Melbourne Village Voice May 2018

MARATHON

Runners

by LUCY STEPHENS

IT WAS the hottest London Marathon on record, but two runners from Melbourne and Aston-onTrent stayed the pace and raised thousands between them for charity.

Running in sweltering temperatures of just over 24 degrees Celsius, Tony Howard, of Melbourne, and Steve Aynsley, of Aston-on-Trent, both completed the gruelling event

Tony, from Melbourne, raised more than £10,000 for the charity close to his family’s heart: Children with Cancer UK – which works to find and reduce the causes of cancer in young patients and to find kinder treatments

The charity has funded more than 50 research projects around the UK, including a medical trial which Tony’s grandson, Oscar, has been receiving

Tony also ran the marathon in memory of his daughter, Kelly, who died of leukaemia when she was still a teenager

He said: “I did it for Kelly, Oscar and Children With Cancer UK; we’ve raised to date (on April 27) £8,420 19 and including gift aid, £10,058 74 The Virgin Money Giving page is still live and people can still donate at www virginmoneygiving com\tonyhoward

“All my grandchildren – Tommy, Savannah, Sidney, Oscar and Estelle – came to watch me

Police arrest six in Weston

FOUR men and two women were arrested after a man was shot, as police conducted a warrant in Weston-on-Trent during the evening of May 2

The arrests were made following the shooting of a 26year-old man in Coleridge Street in the Sunny Hill area of Derby on Friday, April 27

run and saw me in Bermondsey, Canary Wharf and Bird Cage Walk just over a mile from the finish

“It was a very emotional day; however, it was a truly amazing experience for all the family, I have to say a big, big thank you to Georgina, my wife, for training every single mile with me ”

Aston runner Steve raised £750 for the local air ambulance by running the 26 2 miles

“Now the pain in my legs has gone, my memories of the marathon are wonderful,” he said

“The organisation was second to none, the crowds were magnificent and for a while I ran alongside the firemen who had attended Grenfell Tower and the cheers they received were overwhelming

“Everyone was so kind to me and I met many new friends along the way

“It was very hard despite the training I had done but I didn't go in for any heroics – especially on such a hot day I adhered to all the advice that was given to me

“I feel so uplifted and had some great moments swapping salutes with a crew member of the Cutty Sark, running over Tower Bridge, running past the statue of Winston Churchill all iconic features in the run which made for a very special day

“I would heartily recommend it to anyone who considers themselves fit enough to do it ”

Derbyshire Constabulary said three of the men and the two women were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, and a man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder

They said one man had been released under investigation while the others were in police custody at the time of the Village Voice going to press on May 3

The arrests brought the total number of people arrested as part of the inquiry to 10 Four people were arrested over the weekend of April 28 and 29 and were released on bail pending further investigations

Detective Inspector Dave Ball said: “Gun crime will not be tolerated in our county and we will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice

“Our officers will continue to carry out enquiries and the investigation is continuing ”

Witnesses in Weston said they had seen a police helicopter flying over the village during the evening in question

Police said after the shooting on April 27 that the man had suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder and was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham His injury was not thought to be life-threatening

l Tony Howard crosses Tower Bridge (above) and proudly shows off his medal (right).

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Amy cooks up home made treats

THINK of ready meals and you might think guilty pleasure – but an innovative onewoman company from Melbourne is aiming to change all that

Mum-of-two Amy Phillips is celebrating the first anniversary of her company HomeMaid, which sees her making up to 250 microwaveable meals from scratch each week

Delivering to homes and businesses within a 10-mile radius, Amy’s new business is a far cry from her previous job

“I was really struggling, I’m a single mum and I was a mortgage advisor,” she explained

“But I have always cooked for as long as I can remember, it’s always been my thing ”

HomeMaid took off for Amy when she was looking for a change in direction to fit better around her family, hitting on the idea of making her own ready meals after her former husband missed her home cooking and asked if he could pay her to take some of her food to his gym

That led to her supplying the gym and the business was such a hit that she was able to leave her day job within a very short period of time

Today, each week Amy can be found in

her kitchen making up to 14 different menu choices for the week’s orders with people selecting what they want via her Facebook page

Starting at 5am on a Monday – or perhaps the previous evening for a slow-cooked stew – she works solidly for 14 or 15 hours so her meals are ready to go out for delivery that evening

She now supplies her meals to Tori & Ben’s Farm Shop in Kings Newton, where all her meat comes from, and uses Melbourne Deli to buy further ingredients, filling her food with herbs and spices rather than the additives and preservatives with which microwave meals have traditionally been associated

“For people who work out, or people who are time poor or who have families and want to know they are being looked after –it suits different people,” said Amy Some of Amy’s customers are on diets and like her properly portion-controlled meals, while she has others who are couples with each partner having very different food tastes – her meals mean they can sit down and eat together

“It’s very, very much a labour of love,” she said “It’s food prep for foodies ”

As for her favourite things to cook? For Amy, it’s a roast dinner every time

And the good thing is, there are always plenty of ready meals left over for her and her family to enjoy during the week – LS

‘Battle’s Over ’ beacon to light up our sky

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MELBOURNE and Kings Newton will be taking part in a unique nationwide tribute called “Battle’s Over” to commemorate the end of World War One with the lighting of a spectacular beacon.

A thousand beacons are to be lit across the length and breadth of the country at 7pm on November 11, a century after the guns fell silent, to remember the many millions who were killed, came home injured or had their lives irrevocably changed

The beacon will be the culmination of all the events and exhibitions taking place over the next few months, and the parish council has now confirmed it will go ahead Councillor Andy Jackson said that when the details of the Battle’s Over tribute were circulated he was “inspired to see whether we could replicate the style of beacon that had impressed me on visits to Austria”

He explained that “traditionally the ‘Funken’ is lit just after Ash Wednesday to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring, and the style of the bonfire is a 15metre-high wooden tower”

However, there are considerable costs in safely constructing the beacon, and while the council has set aside a limited budget, some financial and

practical help from the community is urgently needed

Cllr Jackson and John Blunt took themselves to Austria specifically to see the construction of this year ’s bonfire, and Mr Blunt has agreed to finance part of the construction Cllr Jackson is coordinating the project on behalf of the council Unlike Breedon-on-the-Hill and Aston-on-Trent, Melbourne hasn’t been involved in any beacon lightings within living memory but, based on the unique design, the council thought the same could be replicated here as a special ‘one-off ’ event

The event will take place at Melbourne Sports Park to symbolise the “light of hope” that emerged from the darkness of war Cllr Jackson said: “I am very excited – when we pull it off it will be absolutely fabulous

“Any offer of help either financial or practical to deliver this event will be most appreciated There is a need for power tools, safety barriers, cherry picker, public address system and floodlights, as well as other health and safety equipment ”

If you can help with this in any way or just wish to make a donation, phone Cllr Jackson on 07931 541 387 – Frank Hughes

Launch date for new book

MELBOURNE Historical Research Group is on track to launch its new book ‘School’s Out!’ at the annual exhibition on June 2 and 3 at Melbourne Assembly Rooms, scene of the book’s subject

The group says the publication promises to be very popular among the many pupils who attended the secondary modern school

The research group is grateful for contributions towards printing costs from Derbyshire county councillor Linda Chilton’s Members’ Community Leadership Scheme, Melbourne Civic Society and a surprise donation from ‘The Class of 1974’ following a recent reunion of past pupils who are now 60 years of age (see Page 5) Copies of the book can be re-

served by telephoning 01332 864598

This year ’s research has concentrated on ‘Melbourne Misdemeanours: Murder, Mayhem and Malefactors’ Ticknall’s troubles of the past have also been investigated

The group hopes to welcome visitors between 10am and 4pm both days Admission is free; refreshments will be available

Jo gets an invitation to tea at the Palace

A DEDICATED café owner

from Melbourne who shows her commitment to the village through her low-cost home cooked food has been invited to tea at Buckingham Palace

In recognition of her talents, Jo Slater ’s name was put forward by the world’s oldest solo female skydiver!

Jo, who runs The Welcome Café in Melbourne with son Alex, will be sipping Earl Grey on the Palace lawns on May 31 after letters from loyal customers were sent off to the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire

The idea to recognise Jo’s hard work in the kitchen – she has been at the helm of the Welcome Café for nearly 30 years –came from regular customer Dilys Price, well known for holding the Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest female person to jump solo from a plane

Despite living in Cardiff, 85year-old Dilys is a regular at the Welcome Café because she comes up to skydive in Nottingham and stays with good friend Susan Boddy in Barrow-upon-

Trent “I always say, ‘let’s go to the café if we can’,” said Dilys “Sometimes it’s a wet weekend so I don’t get to do the skydive Then we go to Melbourne and we make a beeline for the café

“It’s just a wonderful place

It’s a social commitment to the

conscience – that makes her want to do the best for everyone

“I have been all round the world but in Melbourne there is something very special, something which you only see in a few places in the world

“You have got these big

and is particularly well known for its sociable atmosphere

The day starts at 6am when Alex goes in to make bread, with Jo then joining him to cook the day’s menu

“It’s nice to see people enjoying each other ’s company in here,” said Jo

“Customers meeting each other and becoming friends If the tables are full, because of my prices, you have to sit with somebody

“I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t enjoy it! But it is nice to be recognised, because my customers don’t tend to do Facebook or TripAdvisor!”

community; you can go in and you see people of all ages – all sorts of people

“There’s always such a lovely atmosphere and the quality of the food I always take slabs of cake back to Cardiff!

