Melbourne Village Voice April 2023

FIELD

by Lucy Stephens

“IT’S just literally the field of dreams … ”

Those were the words of Melbourne Town Band’s leader after TV personality Johnny Vegas joined its ranks, wielding the conductor ’s baton before wowing the crowds on the cymbals!

It was all part of the opening ceremony for Mr Vegas’s Field of Dreams glamping site, which took place in the company of local guests and a Channel 4 film crew on April 5

Parish councillors from Melbourne joined local shopowners, other representatives from the community, our own Village Voice and Melbourne Town Band to see Mr Vegas cut the ribbon to open the Field of Dreams, which was granted planning permission at a meeting of South Derbyshire District Council in March (See Page 9)

Scissors were found, the ribbon was cut, and Mr Vegas shook hands with all who came into the field to admire a collection of beautifully renovated old vehicles turned glamping pods

The occasion could not have been more quintessentially British with Melbourne Town Band playing the Dambusters theme tune as guests came in – appropriately as one of the latest vehicles to join the Field of Dreams is an old fighter helicopter transformed into sleeping accommodation by Stu-Art Aviation of Durham, under the design of Mr Vegas

Mizzly rain only added to the general Britishness, as did the china cups and saucers in which large quantities of tea were drunk, along with excellent sandwiches and cake provided by Melbourne Hall Tea

Rooms

Melbourne Hall events manager Roger Lowe said: “This has been about a year in the making, since Johnny did a comedy performance in Melbourne last year We’ve planned this since then “We’re really chuffed with the response to it All the vehicles are really unique and they have all got a bit of Johnny in them, one way or another ”

Rob Coombes, owner of Millpond Antiques at Melbourne Hall, gave Johnny a 2000AD comic on arrival into the field, saying he knew it was a favourite with

Continued on Page 3

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Campaign to save Poppy Wood fences finds support

THE campaign to preserve the fencing at Poppy Wood has gathered momentum since the issue was raised last month at a Melbourne Parish Council meeting

A facebook campaign “Save Poppy Wood Fencing” has already attracted over 180 members and Melbourne resident Mike King, who formed the group Friends of Poppy Wood, explained what they were trying to achieve

He said that the initial rumours from wardens that the fences surrounding the wood were going to be removed were recently confirmed in a letter from Forestry England As representative of the Friends he believes that “the planned removal of the fencing is a misguided consequence of a national aim of Forestry England to improve the connectivity of woodlands”

He hailed the woodland as a great success as it was used by both dog and non-dog walkers to take exercise and improve wellbeing

He felt that if the fences were removed and dog walkers could not safely exercise dogs there, many simply would not use it

He challenged the assertion made by Forestry England that it was a working woodland; it was, as set out in the National Forest webpages, primarily a secure area for various activities including walking, dogs and exercise

A local dog walker at Poppy Wood told Village Voice that the fences were generally in a good state of repair, but she thought dog owners would pay to sponsor fence posts She said that certain breeds of dog, no matter how well behaved, could not be relied upon to return when called, so without the security of the fence she would not walk her dogs there

A spokesperson for Forestry England provided the following statement: “Poppy Wood is a working woodland producing sustain-

OPENING TIMES

Open Wednesday 10am - 8pm

by Frank Hughes

able timber for the UK market, providing access for local people and is home to a rich and diverse range of plants and animals The deer fence was erected in 2007 to protect the young trees from deer browsing It has reached the end of its lifespan; some of the posts are beginning to rot and it is starting to become a hazard

“Our plan is to remove the fence in stages, removing the worst areas of fencing first We have considered the cost of repairing the fence but, as it is no longer required to protect the trees, we do not believe this would be a good use of public resources

“We understand the concerns about how the potential change may impact on visitors’ use and enjoyment However, the fence was not erected to contain dogs and, whilst this may have been a benefit for dog walkers, it is not normal practice in the woodlands that we care for

“Dog walkers are one of the largest user groups of Forestry England woodlands that, across England, attract 230 million visits a year Dog walkers are welcome to exercise their dogs off the lead as long as they can keep them under control

“Dogs that are out of control can be harmful to wildlife and cause concern to other visitors We would strongly recommend that if an individual is unable to control their dog, they keep their dog on a lead ”

Mike has been in touch with local MP Heather Wheeler and is hoping to be able to arrange a meeting with her and a representative of Forestry England to discuss the issue and hopefully either reverse the decision or work out a compromise solution

Champs retain quiz crown

A VERY entertaining evening at the Melbourne Sporting Partnership saw the semi-finals and finals of the annual village quiz and the crowning of Surplice to Requirements as champions for the second year running

In the first of the semi finals the Methodicals, a group from the Methodist Church, beat the team representing Melbourne Community Care, before the “Surplices” knocked out Sick Club Row, comprising residents of Blanch Croft

Then the third and fourth ‘Cinderella’ tie saw Melbourne Community Care take the bronze medal

In the grand finale Surplice were just too good for the Methodicals, beating them by a clear 50 points and holding a lead after nearly every round

So, it is congratulations to the Surplices (Clive

Avery, Rachel Reid, Stephen Webster and Matthew Parry), and commiserations to the runners-up (Matt and Christine Lee, Andy Ryley and Andy Whinray) The Surplices get the honour of holding the prestigious shield for the next 12 months

The proceeds from the popular seasonal quiz were destined for this year ’s chosen charity, The Trussell Trust Foodbank in Ashby and £1,400 will be presented to them in the near future

Thanks must also go to the organisers, the quiz masters, the time keepers, the scorers and, of course, to all the teams competing

Special mention must go to the setter of the brain-bending questions, John Elliot

Rather like Santa after Christmas Day, he is probably already preparing his quizzes for next year!

l The winning Surplice to Requirements along with quizmaster John Elliot on the right are Clive Avery, Rachel Reid, Matthew Parry and Stephen Webster

Dispersal order police report ‘no issues’

POLICE patrolling Melbourne during a dispersal order said they had “no issues” on either of the nights in question

As reported in last month’s Village Voice, the order was granted from March 10-12 following a rise in anti-social behaviour

Police said officers had spent the Friday and Saturday evenings during the order patrolling Melbourne but were “glad to report” they had no issues on either night

A spokesperson said: “We routinely engaged with small groups that had gathered, taking the time to explain to them why the order was in place and how ASB has a greater impact on the community ”

The two officers were, however, called out to a report of a suspicious vehicle that had been abandoned on the old canal path at the end of Pingle Lane, Swarkestone

Police said the vehicle owner was located, “safe and well”

A MELBOURNE bell ringing band came out on top in a competition celebrating the best in the country.

St Michael’s Church in Melbourne hosted one of three heats for the National 12 bell striking competition – an annual contest

The band from Melbourne were crowned in first place, beating off competition from York Minster, Leeds, Norwich, Chester Cathedral and London Society of Royal Cumberland Youths (SRCY)

The Melbourne band (pictured above) includes ringers from across Derbyshire, as well as parts of Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire. They meet up on Thursday evenings once or twice a month to

practise in Melbourne as it is home to one of only a small number of 12 bell towers in the area.

With 12 ringers in each band and supporters there were around 120 people at the competition in Melbourne

The day started off early with bacon butties, tea and coffee. A draw for the order of ringing then followed with bands ringing in half hour slots through the late morning and early afternoon A marquee was erected on the rectory garden and this, with Church house, provided the social focal point with refreshments available throughout the day

The teams each rang their piece in turn, the four barrels of beer were con-

Gold ring for Melbourne band Hall is saying hello to 1,000 campers

A THOUSAND campers will be pitching up in Melbourne in June as part of a VIP package for this year ’s Download Festival

Melbourne Hall is opening up one of its fields at the rear of the estate over the weekend of Download, bringing campers in on the morning on Thursday, June 8, when the festival starts Festival-goers wanting a more peaceful luxury stay away from the main fields of the event in Castle Donington will then be staying in Melbourne for four nights

This is the first year that Melbourne Hall has opened up a field for Download campers, which it is doing through VIP Nation – an arm of entertainment company Live Nation, which offers the paying public a more exclusive experience

Also part of the VIP experience for Downloaders in Melbourne will be a shuttle bus taking them to and from the festival, as well as catering and refreshments on site

Online advertising for the venture invites campers to pitch their own tent next to their vehicle, with luxury toilets and showers on offer, plus pamper area, dedicated bar with craft beer, pizza kitchen and tea room with freshly prepared full English breakfasts “to recharge for the day ahead”

sumed and much cake was eaten A chip van was also arranged to provide lunches.

