Melbourne Village Voice May 2017

FIREFIGHTERS RUN TO BLAZE

Parked cars mean engine cannot get up street to tackle inferno

By LUCY STEPHENS

FIREFIGHTERS have been heralded as having done a great job when they were forced to run up a Melbourne street with hoses to put out a blaze raging through seven close-together gardens – because the volume of cars parked on either side meant they could not get their engine outside the affected house.

Three fire crews from Melbourne, Castle Donington and Ashby were called to battle the fire for around three hours on the evening of Sunday April 23, the fire service having been alerted just before 9pm – although in the event the third crew was not needed.

The blaze was believed to have been accidentally caused by a spark from a garden and quickly burned through a row of conifers connecting homes on South and North Street.

Firefighters from Melbourne arrived on scene within minutes but could not get their engine up South Street due to the amount of cars parked on either side – a situation that local residents say is very serious and has got a lot worse in recent years.

The fire got so close to the back of one home that the heat smashed the glass in the back windows and melted the plastic surrounds.

Joan Dickman, from one of the affected homes in South Street, said: “We’ve never seen anything like it. The fire people were on the scene very quickly but couldn’t get to the fire because South Street was blocked with cars.

“The situation was so bad they had to roll the hoses from Derby Road. It was amazing, they

were running up the road with hoses and when they got here they were brilliant. Thank you to them – they really worked hard.”

A North Street resident told how the blaze was so fierce they could feel the heat of it from their property. The flames destroyed four sheds and damaged part of the gardens.

“It was very scary,” they said. But residents said that the fire had brought out Melbourne’s neighbourliness with people coming out to check up on each other during and after the flames.

Andy Astle, watch manager for Melbourne, said firefighters had used two main jets to douse the flames and that once crews had arrived

things were quickly brought under control.

“It was a very challenging situation and the crews worked hard to get on top of the fire and stop it from spreading,” he said. “The parked cars can be an issue – but we do carry enough hose for that situation. South Street residents moved all the cars which enabled us to get our second appliance down to the fire.”

Firefighters are still being sought to help man Melbourne station during the day. If anyone is interested in helping provide what is clearly a vital service, they are asked to call in at the station on Tuesday nights when the crew meets from 7pm. You can also find out more about the service by logging on to www.derbys-fire.gov.uk.

Having fun in boats –Page 5

Flying the flag for St George –Page 6 First MELs –Pages 12-13 Choccy fun

KEITH CHILTON

Passed away 14 May 2016

Much missed husband of Linda. Death stole the future we hoped for, but didn't take away the relationship we had.

Seeds of hope for Uganda-bound Alys

CHELLASTON students signed up to go to Uganda are busy raising money for the trip – and green-fingered Alys Johns from Melbourne is no exception.

Alys, 17, is a sixth form student at Chellaston Academy and is holding a sale of plants she has grown from seed to raise money for her trip.

Alys will be selling her wide range of home-grown plants at the Wesley Hall in Melbourne from 10.30am to 1pm on Saturday, May 27.

Plants for sale will include tomatoes, sunflowers, dahlias and hostas, and Alys hopes to add to the £520 earned from bag packing at Sainsbury’s with Hannah James, Olivia Smith and Riley Gallacher.

She said: “We all like gardening as a family, so thought this would be a good idea. When I first saw the assembly in year seven (about the Uganda project) it struck me I could do that, and make a difference.

“Everyone has said how amazing and life-changing it is, so I wanted to have the chance to do that as well.”

Alys would like to thank Sainsbury’s for allowing her and her friends to pack bags, and also Swarkestone Nursery for donating pots and seeds.

Good response to policy questionnaire

ORGANISERS of the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) questionnaire for Melbourne and King’s Newton say that residents from the two communities have shown “overwhelming” support for the policies set out in the draft plan.

With a total of over 600 replies the level of response from the local population was considered “very good”. As some of these were from people outside the catchment area, the number of valid responses was slightly reduced to 573.

This was well above what is considered to be the acceptable level

of responses for a total population of around 5,000. Slightly more females (54 per cent) responded than males and the average age of the responder was 59 years.

Chair of the working group Jane Carroll said: “I am delighted with the overall level of responses to the questionnaire and the high level of agreement with the ‘Vision and Policies’ shows that we have reflected the views of most people.”

Over 90 per cent of the respondents agreed with the policies on rights of way, biodiversity, maintaining green spaces, heritage conservation and with the overall vision set out in the plan.

Strong levels of agreement were indicated also for the policies to restrict new housing development to the existing village boundaries, preserving agricultural land and preserving the separation of the two villages. Slightly less support was shown for the policy to restrict house building to three bedrooms or fewer, where only 64 per cent of respondents agreed, with 40 per cent of those aged 45 or under disagreeing.

The questionnaire also sought the views of locals on the ‘Community Aspirations’ issues which, although beyond the remit of a Neighbourhood Plan, had nonetheless been repeatedly raised in earlier consultations. Residents were asked, if money became available, what would they like it spent on. Parking was the issue put at the very top of the priority list, with senior citizens or community care in second position.

Concern had been voiced by two landowners about the inclusion of their land in the open spaces policy, and at the last meeting of the working group it was confirmed that those two areas would be removed from the list.

The next stage in taking the NDP to a formal referendum will be to incorporate the results of the survey and ensure that partners in the parish council and South Derbyshire are satisfied that the plan is robust, and then pass the published version to the planning inspectors for formal agreement.

–

Frank Hughes

Drilling for oil

THE audience at April’s Melbourne Civic Society meeting heard the fascinating story of how Derbyshire was the location of Britain’s first successful oil well.

Cliff Lea, from North East Derbyshire Industrial Archaeology Society, told the tale behind the search for oil in the county.

Although oil had come to the surface in various places such as Riddings, Eyam and Tibshelf, it was only when a renowned chemist called James Young found out in 1847 how to separate it for different uses –lighter grade kerosene for lamps and heavier grade for lubricating oils and paraffin wax – that a serious search for oil deposits took off.

In 1915 there was an urgent need to find a source of oil to power naval shipping to limit dependence on foreign imports. Exploration began in North East Derbyshire.

Using steam driven drills to reach more than 3,000 feet underground proved a painstaking process.

There was much excitement in the media when oil was struck at Tibshelf in 1919. Too late for use in the Great War, the well proved relatively successful and was piped to Scotland for refining.

Other drilling sites were less productive and over the ensuing years problems arose and oil production in the area gradually ceased.

Painted lady with an eye on major prize

IT’S face painting … but not as you know it!

Melbourne’s Kate Groves is an award-winning face and body painter who has beaten off competition from around the UK and Ireland to make the top 10 in a major competition.

Kate, who paints faces for a living – at children’s parties and for corporate events – impressed judges at the NYX Professional Make-up UK and Ireland Face Awards for this year with her talents.

Now she is through to the final 10 contestants in the competition, the prize for the winner being £10,000, a trip to LA, a make-up course in London and the chance to be the face of the NYX UK Hallowe’en campaign this year.

Her ‘Disco glam’ look (pictured) was one of her entries to the competition and took four hours, involving Kate sticking sequins on her face and painting her shoulders with the intricate painting of an additional face.

Now Kate is through to the part of the competition to find the final five, and as that is voted for by the public, she would really like the support of the local community.

The competition involves contestants receiving a huge box of products from the company, which they must then use to make an ‘unboxing’ video on the social media channel YouTube, before going to create a 90-second video tutorial on the look they then create.

Since the next theme is ‘illusion’ it will be fascinating to see what they come up with.

Kate, originally from Tamworth, studied music technology at Burton College and has worked as a roadie for Kerrang radio and as a photographer.

But it was at a seasonal job at Twycross Zoo that she first began to find her niche for face painting as she found herself doodling in the till booths, attracting the attention of managers who would pop by to ask what she had drawn that day.

Impressed by her drawing talents, they put her on a training day for face painting and, as Kate put it, she “never looked back”!

Now Kate is busy being booked as a face painter and she also does demos as a body painter too.

“I really love my job,” says Kate. “As much as it’s just a bit of face painting it’s hard work. My typical job is corporate stuff and things like that – the kind of face painting where you have an hour-long

queue all day.”

Has she a favourite ‘face’ to paint?

“I think my absolute favourite is when people say ‘paint what you like’,” she says.

To vote for Kate in the competition, you will need to go on to the NYX website using a Facebook or Instagram account to cast your vote. You can see her YouTube work by logging on to www.youtube.com/MissKateMonroe.

The competition aside, Kate says she would love to pursue her body painting and travel the world using her skills to teach others her craft.

