Melbourne Village Voice February 2020 by Village Voice

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GAS works which have blocked a major route from South Derbyshire to Derby have been causing major headaches for commuters, school children, residents and businesses. But the good news is, provider Cadent Gas – which is undertaking the works on the A514 – has told the Village Voice that they are ahead of schedule and expect to be finished well before the original completion date of the end of February. The roadblock was lifted on Friday, February 7 but the A514 had been blocked again from Tuesday, February 11. Local residents living in Aston and Weston on Trent have reported that the roadworks have seen huge volumes of traffic piling through their villages in the mornings and evenings because drivers have been diverted off the A514. HGVs have been getting stuck and blocking roads because they cannot get back on to the A50 after coming off it at the Bonnie Prince roundabout. One business told the Village Voice that farmers had been helping rescue HGVs, while a report on social media told of police diverting drivers into fields around one stuck truck. Derbyshire County Council said some businesses had been given exemptions to allow their HGV delivery drivers to leave the area via Swarkestone Causeway southbound while the works are ongoing. A council spokesman said that initial feedback suggested around 49

extra HGVs a week were crossing the causeway due to the works. He said no HGVs were being permitted to cross the causeway northbound. Residents and businesses have said that staff undertaking the roadworks on behalf of Cadent Gas have not been as visible over a twenty four-hour, seven day a week period as they would have expected, and that signage advertising diversions has been poor. Graham Harper, chair of Weston on Trent Parish Council, said: “Planning seems to have been a total joke, I realise these works have to take place and that they have been delayed by Highways England refusing permission for the diversion last year, but planning and signage are seriously amiss here. “There should be very clear, unmissable signs to point all motorists to the diversion route, but especially HGV drivers who seem daily to be blocking the Swarkestone Road due to not being able to pass under the railway bridge, these seem not to have been thought about. “We were told that due to the urgency of this task, that the work would be done on a 12 hour day, seven days a week, but this seems not to be happening.” School buses taking children from Melbourne to Chellaston Academy have been taking twice as long over the journey as they are having to be rerouted via Castle Donington. Laura Jackson, of Swarkestone Nursery, said: “I know the gas works are essential and have to happen, and I understand how difficult it can be to Continued on Page 2

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l Traffic held up on Cuttle Bridge during the work on the A514.

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Melbourne £20k losers in service funding cuts

MELBOURNE is to lose out annually on more than £20,000 in a funding pot which pays for services such as the cemetery and public toilets, after a district-wide review. The January meeting of Melbourne Parish Council heard how there had been a review of funding and grant allocations by South Derbyshire District Council (SDDC). The review will mean Melbourne and nine other South Derbyshire parishes will lose out. Melbourne will be the biggest loser with a shortfall of more than £20,000. The meeting heard that the district council had offered some protection with transitional arrangements. While the protection is in place for at least this year, longer term it will mean the

funding effectively decreases. The background is that some services, such as cemeteries and public conveniences, are provided concurrently by both the district and the parish. To avoid duplication of taxation to pay for them and to ensure provision is equitable throughout the area, the district council allocates ‘Section 139’ funds direct to parishes. Some £300,000 of Council Tax is allocated in this way. The calculation is based on the number of properties and was last reviewed in 2008. Since then, some areas have significantly increased in size so the adjustment was seen as necessary to address shortfalls where the impact was felt to be greatest. Findern, Stenson and Hilton will see

their allocations go up by about £7,000 each, whilst Melbourne, Etwall and Hatton are the big losers. Barrow upon Trent and Ticknall also lose out by lower but still proportionately significant amounts. In Melbourne about £70,000 per year is spent on these kinds of services and the current £48,000 ‘Section 139’ budget is always overspent. One councillor at the January meeting indicated that the parish precept would have to go up as a result. Indeed, a decision was made later in the meeting to increase the precept by a further five per cent, notwithstanding holding a balance of reserves of £213,000 in May 2019, up by 14 per cent on the previous year and forecast to be higher still at the end of this financial year. – Frank Hughes

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THE weather may still be chilly but the team responsible for putting together Melbourne’s annual fun-filled summer carnival is already busy behind the scenes. At the committee’s Annual General Meeting it was agreed that Rachel Hill would continue as chair. Every year the carnival has a different theme and this year it will be “Melbourne Does Musicals”. Committee members are hoping the 2020 musicals’ theme will allow plenty of scope for local people to showcase their inner divas!

Early end to the upheaval

From Page 1 facilitate roadworks like this, however it would have been much appreciated by everyone if the one-way road block had been in place for a shorter time period. This could have been achieved by working on the gas pipe at night, as well as during the day.” Brian Sim, meanwhile, of Swarkestone, told us that he paid £16.70 on a taxi journey from Swarkestone to Chellaston Medical Practice due to the diversion, four times the normal £4 cost. But Cadent Gas has insisted that they are “doing their best” to get the work done as fast as possible. A spokesperson said: “Cadent is installing a new gas main on the A514 between the Bonnie Prince roundabout south of Derby and Cuttle Bridge. The new pipe needs to be installed to ensure there is

Organisations, businesses and individuals interested in floats, stalls or sponsorship of this year’s event are asked to contact the carnival team on melbournecarnival@hotmail.co.uk Pictured above is the 2020 Melbourne Carnival Committee (l-r): Christian Peat, Tim Margett, Emily Starkie, Rachel Hill (chair), Penelope Mitchell, Gemma Bettelley, Rebecca Stead, Andrew Jansen. Not shown is committee member Sarah Stainthorpe.

enough gas to supply a new housing development, supermarket and to ensure we can continue to provide reliable gas supplies to local residents. To keep our staff and other road-users safe, we have had to make this section of road temporarily one-way. We are sorry for the inconvenience this is causing local residents. We do have a signed diversion route in place and we would urge drivers, particularly HGVs and large vehicles

to follow this. “The project is ahead of schedule and we expect it to be finished well before the original end date of 28 February. We are doing our best to complete this work as soon as possible, including working seven days a week. We would like to thank people for their patience and we will keep them updated.”

Village Voice February 2020 3

FR FR RE E D THOMP HO H OM O MP M PSO P SO S ON

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n CHILDREN from Weston-on-Trent Primary School were learning about the Chinese New Year when they took part in a specially arranged workshop. This year’s Chinese New Year fell on January 25 and children have been learning about the traditions associated with it in class. On February 4, they were invited to dress in red and take part in a Chinese dancing workshop. They were then dressed in a piece of long, shiny silk to create the effect of a dragon. There are 12 zodiac signs in the Chinese calendar and this year is the Year of the Rat.

Car park changes ‘driving up trade’

IT’S early days … but changes to Melbourne’s main car park have already seen a positive impact on local trade, businesses have told the Village Voice. January can be a quiet month for business as shoppers recover from the excesses of Christmas, but several businesses we spoke to said they had seen some positive results already after new three-hour car parking spaces were implemented. As reported in last month’s Village Voice, the number of three hour limited spaces in the car park has now been increased from five to 25 in a bid to make it easier for customers of Melbourne’s shops to find a space. The move was spearheaded by district councillor Martin Fitzpatrick after he undertook a survey to discover how the car park was used. That particular car park is run by South Derbyshire District Council, for which he is now one of Melbourne’s councillors, having been elected last year. In January, Cllr Fitzpatrick was also elected deputy leader of the district council (See Page 4). His survey found that at many times of

the day the car park is full, making it difficult for shoppers to park. The bays were repainted on December 29, in time for the new year. Several shopkeepers told us that customers had mentioned they had found space to park since the bays were remarked. Two of those were David and Michelle, owners of Melbourne Cobbler. “One customer said she was shocked that she managed to get a parking space!” said David. “She regularly tries to get a space in the car park and she drives off. She was dead chuffed she managed to park and she bought a couple of bags too.” Another shopkeeper said: “There are always spaces for customers now. Before this happened, it got to a point where people weren’t even trying the car park because they thought there wouldn’t be any spaces. Now I know there are, I’m advising them and people are finding it easier, a hundred per cent.” Cllr Fitzpatrick said: “Over 50 organisations or individuals originally replied to my requests for comments and feedback on the

