Melbourne Village Voice July 2015

SEWAGESPILLS PROBEPROMISED

by FRANK HUGHES

SEVERN Trent Water (STW) officials were called to account at the July Melbourne Parish Council meeting following further sewage overspills after recent heavy rainfall.

A year of apparent inaction after the flash floods of 2014 has angered residents, who are impacted when raw sewage spills onto the streets.

Senior Network Technician from Severn Trent Mark Heysmond and team manager for infra-

structure Zelia Lyne promised a comprehensive investigation into the problem.

Although the system should be capable of coping with a “one in 20 year” storm, four incidents in one year suggested there was a blockage somewhere.

Early inspections had revealed one drain was 40% silted up, one connection pipe was blocked and another had a protruding connection.

However, there was no guarantee that fixing these issues alone would solve the problem.

“We want to restore faith and look at the problem in the whole area,” said Ms Lyne. She also urged residents to report problems and to complete flood questionnaires if they had not already.

“Our job is to stop flooding, and we want to work together with all the relevant bodies and

the community to solve the problems.”

Residents were angry that after overspills there was no-one clearing up the mess; along Town Walk, used by parents and children as the main route to school, evidence of foul water overspill still was lying on the footpath days later.

A similar situation had arisen along the path linking Derby Road and Chapel Street.

The water authority officials apologised and said their teams were available to clear up, but residents need to call the emergency line (0800 783 4444) and ensure they were given a job reference.

Local resident Paul Grimley, who has been alerting Severn Trent to the continuing problems, said he felt they had failed to come up with a resolution to this long-term problem.

The officials accepted the criticism, but said they were now looking at the problem with fresh eyes and would work in conjunction with the community.

The offer was made for a further liaison meeting in the near future and to galvanise the relevant authorities.

Earlier, Severn Trent had said: “We’re working to investigate why our sewers in Sweet Leys Way are overflowing into the road when we have very heavy rainfall.

“Once we understand the cause, we will work with the Environment Agency and the Local Flood Authority to help prevent the flooding from happening in the short-term, as well as look at a longer term solution.”

n See also parish council report on Page 5.

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Having a ball to boost Bob’s cancer ward fund

THOUSANDS of pounds are being raised to help cancer patients in Royal Derby Hospital’s ward 303, in memory of a much-loved Melbourne dad who lost his life to the disease last year.

Bob Marshall died aged 63 in May last year, just a few months after being diagnosed with cancer.

Since his death, his wife, family and friends have been working hard to raise money for the hospital’s busy cancer ward to help im prove life for the many people who are admitted there.

Colleagues at Castle Donington’s DHL, where Bob worked, raised £700 by baking cakes and holding a quiz and bingo which DHL then doubled to £1,400.

The money bought seven new televisions for people to watch in the ward.

Bob (pictured) had enjoyed watching cricket while in hospital but the televisions at the time were old, sparking the decision to buy new ones.

Now Jayne is busy organising a fund-

Rush to aid hospice

LOCAL residents have a long history of supporting Treetops Hospice and the hospice continues to look for new ways to attract supporters. It has planned for a big colourful event to be held in September at Elvaston Castle.

The event, Colour Rush, will involve entrants taking part in a 5km run or walk whilst being splattered in a kaleidoscope of colour along the way.

Those willing to take part can register o n-line at treetopshospice.org.uk/colour

The organisers say that, in addition to the Colour Rush spectacle, there will be fun for all the family with live music, entertainment and stalls. The date for the event is Sunday, September 13.

raising ball in Bob’s memory, together with a friend who lost her own mother to cancer and who also spent time on the same ward.

Money raised from the ball, to be held at Chellaston Academy in October, will mainly go to ward 303 to buy whatever else staff there feel will benefit patients. Some of the money raised will also go to Cancer Research UK.

Jayne said: “With Bob being on that ward, he made some really really nice friends. There are so many people in there.

“I just wanted to give something back to people.”

Bob was well known as a lover of cricket, football and music. Along with wife Jayne, he left two children, Daniel and Laura.

The masquerade ball is being held on October 17 and tickets are £30 each, which will include a three course meal.

Dress is formal and there will be a Michael Bublé tribute act, as well as a disco and a raffle.

Tickets are going fast, so if anyone wants one, or wants to sponsor a raffle prize, they should call Jayne on 01332 864687.

– Lucy Stephens

l CHILDREN from Weston-on-Trent enjoyed their Weston Book Week which, this year, was based around animals. Over the course of the week the children received visitors from a range of animal charities as well as a visit from a mini zoo. After a week of excitement, the children wrote, and recited, their own poems which were judged by representatives from each class.

Sale that went the extra yard

ORGANISED by long time Queensway resident and parish councillor Sheila Hicklin, the first Big Queensway Yard Sale was a resounding success on all fronts with 24 houses opening up their yards and selling a variety of products.

There were traditional sale items such as toys, games and furniture to bags and paintings with one enterprising resident opening up as a temporary breakfast cafe and doing a roaring trade. Some people raised money for charities with £200 being collected for Rainbows Hospice at one yard and another raising money for the Dogs Trust. There was even a busker with local musician Ryan Crawford on guitar and singing.

There was a very strong community feel to the whole day; people were there bargain hunting from before the official start time of 10am through to closing at 2pm. It wasn't just locals out for a stroll either with many people coming from neighbouring villages to have a browse.

Pictured (l-r) are: Kay Taylor, Will Taylor, Anna Walker, Melanie Dumelow, Katie Howells and Connie Dumelow.

a change in lifestyle.

The health check programme is aimed at people aged between 40 and 74 who feel generally well and are not already known to their GP for existing cardiovascular conditions

The test is free, quick, simple and painless and conveniently carried out at local GP surgeries.

Solar panels add to the church coffers

A FLAGSHIP project which put solar panels on top of Melbourne Parish Church is already reaping huge financial and environmental rewards.

The beautiful 12th century building is believed to be the first Grade 1 listed church in Britain to have taken the pioneering step of installing solar panels on its roof in an attempt to shrink its carbon footprint.

According to the figures published in June, the panels have so far generated £11,826 of “feed in tariff” income since they were installed in November 2011. That equates to 27,975 kw of electricity – which, to put it in perspective, is about the amount you would use by running a vacuum cleaner for two years non-stop!

The campaign to install the panels was kick-started by Melbourne Area Transition in conjunction with the church. The challenge they faced was to erect the panels without compromising the beauty of the building and much work was undertaken to convince various bodies, including English Heritage, that the church’s good looks would remain unaffected.

Project co-ordinators were able to secure no-longer-available Government grant money towards the panels, which were installed by Swadlincote-based Mainline Energy Solutions. At a cost of around £40,000, it is estimated they will generate something in the

region of £80,000 over 25 years.

But church rector the Rev Dr Mark Powell said the project was far more about the environmental benefits of solar panels than financial reward.

He said: “Our primary reason was to do something that would help the environment. It’s effectively tying up the money for a number of years but doing something really good in return.

“The panels are brilliant – they certainly live up to expectations. It’s really good to take the lead in doing something environmental.”

Graham Truscott, chair of Melbourne Area Transition, said the church’s example had inspired other local people to follow suit.

He said: “We are delighted that this has encouraged a lot of other people to think about where their energy comes from and to place solar panels on their own houses and commercial premises in and around Melbourne.

“We always saw this as a pioneering demonstration project.”

Melbourne Parish Church’s panels have proved so successful that Mainline Energy Solutions won Best Community Installation for them in the Solar Power Portal awards of 2013.

– Lucy Stephens

Rowing for help

GRACE DIEU pupils in year eight staged an overnight row in the school sports hall to raise funds for the earthquake victims of Nepal. They organised a rota to ensure that the rowing machines were in constant use. They rowed 205km – 23 times the height of Mount Everest!

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MELBOURNE Art Group members are pictured at their annual exhibition held at the Assembly Rooms. Nearly 100 pictures were displayed.

A steady stream of visitors enjoyed the exhibition along with free delicious refreshments of strawberries and cream and

home-made scones.

New members are always welcome to join the group which reconvenes mid September. Meetings are held on Tuesday mornings at the Assembly Rooms. Contact Robin Wood on 01332 602523 for further information.

Photographs courtesy of Graham Truscott and Mainline Energy Solutions.

Country Living

with Robert Parker

IT’S five o’clock in the morning (best part of the day at this time of year) and a swallow flew out of a barn and dropped something white at my feet.

On examination it was some half eggshell which shows they are still hatching youngsters out. I would think that this will continue through July and these later hatchlings have got to grow up very quickly to be able to migr ate in early September.

Every day we have a major commotion over the farm as the swallows mob a passing sparrow hawk. I don’t think the swallows would be fast enough to catch them and I’ve seen no evidence they do – and I certainly hope they don’t.

n A raft of new regulations have been presented to farmers this year in order to conform to EU rules, most of which have been greeted with derision.

Cutting of hedges between the first of March and July 31 has been banned for several years, but now a further month has been added to include August.

This is to protect late nesting of birds, which is a rather debatable point. Most hedgerow birds will have fledged by the end of July and this is going to give farmers a very tight schedule. Most hedge cutting nowadays is done by contractors allowing farmers to concentrate on actual practical matters.

The period between crop harvest and replanting is always short and this is when all hedge work is done.

August is a peak month for a lot of crops. Barley would be harvested in late July and, for instance, oilseed rape and grass needs to be sown in August – so the window was short even before this change.

You can apply for a derogation or risk not being caught, all of which adds further bureaucracy to an already complicated agenda.

Contractors’ workload is very high now, so it will soon be increased.

Do they invest in extra kit to accommodate this blip, to see it standing idle for the rest of the year? I don’t think so! The world gets crazier.

Pub to stay open longer?

PROPOSALS to ext end the hours at one of Melbourne’s watering holes are likely to be decided this month.