– Lucy Stephens

Next step for shoe shop NEWS in brief

FORTY years of shoe trading in Melbourne have come to an end with the retirement of a well-known local shop manager – but the building is all set to fly high in its next incarnation as an air ambulance shop.

Jilly Clark has left her shoe shop in Derby Road and the space is now being taken on by the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.

Jilly took ownership of the shop nearly eight years ago; previously it was run by Shoeworld and before that, Drakes, who took the shop on in the 1970s. The strikingly angular premises on Derby Road had previously been a baker’s.

During her time as the building owner Jilly has divided the shop and put elements back that are in keeping with the area’s heritage.

Next door is now wedding dress shop The Ivory Chapter in a layout that is akin to how the shop used to be – including the reinstatement of the new shop’s door step.

So what are Jilly’s plans for her retirement? Going on a cruise? Sitting back and relaxing? Enjoying life with her German Shepherd dog, Sabre Beauty Clark?

“I’ve bought a rotavator!” she said. “I’m going to grow organic vegetables and give

Margaret is re-elected

COUNCILLOR Margaret Sharp has been re-elected chairman of Melbourne Parish Council, with Sheila Hicklin voted in as vice-chair.

The latest meeting of Melbourne Parish Council on May 2 also heard that two councillors had resigned from their positions – Paul Wilmore and Ian Casson.

Kenneth Harnden

Pauline, Mark and Matt wish to thank everyone for their condolences and kind thoughts.

Special thanks also to The Royal Derby Hospital and Nightingale Macmillan Derby for their support and wonderful care of Ken.

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the surplus to the food banks.”

Jilly, who worked in accounts before moving into retail at the end of her career, said she wished the new shop owners “the greatest success” and added: “I’ve loved it, it’s been lovely. The community in Melbourne is just fantastic, it’s not been like coming into work!”

Garage fire in village

MELBOURNE firefighters used jets to put out a garage fire in Stanton-byBridge.

Two fire appliances were called to the blaze on the evening of April 15 and found it “well alight” when they got there.

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Country Living

with Robert Parker

WINTER 2016/7 was officially one of the driest and warmest on record. Does this prove global warming is a fact or are we to believe President Trump who says it’s a load of tosh?

I don’t know. Here at the start of May and it’s still dry and today we start mowing grass for silage, the earliest that I have ever seen. Are we in a drought year, it is rather similar to 1976, which was a dry winter followed by a hot arid summer.

One thing is for sure, we can do absolutely nothing about it and must take what comes.

n The death of dogs in Poppy Wood is very sad as these pets are very much a part of any family. I am concerned, though, at the general lack of control of dogs when they are brought into the countryside.

Poppy is convenient because it is enclosed by a fence to control deer and a spin-off is that if dogs are let off the lead

they can’t go far from their owners.

Now the trees are growing away the wildlife, fauna and flora are an ideal place for ground nesting birds and mammals, and I just wonder how many are killed and disturbed by uncontrolled dogs.

I can hear dog owners now holding their arms aghast and saying their little Fido wouldn’t do anything like that! Believe you me, any dog can turn into a hunting animal in this situation and results are not good. Think about it!

n Our farmstead is awash with swallows and we seem to get more each year but we have a quandry now. A large barn is being repaired after being destroyed by fire 18 months ago and the swallows are having to work around building works. They voice their annoyance with noises the same as when they see a hawk or buzzard.

The sparrow populations are not happy either.

Volunteers Hoover up award

SIX volunteer litter pickers who have been painstakingly removing rubbish from Aston-onTrent on a monthly basis for the past eight years have been recognised with a village award.

The Aston Hoover Group, which stands for Help Our Own Village Eradicate Rubbish, is an informal group of volunteers who formed in January 2009.

Since that time they have gone out every month – a total of 95 times so far – to pick up rubbish.

The group’s efforts were rewarded with this year’s Excellence in the Community Award by the parish council.

Parish council chairman Ed Hicklin said: “We had four en-

tries (for the award) who were all really good people doing really great things in their own right for different parts of the community, but the Hoover Group actually benefits the whole village and people who pass through the village.

“They keep the approach roads litter-free. They’re doing such a great job.”

Since they began in 2009 the Hoover Group has missed only one monthly litter pick when they were prevented from going out because of deep snow.

The volunteers clear the main routes in and out of Aston, focusing on one a month so that each one is litter picked every four months.

The routes cleared are the

Derby Road from the village boundary to the A6; Shardlow Road as far as the A50 bridge; Chellaston Lane as far as the A50 bridge and Weston Road as far as Weston, taking in Long Walk Wood on return.

The schedule is arranged so that Derby Road is cleared prior to the well dressing festival.

Raffle winners

SIX OF THE BEST ... (l-r) Peter Longley, Joe Nutman, Richard Coates, John Lawson, Ken Adams and Colin Stubbs.

THE recent Melbourne Community Care raffle was won by Janet and Robert from King’s Newton, who will get a prize of coffee and cake for two at Forteys. The raffle was drawn on April 1 and volunteer Angie Cooke raised £162.

Dogs on leads order for new sports park

DOGS must be kept on leads on Melbourne Sports Park after the district council issued a Public Space Protection Order on the land.

South Derbyshire district councillor John Harrison told the latest meeting of Melbourne Parish Council that the decision had been made to keep dogs on leads at the sports park after a survey of local people when the new facilities were opened last September.

People’s opinions were evenly split on the issue, but it was felt by Melbourne Sporting Partnership (MSP) leaders that “… having regard to our duty of care, the presence of dog faeces was incompatible with safe playing surfaces”.

Councillor Harrison told the meeting: “Following a district-wide update of health and safety is-

sues on public paths, recreation grounds and sports parks, the district council has decided to introduce a Public Space Protection Order on our upgraded sports park which requires all dogs to be kept on a lead.

“Over 250 people use the playing surfaces each week, including children as young as five years of age.

“According to the NHS website, dog poo can cause blindness and other symptoms, for example skin rashes and breathing difficulties, which usually affect young children who are more likely to come into contact with contaminated soil when they put their hands into their mouths.”

Cllr Harrison said that signs had gone up to make “the place as safe as possible, not least for young children”.

MORE than 100 people took to the water at Staunton Harold at the reservoir’s first “Sailability” Day.

The event was held on April 29 by the newly formed charity Staunton Harold Sailability Trust, which has been set up to make sailing more accessible to people with disabilities.

The day saw 129 visitors give sailing a go, with the chance to sail solo in one of four Hansa dinghies, or take a trip out in a Laser 13 sailing dinghy or power boat.

On shore, families enjoyed knot tying and other marine activities.

Jackie and Richard Tivey, who turned out with their three grandchildren, said: “Our grandchildren all had a lot of fun and were still talking about the day the following morning!

“It's so good to see our grandson Leo’s confidence and enjoyment growing as he gets to know the volunteers at the trust and is

keen to share his achievements. It is also good for his siblings (Jack and Louise) to see him achieving in a positive light and to share in the experience and enjoyment – they're already asking when the next Sailability day will be!

Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped.”

The next event at the reservoir is Push the Boat Out on May 21.

Pictured are the Holder family having fun.

THE first step on the way to trying to get a new community eco hub built at Whistlewood Common got underway as the project held its “Have a Go Day” at the end of April.

People from across the area turned out to take part in a range of activities, from making fires to pancakes, as they found out more about the community-owned 10 acres of land on the edge of Melbourne.

Eco chef and potter Andy Mason – aka The Suburban Peasant – was at the day with an unusual stand enabling visitors to glaze mini tiles for use at the site.

Whistlewood was formed three years ago when 176 people from the local community stepped forward to help buy the land in a project started by the village’s Transition group.

Since then 3,000 trees have been planted and a children’s play area created, plus an adult exercise trail, pond and kitchen, with volunteers turning up on Saturday mornings to get involved and work on the site.

The latest project is for a timber-framed, straw bale community building, and Whistlewood is inviting people to become shareholders to get it built.

The project has been helped with £5,000 pledged from the National Forest Company, as well as the initial £10,000 grant from Power To Change.

National Forest Company chief executive John Everitt said: “The National Forest Company has

pledged to take a share of £5,000 in what we believe is a pioneering initiative that supports community enterprise and engagement in The National Forest.”

Members of the Whistlewood team were on hand on the day to gather support for the share offer.

One of Whistlewood’s regulars is Richard Brown, a joiner, who regularly goes on Saturdays from Church Gresley to work on the site.

So far he has built a table and a bridge there using salvaged materials.

“I wanted to do something for the community; I just enjoy getting involved and making things that can be of use to somebody,” he said.

“I wouldn’t necessarily get to make a bridge normally – it brings the creativity out in me!”

Whistlewood’s share offer is for a minimum investment of £50 and is open until July 21.