“Jo obviously has a social

chains trying to make more and more money – but they (the café) are not They just do it totally for the community It’s such good food and it’s such a lovely place ”

The Welcome Café offers hot meals at very reasonable prices

Jo said she was very excited to be going to Buckingham Palace and plans to take her husband, Dave The only sadness is that her father, Sid, who set up the café, died in November last year, aged 95, and is no longer here to enjoy the occasion

– Lucy Stephens

m Don’t miss our forthcoming feature about the Welcome Café’s 70 years of history in a future edition of The Village Voice

l Jo Slater about to cook up another treat in her kitchen and (below) skydiving Dilys Price, who helped to nominate the Welcome Cafe owner for the Palace tea party

Bike ride in memory of young scientist

A 94-MILE bike ride to remember a brilliant young scientist from Melbourne and raise money for a life-saving charity is happening for the second year running next month

On June 2 a team of 25 cyclists will be riding out from Melbourne to Cambridge University in memory of Dr Sophie Miller, who died in 2016 from Myelodysplasia, a disease in which the marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells

Dr Miller had been a promising young scientist with a firstclass degree from Cambridge in Natural Sciences, who was working in the Copenhagenbased stem cell research centre DanStem

After she fell ill, a stem cell match was found for Sophie via the Anthony Nolan register but it wasn’t quite a perfect match and couldn’t save her

This year a team of 25 cyclists is riding in her memory and also raising money for the Anthony Nolan charity, which works hard to fight blood diseases

Those aged between 16-30 can join the register to be in with a chance of saving a life if they prove to be a match for somebody

n STOPPING using straws to help save the planet was top of the agenda at Melbourne Junior School as they took delivery of educational books from local environmental group Melbourne Area Transition

Katherine Parrish, from the group, gave a talk to the school’s assembly on how to help the planet by undertaking various steps including stopping using single-use products such as straws

The issue about straws and plastics has received widespread attention following the recent BBC Blue Planet series which showed the vast areas of sea swamped by thrown-away plastic.

Katherine presented a talk on climate change to the school before handing over a set of 30 books on that subject and the environment for use by the school

Opticians’ love at first sight with Melbourne

FAMILY eye health will continue to be provided in Melbourne after a long-standing optician’s business changed hands – with audiology and contact lens services set to arrive too.

Mark and Julie Lomas have recently retired from their business, Lomas Opticians on Chapel Street, which will now be run by Ruth Bromley, whose other practice is the independent Greens Opticians in Ashbourne

Optometrist Mark and his wife, Julie, a dispensing optician, decided to take the opportunity to enjoy retired life after running Lomas Opticians for 25 years

Oddly, in the case of both the couple

and new owner Ruth, it has been by chance that both sets of owners have come to run a business in the village that neither are from Mark, who worked in the first ever branch of Boots Opticians in Nottingham in the early 1980s before deciding to set up independently, described how he came to the village with Julie: “It was a Sunday and we were having Sunday lunch in the Bay Tree and we saw this building in Chapel Street ”

The couple promptly took over the building that had been an office for an auctioneer to set up their own opticians’ practice

Over the years Mark has become well-

known locally with his work screening children’s eyes before they go to school He also had the job of being visiting optician at Sudbury Prison

“Melbourne is a great place to live and work, for everything,” he said “We’ve absolutely loved it, we really have ”

Ruth, meanwhile, came to take on Lomas Opticians having herself come through Melbourne by chance

“I’d never been to Melbourne,” she explained “I was invited to a wedding reception and I had to come through Melbourne; as I was driving through it I thought it was a beautiful area I thought it would be a perfect place for a practice ”

The opportunity came up to buy the practice and now Ruth is the owner, with new optometrists Tracy Gaskin and Anil Chander Dispensing optician Jill Wetherall is still at the practice and there are two new receptionists

Ruth’s Ashbourne practice, Greens, also has a lab which has been making glasses for Melbourne patients for the past 22 years

“It’s a privilege to be able to offer eye services to the community, going from young children all the way up through the ages,” said Ruth

The practice is also planning to offer contact lens and audiology services over the next few months

Andrew’s on his bike to save lives

n THESE former pupils from Melbourne Secondary School took a trip down memory lane when they held a school reunion at the Assembly Rooms

The occasion was put on by Pat Bentley and Jacky Hackett to celebrate their 60th birthdays by inviting fellow pupils from Melbourne Secondary School, specifically the class of 1974

Guests arrived at the Assembly Rooms to enjoy a night of reminiscing, school quizzes and seeing familiar faces

“It was a really good night,” said Pat. “I thoroughly enjoyed it. I saw one girl I hadn’t seen for years, not since school.”

As part of fond memories of happy days at Melbourne Secondary, the guests arranged themselves into the old school houses – Kent, Gloucester, Windsor and York – and played a 1974 quiz

It was a case of history very much not repeating itself as the winners turned out to be Kent.

“I said there’s not a chance we will beat Windsor – they beat us at everything at school,” said Pat “But Kent won!”

NEWS in brief

MELBOURNE’s first street market is scheduled to be held this month

As reported in April’s edition of the Village Voice, the street market is proposed to be a permanent fixture but, while planning permission is being sought, the venture is being trialled

The first market will be held on Thursday, May 17, in Melbourne Market Place There will be about eight stalls

n ANYONE who wants to find out more about secondary education provision for Melbourne might like to go along to the next meeting of Melbourne Parish Council, at which an education officer from Derbyshire County Council will be present to talk on the topic

Sue Pegg, from the county council, will be at the meeting on June 5 to talk about education provision for students from Melbourne

The meeting will be held at Melbourne Assembly Rooms with an earlier than usual start time of 7pm

THIS is no ordinary motorcyclist ... Andrew Woodward from Melbourne is helping save lives on behalf of the NHS

Andrew has loved all things motorbike since the age of 11 and for the last few years has been able to put his lifelong passion to good use as a member of the life-saving charity organisation

Blood Bikes

He is one of 35 volunteers for the Derbyshire charity which provides a free 24-hour courier service for the NHS, ferrying anything from tissue or blood samples to medicines between hospitals so they can get to the right place, fast

Without blood bikes, the Royal Derby Hospital would use a taxi to do the job: “You’re talking about 12,000 taxi journeys in a year, this is in Derby alone – that’s around £150,000-plus in taxi fares,” Andrew explained

As for the impetus behind him getting involved, aside from loving to ride motorbikes, that stemmed from having been treated in Royal Derby a few years back

“I was in myself being treated and as I was leaving hospital one time, Keith, a blood bike volunteer, was outside; we got talking and that’s where it started for me,” he said

“As a patient, you have a blood sample taken and I didn’t think much more of it than that It gets dealt with You don’t see all the people running around in the back corridors underground or on the road ”

Blood Bikes is not NHS-funded and runs entirely on donations Similar charitable bike groups are operating across the country, but Derbyshire is one of the few which offers a round-theclock service, with members on a rota so they can

be called up at a moment’s notice when on call

Not only do volunteers take blood and tissue to pathology departments and blood banks, they also transport breast milk to help new nursing mothers, and have recently started a new service for Royal Derby’s pharmacy team: transporting medicines for patients who have been discharged and are now at home

Andrew does bike shifts around his day-to-day work as a lorry driver – the most he has ridden in one day was a 400-mile round trip involving travelling to a hospital in Leeds

“We go where they want us to go,” he said “Sixty per cent of our runs take us outside Derbyshire

“It’s rewarding on lots of levels You’re helping the NHS – which is to the nation’s benefit The NHS is a national treasure that we all take for granted and it’s under pressure from all sides

“We do what we can Royal Derby saved my life, twice I can’t retrain as a doctor at my time of life, but this is something I can do ”

Derbyshire Blood Bikes motorcyclists need to be advanced level and more are always needed, especially mid-week To find out more or donate, visit www derbyshirebloodbikes org

– Lucy Stephens

Richard Heath dies

IT IS with great regret that the family of Richard Heath, of Melbourne, announce his death on the morning of Wednesday, May 2

Richard was very well known locally for his involvement in many organisations, and a full appreciation of his life will be published in the next edition of the Village Voice

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When will we get a respite from this weather?

IT IS incredible that since I last wrote a month ago, the weather is still very bad and is giving farmers a real battering

A few ultra-hot days in the middle of April gave us hope but a few days are not enough.

In all parts of the country, particularly the uplands, this is becoming a very serious crisis with a lot of livestock farmers running out of feed and having great difficulty in finding anything to buy.

In the hills it was a very poor autumn with stock having to be brought inside earlier, and this has made things worse

Quite a few dairy farmers who operate what are called grazing based systems have had a very difficult few months as the land is so wet, and few of them have any reserves of feed.

I quite often say this but I hope by the time you read this things will have got better.

The next thing will be a drought ... n The prospect of Brexit is a concern for all

of us, including farming, and the Government is asking farmers how they would like to see things in the future

Their proposals are for farmers to earn their subsidies from doing work for the public good and the environment.

Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe we’ve been doing this for years and not making food expensive for the people.

The percentage of the average wage spent on food has declined continuously since the last war to about 20 per cent – so that tells you all you need to know

Most farmers care passionately about the environment they live and work in, and the beautiful countryside shows that

Look at the destruction by house building and roads, a good example being the rail link being built next to junction 24 on the motorway.

One farm there was wiped out. HS2 is going to destroy even more just so we can get to the capital a few minutes earlier

It’s green for go at the garden club

GREEN fingered growers from Melbourne and Kings Newton are being urged to get planning for the second village produce show to be held in August.

Last year was the first show that anyone can remember being held in Melbourne, and it turned out to be a very popular event with lots of gardeners contributing their homegrown veg, floral arrangements, cakes and more besides

This year Melbourne Garden Club is putting on the produce show for the second time, on August 18

The club says: “We intend to have more classes across the board and a larger children's section this year.

“We hope to build on the success of last year's show and make it a bumper year.

“Melbourne and Kings Newton residents, both young and old, gardeners, produce makers, vegetable growers, wine makers, bakers and crafters need to start planning now!”

For more details, you should email gardenclubmelbourne@gmail com

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Les, 99, shows you’re never too old to tango

HAVE you heard about the new dance craze? Well, new to Aston-on-Trent at least

Weekly tea dances were launched in the village at the start of this year by Recreation in Aston and have proved very popular, with well over a dozen regulars who enjoy the sociability and exercise

One regular attendee is Les Brooks, 99, who goes with his daughter, Joanne, and her husband, David – skilful dancers themselves

“It’s good exercise and enjoyable, I like it,” said Les, who turns 100 in August

“I started dancing when I was 11, my sister used to take me to dances with her boyfriend – that was in Kensal Rise in London ”

Les, who has lived in the village since 1966, is well known locally having been a South Derbyshire District councillor and involved in many community groups including serving as a governor at Aston-onTrent Primary School for more than 30 years

So what’s the attraction of a tea dance?