When judges gave their verdict in the church mid-afternoon, Melbourne were judged to have come first, with the SRCY second and Leeds third Melbourne, SRCY and Leeds will join bands from Exeter, Bristol, Birmingham, St Paul's Cathedral, Sheffield, London (ASCY) and Cambridge in the final on June 24 at Sheffield Cathedral

Christian Peckham, of Melbourne, from the winning team, said: “A great day seemed to be had by all Thanks go to the rector Steve Short, and our local ringers for helping with all the arrangements ”

A spokesperson said: “Due to its positioning, the vehicle was incredibly challenging to recover Thanks to some very impressive engineering from Burrows, the vehicle was eventually recovered, with great difficulty ”

Meanwhile, Melbourne Neighbourhood Watch is looking to expand, officers have reported Police said they were looking forward to working with neighbourhood watch co-ordinator Mark Whyatt and all its members in the future

New venture for Farmhouse owners

A NEW space has been opened up at Doninton Park Farmhouse after owners decided it was a shame you could only enjoy the venue if you’d been invited to a wedding!

Now the farmhouse’s owners have opened up The Stackyard as a private events space but there are planned to be pop-up events there too

Owner Jack Shields said: “I’ve always thought it’s a shame to hear local people, and even friends in Melbourne and the surrounding villages, say Donington Park Farmhouse is somewhere you only go if you’ve been invited to a wedding

“We love hosting weddings (and I would like to think we’ve got it down to a fine art), but I’ve always been keen to put this right, and welcome in the local community

“That’s exactly what we hope to do with The Stackyard, a building with a large outdoor space, tucked away at the back our old Dutch Barns It’s a private events space we’re launching this summer, where we’ll also put on regular pop-up events free to attend for the public- starting on Bank Holiday Monday, May 1

“The Stackyard is the old name for this part of the farm, which was literally a storage yard stacked with bales of hay and straw These days it’s a lot tidier but retains the rustic charm The outdoor yard is a south-facing suntrap and the corrugated tin of the Dutch Barn gives an industrial feel “

by Lucy Stephens

Hall events manager Roger Lowe explained that the four-night Download camp – called ‘Rock Retreat’ – was allowed under planning rules

He said that relevant parties such as police and council representatives had been consulted and were happy with the arrangements

This year is Download Festival’s 20th anniversary and there are big acts going to Castle Donington over four days from June 8-11 with Metallica and Slipknot headlining

Last year a shuttle bus was put on to ferry people from Melbourne to Download

Mr Lowe said the bus would have two stops –Church Square and the campsite – but the latest bus users would be getting off in Church Square would be 9pm, with later services going straight to the campsite to minimise noise disturbance for local residents

Campers will be leaving Melbourne by 11am on Monday, June 12

The camping aspect of Download Festival has been coming nearer and nearer to Melbourne over recent years, with fields right up to the village taken up with tents for the 2022 event

FIELD OF DREAMS OPENS

From Page 1

Mr Vegas who often visits his shop “I think this site is fantastic, it should be good for the village,” said Rob

“It gets us on the map a bit ”

Later in the afternoon, Mr Vegas took on the challenge of

conducting Melbourne Town Band – after an invitation from photographer Tina Baker – before joining forces along with his assistant Beverley Dixon on the cymbals and tambourine

Band leader Nathan Gregory said having Mr Vegas playing

Download festival fans to pitch up for

four nights

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alongside them had been “very surreal”, adding: “It’s just literally the field of dreams isn’t it!”

The first guests were due to arrive on the Field of Dreams on Good Friday, and bookings are now being taken up to September

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BEST IN THE BUSINESS

Melbourne firm showing big boys how to do it

A LANDSCAPE gardening business owner from Melbourne has said he could not be prouder after being crowned among Britain’s very best in a top awards scheme

Paul Bignall, owner of PB Landscapes, said being awarded the prestigious Landscaper of the Year at the national Bradstone Assured Awards was a “once in a lifetime” achievement, putting him at the pinnacle of his profession in the UK

He said: “Little old Melbourne is competing with the big boys in London and down in the south

“I’m so proud to be from Melbourne and I’m so proud of what we have achieved because the people who work for me, past and present, are Melbourne people, and we have built gardens which are classed as the best in the UK

“To some of these people down south where the money is, Melbourne doesn’t exist, but now they know where Melbourne is

“This is a lifetime achievement for me ”

To win the award, PB Landscapes of Melbourne won the top prize for Best Use of Porcelain, as well as being highly commended in the Best Patio Transformation up to 30 metres squared, and between 30 to 60 metres squared too

Judges were particularly impressed with one of the company’s designs which involved creating a patio three metres below ground

The project, at a new build property in Kirk Langley, took Paul and his team three and a half months and involved creating two patios, one at a metre and a half below ground and the other twice as deep

Paul, who has been running his business for 23

years, said he still loved creating dream gardens for people

He said: “Up until about 20 years ago, everybody just had red and yellow slabs and a brick built barbeque in their garden, whereas now anybody and everybody can have a Chelsea Flower Show garden

“Twenty-five years ago landscaping didn’t exist Charlie Dimmock and Alan Titchmarsh made it popular and people started to realise that they could do more to their gardens, so it has taken off massively

“A lot of people will see the Chelsea Flower Show and think it’s a dream and that those gardens don’t exist, but they do exist because people have them ”

Now in their 10th year, the annual awards are run by leading paving manufacturer Bradstone and acknowledge some of the best the garden landscaping industry has to offer in quality workmanship, design expertise and customer service

This year ’s awards saw landscapers from across the UK submit high quality designs into a variety of categories, from Most Challenging Project to Best Driveway, as well as the highly soughtafter Landscaper of the Year accolade

PB Landscapes of Melbourne, which covers gardening projects across Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, was presented the Landscaper of the Year award for their continued dedication and support for the Assured Scheme, and the “stunning level” of workmanship on projects this year This is the first time they have won the top prize

Peter Montgomery, national sales manager for Bradstone, said:

“Paul has been a dedicated member of the assured family and the Bradstone brand for many years and we have only seen him and his team go from strength to strength

“Always an active member of the social community, this year we feel his work has really shone through and we have seen his effort and skill excel themselves We’re excited to see what 2023 brings as Landscaper of the Year and send many congratulations to Paul and his team ”

Pub of year cheer for The Spirit Vaults

IN JUST over two years since opening The Spirit Vaults in Melbourne has been awarded the highly sought-after accolade of Derby CAMRA country pub of the year

Joint owner Matt Morgan said: “We are very proud! We were runners-up last year, and this is one step further. It is really nice to get the recognition given the hard work all the team have put in. I am really happy!”

Asked what he thought had made the pub successful Matt said that it was about several elements – such as the consistent quality of the beer.

“This year we have seven real ales on offer, whereas last year it was four; the cleanliness, the food and the atmosphere all play a part

“It is about everything coming together, really,” he said, thanking everyone for their role contributing to the success

“Our customers, a mix of locals and occasional visitors all contribute to the great atmosphere in the pub,” he added, and that is one of the factors considered by the anonymous judges when they visit.

CAMRA has an intensive judging process with branch members visiting each pub and scoring them not just on the quality of the real ale but taking other things into account like the service and welcome, the atmosphere, style, décor, furnishings, cleanliness and community focus of the pub as well as a sympathy with CAMRA’s aims

To celebrate the achievement, head brewer Simon Morgan will be creating a new beer to mark the occasion and to thank CAMRA members for their support. Also, the pub is now ‘under new management’ with the appointment of Kate Freeman as manager. Without revealing too much Kate said she had already had some good ideas for themed events so “watch this space”.

With around 20 employees engaged in the business, the Spirit Vaults has certainly made a massive contribution to village life, and was mentioned, along with other establishments, in the recent article in the Sunday Times, showcasing the village as one of the best places to live in the Midlands.

l Kayleigh Hart, Simon Morgan, Matt Morgan and Kate Freeman with their Pub of the Year certificate.

l Pictured with their award for PB Landscapes are (l-): Sam Bignall, Paul Brown, Paul Bignall, James Mellors and Steve Radford. Above is the work the firm did on a patio.

ANYONE living in the Sweet Leys area of Melbourne fancy giving it a bit of a spring clean?

People from the Sweet Leys Estate have formed a residents’ group and are planning their first activity.

On Saturday, April 22, they are inviting all residents to join in their spring clean, which will consist of a litter pick and some gardening work on the open spaces on the estate

As a spokesman for the group, district councillor Martin Fitzpatrick said: “After contact from several residents I have helped bring together a residents’ group who have several aims: firstly, creating a collective voice when dealing with organisations such as the council, and secondly in growing the sense of community in the area in which they live.

