, said there are “lots of events coming up, including the ‘Chello Mile’ where students are sponsored to run laps of the playing field. He is organising a band night at Rolls-Royce Pavilion on April 22.

The total cost for the project this year is £32,000.

Pupils are also busy learning bricklaying skills.

“As well as the practical side, it also provides an opportunity to work in a team, and making bonds with the people who will be like your family when you are in Uganda,” said Hannah. Students from former trips, not just those from

last year, also help support the new team. Some of them spoke about the experiences they had on their visits.

“It made me grow up,” said May Coffey, “there is more to life than just material things.”

Joe Glynn said it taught him “not to take things for granted and to make the most of your opportunities”.

He added: “Over there people are massively impoverished but can lead happy and fulfilled lives supporting each other.”

As well as the project work, the trips provide a chance to experience some adventure, with white water rafting, bungee jumping, safari trips and “slum walks” where, with the protection of security staff, small groups can go to the very poor areas.

Last year pupils donated 450kg of clothes they had taken out to give to the very poor.

Another side benefit of the project is helping new sixth form students who transferred from other schools for their A-level courses.

Hope Archer said it was a life-changing experience, “giving you motivation to keep going through difficulties and more self-belief”.

There is no doubt that the ‘alumni’ of the Uganda teams are a group of supportive, articulate and perceptive young people and the school deserves great credit for supporting this extracurricular project.

If you wish to know more about the project visit the website www.chellouganda.co.uk where there is also a link to a donation page.

–Frank Hughes

n THE wine tasting and cheese and pate supper held at St George’s Church, Ticknall, was very well supported both by Ticknall and Melbourne friends, some of whom are pictured tasting the wine.

The event was organised by Melanie Payne, and sponsored by Telford Wines. David Scott from Telford Wines ran a short quiz on the

NEWS in brief

IT’S that time of year again when you can clothes shop till you drop – and it’s all for a good cause.

Members of the parents associations at Melbourne Infant and Junior schools are holding their annual Boden shopping party for the third year running to raise valuable funds.

The event will be held at The One Off on Derby Road on Saturday, April 30, from 9am to 3pm.

Organisers promise that a

wines that were tasted and the winner was Iris Cole, who received a bottle of Champagne.

The whole evening was most successful with wonderful food, plenty of wine and great fellowship. The profit after expenses was £811 and was allocated to the new vestry /toilets fund.

large selection of clothes from the well-known brand with 20 per cent off will be available to try on and buy, with free returns and a percentage of the sales going towards the schools. The first 40 sales also get a free gift.

n RECREATION in Aston is holding its annual yard sale this month. Admission is by programme which will be available from the Village Pump in the centre of the village at a cost of £1.

The sale will take place on Saturday, April 16, between 10am and 2pm.

n APRIL 23 is St George’s Day and at St. George’s Church, Ticknall, the occasion will be marked by two events. In the morning (10am-noon), all are welcome to attend the annual gift day and enjoy coffee and cakes.

At 7pm in the church, there will be a spring concert for St George’s Day with Gresley Male Voice Choir.

Anger at plan for farmland homes

PROPOSALS to build up to 85 new homes on grassland between the villages of Aston and Weston-on-Trent have caused uproar amongst local residents.

Leaflets were posted through homes in Aston informing them of plans by Richborough Estates for a new housing development on the edge of Aston, on farmland bordered by Yates Avenue, Laurel Drive and the Weston Road.

The developer held a three-hour public exhibition in the Heritage Centre next to All Saints’ Church on March 23, which was jam-packed with local villagers coming to air their views on the proposals.

Angry placards protesting against the development lined the entrance to the exhibition and the room itself.

Local resident Michelle Mason, whose sister Christine lives next to the proposed new homes, said Aston was already having to accommodate new housing developments – including 75 new houses alongside the new Richmond Care Home with a possible extra 100 homes also in the pipeline.

She said: “Our infrastructure can’t take it, both village schools are bursting at the seams as it is.

“The grounds of the schools have no way of expanding. As a village, this is terrible, really terrible.”

Other objections include increased traffic with the possibility of lorries driving through the village to build the homes, the damage to the rural character of Aston, and the encroachment on the space between Aston and Weston. There was also concern that section 106 money – cash which is given to local communi-

ties by developers as a way of mitigating the impact of new housing – would go to Weston rather than Aston, since the development is in Weston parish.