Recreation in Aston chair Barbara James says: “It’s good for healthy lifestyles, but also – because we haven’t got buses in the village and you can’t just go down the road to somewhere – we thought we should have this in our own community ”

Dancing has also been strongly linked with keeping your brain fit, and several of the regulars go to other dance schools in the area where they learn different sequences each week

Les’s daughter, Joanne, said: “It’s extremely good for your mind with all the sequences you have to remember, and it’s healthy exercise without over straining ourselves, especially for us older people!”

The dances are also drawing together the community of Aston and providing more opportuni-

Sheila takes over top role at the parish council

MELBOURNE Parish Council has a new chair – Sheila Hicklin, who was voted into office at the council’s latest meeting at the Assembly Rooms on May 1

Cllr Hicklin took over the chair from previous incumbent Margaret Sharp, and holds her post for the next year

Cllr Terry Summerlin is the council’s new vice-chairman.

The parish council has a vacancy for a councillor, after the resignation of Simon Green.

ties for newcomers to the area in the new Richmond Villages development to meet people – such as tea dance regular Janet Carter, who lives in Richmond Villages and saw the dances advertised in Aston’s Acorn magazine

“I used to dance 60 years ago!” she said

The tea dances are held on Tuesday afternoons from 1 45pm to 3 45pm and there is a small charge At the moment the tea dance meets in Aston’s Memorial Hall but the plan is to relocate down to the new Recreation in Aston pavilion with building works scheduled to finish at the end of this month – Lucy Stephens

Choir ’s night to remember

MELBOURNE and surrounding villages are very fortunate to have the opportunity of being able to see not one but three quality groups of amateur performers who are dedicated, willing and prepared to rehearse and perform wonderful shows for the benefit of local people and at local venues

They are A Choir ’d Taste, The Melbourne Operatic Society and St Michael’s Players

On Friday, April 27, we were thoroughly entertained by one of the group, A Choir ’d Taste at Melbourne Assembly Rooms with another performance the following evening

The theme for their show was renditions relating to World War 1, very poignant as this year on 11 November 2018, it

will be 100 years since the official end of this horrendous conflict that cost so many lives

The large mixed choir sang beautifully throughout the evening with examples of music from that period in time

The harmony and clarity of the combined voices was wonderful to hear

There was also the reading of three poems, heartfelt and written by servicemen directly involved in the war

All of the poems were expressed with a great deal of feeling

The choir was pleased to welcome highly accomplished international soloist, Karen English, who also performed songs in harmony with the main choir

Karen’s melodic songbird voice filled the theatre with such wartime favourites as Pack Up Your Troubles, It’s A Long Way To Tipperary, Keep The Home Fires Burning, and If I Was The Only Girl In The World

Of course, these songs couldn’t have been complete without the foot tapping and vocal participation of the audience

The whole evening’s entertainment was a huge success, thoroughly enjoyable thanks to very professional performances by the choir, soloist, musical director, accompanist and trumpet player and resulted in a very happy and contented audience at the show end – Colin Barker

IN STEP ... Les Brooks takes to the dancefloor with daughter Joanne.

Quarry plan deadline near

RESIDENTS have until mid-May to make their views known on a large quarry extension at Swarkestone.

Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council have drawn up a Minerals Local Plan which sets out proposals to extract minerals from the ground between now and 2030

The draft plan provides a guide for minerals development and includes the whole of Derbyshire and Derby except the Peak District National Park

The plan includes an extension to Swarkestone Quarry next to Barrowupon-Trent, where sand and gravel is extracted for use in the building industry

The area of land at Swarkestone Quarry contains river valley sand and gravels, which were laid down at the end of the last ice age around 14,000 years ago

More quarrying is proposed at Swarkestone to provide materials used for making concrete

Councillor Richard Iliffe, vicechairman of the Derbyshire and Derby Development Plans Joint Advisory Committee, said: “Minerals are important to our way of life, not only in building houses, factories and roads, but also in the manufacture of a huge range of everyday products such as paints, paper and toothpaste They are also important in the production of energy used to heat our

homes and fuel our industries ”

He added: “The challenge now is to set the minerals guidance and policies for the new plan so that all the relevant factors raised by these competing interests are addressed effectively – and this is where we need local people to help ”

Meanwhile, quarrying works at a site at Potlocks Farm, just down the road from Swarkestone, have now stopped after an ancient “cursus” was discovered

The 35-hectare site near Twyford had been used for sand and gravel quarrying but Derbyshire County Council earlier this year granted a revocation order after a Neolithic cursus was found there

A cursus is an ancient series of long trenches shaped a bit like an athletics track The example at Potlocks Farm is not visible from the surface

To view the Spring 2018 consultation on minerals or have your say go to www derbyshire gov uk/minerals

The deadline for comments is Friday, May 18 – Lucy Stephens

Animal farm notice

IN THE April edition of The Village Voice, our story about Melbourne Animal Farm should have stated that a temporary stop notice was served by South Derbyshire District Council –and not Derbyshire County Council as we incorrectly reported

n IT WAS time to blow out the birthday candles for Melbourne children’s shop Duck Duck Goose, which celebrated its second anniversary of trading in the town last month

The shop laid on colouring and craft for younger visitors as the sunny weather prevailed for the occasion Co-owner Jess Oates said: “We’re still overwhelmed and incredibly proud to have had the support we have had from the community.”

Concert gives charities boost

AN uplifting evening of song in Ticknall will help keep life-saving air ambulances in the air after raising vital funds for charity

The renowned Gresley Male Voice Choir gave a concert in St George’s Church in Ticknall, raising money for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance and the church Hosted by Councillor Mike Stanton, more than 100 people enjoyed an evening of songs ranging from war-time to other popular favourites The evening’s profits were split between the two charitable causes which received more than £400 each

Import business closes down

LOCAL firm Mazzaro Home will be closing its import business down this month

The furniture importer has been trading for more than three years with a base in Melbourne and a warehouse in Kings Newton But it has decided that the increasingly competitive market from Swoon and Loaf, which used many of the same sourcing factories, and the impact of Amazon have made it challenging to manage

The website has closed with immediate effect whilst its Facebook page is still live and taking final orders at 70% off retail prices The business is holding a stock clearance from the warehouse in Kings Newton on May 12

To meet this requirement, award-winning retirement village operators Richmond Villages have created Richmond Retreats, where holidays with care are the focus.

We all need a change of scenery sometimes, where we can enjoy a little rest and relaxation. A little time off usually does the trick, but what if you need the sort of environment and access to care and support services that traditional high-end hotels just can’t provide?

Here’s hoping for a muddy marvellous day’s fun

HUNDREDS of acres of family land near Melbourne never before open to the public will get its first viewing this summer – for those who don’t mind a bit of mud!

The Shields family has owned the estate at Donington Park for nearly a century and now Melbourne-based Jess Shields – whose family own and run Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel – is bringing her years of experience running large music festivals such as Download to run a new venture on part of the family’s 650 acres

It is this area’s first ever Obstacle Course Race

OCRs, such as the popular Tough Mudder runs, are Britain’s fastest growing mass participation sport, with thousands of people signing up to fling themselves into trenches, up and down obstacles and crawl through mud, generally over distances of five or 10 kilometres

Jess worked for many years for Live Nation, a major music events operator which runs Download as well as other big-name festivals such as Creamfields

Now she has teamed up with former colleague Hannah Farnham to set up Far and Beyond Events, and they are launching the first OCR race on the family’s land this summer

Testing obstacles are currently being installed and the plan is to stage a festival with food and DJs afterwards

“We did a couple of OCR events ourselves and thought we could do them here on this land,” explained Jess “We wanted to bring our festival experience to this Hopefully it will bring a festival feel with some nice food, so that it’s not the kind of thing where you turn up and do your run and then just go home ”

So what’s the attraction of rushing around the countryside getting thoroughly muddy?

“I think a lot of us spend a lot of time facing computer screens and behind desks,” says Hannah

“OCR tends to take people into different environments, in this case on land you wouldn’t normally see There seems to be a really nice atmosphere with OCR events, with people working together

“It’s not timed, it’s your own challenge It’s more about getting around and enjoying the experience of getting around; and, hopefully, people get fit for an end goal We’re trying to make it so it’s a whole body workout so when you’ve finished your arms ache and your body aches ”

Unlike other OCR events, the race will feature a play park with obstacles for children going along supporting parents and, with a choice of 10k and 5k events, the longer loop will not simply be a repeat of the 5k course but will take participants around fresh pastures

“OCR events are much more accessible for someone like me,” says Hannah

“You find yourself just laughing because it’s just really funny! It’s about using exercise against stress and anxiety and using exercise as a way of getting out of your comfort zone ”

Family disco for children’s charity

CHILDREN are reminded there will be an opportunity for them to strut their stuff at the Staley family’s charity kids’ disco on Sunday, May 13, from 2-4pm at Melbourne Assembly Rooms

The event, sponsored by building firm ASBC and Buildbase, is being put on by the Staley family in aid of foetal medicine and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Royal Derby Hospital

The family also raised more than £300 at the hospital by holding a sale on March 27, selling donated cakes, Easter treats, cards from Dandelion stationery and organic skincare by Pinks Boutique

The disco will include an open bar, face painting, Wish upon a Star competition, make a magic wand craft, guess the sweets in the jar, cards for sale, and a raffle for grown-ups with prizes including a behind-the-scenes tour of East Midlands Airport; five personal training sessions with Andy Gates, a sports massage, a hamper from Melbourne Deli and entrance for two to Melbourne Hall and Gardens

The event is happening on June 23 It’s to be hoped the weather will be kind but, as Hannah says: “It’s the one event when it doesn’t matter if it rains!”

The event – called RunFearless – has teamed up with local hospice Treetops as its official charity partner, with volunteers from Treetops to be offering bag drop and after mud massage facilities for runners in return for a donation to the charity

Race directors said they hoped the collaboration would help raise “much-needed” funds for the hospice to continue delivering support to families during difficult times

Treetops said they were “thoroughly looking forward to working together with this local charity partnership”

– Lucy Stephens

British Empire Medal for Janet

YEARS of tireless services to the community have seen this lady receiving a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Honours List

The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Willie Tucker, is seen presenting Janet Ryles from Aston with her medal.