“A spring clean is being organised and, as well as litter picking, cleaning and some gardening work, the group are encouraging residents to meet at the park area for 10am and bring a flask of tea or coffee and just get to know more of your neighbours over a cuppa ”

Councillor Fitzpatrick added that he had been impressed with the residents group’s ambitions to put on events such as the spring clean and hoped as many residents as possible would join the activity on April 22

Family turns to music to highlight disease

A FARMING family are raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease by using the power of music

George Gidlow, of Springwood Farm in Staunton Harold, was diagnosed with the disease in July 2020

His wife, Joy, has been helping raising awareness of MND through performances by the Hot House Music choir, of which she is a member

The choir gave a special fund-raising performance in Swepstone in March and then recorded their own version of “You Raise Me Up” at Derby Grammar School as a charity single Proceeds from the sale will go on to the MND

by Kerry Ganly

Society and My Name’5 Doddie, a charity set up to fund raise by the family and friends of Scottish rugby player Doddie Weir

“George’s diagnosis – in July 2020 – devastated our family,” said Joy, who lives in Staunton Harold with her husband of 36 years

“All of your hopes for the future are suddenly thrown out of the window because, for many families, deterioration is very rapid We are lucky, I guess, that three years in, George is still ‘doing OK’ and still managing to work on our family farm

"It’s been a very frustrating few years, though ”

Joy and George were on holiday in 2019 when a rippling down George’s right arm raised alarm bells

“George has, over the years, had problems with his back and we thought that it may be connected,” said Joy, a former paediatric speech and language specialist

“When we returned from holiday, George went for various scans and nerve conduction tests and, in the January, we saw a consultant who talked to us about diseases that damage parts of the nervous system

“At this point, George wasn’t diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease – that didn’t happen until the July – but before I was a paediatric SLT, I worked with adults diagnosed with degenerative diseases, and I remember being about 22 or 23 years old and treating a patient with MND He was in his early 40s and his rapid deterioration has stayed with me forever ”

Joy says that it took a while for her – as well as daughters Bethan and Carys – to be able to share news of George’s diagnosis with wider family members

“We were in the middle of Covid, I’d just lost an uncle to Covid and George’s mum was ill,” recalls Joy

“We all needed time to process the diagnosis and we were also trying to plan for a July 4 wedding for Bethan, which couldn’t happen due to Covid ”

Joy says that within days of the diagnosis, though, George was appointed his own dedicated team of specialists at Nottingham’s Queens Medical Centre who “have been incredibly supportive ” He was also asked to take part in a medical study into Motor Neurone Disease led by Professor Dame Pamela Shaw at the University of Sheffield

“For a year George had to keep a food diary and regularly have his urine tested,” said Joy, “so that doctors could look to see if there is a link between the metabolic rate in the body and deterioration for people with MND

“Very little is known about MND and there has been little notable research into the disease here in the UK over the last 40 years Patients are prescribed Riluzole, a drug that has been used for

several years, to slow down the disease There was a recent study that suggested a nasal spray may make a difference, but that study is still in the early stages

“There are lots of patients in the USA who are on different drugs that have had varying degrees of success, but their licensing laws are very different to over here

“That is why it is important to raise awareness of MND by taking part in the concert with Hot House Music, so that more research can be done ”

The death of Scottish rugby player Doddie Weir and diagnosis of former Leeds-Rhino scrumhalf Rob Burrows has meant that MND has been in the spotlight more in recent years

And the charity set up in memory of Doddie Weir – My Name’5 Doddie – will benefit from sales of the charity single recorded by Joy and the rest of the Hot House Music choir

“Like Doddie, we’re from a farming family,” said Joy

“We all love rugby and it is just a great, small charity that is making a huge difference We’ve already held a fund-raising event for them that raised over £7,500

“Hopefully this event can raise awareness of this terrible disease ”

Jon Eno, founder of Hot House Music, taught Joy and George’s children Bethan and Carys to play the clarinet, trumpet and piano and felt that recording a charity single would be a good way to show support for the family, and others whose lives have been affected by MND

The single will be available to download from Spotify

LEFT: the Hot House Music choir, ABOVE: George with daughters Bethan (left) Carys and their dog BELOW: George and Joy.

They’re back home six months after blaze

A LITTLE over six months since their house fire on Derby Road, Frank and Victoria Hughes have been able to return to home with the restoration work all completed.

Passers-by on the main road will have seen the progress from the continual presence of contractors blocking the traffic as a small army of tradespeople attended to the work

“The main contractors, McCane, have done a great job in a relatively short period of time,” said Frank “ and we would like to thank everyone of the team involved

“Over the last six months many people from our wonderful village community have shown us such kindness,” he added

“The list is too great to include everyone but a special thanks to the Spirit Vaults for putting us up at short notice, Karen Winfield for getting in touch about her vacant property, and of course to our brave fire crew who fought so valiantly to save most of the property from damage

“A memory from the day itself was of many people stopping and

helping to put out the fire – and in particular ladies from a cleaning firm, whose details, sadly, we lost in the confusion If they do read this we would love to hear back to thank them!

“One question we are asked repeatedly is how it started – and unfortunately we are no closer in knowing, despite detailed forensic examinations

“For what it is worth the most likely theory is that the unusually bright sunlight reflected onto a concentrated spot and ignited the hedge, with the wind and heat then spreading the fire to the tinder-dry roof space

“Looking back, one of the funny things is that people all tell us what they were doing at the time – almost like knowing where you were when Elvis died

“Sadly, my reaction might have been curt on occasion, as no matter where you were or what you were doing, I was watching my house burn!

“Also I think we deserve commission from Lloyds Insurance, as so many people have changed providers after hearing of our experience with them, which has been nothing but good, in the circumstances ”

CLEARLY it’s not news to locals – but Melbourne has once again been named one of the best places you can live

The latest accolade for our Georgian streets, lovely shops, good transport links and excellent schools comes courtesy of The Sunday Times which in March named Melbourne as one of the best places to live in the UK

The newspaper said:

"This attractive old town combines beautiful Georgian houses, great access to the countryside and a location that’s handy for all the great cities of the Midlands Its festival and gallery are signs of an impressive arty streak ”

Among the criteria leading to Melbourne’s listing with the great and good of UK towns included schools, transport, broadband speeds, culture and access to green spaces

Pupils’ Easter treats

CHILDREN from Weston-onTrent have been given lots of springtime treats in the form of chocolate eggs – and actual eggs from which real live chicks emerged!

The village school’s PSFA (Parents, Staff and Friends Association) put on their traditional Easter scramble giving children the chance to take part in a village trail with a springtime theme

Nearly 100 children took part in the scramble on March 26, taking home a chocolate egg as a prize with the occasion raising more than £200 to support the school

The PSFA has also funded “Living Eggs” at the primary school, which hatched out into nine chicks, delighting children in each year group and allowing them to observe the creatures’ life cycle first hand.

All the chicks are destined to be re-homed

Local Election 4th May

On Thursday May 4th 2023 Local Elections for South Derbyshire District Council will take place. These elections are very important as they will determine how our communities develop over the next four years and beyond.

Coronation celebration

LOCAL residents are being invited to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III in style with a huge musical extravaganza taking place on the great day –with fireworks to round it all off Melbourne Parish Council is putting on the big free admission event on the fields of Melbourne Junior School to help people celebrate a new King on the throne

Gates open on the day on Saturday, May 6, at 2pm, with the official opening by parish council chairman Terry Summerlin and Griselda Kerr, Derbyshire’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant, at 3 45pm

There will then be an afternoon of music starting off with a knees-up from Chas & Dave tribute act

Gertcha at 4pm

Tony Scarth, of early noughties

Stars in their Eyes fame, brings his Tom Jones tribute act to the Melbourne stage at 5 30pm before Abba

Fever – a tribute to the Swedish icons – hope to make everyone into dancing queens when they begin their performance at 7pm

It’s all topped off with Absolute Bowie, official winner of Best Band in the UK at the National Music Tribute Awards

Following the afternoon of music everyone is invited to watch a firework display from Browns Field at 10 30pm

Food will be available on the day from local companies including Gourmegg, Project D, Wayne Spiers’ hog roast and El Capo’s Pizza and there will also be refreshments from Leatherbritches Brewery and Amalfi White

People are invited to go down to the field and make the occasion truly memorable, but are respectfully asked not to take dogs as they will not be allowed in

The Local Conservatives in South Derbyshire are fielding candidates with a wealth of experience in business and council matters and are committed to making the changes necessary within the Council that are needed to cope with the challenges we see ahead.

Below you can read what our candidates for Melbourne & Aston wards have to say.

David Smith Martin Fitzpatrick

“I have served as a District Councillor for Melbourne since 2019. The greatest reward for being a Councillor is in helping residents with their concerns and problems. Getting involved and helping residents with issues regarding planning applications, council housing needs or repairs, anti-social behaviour issues or grass cutting and grounds maintenance, is the real essence of the role of a Councillor and it’s the part I enjoy the most.

If re-elected this May I will ensure that I am fully accessible to all residents in our area and will be fully committed to listening to you and helping with your needs.

The next four years will be hugely important for our villages development and I am committed to serving the area I call home.”

Peter Watson, Neil Atkin & Daniel Corbin

“I am very proud to be born and bred in Melbourne and my family have farmed the land and run businesses in this area for several generations. I have served on Melbourne Parish Council for over 20 years and I am passionate about the area in which I live. It alarms me that the Councils own financial forecast predicts that the Council could simply run out of money in 2027 and be forced to make major cuts to services. If elected in May I will push for change at the council to ensure that services are delivered more efficiently and the council spends your taxes more prudently.

