Melbourne Village Voice January 2020 by Village Voice

NEW BUS IS ON ITS WAY No. 326 January 2020

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Community Care thanks locals for ‘terrific’ response to appeal

by LUCY STEPHENS

A NEW community care minibus is on the way for Melbourne after local organisations rallied round and raised thousands of pounds within weeks. Melbourne Community Care launched an appeal for funds for a new minibus in November last year – but more fund-raising is still needed to reach the target. The charity has said the response from the local community has been “terrific” with donations flooding in. The money raised so far has enabled Community Care to take delivery of a new bus this New Year, but they are still a few thousand pounds off the final target. “We have had a terrific response,” said Melbourne Community Care chair Brian Dollamore. “Thank you very much to the village – you have been terrific!” One of the most recent donations to the minibus fund has been from Melbourne Rugby Club, which gave more than £2,000 raised from their Santa’s Sleigh visits this year. The club thanked local residents warmly for their continued support of the festive tradition, which they took over from Melbourne Rotary Club a few years ago. Club director Tom Williams said: “Every year we pick a local charity. People think that this is a very worthwhile cause and we’re all for it.” Meanwhile, The One Off on Derby Road also donated £1,000 to the appeal after hosting a festive dinner for 11 elderly guests from Melbourne Community Care. The creative agency decided to hold the dinner and donate to Melbourne Community Care – which is just around the corner from their studio – instead of sending cards and gifts to clients. Members of their team cooked while others decorated, organised, set up and served up the festive feast. David Ford, creative director at The One Off, said: “We loved sharing our studio, supporting and serving the community. We had a great time chatting and listening to stories – everyone in the studio is asking when we’re doing it again!” Melbourne Community Care is a local charity that provides Continued on Page 7

l Noreen Smith enjoying a Christmas lunch at The One Off in Melbourne, which donated £1,000 to the Community Care minibus appeal.

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Their travels are over

2 Village Voice January 2020

NO nay never no more … after more than half a century playing together, Melbourne folk and comedy group The Travelling People have finally put down their instruments after playing their last ever gig. The Travelling People have been playing music together since the mid-1960s but have now decided to call time on their performing days. The popular group held their final gig at the Assembly Rooms in Melbourne, over two nights to keep up with the demand. More than 200 people went to see their shows on December 20 and 21. And as our photographer Andrew Jackson took this photo, they burst into song with “The Wild Rover” – whose chorus, appropriately enough, goes ‘I will play The Wild Rover no never no more”. Andrew’s picture shows Dave Perkins with Peter and Richard Stevenson of The Travelling People, along with supporters, playing their last ever gig.

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Plan for 150 homes turned down again

PLANS to build up to 150 homes between Aston and Westonon-Trent have been thrown out – again. Last year Gladman Homes submitted drawings for the largescale development on land between the two villages. It took around a quarter of an hour for members of South Derbyshire District Council’s Planning Committee to reject the plans at its latest meeting on December 17. The meeting heard that Gladman’s application was virtually identical to that which the developer previously submitted in 2017. Those plans were also decisively rejected by members of the planning pommittee in the June of that year. This time around, Gladman argued that its proposals for up to 150 homes plus a community building off Weston Road would have helped the council meet the need for a five-year housing land supply, as well as providing affordable homes. But the district council responded in a report by saying that in fact it already had a five-year housing land supply and was also meeting its requirement to supply enough affordable homes for the area. The plans attracted 326 objections, with Aston and Weston parish councils enumerating long lists of points in protest, as well as additional objections from SAVE (Save Aston and Weston Village Environments). Albert Willow, chair of SAVE, spoke against the plans at the meeting in Swadlincote. He talked of the “lack of attention to detail” on Gladman’s part in putting forward the second set of proposals, as well as their “ig-

norance of the heritage of our local villages”. “SAVE strongly believes that the need to protect the individual character and heritage of the two very different villages needs to be maintained,” he said. “The application was refused the first time, and this virtually identical attempt should be refused again.” Gladman had argued that, as well as building 45 affordable homes within the development, the residents of the new development could be generating annual expenditure of £4.3million. They suggested that the new community facility included in the plans could be a GP surgery. However, the Derbyshire and Derby CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) said a new surgery would be unlikely to be supported and any money contributed by the developer to mitigate the homes would be better spent in existing practices. Planning officers recommended the proposals be refused as they were outside the settlement boundary of Aston-on-Trent, and the land suggested for building was not included in the Local Plan. “The proposed development would, therefore, represent an unwarranted and unsustainable incursion into the countryside, leading to the unjustified loss of greenfield land and not representing sustainable development in the round,” their report said. Planning committee members were unanimous in refusing the development. On the previous occasion when Gladman was refused permission to build, they appealed, but later withdrew their appeal. – Lucy Stephens

... but these 100 get the go-ahead

UP to 100 new homes have been green-lit for land north of Barrow-upon-Trent as the first part of the huge Infinity Garden Village project. The 100 homes on Deep Dale Lane form an early part of the large housing and employment development that will span South Derbyshire and Derby City. The development is set to provide more than 2,000 homes and 5,000 jobs, secondary and primary schools, a pub, local centre and a new junction off the A50. Members of South Derbyshire District Council’s Planning Committee took little time to pass the plans at their meeting on December 17, although one councillor abstained. The new homes are planned for a single agricultural field off Deep Dale Way, just south of Sinfin. Homes to the west are already being built, and planning permission has also been granted for more in another adjoining

field. Access to the Deep Dale Lane development is only to be provided from the north. The planning meeting heard how, instead of affordable homes being provided in the development, a sum of money would be contributed instead. As well as that, money is also being given to enable the nearest primary school – Sale & Davy’s in Barrow – to cope with additional pupils ahead of a new school being built. More than half a million pounds would also be given to accommodate extra pupils at Chellaston Academy, or another secondary school in the county should the academy not be able to expand to this extent. Money is also being given to help fund healthcare and a new bus service, plus sustainable transport schemes such as shared bicycles. A development framework document says: “The Infinity Garden Village commu-

nity will be a place where people can experience a very high quality of life, where neighbourhoods will have an attractive mix of housing and public open spaces and access to a range of new and existing community facilities including primary and secondary schools, healthcare, outdoor sport and recreational opportunities and a range of high quality jobs.” Councillor David Shepherd, of Stenson ward, voiced concerns over traffic while the plans were being debated. He said: “I do remain to be convinced that transport aspects will be adequate to serve a development of over 2,000 houses. The transport issues that are covered within the report do very little to allay my concerns.”

New homes for Christmas – see Page 12

Car park changes to help boost trade

THREE-HOUR limited spaces in Melbourne’s main car park have been increased five-fold in 2020 in a move to help boost local trade. On December 29, bays were remarked in the car park behind The Melbourne Inn so that the number of three- hour limited spaces was increased from five to 25. The move comes as a result of a detailed survey conducted by South Derbyshire District Councillor Martin Fitzpatrick as to how Melbourne’s main car park is used – as previously reported in this newspaper. The survey was conducted between September and November and showed that at many times of the day the car park is full, making it difficult for shoppers to park. Cllr Fitzpatrick also collated feedback from more than businesses or individuals on what changes they would like to see in the car park. He said: “The feedback showed that 80 per cent of respondents supported changes to the car park, with increasing the number of 3hr bays and moving the recycling units being the most favoured options. “South Derbyshire District Council (SDDC) is rightly proud of its free car parking policy and the car park will still have two thirds of its capacity with unlimited parking.” He went on to say: “The car park has three main user groups: local residents, staff who work in local businesses, and shoppers who want to visit Melbourne, but it was the shoppers who were being squeezed

Village Voice January 2020 3

Thelma Sheppard After a short illness, Thelma passed away in the early hours of Boxing Day. Her funeral will be held at Bretby Crematorium on Friday, January 10 at 1.45pm. Enquiries to J P Springthorpe & Co.