The award was presented to Janet mainly because of her leadership of local ladies’ group CAMEO (Come and Meet Each Other), which she has been running for the past 21 years

The group used to be called Young Wives and has been going for more than 60 years, with monthly meetings involving a speaker.

With around 50 members, the popular group also goes on organised trips.

Janet also used to run a playground in her previous home in Alvaston and was a

tawny owl for a brownies’ group too

Janet said she was pleased to have been given the award but pointed to

Vegetarian Night

For further information visit: www facebook com/ourlittlelyra and to make a donation log on to w w w j u s t g i v i n g c o m / f u n d r a i sing/Alison-Staley-Little-stars

Thursday 17th May 6pm till 9pm

Join us for an evening of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes.

Classic menu also available for non ‘vegetarians’

Farm to fork tasting night

In association with Melbourne’s Tori & Ben’s

Thursday 24th May 7.30pm

8 Course Tasting Menu - £59.95 (£79.95 with wine)

Tori & Ben farm with passion, provenance and pride to ensure their meat is always of the highest quality. The care free attitude of the Longhorn cattle that they breed produces consistently tender beef with fantastic marbling and flavour.

Melbourne “Walkies”

many other people in the community who also do valuable work, who should be put forward to receive the British Empire Medal

Sunday 20th May - 10am - meet at Harpur’s guided dog walk around the Melbourne area. Co ee & breakfast rolls available.

l Jess Shields (right) and Hannah Farnham

Two Rosettes for Culinary Excellence

Melbourne’s Number One Venue for Great Food and Entertainment

l Melbourne Operatic Society rehearsing their production of Patience The society successfully bid for music stands and LED lights from East Midlands Airport Community Fund which were used in the show The Rotary Club of Castle Donington also provided sponsorship, used to buy new vocal scores Further sponsorship money came from Uniper, and that has paid for minibuses taking audience members from Melbourne and Castle Donington to the society’s shows in Long Eaton

Patience pays off for operatic society

PRACTICE and perseverance clearly paid off in Melbourne Operatic Society’s “Patience” at the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton

A year of preparation goes into each MOS production and it shines through with slick routines, well-practised choruses and punchy performances

The story is a total satire of the 1860s’ aesthetic movement, where a chorus of enraptured ladies shun ordinary love in favour of the fawning adulation of poets and proponents of the beaux-arts This gets under the skin of normal soldier types, who think their ladies’ “sneering and jeering” is “poor treatment for a military man”

FARMERS AND BUTCHERS

Award Winning Farmers & Butchers

Priding ourselves on exceptional quality and the very best service and experience for you, from farm to fork. Our values are simple: passion, provenance and responsible farming. Our pride lives through our livestock, producing the best beef and lamb in the world from the best grass-growing country on earth.

Now at the new shop in Kings Newton we offer an amazing selection of our own exceptional dry aged beef and lamb, Packington free range chicken and pork, charcuterie, fresh local vegetables, pick your own herbs, fresh fish, (every last Saturday of the month) homemade pies, sausage rolls, carefully selected wines and new to range, the ‘Maid in Melbourne’ homemade fresh ready meals.

Coming this Spring & Summer: Outside fire kitchen

Butchery workshops

Pop up supper club

Steak night with Sven-Hanson Britt

Pick your own pumkin party

Sheep Showing workshops

Tractor race course

Giant Sandpit & corn pit

‘Play in the garden’ activities

Fresh fruit smoothies

Bluebells ice-cream

Pick your own herb garden

Pick your own veg party - with scarecrow making and other activities

Kings Newton Lane, Kings Newton, Derby DE73 8DD Telephone: 01332 865698

Two poets – one “Fleshy” another “Idyllic” – compete in a love triangle for the heart of their true love, Patience, a commonplace but love-starved milkmaid In true G&S fashion common sense prevails, girls and men pair off, poets change their ways and Victorian normality is restored

This production is played for laughs, or, quoting Gilbert, it is “precious nonsense” Rewritten lines to update and modernise references, including Harry Potter, George Osborne, Jamie Vardy, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss – to name a few; a “Warhorse” steed for the colonel, a birdcage – possibly referencing Melbourne Hall Gardens – are just a few of many devices to josh with the audience

Chorus singing and choreography are now a strength with this company The Rapturous Maidens moved and sang like Greek goddesses, while the Dragoons were in step musically and in movement!

The principals’ performances deserve particular mention The ladies Angela, Saphir and Ella (Jenny Smith, Emma Walker and Jean Edwards) were serene and convincing; Lady Jane’s (Helen Walker) Act 2 opening

aria was pure music hall, with a cello, a corset and “rugged bosoms”; Patience (Rhia Fingerhut) was always delightful, particularly so in “Love is a Plaintive Song”, her second act solo

Among the men, the tenor voice of The Duke (Les Plimbley) with some high solo notes to conquer was of a lovely light quality; poets Reginald Bunthorne (Melvyn Edwards) and Archibald Grosvenor (Tony Lawton) excelled, especially in their duet “When I go out of door”; Colonel Calverley (Mike McGhee) rattled off his tonguetwisting lyrics; and James Davies looked like he was born for the part of Major Murgatroyd Glyn Hepworth was also convincing in the cameo role of Solicitor

Musical director David Henshaw deserves much credit for his musical direction and the orchestration, as do Gary Askam, production director, and front of house manager Keith Reavely, who along with David penned the funny song re-wordings

Mark your diary now for April 10-13, 2019, for Yeoman of the Guard!

– Frank Hughes

Have your say on the library

RESIDENTS will have the opportunity to have their say on controversial plans for Derbyshire’s library service and help shape its future with a consultation set to launch on May 7.

As reported in April’s Village Voice, the proposed Strategy ‘Libraries for Derbyshire’ has set out proposals for transferring Melbourne’s library to community management to make financial savings

Derbyshire residents are being encouraged to take part, give their views and make suggestions during the 12-week consultation period A questionnaire will be available online from www derbyshire gov uk with hard copies available in libraries

There will also be a variety of ways for people to give their views and take part, including drop-in sessions at some libraries and focus groups

Derbyshire County Council Leader Barry Lewis said: "We are huge advocates for public libraries and know how important they are to our local communities We re committed to keeping libraries open and we all need to work together to secure their future

"We're putting forward a strong proposal which we are confident will see all 45 libraries and our two mobile libraries survive and thrive, having already ruled out some routes taken by other authorities, including outsourcing or wholesale closure

"What is important now is that we hear what residents have to say and listen to their views I urge everyone with an interest in the future of Derbyshire libraries to get involved and have their say ”

The council’s preferred options will see 25 libraries remaining under their control but the 20 least used being taken over and managed by local community groups They would receive grant funding for up to four years and people running them would receive full training and support

Locally, the council’s outline suggestions were discussed at a recent committee meeting of Melbourne Civic Society Committee members expressed reservations about the principle and long term viability of the wholly volunteer model for managing libraries There was some concern that volunteers may not have the full range of expertise and skills needed to run the library at its present level

The society will be studying details of the proposal before giving a considered response

– Frank Hughes

Kevin is the tattooed arm of Nivea Cream

MELBOURNE tattoo artist Kevin Paul has made big strides in pushing inked body art into the mainstream after being the first tattooed person to sign up with a major skincare brand

Kevin, whose studio is in Russell Yard, is now a brand ambassador for Nivea men’s skincare – the first tattooed person to have been picked to represent such a big name He is also the first tattooist to be featured in major men’s magazine GQ, which ran an article on him in its April edition

Not only that, he is also the first model with fully blacked out arms – a tattooing technique – to be used in a large skin product campaign

“It definitely shows how far tattooing has come – it’s a lot more mainstream now,” said Kevin

“Everywhere you go, people are tattooed ”

The increasing popularity of getting yourself inked has interesting repercussions for the skincare industry –with more and more men and women now taking pains to look after their skin, its own walking art canvas, so the designs look their best for a long time

“I think in this day and age, more people now are looking after their tattoos,” said Kevin

“Nowadays, a lot more people are

shaving their arms to look after their tattoos; that’s what Nivea found when they did a big survey ”

Kevin is going to be talking on Radio One in a week or so to discuss how tattooing is now prevalent in all cultures of the world

But, despite being famously a tattooist to the stars – Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles and Burton’s own Paddy Considine to casually name but three big-name clients – perhaps Kevin’s most rewarding job was another first: he performed the first tattoo in a UK hospital when he inked a bee, the symbol of Manchester, on to bomb victim Martin Hibbert last summer

Martin was partially paralysed in the blast at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester in May last year, and Kevin was allowed into the hospital to tattoo a bee on the back of his neck in a moving symbol of hope

A lifelong art lover, another main strand of his work these days is in helping cover up and re-do tattoo disasters As for how it all began: “I’ve been tattooing since I was 13,” he said

“I was always fascinated by art and drawing – to put it on to someone’s skin is such an amazing thing

“I remember buying a tattoo magazine and someone had this big Japanese back design – it just looked so nice and clean I wanted to be able to create the same effects ” – Lucy Stephens

n

celebrated 60 years of married life last month. The pair tied the knot at Melbourne Parish Church in 1958 and marked six decades of married life together on April 19

IS THIS MONEY YOURS?

AN ENVELOPE containing cash was found on Castle Street, Melbourne, in mid-April Please call 07801 732386 if you think it may be yours

FRENCH TUITION

MUSIC TUITION

UKULELE CLUB

FOLK DANCE

French taught to all ages and abilities

Guitar, ukulele, ddle, keyboard & melodeon

The ukulele club is a fun, sociable evening of song and playing.

We also do barn dances and maypole

Bryan Dawson 01332 702386 or 07949 108037 bryandawson@hotmail.co.uk

MELBOURNE diamonds Tony and Angela Lamb

THE SECOND community award ceremony ‘The Mels’ proved a popular event, both with the audience and trophy recipients

Most poignant was the award to John Coton, who, as proprietor of Ward’s, was honoured with a Business Lifetime Achievement award Due to close soon, John was clearly touched that his shop had become a “truly unique” and much-loved shopping experience in the village

He joked that he still had plenty of “Dilithium crystals and flint axeheads” for sale before he turned around the “closed” sign for the last time

Kevan Hind was honoured as

Community Volunteer of the Yea for the work he does behind th scenes with many local organisa tions He joked that, after 54 year in Melbourne, an award suggeste he had now been truly accepted!