SDDC (South Derbyshire District Council) car park. Increased three-hour limited spaces was by far the most asked for improvement and it has been implemented to redress the balance between shoppers and visitors to Melbourne, to those who work in the village and those who live here. “I have replied to everyone who commented originally and many of these contributors have replied to say how welcome the changes have been in giving easier access to shoppers and visitors alike. When the High St is under continued competition from online stores it’s very pleasing to see that these small changes seem to have had an immediate effect in Melbourne. Further improvements in the possible relocation of the recycling facilities within Melbourne remains a strong possibility which would increase the total number of spaces available.” We also received comments that while the three-hour spaces are making life easier for customers, those who work in Melbourne but do not live here are now finding it harder to park. – Lucy Stephens

Top tribute band at VE Day celebrations

A BAND dubbed the world’s number one Take That tribute band, who have appeared on the Graham Norton Show, are to be playing in Melbourne this year in a VE Day celebratory event. Rule the World are widely recognised as the premier tribute act to Take That, inciting praise from Gary Barlow himself. They will be appearing in Melbourne as part of a free, open air concert to mark 75 years since the day Churchill declared that fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe had come to an end. Across the UK, toasts, street parties and other celebrations are planned to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, for which the bank holiday has been specially moved from Monday to Friday. On Friday, May 8, Melbourne Parish Council is hosting the concert at Melbourne Sports Park. Following a short ceremony from the Royal British Legion, which

will feature Churchill’s famous ‘War Is Over’ speech played across the PA system, the concert will begin. A swing band playing tunes from the 1940s and 50s will be playing, along with Encore Performing Arts’ cast of Oklahoma, before Rule The World take to the stage in the evening. The concert starts at 3pm and is due to finish in the early evening. People are invited to go along with chairs, tables and picnic blankets to enjoy the bank holiday Friday, and there will be bars and catering open for people to buy refreshments. Over in Ticknall, the parish council will be marking the village’s VE Day celebrations as part of the village fete on May 10, organised by Dame Catherine Harpur’s School. Chequers in Ticknall is one of the UK pubs joining in the toast at 3pm. There will also be a street party outside Chequers.

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Footpath dangers highlighted

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4 Village Voice February 2020

CONCERNS have been raised over the “diabolical” state of a pathway to Melbourne Sports Park that may be putting people off walking to the facility on Cockshut Lane. At the February meeting of Melbourne Parish Council, comments were made by many in the room that the footpath (pictured right) on the side of Cockshut Lane, leading up to the MSP, was now so overgrown with ground-level vegetation and earth that it was becoming increasingly difficult to negotiate, and well nigh impossible for anyone in a wheelchair. The meeting heard how at least one person trying to take their elderly parent in a wheelchair to the Melbourne Quiz, which is being held at the sports park this year, had not been able to push the chair along this section of the pavement. Cllr David Smith said: “Between Hope Street, and the MSP, it’s diabolical. The pavement isn’t now wide enough because of the undergrowth. You have difficulty getting by. It’s also very, very dark.”

Another problem was the speed of the traffic which goes up and down Cockshut Lane, making things even more dangerous for people if they have to step off the pavement. “It’s dangerous with the speed of the traffic and the darkness. We’re trying to encourage people to walk to the MSP rather than go in their cars – it would be nice if they could get decent access to it,” said one councillor. Parish council chair Sheila Hicklin said: “I do walk that stretch of land every day and it’s the speed of the traffic down Cockshut Lane. It’s a very dangerous road.” Cllr Terry Summerlin said: “More people would walk up to the MSP if there was a suitable footpath. The one that’s there isn’t well maintained.” The meeting heard how part of the problem was that the width of the soil had built up over time and eroded into the pavement, narrowing it further. It was agreed to write to the county council’s highways department about the issue. – Lucy Stephens

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ANYONE experiencing flu-like symptoms who has recently returned from mainland China – or has been in contact with someone who has – is being asked NOT to go into Melbourne or Chellaston Surgery. The surgery has updated its website following the outbreak of Coronavirus to issue the advice to patients. The website says: “If you have recently returned from mainland China, or have been in contact with someone who has, and you are experiencing flu-like symptoms including a cough or respiratory problems, we advise you to stay at home and dial 111. Please DO NOT come to the surgery.” Meanwhile, Melbourne’s Well Pharmacy has also pasted public information from the NHS on its door. The Village Voice contacted East Midlands Airport to ask if any special measures were being employed there. We were told that there were currently no additional checks and that the airport – which does not have any direct flights to China – was following Public Health England guidance.

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ONE of Melbourne’s councillors is now deputy leader of South Derbyshire District Council, and has resigned as a parish councillor in order to make time for the job. Cllr Martin Fitzpatrick (above), who previously served on the parish council as well as the district, was elected deputy leader of the district council at a full council meeting on January 16. He told the latest meeting of Melbourne Parish Council on February 4 that, due to the step-up in commitment, he would no longer be able to fulfil his role on the parish council and was therefore resigning as of that evening. He told the meeting in the Assembly Rooms: “It’s been a real pleasure working with you all for the last year and a half.” Cllr Fitzpatrick said he would still attend every parish council meeting in his role as district councillor. As deputy leader of the district council, Cllr Fitzpatrick will deputise for the leader, Cllr Mar-

tyn Ford, of Willington and Findern ward, whenever needed. He is now part of the leadership team of the district council, whose responsibility is to shape its priorities and direction. Elected to the council in May, 2019, Cllr Fitzpatrick said: “It’s an honour to have been elected to this position by my councillor peers. My first duty is and will remain being accountable to the residents of Melbourne, a role I have enjoyed fulfilling. “The elevation to deputy leader ensures that I can help to steer South Derbyshire District Council in the direction of continuing to provide great services to all of our residents whilst maintaining a steady hand on the financial tiller.” Melbourne Parish Council chair Sheila Hicklin told the meeting that she was “gutted” to lose Cllr Fitzpatrick, saying: “You have been very positive, a great councillor, and you’ll be a great loss.”

Nottingham here we come – new bus hope

BUS journeys from Melbourne all the way to Nottingham could become a reality under talks currently being held by the operator of the village’s new airport service. Keith Myatt, head of business development for Midland Classic – which runs the new number 9 service with stops including Melbourne and Ashby – told the Village Voice: “We are currently working with partners and another bus operator which will hopefully see a bus ticket become available that would offer through journeys to Nottingham and other destinations. “Once those discussions are concluded and the details of through ticketing are agreed we will announce more details.” He was responding to concerns and comments raised about the new service at the January meeting of Melbourne Parish Council, where it received a mixed reaction. Cllr Martin Fitzpatrick, reporting in his role as

district councillor, advised the meeting that he had written to Midland Classic raising concerns about the occasions when the bus had to mount the pavement turning into Potter Street, with the consequential safety concerns for pedestrians. He had asked whether they were prepared to consider modifying the route. The company had responded to say that the route had been given approval and that the main problem at the junction was cars parking inappropriately despite restrictions in place. Another councillor said he had been informally monitoring the occupancy of the service and thought, if he rounded down, it would amount to zero. He also voiced the view that if the service was being publicly funded in any way it was indefensible. Other councillors voiced further anecdotal issues with the service: that it had not turned up on one occasion, and that it was not integrated with onward services, for example, to Nottingham. On the other hand, Cllr Terry Summerlin, who represents the council on an airport consultation group, said he had good feedback from service users, and council chair Cllr Sheila Hicklin revealed that she was a fan, regularly using the service to go shopping in Ashby. Mr Myatt responded to the Village Voice’s inquiry to say: “Thank you for your interest in the new bus route 9 which has introduced new links to Ashby de la Zouch, Burton on Trent and East Midlands Airport – seven days a week. We have worked closely with partners to deliver this new bus route and we’re encouraged with the steady increase in patronage along the route since introduction.” – Frank Hughes

Village Voice February 2020 5

AULD acquaintances sat together and enjoyed a wee dram or two at Burns Night celebrations in the area. The Assembly Rooms in Melbourne’s Burns Night featured malt whisky and snacks – while next year, a Ceilidh may be part of the Scottishthemed proceedings. Meanwhile, at The Boot in Repton, more than 60 revellers enjoyed a five course meal, featuring haggis, ‘neeps and tatties, interspersed with Burns Night traditions and poetry. The highlight of the night was the ‘piping in’ of the haggis by Andrew Whalley, Pipe Major of the Black Watch Ex-serviceman’s Association. He said: “Anyone can enjoy a Burns Night celebration. All that’s needed is a lovely place to gather, friendly celebrants, some good Scotch whisky to keep you warm and some amazing food all of which The Boot certainly had and served tonight.” The Burns Night celebrations

BOLLARDS HIT AGAIN

A £40,000 county council repair scheme which would have included a solution to a continual problem in Kings Newton is now not going ahead due to lack of funds, the Village Voice has learned. The bollards around the commemorative cross in Kings Newton have been repeatedly knocked down by traffic over the past 20 years, since they were first installed. The latest incident happened early this year as one of the bollards was discovered once again to have been knocked over. The issue came to a head last year when Derbyshire County Council suggested it may be able to come up with a more robust solution to protect the bollards. The county council said it might couple this work with another project at Repton Cross – but it would cost around £40,000 and would take up to seven years to do it. Following the most recent incident of the bollards being knocked over in January, the Village Voice contacted the county council to ask if this scheme was still on the table. A spokesperson for the council said: “We’re aware of the latest accident at Kings Newton and we’ll go back and put the bollard back in place. “We will look for a low-cost solution to protect the bollards as they are regularly knocked over. However, we do not have the funding for a more robust solution. “There was a plan for a £40,000 scheme to protect Repton Cross, but unfortunately we do not have the funding for that to go ahead.”

ended with a good old rendition of Auld Lang Syne, one of Robbie Burns’ most famous works, written back in 1788. ABOVE: Guests enjoying Burns Night at The Boot in Repton. BELOW: Melbourne Assembly Rooms.