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“The move to more 3hr limited parking seeks to address this issue and it’s important that we continue to monitor

how well the car park functions with these changes.” Cllr Fitzpatrick added: “It’s often reported that the car park can be used by airport users as a free long stay car park and our survey did find evidence of one case of this. By continuing to monitor the car park functionality SDDC can potentially introduce measures to prevent abuse of this free car park at a later point.” For now, the recycling units will stay on site, but Cllr Fitzpatrick said discussions were ongoing to potentially move these units to another location in Melbourne in order to free up extra car parking spaces. He said SDDC car parking enforcement officers would visit the car park regularly and would issue car parking tickets to any vehicles using the designated 3hr parking bays for longer than the three hours. Across the road at the Melbourne Assembly Rooms, SDDC, who own the car park, have also recently repaired potholes, cleared drains and repainted parking space lines to also make parking at that site easier. – Lucy Stephens

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Your views on building sites

4 Village Voice January 2020

MEMBERS of the public are being asked for their views on potential building sites in the area. The latest public consultation from South Derbyshire District Council is asking locals what they think about its “revised methodology” for possible building development areas. People have up until February 4 to have their say. This consultation follows on from a previous one which was asking for landowners and anyone else with an interest to submit possible sites. It is all part of a review of the Local Plan currently being conducted by the district council. The Local Plan review process requires the council to undertake a Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA) for which the call for potential sites was put out in November, as reported in the Village Voice. In last month’s Village Voice postbag, one contributor expressed anger at the way “land-grabbers” were “pouring concrete over what was supposed to be a rural district”. This latest consultation gives the public an opportunity to be heard on the way such sites will be considered. The assessment seeks to identify potential land for housing, including gypsy and traveller sites, affordable housing and economic uses. The council says it “is an important source of evidence to inform plan-making, and it is the role of the SHELAA to provide information on the range of sites which are potentially available to be developed”. A statement from the council went on to say: “The SHELAA is an evidence document only and does not in itself allocate land for any specific purposes; allocations will be determined through the Local Plan.” The district council has announced it “would welcome your comments on the proposed approach to assess sites, particularly in terms of viability, and the weight given to both policy and physical constraints”. Anyone interested in contributing their views can email planning.policy@southderbyshire.gov.uk. The draft methodology document can be accessed at www.southderbyshire.gov.uk/assets/attach/6003/Draft%20SHELAA%20Methodology.pdf

The rebels with a causeway retreat

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THIS year will mark the 275th anniversary of one of British history’s more intriguing episodes – and it all happened just down the road at Swarkestone. Every year, the Charles Edward Stuart Society of Derby holds a re-enactment style commemoration at Swarkestone Causeway to mark the spot where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 decided to retreat. Charles Edward Stuart, dubbed Bonnie Prince Charlie, had marched into England from Scotland with a Jacobite army. His intention was to seize the throne and restore the Stuart royal line from the King at the time, who was George 11, from the German House of Hanover. However, the Bonnie Prince’s ambition was ultimately to fail and the pivotal moment occurred on Swarkestone Causeway. No battle in fact took place at the causeway and the retreat was more of a whimper than a bang. “Bonnie Prince Charlie arrived in Derby on December 4,” explained society secretary Vivian Beckford, who takes part in the re-enactment every year. “They were intending to secure the Trent. Swarkestone Bridge was one of the best ways of getting past that. “The local militia, the Derby Blues, rather than stand and fight, were evacuated to Nottingham, taking all potential recruits.” Charles Edward Stuart had travelled down from Scotland hoping that thousands of troops would be persuaded to join him

along the way so that by the time he reached one of the main roads to the south of England – Swarkestone Causeway – he would have a mighty army. But the Government of the time simply instructed local militia to stay out of his way, so that the Jacobites were unable to rally troops to their cause. At Swarkestone, faced with a distinct lack of support, they decided to turn back. Vivian, an energy industrial analyst in Nottingham, said the re-enactment event at Swarkestone did not mark so much a battle that happened – it did not – but was more a commemoration of the historical goingson in Swarkestone, and an illustration of the types of battle that happened during the rebellion. Held by the Charles Edward

Stuart Society since the early 90s, the annual event sees between 50 and 100 re-enactors descend on the causeway early in December, with the Bonnie Prince making a speech and muskets being fired. “The guns are all real and have to be licensed,” said Vivian. “Everyone owns their own gun. There’s a danger. It’s a case of ‘this is real gun powder’. These guns are real and they are dangerous.” So why perform the re-enactment? “Ultimately, these events involved real people who had their own concerns and lives,” said Vivian. “People who died for what they believed in. Whether we consider what they believed in to be right or wrong, they did believe it.” – Lucy Stephens

Ready, steady go for carnival

MELBOURNE’s carnival committee held its annual general meeting in December and members are gearing up to prepare for this year’s summer bonanza. The meeting, held in Harpur’s, saw Rachel Hill continue as the committee’s chair. No other changes were made to the committee. The theme of this year’s carnival, in July, is Melbourne Does Musicals.

Praise for work on old landmark pub building

BUILDING works to a former public house in Melbourne have been specially commended in an awards scheme. The Armsgate development of the former Melbourne Arms pub and grounds on Ashby Road was awarded a commendation for “Reuse of an Historic Building” at the Derbyshire Historic Building Trust Architectural Awards. Stanton Developments, Matthew Montague Architects and Gowercroft Joinery are behind the scheme. Judges were impressed with the approach taken to the landmark building, the focus on reviving external features and the overall attention to detail. As part of the work on the old pub, developers reintroduced the original chimney stacks. Judges said: “Through sound and considered conservation principles the future of this building has been successfully secured and, in so doing, enhancing the historic streetscape on this gateway approach to Melbourne”. They also felt the homes built on the grounds of the former pub had been “sympathetically designed”. Stanton Developments said: “We would like to thank all contractors, professionals and wider stakeholders for their support and expertise during the Armsgate journey.” The former Melbourne Arms was originally built by Francis Dalman, a full-time inn keeper. Extensive alterations and extensions were made to the building in the 1990s to form an Indian restaurant, which stayed open until late 2014. Stanton Developments acquired the pub at public auction in April 2015 and planning permission was granted the following year to refurbish and convert the pub, restaurant and grounds into seven homes. – Lucy Stephens

JINGLE Bells and Ho ho ho ... these brass players were entertaining Melbourne shoppers with some festive carols before Christmas, and raising funds for Cancer Research UK at the same time - a local annual tradition.

CANNABIS WARNINGS

POLICE issued formal warnings after finding occupants of cars in possession with cannabis in the local area on the evening of December 23. The first was issued when police on patrol found and searched a vehicle on Trent Lane in Melbourne where the occupant was found in possession with cannabis. Another formal cannabis warning was issued to the passenger of a vehicle in Staunton Harold car park.

LEFT: the former Melbourne Arms and ABOVE: the Armsgate development.

Roadwork warning for drivers

Village Voice January 2020 5

ROADWORKS are going to be taking place on a well-used road this month, Derbyshire County Council has said. Works are being undertaken by Cadent Gas on the A514 between Swarkestone and Chellaston. The work is being done to resolve poor pressure, which has resulted from new gas connections in the area. Workers will be out from January 6 but disruption is not expected until the following week, beginning on January 13. At that stage, a two-way temporary traffic signal will be in place on the road to allow the gas works to take place. This will involve manually controlled signals between 7am and 7pm daily to keep the A50 roundabout clear of queuing traffic. The following week, from Monday, January 20, the northbound side of the A514 will have to be closed as the works approach the roundabout, and a diversion will be in place. The southbound A514 is due to remain open. Roadworks are due to carry on until the end of February. n The cost of fixing the damage to roads in Derbyshire caused by flooding last November is estimated to be more than £20million.

6 Village Voice January 2020

Country Living

Hoping some of those promises are kept with Robert Parker

I WOULD like to wish everyone a happy and peaceful new year, and hope the country can now get on after the election result of December. An awful lot of promises were made then and I hope that at least some of them are kept. There’s a lot of work to do this year. A strange and unusual phenomenon happened over the festive period, something quite rare lately. Since Christmas Eve, it’s not rained for 10 whole days and the forecast for the next few doesn’t include much either. Let’s hope it comes true. We have a few sheep which will be lambing in February, and on Christmas Eve we move them to a fresh field. The field they were in was very water-logged and in my life of over 60 years I don’t think I’ve ever seen it so wet. To contemplate going on the fields with tractors and machinery is still some time off but we can only hope it can happen soon! The continued wet has seen another issue for us too. We have a few footpaths

across our land which I broadly welcome, but the action of some walkers is starting to annoy me. Across crop fields as the rain turns the paths into quagmires, the walkers’ answer to avoid the mud is to go on to fresh ground. I note in several places the walked area is now over 12 metres wide – a lot more than the statutory three. When people come into the countryside they should have suitable footwear to accommodate these conditions. I see many people in pristine new trainers and low shoes negotiating the paths; they seem to have no idea what conditions will be like. It may not be long before there will be calls for the paths to be paved. This is a common-sense issue but there doesn’t seem to be much. In the past, over one of the most heavily used paths, I have put up strings about six metres apart to try to contain the problem. I hate to do this but it may have to happen again soon.

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SCHOOL GETS A GOOD REPORT

GREAT news for school children in Aston-onTrent … their school is good, and that’s official. Ofsted called at Aston-on-Trent Primary School in November and their report, released the following month, confirmed the school continues to provide a ‘good’ standard of education. Inspector John Savage found much to praise about the school, saying pupils there “receive a high quality of education”. The report said: “They respect one another and relationships between staff and pupils are good. Staff have consistently high expectations of pupils. They want pupils to be able to do their

best and enjoy what they are learning. “Pupils are keen to learn and like coming to school. Pupils are proud to take on responsibilities such as being a class ambassador, school councillor or playground buddy. They enjoy taking part in the wide range of extracurricular activities provided for them.” Head teacher Lindsey Kalirai said: “We are thrilled with the report; this is a tremendous achievement which the whole school community deserves. I would like to congratulate our pupils for the way in which they conducted themselves during the inspection.”