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Hidden Revealed at Calke Abbey

As more of Calke’s secrets and stories are revealed this year, discover the mansion’s object of the month, putting the spotlight on collection items usually hidden in the stores. Visit our website for more information on new discoveries, changes and seasonal highlights.

Stableyard After Hours

Fri 12 May 19.00 – 21.00

Let us take you behind the scenes as part of ‘Museums at Night’, where you can meet

Conservation of the Ticknall Brickyards

Mon 15 May 14.00 – 16.30

Calke on Camera Walk

Sat 20 May and Sat 8 July 10.30 – 12.30 and ‘Kids with Cameras’ from 13.30 – 14.30

Join us on this photography walk as we explore some of the lesser known areas of the park and gardens. Bring along your camera and be inspired by the beauty of the estate, and pick up some handy tips along the way.

By becoming a member of the National Trust, you help us to protect the country’s heritage and landscape, while enjoying free entry to over 500 places.

Here at Calke Abbey, membership supports our conservation work both in the house and gardens, as well as the internationally important protected parkland.

Calke Abbey summer opening Restaurant & Shop: daily 10.00 – 17.00 Park & National Nature Reserve: daily 7.30 – 19.30

House: daily from 4 March, 12.30 – 17.00; ‘taster’ visits and family apartments available 11.00 – 12.30 Gardens : daily, 10.00 – 17.00

Visit

www.facebook.com/NTCalkeAbbey

ABOVE: The St George’s Day breakfast at Hardinge Arms in King’s Newton with new proprietors Rachael (back row left) and James Griffiths (back row second from right).

RIGHT: Enjoying the Melbourne Town Band concert.

Flag day for St George

MELBOURNE was a sea of red and white over St George’s Day as the village was bedecked with flags commemorating England’s patron saint.

A new flagpole was bought for the village last year to commemorate the Queen’s 90th birthday and this year the main thoroughfare was adorned on either side with the patronsaint’s flags.

Melbourne Town Band held its traditional St George’s Day concert at the Royal British Legion in honour of England’s national day, while at the Hardinge Arms in King’s Newton, new proprietors Rachael and James Griffiths welcomed 40 people for its St George’s Day breakfast.

The breakfast is organised by King’s Newton Social Group with Rachael and James providing a full English with Bucks Fizz.

Organisers said The Hardinge was decorated with St George flags and everyone received a red rose on arrival.

“There was a quiz and a raffle and everyone seemed to enjoy the convivial atmosphere,” said Margaret Hagues from the group.

Rachael and James took on The Hardinge nearly two months ago.

Jack’s jumping at chance to join the Paras

THIS 17-year-old junior soldier from Melbourne is training to join the elite army Parachute Regiment – and he will be getting into practice next month when he completes a charity sky dive.

Jack Roe, who is currently on phase one of his training in Harrogate, will be doing the sky dive in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund.

This will be the first time the former Melbourne Junior and Infant School pupil will have jumped out of a plane.

To gain a place in the Paras he will have to do a further 10 jumps from planes as part of his phase two training, if he has successfully first completed a series of gruelling fitness tests.

Jack, who left Chellaston Academy last year to do his Army training, said he wanted to raise money for the Benevolent Fund because “…it means a lot, because obviously I’m going into the army and a lot of things can happen to me while I’m there. The charity supports members of the Army and their families if anything does happen. The jump – I’m excited for!”

Jack said the inspiration for joining the Army first started in his school days both at Melbourne and Chellaston with people going in to talk to pupils about careers in the armed forces.

Holders Association secretary Mick Robey on 07967 582442.

The Parachute Regiment started in the Second World War to be dropped behind German front lines. Today it provides specialist infantry support for rapid deployment into situations where they are needed.

To donate to Jack’s jump, you can log on to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jack-Roe

Smoke alarm alert in bungalow blaze

THE importance of having a working smoke alarm has been highlighted after Melbourne firefighters were called to rescue an elderly man from his burning bungalow. They were alerted by the alarm going off.

Three fire crews from Melbourne, Castle Donington and Ascot Drive in Derby were called to the blaze in Selina Street at around 10.15pm on April 23.

Firefighters used breathing apparatus to rescue the man from his home and extinguished the flames with two jets.

Fire crews then gave first aid to the man at the scene before he was taken by ambu-

Blue carpet

lance to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.

East Midlands Ambulance Service sent a paramedic in a fast response vehicle, a crewed ambulance and an air ambulance to the scene and the patient was taken by road to hospital.

Fire crews were on the scene until about half past midnight.

Andy Astle, watch manager for Melbourne, said: “It’s important that you have a working smoke alarm and that it’s tested on a regular basis.”

Earlier that day Melbourne firefighters were called to a road traffic collision outside

PHOTOGRAPHER Tina Baker has captured these lovely shots of one of spring’s greatest natural pleasures – the fleeting sight of bluebells.

Tina went to the woods at Calke Abbey to take the pictures, the National Trust property being one of the best places to see carpets of bluebells in the area.

“We get a lot of enquiries about whether our bluebells are out yet,” said Bill Cove, Calke’s countryside manager. “They are looking lovely.”

Unlike many bluebells which can be seen in gardens throughout the UK, Calke’s are the native English variety, which are under threat from tougher Spanish imports.

Donington Park race track and cut a Melbourne woman out of the wreckage of her car.

The crew were at the scene on the Melbourne Road near the Park Farmhouse Hotel at around 6pm. The collision was between a Vauxhall Corsa and a Ford Ka.

The injured woman was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. n Melbourne Fire Station needs more people to help man the station during the day. If anyone is interested in helping provide what is clearly a vital service, they are asked to call in at the station on Tuesday nights when the crew meets from 7pm.

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Church alive with sound of music

MUSIC from blues to Ed Sheeran to Mozart – plus, of course, some ukuleles – filled All Saints Church in Aston-on-Trent on the first evening of the village’s popular annual charity Astonbury festival.

Astonbury has been going for more than a decade and is organised by musician Steve Aynsley, a member of Derby band The Junkyard Angels.

The gig spans two evenings and proceeds are split between All Saints Church and the village’s well dressing festival.

The Village Voice went along to the festival’s opening night to enjoy an evening of music plus the atmospheric spectacle of Aston’s church colourfully lit up.

Welcoming the packed church, host Steve Aynsley told the crowd: “This has been going on for more than 10 years and I thank you all for coming and filling this beautiful church.”

After some organ music to set the scene came Jeff Wells on keyboards with Steve Aynsley on vocals for one number, followed by singer Jessica Lemon – whose day job is a primary school teacher.

She sang three numbers from musicals, including a moving rendition of As Long as He Needs Me from Oliver!

Joe Nutman performed three Scott Joplin rags on the piano before 15-year-old Charlotte Luke, daughter of vicar The Revd Tony Luke, took to the stage with some lovely piano playing of works by the Italian composer Einaudi.

Her father followed with a wonderfully intimate rendition of the Ed Sheeran song Supermar-

ket Flowers from his latest album, which he introduced by telling the audience: “When you’re getting older, as some of us are, you can be excused for thinking that all the good songs have already been written down but every so often a new song-writer comes along …”

The first half closed with the fabulous Ollie Holroyd with Al Harris and Simon Thompson, kicking off their set with a gently sharp rendering of the ever-wonderful Mack the Knife, which was just so darn catchy it had people dancing at the back of the church!

The second half saw things turn classical with a recital organised by Cathy Razzell, complete with two songs by the newly formed Arioso Choir directed by Ellie Gregson, finishing off with Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World.

Instrumental performances saw the audience treated to works by Finzi and a lovely limpid flute solo from Rimsky Korsakov’s Sheherezade, before the Beeston BUGS got everyone in a party mood with their ukuleles, Hawaiian shirts and an impressive repertoire of groan-worthy jokes from leader Graham Lodge.

If you’ve never heard massed kazoo playing before, this was the place to be.

The whole thing was rounded off by Derby duo Sounds Harmonious, whose voices blended beautifully with the warmth of their guitar accompaniments.

The event raised around £1,000, and Matt Seeney organised refreshments for the Saturday night concert, which closed with a performance by Ruby Sky.

– Lucy Stephens

Blue, blue the council’s blue

THE Conservative Party is in charge of Derbyshire County Council after a nail-biting election that saw Britain’s ruling party take back control from Labour.

In Melbourne, Linda Chilton (Conservative) comfortably kept her seat with 2,317 votes, to Neil Tilley’s (Labour) 703. John James, for the Liberal Democrats, won 319 votes and Martin Batteson (UKIP) 178.

The Melbourne division of the county council covers Melbourne, Ticknall, Stanton-byBridge and Smisby.