However, a representative from the development said section 106 money is never simply allocated to a parish, but to specific targets such as schools and doctors’ surgeries which can demonstrate they are affected by any new housing.

Richborough Estates provided information panels at the exhibition informing residents of the background to their proposals, including the need for around 12,000 new homes to be built across South Derbyshire over the next few years.

Richborough regional manager Steve Louth said Aston had been identified as a sustainable location and that it had accommodated new homes but not as many as other nearby places such as Hilton.

He said: “What we’re doing at the moment is undertaking a whole series of surveys to inform how the scheme might look, and what we’re here to do today is to gauge the reaction in the room to better understand what the concerns might be from a community point of view but also from a technical point of view.”

He added: “The district needs to find 12,000 homes - that development has to go somewhere.

“We are talking about 85 homes out of 12,000. My view is that you have to put development in sensible places – we have to speak to the community to understand the problems but you have to develop the housing. Communities need places to grow.”

– Lucy Stephens

... and scheme for housing in Breedon has villagers irate

BREEDON-on-the-Hill residents are poised for a campaign to prevent what they are describing as “unnecessary and insensitive” development of their picturesque village.

In common with neighbouring villages, locals fear that overdevelopment will spoil the look and feel of their village for ever.

Leading the campaign, Peter Spencer, a Breedon resident for 12 years, said: “There are already 43 additional houses planned for the village in three separate sites and this one at Lime Fields, off Worthington Lane would add 27 more.

It is adjacent to the conservation area, and because of the elevation it will overlook a lot of properties and damage iconic views.”

With a petition, Facebook page and flyers around the village the group calling themselves BRAND (Breedon Residents Against New Developments) have already “kick-started” their campaign. They are fund-raising to pay for the services of a planning specialist to help them.

“Although no planning application has been formally submitted we have been told about it informally and seen indicative plans. We are determined to fight the case,” Mr Spencer said.

North West Leicestershire District Council is in the process of finalising its Local Plan which identifies a need for 10,700 houses –although the vast majority of this figure have already been built or have sites allocated. The draft plan classes Breedon as a “sustainable village” where in-fill or physical extension of the village may be possible.

Mr Spencer said: “This proposed development on greenfield land is unnecessary and the village simply cannot sustain it; there are more sustainable locations to build on first for Breedon to reach its quota of housing and we are determined to fight to save our village.”

Their case, which can be viewed on www.facebook.com/groups/battlefobreedon has already attracted support from as far afield as Norway!

– Frank Hughes

BELLE RINGERS

MEET some of South Derbyshire’s newest bell-ringers – they’re from Melbourne, and they’re only nine years old!

Jenny Peckham and Katie Halliday are now such experienced hands at the ancient art of campanology that they have been recognised as official ringers for the Diocese of Derby as members of Ticknall Church.

That means the youngsters, both pupils at Melbourne Junior School, can ring the bells at church on Sundays and are able to take part in ringing for special ceremonies such as weddings.

Both girls have taken to bell-ringing in the footsteps of their parents, Jenny’s mum and dad Rachael and Christian being expert ringers, along with Katie’s mum Jenny.

The girls have rung bells at church in Ticknall, Melbourne and Chellaston – and have recently gained official certification to prove their skills.

Jenny and Katie said they liked bell-ringing because it was “interesting, fun and sociable”.

Some members of Britain’s campanology scene have recently argued the case for bellringing being named an official sport, in recognition of the fact it takes stamina, fitness and concentration – with some sessions taking several hours.

Museum insight into the history of a hamlet

OF interest to many local families, an exhibition entitled "Lount and the locality – Past and Present" is currently being held at Ashby Museum.

The exhibition gives an insight into the history of the hamlet of Lount through the ages, and is supported with old maps, photographs, pottery examples etc.

Included is information on old housing and some aspects of the Staunton Harold estate, Staunton Harold School (which provided education for the children of Lount), Lount Tollgate, The Ferrers

Arms (formally the Horse and Groom) and many other interesting features relating to the history of Lount.

A particular feature will show the new Bellway housing estate, which has been built on the old Coleorton Pottery site (1835-1938), across the road from the hamlet of Lount, and is supported by a history of the old pottery.

The exhibition will run through April, with visiting times Monday to Friday 11am-1pm and 2pm4 pm; Saturday 10am-2pm.

l Pictured in Melbourne Parish Church, Jenny (left) and Katie display their certificates.