Sophie fund-raisers win charity award

FRIENDS and family of a young scientific researcher from Melbourne have won a top charity award for their fund-raising work in her memory. The team who organise an annual fund-raising bike ride from Melbourne to Cambridge in memory of Dr Sophie Miller were crowned Group Fundraiser of the Year at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2019 at the Tower of London. In 2016, Sophie was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a rare blood disorder in which bone marrow fails to produce the correct amount of healthy blood cells. At the time of her diagnosis, she was working as a research scientist focusing on stem cell therapy. Doctors told Sophie that the only potential cure for her condition was a stem cell transplant. Through Anthony Nolan, a suitable, although not perfectly matched, stem cell donor was found, and she received her transplant on September 2016. Although potentially curative, there are risks involved with transplantation and, unfortunately, Sophie developed Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD). This is a complication of stem cell transplantation in which the transplanted cells attack and destroy the body’s own cells. After four months of treatment in hospital, Sophie passed away on December 22, 2016, aged 26. The Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards recognise the achievements of the volunteers,

fund-raisers, and campaigners who help the pioneering blood cancer charity save lives. Sophie’s mother, Liz Miller, spoke at the event, sharing Sophie’s story with a captivated room. She said: “When Sophie was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome she had no option but to have a stem cell transplant. Her brother was devastated not to be a match, so Anthony Nolan were our main hope of finding a donor. They did not disappoint, and we were filled with hope. “I support Anthony Nolan because they tried to save Soph. She was a rare tissue type, but they got the cells from a young man in America and gave her a chance. As I sat with Sophie in the hospital for four months, I saw all the little black bags arriving to save people and realised what an amazing job they do. “I was paralysed with grief when we lost Sophie but lots of her wonderful friends came forward and did lots of things in her memory. Her friend James Robinson planned the Sophie Cycle which has been running for three years with about 30 cyclists riding 94 miles from our family home in Melbourne, Der-

l Liz Miller with friends and family of Sophie, pictured with awards host Nish Kumar. byshire, to Cambridge where Sophie studied. “The riders are an eclectic mix of gym goers and people who consider eating one less chocolate digestive a day as ‘training’. Some agreed to do it when they didn’t own a bike, and the odd one got completely lost, requiring a search party.” At the awards, Liz thanked Melbourne Parish Church vicar Rev Steve Short for allowing the cyclists to use the church hall for their accommodation, as well as “complete strangers” who have offered rooms. She added: “Many people have done individual challenges like marathons and triathlons, and my wonderful work colleagues pay a pound a week to belong to our diet club where nobody really loses any weight, but Anthony Nolan reaps the benefits. Sophie’s brother Sam has done a lot of work for Warwick Marrow and I think that it helped us all to do something useful and positive and for our family to be surrounded by people who loved her because her light shines on in them. “Anthony Nolan is a tremendous charity and to work with them in Soph’s memory has been a privilege.” – Lucy Stephens

Let’s start the year with a big clean-up

Community Care’s new bus is on its way

From Page 1 transport to those who need it. Its services include weekly trips to the supermarket and to hospital and GP appointments. The bus is also used by other local groups including Pool Cottage, the United Reformed Church and Melbourne Junior School. The charity has been going for more than 20 years with the aim of filling in the gaps that are not provided by public services, for the benefit of the local community. Community Care secretary Jane Carroll, who has been involved in the charity since its inception, said that donations to the minibus fund had been flooding in since it was launched. “People have not sent Christmas cards this year and given the money to us – there have been myriad projects,” she said. “The aims of Melbourne Community Care haven’t changed at all over the years. Different people are now involved. “We get more volunteers all the time.”

Village Voice January 2020 7

Barry’s walk of art is a history book

l Gary Lakin and Santa himself, on behalf of Melbourne Rugby Club, present a cheque for £2,200 to Brian Dollamore, Jane Carroll and Alan Corbett, (respectively) chair, secretary and treasurer of Melbourne Community Care management committee, outside the Community Care offices on Derby Road, Melbourne.

AS A youngster Barry Thomas spent many Sundays out on the North Downs, south of London, on family walks. When he moved to the East Midlands, he continued to explore the many footpaths around this area. Now he has written an interesting history of many of our local paths. Called ‘The Old Ways of Melbourne’, the book is not a collection of walks, but a story of how the paths came into existence and the struggles to keep them accessible. Barry has a long association with both the local civic society and the footpaths group. He has been involved in writing two editions of the local Walks Around Melbourne book and designed the informative map of paths which now stands on Castle Street. He is the authoritative voice on any queries about local paths. “I became interested in the history behind our Public Rights of Way (PROWs) just as the Countryside and Rights of Way Act was passed in 2000,” he said. “The obstruction of a path just over the Leicestershire border intrigued me, so I started to investigate its history. “In 2005, when the Ramblers started to recruit researchers to investigate paths that had been missed off the definitive map in the 1950s, I joined the team. Many paths

didn’t make the map because the work was done by parish councils, many dominated by landowners who didn’t want to recognise public rights of way. “Melbourne was quite lucky and most

paths were added to the definitive map. Researching parish records between 1894 and the 1970s showed that the parish council had consistently defended the public paths in the parish. “Walking around Melbourne intensively from 2000 on, it became obvious that the state of the PROWs was very poor; many signposts were missing, stiles were broken, paths ploughed up and not restored and gates were difficult to open. Some paths had disappeared completely such as the one from Station Road to Wilson Lane. “I decided to report problems to the county council and, eventually, things started to improve.” Melbourne Footpaths Group has also been crucial in maintaining and repairing routes. ‘The Old Ways of Melbourne’ is the result of all the background research work Barry has undertaken. But, as he puts it, “the research is not over and I am sure that more information will be unearthed – but it’s a start and tells the story of how public paths came into existence and how it has always been a struggle to keep them accessible to the public”. For more detailed information or to purchase a copy visit the webpage https://oldwaysofmelbourne.wordpress.com – Frank Hughes

NOTHING says a fresh new decade like a good clean-up – and that is exactly what is going to be happening this month with a major litter pick of the local area. Breedon Parish Council chair Ray Morris told the Village Voice that local parishes had all been invited to take part in the litter pick, with several different groups undertaking to clean up their areas on different dates. On January 22, volunteer pickers from East Midlands Airport will be out cleaning up the surrounding areas which have been freshly marked with red lines on the roads. Other areas to be tackled include the area around Lount and the A453 coming from Tonge. Anyone who wants to take part in the litter pick around Breedon is asked to meet at the village’s primary school at 10am on Saturday, January 18, where they will be provided with hi-vis jackets plus the necessary equipment. Littering the countryside is a pet hate of Cllr Morris. “I think people see rubbish at the side of the road and they think it’s OK to add to it,” he told the Village Voice. Breedon Parish Council has planted around 2,000 daffodil and crocus bulbs a year in Breedon, Tonge and Wilson, along with 50 trees on the village green. Neighbouring parish councils, including Melbourne and Worthington, have been asked to join in by organising similar litter picks.

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Young artists have creations made into Christmas cards

8 Village Voice January 2020

DECADE OF CHANGE The Common Touch...

IT’S the first January of this new decade and one in which, hopefully, we will make significant changes to lessen our negative impact on the climate. It can be tricky knowing where to begin when making big changes to the way you live. Working together and sharing knowledge about ways to live a greener life is one of the many benefits of being part of an environmental project like Whistlewood Common. Taking part in practical projects can bring a great sense of pride as well as learning new skills. Working with other volunteers brings other benefits. So, if you want to know how to clean your house using natural ingredients, we’ve got a volunteer who knows how to make cider vinegar from apple peelings and water. Vinegar is great for cleaning. We have other volunteers who know lots about foraging for food and others who are really skilled at green woodworking. It’s going to be very important that we don’t lose knowledge of these sorts of

crafts that were vital in the past. We’ve been growing lots of willow so we can have the materials for willow weaving on hand and hope to have some basket making courses soon. We want to share and learn together to be a more sustainable community. Among our volunteers we have lots of green fingered people who know loads about growing fruit and veg. We are going to be starting our community garden this year and will need more volunteers to help with getting this project off the ground. New faces are always welcome up at Whistlewood and, by giving up your time to our project, you could find people who will share their skills to help kick start your new 2020 sustainable plan for living. We meet every two weeks on a Saturday afternoon between one and four o’clock. So, if you want to learn or share skills and meet new friends who also care about the environment check out our Facebook page which has details of our next volunteering session. – KATHERINE PARRISH

THESE budding young artists saw their creations made into the real deal after winning a competition run by a nationally award-winning business. Well-known local company Dandelion Stationery, based on Derby Road, invited local young people to enter a Christmas card competition at the end of 2019. The winners in each category were given the prize of having their designs made into 24 Christmas cards by Melbourne Print. One of the winners, Violet, nine, of Melbourne, won her category with a delightful image of a

ABOVE: James, winner of the age four to six category. LEFT: Violet, winner of the age seven to 10 age group.

