Melbourne Village Voice May 2013

ONE of Melbourne's most distinctive watering holes, the Melbourne Arms, could be at risk of demolition, following an English Heritage decision to de-list it.

The 200-year-old building has been protected by Grade 2 listing for many years.

English Heritage's decision has come totally out of the blue, and both Melbourne Parish Council and South Derbyshire District Council may consider appealing the decision to de-list a building that has been a local landmark for two centuries, and is strategically placed at the entry to the town.

Once known locally as Catchems, the pub has been

transformed in the last 20 years into a popular and thriving Indian restaurant.

David Kumar, previously owner of the Full Moon Indian restaurant in Derby, has been a very innovative owner of the Melbourne Arms, extending the old building to provide hotel accommodation, and widening the restaurant's appeal with family leisure facilities.

But Mr Kumar, speaking exclusively to Village Voice, was anxious to refute any suggestion that he had plans to build 30 houses on the site. He said: "I'm a business man, and when I bought the building I had a variety of options open to me, some of which are still open to me. However, I can confirm that there are no plans to build 30 houses, not even half that number.”

He added: “There is an idea in my head and I am in touch with some wonderful architects, but that is all at the moment.”

Melbourne Parish Council has written to English Heritage protesting that the de-listing should be rescinded.

In addition, the district council is believed to have discussed the matter in a closed planning and development committee meeting.

One proposal that has been raised locally is that there could be an extension of Melbourne's Conservation Area, to protect the uniquely historic entry into the town on Ashby Road. There is also a recognition that the district council has declared that Melbourne is not scheduled to have any further major developments in the next 10 years, and that new housing will be limited to fill-ins within existing housing areas.

The building was purchased in 1992 by Mr Kumar and his wife Shanti, from Bass Brewery when it was failing and run down. It boasts 10 rooms offering a variety of accommodation and the restaurant can seat 100 diners.

Mr Kumar told Village Voice that an application to de-list the building had been submitted in 2011 and he was delighted with the outcome.

Mr Kumar likes Melbourne and enjoys living here with his wife. He acknowledges that he has a responsibility for his employees in the business and to his friends, some of whom have been customers since he operated the Full Moon in Derby over 20 years ago.

“I have to consider all these things before making any decisions, but there is no hurry," he said.

BAA-RELY BORN .... Lambing time at Calke Park with (l-r) Helen McCallum, Lois Clark, Jon Clark, Harvey Clark, Celeste Clark and Jennie Lloyd.

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YOUR OPINIONS on the future growth and development in South Derbyshire are now being collated and analysed.

Around 600 visitors attended drop–in sessions at the end of last year, and about 300 people or organisations provided their views. From a population of over 90,000 the number of responses might seem disproportionately small, suggesting, as one respondent said, that “the general public do not seem to care until it is too late!”

The consultation sought views on whether the ‘vision’ to build 12,700 houses in South Derbyshire was supported, and whether the sites outlined for housing and employment growth were appropriate. In general most residents thought the scale of growth was too large for the area, although developers and planning agents suggested the figure was far too low.

Melbourne Parish Council generally welcomed the vision, but had specific reservations about the impact on schooling.

There was considerable disagreement with the housing growth on both Chellaston and the Wragley Way sites. Those opposing Chellaston were concerned about the additional pressure on Chellaston Academy, already at or near capacity. One responder

● PICTURED are Jenny and John Banister, two of the Melbourne Civic Society members who took part in the society’s annual litter pick.

The society’s next meeting on May 20 is called History and Ghosts of Sinai Park House. Kate Newton is the owner and will be talking about the restoration of the house which overlooks Burton on Trent.

It has an interesting history dating back probably to Roman times and is supposed to be haunted by ghosts. The venue is the Assembly Rooms at 7.30pm.

said: “Chellaston already has too many houses, the existing roads are inadequate and the new relief road would make little improvement.”

Both Melbourne and Barrow on Trent parish councils expressed concerns about secondary school provision.

The proposal to put nearly 2,000 homes into Wragley Way/Stenson Fields had the most objections, with concerns about traffic congestion and infrastructure. Fears were also expressed that the development would be on Trent Valley wetlands and, therefore, more liable to flood.

There was general agreement that the smaller villages should not be put forward as preferred sites for growth. One Aston resident said the proposed scale of development within Aston on Trent would “overwhelm and significantly affect the character of the village".

There was a small minority opinion, too – primarily from developers – which suggested Melbourne should be among the strategic growth sites, perhaps hoping to exploit the high premium property commands in the area?

