Melbourne Village Voice December 2021

INCREASE IN FINES FOR NOISY PLANES

INCREASED numbers of fines are being levied on aircraft operators because of a pandemic-induced growth in freight at East Midlands Airport which has meant more old, noisy planes flying at night over the local area.

Parish councils in Aston, Weston and Melbourne have all been visited over the past month by Colleen Hempson, community engagement manager for the airport, who has provided them with updates on the airport’s activities.

Among the news has been the increased volume of charges for operators which have exceeded noise limits.

Colleen said that the airport would like to see no operators exceed noise limits but there were unusual factors which had led to the current situation.

In Weston-on-Trent, the parish council conducted a survey in which numbers of noisy planes flying at unsocial hours over the village were monitored.

The parish council reported some craft exceeding 80 decibels – about the volume of an alarm clock - at the village’s noise monitoring site.

Between 2.40am and 3.20am on June

by Lucy Stephens

15, six planes were recorded by the noise monitor, of which two reached 75 decibels.

The parish council said its informal survey painted a picture of “continued night-time noise nuisance, with little opportunity for uninterrupted sleep for light sleepers”.

Speaking at Aston-on-Trent Parish Council meeting – having visited Weston the week before – and later on at Melbourne, Colleen said that, although passenger flights at the airport had gone down, freight remained strong.

At Melbourne Parish Council’s meeting in the Assembly Rooms on December 7, she said: “Freight has continued to be strong through Covid, for a number of reasons, predominantly the way people are shopping, further intensified by Covid.”

One factor was that craft were grounded at Heathrow, which meant that freight cargo they might have carried in their hold was now being taken

Continued on Page 2

l It’s

JOHN DALLMAN

DECEMBER 4TH 1932 - DECEMBER 5TH 2021

John died peacefully on 5th December 2021 in the Nightingale Macmillan Unit at The Royal Derby Hospital. He leaves behind his wife Jean and his children Lesley and Tricia. Funeral is to be arranged and donations in lieu of flowers for Nightingale Macmillan Unit.

Please contact J.P. Springthorpe, funeral directors, for further details.

JOAN TATAM

John and Andrew appreciate and wish to thank all their family members, neighbours and friends for their messages of comfort and offers of support and help in their bereavement for their wife and mother. John particularly appreciates the guidance, support and help of the Reverend Alan Winfield, Andy Clay and John Springthorpe through the funeral. He also very much appreciates all the help and encouragement that all of the “My Homecare” team afforded Joan during the last sixteen months of her life.

MELBOURNE LETS

Still no solution to footpath wrangle

A WAY forward to reopening the permissive footpath at Broadstone Holt seems as blocked as the permissive path itself after the landowners’ approach for assistance from the Melbourne Footpaths Group was turned down.

Meanwhile local walkers have been concerned that no enforcement action has yet been taken to reopen the path.

Landowners Mr and Mrs Joynes explained that since closing the path, responding to increased vandalism and anti-social behaviour in 2020, they have been seeking legal advice.

by Frank Hughes

commitment to reopening the path in the future.

In responding, however, the footpaths group have said none of the ways forward seems to effectively address the group’s strong feeling that the path between Footpath 27 and the Severn Trent meadows should be reopened to walkers.

been seeking a way forward. He said: “Discussions between myself, SDDC officers and the landowner have been detailed and are ongoing as we seek to find the best solution for re-opening the path. SDDC as the planning authority do have enforcement powers which could be used to reopen the path and this remains a possible outcome.

“When dealing with any member of the public I would always want the council I was elected onto to take practical and professional steps to resolve issues in the most amicable way possible before taking actions such as enforcement.

CHRISTINE AND SARAH WISH ALL OF OUR LANDLORDS AND TENANTS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Please contact Christine or Sarah 07870 547357/07770 769246 info@melbournelets.co.uk

Residential Lettings and Property Management Service www.melbournelets.co.uk

They have sought the support of the footpaths group to ensure that there was not a further “media storm” which they considered “deeply unpleasant and wholly undeserved”. And they have re-stated their

n THIS fabulous festive message appeared on a rooftop in the Market Place in Melbourne after snow fell on November 28.

The Village Voice understands that a local resident took the trouble to carve these Christmas greetings in the snow to give everyone a bit of a festive lift.

And a Merry Christmas to you, too!

They point to Severn Trent’s commitment of July 2021 to maintain the access point to their site and suggest that the National Forest and the National Trust could usefully be consulted for assistance in finding a solution which involved reopening the pathway.

Councillor Martin Fitzpatrick has also

“I know from my own emails and phone calls that residents remain concerned about the closure of the path and want to reassure them that this issue has my full attention.”

Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-4pm all year round.

Please check Facebook, Instagram or give us a call for Christmas and New Year opening times.

We would like to wish you all a wonderful, happy and safe Christmas.

Thank you enormously for your support and kindness over what has been an incredibly difficult time for everyone

Lou and the Team xx

More fines for noisy planes

Continued from Page 1 on at East Midlands.

“This has resulted in an abnormal amount of freight going out of East Midlands Airport,” said Colleen.

The situation had meant operators were using some noisier aircraft in order to fulfil freight orders. This included noisy ‘QC4’ planes, which the Government is currently considering banning at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.

Colleen said in Melbourne: “The QC4 aircraft

JOHN WALL sends greetings and best wishes for a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year to all my friends.

flying in a night-time period, it’s not something we want particularly. We know it’s not something the communities want.”

DHL, said Colleen, had already invested in new, quieter aircraft.

The airport has put the increased surcharges levied on operators for exceeding noise limits into its community fund which goes towards projects in the local area.

Noise monitor for Melbourne –Page 7

ANGELA LAMB

would like to send Christmas Greetings to all her friends and wish them a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

JOYCE AND ALAN WINTERS wish all their friends a Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year.

Look who who popped in for a pint

A WELL-KNOWN face popped into Melbourne recently where he enjoyed a pint or two – yes, it was Johnny Vegas!

The much-loved comic had a few drinks at The Brewhouse in the courtyard at Melbourne Hall and the Spirit Vaults.

Roger Lowe, of Stable Ales and The Brewhouse, confirmed that Mr Vegas would be returning to Melbourne next year when he is compering the final day of the comedy festival being held from May 13-15.

Roger said: “He enjoyed a few drinks with us at The Brewhouse recently. All those who met him thought he was such a nice bloke; he and Bev, his P.A., spent time to talk (and drink) with everyone they met while they were here.”

Projects to be given council funding

by Lucy Stephens

FUNDING has been allocated from Melbourne Parish Council for a string of local projects, including works to the village’s chapel and support for the sporting partnership.

The December meeting of the parish council saw agreement – as well as debate – from members about what they intend to support financially.

The biggest project is the next phase of works to improve the chapel building in Melbourne Cemetery.

The first part of the works was finished in May 2020 and the next involves improvements to stonework and windows.

The meeting heard that the work had gone out to national tender and the results analysed by architectural surveyors.

Four bids were received and it was agreed in the meeting to award the work to ASBC Ltd. Additional funds were also agreed at the meeting to pay for the work, an increase on money that had already been earmarked.

Councillors also agreed to award £12,000 to Melbourne Sporting Partnership (MSP), £5,000 to Melbourne Assembly Rooms and £1,000 to Melbourne Arts.

The £12,000 payment to the MSP is an increase on the £9,000 already budgeted for. The parish council says it does not intend to pay this amount to the MSP in future years, but rather to reduce its grants.

The meeting heard that the MSP is extremely busy with people playing regular sport on the Cockshut Lane grounds, with many games of various sports being held there every weekend.

Hundreds of people, both young and old, use the facility.

Cllr Carol Fearria said: “It’s vital. It’s a huge asset to us as a village.”

There was also the fact, as pointed out by Cllr David Smith, that for Melbourne Rugby Club – for example – to be able to play at the level teams had now reached, the quality of the pitch needed to be of a certain standard, which costs money.

Cllr Jane Carroll said: “I think it’s wonderful for the kids in Melbourne.”

COUNCIL representatives have joined an online conference to look at improving grass verges across the county.

The conference was called by Derbyshire County Council’s Leader, Councillor Barry Lewis, as a way to start discussions about grass verge management, and what can be done by working together.

A grass verge near Ticknall (pictured) was chosen by the district council as a wildflower growing site earlier this year. The council operated a different mowing regime including raking, rotovating, removing weeds and planting.