The Alma pub on Derby Road originally asked the district council licensing team for permission to remain open until 1.30am from Monday to Thursday and until 2.30am from Friday to Sunday.

Pub owners Marston’s had also asked that drinkers be allowed to stay outside later – currently they have to come in at 10.30pm.

The proposal upset people living nearby, who felt the suggested new hours were too late in a residential area.

But South Derbyshire District Council has now confirmed that after talks with police, the proposed new opening and drinking times have been reduced.

The decision is expected to be made at a licensing hearing on July 23. A council spokesman said exact details will not be made public until the amended application goes online five days before the hearing.

Marston’s said they preferred not to comment ahead of the hearing.

WI centenary tea party

BARROW-upon-Trent Women’s Institute celebrated the centenary of the National WI with members past and present enjoying a vintage tea party – 100 years gone and many more WI fellowship events to go.

Special guests were Chrissie Booth, chairman Derby Federation, Judy Stanhope, ex-Derbyshire Federation chairman, Annie Gidlow, previous WI advisor, and Maureen Anderson, current WI advisor.

l KEVIN Earp married Jane Dearden at Leicester Guild Hall on June 20. The wedding reception was held at Ticknall Village Hall. Kevin is the local window cleaner and Jane an artist. They will live in Castle Street, Melbourne.

Taking it seriously, says Severn Trent

REPRESENTATIVES from Severn Trent attended the July meeting to assure councillors and members of the public that the company is taking the problems being experienced in Melbourne seriously.

Mark Heysmond led a team of four and opened the discussion.

Foul sewer discharges have been the prime concern of many residents and no fix to this problem was offered.

Colleague Zelia Lyne was keen to emphasise to the meeting that Severn Trent are keen to work with the residents of Melbourne to resolve the problems.

“We want to work with you, work together, a partnership” was an often repeated mantra.

Councillors and members of the public challenged the Severn Trent team with a series of questions, but not all of the answers satisfied the questioner.

The team offered to hold further meetings with interested parties, to work in partnership to identify problems and concerns using local knowledge as a basis for identifying issues that may need to be addressed.

n New car parking spaces are being created in the High Street car park behind the Lamb Inn.

The removal of some recycling bins has freed up space and trials have supported the move. It is planned that the new spaces will have a three hour parking limit to promote regular turnover of vehicles.

n Cllr John Harrison confirmed that funds have been secured by SDDC as a loan from reserves, to cover the shortfall facing the Melbourne Sporting Partnership project on Cockshut Lane and facilitate the start of the project.

‘Spades in the Ground’ should commence in August. The district council is the prime contractor

for this project, which will be handed over to the MSP on completion.

n County Cllr Linda Chilton reported that DCC Highways Department has commenced road repairs in Melbourne and that top dressing has been applied to Queensway.

It was also reported that Cllr Chilton participated in a site visit with contractors to the Midlands Gateway Project, Roxhill. The visit comprised of a tour of the local area including Swarkestone Causway.

It was the contractors’ view that there will be no problems with regard to housing for prospective employees and that there is unlikely to be more than a 1% increase in traffic movements on the causeway.

n Planning applications were approved with the exception of one for four new dwellings at Robinsons Hill. The reason for the objection was “the development is outside of the village confines”.

Annual exhibition

MELBOURNE Historical Research Group will be holding its annual exhibition at Melbourne Assembly Rooms on August 1 and 2.

This year’s offering explores people of note and notoriety associated with Melbourne, ranging from Lord Melbourne, the Prime Minister (died 1848) to Thomas Dugmore, the innkeeper (died 1820) who bravely and singlehandedly challenged the main landowners of the parish over incidents of self-indulgence and injustice, particularly concerning footpaths.

The exhibition also includes the launch of Adrian Earp’s book “In Memoriam”, which stems from last year’s exhibition, commemorating the centenary of the First World War.

Also on show will be the recently-discovered plan of Melbourne from 1787, hitherto only known as a simplified version at a much smaller scale. This original version, discovered last year in Leicester, is far more illuminating and precise, and shows all the individual strips in the mediaeval open fields prior to their final extinction in 1789. It is the earliest plan of Melbourne that shows the entire parish in detail.

The exhibition will be open from 10am to 5pm on both days, with free admission.

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l TO complete the identification of the newly appointed parish councillors for the local villages, Mark Smith and Brian Goodall (above left) have been co-opted onto Findern Parish

SALE & Davy’s Primary School in Barrow on Trent enjoyed a series of sporting activities for their annual sports week.

Various external sporting providers visited the school and the children had trips out to Conkers, Swadlincote Ski Centre and a residential trip to the nearby Pine Lake Activity Centre.

Erewash Borough Council provided its mobile scooter park with the children tackling a range of challenges on ramps with their scooters and

balance bikes.

The children also did a Race for Life and raised in excess of £500 for Cancer Research UK. Even the youngest children covered a minimum of one mile.

Suzi Shortland, Sport and Physical Activity coordinator for Erewash Borough Council, is pictured with Noah Pritchard, Bradley Akers, Peter Vitner, Hetty Barlow, Eva Alison-Toon, Megan Reid and Isla Quinn.

TOM MILLS reports from the July meeting of Melbourne Parish Council

Council, with Tim Pendenque, Graham Hares and Paul Newton (above right) the new faces co-opted onto Weston on Trent Parish Council.

Monster fun at Breedon

THE Breedon Monster came out of hiding for the third successive year in June. Over 500 participants braved the weather for the opportunity to get messy in the 3K or 6K obstacle adventure run.

As well as meeting the Monster, participants braved mud, paint and a giant water slide to complete the obstacle course.

Melbourne Town Training Band and Jolly Jingles Punch and Judy showed their talents, providing after race entertainment.

The event was made possible by the support of Breedon Aggregates, sponsors of the event, and volunteers from local groups including Ashby mini and juniors RFC and Breedon WI, alongside the main beneficiaries of the event – Breedon Play and Learn, the Breedon village pre-school and St Hardulph’s PTFA.

Archie Vanes (left) emerges from the water obstacle wet but almost paint free while (right) a group of youngsters race away from the monster.

Community park named in memory of Susie Dixon

PARISHIONERS in Barrow-upon-Trent have renamed their community park after a true Derbyshire stalwart who died last year aged 102.

The Community Park in Barrow is now called The Susie Dixon Memorial Park, after a special ceremony in which three generations of her family were present to see her memory honoured.

Susie had lived in Barrow for more than 50 years and was a huge sports enthusiast, being a lifelong Derby County Football Club supporter and vice-president of Swarkestone Cricket Club.

During her long life she was well known locally for her work delivering meat for Williamsons butchers in Melbourne, as well being a dinner lady and supervisor at Sale & Davy’s Primary School in Barrow.

Susie, who died last year, left three children, five grandchildren and five-great-grandchildren – all of whom were present at the renaming ceremony on June 27.

Barrow-upon-Trent Parish Council recently bought the community park from South Derbyshire District Council. They applied for grants to refurbish it with new children’s play equipment, now installed, and there is also a full-sized football pitch and cricket square for local teams to use.

Susie’s daughter, Marion Wood, from Tutbury, said it was “absolutely amazing” that the village’s

parish council had wanted to rename the community park in her mother’s name. She said: “She would have been so thrilled. She was an avid sports fan – anything to do with sports and recreation – she’d have been delighted.”

Speaking to around 50 people who gathered at the park at the renaming ceremony, parish council chair Anne Heathcote (pictured above on right) said: “Susie lived in the village for many

Care group in good shape

ALL seems in fine fettle at Melbourne and District Community Care.

At a sparsely attended Annual General Meeting at the Thomas Cook Memorial Hall, the finances of the group were reported to be in good shape, with donations of nearly £13,000 giving a gloss to the accounts, which showed a small profit for the year

The patrons scheme, which has proved a lifesaver to the group, giving a regular income flow, was enhanced in the past year by an anonymous gift of £10,000.

Chairman Brian Dollamore thanked the committee, and in particular the group's manager, Victoria Hancock, for the continued success.

He was anxious to emphasise that the group was not only for the pensioner and the ill and infirm, but was there to advise and help all ages. The group had access to information and help on many facets of life, and younger residents were always welcome at the group's office.

years and she was our oldest resident when she died last autumn aged 102.

“She supported football and cricket all her life so the parish council, at the suggestion of one of the councillors, suggested we rename the park in her memory, which we thought was a brilliant idea.”

The renaming ceremony was followed by a summer games session.

Victoria Hancock was thanked for her expertise and her "very efficient management" of the group’s affairs, and Alan Corbett, the treasurer, was praised for his hard work and “immaculate accounts".

Mr Corbett emphasised the importance of the patrons scheme to the group's finances.

Questions for the Assembly Rooms board

EVERYONE knows that annual general meetings are supposed to be boring, but the AGM of the Melbourne Assembly Rooms (MARS) was in fact interesting and controversial in a low key way.

Important issues were raised, and engaged with by the small number of attendees.

There is concern that progress is being made, but far more slowly than was envisaged five years ago when the old leisure centre was to be transformed, in a hugely ambitious vision, into an all-singing and dancing modern multi-cultural venue.

Chairman Phil Dobby was upbeat on the progress that had been made: up to date heating, lowered electricity and gas bills. With a host of small modernising jobs completed, "things were looking good".

Phillip again president

THE end of June marked the end of the Rotary year, and the end of Margaret Sharp’s term as president of the Rotary Club of Melbourne. She is succeeded by Rotarian Phillip Rosser, who returns for a second year in the post.

The occasion was marked by the annual dinner for members, partners and guests, at which charitable donations were made to Me and Dee, and Fragile X.

Maria Hanson MBE was unable to attend, and the £500 donation to Me and Dee was accepted by volunteer helper Angela Cooke.

Fragile X was the president’s nominated charity for her year in office and, following a £1,000 donation during the year, a cheque for £500 from the club, and a further cheque for £250 raised personally by Margaret Sharp, were handed over to the charity’s representative, Kathryn Silk.