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6 Village Voice February 2020

Country Living

Steaming at rail plan with Robert Parker

YOU’VE just had a quote for a new kitchen or bathroom and a few months later the supplier comes back and tells you the price has trebled. What would you do? You’d tell them to go away of course. But this is where we are with HS2 and our government, it now seems likely, is going to signal the go-ahead for this massive project. The damage to the countryside of HS2 is going to be a national disgrace and already farmers and house owners have seen their properties blighted by the prospect. At speeds of over 200mph trains in our small country can’t stop frequently so lots of cities won’t benefit at all, and consider the plan to burrow the line under East Midlands Airport, but not have a station there. The logistics don’t interest me but the sheer destruction of the countryside in the project’s path fills me with rage and sorrow. Just to shave around 20 minutes off the journey time from London to Birmingham! n The weather has improved a little of late and we have been tempted out on to

the land to sow some wheat. It’s not been all plain sailing and (right) I can show you the picture of tractors bogged down in some of the wetter parts of the fields. I have to say that the situation in other areas, particularly east of here, is still not at all good. Many farmers who usually grow thousands of acres of cereals have still not planted a single grain. The consequences for some of them are horrific, depending on individual circumstances they are in. n The campaign against litter and particularly plastic continues apace but I’m very sad to say a lot of our population seem to be completely ignoring it. What do we have to do to engage with everyone? A softly-softly approach or more legislation? With the trees and hedges bare of leaves you only have to travel around the busy A roads or motorways to see the mess. Go into Derby on the Alvaston bypass and the litter on the verges is unbelievable, and the junctions on the A50 are the same.

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ADAM Davis, of Melbourne, who has passed away aged 33, “lit up any room he walked into”. Here, his close friend Matt Buckley pays tribute to the man known as “Bronk”. Born in Melbourne, where Adam then lived his whole life, Bronk, as he was known to many, was the second born son of Tony Davis and Yvonne Young (née Reynolds). He was a much-loved brother to Nathan, Jamie, Zoe and Connor, brother-in-law to Catherine, and son also to Tim. Adam was hugely well known around the village. With his cheeky chappy smile, swagger of a walk and a glint in his eye, he lit up any room he walked in. A true gentleman, often described as “a loveable rogue”, he had a hello and a hug for everyone and instantly made anyone having a bad day feel better about themselves. Often found kicking a ball around the streets or at Queensway Park with friends, as kids did in those days, Adam made friends for life with his peers and their parents alike. After attending Melbourne Infant and Junior School and then on to Chellaston Academy it was evident, even then, that Adam was certainly going to keep many adults on their toes with his mischievous ways. One parent recalled in her memories how "a teacher had to climb under the table to coax him out as he sat there laughing". After leaving school Adam went on to work for a few local companies, mainly in the building trade, including SJE Master Thatchers, Heaths and Mark Scanlon Development Ltd, to name but a few. Adam could also be found pulling pints in local pubs and clubs including the former Roebuck and The Royal British Legion where his mum, Yvonne, was the stewardess for a long period of time. Speaking of pubs, Adam was well known to like a pint himself, often seen with a Stella or Carling in his hand in one of the local watering holes. Adam seemed to find it quite easy to fall out with people, including his own shadow at times, although no one could stay mad at him for long. Previous landlady of the former Lamb Inn Jo Blackmoor recalls how she "barred Adam one night for misbehaving only for him to turn up the

next morning on the pub doorstep with a big bouquet of flowers to apologise”. In 2015 Adam became an uncle to Noah George and they both adored each other in equal amounts. All kids seemed to love ‘Aunty’ Adam – maybe something to do with the ease at which he found it to be on their level. Adam enjoyed attending raves, supporting Derby County, MC'ing, fishing, making people laugh, but most of all spending time with family and friends. Adam sadly passed away at home on Saturday, January 25, aged 33, and will be hugely missed by all his family and friends – a hole that will never be filled in their lives. An online fund-raising page has been set up to help the family give Adam the send off he deserves and this can be found at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/adam-davis20. The total at the end of January was £3,340; a collection is also taking place in the Royal British Legion. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. Son, Brother, Uncle, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin, Friend....amongst many other things to many more. RIP Bronk "One and Gone"

Cuppa cheer at last for church-goers

PARISHIONERS in Swarkestone will have running water to make a cup of tea after their service for the first time when building works are completed this year. An extension is currently being built at St James’ Church in the village which will create a toilet, including disabled facilities, kitchen area and meeting room – all modern conveniences it has never had. When the works are completed, it will mean that congregation members will be able to brew themselves a cuppa after their service in a lot more comfort. Up until now, they have been having to take water to the church in order to provide hot drinks, put fresh flowers in the building, or even clean the floor. Assistant churchwarden Pauline Sim, from Swarkestone, said: “Even for general cleaning, to wash the church, we have to cart water. It’s surprising how much water you use when you’re doing the flower arranging.” Ted Lawrence, secretary of St James’ Parochial Church Council, said the new meeting room would also be available to be booked out by local groups, such as the WI. This meeting room is another first for Swarkestone, which has no village hall. Mr Lawrence said work to get funding together for the extension had been going on for the past few years, and it was hoped the new extension may be ready in the summer. Of particular benefit to parishioners would be the new toilet facilities, he said: “The toilet is one of the main items that people really require!” St James’ Church dates back to the 12th century, although it was substantially rebuilt in the Victorian era. Services are held there once a month. Money to pay for the extension has come from grants and other sources. – Lucy Stephens

was burgled between 10am on January 25 and 6pm the next

Vehicle tyres slashed

THE same Melbourne street has seen two separate incidents of vehicle tyres being slashed, police have said. In the latest incident, a vehicle parked on Jubilee Close was scratched and its tyres slashed between 5pm on January 9 and 3pm the following day. Police said this was the second incident of tyre slashing on the same street – the other incident happening to a different vehicle. “Please keep vigilant and report any suspicious persons hanging around on Jubilee Close,” said a force spokesperson.

Transit van theft

THE public are being asked for information by police after a transit van was stolen near Ticknall. The 65 plate silver Ford transit was taken from the side of the road near Carvers Rocks on Scaddows Lane between 12.50pm and 1.30pm on January 26. Police are asking if anyone was in the area at the time or saw anything that could help them with their inquiries. People are asked to contact police either by Facebook (/derbyshireconstabulary); Twitter (@DerPolContact), by visiting their website or calling 101, quoting reference number: 20*49061. Anyone who is hard of hearing can text 07800 002414 or email deafsms@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk

Watching your speed

TEN volunteers are now helping monitor traffic speeds in Melbourne and Kings Newton. The latest meeting of Melbourne Parish Council on February 4 heard from retiring councillor Martin Fitzpatrick that the Speedwatch team in the village was being well supported with volunteers. Since forming last year, the group has been out on Station Road monitoring speeds. Cllr Fitzpatrick said that Kings Newton’s Main Street would be the next area of focus for local speed watchers.