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RIGHT: Isabelle, winner of the age 11-16 category.

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snow globe containing penguins wearing Santa hats. Violet said she was “really happy” when she heard the news. “I like penguins and I like snow globes, so I thought maybe putting the two things together would be cool,” she said. Dandelion Stationery has been riding high last year after winning an award at the Henries, a UK-wide scheme which last year saw 14,000 entries. The Melbourne-based company was crowned the winner in the Best Relations and Occasions range.

WHAT’S next for Melbourne Festival’s popup shop in the Market Place? Open since the autumn, FRANK HUGHES explains what we can expect to see next in the space. OVER the past 15 years Melbourne Festival has established itself as a leading cultural arts event, not just in Melbourne but in the wider region. Plans are now being worked up to establish Melbourne as a location which supports and encourages local artists, makers and creators all year-round. Shoppers in Melbourne will have seen the Festival’s Pop-Up Gallery, which for the past three months has helped make the Market Place look even more vibrant. Gallery sales have provided a terrific boost for the local creative community as well as promoting the festival’s activities and artists. It has been staffed by volunteers, many of whom are new to the Festival team and have been generous with their time. Whilst waiting a permanent tenant, the premises’ landlord has kindly agreed to extend the licence until spring, providing a fantastic opportunity to use the space imaginatively. To keep things fresh, looking ahead, there will be a series of gallery exhibitions, each lasting about three weeks, featuring a few artists each time, along with a selection of cards prints and original makers’ gifts. The gallery reopens with ‘Emerging Artists’

‘

this month featuring work by young artists who have been part of the Emerging Artists Award (EAA) over the past five years. It will coincide with the launch of the 2020 competition. After that, scheduled for mid-February, will be ‘New Beginnings’, a joint exhibition featuring about five Melbourne artists. Beyond that there will be themed exhibitions featuring other small groups of festival artists interspersed with local art groups who are keen to be involved. Upstairs in the gallery, building on a successful events run this autumn, it is planned to hold a series of workshops involving local artists and craftmakers. Running mainly at the weekends there will be lots of opportunities for people to try something new in 2020!

’

n Looking towards the 2020 Festival – work starts in February organising the Art & Architecture Trail and with a lot of work to do – more volunteers are needed to help make it happen. There are lots of different roles to be involved in such as helping with administration, handling social media and publicity, or arranging the Family Festival. If you would like to find out how you can get involved you are asked to contact Sharon@melbournefestival.co.uk. Volunteers don’t need experience – just lots of enthusiasm!

Dancers see their Disney dreams come true

Village Voice January 2020 9

DANCERS from local villages were amongst a team of 26 young people who fulfilled their dancing dreams by performing on stage at Walt Disney World in Orlando. The dancers aged from seven to 17 included Ruby Marks, Karmen Exton, Daisy Cooke, Elicia Beecham and Lily Cooke, who are all pupils at Chellaston Academy. River Mahjouri, eight, attends Melbourne Juniors, while Phoebe Marks, 11, is a year six pupil at Weston on Trent Primary School. All were part of the team from Derby dance school Hannah Alexandra, that successfully auditioned and were invited to present a public performance on stage at Disney Springs, part of the Walt Disney World resort. They performed a 25-minute set of six dances, choreographed by Hannah Alexandra principal, Alexandra Mahjouri. The dancers also took a training workshop with a Disney talent co-ordinator and a Disney performance artist, participated in mock auditions and learned live choreography from the Lion King show. A spokesperson from the dance school said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Disney team were so impressed

Floods make it a busy year for firefighters

l Dance school principal Alexandra Mahjouri with the team in their costumes for Jet Set â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just one of the dances they performed at Walt Disney World.

MELBOURNE firefighters had a busy time of it in 2019 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not just keeping us safe, but other parts of the county too. We owe the local fire crew a huge debt of thanks for putting their own lives on the line to protect us and save us when called on, writes Frank Hughes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Responding to flooding incidents has been one of the main features latterly,â&#x20AC;? said watch manager Andy Astle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the major incidents in the year was the call-out to the incident in August at Toddbrook Reservoir where a breach in the dam wall threatened to flood the town of Whaley Bridge. We must have laid six or seven high volume lines to pump water about 750 metres.â&#x20AC;? The heavy rains have also demanded several emergency rescues. In November one elderly gentleman needed recovering after he had driven his car into deep water on Breedon Lane. Crew manager Dan Johnson said the water was chest height when they waded in â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;it was very deep!â&#x20AC;? Just 30cm (a foot) of water can move the car, 60cm will float it and a capful can wreck a car engine; the message from firefighters is clear â&#x20AC;&#x201C; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drive into flood water! The crew were one of 10 pumps called to a massive fire in Church Gresley in May, where a stack of wooden pallets had caught fire. It took the crew over seven hours to bring the blaze under control and prevent nearby homes from being engulfed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After being up all night we were going to Wembley in the morning for the Derby County play-off game. That did not go too well either,â&#x20AC;? said Dan. More locally the crew have attended several fires in the vicinity: the blaze which gutted The Bullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head in Wilson in August, along with house

with their performance that senior dancers were advised to keep an eye on future audition opportunities! After all, who wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be a real live Disney princess?â&#x20AC;? In between the workshop and performance, the group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who were 68 in total, with the support team of parents, siblings and friends â&#x20AC;&#x201C; explored the Disney parks. The whole team spent a year fund-raising for the trip, taking part in bag packing, quizzes, a raffle, Easter egg hunt and swimming night. Alexandra said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;To say Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud is an understatement. These kids are just incredible, dancing the way they did on a huge stage, in 32 degree heat. The trip has been just incredible and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s completely melted my heart seeing the hard work, team spirit and friendships between all the dancers.â&#x20AC;? Senior dancers from the school have also qualified to represent England in the final of the Dance World Cup, due to take place in Rome in June this year. Two of the dances performed at Walt Disney World were chosen from thousands of entries to qualify for the global competition.

+DSS\ 1HZ <HDU IURP S \ I P 'HV *RVOLQJ 0RELOLW\ 0RWDELOLW\ 9HKLFOH $GDSWDWLRQ 6SHFLDOLVWV l Melbourne firefighters battling a blaze in Church Gresley (above) and at a road accident (above right).

fires in Sinfin, Osmaston Road and London Road, all needed their attendance. There have also been several false alarms at Calke. Andy also asked that the public are made aware of the large number of tumble dryer and washing machine fires they are presently attending. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People should check whether their appliance is at risk by looking on the manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; website and not using these appliances at night,â&#x20AC;? he said. Although not up to full strength, still carrying one vacancy, the team have managed to keep up with their targets for response time and availability. There is also a big commitment to training, and the whole team recently took part in a simulated train fire at Bombardier and another simulation at East Midlands Airport. In addition, they are often out doing safe and well checks, especially targeting those in vulnerable groups.

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BUSINESS PARK PLANS SUBMITTED

DETAILED plans for the development of the business site in Barrow-upon-Trent, off Sinfin Lane, have now been submitted in full. The business park was granted in April last year despite fears over the effect on traffic. One local resident also com-

plained that the consultation process had not been properly followed, reported previously in Village Voice. At the first planning application hearing, councillors heard finely balanced arguments and ultimately decided that the business park would bring more good than harm, as it is de-

signed to provide premises suitable for start-up businesses. The application will involve major construction of new buildings and new access. It is available to view and make comments on until January 13 on the South Derbyshire District Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planning portal.

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10 Village Voice January 2020

Open 7am to 8pm ~ Every Day ~ LEFT: Jayne Williamson, church warden of Weston on Trent Parish Church, with some of this year’s display at the village’s annual Christmas Tree Festival.

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CHRISTMAS is a time of many things: giving, receiving, singing, light and joy – and all of them have been very much in evidence around the area this season. The focus for many local organisations this festive period was in giving to those less fortunate. Over in Weston on Trent Primary School, staff spent £5 each putting together bags of food to donate to a local food bank rather than spend the money in exchanging gifts. n MELBOURNE Mummers were out on the streets of Ticknall and Melbourne again at the end of 2019 with their traditional Christmas folk-drama, receiving an enthusiastic reception. Locally, the “mumming” tradition goes back over a century, but known to date back to the Middle Ages, and is broadly a tussle between good and evil, with good being represented by St George fighting a soldier – Bold Slasher – but with the devil and a quackdoctor thrown in for extra fun. At the end of the play there are always rousing rounds of 12 days of Christmas and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. The full cast comprised Richard Read as Father Christmas, Roger Spencer as St George, Peter Wood as the Bold Slasher, Robin Raines as Beelzebub, Tony Razzell as Old Hoss, Phil James as a Quack Doctor and Brian Crosbie on the squeeze-box.