The club’s Ray Gill Award, named after a past president, in recognition of a significant contribution to youth sporting participation in and around

He praised in particular the work of Andy Heafield, the development manager, a comment that brought forth spontaneous applause from the meeting. Bookings are doing well.

Mr Dobby reiterated the vision he and his board had for a "welcoming entrance", replacement of kitchen equipment and a resiting of the kitchen.

But the board was frustrated by the apparent impasse between MARS and South Derbyshire District Council. MARS could not go ahead with its ambitious plans without a longer term lease, and the council would not release significant sums unless MARS had an approved business plan.

Similarly MARS cannot make firm bids for Lottery grants without having the backing of local authority grants.

Blase Lambert gave a resume of the ac-

counts, and answered all the questions fully. Technical questions regarding the insurance of newly donated staging and tiered seating were raised, and action was promised.

Some of the audience thought that the accounts should have been put on MARS' website to allow perusal before the meeting. The attendees at the meeting were attentive, and interested, and asked pertinent questions, which were answered openly. The sparse attendance was a concern to the directors, who wanted so earnestly to have an engaged membership, supportive and active.

There were questions raised as to whether the board had thought through how to publicise meetings like the AGM, and possibly publicising events.

–David Bellis

n THE Miss Melbourne Carnival Queen competition was held during the annual disco at the British Legion club in June.

The event was well attended with over 40 entrants to the competition. Miss Melbourne, Libby Toon, and her attendants were chosen by four independent judges. Libby is in her final year at Melbourne Infants School and is the youngest Miss Melbourne for some years. Each of the girls was presented with a necklace and a posy to keep. Their crowns and the trophy are to be returned next year in time for the 2016 competition. Pictured (l-r) are: Jasmine Parrish, Fiona Halliday, Hannah Whittingham, Miss Melbourne Libby Toon, Imogen Ferrie, Isla Robertson and Evie Margett.

Police

TWITTER users can now follow Derbyshire Constabulary’s roads policing officers as they launch a new account on the social media site.

The team plans to tweet useful information, such as details of road closures, traffic problems, and speeding enforcement. Follow @DerbyshireRPU to receive updates.

Quiz night every 1st Tuesday in the month starting at 9.00pm first quiz date is the 4th August A WARM

Melbourne, was awarded to Scott Parsons, for his work with young children, based on football, but including all outdoor activities.

Pictured are(above l-r) Scott Parsons (Sporting Bodies), Margret Sharp, Kathyrn Silk (Fragile X) and Angie Cooke (Me & Dee); right: Philip Rosser and Margret Sharp

Tales from Oz entrance Probus Club members

IT is not often that a speaker comes to the Probus Club of Melbourne with a genuinely good adventure tale to tell, as well as a touchingly romantic love story.

Michael Whysall did all that, and did it with a feisty eloquence and great good humour.

He was born in Nottingham into a solid family, just after the war. He went to a secondary modern school and left at the age of 15, to get a job, finding found his niche in design work, and was fortunate to have a supportive employer.

In his leisure times he was in a circle of friends who revelled in the 'Swinging Sixties'. He had "a whale of a time”, a Rocker and a Mod. He moved around with a "great crowd", particularly with an "Alpha Female", a feisty young woman, called Pauline.

Pauline decided she would leave home and seek adventure at the other side of the world, and opted to become a "Ten Pound Pommie", off to Australia.

The scheme of the Australian government was to attract British subjects to help populate the continent, at a fare of only £10.

Pauline did not want her family to see her off from Southampton, as a weeping family at the quayside would have upset her, so she asked Michael to join her as she went off.

After Pauline had gone, Michael went back to Nottingham, but the spark of his great life there had gone, and he realised that he wanted to be with Pauline. So he followed her as a migrant.

He applied in 1969 to become a £10 Pommie, had a perfunctory medical "to prove he was white", and he was off, part of a huge surge of migration, which brought over 1M Brits to Australia. Apart from the £10 fare –equivalent to £385 today, everything else on the passage was free, in fairly luxurious vessels.

He had to agree to stay a minimum of two years

in Australia.

He was seriously homesick on the six weeks’ journey, stopping at Capetown to get mail from home was "painful", and the sense of being alone without family support was "frightening".

At the quay in Freemantle, Pauline was waiting. He went for a short time to a government camp, but Pauline needed him to share the cost of a flat she had taken in Perth. His £60 that he had brought soon went, and it became imperative to get a job.

In the end, he was forced to take a labouring job with the Western Australia electricity company. Hard work, in extreme desert heat, and very dangerous was a terrible introduction to work, but he described his workmates with great humour, because they helped him to avoid the real heat, and shielded him from the extreme dangers of erecting pylons in the desert.

Michael and Pauline married, and worked in many parts of Australia, ending up with good well paid jobs in Sydney. Michael spoke of Pauline with great tenderness, and they now live in Nottingham, having been roving travellers and workers in many places in the world. Pauline was truly his soul mate.

Michael spoke movingly during his talk of the grim and "hidden" history of the forced migration of children. Not all migrants made good. Many children were forcibly emigrated from British care homes, split up from families, and many endured years of cruelty and abuse.

A lifetime of travel and married happiness has made Michael Whysell a philosophical man. "No grasses are greener," he says, and he speaks with eloquence of his "venomous hatred" for the governments who allowed children to be so abused as they were in Australia, even though official apologies have been recently made. – David

Bellis

l MELBOURNE Probus Club entertained members and guests at its annual mid-summer garden party in the lovely gardens of Melbourne's Roman Catholic Church.

The party enjoyed a splendid seasonal

lunch in perfect weather, prepared by the ladies of the Melbourne WI.

Pictured are guests from the Ashby and Castle Donington Probus clubs with members of the host club.

MELBOURNE Civic Society has presented an information panel about the King’s Newton Holy Well to the Hardinge Arms.

The panel contains historical information about the well, which was restored by the society in 1985 and has been cared for by them ever since.

Recently the Holy Well has been made an Asset of Community Value under the Localism Act. Featured in the photograph are Kev and Carolyn Baxter, tenants of the Hardinge Arms, and Civic Society chairman Brian Budd.

Surgery concern over blood tests

PATIENTS at Melbourne Surgery have been voicing concerns about the local provision for blood tests (phlebotomy) with a limited service available in both Melbourne and Chellaston surgeries.

Earlier this year the level of provision was reduced in Melbourne to two sessions per week, requiring those who could not get an appointment locally to go to Coleman Street, the old London Road community hospital (formerly DRI) or to the Royal Derby Hospital.

The appointment time was also reduced in duration, which provided more additional slots per session but then the number of sessions was cut from three to two.

Back in 2014 the surgery’s Patient Reference group had been complaining of waiting times for such appointments, which are no longer provided by the GP practice but by the NHS pathology department, since a contracting system was introduced in 2013.

The original contract in 2013 specified standards which set out the objectives ‘to minimise patient waiting time, reduce patient travel time, reduce anxiety to patients and improve access to phlebotomy to patients attending outpatients.’

It also specified that the following service stan-

dards would apply: “Patients must be offered an appointment within two working days of their request, or within two working days of when the blood test is clinically required, as appropriate.”

Asked whether these standards were being met in this area, a spokesman for NHS southern Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group said: “We’re concerned to hear patients are saying that they have to travel further and wait longer for phlebotomy appointments. In our service specification for providers, issued in 2013 when tendering for three-year contracts with providers, we set out that we wanted patients to have a choice in how they got their appointments.

“We’ve been gathering data from providers across southern Derbyshire for the last year to assess demand and capacity and we’ll continue to monitor this as we want to make sure patients get the best possible services.

“We now have a meeting planned with Chellaston and Melbourne Medical Centres to see how we can work together with them to address any concerns or capacity issues. If any of our providers across southern Derbyshire have high demand we will look to support them to make sure the capacity is there to meet patients’ needs.” – FH

Champagne Fridays

Champagne

5.00pm - 7.00pm

Bottle of Champagne £20.00 plus... a great selection of gins, including ‘Gin of the Week’.

Coming soon

l GARY Dunne, Store Manager, at Melbourne’s Sainsbury's Local, has been out and about in the community where he has recently given talks about Sainsbury's to two local groups. The United Reformed Church and the Ladies Own Group heard about the history of Sainsbury's from Gary and some amusing tales from the 30 years he has been working with the superstore chain.

Choirs combine at annual concert

MELBOURNE Male Voice Choir performed its annual concert at the Melbourne Catholic Church alongside the senior choir of Grace Dieu Manor School.

Directed by Andrea Leeming and accompanied on the piano by Charlotte Harris, the Male Voice Choir sang a selection of 12 songs including ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ from South Pacific, ‘My Heart Will Go On’ from the film Titanic and American Trilogy, made famous by Elvis Presley. The Grace Dieu Choir was directed by the head of music at Grace Dieu, Miss Tracy Tierney, and they sang six songs altogether, including Leonard

Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’, ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ and ‘Stand by Me’.

The Grace Dieu choir has developed a wonderful sound over the past three years and has really learned to blend voices and sing with real emotion.

The chairman of the Melbourne choir, Robert Hudson, commented on how they are always keen to provide opportunities to encourage young people to perform music in public and has been in concert with a number of schools from North West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire over the past couple of years.

Pirates steal the limelight

BRIGHT Lights children normally meet in the safe environment of Melbourne Junior School Library, but last month they took to the seven seas.

Nine scary pirates assembled in the parish church to practise their ‘aaarghs’, swash-buckling sword fighting and digging for treasure (braving the curse of Flint’s skeleton). Long John Silver hobbled around on his wooden leg and learnt to swim.

The musical opened at ‘Me Hearty High School’, included dancing and gun fighting, ending with a pool party in the Mermaids’ Grotto.