Most grass verges are the responsibility of the county council, but the district and borough councils have responsibility for the maintenance. For many years this has meant that around our towns and villages they are mowed regularly to keep the grass at a low level, while in the countryside some verges do not get cut often enough to help wildflowers grow there.

There is now a growing call for councils across the country to leave the grass to grow longer in order to promote biodiversity and help to combat climate change, and to cut rural verges in a way that supports more wildlife, yet still leaves junctions visible so road safety is not affected.

Cllr Lewis said: “This conference was a first step to a sensible, credible plan to increase the biodiversity of our roadside verges.

“By working together and sharing best practice we can make a real difference to biodiversity and encourage all sorts of plants and wildlife to flourish.”

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l Pictured at the Spirit Vaults are Ben Walton, George Freeman, Johnny Vegas, Tom Burgess and Nicola Miller.

On the verge of help for our wildlife

Books to take you back this Xmas

IF YOU are looking for a Christmas gift to entertain in the new year, Melbourne Historical Research Group says it has some well-illustrated books.

They include the very popular ‘School’s Out’, covering the history, life and times of Melbourne’s former secondary school building (now Melbourne Assembly Rooms), and ‘Melbourne’s Pubs Past and Present’ that includes beer houses, breweries, off-licences and maltings, which has been reprinted since selling out in just two weeks last December.

If anyone is interested they are asked to contact Jean Grimley by emailing grimjeannie@aol.com or texting 07904 245789 or telephoning 01332 863385.

The group recently inherited over 1,000 slides from the estate of Richard Heath and some from the estate of Sid Gregson, which are being cleaned, sorted and scanned on a new slide scanner.

It is intended that slide shows will eventually be provided. Thanks have gone to Councillor David Muller for a grant towards its purchase from the Derbyshire County Council’s Community Fund.

£35m castle estate plans are not to everyone’s taste

by Frank Hughes

PROPOSALS for a £35million scheme to regenerate Elvaston Castle’s historic grounds have been published ahead of submission for planning approval by Derbyshire County Council (DCC), but the plans have been strongly criticised by local groups opposing it.

The council has said it “wishes to reverse decades of underinvestment and secure the future of the 321-acre estate which includes the historic Grade II* Listed gardens”.

Their statement said: “It follows a comprehensive public consultation exercise and many months of work by DCC and Elvaston Castle and Garden Trust (ECGT) working with the National Trust, to finalise proposals which include:

n A new café accessed from the upper stable yard leading out onto a new adventure playground

n Regeneration of the lower stables yard into a space for retail, catering and exhibitions

n Regeneration of the upper stables yard for retail and office space

n New accommodation and workshops for site staff and volunteers in the frame yard

n Reducing traffic through local villages and improving visitor access to the site by creating a new entrance and access drive closer to the A6 via a new junction/roundabout on the B5010.”

Cllr Tony King, the cabinet member for clean growth and regeneration, said: “Elvaston Castle and Country Park is enjoyed by people from all over Derbyshire so it's no surprise that so many wanted to contribute their own ideas, many of which have been included in our masterplan.

“If our proposals get the go-ahead, it will […] secure the future of Elvaston Castle and Country Park for generations to come by making it a sustainable visitor attraction that can stand on its own two feet, saving millions of pounds for Derbyshire council tax-

payers who currently pay for the upkeep of the estate.

“If the first phase of the restoration gets the go-ahead, it will pave the way for further planned development.”

However, Friends of Elvaston Castle are firmly opposed to the plans and, in particular, the new access road and car park, which DCC claim is needed to “take visitors more quickly into the heart of the estate”.

A spokesperson for the friends said: “Derbyshire County Council has rejected public opinion. It forged ahead with its plans on the strength

of 162 replies to the 2018 consultation, less than two one hundredths of 1% of the county’s population, paying over £300,000 in consultancy fees to bring the proposals about, whilst rejecting an opposing public petition of over 10,500 people.

“The proposals introduce a new roundabout on the B5010, along with a 1.5 km road, 16 metres wide, running through the park, eight acres of car parks adjoining the Local Nature Reserve –all on currently untouched parkland – plus roads into a holiday village in the shadow of St. Bartholomew’s Grade 1 Listed Church.”

They say: “The tranquillity of the park, its great history and setting, veteran trees and wildlife and its largely traffic-free environment will be lost to the bulldozer.”

Local Green Party campaigner Jonathan Wood also criticised the plans, saying: “We’d love to see Elvaston Castle get some much-needed TLC and development; however, cutting down hundreds of trees to make way for Tarmac is not the way forward.

“There are preservation orders on those mature oaks for a reason – the council needs to listen to the Friends of Elvaston Castle group.”

Elvaston Parish Council has said it is “in complete opposition” to the plan. In a detailed response to a “scoping request” earlier this year it comprehensively sets out the concerns members had about the environmental damage both to Elvaston parish and to the wider rural community.

The list of concerns included the impact on traffic volumes, noise pollution, air pollution, loss of public amenity, impact on heritage, archaeology and historic landscape and climate change and many others.

It is understood that the plans will be submitted in early December for planning approval, and a period for consultation will open until late January. Friends of Elvaston Castle invite locals to view their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/friendsofelvastoncastle) to follow progress.

lights up for hospice

Treetops Chief Executive Julie Heath said: “We really appreciate the support shown by East Midlands Airport in helping us raise awareness of Light Up A Life.

“Our Light Up A Life service is an opportunity for us all to take a few moments to remember someone special in our lives, reflect on the happier times we’ve shared and watch as the lights on our tree shine in their memory.”

EAST Midlands Airport showed its support for end-of-life charity Treetops Hospice by lighting up its control tower ahead of the annual Light Up A Life Service on Sunday, December 5. Passengers travelling to and from the Castle Donington airport saw the logo of the Derbyshire hospice projected onto the 51-metre-high control tower along with a short message encouraging people to remember their loved ones.

NEW POPPY MURAL FOR LEGION WALL

MELBOURNE’s Royal British Legion (RBL) branch has an eye-catching new mural to mark its centenary next year.

The legion’s club committee commissioned Breedon artist Hazel Colton to paint the mural on a righthand outside wall, to mark its 100th birthday on February 26, 2022.

With a concept designed by the legion to communicate the importance of remembrance, Hazel has created a poignant mural that shows gradually fading soldiers,

with a child in a tin hat crouching over a clump of poppies.

The painting took Hazel around 15 hours to complete, over the course of several weeks. It is one of a few murals she has done, another being a mermaid in Cornwall. At about 15 metres from end to end, her Melbourne work is also her largest mural to date!

To create it, Hazel used acrylic paints layered over a gesso base.

She added the poppies with a special gel “icing” technique so that

they stand out from the wall. This has made them 3D and very tactile for those with limited sight who would like to touch them.

The whole image has been finished off by being sprayed with a white mist.

The mural was completed for the Remembrance Sunday parade and service on November 14.

“I loved every minute of doing it!” said Hazel, who divides her time between being an artist and a gymnastics coach.

Road repairs woes for drivers

“It was great. I’ve always enjoyed painting outside, and the subject was fantastic as well.

“I’m really pleased with the painting because of what it is. I think it’s a nice tribute to the Royal British Legion and to Poppy Day.”

Sue Worrall, secretary of Melbourne’s RBL branch, said: “We’re absolutely over the moon with it. All the comments that we have had back have all been very positive.”

Hazel is pictured standing next to the mural.

Council asks for more from its taxpayers

MELBOURNE taxpayers are set to pay more for their parish council precept in the next finance year after it was agreed to put it up by 15 per cent.

At their latest meeting on December 7, members of Melbourne Parish Council agreed that the precept would be raised from £82,000 to £95,000 next year.

The increase equates to an extra £6 a year for a band D council tax property.

The meeting heard that there were several factors behind the increase.

The rise in inflation this year – which jumped to 4.2 per cent in October – meant some rise in precept was necessary.

Cllr Nigel Collyer said: “On the face of it, 15 per cent is a huge number, but 10 to 12 per cent of that is to stand still at inflation.”

It was explained in the meeting that Melbourne Parish Council’s annual budget was divided in two, with one part coming from the precept and the other from a South Derbyshire

by Lucy Stephens

District Council grant.