Many children also rose to the challenge of donating food, and the YMCA in Burton-on-Trent paid the school a visit to collect the generous donations. Following a collection of harvest parcels for elderly residents in Weston earlier in the year, children from the school also went out towards the end of term to sing them carols. Younger village residents also got into the festive spirit

The “Good Doctor”, who miraculously cures the slain Soldier, had a very easy time of it in the Chip and Pin where the cast was supplemented with a “real” doctor to make the miraculous cure. Thanks to the generosity of the pub-going supporters more than £500

was raised for charity. Brian Crosbie, on behalf of the Mummers, said: “We would like to thank the patrons of Ticknall and Melbourne for their generosity. The money raised will go to a local food bank where families will benefit at this time of year.”

Just 3 Miles From Melbourne

when the Weston U afternoon. Parents and grand ber 16, enjoying deco and snowmen. Children entertain songs, before being s self.

Over at the parish mas Tree Festival w 14 and 15. Now in its 10th ye for the festival, all c ferent ways. Trees were donate local resident Karl Service Centre, and More than £1,000 needed as its latest q need for £180,000 of roof. Church warden Ja had been “fantastic” She said: “It concl I said to everybody th out the support of th volvement that mak Over in Kings Ne great knees-up when December 14. Margaret Hagues very well attended a fabulous vocal grou with some great Ch which everyone enjo “Many people dan Good food and a evening.” And in Melbourne festive spirit when church’s nativity in D

Village Voice January 2020 11

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Blackwell Lane, Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 8EL ABOVE: Children tell the nativity story at Melbourne Parish Church. LEFT: Children from Weston on Trent Primary School singing carols for village residents. BELOW: Kings Newton residents getting into the party spirit at their Christmas evening

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Melbourne Parish Council Quarterly Report - January 2020

Work has taken place at the old burial ground (opposite the senior citizens centre in Castle Street) to make the graves more visible and the area tidier. The cemetery chapel on Packhorse Road was decorated and the Christmas remembrance tree was put in place. It is always gratefully received and many people take the time to place a tribute to their loved ones. The bench project is still ongoing and two more bases have been installed at the entrance to the reservoir and at the bottom of Huntington Court. Plans are underway to redesign the base of the war memorial which is in need of repair. A second defibrillator is to be sited on the corner of Pool Road / Church Street; this is a combined effort of the friends of the Parish Church and the Parish Council. Once again, the Market Place looked spectacular with our tree and lights. Our gratitude goes to Paul Willmore for organising 'Melbourne at Christmas': thank you to the Rugby Club for transporting Santa and his sleigh to the event. Despite the weather, a huge crowd turned out. We are looking to replace the large child's play equipment at the top of the Lothian Gardens. Consultation is taking place with local groups. Hopefully the new toilet facility, weather permitting, will be open in early March. Plans for Melbourne's VE Day celebrations are well underway. The event will take place on Friday May 8th at the Melbourne Sports Park. It will be a free event for the people of Melbourne and Kings Newton. As always, we welcomed the return of Holland's Wakes in October. A tradition that has been going for many years and will continue to do so. The Parish Council would like to thank the branch of the Melbourne Royal British Legion for their great organisation of our annual remembrance parade and service which, as always, attracted a huge crowd lining the route and paying their respects at the War Memorial. On Christmas Eve, the Parish Council held their first Mince Pie and Coffee morning at the Assembly Rooms. We were delighted to see so many people and hope it will become an annual event. The Parish Council would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Sheila Hicklin, Chair, Melbourne Parish Council

PEOPLE in housing need got the keys to brand new council homes in time for Christmas. South Derbyshire District Council took delivery of seven newly built council homes in Aston in December, and is set to acquire a further five from the same development in March. South Derbyshire is one of the few local authorities in the country to be acquiring new council homes, the majority of council housing stock across the UK having been transferred to private ownership under the right-to-buy scheme. In Aston itself, 80 per cent of homes formerly owned by the council have been bought by their tenants under the scheme. Of 81 that were originally council homes in Aston, 68 have now been purchased. The district council successfully bid for the affordable homes being built on Moor Lane, Aston, by Cameron Homes. The seven that were handed over in December consisted of two three-bed houses; two two-bed houses, two one-bed houses and a two-bed bungalow. The affordable homes were negotiated as part of section 106 requirements. Section 106 money is paid by developers to communities in which they are building reasonably substantial developments. On developments of over 15 properties, it is required that 30 per cent will be affordable. South Derbyshire District Council bid and paid for the homes partly through its capital reserves and partially from â&#x20AC;&#x153;commuted sums payments from a previous developmentâ&#x20AC;?, explained a spokesperson. They said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The council is committed to affordable housing delivery, rehousing people living in unacceptable living conditions and enabling people who cannot afford to access market housing to remain within their communities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Market housing in this area (of Aston-onTrent) is very expensive and virtually inaccessible for newly-forming households. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By purchasing these 12 new homes the council can replenish its housing stock, meet housing needs from the housing register and secure future

OPENING ... l-r: Cllrs Daniel Corbin and Neil Atkin, district council ward members for Aston (Cllr Atkin is also vice-chair of the district council); Cllr David Muller, chair of South Derbyshire District Council, and Eileen Jackson, the district councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategic housing manager.

rental income from the homes.â&#x20AC;? Eileen Jackson, strategic housing manager for the district council, said at the time of the property handover: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so pleased with the quality and space standards of these new council homes. The properties have been allocated to people in housing need from the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s housing register and it is great that the new tenants will be able to move in for Christmas.â&#x20AC;? The district council is set to have more new council homes delivered this year and beyond. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lucy Stephens

Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard work pays off

MELBOURNE Operaticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Concert, A Feast of Christmas Music, is always a local highlight of the festive season, writes Frank Hughes. Keith Reaveley, Conductor and General Musical Director, began his preparations for the concert way back in summer, putting together a varied and interesting mix of the traditional and new. All of the societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard work paid off at their concert in the Assembly Rooms. With some absences through sickness and

with one or two of the company clearly suffering winter illnesses, there had to be a couple of omissions from the programme. But there were certainly enough highlights for a good concert. The soloists, duettists and ensembles deserve particular praise for the level of enthusiasm and verve put into all their individual performances with David Henshawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anthem from Chess exceptionally moving. The repertoire included

amusing readings from Helen Blatch and Gordon Fletcher, plus several Christmas fun pieces from Helen Walker, being a Fairy in her Forties, Rhia Fingerhut as Mrs Claus and Helen Blatch having a Holly Jolly Christmas. Other crowd pleasers were the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chorus singing Somewhere in My Memory, accompanied by Alison Henshaw on flute, and the mixed ensemble with the cheerfully choreographed Themes of Fa-La-La. See Postbag â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page 14.

Landmark tree set for the axe

ONE of South Derbyshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-known trees that has been a gateway to its village for hundreds of years is to be chopped down after an inspection deemed it dangerous. The copper beech tree in the grounds of Repton School is a landmark tree that has been in its position next to the road for centuries. But last autumn an inspection found that it was diseased and liable to simply fall over. Members of South Derbyshire District Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Planning Committee agreed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with some regret â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that the tree needed to be felled for safety reasons at their latest meeting on December 17. Planning committee chair Cllr Lisa Brown said it was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;sad occasionâ&#x20AC;?. Tony Sylvester, planning services manager for the district council, said in the meeting: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably the most prominent tree in Repton, or South

Derbyshire. I want to make it absolutely plain because this tree â&#x20AC;&#x201C; subject to your agreement â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is going to be felled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very severely diseased â&#x20AC;Ś.a specific type of fungal rot that causes this type of tree to fall overâ&#x20AC;?. Councillors heard how the copper beech tree may fall on to the public highway or a person, due to its prominent position. Other means of mitigating the danger were considered, including reducing the treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s height, but the meeting heard that these would ultimately not be enough and there was really no getting away from the fact that felling it was the best and safest option. It is expected that the tree will be replaced with another, with the preference being for an English Oak.

Village Voice January 2020 13

WHAT’S ON YOUR GUIDE TO EVENTS IN THE AREA l Wreath makers at a charity fundraiser held at Staunton Harold Hall in aid of Glenfield’s Cardiac Unit proudly display their festive creations.