On employment, there was general agreement that land should be allocated for business development south of the Global

Technology Cluster at Sinfin Moor, and north to the Dove Valley Park. Seventy comments supported either one or both suggested sites. Those who objected cited the impact on the roads network and services, such as health provision or schooling.

Comments were received from various statutory bodies. Sport England sought to ensure that sporting provision was properly integrated into the planning. The Coal Authority were concerned that the plan did not address surface coal and legacy mining issues.

The environment issue raised concerns over flooding and foul waste capacity, whilst CAMRA were concerned that developments should make provision for enough public houses.

One astute local resident surmised that “99% of the population would not want building within a mile of their home". Nonetheless, the district council will now use the consultation to draw up a Publication Draft Plan due in late spring this year, before going to a planning inspector for a public examination and adoption of the Local Plan in 2014.

Meanwhile a second version of the Local Plan, detailing some of the smaller development sites, is awaited. –F Hughes

LOCAL building contractor Alan Staley of ASBC together with his wife Alison, foreman Dave Twells and his partner Karen Ward, visited London for the FMB Master Builder of the Year awards ceremony.

ASBC are the Regional Master Builder of the year for Yorkshire and Trent 2012 for the re-roofing and high level repair work at Melbourne Hall.

The prestigious event was held at the Park Plaza Hotel in Westminster. Alan said: "There were over 500 people at the event and some fantastic projects featured. It was an honour to represent the team and we are incredibly proud of our award-winning work. We’d also like to say a huge thank you to Lord and Lady Ralph Kerr for nominating ASBC and to the people of Melbourne for their kind words and support."

Contact:

IT’S the building you just cannot miss ... if you are a car driver that is.

The former pub The Sir Francis Burdett has been hit at least FIVE times by vehicles in the past year, resulting in a site meeting to try to find a solution.

Members of Melbourne Parish Council met with representatives from Derbyshire County Council at the Francis Burdett corner on Derby Road, where there have been at least five incidents of vehicles losing control on the bend and crashing into Burdett House, including two earlier this year and three in spring of 2012.

The problems were first raised at a

THE SAFER South Derbyshire

Partnership organised an event which was held at the Melbourne Assembly Rooms in April to promote local support services –particularly for victims of crime.

The event also provided community safety information and free crime prevention measures to residents of Melbourne. In addition to presenting information on the various stalls, the local Police Safer Neighbourhood Team and officers from the Fire and Rescue service were present to answer any questions.

Members of the CVS Safer Homes team were also on hand to install tamper proof number plate screws. Bicycles were property marked and free Dusk till Dawn light bulbs were issued.

The team attending the event are pictured (l-r): Eric Clayton -

parish council meeting last year and County Councillor John Harrison took up the challenge at County Hall, requesting installation of roadside chevrons on the approach road from Derby into Melbourne.

After the site meeting, a spokesman for the county council highways department told the Village Voice that, following assessment and the lack of any ‘injury accident history’, the conclusion was that chevrons are not an essential addition to road signage in the area.

The spokesman added that the road is due to have a surface dressing in August this year which should give improved skid

resistance and improved wear properties.

After dressing, two SLOW road markings will be added in reflective paint on the approach to the bend. There has been no comment from the parish council following this decision.

Householder John Glaze asked if he could install bollards in front of his house but, because the front wall of his house is the boundary with the council-owned pathway, that is not possible. Mr Glaze wants to to secure the support of the newly elected County Councillor, Linda Chilton, to see if she can secure finance to have the county council install bollards.

AT AN awards ceremony dinner held at the Raddison Blu Hotel, Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel was announced as the winner in the North West Leicestershire District Council Green Footprints business section, excelling over much larger shortlisted businesses. The awards showcase the best that North West Leicestershire has to offer in sustainable and environmentally responsible organisations.

Owner’s son Jack Shields said: "Being an environmentally friendly hotel has always been very important to us at Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel. It’s part of being responsible as a business and more importantly as a group of people. Unlike many other hotels, for us being green isn't primarily about creating a selling point; we do it because it matters to us."

This year the owners have planted 600 English oak trees in their deer park which will never be felled.

PETER JAMES SHONE

Janice, Beth, Kate and Nigel would like to thank relatives, friends and neighbours for their messages of sympathy and support following the sad loss of Peter. Thanks to Melbourne Medical Centre for their care, Father Axe for an inspirational funeral service and J.P. Springthorpe for their kindness and understanding.

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● Terry Hayes (Derbyshire County Council) is pictured (centre) with parish councillors and householder John Glaze outside Burdett House. Inset: An uninvited caller at Burdett House.