The money from the district council has not increased for Melbourne, as it has been a set amount that has remained static for a little while.

Cllr Martin Fitzpatrick, speaking at the meeting, said this was because of the fact that parish allocations had been recalculated a while ago which would have resulted in a reduction in cash for Melbourne due to the fact it has expanded less than other places so accounts for a smaller proportion of South Derbyshire residents.

Rather than reduce Melbourne’s allocation under this new calculation, the amount paid to the parish had remained the same to allow for allocations in other parishes to catch up.

Other parishes in South Derbyshire had seen an increase in their grant from the district council, he said, but Melbourne has not been one of them.

Street bins problems

SOLUTIONS are being sought to problems collecting bins in a Melbourne street.

Over the past few months, residents in North Street have been finding that their bins are sometimes not collected on the designated day.

The problem is believed to be caused by parked vehicles which sometimes mean that lorries cannot get down the street.

Bin lorries have sometimes had to go back on a separate day in order to try to get down North Street and collect rubbish.

During lockdown, residents in North Street were pulling their bins to the top of the street, at its junction with George Street, because of the fact there were so many parked cars due to people working from home, which made it tricky for large bin lorries.

Cllr Jim Hewlett, one of the representatives for Melbourne on South Derbyshire District Council – the authority responsible for bin collections –

said he was working with residents to try to find a solution.

He said having approached the new manager of Sainsbury’s, Alastair Miller, a suggestion had been made that residents struggling to park in North Street could leave vehicles in the store’s car park on the day that bin lorries are due.

Cllr Hewlett said he had conducted a survey of parked cars in North Street on a weekday evening and counted 23 on one side of the street, with room for a further three, and 21 on the other, with space for another three or four.

On North Street, there is little off-street parking and residents going home late from work can sometimes not find a space there.

Cllr Hewlett said he had asked the council to write to residents about the issue.

He said: “It’s to everyone’s benefit for there to be a solution and I believe we have found one.”

DRIVERS travelling between Weston-on-Trent and the A514 have been having to find alternative routes after a section of Swarkestone Road was closed suddenly for emergency repairs.

Swarkestone Road was shut between the junction at Cuttle Bridge and Weston-on-Trent since November 29.

The road was closed by Derbyshire County Council as an emergency until December 17 – or earlier if the works are finished before that date.

The council has said on its website that the reason is to “facilitate repairs to culvert”.

A diversion has been put in place along Snelsmoor Lane, Chellaston Lane and Shardlow Road.

The council said access would be maintained “whenever reasonably possible”, and apologised for any inconvenience caused while the work was going on.

Anyone wanting further information should ring Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190.

If you are thinking of moving in 2022, then please contact a member of our team today...

SNOWY scenes covered the local area on November 28 and 29 when the white stuff fell – but it did not last long.

We are indebted to DAVID REAYfor sending us some beautiful pictures of the snowfall around Melbourne, including these four-footed beasts in a field opposite Melbourne Hall.

Our photographer TINA BAKERtook the shot of a snowman which made an all too brief appearance beside Melbourne Pool before melting away shortly afterwards.

Shops found selling knives to youngsters

THREE shops in South Derbyshire sold knives to underage teenagers during ‘Operation Sceptre’ to tackle knife crime.

The day of action saw police from Derby and South Derbyshire teaming up with trading standards officers from Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council.

On November 15, underage volunteers were asked by organisers to try to buy a knife to see if they were challenged in shops and refused the sale.

Volunteers tested 11 shops in Derby and only one sold a knife to a child.

However, in South Derbyshire, seven shops were visited and three of them sold knives to an underage teen.

Supt Sarah McAughtrie, who oversees the fight against knife crime in Derbyshire Constabulary, said: “The work done between Derbyshire Constabulary and the councils’ trading standards is instrumental in ensuring our retailers are clear about the law in relation to knife sales.

“The recent operation is very reassuring that they are doing their bit in protecting children and young people from becoming involved in knife crime.

“Sadly, statistics show that a person carrying a knife is more likely to become a victim of knife crime so it’s important we do all we can to educate children and prevent them from wanting to

by Lucy Stephens

carry knives in the first place, and this operation is a step in the right direction."

In the first instance police offer retail shops help and advice to ensure that their procedures are robust to prevent sales of age restricted products being made to a child, such as knives, as most products are for over 18s only.

The police promote a Challenge 25 policy to help check the ID of a person to ensure that they are in fact over 18 years.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Carol Hart said: “We are committed to making Derbyshire an even safer place to live and we take underage sales of age-restricted products like knives very seriously.

“We are all aware of the often tragic consequences that can happen if knives fall into the wrong hands, and the law is in place to help stop that.

“Our trading standards officers work hard to advise and support traders and make sure they stay on the right side of the law. Working with the police on operations like this helps to reinforce the importance of being vigilant, following all the necessary checks and taking the responsibility of selling knives seriously.”

Anyone wishing to report an underage sale can do this in confidence to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 03454 040506.

l Police conducted a knife sweep around Melbourne on November 16 as part of Operation Sceptre. No knives were found in Melbourne.

Aircraft noise monitor on the way for Melbourne

A NEW monitor to measure aircraft noise in Melbourne should be on its way, the latest meeting of the village’s parish council heard.

Colleen Hempson, community engagement manager at East Midlands Airport, was at Melbourne Parish Council’s meeting on December 7.

Parish councillor Jane Carroll told Colleen that many in Melbourne felt that noise mitigation areas for East Midlands Airport (EMA) should be increased to include more of the village.

Colleen said the airport believed it had found the best spot for a noise monitor in Melbourne, and was due to meet the landowners soon to discuss the next steps.

The noise monitor that is proposed for Melbourne would be permanent and so would require planning permission, which has not yet been applied for.

On the topic of the new freeport that is coming to East Midlands, Colleen said it was not yet known whether this would bring additional growth to the freight sector – which is currently already increasing.

Pre-Covid, the airport employed around 9,000 people, of whom around half were in the logistics sector.

Meanwhile, South Derbyshire district councillor Martin Fitzpatrick is calling on the airport to ban the noisiest cargo planes operating from East Midlands Airport (EMA).

He is also asking the airport to provide a noise monitor in Stanton-byBridge as well as Melbourne.

The November meeting of South Derbyshire District Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee received a presentation from Neil Robinson, the airport group’s future airspace director, which outlined the airport’s approach to corporate responsibility and its commitment to developing a new noise action plan from 2023 onwards.

Councillor Fitzpatrick said: “Everyone at the meeting agreed what a vital part EMA plays in the local economy and as a major employer in our district, and the presentation on the evening was an excellent example of how EMA engage with local communities.

“Since the start of lockdown I have seen an increase in the number of night noise complaints I have received from Melbourne, Kings Newton and in particular Stanton by Bridge residents. Cargo business at EMA has grown considerably and several carriers have brought back into use older and noisier planes as they themselves struggle to cope with worldwide demand for more air freight.

“The noisiest of the planes are classed as QC4 and the UK Government is considering banning these completely at all London airports, so I have had to ask EMA if it’s really

fair that our residents have to be subject to these same aircraft landing and taking off during the night.”

The airport has responded to Cllr Fitzpatrick’s requests, with a representative saying: “A surcharge on all night-time QC4 movements at EMA was announced as a new measure in the 2019 noise action plan and implemented in 2021. We will keep this measure under review and will assess its effectiveness in reducing QC4 movements as part of our Noise Action Plan review process.

“The Noise Action Plan is reviewed every five years as part of a public consultation.

“The noise fine levels at EMA were reviewed and increased as part of our updated Noise Action Plan in 2019. We also keep this measure under review.

“EMA has been working with the ICC MENT (Monitoring, Environment, Noise and Track) to agree an approach to community noise monitoring in the local area.

“Requests for community noise monitoring are made through parish councils. We currently have five requests for portable monitoring.

“When considering requests, we assess where monitors will be most beneficial, taking into account a number of factors including the proximity of a location to EMA’s aircraft operations.”

–Lucy Stephens

l Serving up the grub at Melbourne Hall Courtyard’s Christmas Market are the ‘Chef Stef’ team of (l-r) Steffan Williams, Phil Williams and Tracy Beards.

MUSKETS were fired at Swarkestone Causeway as part of the Jacobite Rebellion – 276 years on from the famous events of 1745.