BURGLARIES ALERT AFTER ROLEX STOLEN

RESIDENTS in Aston-on-Trent are being warned to check their home security after burglaries were reported in the area, one resulting in the theft of a valuable watch. Police are trying to trace the Rolex stolen from a house in Aston, saying the incident could be linked to another burglary in the area. The Rolex Submariner watch was taken from a house that

NEWS in brief

Village Voice February 2020 7

day. Now police are asking for anyone who is offered this watch for sale to be in touch with them. A statement from Derbyshire Constabulary said: “We are investigating reports of another burglary in the area at around the same time and are therefore urging residents to be vigilant and check their home security.” Anyone with any information

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Groups win grants

COMMUNITY groups in Ticknall and Aston-on-Trent have both been successful in winning action grants from the county council. Ticknall Village Hall and Aston-on-Trent Community Group were named among the successful applicants in the latest round of the small grants scheme, which gives a maximum of £500 to help groups with their activities. Ticknall Village Hall won £500 to upgrade and repair its hearing loop system, while Aston’s community group won £460 to help make its community noticeboard weatherproof.

Cannabis warnings

TWO formal cannabis warnings were issued after police spoke to the occupants of a parked car in Lowes Lane, Swarkestone. The warnings were issued at the road side on January 11 while the police Safer Neighbourhood Team were out on patrol. They said the “stopped to say hello” to the occupants of the parked car, and found two of them in possession of cannabis.

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8 Village Voice February 2020

Show the planet some love

The Common Touch...

HAPPY Valentine! February can be a bleak month weatherise, but it’s the month in which we can brighten our mood and warm our hearts with thoughts of love, showing our nearest and dearest how much we care about them. I’d like to suggest we also spend the 14th thinking how we can show our love and care for the Earth. So ditch the cards, soft toys and plastic gifts; if we’re going to reduce our consumption of stuff that’s a really easy and money saving place to start. If you do want to give a gift why not look for some vintage jewellery or an antique – we still have a couple of antique shops in Melbourne. If you’re crafty maybe you could sew or make a special gift, check out our ‘Raku’ ceramics workshop in May. Could you think of a way of spending time with someone rather than buying them stuff? I’ll leave that one for you to think about. “Nice walk around Calke anyone?” Just a suggestion; I’m sure you can think of other ideas! How about rustling up breakfast in bed? If you’re skilled in the kitchen, could you make a seasonal meal for your loved one with locally produced ingre-

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dients? Shun those expensive restaurants and ready meals from the supermarkets. We have a bread making workshop at Whistlewood in June; it could make a nice gift if you want to show someone how much you ‘knead’ them … sorry, I couldn’t resist that one. It seems obvious but roses are not in season here in the UK in February, so are not a sustainable choice for a Valentine’s gift. They will have been flown thousands of miles from South America, Kenya or India. Even Dutch grown flowers will be intensively farmed, grown using plenty of pesticides. Look out for British grown seasonal flowers like daffodils, narcissi, anemones, freesias – all beautiful and scented. There are lovely flowers available growing in pots which can be enjoyed in the house for a few weeks and then planted out to be enjoyed year after year. Or give a packet of sweet pea seeds to a green fingered partner; they can be sown now in a pot and planted out in April, which would give amazing colour and scent in the summer. Let’s spread the love, not make waste. – KATHERINE PARRISH

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RECORD numbers of volunteers showed pride in their community when they turned up for the biannual litter pick. In total, they removed 80 bags of rubbish from local roads and villages, including cans, containers, and even a bathroom basin and pedestal! Armed with litter pickers, bags and hi-vis vests, 50 volunteers turned out in Breedon on January 18 to help clean up their community from rubbish. Breedon Parish Council chair Ray Morris said this was by far the highest number who had ever turned up. In addition, for the first time ever, four staff members from Breedon Quarry also helped. The biannual litter pick started in Autumn 2015, making the event in January 2020 the 10th to be held. “Our previous attendance record was in the early 20s, but typically we average between 12 and 20,” said Cllr Morris. Thanks to the pickup vehicle provided by Breedon Quarry, the team was also able to cover the A453 between Tonge station and the A42, and beyond.

Usually, the litter pickers are able to cover the principal roads and villages within Breedon parish. So what did they find? Cllr Morris said that beer and cider cans are “always near the top of the list, followed by takeaway containers”. He added: “The most unusual item on this occasion was a bathroom basin and pedestal recovered from Squirrel Lane!” As reported in last month’s Village Voice, there has been a concerted litter picking campaign in the local area over recent weeks. A few days after the Breedon event, volunteers from East Midlands Airport cleaned up along the A453, next to the airport entrance. Meanwhile, Angus Shields of Isley Walton continued his “one-man crusade against litter,” said Cllr Morris. He said: “I think the sheer turnout of numbers shows how fed up residents are with constant littering and how they take pride in their parish and local environment. It is a real expression of pride in the community and a credit to their public spiritedness.” – Lucy Stephens

MELBOURNE will be joining many places across the world by installing “Happy to Chat” benches in the village. The idea was floated at the January meeting of Melbourne Parish Council and gained general approval for a trial in three locations. The origin of the idea does seem to be a bit vague, but in this year’s New Year’s Honours list a police officer from Avon and Somerset, Ashley Jones, awarded with an MBE, was credited as its founder. Now it has spread across the world – from Altrincham to Australia. The purpose behind the scheme is to help combat social isolation and loneliness by identifying specific seats as Chatty Benches with a sign indicating that if you are sitting there you would welcome a chat! Social isolation and loneliness are acknowledged to be risk factors of both mental and phys-

ical health, and the recently issued Loneliness Annual Report has highlighted the steps and strategies that are needed to combat this problem. Whilst some councillors had reservations, and one amusingly expressed no desire to converse with strangers, it was considered that the potential benefits of the idea outweighed any downsides. So, if you are sitting in the Market Place, Thomas Cook garden or by Melbourne Pool, keep your eyes and ears open, as you might just be engaged to chat. Do let Village Voice know what you think of the idea as we are always happy to chat! You can write to us at letters@melbournevillagevoice.co.uk. Please let us know whether or not you intend your comments for publication.

Are you sitting comfortably? Then it might be good to talk

Britpop bands booster for minibus appeal

THOUSANDS more pounds have been raised to boost the Melbourne Community Care minibus appeal when the Assembly Rooms turned â&#x20AC;&#x153;Britpopâ&#x20AC;? for the night. As reported in last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Village Voice, the local community have hugely rallied round Melbourne Community Careâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appeal to pay for a new minibus. Thousands have already been raised, enough to take delivery of a new bus, but the total has still not been reached. It was all in aid of the minibus fund when two local bands, The Roster and Blurred, starred in a fund-raiser on January 18. Just under ÂŁ1,000 was raised from the concert, organised by Melbourne Community Care volunteer Angie Cooke. But Angie hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stopped there â&#x20AC;Ś it was also announced on the night that she had just completed her 1500km challenge involving running, walking, cycling, swimming and rowing since October 2019, raising about ÂŁ1,450. She told the audience about her role at Community Care and their desire to replace the ageing minibus. She also said she is going to continue doing her challenge with a

new goal of 2020 kilometres! â&#x20AC;&#x153;What a fantastic evening with amazing music from both bands and a raffle resulting in just under ÂŁ1,000 raised!â&#x20AC;? said Angie, adding: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have had so much support from the whole community, family and friends to make the evening such a huge success.â&#x20AC;? All aged around 18, The Roster are a five-piece local band who amazed and entertained the packed audience and deserved the calledfor encores. At the other end of the age spectrum, Blurred featured Marvin Cooke (guitar), Alan Lee, (vocals), bassist Darren Walker, Ant Bacon on keyboard and Andy Jones (drums) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all â&#x20AC;&#x153;golden oldiesâ&#x20AC;? who had been at school together or played together in bands in earlier years. They had been rehearsing for a few months when time permitted, given they have jobs which take them to far-flung places. They clearly enjoyed being back on stage together and deserved the terrific reception from the non-stop dancing audience. With lights and sound provided by other family members James and Ben, the event was hailed as an amazing success. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Frank Hughes

l Blurred on stage.

POLICE CEMETERY PATROLS

Village Voice February 2020 9

AN EXTRA police presence will be in Melbourne near the cemetery to help monitor whether there is a problem with anti-social behaviour there. The latest meeting of Melbourne Parish Council heard how additional policing would be provided around that area at school bus drop-off times, after reports that this was a potential time for drug-related activity.

It has been suggested that school children coming off the bus are being offered drugs in the area of the cemetery. Additional signs (pictured) are also going to be put up in the area. Melbourne Parish Council clerk Jacqui Storer said that only three incidents of antisocial behaviour in the cemetery had in fact been reported to police in 2019, the most recent one being in May. It was not known whether these low numbers relate to the fact that anti-social behaviour is not occurring, or that it is not reported.