Photo: Tina Baker

SITUATIONS VACANT

Part Time – Housekeeping duties

OBITUARIES

JOHN (Jack as he was known) BATTERSBY

January 1, 1914 - February 11, 2016

JACK’S life was celebrated by family and friends on March 19.

He was born in Bootle, moved to Chesterfield and, on leaving school, was an apprentice at an engineering firm from where he moved to Rolls-Royce, testing engines for Spitfires and Lancaster bombers during the war at which time his hearing was damaged.

His passion was cars and he bought an MG in which he travelled to Europe with his cousin Willie. With a glint in his eye, he told tales of their many adventures.

He befriended the Riggott brothers in Castle Donington and eventually bought into the company, Head Riggott and Miller. Jack became joint owner and used his engineering skills to develop unique pre-cast concrete blocks which were used for the many bridges on the new M1.

Jack was introduced to Dawn and her daughter Deb, marrying in 1950 and soon after, Vicki and Robin were born.

It was at this time that Jack bought a hearing aid, only for it to be switched off for many years.

He became a keen gardener, creating a rose garden and producing lots of vegetables. This was for Dawn and the children as he ate only potatoes. He was a passionate fly fisherman, enjoyed a flutter at the gambling tables at the poker school in the village and spent time at the Probus Club in Castle Donington.

Jack eventually retired at 75 and he and Dawn travelled extensively, visiting Europe and the Middle East.

Jack was 94 when Dawn died and he missed her terribly. However, he adapted and looked after himself in the style to which he had become accustomed.

He was always a gadget man and mastered the computer and emails, becoming one of Amazon’s best customers. Although he was having trouble using the HSBC pin machine, he was the bank’s oldest on-line customer. He still drove to do his shopping and visit the library at over 100 years old.

He was an avid reader and always had his iPad and Kindle to hand.

Jack had a healthy life – just two hip replacements. Family and friends marvelled at his health as his diet was far from what is advised today. His favourite food was sole or lobster with a love of cream, salt and potatoes. He would enjoy G&Ts at lunchtime and any excuse was used to open a bottle of champagne! Despite this unorthodox diet, living to 102 shows it certainly suited him.

Jack’s body has been donated to medical science at Nottingham University Hospital and eventually his ashes will be scattered with Dawn’s in Cumbria.

BARKER EVERARD

1-4-37 – 14-2-16

Barbara, Richard and Diane would like to thank everyone who sent cards, made donations to the value of £190 for the British Lung Foundation, and for all the kindness and support that they received following their recent loss. Also J Springthorpe for their professionalism, Angela Plummer for a lovely service and the Doctors at Melbourne Heath Centre for their wonderful care.

PETER WILLIAM JACKSON 1927 - 2016

PETER was born at the home of his grandparents in Station Road, Melbourne, on August 2, 1927. He was the first son of Walter and Elenour Jackson (nee Sharp). His father was a partner in Samuel Jackson Growers of King’s Newton.

He was a bright boy who passed his 11Plus and went to Bemrose School in Derby. At 15 Peter joined the Air Training Corp and attended the weekly meetings at the squadron headquarters at Alvaston.

On leaving school, Peter went into the family market gardening business. He met his future wife, Jean Dye, at a dance at Lount. Jean’s father was the game keeper on the Staunton Harold estate. Jean and Peter married in 1951 at Breedon Church. In addition to becoming married partners, they became business partners and growers with a stall on Long Eaton Market.

The couple lived for some time with Peter’s parents, who by that time had moved to Station Road, until they themselves moved in next door. They set up greenhouses in the garden and extended their business at home. They also took on a new stall at Allenton Market. Peter and Jean had a son, who sadly was lost in a road traffic accident at 18 years of age.

Peter and Jean threw themselves into the business, fully committed to making it work and it flourished. Sadly, Jean died in 2010. Peter continued to work on the growing, passing on the Long Eaton stall to a family member.

As a youth, Peter had played football regularly for Newton Town, a team that has long since folded. As a couple, Peter and Jean purchased a narrow boat and took to the canals. They kept it moored at Shardlow and spent weekends and holidays afloat for many years.

