Melbourne Village Voice April 2020

DAVID USES HIS LOAF TO HELP THE NHS HEROES

newton fallowell

raising the standard of estate agency

MELBOURNE ESTATE AGENTS Residential Sales and Lettings Tel: 01332 865696 Melbourne: 01332 865696

No. 329 April 2020

by LUCY STEPHENS

A KEEN bread maker from Barrow-upon-Trent has been baking a loaf a day for dedicated NHS workers after hearing how two members of staff had been vying for the last bread in the hospital shop.

l Health care assistant Roxy, who is appealing for hand cream.

David Lovie began his daily bake for hospital workers at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust after hearing from his wife Lorna how two members of staff had been in dispute over the last loaf of bread for sale.

In response, David has been baking a fresh loaf of bread every day for his wife to present to a member of staff who is “doing something extraordinary”.

He has been daily posting the recipients of that day’s daily bread on Facebook.

“Everybody has got an amazing back story,” he said.

David, who has made bread for many years, said he had got ingredients coming to him from all over the country as items such as flour and yeast have been in short sup-

ply over recent weeks.

So far, recipients of David’s daily bread have included Hannah, who has taken on the task of collating and distributing all the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) throughout the hospital.

Couple Gill and Neil (pictured above) have also received one of the loaves, with Neil tasked with creating new wards and trans-

INSIDE STORIES

forming existing ones into specialist COVID-19 wards. Gill is responsible for refresher training and redeployment of nurses.

Roxy, a health care assistant on an elderly care ward, is part of a team working 12 and a half hour shifts looking after patients with COVID-19.

Many appeals are currently circulating on social media that would provide assistance to health care workers at the current time.

One of them is an appeal for hand cream, with staff members such as Roxy ending up with chapped hands because they are changing their PPE up to 15 times an hour.

So far, an appeal for hand cream has generated 400 tubes to be sent from another Barrow resident to the hospital trust.

Another is for keen sewers to make headbands, using material that can be washed at a high temperature, in order to make face masks more comfortable to wear.

The Village Voice will share the pattern on our Facebook page.

Coronavirus impact on local community – Village Voice special report on Pages 7,8,9

ANDI PETERS entertains the crowd as Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway came to Melbourne – Page 3.

FIND out which ancient church is praying for a £120,000 helping hand to fund vital repairs – Pages 10-11.

hoe C Co ountr ystore ON LINE WE ARE OPEN YIvovuran local ffa amily run n countryside store...

MGelbourne arage SHOP MoT TEST CENTRE WE ARE OPEN

NOW AVAILABLE

Free collection and delivery Castle Lane, Melbourne, Derby DE73 8DY Telephone 01332 862373

6 MARKET PLACE, MELBOURNE TELEPHONE: 01332 862607 www.blatchs.co.uk email: sales@blatchs.co.uk

--

YOUR LOCAL L CONVENIENCE STORE

• • • • • • •

MONTHLLYY SPECIAL OFFERS NOW SELLING BEERS, WINES & SPIRITS CHILLED AND FROZEN FOODS SANDWICHES SNACKS & SOFT D SANDWICHES, DRINKS TOILETRIES AND HOUSEHOLD GOODS OODS CHOCOLATE AND CONFECTIONER RY BIRD SEED AND PET FOODS RY ELIVE

DOVES Gar Ga ara rages age geses LLtd Ltttd. tdd.

PEN O E R WE A

LD LOCA FREE

OPEN: Mon - Fri 8.00am M .00am - 5.30pm Sat 8.00am 00am - 12.30pm HIGH STREETT,, MELBOURNE MELBO Tel:: 01332 862123

Ashby Road - Boundar y - 01283 212300 Just at t he top of t he Ashby By pass

Mon - Fri 8.30 - 5.30 Sat 9.00 - 5.00 & Sun 10.00 - 4.00

www.melbournevillagevoice.co.uk ● news@melbournevillagevoice.co.uk 01332 863181 ● ads@melbournevillagevoice.co.uk 07584 025 852 Where sold: 30p

2 Village Voice April 2020

Kathleen Mary Ransom (Molly) Thank you for your love.

Your beauty inside and out will always be remembered.

Love you Molly.

Lyn.

MELBOURNE LETS Residential Lettings and Property Management Service

Christine and Sarah do hope that you are keeping safe and well during these strange and challenging times.

We would be happy to discuss with you any of our available rentals which you can find on our website www.melbournelets.co.uk, via phone or email.

Please contact Christine or Sarah

07870 547357/07770 769246 info@melbournelets.co.uk

SURPRISE RESULT IN THE QUIZ FINAL

WINNERS ... pictured with the quiz trophy are members of the successful Border Patrol team with quizmaster John Elliot (left): Paul Fox, Will Darling, Phil Dobby and Adrian Darling.

Large, purpose built, heated dog kennels and cat chalets in Ingleby. Large, secure, grass exercise paddocks for ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶƚ ĚŽŐƐ͕ ĂůůŽǁŝŶŐ ĂĐƟǀĞ Žƌ ƐĞĚĂƚĞ ƚŽ ďĞ ĞdžĞƌĐŝƐĞĚ to their requirements. &Žƌ ǀŝƐŝƟŶŐ ĐĂƚƐ͕ ĐŽŵĨŽƌƚĂďůĞ ĐŚĂůĞƚƐ ǁŝƚŚ ǀŝĞǁŝŶŐ ǁŝŶĚŽǁƐ ĂŶĚ ŽƵƚƐŝĚĞ ƌƵŶƐ͘ Now taking day boarding dogs which includes socialisŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ Žī ůĞĂĚ ĞdžĞƌĐŝƐŝŶŐ ŝŶ ŽƵƌ ůĂƌŐĞ ĞŶĐůŽƐĞĚ paddocks.

Contact us: 01332 862796

TICKNALL - DERBYS - DE73 7JN

PICTURE RESTORATION AND CLEANING PICTURE FRAMING AT AFFORDABLE PRICES - FAST SERVICE Call: 01332 862757 michael.lakin579@btinternet.com

AUSTIN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES LTD

We offer a personal and professional service at competitive rates.

For more information please contact us on: 01332 862173 www.austinproperty.co.uk Unit 3 Russell Yard, Derby Road, Melbourne

THE 2020 village quiz finished with a surprise victory for ‘Melbourne Border Patrol’ – and with a stunning fundraising result for Community Care.

On the finals night, the much-fancied Church Choir team ‘Surplice to Rechoirments’ lost in the semi-finals to ‘MBP’, while the ‘Rugby Club VPs’ triumphed over Lythgoes Legacy.

Then, the third and fourth play-off saw a resounding win for ‘Surplice’ which went some way to making up for their defeat earlier in the evening.

In the final Melbourne Border Patrol took an early lead which they never relinquished as they went on to record a comprehensive win over the VPs. Following the presentations to the top three teams, there was a short introduction to the work of the Melbourne Community Care organisation, by its chairman, Brian Dollamore.

The quiz committee then presented a cheque for £1,600 to Alison Thornhill, the manager at Melbourne Commu-

nity Care. She confirmed that this donation had taken them to the required target of £32,000 to finance the new minibus.

Alison thanked everyone in Melbourne for their support in raising the amount so quickly.

The quiz organisers deserve thanks for another season of fun quizzing and no doubt will look forward to seeing quizzers old and new next year.

‘Coronavirus man’ coughed on police

A SWARKESTONE man who claimed to have had COVID-19 has been jailed after coughing on police officers.

Christopher McKendrick, 58, of Swarkestone, was jailed for 16 weeks and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £122 after pleading guilty to several offences.

The incident happened at around 3.30pm on Thursday, April 2.

Police said they were called to a canal path in Swarkestone after reports from members of the public that a man was being abusive and threatening.

When the officers arrived, they found him carrying a two-foot piece of wood and waving it above his head in a threatening manner.

He was arrested and the wood taken off him. Whilst the officers spoke to the man and asked if he was, or had been suffering from the virus, he replied: “I’ve already had it. I’ve got over it and now I am a super spreader so…”

He then coughed in the direction of the three officers.

● Short or long term ● Commercial & domestic storage ● 24-Hour access ● 24-Hour on-site security/CCTV

01332 863729 Trent Lane, Kings Newton, Melbourne, Derby DE73 8BT info@newtonselfstorage.co.uk www.newtonselfstorage.co.uk

n See Postbag – Page 12.

McKendrick was arrested. He was later charged with common assault, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, assault by beating of an emergency worker and using threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

He appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court the following day.

Inspector Chris Thornhill, who is in charge of policing in South Derbyshire, said: “I am pleased that the courts have taken swift and decisive action in this case.

“My officers are on the front-line and are putting themselves at risk to protect others.

“They spoke to the arrested man to get information that would help protect them and others and did not deserve the response they got from him.”

For all the latest information, advice and guidance on COVID19 you can visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Golden Retriever Puppies Ready for new homes mid/late May - £550

07789 070248

Got a story to tell?

Give Lucy Stephens a call on:

01332 863181 www.melbournevillagevoice.co.uk

Takeaway treat for Melbourne

Award hope for business

Village Voice April 2020 3

A HUGE crowd of people descended on Melbourne’s Castle Street to join in a live broadcast for ITV show Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway.

Images taken by our photographer Tina Baker of hundreds of people gathering outside Melbourne’s fire station and dental practice on March 14 are particularly poignant in the light of the current ban on meetings l Andi Peters outside Melbourne Fire Station during of more than two people, due to coronavirus.

The following week, the ITV show was broadcast without a live studio the outside broadcast. audience as restrictions came into force a few days after cam- quite the same place as Mel- siastically to JLS song Everyweek.” eras were in Melbourne.

Referring to Melbourne havbody in Love. bourne, Australia.

But on March 14, there was ing been in the news in FebruLocal people had been alerted Andi told Tina that he apprenot yet a ban on public gather- ciated the warm welcome given ary in connection with reports to the fact that an outside ings and there was a joyful at- to the show by Melbourne resiof local people not reporting broadcast was happening via mosphere as people craned their dents who turned out to join in drug taking in the village for social media. necks to catch a glimpse of TV with the live broadcast. fear it may damage house Lindsey Mitchell, of Melfavourite Andi Peters paying a prices, she added: “We have had bourne, was one of the people in Pictured cheering and wavvisit while dressed in a kangaroo ing on camera, Melbourne peobad publicity over the last couthe crowd to witness the occacostume … the gag being that ple were also shown live at the sion and said: “My girls love the ple of weeks, so something posMelbourne, Derbyshire, is not end of the show, dancing enthuitive I think is a good thing.” show, they watch it every single

Village Voice inspires reader to be a stem cell donor

A VILLAGE Voice reader has signed up to be a stem cell donor after seeing our story about how a small boy’s life was saved by the procedure.

Lorna Lovie, of Barrow-upon-Trent, was so moved by the article of little Alfie Commons meeting the stem cell donor from Germany who saved his life, that she at once signed up to register with DKMS – the organisation that provided a match for him.

Lorna, who is director of quality and clinical governance at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I read the article and I was literally in tears. It was such a moving story.

I was so touched by the story that when I read the bit that said you can register to be on the DKMS bank, I thought it was something so easy to do that I pretty much did it straight away.”

Alfie, four, whose grandparents Sheila and Rod Hicklin live in Melbourne, became ill with leukaemia as a baby.