Announcing the award for Goo Neighbour of the Year, Jim Hewlett’ rendition of the Neighbours them tune before he presented the awar to Anthony Hicklin will stick long i the memory

Among the other awards, Tom Mills, of St Michael’s Players, wa Performer of the Year while Gordo Hughes accepted the award fo Event of the Year, for the jazz con cert at the parish church Sue Statham of Melbourne Floris

ABOVE LEFT: Kelly Dolpin of Melbourne Sun Rooms

ABOVE RIGHT: Howard Cheshire

BELOW: Lynne Mills collects the award on behalf of husband, Tom, from Phil Dobby

ABOVE: Alex Slater receives his award from Andy Heafield BELOW: Kevan Hind (left) with David Smith

r es d d s e d n m s n rt

’S A WINNER

was awarded the Small Business of the Year, and Kelly Dolphin’s Melbourne Sun Rooms, was Retailer of the Year The category of Service with a Smile was awarded to Forteys, with a beaming Laura saying how delighted she was

In the sports category, team of the year went to Kings Newton Bowls Club, having won a trophy for the first time in their history Euan Holden was Sports Person of the Year, cheered by his rugby teammates Howard Cheshire, from the tennis club, was Coach of the Year, and Alex Slater was a popular choice for the Lifetime Sports Achievement award “I only ever wanted to play sport

with my mates,” he revealed

The directors of MARS were presented with the Dr Freeman Award and Melbourne Community Care was nominated as Community Group of the Year

Organiser Andy Heafield said:

“Although only the second year of the awards, the judges thought everyone nominated deserved recognition and deciding the winners was a task of Herculean proportions

“However, I think they got all the winners spot on With everyone ' s help they will have an even harder task in 2019 ”

He also thanked all the sponsors for their generous donations to make the event financially viable

Coppice Coppice

Boarding Kennels & Cattery

We are a friendly establishment located on the outskirts of rural Melbourne o ering comfortable, secure accommodation, daily exercise sessions, playtime and love from our knowledgeable and experienced sta . We welcome dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes and invite owners to visit by appointment to see our facilities.

To book or arrange a viewing please contact us...

01332 862770

info@coppice-kennels.co.uk

Voted Best Kennels in Derbyshire

ABOVE: Laura Fortey

LEFT: John Coton of Ward’s.

BOTTOM

LEFT: Euan Holden gets his MEL from John Harrison.

Blackwell Lane, Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 8EL

www.coppice-kennels.co.uk

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No job too small

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DERBYSHIRE -

Our AIM is to improve your child's grades and subject con dence English Tuition - one-to-one or small groups sessions at home or in Weston on Trent.

KS1 and KS2 to GCSE Level and foundation access courses.

ESOL - From Entry Level.

One-to-One Sessions from £25, small groups from £15 per student.

Maths Tuition - one-to-one or small groups sessions at home or in Weston on Trent.

KS1 to A Level, College and University access courses and foundation and numeracy courses.

One-to-one Sessions from £25, small groups from £15 per student.

Contact: Ann-Marie James Tel 07759 048047

ABOVE: The Dr Freeman Award is presented to the Assembly Rooms.

LEFT: Members of Kings Newton Bowls Club celebrate. RIGHT: The Community Care team.

E LEFT: Sue Statham and Sarah Bond of Melbourne Florist.

E: Gordon Hughes (right) with Malcolm Roseburgh from South shire District Council

E RIGHT: Anthony Hicklin (aka Bammy).

In the garden this Spring?

Visit Heaths Farm Shop & Nursery in Melbourne for a large selection of well priced plants & sundries.

Basket plants from £1.60 per pot

Vegetable plants from 16p each

Bedding plants from £2.50 per pack

OR BUY 10 PACKS OF BEDDING FOR JUST £22.50

We also stock:

Wide range of vegetable & flower seed

Stoneware & pots

John Innes, growbags & multipurpose Compost

Membranes, netting & plant supports

Bamboo canes

Pest & weed control solutions

Fertiliser Decorative aggregates & bark chippings

Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm Closed Tuesday

SPECIAL OFFER 10 PACKS OF BEDDING FOR JUST £22.50

Raw milk explosion down on the farm

A RAW MILK explosion is taking place in Calke

Do not worry, however; it will not prove anything to cry over, as the explosion will be well controlled!

Dumelow’s Dairy is selling unpasteurised milk at its farm to meet the growing demand for this “superfood”

Raw milk goes straight from the cow to the bottle Fans are calling it ‘milk as nature intended it to be’ – full of probiotics and rich in nutrients

Some claim that it boosts the immune system, treats asthma and allergies

There has been an “explosion” in demand for it, apparently

Rob and Kate Dumelow have invested in a specialised vending machine which will keep the unpasteurised milk safe and easy to purchase

www.heathsfarmshop.co.uk 01332 862645

Spring at Calke Abbey

Many secrets are yet to be uncovered in Calke Abbey’s seemingly abandoned rooms. This year, you can investigate the stories of Calke’s women in the house and explore forgotten views of the estate in the wider parkland. Visit our website for more information on new discoveries, changes and seasonal highlights.

Walks at Calke Abbey

May 2018

As part of the National Forest Walking Festival, we’re running lots of guided walks at Calke throughout May. Discover veteran trees, explore the wider estate, or go on a minibeast safari. Check the website for dates, times and walk details.

Capture Calke on camera

Sat 2 June 10.30 – 12.30 and Kids with Cameras 13.30 – 14.30

Bring your camera to Calke and have some fun with the photography team on this creative walk in the park. We’ll teach you some handy tips and show you the best places to take photos on the estate.

Sun 17 June 10.00 – 17.00

event. The Midland Kite Fliers will thrill you with their skills. Bring your own kite, buy or borrow one here, or make one in our workshop.

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 Spring opening

Restaurant & Shop: daily 10.00 – 17.00 Park & National Nature Reserve: daily 7.30 – 19.30

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

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke for more information

Normal park admission applies to all visitors. For more information on what’s on at Calke this Spring please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke or telephone 01332 863822

www.facebook.com/NTCalkeAbbey

@NTCalkeAbbey

“All you need to do is turn up, collect a litre glass bottle –which costs £1 – and fill up from the machine Next time you visit, you return and re-use the bottle The cost will be around £1 20p per litre,” said

Kate

“We drink nothing else on the dairy, it is completely different, creamy, full of flavour and tastes exactly like milk should do! We even have a new logo for it, designed by granddaughter

Connie ”

The poor return on the cost of producing milk is one of the

reasons for looking at alternative ways of selling the product, without breaking the contractual obligations with the big milk suppliers

“Only a small percentage of the milk produced on the farm will be sold as raw milk, but it will give local people the choice to buy their milk in this completely natural way ”

The Dumelows’ farm, The Gables, is adjacent to the main exit from Calke Park on Main Road, and the machine will be at the farm gates

– Frank Hughes

Poo bag fines for dog owners

DOG owners caught walking their pets without carrying poo bags in North West Leicestershire – which includes Breedonon-the-Hill, Wilson and Tonge – can now be fined £100 under new enforcement rules

The powers have been made under Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) legislation and were announced by North West Leicestershire District Council

As well as being able to fine dog owners for not carrying the means to pick up excrement, other offences included in the order, and also incurring £100 fines, include failing to pick up dog poo unless it is on privately owned land without public access; allowing a dog to be in a fenced or enclosed children’s play area; allowing a dog to be on any designated sports pitch or athletics area at any time; and failing to put a dog on a lead when instructed to do so by an authorised council officer

All fines will be reduced to £60 if paid within 10 days

While this particular PSPO has not been introduced by South Derbyshire District Council – the area which covers Melbourne, Ticknall, Barrowupon-Trent, Aston and Weston and Smisby and all other villages covered by this newspaper – the Village Voice has learned that dog owners within South Derbyshire can be fined £75 for not picking up dog poo

When we asked SDDC if they would consider the same PSPO as the neighbouring district council of North West Leicestershire, we received this response: “This enforcement order does not exist in South Derbyshire We considered introducing it over a year ago but there wasn’t enough evidence of a problem to justify making it part of a Public Spaces Protection Order

“Instead, when out on patrol, our Safer Neighbourhood wardens informally ask dog walkers to provide evidence that they have the means to pick up dog waste A £75 fine is enforced on anyone caught breaking the rules

“Residents can sign up to our Green Dog Walkers Pledge, which commits walkers to responsible behaviour

“Should evidence suggest that there is a need for an order, we have advised our E&DS (Envi-

ronmental and Development Services) Committee that we may come to it at a later date with a recommendation to introduce not carrying a suitable bag as an offence ”

Breedon resident Debbie Keith said the £100 fine was a welcome step towards reducing the problem of dog poo in public places, but added that there was still a problem of people simply leaving bags full of the stuff out in the open having picked up after their dog

“We have a regular litter pick and you just find the bags filling up the hedges rather than having been thrown away,” she said

“But every little helps, I guess ”

The new PSPO in the district does mean that dog owners can now be penalised for the entire duration of their trip out if caught without the means of picking up poo, rather than just the moment their canine chooses to excrete

If fines go unpaid the matter will then go to a magistrates’ court where the maximum fine is £1,000

NWL District Council deputy leader Councillor Alison Smith said: “Law-abiding dog owners have absolutely nothing to worry about and I’m sure will welcome the new orders as much as anyone else ”

There is a PSPO on Melbourne Sports Park forcing dog owners to keep their pet on a lead at all times or face a fine

Dog owners living locally have complained that this is too harsh, since the sports park – formerly known as the recreation ground – is one of the few places where dogs used to be able to have a good run off the lead within walking distance of the village

– Lucy Stephens

Annual plant sale

THE next fund-raising activity by organisers of the Weston Run is the annual plant sale, due to take place on Saturday, May 19 in the car park of The White Hart at Aston-on-Trent Hanging baskets, planted arrangements, bedding plants and patio vegetables are expected to sell out early so anyone interested is urged to get there early to bag some blooms

l Nathan Dumelow (left) and Rob Dumelow with the new milk machine

Woodhouses, Melbourne, DE73 8DN

Village Voice Postbag

Put people – not cars – first

AS RESIDENTS of Potter Street we wish to comment on the proposed one-way system and other traffic developments