The other area that greatly concerns me is the creation and adoption of a new local plan that will cover housing, business premises, greenbelt / open spaces and infrastructure in the District up to 2039. This plan will have a huge impact on the lives of all residents in South Derbyshire and I want to make sure that the communities of Melbourne, Kings Newton and Stanton by Bridge retain their unique rural characters.”

“As your three current District Councillors we have served the Aston Ward Parishes of Aston on Trent, Barrow upon Trent, Elvaston, Shardlow & Great Wilne, Swarkestone and Weston upon Trent for the four years from 2019.

The greatest reward for us as your Councillors has been in helping residents with their concerns and problems with issues regarding planning applications, council housing needs or repairs, anti-social behaviour and appearance of our rural environment.

If re-elected in May, it alarms us that we may be forced to make major cuts to services because the Council’s own financial forecast predicts that the Council could simply run out of money in 2027.

We will push for change at the Council to ensure that services are delivered more efficiently with your taxes spent more prudently. The creation and adoption of an updated new local plan that will cover housing, business premises, greenbelt, open spaces, and infrastructure in the District up to 2039 is also of concern because it will have a huge impact on the lives of all residents, and we intend to ensure that our communities retain their unique rural characters.

We are now seeking your support in the District Council elections on Thursday 4th May by voting for Neil Atkin, Daniel Corbin and Peter Watson.”

l Henry Johnston (5) and Pippa Hine (5) from the Wrens class at Weston-onTrent Primary School wearing their amazing Easter bonnets and holding two of the chicks that hatched in their classroom having been provided by Living Eggs funded by the parents, staff and friends association of the school

Promoted by Joanne Nicol on behalf of Martin Fitzpatrick, David Smith, Dan Corbin, Peter Watson, Neil Atkin and South Derbyshire Conservative Association, at 1/24 Repton House, Bretby Business Park, Ashby Road, Bretby DE15 0YZ. Printed here in the Melbourne Village Voice.

Ben swaps the cash till for a camera

ONE of Melbourne’s best-known shopkeepers has rung his last cash till after deciding to call it a day as manager of the Spar

Ben Willans has been at the Spar on the corner of Derby Road and Chapel Street for the past 27 years, but is now moving on to pastures new

He said the farewell after so many years was emotional but it was time to start a new chapter, developing his career as a photographer – with one wedding already booked in the diary – and also joining forces in his partner Amy’s flourishing business: HomeMaid of Melbourne

“I’m excited, with slight anxiety, obviously, because I’ve done this for so long,” he said “I’m really excited with the possibilities of Amy’s business and what I can do myself I’m doing this to free up more time in my life to do what I want to do and if I can make money with my hobby, that’s everyone’s dream!”

Originally from Hull, Ben moved down to Ticknall with his family as a child, when his father got a job at Rolls-Royce His mother, Sue Willans, was well known to many in this area as a teacher at Melbourne Junior School

Life at the Spar started for Ben in 1996, when he got his first part-time job

After about five years, he became manager – a job he has done ever since, working long hours to run a busy shop in the heart of the community

Council thumbs-up for glamping site

GLAMPING accommodation in vintage vehicles on the Melbourne Hall

Estate is now all set to go ahead

Councillors at South Derbyshire District Council’s Planning Committee on March 21 spent half an hour briskly debating proposals from Melbourne Hall Estate to allow the quirky glamping site in eight vintage vehicles on land near the pool

The site is the subject of a forthcoming Channel 4 series fronted by TV comic turned glamping champion Johnny Vegas

The meeting also heard concerns about traffic coming in and out of the site along Pool Road, so councillors imposed a condition that applicants should come up with a vehicle management plan giving details put in place to avoid conflict with different road users

The site on land near the hall was given temporary permission last year but the latest decision allows for a seasonal operation between April and September, which will become out-of-season storage between October and March

Historic England, the body which looks after England’s historic environment, had voiced concerns about the application, saying they did not have enough information to make a comment

But a conservation officer for the council did not have such concerns, saying enough information had been provided and that, because the site did not have any permanent structures, it could be returned to its previous state if the glamping site was no longer operational

The officer concluded: “The proposed use of the site is appropriate for this location, and there are public benefits to the delivery of diversification of land within Melbourne Estate; the income generated being directly reinvested into the Heritage Assets

“The agent has provided confirmation that the glamping site will contribute much needed income which will greatly contribute to the maintenance of the Heritage assets Without diversification and alternative revenue streams Melbourne Hall Estate could fall into disrepair, and may close to the public, which would be a great loss to the community, the town, and the general public ”

A planning report accompanying the proposals said: “The proposal would attract and offer accommodation for visitors at Melbourne Hall Estate, this will bring economic benefits to the locality and also support the maintenance and preservation of the Grade II Listed Melbourne Hall and Grade I Listed Historic Park and Gardens for the benefit of the public

“The proposal will preserve the surrounding designated heritage assets and character of the landscape, there would be no adverse impact upon the residential amenities enjoyed by existing neighbouring occupiers or the efficiency of the highway ”

by Lucy Stephens

What changes has he seen over the years?

“A lot has changed,” said Ben “I think the community support is definitely still there and that definitely came back during Covid I think people rallied around a lot more, and realised they needed local amenities more

“That has stuck around since Covid as well I think with the shock of everything, and things closing, everyone was all of a sudden in the same boat – the togetherness was there a lot more, and everybody was there for each other

“We have had a lot of competition and there aren’t many shops of this size that have survived

“We do sell a lot of alcohol! But things like canned vegetables have decreased; not many people buy that kind of thing now – people prefer fresh nowadays We have more snacks like biscuits and crisps ”

When all is said and done the Spar shop, famously open from eight until eight, has been a huge part of Ben’s life – and the local community’s – for many years

“Life is a rollercoaster,” he said “It goes up and down I’ve seen a lot of my customers go through hard times, and they’ve seen me go through hard times So it’s emotional to leave!”

RENOVATION works to the Assembly Rooms in Melbourne have been highly commended in a scheme recognising the best additions to the town’s landscape over the last year

The latest Melbourne Civic Society awards have seen the extensive works at the Assembly Rooms given a highly commended prize Judges, who comprised visiting architect Amanda Harmer, along with Judith Baron, civic society chair Martin Keay, along with David Clark and

Barry Thomas from the society, and Melbourne Parish Council chair Terry Summerlin, thought the Assembly Rooms’ works were the best project of the proposals they considered this year

Work there included tidying and making safe the rear covered area, complete removal of storage sheds with the reduction in height and repair of the boundary wall towards the Lothian Gardens, repairs to the bell tower, repairs and repainting of all wooden windows, additional disabled access and

provision of EV charging points Judges felt these renovations “greatly improve” the building’s appearance, and “show the commitment of the management to the maintenance and updating of one of the town’s heritage buildings”

Two further projects were commended: the renovation to the previously vacant and run down shop and accommodation at 26 Market Place, and work to renovate and convert the single property at 5-9 Chapel Street into three individual two-bedroom houses

MOVING ON ... Ben Willans behind the till at the Spar.

MELBOURNE school children are set to benefit after a gig at the Assembly Rooms raised a massive £1,500.

The total raised from the event on March 11 is being split equally between Melbourne Infant and Junior Schools to update library and sensory areas.

The concert featured the vocal talents of The Lost Boys: Marvin Cooke on lead guitar, Ant Bacon on keyboards, Andy Jones on drums, Darren Walker on bass, Liam Coffey as lead singer and Debbie Matthews as a supporting singer.

After months of rehearsing, the band played songs from the 80s, getting the crowd singing and dancing throughout – some of them donning fancy dress for the occasion!

A raffle at half time was organised by Angie Cooke and supported by family and friends, with the band then returning to wow the crowd, ending proceedings with the magnificent rendition of Purple Rain

Local band Burgess & Walker were the perfect warm-up, getting things going before The Lost Boys hit the stage.

Angie Cooke said: “It was truly teamwork with James Cooke and Ben Walker balancing lights and sounds as well as helping to set up and take down all the gear!

“Merchandising was produced by Grant Cooke and Siobhan Hardy Sharon Walker ensured the door was manned and monies accounted for, everyone was so helpful ”

Angie paid tribute to “incredible donations” for the raffle, including local people and Toyota UK and Europe, including vouchers for champagne breakfast and health and fitness; whisky, gin, chocolates, framed prints, games bundles, a picnic hamper, stationery, candles, record players and even a guitar.

Angie thanked Andy Heafield and the team at The Assembly Rooms for setting up the room and keeping the bar going

NATIONAL Trust leaders want visitors to its properties like Calke Abbey to take a moment to enjoy the beautiful blossom season. The trust is asking people to share blossom images on social media using the #BlossomWatch, in the hope that the “joyful sight of blush-tinted blooms will lift spirits and help everyone to celebrate nature together”.

At Calke Abbey, one of the first signs of spring is the sight of blossom sweeping over the walled gardens.