After chemotherapy failed, his family were told his only chance of recovery was a bone marrow transplant.

Christin Bouvier, from Germany, who had registered with DKMS, was found to be a match for Alfie and he received the donation in 2016. The pair finally met in an emotionally charged meeting in London earlier this year.

Lorna said the procedure for being put on the DKMS register was extremely simple and quick, with very clear instructions.

A pack was sent to her in the post containing three swabs to be taken inside the cheek, a process that takes very little time.

These are then sent back in order for the volunteer to be placed on the register.

“It’s just that knowledge that if there ever is a match, hopefully you can help someone out,” she said.

Lorna Hicklin, Alfie’s mum, gave her “heartfelt thanks” to an “amazing kind lady”.

She said: “It’s such wonderful news and so lovely to hear that Alfie and his story is

A SWARKESTONE business has been named as a finalist out of more than 1,000 applications in a national awards scheme.

Social media marketing business Babbl was named finalist in the “Supplier of the Year” category of the Club Hub Awards 2020.

The awards are designed to help children’s activity providers grow their businesses.

The Club Hub awards had 1,019 applications, of which 90 finalists were chosen across 15 categories.

A Thank you to

Melbourne Community Care My most sincere thanks to Melbourne Community Care for their help and kindness in providing me with such lovely reliable drivers for my journeys to and from The Royal Derby Hospital to attend physio appointments.

A wonderful service and a superb organisation.

Thank you to all who are responsible for running this brilliant service for all the community with such efficiency and dedication. Special thanks to Angie Cooke who supported me so well. Also many thanks to my lovely neighbours for all their help and kindness. Paddy Laban

ING R E F OF OOD F DOG ERY V DELI CE VI SER

Professional and caring dog grooming Qualified and experienced staff Fantastic dog food and treats Boutique gifts for dogs and dog lovers 01332 986 646 | 07989 799 192 www.doghairs.co.uk @doghairs.co.uk 34 Derby Road, Melbourne, DE73 8FE

LEFT: Lorna Lovie and (above) the Village Voice story that inspired her to enrol as stem cell donor.

making a difference; this is everything we wanted and our reason for sharing it with your readers.

“Something good is now coming out of

something so horrible and it will, without a doubt, save lives. This is important now more than ever with the current situation with coronavirus pandemic, it’s having a devastating effect and DKMS have seen sign up numbers drop dramatically.”

DKMS is a global not for profit organisation that fights blood cancer through recruiting stem cell donors.

Anyone aged between 17-55 and in general good health can go on standby as a potential lifesaver. To request a swab kit, go to www.dkms.org.uk.

If any more of our readers are prompted by this article to seek more information and even sign up, and would like to share their story with us, please do get in touch on news@melbournevillagevoice.co.uk.

J. P. Springthorpe & Co. Funeral Directors 17 POTTER STREET, MELBOURNE DERBYSHIRE DE73 8DW As the only privately owned, family run Funeral Directors in Melbourne, we are able to offer an extremely personal yet professional service at a reasonable cost, both in Leicestershire and Derbyshire.

We are also happy to arrange personalised Golden Charter Funeral Plans

Telephone: Melbourne (01332) 865511 AT ANY TIME

Food and drink guide planned

Farmers harvest first new footpath scheme award

4 Village Voice April 2020

A NEW food and drink guide for Melbourne is being produced this year – with proposals for a beer festival in October, depending on what the future holds in regards to the coronavirus pandemic.

The guide is being put together by Assembly Rooms manager Andy Heafield, with sponsorship from Melbourne Parish Council and independent Land Rover specialists Infield, based in Lount.

The listings guide will provide details of each pub in the area and will feature a history of brewing in Melbourne, as well as a pub walk taking in Melbourne, Ticknall and Ingleby provided by Barry Thomas.

“It’s to highlight what’s available in Melbourne to people outside, given there’s now a bus to Ashby,” said Andy.

“Hopefully they will return and support the local economy.”

The Beer Festival is planned to take place in October in the Assembly Rooms.

Andy said he would be contacting pubs and food outlets directly but anyone who wanted further details could call on 07722 485213.

l Peter and Charlie Blood receiving their award from Paul Sturges of Melbourne Footpaths Group.

A NEW award scheme has been started by Melbourne Footpaths Group (MFG) to recognise the year’s best kept public footpath.

The first award has been made to farmers EW Blood and Sons for “their excellent work” on the footpath between Station Road, Melbourne, and Wilson.

The footpaths group said the farmers’ work in maintaining the path had been “beautifully put in” and, during the wet winter of 2019-20, had been nothing short of “heroic”.

They said: “We know how hellish the constant rain, sodden fields, overflowing streams and ditches have made farmers’ work, because we have seen it at close quarters as we have tried to get out walking.

“Our hearty thanks go to the family firm for not forgetting the footpath at a time when there have been so many urgent and difficult demands on the time available.”

The group said it hoped the new award would be the start of “even better relations” with farmer partners in improving and maintaining footpaths.

A statement from MFG said: “To put this award in context,

MFG is aware that in the past we have probably not done as well as we could in our relations with landowners and farmers.

“Maybe we have looked in the past as though we took farmers’ work on footpaths for granted, and when the work has been neglected – as it sometimes is – we have been quick to complain.

“In fact, we are well aware how big a job it can be to cut back hedges next to footpaths, clear stiles and gates from excessive growth, and put paths back in after crops have been planted.

Our own work on signposting, path clearance, repairs to stiles, gates, bridges and steps has been time consuming and not always easy.

“We know the many favourable comments on the paths from local people and the ramblers who travel quite long distances to enjoy the landscape of Melbourne and its surroundings are really a tribute to both the group and the farming community.

“Melbourne Footpaths Group hope that their new award will be the start of even better relations with our farmer partners in preserving and enhancing the marvellous local footpath network.”

– Lucy Stephens

Village Voice April 2020 5

Memorial plaques brought back to life

ONCE lost wording on memorial plaques in Melbourne’s Market Cross now shines bright again after the first phase of restoration works was completed.

Kings Newton firm ASBC Heritage & Conservation Specialists were invited to undertake the works to the 1889 Grade II listed Market Cross

by Melbourne Parish Council.

The first phase of the works involved cleaning the plaques within the stone niches inside the structure, removing graffiti from the stone and timber frame, replacing damaged roof tiles, cleaning the ashlar stone and refurbishing the bench.

Michelle Clarke, of ASBC, completed the restoration works using delicate procedures to remove decades of grease and grime using mineral spirits and a toothbrush to get into the crevices.

The next task was to remove corrosion to the plaques.

While working on the restoration, ASBC found evidence that the early Victoria Jubilee and Elizabeth Jubilee plaques had in the past been polished to a bright finish.

However, the later 1998 plaque showed signs of darker finishes which may have been achieved by patinas or lacquers and was therefore cleaned and polished to a lesser degree in order to preserve this.

The plaques were then polished, buffed and coated with wax.

Simon Watson helped with plaque treatments, also undertaking steam cleaning to the stone structure.

The next phase of the works was due to have begun this spring but, in line with current Government guidelines, ASBC has closed all their works for the time being so work is being delayed until further notice.

Dog first aid

A GROUP of people learned vital first aid skills for dogs in the first course of its kind to be run in Melbourne.

The session at Thomas Cook Hall was hosted by Melbourne’s Laura Statham, of GreenAcre Dog Grooming, and was run by Debbie Ward (pictured) from Dog First Aid. Dani Hickman, who runs Dog First Aid Derbyshire and Staffordshire, explained that the aim was to train owners and people who work with dogs how to confidently deal with emergencies – such as choking, bleeds, poisoning – and how to give CPR. Courses were also Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited, she said, meaning they could provide CPD points for veterinary nurses and receptionists.

Seeking to clear up some misinformation circulating during the coronavirus outbreak, Dani said warm soapy water should be used to wash dogs’ paws after a walk, and not disinfectant. She said owners should not worry about using hand sanitiser – still an important defence against the virus – as it was only toxic for dogs with certain conditions: most would have to ingest a much larger amount for it to be dangerous.

T e first The ir and nd O Original rig riginal igina g na al al

CChamp Ch hha ham amp mppa pagne pag agn gne gn nnee Bre B rrea reak eak akkkf kfa kfast ffas ast as sstt

Please take care off y yourselv ourselv ves and each other through this tough time.

We’d like to thank all our customers and friends for their continued support and look forward to seeing you in the future.

Take care and stay safe.

Rex & Susie, The Bay Tree Restaurrant

01332 863358 4 Potter Street, Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 8HW baytreerestaurant.com

6 Village Voice April 2020

Country Living

Playing catch-up as the world changes with Robert Parker

I THINK we are all shocked about what has happened in the last month and how the world has changed.

When I look around and see the effect it has had on ordinary people’s lives I feel a little guilty.

The past month or so has seen farmers out in the fields catching up with their long-delayed work and generally free of restriction. The soils have dried out very quickly and what seemed impossible in mid-March is now happening with gusto.

As I write this in the first week of April, we only have about five days more of planting to complete what should have been completed in November last year. Most has gone well but I don’t think that we’re going to see any yield records broken in harvest 2020.

In some parts of the country on more difficult soils, some have opted to give cropping a miss and during the summer try to repair the damage and get an early crop in for harvest 2021.

We farm some Trent flood land and

have been amazed to see the height the water got to. It must have been a near record.

Soil and sand washed off the fields, up brooks and ditches. Fences were destroyed by the sheer surge of the water.

But, do you know, land was planted in the end of March in pretty good condition.

The panic buying of food and other household necessities surprised and shocked me. Our food production and the supply chain in this country is second to none and, as I have said before, we live in a country of plenty.

I do hope the extra food purchased in this period was all used and not thrown in the bin.

Wasting anything, particularly food, is a mortal sin. n The swallows were first seen here on April 4, and I think this is pretty early.

As I sit here I can hear them in the barns twittering away.

Seems somewhat reassuring that some things at least are normal …

Teachers make visors

TEACHERS in Chellaston Academy’s tech department have joined forces with many schools across the UK to make visors for frontline workers.

The academy, whose catchment area includes Melbourne, Ticknall, Barrow, Aston and Weston, posted on Twitter on April 8 that staff from the technology department had been busy in the school holidays designing and making 65 visors for front line workers.

A note accompanying the visors said: “From one set of keyworkers to another: Keep fighting the fight … Proud to be able to help, even if it is just in a small way. Stay Safe, Chellaston Design and Technology Department.”

n MELBOURNE firefighters were busy washing cars to raise hundreds of pounds for charity in March.

The crew at Melbourne Fire Station raised £600 from their efforts on March 14, including a £100 donation from Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, which was filming in the area on the same day.

The money went to the Fire Fighters Charity, which provides mental, physical and social support to UK fire fighters in need.

HELP YOUR FAMILY BY MAKING A WILL

Our Solicitors will guide you through the process and advise you on the best structure of a Will relating to your circumstances.

Protect your Assets and your Family.

For more detailed advice on how we can help you, call us now on:

Coalville

Ashby

01530 834466

01530 414111

Leicester

Melbourne

0116 2551901

01332 863810

www.craneandwalton.com

Village Voice April 2020 7

Coronavirus How the pandemic is impacting our community Carnival joins list of events that will not go ahead

LARGE scale gatherings of people due to have been held in the local area have had to be cancelled because of the pandemic.