South Derbyshire CVS, Jacqui Myatt - Trident Reach the Charity (Domestic Abuse), Eddie Fletcher - Derbyshire Fire and Rescue, Andrea Hack-

ett - Nextstep against Domestic Abuse, Rachel Stanhope - Victim Support, Debbie WhiteVictim Support, Nicky BarnesTrident Reach the Charity,

Chris Smith - Safer South Derbyshire Partnership, Pam Wood - South Derbyshire CVS and Parish Councillor Malcolm Stockill.

Things to do & see at Calke

Come and enjoy Calke this spring time, we are open everyday

Remember there is fun for children every weekend and during the spring half term with lots to make and do in Squirt the Stallion’s Stable

Bonhams Valuation Day Wednesday 15 May, 11am – 4pm

Bring your items to be valued by experts from Bonhams Auctioneers specialising in silver and jewellery, pictures, ceramics, furniture, clocks and works of art. Valuations: £2 per item or £5 for three items.

Ale Trail Sunday 26 May, 5pm – 7pm

A circular route through the Calke Estate, with a stop at Tollgate Brewery for some ale tasting and nibbles. 5 miles, with a stop in the middle. Part of the National Forest Walking Festival. Booking Required on 01332 695310.

Craft Skills Day Tuesday 28 May, 11am – 4pm

Our building team will help you try your hand at bricklaying, stone carving, joinery and lead work. With demonstrations and activities for children and adults.

Walking in the footsteps of… Tuesday 29 May, 2pm – 3.30pm

Walk in the footsteps of one of our wardens and experience a day in the life of our parkland. Forage for things found on the estate.

Calke Camp Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 June, 1pm – 12pm

Enjoy an afternoon of nature activities, camp overnight in the Park and we’ll take you on a night walk and share campfire stories. Your tea, supper and breakfast will be sourced from the Calke estate and other local suppliers. Booking Required on 01332 695310 Adult £35 Child £25 Family £100.

Opening for 2013: House: SatWed 12.30pm 5pm End of Era Tours Thurs & Fri 11am 4pm

Garden: Open daily 10am 5pm Restaurant/Shop: Open daily 10am 5pm

Calke Park & Nature Reserve: Open daily 7.30am 7.30pm (dusk if earlier, closed 25 Dec)

YESTERDAY was the first Bank Holiday in May and it was a scorcher. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people in the countryside for a good number of years and, along with farmers, enjoying it.

Of course farmers are not happy and – unbelievably –desperately need some rain to help all the poor thin crops out there.

It’s only a few weeks ago that we still had snow under the hedges, and it seems unreal that the top six inches of soil is so dry.

Below those six inches is a very different story, as the subsoil is like plasticine and in very poor condition.

Cultivating soils to sow maize has been interesting, to say the least, and many crops will not emerge until we get that rain. Many spring sown crops, and this year there are a lot of them, will be the same. Farming would be so much easier if we didn’t have to contend with the weather.

■ The National Trust has recently come up with an idea, I suppose really to encourage people to visit their properties, which I agree with wholeheartedly.

The project is called “50 things to do before

you are 11¾” and includes things like climbing trees, skimming a stone across water, eating an apple straight off the tree, damming a stream and visiting a farm.

These are all things which children of my age, 50 years ago, all did as a matter of course, but today very rarely do.

The computer screen is as near as most children get to the great outdoors. Of course, today the world is a very different place – although I don’t think, despite what we see in the media, it’s very much more dangerous.

In my childhood, in the long summer holidays myself and friends would disappear first thing and only return at teatime when we started to feel hungry.

Building a dam on the brook was a very regular thing and I remember having a raft on one of the ponds in Calke Park, which today would be unthinkable with the current health and safety culture.

I have to admit my parents were not very amused when they found out about the raft, but we are all still here to tell the story. Anything that encourages children to get out of doors has to be right.

telephone 01332 863822

www.facebook.com/NTCalkeAbbey @NTCalkeAbbey

TICKNALL Garden Club members welcomed celebrity gardener and presenter Matthew Wilson from Radio 4’s ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’ to the April meeting. His talk was entitled “A tale of two gardens: and what they taught me”.

Matthew’s tale began with his childhood days, growing up on his parents' flower nursery where he discovered a love of gardening and an appreciation of nature – a theme that would follow him throughout his gardening career.

During his college studies, the emphasis was to work against nature, by constructing barriers to keep nature out and using pesticides to keep unwelcome visitors at bay.