Peter also developed a passion for vintage cars, buying them and displaying at specialist shows up and down the country – winning many rosettes, plaques and tankards. The cars were often used for weddings and Peter would turn out in his period uniform as a chauffeur for the occasion. One of his favourite cars was a red Bull Nosed Morris he nicknamed Ruby (pictured).

Peter continued to work well past normal retiring age and when he became less active he ran things from home. As recently as Christmas 2015 he was making holly wreaths at home. He moved into a nursing home in December and died on February 12.

TRIPS ARE OPEN TO ALL but please note Community Care do not provide escort assistance.

• For information on our “escorted trips” please contact the Community Care O ce (863585).

• EVERY FRIDAY MORNING WE PROVIDE A DOOR-TO-DOOR SHOPPING SERVICE TO SAINSBURYS SUPERMARKET, MELBOURNE. Escort assistance can be provided if required. Telephone the o ce for more information or to book a seat on the bus.

Mon

Wed 11th 09:30 (New) Waitrose Store & Co ee Shop, Uttoxeter

Wed 18th 02:00 (as requested) Ashby

Mon 23rd 09:00 (New) Welland Vale Garden Centre & Orchard Café, 2:30 Upppingham, Rutland, Leics.

Tue 24th 09:30 Octagon Centre, Burton-on-Trent 2:00

PLAYERS CHAMPS AGAIN

AFTER two months of Friday night fun, the Melbourne Quiz came to its 2016 conclusion with finals night.

Four teams had battled through the earlier rounds to decide who would be taking home the trophy and which teams would be filling the minor placings. In the semi-finals Melbourne RFC beat Sick Club Row and St Michael’s Players beat the Sad Anoraks.

In the third vs fourth play-off, Sad Anoraks got the better of Sick Club Row.

The final was a contest between the Players, who triumphed over the rugby club, to win for the second year in succession and have their name etched onto the trophy for the third time in four years.

The quiz was also a winner for all the teams that had entered

Opportunity to be a princess for a day

IT’S that time of year again when Melbourne girls can stake their claim to being a princess for the day.

This year’s Miss Melbourne competition to find the local girl and her attendants who will head the carnival procession is being held on Friday, May 13, at the Royal British Legion on Derby Road.

The contest is open to school-aged girls between five and 16 at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

Organisers of the Melbourne Fete and Carnival are busy organising this year’s summer bonanza, which is being held on Saturday, July 9, at its traditional venue on the school playing fields.

The programme will this year again take the form of a business directory of local companies – any business which would like either a line in the directory or a small box advert is asked to contact Alison Staley on alisonburnley@hotmail.com or 07791 620093.

Anyone who wants to hold a stall at the fete is asked to contact Rachel Hill on rachk1@hotmail.com or 07815 862058.

For all contact details and further details of events at the carnival, see the updated website: www.melbournecarnival.co.uk

Fifties rocker Vince headlines Astonbury

FIFTIES rocker Vince Eager will be headlining the Astonbury Music Festival in All Saints Church, Aston on Trent, on April 29.

A BIG THANK YOU...

to all my family and friends who came to my forties theme surprise 90th birthday party on Tuesday March 8th at the Thomas Cook Memorial Hall. I would also like to give a special thank you to Linda and her friends for making this a very special day. Audrey Hicklin.

WENDY’S

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and their supporters who had made the weekly pilgrimage to the RBL Club. It was also a winner for Rainbows Hospice.

On behalf of the quiz committee, question master Paul Fox presented a cheque for £1,200 to the hospice, which was collected on its behalf by Julie Burrows, who with husband Ian are volunteers at the hospice.

Pictured are (top) Julie Burrows of Rainbows presenting the trophy to the winning St Michael’s Players team (l-r) Anne Payne, Stephen White, Bev Bennett and Margaret Gildea.

Village Voice

Vince was part of the Larry Parnes stable of stars which included Tommy Steele, Billy Fury, Marty Wilde and Joe Brown. He appeared on TV shows Six-Five Special, Oh Boy and Drumbeat as well as taking the lead in the ‘Elvis’ musical in the West End in the 80s.

Also appearing will be Ruby Sky, an up and coming Derby born singer/songwriter, currently studying at Liverpool University. She will also be headlining the Saturday night show in the War Memorial Hall on April 30. Joining her are the Junkyard Angels, a classic rock and blues band who are making a name for themselves with their debut CD Rollin' and Tumblin'.