In Melbourne, the planned VE Day celebration concert on May 8 will not now go ahead in line with a similar ‘scaling back’ of events across the UK. The Melbourne event was to have featured top Take That tribute band Rule the World playing at Melbourne Sports Park.

Organisers of Melbourne Carnival, a major event attracting thousands, which was in the diary for July 11, have also put a stop to things this year.

A statement from the group said: “Along with the rest of our community, the Melbourne Carnival Committee has been closely watching and following the advice and guidance offered by the UK Government and Public Health England regarding the current coronavirus pandemic. The Prime Minister, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Officer advised against mass public gatherings, for a period of weeks or possibly months.

“While there is no end date for this advice, the position of the Government is that emergency services will not support large events.

“We therefore feel, as a committee,

that we have no other choice but to sadly cancel this year’s carnival. People’s health and safety is paramount and more important than the carnival taking place.

“With things as they currently stand, we simply cannot risk continuing to work towards this year’s carnival.

“Thank you for your understanding.

We value your support and look forward to Melbourne Carnival 2021.”

The Ticknall Fete and Dog Show, which was held for the first time last year and attracted big crowds, has also been postponed.

This year’s show was to have been part of the village’s VE Day celebrations on May 9. Organisers are hoping it can be rearranged for early Autumn.

Meanwhile, it is not yet known whether Melbourne Festival will be able to go ahead in September.

Melbourne Assembly Rooms has suspended all groups and activities but is “constantly monitoring the situation” in order to re-open as soon as possible within government guidelines.

The centre’s main hall redevelopment is still planned for July and August.

At the moment, the Assembly Rooms’ planned events from September onward are still going ahead.

Anyone with a booking who would like to discuss the situation is asked to contact manager Andy Heafield.

The scheduled performance of Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat, due to be performed at Aston on Trent Parish Church this July, has been postponed until July 2021.

n THE sight of Swarkestone Causeway virtually empty of traffic on a Monday morning is an arresting image.

This picture was taken on April 6, at a time when the causeway would normally be heavy with traffic with commuters travelling to work.

The absence of vehicles shows how many thousands in our area are now working from home or furloughed from their usual job.

DRIVERS TICKETED

POLICE have been issuing tickets in the local area after reporting being shocked at how many vehicles they are still seeing in laybys near beauty spots.

On April 6, Derbyshire Police issued 13 Traffic Offence reports for vehicles parking in the clearway outside Elvaston Country Park.

Police said it was “disappointing” when patrolling the area on foot to find lots of cars parked at the country park having driven for “dozens of miles” to get there.

A ticket was also issued on Lowes Lane, Swarkestone, to someone who had gone “out for a drive”.

Meanwhile, in Ticknall, it has been reported that in the early days of lockdown, when warm weather made going outside particularly tempting, cars had congregated around the area.

But this had diminished as the severity of coronavirus in the UK became more apparent and by the beginning of April it was not nearly so prevalent.

Volunteer heroes flock to look after the vulnerable

BINS are being collected as normal during the coronavirus outbreak, the district council has confirmed.

The only collection to be suspended at the moment is the one for textiles, said a spokesman. Pictured are bins awaiting collection in George Street, Melbourne.

FROM Aston to Breedon, hundreds of volunteers have come forward to help look after vulnerable people through the coronavirus outbreak.

Groups have been organised to collect medicines, hand deliver groceries, and make friendly phone calls to reach out to those living alone and self-isolating.

In Aston and Weston-on-Trent, a volunteer group was set up in March, attracting up to 200 helpers within days.

Started off by a local resident who wanted to make sure the community’s elderly and vulnerable were looked after, the group is co-ordinated

by Fiona Stanbrook, clerk to Aston-on-Trent Parish Council.

Leaflets were issued to all homes in both villages advising residents of the help available.

The group matches up volunteers with requests for help in delivering food and prescriptions, as well as making phone calls.

Aston’s village shop has been taking orders over the phone so that volunteers can pick up food and other supplies and drop them off to households.

“I can’t believe the way both of the communi-

ties have come together,” said Fiona. “It’s outstanding. I’ve not had to wait more than two to three minutes between putting a volunteer request out and somebody’s volunteered to do it. It’s so heart-warming. I do hope this continues.

“We’ve got quite a high proportion of elderly people. Some people we’ve phoned up are quite frightened and quite isolated by this. I’ve got a list of people I’ve been giving a phone call to every two to three days, just having a chat and making sure people are OK.” Stephen Clennell, owner of Aston’s village shop, said it was important to be there for the local community at a time when it was safer not to leave the village.

“We’ll continue to try and supply people with all their needs and advise them to keep safe and well. We’re just here to do what we can for people at this moment in time,” he said.

Melbourne Print Shop printed for free 2,000 self-isolation cards from a BBC template, the idea being that neighbours could hand them around offering their phone number to help fulfil any requests for help.

A batch of these was delivered to Melbourne

Community Care, and nearly all the cards were taken, offering an insight of the extent of the desire to help.

Melbourne Community Care has been allocating volunteers to its service users to keep in contact with them in their homes, making sure they have shopping and prescriptions.

The charity has also published a list of local companies who will deliver food to the door.

Meanwhile, Melbourne couple Gemma and Aaron Forster have also put up notices in the village with their telephone number, offering to order groceries for people via their online shop, or give a friendly phone call if needed. Their number is 07944 621989.

In Barrow-upon-Trent and Ticknall, the parish councils have been collecting names of volunteers who would be willing to help out those in need. Anyone in Barrow who would like help is asked to contact the clerk, Alison Hicklin, on 01332 700142, or chairman Anne Heathcote on 01332 703915, or email alison@barrowupontrentparish.co.uk.

The parish council will then put those nearest each other in contact, giving both parties names

to avoid fears over bogus calls.

In Ticknall, anyone who needs help should be in touch with the clerk on clerk@ticknallparishcouncil.gov.uk or by calling 01332 865226.

Meanwhile, over in Breedon-on-the-Hill, the parish council has been liaising with Castle Donington Volunteer Centre to provide shopping where required. Established for more than 45 years, the service is available in Breedon, Tonge and Wilson.

Parish council chair Ray Morris said the village’s local shop and post office had been making a positive difference to those struggling to get out by offering delivery and to obtain goods they do not normally sell.

Anyone who wants to register with the volunteer centre can do so by emailing admin@CDVC.org.uk or by calling 01332 850526.

The Castle Donington Volunteer Centre and parish council has organised a Community Friends Network too.

Anyone feeling isolated or worried and who would like a friendly voice to chat to, or who knows someone in this position, can contact: chrischills@icloud.com

8 Village Voice April 2020

Coronavirus

How the pandemic is impacting our community

Can we do a lot better in next 10 years?

VILLAGE VOICE Postbag

A SMALL group of Melbourne area residents has failed their fellow citizens. Coming together more than 10 years ago, these people identified numerous threats to our expectations of ever-upward economic growth, unlimited travel and consumption.

Driven by very clear evidence, they highlighted global resource depletion, the climate crisis, loss of biodiversity/species extinction, economic challenges and many other big ugly interconnected issues that continue to worsen over time.

This group showed how these threats impacted us here. They sounded the alarm about Melbourne’s vulnerabilities and its risky dependence on global supply chains. They suggested that most aspects of our lives were, ultimately, unsustainable.

These risks were not something to kick down the road they argued: the threats would soon affect us (never mind “our children and grandchildren”!). Our community, they said, was highly vulnerable to shocks - more so than it had been in any previous era, but a happier more resilient current and future was still possible.

These volunteers did more than talk: over the past decade to now, starting with zero funding, they created practical exemplars here of energy and food security.

So where’s the failure? Well, these people failed to reach everyone in Melbourne with this insight and vision (despite more than 400 members for their Whistlewood Common project) or to change many attitudes, and not once in all the past decade did they mention COVID-19 as a specific threat!

Most of us did little to embrace the environment and the natural world of which we are part: pavedover gardens, artificial grass, enjoying out-of-season food from Peru or Kenya (for example!) and materialism ruled instead. Despite admirable community help for vulnerable people locally, especially now, our wider resilience to systemic shocks here remains very, very limited.

So what to do? Well, we could presume that life and “the economy” will soon return to “normal”. There is zero evidence that it will, can, could or even should.

The very conservative International Panel on Climate Change now gives the world less than ten years ahead to avert absolutely catastrophic climate change.

As, if, or when this emergency abates, further desperate crises, all exacerbated by drastic climate change, will clobber us. We could still passively wait for “them” (government and local authorities perhaps?) to sort it out, but “their” track record is…well what exactly these 10 years past?

The virus and the ensuing economic carnage may be the last warning and the last opportunity for us, but regenerative responses exist. Here and elsewhere good people practise resilient solutions (often on the margins of the “normal” economy, but sometimes at the scale of The National Forest for example).

These projects recognise humankind as part of nature, not somehow set apart or superior to it – something COVID-19 may now be teaching the rest of us...

We could redouble efforts locally NOW, urgently, to reduce our vulnerabilities, create new livelihoods, change to more satisfying ways of living and build our community resilience to future shocks…a new paradigm in fact. Can we use this time of crisis to recalibrate our lives, community, society and do much better in the next 10 years, or will we waste the opportunity again?

Ten years, as the past 10 years have shown us, is no time at all… If not us, then who? If not now, then when? www.52climateactions.com provides some signposting.

– Graham Truscott

ALL the colours of the rainbow are abounding in windows, driveways and garden gates across the area to spread a little cheer at a time of international crisis.

The initiative to paint pictures of rainbows may have begun in Italy, but it has now spread to other countries as children adapt to life under lockdown.

As well as painting rainbows, many households in the area have also been responding to social media requests to put up birthday greetings for children unable to hold parties to celebrate their special day.

Cemetery and surgery are forced to close

MELBOURNE Cemetery and doctor’s surgery have both temporarily shut their doors due to the coronavirus situation.

Melbourne Parish Council has closed the cemetery to members of the public in order to comply with the Government direction on social distancing.

Access for the foreseeable future is only allowed for funerals, essential staffing and emergency or urgent works on site.

Tending to graves or memorials at the cemetery is not considered essential at the moment.

The only exception to the no-access for members of the public is a hearse for funerals and vehicles carrying a maximum of five intermediate family members.

The parish council said it was important not to breach any fences, closed gates, sectionedoff areas and closed facilities, adding: “The

parish council appreciates this may cause disruption and distress but it is necessary to limit the spread of coronavirus and to protect the health and safety of the community.

“The decision has been taken with the safety of residents in mind and to ensure that Government advice is followed.

“Your health and safety are paramount and we appreciate your continued support.”

Meanwhile, Melbourne Surgery has also been temporarily closed because of the outbreak, with all face-to-face contact to take place at the surgery’s twin site in Chellaston.

The surgery said any requests for prescriptions should be emailed to reception.melbournesurgery@nhs.net, ordered via SystemOnline or via the Meds Order Line. l Community pharmacies across England are to benefit from their share of a new £300mil-

NON-EMERGENCY police calls have been made free of charge during the coronavirus pandemic.

Previously calls to the police number 101 cost 15p each but the Home Office has said it will cover the £7million a year to fund the service.

Derbyshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa said: “This is a positive development and ensures victims of crime including the most vulnerable in our communities will no longer have to pay for reporting crime or information.

“The public have been calling for an end to the charging system for some time and I'm glad the Government has listened. This change in approach should encourage more people to use the service and provide vital information that can help the police solve crime.”

lion cash boost to ensure they can continue to carry out essential services during the coronavirus outbreak.