Meanwhile, in Aston ward –an area which covers Aston, Weston, Barrow, Swarkestone and Elvaston – Neil Atkin took the seat for the Tories, beating the previous Labour incumbent Rob

Davidson by 379 votes.

Councillor Martyn Ford retained control of the Etwall and Repton seat, which covers Findern, for the Conservatives.

Overall the Tories delivered a heavy blow to Labour, taking seats in Swadlincote and in Linton, which were previously held by Labour.

The Liberal Democrats won the Matlock seat from Labour, and retained the northerly seat of New Mills, but lost Walton and West to the Conservatives. n Breedon-on-the-hill and Wilson, which come under Leicestershire County Council, was won by the Conservatives with Nick Rushton comfortably elected (2,425 votes), ahead of 677 votes for the Labour candidate Dominic McDevitt.

FROM LEFT: Al Harris, Ollie Holroyd and Simon Thompson; Caitlin Razzell; BUGS ukulele band from Beeston mid-performance with (centre) Graham Lodge.

Pictures by: Martin Stephens

Guides look for leaders

GIRL Guides groups in Melbourne, Aston and Weston are looking for trainee leaders to help meet “amazing demand” for places, including 27 girls who currently want to join Rainbows – the Guides’ junior arm.

The plea has gone out from the local Guide groups, who say they will not be able to keep running the units they have without more help.

The appeal said: “No matter how much time you have to give, there’s an opportunity for you. You would be joining teams already in place, so there would be lots of support and plenty of hands to share the organising. We also provide free of charge training – so no experience is necessary.

“As well as giving something back to your local community you would also have the opportunity to meet new people, develop skills to support your career and boost your own abilities and confidence.“

To find out more you can visit their website at www.girlguiding.org.uk or call Sarah Matthews on 07841 092367 or email at: matthews@hcp.co.uk. n HELPERS and leaders are needed for the Melbourne Beavers on Wednesday and Friday nights. If you can help call Jane Radcliffe on 07950 396675.

Lettuce give thanks to unsung

£10,000 Lottery grant helps Melbourne Arts Festival to

WITH summer salad days fast approaching, Melbourne Arts Festival has launched a new project called ‘For the love of lettuce’, which will be its theme for this year – with the help of a £10,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant. The project will build on the previous work undertaken by Melbourne Historical Research Group into market gardening, and the festival will be a celebration of the heritage of the industry as well as focussing on the local families still in business today.

Sharon Brown from the festival explained: “During the year we will be working with arts organisations to engage with local people whose families were mar-

Produce Show is back

KEEN gardeners from Melbourne and King’s Newton will get the chance to show off their finest onions and lushest leeks this year in the newly reinstated Melbourne Produce Show.

In keeping with the market gardening theme for this year’s Arts Festival, members of Melbourne’s newly fledged gardening club have decided to organise the produce show again this year – the last one believed to have been held in the early 1900s.

The produce show will take place on

September 2 at the Senior Citizens’ Centre, where the club meets monthly on the second Monday of the month, from 7pm.

The show is open to anyone living in Melbourne or King’s Newton or who has an allotment in those communities, and there will be classes for flowers, cakes, preserves, homemade wine, plus a children’s section – along with produce.

Gardening Club chair Lesley Hough said: “This is just getting everybody interested in growing, and in market gardening.”

l Fred Dowell’s plot in Melbourne’s Blackwell Lane allotments.

market garden heroes

celebrate the area’s food producing heritage

ket gardeners, to collect their memories, anecdotes and images of the industry.

“These memories will be used to create a large web-based archive over the next year which we can all share; initial findings will be shown at the Festival on September 16 and 17 and in the library thereafter. It will also be used to brief professional artists to create sculptures, living pictures and installations around the theme.”

Produce for the project will be grown by Heaths Farm Shop, F Jackson and Son and William Sharp & Sons. Members of Melbourne Gardening Club and Whistlewood Common will be involved along with other organisations, such as

the schools, Scouts, Guides and Athenaeum, in growing produce.

The new project has been made possible with the award of a £10,000 grant from the Sharing Heritage fund, which is for any not-for-profit group wanting to explore their community’s heritage.

With a commitment from Heritage Lottery Funding of £3million each year, Sharing Heritage grants between £3,000 and £10,000 to groups who want to discover their local heritage. Projects can cover a wide spectrum of subject matter – exploring local archaeology and a community’s cultures and traditions; identifying and recording local wildlife and protecting the surrounding environ-

ment; managing and training volunteers; and holding festivals and events to commemorate the past.

May sees the official launch of the project. The festival team is looking for anyone who was involved in market gardening and who would like to share their memories and old photographs with an open invitation to join them for tea and a chat.

The first session is on Tuesday, May 23, at 2.30pm at the Senior Citizens’ Centre, followed up over the weekend of June 3 and 4 during the Festival Open Exhibition at the same location.

More events will be arranged throughout the summer. Any photographs loaned will be copied and returned to their owners.

Sharon said: “Melbourne is a great place to live; our history is based on hard-working local people who made Melbourne the place it is today. Each year we have a theme for the festival and this year we are celebrating our unsung heroes who for many years kept food on our plates.”

You can also be involved in the project as a volunteer, interviewing people about their memories, doing some gardening or making tea! Interview training will be provided. For more information contact the festival office (07765 819428 or email info@melbournefestival.co.uk.) or drop into the community care office. – Frank Hughes

l Photographer Chris Mears’ taster exhibition for the Love of lettuce.

l Facing page: Loading the crops at Hatton’s.

ABOVE: Staff at Samuel Jackson’s in the 1960s - Bernard Garratt, Graham Bradford, Johnny Maydew, Gerald Jackson, Reg (Jake) Jackson, John Twells, (kneeling) Dennis Jackson and Tom Garratt. BELOW: George Dawson busy ploughing.

Melbourne celebrates a night of success

THE first local community award ceremony, in what is hoped to be an annual event, took place in Melbourne Assembly Rooms.

Introducing the event, chief organiser of the awards Andy Heafield said that “…there were the Oscars, the Tonys, the Emmys and now we have the MELs, which aim to celebrate success, recognise achievement and highlight the people and organisations in Melbourne who make a positive contribution to our wonderful community”.

In the Arts Category Brendan O’Neill and his team were the winners of the Event of the Year, for the Centenary Commemoration of the Battle of the Somme.

Musical Group of the year were A Choir’d Taste, and accepting the award on behalf of the choir, Steph Hill said the growth of the choir from early beginnings had been a real success story.

Performers of the Year were The Travelling People, and Richard Stevenson and Canon Dave Perkins spoke of their 40-year journey in folk music.

In the Business Category, the Company of the Year was DG Light Haulage, a transport and storage business based in King’s Newton. Dave Guilford, accepting the award, said he was delighted to accept it on behalf of his small, but growing team.

Retailer of the Year was Forteys, with both Richard and Laura Fortey there to collect and extend an invitation to everyone to drop in and see them.

Small Business of the Year, sponsored by the Derbyshire Business Advisory Service, was Shazza’s Baps, owned by Sharon Allen.

Moving into the Community Category, Melbourne Footpaths Group were winners of the Community Group of the Year, with Paul Sturges and Barry Thomas collecting the award. Barry gave the winners’ quote of the day, describing himself as “gobsmacked!”

Mick Murfin won the Volunteer of the Year award; he has been running an Activity Group at the Senior Citizens’ Centre for many years.

The winners in the Sport Category were Melbourne Junior School Girls under 11 football team as Junior Team of the Year; skater Alex Lewsey won the Sports Person of the Year; The Swifts, Melbourne’s table tennis club, won the Team of the Year; and the final category – a Lifetime Achievement Award – went to Tel Potts, who had been a dedicated member of the cricketing fraternity for well over 50 years, from “teenage tearaway to retired tearaway!”

Finally, the Brendan Freeman Award was also presented at the ceremony on behalf of Mrs Freeman and Melbourne Parish Council to the committee of the Melbourne Sporting Partnership for seeing through to fruition the new sports facility at Cockshut Lane.

–

Frank Hughes

WINNERS ALL ... the recipients of the inaugural MELs gather for a group at the Assembly Rooms.

ABOVE: Members of the Melbourne Footpaths Group with their award RIGHT: (l-r) Andy Boardman, Brendan O’Neill and Dave Worrall.

TOP RIGHT: Laura Fortey and Stuart Uprichard of the Melbourne Swifts Table Tennis Club.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Jane Whirledge and Jim Jenkinson with the award won by Melbourne Junior School girls football team.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Bubbly time for Sharon Allen.

purpose built, heated dog

and cat chalets in Ingleby.

secure, grass exercise

MOTORISTSdriving over Swarkestone Causeway will have spotted new giant hi-tech signage designed to deter the drivers of overweight lorries from crossing the ancient bridge.