There will also be a whole host of popular local artists performing at both concerts, the proceeds of which will be divided between All Saints Church and the Aston Well Dressing Festival. Tickets are available in both village pubs and shops in Aston on Trent.

A CD compilation of artists appearing at Astonbury, including Vince Eager, Ruby Sky and the Junkyard Angels, will be on sale at both venues.

Postbag

Brave the new world of the 21st century with us

DO YOU know – or care – that a group of people, like you, in this community is taking practical action to address at the local level the big threats posed by Climate Change, resource depletion and recurring economic crises?

Successful projects of Melbourne Area

Transition include the installation of a solar PV system on the parish church, our community apple press, a demonstration food forest at the local junior school, a walled orchard at Southwood Farm as well as the nationally pioneering community

land management scheme, Whistlewood Common, located between Melbourne and Ticknall.

This local Transition (to the low-carbon economy) group very much hopes to be proved wrong. We would be delighted if all the forecast outcomes never affected us here – but that seems increasingly unlikely.

Our approach is to educate and build resilience in our community and, most crucially, to have fun doing so! We hope to be a catalyst for others to act too: if we fail, we will have done no harm –and possibly at

Please pick it up ...

AS far as I am aware, there is no legal requirement to pick up dog mess from country lanes.

However, I am appealing to the dog owner or owners responsible for the disgusting mess all along Broadstone Lane, Ticknall, to clear up after their dogs as a matter of human decency.

The many walkers who use Broadstone Lane are unable to enjoy the lovely country views on offer as they have to keep their eyes glued to the ground to avoid stepping in the multiple mounds of dog faeces that are regularly deposited all along the road.

Sometimes, within the space of half an hour, five or six fresh piles of dog mess appear along this short stretch of road, soon to be spread all over the road by car tyres and the shoes of unfortunate walkers.

So please, whoever you are, do the decent thing and clear up after your dogs so that we can all enjoy our country walks again! Name and address supplied.

Melbourne Dental Practice

- ESTABLISHED 30 YEARS -

TEXT MESSAGING SERVICE

To try and reduce the amount of clinical time lost due to missed appointments and late cancellations, the practice is now o ering a text messaging service. Any patients who wish to receive these will need to complete a text messaging consent form, available at reception. Please note, we cannot o er this service unless a consent form has been completed.

Naomi Fry BDS & Associates, Helen Baker BDS

● Family Dental Care using latest techniques and materials

● Friendly and caring service

● Cosmetic Dentistry including tooth whitening

Naomi Fry accepts child orthodontic patients on the N.H.S.

Castle Street, Melbourne, Derbyshire Telephone 01332 862942

least some good.We want to connect with all in our community who understand this context – as well as those who believe that consumption-driven lifestyles can continue indefinitely.

We are appealing for partners, participants, people willing to explore the brave new world of the 21st century with us.

You can contact us via our Facebook pages or via www.melbournetransition.org or www.whistlewoodcommon.org.

Graham Truscott

Think of the bees

DAFFODILS look lovely along the verges of roads around Melbourne and the civic society and parish council are to be congratulated on their efforts to beautify these otherwise rather barren areas.

However, I feel bound to point out that cultivated daffodils are of very limited value to insect pollinators. They are virtually never visited by bees and other insects and the planting of snow drops and crocuses would provide a much more better source of early spring pollen and nectar.

With the countryside so intensively cultivated with the use of insecticides and herbicides coupled with so many local gardens being built over or paved over there is a desperate need for good quality forage for bees and other insects throughout the year.

So any help to improve this situation would be most welcome. Perhaps the civic society and the parish council would like to take this on board?

Christian Murray-Leslie

Scruffy2Fluffy

Above:. Paul Fox presents a cheque to Julie Burrows.

Girls getting a kick

KEEN girl footballers have now got more chance of playing the game in Melbourne, thanks to a new team that has been set up at the recreation ground on Cockshut Lane.

The under-8s side started this year and is being coached by local dad Toby Mitchell after daughter Florrie, 8, wanted the same chance to play the game as her younger brother, Elliott.

Toby explained: “My son plays and I coach his team, the under-6s; Florrie said she wanted to play, too. I think there’s a demand for it in Melbourne; we have got people ringing up from outside Melbourne and other villages – they are looking for anywhere that they can play.

“Women’s football is a huge growth sport. It’s come over from the States where it’s the fastest growing sport there.”