Picture: Hugh Mothersole

CARPET

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Five-day music fest on the way

FORGET

Glastonbury – Melbourne

is being transformed into its own live music venue next month with organisers planning to make it an annual event

Riffing on the eternal question as to whether Melbourne is a village or a town, the Big Village Small Town musical extravaganza hits local venues over a fiveday period marking the second May Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday, May 25 – Monday, May 29

With its patron Mark Radcliffe, the popular radio broadcaster whose work over many years has included covering Glastonbury itself for the BBC, event organiser Andy Heafield said tickets were already selling well for the festival with six weeks to go

This is the first year that Big Village Small Town will be taking place, and it will feature live music gigs taking place throughout the town (or is it a village?) with Amalfi White, Melbourne Inn, The Alma Inn, Bank of Beers, The Spirit Vaults and the Assembly Rooms all hosting events

Things kick off on May 25 with Songs from the Decades from Nottingham ensemble The Burgundys, who are playing a free admission set at Amalfi White

The following few days include homegrown talents from the likes of Burgess and Walker, to singers from further afield such as Edwina Hayes, whose version of Randy Newman’s song Feels Like

by Lucy Stephens

Home featured in the Hollywood film My Sister ’s Keeper, starring Cameron Diaz

Edwina will be playing at Melbourne Assembly Rooms on May 29 and will also be hosting a song writing workshop on the same day, which will take any aspiring song-writers through all the nuts and bolts of actually getting a song to market – from contracts to writing partnerships

And Mark Radcliffe himself will be in concert at The Assembly Rooms, performing with partner DJ Paul Langley their electro homage to the sounds of Kraftwerk and the like

Mr Heafield said: “This event came about on the back of the Queen’s Jubilee Concert that we put on, which had such a good feelgood factor

“I thought: ‘Could we do something that was almost like the arts weekend but based around music?’

“It’s not just for people in Melbourne but it’s to bring people in

“I’ve had some great support from the airport, from local councillor David Muller and the Spirit Vaults

“It’s a case of venues coming together and trying to do something over that Bank Holiday weekend

“I really hope it brings people into Melbourne We’ve even got Morris dancers!

“The aim is to establish this as an annual thing ”

Spa wins national award

THE spa at Breedon Priory is officially one of the best in the country after winning a top national prize

The Wilson-based luxury establishment was crowned Best Boutique Spa of the Year at the World Spa & Wellness Awards

Hundreds of spas were entered into the awards and the entrants at Breedon Priory were among five other finalists from around the UK Owners Graham and Elaine Blunt said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been named Best Boutique Spa of the Year, especially as we’re so new compared to some of the well-established spas within the category “We’re very grateful to our fantastic team who keep the spa running so smoothly on a day-to-day basis, and we’re really excited to continue building the business with future plans for overnight accommodation, so we can welcome even more guests from afar!”

Judges said they were impressed by the spa’s facilities as well as its commitment to sustainability and the environment

The spa has its own water source, provided by a borehole 85 metres below ground, and also uses locally sourced seasonal produce in its Terrace Restaurant

The gardens are irrigated by rainwater

It also has an air source heat pump and heat recovery unit to achieve a very high level of energy efficiency Beehives on site supply honey for the kitchen; the spa has no single use plastics, and fully compostable, complimentary cosmetic items are made available in the changing rooms

Judges also praised the way that spa leaders trained team members and took measures to provide excellent customer service

Graham and Elaine Blunt were joined by spa director Jemma Whitney, restaurant manager Alex Mason and sous chef Russell Brooker at a black tie ceremony in The Brewery in London where they received their award

The occasion was hosted by Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke

l Graham and Elaine Blunt with spa director Jemma Whitney, restaurant manager Alex Mason and sous chef Russell Brooker at the award ceremony and (left) the spa team

Ross takes on lakes run in wife’s memory

by Lucy Stephens

ONE year on after the passing of a dearly loved Melbourne teaching assistant, her husband is taking on a poignant charity challenge of truly epic proportions in her memory.

Ross Danby, the Melbourne-based garden designer and sculptor, is next month heading to the Lake District where he will take on a 113-mile run around all its 26 principal lakes, waters and meres

He is doing his epic ultra run in memory of his late wife, Jacqui Danby, a highly regarded teaching assistant at Melbourne Infant School who passed away on April 2, 2022

Ross’s run will start and finish at Grasmere where Jacqui has her final resting place

He will be raising money for MacMillan Cancer and Treetops Hospice; both charities helped the Danby family through Jacqui’s illness and its aftermath

During his epic run he will also be dipping his finger into each lake in memory of Jacqui

Ross said: “We had involvement from both MacMillan Cancer and Treetops, and I’m indebted to the help and support Jacqui and myself received from them

“Treetops was instrumental in providing both of us amazing help and counselling for Jacqui before she passed away, and to me in the aftermath, and in coming to terms with her loss

“However strong you think you are and think you will be able to cope, nothing prepares you for when that happens

“To have support from caring people who aren’t necessarily attached to your daily circle of friends and family, makes such a difference to your ability to deal with taking the baby steps to getting through the tough times ”

Ross will be setting off on his run on May 26 with the aim of completing it over the bank holiday weekend

No stranger to ultra distance epics, Ross has previously run a 73-mile route taking in 46 of the Lake District’s tallest peaks including Scafell and Helvellyn, in memory of his father, Peter

“The amount of up and down was equivalent to ascending and descending Everest,” said Ross

“I’m not really cut out as a fell runner and certainly no whippet or iron man A lot of the task in hand, appreciating I’m now 10 years older, is knowing that it is going

It’s Earth Day every day here

THIS April as well as Easter there’s a very special day which we are celebrating at Whistlewood Common –Earth Day on Saturday the 22nd

It’s an International Day of Action, raising awareness of the various threats to the earth, its people, animals and habitats

The first Earth Day was in 1970 and over a billion people have been mobilised since then and organised the planting of tens of millions of trees all around the globe through their Canopy Project.

At Whistlewood we are having an afternoon celebration with lots of crafts to take part in, including hobby horse making with our own amazing Helen, crafting with the fantastic Sarah of Little Trees and willow weaving with the very skilled Ali and Chenma of Under Woodcraft

You’ll also be able to have a go in our new bodging area (that’s not a derogatory term, that’s the word for green woodworking) The lovely Sandra will be leading some yoga too.

We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary this year and this event is organised as part of those celebrations.

We are bringing all these people together to share their skills with you, as that is one of our missions: to increase the knowledge of sustainable crafts, skill sharing, wellbeing in nature and encouraging recycling

It’s a have-a-go day; you’ll also be able to check out our site and wonderful straw bale roundhouse If you’re local and able we’d invite you to walk there as we have limited parking on site. There is a small charge; we’ll also have refreshments and some other surprises

Earth Day has a motto ‘Get Inspired. Take Action. Be a part of the green revolution’ I think being part of Whistlewood Common ticks all these ‘boxes’, we’d love you to join us.

Check their website – www earthday org – for more info about what they do, there’s some great information fact sheets on climate change, plastic pollution, biodiversity etc

to hurt a lot and to be able to endure the pain

“After Jacqui passed away, I read an account of a famous Lakeland fell runner, Joss Naylor, who first did this epic back in the 80s As soon as I read about it, it was a light bulb moment What better and more fitting way to pay tribute to Jacqui’s life and to raise some funds for charitable causes in her memory ”

For his run, Ross is being supported by good friend and Melbourne resident Lee

Partington

He said the pair had been planning the challenge for nearly a year and that Lee would keep him watered, fed, and even change his socks and plaster his blisters!

Ross is aiming to raise £1,000 each for Treetops Hospice and MacMillan Cancer He said any contribution would “mean the world” and help spur him on in his epic challenge

To donate to the Treetops fund-raiser, see tinyurl com/mv7rjspk

Councils vote in new authority

COUNCILLORS from all four upper tier councils have voted through plans to proceed with proposals for devolution and a mayoral authority despite some mixed messages from the recent public consultation

All four city and county councils in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have pointed to the level of positive support the consultation demonstrated in the areas of transport (53% agreeing) skills (52%) reducing carbon/improving the environment (51%) and public health (51%)

However, reading the results, it is apparent that there was not a majority in favour of the governance proposed for the combined authority, with 46% of respondents saying they disagreed with the proposal, and only 42% agreeing with it Concerns were expressed about the cost of a new layer of bureaucracy

Of the respondents to the consultation from South Derbyshire 58% said they did not agree with the governance proposals – the highest figure of all the districts – with only 33% agreeing with them

With just under 5,000 replies, some councillors debating the issue in Nottinghamshire pointed to the very poor rate of response, representing less than 0 25% of the 2 2million people affected Speaking against the proposals one Notts councillor said it was clear from the consultation that most people did not want a mayor Other councillors described the proposals as a “done deal” and a “vanity project”, criticising Conservative MP for Mansfield and leader of Notts County Council, Ben Bradley, who is expected to be a front runner for the mayor ’s position when it comes up, potentially as early as spring 2024