Fund-raisers wreathed in smiles

VILLAGERS’ BROOK WORK A SUCCESS

FESTIVE fund-raising undertaken by a Kings Newton haulage firm has raised thousands of pounds for a vital specialist heart unit which keeps some members of its team “ticking over”. DG Light Haulage hosted wreath making workshops in

the elegant surroundings of Staunton Harold Hall. They raised £3,160 for Glenfield Cardiac Unit in Leicester where some team members are patients. Managing director David Guilford said: “DG Light Haulage owes a great deal of gratitude to

HOURS of hard work clearing huge piles of rubbish from the brook in Breedon-on-theHill look to have paid off, as flood waters did not affect homes during the November deluge. The results of a three-year-long hydraulic survey are set to be published soon which may produce further recommendations as to how the village can be protected from floods. Breedon was hit by a very serious flood in the June of 2016 when heavy rains saw the village centre three foot deep in muddy water and caused more than one household to be evacuated for months. Since then, the village’s parish council and local volunteers have taken several measures to try to ensure the same does not happen again. That includes several volunteer ‘clean-up’ efforts – covered by the Village Voice – with local residents working together to clear the brook of debris. So much rubbish was taken out of the stream that Toon & Daughters Skip Hire of Coalville donated three skips for free to help clear it. Even that was not enough and further skips were paid for in order to help clear the brook. Special flow monitoring equipment has also been installed in the brook itself which sends out text messages to local flood wardens, warning them if levels are getting high. Sandbags have been made available by Breedon Quarry to help residents defend their homes against any rising waters. Breedon Parish Council chair Ray Morris told the Village Voice that this collection of measures had meant that when flood waters hit last November – as reported in this paper – nobody’s home was flooded. He said it was hoped that a new housing development recently granted in the village would also improve matters as it would include “very large” flood attenuation ponds. “In Breedon, we are really in the bottom of a valley,” he said. “In the last deluge on November 14, it (the brook) didn’t breach its banks at all. We

the staff and facilities at Glenfield’s Cardiac Unit. “The unit helps to keep a few members of our team ticking over and it is because of this that we wanted to show our appreciation and recognition for the excellent work they do. To do this we hosted two Christ-

l The brook in full flow.

believe that the measures taken in clearing the stream bed have had a material benefit.” He added: “As a parish council, what we are trying to do is encourage people to put a few sandbags in the back of their garage.” A hydrological survey, similar to that being undertaken in Melbourne, is due to be completed in Breedon very shortly, which may produce recommendations as to how to protect the village further. “It’s good news, because we will get this report and then they will come up with some conclusions as to what potentially can be done,” said Cllr Morris. Around a century ago, the Breedon brook ran down the main road. It was diverted so it now runs around the back of homes in the village centre. – Lucy Stephens

mas wreath making workshops at the beautiful Staunton Harold Hall, as well as holding a raffle. “I’m really pleased to report that our fund-raising raised a total of £3,160 for this specialist unit and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Staunton Harold Hall for hosting our events as well as Lynne Holman from The Flower Garden in Castle Donington, who led our wreath makers through the workshops. “Without their support and that of our clients, suppliers and friends who supported this cause, we’d never have been able to raise such a significant sum for Glenfield’s Cardiac Unit.”

Tuesday January 14: Ticknall Garden Club Every Picture Tells a Story. A talk presented by Don Billingham. Ticknall Village Hall, 7.30pm

Tuesday February 4: Melbourne Parish Council meeting, Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm. Parish council meetings are open to the public.

Saturday January 18: Litter Pick around Breedon. Meet at the primary school at 10am. High vis and equipment provided.

Tuesday February 4: Melbourne Community Care Coffee & Company. Melbourne Assembly Rooms, 2 - 4pm.

Sunday January 19: Cosy and Calm Winter Retreat Day, Whistlewood Common. 10am-4pm. A relaxing day to let go of all things busy and stressful, including Forest therapy approaches to wellness, expressive art and relaxation. Two-course vegetarian meal. Book at www.shop.whistlewoodcommon.org

February 7 - 22: Exhibition: New Beginnings. By members of Artists @ Arts Melbourne at Art Melbourne Gallery, 2 Market Place. Open Friday & Saturday 10am - 4pm. Call 07765 819428.

Friday 24 January: Burns Night. The Boot at Repton. See main ad on page 5. Friday January 31: Comedy Night. Melbourne Royal British Legion. 7.30 for 8pm. Featuring Brian Damage, Krysstal, Laura Davis and Carl Jones. Compere James Cook. Tickets £10 from Frank Hughes or wegottickets.com

Monday, February 10: Talk by David Tideswell to Melbourne Garden Club. Senior Citizens Centre, 7pm (non-members welcome). David’s talk is on spring and summer birds. Friday, March 6: UpDownSizing. A play written and performed by Ginny Davis, Milton Village Hall, 7.30pm.

Until Friday January 31: Exhibition: The William Blake Project. All information correct Manger Gallery, Kings Newton. Eight at time of going to press. artists respond to the life, writings, Please check before travelling. ideas and art of William Blake, with drawings, lettering, hand-made books, embroidery, printmaking and paintings.

14 Village Voice January 2020

Time for action is NOW VILLAGE VOICE Postbag

Reunited for 70th birthday bash THERE cannot be many groups of classmates who can be reunited to mark their 70th birthdays together. However, Kate Dumelow (née Turner) and the Melbourne Secondary School class of 1960-1965 managed to get this group of her school year together along with a teacher and a former teacher’s relatives. After meeting up at Melbourne Tea Rooms to celebrate their 50ths together, they were re-assembled for their 70th birthday bash at the Hardinge – a venue which brought back particular memories for them, as Kate revealed: “That was where the girls used to go ‘ladding’ and the boys in search of a girlfriend!” Robert Lomas (not in picture) travelled from South Africa and Maureen Barry from Holland to mark the occasion.

Kate said: “We had a lovely time reminiscing and reliving our time at Melbourne School and it was great that our first teacher, Mr Smith, was able to attend as well.” Pictured (l-r) are: Janet Rodgers, Jose Barton, Geraldine Rodgers, Susan Bloor, Jackie Banks, Margaret Hand, Mick Lakin, Geraldine Earp, Kathleen Turner, Gordon Adams, Mrs Archer (teacher Dave Archer’s wife), Maureen Barry, Colin Peck, David Kidd, Mr Peter Smith (teacher), Roger Hatton, Antony Smith, Mrs Archer’s sister, and Clifford Warner. Sadly, two of the group, Robert Knowles and Jane Copeland, have passed away, and three others – Erica Greatbatch, Valerie Pearson and Richard Robey – could not make the do.

THANK you for giving me the opportunity to reply to Mr Holloway’s letter in the December Village Voice. Firstly I am delighted that he recognises how serious the climate change situation is and that ultimately international cooperation and action is required. I also agree with him that ideally the problem of climate change need to be tackled on an international stage. Unfortunately, this is not really happening. Progress is far too slow considering that we are facing an emergency. Whilst I would not seek to defend or condone the actions of a tiny minority of XR members or indeed the insensitive remarks of Roger Hallam (for which he has apologised), Mr Holloway is totally wrong in the way he characterises Extinction Rebellion (XR) and its members or in his provocative statement that we need ‘to grow up’. He probably doesn’t realise that the vast majority of XR’s supporters are moderate sensible people of all ages and many of them people of faith, including Christians, Jews, Buddhists and Muslims, greatly concerned by what we are doing to the world. Many like myself are well outside their comfort zones having never taken direct action before. Amongst our supporters and activists are a former Archbishop of Canterbury, several rabbis and imams, senior scientists, academics, medical doctors (like myself), nurses, teachers and lawyers, a member of the Belgian Royal family, MPs, well-known actors and even Mr Stanley Johnson, father of the Prime Minister. What drives us to action is our love and concern for our world and all the life, including human, that it supports together with our utter frustration and anger at the lack of any really significant progress to tackle the problem of ever increasing global warming after 40 years of scientific warnings have either been ignored or wilfully misrepresented. We deeply regret the inconvenience sometimes caused to ordinary people going about their daily business and try to keep this to a minimum, whilst at the same time trying to achieve the all important impact required to influence those in power to take the urgent and necessary actions to save us from catastrophe. Unfortunately the lessons of history (referred to in my November article) have taught us that petitions, marches and lobbying by ordinary people (as opposed to lobbying by large and powerful corporations) are seldom effective in achieving rapid change, which is certainly required in our present perilous situation. Additionally, our ‘first past the post’ political system doesn’t help to advance the cause of responsible climate action, when over 800,000 votes only elects a single green party MP, excellent though she is.