Thanks to the beautifully groomed mermaids, the double mutiny had a happy ending with the treasure shared amongst

Night noise to continue at EMA

PAUL GRIMLEYrepresents Melbourne Civic Society at the East Midlands Airport Consultative Committee. Here he writes regarding proposed new developments at the airport site.

WE have recently had news of two expansion plans at East Midlands Airport – the newly published airport development plan, and a proposal to greatly extend the DHL terminal.

The new EMA development plan suggests that by 2030-40, passenger numbers may double to 10 million per year and cargo to 700,000 tonnes pa, aircraft movements may increase to over 100,000 pa. The plan has no new initiatives to restrict night flights, which will be allowed to increase –on a weekday, night flights may reach 120 per night.

friends.

Treasure Island was practised and performed in just one day and repeated for the residents at Pool Cottage two days later. Here the pirates were treated to more treasure in the form of buns and sweeties!

All the children sang a solo, trained by Laurence Rogers. Gordon Hughes coached their drama skills and narrated with Ros Bell. Congratulations to all the children for working so hard to produce a magnificent performance of a very high standard!

The Pirates pictured are, in real life, Martha Woodward, Charlie-Ann Gray, Sibella West, Ayesha Jordan, Poppy Mitchell, Megan Mitchell, Tom Jansen, Eve Jansen and Lillie Elsbury.

Although the airport does not now need a longer runway, EMA proposes to formally secure the consent for the 190 metre runway extension by building 30 metres of new runway. This will trigger certain environmental conditions applied by North West Leicestershire District Council –notably a statutory limit on night time noise, but this new legal maximum will be 40% higher than the current night noise level.

EMA will allow night noise to increase, within the new legal limit, till 2025, and then will rely

on the introduction of new, less noisy freighters to reduce night noise. While ‘quieter’ aircraft remain the aspiration of the aviation industry, such quieter freight aircraft are not yet being built and there is no evidence that they are being planned.

DHL presented their expansion proposals to the Airport Consultative Committee in March. Within 2-3 years, DHL anticipate they will need automated sorting equipment which will double their sorting capacity, but requires a 20,000 square metre extension to the terminal building.

DHL assured the committee that there will be no increase in aircraft flights due to this extension. Larger B767 aircraft will progressively replace the current B757s and little change in night noise is expected from this upgrade.

It seems, at least for a few years, that DHL flights will not increase, but the longer term scenario, when the new terminal is operating nearer to full capacity, was not covered.

A planning application for the extension has been submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council and, at the time of writing, is awaiting a planning decision.

DERBY LEADING THE WAY TO RECOVERY

DERBY has been named at the “centre of UK recovery” thanks to the success of hi-tech companies including Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Bombardier – many of whose workforces live in South Derbyshire villages.

Figures released in June show a 23 per cent growth in Derby’s GVA (Gross Value Added) – an

economic measure of the goods produced in an area. That is more than double the national average of nine per cent and has attracted national media attention for the city.

Just after the figures emerged Rolls-Royce announced a further $500million deal to supply Trent 1000 engines to Ethiopian Airlines.

MELBOURNE’S BELLRINGERS STRIKE GOLD

TWO teams of Melbourne Bellringers took part in the finals of the annual Derby Diocese Striking Contest at Denby – the first time a team from Melbourne had entered the competition in over 15 years.

And what a great result, with the Melbourne teams being placed first and third. The winning team of Ruth, Phil, Isobel, Maggie, Christian and Maurice is pictured proudly holding the trophy.

Melbourne has a peal of 12 bells and ringers are aged from eight upwards. If anyone is interested in finding out more about church bell ringing, you can make contact at bells@melbourneparishchurch.co.uk or pop down to the parish church on a Tuesday between 7:30pm and 9pm.

Getting the bins right

IMPORTANT changes to South Derbyshire’s kerbside recycling scheme have been announced and a series of roadshows have taken place throughout the district to get residents back on track with their recycling

The easy green recycling scheme introduced in autumn 2013 saw 41,000 bins and caddies delivered to homes across the district and allow all recyclable materials to be left in one place.

The introduction of the scheme saw recycling rates soar. Now SDDC’s contractor has revealed that some materials that cannot be recycled are being put into green bins and their black inner caddies.

This contamination can lead to a load being rejected and being sent to landfill, but it means that some bins are being left behind unemptied.

Gillian Coates, Business and Recycling Manager at the council, said: “We are extremely proud of our residents’ efforts on recycling and we know that people are always keen to support us in making South Derbyshire cleaner and greener. However, we have some important information that we need people to follow if we are to continue

to achieve excellent results.

“Black plastic food trays, for example, like the ones used in microwaveable meals, contain certain dyes which mean they cannot be recycled with other plastics. These need to go in the black bin from now on.”

The following is a guide to home waste and recycling:

Green bin: Main bin: empty aerosols, clean foil, food tins and cans, glass bottles and jars, margarine tubs, yoghurt pots, fruit and mushroom punnets, plastic bottles.

Inner caddy: paper, junk mail, newspapers, cardboard, phone directories, magazines.

Red sack: clothes, curtains, rags, shoes, belts, handbags, underwear, towels.

Brown bin: Food waste (may be wrapped in compostable bags): plate scrapings, meat, bones, fish, stale bread, cake, dairy, fruit, vegetables, tea bags, coffee grounds. garden waste: weeds, grass, leaves, branches, pet straw, wood shavings.

Items that cannot be taken: plastic bags/items, turf, soil, garden rubble, stones. Black bin: Non-recyclable refuse including black plastic items, pizza boxes, juice car-

Burns Club honour for Christian

MELBOURNE resident Christian Murray-Leslie has been elected president of the Derby Scottish Association and Burns Club.

Christian is very proud of his Scottish parentage and of his Leslie, Macrae, and Murray highland roots. He said: “I come from a family of doctors and soldiers with many of the latter having served in the 78th Seaforth Highlanders, based in Inverness, and my relatives have ended up all over the world.

“I consider it a great privilege to have become the figurehead for such an active association, which has existed for 125 years and to follow in the footsteps of many prominent local Scots.”

tons (tetrapak), plastic bags, cellophane, plastic wrapping packets, bubble wrap, polythene, polystyrene, plant pots, sticky tape, nappies, pet waste (bagged), toys, foam packaging, coat hangers, rigid plastic items.

Melbourne

n THE Safer South Derbyshire Partnership in conjunction with Derbyshire Police and the CVS Safer Homes were in Sainsbury’s car park in Melbourne on June 23 as part of the number plate security programme. Officers have continued the service of fitting tamper proof screws onto residents’ vehicles number plates free of charge.

PCSO for Melbourne Emma Guest is pictured carrying out the work on a resident’s car.

There is a strong link with this area, too. A century ago the president in 1915/16 was a certain John Gillies Shields, the great grandfather of John Shields from Isley Walton and present owner of Donington Pa rk Farmhouse Hotel.

John’s forebear had come down from Ayrshire to become Lord Donnington’s Agent and, in due course, became a prominent local landowner himself.

Christian hopes that, with his connection, more local people will want to become involved with Derby Scottish Association, where they will be made very welcome. “You don’t have to be Scottish, just have an enthusiasm for the country and its culture.”

He promises a lot of fun and an active social programme, which includes Scottish Country Dancing classes, dances, walks, talks evenings in addition to the more formal occasions such as the annual Burns Commemoration, Presidential Reception and St Andrews dinner.

“We also link up with other Scottish associations for events throughout the Midlands.”

Anyone interested in finding out more or joining can contact Christian on 862921.

–Frank Hughes

PARISH BARBEQUE TIME

THE Melbourne parish barbeque, open to everyone, will take place on August 1 at 4pm in the garden of the vicarage in Church Square. Tickets are available from 862153 or 864741 and cost £7 adults, £3.50 children, £20 the whole family.

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THE floats assembled in Castle Square for judging and then set off the procession through the town to kickstart the annual Melbourne Fete and Carnival.

This year’s theme was ‘Holidays’ and a huge amount of effort had been put in to making the floats.

The winning entry was the beach scene from Melbourne WI with Kangaroos’ Holiday of a Lifetime-Disney World taking second place and Puddleducks’ Vintage Seaside third.

The Ambassadors’ marching band led the procession and later gave a demonstration in the main arena, while the Samba band kept the beat going with their drumming both in the procession and for the drumming workshop.

The stage and arena entertainment continued throughout the afternoon and was well received by the large crowds, the fine weather adding to the enjoyment of the day.

Guest of Honour was Melbourne’s Elaine Dunnicliff, well known for her fund-raising efforts shared between the Royal Derby MacMillan Unit and Urology Department. To date she has raised £32,000 and her target is to raise another £18k to make it a round £50k.

Elaine told the Village Voice: “It was a privilege to be invited to be the fete and carnival guest of honour.”

In her address she thanked everyone for supporting the carnival and gave special thanks to the committee for their tireless and hard work.

In an unusual occurrence, Elaine and her companion, Jane Bloomfield, set off on the procession in a white car and returned in a red one having to had to change vehicles mid-procession and join Miss Melbourne, due to a temporary breakdown.

In the competitions, the best dressed window was awarded to Birdcage, while the tug of war title went to Picture of Health Heavyweights, who beat Picture of Health Under 21s. The Bake-Off was split into three categories, Cup Cakes U 12s won by Alice Vennables, Holiday Bake Off won by Elenor Gardner, and Best Victoria Sponge won by Helen Saunders. Committee members were delighted with the turnout on the day and the support they had received.

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Hadrian’s Wall hikers

LOCAL ladies Gaynor England (left) and Nicola Mortimer are training to complete a 23-mile hike in 12 hours along a section of Hadrian's Wall on August 8.

Gaynor said: “My mum was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago and moved into full-time care earlier this year. Seeing the effects and how cruel this illness is has made me want to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society to try and make a difference.”

"We started training at the beginning of June and want to build up to at least a 10-hour walk before the event,” said Nicola. “Gaynor and I go running most mornings so feel confident we can do it!"