Firstly, there are over 200 residences in the streets that would be affected by the one-way system (i e Potter Street, Church Street and the various roads etc opening off these streets such as The Mews, Bishops Court, etc ), most of whom own one or more vehicle

As things stand, we are able to enter and exit these streets from the south (i e Castle Square etc ) without having to enter the Market Place or Derby Road Thus, if we want to go to the M1, Nottingham, Leicester, etc we can access Station Road via Castle Square, and Derby is better accessed via Castle Square and Packhorse Road rather than having to go along Derby Road Having the one-way system will mean that we will all have to go via the Market Place either in-bound or out-bound, thereby adding to the congestion in the centre of Melbourne by several hundred vehicle movements per day, not reducing it

Secondly, we already have vehicles that go down Potter Street far too fast Making it oneway will only make this problem worse as drivers will not expect to meet vehicles coming the opposite way

We think that the wrong issue is being addressed Shops in the middle of Melbourne are under financial pressure so we think that the parish and county councils should be concentrating on the far more important issue of making the centre of Melbourne a pleasant place to shop and, above all, pedestrian friendly

Getting traffic though the village centre quickly is an out-moded concept as it does nothing to enhance the village centre experience and quality

The village centre should be designed to give priority to people, not vehicles You only have to observe the centre of Melbourne for a short period to witness pedestrians trying to cross the road whilst traffic is rushing though; the problem is especially bad for the elderly and more infirm

In our view the measures that need to be taken

include reducing the speed limit to 20mph in the centre of Melbourne, paving the Market Place and the start of Derby Road to provide mixed mode access with dropped pavements, banning vehicles over 7 5 tonnes from the Market Place, signing the entrances to Melbourne (Derby Road, Ashby Road, Church Street, Castle Square) as “access and local services only” and diverting traffic for the industrial estate away from the Market Place

The style of modern life allied to the street layout of traditional villages such as Melbourne is such that there will always be a conflict between the needs of drivers and pedestrians; in our view the balance for the centre of Melbourne is that it should be designed primarily for people, not vehicles

By making the centre of Melbourne a slow traffic area the parking issue takes on a different aspect The huge growth in car ownership means that virtually every street in Melbourne is already clogged with parked vehicles: clearing some parked cars from say, parts of Derby Road, only shifts the pressure elsewhere

By having a slow traffic scheme in the centre of Melbourne then having to go slowly past parked vehicles is part of the traffic-calming measures

We should maximise the amount of parking in Melbourne for the benefit of residents and shoppers alike and accept that the centre of Melbourne is not a fast through route

Most houses in the centre of Melbourne were not designed to accommodate a car, but most of us living here now own at least one car; we want to have our car conveniently parked near where we live so we just have to put up with the need for street parking

It is our village centre where we live, not the town planners from far away Matlock, so let’s make it the way we want it To those who want to drive through Melbourne we say “slow down or drive round” -– we are not a rat run

Yvonne and John Robinson, 14 Potter Street, Melbourne

More short stay parking, please

ON THE subject of parking in Melbourne, I would suggest significantly increasing the number of short stay spaces in the main car park This would free up parking for people wanting to call into the village to use local businesses

I would like to see the yellow line on Derby Road at the bottom of Blanch Croft extended by one car ’s length This passing place needs to be kept clear at all times to allow traffic to flow through this narrow, parked-up stretch of road

Regular stand-offs stem from drivers parking on this yellow line, leaving no room for vehicles to pass Although Blue Badge holders are legally permitted to park on yellow lines, they should only park here as an absolute last resort There are almost always disabled spaces available a few yards away in the main car park

We locals need to look at whether we could help the situation by adjusting our own behaviour Is it really necessary for able-bodied people to drive into the village when we could walk? This applies especially to locals working in the village whose cars block parking spaces all day

Many residential streets are blighted by inconsiderate parking on pavements, forcing pedestrians, buggies, mobility scooters, etc into the road

In places this is exacerbated by overgrown trees, hedges and shrubs in front gardens that have been allowed to grow all over the pavement

We all need to keep our own plants in check

One final gripe – why do a few individuals feel the need to park on the pavement outside Sainsbury’s when there is a perfectly good car park?

Name and address supplied.

Still much to do to help family

I WAS amazed by the numbers and very much moved by the generosity of those people who came to support the Karusseit family in the Thomas Cook Mission Hall on the evening of March 26

I was hoping to make their plight better known in our community I hoped to start a fighting fund which eventually might pay for some desperately needed legal support for them I was anxious in case we could not find an audience

I need not have worried The people of Melbourne turned out in large numbers to listen to Yvonne's harrowing story, illustrated by Clive's slides I could see that many of us were moved to tears at times

There was a feeling of support and friendship in the hall which I haven’t felt in a long time People gave their sympathy and they gave the most generous donations The amount raised was over £1,000

It was not only the cash which came in so gen-

erously A committee will soon be formed from those who volunteered their time and experience

A website will be created to hold contributions which arrive over the Internet Our local councillors, our county councillor and our MP promised support and led the way for Melbourne people to feel, as I did, that this was a fight against injustice

It was a good night I sensed that we had felt our community flex its muscles in a good cause

In an age when politics, morality and ethics feel so changeable and fluid many of us felt that, in this case, we might have done some good

There is much more to do We need much more serious fund-raising We need to remember how little time is left However, after that night more things seem possible

On behalf of Yvonne and Clive, thank you Melbourne and thank you Village Voice

John Williams

You can write to us with your comments, views, ideas, questions etc at...

letters@melbournevillagevoice co uk or by post

The Village Voice, 11 North Street, Melbourne DE73 8FZ

Please include your name and address, not necessarily for publication

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE ...

I ATTENDED with family members the latest comic opera performance at The Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton, by our very well known M O S

The Melbourne Operatic Society has entertained Melbourne, Castle Donington and the surrounding communities since the very first showing in 1926, which was the first rendition of The Pirates of Penzance

As you would expect, this was a highly professional rendition from a very talented group of amateur players who love to perform comic opera from the genre of Gilbert and Sullivan for the entertainment of others

Patience or Bunthorne’s Bride was superbly supported by the back stage support team whose expertise designed and created excellent scenery, lighting and costumes to make it all happen

High credit should also be given to the 13 highly talented musicians who were excellent and very professionally led by conductor and show musical director, David Henshaw

In conclusion, the whole show was a classic, full of entertainment and laughs but literally ‘one sting in the tail’ that I didn’t realise, was that in the 19th century they had an early example of ‘mobility scooters’ which were converted into ‘horses’ – I presume to leave the real horses available for military use

The ‘cloned’ life-like horse that was ridden by Colonel Calverley (aka-Mike McGhee) even had legs that moved; and, when ‘caught short’ on stage, the horse duly did its duty in front of the audience

Absolutely hilarious and it completed a super evening out for all judging by the applause throughout the show

If you would like to join the M O S team on stage or behind the scenes, please search online for Melbourne Operatic Society

Thanks and well done to everyone involved; can’t wait for the next offering Colin Barker, Station Road, Melbourne

Village support so comforting Reunion date

WE WOULD like to thank everyone who wrote such thoughtful letters following the death of our much-loved husband and father, David Bellis

We would also like to thank John Harrison for his beautiful words at David’s funeral at Melbourne Parish Church and Jean Grimley whose help made such a difference

We can’t possibly answer all the wonderful letters and cards but the support from the village has been so comforting

Thank you Anne, Anthony and Jon Bellis.

THANK you for printing my letter in your April issue of The Village Voice (School reunion?

Page 15)

We have fixed a date of Wednesday, May 23, at Harpur ’s in Melbourne at noon We have six people at present, but hoping to meet as many as possible Margaret (Kinsey)

Angie in training for first half-marathon

ANGIE Cooke, who is a part-time volunteer at Melbourne Community Care, is looking for your support to encourage her to finish her first ever half-marathon on June 3.

Angie has just turned 50 and decided she wanted to set herself a challenge for her own health and wellbeing, but also to highlight how much health and exercise is good for the mind

Since she has been working at Community Care she has seen just how important the work of the organisation is, and how dependent provision is on fund raising

“We need to raise money longer term for a new minibus, but the number of clients who need our services is rapidly increasing and we need the funding to cover the costs,” she said The organisation relies almost exclusively on donations

She is training most days at the moment, using the help of her personal trainer Kieran, who is also doing the run to raise funds for MIND, the mental health charity

“Whilst he has set a target finish of 1 hour 45 minutes, I am aiming to finish the 13 miles in 2 hours 15 minutes,” she said

“So far I have done four shorter 10k runs and got a bit faster on each one ”

If you are able to support, sponsorship forms are available at the Community Care office, and she is setting up a JustGiving page for her target of over £300

– Frank Hughes

MORE than 1,000 young farmers, their families and friends are set to descend on Barrow-upon-Trent this month.