Supporters of the proposal point to the potential benefits of the devolution plan, not least the addition of £1 14billion in funding coming into the new combined authority area to promote economic growth, for more and better jobs, and for better transport, skills training, housing, and an enhanced greener environment

A slightly modified proposal will now go forward for consideration by the Government and will require the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to be passed before the new mayor is elected

I will, unfortunately, miss out on our celebrations this year, as I’ll be on a large peaceful march organised by a national environmental group in London

Several thousands of people from hundreds of organisations will create a carnival of animals along the streets of old London Town, probably ending up somewhere near Westminster

If you care about our earth do something positive for nature on Earth Day

– KATHERINE PARRISH

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l Ross Danby (left) with Lee Partington in front of a map of the route

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Burial ground that is key to a tragedy

BURIAL grounds, especially those from the 19th century, combined with archive records, are an invaluable historical resource on life as well as on death

The Old Burial Ground in Melbourne is a good example of this, but the uncomfortable proximity of 19th century life to tragedy is revealed with every enquiry I’m sure that many will be familiar with one gravestone in particular which illustrates far too well the devastating circumstances that followed a simple beginning It is propped against the north wall of the cemetery and visible from Castle Street

Samuel Matthews was born in 1818 in Elmdon, Warwickshire, and Sarah Manning a year earlier in Nobottle, Northamptonshire They met during the 1840s when he was a labourer and she was in service

They were married at the newly built St Alkmund’s Church in Derby on August 21, 1847, just one year after building was complete, and lived at Kedleston Street, Derby

The church was situated between Bridge Gate and Queen Street but no longer exists after redevelopment in 1968

Soon after marriage the couple moved to Woodhouses which, according to diarist John Joseph Briggs, was a little hamlet and usually considered a ‘healthy place’ Samuel was employed as gamekeeper on the Melbourne Estate and in 1849 their first child, Sarah, was born By 1859 the couple had four more children – William, Emma, Edward, and Elizabeth

The spring of 1859 was unseasonably warm as recorded by Briggs, but he later noted of the previous season that ‘a milder winter perhaps never occurred and one never more productive of sickness and death’

Samuel and Sarah and their family survived the winter, but March was the last month that they would spend together

Melbourne’s Paul Brooks tells of a “Circumstance of Character Recently Occurred” that tells the sad story behind a local gravestone

ABOVE: Great Brington Church, where Samuel was buried in an unmarked grave in 1882.

TOP LEFT: The children’s gravestone in Melbourne’s Old Burial Ground

ing zero by the 1890s in most parts of the country

population, or even within the same family, and treatment was rudimentary to the extent that survival was more a matter of chance than medical intervention Such proved to be the case for the Matthews children, who were short of good fortune

Samuel and Sarah left Melbourne shortly after the tragedy and the 1861 census finds them living in Cold Overton, Leicestershire, some 40 miles from Melbourne They were still in Overton, although not at the same address, for the 1871 census Samuel’s occupation is recorded as gamekeeper/rural labourer although whether he actually had employment during this time is unknown They had no more children

LEBY - FOREMARK - LOUNT - STANTON - BY- BRIDGE

ON

-

SWARKESTONE - WILSON - STAUNTON HAROLD

On April 5 William Matthews died aged eight months Two days later both Elizabeth aged seven and Edward aged four died, and the following day five-year-old Emma succumbed Sarah was the last to die on April 9, the eldest at nine years All children were buried soon after death in the Old Burial Ground with a single engraved headstone

On April 8 Briggs made reference to ‘a circumstance of an affecting character ’ in the town It is reasonable to rely on his observations but not on his interpretation of the tragedy, which upon supposition ‘by some persons’, was attributed to the warm weather, a quantity of putrid meat which Samuel had collected for his dogs, and manure situated near the house – all of which ‘generated in the immediate locality an unhealthy state of the atmosphere and caused the death of the family’ The idea of miasmas or noxious vapours was popular at the time until the true agents of disease were identified

The Matthews children died from scarlatina or scarlet fever as it is now more commonly known, untreatable and frequently fatal to children until the discovery of antibiotics

Physicians of the day could characterise and identify the disease, but it was several decades before a bacterial cause was confirmed The onset of symptoms could progress very quickly and children in the 19th century were known to succumb within as few as 48 hours Spread of the disease was generally through contact, but a common source of the bacteria in historical outbreaks was reportedly unpasteurised milk handled by infected dairy workers Symptoms could vary widely within the

Samuel and Sarah were not alone in losing all of their children to infectious disease Briggs remarked on another example in 1861 that ‘a new disease called diphtheria is very rife At the village of Milton, near Repton, a family named Somers lost four children of it’ Measles and whooping cough (pertussis) also claimed victims among infants and children in Melbourne

By contrast deaths from smallpox were falling nationally as a direct consequence of medical science and public health measures such that childhood mortality, formerly significant for smallpox deaths, was approach-

Sarah Matthews died in 1880 aged 63, the registration documenting that she died at Woodhouses, Melbourne, although there is no suggestion that the couple moved back there since the 1871 census

Any wish that Sarah may have had to be buried with her children could not be granted since the Old Burial Ground closed to new burials in 1860 She is interred in the new cemetery in Packhorse Road (then Cemetery Road) Her grave is not marked in any way but it is possible to precisely locate the plot based on excellent burial records and adjacent marked graves

After Sarah’s death Samuel lived with the family of his nephew, William Dunkley (Sarah’s side of the family), in Great Brington, Northamptonshire From an additional census descriptor it would be reasonable to infer that he had advanced dementia

Samuel died in 1882 at Great Brington aged 65 and is buried in the churchyard there, also in an unmarked grave

That Samuel and Sarah were both interred without a headstone reflects their poor status and probably that of their relatives That the grave of their children was marked by a slate headstone engraved by Dunicliff, engravers par excellence of the day, suggests that others funded the memorial

The devastation for Samuel and Sarah Matthews following the loss of all five of their children in as many days is unimaginable

That the family was ultimately unable to rest together in the same place would have been reason for additional sadness had they not been beyond the reach of further grief

l John Joseph Briggs (1819-1876) (Image from the cover of ‘A Diary by John Joseph Briggs’ published by Melbourne Historical Research Society )

Fete back on village diary

TICKNALL’S May Day Fete will be coming back to the village next month – after being so successful in 2022 that all stallholder places are already sold out!

This is the third year that the village fete is being held, with this year ’s occasion taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 1, from 11am to 4pm

Organisers say they are hoping this year ’s event will be even bigger and better than last year ’s, which was attended by around 2,000 people

Laura Cain, who is on the organising committee, said: “All the stallholders said they wanted to come back and signed up last year We’ve had hundreds of emails –we’ve sold out, there has been so much interest ”

To cater for large crowds going to Ticknall for the event, fete organisers said they were pleased to announce having secured additional field space for car parking on the day

Bria Adlington, on the organising committee, said: “Following on from the success of last year we as a team have worked hard to secure additional parking to ease the

traffic flow through Ticknall

“We’ve managed to acquire this thanks to generous support from local landowners ”

The fete is mainly a fund-raiser for Dame

Catherine’s School but it also benefits local charities which have stalls there

The school is independent but a registered charity and has regular fund-raising events

Bria said: “We need to fund-raise to keep the school as accessible to families as we

What’s On

YOUR GUIDE TO EVENTS IN OUR AREA

Wednesday 12 - Sunday 23 April:

Creative Melbourne Gallery Exhibition by Peak District Artisans

Wellington House, Church Street, Melbourne. Open: 10am - 4pm.

Saturday 15 April:

Coffee Morning

10am - noon. United Reformed Church Hall, High St, Melbourne.

Wednesday 19 April - Saturday 22 April: Melbourne Operatic Society proudly presents

The Sorcerer

can ”

This year ’s fete will feature around 50 stalls run by organisations, businesses and charities

There will be a carousel for younger visitors, plus live music throughout the day performed by local bands, as well as a magician and interactive workshops

A small charge is due for car parking but entry to the fete is free Well behaved dogs are welcome

Frank’s long service comes to an end

FRANK McArdle, the chief executive of South Derbyshire District Council, has retired after nearly half a century of service.

Mr McArdle spent his last day at the helm of the council on March 31, drawing to a close 47 years of service there – of which 23 were as chief executive officer He started his time with the council as a chief legal officer in 1975 before moving onto head of legal services in 1989 and then head of legal and administration in 1997

Finally, after a short interim period, he was appointed by the council as its permanent chief executive in April 2000

Frank made known his intention to retire back in September last year, with many paying tributes to his dedication in serving the district Not only was Frank the council’s chief, in recent years he was a gold command member in the regional resilience forum which was pivotal in guiding the district through the challenges of Covid-19

Frank’s other interests outside local government include his membership of the Football Association, and chairmanship of the Derbyshire County Football Association He was a former director of the National Football Association at St George’s Park

On entering his final week leading the council, Frank said: “It is with a heavy heart I say farewell to some wonderful people and fantastic memories, but now is the right time for me to hand the reins on to somebody new to drive South Derbyshire onwards and upwards

“I wish to express my gratitude to elected members past and present, plus the many fellow officers who have supported and encouraged me during my time at this authority It has been a great

privilege to serve you throughout ”

His service to the district has included his influence in bringing much investment and growth to the area, including Toyota City, Green Bank Leisure Centre and JCB

Jim Hewlett, retiring district councillor representing Melbourne ward, said: “One of Frank's major themes was the attraction of new businesses to the area to replace the jobs lost with the closure of coal mining; his mantra was ‘South Derbyshire is open for business!’