Appealing for sponsorship, the ladies have each created a Just Giving web page. To support them in their endeavours go to http://www.justgiving.com/g aynor-england or <http://www.justgiving.com/ Nicola-Mortimer1.

"We'd like to thank all our family and friends who have already so generously donated to such a worthwhile cause. Let the sun shine and blisters stay away!"

FREDA MARY CHAPMAN 1922-2015

FREDA Mary Hall was born on May 3, 1922, in Mansfield Woodhouse where, as a young woman, she met and married William Alfred Chapman, better known as Alf. They raised a large family of seven children –Terry, Maureen, Susan, Linda, Diane, David and Peter.

In the early 1980s Alfred was appointed Head Gardener at Calke Abbey for the Harpur Crewe Estate and, after much deliberation, they moved into Gardeners Cottage at Calke End and never looked back.

When the National Trust took control a few years later Freda worked for them helping to catalogue, clean and store the countless treasures that the Abbey contained. During that period they moved into the End Lodge at Ticknall until Alf’s retirement.

Sadly, at the point that Freda and Alf moved into Melbourne it was only a short period of time before Alf passed away – a cherished husband and loving father. Freda spent the remaining 18 years of her life content in her own home surrounded by her many children and grandchildren who visited on a regular basis. Freda relished the company of her loved ones and would often reminisce and tell

tales of her life. She was always happiest on these occasions.

During the later years of her life Freda was not without heartache – three of her beloved children, Susan, Peter and Maureen, sadly passed away. Despite this and reduced mobility in her final year, Freda remained at home where, supported by her daughters and a team of carers, she felt safe and loved. Her sense of determination and humour could not be dampened and she took pride in being able to stay in her own home. A fall on April 28 resulted in Freda’s hospitalisation and her peaceful passing on May 3. Freda’s funeral service was held on Thursday, May 14, at Melbourne Parish Church followed by burial at Melbourne Cemetery.

VARIATIONS ON A THEME

IF you have ever wondered why some leaves are variegated then Ticknall Garden Club at its June meeting was the place to be when Joe Sharman from Monksilver Nursery, Cambridge attempted to explain the complex science behind the changes that take place in some plant growth.

Environmental factors causing a lack of chlorophyll in the leaf play a part in variation. This can be because the plant lacks the right nutrients or it is planted in sun rather than preferred shade or there has been a careless use of herbicide. These changes cannot be replicated.

Alternatively virus infections can bring about changes on the leaf surface. However, genetic mutation during cell division is the more common

reason for pigment variation in plants and the resulting chimeras can show white, silver and yellow colouring in veins and leaves.

Green pigment can be masked by other pigments and cause purple or russet markings. Methods of propagation are limited and usually involve cuttings from leaf axil buds or grafting. The talk had proved quite a challenge to the little grey cells but had given a fascinating glimpse into the complex science behind the plants we grow in our gardens.

The next meeting of the garden club will be on Tuesday, July 14, at 7.30pm in Ticknall Village Hall when John Massey, from Ashwood Nursery, will be talking about The World of Hellebores.

Do

Village volunteers to wage war on litter

ENVIRONMENTALLY conscious volunteers from Ticknall have got together to put on yellow vests and make their village even more beautiful by picking up rubbish.

The new litter picking group was formed in May at the annual general parish council meeting, after a discussion about the amount of litter fouling up Ticknall’s verges.

A group of 12 volunteers formed and, in their first session, managed to collect a grand total of ten full bin bags and four tyres!

Group member Jeff Collett said the “principal culprits” were plastic bottles, drinks cans, cigarette packets – and even, surprisingly, a few CDs.

The group plans to clear rubbish from the six roads approaching Ticknall for a mile in each direction from the village centre.

South Derbyshire District Council supplied equipment and safety procedure guidance free of charge, as well as collecting the rubbish for free.

The litter pickers are likely to be out picking up rubbish every two to three months and hope their efforts will encourage visitors to the village to be more careful about where they throw their unwanted goods away.

Some members of the Ticknall volunteer litter picking team (l-r) are: Nigel Picken, Maria Picken, Julie Tibbert, Simon Melen, Janet Collett and Jeff Collett.

Wreath tribute to Waterloo hero

IN a short ceremony at Melbourne Cemetery to commemorate the bi-centenary of the battle of Waterloo which occurred on the June 18, 1815, a wreath was placed on the grave of Lt. Col. Henry Edward Gooch of the Coldstream Guards.

As a young officer, he played a decisive role in the defence of the farm house at Hougoumont during the battle. Ensign Gooch, as he was at the time, together with Ensign Hervey, Lt. Cols. Henry Wyndham and James Macdonnell, Cpl. James Graham, and a small number of other guardsmen succeeded in fighting their way through a pack of French soldiers who had broken through the north gate of the farmyard.

They managed to force the gate closed and bar it, trapping about 30 French inside the yard, who were quickly overcome. The farmhouse was then defended against repeated attacks for several hours until the French retreated at the end of the battle.

The Duke of Wellington considered the events to have been the pivotal action of the battle of Waterloo, declaring that “the success of the battle

In it's picturesque poolside setting, Melbourne Hall was home to Victorian Prime Minister William Lamb.

AUGUST EVENTS

Saturday 8th - Sunday 9th August (from 12 noon)

Melbourne Photographic Society (Visitor Centre)

Sunday 16th August (afternoon).

Musical duo Fran & Ewan (Visitor Centre)

Sunday 30th August approx. 2.15pm (admission charge).

Melbourne Male Voice Choir (inside Hall). All events take place weather permitting and are subject to last minute changes.

House open every day of August only, (except first three Mondays) 2pm - last entry 4.15pm. Gardens open April - September 1.30pm - 5.30pm

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turned upon the closing of the gates at Hougoumont”.

It has also been described by some historians as probably the single most decisive and politically significant event in European military history as, without it, Napoleon would have won the battle, and Europe would have been a very different place.

The defence of Hougoumont is considered one of the greatest achievements of the Coldstream Guards.

Henry Edward Gooch was born in SaxlinghamNethergate, in Norfolk, in 1793, retired from service in 1841 as a Lt. Col., and died at Melbourne Hall on January 18, 1867 aged 73. A window in Melbourne Parish Church is dedicated to his memory.

Pictured at the laying of a wreath in Melbourne cemetery (l-r) are: Jacqui Storer, PC Clerk, Cllr Margaret Sharp, Cllr Sheila Hicklin, Sexton Robert Holman, Cllr George Dunnicliff, Cllr Wendy Earp, chair, Cllr David Carpenter and Cllr Malcolm Stockill.

New post for Mrs Sadler

MELBOURNE Infant School head Joanne Sadler is to leave after being offered a new post at the helm of a large South Derbyshire primary.

Mrs Sadler (above), who has been head at the 206-pupil infant school for six years, told parents in an email that she would be starting her new post as head of Stenson Fields Primary in January 2016.

She said the decision had been “really difficult” but was the right thi ng for herself and her family after six “very happy years” in Melbourne.

Mrs Sadler has presided at Melbourne Infant School over a period of significant growth in the community, with an extra classroom added in 2012 to accommodate increased numbers of children.

The pupil quota joining the school in reception has also gone up from 60 to 70.

Stenson Fields is already a large primary school, but is set for further dramatic growth with the advent of 2,000 new houses being built in the area.

Head-ing for retirement

Chellaston Academy appoints Ray’s successor

AFTER a career in education, including 18 years as Head at Chellaston Academy School, Ray Ruszczynski has decided to retire at the end of this academic year.

The school governors have appointed his successor, Kevin Gaiderman, presently Head at Selston High School in North Nottinghamshire.

Mr Ruszczynski began his career as a teacher in Leeds, having completed a BA in English and French and an MA in Sheffield.

Born in Bury St Edmunds, he grew up in Leicester and reflected how things had changed since his own school days: “I went to a boys school, and I don’t remember the results ever being published – other than the sports results.”

On the changes at Chellaston in particular, he said that when he arrived in the late 1990s there was not a computer in the school. He actually bought 15 computers in the summer before he started.

Now there are 750 PCs, 150 laptops, with every teacher having a laptop, data projectors in every room and a Virtual Learning Environment. He foresaw the day when pupils would only need to bring a hand-held device to school for all their academic needs.

“Also, when I arrived my office had one old bakelite phone, and I had to ask for an outside line! Now I have the desk phone, a work mobile, a personal mobile, and a two-way radio to carry around – but at the touch of a button I can communicate with over 3,500 pupils, staff and parents.”

The school has grown from just over 1,000 pupils to 1,700. The area has changed; where the playing fields adjoined sheep and cattle grazing, it is now houses, and Chellaston is not the village it once was.

The immediate society has changed, too, bringing the complexity of issues like deprivation and social issues into the school where in the past these were a rarity. Unfortunately, the funding to cope with these does not always keep pace either.

He admitted that it was the pace of change, in some respects, that made him realise it was a time for a change of direction. “The other day I had to ask an 11-year-old pupil how to embed a video clip in a document and I was still not sure, after he showed me, I could do it again!

“Some things do not change,” he said, pointing to the hall where all the children were gathered for a regular assembly. “We have assemblies, we have form years, we have uniform, we have discipline,

we punish lateness and cheek and many of those values and traditions are enduring.

“It is the rich mix of the traditional and the modern which I think have been the foundation for the school’s success.

“There have only been two heads at the school since 1976, myself and my predecessor. Continuity is vitally important, and the new head has been appointed from a very strong field to ensure the philosophy and culture of the school remains consistent.”

Asked what he was most proud of, Mr Ruszczynski spoke about maintaining high standards, and giving all pupils passing through the school the opportunity to shine. Staying at the top of the league table demands accountability and attention to detail with targets, even if some are difficult to achieve.

“Nor are we a one-dimensional school – as well as technology our curriculum is broad with excellence in many areas, including drama, art, music and sport enabling pupils to find their niche, even if it is not in the academic subjects.”