As an organisation taking peaceful direct action we are often defined by our mistakes by hostile, reactionary and partisan sections of the press and by the misinformation and lies of the fossil fuel lobby, which has held back progress so effectively for so long. No, believe me Mr Holloway, the time for action has come and we cannot afford to sit back any longer and allow the denial, prevarication and cynical lip service by some politicians around the world to continue to prevail. The population of this country and indeed all countries needs to be told the truth by those in power, who need to act NOW and show leadership and be prepared to spend the necessary sums of money and make the necessary investments to reduce our carbon emissions. XR advocates the setting up of Citizens’ Assemblies to provide the drive and focus for tackling this huge problem. In this members would be chosen from the general population by a process akin to the selection of a jury and would be as free as possible from the shackles of political expediencies and vested interests that currently holds back progress and be able to take advice from the best experts in climate science, environmental science and green technology. The problem is too large and complex to be effectively solved by ‘knee jerk’ reactions by ministers trying to cope with dozens of other problems or by civil servants working in some Whitehall office. Once an appropriate level of action is being taken XR’s job will be done. Finally I need to correct three items of misinformation in your correspondent’s letter. 1, XR does not and would not abuse the police and such behaviour is absolutely against its guiding principles. In fact those returning from the October action reported universally friendly courteous and good natured behaviour between protesters and police even when the latter were making arrests. 2. Young people do in fact very well understand the complex issues surrounding climate change and often far better than many so called ‘grown up’ people and to suggest otherwise is patronising. 3. Young people and children are not being manipulated by XR. Protests by young people inspired by Greta Thunberg started before XR was formed and continue independently of XR actions, although unsurprisingly many young people have chosen to join in the worldwide XR actions. It is after all these young people who will bear the brunt of the consequences of global warming when they grow up. Christian Murray-Leslie

WELL, doesn’t time fly; another year goes by and once again we have been entertained at Christmas by the Melbourne Operatic Society (MOS). The venue was the Melbourne Assembly Rooms on Friday, December 13. The show started with a bang with the welcome return of regular Master of Ceremonies, Mike McGhee and his warm-up (groan) jokes; one offering from Mike was that due to ‘Brexit’ our future Christmas dinners would never be the same again, as there would no longer be any Brussels (sorry). The main event, A Feast Of Christmas Music, saw MOS entertaining the audience with a variety of music and slapstick together with the audience’s participation of seven carols and the society providing descant and beautiful harmonies. The whole programme was very good, but renditions of special note were the men’s chorus singing, Somewhere In My Memory, accompanied by excellent flautist, Alison Henshaw. The three tune, six verse performance of While Shepherds

Watched was performed again by the chorus, before a ‘politically correct’ Christmas poem by Helen Blatch. Then there was the very funny song with bonus dancing, Nobody Loves A Fairy When She’s 40, performed very well by Helen Walker; Candlelight Carol, by the chorus, and my favourite Various Themes on Fa-La-La, by the ensemble. Final mention goes to Mrs Claus, a harmonious performance by the Ladies Chorus, assisted by soloist, Rhia Fingerhut. Conductor Keith Reaveley and accompanist David Henshaw managed the whole show with their usual panache and professionalism. In conclusion, many thanks. This was a very enjoyable evening of musical, and comedy entertainment. It is a credit to the dedication and commitment of the society who performed to an appreciative audience. I for one, look forward to their next offering, the operetta HMS Pinafore, which will be performed at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton in April. Colin Barker

A feast of entertainment

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

A blue-ming good result for Heather

THE UK turned largely blue as the country saw a comprehensive victory for the Conservatives in the December general election, and South Derbyshire was no different. The Village Voice turned out to the election count at Green Bank Leisure Centre in Swadlincote on the evening of December 12 to see Heather Wheeler sweep to victory once again. Mrs Wheeler achieved a huge majority with 33,502 votes. Her nearest rival was Labour’s Dr Robert Pearson, who is a South Derbyshire district councillor, with 14,167. For the Liberal Democrats was Lorraine Johnson, with 3,924 votes, while 1,788 people voted for the Green Party. Mrs Wheeler, who has held the South Derbyshire seat since 2010 when the Conservatives took it from Labour, said she was “delighted” to win with such a clear lead. After her success was announced just after 3am, she told the Village Voice: “I’m absolutely delighted with the fact that it was a clear lead. I take my instructions from the good voters and I will get Brexit done and turn to the domestic agenda, which is what we want to do.” Representing the Greens was Amanda Baker, from Findern, who was standing for Parliament for the first time. Ms Baker works in a sexual abuse centre and said she had long been passionate about the environment. “I’ve been a Green Party member for eight years and I think they’ve been the only party that’s been really consis-

Village Voice January 2020 15

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l South Derbyshire’s electoral MP candidates pictured before the result on December 13. Left to right: Dr Robert Pearson, for Labour; Heather Wheeler (elected) for the Conservatives; Lorraine Johnson, for the Liberal Democrats, and Amanda Baker, for the Green Party.

tent. They’ve known what’s needed to be done and they’ve stuck with it,” she said. “I’ve been able to vote for a few decades. What happens is actually parties change to get your vote, rather than saying, ‘this is who we are’. I wanted to vote green. There was no point in my voting for anybody else.” Voting history in South Derbyshire presents an interesting picture of growth in the area. In 2010, when the Conservatives won the seat from Labour, there was an electorate of just over 70,000 people. That has now grown to nearly 80,000. In the last election in 2017,

nearly 19,000 people voted for Labour to 30,907 for the Tories. This time around, more people voted for the Lib Dems and for the Green Party. Turnout in 2019 was 67.83 per cent with 53,810 votes cast and 429 spoilt papers. Speaking after the result, Dr Pearson said: “Congratulations to Heather and her team, who have obviously had a powerful message which has got across to the electorate. “I know she will continue to represent South Derbyshire with pride over the term of the next Parliament.” –Lucy Stephens

OBITUARY

HAZEL CATHERINE BARR 1924-2019 BORN to Hugh and Margaret Barr in Liverpool, Hazel spent her early years in Wallasey, attending Vaughan Road Council Primary School, a 20-minute walk which she did on her own from the age of five. Aged nine, she became very ill with scarlet fever and diphtheria, resulting in a stay in hospital before she had to learn to walk again. She attended Wallasey High Grammar School until 1938, before moving to Chellaston where her parents had moved the previous year. Her brother was born the following year and, in 1940, the family moved to Swarkestone Road in Chellaston where Hazel remained until 2019. Hazel started working as a telephonist at the Derby Exchange. One evening in 1942, she was returning home on the bus on a snowy day, when the driver jerked his brakes, causing her to fall off and her leg to go under the wheel. While this impacted her for the rest of her life, it never stopped her. In 1944 Hazel volunteered for the London Telephone Exchange. Stationed at the YMCA just off Tottenham Court Road, she slept in the swimming pool in the basement to avoid the doodle bug raids.

After returning to Derby, Hazel was asked if she would like to train other telephonists – work she enjoyed so much she went on to become a teacher. In 1953 Hazel moved to Melbourne Infant School to teach and, whilst there, applied to do a course at the Institute of Education, at London University. On completion of this course and her re-

Trailer thefts warning

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turn to Melbourne Infant School in 1967, she was asked to apply for the deputy head position of a new school being built in Littleover: Wren Park. Hazel got this position and remained at this school until her retirement 22 years later in 1989. Hazel volunteered for a variety of groups including the Red Cross. She was a member of the Burns Club, and also the country dancing team which took part in exhibitions. Highly creative, she loved baking, knitting, cake decorating, tapestry, making christening gowns for family members, church kneelers, plus birthday cakes for her nieces and nephews, spending hours crafting whatever shape had been requested. Hazel lived with her parents all her life and cared for them until their deaths. Her father died on March 22, 1984, and her mother died aged 102 years old in December 2003. A keen reader of The Village Voice, Hazel was a loyal, caring, devoted daughter whose family meant everything to her. She adored her brother, Alistair, whom she lost in 2018, her sister in law Maggie, her nieces and nephew: Sarah, Matt, Victoria and Hannah and all her great nieces and nephews – Harry, Louix, Alicia, Corey, Tink, Oriah, River, Phoebe and Charlotte.

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Teacher in court

18 Village Voice January 2020

A FORMER maths teacher at Chellaston Academy is due to be sentenced this spring having pleaded guilty to a series of sexual offences, which involve two teenage girls. Toby Yates appeared at Derby Crown Court on December 17, where he admitted two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, four counts of sexual activity with a child by abusing a position of trust, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of making an indecent image of a child. These crimes relate to one teenaged girl and took place over a four-year period. He also admitted possessing extreme pornographic images. A second victim came forward after seeing coverage of a hearing in the summer involving a different girl, in which Yates pleaded guilty to inciting a child to engage in sexual activity while in a position of trust. At this same hearing he also pleaded guilty to being in possession of indecent images of a child. Yates, 31, of Stenson Fields, will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, March 6, this year. He was arrested in July of last year. Chellaston Academy’s catchment area includes Melbourne, Aston, Weston and Barrow-upon-Trent.

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l Jon Key and Kelly Baverstock with their donations at The White Hart, Aston.