But this is the final time that historical re-enactors from Derby’s Charles Edward Stuart Society will be gracing Swarkestone Causeway in their period dress for the weekend’s activities.

The Bonnie Prince Charlie re-enactments take place every year in December and have been doing so for a number of years, apart from in 2020 due to Covid.

This year’s re-enactment happened in Swarkestone on Saturday, December 4.

tand

Last of the musketeers

Words: LUCY STEPHENS

In 1745, the causeway marked the most southerly point of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s advance from Scotland to London as he attempted to seize the throne.

The prince’s claim was based on the fact he was the grandson of James II, who was exiled in 1688 when his son-in-law, William of Orange, successfully usurped the throne and began ruling with his wife Mary in 1689.

But things went badly for the Italian-born Bonnie Prince and he ended up retreating back to Scotland.

Troops in 18th century dress gathered at Swarkestone on December 4, illustrating how Ja-

Pictures: TINA BAKER

cobite and Government armies battled it out for control of the river crossing.

Vivian Beckford, of Derby, who played a corporal in the Irish brigade and is involved in the organisation in the events, said: “276 years ago, all eyes were on Derby, as the fate of two dynasties, and indeed the future of Britain, rested on what happened here. The prince had promised the Scots to bring about what we now would call ‘Devolution’.

“This was Scottish Devolution by the sword, instead of the ballot box. But it was not a war between Scotland and England. Indeed then, as now, Scotland was divided between those who

wanted independence from Westminster, and those who wanted a stronger union with England.

“Englishmen fought on both sides, with unemployment and lack of representation being a hot issue. Indeed, it was a Civil War, which tore families and the country apart.”

The society is now intending to focus on other re-enactments and will no longer be putting on the Bonnie Prince Charlie events at Swarkestone and Derby in December.

There are plans to commemorate Dr Johnson’s wedding, as well as other 18th and 20th century events.

Ex-Commando with a lifetime of stories

by John Williams

LIVING in a place as old as Melbourne we cannot fail to notice the memorials to the generations who have gone before us and lived and worked in our community.

It is, of course, the natural flow of things but, occasionally, we all are given cause to pause and consider individuals and reflect a little on their lives and times.

Alan Haslam, Melbourne resident, has died at the Royal Derby Hospital aged 94 and is to be buried in Melbourne Cemetery. Members of his family have been resident in Melbourne since the middle 19th century when they were boot and shoe makers.

An uncle of Alan is one of the names commemorated on the War Memorial, killed in France in 1918.

Like so many others, Alan had his own war. Born in Castle Donington before the Second World War he enlisted in the Navy and then the Royal Marines Commando, enduring their exhausting and often dangerous training at the Special Forces camp at Achnacarry, the mountainous and bleak training area near Ben Nevis. It claimed to produce men who “were fit to fight and fighting fit”.

Regarded as the most gruelling and thorough training for Commandos of any army in World War Two, Alan often remembered the cold of north Scotland, the dangers of training with live ammunition and explosives and the extraordinary levels of physical fitness the training produced. It certainly made him tough. He went paragliding on his 80th birthday and he was sometimes seen riding a 1000cc Harley Davidson well into his 80s. He attributed his great age to the fitness levels inherited from the Commandos.

He went to the Far East to fight the Japanese in their last bitter defiance until the atomic bombs forced their surrender. From Burma he went to Singapore as bodyguard to the Defending Advocate involved in trying Japanese servicemen accused of war crimes. If they were convicted Alan would remember having to escort their bodies out to sea for burial.

Returning from the war Alan resumed a civilian life which soon included a wife and children. A conscientious father, he worked first at a power station and then as a long distance lorry driver, beginning with driving for Joe Laban – a job he loved for its independence and challenge. Reliable, hard-working and enterprising, he revelled in every new journey and in recounting his adventures to his family.

An unexpected spell in hospital led him to find a hobby in basket weaving, recalling the pre-war industry of Castle Donington with its many weaving sheds and osier beds.

From this his skills extended to the repair of furniture, particularly rush seating on chairs – again a memory of bygone crafts in Castle Donington.

He was a good craftsman and his family home was soon furnished with items in wood, copper and brass, many of which survive as heirlooms today. Once again his Commando training taught him to seek a practical solution to all problems. His home-made wine was legendary and often made from the most unlikely things. His parsnip peeling wine was ferocious and one to avoid.

He applied these practical skills to his transport. He loved motorcycling but quickly realised that a growing family required something better. After trying and abandoning a motorcycle and sidecar (to the relief of his passengers) he repaired and presented a variety of unusual vehicles, including a 1934 Post Office van.

He seasoned all of this with a strong sense of humour and a steady and unruffled presence. He was noted for his “ditties”, often slightly bawdy and disrespectful poems which deflated the pomposity and pretension he saw in the world around him. He planted himself solidly in the world and was not easily moved to emotional excess.

A stroke in his late 80s saw him virtually housebound and looked after lovingly by his daughters. From his comfortable chair he would regale all-comers with his ditties, his (often very clear) political observation and his stories of a life of incident and adventure.

He asked for only the simplest funeral and it will suit this uncomplicated man.

So, he has gone from among us, one of many this year and every year. Each was an individual with a lifetime of stories, with family and friends. Each has helped to shape the world in which we live, even in a small way. And each will be missed.

Businesses sign up to Covid-safe scheme

BUSINESSES are being invited to get involved with a Covid-safe scheme.

The scheme from South Derbyshire District Council is called “Let’s be Covid-safe together”.

The idea is to encourage people to shop with confidence, and more than 60 businesses are taking part.

The free scheme is designed to support local businesses by providing visible reassurance to the public that they are following Government guidelines to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission.

The council said it recognised lockdowns have had a major impact on local businesses and consumer confidence. The initiative is part of a number of measures to entice shoppers back to the high street.

The scheme highlights a Covid compliant business by issuing a visible certificate of conformity. This display certificate sets out expectations for customers and reenforces central Government’s safety

messages.

Councillor Kevin Richards, leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “The Covid-safe scheme has got off to a great start and it has been well received by shoppers.

“Since the launch it is has become mandatory to wear a face covering in shops, and a new variant has been identified.

“So, it’s even more important for businesses to give a reassuring sign that they are following the latest Government advice - especially in the important build-up to Christmas.

“If a business has not signed up, I would urge them to get involved – it’s very simple to do and not an onerous task.

“It will let your customers know you are doing everything you can to keep them safe.”

Any businesses which would like to join the scheme should email: environmental.health@southderbyshire.gov.uk to find out more.

Oops! Sorry, says Colin

COLIN Barker, who reviewed the St Michael’s Players’ production of “Don’t Pan(dem)ic” in our November issue, has written in apology to correct an error.

Colin said: “When referring to the per-

formance of Tom Mills, my review said ‘Lance Corporal Pike’ which should have read ‘Lance Corporal Jones’.” Reader Mick Harrington is thanked for his eagle eyes in spotting the error.

l Tori and Bens Farm Shop, Melbourne, is participating in the ‘Let’s be Covid-safe together’ scheme and owner Tori Stanley is pictured with Ian Stockwell (local Covid marshal for South Derbyshire District Council).

Special Probus visitor

A SPECIAL visitor arrived in Melbourne from his ancient family seat in Tissington on 17 November.

Sir Richard Fitzherbert of Tissington, ninth baronet, went to a breakfast of sausages and bacon and to talk to the assembled members of Melbourne Probus at their new venue, the Thomas Cook Mission Hall. Thanks must go to Sandra of The Royal British Legion for the breakfast.

Old Etonian Sir Richard came to speak on the trials and tribulations of keeping a 900-yearold family in the ancestral home in a century of crisis, Covid and rapid changes.

Yet, happily, his talk was cheerful and positive and it soon became obvious that Sir Richard (pictured at the event) draws great strength from his family background and from the Derbyshire house and village on which it centres.

We should not have been surprised to hear such a cheerful story since many of us are familiar with his regular column in “Derbyshire Life” and his regular broadcasts on radio and television. It was interesting to learn how seriously Sir Richard and his team have taken the environmental protection of the house and the estate.

The Fitzherbert family settled in Tissington

Hall in the early 16th Century. England’s history has swirled through the family and the house over the centuries but now they face a very serious invader, Covid.