He is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, children and his two grandchildren, doing family things the long hours have restricted, playing more golf, doing some travelling and exploring how he might make use of the skills he has developed running what is, in effect, a complex £8m organisation.

And will he miss it? “Yes – certainly. Most of all I shall miss ‘the kids’ – the personalities, the dramas and the laughs. We have great support from parents and staff. Do you know, I have not missed a day sick in all my years – and I still love it here!”

Ray is pictured with Alan Johnson, chair of Chellaston Academy Trustees and governor for 20 years, saying their goodbyes.

A GATHERING of 375 guests from across Derbyshire were hosted by the Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire and Mrs Jill Tucker at a reception held at Repton School to mark the Lord-Lieutenant’s 70th birthday and also Armed Forces Day 2015.

During the reception, the Band of the Grenadier Guards performed a Beating Retreat.

The Grenadiers are one of the top military bands in the UK who rarely perform outside London where they attend all National Ceremonial events.

Mr Tucker took the opportunity to thank (on behalf of the whole county) the many people representing the charitable and voluntary sector.

A retiring collection was taken for military

Chance to show off your old car

IF you have a classic car hidden away in your garag, here is an opportunity to get out the polish and gleam the fenders for the first Melbourne Classic Car and Motorcycle Show.

On Sunday, August 16, there is a plan for a procession of classic cars and motorcycles starting from Melbourne Assembly Rooms at 3.30pm.

Sponsored by the Chip and Pin micropub, there will also be an award of the Chip and Pin Trophy for the “best in show” as selected by those visiting the event.

charities. Mr Tucker said: “It really was a splendid occasion on a glorious summer’s evening in the spectacular surroundings of Repton School, a truly fabulous setting.

“We had representatives from all parts of county life there and everyone had a great party – a real celebration of all that’s good in Derbyshire.”

With refreshments available at the Melbourne Assembly Rooms from 10am onwards, the show is free admission, but there will be a collection made on the day for Melbourne Scouts and Guides.

And if you do have an old car you are thinking of driving down, the only rule is it has to be at least 30 years old.

Now, if only I had kept my T reg Ford Escort Mark 2! –FH

Aston remembers Robin well

THE Aston Welldressing Festival took place over the weekend of July4/5 and residents and visitors were gathering in the vicinity of the Green well in advance of the formal opening.

New welldressing chairman Steve Hyde welcomed everyone and spoke of some of the changes that had been introduced this year.

In referring to the main welldressing, Steve explained that it was a tribute to the founder of Aston on Trent welldressing group, Robin Gibbard, who died last year.

The design reflected Robin's love of wildlife and the Aston crest which he designed several years ago.

Parish council chairman Haydn Wheeler then took centre stage to thank both the previous and current welldressing committee for their efforts and achievements before declaring the festival open.

The Revd Tony Luke blessed the welldressing and led everyone in singing a hymn and prayers.

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Members of the Parish Council

Chair Wendy Earp 865019

Vice Chair/Highways

David Smith 862699

Burial Grounds

Sheila Hicklin 865726

Recreation & Ameneties

Andrew Jackson 07931 541387

David Carpenter 864521

Jane Carroll 863269

Nigel Collyer 07831 540538

George Dunnicli 07780 806267

Christopher Howard OBE 07795 484120

George Hudson 07503 247953

Rose Minife 07795 362936

Robert Parker 07973 297404

Margaret Sharp 862471

Malcolm Stockill 694598

Paul Willmore 863044

Jacqui Storer - Clerk 07734 939292

Useful Numbers

In addition to the main welldressing, there were a further nine welldressings from the WI, Pre-school, The Borrowers, Tiny Tots, Aston School, Weston School, Weston Guides, Aston Brownies and Swadlincote Festival of Leisure. The sun shone over the weekend and visitors flocked to the village to enjoy the stalls and entertainment. The festival provided entertainment for all ages – from magic and fire to street dance and gaming.

With a variety of music over the weekend, Newhall Brass Band finished off the festival with a Last Night of the Proms concert as is the Aston welldressing tradition.

Pictured alongside the main welldressing (l-r) are: chairman of South Derbyshire District Council Neil Atkin, consort Barbara James, chairman of the parish council Haydn Wheeler, welldressing designer Sue Winter, Robin’s children Carolyn Hopkinson and brother Tim Gibbard, Rev Tony Luke and welldressing Chairman Steve Hyde.

Melbourne

Parish Council

Quarterly Report - July 2015

May 2015 sadly did not see the planned Parish Council elections take place as only 14 people stood for election and they therefore automatically became Parish Councillors. Dave Carpenter was co-opted on to the Council at the May meeting to ll the remaining place. We welcome George Dunnicli as a new member of the Parish Council.

Mr Malcolm Roseburgh from SDDC gave a presentation to the Council in June, updating us on the progress of the proposed new sports facilities at Cockshut Lane. He explained that there was a risk to the ongoing progress of the scheme due to a shortfall in funding. Following his presentation the Council agreed to make £18,000 available to the Sporting Partnership from the funds which had been speci cally set aside for the project over the past few years. The Lease and Management Agreement between the Parish Council and SDDC relating to the Cockshut Lane site have now been executed and signed.

The condition of the Cemetery chapels is giving cause for concern with costly repairs being required. The Council has agreed to investigate converting the existing toilet/storage building in the cemetery grounds into more suitable o ce accommodation for the Sexton as a priority.

£100 has been given to the Parish Church to help towards the repair of the memorial commemorating those who lost their lives in WW1.

Melbourne Junior School has kindly given permission for the Summer Play activities to take place on their grounds this year.

The fencing around the Lothian Gardens has now been replaced. Recent vandalism to the play equipment in the Lothian Gardens was captured on CCTV, which enabled the o enders to be identi ed. The matter has now been dealt with via Restorative Justice.

Wendy Earp, Chair, Melbourne Parish Council

Does the council not trust us to behave on path?

THE parish council, at its meeting on May 11, decided not to support the application for recognition of a footpath between The Woodlands and the Bucks Orchard footpath, based on continuous usage of this route by many walkers over a long period of time.

Centre benefits from concert

THERE was a great gathering on the top terrace of The Dower House in Melbourne for the ‘Concert in the Garden’ in aid of The Padley Centre when £3,600 was raised.

It was a clear evening but it was mighty cold for the 200 guests and 80 performers as the wind swept off The Pool and across the garden.

Somehow Eden Walker and Haruka Yamamoto kept their frozen fingers flying across the piano keys in virtuosi manner for beautiful Schumann and Liszt solos and, despite their shivers, the singers of the Melbourne Op eratic Society and A Choir’d Taste (pictured above) kept their voices clear and strong as they sang their Puccini, Rogers and Hammerstein, Lloyd Webber and Gilbert and Sullivan.

The Town Band just managed to keep their music stands upright and a Haydn trumpet solo from Brendan O’Neill kept everyone in good heart.

In the interval guests feasted on Wayne Spiers’ Hog Roast and wandered around the garden as the sun began to set.

The house, beautifully covered in a mass of white roses, was floodlit by Peter Gough whose services ‘Throughmic’ ensured that the music was heard to its last pianissimo.

The Padley Centre has been honoured with the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK – The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service – in recognition of the outstanding work it does in the community. –FH

POLICE WANT TO WHACK WACKER THIEVES

POLICE are asking for anyone who may be able to help them catch burglars who broke into a building site storage container in Kings Newton.The burglars stole a wacker plate and generator – equipment used to provide onsite electricity – by

breaking into the container at the building site on Main Street.

The burglary happened when offenders went on to the site sometime between 5pm on Friday, June 19, and 8am on Monday, June 22.

Detectives want to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have seen people or vehicles on the site over that weekend.

Anyone with information should call Derbyshire Police on 101, quoting crime reference 26140/15.

The vote on this was one in favour and 11 against. Instead they supported access along the pavements of the new estate that is under construction.

The Melbourne Footpaths Group are naturally very disappointed by this decision as the proposal came from 22 separate local residents, most of whom regularly walk the path themselves.

I think we should ask why the council saw fit to vote so overwhelmingly against the proposal, despite every evidence of support from those most affected by it.

According to observers at the meeting, one line of argument that met with general approval from councillors was that a path would be a focus for anti-social and criminal behaviour. Interestingly, this was something that has also been suggested in relation to access paths to the Sweet Leys Way development.

Of course it is important for the council to give consideration to the safety and security of Melbourne residents, but we should ask ourselves how real is the idea that the jitties of Melbourne are a focus for danger?

Melbourne already has 17 ancient and more modern jitties with a total length of 2.34 kilometres. These are a safe and, indeed, delightful aspect of the pattern of routes through our town.

Who does not relish ducking into the Dark Passageway, or going up to the cemetery via the path from Station Road? What is more, the parish council’s fears could be seen as reflecting a very jaundiced view of Melbourne people, particularly its young people.

Don’t they trust us to behave on a new path just as well as we do on all those existing ones?

As for the idea that pavement access, as opposed to a dedicated footpath, is an adequate substitute, this is something rejected not only by Melbourne Footpaths Group, but by all walking organisations.

Their view is that walkers are much safer from traffic hazards on a footpath than on the public roads and that, wherever possible, a footpath should be established.

Sadly, it might look as though Melbourne Parish Council has chosen to take a stand not only against the Footpaths Group, 22 concerned local residents, and the Ramblers and the Open Spaces Society, but also the whole population of Melbourne, who it doesn’t trust to behave itself when on a footpath.

CAR PARKING IN MELBOURNE School reunion

from John Blunt was published but was incomplete. It is reprinted here in full.

Paul Sturges chair of Melbourne Footpaths Group I OFTEN read the Village Voice and saw in your issue of March 2015 a photo of the reunion of the Melbourne School. Could you put me in contact with someone who organised this?

