Melbourne Village Voice November 2021

AMI’S LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE

MELBOURNE engineer Ami Hopkins is leaving her job for a life at sea – a three-year world tour on a 58-foot yacht

Ami, a product design engineer at Des Gosling Mobility, will be part of a nine-strong all female crew on the Maiden yacht, which famously came second in its class in the 1989-90 Whitbread Round the World Race under skipper Tracy Edwards

It was the best result for a British boat since 1977 and the best ever for an all-female crew

The legendary vessel will be embarking on The DP World Tour in January next year, with the aim of promoting and fund-raising for girls’ education around the world

“I’m really excited!” said Ami, 28 “I can’t wait to get going It’s going to be great fun and it’s a really worthwhile message to spread around the world ”

As on-board engineer, Ami will be responsible for looking after the electrical systems, engine and generator

She had been due to sail on the final leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in June 2020, but was unable to due to the Covid-19 pandemic But an epic sailing adventure has come Ami’s way

by Lucy Stephens

after all She was asked if she would like to help get Maiden ready, which led to her applying for a spot on the crew

This month she sets off for Dubai where the crew will continue preparing Maiden for her adventures

The plan is for the boat to be at sea for no more than a month at a time, stopping off in ports in between journey legs where the crew will undertake promotion of the central message around education for girls

With crew members from other places in the world such as Antigua and Spain, as well as the UK, the idea is to be as multi-cultural as possible so that girls in each port have more chance of relating to those on board

Ami is a former pupil of Melbourne Junior School and Dame Catherine Harpur ’s and studied product design and engineering at Liverpool John Moores University

“Some girls around the world don’t tend to get an education,” she explained “We all feel very strongly that girls should have an education We are there to publicise the fact and try to raise money to put into schools, sponsor girls in education and fund resources ” The Maiden is due to sail 90,000 nautical miles with stopovers around the world The crew aim to inspire girls and encourage them particularly to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths)

Cont’d on Page 3

Ami

(above) and (right) the crew of The

LEFT: Catherine White, marketing and fund-raising manager from the YMCA, with donations from pupils at Weston on Trent Primary School.

RIGHT: Alan Winfield (curate), Malcolm Macnaughton (Bishop of Repton) and Terry Gilbert (churchwarden) at Melbourne Parish Church for their harvest service.

Harvest boosters for the needy

LOCALLY grown produce was among the huge amount of donations given during harvest festival time in the area

At Weston-on-Trent Primary School, head teacher Sarah Burns said the school’s staff were “really proud” to see how generous their families had been in response to a request for donations

REOPENING UPDATE

Currently open Wednesday 10am - 8pm ursday to Sunday 10am - 4pm for breakfast, lunch, homemade cakes, scones and a whole counter full of goodies -

The school presented a table laden with supplies to YMCA Derbyshire

Mrs Burns said: “We wanted to support the YMCA because we work with them already since they provide our wraparound care at school and they make a difference to so many young people We are always encouraging the children to think about people who do not have as much as they do and to be outward looking and kind ”

Catherine White, marketing and fund-raising manager for YMCA Derbyshire, said: “We were overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of all at Weston-on-Trent Primary School, the food donated is going to make such a huge difference to our young people

“When many arrive at our doorstep, they have little or no possessions of their own, and some can find it daunting to get out to the shops With this harvest festival collection, we are able to provide those who have nothing with a food parcel and toiletries to help them get settled

“From all at YMCA Derbyshire, a huge thank you to Weston-on-Trent Primary ”

In Melbourne, the Bishop of Repton, the Right Reverend Malcolm Macnaughton, was at the parish church on October 10 for its harvest service

During the service the parishioners contributed to the Padley Centre in Derby, which helps people with issues such as homelessness, debt, addiction, mental health issues and longterm unemployment

Sharon Bestwick, group administrator for The Padley Centre, thanked Melbourne parishioners for their harvest donations, saying they would be used to deliver services to peo-

ple using its day centre

This would include food, clothing, meals, cooking courses, haircuts, and much more

St Saviour ’s Church in Foremark was packed out for its harvest service on October 10

The church was decorated with many locally grown flowers, fruit and vegetables in the windows for the occasion, and was attended by so many that all seats in its box pews were filled

The choir was made up of pupils from Repton Prep School, who also played musical instruments at the occasion

Flying to a greener future

PASSENGERS flying from East Midlands Airport can now offset carbon emissions from flights they take more easily under a new system

The scheme comes from CarbonClick, and allows passengers to voluntarily calculate the emissions from their flight and buy carbon credits to compensate for them

A return flight to Palma from East Midlands Airport can be offset for £4 80 per passenger and a return flight to Tenerife for £8 76 per passenger

Each offset will be split equally between woodland creation on the Lowther Estate in Cumbria – which promotes biodiversity, reduces carbon and the risk of flooding – and a scheme which makes and distributes efficient charcoal cookstoves in Ghana and Nigeria These stoves reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere

The airport says that buying one carbon offset credit removes the equivalent of one tonne of CO2 from the atmosphere This means that one pas-

senger ’s return flight to Palma would require 0 341 of a carbon credit, which will remove approximately 341kg of CO2 from the atmosphere, while a return flight to Tenerife would need the equivalent of 0 632 carbon credits to be offset, removing approximately 632kg of CO2 Neil Robinson, Manchester Airport Group corporate social responsibility and airspace change director, said: “By offsetting emissions from their flights, passengers can make a real difference to worthwhile projects which support a sustainable future Our partnership with CarbonClick makes carbon offsetting easy and accessible regardless of which airline you are travelling with or your final destination

“High quality carbon offsetting is just one of the tools available to our industry as we work towards a greener future We are confident this partnership will encourage our passengers to opt in and have a positive impact every time they fly with us ”

l Inside St Saviour ’s Church, Foremark

Health firm in line for business award

ANDRA Health in Melbourne has been shortlisted for a regional business awards scheme after seeing high demand for its services over lockdown and beyond.

The company, which offers nutrition, physiotherapy and exercise classes such as Pilates, has been so busy that it has taken on new members of staff and is expanding with a third premises in Derby

Andra has been named a finalist in the Small Business of the Year category of the Business Awards for East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire

The team are attending the awards at the Pirelli Stadium in Burton-on-Trent on Thursday, November 11

Director Rose Smith said that demand for Andra’s services had seen a major increase in three main areas during the Covid period

The first was for one-on-one exercise classes such as Pilates and Yoga, the second has been for nutrition, while the third has been around gut issues

“Nutrition and weight loss is huge at the moment,” said Rose “During lockdown people have got out of a routine

“The gut issues are related to stress and anxiety because of the way the world has been People are stressed, and anxious, and that’s resulting in feelings of bloating and abdominal pain ”

CHIP SHOP CHARITY RUNNERS

IT WAS a family affair at Melbourne

Fish & Chip Shop at the Liverpool half marathon and the money raised was for a cause very close to their hearts.

Theo Theodorou, who has run Melbourne Chip Shop with his wife Christie for 28 years, completed the 13mile race in October with daughter Chloe and son Zafiri

The family raised £2,140 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The charity is very dear to the Theodorou family because Theo’s niece, Chloe, died from the disease aged 23 at her home in Cyprus

She was the first person in Cyprus to be diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, at the age of five Chloe had graduated from university as a nurse shortly before she died.

Christie said: “It’s very, very sad for us and we are very, very pleased that we had her in our lives.

“It doesn’t mean when you lose somebody that you stop helping – lots of other

Rose said the Andra team were “really excited” to be named finalists in the awards

The business had managed to weather the initial lockdown period of the pandemic due to offering services virtually before being able to do so face to face, with physiotherapy being one of the earlier aspects of life to be allowed to start once again in

2020

Due to demand, Andra has expanded its team by three people over the past four months

The new clinic due to be opened shortly is in David Lloyd Derby health club, and it will offer rehab therapy equipment

Along with Melbourne, Andra also has a clinic in Heanor

people need your help.”