Much of what Sir Richard manages is built around the hospitality market and includes holiday lets, in converted estate buildings, and wedding parties. In a time of lockdown the management of such a business has taken great concentration and nerve.

Nevertheless, he spoke with enthusiasm about the future and of handing on a healthy estate to his children.

Probus members responded warmly to his bluff and straightforward style and enjoyed the occasion of a visit from a Derbyshire baronet.

Our Probus Christmas lunch will take place on December 15 at The Royal British Legion and members and guests should get their orders in to Andrew Baldwin as soon as possible.

After a year of enforced inactivity we hope to be returning to happier times.

Probus members wish all of our friends and neighbours in Melbourne and beyond a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous… ….and Healthy…..New Year.

John Williams

Closure a great sadness

HUGE thanks are due to chair Maggie Dobby and the committee of Melbourne Senior Citizens Centre for making the last few years so pleasurable for many of Melbourne and district’s senior citizens.

The committee has fund-raised to improve the premises with good heating, bright decoration, a five-star hygiene rated kitchen, and has greatly

Matt’s 12th

A DAD is completing his 12th marathon of the year – finishing his incredible effort at the hospice which cared for his much-loved father, who was from Weston-on-Trent.

Forty-one-year-old Matt Ceiley, a mental health nurse, decided to embark on the challenge of running a marathon a month throughout 2021 in memory of dad Michael, who died just over a week after his cancer diagnosis in May 2020.

Matt and his family - sister Sarah (50) and his 48-year-old brother Steve – were only just coming to terms with the death of their mum Joanna earlier in the year, when Michael died.

Treetops provided nursing care through their Hospice at Home Service and, albeit brief, it was most welcome for Matt and his family – particularly as Matt, also a keyworker, was working throughout the pandemic when his dad was ill.

“When a loved one is ill, as a family you think that you can take on everything,” said Matt, “but you just can’t. It’s physical and emotional, and it’s

increased the number and types of group using the facilities.

Their imminent closure is a great sadness for the seniors who have enjoyed the events, diverse use and warm welcome.

Jean Grimley

T’ai Chi group organiser at the MSCC

somebody that you love, which makes it a lot harder.

“When the Hospice at Home nurses saw how quickly dad was going downhill, we had them every night. We couldn’t have managed without them.

Michael died just five days after coming home, aged 73.

Matt is a keen runner and says that, during a difficult year, getting out in the fresh air helped to keep his mental health in check.

His final marathon was due to take place on Saturday, December 11, starting and finishing at Risley-based Treetops.

“It will be an emotional run,” said Matt, “but I will have lots of family and friends there to support me.

Matt’s Just Giving fund-raising page can be found online here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mattceileyand-

Making our motorists aware of the horses

HORSES and humans joined forces around the roads of Ticknall, Kings Newton and Melbourne in a special awareness-raising event.

The “Pass Wide and Slow” ride was organised by Ticknall rider Debby Pezzack, with the support of seven-year-old grand-daughter Robyn, on Ernie the pony, and the local police.

The ride was part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness for motorists about the importance of giving horses a wide berth when passing them, as well as slowing down to 15mph.

Driving too fast near horses can frighten them and lead to accidents.

Debby said: “There is enough room for all of us to be able to get out on the road and enjoy the local countryside.

“People don’t realise that riders go out on the road to bridle paths – we have to get out on the road to use the bridle paths.

“I’ve had lots of near misses over the years. I now ride out with my granddaughter, and it makes you more aware of how vulnerable you are.”

Debby said riding on roads had got much harder over the years, and there were some places – like the area around Bretby – where she

no longer felt comfortable riding.

“We’re all in too much of a rush to get from A to B,” she said. “Drivers are coming up really close to you. They are a lot less patient.

“If you’re driving too slow, that can scare horses too. We’re trying to make people aware that 15mph – that’s suitable. The horses get time to know you are there, and they can hear you.

“The amount of abuse that you get if you’re walking out and you ask a driver to slow down –verbal abuse, when I have had a child in tow, and hand gestures. You are honestly made to feel as if you should not be out on the road – but we are in the countryside, after all.

“Riding is good for mental health, it’s good for quality family time. You’re doing something you thoroughly enjoy. It gets you out in the fresh air. It means a lot to me. I’ve never known anything different.”

The Pass Wide and Slow ride on November 6 saw participants, supported by the local Safer Neighbourhood Team, ride from Ticknall to Kings Newton, through Melbourne, and back along The Common, with the Pass Wide and Slow banner.

Debby thanked the local police for their help with the day.

MELBOURNE Sainsbury’s store has a new manager –Alastair Miller, from Ashbourne.

Mr Miller joins the Melbourne store from his previous job of managing a Sainsbury’s in Church Gresley.

Having started work in Melbourne in October, he said he was loving his new role so far. “It’s very enjoyable,” he said.

The previous manager, Dawn Kendrick, has moved on to a Sainsbury’s in Leicester.

A SPEEDING driver was arrested at Swarkestone Nursery after attempting to hide in a Christmas tree display, police said.

The incident happened on November 23 while Derbyshire Constabulary’s Safer Neighbourhood Team were conducting a speed check on Twyford Road in Barrow-upon-Trent.

Police said concerns had been raised by residents about vehicles speeding through the village.

Ten minutes into the check, officers stopped a woman driver caught driving at 55mph in the 40mph zone. She was reported for a traffic offence.

Soon afterwards, police saw a silver BMW also driving beyond the speed limit.

A report from police said: “Officers signalled the driver to pull into the check site area but, with disappointment, the male continued instead, accelerating from the scene.

“Police immediately began a search for the BMW. An eagle-eyed officer spotted the driver at a local garden centre, close to the village of Swarkestone. The man was seen trying to secrete himself in a Christmas tree display.

“On seeing officers, the male headed towards several outbuildings and greenhouses.

“Another officer caught up with the male and he was detained. A preliminary drug wipe test was conducted, which the male failed, and he was subsequently arrested and taken to custody. The BMW was also seized after it became clear that the driver did not have valid insurance.”

At the time of going to press, the man, 23, from London, still remained released under investigation while inquiries continued.

l Police and riders outside Ticknall Village Hall.

Boarding

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UNDER a steel grey autumn sky, with topcoats fastened up tight, the onlookers on Derby Road waited for the start of the Remembrance parade in Melbourne.

Then, with a short battery from the drum corps and the sombre opening bars of “Slaidburn”, the parade was under way.

Headed by Melbourne Town Band, the dignitaries, former Guardsmen and around 300 parade participants made their way past the Union flags and giant poppies to Church Square.

In contrast to last year’s very low-key commemoration, the streets were lined with residents, including many proud parents and grandparents of little ones marching past in their first ever parade.

After the Exhortation with Standards lowered, the last post was sounded, played immaculately by Cathy Lester,

and signalling a two-minute silence which was respectfully observed by the entire congregation.

After the Reveille, another flawless performance from Cathy, and the Kohima Epitaph, Deputy Lieutenant Mrs Griselda Kerr laid the first wreath as the town band –under new stewardship of Nathan Gregory – played through a well-chosen selection.

Once again Parade Marshal David Worrall handled the occasion with his customary solemnity, and handled the only hitch (the absence of some 2,000 hymn sheets) with some quick-thinking humour, as he praised the local clergy for knowing by heart the words of the hymn!

Words: FRANK HUGHES

Pictures: DAVID REAY AND LUCY STEPHENS

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Cathy Lester plays the cornet (above) and (right) Maddie Rankin at the war memorial.

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Festive bins

THERE will be no change to Christmas bin collections this year.

South Derbyshire district councillor Martin Fitzpatrick provided the update at the latest parish council meeting in Melbourne on December 7.

Bins will be collected on the usual Wednesdays over the festive period.

NEW POLICE INSPECTOR

A NEW Inspector has taken charge of policing in south Derbyshire – returning to the first area he served in the county.

Inspector Mike Sisman began his policing career with West Midlands Police 21 years ago before moving to Derbyshire in 2007.

The 46-year-old’s first role was as the Safer Neighbourhood Sergeant in Swadlincote, a position he remembers with fondness.

Insp Sisman said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Swadlincote and made really strong links with partners at South Derbyshire District Council.

“While I moved away to other areas of the force I always wanted to return to the south of the county.”

Moor scheme before planners

PLANS have been submitted for up to 300 homes plus a wide range of new community buildings, shops and restaurants on land near Thulston.