MORE than 20 years ago the local authority engaged the services of a Derby firm of estate agents to negotiate with the various owners and purchase the land for a car park behind the Market Place.

Now, when we come into town for our Saturday breakfast at the Welcome Cafe shortly before nine o’clock, there are hardly any spaces left. After breakfast, shopping round the town, our progress puts me in mind of the Dodgems at the fair.

There remains one sizeable area of underused landlocked ground behind Walls Garage Showroom off the Market Place, which at present incorporates the Lothian Gardens play area. In a recent Village Voice you reported an approach made to the parish council by my nephew, James Ottewell, concerning development of this area; including issues affecting the public toilets.

I have chatted to James and he knows that I am concerned that his proposal may close off the last option for additional parking in the town. The district council are the only people who can make this happen; can they be persuaded to step up to the plate and take the larger view?

Our forebears would have done it, but then they were not tested.

By issues such as NIMBYS, down the list to NEWTS, (Great Crested).

I live abroad and know some of these people as I went to the same school. I would love to get in contact with them. Could you please help me?

My name is Maureen Barry[Berkelder]

Address : Houtsmastaat 8 7002KE Doetinchem, Holland. E-mail m.berkelder@hetnet.nl

Telephone 0031314335438 Mobile 0031622451623

Maureen Berkelder-Barry

Tango in the night

THERE was a tango treat for all-comers at Melbourne Assembly Rooms.

In an astonishing display of virtuosity, Martin Alvarado entertained an audience drawn from Nottingham, Leicester and Derby.

The lucky few who were from Melbourne heard one of the foremost tango singers in the world mesmerise his audience with his charisma and outstanding tenor voice.

He was accompanied on the bandoneon a nd keyboards by Mikko Helenius, from Finland, himself a musician of formidable talent.

Tango dancers Guillermo Torrens and Maria Margaki danced expressively, and the evening was rounded off with the chairs being pushed back to allow the audience to take to the floor and carry on tangoing into the night.

IN the May issue of Village Voice, a letter

Maria’s named as one of the Happy 100

AN inspirational charity founder from Ticknall has achieved national recognition for her work, after being chosen as one of only 100 people in the country to be named on Britain’s “Happy List”.

Maria Hanson, who is close to the hearts of many families torn apart by illness –thanks to the work of her charity, The Maria Hanson Foundation –was included in the list of some of the country’s kindest people, compiled and published by The Independent on Sunday newspaper in June.

Now in its eighth year, the paper’s Happy List is published annually and is intended as a kind of antidote to other lists published by newspapers which celebrate power, influence and money. Other inspirational people whose contribution to society was recognised on The Happy List included an 87-year-old who carried out first aid duties for more than 50 years; a young anti-bullying campaigner, and a “cheerfulness spreader” from South West

Trains.

The Happy List has been backed by Prime Minister David Cameron, who said: “The Independent on Sunday's Happy List is a great way to recognise even more of those hardworking people who go the extra mile to help those around them.”

Maria said: “It’s just amazing because it’s 100 people out of the whole country – to be one of those is just incredible. It’s what my charity is all about, creating those smiles.

“People who are living with life-threatening, life-shortening and terminal illnesses – the fact that you can help out and make them smile, even for a short time, is just massive.”

The Maria Hanson Foundation, formerly Me & Dee, provides more than 200 holidays and “special moments” a year for families affected by terminal illness, where time is precious and short.

One of its most recent ventures is a caravan called “Daz’s Den” which is specifically for the use of ex-military service people and

CASTLE HOSTS WW1 EXHIBITION

THE ‘war to end all wars’ is to be commemorated at a unique, week-long exhibition with daily events between August 16 and 23 at Elvaston Castle.

WW1 – The Conflict and The Countryside will be a multi-media, family event held inside the castle and within its spectacular grounds. It charts the impact of WW1 on the Elvaston Estate and the wider community.

The free exhibition includes activities and exhibits for all ages.

The rooms in this historic building, normally closed to the public, will be open for the event.

The Gothic Hall was the location for the wrestling match in the film ‘Women in Love’.

The event not only reflects the changes to this typical country estate brought about by the conflict, but is timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Suvla on the Gallipoli peninsula, which involved the Derbyshire Yeomanry and The Sherwood Foresters’ regiments.

On the approach to the entrance to the Gothic Hall, visitors will pass through a facsimile of a battlefield trench. They will hear the sound of distant gunfire and explosions and songs and music from that era.

CATERING ASSISTANTS REQUIRED

Catering assistants required to join the retail food and beverage team working on Donington Park racing circuit and related facilities. Experienced applicants preferred with a minimum catering Health & Hygiene Certi cate Level 1. Training o ered to the right applicants. Weekend working is essential.

If you are interested please contact: Martin Quilliam, Operations Manager, D&J Catering Ltd, Donington Park, Castle Donington DE74 2RP Tel: 07772 578648 or email: Martin.Q@djcatering.co.uk

Record result for open gardens

THE sun shone and Milton welcomed over 450 visitors to the annual open gardens.

Ten gardens were open and the village hall was transformed into a garden tea room with grass, plants and a water feature.

The Main Street had a real party feel, complete with bunting, scarecrows, and lots of people walking about with plants purchased from the plant stalls!

Gardens were much admired, new friends made, and tea and home-made cakes appreciatively consumed.

The afternoon raised over £3,000 for village funds – a fantastic result and a record for Milton.

In the evening, tired but happy Miltonians retired to The Swan for a BBQ.

Next year, Milton Open Gardens will be held

on Sunday, June 5.

their families who have been affected by serious injury or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The caravan is dedicated to the memory of Darren Preston, who lost his life through PTSD last year.

Maria will be going to a celebration in London on July 20 where she will meet the other people on the Happy List.

– Lucy Stephens

Carefree summer days at Calke Abbey

The Garden of Imagination

Saturday 11 July – Sunday 6 September 10.30am-4.00pm

Step through the secret garden door and lose yourself in the Garden of Imagination this summer. Weave your way through our meadow to discover the labyrinth, the maze or the willow sculptures. Get busy in our giant bee hive, make natural art or grow your own garden story in the puppet theatre.

Calke Explore

Saturday 11 July – Sunday 6 September 10.30am-4.00pm

If you go down to the woods today…

You’ll find a whole range of activities that enable you to get wild and closer to nature. Be adventurous on our natural play trail, seek out the wild sculptures or curl up in in a giant bird’s e . Pop by Sir Vauncey’s mothing hut to see what wildlife can be found or pick up a wildlife tracker pack and see what you can find yourself.

Squirt’s Stable

Saturday 11 July – Sunday 6 September 10.30am-4.00pm

Come along and join us in Squirt’s Stable every day during the school holidays for fun family activities.

House: Open seven days a week. Taster tours 11am-12.30pm. House fully opens at 12.30pm -5.00pm for general visits from Sat-Weds and themed house visits on Thurs and Fri 12.30pm – 4.30pm.

Restaurant & Shop: Daily 10am –5pm, Café : Open every weekend 9.30am – 3pm.

Garden: Daily 10am – 5pm, Park & National Nature Reserve: Daily 7.30am – 7.30pm, dusk if earlier.

Deborah Bates is the scarecrow while Carl Avery’s garden (top) was open for visitors.

DENTURE REPAIRS

MELBOURNE DENTAL LABORATORIES

Mark’s eight little belters

EIGHT martial art students from Maximum Response Karate Defence Club passed their Black Belt Dan examinations at Melbourne Assembly Rooms.

Unit 9, Potters Yard, Potter Street, Melbourne DE73 8HX

Telephone: 01332 865510

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Pre-Packed Cash & Carry Sales from The Yard

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The Common, Melbourne, Derby DE73 8HU

Telephone: 01332 862744

LICENSING ACT 2003: NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A VARIATION OF A PREMISES LICENCE

Name of applicant(s): Elaine Claire Chadwick

Postal address of premise:

Chip & Pin, 8 High Street, Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 8GN

Summary of the variation to the existing licensable activities:

Every Good Friday Revised Hours - 12:00 until 22:30

Every Melbourne Festival Sunday Revised Hours - 12:00 until19:00

Every Remembrance Sunday Revised Hours - 12:00 until 19:00

Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve falling on Sunday Revised Hours - 12:00 until 22:30

Dated: 2nd July 2015

The register can be viewed during o ce hours at South Derbyshire District Council, Civic O ces, Civic Way, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 0AH. Please contact 01238 595890 or 01283 595724 in order to make an appointment. Alternatively, the full application can be viewed at www.south-derbys.gov.uk.

Any representation relating to this application must be made in writing to the Licensing Authority by 29 consecutive days after the date of this notice.

It is an o ence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum ne on summary conviction for this o ence is £5,000.

John Battersby, Thomas Doyle, Charlie Small and Kyle Davies achieved 1st Dan Black Belt. Glenn Mattingley was promoted to 2nd Dan Black Belt. Paul Slee, Joseph Small and Elaine Croshaw promoted to 3rd Dan Black Belt.

Most of the students have been training in the Art of Wado Ryu karate and self-defence for over 10 years. It takes years of regular training, dedication and commitment to even attempt black belt status.

Mark Rotherham, 5th Dan Black Belt, formed and runs Maximum Response Academy Martial Arts and Fitness in February 2000.

He is proud to celebrate the 15 years with the club now having over 50 students who have achieved Black Belt status.

Mark, who runs martial arts and fitness clubs in Melbourne, Castle Donington and Kegworth, said: "I am very proud of all my students for the dedication and commitment they have shown to reach this stage in their chosen sport.

“I would also like to congratulate all my

lower grade students who went for coloured belts in the afternoon grading and passed.” Mark has worked hard to build the MRKD up to the high standard it is today and he would like to thank all of his students for their ongoing support and dedication.

The MRKD Academy was founded to provide local, affordable, safe, comprehensive karate/self-defence and fitness training.