Some overweight vehicles, for example buses and refuse lorries, are exempt from the restriction.

Geoff Pickford, the county council’s service director for highways, said: “The bridge is historic and wasn’t built to carry today’s type and volume of traffic.

“Signage is already in place but drivers of a significant number of vehicles are flouting the weight limit, including some that are more than twice the weight limit.”

Mr Pickford added: “We constantly monitor use of the bridge and hope these highly visible electronic signs will raise the profile of the weight restriction and deter vehicles if they are unsuitable.

“Drivers are reminded that if they are using the bridge illegally they are liable to be prosecuted.”

Pictured are Garry Housley, of Coeval sign manufacturers, and Mark Hewitt, Traffic Control Officer Derbyshire County Council.

AA accolade for Amalfi White

MELBOURNE restaurant Amalfi White is rubbing shoulders with some of the best in the UK after winning two AA rosettes for culinary excellence.

The accolade is awarded by AA hotel and restaurant inspectors in recognition of consistently high standards, focus on top quality and seasonal ingredients from local suppliers.

As previously reported in The Village Voice, Amalfi head chef Matthew Clayton was a contestant on Masterchef The Professionals in 2016 and the restaurant says he is its “driving force”.

Matthew grew up and trained in the Peak District, cooked for the Queen in 2011 and has built his career in some of the region’s finest establishments having had 10 years of AA Rosette and Michelin experience.

His recipe for white chocolate cheesecake is included in the Great British cookbook.

Matthew said: “We are taking classic cooking techniques and using striking new flavour combinations with a vibrancy and youth not seen before in this region.

“New technology and methods are also giving us an opportunity to be more creative and have a bit more fun here at Amalfi White. Think of it as ‘Urban Fine Dining’ – we are a bit more rock and roll.”

Amalfi White’s owner, Elizabeth Devey Smith, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have achieved two AA rosettes – a real credit to our talented team, and to the excellent ingredients available from our local producers and suppliers.”

ISAAC CLICKS WITH TREE-MENDOUS SHOT

THIS budding young photographer has a keen eye at a young age – and has won a competition organised by the Village Voice.

Our photographer Tina Baker visited Melbourne Scout Hut to talk to youngsters from the Beavers group about how to take great shots, in preparation for their photography challenge badge.

Tina set the children a competition, the prize being for the best picture to be published in the Village Voice.

Isaac Bell, seven, won with this lovely photo taken from inside a hollow tree at Calke Abbey.

Isaac said he was very “happy” to win our prize and that he took the picture because “you can never normally see the inside of trees”.

Trish Key, who leads the group, said: “Isaac is one of our star Beavers, who’s always willing to do the challenges set for him – he’s an eager beaver!”

Judging the children’s pictures, Tina said Isaac’s stood out from the start.

“I loved all the textures in it,” she said. “Isaac must have really listened to what I was telling him, which was to change your view point and look at everyday things in different ways. He got down low and looked up to the tree trunk, to the sky. He looked at an everyday thing in an unusual way, which was what I liked about it.”

Tina said the overall standard of the pictures was very high, with Lucas Watkinson coming second and Isaac Walker third.

Poppy volunteers are honoured

ONE collector wanted to help because her son was a Royal Marine, another because her father served in the Second World War – and they were all recognised at a ceremony in Aston-on-Trent to reward dedicated local volunteers who have put in decades of service fund-raising for the Poppy Appeal.

The Aston & Weston branch of the Royal British Legion held the occasion in the White Hart Inn to honour those who have gone round local homes collecting for the Poppy Appeal –which raises many millions across the UK helping provide vital welfare for ex-servicemen and women and their families.

The branch has 47 collection boxes which volunteers take around Aston, Weston, Shardlow, Thulston, Elvaston, Swarkstone and Barrowupon-Trent, selling poppies at the start of the appeal in October, in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday.

The Poppy Appeal itself goes on for most of the year.

Volunteers who had put in five years of service or more were given special certificates by the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, William Tucker.

Astrid Smith, of Aston, was the longest serving volunteer to receive a certificate, having been collecting for the Poppy Appeal for 39 years.

“I’d like to support those who defend the country and all that we stand for,” said Astrid, whose father fought in the Second World War with the Eighth Army in Italy and North Africa, which

Is this your pet cat?

DOES anyone recognise this cat? The black and white boy feline, which is no more than two years old, turned up in the Calke Road area of Melbourne around three months ago.

The animal has been taken to the vet and is not microchipped. He is being looked after but the people at its current home are keen to know if it is in fact someone’s pet.

If that is you, call them on 01332 862765.

el: 01530 412788 or 07904 113415 w T

took him away from home for five years.

Derek Jackson, who has been a fund-raiser for 30 years, served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers at the Suez Canal. June Hinds – who had been collecting for nearly 30 years – told how two of her husband’s uncles had served Britain in the First World War.

Linda Ferriday, from Aston, was rewarded for five years volunteering for the appeal – a cause she chose to support because her son, Peter, had been a Royal Marine, serving in Afghanistan. “I’ve done this to put something back,” she said.

Jane Archer, Poppy Appeal organiser for Aston and Weston, thanked all volunteers for their hard work, saying: “I’d like to say thank you to our corporate collectors – the shops, hairdressers and pubs, and the big thank you goes to the people who do house to house collecting … not in particularly good weather in November! Some of them have been collecting for a very long time.”

Jane has been a Poppy Appeal volunteer for 10 years, along with daughters Katie and Megan, who have put in a decade of service themselves –Megan starting at only nine!

People who received certificates were: Five years’ service – Linda Ferriday, Devin Bethell and Christine Scott; 10 years’ service – Katie Archer, Megan Archer, Jane Archer, Valerie Flude, Hilary Forber and Anne Dickenson; 15 years’ service –Michael Rodgers; 25 years’ service – Jill Key, June Hinds, Barbara James, Beverley Shaw and Vicki Nye; 30 years’ service – Derek Jackson; 35 five years’ service – Astrid Smith. – Lucy Stephens

Eight pupils still on school waiting list

EIGHT children are on the waiting list for Astonon-Trent Primary School after it was oversubscribed this year.

The Village Voice asked the local education authority – Derbyshire County Council – for details on whether families had been successful in getting their children into their local catchment area schools this year.

We were told: “All pupils applying for places at

Melbourne Infant, Melbourne Junior, and Weston-on-Trent CE Aided Primary Schools were successful.

“Sale & Davys is oversubscribed with two children on its waiting list, one of whom lives in the normal area of the school having submitted a late application. Aston-on-Trent is oversubscribed with eight children on its waiting list. One appeal has been lodged.”

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l Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal volunteers receive their certificates from the Derbyshire Lord Lieutenant, William Tucker, at the White Hart Inn, Aston-on-Trent.

Fivers help to raise the sports hall roof

A TWENTY-YEAR campaign to boost recreation facilities in Aston-on-Trent by building a new hall looks set to be completed next month –after villagers voted to literally raise the roof on the project by each contributing a fiver to get a second floor built.

Recreation in Aston is a group of volunteers who have been working for the past two decades to provide a better sports and recreation scene for local people to enjoy.

Two years ago their campaigning and fund-raising efforts resulted in the building of a £70,000 new sports hall on the side of the existing cricket pavilion, plus increased toilet and changing facilities.

As a result, the village now has a thriving table tennis club which meets twice a week, a weekly armchair fitness group, a regular Soul and Motown evening, a new village cricket team plus junior cricket and football sides.

The latest phase of the project is scheduled for completion next month, after letters were sent to all Aston residents last year asking if they would be prepared to pay an extra £5 on top of their parish precept over a period of years, to pay for a loan of

around £100,000 for use on the hall and other village projects.

More than 80 per cent of residents voted in favour of the plan and the money is going to help pay for a second-floor extension to the sports hall, providing separate changing rooms so that more people can come down and play sport.

Builders are expected to start work in June.

Barbara James, chairman of Recreation in Aston, said: “I think this just goes to prove that the majority of the villagers agree that we need these facilities. We are in a predicament because we are in a rural area, we’ve only got one bus an hour and that stops at 6.30pm and doesn’t run at all on a Sunday.

“When you’re looking at youngsters finishing school and having somewhere to go – you couldn’t go into Melbourne if you hadn’t got a car, for example.

“It’s vital that they have got somewhere that they can go which is accessible, and financially accessible – that has always been one of the things we wanted to do.

“A lot of us have been involved with it over a number of years. We’re very proud, it’s a good example of a community working together to get things done.

“I have got four children and I know how difficult it was with them getting bored. You don’t want youngsters sitting at a tablet and playing (computer)

games all the time. It’s so much healthier and happier I feel if youngsters can get out and have a kick around.”