The Theodorou family said they would like to thank all their customers who supported their appeal for sponsorship for the Cys-

tic Fibrosis Trust, along with family and friends

Pictured (left to right) are Chloe, Theo and Zafiri Theodorou at the finish line of the half marathon.

Three years at sea for Ami

Continued from Page 1 subjects to increase their life opportunities and career choices

This is not the first Maiden world tour – the previous trip raised funds for charities which supported building schools, developing water sources, providing books and resources, funding girls’ tuition and transport to school, and many more things

“Tracy Edwards proved to the world that girls can sail,” said Ami

“Girls were not getting recognised for what they can do around the world and in some areas still struggle today This is why the Maiden factor

is still needed to support and inspire girls ”

With no cabins on board, a boxed area for belongings, and three-hour watch shifts during the times when Maiden is at sea, one of the biggest challenges for life on board will come at meal times – with different dietary needs for crew members and lack of space for much in the way of fresh food

There will also be unpredictable factors such as the weather and Covid to deal with But Ami is taking it all in her stride

She said: “I think it’s going to be a fantastic adventure with a crew of girls that are already gelling as a team ”

TOP TEAM … (l-r) Victoria Parry, clinic manager; Bethan Protheroe, total wellbeing practitioner; Gemma Wilmot, marketing; Rose Smith, director and registered nutritionist; and Simon Foskett, director and senior physiotherapist

Queen’s Jubilee event hits a snag

by Frank Hughes

PLANS to hold the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations next year have had a setback as the site at the Melbourne Sports Park (MSP) is not big enough for the anticipated crowd, November ’s meeting of Melbourne Parish Council was told

Barrels of fun at beer

festival

MELBOURNE Rugby Club’s second Octoberfest beer festival was such a huge success the ale ran out part-way through the event!

One of the event organisers, Jules Raine, said that the event had taken over £13,000, with around £5,500 made in profit for the club

Starting out with 12 barrels of beer and six of cider they had been drunk dry by 6 30 in the evening but organisers managed to procure another eight barrels as back-up – which they sold out again by

Disabl d V hicle Adaptation

closing time!

A programme of entertainment for the day started with A Choir ’d Taste, and included other local bands, Far Away Cows, Stargazey, and James Angelides and Agent Utah Dressed in full Bavarian costume, MC Mr Andy “Hanz” Dawson kept the day going without any hitches

Jules said: “The whole day was an incredible success, not just for the rugby club but for the Melbourne Sporting Partnership and for Melbourne as a community.

“Our thanks go to Melbourne for turning out and supporting us; we will continue to provide nights like this as long as there’s such a demand ”

The proceeds from the day will go to into the club infrastructure to help facilitate and promote youth rugby at Melbourne RFC

Pictured are (l-r) organisers Chris Baggott, Oliver Paige, Andy Dawson, Jules Raine and Roy Briscoe

Whilst Cllr Joe Ward and Andy Heafield, who was organising it, had planned to hold it on the main rugby field and adjacent football ground – anticipating a crowd of around 2,000 – a recent meeting with the MSP management team ruled out use of the rugby pitch as it has to be reseeded immediately after the playing season ends

The “shrunken space” might hold only 400 visitors

The event, with an allocated budget of £10,000 and due to be held on the weekend of June 3, is now in need of an alternative venue

Other locations, including the school playing fields and Castle Square were proposed as alternatives but both had potential issues

n The search for an alternative community use for the park on Coronation Close had proved fruitless, despite having had a public survey when several ideas had been put forward

A resolution was passed to advise South Derbyshire District Council, who own the space, that no alternative use has been found District councillor Martin Fitzpatrick advised that, unfortunately, the funding of any improvements to the site are very unlikely to be a high priority

In other council business county councillor David Muller said that a good report from the county highways team about some recent traffic issues has been given to the chair to consider further He also mentioned that he still has community grant money to donate for suitable projects

n There remains a vacancy on the council, as no-one came forward for election; the next step may be co-opting someone n Plans for Melbourne at Christmas on December 3, being organised by Sue Statham of Melbourne Florists, were all in hand

Climate Change prize video competition for pupils

UNDER-12s are being asked to make videos giving their thoughts on climate change action in a new competition launched by Melbourne Civic Society

The competition’s theme is: ‘Climate Change and Melbourne – What Can we Do?’

It is open to junior school pupils from Melbourne aged under 12

Entrants are asked to produce a video of no more than three minutes to be loaded on to YouTube, TikTok, Vimeo or any other easily accessible platform for judging

The civic society said it was keen to involve more young people in the history and natural and built environment of the town

Whereas an essay competition might have been considered in the past, the society felt this was now old-fashioned and a video would be more appropriate to today’s youth

The society was founded in 1974 by a group of local people, many of whom were in their 20s and 30s, to oppose what they felt was inappropriate development on Penn Lane

The society is aiming to have an annual competition to encourage interest They are hoping to extend it to secondary aged children next year

“Because we are in the midst of a climate emergency we thought that this major topic would be suitable for a competition,” the society said

The competition launches on November 15, and entries must be completed by January 31 next year Judging will take place in February, and winners announced on March 1

Prizes will be awarded at a civic society evening in 2022, when the winning videos will be shown

Entrants will need permission from a parent or legal guardian, through a printed form or online They should bear in mind that the audience is someone of junior school age

Individual students or family groups of junior school age can enter the competition On completion of the video, an email must be sent to mcscompetition@gmail com with the location of the uploaded video

The first prize will be £50 and a voucher from Amalfi White worth £50, and the runner-up will receive £25

Entry forms and further details can be found on the civic society’s Facebook page and website: www melbournecivicsociety org uk

Warning

after car is found in canal

POLICE have warned people to take extra care when driving on wet roads after finding a vehicle partly submerged in the canal near Barrow-upon-Trent

Police discovered the stricken Ford Fiesta on October 20 after receiving a report of a suspicious vehicle at Moor Lane

Mercia Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “The abandoned vehicle was seized and loaded onto a recovery truck. Officers are advising members of the public to take extra precautions and care when driving on wet roads ”

Couple building a straw bales home

FORGET fairy tales about houses made of straw blowing over – this one is here to stay Salli and Des Gosling, of Melbourne, are pulling out all the eco-friendly stops to build a remarkable property for themselves insulated with straw bales

The couple are currently in the middle of creating a curved barn in their garden, using innovative environmental techniques

This will act as a trial run and a temporary base when they build themselves their dream home to stringent planet-friendly standards

Des said: “It’s something we really believe in We want to protect the earth and look after it for the next generation, and build something that’s not going to have a knock-on effect on damaging the environment ”

Des and Salli were inspired to create their straw bale home following the example set by Whistlewood Common with its eco-friendly roundhouse

Salli then completed a course in straw bale house building and, as she says, “got hooked!”

Now a graduate of The School of Natural Building, Salli has taught others how to build using straw bales, giving courses and guidance in places such as Cornwall and London

The Goslings are using 250 straw bales acquired from a farmer to create insulated walls for their barn

Straw is environmentally friendly for several reasons: it is a by-product from farming, it reduces or even eliminates the need for concrete –which uses a lot of CO2 – and it has excellent insulating properties

In the barn that the Goslings are building, the straw will be compressed by a wooden roof so that it actually becomes load bearing too

As well as straw, the barn also uses other eco techniques such as bricks made from recycled foam glass, foundations dug without the use of plastic or concrete, as well as a green living roof and solar panels There will be an earth floor sealed with linseed oil The straw walls will be covered on one side with clay dug from the Goslings’ garden, and on the other with lime plaster

The building process itself has been nervewracking at times, as there is a need to protect the straw from the rain while the barn is being constructed

“At the moment, I feel a little bit panicky sometimes, and I feel excited at other times!” said Salli

Thank you, Malcolm

AN AERIAL photograph of the Melbourne Sporting Partnership complex was presented to Malcolm Roseburgh to mark his retirement as culture and community manager for South Derbyshire District Council

Malcolm was one of the instrumental figures in bringing the Melbourne Sporting Partnership project to fruition from the initial involvements with the district council in around 2007, right through to the opening of the facility in 2016 and beyond

Making the presentation, Steve Hollingsworth thanked Malcolm for all the support and assistance he had provided over the years

l Salli and Des Gosling embarking on their dream property home

Christmas Music

Dance siblings strut their stuff in national finals

FORGET Strictly – the pair of dancers on the left have all the right moves.