The Leicestershire and Rutland Federation of Young Farmers Clubs is holding its annual rally at The Grange in Barrow, “by kind permission of the Atkins family” from 10am on May 12

The rally, a ticketed event which is open to the public, will include more than 90

competitions ranging from churn rolling to sheep shearing

Visitors will also be able to see the members’ static exhibits, including crafts, photography, cookery, and floral art as well as stock judging, tractor handling and tug of war The event, which is the biggest day in the county’s Young Farmers’ Club calendar, has once again been sponsored by the Melton Mowbray Market

Simon

‘1918 ale’ goes down a treat

MELBOURNE’S commemoration of the centenary of World War 1 got off to a fine start with the launch of a new local beer named “1918” at the Chip and Pin

The idea for a local brew came up in conversation between Andy Heafield, who is co-ordinating the commemorative events, and Dave Carpenter, one of the directors at the local micropub

“We were just discussing ideas,” Dave said, “and hit upon the idea of a beer brewed with traditional English ingredients

“I had thought of trying to recreate one of the beers formerly made by John Hair and Son, down the road on Church Street, but the recipes are elusive So, we approached Walter Scott, a director from the former Wentwell Brewery, who has a reputation for collecting recipes

“We then approached Dean Richards from Nutbrook Brewery in West Hallam, who was delighted to get involved in brewing the beer ”

The resultant beer is a rich, deep coloured bit-

ter, with a caramel and liquorice flavour made with Fuggles and Goldings hops, Crystal Malt and roasted barley It is based on the recipe for ‘Barrel Organ Blues’, one of Wentwell Brewery’s Bitters produced before it closed in 2016

The label design for the bottles was the work of local councillor Mick Usher

Drinkers of the ‘1918’ ale can be grateful that the name is the only connection to that year, as strict licensing laws in force at that time would have required it to be watered down, pubs had to close at 9 30 and it was not permitted to buy drinks for someone else

A public launch of the beer at Melbourne Assembly Rooms was well attended, with Melbourne Male Voice Choir livening up the evening with a programme that included WW1 favourites Profits from the sale of the bottled ale will be going to the commemoration fund to return the initial gift by the parish council and to fund other planned activities

CHEERS

Gothridge, Mark Spence, Tim Dolman, Robert Holman and Margaret Sharp, parish council chairman

Julie still has her 1980s school Easter bonnet

OVER the years, many lovingly handmade crafts from childhood will end up in the recycling bin – but Julie Timmins from Melbourne has still got her Easter bonnet made for a school project nearly 40 years ago!

Julie got in touch after seeing the photo we printed last month of children at Melbourne Infant School wearing their Easter bonnets.

We guessed the date of the photo to have been some time in the mid-1970s but have since learned that it was in fact taken in either 1981 or 1982

Julie has sent us this snap of her wear-

ing the hat that she made at the time, which features “decorated flowers from colourful polystyrene egg boxes of the time”

She is also circled in the photograph above

Our thanks to Julie for getting in touch. Also in the Easter picture are Jo Smith and Angela Dolphin – their married names – who are now teaching assistants at Melbourne Infant School, having attended themselves in the 1980s.

Youngsters at Melbourne Infants still make decorated bonnets to celebrate Easter

Questions on public safety

RESIDENTS who want the chance to quiz police and council officers on issues of public safety will get the chance to do so at the next Melbourne Area Forum on June 12

The meeting will combine the former Safer Neighbourhood and Area Forum meetings which used to be scheduled back-to-back but have now been merged

The new meeting will still be attended by the local police Safer Neighbourhood Team representative with the opportunity to raise questions and concerns, followed by an update from the local authority and a discussion or presentation about a local community issue

It starts at 6 30pm at Barrowupon-Trent village hall and is scheduled to finish at 8pm

The Melbourne Area Forum covers the following villages: Melbourne, Barrow on Trent, Stanton by Bridge, Swarkestone, Weston on Trent, Aston on Trent, Shardlow, Thulston, Ambaston and Elvaston

It was at the last Melbourne Area Forum that proposals to re-do the village’s parking and traffic system were aired to the public –these were the proposals for double yellow lines and a one-way system

The Repton Area Forum – which covers Calke, Findern, Foremark, Ingleby, Milton, Smisby, Ticknall and Twyford – will take place at Repton Village Hall on Tuesday, June 19 This also starts at 6 30pm

For a friendly, professional, local agent who can cater for all your property management requirements, please call or email us on: 01332 862173 or info@austinproperty.co.uk www.austinproperty.co.uk

England call-up for Christina ...

MELBOURNE teenager

Christina Jowett has been selected to play hockey for England

Christina, 16, has been playing the sport since she was seven and is one of only 34 girls selected to represent her country in the U16 squad of 16 players who were due to meet Ulster in Christina’s first international match at the beginning of May

Currently studying for 10 GCSEs at Repton School, Christina was inspired to try to play hockey for her country after seeing the Great Britain women’s side win a bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics with her family

“We went to watch the GB team play against New Zealand,” she said

“I just took an instant liking to it and it was one of the real reasons

why I decided to become inspired to play at the highest level I want to be the best I can be and I’m aiming for the 2024 Olympic Games!”

Christina’s first hockey club was Ashby; she then moved to Beeston Hockey Club and now plays for Repton Hockey Club

As well as being selected to play for England, she has also been training with the first XI Loughborough University Women’s Hockey Club

“I enjoy hockey because it’s a great way to meet new people, make friendships and travel the world, and there are many great things to achieve within it,” she said

After this month’s Ulster match, Christina has her sights set on securing a place in subsequent international fixtures including the six nations tournament in July

and Nottingham Forest sign Ethan

THIS young sportsman from Melbourne has been signed by the Nottingham Forest Football Club Academy after being talent-spotted for his skills between the goalposts

Ethan Clint, 10, a pupil at Melbourne Junior School, now trains with the Forest academy three times a week, playing in matches across the country on Sundays – including against sides from Everton and Arsenal

Ethan was scouted by Forest when he was a member of Melbourne United U10s and they played against the club’s academy side in the autumn of 2017

n FRESH faces are being called upon to help organise the next Weston Run after this year ’s event had to be cancelled because of the ‘Beast from the East’.

The popular event is held annually by the 107th Derby Scouts to raise funds.

But the group says the normal scouting motto “Be Prepared” was

After a successful goalkeeper trial for the academy, he was offered a place just before Easter and has now signed to play for the side this season

“I’m really enjoying it,” said Ethan, who did admit to being nervous before meeting Arsenal’s academy in a recent match

“Goalkeeping is quite difficult to get the hang of!”

Ethan’s family have thanked Melbourne U10s coaches Paul Duffy and Andrew Foster for arranging the game at Nottingham Forest academy last year, and for their great coaching

impossible to implement this year due to the Arctic weather of early 2018.

The organisers would like to hear from a new team of people willing to run the event, held in Weston-on-Trent and due to mark its 30th anniversary next year. Find out more on westonrun@107derbyscouts org uk

John is village’s top award winner

MODEST John Holloway

from Aston-on-Trent is the latest recipient of the village’s Excellence in the Community Award.

Aston held its annual parish meeting at the War Memorial Hall on April 17, with groups from around the village taking turns to give the room an update on their activities over the past year

The evening also celebrated this year ’s Excellence in the Community Award, given annually for the group or individual judged to have made an outstanding contribution to village life

Announcing that this year ’s award was going to John Holloway, parish council chairman

Ed Hicklin told the meeting that John had been twice nominated by different people, saying: “ interestingly, he has an association with nearly all of the other nominees for one reason or another – predominately his talent for extracting money from various funds that are available to community groups – help he freely gives to anyone in the village whether he is a member of a particular group or not

“He has helped pre-school, Recreation in Aston, the archery club, Friends of Aston Brickyard and the church to name but a very few – I’m sure many of you here tonight have benefited in some way from the monies he has brought into the village”

This year the nominations for the awards were for five individuals and one group The group was Friends of Aston Brickyard, an organisation featured several times in The Village Voice, which is working to turn a former industrial site on the outskirts of Aston into a wildlife haven

Nominated individuals were Stephen Clennell for his hard work running the village shop; Ellie Gregson for services to music in the village – playing the church organ and forming the Arioso choir; Steve Aynsley for his support in many local community groups but espe-

Waving the flag for St George

LEFT: Enjoying the St George’s Day breakfast at the Hardinge Arms.

BELOW: Getting into the spirit at the Legion

cially the music festival Astonbury and the well dressing committee; Vicky Topps for her work with Aston pre-school and the local primary; and John Holloway himself

After the meeting John said: “Receiving the award was greatly appreciated but I would want to acknowledge the very many residents of Aston who are deserving of recognition

“The delight of being a part of this place is the hard work and generosity of spirit that shows itself through volunteering

This village truly demonstrates excellence in its community ”

– Lucy Stephens

FLAGS have been flying for St George’s Day as groups around the community celebrated England’s patron saint

The St George’s Day Breakfast organised by Kings Newton Social Group was held at the Hardinge Arms on Monday, April 23, with more than 30 people attending

The group says that a delicious full English breakfast with Bucks Fizz was served, and everyone enjoyed the convivial atmosphere

“A quiz, red rose for everyone and a raffle completed a very pleasant morning,” said the group

Melbourne Town Band put on a St George’s Day concert at the Royal British Legion A raffle was drawn with the following winners – first prize: Bev Shaw; second prize: Richard Douglas; third prize, Nicole O’Neill; and fourth prize: Zak Taylor

Member of the British Association of Foot Health Practitioners

and David Brown

BELOW: A view of the Aston Brickyard, which is becoming a glorious wildlife

LEFT (l-r): Ed Hicklin, Richard Coates, Anne James, Vicky Topps, Jim Ballington, Stephen Clennell, Ellie Gregson

haven

Melbourne shocked at relegation decision

IN A SHOCKING turn of events Melbourne RFC’s 1st XV have been relegated – despite earning the single point they were told they needed for safety

Melbourne's heroics against Dudley Kingswinford saw them claim a losing bonus point in a defeat that moved them level on points with Rugby Lions – but ahead on points difference, meaning it was Lions who suffered the drop from the Midlands 1 West league

But a dramatic turn of events has now seen Melbourne relegated

Rugby Lions had been awarded only four points for their 24-22 win over Hereford earlier in April Lions scored four tries in the game and, therefore, should have been granted the maximum five points

That one point, now added to the final league table, made all the difference It meant joy for Rugby and despair for Melbourne

In a statement to Village Voice, Melbourne RFC chairman Peter Ilott said: “On Monday, April 30, I was informed by the secretary of the Midlands Division Operating Committee that Rugby Lions had had a missing bonus point added on to their points tally for the season

“This leap frogged them over Melbourne,

relegating Melbourne This extra point was a missing bonus point from a game played two weeks previously This disappointing information came despite the secretary emailing me five days prior to the game, confirming the two possible permutations that Melbourne could gain the single point to ensure safety in the league

“Melbourne RFC are currently investigating how this happened If there are breaches in the RFU’s own regulations by the RFU, regarding this, then Melbourne RFC would have a strong case for an appeal At the moment, Melbourne RFC are awaiting a reply about one possibly crucial piece of information ”