The under-8s girls’ side is part of Melbourne United and, after only four weeks, had 18 children going along. It is so popular that children are already being turned away due to lack of space and another coach is needed to train.

As previously reported in The Village Voice, Melbourne Junior School has a highly successful girls’ side, but there are still not the same opportunities for girls to play the beautiful game.

In this area, girls do not have the chance to play competitively until they reach under-10s sides, whereas there are hundreds of competitive opportunities for boys from a much younger age.

However, the profile of the sport has been raised dramatically in recent years with the England Women’s team reaching the semis of the World Cup last year, and several big football clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool having women’s sides.

Anyone who is interested in helping coach the Melbourne girls under-8s needs to have a minimum of a level 1 FA coaching certificate and should get in touch with Melbourne United.

The team practises on Fridays from 5.30pm to 6.30pm and full details are on the club’s website http://www.melbourneunited.org.uk/

–Lucy Stephens

Walk this way

THE National Forest Walking Festival 2016 will take place between May 14 and 26.

There will be over 80 walks that range from gentle strolls to strenuous rambles including routes for seasoned walkers as well as pushchairs, wheelchairs and family groups. Every walk is graded for difficulty and guided walks will be led by an experienced leader with local knowledge.

Health walks are suitable for all ages and those recovering from illness and are also led by a trained volunteer.

The festival will open with the ‘Three Marinas Charity Walk’ on Saturday, May 14, which starts at Willington’s Mercia Marina and will raise money for Rainbows Hospice and SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Families Association) – the chosen charities of South Derbyshire District Council chairman Cllr Neil Atkin.

Copies of the festival brochure can be picked up from Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre, based at Sharpe’s Pottery Museum in West Street or you can download a copy from the SDDCwebsite.

Members of the Parish Council

Chair Wendy Earp 865019

Vice Chair/Highways

David Smith 862699

Burial Grounds

Sheila Hicklin 865726

Recreation & Ameneties

Andrew Jackson 07931 541387

David Carpenter 864521

Jane Carroll 863269

Nigel Collyer 07831 540538

George Dunnicli 07780 806267

Christopher Howard OBE 07795 484120

George Hudson 07503 247953

Rose Minife 07795 362936

Robert Parker 07973 297404

Margaret Sharp 862471

Malcolm Stockill 694598

Paul Willmore 863044

Jacqui Storer - Clerk 07734 939292

Useful Numbers

Aircraft Noise

& Complaints 0845 1088540

Clean Team ( y tipping) 0800 5872349

Street Lighting Faults 0845 6058058

Potholes 0845 6058058

Weston Run pulls ’em in

THE annual Weston on Trent five-mile road race and two-mile fun run took place on Sunday, March 13.

Starting and finishing at the Ukrainian Centre, there were 153 finishers in the five-mile event and 107 in the fun run.

The first three home were Anthony Hatswell, of Long Eaton Running Club, Andrew Norton, of Notts Athletic Club, and Carl Handford, of Chesapeake Road Runners.

Melbourne Parish Council Quarterly Report - April 2016

The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council took place in March and saw the presentation of the annual Dr Freeman award which this year was awarded to Richard Heath in recognition of his long-standing service to the community as member of various organisations, plus his encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of the village.

An excellent display of the work carried out so far by the Neighbourhood Development Plan committee was on show at the Open Day, held in February. This was well supported and a number of new volunteers have now come forward to help. The next stage will be to contact various groups in Melbourne to present to them the work that has been done so far and thus get feedback from a wider range of residents.

The Mothering Sunday co ee morning which was held in the Cemetery Chapel was well attended and a number of positive comments were received.

The Parish Precept has this year been set at £65100, a 3% increase on last year due to increased costs relating to the High Street toilets which are now fully our responsibility plus the requirement for urgent repairs to be carried out on the Cemetery Chapel.

The Parish Council have decided to develop a logo for the Council and also to look into upgrading the Council website.

The CCTV system has now been upgraded with the addition of a new higher quality camera in the Market Place.

As this will be the last quarterly report that I write as Chair of the Parish Council, I would like to take the opportunity to thank my fellow Councillors and the Parish Clerk for all their support over the last 2 years and to wish my successor all the best when they take over the role in May.

Wendy Earp, Chair, Melbourne Parish Council

ABOVE: Earnest faces for these youngsters at the start of the Weston TwoMile Fun Run.