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n MELBOURNE Community Careâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minibus appeal received a further boost with a cheque from local choir A Choirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d Taste. Every year A Choirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d Taste donate the proceeds raised by selling tea and coffee at their weekly choir practice to a chosen charity or good cause. This year the choice was the Melbourne Community Care minibus. Several choir members are volunteers

with Melbourne Community Care, as drivers or in the office, so it was a cause especially close to their hearts. Alison Thornhill from Melbourne Community Care is pictured receiving the cheque for ÂŁ500, and explained that the new bus had been ordered but there was still a need to carry on raising money to pay for it, so she was very grateful for the donation from the choir.

DOWNLOAD Festival goers have been advised to pre-book cabs or use an official tax rank after a driver found himself banned from driving following a council-run sting operation at last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event. Download is held at Donington Park every year and attracts around 80,000 people. Leicestershire Magistratesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Court heard how the officers from North West Leicestershire District Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (NWLDC) licensing team were at the final day of the festival on Sunday. June 16, monitoring drivers and conducting test purchases. They were at the coned off â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;no loadingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; area near the pedestrian entrance to the transport hub on the A453 when Nasar Hussainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taxi pulled

over to approach them. Private hire vehicles must by law be prebooked, but Hussain gestured to the licensing officers and asked them if they needed a taxi. The officers agreed and asked Hussain to pull over shortly after their journey began, where the driver was cautioned and advised of the plying for hire offence that had been committed. Hussain, 31, of Lennox Road, Stoke on Trent, and who was licensed by Stoke on Trent City Council, pleaded guilty ahead of the hearing. He was given six points on his driving licence which led to a disqualification from driving of six months due to points already accumulated. He was also fined ÂŁ240 and ordered to pay the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s costs of ÂŁ500 and a victim surcharge of ÂŁ30.

Taxi driver caught in council sting

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AN INNOVATIVE business started by a Melbourne mum has received a boost after being crowned the latest “Rising Star” by Marketing Derby. The award-winning Little Starts was born in 2018 when its founder and co-owner, Katie Lavis, spotted a gap in the market for a gift company promoting experience over plastic. The company is the UK’s first gift card that can be used to pay for a range of baby, toddler and pre-school classes. In January it was handed the 2020 Rising Star award by Marketing Derby at an event in Derby Theatre attended by more than 500 people, including representatives from major industries such as Toyota. Judges were impressed with Little Starts’ innovative approach when they picked it from what they described as a “high number of competitive applications”. Katie said: “I’m really, really pleased – obviously! It’s a big honour. Sometimes when you’re in a start-up business, you can be in a bit of a bubble. It’s great to get external appreciation from a professional organisation that recognises what you’re doing is good. “I was very proud that we were chosen for our innovation – that they recognised our journey

and how far we’d come.” Katie owns Little Starts with school friend Liam Usher. A former solicitor, she was inspired by her own experiences with her first son, Olly, and started the business shortly after the birth of her second, Jack. Katie found like many other new parents that the experience of being with a tiny child can feel isolating. Getting out of the house to do a class or activity together represents valuable bonding time and, perhaps equally importantly, the opportunity to meet and chat with other new parents too. However, the cost can mount up so her business idea was to allow people to buy a gift card which could be redeemed against the class of the recipient’s choice. Katie felt that this would potentially often be valued more than plastic toys given at Christmas and birthdays, especially in today’s more environmentally conscious times. The company started off with 150 classes across nine brands in Derby, including Tiny Talk and Puddleducks Swimming. Today, it has 2,000 classes across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Greater Manchester, Sheffield and beyond and the plan is to

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OWNERS of an innovative local company which provides tipis for outdoor weddings are on “cloud nine” after winning a major national award. Jodie and Craig Bidder, who own Swarkestone-based Sami Tipi, won 2020’s Best Marquee Suppliers award at the National Wedding Industry Awards, held in London on January 15. The awards recognise the very best in wedding providers across the UK, including photographers, celebrants, caterers and venue providers. Sami Tipi was first named a regional finalist and winner before going on to emerge victorious at the national awards ceremony. Former Chellaston Academy student Jodie said: “We were absolutely on cloud nine. I think there were tears followed by a few sambucas! “There are times when you’re running your own business and you think: ‘This is hard. Why am I doing this?’ When something like this happens, it reminds you of

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pon the idea of hiring out for outdoor events, someuld have loved to have been heir own wedding. emselves measure 10 metres n simply be clipped together ze is required. year, we thought we would gs – we did 17. We knew the here,” said Jodie.

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l Craig and Jodie Bidder, owners of Sami Tipi, receiving their award from Damian Bailey (right).

it nationally available within a year. Rising Star award gives free Bondholder ership of Marketing Derby, with access to networking events, enabling the winner to and share ideas with hundreds of successal businesses. first winner of this award, University of graduate Ed Hollands, went on to secure ment on Dragons’ Den for his successful advertising company, DrivenMedia. are aiming to make the Little Starts Gift the go-to present for parents-to-be, new ts and the 0-5s nationally, and having aco the Marketing Derby network will be inble in helping us achieve this aim,” said

ie was handed her Rising Star award by Burns of well-known local dance company y Dance Productions, who won it last year. i said: "My year as the Rising Star Bondr has been absolutely transformational. I lighted to hand the baton over to Katie." dsey Hatfield of Marketing Derby said: Ed Hollands became our first Rising Star 16, and his subsequent success with his any and also his appearance on Dragons’ he Rising Star Award has become a serious changer to the winner and their business.

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Today, Sami Tipi typically caters for three or four events every weekend and works with local suppliers as well as landowners to let out land, including in Swarkestone, Ticknall, Wilson, Breedon and Whistlewood Common near Melbourne. The Sami Tipi team will travel up to 90 miles to put up their tents and take them back down again. Over the past seven years, the company has helped 30,000 people enjoy an outdoor event, and has provided tipis for companies such as Land Rover, Skoda, Capital One, Joules, and Nottingham University. Jodie said one of the main attractions was that, unlike traditional indoor venues which have their own décor, a tipi was a blank canvas which allowed people to add their own personality and creativity on their special day. “People want to create their own festival vibe,” she said. “It really is a party, and a celebration of two people coming together.”

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12 Village Voice February 2020

TODDLER play equipment in Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lothian Gardens play area is the next in line for replacement. The latest meeting of Melbourne Parish Council was told that five contractors had met members with a view to replacing the existing equipment for younger children. The meeting heard that contractors had been asked to come up with â&#x20AC;&#x153;excitingâ&#x20AC;? ideas as to what they would put in the play area instead. A sizeable sum of parish council funds would be put towards the new equipment, which could be enlarged if grants were applied for. Contractors have until 5pm on February 14 to come up with their proposals. Last year, the council replaced a large multi-use games area (MUGA) for older children, after an inspection found that it was rotting at its base and needed to go.

HERE is the latest news from the team at Melbourne Festival â&#x20AC;Ś n Join Arts Melbourne this spring for a healthy dose of art, music and creativity. Making the most of the gallery space at our new venue in the Market Place in January brought us the Emerging Artists exhibition. This featured work by artists from the early years of the Melbourne Festival Emerging Artists Award who are now professionals. These include William Hughes (pictured), who is working on the Arts Melbourne Creative Village project, and Emily Smalley, who is leading machine embroidery workshops at the gallery. n February starts with â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Beginningsâ&#x20AC;?, an exhibition by local artists Sujata Aten, Victoria Brown, Laura Donaldson, Mary Smith, Nina Spencer and Cheryl Wilbraham, which is on at the Arts Melbourne Gallery until February 22. The exhibition is open every Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm. The artists will be in the gallery to talk about their work and what inspires them. They are followed by â&#x20AC;&#x153;Into the Blueâ&#x20AC;?, an exhibition by festival artist Patrick Twiss Prentice, and others throughout March.

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with Alexander Binns on organ and Dora Chatzigeorgiou on violin at Melbourne Parish Church at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 7. Some readers may have seen Alexander and Dora perform at Octoberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s A Choirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d Taste concert. They are an extremely talented young duo who will be performing a programme of works for this seldom heard combination of instruments taking us from Johann Sebastian Bach in the 17th Century to William Lloyd Webber in the 20th! This is a rare opportunity to hear a performance by two of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rising stars. Together they have performed across the UK in venues which include St Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral, Peterborough Cathedral, St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Derby Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral and Waltham Abbey.