On April 1, pharmacy contractors received a £200million boost alongside their normal monthly payments, said South Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler.

A further £100million is due on May 1.

The money is to help pharmacies cope with increasing demand and pressures to provide critical services such as supplying medicines and giving advice.

The Department of Health and Social Care says it is reducing the number of services that community pharmacies are required to deliver at this time.

Mrs Wheeler said: “With the increasing pressure pharmacies and the NHS finds itself under, I am delighted that they will be receiving this £300 million cash boost to help support the vital role they play as we deal with this disease.

“With more and more people shielding or self-isolating pharmacies play a key role by delivering prescriptions to their door. They are doing an excellent job helping people get the medicine they need and continuing to protect and prevent them from breaking social distancing measures.”

The Government is also calling on pharmacy professionals who have recently left the industry to return and re-register.

Village Voice April 2020 9

Making sure shoppers stay safe Coronavirus

How the pandemic is impacting our community

ESSENTIAL shops still open during the coronavirus outbreak have put in place extra measures such as reduced opening hours to ensure people still get what they need but are kept safe.

At Sainsbury’s in Melbourne, tape has been laid down outside the store and footprint stickers placed inside to remind people that they must be at least two metres apart to curb the spread of the virus.

In addition, Perspex sneeze guards were installed at cashier desks to further protect staff.

A limited number of people have been permitted into the store at any one time, with couples and families asked to restrict themselves to one shopper per household at a time.

In the Melbourne branch of Sainsbury’s, as with the rest of the UK, demand for supermarket food has shot up by a huge amount since the start of the coronavirus crisis, with people suddenly stocking up on supplies in preparation, creating blank shelves where items such as toilet paper and pasta were normally sold.

Branch manager Gary Dunne said that sales over a week in March were up 63 per cent on the previous year due to the high demand and “Christmas level deliveries”.

Like supermarkets across the country, there had been shortages of some staples on the shelves, but things were later getting back to normal, although areas such as pasta and baked beans, at the time of writing, were still slow to catch up.

Such has been the need to get goods out ready for customers that Sainsbury’s has sometimes been shutting between 9 and 10.30am to allow staff time to stack shelves.

“All the staff are working hard,” said Gary.

“We are blessed with a good crew. Nobody has been off sick. Nobody is isolating.”

Gary thanked local police who had provided support to the store.

Meanwhile, at Heaths, customers have also been waiting two metres apart with a request for no more than two people at a time inside.

Gloves were also provided at the door to try to stop the virus spreading.

Other stores in Melbourne which have been allowed to stay open during coronavirus because of the key nature of their business have been operating reduced opening hours to try to keep the population and their workforce safe.

Well Pharmacy on Potter Street reduced its opening hours to 9.45am-12.30pm, and then

Churches turn to the screen for worship

l People queuing two metres apart at Heaths in Melbourne (above), and tape on the ground outside Sainsbury’s (right) to ensure customers are properly distanced.

WORSHIP around the area has taken a leap from pew to screen during the coronavirus outbreak, with vicars delivering their services virtually.

With churches across the UK closing their doors to help stem the spread of the virus and new rules banning gatherings of more than two people, apart from members of the same household, much of the religion across the area is now being delivered via the silver screen.

The Church of England has said that now is the time for it to become “a different sort of church” with social distancing rules now in place for funerals and many weddings also having to be put on hold.

Rev Steve Short (right), of Melbourne Parish Church, delivered his first online service on Mothering Sunday from the vicarage.

Having published the order of service via social media platform Facebook, hymns were sung by the Short family with congregation members encouraged to join them in their own homes.

Meanwhile, Rev John Hartley, of Melbourne Methodist Church, is also delivering services via online recording.

Rev Tony Luke (below), of Aston-on-Trent Parish

Church, is offering streamed services, including the church’s meditative compline, normally conducted in church on Wednesdays.

Around 200 people tuned in to watch his service on Sunday, March 29, he said, adding that the new streaming was actually attracting people who did not normally attend church.

“I’ve had a lot of positive responses which is nice,” he said. “There’ve been quite a few comments from people who are not regular church-goers.

“It’s made us think about whether we want to be doing this as a matter of course after the coronavirus has lifted.

It can be a bit of a lifeline.

“It’s made us think, having to do it because there’s no other option, that there’s maybe a need here. For whatever reason, maybe some people who are not comfortable about coming to church find accessing it online something they quite enjoy.”

Rev Luke, who is the chaplain for Derby County Football Club, said he was also keeping in contact with congregation members over the phone, as visiting in person was now off the cards.

Melbourne’s United Reformed Church has been banding together as a community, ringing over-70s in the congregation who have been self-isolating under Government guidelines, with younger members offering to take round supplies to those in need.

Reports and pictures by LUCY STEPHENS

from 2pm to 6.30pm, while Melbourne News was open from 4.30am to lunch time on Monday to Saturday, and then from the same time to up to 11.30am on Sunday.

The Spar, meanwhile, on Derby Road, had also reduced its opening hours by a short amount each day.

HOME SERVICE

LOCAL businesses have been offering home delivery services in order to ensure selfisolating residents are still able to get what food they need.

At the start of the coronavirus outbreak, Melbourne Community Care published a list of companies offering home delivery so that residents did not need to leave their house.

Heaths of Melbourne has been working very hard to keep customers in its shop and home delivery service supplied with food.

Butchers Tori & Ben’s and Wayne Spiers are also very

busy with their home delivery orders.

Other companies such as Jacksons fruit and veg of Melbourne have also been offering home delivery services while Standleys Barn Farm of Ticknall has been delivering to isolated, elderly and vulnerable people in the local area.

Dove’s Garage, of Melbourne, has been offering to take supplies such as milk and bread to the doorstep.

Owner Dave Jackson said: “It’s just to help people out in the village. What we’ve been doing is just putting it on the doorstep.”

l POSITIVE messages of hope, comfort and support have been flourishing in people’s windows around the area during the current coronavirus situation.

We spotted this one outside a home in Aston-onTrent.

Photo: TINA BAKER

10 Village Voice April 2020

Open 7am to 8pm ~ Every Day ~

Local Self Storage

Just 3 Miles From Melbourne

www.wagtailstorage.co.uk Tel: 01530 222179 Friendly, confidential divorce & family law advice

Melbourne based family lawyer Michelle Brammer is on hand to answer your family law questions.

For help with: • Divorce • Financial disputes and settlements • Arrangements for your children • Cohabitation disputes and agreements

Take advantage of a free initial telephone appointment by calling 01332 416247 or email Michelle.Brammer@family-lawfirm.co.uk www.family-lawfirm.co.uk

Ancient church pr £120,000 repairs

PARISHIONERS of Weston-on-Trent’s parish church are calling on all history enthusiasts to feast their eyes on the grade one listed monument to help fuel the momentum for £120,000 of repairs.

If funding cannot be found, the church will continue to fall gradually into further disrepair.

St Mary the Virgin’s grade one listed church occupies a peaceful spot just outside the village.

Those brave enough to ascend the narrow, winding, stone stairway up to the tower are rewarded with stunning views of the River Trent.

But the church, as with many others across the country, is badly in need of repair.

The latest quinquennial inspection, a fiveyearly requirement of the Church of England, has uncovered the need for a whopping £120,000 to be spent, including fixing a leaky roof which is causing green mould in the interior.

Now parishioners who love the church are calling for history enthusiasts to come and engage with the fascinating building, in order that community engagement can be demonstrated for their Heritage Lottery Fund grant application.

Church treasurer Craig Williamson said: “This is just a fantastic building. There are not many buildings of this age, in this condition, and it could be in better condition if we get the grant.

“The thing I would hate to see happen would be for this place to be boarded up and forgotten about. All this heritage would be lost.”

Construction of St Mary’s began in around 1200. It is home to an extraordinarily detailed alabaster monument of the Sale family, dating

back to the 1600s.

The monument depicts Rev Richard Sale, rector of the church from 1575 to 1625, his wife, their eight children and, sadly, two stillborn infants.

Church warden Jayne Williamson said that a specialist who had gone to view the monument, which alone needs £12,000 of careful renovations, said it was of a quality comparable to alabaster monuments in Westminster Abbey.

If renovated, the monument would have its full colouring restored and would look even more spectacular.

More history abounds in the building. Climbing up the cramped, winding stone tower stairwell, the visitor comes across scratch-like marks in the stonework.

These were thought to have been made by the muskets of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s men as they kept watch over the tower during their leader’s ill-fated journey south, which ended only a few miles away on Swarkestone Causeway.

The church porch dates back to the 17th century, and the door bears distinct markings made by village folk from the time who believed that they would help keep witches out.

Another of these, known as Apotropaic markings, can be seen on one of the pews inside: a daisy design inside a wheel.

The church door itself has an upside down lock, thought to be a way of keeping out the devil!

Any history enthusiasts who would like to have a closer look at St Mary’s Church are asked to email stmarysweston@gmail.com.

Words and Pictures: LUCY STEPHENS

l A spectacular alabaster monument of R 1575 to 1625, with his wife, eight children alabaster is remarkable. If funding arriv vivid life once again details such as the r

MUSIC TUITION SCORES A NOT

A MUSIC tuition company has adapted to the coronavirus outbreak by teaching children online instead.

Melbourne’s Midlands Music Services (MMS), run by Brendan O’Neill, recently won a UK-wide award for Excellence and Innovation at the Livewire awards.

That was in recognition of the workshops that the company gives to a wide range of schools in the area, including Melbourne Infant and Junior Schools, plus St Hardulph’s in Breedon and

further afield in Moira and Nottingham.

The business’s eight-strong team of tutors deliver music workshops to schoolchildren.

Brendan said they were recognised for their innovation in the way these workshops are cross-curricular and tailored to the topics children are studying, whether that is the Romans or the traditions surrounding Hallowe’en.

With the onset of coronavirus, the closure of schools in March and the subsequent lockdown announced on March 23, MMS is now conduct-

Woolley & Co, Solicitors is a member of the Law Society and authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

ing all its music lesson this service with the h Blyth, who works for a agement provider.

“We put our education line,” said Brendan. “E now is streamed.”

Brendan said that on online lessons over trad is that they are record back to them afterward

raying for funding

Village Voice April 2020 11

Coopp ccee Cop Co ppppiice

Boa arrd diin ng Ken ng nneells & Cattteerry

We are a ffriendly establishment located on the outskirts of rural Melbourne bourne off offe ffering ering comf omfo for o table, secur ure re accommodation, daily exerrcise sessions, playtime and love from our knowledgeable and experienced staffff.. We welcome dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes and invite owners to visit by appointment to see our facilities.

To book or arrrange ange a viewing i i please ccont onttacct uss... ...

Voted Best Kennels in Derbyshire

01332 862770 inffo@coppice-kennels.co.uk l The church’s door bears some intriguing Apotropaic symbols such as the sign of Mary the Virgin.

Blackwell Lane, Melbourne, Derbyyshire DE73 8EL www w.cooppice-keenn nels.co.ukk

PEN O E R WE A

TEWORTHY ONLINE SUCCESS

Richard Sale, rector of Weston-on-Trent parish church from n and two stillborn infants behind him. The detailing on the ves, the monument can be carefully renovated, bringing to rouge on Rev Sale’s wife’s cheek (right).

ns online, having set up help of local mum Sam an online learning man-

n system completely onEvery lesson that we do

ne of the advantages of ditional face to face ones ded, so pupils can refer s.