Siblings Daniel and Lottie Sabin, of Melbourne, competed at the International Dance Teachers Association Classical & Sequence national finals at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool – where Daniel won his second national dancing title.

Daniel won the under-10s national final for Stardance Lottie, meanwhile, got to the semi-final of the under 12s. She danced on both days in the competition, which entailed learning a total of eight routines.

Daniel (pictured in action above) said he was very pleased to be crowned victor, but that taking part had been “nerve-wracking”

This is his second big win, the first being at the national Rosettes finals, for under-eights, back in 2019

Daniel, a year six pupil at Melbourne Junior School, and Lottie, who attends Chellaston Academy, learn ballroom dancing at Stargaze Dance Academy in Alfreton

Christmas is a special time when we think of those who were once so close to us. With a smile and a tear, you’ll remember your loved ones and you’ll want to keep their memory alive. You’re not alone. This Christmas, Treetops Hospice invites you to dedicate a light on our virtual Christmas tree. Each light is a life remembered and a memory that lives on. Each light will also help to keep Treetops nursing local people.

HOW TO DEDICATE A LIGHT.

It is very simple to dedicate a light just go to treetops.org.uk/lights. As well as adding a message you upload a photograph and share your dedication with others through your social media or email. Donations made when dedicating a light make a real difference. Last year our tree shone with 600 lights, each a celebration of someone being remembered. These donations helped Treetops nurses care for around 80 local people over 25 days.

JOIN OUR REMEMBRANCE SERVICE - FREE FOR EVERYONE.

Our annual Light Up A Life service is a remembrance event held at Christmas time. It is a beautiful way to honour a loved one’s memory at this special time of year. As it is online you can come together with friends and family near and far to enjoy the music, readings, and take time to remember. The filmed service will be shown at 6pm on Sunday 5 December on our website treetops.org.uk/lights and will be available afterwards for you to view at your convenience. If we receive your dedication by 21 November, the names of your loved ones will be included in the online service.

CONTACT:

fundraising@treetops.org.uk

Tel: 0115 949 1264

Outdoor area plan for the Assembly Rooms

AN OUTDOOR ‘room’ for Melbourne Assembly Rooms (MARs) is part of the latest raft of proposals to revamp the former school in its new guise as a community centre

Plans have been sent into South Derbyshire District Council for a two-metre high outdoor wall which would connect the west of the building with its boundary

A black metal pedestrian gate is also proposed between the male toilet and boundary wall, plus a new door into the Shone Lounge with disabled ramp access

If granted, the proposals would mean that The Shone Lounge could be connected to a new enclosed outside area, adding to the building’s flexibility for use as weddings and other functions

The Assembly Rooms has received more than £65,000 in grant money for its latest set of works

This includes Section 106 money from the development at Station Road, of just over £18,000, a £25,000 grant from South Derbyshire District Council’s Community and Environment Scheme; a Power to Change grant for £20,000 and a further £2,000 from East Midlands Airport

The Assembly Rooms will add to any shortfall with its own funds

by Lucy Stephens

Development Manager at MARs Andy Heafield said: “It’s been hugely satisfying to see that many organisations share our vision for the future of Melbourne Assembly Rooms and have awarded us some significant sums of money to further develop the venue and site for the community

“Their faith in us is much appreciated and going to bring benefits to the people who use MARs and support us ”

If the works are granted, it is hoped they can begin in January 2022

As well as the proposed new wall, the Assembly Rooms team also hopes to refurbish the lounge, removing the false ceiling to expose the original beams as well as installing new lighting The adjoining kitchen would also get a revamp

Alongside the Assembly Rooms works is a proposal from the district council to install four electric vehicle charging points on a free-standing electrical distribution box on the boundary wall, as well as CCTV cameras

There is also a proposal to lower the wall between the Assembly Rooms and the Lothian Gardens playground next door

Breathing new life into pub

THE HARDINGE Arms at Kings Newton is under a new management team who are keen to revitalise the characterful village pub

Tracey and Paul Bowers along with chef Ignacio Baca want to bring back regular and new customers to the pub by offering a “brilliant service and brilliant food” Tracey has also started researching some of the Hardinge history, which is believed to date back to the 16th century

Both have been in the pub trade for some time and had previously been based at the Manners Arms in Knipton The new lease holders, Paul Sherrif and Neil Owen, asked them if they would like to have a go at running the pub, and when they came to look at it in April this year decided they really liked it

Tracey has been in the industry for over 12 years, and husband Paul started doing maintenance and cellar work, recently achieving a five-star award and a mention in CAMRA

Ignacio, with a track record working in restaurants in London and back home in Malaga, wants to create a “fusion of English and Spanish” cuisine As well as traditional Sunday roasts and English food, he is keen to build a reputation for Spanish tapas and authentic paella

“Our first Sunday lunch was a real hit,” they said, “with about 30 diners all giving great reviews”

Paul said: “We want people to turn up and give us a try, and we are sure they will keep coming back ”

As well as the pub there are six B&B rooms to let out and Tracey said her first priority there is to re-vamp all of them She also wants to tidy up around the garden areas to increase what she called “kerb appeal” They are also planning to recommence the regular Sunday quiz nights

To start with they are opening Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3 to 11pm; Fridays and Saturdays 12 till 11, and Sunday 12 till 10

Hospice

THE guest speaker at the October Coffee Morning, held at the Senior Citizens Centre in Melbourne, was Cheryl Morris, community relations manager at Treetops Hospice

She explained to the audience about all the services they offer and that they are solely reliant on donations to offer this nursing care and support

The talk was reported to have been “a very moving presentation” for those present

Money had been collected from previous raffle sales, which totalled £330, and this was donated to Treetops’ funds

In September, the Senior Citizens committee hosted a Macmillan Coffee Morning at their Church Street centre

This event was extremely well supported with everyone enjoying refreshments ,a tombola and raffle, with the magnificent sum of £1,392 donated to the Macmillan Cancer charity

Maggie Dobby, chair of the Senior Citizens committee, said: “It was very pleasing to be able to hand over such large amounts of money to these two charities and would like to thank the Melbourne Community for their support and generous donations ”

NEW TEAM (l-r) Tracey Bowers, Ignacio Baca and Paul Bowers

CANOE hire kit such as buoyancy aids, throw lines and dry bags were amongst goods stolen from Barrowupon-Trent

The theft took place between Sunday, September 26, and Sunday, October 23

Joe’s recipe for success in Melbourne

“MELBOURNE should become a real destination” – so says an acclaimed TV chef who is behind a new food venture in the town

Joe Hurd has worked behind the scenes on shows for Paul Hollywood and Heston Blumenthal, and in front of the screen on children’s cookery show The Munch Box, as well as Channel 5’s The Saturday Show and BBC’s Saturday Kitchen

Anyone with information, or who has been offered any of the items (such as those pictured) – which also include buoyancy blocks – or who was a witness, is asked to contact police quoting reference 21000576882

You can send a private message to DerbyshireConstabulary on Facebook, direct message on Twitter to @DerPolContact, complete the online contact form available at www.derbyshire police uk/Contact-Us or call 101

You can anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit their website

His latest venture stems from visiting Stable Ales in Melbourne Hall Courtyard, whose collection of craft ales he said left him “captivated”

Now Joe has come up with a new Italian-inspired menu for The Brewhouse at Stable Ales, and he was there in person to help launch it on October 30

“Melbourne should become a real destination, not just in Derbyshire but in the North of England,” said Joe “It’s beautiful The hall is fantastic ”

Joe said he was a regular visitor to Melbourne as he lives not far away Just before Christmas in 2020, he went to buy a Christmas tree at Staunton Harold and then visited Melbourne, where he spied Stable Ales

Having sampled some bottles of

beer, a partnership between Joe and Stable Ales owner Roger Lowe was born and he suggested that the establishment might benefit from some food

Now Amanda Marvill has joined the team as kitchen supervisor and Joe said he will be there regularly to oversee the food, which features Italian style ‘pinsas’ – a smaller version of a pizza

Part of the thinking behind the venture is to pair craft ales and ciders with food

Joe, who has roots in Calabria, Italy, said: “Traditionally in Italy you wouldn’t drink wine with pizza, you would drink beer

“The quality of craft ale, and the depth of flavours these beers have a more complex flavour profile than beers have had for quite a while ”

So was he pleased to be launching a new venture in Melbourne?