Pub customers who have a lot of Hart

LANDLORDS of a pub in Aston-onTrent have said they were overwhelmed with the generosity of customers when they appealed for donations for the homeless at Christmas. Patrons of The White Hart showed what the festive season is all about when they took in piles and piles of food and toiletries for those less fortunate. Landlord Jon Key and his business partner, Kelly Baverstock, had put out an appeal on social media asking if people could take in donations to fill a festive shopping

trolley last December. “It was fantastic, it was far more than either of us anticipated,” said Jon. “We thought we’d get a trolley-full – we got something like eight to 10 trolleys full! Some of the regulars were making special journeys here just to bring us things.” Explaining how it all started, Jon said: “We recently set up a buffet catering company called Harty Catering. Any food we had got left over had historically gone in the bin, but Kelly decided she wanted any excess food to go to the homeless.

“With the customer’s permission we box up any excess food we get and take it out, sometimes on to the streets and sometimes to shelters.” He added: “It’s surprising how much waste you do get with buffets. It does seem a shame if you’re not using it for something good.” Jon and Kelly are splitting their festive donations between different shelters, and plan on continuing their good work with other donation schemes in the future. – Lucy Stephens

n TWAS the season to be jolly when Melbourne Parish Council held a festive mince pie and coffee morning to give weary shoppers the chance to put their feet up before Santa arrived. Parish councillors from the village (pictured) held the event on Christmas Eve at the Assembly Rooms from 10 until midday. They welcomed anyone who wanted to join them for a free mince pie and a coffee with the compliments of the season.

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Last kick of match stunner

Jamie picks up another medal

Melbourne Rugby

IT WAS a disappointing December in terms of results for Melbourne Rugby Club first team, although not overly discouraging with some close encounters against strong opposition. The last game of November saw Oadby Wyggestonians run out 25-20 winners in a fierce game between two sides with contrasting styles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Oadby dominating the set piece and Melbourne the loose and open play. Melbourne defended superbly with some stout tackles and a resolute attitude. With tries from Pearce and Mallet, two conversions and two penalties from Hancock, the team earned a valuable bonus point in a very competitive game. In a very close encounter with Peterborough in December the green and golds lost on the very last kick of the game when the referee called a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;not rollingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; offence and awarded the visitors a penalty. Melbourne had been reduced in numbers during periods of the game with some controversial refereeing decisions. But, with the assistance of tries from Iliffe and Livesey, they lost by a single point, (26-27) in an entertaining and battling game. Another narrow defeat in the subsequent match saw the Rugby Lions tamed but, sadly, not mauled. Leading at the 79th minute, with seven minutes of added time, two penalty decisions in quick succession and a final unconverted try to the Lions it was a crushing blow for Melbourne, leaving the score 22-20 in the Lionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; favour. Despite the disappointment there were many positives to take from this level of performance. The final â&#x20AC;&#x153;homeâ&#x20AC;? game of the season against Towcestrians, like so many before, had to be switched because of the waterlogged pitch at Melbourne Sports Park and was played in Burton. Despite Melbourne starting the stronger of the two sides, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Towsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; gained a foothold with the first score, but the green and golds levelled soon after for a first half 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all draw. A galvanised away side took the lead in the second period, and with two converted tries and a penalty, Towcestrians won the game convincingly by 27 to 10. Melbourne are sitting 12th in the Midlands 1 East League and will be hoping for better fortunes in the next fixtures away against Wellingborough and then on January 11, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the big oneâ&#x20AC;? against Derby.

Village Voice January 2020 19

ASTON-ON-TRENT judoka Jamie Spencer-Pickup has another medal for his growing trophy cabinet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a bronze at the prestigious National Championships. At the event held in Sheffield, Jamie came up against 22 top class British judokas in his under-73k weight group. Fighting nine bouts through the day, working his way through the first rounds, his final round was in the fight off for medal placing between the eight remaining judokas. An error in the 10th bout saw him end with a well-earned bronze medal. As reported in the Village Voice, Jamie has previously won gold at the Junior Judo Commonwealth Games. The 19-year-old is a former pupil of Aston-on-Trent Primary School and is now studying business management at Wolverhampton University.

Seven up for soaring Swifts

l Jamie Spencer-Pickup (pictured right) on the podium, with other medalists.

THIS season, Melbourne Swifts Table Tennis Club has entered seven teams into the local league â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a record for the club. Not only that, this is the first time the Swifts have had at least one team in each of the five divisions of the Derby & District Table Tennis League. Roughly halfway through the sea-

son, during the Christmas break, the Swifts sit in fourth place in the premier division. Newly promoted Swifts two and three side are currently eighth and fourth respectively in the first division. Meanwhile, Swifts four, who are new to division two, are doing well in

fourth position. Swifts five are at a battling ninth place in division three, while in division four the Swifts six are fourth, with Swifts seven sitting at sixth. Melbourne Swifts also has one team in the Loughborough league. They play in the third division and are currently seventh.

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Dynamic duo’s ‘fantastic journey’

20 Village Voice January 2020

Exciting times at cricket club SPORT

PLANS are already underway for the 2020 season as Melbourne Town Cricket Club prepares to play at its highest ever level. The club is looking forward to playing in the Derbyshire league’s Division Three South this summer. With the club’s second and third teams also playing at their highest levels, it looks like being an exciting season. Winter/practice nets begin on Sunday, January 19, from 10-11am at Rykneld Sports Centre and are open to everyone including any new players looking to join the club for the coming season. Anyone interested should contact Alex Slater on the number or email below. The club will also be running junior teams from Under 9s right through to Under 15s to go with their regular All Stars course for five to eight-year-olds. Information about the junior section will go out in late January. Anyone interested in their child taking part in any of the above age groups is asked to get in touch with Alex Slater on 07966 933583 or alexslater72000@yahoo.co.uk. Finally, it is hoped the club will, for the first ever time, run a girls’/ladies’ team in a brand new softball league. Again, anyone interested should contact Alex. The club has ambitious plans for a brand new remote control scoreboard, a total renovation of the practice nets and brand new sightscreens before the new season, making the 2020 season the most exciting in the club’s history.

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MEET the latest black belts in martial art Krav Maga: Daniel Hardy and Mitchell Hendley, said by their instructor to be the first people with disabilities he has encountered to have achieved the distinction. Daniel and Mitchell, both in their 30s, are regulars at Krav Maga sessions in Milton Village Hall, where they have been going for years to receive instruction in the Israeli self-defence fighting system. Daniel has Down’s Syndrome and Mitchell has learning difficulties. Both receive free training from Duncan. In December, they were presented with their black belts at a special ceremony at The Swan in Milton. “Everyone’s dream in martial arts is to become a black belt,” says Duncan. “I’ve had to invent a syllabus over the last seven years to get them trained. They’ve tried so hard and they’ve had a fantastic journey. They’re the first ever disabled black belts that I’ve seen. “I’m so proud, they’ve been amazing. They’ve overcome everything we’ve thrown at them.” Duncan also thanked the five volunteers who go to his classes to help with training. Daniel’s mum, Diane Hardy, who is also Mitchell’s carer, said: “Daniel started off a long time ago with Tai-Chi at Stanton, and someone told him about it (Krav Maga). He went along and took Mitchell as well and they found they enjoyed it. Ever since, they’ve hardly missed one. “I think this is quite an achievement. They’re very excited about being the first people with disabilities to get this as well.” Jackie Chan enthusiast Daniel works three jobs, at Sainsbury’s, McDonald’s and the NHS, while Mitchell does voluntary work. “We’re very grateful to Duncan and the team,” said Diane. Duncan offers his classes free to anyone with any kind of disability. The classes run at Milton Village Hall on Tuesdays from 7-8pm. Anyone interested can just turn up.

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DESPITE the awful weather in December, Melbourne Dynamo Football Club’s three senior sides continued their good form, with the Saturday first team leading the way. Gavin Salisbury’s men had only one match survive the weather but it was an important one as they won through to a Derbyshire Cup semi-final, beating highly rated Gresley Rovers Reserves 5-1 at home. Doubles from Jack Goodband and David Worger went with a James Smith goal to see them into the last four. Melbourne Dynamo Saturday Reserves put in a disappointing display against a strong Holbrook St Michael’s Development side as they lost their Derbyshire Cup match 0-3 at home. However, they ended the year moving up to third place in Division One. They beat Little Eaton Reserves 2-1 away from home as a brace from leading goalscorer Joe Shadbolt earned the reserves the three points. Melbourne Dynamo Sunday side made it seven wins on the trot in December as they won both of their league games to beat the weather. They began with a simple 6-0 home win against bottom of the table Sherwin as Joe Dale led the way with a double. A thunderbolt of a header from Jake Allaway and tidy finishes by Scott Harris and James Payne completed the scoring. A couple of weeks later, Ross Carcary’s men entertained high flying Smalley Villa and were soon in trouble, going 3-1 behind. Some inspired substitutions by Carcary saw Dynamo score three unanswered goals. The in-form Joe Dale scored the winner in the last few minutes to go with his first half goal, aided by a Dom Hurst header and screamer outside the box from Jake Allaway. This left Melbourne joint top of the table going into 2020. – Alex Slater