With cameras on tutors’ hands and faces, demonstrating specific musical techniques and skills was also not a problem, he said.

“It works exactly the same way,” he said. “It’s convenient for parents as they don’t have to worry about travelling to us. They can get more involved if they want to – there are a lot of benefits.”

But perhaps the main positive for Brendan and the MMS pupils is that maintaining a regular music lesson is a way of keeping things nor-

mal for young people who are currently unable to go to school or see their friends, and perhaps experiencing considerable anxiety as a result.

“Keeping things as normal as we can for the children that we teach is incredibly important for us,” he said.

MMS has experienced such success with its online tutorials that it is now setting up a new company, called World Class Music Co Ltd, which aims to reach a global audience with its online music lessons.

Full range of meat, veg, salad, fruit, eggs, bread, milk and so much more Following government guidelines...

Open as usual: 1 in - 1 out of the shop Delivery, shop collection and isolated collection To order go to www.toriandbensfarm.co.uk Kings Newton Lane, Kings Newton DE73 8DD Tel: 01332 865698 Tues - Fri 9am - 5pm Sat 8am - 5pm Sun 10am - 4pm Closed Monday Daily Fun Family Videos available on Facebook Music Time 2000.

Enjoying the videos are my usual babies, toddlers, preschool children but also school children, parents and grandparents are joining in the fun.

Telephone: 07866 689971

Music Time Gift Vouchers available and make the perfect gift.

Facebook Music Time 2000 Thank you for your continued music_time@outlook.com support and keep safe.

Melbourne Dental Practice - E S TA B L I S H E D 3 0 Y E A R S -

WE ARE OPEN Home delivery available Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm Closed Tuesday

Woodhouses, Melbourne, DE73 8DN www.heathsfarmshop.co.uk 01332 862645

At the moment the Melbourne Dental Practice is providing a triage service for people with dental problems.

CARPET CLEANING Breedon Carpet Care Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists

Naomi Fry BDS & Associates, Helen Baker BDS

Family owned & operated since 2001, we've been cleaning carpets & upholstery in Melbourne & surrounding areas with hundreds of delighted customers.

● 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.

For a FREE no obligation quote call Chris Wakefield on

Please ring the surgery on 01332 862942 to access this service.

Castle Street, Melbourne, Derbyshire Telephone 01332 862942

01332 865565

12 Village Voice April 2020

nment r e v o G d funde ns sessio ble a avail

Teacher led quality day care for babies and young children in a stimulating environment where learning is fun.

Cleaning up hedgerows

We're Open 7.30am - 6.00pm Monday to Friday

l Jack Shields, Christie Foster, Josh Waddingham, Jack Smith, Seamus Gallagher and Josie Lester with their haul of bin bags full of litter.

Scally’s School Clubs Breakfast, After School and Holiday Clubs for children up to 11 years of age.

Places available for babies from 12 weeks to 11 years old

Meet Our Friendly staff Team!

01332 705 070 chellaston@scallywagsnursery.com Rowallan Way, Chellaston, Derby DE73 5WX

01332 862 188 melbourne@scallywagsnursery.com Castle Lane, Melbourne, Derby DE73 8EJ

WE may not be able to get out and see the results right now – but a group of folk from the Donington Farmhouse Hotel did their bit for the environment when they spent a morning picking litter from the hedgerows.

On March 12, the team were out cleaning up from Slade Lane, between Donington Park Farmhouse and Wilson, plus a stretch of Melbourne Road towards Kings Newton.

Hotel director Jack Shields, who organised the litter pick, said it had been hoped to cover more ground but were slowed down by the “shocking volume” of litter in the undergrowth and ditches.

He said: “As a family business we were keen to do this to improve our immediate area for the

benefit of the countryside, wildlife and local community.

“Our superb litter picking team, who are all employees of our wedding venue and hotel business, had a fun morning and were really satisfied to see the improvement they’d made.”

Jack said the group found a huge amount of beer cans, and fast food wrappers. As well as that, they found car parts, longforgotten temporary road signs and a fly-tipped barbeque.

“The best find was a oneyear old’s wellington boot which had been lost on a family walk the week before (he was being carried!) and has now been reunited with its owner, Wilfred Ellis,” he said.

TOWARDS the start of 2019, Melbourne Community Care decided that we were coming to a time when we needed to replace our ageing minibus as it was beginning to show signs of age with small problems starting to add to the running costs as well as a lack of air con and other creature comforts.

In November we held our launch event at Melbourne Assembly Rooms (MARs) with the help of St Michael’s Players, who produced a series of very entertaining films for us. Lots of people came along to watch the films and share a cuppa and a chat and, although the day was specifically to raise awareness of the need for a new bus and to raise the profile of Community Care rather than a fund-raiser, we actually received just over £1,900 in donations on the day!

We felt we were possibly being over-ambitious in setting ourselves a target date of May or June to raise enough money to order a new bus but, as you may have read in Village Voice or on our Facebook page, we were able to secure an excellent deal with Minibus World at Stoke to purchase their demonstration model which had low mileage and all the add-ons we would have had to pay a lot more for.

The decision was made to dip into our financial reserves in order not to miss out on an excellent

deal. At the final of the village quiz at the MSP on March 6, we were presented with a cheque, by the organisers, for £1,600 which covered the final £1,500 needed to pay for the bus in full including the road tax, artwork and costs incurred in promotion and fund-raising.

We have been extremely grateful for the support we have received from local organisations, businesses, fund-raisers and individuals – we live in an amazing village which has once again proved that community is important – very refreshing in this day and age when we so often feel that people are less involved and caring for their neighbours.

So this is a massive THANK YOU to absolutely everyone who has donated, held an event, been sponsored or supported community events that have donated to us – we have had donations of a few pounds to thousands of pounds and between us we have ensured that Melbourne Community Care can continue to help anyone in our area who needs our support.

Our fund-raising will continue for the day-today running of the charity, but for now we are very grateful to you all.

Alison Thornhill & Katrina Shipway Managers Melbourne Community Care

A very BIG thankyou

VILLAGE VOICE Postbag

John Deere Ride On Mowers

John Deere Pedestrian Mowers Robotic Mower

£1,811 + VAT + Installation

18% OFF RRP

15% OFF RRP

For all your groundcare requirements contact Mick Reeves for more details:

Tel: 01283 821345 / Mob:07736 693158 mickreeves@reavalleytractors.com

Rea Valley Tractors Ltd, Ashacres Industrial Park, Draycott in the Clay, Sudbury, Derby, DE6 5GX

REAVALLEYTRACTORS.COM

Please send your letters to: letters@melbournevillagevoice.co.uk or write to us at The Village Voice, 11 North Street, Melbourne DE73 8FZ.

It’s treble tops for Paul’s landscaping business

Tractor damage youths dealt with

Village Voice April 2020 13

A GARDEN landscaper from Melbourne has enjoyed a “lifetime achievement” after being recognised three times in a national awards scheme.

There are thousands of garden landscapers operating across the UK but Melbourne’s PB Landscapes is amongst the cream of the crop having gained triple recognition at the Bradstone Assured Awards 2020.

Paul Bignall’s company was recognised for Best Use of Porcelain, Best Patio Transformation over 60 metres squared, and Most Challenging Project, in which their entry involved craning more than 14 tonnes of materials over the top of a house to terrace a very steep garden in Tutbury.

Paul, who has been a landscaper for 20 years, said of his three awards: “It’s a lifetime achievement for me. It’s as high as I could get.

“We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised at such a fantastic awards ceremony.

As a small local business, we work extremely hard to ensure we’re offering the highest level of customer satisfaction and that we are going above and beyond for each project.

“We already have some exciting bookings in place for 2020 which will really showcase our landscaping abilities and, hopefully, earn us a place in Bradstone’s 2021 Awards too.”

Peter Montgomery, National Sales Manager for Bradstone, comments: “PB Landscapes of Melbourne showed their ability to provide an outstanding standard of garden landscaping and dedicated customer service. We at Bradstone are proud to have them as a member of our trusted scheme of installers, and we wish them continued success for the future.”

The ceremony took place at Mercure Daventry Court Hotel in Northamptonshire.

Run by paving manufacturer Bradstone, the scheme acknowledges some of the best the garden landscaping industry has to offer in design expertise and customer service.

Judges included Phil Tremayn, from the Association of Professional Landscapers, and Bradstone’s national sales manager Peter Montgomery.

Around 150 people were there to see Paul go up three times to be given his awards.

Former Chellaston Academy pupil Paul started off as a groundworker on building sites, but chose to go down the garden landscaping route when he set up his company around 20 years ago.

At the time, garden landscaping was being brought into national prominence with TV shows featuring Alan Titchmarsh and Tommy Walsh.

He said: “What’s rewarding about it is making people’s gardens come true: their dreams, their faces to see the transformation – I’ll never retire because I enjoy doing it!”

PB Landscapes is a true family affair: Paul’s wife, Sandra, works for the business and now son Sam does too.

– Lucy Stephens

And Dandelion are making a name for themselves in USA

MELBOURNE business Dandelion Stationery continues to go from strength to strength after being named finalists in four categories of an American greetings card competition.

Dandelion Stationery entered the “Louie” awards in the USA, a country which is a growing market for them.

Founder and artist Jo Wilson said the Melbourne-based company’s cards were now available across all states, with the USA distributor its second biggest customer.

She said she was “chuffed to bits” that the company has been named finalists in the ‘Birthday Humor’, ‘Friendship/Encouragement’; ‘Hallowe’en’ and ‘Non-religious occasions’ categories.

“In the scheme of things, we are a very small greeting card publisher,” said Jo. “There are thousands of card publishers actually based in the USA, and even more that export to the USA, so the competition is huge and incredibly tough.

We are delighted to have made it this far!”

Different American traditions and spellings mean that Dandelion must adapt to sell its cards there.

For example, all Mother’s

ABOVE: Paul Bignall and his wife, Sandra, with their hat-trick of awards.

LEFT: PB Landscapes work is done – and another client’s garden is transformed.

RESTORATIVE justice was dealt out after an incident in Melbourne in which the windscreen and windows of a tractor were found to be smashed.

Police said they investigated the incident and two youths were spoken to in front of their parents.

The matter was dealt with by restorative justice as they had not been in trouble before.

A letter of apology and a contribution towards the damage was agreed with the victim, from whose land the youths were also banned. n POLICE would like help after receiving reports of a group riding around on off-road motorbikes in the Lowes Lane and Ingleby area.

Melbourne’s Safer Neighbourhood Team said it appeared that the riders had come from the Lowes Lane, cross over to Woodshop Lane and leaving via Swarkestone bridge, heading in the direction of Ingleby.

Police said the bikes were not road registered and were being ridden in a way “likely to cause alarm, distress and harassment to members of the local community”.

Some riders were not wearing appropriate protective gear such as helmets, which is “both unacceptable and illegal”.

We would like to thank all our customers, near and far, for your kindness at this very strange time for all of us. We miss you all. We will be back as soon as we are able, stronger than ever and with even bigger smiles than before!

For now, stay home and stay safe.

Much love Lou and the Team xx

Day cards are printed with ‘Mom’ rather than ‘Mum’, plus the appetite is much stronger over the pond for Hallowe’en and Thanksgiving cards.