Recreation in Aston has held many events over the years as part of its campaign, including yard sales and the Aston fun run. The group has many people to thank for getting the first phase of the project moving and buildings built: Neville Lumb Bathroom Solutions from Swadlincote who donated new toilets and washroom fittings; Marshalls PLC from Sawley which donated the concrete slabs in front of the building (put in by the community payback team); Thomas Vale Construction which provided the forklift truck to move the slabs; Johnstones Paints which donated paint; organisations and residents who gave individual bricks; the Derbyshire Environmental Trust with its Biffa award; Foundation Derbyshire which gave money for a boiler; East Midlands Airport; the Safer Communities Fund, Sport England, The Co-op and Awards for All.

Recreation in Aston told the Village Voice it also gave special thanks to the parish council for all its support.

– Lucy Stephens

WITH the builders and the decorators now moved out, Melbourne Assembly Rooms was opened to members and regular users to inaugurate the new facility.

With distinguished guests, parish and county councillors, and many supporters there, the directors at MARS were proudly spotlighting the new entrance foyers and the transformed old school kitchen.

Throughout, the brickwork and the original glazed tiles have been restored to their original condition, with false ceilings removed to bring natural light and space into the new areas.

One visitor said: “The change is just unbelievable!”

With a bar, catering standard kitchen appliances and art hangings, MARS directors promise that the new space will cater for a wide range of activities.

Development manager Andy Heafield said: “The new space will provide the opportunity to put on all kinds of different events, and we are planning to have a series of themed evenings which we hope will attract a wide audience. We hope, too, that the new facilities will be attractive to potential hirers.”

The improvements have been made possible with the assistance of South Derbyshire District Council, as much of the backing for the project was earmarked in 2011 from the proceeds of the Bretby Crematorium sale. Further contributions have been made from income generated by the Assembly Rooms.

Some of the heritage architectural features of the former school have been highlighted and enhanced by the building work and the new-look decor.

Phil Dobby, chairman of MARS, said he was “delighted” with the outcome and he hoped that some further improvements to the building would follow on quickly.

STRUTTING THEIR STUFF CIVIC SOCIETY DATE

WOMEN are being urged to strut their stuff – but it’s all for a great cause. The Starlight Strut – formerly known as the Moonlight Walk – takes place on Friday, May 19, in aid of Treetops Hospice, which has a charity shop in Melbourne.

Now in its seventh year, it is hoped that more than 750 women will take part in either the 5k or 10k route through Derby at night.

THE next talk to Melbourne Civic Society will be at 7.30pm on Monday, May 22, in Melbourne Assembly Rooms.

David Slade will give an insight into the life of Augustus Pugin, who pioneered the Gothic Revivalist style of architecture and decoration.

n MORE than 130 children turned out to Melbourne Hall Visitors’ Centre to take part in the Easter Bunny Hunt. With new born lambs on display from Tori and Ben’s farm, the children enjoyed meeting the big white

Hospital youngsters are given a choccy treat

l (l-r) Gay Evans, Community relations Manager at Richmond Villages, Lydia Ansell, aged two, and Ruth Glanville, Play Worker at Royal Derby Children's Hospital.

CHILDREN at Scallywag’s Day Nursery in Melbourne got into the creative Easter spirit when they went into nursery wearing traditional hand-made bonnets.

The nursery held an Easter bonnet parade judged by Alice Dunnicliff (pictured with the children). Nursery manager Mary Dunnicliff said: “There were some absolutely amazing creations.”

Children were also given the chance to experience another springtime treat when local farmers Tori and Ben Stanley took some of their sheep down to the nursery in the morning.

YOUNG hospital patients were each treated to an Easter egg thanks to the generosity of people in Aston-on-Trent, in an initiative organised by Richmond Villages retirement home.

Richmond Villages appealed to residents, staff and the local community to donate Easter eggs so that children visiting Royal+ Derby Hospital as in or out patients over Easter could be given one.

Staff at the retirement home spent weeks collecting all the eggs which were handed in by kind-hearted residents.

Gay Evans, Richmond’s community relations manager, who is also a public governor on the hospital’s charity committee, said: “As

soon as we advertised we were collecting Easter eggs for the children’s hospital we had a great response. Our residents, staff and the local community donated nearly 100 Easter eggs, which we hoped would enable every child whether visiting as an inpatient or outpatient to go home with an egg for Easter.”

Marie Gretton, the hospital’s charity communications and fundraising officer, said: “We are extremely grateful for the company’s donation and for thinking of us. We followed the company’s quest for donations on social media and watched the Easter eggs stream in.”

sjwalsh@sky.com ne

1:1

LEFT: Children enjoying an egg hunt and visit from the Easter bunny at Whistlewood Common in Melbourne.

Picture: Marc Dewhurst Photography

SITUATIONS VACANT

Family remembers fallen Somme soldier

Administrator

We have a great opportunity for a competent administrator to join our small, friendly team to help with the company’s general administrative activities & to ensure the e cient and smooth day-to-day operation of our o ce.

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The Director, Box Building Services Ltd, 18 Castle Lane, Melbourne, Derby, DE73 8JB

We are recruiting...

Class 2 HGV Drivers

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Warehouse Operative

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REPTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

Springfield Road, Repton, Derbyshire DE65 6GN

LUNCHTIME SUPERVISOR VACANCY

2 hours per day, five days per week, term time only. £7.50 per hour

The children at Repton Primary School are looking for an enthusiastic, committed Lunchtime Supervisor with a positive approach to join our friendly and successful team. The post will be to support children during the lunchtime period with fun and exciting activities that encourage social development and facilitate purposeful play.

The appointed person needs to be able to work under the direction of the teaching team to deliver activities both indoors and outdoors with all ages of children within the school; therefore applicants need to demonstrate good knowledge and experience of working with children. So, if you have lots of ideas and enthusiasm, we can offer you responsive, eager children who are just waiting to play.

Visits to the school are welcomed.

Further information is available by contacting Mrs McArdle in the school office on:- 01283-703732. Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, candidates will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.

Closing date: Sunday 21st May 2017

Evening walk

MELBOURNE Footpaths Group is leading an evening walk on Thursday, May 25, as part of the 2017 National Forest Walking Festival.

The three-mile circular walk will start from Melbourne Parish Church at 8pm, and anyone who wants to go along is advised to take a torch.

GEOFF HILL

1935 - 2017

THE family of a young man killed in the Somme held a remembrance service to mark a century since he died.

Private Robert Bentley was born at St Bride’s Farm in Stanton-by-Bridge in 1897, one of the 12 children.

As with so many young men of the time, he joined up to fight in the First World War along with his brother, Jack. Contemporary accounts record the

OBITUARIES

GEOFF was born in Derby to parents Freda and Les, a brother to sister Mavis. He went to school in Derby and began work on the railway upon finishing his studies.

In 1952, aged 17, he met his future wife, Judy, at the Melbourne Public Hall Dance – which is now the upstairs room at Amalfi White. The pair married in Melbourne Parish Church in August 1957 and set up home together in the village.

Children followed: Neil, Joanne and Nick, and subsequently five grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

Geoff worked in a variety of places over the years: at John Smith as a lorry driver; at Melbourne Engineering and at Kendricks in Chapel Street.

But it was in his later career that he became very well known in the local community after setting up Melbourne School of Motoring in 1981, a role in which he taught many village youngsters to drive, and in his other job as a part-time postman which he did from 1983 till he retired from both jobs in 2000, aged 65.

KENNETH HARNDEN

1927-2017

KEN was born in Barrow-on-Trent in 1927. He studied at the local village school and later at Derby Technical College.

In 1945 he was conscripted into the Royal Air Force where he enjoyed and respected service life. He supported wartime aircraft maintenance and so started a lifelong interest in all things aeronautical.

After the war he worked for Rolls-Royce for over 50 years, including development of the RB-211jet engine and the ‘Flying Bedstead’ – which later powered the Harrier jump jet.

In 1954 he married Pauline and they had two sons, Mark and Matthew. They moved from Ticknall to Melbourne in 1986 and before retirement

brothers coming home on leave and being equipped locally with rifles.

Sadly, Robert lost his life at the Somme and 100 years on, his family gathered for a service at Stanton-by-Bridge church on April 17 to remember him.

The Order of the Service of Remembrance read: “For Robert Bentley, and all who have fallen in the service of their country.”

Geoff was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in 2014 which slowed him down as his health deteriorated and he passed away only a few months before he and Judy would have celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary this August.

A lifelong Derby County Football supporter, Geoff was a devoted family man who was always there for his family. He adored dogs and had many over the years, diminishing in size from a German Shepherd, which he kept as a younger man, to his last dog, Yorkshire Terrier Lottie. Fittingly, Lottie walked in front of his hearse as mourners gathered to his funeral at Melbourne Parish Church.