“I’m very excited about this,” he said

“I love this place I really do love it I love working in this environment

“It’s time to go out there and make something special and give Melbourne something I don’t think you would find in London ”

ADULTS AND CHILDREN ALIKE ENJOY A RIDE AROUND

LOTS OF ANIMATED CHRISTMAS SCENES BEFORE VISITING THE MAN HIMSELF.

Cost is £1 for adults, £9.00 for Children to include a present. Open 10.30am to 4pm (although santa has to go and feed his reindeer for 30 minutes at lunch time)

Police in death crash appeal

A TEENAGE girl died following a collision in Melbourne in the early hours of October 23

Police were called just after 12 30am to a crash involving one car, a red Seat Leon, on the A514 near the junction of Breach Lane

A 17-year-old girl, from Swadlincote, believed to be a passenger in the vehicle, was found at the scene with serious injuries and taken to hospital, where she died later that morning

Police said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the girl at this difficult time ”

Another 17-year-old girl, also thought to have been a passenger, was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries but these were not at the time believed to be serious

New Spa and cafe opens doors in Breedon

A NEW luxury spa and café at Breedon Priory Health Club have opened their doors after months of works.

The new spa and café have provided jobs so far for 35 people, many from the local area, and this is projected to increase to between 45 and 50

The new spa and café building has been built on the site of an old golf clubhouse after the course was decommissioned several years ago

The luxury spa has seven treatment rooms, four thermal cabins, an ice fountain, three experience showers and two outdoor pools

Where to see the artists at work

A MELBOURNE artist is among those showing their work at an open studios event in Banks Mill Studios in Derby this month

The event is being held again this year after last year ’s was cancelled due to the pandemic Melbourne’s Patrick Prentice, one of many exhibiting, is an award-winning fine artist, whose work has featured in exhibitions both nationally and internationally, including in Edinburgh, Derby, Birmingham, Leicester, London, Athens and Honfleur

He said: “I enjoy using an expressionist approach rather than realist as I search and explore images that contrast and juxtapose shape, line and colour giving the viewer a means of adding their own interpretation ”

Karen Holland, event organiser, said: “Our Open Studios is a unique opportunity for you to visit artists, designers and makers in their working studios You can help support local businesses

The Garden Café is open to the public and has been serving customers since late October

Owners Graham and Elaine Blunt, and Sigourney and Tom Gates, said the build process had been hard work but they were delighted with the results

“We’re very pleased – it’s surpassed my expectations,” said Graham

Before starting work on their spa the owners visited others across the UK and said they aimed to provide a boutique experience for guests

With expectations of attracting people to the

area, a 100-space car park has also been created over the road

The building housing the spa and Garden Café has been built to be 96 per cent energy efficient

Graham explained that it had been insulated “to the highest specifications”, uses an air source heat pump for heating and also sources all its own water, having sunk a bore hole down to an underground aquifer

Phase two of the building works, to create holiday cabins on the old golf course for guests to stay overnight, have not yet been started

A 19-year-old woman, believed to be the driver of the car, also suffered injuries which were not thought to be serious, and was taken to hospital for treatment

She has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has been discharged from hospital, and at the time of going to press was on bail

Police would like to hear from any witnesses or anyone who may have dashcam footage which could help with their enquiries

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on one of the following non-emergency methods, quoting reference number 21*615950: Facebook– send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary

Twitter– direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact

Website– complete the online contact form derbyshire police uk/ContactUs

Phone – call 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www crimestoppers-uk org

by buying unique, handmade products and original artwork from our makers directly, or commission a creative service, this type of experience isn’t available on the High Street ”

“During the event we will also have an exhibition of artwork over five floors, demonstrations of body art, a kids art trail, and an amazing street food vendor With artists and designers specialising in jewellery, ceramics, glass art, photography, weaving, fine art, fashion, videography and lots more there is definitely something for everyone ”

The Open Studios is open November 26-28, Friday: 5-8pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am5pm on Bridge Street, Derby

LEFT: Graham Blunt with Sigourney Gates at The Garden Café, Breedon Priory Health Club.

RIGHT: one of the relaxation rooms at The Spa.

l Patrick at work and (below) his painting of Honfleur harbour

What’s On

THE AREA

Friday 10 December and S aturday 11 December:

Melbourne Operatic Society - A Feast of Christmas Music.

Friday 10 December, 7.30pm at Melbourne Assembly Rooms and Saturday 11 December, 7.30pm at St. Edwards Church Hall, Castle Donington.

See main ad on page 6

Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 December:

Melbourne Hall Christmas Markets.

Melbourne Hall Courtyard. 10am - 4pm.

Also in November - see main ad on page 12

Thursday 16 December: Carols around the Christmas tree in Melbourne Market Place. Come and sing festive favourites with the accompaniment of Melbourne Town Band. 6.00pm (Please note: this event is still planned to go ahead. Final con rmation will be in December).

opening shops, meet animals from Melbourne Animal Farm, and hear music from A’Choird Taste and Melbourne Town Band. Light switch-on 6.00pm.

l Mrs McGuire and Mrs Howell with Penguin class at Melbourne Infants School

THE four and five-year olds from the local area on these two pages have taken the first steps on their school journeys.

The Village Voice traditionally publishes photos of children starting off in their reception year at schools around our area – and we are delighted to be able to do the same in 2021.

Amy Melland, reception teacher at Wrens reception class at Weston-on-Trent Primary School, said: “They have settled in so well, despite the fact they have had a couple of years of turmoil They are really happy to come to school which is fantastic

“It’s just so nice to see them so settled in so well. They have taken it all in their stride, they are really, really resilient and it’s so lovely to see ”

ABOVE: Mrs Smith and Mrs McDonald with Zebra class at Melbourne Infants School.

ABOVE: School life starts for these youngsters at Sale & Davys in Barrow pictured with Mrs Hetherington.

LEFT: Dame Catherine’s School, Ticknall, new starters.

RIGHT: Miss Judge with her reception class at St Hardulph’s School in Breedon.

We are 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.

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back row.

the world d orange

IT has been a sea of orange around the area as shopkeepers and home-owners decorated their homes with pumpkins and enjoyed the spooky season

Brian Heath, from Heaths of Melbourne, said this year ’s pumpkin crop had been particularly fine, and plenty of people were going down to pick them

“They have been exceptionally good this year, they are all nice and orange,” he said “They have matured nicely There has been a lot of sun so they have grown really well and on time ”

Rather than holding a pumpkin day this year, Heaths opened its pumpkin field up to people to choose their own between October 16 and 31

Over the weekend of October 30 and 31, there were some spine-chilling sights as people came out to enjoy the traditional spooky festival

We snapped the shot on the right of Ryan Jewell, of Melbourne, who was walking down to a Hallowe’en Party at The Royal British Legion in Melbourne with mate Billy Howes, from Blackburn

The party was organised by Amy Winfield, from the legion, who said she had done so “to bring friends back together to have some fun”

Meanwhile, it was a neighbourly affair for residents at Hattons Court who got together for hot dogs and mulled wine, while admiring each other ’s ghoulish house decorations

Residents in the court explained how lockdown had actually brought them altogether with a sense of community spirit

Neighbours Joan Peel and Joy Allman said they had started enjoying a drink together outside during the lockdown of 2020 – having never really known each other previously

That sparked a desire to spruce up the area, and over the summer the residents had a mini competition as to who could have the best floral display outside their homes

“We’ve all really got closer during Covid,” said Joan “In lockdown in the summer, we used to text each other: ‘Anybody for a gin on the bench’?”