The application put forward by developers JSC Farming Ltd & Central Land Holdings Ltd is the latest part of the Boulton Moor development to the side of the A6, near Thulston and Elvaston.

Sited on 12.68 hectares of land – around 31 acres, or 15 football pitches – the proposals also include: transport mobility hub for a bus service to Derby city centre. combined electric vehicle and petrol filling station. medium-sized food shop. children’s nursery. retail centre. car club spaces. care and retirement homes. community building. two restaurants with drive-through. two pedestrian bridges crossing Thulston Brook and a children’s play area.

Part of the area included in the proposals had been earmarked for a park & ride, but a covering letter accompanying the application said this use of the land was not now considered feasible.

Instead of the park & ride, a proposal for a transport mobility hub would offer electric car club spaces, e-scooters and e-bikes’ charging points to support the Government’s proposal to phase out sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

by Lucy Stephens

The original plan for the phase one of the Boulton Moor development – of which this proposal is part – included a primary school.

The school has now been moved to the phase 2 site, which is on the other side of the houses that have already been built.

As part of the proposals, Thulston Brook would be realigned to create a more “efficient layout”, according to a design & access statement accompanying the proposals. Dedicated bicycle routes and a new roundabout access route would also be included.

The area north of the brook includes the facilities for public transport, travel, shopping, a children’s nursery and some homes, while south of the brook would be most of the homes, plus the community centre, retirement village and care home.

A public consultation exercise has included members of South Derbyshire District Council and Elvaston Parish Council.

Running from August 16 to September 10, a four-page leaflet was posted to 1,266 residential and four business addresses. Of the 260 people who responded, 44 per cent said they would support a planning application, a fifth were undecided and a third said they would not support it.

Some people said they thought the various community facilities on offer would be a benefit, while others voiced fears about increased traffic and pollution, and the possible environmental impact.

l Pictured at the Melbourne Carnival annual meeting are (front row, l-r) Sarah Stainthorpe, Gemma Bettelley (secretary), Rachel Hill (chair), Tracey Ridley; (back row, lr) Tim Margett, Bex Stead and Chris Peat (treasurer). Missing are Emily Starkie and Rhona Kirkham.

We wish you a Merry Christmas

Getting into the festive spirit

FIVE, four, three, two, one – the countdown to the big lights switch-on in Melbourne saw a huge crowd assemble in a show of festive spirit.

The Christmas Fayre was organised by Sue Statham of Melbourne Florist on December 3 and it was widely felt by all spoken to by the Village Voice to have been a highly successful evening.

David Gray, of Melbourne Cobbler, said the lights switch-on had been one of the busiest he had known in 22 years.

“It’s lovely to see so many people about,” he said. “I think that’s the best part of it. I take my hat off to Sue – she’s done a marvellous job!”

Santa in all his finery came down for the evening to provide the necessary Christmas spirit, and there were stalls from many local businesses and organisations including Amalfi White –with booze and two different types of bread and butter pudding – Whistlewood Common, enjoying great success with their hot apple juice; Dog Hairs; Project D and many more.

Entertaining the crowd were Melbourne Town Band with some Christmas carols, plus a great vocal performance from locals Tom Burgess and Ben Walker, who said they enjoyed performing to such a big crowd.

Children loved getting up close and personal with some furry friends from Melbourne Animal Farm who also put in an appearance with owner Carla Shaw.

Organiser Sue Statham said: “I’m really pleased – it’s a lovely atmosphere. It’s well attended. There is just a nice Christmas feel.”

Sian McPherson, part of some new management at Amalfi White, said: “This is the first year we have done this at Amalfi White. I think it’s great for the community.”

In Aston-on-Trent, the festive lights-switch on happened as snow fell on Sunday, November 28.

More on the festive front on Pages 16 and 17

l The scene in Melbourne as revellers enjoy the switching on of the Christmas lights.

Remember the real Christmas story ...and a Happy New Year

ADVENT and Christmas can be filled with hustle and bustle, noise and busyness. There is so much to do! Cards to write, presents to buy, homes to decorate and turkeys to be roasted!

As I write to you, I am almost halfway through my preparations, so not very far at all! The cards are made but not written, the presents I have bought are waiting to be wrapped and the turkey is on order. We can so easily be caught up in all the busyness finding ourselves almost too exhausted to celebrate, and losing sight of the reason we do! And yet the angels sang on that first Christmas Eve “Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace to all people on earth”. I wonder what your image of peace looks like, and I wonder if it in anyway resembles a snapshot of your Christmas celebrations. I suspect not, but maybe that is just me!

I was sent a message on Facebook this week with a silhouette of a nativity scene and these words: “The first Christmas was

pretty simple. It’s okay if yours is too.” And, whilst that is true in so many ways, it was also the most amazing event of all time, not simple at all! In fact, it was so amazing that over 2,000 years later we are still talking about it! For in that manger, where Mary and Joseph placed their baby, was God’s only Son, Jesus. God’s love for each of us wrapped up in a tiny baby. If we can keep hold of that, we might find that sense of inner peace amongst the mayhem of the Christmas season.

I encourage you this Christmas to stop and sit for a while, to be silent and be still; to read the Christmas story and allow yourself to gaze in wonder at the Christ Child along with the shepherds and wise men. To take time to marvel at the strength of Joseph and the courage of Mary and remember God incarnate, Immanuel, God with us.

I pray that you might know God’s peace and joy this Christmas.

This year’s

message comes from Rev Sally Ratcliffe of Melbourne and Aston Methodist Church

l Santa gets the Melbourne lights switch-on underway.

l The festive scenes in Weston (left) and Aston (right).

Food charity’s big thankyou to Melbourne

THE head of a UK charity tackling hunger has said his organisation has a growing “debt of gratitude” to Melbourne for its generosity.

Andrew Forsey, the national director of Feeding Britain, made his comments after a sell-out concert by pianist Wil Pearson and singer EllaMai Holmes in the glittering ballroom at Amalfi White raised £760 for the cause.

A recent Dad’s Army film, put on by the St Michael’s Players, also raised £500. The total donations from Melbourne to Feeding Britain now stands at £8,230.

Margaret Gildea organised the November concert at Amalfi White, which gave its ballroom free of charge for the occasion. Earlier this year Margaret was given a Beacon of Hope award for raising thousands of pounds for Feeding Britain by offering books outside her home on Penn Lane throughout the pandemic.

Mr Forsey said: “Thanks to your latest act of generosity – as well as the incredible support from Adam, Sian, Victoria, and Wil – we are now able to extend our ‘Pathways From Poverty’ work across Feeding Derbyshire’s food banks into next year.

“Our debt of gratitude to Melbourne continues to grow!”

In the beautiful setting of the Amalfi White ballroom, Wil Pearson absolutely captivated his

by Lucy Stephens

audience with the sheer skill and verve of his playing and vocals – whether he was belting out Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone or Nat King Cole.

This was the first performance the talented pianist from Hilton had given with his girlfriend, Ella-Mai Holmes, who joined him on stage for a ravishing performance of hits such as Valerie, and – very topically – No Time to Die by Billie Eilish, the theme of the latest James Bond film.

The room heard how Wil will soon be deploying his considerable talents on a Disney cruise ship between January and May next year, where he will be calling in at Texas, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, New Orleans and San Francisco.

At the end of the concert the delighted audience cried out for more, and were treated to two rousing encores of I’m Still Standing by Elton John and Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen.

Margaret said: “It was a brilliant evening. The Amalfi White Ballroom was the perfect setting for the very talented musician and singer songwriter Wil Pearson, and the lovely voice of his partner Ella-Mai Holmes.”

The money raised was thanks to the donation of the ballroom by Amalfi White, raffle prizes support from Adam, Sian and Victoria at the Derby Road venue, plus the “amazing performance” by

Wil and Ella-Mai, said Margaret, adding: “Wil’s reputation in the area meant that the concert was sold out. He also promoted Feeding Britain as a great cause to his own fan base.”

Victoria Workman, of Amalfi White, said: “Our events team worked closely with Wil and Margaret to ensure the event was a success and we are proud of the amazing work they have done raising £760 in one evening in Melbourne!

“This was through donations on the night as well as a raffle which included prizes donated by

Amalfi White.”