LEFT: A good start helps when runners set off on the five-mile road race.

The first female was Elsie Butler, of Charnwood Athletic Club, and the winning team was Long Eaton Running Club. In the fun run the first three finishers were David Hall, Holkie Gamble, of Wreake & Scar Valley AC, and Corey Rose, of Derby Athletic Club.

Paddy field ups and downs

MELBOURNE RFC finally got to play on their home pitches on March 5, although both resembled paddy fields.

The 1st XV played Dronfield in front of a crowd of about 200 as there was a marquee, bar and band. SP Photographs sponsored the match ball.

Bakewell are currently bottom and had no answer to Melbourne’s power and pace. Melbourne fielded a changed side with Stringer back from Australia and Chris Stark returning for the weekend.

The pitch was terribly sticky and affected handling, but Melbourne still ran in six tries. Tony Day (two), Chris Purce, Alec Judge, Joe Stuart and a fine solo effort from Chris Stark. Euan Holden converted two for a comfortable 34-0 win, which would have been a lot more on a dry day.

MOTM was Tony Day.

The U14s followed with a game against Leicester Forest under the floodlights. The marquee was a success with lots of beer drunk and Agent Utah playing a set.

Melbourne again had to use the Derby 3G pitch for the visit of Southwell. Tries from Page, Foster and Al Judge with seven points from Euan Holden, saw Melbourne leading near the end only

to concede a try from a forward pass and eventually losing 20-22. Hall and Pearce both got yellow cards. Joanne Iliffe of Picture of Health sponsored the match ball.

Next up saw a visit to Coalville. Melbourne completed the double over their local rivals, winning 41-24. Tries came from Foster (two), W Judge, Pearce, Martin and Cox with Holden providing the extras. Foster also received a yellow card. MOTM was Chris Purce.

Dronfield arrived at Melbourne in early April to play on the paddy field. Melbourne, suffering from a few injuries again, but on paper the side had a strong feel to it. Dronfield scored early before Rob Foster intercepted to level the scores at 7-7.

Dronfield were by far the stronger side in the first half and dominated Melbourne, who started poorly – probably playing their poorest half for a while. Holden kicked another penalty and Ash Stringer was yellow carded.

The half-time score was 13-24 to Dronfield. A big role reversal in the second half saw Melbourne take the upper hand, but they found it hard to break through. The forwards, led by W Judge and Chris Stark, were the stronger side

Pete’s off to a flier

KING’S Newton Bowls Club opened the green for the new 2016 season on March 19 and held the first club competition of 2016, the floodlit singles, a week later.

With some excellent bowling in the early rounds the semi-finals saw Peter Balfour v Ian Jardine and Bill Bunston v Roger Timmins. The games were close affairs with Pete and Roger winning through to the final.

Another close contest ensued with Pete Balfour triumphant. During the evening fish and chips were enjoyed by all and a good start was had to what will hopefully be another successful season for the club.

New for the 2016 season, the club is opening up on Sundays (12.30 until 5.30pm) with the bar open to those who fancy calling in and having a game of bowls.

There will be two more club competitions over the next few weeks. On Sunday, April 24, it will be the Quintin Blood Trophy and on Sunday, May 1, the Packhorse Trophy.

l Players from the Under 10s attending the 1st XV fixture against Bakewell are (l-r): Abigail Watson, Eve Rudd, Jayden Cozens, Oliver Makepeace, Henry Gaunt, Joe Titley, Drew Bosworth and Joseph Brady.

and Judge scored after 60 minutes to narrow the gap to within a score.

However, a late error saw Dronfield steal a late try to close out the game 29-18.

THE STAGS played a friendly against Long Eaton 3rds and proved too strong winning 65-0. Tries came from Macken (three), Butler (two), Stanniforth, Mansfield, Crewe, Doyle, A

Hollingsworth and Cooper.

Next up saw a league double header against Paviors. In a high-scoring game Melbourne prevailed 47-30 with Tim Doyle getting a brace.

THE KNIGHTS competed in a festival at Chesterfield on Easter Saturday, playing Chesterfield (0-5), Long Eaton (22-5) and Ilkeston (7-5) which saw them top the table.

GREEN FOR GO

MELBOURNE Bowls Club will open the green on Wednesday, April 20, at 6pm for existing members following the AGM.