Joy said: “When you’re working, you go straight in your house and you don’t see anybody ”

Everyone in Hattons Court enjoyed their summer garden displays so much they arranged a Hallowe’en get-together and are intending to do the same thing at Christmas and Easter too

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l An angry pumpkin at Breedon Priory Health Club

l The pumpkin display in the gardens of Calke Abbey.

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Rectory future a key question

THE long-term future of the rectory in Church Square, Melbourne, will be the “golden question” when immediate necessary repairs have been completed.

The acting area Dean, Rev Dr Mike Firbank, said that “all options would be on the table” after

by Frank Hughes

a structural survey had been completed and the resultant repairs made

There had been a number of problems with the building, not least part of a ceiling having caved in previously and cracks appearing in walls

The house was built in 1843, is a Grade II listed dwelling and sits on the site of a parsonage which dated back to 1641

Because of the internal problems it had been decided to move Rev Steve Short and his family into the house on Spinney Hill owned by the diocese; now that the rectory is empty the first step will be to spend the time getting it fully surveyed and repaired

Rev Firbank said that “legally, it is owned by the Diocese, but culturally it is owned by the locality,” so nothing would be done without the involvement of all stakeholders, including the Parochial Church Council and the Friends of the church

He saw the options would include remaining as the rectory, being used in a different way by the church, being sold to the parish or being sold to a private buyer

He appreciated that the news that first appeared in a recent parish bulletin reporting the move of Steve and his family and talk of the future of the rectory had come as something of a surprise to parishioners

Experience the wonders of winter

at Calke Abbey

Find all the beauty of winter at Calke Abbey, the perfect spot for crisp woodland walks and a warming cuppa. Look out for frosty leaves and icy ponds, listen up for bellowing deer as rutting season begins, and make family traditions this season with Christmas markets, lights and illuminations, and a festive family trail. nationaltrust.org.uk/calke

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Sue plays Mrs Santa to light up Christmas

MELBOURNE’S Christmas lights switch-on night is back on this year

Sue Statham, owner of Melbourne Florist in the Market Place, has taken on the organisation of the event on December 3, as a thank you to the local community for supporting them over the last 18 months of the Covid pandemic

“Shop owners and business owners are putting it on to say thank you to Melbourne for supporting us through the tricky 18 months we have had,” said Sue, pictured at her shop.

“We have all survived pretty well and I don’t think we would have all survived if we

hadn’t had the community supporting us. New businesses that have started since the pandemic can also introduce themselves to the community.”

The evening will feature music from Melbourne Town Band, A Choir ’d Taste and other local performers, along with shops staying open late at the start of the festive season

Some furry friends from Melbourne Animal Farm are also expecting to pay a visit to the festivities

The last time the Christmas shopping evening was held was in 2019; it was cancelled last year due to Covid

Alison gives hospice a run for their money

by Lucy Stephens

MELBOURNE’S Alison Cantwell put her best foot forward when she completed the Derby 10k for charity in October.

Alison, a former receptionist at Melbourne Surgery, works for Treetops Hospice where she is part of the Hospice at Home co-ordination team

She was one of three members of the team who joined thousands taking part in the Derby event after it was held ‘virtually’ last year Alison and colleagues Rachel Kirkpatrick and Teresa Smith decided to get their running shoes on to raise vital funds for Treetops

Alison said: “It was raining the whole time we did it! Everybody is so encouraging as you go past The atmosphere was brilliant We finished it, and the three of us were quite proud of ourselves!”

Treetops’ Hospice at Home service takes referrals from health care professionals such as district and hospital nurses to provide overnight care for people in their final six months of life

The team also advises families about Treetops’ Roaming Service, which offers help with matters such as personal care, moving patients, administering medication and providing reassurance

To take part in the Derby 10k for Tree-

Playground ready for fun

THE final work to upgrade a village’s playground has now been completed.

Aston-on-Trent Parish

Council has finished the £27,560 project to put Astroturf on the playground so it can be used all year round

Years ago, a project to revamp the village’s formerly tired old playground was completed by a group of local mums

The parish council said the latest upgrade was “the final piece” to this initial project

The Astroturf project was started by parish councillor Jean Longley, who worked with fellow councillor Natasha Hyde to get it delivered

The parish council’s work involved removing natural grass surfaces between the equipment and installing an artificial surface, the aim being for the area to be able to be played on all year round, as there is no mud being transferred between the pieces of equipment.

The parish council said the area was now much cleaner to use and easier to maintain.

Artifical grass paths leading from the playing field entrance at Greatorex Walk have also been installed, providing a surface for all to access the play area, including pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

tops this year, runners were asked to raise a minimum of £108, which is how much it costs the end-of-life charity to provide one night of Hospice at Home care to a patient

Alison said: “The work they do is absolutely amazing

“Because you are working in that department, and you get phone calls from families, you realise what a valuable cause it is ”

Lorraine Ray, head of fund-raising at Risley-based Treetops, said: “The Derby 10k is an event which we look forward to every year at Treetops Hospice We’re always grateful for the support

“As they say, every penny counts and all money raised from the event will help us to continue our vital work for patients and their families ”

So, will Alison be tempted to do it again?

“You realise you can do things you think you can’t,” she said

“I think I could be tempted, but I think I will try and be a bit more prepared next time!”

The first Derby 10k was held in 2000 and, since then, it has raised thousands of pounds for various charities, including Treetops Hospice and Derby County Community Trust, who organise the event at the home of Derby County Football Club

THE wedding has taken place of Evie Carter, a golf coach from Melbourne, and Matt Clayton, head chef at Amalfi White.

Evie and Matt married on Sunday, October 24, at The Church of St Michael with St Mary’s in Melbourne. The service was conducted by Reverend Alan Winfield

The reception was held at Amalfi White and the couple went on honeymoon to Mauritius

Photo: Simply Beautiful Photo & Film

MEDALSOME (l-r) Teresa Smith, Rachel Kirkpatrick and Alison Cantwell.

Cllrs Catherine Alberts, Natasha Hyde and Jean Longley, with (right) the finished playground

Brian hopes to be Honda road again

HE has not ridden it since the 80s – now Melbourne’s Brian Heath can take his old motorbike out for a spin once again after it was fully restored

Ticknall botanical artist and motorbike lover Mick Lakin has spent a year bringing Brian’s motorbike, a Honda CB125, back to its former glory

The vehicle was Brian’s first motorbike which he bought when he was a teenager It has not been on the road since around 1988

A motorbike collector and restorer, Mick said he offered to do up Brian’s bike so it was roadworthy once more Mick, from Ticknall, completely stripped the machine before beginning his repairs Things were made harder due to the difficulty in obtaining some of the parts from

far-flung parts of the world

Mick fell in love with motorbikes at around the age of 12, and went on to compete in trials grass track, scrambling and classic road racing events

“Once you start and you get the taste for competition and riding on the road, you can ask anybody who’s into motorbikes, it never leaves you: the thrill of it, and the competitiveness,” said Mick, 73, who has around 400 biking trophies to his name

“I like restoring I always have done; making something good out of bad,” he said

Brian said that having his old bike back as good as new was “great”

“I’m hoping to insure it and go out with it when I get the chance,” he said

Brian is pictured on his bike with Mick Lakin (right)

l IT was a day out to remember when every child at Melbourne Junior School went for a walk. The whole school took part in a 2 2-mile ramble on October 14 which took them from the school, round Melbourne Pool, and back again in support of BBC Children in Need. The ramble has raised nearly £1,000 for the appeal through sponsorship

VILLAGE VOICE Postbag

PLAYERS BACK TO THEIR BEST

LOCAL amateur performance group St Michael’s

Players were at last, back for the film premier of their latest presentation at Melbourne Assembly Rooms

The title of this new presentation was ‘DON’T PAN(DEM)IC and was shown on October 28 with two more performances to come It was a mixture of two eras, the Second World War and the recent Covid-19 period

The main characters were depicted from the classic ‘Dad’s Army’ shows As always, in classic St Michael’s Players’ style, some local businesses past and present were used, such as Birds, Wayne’s Butchers, Forteys and the now disappeared Wards DIY shop