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ary 15 from 10am-4pm. The following week Stevie Davies has a morning workshop teaching us to make fused glass coasters and hangings. For anybody who is keen to learn how to work with metal, why not try Aluminium Art with Matthew Warburton and make a butterfly or a bracelet on February 29. n On March 7, if you have ever wanted to learn to make the most of your sewing machine, try machine embroidery with Emily Smalley. And on March 14, try Spring-inspired printmaking with Nicki Dennett. All materials and tools are supplied along with tea and biscuits. There is a fee for each workshop and the money pays the artists. n To raise money for the 2020 Creative Village Project, Arts Melbourne has a concert featuring the Apollon Duo â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

ÂŠ National Trust 2020. Registered Charity no. 205846. Photography ÂŠ National Trust Images/Dennis Richardson.

All makes and models considered

The work in the gallery is all for sale. There is also a regularly changing selection of cards and small pieces for sale so drop in and help support the local creative economy. n Following on from the workshops before Christmas, Arts Melbourne launched a programme of Saturday workshops to help everyone get creative upstairs at Arts Melbourne Gallery. Following on from the paper cutting workshop with Connie Wan Docksey, and the Fused Glass workshop with Karen Worrall of KJ Glass, there are lots of exciting opportunities in the pipeline. Victoria Brown is encouraging us to be inspired with the first signs of Spring with a painting workshop: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Branches, Buds & Blossomâ&#x20AC;? on Febru-

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Breathing new life into an old building

THE outbuilding adjacent to the Old Forge on Church Street, in Melbourne, has had a few incarnations in the past but has sat empty and unloved for several years. Now a Melbourne couple are trying to give it a new lease of life as a small gardening shop. Local residents Pete Gough and Sally-Anne Hatton are opening their new venture selling gardening tools and accessories, with an ethical focus on plastic-free and hand-crafted goods. Sally-Anne said the idea came about by accident. “Pete has long hankered after having a music shop, but with my own gardening services business it was a better fit to draw on my knowledge of gardeners’ needs. “The premises are ideal and it will be brilliant to see an old building brought back into use,” she said. Sally-Anne retains memories of the forge next door, and her dad recently spoke to her recalling horses being taken there to be shod. Indeed you can still see the remnants of a mounting stone and tie ring just by the door. In tidying the shop they stumbled upon an old image of the forge (pictured) and would love to know if anyone can date it. The building has also had history as an artist studio and

equestrian shop. In addition they will be selling food to feed the ducks and swans on the pool. “It will be a pick-your-own food for children to decide what they want to feed with, giving the opportunity for them to become ‘wild-life detectives’ finding out which food the birds prefer,” said Sally-Anne. They will be stocking tools made by suppliers like Qualcast, Wilkinson and Carters. Pete is also planning to have a small corner of the shop to realise his dream music store, selling musical accessories like guitar strings. “It will be my

WHAT’S ON YOUR GUIDE TO EVENTS IN THE AREA Friday 7 - Saturday 22 February: Exhibition - New Beginnings. Arts Melbourne Gallery, 2 Market Place. An exhibition by local artists Sujata Aten, Victoria Brown, Laura Donaldson, Mary Smith, Nina Spencer and Cheryl Wilbraham. Open Fri & Sat 10am - 4pm. See main ad for more details. 15 February - 14 March: Get Creative - Workshops at Arts Melbourne Gallery. Booking required. See main ad for more details. Saturday & Sunday February 15 16: Snowdrop Festival. The Dower House, Church Square, Melbourne. Adults £4, children free. Light refreshments. Part of the National Garden Scheme, Gardens open for charity. Teas. Dogs welcome. Plants for sale. Wheelchair access. 10am - 3.30pm.

mini-shop,” he said. Another idea is to have some

hardware, like coat hook racks and shelves with wrought iron features, referencing the heritage of the forge next door. The Garden Shed will be open Tuesdays to Sundays during normal hours. If you do have memories of the forge they would also love you to pop in and tell them. – Frank Hughes LEFT: The Garden Shed now open for business.

VILLAGE VOICE Postbag Completely missing the point

IT IS quite disappointing to find that Mr MurrayLeslie has written around 800 words in response to my comments re XR, and completely missed or failed to respond to many of the points I was making. I have no issue with raising the profile of climate change; on that I agree with him. But if he really thinks that disrupting the lives of ordinary people is a positive way forward then he is sadly misguided. How very generous of him to regret the inconvenience caused! Our present government may not be perfect but it is reacting positively, unlike many of the other major powers. If XR is seriously concerned about effecting change why isn’t it taking action against the USA, China, Eastern European countries, Asia etc? That’s where the real challenges lie; far better than idiots standing on trains and planes. And here’s another tip for XR. Instead of being negative, aggressive and anarchistic why doesn’t it accept that big changes don’t happen

Village Voice February 2020 13

overnight? Why not get the public on your side with positive, non-politicised advice and ways that ordinary people can reduce the impact of climate change? Small individual changes with household waste, ways to avoid using single use plastics, thinking about solar energy and recyclables, positive discussions regarding the education curriculum, contacting their MPs. Citizens Assemblies sounds a nice idea but it’s a naïve, unworkable concept, I’m afraid. I share XR’s concerns, I accept there is much to be done, I accept many of its members are wellintentioned but unless it gets off its childishly aggressive and ‘shouty’ approach it’s not going to get the UK public on its side We will agree to differ, there is no more to be said. John Holloway (Correspondence on this particular subject is now closed)

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

Tuesday March 3: Melbourne Community Care - Coffee & Company Melbourne Assembly Rooms, 2-4pm

Monday, March 9: Talk at Melbourne Garden Club. Colin Shaw will be coming to talk about organic gardening and gardening in a small space. He will look at what can be grown successfully in a square metre raised bed and what can be achieved in a small garden. 7pm, Senior Citizens Centre, Melbourne. Visitors welcome. Monday March 9: Melbourne Parish Council AGM at Melbourne Assembly Rooms Refreshments 7.00pm - 7.30pm start. All Parishioners are invited to attend. Friday, March 13: Melbourne Assembly Rooms Cinema Club: Judy. 6.30pm for 7pm start. Membership of the MARs Film Club is £5 per film. Sign up on the night. Bar open. Tiered and ground level seating.

Thursday, March 19: Melbourne Footpaths Group walk, from Coal Lane to Melbourne. Meet at 10.30am at Coal Lane, Hartshorne End. If not driving, catch the Friday, March 6: UpDownSizing. 10.03 bus from Melbourne Market Place A play written and performed by Ginny to Swadlincote. The walk will be led by Davis, Milton Village Hall, 7.30pm. Paul. £2 per head to pay for insurance and Rights of Way maintenance costs. Saturday March 7: Recital with Alexander Binns on Organ & All information correct Dora Chatzigeorgiou on Violin. at time of going to press. Melbourne Parish Church - 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from Arts Melbourne Gallery Please check before travelling. or 07990 582381

Another new life-saving machine in place

14 Village Voice February 2020

MELBOURNE now has another life-saving defibrillator after different organisations came together to make it happen. The new equipment, for use in an emergency cardiac situation, has been installed on the wall of the Melbourne Hall Estates Office next to the parish church. The original idea to have the device in the area came from the Friends of Melbourne Parish Church. Writing in the latest church bulletin, the group thanked the parish, district and county councils plus Melbourne Hall for helping in the purchase of the machine, along with Kings Newton building firm ASBC for arranging and funding its installation and electrical connection. “Let’s hope our congregation and visitors to this part of our town never have cause to use it, but it’s there if we/they do!” said the Friends. Cllr Martin Fitzpatrick, from the parish and district council, said: “The installation of this defibrillator machine has proved to be an excellent example of how the Melbourne community works together; from the is never needed but reassuring to know that if it ever is it is located at the entrance to a prime visitor attraction in our village.” friends of the parish church who had the original idea, to MelAlison Staley, from ASBC, said: “ASBC value the community of bourne Hall for their help in allowing their site to be used, to both Melbourne and we felt it was really important to contribute to the the parish and county council for providing funds along with the safety of its residents. Friends of the Parish Church, to also include our local builder “This was an opportunity for us to demonstrate our continual ASBC, who installed the machine. support for the Friends of Melbourne Parish Church and the “I was proud to have contributed some of my time and efforts to parish council.” help this project along and it is, of course, hoped that the machine

Pictured above are (l-r) Cllr Martin Fitzpatrick, of Melbourne Parish Council, Cllr Linda Chilton, of Derbyshire County Council, Alison Staley, of ASBC, Gordon Hughes, from the Friends of Melbourne Parish Church, and Ian Earl, of Melbourne Hall Estates team, with the new green defibrillator which is on the Melbourne Hall estate office next to the parish church.