The Louie awards ceremony was to have taken place in San

Francisco in May this year, but has been put on hold due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

Jo said she and husband Paul were hoping to attend later in the year when it is expected to be rescheduled.

Dr Freeman Award goes to John Wall

14 Village Voice April 2020

THIS year’s Dr Freeman Award was presented at Melbourne Parish Council Annual General Meeting to John Wall for helping the village get new public toilets.

Presenting the award, Councillor Jane Carroll said it was for the “sterling work” he had done over the years, when he had run the garage and shop on High Street, and for his generous donation enabling the completion of the new public conveniences.

John said he had never expected the award. He said it had been “a bolt out of the blue” but added that it was, “a big honour and privilege”.

The award has been made every year since 2013 to those who have made a significant contribution to the local community and is given in the name of Dr Brendan Freeman, who made such an outstanding contribution himself to local life.

Cllr Carroll is pictured handing the award over to John Wall.

DELIVERY SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE* OUR GARDEN CENTRE REMAINS CLOSED DURING THIS CRISIS. BUT IN ORDER TO HELP OUR MANY LOYAL CUSTOMERS WHO ARE HAVING TO STOP AT HOME WE ARE NOW OFFERING A DELIVERY SERVICE AS FROM TUESDAY APRIL 7TH

YOU CAN ORDER IN 3 WAYS: 1) E-MAIL YOUR REQUIREMENTS TO SALES@STAUNTONHAROLDNURSERIES.CO.UK Please include a phone number, we will then collate the order and phone you back when we know availability and price. Please also state if you are happy to have substitutions. You can then pay over the phone by card.

2) BY TELEPHONING THE GARDEN CENTRE ON 01332 862769 – BETWEEN 10AM & 3PM 3) CERTAIN PRODUCTS AND PLANTS CAN BE PURHCASED DIRECTLY ON OUR E-COMMERCE SITE: WWW.GARDENMARKETPLACE.CO.UK

*Conditions: Delivery is a fixed charge of £5.99 per delivery regardless of size.

Delivery is only available within an 8 mile radius of Staunton Harold, apart from the goods on www.gardenmarketplace.co.uk which can be delivered nationwide.

We aim to deliver all orders within 5 working days.

All goods must be paid for prior to dispatch and there must be somewhere our delivery staff can safely leave them.

Melbourne Road, Staunton Harold, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 1RU

Tel: 01332 862 769 www.stauntonharoldnurseries.co.uk

That was a year that was

WITH reports from the chairs of Melbourne Parish Council and other sub-committees the Annual General Meeting of the parish this year had plenty of filling, if not much garnish!

Some variety came from Philip Heath, who gave a detailed presentation on the cemetery chapel plans.

As chair, Cllr Sheila Hicklin reported on the changes to the council personnel, the events she had attended, the first award of “Freedom of the Parish” to Margaret Sharp and Cllrs Jane Carroll and Andrew Jackson.

She also mentioned the highly commended award by Melbourne Civic Society for the siting of a commemorative bench. Traffic and dog fouling continued to be concerns for many residents.

Cllr David Smith, as chair of highways sub-committee, described it as a “testing year” with the issues of parking, the decline of retail on the high street, pot holes, congestion in the centre of the village and large vehicles trying to manoeuvre through the busy roads.

He was pleased that the Speedwatch campaign to reduce speeding was now “gathering momentum”. Closing, he thanked Paul Wilmore for his work in organising the Christmas shopping night, and Lengthsman Anthony Hicklin for all his work and help during the year.

Cllr Andrew Jackson, chair of facilities committee, mentioned the summer sports scheme, which had been booked for August this year; the position on the replacement of play equipment on the Lothian Gardens; the defibrillators – one now in situ in Church Square, and another planned for Kings Newton; plus hanging baskets and VE Day celebrations planned for May. He also mentioned the new public conveniences, saying he thought their imminent opening would be “a great relief” to many in the village.

Cllr Terry Summerlin, on the burials committee, spoke mainly about the problems in the cemetery, and Cllr Jane Carroll ran through the work of the planning strategy committee for the year.

Philip Heath’s presentation on the cemetery on Packhorse Road described the ambitious plan to refurbish and regenerate the 160year-old buildings on the site, which when built had cost the parish £2,000. The intention was to convert one of the two chapels into a home for the Melbourne Historical Research Group, and to ensure the other was renovated to facilitate “low key” ceremonies, such as humanist funerals.

He gave the estimated cost of around £450,000 and a timescale of about three to four years.

– Frank Hughes

Airport’s £26k support fund

EAST Midlands Airport is offering financial support to local community and voluntary organisations to help with the coronavirus relief effort.

Voluntary, community and charitable organisations helping people during the pandemic are invited to complete an online application form to request a share of an initial £26,000 fund with the further option of voluntary help from airport staff.

The airport said many of its workforce had “expressed an interest in applying their skills to support local causes”.

The airport said it was particularly keen to hear from local foodbanks and other groups helping the most vulnerable.

Chris Hayton, the airport’s corporate affairs director, said: “The Covid-19 outbreak has hit certain people and communities harder than others.

“Those most affected are individuals whose work has dried up, families who rely on free school meals and people who already use foodbanks.

“While the Government has announced an unprecedented package of economic support for those whose jobs and income is affected, people who struggle in normal times have been pushed even further into hardship.

“Therefore, as a responsible business, and where we can, we want to support our local communities.”

The money made available by the airport has been re-channelled from its Community Fund which, in normal times, is ring-fenced for local community groups if they can demonstrate their cause adds social value.

To apply, visit https://eastmidlandsairport.typeform.com/t o/NuXSRS

Village Voice April 2020 15

TAKING THE STING OUT OF EXERCISE

The Common Touch...

Beat the lockdown on your allotment

FANCY growing your own fruit and veg in an allotment – one of the activities which is permitted during the current lockdown?

Melbourne Allotment Holders Association Ltd, which held its 98th annual general meeting (AGM) in February, has reported an unexpected drop in demand over the past year.

There are five allotments currently available at the Hilly Fields site between Commerce Street and Melbourne Sports Park, and the committee is keen to see local people jump at the chance to grow their own fresh food.

When the Government announced a ban on all but essential outdoor activity on March 23, Minister for the Cabinet Office Michael Gove clarified the following day that tending to one’s allotment would still be permitted – while more social activities, such as golf, would not.

Ian Turner, from the Hilly Fields allotments association, said members were still enjoying their allotments but staying at least two metres apart and self-isolating.

Four of the vacancies at Hilly Fields are half plots, while the fifth is a full one.

The allotment holders’ AGM also heard how improvements were being planned to the Hilly Fields site.

Two 1,000-litre water tanks are being proposed to be installed next to the committee shed at the

top of the site, as well as a composting toilet next to the car park – similar to the one installed at Whistlewood Common. In addition, a passing bay is also proposed next to the entrance drive.

The meeting also heard that the weather over the last year had been “very challenging�: warm, wet and with a lot of rain.

This did bring some positives in the way of soft fruits, beans and potatoes, but brassicas had struggled with the wet and the pigeons.

A contractor has cut the southern and western boundary hedges to the site, making them more easily managed and secure.

No thefts or vandalism had occurred, pathways were mown, the committee shed had been reroofed and the equipment store re-painted.

Hilly Fields’ annual upkeep fees are £15 for a full plot and £10 for a half plot.

Meeting chair Jenny Starkie thanked committee members and other volunteers for their hard work, stressing the importance of keeping the site secure and tidy.

Members were reminded not to take unwanted items on to the site. She concluded by asking for suggestions to celebrate the company’s centenary in 2022.

Gardener’s World has provided some helpful advice as to how to stay safe while tending an allotment during coronavirus, which includes not picking up anyone on the way; washing or sanitising hands after using the gate, and wiping it down if possible; not washing hands in communal water troughs; not sharing tools; not making anyone a cup of tea; and washing hands on arrival home.

Anyone interested in taking up an allotment on Hilly Fields should be in touch with Mick Robey on robeymick@aol.com or 07967 582 442. – Lucy Stephens

IT IS important to look after our health in this lockdown, so if you are lucky enough to be able to get out and about on your daily exercise why not do some very easy wild food foraging.

If you take a glove and a bag with you collect some nettle tops, you only need to nip off the top inch or so.

Collecting them from areas that are not so frequented by dogs is a good idea. They must be one of the most easily recognised foraged foods and spring is the time they are in abundance. Just take care as they are very prickly.

A small handful will boost the amount of iron in your diet and there is also calcium in there, too. For a green ‘vegetable’ it has a very high protein content as well as vitamin A, C and K. So, while you are getting some much-needed vitamin D from the sun (it is spring now after all) you can be collecting your own health tonic. Nettle tops can also be made into a tea or tisane.

There is a note of caution that pregnant women are advised not to eat nettles, but if you are not pregnant and in general good health they are fine to eat.

As with all foraging a bit of care is needed, information is available online though.

The unpleasant sting of a nettle disappears completely in boiling hot water or when cooking.

We are lucky to have local growers near us who are still able to provide leeks and potatoes, so adding some well-washed tops to these makes the finest soup. They could also be added to pasta (I know – if you have some!) dishes bulking out that expensive pesto, or slipped into other greens to boost the nutritional element.

Stay safe – keep healthy. – Katherine Parrish

Mobility Scooters & Vehicle Adaptations

Escape to the great outdoors this spring with our range of lightweight folding scooters and vehicle adaptations.

We will hopefully be open again soon.

Scooter Hoists

Driving Controls

To see our full range of scooters and vehicle adaptations please visit our website, or give us a call to arrange a demonstration at our showroom in Melbourne, Derbyshire.

Swivel Seats

7UXVW6FRUH RXW RI

ZZZ GHVJRVOLQJPRELOLW\OWG FR XN 6WDWLRQ 5RDG 0HOERXUQH 'HUE\VKLUH '( +-

16 Village Voice April 2020

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Need a job done? Think local...

THE

DIAMOND Roofing Specialist

ESTABLISHED IN 1969

. . . .

Affordable prices High quality workmanship NVQ qualified Guaranteed work

Call Rickey Diamond on

07788 266194 www.diamondroofingderby.co.uk

A SBC

H E R I TA G E & C O N S E RVAT I O N S P E C I A L I S T S

Restoration and conservation o of historic buildings Heritage preser vation Ecclesiastical and ancient monuument specialists Conver sions,, alterations and re epair s

Approved Contractor

R&B Builders

A P P ROV E D C O N T R AC TO R

DEER PARK PARK VIEW W, 32 TRENT T LANE,, KINGS NEWTON, MELBOURNE,, DERBY DERB BYSHIRE DE73 8BT

T: 01332 862356 M: M 07966 978677 E: asbc@live .co.uk www..asbc .ltd

FREE QUOTATIONS AND ADVICE

Tel: 01332 862718 or 07792 148390 www.randbbuildersmelbourne.co.uk

George W.