The film lasted for approximately 90 minutes and was non-stop action throughout, at Home Guard pace

It was based on a particularly nasty pandemic, causing – for want of a better word – a severe outbreak of flatulence, affecting the vast majority of the population originating on the continent Thankfully, by the end of the show, the authorities had got ‘to the bottom of it’

None of this show could have been a success without, as with the war, the superb acting skills of the lady actors, portraying such prominent parts

The film, given its subject matter was, excusing the pun, ‘fast moving’ throughout

With such super performances, it would be difficult to pick out any individual, but Private Frazer (Phil Dobby) was one of the actors that stood, (or sat) out I didn’t realise what active outdoor hobbies he, as Private Frazer, had I have saved the best until last and that is the presence of long-time ‘Player ’ Lance Corporal Pike (alias Tom Mills) It was a super performance that was capped by the return of Tom to ‘draw’ the winning tickets for the customary raffle

In conclusion, this adult theme film show was a joy to watch and continuous loud laughter could be heard throughout the auditorium

St Michael’s Players are back at their very best, as we have come to know them Colin Barker, Melbourne

USED STAMPS CHARITY APPEAL

APPROACHING the Christmas season, may I ask Village Voice readers to save used stamps for the RNIB, whose fund-raising department says that £30,000 was raised from used stamp sales in 2020?

Please remember to leave at least 1cm of paper around each stamp and, if posting, to check that sufficient postage is being applied

Jane Lakin, nee Brookes, posted 6 5kgs in 2021, having patiently spent several hours trimming and sorting

Many thanks for your wonderful support during the last

year Any stamps can be delivered to or posted to me at: Jean Grimley (Hoarder), 37 Sweet Leys Way, Melbourne, DERBY DE73 8LE

Footballing legends star in exhibition

IT

WAS

a trip down memory lane when more than 300 people enjoyed a village exhibition showing life through the decades

The show was put on by Aston-onTrent Local History Group in the village’s heritage centre and gave a comprehensive pictorial history of local life over the last 120 years

Pictures of the village’s renowned footballing brothers, Frank and Fred Forman, were among those featured in the show Born in the 1870s, the brothers played for Derby County, Nottingham Forest, and England They were the first brothers to play for England, the first brothers to play for the same club, and the first brothers to score in the same International – against Ireland in 1899

Visitors to the exhibition included four local primary school classes

The show was supposed to have been held in May 2020 but could not go ahead due to Covid

John Holloway, from the local history group, said putting it together had been hard work

“We have an extensive archive of photographs and documents; it has been a labour of love to identify what will be of

appeal,” he said

“What has been fantastic is the number of people who have come in, spotted photographs, and started reminiscing about memories ‘That’s my mum! That’s me as a kid’

“This is 120 years of history but we have got the feedback from residents who remember Aston within living memory ”

One fascinating memory sparked by the exhibition was from a visitor who recalled how a plane had landed in a field in the early days of the Second World War Having run out of fuel, on landing his plane the pilot started asking those he saw if there was any to be had in Aston

The exhibition was put on with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, for its project ‘Moving forward with the past’, which the history group secured in 2019

Santa’s sleigh routes

THE time of year is fast approaching when Santa and his helpers visit Melbourne households

Luckily, Melbourne Rugby Football Club has a special line to the big man in the red suit and we are able to reveal that this year ’s programme of visits is as follows:

Sunday 5th December, from 5 00pm: The Woodlands, Nettlefold Crescent, Smith Avenue, Paget Road, Main Street Kings Newton, Station Road, Sweet Leys Way Estate, Huntingdon Court, Stafford Close

Monday 6th, from 6.00pm: Derby Road, Blanchcroft, George Street, Dunnicliffe Lane, Moira Street, Selina Street, Washington Close, Quick Close, South Street, Alma Street, North Street, Victoria Street

Tuesday 7th, from 6 00pm: Ticknall village, Commerce St, Hope Street

Friday 10th, from 6 00pm: From The Old Melbourne Arms, Ashby Road, Penn Lane, Peniston Rise, Salsbury Lane, up Church Street, turn and down Church Street, Castle Mills, Castle Street, Jubilee Close, The Lilypool, The Crescent, Chapel Street, Potter Street

l Rev Tony Luke and Aston district councillor Peter Watson admiring the exhibition.

Sunday 12th, from 5 00pm: Packhorse Road, Oaklands Way, Queensway, Derby Road, Windsor Avenue, Melton Avenue, Spinney Hill and side roads

Daniel runs our Family Butchery, where you can buy Award Winning* hand-made sausages, dry-cured bacon, and pork, beef and lamb.

We are now also taking orders of cockerels, turkeys and other meat for Christmas. At

Police warning to dog owners

POLICE have issued advice to dog owners following an incident in Poppy Woods in Melbourne

The incident happened in the afternoon of Sunday, October 3, and involved a woman walking two Rottweilers

Officers have reiterated that some dogs can become aggressive and can bite other people or animals

By law, any dog of any breed or type can be considered dangerous in any place if it is not kept under control The dog does not have to bite anyone but can just show aggressive behaviour that makes someone feel in fear for their safety

If a dog injures someone, or makes someone worried it might injure them, it is considered dangerously out of control

A court can also decide a dog is dangerously out of control if it injures someone’s animal, or the owner of the animal thinks they could be injured if they tried to stop your dog attacking their animals

“It is very important to ensure your dog is properly socialised with people and animals from a young age as well as trained and cared for to keep it safe,” said police

Members of the Parish Council

Chair Sheila Hicklin 01332 865726

Vice Chair Terry Summerlin 01332 864643

Highways

David Smith 01332 862699

Burial Grounds

Terry Summerlin 01332 864643

Planning and Strategy

Jane Carroll 01332 863269

Finance & HR

Sheila Hicklin 01332 865726

Facilities, Recreation and Events

Sheila Hicklin 01332 865726

Dave Calvert

Nigel Collyer 07831 540538

Guy Crawford 07895 959408

George Dunnicli 07780 806267

Carol Fearria 07415 385002

Sarah Hardy 07855 645163

Rob Hatton

Steve Hogan 07810 001716

Robert Parker 07973 297404

Joe Ward 01332 493578

Jacqui Storer - Clerk 07734 939292 clerk@melbourneparishcouncil.gov.uk

Useful Numbers...

Aircraft Noise & Complaints 0845 1088540

Clean Team ( y tipping) 0800 5872349

Street Lighting Faults 0845 6058058

Potholes 0845 6058058

www.melbourneparishcouncil.gov.uk

New art gallery well and truly in the frame

by Frank Hughes

A NEW community art project came to fruition with the opening of the Creative Melbourne Gallery to much acclaim from the first visitors.

People had their first look at the refurbished Wellington House on Church Street, formerly Haynes furniture showroom and home to Melbourne Antiques Having sat empty for some time the new gallery has brought life back into one of Melbourne’s Victorian buildings

With about a dozen popular artists from the Melbourne Festival trail displaying new work in the “pop-up” gallery there is a chance to see and buy work from artists and makers in the area

“Amazing” “terrific” “stunning” were some of the visitors’ comments as they had their first glimpse of the gallery space, which has been fitted out to provide a flexible art space for different styles of exhibition Even Cliff Haynes, who still lives nearby, said he could hardly believe the transformation in the building: “It is just unbelievable,” he said

This is just the start of the project, as director Phil Dobby explained: “In the new year the plan is to complete studio space for three art studios, with ‘creative pods’ on the top floor where you will be able to have space to work in an inspiring environment We will also have space for workshops to engage the wider community in all kinds of creative activity ”

Director Sharon Brown said:

Melbourne Parish Council

Chair’s Report - October 2021

The council received the resignation of Councillor Tom Gates and at the October meeting he was thanked by the Vice Chair Terry Summerlin for all his work whilst on the council especially his input into the new website.

