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