Heath

& Sons (Builders) Ltd

All aspects of roofing undertaken . Full roof repairs . Guttering . Fascias and soffits . Free estimates

■ EXTENSIONS ■ ALTERATIONS ■ JOINERY SERVICE ■ LOFT/GARAGE CONVERSIONS MELBOURNE ■ GENERAL BUILDING WORKS Over 25 years local time served tradesman

BUILDERS

BUILDERS

ALL BESPOKE JOINERY AND CONSERVATION WORK UNDERTAKEN Castle Lane Industrial Estate, Melbourne, Derby DE73 8JB

Tel: 01332 865605 Fax: 01332 865614 Email admin@gwheath.com visit us at www.gwheath.com

MELBOURNE PROPERTY SERRVVICES Q BLOCK PAVING Q ALTERATIONS Q GARDEN WALLS Q NEW BUILDS Q PATIOS

Q ROOF REPAIRS Q LANDSC APING Q RENOVATIONS Q CONSERRVATORIES Q EX TENSSIONS

• • • • • •

Tel: 01332 863572 Mob. 07890 958730

DCB ROOFING ASTON ON TRENT

ALL ROOFING WORK UNDERTAKEN

07817 233407 or 01332 792497 CARPENTERS AND JOINERS

Graham Twells Carpenter & Joiner Over 35 years of experience in conservation and renovation

All types of external & internal woodworking Fitted kitchens, windows & doors Laminate floors, book case & cupboards, wardrobes & stairs Timber repairer & furniture repairs

Tel: 01332 864257

Q FASCIAS Q SOFFITS Q GUT TERING Q FENCING Q DRIVEWAYYS

For a free no obligationn quote call Andy on...

01332 764504 - 07866 612787 w ww.melbourneproppertyyservices.co.uk Hand me a genuine quote andd I will try and beat the price

Blue Valley Construction Ltd New Build Extensions Refurbishment Loft Conversions Structural Work Conservation Work

BUILDERS

TOWNLEY JOINERY WO O D WO R K AT I T S F I N E S T A family run business who bring you the finest bespoke joinery. We supply and fit kitchens, staircases, windows, doors, conservatories etc and specialise in listed building work.

For more information on what we do, please visit our website www.townleyjoinery.co.uk

DEAN TOWNLEY Unit 27, George Holmes Way, Hearthcote Road, Derbyshire DE11 9DF

Tel: 01283 210797 Mob: 0782 8235467

James Wendt Extension & Alteration Specialist

Carpentry & Joinery

Solhurst Construction

All aspects of woodwork and home improvements. ● Kitchens ● Windows ● Flooring ● Doors etc.

07966 045110

Building Contractors

10 Aires Hollow, Aston on Trent, Derbyshire DE72 2EN

Tel: 01332 799076 Mobile: 07813 932420 Email: solhurst.construction@outlook.com

DOES YOUR HOME HAVE WOODEN WINDOWS? to open?

• AreDo youtheygetdifficult draughts?

• Do you get cold a loss of heat?

• Have they started to rot?

•

At AP Joinery we are specialists in sash and casement window repair and restoration!

Have you ever thought of having your existing wooden windows converted to double glazed units?

Whatever the condition of your windows...

AP JOINERY will have a cost effective solution!

CALL US NOW: 0115 871 4571 www.sashwindowsnotts.co.uk

Village Voice April 2020 17

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

GARDENING AND TREE SERVICES

pb p b

PLUMBERS AND GAS HEATING ENGINEERS

"a reputation built on local recommendation"

www.pblandscapes.co.uk full design and construction service free quotations

landscapes of

Contact us today for a cost effective, reliable and friendly local service

mrh

GAS SERVICE C S BASED IN MELBOURNE

melbourne

tel: 01332 862810 mobile: 07752 731708 email: paul@pblandscapes.co.uk

Handyman and Property Maintenance

■ Boiler installation ■ Service & breakdown repair ■ All plumbing work ■ Landlord and gas certificates ■ Free estimates ■ No callout charge

Call Mat att: t: 07967 114627 578142

or 01332 586258 info@mrhgasservices.co.uk

LM

Plumbing and Heating

Full range of gas and plumbing services Local, friendly and affordable

Call or text Andrew on 07835 192067

Call: 01332 865791 or 07939 837305

Email: wardgardening@gmail.com www.wardgardening.com

LmPlumbing@gmx.co.uk

ELECTRICIANS

English Oak

Cut to order... on the Staunton Harold Estate

General repairs and maintenance Competitive rates No job too small - No job too big

Tel: el: Rachel 07943 058 781

Melbourne based - 07958 102212

NEED AN ELECTRICIAN?

email: john@stauntonharoldestate.co.uk

www.handymanandpropertymaintenance.co.uk

PAINTERS AND DECORATORS DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL ELECTRICIANS

melbourne painting services For all yyour our painting and decor decor oraating needs Quality work at affordable prices pric OAP discount

NO VAT TO PAY Andy

EATEES FESR M I T

● Full House Rewires ● Small Works and Fault Finding specialists ● CCTV and Alarm Systems

TEL: 07967 640 815 Tree Surgery Since 1999 FULLY INSURED

info@aspentreesurgery.co.uk

Ring Nolan Jackson on

PLASTERERS

01332 864097 or 07963 059893

WESTON DECORATING Ltd. Interior and Exterior Painting and Decorating

Tel: 01332 862876 or 07721 494555

TREE SURGERY STUMP GRINDING HEDGE TRIMMING LOGS & WOODCHIP

CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION

28 Linacres Drive, Chellaston, Derby DE73 6XH w: elec-inn.co.uk e: ben@elec-inn.co.uk

Melbourne Electrics Ltd

MEL

For all your electrical needs...

DOMESTIC – COMMERCIAL – INDUSTRIAL TESTING AND INSPECTING ETC.

Contact Daniel Smith: A member of NAPIT and fully Part P registered.

07912 610033 dansmith.melbelec@outlook.com 19 Queensway, Melbourne, Derby, DE73 8FG

Pete Ross Plastering • Plaster Boarding • Dry Lining • Re-skimming Free Quotations

• Repair Work • Plastering • Rendering

call Pete

07735 567891 • 0115 946 2787 peterross584@googlemail.com

email: weston18@btinternet.com Use the Village Voice to advertise your business to thousands of potential customers.

Prices from only £17.95 + VAT

Call Nicola on: 07584 025 852 “Brushing aside the competition”

p: 01332 498074 m: 07909 833076

www.melbournevillagevoice.co.uk

MISCELLANEOUS

POTTERS MINI SKIPS AND AGGREGATE SUPPLIERS LIMESTONE, BALLAST, SAND, GRAVEL, TOP SOIL MINIMUM ONE TON LOCAL DELIVERIES TEL: (01332) 701667 MOBILE: 07850 380 425

Support scheme for businesses

18 Village Voice April 2020

BUSINESS rates holidays, support grants and emergency payments of up to £500 are being made available to support local traders affected by the coronavirus emergency.

South Derbyshire District Council is administering a business support scheme announced by the Government in March, which includes a business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England for the 2020 to 2021 tax year.

The council says that businesses eligible for the scheme need do nothing in order to receive the support. New bills will be sent out in the coming weeks that will show qualifying businesses they can get 100 per cent off their bills.

Two grants are also being made available to local firms.

One is a £10,000 grant for those which either receive or are eligible for small business rate or rural rate relief.

The other grant is one of either £10,000 or £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses that are eligible for the business rate holiday under the expanded retail discount scheme.

The council says that the amount of grant that a business gets will depend on the rateable value of its premises.

For example, those with a rateable value of up to £15,000 will receive £10,000. Those with a rateable value of between £15,001 and £50,999 will get £25,000.

Businesses who have not received a letter or have questions are asked to contact the council by emailing business.grants@southderbyshire.gov.uk.

To find out more, including the full eligibility criteria for the grants, please visit www.southderbyshire.gov.uk/businessgrants.

Due to the current COVID19 situation, all Coffee & Co and minibus trips have been cancelled until further notice.

Our Office is closed to the public, but we are checking on messages.

Please see our Facebook page Melbourne for regular Community Care updates.

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9.30am to 1pm

JOHN SMITH (MELBOURNE) LTD.

COAL & SMOKELESS FUEL MERCHANTS O Prompt delivery to all local areas O Competitive Prices O Pre-Packed Cash & Carry Sales from The Yard O Also Logs and Kindling The Common, Melbourne, Derby DE73 8HU

Tel. 01332 862744

We have our very own space oddi-tree

TWO cosmic events took place in South Derbyshire in early March with the opening of a new Astronomy Observatory and the planting of one of the Tim Peake Space Saplings.

Chris Lee, chief scientist at the UK Space Agency, was present at Rosliston Forestry Centre to perform both ceremonies and said he was “absolutely delighted to be there for both occasions”.

The sapling project had been funded through the space agency and this was one of only eight saplings in the country – and the only one being planted in an open public space.

“So, it is a great honour to be opening the new observatory and planting the sapling,” he said.

The sapling’s seed originated from the iconic Flower of Kent tree in Isaac Newton’s garden in Grantham, the tree species which famously led to the apple falling and the discovery of gravity.

Several seeds had then travelled into space with UK astronaut Tim Peake and stayed on the International Space Station for the duration.

The project was entitled Principia after Newton’s book which set out the laws of gravity.

“There is also another coincidental twist,” Chris said “… in that when Newton had made his discovery he was ‘self-isolating’ from a pandemic – the great plague; he had been sent home from Cambridge along with all other students.”

It was during this enforced sabbatical year that he made his ground-breaking discoveries.

The idea behind the sapling project was to find out whether there were any changes noted as a result of the seed being ex-

l Chris Lee plants the space sapling.

posed to zero gravity in space.

Although members of the public will be able to view the tree, it has been carefully concealed amongst a group of similar saplings planted simultaneously, including a Newton Wonder! Which one is the “space” tree will remain a carefully guarded secret.

The opening of the Peter Bolas Observatory was also a milestone event, providing a new home for the Rosliston Astronomy Group, and which has been some six years in the making.

The opening ceremony was attended by over 100 invited guests and dignitaries from South Derbyshire with the official opening conducted by Chris

Lee. Ed Mann, the observatory manager, said that it was named after Peter Bolas, the founder of the group in 1999 who sadly passed away recently.

His wife generously bequeathed his telescope so that it could be used by others.

As well as providing a home for the Astronomy Group it would enable them to do more public outreach work with schools, Scouts and Guides and the wider public.

The new Observatory cost £27,000 to complete and marks the culmination of six years of successful partnership between South Derbyshire District Council, who awarded the group a £10,000 grant, Roslis-

ton Forestry Centre’s Environmental Department and the Astronomy Group.

The group has a membership drawn from across South Derbyshire and Staffordshire. They are all amateur astronomers who enjoy exploring the night sky and better understanding anything space related.

They meet monthly to share and discuss their latest observations and are happy to have new members, too.

Although another opportunity to visit the Observatory and the tree at the forthcoming Science Discover Fun Day was being planned for May 2, the current lockdown situation means it has been postponed.

– Frank Hughes

Classical heart of Melbourne

YOU may not be aware, but Melbourne is now very firmly established as a cultural and entertainment centre for people in South Derbyshire and North West Leicestershire.

On Saturday, March 7 – thanks to the kind permission of the rector and organisation by The Friends Of Melbourne Parish Church – classical music of the highest quality, entertained more than 60 people at the parish church.

The audience was treated to a duet of organ and violin recital in what can only be described as an acoustically superb setting.

The Apollon Duo of organist, Alexander Binns and violinist, Dora Chatzigerrgiou are two very accomplished, classically trained musicians of the highest quality.

They have played at many notable venues, examples being, Waltham Abbey, Derby Cathedral and St Paul’s Cathedral.