If anyone would like to apply for the vacancy please email the Clerk at clerk@melbourneparishcouncil.gov.uk

I am pleased to see Melbourne & Kings Newton slowly and steadily coming back to life; it was great to see such an amazing turn out for the Festival Weekend which seemed to inject some much needed life back into the village.

The Burial Committee's main focus at the moment is the restoration of the cemetery chapels which is an ongoing project requiring a lot of planning and nance. The Old Burial ground is maintained to a good standard.

The Planning & Strategy committee not only reviews all planning applications but have recently reviewed parish council policies, for example social media, tree policy and others. The Highways Committee and the Recreation Committee crossover on a lot of issues in the village, Remembrance Sunday being one. This year the Remembrance Parade will take place on Sunday November 14th, muster at the Sainsbury's car park in Derby Road is 10.20am with the parade passing through the streets culminating in the service at the Cenotaph at 11am. After last year's Covid restricted event, it will be lovely to have a full attendance.

It was also lovely to welcome Holland's Wakes back and to see a lot of families out enjoying themselves.

Thanks to Sharps, the planters have been re-planted around the village with a selection of Winter owers and shrubs.

A meeting took place with our Derbyshire County Councillor David Muller to look at how to alleviate problems with parking and the best possible route for the Number 9 bus. Concerns were also raised at how long it is taking to have double yellow lines at the entrance to Melbourne Sports Park.

After a spate of vandalism (the police are following up on these issues), we are pleased to say that the toilets are now back open and fully functional.

Finally, Friday December 3rd starting at 5.30pm is the Melbourne Christmas Fayre, this year the event is being organised by Sue Statham of Melbourne Florists on behalf of the Parish Council. The lights will be switched on at 6pm, the event will see local traders set up stalls in and around the Market Place and retailers opening their doors. Music will be provided by Melbourne Town Band, A’Choired Taste and other local groups.

Sheila Hicklin, Chair, Melbourne Parish Council

“The festival has run successfully for the past 17 years, but having a permanent home will enable us to bring art into the heart of South Derbyshire all year round

“From previous projects like the Melbourne Letters, The Love of Lettuce and Pop-up Poppies we know that there is a huge appetite in the area to engage in creativity and making and we are looking to expand and enhance that community involvement ”

Financially the project is very dependent upon the festival continuing to be successful and on community grant funding, but the intention is that the gallery and studio space will be self-sustaining

A team of local volunteers will be running the gallery and there are opportunities for anyone interested to become involved in the project too, even if it is just for a few hours every week

The shop will also be stocking its own festival Christmas cards, which proved popular in previous years Until Christmas the gallery will be open from Wednesday to Saturday

Birds proves to be top bakery

BIRDS Bakery – which has a branch in Melbourne – has won a major national award

Birds was crowned Bakery Retailer of the Year at the Baking Industry Awards 2021

The much-loved East Midlands institution beat finalists Morrison’s in-store bakery and Paul UK to win the title

Judges were impressed by “the passion shown by Birds Bakery at every stage of the process, with a particular shout out to its in-store staff”

The business was also praised for the way it operated in the pandemic, incrementally opening stores, using existing vans for home delivery and adapting the Birds by Post range

Birds recently celebrated its 100th birthday after opening its first shop in Derby in 1919 The bakery has had a branch in The Market Place in Melbourne for many years, and moved into larger premises over the road in 2018 The family-run business has 62 shops across the East Midlands

ABOVE: Inside the gallery based in Church Street (right).

BOTTOM: (l-r) Phil Dobby, Sharon Brown and Frank Hughes

The Wakes ride back into town

LIGHTS, sparkle and lots of candy floss – Melbourne Wakes came back to town this October … with the notable absence of one ride

Eagle-eyed thrill seekers may have spotted the notorious ‘Extreme’ was not present this year

Fair owner Albert Holland explained this was because when organisers came to inspect the site before installing the rides, a fibre optic cable was found to be in the way of where Extreme would have been sited

As this particular ride involves revolving chairs which hoist funlovers into the air, it would have got caught up with the cable

The Waltzers were installed instead

Despite the no-show of Extreme, this year ’s fair had been a great event, Albert said

“It was brilliant,” he told the Village Voice “We had great weather There were a lot of people down on the Sunday, it was a great event for us: seeing old faces that I remember, and we had a walk down to the pool It was nice to be back ”

While the fair was in full swing on Friday, October 15, seven police officers were patrolling the area to make sure nothing got out of hand – and some were even spotted having a go on the dodgems

The Wakes had to be cancelled in Melbourne last year due to coronavirus In order to fulfil its charter, one lone ride, Striker, was installed in Castle Square

Kev Earp, who had come down with his family, said: “It’s good to have them back – it’s been missed It’s really nice to see everyone enjoying themselves and with a smile on their faces It’s good to have the police presence here as well ”

TOP LEFT: Evelyn and Elijah with mum Gemma from Breedon trying to hook a duck

ABOVE: Douglas and Dexter enjoying the ride.

LEFT: Leo Winters from Melbourne.

BELOW: Isla (centre) with sisters Esme and Ruby having a cup ride

Prospective parents and children are invited to look around the school - rated as outstanding by Ofsted

Tuesday 23 November 2.30pm

Thursday 9 December 2.30pm

Wednesday 15 December 2.30pm

Places limited to one adult/child per family

• School age 4 to 7

• High quality teaching & learning

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LICENSING ACT 2003

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR NEW PREMISES LICENCE

Sharon Kaye, Unit A and B Castle Business Centre Castle Street, Melbourne, Derby DE73 8DY

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED LICENSABLE ACTIVITIES

(hours and activities applied for):

Licensable activities: I am carrying on or proposing to carry on a business which involves the use of the premises for licensable activities in respect of the sale of alcohol. This will be for off the premises sales only in the form of an online retail business.

Hours applied for:

24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year.

Dated: 22/10/21

The register can be viewed during office hours at South Derbyshire District Council, Civic Offices, Civic Way, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 0AH. Please contact 01238 595890 or 01283 595724 in order to make an appointment. Alternatively, the full application can be viewed at www.south-derbys.gov.uk. Any representation relating to this application must be made in writing to the Licensing Authority by 29 consecutive days after the date of this notice. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable on summary conviction for the offence is £5,000.

Celebrating the life of Thando

MELBOURNE Dynamo FC came together on October 9 to celebrate the life of one of their much-loved teammates, Thando Ndlovu, who sadly passed away over the summer.

The weather could not have been any better for an October day The afternoon kicked off with a football match between Thando’s Dynamos vs Thando’s Rest of the World Both teams were made up of Thando’s teammates, friends and family and were witnessed by a large crowd of spectators, including Thando’s family and friends

Following the match, a number of Thando’s teachers from Chellaston Academy, including headteacher Ryan Metters, made their way into the stocks where a large crowd of students gathered to take pleasure in soaking them with wet sponges There were also a variety of other fund-raising stalls, including a tombola, raffle and

cake stall Project D and Don Burger supplied the food for the day

The club was overwhelmed at the amount of donations that they received from the local community for raffle prizes and monetary donations It was great to see such a tragic event bring everyone together

Overall, the final total raised came to £2,400 The money will be used to honour the memory of Thando Ndlovu, which includes plans for a memorial at Melbourne Sporting Partnership, where Melbourne Dynamo FC are based Thando’s parents said: “It was such an amazing day which was well organised and worth it We are so grateful to the Melbourne community and other communities who took their time and effort to put this together and made it a successful occasion and comforting memorial day for our son Thando ”

Pictures: TINA BAKER

The Common Touch...

THIS November, many people around the world will be hoping that their political representatives at COP26 make commitments and really show by their actions that they are taking serious measures to cut carbon emissions and fight climate change

We all can do our own small efforts to cut our own carbon footprint, and one of the main visions of Whistlewood Common was to assist local people in realising what this might look like in their own lives, living a life where sustainability was at the forefront of everyday decisions: what to buy, what you don’t actually need to buy but can make, how you can grow your own food, how you can repair things rather than buy new, how buildings can be built using local materials, how energy can be supplied by nature, how water should be conserved, how even going to the toilet can be sustainable!

We are so proud of our special fully accessible composting toi-

Letters...