“This was instrumental in the district's unemployment rate being consistently below the national average, and often even the unemployment blackspot in Newhall was below the national average

“There were two major successes in Melbourne in recent years, the MSP and Mars The building of the MSP would not have happened without the sale of the Bretby Crematorium (against opposition) which was half owned by the council; this released about £1million, which was used to attract investment from Sport England, the FA and others, none of whom invest without a substantial sum coming from the area

“Frank was wholeheartedly behind the project, which is reckoned to be the best public sports set up in the region, and it couldn t have happened without his backing

“Secondly, the Assembly Rooms are owned by the district council, and Frank was again wholeheartedly behind the grant of considerable sums of money for its renovation and improvement, and the passing over of day-to-day management via a lease to a committee of people from the local community This has been tremendously successful and the place is buzzing with activity ”

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton, 7.30pm See ad on page 10

Saturday 22 April:

Earth Day at Whistlewood Common

A fun “Have a go” event for all the family: 1-5pm. £5 adults, under 18s £2.

Saturday 22 April:

Coffee Morning

10am - noon. Roman Catholic Church, St Mary’s Hall, Church Street, Melbourne.

Toasted Teacakes, Homemade Cakes, Various Craft Items.

Wednesday 26 April - 20 May

Creative Melbourne Gallery Exhibition Meadowlands

Wellington House, Church Street, Melbourne. Open: Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. See ad on page 11

Monday 1 May

Party in the Garden See ad on page 11 Stack Yard, Donington Park Farmhouse. 12 - 6 - Free Entry

Monday 1 May:

Ticknall May Day Fete

Free admission but small charge for car parking. 11am - 4pm. Well behaved dogs welcome.

Thursday 4 May:

Melbourne Area Derby u3a

Melbourne Assembly Rooms, 2pm Invited speaker on the recent history of the motor industry. £1 including tea/coffee. Contact madu3ainfo@gmail.com www.u3asites.org.uk/melbourne-area

Saturday 6 May:

Melbourne Parish Council invites everyone to a free event celebrating King Charles III’s Coronation

Junior School. Gates open 2pm for 3.45pm opening ceremony. Fireworks at Brown’s Field at 10.30pm. No dogs allowed please.

Monday 8 May

Coronation Party See ad on page 11

Stack Yard, Donington Park Farmhouse. 12 - Late - Free Entry

Friday 12 May and Saturday 13 May: A Choir’d Taste

Spring and summer concert. Selection of popular songs celebrating spring & summer. Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm.

Saturday 13 May:

Coffee Morning

10am - noon. Baptist Church Schoolroom, Chapel Street, Melbourne.

To include your event here please email ads@melbournevillagevoice.co.uk or call 07584 025 852

l Laura Cain, Sophia Burgess and Bria Adlington from Ticknall May Day Fete

Melbourne set for its very own coronation

KING Charles III is being crowned in May –and in that month, Melbourne will be getting its very own royalty too.

Melbourne Fete & Carnival is looking for a king or queen to lead the procession on carnival day, Saturday, July 8

The carnival’s king/queen competition is on Friday, May 12 at Melbourne British Legion, Derby Road, Melbourne

The doors open at 6:30pm with the event starting at 7pm

The contest is open to all boys and girls, aged four to 18, living in Melbourne or attending Melbourne schools

Parents or guardians will need to fill in an application form on arrival, and participants need to make sure they’re available on carnival day

Everyone, adults and children, who attends the event is asked to pay £1, and there is no additional fee to enter the competition

The winners are chosen on the night, comprising a king or queen and six attendants, all of whom will ride in the procession heralding the start of festivities

This year ’s ‘Around the World’ themed carnival takes place at Melbourne Junior School, with organisers promising a ‘jam-packed day of entertainment, children’s rides, stalls, food, drink and much, more more”

Tickets are now on sale for Melbourne Fete & Carnival, with an early bird offer available until May 14

To purchase tickets, see the advertisement below, or visit www melbournecarnival co uk

l Members of Kings Newton Social Group planted an English Oak to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The group reports: “The tree was planted in Newton Park by kind permission of James Ottewell. Philip Sread kindly came along with his mini digger to dig the hole, did a splendid job and saved us a lot of hard digging.”

VILLAGE VOICE Postbag

Neighbourhood Plan consultation

SOME readers may recall my letter in last August’s issue, suggesting that the second round of public consultation on the draft Melbourne Neighbourhood Plan (NDP) had been conducted inadequately by South Derbyshire District Council (SDDC), and did not appear to comply in full with the statutory regulations

In my opinion, this jeopardises the validity of the NDP as a whole, and was damaging to the work of the team in the parish that put it together It has taken more than six months of persistence to pursue this matter, first with officers of SDDC, and then with their Chief Executive, ultimately via an official complaint Some questions remain unanswered even now

The council’s line of defence, ultimately, is that the general public were (according to them) made aware of the consultation by an article in the October 2021 of Village Voice They describe this article as an SDDC press release giving consultation details, which it manifestly was not: the article, by the Village Voice’s own reporters, heralded a forthcoming consultation, but gave no details or timeframe

There was no further news of any consultation, either from SDDC or anyone else So

when the Referendum was announced by SDDC in 2022, the NDP was presented as a fait accompli, which the general public had been given no opportunity to engage with since 2019, and had heard very little of since

2017

The council has adopted a fairly elaborate “Statement of Community Involvement” (SCI) to guide the conduct of its public consultations in precisely such circumstances

The council cites Covid-19 as the reason for not adhering to it fully on this occasion, but it is an unconvincing excuse; there were various ways of informing the public in “Covidsafe” ways that could easily have been employed

This second stage of public consultation, organised by SDDC, was a legal requirement prior to referendum and adoption of the Neighbourhood Development Plan, not some discretionary “extra” The regulation required the council to publicise the NDP and consultation details on its website “and in such other manner as they consider is likely to bring the proposal to the attention of people who live, work or carry on business in the neighbourhood area”

The documents were on the SDDC website, and a hard copy was apparently placed

Electric vehicles charging points

RESIDENTS in Derbyshire interested in having an electric vehicle charging point installed on the street near their home are being asked to register their interest

Derbyshire County Council has agreed to install up to 500 charge points connected to the electricity supply for street lights in areas of the county where residents have no off-road parking

Now people are being asked to come forward to help identify w h e r e c h a r g e p o i n t s c o u l d b e installed by registering online at www derbyshire gov uk/evsurvey

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure and environment, said: “This is a new initiative for Derbyshire to support local motorists to make the switch to cleaner, greener vehicles to help cut carbon emissions

“We know a huge proportion of Derbyshire homes do not have off-road parking, which means that switching to an electric vehicle is not an easy option for many residents ”

in the library, in part-fulfilment of the obligation, but such measures are of course entirely useless and ineffective when there is nothing to signpost the general public to them Total ignorance of the “consultation” was general, with good reason

It would appear, therefore, that our council believes it can undertake a so-called general “public consultation” without you having any sensible means of knowing about it, and even when such action is contrary to any reasonable interpretation of central government regulation

Raising the general public out of a characteristic lack of enthusiasm for such consultations is hard in the first place, without the added problem of the council not adhering to the proper process

The NDP, for all its inevitable tediousness (prescribed, and not a fault of the compilers), is supposed to be a document that we, as residents, inform, shape and “own” The non-inclusive consultation does not resonate with that Philip Heath, Melbourne (South Derbyshire District Council was given a copy of this letter at the end of February by Village Voice The newspaper has had no correspondence on the matter from them )

Chance to have say on county flood risk

RESIDENTS and businesses are being given the chance to help shape how the county’s flood risk is managed by taking part in a consultation launched this week by Derbyshire County Council

The council has reviewed its Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, which sets out how it manages surface water flood risk in the county, under its role as lead local flood authority

The comprehensive review of the current strategy sets out over the next five years up to 2028 how the council will undertake its flood risk management responsibilities and ensure it meets the requirements of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010

To take part in the consultation, which is open until 28 April, go to: www derbyshire gov uk/floodstrategy

Derbyshire residents with any queries about the consultation, or who need help to take part should email flood team@derbyshire gov uk

Rugby club’s one-point joy is followed by one-point sorrow

MARCH was a story of narrow margins for Melbourne Rugby Club’s 1st XV as consistency in selection saw changing sides with the six nations and injury attrition rates rising through February and March

Melbourne claimed a one-point victory to their name, followed a week later by a one-point defeat

On March 11 the firsts scored their narrow victory against Moseley Oak, who were the league’s form side having managed five consecutive victories

Melbourne emerged 19-18 winners in a hugely physical encounter that was an entertaining affair for the home supporters with tries for Watson (two) and Ballington, two of which were converted by Pearch

But things went differently for Melbourne the following week as luck went the other way with a last second agonising defeat 27-28 defeat to league leaders Leek in what was arguably one of the best games of the season and a real ding dong battle!