Police plea to help trace a missing man

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THE public is being urged to come forward with any information which might help track down a man involved and possibly injured in a car accident that closed Swarkestone bridge. Mohammed Ishtyaq, 37, of Normanton in Derby, was last seen near the bridge after a collision on the evening of Saturday, January 11. Despite extensive land, water and air searches, he has not been seen since. Police have said: “Officers remain highly concerned for the safety of missing Derby man Mohammed Ishtyaq. “Mohammed was last seen close to Swarkestone bridge following a collision, and officers continue to be very concerned for the safety of Mohammed, who it is believed may have been injured in the collision. “The photo shows what Mohammed was wearing at the time of the incident and officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the Swarkestone bridge area at around 10.45pm on Saturday, 11 January, and may have seen a man matching his description in the area.” Mohammed is described as five foot five inches tall, of stocky build, with black hair. Since the incident, the River Trent has been extensively searched by boat in the area of

the bridge, as well as further downstream. As well as conducting land searches, the police force’s drone team and the National Air Service helicopter have also taken to the skies to look for him, scouring the area and the Trent. Mohammed’s family have been appealing for his whereabouts and posters have gone up around the area. Despite all the searching, at the time of going to press, there has not yet been any sign of Mohammed. Police are urging anyone with any information – “no matter how insignificant it may seem” – to come forward quoting reference number 806-120120 in any correspondence.

Burglary witnesses sought

POLICE are asking for witnesses after a burglary took place in Weston-on-Trent. Between 2.30pm and 9.15pm on January 25, a window was forced open at a property on Trent Lane, entry gained, and items stolen from inside. Police have asked if anyone was in the area at those times and saw anyone “hanging around” on the street. Anyone with information is asked to contact police, quoting incident number 20*48125. Police are also asking for any information after a burglary on Green Leas, Aston-on-Trent, between 10am on January 25 and 6pm the following day. A spokesperson said: “Have you seen anyone hanging around on the street or do you have CCTV at this location that you could check?”

DAFFODILS are always a heartening sign of spring – and these glorious blooms have been putting in an early appearance this year. While many daffodil bulbs have yet to show themselves, these beauties have already started flowering along the roadside near Weston-onTrent. They were snapped by our photographer Tina Baker after she spotted them on her drive home in late January. Daffodils are generally expected to flower in March and April, but some varieties can be spotted earlier.

Council’s carbon neutral strategy

OBITUARIES

CAN South Derbyshire become totally carbon neutral in a decade? That is the aim of a new strategy produced by the district council which was put before its members last month. South Derbyshire District Council declared a climate emergency in June last year. Now officers have produced a Climate and Environment Action Plan, 2020-2024, which sets out initial proposals as to how they can begin achieving carbon neutrality across the whole of the district by 2030. If achieved, that would be 20 years before the UK government’s 2050 target to get the country carbon neutral. The strategy document says:“Climate change is likely to have significant impacts on the district of South Derbyshire – on our environment, on our economy and on the whole social fabric. It will have a big impact on how the council can deliver services in the years to come”. According to the document, if things continue exactly as they are in South Derbyshire, the district will have used up this carbon budget in six years. The council’s plan involves reducing its own emissions and working to influence everyone else in the area to cut theirs too. The council has calculated that emissions it is producing from its own services equate to around 2,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in a year – less than one per cent of that produced in the whole of the district.

the domestic tasks, Mum helped Dad on the land. Mum wouldn’t have described herself as an adventurous cook, but we looked forward to meals, often summoned by a handbell if we were outside. As a potato growing family, we grew up worshipping the potato

in all its wondrous forms – new, boiled, mashed, sautéed, chipped, fried, roasted and jacketed. If you were to analyse our composition, it is probably part potato! In her spare time, which was rare until we left home, Mum liked to read novels, chat with family and friends at home, do puzzles, write verse, watch films, period dramas and game shows, and keep up with Coronation Street and Emmerdale, along with a sherry or a G and T. She liked music too, of various kinds. Mum seldom lost her temper, and always looked for the good in people. It was unusual for her to express a strong dislike of anyone, and if there was nothing good to say, she would generally say nothing. It is a sadness for us that Mum was unable to enjoy a few tranquil years after Dad’s illness and death from Alzheimer’s in 2018. She was diagnosed with cancer last spring and died in November. The church was full for her memorial service, a tribute to the natural radiance and kindness of a much-loved and much-missed lady. – DRH, LMP, WJH, PEH, GJH, BAH and CMH.

spent with the wider family on holidays together and in general socialising around Melbourne. Alan retired, aged 64, but that didn’t really mean retirement; he was too active and energetic for this. He was a handy man, a

very knowledgeable man, and a good mechanic. He could turn his hand to anything, he was a fixer, and a man who could repair anything and enjoyed doing it; he had a real “make do and mend” mentality. He loved gardening, which consisted of tending his allotment and spending plenty of time in his greenhouse and shed. He kept Koi Carp in his garden pond for the last 50 years and also bred budgerigars. He loved to complete jigsaws and build models. In his later years he loved to spend time helping grandson George with his vintage tractors and was always on hand to give advice. He was an avid reader and loved to sit with a cigar and a pint at his favourite pub, the Blue Bell Inn. Alan was diagnosed with lung cancer nearly three years ago and decided not to have any treatment. He had a decent quality of life during this time, but over the last three months he was getting poorly. Alan died at home on January 6 with his family around him. Alan leaves behind his beloved wife Kath, his three children, six grandchildren – Nick, Matt Lisa, Danielle, Emily and George – six great-grandchildren – Tom, Olivia, Joe, Ethan, Amelia and newly born Amara.

JANE ALICE HEATH 1935 - 2019 MUM came to Melbourne upon marrying dad (Frank) in 1957, and regarded her formative years as the ones she spent in Huddersfield, where her father the Rev. Eric Jarmin was a Swedenborgian minister. Dad went to the Swedenborgian church in Melbourne, and they met at a church summer school in Warwickshire. In 1959 the market gardening business of F. M. Heath and Son moved from Rawdon Street to Woodhouse Farm, where it remains, and where most of us seven children were born. There were two houses on the farm, one for Grandad (Frank M.) and one for Dad (Frank E.). Meanwhile, Mum’s two brothers and two sisters all emigrated, but they visited from time to time and we enjoyed the company of our overseas cousins. Mum’s whole life was about nurture and motherhood. Before marriage she concerned herself with caring for animals and nursing the elderly in a local geriatric hospital, which she loved. Later, in addition to

ALAN GEORGE TOPLISS March 31 1920 - January 6 2020 ALAN George Topliss was born in Ticknall to Harry and Edith Topliss. He had a younger brother Reg, who sadly passed away in 2016. Alan moved to South Street, Melbourne, when he was five years old to start school. He was to live in Melbourne for the rest of his life. Alan served his National Service in the Horse Guards and spent 18 months in Germany around 1948. He met Kathleen Statham at school. They were married in 1950 at Melbourne Parish Church and had their wedding party in the function room at the Blue Bell Inn. Last year the couple celebrated 69 years of marriage on Boxing Day. Alan started work as a driver for JB Laban after he finished his National Service. He also spent time working at RollsRoyce, the gravel pit at Swarkestone and ended his working life as a fitter for Pirelli in Burton. During this time the children came along, first Christine, four years later Steve, and then a further four years later Colin arrived. Many happy times were

Village Voice February 2020 15

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Edwin Francis Knight 4/10/1929 – 6/11/2019

Josephine and family thank everyone who attended Edwin’s funeral service and sent cards and letters of condolence. Your kind words and support are greatly appreciated. Thank you also for the donations to Dementia UK, in memory of Edwin. God bless you all.

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N-ice one for the Pops

A SYNCHRONIZED ice-skating team, which has members from Melbourne, Derby and Nottingham, glided its way to victory at the British Championships in January. The Ice Pops is one of the teams which are part of the Nottingham Synchronized Skating Academy (NSSA). The team’s skaters aged from seven to 12 train at the city’s National Ice Centre. At the Britannia Cup held in Nottingham in January, they won the gold medal – beating off teams from the rest of the UK.