The Feeding Derbyshire project involves supporting foodbanks, low cost food bags in schools, breakfast clubs, community cafes, and adult education courses on cooking on a budget.

Research conducted by the University of Sheffield showed that in South Derbyshire in January 2021, 7.88 per cent of adults said they struggled to access food, while 8.77 per cent worried about not having enough, and 3.43 per cent suffered with hunger.

Choir’s carols concert success

THE Christmas concert season got under way with A Choir’d Taste’s “Carols for Everyone to Enjoy” performances at the Assembly Rooms.

Under the direction of “glittering” Paul Marshall, the choir demonstrated its versatility in producing crowd pleasers, like Rutter’s Angel Carol to the more solemn O Magnum Mysterium by Lauridson. The pro-

gramme told the Christmas Story from the Annunciation to the birth in Bethlehem.

Solo performances from Phil Laughlin, Beth McKnight and Paul Marshall, along with a Carol Ann Duffy poem reading from Julia Templeton and an A Capella rendition of How Far is it to Bethlehem from a ladies ensemble completed the programme.

OBITUARY

JOAN CHRISTINE TATAM (NÉE KEELING)

November 18, 1942 - October 17, 2021

BORN in Shardlow to Ethel and Arthur (known as Mac) Keeling, Joan began her education at the infant and junior schools in the village, before going on to finish it at Castle Donington Senior School.

She got her first job in the cashier’s office at Woolworth’s in Victoria Street, Derby. She then went on to work at International Combustion, a major engineering firm at the time, where she met her husband-to-be, John.

The pair were engaged for three years before tying the knot on October 1, 1966, at St James’ Church, Shardlow, and they made their first home together on the Wharf. Meanwhile, Joan left International Combustion to work closer to home at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries at its out station in Shardlow Hall.

In 1975, a baby, Andrew, came into John and Joan’s lives, and Joan left the Ministry to be a mother. In 1978, the family moved to Melbourne. Later, Joan would come to join the local branch of the WI – having been a member of the Shardlow

Although a reduced audience attended to ensure safe distancing, they made their voices heard in some traditional carol singing and particularly in a rousing wassail “Hail” during “While Shepherds Watched”. Special mention too should be made of accompanist Richard Allen, who continues to underpin the choir with his accomplished piano playing. –FH

branch along with her mum.

In Andrew’s younger years she enjoyed helping out in Melbourne, firstly in the village’s play school, and then in the library of Melbourne Junior School. When Andrew went up to Chellaston School, she worked part-time in a local shop, after which she joined the Association of Teachers of Mathematics (ATM) from which she retired in 2003.

Having always enjoyed being a member of the WI, Joan also joined the Staunton Harold WI in her later years, while still retaining her membership of the Melbourne branch.

Joan had been suffering from heart failure for several years, although this condition was only diagnosed 16 months before she died. She passed away at home from cardiac congestion with John at her side, in the early hours of October 17.

She leaves John, Andrew, and two grandchildren, Louie and Lennox. The family would like to thank all those who made donations at Joan’s funeral service. She was always a great animal lover, and was a particular supporter of the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary.

WOWING ’EM ... Wil Pearson and Ella-Mai Holmes.

Doughnut kings take a bite into Big Apple

by Sarah Newton

HOME-GROWN doughnut kings Project D have taken to the skies after their colourful treats were handpicked to grace a historic post pandemic flight to New York.

Project D has enjoyed a meteoric rise since being founded three years ago by Max Poynton, Jacob Watts and Matthew Bond. From Melbourne, Max and Jacob attended Chellaston Academy, while Matthew grew up partly in the United States, sparking the original idea to start up a doughnut company.

The latest feather in the highly successful business’s cap happened when founders were approached by British Airways to provide their strikingly decorated doughnuts for each of the 350 passengers and crew on the first flight from London to America since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Not only did Project D provide 350 doughnuts for the flight, it also gave away a further 2,000 doughnuts in Terminal 5 at Heathrow, where the company also set up a stand and showcased Captain Stone, their bright pink Derby Ram Trail ram.

Each of the vanilla-flavoured doughnuts was filled with British heritage raspberry jam and topped with BA’s iconic red and blue speed mark logo.

It was the first time that BA had been able to take foreign visitors to America following the country’s decision to lock down its borders 600 days ago and another New Yorkbound aircraft, operated by Virgin, took to the Heathrow skies, for a duel take-off for the first time in commercial history.

The two airlines, who are traditionally bitter rivals, had never co-operated on such an event and the flights attracted huge media interest, with TV news crews on board to capture the moment.

Max, Jacob and Matthew were invited on board the British Airways plane to share the historic moment as well as supplying the doughnuts.

The company took part in the flight and celebrations after it was contacted by BA’s global partnership manager, who had first spotted the firm’s products on Instagram, where Project D has 134,000 followers.

Following touchdown in New York, Project D also attended a special celebration at the Empire State Building, hosted by British Airways and NYC & Company, where guests, including Hollywood actress Blake Lively, toasted the return of UK air travel to the USA as they gazed across the skyscrapers of the Big Apple.

All in all, said Max Poynton, not a bad day’s work for a group of school friends who set up their doughnut-making company just three years ago.

He said: “It was pretty special. Sitting on a flight to New York – which is the home of the doughnut – watching everyone around us eating our doughnuts, which had been made in our bakery in the heart of Derby.

“It was a huge honour and really exciting. There was a huge buzz on the plane and at one point we were sitting just a few inches away from where Sean Doyle, the CEO of British Airways, was being interviewed live on the TV news.

“Then to spend the evening at the top of the Empire State Building was an incredible experience. Setting up and growing Project D has been really hard work and there have been a few setbacks along the way, but experiences like this make up for the challenges and it’s definitely one of the highlights of our company’s history so far.”

The British Airways commission was the latest in a whirlwind

Time again for questions to be answered

WHAT Q is a panel game show, means to make fun of or mock and starts in January?

Got it yet? It’s the Melbourne Quiz, back again after a Covid absence last year.

Who can say they have not missed the specialist individual rounds or, words to fill all teams with dread, Blockbusters Round?

Teams of four compete in a knock-

out format on Friday evenings starting on January 14 and running through until early March.

The winning team holds the honour of retaining the shield for the next 12 months as well as each member receiving a treasured first, second or third prize memento.

All profits from the quiz season are donated to a charity on finals night, and the one chosen for this year will

be Treetops Hospice.

Up to 32 teams of four can be accommodated with some groups even entering two or three teams to boost the chances of success!

Entry forms must be in by no later than January 1, as the first round draw will take place the following day.

Forms are available from organiser Paul Fox by emailing pfswingwell@gmail.com

2021 for Project D, whose doughnuts have also found favour with stars including gold-medal winning triathlete Georgia May-Brown and her fellow gold Olympian Adam Peaty, who also bought the treats for production staff working on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

l The Project D team at Heathrow Airport (below) and a BA pilot (above) receives his box of doughnuts.

Bird flu protection measures put in place

SPECIAL measures have been put in place in the region following two outbreaks of bird flu near the local area.

An outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, known as bird flu, was confirmed after a visit to premises near Willington on November 17.

The visit was conducted by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and further testing established this was the “highly pathogenic” strain of the virus.

Birds on the premises would be “humanely culled” the Government said.

A 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone were put in the area around the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Derbyshire County Council highways officers liaised with colleagues across county borders and Highways England to ensure road signs were in place warning people when entering these zones.

UK Health Security Agency has confirmed that the risk to public health is very low and the Food Standards Agency has said that bird flu poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. Properly cooked eggs and poultry are safe to eat, they said.

Another case of bird flu was also confirmed near Tutbury, with the ensuing 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone also affecting parts of South Derbyshire.

This case was found on December 2, and was also the highly pathogenic strain of bird flu.

JOHN

(MELBOURNE) LTD.

Tel. 01332 862744 Prompt delivery to all local areas Competitive Prices Pre-Packed Cash & Carry

Your County and District Councillors surgery is on Saturday 8 January, at The Assembly Rooms, Melbourne They are also available on phone or email:

JIM HEWLETT (District) - 07979 976860/01332 863927

jim.hewlett@southderbyshire.gov.uk

DAVID MULLER (County) - 07415 720360/01283 384112 david.muller@derbyshire.gov.uk

MARTIN FITZPATRICK (District) - 07710 030187/01332 862323

Tennis prizes galore

MELBOURNE Tennis Club held its annual presentation evening at the sporting partnership clubhouse and, with two years’ worth of awards to present, there were lots of prizes to be handed out.