Whilst the conditions were unfavourably muddy and wet, the game was highly entertaining, with scores being exchanged within minutes of one another

Warren, Holden, Whitten and Smith all claimed tries for the green and golds while young fullback Pearch converted two and executed a penalty for another three points

It was with the last play of the game and Melbourne trailing by one score, that saw the home side galvanise for a final push Calm under pressure and spreading the play wide they managed to scythe through the visitors’ defence in the last minute and score wide left of the post leaving a deficit of a single point

With the angle and distance against him Pearch stepped up and almost pinched the victory only to see his kick narrowly sail past the right hand post, at which point it was time for the final whistle to be blown

With the disorganised and last minute nature of the RFU Cup creating havoc in the rugby community, Melbourne were faced with a tough prospect away at Market Harborough With changes rung due to unavailability across the board the 1st XV suffered a sobering loss but gained valuable experience from the match as several second and third XV players were given opportunities through the weekend to experience the next level up

The third team, meanwhile, got off to a great start in April with an 8-48 victory over Belper in a friendly game, with Joshua Morgan scoring the first try for Melbourne after 10 minutes

In fact, it was a stellar performance from Morgan, who went on to score further tries (four in total) for the green and golds, while Bilson came up trumps with four conversions There were further tries from Mark-Hansen, Poxon, Sylvester and Morris in a mudfilled game Man of the match Poxon, new to rugby, made the club’s

combined team of the week

This concluded the season for Melbourne who, after promotion last season, had set their sights in securing and cementing their place in Regional 2 Midlands Upon reflection the green and golds can be rightly proud of their achievements

Whilst the 1st XV had a fantastic and fine season, which saw them battling regularly for the number three position for most of the season, their greatest achievements have been the transition of the young players through the minis and juniors into the academy and then into senior rugby This has seen several players rise through the ranks and become embedded with the first, second and third teams that they run on a weekly basis

Rugby continues to be a huge part of the community and the club continues to grow and evolve not just in numbers but in enjoyment and as a leading example of how to develop and transition players through the age grades Melbourne are continuing to seek players and volunteers to support their growth If you or anyone you know may be interesting in playing, coaching

Cricketers are getting ready IN

IT HAS been a long cold winter and a long time since there has been any cricket to watch at The Grange However, Ticknall Cricket Club did not go into hibernation, writes David Fox.

After many years of dedication John Dumelow retired as chairman and Paul Bunyan has taken over the helm. The new extended patio area in front of the pavilion has been built and is expected to be fully operative by the start of the cricket season.

The ground and pitches – two have been added – have been worked on throughout the winter and it is fully expected that the usual very high standard for which Ticknall is renowned will be achieved.

On the playing side the club welcomes a number of new players whilst one or two others have left The three senior teams maintained their respective league statuses last season

The first team will be captained by Paul Borrington and it is hoped that they will be challenging towards the top of the table The second and third teams are also looking for success in their leagues but player availability and consistency of selection will be a major key for that success

The club will maintain a full set of junior sides as usual and the popular development team. For the first time the club will be running a girls’ U12 team in conjunction with Dunstall Cricket Club and entering the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation League.

All in all, a very active winter and the long wait for the season is nearly over It all begins on April 22 The first team has a difficult start, firstly at home to Sandiacre,

followed by a long trip to Eckington and then home again against last year ’s champions, local rivals Swarkestone

It could be an early indication of how the season might go but something to look forward to All we ask for is the weather and a good dry summer

MELBOURNE Town Cricket Club is looking to make the 2023 season the biggest ever with five senior teams, a ladies softball team and five junior sides all raring to go when Summer training starts on Tuesday, April 18.

The club has a brand new chairman; local man Nigel Theobald has taken over the reigns and, with a new fundraising committee in place, there are many exciting events already in the calendar such as a Summer event, the club’s first ever ladies softball festival and ex-players day to name just a few.

On the playing front the first team will be looking to start 2023 positively after staving off relegation on the final day of last season and, with a raft of new signings, will hope to be pushing for promotion

The second team will be playing at their highest standard ever as they begin their 6 South campaign and the third team will aim for promotion from 10 South after last season’s relegation

The club will once again be running All-stars for 5-8 year olds on a Saturday morning as well as teams at U9, U11 and U13

Anyone interested in any of the above is asked to get in touch with Alex Slater on 07966933583 for more information

or volunteering please contact the club via the website, instagram or facebook pages Melbourne has also seen the growth of the girls’ section in recent seasons as part of the All MAC program (Melbourne Ashby and Coalville collaboration) to provide playing opportunities for all girls and ladies no matter age or experience

This has been recognised by the NLD RFU as a fantastic programme and example of working together to achieve great things for the game The club is continually looking to grow and develop the ladies/girls side of the game to, so if this interests you, again, the club asks if you will please get in touch

Fancy playing a game of netball?

WITH the growing popularity of netball across the nation and the weather finally improving, Melbourne Netball Club reports having had a number of enquiries from ladies thinking of taking up the sport.

The club currently has one team playing in the North West Leicestershire Netball League on Sunday mornings.

A spokesperson said: “We run open training sessions – open to all ladies on Monday evenings, 7 30-8 30pm, held on the outdoor courts at Melbourne Sporting Partnership. Sessions are fun and informal and are often followed by a drink in the bar!

“Training sessions are £3.50 per session, and include a mix of fitness, ball drills and game play, and we try to have one friendly game a month with other local teams, so our non-team members get a chance to have match play as well.”

If you are interested in going to a training session, simply send the club a message on Instagram or Facebook so they can keep a track of the expected numbers, and so we know to keep an eye out for any new ladies!

Facebook: @melbournenetballclub

Instagram: @melbournenetballclub

WILDCATS STRIKE GOLD

IN a dramatic conclusion to their first season together, the Melbourne Dynamo Wildcats Under 8s girls were deserved winners of the Derby Girls and Ladies League Challenge Cup final

It was an enthralling encounter, which ended 5-3, and showed the significant progress the girls have made as a team together this year

The cup-winning team was Nuala, Sofia, Megan, Sophia,

Eva, Jess and Izzy, managed by Laura Gardener and Martin Lindau, with whom they are pictured.

With a focus on fun, learning and teamwork, and supported by UEFA B and C qualified coaches, the team is looking for new players. Now is a great time to join as preparations begin for the 2023/2024 season.

For more information, contact Laura on 07891731886 or laura@basecampfood com

Dynamo wins keep them top of the table

MELBOURNE Dynamo FC’s first team were hit with a couple of postponements but won both their matches in March to maintain a healthy lead at the top of the table

They began the month with a resounding 6-0 away victory against Mickleover RBL Reserves with a double from James Smith leading the way

Further goals from Charlie Tovell, Oscar Supple, Connor Poynton and Matt Brian completed the rout

The first team were on the road a week later travelling to Holbrook St Michael’s Reserves Four late goals flattered the scoreline but it was another three points for Adam Dolman’s men as a brace from Charlie Tovell, a James Smith header, an Issac Gosling finish plus a penalty from skipper Carl Allsop secured the 5-0 victory

Melbourne Dynamo Reserves began March with a muchneeded win away to Sandiacre Development as a Joe Shadbolt double plus a Sam Simpson strike earnt a 3-1 win

But there was a disappointing result the week after as a strong Willington side demolished Dynamo Reserves, a Joe Shadbolt finish the only consolation in a 5-1 defeat

A stunning 7-2 home win against bottom of the table Sandiacre Development saw the reserves climb the table with a Harry Foxon hat-trick leading the way

A Charlie Lewis brace plus finishes from Joe Shadbolt and Sam Simpson completed the scoring

MELBOURNE Tennis Club is only a few weeks away from embarking on their busiest season ever with more teams, matches and events planned for the Summer than ever before

The main fund-raising event of the year is the ‘Promise Auction’ which will be held at the MSP on Friday, April 28, at 7 30pm which will have TV’s Charles Hanson attending as special guest auctioneer

There are more than 80 lots to bid on including various Prosecco & Gin hampers, vouchers for the Baytree and Amalfi White, a one night stay in an Airbnb plus many more.

If you are interested in buying a ticket or placing a bid before the evening contact Sallie Allen on 07939599310

The club is also very proud to be hosting several Lawn Tennis Association tournaments for the first time starting with an Under 14s one on Sunday, April 16

With 17 league teams, junior teams entered into league for the first time to go along with coaching sessions for both seniors and juniors on a daily basis it looks like it’s going to be a busy year for the club.