The final game of the season saw Melbourne up against a Dudley Kingswinford (DK) side chasing a play-off spot The first 20 minutes were scoreless, before Euan Holden scored a try which he converted Sam Hancock scored in the first minute of the second half, to stretch the lead to 140 DK showed their class and a strong bench turned the game On 60 minutes they cut the deficit and Melbourne defended stoutly for the last 20 minutes

A yellow card for Sam Hancock on 74 mins, meant Melbourne played the last six minutes a man down and DK made it tell with two later tries to steal the game on the

whistle 19-14

However, Melbourne thought they hadsecured the point they needed to stay in the Midlands One League next season

The 2nd XV had a top of the table clash against Long Eaton Melbourne picked a strong team and ran out 62-24 winners

Tries: Hancock 3, Travers, Doleman, Martin, Ballington, Lakin, Wiseall and Bevan Brown Six conversions for Bilson

The 2nd XV continued their run towards securing the Pennant title with a walkover against Notts Casuals 2 and then an 80-0 win against Ashfield seconds Tries for: Ballington (3), Goddard (2), Bilson (2), Brough, Foster, Gammon, Mallett and Travers, with 10 conversions for Bilson

The final game of the season saw them travel to Derby 3s winning 55-17 – Bilson (2), Foster (2), Hooper (2), Ballington, Cooke-Rogers and Mallett with the tries Bilson converted five

3rd XV results: Burton 35-Melbourne 15; Paviors 2 37-Melbourne 0; Long Eaton Vets/2s 12-Melbourne 14; Melbourne 14Tupton 2s 12

The Development XV had a fine 20-18 win against a strong Long Eaton team

The academy had a good win at Derby 25-17 before the final game of the season, drawing 7-7 with West Bridgford

n MELBOURNE United U18s secured the Derby City League U18 Trophy with a fine 3-2 win over Derwent with two goals from Harry Foxon and one from John Mann Jacob Murrock topped off an excellent performance with an excellent penalty save

The win and a top two league finish is a fitting finale for manager Mike Thompson, who steps away after 11 years of great service to the club

The affable Geordie paid tribute to his team: “They've all been legends! I'll miss the Sunday footy but we've finished on a high – our best season ever!”

With the two clubs preparing to merge ahead of next season, United chairman Mark Jackaman said: “Football in Melbourne is in terrific shape The adult teams have had their best season for years and the juniors have 15 teams competing and a thriving soccer school for young boys and girls

“Unifying the clubs is the obvious way forward and will provide the platform to even bigger things ”

The club is looking at the option of setting up a new adult team to play on Sundays and anyone interested should contact the club via melbourneufc.com.

CHALLENGED by sub-zero temperatures early in the season, it was a close battle at the top of the table in the Melbourne Six-aside League last month

Surreal Madrid worked hard to secure the title of league champions for the second season and will be celebrating their win at Zeerah’s Indian restaurant in Melbourne

As to the question of whether Surreal Madrid will manage to hold onto their winners’ title for the third season, team captain Warren Nicol said: “Retaining the league champion title and achieving the hat-trick is our goal for next season We’re never complacent and are looking forward to rising to the challenges of the summer season as there are now more teams in the league

“Being part of a competitive league with so many local teams all adds to the friendly community atmosphere on Sunday nights ”

Steve Hollingsworth, chairman of the Melbourne Sporting Partnership, said: “It’s great to see the six-a-side football league going from strength to strength with over 70 local players now registered with this Derbyshire FA affiliated league

“The feedback from the teams showed that both the facility and the league are highly rated and very well run Delivering more sports participation throughout local communities is part of the Active Derbyshire campaign designed to encourage us to work together to become more active, healthier and happier ”

The open age adult league plays on the state-of-the-art 3G artificial grass pitch at Melbourne Sports Park every Sunday evening (6-8pm), all year round All standards are welcome

The new season kicks off on Sunday, May 13 Interested teams and single players can contact the league on 07513 30 6000, melb6aside@outlook com or via Facebook

Winning winter for tennis club

MELBOURNE Tennis Club has just finished its very first involvement in the Derbyshire Winter indoor leagues with the men's A team winning Division 7, remaining unbeaten in their four games

The A team, skippered by Ian Ward, beat their own B team 7-1 and followed this up with a 4-3 win against their closest rivals CURC B

A closely fought 4-4 draw with RollsRoyce E left Melbourne needing to win their last game, which they did convincingly, 7-1 against Ilkeston B to claim the silverware

Melbourne B, in the same division, just missed out on claim runners-up spot and, despite starting with that 7-1 defeat by their own A team, they thrashed Ilkeston B 8-0 in their next match A 4-4 draw with Rolls-Royce E left Melbourne needing to win their final match against CURC B

Melbourne Ladies have also entered two teams in the winter league division four and the A team have a chance of being runners-up if they win their final match against Rolls-Royce B later this month

The A team began by beating their own B team 8-0 and followed this up with a 7-1

SPORTS shorts

Cricket

skills sessions

KEEN young cricketers are being invited to have a go at learning and honing their skills at this season’s All Stars sessions in Astonon-Trent

Aston’s village Cricket Club is now entering its third year and runs an adults team playing friendly matches against other local clubs plus an under-11 mixed girls and boys Kwik cricket team

This year is the second that the club has run the All Stars programme, which runs for eight weeks from Thursday May 17

The initiative comes from the England Cricket Board with the intention of introducing the game to boys and girls aged between five and eight

There is a £40 fee for parents to sign their children up for the eight All Stars coaching sessions on Thursday evenings at 6 30pm

Last year, the club had 28 All Stars, of which ten were chosen to demonstrate their skills at Trent Bridge in the lunch break of the test match against South Africa

The club has also started junior coaching sessions and hopes to start adult training on Tuesdays

Parents who want to register their children for All Stars cricket should visit www ecb co uk/play/allstars

Fly fishing course

A TUITION day to learn the sport of fly fishing is being held at Foremark Reservoir on Sunday, May 20

thrashing of CURC A, but came unstuck in their last match as league leaders Woodlands C beat Karen Brenchley's side 7-1

Melbourne’s B team ended up in fourth place, thanks mainly to a 5-1 beating of Rolls-Royce B after defeats to Melbourne A and a 6-1 loss to Woodlands C

The club held its first ever American doubles tournament in April as 16 members played a mixed doubles tournament where partners are changed as play progresses

Pam Oliver was the lady winner with Howard Cheshire claiming the men ' s version

Led by coach Kevin Hart, there are still a few spaces left See www flyfishtuition co uk/prices to book

Anyone for darts?

MELBOURNE Sporting Partnership has now installed a dart board in the function room thanks to the donation received from the rugby club following their help to Santa with his sleigh at Christmas

The team at the MSP is keen to help look after our environment and initiatives for May will include the opportunity to recycle coffee cups and to offer discounted drinks for visitors who take their own cups to the pantry

l Melbourne Dynamo Reserves (above) and the Dynamo 1st XI (above right) celebrate their respective cup final successes

DYNAMO IN DOUBLE

DREAM LAND

MELBOURNE Dynamo Football Club are the toast of South Derbyshire as both the first team and the reserves have won their respective South Derbyshire Cup finals. This makes them only the second club in the competition’s history to hold both trophies at the same time

The first team were up against Mickleover Sports Reserves in front of a healthy crowd An end-to-end game saw Dynamo keeper Jonny Ball make three tremendous saves to keep the scores level

With half an hour gone, there was good work from Adam Ross on the left hand side with his cross finding its way to Jack Goodband at the far post to clinically put Melbourne 1-0 up, which is how the sides went in at half-time

Mickleover pushed for the equaliser but the Dynamo defence stood firm and when Goodband broke into the box he was man-handled to the ground, giving Adam Ross a chance from the penalty spot He fired the kick straight down the middle to end the scoring as Gav Salisbury’s men held on for a superb victory to win the Derbyshire FA Divisional South Cup

It was the reserves’ turn the following week, again at Ilkeston

Town, as they played Rolls-Royce Leisure from a division above

The match started with Royces on the front foot but Andy Mackin in the Dynamo goal stood firm and, just before half-time, a superb cross from Joe Shadbolt was nodded in at the far post by Harry Foxon

It got better for Melbourne a minute later as Shadbolt turned his man and fired in a left foot finish; in the blink of an eye Dynamo went in at half-time 2-0 up

The second half was one-way traffic as Rolls-Royce pushed for a goal but a defence in which skipper Adam Dolman was immense withstood the onslaught

The final whistle saw the club celebrate its second cup victory in a matter of weeks with Duane McLellan’s men claiming the Derbyshire FA Junior Cup South

During April both teams also did well in the league as the first team climbed to second spot on the back of a good run, although they did begin by being knocked out of the Challenge Cup by a strong Rowsley side, losing 8-1 with Adam Ross getting the consolation

A 4-0 home win versus Wirksworth Ivanhoe was thanks to a brace from Jack Goodband plus goals from Ross and veteran Dave Brough; and it was Goodband who again was on target as Dynamo beat Allestree 1-0 in midweek to continue their good form

A very depleted side travelled to Shirebrook in the last game of the month and an Adam Ross hat-trick plus a Jack Goodband finish saw the first team climb to second place with a month left of the season to go

Dynamo Reserves have all but claimed the Division Two title as they needed just one point when going to print

They beat a stubborn Willington Sports Reserves 3-1 at home with a Josh Burton rocket to go with tidy finishes from Harry Foxon and Dave Brough earning them three points

A 7-2 demolition of Wirksworth Ivanhoe Reserves a week later saw the reserves on the brink of the treble Leading goalscorer Joe Shadbolt hit a sublime hat-trick supported by strikes by Harry Foxon and Josh Burton, while a stunning free kick from Alex Slater and a wonder volley by Scott Radley completed the scoring

The heavy schedule took its toll on Melbourne at the end of April as they lost only their second game of the season as Rolls-Royce Leisure took some revenge for the cup final defeat as they won the Junior Cup semi-final 2-0 at the MSP

Connie helps England girls win trophy

MELBOURNE Junior School pupil Connie Dumelow, 11, represented her country when she played for England at an international table tennis competition in Scotland in April.

Connie helped the England girls’ side win the trophy, and is now ranked fourth in the whole country in the sport for her age group.

Later in the month, she reached the semi-finals in the English Schools Butterfly Individual Table Tennis Championships.