More than 50 members attended the Italian-themed event and enjoyed a superb three-course Italian meal, provided by Emma Stanley, with younger members of the tennis club serving at the tables.

Presenting awards for both 2020 –when Covid prevented the ceremony –and this year, Sallie Allen had her work cut out getting through a long list of winners.

The Common Touch...

WISHING all the Village Voice readers season’s greetings from Whistlewood Common. I’m hoping that everyone has a peaceful Christmas and a welcome break from the stresses of the past year.

We’ve realised that it’s our family, friends and community that are incredibly important to our own sense of wellbeing.

There is a fantastic group of wellbeing and art professionals here at Whistlewood helping people to find physical health and mental health. Keep looking at our Facebook page for creative and wellness events next year.

Having a beautiful outdoor space such as Whistlewood to enjoy and volunteer to improve habitats for wild creatures, humans and the planet is really rewarding. There have been many fun times on site, relaxing, building stuff, chatting, learning new skills, sharing the space, cooking and eating together … I really value the friendship of the Whistlewood Co-op Crew.

The forest school ‘Nature Nursery’ kids enjoy two days a week running around playing and making the space their own. Know-

For this year ladies singles was won by Emma Guest; Emma also won the mixed doubles with partner Andy Dawkins; ladies doubles went to Pat Milham and Vicky Barton; and the men’s doubles was won by Jesse Goscomb and Andy Dawkins.

In addition, awards were presented to Tim Shone for his outstanding contribution to sport, to Sallie Allen, for Derbyshire LTA volunteer of the year; most improved player 2021 was Finn Spencer and highly commended player awards went to Andy Dawkins, Anna Noble, Harry Broster and Layla Sherriff.

A raffle on the night contributed £175 to club funds.

ing they are having fun and growing their personalities and learning about nature is just one example of the positives radiating from our site.

Let’s not put our focus on purchasing things we don’t need this Christmas and continue this action in the future, now we realise what a responsibility we have to looking after our planet.

Let’s put our efforts into reducing our personal and communities’ carbon footprint now and forever.

It might take a bit more thought if you are wanting to give gifts but how about buying second hand, making your own gifts, purchasing Whistlewood shares as a gift, giving vouchers for experiences, buying from ethical shops or from local shops and businesses.

Your time spent with friends and family has the greatest value.

We welcome you to share our beautiful space in 2022.

– Katherine Parrish

ABOVE LEFT: Emma Guest and Andy Dawkins (mixed doubles winners).

ABOVE RIGHT: Pat Milham and Vicky Barton (ladies doubles champions).

SCHOOL LIFE STARTS … Aston-on-Trent Primary’s reception class with Mrs Boja-Bates (left) and Mrs Donaldson (right).

Girls pitch up and play so rugby’s a winner

MELBOURNE Rugby Club had its first “Pitch up and Play” event on Sunday, November 28, writes

Chris Baggott.

This is an initiative run by the NLD (Notts, Lincs & Derbys RFU) to encourage girls’ rugby at a club level. As with most girls’ teams at a mini and junior level the numbers are low –sometimes too low to field a full team – so the simplest method of getting them a game is just to invite everyone. And I mean everyone; we had representation from Ashby, Nottingham Casuals, Coalville, Belper, Mansfield, Chesterfield, Matlock, Paviors, South Notts Sapphires and, of course, our girls from Melbourne.

With so many players from so many different clubs, most of whom had never played in a full girls’ team, it was a complicated affair trying to organise them with numerous parents and coaches all assisting the cause. But the indomitable Jo West managed it all and a very successful day it was too.

The conditions were not ideal, as the minis matches earlier that morning had been cancelled because of frozen pitches. But, with a bit of sunshine and a few hours, most of the pitches were playable in the end. The girls were split into u18, u15, u13 and u11 groups with around 100 turning up altogether.

Each age group had a couple of hours and a dedicated pitch space,

which was used to provide various skills drill and warm-up exercises initially, but after that – and we were there to play after all – we had a series of games.

There were enough girls in each group to be able to play full competitive matches with scratch teams made up of girls from all over. No-one needed to field a full team from their own club, which was the idea, I suppose.

It was great to see teamwork on show, with many of these girls forming new relationships and meeting future competitors. As they say, rugby was the winner here, and with invaluable experience gained by not only the girls, but the coaches and other supporters in learning to collaborate this way.

This all went very well until early afternoon when the snow arrived, slowly at first but soon getting very thick. Many of the games wound up earlier than anticipated.

All of the girls were then treated to a hot meal and drinks provided by the MSP. Of course, we cannot forget the invaluable cake stall volunteers who provided a variety of amazing homemade cakes for sale.

We will do this again, hopefully in the new year and hopefully with slightly better weather!

Thanks to all at MRFC for hosting and providing a fantastic opportunity for the girls.

RIGHT: Kira (centre) from Melbourne, with Millie (left) from Coalville and Georgie (right) from Ashby.

BELOW: Girls still grinning despite the snow.

Pictures by ANDREW JANSEN

Rugby club slip to second

MELBOURNE Rugby Club began December having slipped down to second spot in the league, with Long Eaton nudging to the top with 39 points to Melbourne’s 34.

At home to Newark , the green and golds scored a convincing victory, however, with the final scoresheet reading 31-13.

There were two tries for the Melbourne from Callum Macken, plus one apiece from Edward Saunders and Oliver Page, and four conversions from Euan Holden, who also kicked a penalty.

The man of the match was Oliver Page.

Meanwhile, the third XV scored an emphatic victory over Mansfield seconds, with six tries and six conversions, and a final scoresheet of 42-14.

The club’s academy side sent out two teams, green and gold on December 4. The greens travelled to Stoke and fought hard to a 20-12 loss, while the golds scored a solid win of 44-5 against an IlkestonDerby-Long Eaton side.

l Girls tough it out in wintry conditions during the Melbourne RFC ‘Pitch up and Play event. Full story inside.

10-goal rout helps with promotion push

Dynamo teams in hunt for titles

l Melbourne Dynamo FC (back row l-r) Owen Morrell, Karl Munton, Charlie Tovell, Jack Bodill, Tom Cox, James Smith, Lewis Hughes, Matt Jones, Jack Goodband; (front row l-r) Adam Hardy, Oscar Supple, Gavin Salisbury (manager), Carl Allsop (captain) Macaulley Jones (vice-captain), Alan Buxton (assistant manager) Ben Cooke and Sunil Nath.

by Alex Slater

MELBOURNE Dynamo Football Club dodged the unsettled weather in November as both senior sides maintained their push for a spot at the top of their respective divisions.

The first team began with a hard fought 3-2 away win against Linby Reserves as James Smith, Ben Cooke and skipper Carl Allsop got on the scoresheet.

Gav Salisbury’s men went goal crazy the following week as they destroyed Holbrook St Michaels in the President’s Cup 10-0. Ben Cooke led the way with a remarkable five goals supported by a hattrick from Jack Goodband plus strikes from youngsters Oscar Supple and Charlie Tovell which completed the rout.

The first team made it four wins on the trot in what turned out to be their last game of November as they beat Heanor Town Reserves 6-2 at home. Jack Goodband with a double plus finishes from James Smith, Carl Allsop, Ben Cooke and Charlie Tovell were all on the scoresheet to leave Dynamo second in the table plus a chance in the President’s Cup going into a busy December.

Dynamo Reserves began to climb the table in November and ended the month lying in third place in the MRA division one. They began with a 3-2 home win over Hilton Harriers Reserves as Jake Hull, Jacob Dusroth and a rare Jack Scothern finish earned them the points. Dusroth was on the scoresheet the following week with a double as Adam Dolman’s men beat Real Medina 3-1 in the Challenge Cup with Finn Charles completing the scoring.

A week later the Reserves came unstuck away to their bogey side, Willington, losing 3-2 after going 3-0 down early on. A Toby Foxon strike plus an own goal put Dynamo on the scoresheet.

This setback was soon forgotten as Melbourne ended the month in fine style by beating Mickleover Athletic 3-1. Goals from Conor Poynton, Charlie Tovell and a Toby Foxon screamer gave the Reserves three valuable points in their quest for promotion.