The duo was formed in 2015 and the combination of organ and violin is fairly unusual as it is rarely heard in public so the appreciative audience was very impressed with their evening performance.

They performed music by Johann Sebastian Bach, William Lloyd Webber (Andrew’s

father), the show, Les Miserables and the haunting music from Schindler’s List, which took full advantage of the church’s acoustics with ‘pitch perfect’ violin sound.

In Melbourne, we are extremely fortunate, to have not only Melbourne Assembly Rooms, but also Melbourne Parish Church, as locations for a variety of quality entertainment of different genre.

Many thanks to all who helped make this evening a very special occasion and I recommend that people make use of these performances when the opportunity arises.

– Colin Barker

Advertising...

News...

Letters...

Photographs...

To find out more call 07584 025 852 or email: ads@melbournevillagevoice.co.uk Specification and pricing is available to download online... www.melbournevillagevoice.co.uk

Call us on 01332 863181 or email... news@melbournevillagevoice.co.uk

Email us your comments... letters@melbournevillagevoice.co.uk or write to us at The Village Voice, 11 North Street, Melbourne DE73 8FZ

Photographs are available to purchase online.

See all the latest images at... www.melbournevillagevoice.co.uk

© 2020. An independent community paper designed and published by Village Voice Newspapers. Typeset by Greenborough Ltd., t/a Voice Productions. Printed in England.

The publishers of Village Voice are not responsible for any content or claims in advertisements. Artwork not supplied by advertisers may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers.

The use of this or previous editions of Village Voice for marketing or canvassing of advertisers is strictly prohibited.

Village Voice April 2020 19

Richard is the five-mile star

RUGBY CLUB’S SEASON ON HOLD LEFT: The fun runners set off.

ABOVE: Start of the main event.

WITH the Rugby Football Union (RFU) having suspended all games from March 16 due to coronavirus, there was not a lot of time for Melbourne players to see any action during the month – but some progress was nevertheless made.

Melbourne Rugby Club’s first team played Olney on March 7, but were defeated 27-14 with tries from Pearce and Howard, and Archer converting one.

The team’s next scheduled game, set to be against Oundle on March 21, was postponed.

The firsts currently hold 13th place in the Midlands 1 East Division.

The club’s third team saw a bit more action, with a friendly encounter against Ashby Vets on March 7.

The final scoreline did not go in Melbourne’s favour with a defeat of 29-21, but there were tries from Purce, Wright and Foster, with Foster also converting three. Wright was named player of the match.

However, the Thirds fared better the following Saturday with a resounding 68-12 victory at Belper Thirds.

Single tries came from Dudley, Lucas, Stowell and Webster with a brace of tries apiece from Hooper, Hurcombe, Foster and Morgan, plus four conversions from Foster.

The club’s Academy side put in a strong team performance in the friendly against Ilkeston RFC on March 13, narrowly losing 19-17.

The Under-14s, meanwhile, saw their Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire (NLD) journey end when they lost out in their semi-final game in Spalding on March 15 – the day before all play was suspended nationally.

In an evenly matched game, the Melbourne boys were narrowly defeated 2721.

At the time of writing, the suspension of rugby is ongoing until April 14, but the union has said it is subject to “continued review�, much like the situation all over the world.

Players are being encouraged to maintain their own personal fitness and keep active, while following Government guidelines on safe distance and exercise.

FIVE miles in under 25 minutes – that was the remarkable winning time for this year’s Weston Run. The annual event was held on March 8 and saw 177 entrants for the five-mile race, and 122 for the two-mile fun run.

The winner of the five-miler was Richard Weir, of Derby Athletics Club, who completed the distance in a very impressive 24 minutes and 58 seconds – fractionally under five minutes for each mile.

According to the website Run Britain Rankings, the fastest five-mile run achieved by a British athlete was 24 minutes and eight seconds by Alun Roper in 1994.

The winning two-mile time was also achieved by a member of Derby Athletics Club, being junior runner Ashley Bellamy, who completed the distance in 13 minutes and 32 seconds.

The Weston Run is organised every year by 107th Derby Scouts which covers Weston, Aston and Shardlow.

This year’s event raised around £1,500 for the Scouts.

Race director and scout group treasurer Julie Bowles said: “It was a hugely successful day, all down to the marshalling volunteers we had both on the route and also in the field, in the kitchen, on car parking, on first aid and giving out drinks. We couldn’t do it without all those volunteers.�

R H MOTORS SERVICING OF ALL MAKES AND MODELS DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIRS

Tel: 01332 695155 Mob: 07970 062289 Unit 2 Station Yard, Station Road, Melbourne www.rhmotorsgarage.co.uk

T V AERIAL SERVICES &DOO -DPHV

0RELOH

',*,7$/ ) )5((9,(: $ $(5,$/ 6 6.< 6 63(&,$/,676 )DPLO\ UUXQ E EXVLQHVV E EXLOW R RQ UUHFRPPHQGDWLRQV

)XOO ' 'LJLWDO $ $HULDO ,,QVWDOODWLRQV )UHH 7 7XQLQJ Z ZLWK D DOO ,,QVWDOODWLRQV ([WUD 7 79 D DQG 6 6N\ 3 3RLQWV

MELENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Private Hire Local & Long Distance

/RZ & &RVW $ $HULDO D DQG 6 6N\ 5 5HSDLUV ) )UHHVDW ,,QVWDOODWLRQV

) )UHH 4 4XRWHV

Established 2014

â&#x20AC;˘ Open 6 Days a Week â&#x20AC;˘ No Waiting List â&#x20AC;˘ Online Bookings â&#x20AC;˘ Male & Female Therapists â&#x20AC;˘ Shockwave Therapy â&#x20AC;˘ Sports Massage â&#x20AC;˘ Sports Injuries â&#x20AC;˘ Chronic Pain â&#x20AC;˘ Acupuncture

Call us for quotes and bookings on

01332

862777 NWLDC Vouchers

Unit A1, Castle Street, Melbourne DE78 8DY (-PDLO WWYDHULDOVHU YLFHV#KRWPDLO FR XN

01332 694344 www.melbournephysio.co.uk

20 Village Voice April 2020

SPORT n THESE young footballers made a colourful sight at Melbourne Sports Park in March when they took part in a Europe-wide event promoting LGBT rights.

The match was a friendly game between GAD Khalsa U12 and Melbourne Dynamo Girls U13 organised

by Govinda Sharma, who coaches with both clubs.

The event was supported

by Fare Network, which promotes social inclusion and anti-discrimination.

The football vs homophobia is a Europe-wide event held in February.

Govinda said: “It was great to see all of the players and parents from two separate clubs in support of the football vs homophobia event.

“The friendly was a great game in promoting the LGBT community and all of the players thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”

SUPPORTING SUPPORTING FROM LOCAL ONLY BUSINESS £17.95 + VAT

by reaching over 16,000 readers of the Village Voic Voice!

To discuss your advertising requirements or how we can help you, please contact Nicola Mortimer on 07584 025 852 or email ads@melbournevillagevoice.co.uk We hope to publish on the following dates but if the restrictions continue the edition may only be available online. Obviously, this is subject to change.

Our planned next editions...

Month

Booking Date

Publication Date

May June

29 April 27 May

11 May 8 June

Melbourne & District

Helping local business grow. www.melbournevillagevoice.co.uk

Delivered to every household in...

E MELBOURN O T N KINGS NEW TICKNALL BY INGLEBY RK A EM R FO LOUNT Y-BRIDGE STANTON-B ONE SWARKEST N SO IL W HAROLD STAUNTON G N TO E TWYFORD LTON ISLEY WALT -TRENT N WESTON-O ENT TR ASTON-ON N O ELVAST THULSTON AMBASTON N-TRENT BARROW-O BREEDON DERN Part of FIN BY SMISBY MILTON

DYNAMO TITLE IN LEAGUE’S HANDS

MELBOURNE Dynamo Football Club did manage to play a few games in the month of March until coronavirus took its toll.

With the Football Association coming to the decision that all local leagues have now ended for the 2019/20 season, Dynamos are still waiting to see if their league positions before the virus are the final positions or if the leagues will be null and void.

Melbourne’s Saturday first team travelled to Tibshelf in the first week of the month and came away with a convincing 4-1 win. Jack Bodill showed the way with a hat-trick plus one from the first team’s – and indeed the league’s – leading goalscorer Jack Goodband.

Made Your Will Yet? Your Will in the privacy and comfort of your own home Power of Attorney

£49.95* + VAT (£59.94) *our standard will

Property Trusts Will Storage Inheritance Tax Wills Children’s Trust

Phone today for FREE INFO PACK

0115 871 2755 24 hours / 7 days a week Tim and Ann Pentz

MELBOURNE CARPETS WE FLATS ARE HERE

TO CAR PARK

CARPETS AND VINYL FLOORING SUPPLIED & FITTED PROFESSIONALLY

HIGH STREET

LAMB INN

Extensive selection of domestic and commercial flooring to suit business, rented and residential property All samples can be taken away and viewed within your own home

38 High Street, Melbourne ASSEMBLY ROOMS

Telephone: 01332 863743 Mobile: 07966 245884

OUTDOOR CLOTHING

Stockists of Barbour Aigle • Hoggs • Chrysalis SHOOTING EQUIPMENT FISHING TACKLE Corporate CLAY SHOOTS arranged & much more Pay us a visit at

64 Church Street, Melbourne, Derbys

Tel. Derby (01332) 862091 www.melbournegun.com

Gav Salisbury’s men sit top of the MRA premier division, having won all 14 of their league games and have a 15-point lead over second placed Little Eaton.

It will be harsh on them if they are not crowned champions.

Melbourne Dynamo Reserves were sitting in third place at the start of the pandemic after a disappointing 3-1 away defeat to top of the table Real Madina. The Reserves had taken an early lead through Toby Foxon. This ended up being their only game of the month as their season also came to an abrupt end.

Melbourne Dynamo Sunday side started March off in some style as they travelled to top of the table Chimneys and came away with the three points with a remarkable 4-0 win for Ross Carcary’s men.

Leading goalscorer Alex Slater rolled back the years with a hattrick before Joe Dale completed the rout with a tidy finish to leave Dynamo in second place and a good chance of chasing down Chimneys until the pandemic began.

All three teams are awaiting their respective league decisions before finding out if any silverware is making its way to Melbourne in this shortened 2019/20 season.

It’s a case of wait and see

THE coronavirus pandemic has seen local sport come to a standstill with all activities affected.

As well as the football and rugby seasons being prematurely ended, it has also affected the upcoming cricket and tennis campaigns.

Melbourne Town Cricket Club has been told by its league that, although the Derbyshire County Cricket League (DCCL), will not start on time there is hope that some form of league cricket will be played later in the summer.

This also affects the junior section with South Derbyshire coming up with different schedules if they are able to start in June, July or even August.

Both the All-Stars and brand new Dynamos cricket junior

coaching courses that were going to run in Melbourne have been postponed.

The English and Derbyshire Cricket Boards are hopeful that both junior courses will eventually run this summer.

Melbourne Tennis Club’s start to both its Derbyshire and Burton seasons have been postponed too.

The Derbyshire league will not start until June 1 at the earliest, with that date to be reviewed, and the Burton league is just taking it week on week.

With the club having arranged over 100 league games for their 12 teams, it means a lot of tennis could be crammed into a short space of time if the lockdown and distancing measures are lifted.