Geoff’s family wish to thank everyone who attended his funeral. Donations were made to Nether Hall Comfort Fund, the fund associated with the nursing home where Geoff died peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Thanks also go to GE Simnett Family Funeral Directors for giving such a warm and professional service, and to the Revd Steve Short for his words of comfort.

Ken worked for Trent Aero at East Midlands Airport where he supported restoration work on the Spitfire.

Ken started his retirement with enthusiasm and joined Melbourne Probus, Melbourne Male Voice Choir and both Melbourne and King’s Newton Bowls Clubs. He was often referred to as a cheerful and friendly man and over the years he made many new friends, enjoying the happy times that these associations and clubs provided. He continued a lifelong love of gardening by tending an allotment on Blackwell Lane for many years.

Ken passed away peacefully in the Royal Derby Hospital on April 1. His funeral took place at Bretby Crematorium on April 16. He also leaves four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

LEFT: The Pirate King (James Davies) asserting his authority over Major-General Stanley (Mike McGhee) with Samuel (Tony Lawton) making light of the situation.

BELOW: Paul Blackmore as Sergeant of Police leading his lily-livered men to certain death after being instructed to fight the pirates.

What a stunning array of talent

KLASSEK KERNEWEK KAMADI: THE title of this written piece is from a Celtic language originating from early Settlers to the County of Cornwall and dates back to Roman times and before.

Translated it means ‘Classical Cornish Comedy’ and is my reference to Gilbert and Sullivan’s renowned comedy opera, The Pirates of Penzance, first premiered in New York in December 1879.

It tells the story of a young man named Frederic, brought up by pirates who, upon reaching the age of 21, became entitled to find his own way in the world but, because he was born on February 29, his pirate friends insisted that he had in fact only reached his fifth birthday so was not entitled to his freedom. This complicated things as he had recently fallen in love with a general’s daughter named Mabel but, without his freedom from piracy, was unable to marry her.

He was also constantly plagued by the attentions of suspicious woman Ruth, middle-aged and insisting to Frederic, she was a lot younger.

My wife, her sister and husband and I visited the theatre on April 6 to see this operatic musical comedy. It was my first visit to see a show of this genre and I was not to be disappointed.

Some may assume that perhaps we visited London or another major city to see this show, but they would be wrong as it was actually performed by our very own locally renowned gem, Melbourne Operatic Society at the Duchess Theatre at Long Eaton. It was

good to be able to see ‘local amateur thespians’ entertaining ‘local audiences’.

I was very impressed to see so many dedicated people from Melbourne and the surrounding district giving their time and energy creating enjoyment for others.

This amateur show, its storyline, costumes, scenery, orchestra and performances were of the highest standard and even bettered some shows I have seen by professionals.

There was an array of talent on stage and in the orchestra, demonstrating true teamwork and making it extremely hard to single out any individual performances.

A couple of the cast did frighten and make me laugh just by looking at them; they were: Sergeant of Police (Paul Blackmore) looking typical of the ‘old style copper’, feared and hated by the community; and Ruth (Helen Blatch) who frightened me with a constantly screwed up face, as an older woman chasing a younger man (cougar, is the modern description).

In conclusion, The Pirates of Penzance was a superb amateur production by Melbourne Operatic Society. This highly entertaining production was my first of this type but most certainly won’t be my last.

Sincere thanks to all involved with what was a truly entertaining evening of laughter, singing, music and acting. If you’ve never been to a Melbourne Operatic Society show before, give it a try. –Colin Barker, Station Road, Melbourne

Society’s Barcelona supporter lifts annual award

MELBOURNE Operatic Society presented the annual award for exceptional service after their latest production of The Pirates of Penzance.

This was the 12th year that the society has presented its annual Gerry Shaw Award and the prize went to long-time supporter John Pawlenko.

John, who lives about an hour from Barcelona, has supported the society with design expertise by producing professional posters, flyers and show programmes which help promote and support the society’s productions, concerts and events throughout the year.

He has also established a strong following on social media channels, including setting up a dedicated YouTube channel

with video excerpts from past productions.

The award was presented to a surprised recipient at the after-show party following the society’s successful production of The Pirates of Penzance at the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton, which enjoyed record audience numbers.

Gerry Shaw was a performing member of the society back when it started in 1926 and was one of the founders when it reformed after the war.

A passionate devotee of singing and the works of Gilbert and Sullivan – passions shared by current society members – he produced numerous shows for Melbourne and also at Castle Donington High School where he taught art and science.

l Mike McGhee (operatic society chairman) congratulating and presenting John Pawlenko with the Gerry Shaw Award.

For

Melbourne is once again the female rugby capital

THE biggest female rugby festival in Britain took place in Melbourne over the bank holiday weekend with 300 players from all over the country taking part.

Players camped out on Melbourne Sports Park fields to enjoy the festival of rugby, competing with cup, plate, bowl and shield trophies on the final Sunday of play.

Nick Woodland, head of women and girls’ rugby in Melbourne, said: “We were the first club in the country to introduce primary school girls to all girls rugby.

“A lot of rugby clubs’ trophy cabinets are full of men and boy awards; we want them to go back and say ‘look what our girls have done for you’!”

The festival has been going for several years and has grown into a large national event.

The winners of the tournament were as follows: Ladies – Five Ways; U18s Cup –Wellington; U18s Plate – Melbourne Minxes; U15s Cup – Banshees Wolves; U15s Plate – Minehead 1; U15s Shield –Kettering; U15s Bowl – Mineheads 2; U13s Cup – Buckingham Cygnets; U13s Plate –Kettering.

The event also raised just under £400 for Evie Pike from Minehead Rugby Club, who attended last year but could not travel this year due to being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a disease that claimed her father’s life only a couple of years ago.

David Boyer and Steven Rickett had their bodies waxed and Chris Chambers

Football fun day

YOUNG footballers will be joining in with the annual Melbourne United Fun Day this month.

The event is one of the biggest in the football club’s calendar and is being held on May 20.

Food and drink will be available and all of the club’s teams from the U7s to the U17s will be playing in mini tournaments throughout the day – even the coaches!

St John’s Ambulance will be on standby to make sure the event goes smoothly.

At 7pm in the evening of May 20, there will be a quiz, curry and auction night fund-raiser for the club in the pavilion.

A NEW milestone in the starry ascent of Melbourne Tennis Club was achieved in April when it fielded its first ever league-playing ladies’ side – who won their first match.

Pam Oliver, Pat Milham, Leslie Heath and Karen Brenchley recorded a highly convincing eight set to love victory against Spital in their first Burton League match.

Teams from Melbourne are competing in the Burton and Derbyshire leagues.

had her hair shaved to encourage the already willing rugby family to donate. Melbourne Minxes would like to give a huge thank you to all players’ parents who ran the event and to the following companies for their support: Crockers Marquees, Breaking the Cycle, Bellows Glamping, and Will and his team at UK Loos.

New sponsor for

BOWLS players from the King’s Newton club will have new shirts to play in after a local company director stepped forward to sponsor them.

The new sponsors of the King’s Newton Bowls Club shirts are Cedar Financial Planning Ltd, the director of which lives in Melbourne and volunteered to sponsor the shirts.

The club said it was “delighted” with the sponsorship and members were about to order around 50 shirts.

The club has already held its first two competitions.

The floodlit doubles was won by Janet Jardine and Dave Lyons for the second year running, and the Quintin Blood Trophy by Bert Maddock and Rob Philipson.

Players have also started to compete in the leagues the club takes part in. The ladies and the Saturday mixed teams have won both their opening matches, the men’s midweek first and second teams both narrowly lost their first fixtures and the vets first and second teams have each won one and lost one match.

The club is open on a Sunday afternoon from 2pm for anyone to go and play bowls or just have a drink from the bar.

LEFT and BELOW: Action from the rugby festival at Melbourne Sports Park.

Pictures courtesy of Andrew Jansen

Scorching start to cricket season

MELBOURNE Town Cricket

Club has made a superb start to the 2017 season with both the first and second teams earning positive results in their opening games.

The first team began in some style, amassing a huge 295-6 in their allotted 46 overs at home to Lullington Park 2nd Xl with new signing Muhammed Nadeem smashing 83 not out from just 46 balls, with seven sixes and five fours.

He was ably supported by opener Faren Price, who hit his maiden half century for the club in scoring 61. Matt Briers (41), Mark Rossi (37) and skipper Alex Slater (25) also contributed to the huge total.