New boat house is on the way

THE Staunton Harold Sailing Club (SHSC) 40th anniversary celebrations included events for both adults and children on and off the water.

The day included junior championships and fun regatta races. Stuart Childerley led the celebrations with some sailing tips for the juniors at the start of the day and concluded after the racing by ceremonially making a start on digging the foundations for the new boat house.

The boat house is being funded thanks to a Sport England, Inspired Facilities grant of £56,000, which was awarded to SHSC to expand and improve its training facilities. In addition to the boat house the project will include the refurbishment and modernisation of the existing training room and lengthening the training slipway for access to the water at low water.

Commenting on the grant and events on the day, Lesley Foskett, Commodore of SHSC, said: “A big thank you goes to all our volunteers for putting on such a fantastic set of 40th anniversary celebrations for all our members.

“We are delighted that Stuart Childerley could join us and inspire our juniors with his sailing tips and anecdotes. As his father was one of the founder members at SHSC, some of Stuart’s earli est sailing memories were experienced here at the club, so it is fitting that Stuart has put the first mark in the ground for our Sport England Inspired Facilities’ project.”

FUN TIME AT RUGBY FESTIVAL

SOUTH DERBYSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL

Councillor Linda Chilton, Councillor John Harrison Councillor Jim Hewlett

ADVICE SURGERIES

at Melbourne Assembly Rooms 11 am to 12 noon

Saturday 1st August

Saturday 5th September

“Listening to Local People”

SUNDAY, June 21, saw Melbourne RFC host a Rugby World Cup themed ‘Festival of Rugby’ at their Cockshut Lane ground.

The festival was the concluding part of four weeks of Tuesday night mixed touch rugby sessions, designed to bring together both the lads and the girls from across their age groups within minis, juniors and minxes.

Supported by the RFU,

the club was able to provide a free BBQ and drinks for all participants and it was great to see future stars of

Melbourne RFC not just playing but also socialising together, the fun continuing after the rugby had ended.

Tennis club Rolls over opposition for first win

MELBOURNE Tennis Club had a very unlucky month of June as they lost two of their three league games but won the other by an amazing 90 scoreline.

They began the month away to Littleover 2nds and, despite Howard Cheshire and Ben Willians winning all three sets 9-1, 9-6, 9-6 the other two pairings could only win one set, meaning Melbourne losing 5-4.

Vinny Hallifield and Dave Faux managed to win 9-7 but lost 3-9, 6-9, and the final pairing of Tim Shone and Mark Swallow lost 0-9, 2-9, 8-9 due mainly to

l MELBOURNE Dynamo FC committee members Greg Salisbury, Vinny Hallifield, Gavin Salisbury, Alan Buxton and Jak Ward are pictured being presented with a cheque by Harpur’s manager Tom Williams. Harpur’s are Dynamo’s main sponsor. The club is grateful to the local restaurant/bar for its continued support.

a wrist injury for captain Mark Swallow.

Melbourne won their first game of the season the following week with a stunning 9-0 win away to Rolls-Royce 5ths with the Hallifield/Faux pairing winning 9-8, 9-2, 9-6; John Mayers and Tim Shone winning 9-5, 9-5, 9-2; and the Swallow/Cheshire pairing winning 9-5, 9-5, 9-2 to complete a resounding victory.

The final game of the month away to Wingerworth in Chesterfield started in disaster as Ben Willians pulled up with a bad injury in just the third game of the first set, meaning he had to retire hurt which left Melbourne 3-0 down and his

partner Howard Cheshire travelling nearly an hour for just three games.

The pairing of Hallifield and veteran Pete Newbury showed good form in winning 9-0, 9-8 but lost their final set 3-9 with John Mayers/Mark Earp winning one set 9-3 but lost 2-9, 0-9 in the other two sets leaving a final match score of 36.

Melbourne Tennis Club team members (l-r) are: Howard Cheshire, Tim Shone, Dave Faux, Vinny Halifield, Mark Swallow and John Mayers

TRENT College First XV rugby captain Will Allman has taken another step towards a career in the professional game after being confirmed as one of four players invited to join Northampton Saints Senior Academy for 2015-16.

Will, from Diseworth, has been part of the Junior Academy at 201314 English Premiership-winning Saints since the age of 16, and now gets the chance to prove himself to the club’s senior hierarchy on a full time basis.

He said: “To receive a contract from Northampton Saints is a

dream come true. It has been the culmination of two years’ hard work with the Premiership club and I am really pleased to be able to carry on my rugby playing in a professional sense; it is what I have always wanted.”

Will started playing rugby when

he was six, progressing through Melbourne RFC’s Junior sections before furthering his rugby at Trent College.

He trialed as part of the Leicester Tigers Development Programme, before deciding to join the Northampton Saints Academy in Year 12.

Will also represented the England U16 South team before progressing to full international honours with England U18 this year.

Photo courtesy www.schoolsportsphotography.co.uk

Youngsters flock to play at Ticknall

RECORD numbers of young cricketers have been joining one of Derbyshire’s biggest – and prettiest – clubs this season.

Ticknall Cricket Club has had so many keen youngsters wanting to pick up a bat this year that they have had to take on extra coaches and hold a new practice night especially for them. The number of children at the club who pla y a kwiks version of

the game – played with plastic bats and balls – has reached a grand total of 45, after a record number of 17 newcomers.

So successful is the club’s kwiks programme that it has now introduced Monday night training to allow more space for the young players, who are generally aged nine and under.

Hannah Sookias, whose sons James and Joe are both club members, said it was “brilliant” so many young people had signed up to give the game a go.

“Cricket doesn’t have to be with a big scary hard ball and lots of equipment – you can have a go with plastic bats and balls,” she said. “I think it’s brilliant because it gets the kids into exercise from an early age.”

Ticknall Cricket Club meets at The Grange in Ticknall, overlooked by the 16th century St George’s Church and thought by many to be one of the prettiest grounds in Derbyshire.

Members have played there since 1922, having originally played

in the grounds of Calke Abbey.

A pavilion was put up in 2001 and the club has grown steadily since the 1970s, having joined the Derbyshire County League in 1992. It now boasts 16 teams including four senior sides with the first XI playing in the Derbyshire Premier League.

The junior teams are showing great promise, with the under 11 A side winning all four of their matches so far this season.

Weather hits Town league bid

MELBOURNE Town Cricket Club first team were hit by the weather in June and ended it with their first defeat in two months, leaving them in fifth place in the table.

Town began the month at home to a strong Swarkestone 2nds, the visitors amassing a strong 284-3 off their allotted overs. The Melbourne reply was held together by skipper Alex Slater, who hit his second consecutive century scoring 106 not out along with 36 from Russell Allaway and 35 by Andy Potts as Town finished on 219-8.

The following week, away to A & B 2nds, Melbourne claimed an unlikely victory as they set the home side 178. They lost their last seven wickets for just 28 runs after Slater (51) and Allaway (47) had continued their good form.

A & B were well placed on 161-5. but a superb spell of 3-28 from Anthony Wagstaff plus 4-61 f rom Slater saw Melbourne turn it

round to win by nine runs, the hosts losing their last five wickets for just eight runs.

A rained-off game against Hilton was followed by a rain affected match away to top of the table Rolleston 2nds. The home side hit 209-5 off 42 overs in between the rain showers with Lander (3-64) bowling well.

Because of the rain Town had only 20 overs in reply, but Mark Rossi (34) and Russell Allaway (35 not out) saw the firsts safely through to 112-4.

Melbourne ended June with a disappointing defeat at home to Mickleover. Town posted a competitive 215 with Rossi (76) and Potts (46) the main contributors, aided by Allaway (38) and Slater (30), but they fell from 179-3 to feel 215 was a few runs short. It was to be the case as Mickleover won with just seven balls to spare.

MELBOURNE Town 2nd team have once again struggled in

June, but Dan Marshall's men did win their first game of the season. They began with defeat to local rivals Castle Donington 1sts as Town could only score 134.

Openers Paul Scrimshaw (46) and Simon Fletcher (37) scored the majority of the team’s runs and Donington cruised home by five wickets.

At home to A & B 4ths, Town scored a very impressive 224 with Mark Hirons (50), Julian Humpidge (38) and Felix Stanley (33) scoring well. Despite 3-39 from James Hogwood the visitors won by four wickets with just three balls to go.

A rained-off game away to Allestree was followed by Dan Marshall's men’s first win of the season at home to Ockbrook 4ths with the visitors scoring 175-7 off their allotted overs. Hogwood again did well with the ball taking 3-41.

Brilliant knocks from Felix Stanley (52 not out) and Mark Hirons

(47) plus 30 from opener Humpidge saw the seconds cruise home with 16 overs to spare.

Town ended the month with a losing draw away to Sawley 3rds, this after the home side amassed 216-6. Town were indebted to opener Scrimshaw who hit a superb 84 to hold the innings together as they finished on 155-7.

MELBOURNE Thirds have put in some encouraging performances but began the month with a home defeat to Castle Donington 2nds as the visitors scored 220 despite two wickets apiece for Sam Jenkinson, Dave Potts and Prageeth Tennakon. The thirds collapsed to 60 all out.

Bruno Rost's men could only muster 79 the following week away to Trentside 3rds and, despite 3-32 from Georgie Harrison, fell to a six-wicket defeat. A haul of 4-57 by Stephen Goalen meant Alrewas 3rds could only score 210-6 the following week and Town secured a creditable draw as 65 from skipper Rost and 30 from opener Rich Paine left them on 140-6.

Away at Ashbourne 2nds, two wickets apiece from Cory Jones, Dave Potts and Keith Roberts helped keep the home side to just 172 but the thirds fell to 84 all out despite good knocks from Rost and Sam Barker.

Town ended the month once again against Ashbourne, this time at home, and it was the visitors who batted first, scoring 188-8. Melbourne held on for the draw at 83-7 to end an encouraging month for a very young third team.