It’s ready, steady run All NSSA teams, ranging from the Ice Pops to the adult team, won British gold medals at the three-day championships, which were broadcast on BBC iPlayer. Synchronized ice skating

RUNNERS take note: the annual Weston Run is taking place next month. The Weston Run comprises a five-mile race and two-mile fun run and is organised by Aston, Weston and Shardlow Scouts. The event is happening on Sunday, March 8, at 11am, and the start and finish are in the grounds of the Ukrainian Centre on the western outskirts of Weston-onTrent. Parking marshals will be in attendance on the day to offer instructions as to what to do when entering the area. The course has been officially measured by UK Athletics and is being run under its rules. They stipulate that no-one under the age of 15 on the day of the event will be allowed to take part in the five-mile race. They also ban all headphones or similar devices other than those which have been

medically prescribed. Organisers have said they reserve the right to disqualify any runners choosing to ignore this. Numbers will be allocated upon receipt of an entry form and fee, and will be available for collection on race day. Numbers are not interchangeable and any athlete found to be running on any number other than that issued to them has been warned they will be liable to disqualification and reporting to UK Athletics. “It is also a requirement that you complete the contact and medical information required on the back of the race number. Numbers must not be folded, cut or mutilated,” said organisers. The five-mile course is described as a “picturesque, multi-terrain course encompassing a number of different running surfaces including footpaths, roads, farm track

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involves teams of up to 16 performing complex routines to music. In March, the National Ice Centre in Nottingham will host the ISU (International Skating Union) World Jun-

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ior Synchronized Skating Championships for the first time. The Ice Pops team members are pictured with their trophy and coach Emily Potter.

and canal path”, which passes through both Aston and Weston. The two-mile course is around the “quiet lanes of Weston”. Any child of under nine is asked to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Both courses are described as “uneven, potholed and muddy in places”, so care is advised. There will be an award for any UK Athletics affiliated club whose members score the lowest aggregate position score for four team members. Should there be a tie, this will be awarded to the team with the lowest aggregate position score for their first three team members. More details and registration can be found here: www.107derbyscouts.org.uk, or you can also register on the day.

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Up and down start to rugby clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s year

FEBRUARY began with Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first XV in 12th position in the Midlands 1 East League, on 19 points. They kicked off 2020 in fine style with a convincing win away against league rivals Wellingborough on January 4, where the scoreline ended up 15-33. Tries for Melbourne came from Jordan Goddard, Jack Pearce, Sam Hancock, Ben Dickinson and Loz Betty, with four conversions from Hancock, who was also named man of the match. Things did not go the first XVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way in their next league game, against Lutterworth, who beat Melbourne 48-19. Melbourne tries came from Loz Betty, James Squires and Sam Hancock. A more closely fought game on February 1 saw the green and golds meet Market Harborough, narrowly losing 15-19 with tries from Jack Perci-

val, Tony Day and Sam Hancock. Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first team victory on January 4 was matched by the performance of the second XV, who were very strong in a cup game against Long Eatonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seconds, trouncing them 27-0. Tries came from Craig Ilott, Lewis Hamilton, Liam Bishop and Josh Mallett. A league encounter for the seconds against Paviors seconds saw Melbourne fare less well, finishing up 44-5 losers with a solitary try from Jordan Gale. A friendly against Mansfield seconds on January 18 had a 62-12 scoreline, with tries from Michael MacCallum and Thomas Watson, and a conversion from Will Flint. Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thirds had an excellent January, winning all three friendly encounters. n YOUNG windsurfers from across the UK descended on Foremark Reservoir to take part in a new event organised by one of the club members, Burton Sailing Club OnBoarder Nieve Ball. Visitors got the chance to try and different kit including a Formula board, Short Board, variations of Techno kit plus foiling kit.

Village Voice February 2020 19

l Melbourne RFCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tom Warren tries to charge down a kick during the 1st XVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s encounter with Wellingborough. Photo: Marshall Payne.

First was a narrow but satisfying victory over Derby with the final scoreline reading 19-20 in Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favour. Tries from Alex Hollingsworth and Joshua Morgan came in the first half, plus a conversion from Rob Foster, while Foster also scored a penalty in the second half, with a further try from George Sread at 70 minutes. The thirds continued their winning streak with a convincing 43-5 victory over Mellish thirds, with plenty of tries and conversions to keep things interesting. They started February with a bang with a 62-

5 win over Ashfield thirds. Maff Taylor started Melbourne off as they meant to go on with a try two minutes into the game, with more from Joshua Morgan, Dean Sylvester, Alex Parnall and Alex Hollingsworth in the first half, plus three conversions from Rob Foster. Rob Foster kept up the pressure in the second half, scoring a try and two conversions, with another try from Craig Ilott. The Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first match of February was a win (57-7) over Long Eaton, while the under-16s met Loughborough for their first game of the year, on January 19, resulting in a 26-17 defeat.

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SPORT

Cricket club pads up for a new season MELBOURNE Town Cricket Club has had a very busy start to the year as it prepares for the 2020 season. Senior winter practice at Rykneld Sports Centre every Sunday morning has been well attended and plans are nearly complete for the Junior Under 13s and U15s sessions, which will be confirmed in the next couple of weeks. The club has also booked start dates for its very popular All-Stars course which this year will start on Saturday, May 16. Running every Saturday for eight weeks from 11.15am-midday, this course is aimed at five to eightyear-olds. On top of this, the club is running the brand new ECB initiative called Dynamo Cricket. This is a similar course to the All-stars but is for 8-11year olds. It starts on Wednesday May 20, from 6.30pm and will run for six weeks. The registration for both of these courses will be going live in the next couple of weeks but in the meantime, anyone who needs any more information should contact Alex Slater by phone on 07966933583 or by email at alexslater72000@yahoo.co.uk.

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MELBOURNE Dynamo Football Club teams took their good form into 2020 as they began the year with some positive results. This was led by the Saturday first XI who made it 11 wins out of 11 in their league campaign, starting with a close fought 3-2 away win against Derby Singh Brothers where they had to come from behind. A double from James Smith plus a tidy Jake Peverley finish earned Melbourne the three points.

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However, there was disappointment a week later as Dynamo went out of the Derbyshire Cup at the semi-final stage at home to Mickleover Sports Reserves. The first team raced into a three-goal lead thanks to Jack Goodband, Karl Munton and James Smith but were pegged back by a young sports side led by former professional Clinton Morrison. It ended 3-3 at full time with Dynamo losing out 3-2 on penalties. A 4-0 home win against third placed Tibshelf followed. This time, Karl Munton hit a brace with Peverley and Smith also on the scoresheet, leaving Melbourne eight points clear at the top of the Premier Division. The first team ended the month by travelling to Stapenhill in the Challenge Cup. An incident-packed game saw Dynamo come out 5-3 winners. Leading scorer Jack Goodband led the way with a double, with goals from Jack Bodill, Dave Worger and Dynamo legend Dave Brough seeing them through to the next round. Melbourne Dynamo Reserves had a faultless January as they won all four of their games. They scored 22 goals in the process, leaving them just two points off the top of the table as a comfortable 5-1 win at home to Netherseal St Peters started off their year. Doubles from strike pairing Joe Shadbolt and Harry Foxon did the damage, along with a rare Ryan McLaughlin finish to complete the win. A hard fought 2-0 away win at Derby Athletic followed. It was Harry Foxon again on the scoresheet plus a rare goal from skipper Dan Toon to earn the three points. A week later Dynamo Reserves had to come from 2-0 down at home to lowly Holbrook St Michael’s Juniors to win a tense match 4-3. For the third successive week, Harry Foxon was on the scoresheet along with Josh Burton but even more remarkably, Dan Toon went one better than the week before and scored two to secure the win. Melbourne went goal crazy in their last match of January as they destroyed Burton United 11-1 with four goals from the boot of Toby Foxon. A hat-trick from leading scorer Joe Shadbolt, a double by Josh Burton, plus strikes from Harry Foxon and the in-form Dan Toon, who doubled his Dynamo career goals in the space of three weeks, capped a fine month for the reserves. Melbourne Dynamo Sunday side were hit by the weather in January. Only one of their matches was played as they went down 2– 1 away to a young Smalley Villa side in a bad tempered game with Jake Allaway continuing his good form in front of goal with a twoyard tap-in. – Alex Slater