The club is celebrating 46 years playing on its green at the Senior Citizens’ Centre in Church Street. Although the green isn’t large enough to enjoy league status there is a competitive spirit and regular friendly matches are played throughout the season. There is also an active social scene.

The majority of members are from Melbourne and consist of experienced bowlers and newcomers. Bowls lends itself to both males and females to compete together – and all ages, too.

There will be an open evening on Wednesday, April 27, at 6pm when anyone wanting to learn to play bowls or have a go can have a free session with tuition. All you need is a pair of flat soled shoes or trainers.

l Spring is here but the first competition of the new season was held under floodlights at King’s Newton Bowls Club.

Cricketers are all set

MELBOURNE Town Cricket Club is gearing up ready for the 2016 season and work behind the scenes is well underway.

The Nat West cricket-force day when the club gets the ground re-painted, tidied up and ready for the new season was very well supported by both the club's senior and junior members.

The junior registration afternoon held during

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the same weekend saw the club attract a record number of junior members in its history, sufficient to cover five junior teams to be run this season.

The club has arranged for former Derbyshire professional Paul Aldred to coach the senior members on its Tuesday night practice sessions.

The move to a more organised set-up in both the playing side and a larger club committee sees the future looking very bright. And the brand new pavilion, thanks to the Melbourne Sporting Partnership, will bring better all-round facilities to the town.

The club aims to be playing at its highest standard ever when the facilities are eventually ready later this year.

Anyone interested in playing or just to get involved with the club, at either senior or junior level should get in touch with Alex Slater on 07966933583 or alexslater72000@yahoo.co.uk

n Newly formed this season, Melbourne Dynamo Colts are shown sporting a brand new kit, courtesy of their sponsor, Crane & Walton Solicitors. The team is managed by Mick Poynton and has more than held its own in division one of the Under 18s age group and is lying in a commendable third place.

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Dynamic Dave seals semi spot

MELBOURNE Dynamo suffered with the weather in the month of March, managing to play only one game.

But what an important match that was, as they won through to the semi-finals of the Junior Cup, convincingly beating Sherwin Reserves 6-1.

Veteran striker Dave Brough rolled back the years with a clinical hat-trick along with goals from Shaun Hayes, Ben Stanley and teenager Toby Foxon seeing Dynamo through to a semi-final against Derby Singh Brothers.

MELBOURNEDynamo Colts managed to play two games in March. They began by entertaining top of the table Duffield Dynamo Lions. A goal from Ngila Odari drew Melbourne level but Duffield proved too strong and ended up 4-1 winners.

A week later, Mick Poynton’s team won 7-2 away to Al Madina. Toby Foxon led the way with a hat-trick and there was also a double for Ngila Odari with Reza Khan and Finley Charles completing the scoring.

TICKNALL Rangers had a tough month, losing all three of their league games. Beginning with a controversial 2-1 away loss to Beacon Park Rangers, Ticknall saw a perfectly good goal disallowed and a further shot landing a foot over the line but not given.

A Matt Archer strike was the only consolation.

The following week Ticknall entertained top of the table Alrewas RBL and the away side blew Rangers away 8-1. A speculative lob from Adam Finlay was the only bright spot to score the consolation goal.

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Ticknall made it three defeats in a row as they ended the month at home to Linton. Going two goals down in the first 15 minutes, Rangers showed great character to battle back to 2-2 with a clinical left foot strike from Alex Slater and a coolly slotted penalty by skipper Matt Archer. But a winner for Linton with just eight minutes to go sealed the points for the away side.

PUSHING THE BOAT OUT

DON’T miss the chance to try sailing when the RYA’s Push The Boat Out event returns to Derbyshire in May.

The nationwide ‘have-a-go’ at sailing festival, organised by sailing’s national governing body, gives all-comers the

chance to get on the water for FREE or low cost over nine days from Saturday, May 14 to Sunday, May 22.

At the time of going to press, dates for local sailing club’s involvement were still to be resolved.

Back row (l-r) are: Mick Poynton (manager), Reza Khan, Toby McCabe, Joe Delaney, Charlie Edmondson, Jack Scothern, Conor Poynton and Dan Gadsby.

Front row (l-r): Tom Batty, Brad Hefford, Toby Foxon, Ewan Ferguson and Ngila Odari.

l Ticknall Cricket Club players during one of their winter training sessions in the nets at Chellaston Academy Sports Hall.