In reply the visitors were soon in trouble on 97-5 with Slater (5-42) taking the first five wickets to fall. Ranjit Rathore (3-20) and Marc Towell (2-57) mopped up the tail to earn the first team an opening day win and 27 points.

A week later, away to Risley 1st Xl, it was Melbourne's turn to be on the end of a run fest as the home side scored a healthy 288-5. Melbourne slipped to 86-5 off just 11 overs before Andy Potts (54) and Russ Allaway (57) started the recovery, aided by 34 from Anthony Barnes.

But it was left to Slater and Lee Tallis to bat out the last seven overs for a draw, closing on 226-8.

Melbourne Town Seconds had an unbelievable start to their 2017 season. Batting first at home to Wootton 2nd Xl opener and new signing Alex Winter became only the fourth player in Melbourne’s long history to score over 150 as he scored a remarkable 152 not out.

Dan Marshall's side scored 276-1 off their allotted 40 overs.

An opening stand of 161 by Winter and Simon Fletcher (58) was supported by a quick fire 36 not out by Izzy Anjilliath as the seconds set Wootton a huge total and, in reply, they limped to just 50-8 off their overs.

Spinners Ranjit Rathore (3-4) and James Hogwood (3-4) proved difficult to get away, helped by 2-21 from opening bowler Stephen Goalen as the Town bowlers dominated and earned Melbourne a confidenceboosting winning draw to start their campaign.

The club would like to thank the match sponsors for the month of April as the money helps the club to continue to offer cricket at all levels from age five upwards: Lomas Opticians and president Richard Heath.

l Melbourne Town Cricket Club 1st Xl: back row (l-r) Alex Roome (scorer), Muhammed Nadeem, Russell Allaway, Faren Price, Matt Briers, Ian Roberts, Marc Towell; front row (l-r) Ranjit Rathore, Andy Potts, Alex Slater (captain), Muhammad Tayyab and Mark Rossi.

Double blow for Dynamo

MELBOURNE Dynamo Football Club had a month to forget in April as both clubs fell at the final hurdle in aiming to win their respective leagues.

Dynamo first team ended their campaign in runners-up spot, just two points behind eventual winners Castle Donington Cobras. Their first match in the month proved to be their downfall.

All seemed to be going well at home to third placed Chesterfield Town as Danny Guild’s 100th goal for the club saw them take a 1-0 lead, but Chesterfield were level by half-time and, in pushing for the win, Dynamo conceded two

late goals to lose 3-1 and their season long unbeaten league record.

A cup semi-final at home to Willington Sports followed the week after and a Dave Brough strike was cancelled out by the visitors in the second half to take the game to extra-time.

Substitute Tom Colclough’s strike earned Gav Salisbury’s men a place in the Junior Cup final.

The first team’s final league game saw them make the long trip to Rowsley 86 Reserves and a late Finn Charles goal made sure Dynamo came home with a point in a 1-1 draw.

DYNAMO RESERVESended

their season with two disappointing defeats to finish in a very creditable fourth place for Greg Salisbury’s young side. Away to champions elect Burton Town, the reserves took the lead with a clinical Ellis Ratcliffe finish but that was as good as it got as Burton turned the game around to win 2-1 and finish Melbourne’s chances of winning the division two title. Their final game was at Matlock Town A.D.S and, despite goals from leading scorer Dan Stanley plus a screamer from brother Ben, they went down 3-2 to end a positive season on a low point.

Season No.43 gets underway

MELBOURNE Bowls Club has started its 47th season of sport at the Senior Citizens’ Centre.

The club meets at 6pm on Wednesdays and 2pm on Saturdays. Priding itself on being one of the oldest clubs in Melbourne, it is not affiliated to any league, so concentrates on social bowling with, what members say, is a “friendly casual atmosphere in a truly scenic position”.

Regular friendly matches are arranged with local teams and a club knock-out operates for anyone wishing to participate, but members stress this is not compulsory.

Club spokesman Chris Hough said: “Bowls can be enjoyed by anyone and participants can play well into their 80s, gaining beneficial exercise and socialising after the games.

“Melbourne offers many things to do sporting-wise, but there is a distinct lack of activities for the older person. Bowls can help fill that gap, especially for people who have given up very active sport for whatever reason.

“Bowls is a leisurely game with plenty of time to chat but after playing for a couple of hours you have walked a mile and not even noticed it.”

Anyone wanting to have a go can turn up at club sessions for a free trial as long as they wear flat soled shoes or trainers. Club bowls are available and the dress code is casual.

n MELBOURNE Rugby Club president David Smith and chairman Peter Ilott hosted the inaugural Vice-Presidents’

lunch before the recent match against Market Bosworth. The 50-strong group enjoyed a three-course lunch provided

by Dan Smith, from The Red Lion, Hollington, before watching Melbourne 1st XV win the game in style.

Title glory sees rugby club scale the heights

MELBOURNE Rugby Club’s first team will be playing at its highest ever level (Midlands 1E) at the start of next season, after winning the Midlands 2EN league with a game to spare.

The good news continues for the club with The Stags also winning their league, the Pennant 4S, this season.

The 1xt XV took the short trip to Loughborough, hoping to improve on the early season draw. Luke Sherriff made his club debut.

The first 20 minutes were tight with both sides trying to gain an advantage. Loughborough had the early advantage at the scrum, but Melbourne’s lineout was strong and their loose play and defence were on top.

An early yellow card for Al Judge did not affect the score and when he came back on, Melbourne scored two tries. An Olly Page score followed a fine counter attack from Joe Stuart and then a bullocking run from Jack Pearce after a scrum was taken against the head. The half-time score was 14-0.

Loughborough scored an early penalty before a fine chip from Page was finished by Pearce for a 21-3 lead with Euan Holden converting all three. Melbourne pushed for a try bonus score but were denied by a forward pass. Loughborough scored with the last play of the game to give a final score of 21-10. MOTM Page.

After a five-point league deduction over an admin error, Melbourne hosted Market Bosworth knowing a bonus point win would seal the title and promotion.

The game was played in beautiful conditions in front of a decent crowd. Melbourne were quick off the blocks with tries from Thomas Lowery and Joe Stuart for a 12-0 lead.

Market Bosworth did not go away, though, and pulled the score back to 12-8 at half-time with Melbourne being consistently on the wrong side of the referee.

The second half saw Melbourne open up. Tony Day got two tries

from driving mauls, Tom Lowery got his second before Page rounded off a MOTM performance with a steal and solo effort from half way.

Captain Euan Holden converted four for a 43-13 win and league title. Five more promotions and the Premiership beckons.

Ilkeston arrived on a Wednesday evening for a Derbyshire Cup semi-final. Ilkeston are a league above Melbourne, but Melbourne dominated the game, winning 36-0. Tries for: Walker (2), Lockhart, Stuart, Benstead and Page with Holden converting three. MOTM was James Benstead.

The final league game saw a trip to Matlock in shorts and shades. With nothing to play for in the league, Melbourne suffered a 19-7 defeat with a try from Dan Walker, conversion by Euan Holden and MOTM Devo Iliffe.

The Stags played a double header at Ollerton and came away losing an entertaining game 64-50. Tries came from Mallett (3), Richardson, Wiseall, Whittaker, Cresswell and Woollard with Creswell converting five.

Next up for the Stags was a cup game against Derby fours. On a hot day, Melbourne trailed 7-0 at the break but rallied with tries from Mallett, Bilson and Richardson to win 22-7.

The Stags then played Derby Thirds, losing 34-41 with the match being cut short after an injury to the referee. Tries from Holdgate (2), Mallett, Moorcroft, Sparkes and P Adams with Moorcroft converting two.

The Academy had a game against Ilkeston. They turned a halftime deficit around to win 27-24.

The development XV played Matlock in a cup semi-final. In a tighter game than the score suggested, Melbourne ran out 57-17 winners with tries from Bancroft (4), Lawson (3), Bevan Brown and Slater.

Take on a darts pro

FANCY a game of darts with professional player Jamie Caven?

That is one of the prizes available at a special fund-raising evening being held by the Melbourne Darts League at the Royal British Legion this summer.

The fund-raiser is happening on July 15 with Professional Darts Corporation player Jamie Caven, and on the night the darts league will host a raffle for up to five people to play him, as well as other prizes.

Meanwhile, the Melbourne Darts Summer League got underway on April 24. Tim Jones will be looking to successfully defend his title and the top five players from the winter season have all signed up to play.

The league also has a couple of returning faces while another new player has signed up as well.

As before, all matches are played on Monday evenings at the Royal British Legion from 8.30pm.

Proceeds from the charity evening on July 15 are being donated to the Poppy Appeal; tickets are £10 each and available from the legion, or you can contact the league on 07577451511 or email melbournedarts180@gmail.com