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

l Thando’s little sister, Cherish, throwing sponges at Chellaston PE teacher Mr Beverley

lets The principles that we used to create this amazing local project were aligned to a design system called Permaculture, where creating a way of living is very much ‘circular ’ in its essence

The three ethics which guide the design process or decision making process are: Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share

Let’s hope that in Glasgow the world’s leaders keep in mind these guiding ethics

We are doing our bit on the ground here in South Derbyshire, and Whistlewood is not a place where it’s about depriving everyday life of things but of opening our eyes to what is really important; we have our own strapline: Forests, Food, Fun and Friendship

We welcome people to join our co-operative project and share our vision for a low carbon world

– Katherine Parrish

Photographs...

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l Thando’s father, Jabulani, throwing sponges at Chellaston headmaster Mr Metters.

OCTOBER saw plentiful success on the pitch for all teams at Melbourne Rugby Club.

The first XV are currently positioned in first place on 23 points, two clear of second placed Southwell Both these clubs remain undefeated at this current point in the season

Saturday, October 9, saw the first team have to dig deep with a strong second half performance against tough opposition to see victory against Lincoln away, with a final score of 1918

The club’s third team won convincingly against Loughborough 2s away, with a score of 24-10 in a friendly game

The Academy side, who are top of their current league, had a difficult season with the Gold team losing in the RFU Cup to Mansfield whilst the

Greens had a disappointing result against a strong Ashfield side in the league

The RFU Intermediate Cup saw Melbourne welcome Midlands Spartans to Melbourne MSP This saw the green and golds leading 26-5 after 30 minutes of play before a serious injury led to the game being abandoned

Despite the score and dominant performance the game has had to be rescheduled for a replay on November 13

October 16 saw an excellent day of rugby for the club, with a victory for the third XV against Leesbrook (33-5) and a strong performance by the Academy, bouncing back against Staffordshire based Uttoxeter 34-0

It was another Super Saturday for Melbourne on October 23 The first XV claimed a hard fought victory against league favourites Long Eaton

The “Mighty Blues” had built up a real head of steam with some strong performances and scores over the early league rounds but fell to Melbourne in a pulsating 24-19 defeat, with Melbourne striking the last blow to bring home the points

The Academy showed their mettle against Broadstreet RFC (55-19) with the thirds also winning against Coalville (49-14)

Meanwhile, the following Saturday, October 30, there was more good news for the club with a solid victory for the first team against Loughborough (4713)

Rugby teams have month to celebrate Gym gets to work

On the same day The Academy’s gold side got even with Ashfield after a loss earlier in the month, running out 36-7 winners away at Ashfield There was further success from the third XV who conquered Ollerton with a highly convincing 86-25

COUNCILLORS from Weston-on-Trent have been busy testing out new fitness equipment bought for the village from development funding

The village now has gym equipment at its King’s Mills Lane recreation area

Fresh Air Fitness have installed a ‘big rig’ – a combination piece of equipment that can be used by several people at the same time –plus an air skier, an air walker, an arm and pedal bike and a rider

The gym equipment cost just under £20,000 and was bought with section 106 money provided to locals from a housing development at the old Plough Inn

Weston-on-Trent Parish Council surveyed villagers to ask what the money should be spent on, and the fitness equipment was the favoured option

Section 106 money is provided by developers to the local area as part of the planning process, on sites that are large enough to be eligible

for a try

Pictured are (top) Ed Green, Weston Parish Council chair, and (right) council clerk Chris Scott

l Melbourne’s Jack Pearce goes over

against Lincoln

Photo: Marshall Payne

Jo lifts award

THE Ray Gill Award was fittingly presented during Melbourne Rugby Club’s Octoberfest by Kate Dumelow and Margaret Sharp to Jo West

Kate said that Ray Gill had been a key member of the local Rotary branch 50 years ago and he had a keen interest in encouraging sport, particularly among youth. He had set up the award when he moved away from the village in the early 1950s.

Since Melbourne Rotary had disbanded, Rotex had continued to make the award annually to recognise the contribution made by “unsung heroes” involved in sport

Jo is the head of recruitment at Melbourne Rugby Club and, as Kate said “ if members and players are not recruited, there is no club ”

She added: “Jo has also been managing the under-15s Minxes with huge success.”

Jo said she was not expecting the award at all and thanked Rotex for the recognition.

“It is really nice to be appreciated,” she said, adding that youth players had played a big part in helping Melbourne Rugby Club to thrive

Pictured at the award ceremony (l-r) are Kate Dumelow, Jo West and Margaret Sharp

MELBOURNE - KINGS NEWTON - TICKNALL

LEBY - FOREMARK - LOUNT - STANTON - BY- BRIDGE

SWARKESTONE - WILSON - STAUNTON HAROLD

GE - TWYFORD - ISLEY WALTON - WESTON - ON -TRENT

ELVASTON - THULSTON - AMBASTON - BARROW- ON -TRENT - BREEDON

SMISBY - MILTON - MELBOURNE - KINGS NEWTON - TICKNALL

SWARKESTONE - WILSON - STAUNTON HAROLD

UNT - STANTON - BY- BRIDGE -

GE - TWYFORD - ISLEY WALTON - WESTON - ON -TRENT

ASTON - ON -TRENT - ELVASTON - THULSTON

AMBASTON - BARROW- ON -TRENT - BREEDON FINDERN - SMISBY - MILTON

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RESERVES TANK UP THE TABLE

MELBOURNE Dynamo first team had a very quiet October, playing only two league games.

However, Dynamo Reserves stormed up Division One of the MRA (Midlands Regional Alliance) with a great run of results

The first team began with a difficult trip to high-flying Derby Singh Brothers and, despite taking the lead through an early Ben Cooke strike, were well beaten 3-1

However, they did finish October in style, winning 4-1 at home to Ripley leaving Gav Salisbury’s men in second place with a hat-trick from leading goalscorer Ben Cooke plus a James Smith finish which saw Dynamo take all three points

Melbourne Dynamo Reserves had a very busy month, beginning with a thumping 6-3 away win at Hilton Harriers Reserves Charlie Tovell led the way with four goals as the Reserves twice came from behind Strikes by Jacob Dusroth and

Tennis

by Alex Slater

Alex Walsh meant that all three goalscorers were 18 or under

Both Dusroth and Tovell were on the scoresheet a week later as again Adam Dolman’s men came from behind twice to claim a 2-2 draw with top of the table Newhall United

A resounding 5-1 home win against Burton United followed as in-form Tovell helped himself to a hat-trick plus another for Dusroth while a classy finish from Finn Charles completed the scoring

The Reserves ended a busy month in second place in the league thanks to a 4-1 home win versus Wirksworth Ivanhoe This time it was Jacob Dusroth who claimed a hat-trick plus a strike by fellow youngster Oscar Supple as the club’s superb junior section continues to develop players for the club’s senior teams

MELBOURNE Tennis Club capped a fine 2021 season with four league teams winning their respective divisions as well as two more teams top of their respective leagues with results still to come in

The club’s men’s A team won both Derby League division four and Burton League division four with a record of: played 12, won 10, drawn one and lost one

In the last month they beat Ashbourne 9-0 (Howard Cheshire/George Bull; Andy Fleming/Stu Boardman; Andy Davies/Dylan Davies) and Duffield 5ths 6-3 (Howard Cheshire/Si Brenchley three wins, Jesse Goscomb/Paul Hill three wins and Stu Boardman/Rob Clarke 0 wins) in the Derby League

The club’s Burton A team drew 2-2 with Netherseal with Andy Fleming/Paul Hill and Andy Dawkins/Phil Lodge winning one rubber each to secure the title

The men’s B Burton team won the final match of the season 4-0 against Barton C to finish fourth in division six with Paul Hill/John Cowley and Roger Spencer/Graham Oppenheimer on two wins each

The club’s Ladies A team are also double champions as they won division three in the Derbyshire League and also division three of the Burton League

The club’s mixed teams have done really well with the A top of division three and B at the top of division four Team C is showing to be top of division five but waiting on a few results before they get their final league positions

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