At the age of 32, Matthew became the youngest curator of Royal Horticultural Society garden Hyde Hall and then later Harlow Carr. Both gardens have a unique setting and Matthew

employed an approach he calls ‘anti-gardening’ where the aim is to garden in harmony with nature.

Here, rabbits are distracted, plants are not staked or watered, pesticides and fertilisers are not used. By growing plants that suit the landscape, nature and the need to nurture can be combined. We would do well to apply Matthew’s philosophy in our own gardens, so don’t dead head all your plants - leave some for the birds to eat; and by planting a mixture of drought tolerant and flood loving species we should have something to enjoy in our gardens this year!

The next meeting is on Tuesday, May 14, when Janette Merilion will talk about ‘Gardening on Walls and Fences’ at Ticknall Village Hall (7.30pm).

● Matthew Wilson with Ticknall Garden Club committee members Wendy Gale (left, programme secretary) and right: Pat Chinnery, chairman.

THE MAY Parish Council meeting included the Annual Parish meeting during which the chairman and vice-chairman were re-elected, standing orders accepted and representatives to outside bodies confirmed for a further year.

Proposed changes to committee structure will be reviewed during the summer months.

Councillor Cliff Crawford was not present at the meeting, having submitted a letter of resignation to the clerk. The process of recruiting a new councillor will now be put into practice.

Blaze Lambert, representing the board of the Melbourne Assembly Rooms, delivered a short presentation in recognition that it is a year since the transfer of management of the centre took place. He reported that objectives to increase community use and lettings had been achieved and that membership of the Assembly Rooms, which is free, now stood at 257.

He outlined the sources of income during the year, which include donations and grant funding. New features have been added including WiFi and a hearing loop.

Cllr Jane Carroll thanked Mr Lambert for his upbeat presentation and congratulated the board on its achievements during the first year.

It was good news from PC ??? Buckley when he spoke about earlier problems experienced at the health centre. He said that “restorative justice” had been applied and hoped that there would be no further problems.

Generally, Anti Social Behaviour has been light during the colder weather and he expressed concern that lighter nights and warmer weather might see an upturn.

PC Buckley confirmed that he is aware of the current drugs situation in Melbourne and that he is hopeful that there will be a resolution to it during the month.

District Cllr Jim Hewlett reported that plans for the drainage scheme for the new recreation facilities at Cockshutt Lane are almost complete . The district council will be holding an open day for residents to view and discuss the plans at the Assembly Rooms in the near future.

South Derbyshire District Council is to embark on a programme to start building council houses – the first since 1992.

John Harrison delivered his last report as a county councillor, stating that £350K had been awarded to Melbourne Junior School to build a new classroom. He also commented on the improvements to the pavements that have been the subject of recent work by the county council.

With regard to Donington Park, he advised that SDDC had challenged reports issued by the Donington race track management in support of a planning application relating to noise and race days. The district council report will be available to parish councils for use in preparing responses to the application.

Newly elected County Councillor Linda Chilton introduced herself to the meeting promising to represent Melbourne in every way possible but until she had been debriefed on her responsibilities in the new opposition party, she had nothing to report.

The parish council will proceed with a public meeting about the proposals for introducing a one-way traffic flow system in Melbourne town centre. Alternative proposals will not be sought but a choice to proceed or not will be the objective. A date is still to be determined.

Feedback from Melbourne Civic Society following its annual litter pick was that there seemed to be less litter this year. This they attributed to the actions and efforts of the lengthsman.

Melbourne Footpaths group have announced that Melbourne has achieved the Walkers are Welcome award. Thanks have been expressed to the Parish Council for its support in the process leading to the award. A presentation is planned for June.

Of 11 planning applications considered one was held over for further discussion, one was approved with conditions and the remainder were approved.

MELBOURNE man Peter Newbury is getting on his bike to satisfy a dream of doing a decent bike ride – whilst his knees are still up to the task.

But it's no ordinary bike ride. He’s chosen to ride from Roermond in Holland to Gargellen in Austria, a distance of approximately 800 kilometres.

The challenging but picturesque route that Pete has chosen follows the Rhine to Speyer in Germany then across through part of the Black Forest to Tubingen. From Tubingen he will cycle to Lake Constance and then east into Austria at Bregenz.

Allowing himself 12 days to complete his journey, he will be travelling between June 17 and June 28.

Having set his mind on the task and set out his route and travel plans, it occurred to Pete that perhaps people might like to sponsor him to complete this personal challenge.

In anticipation that this may be the case, he has selected two charities, Treetops Hospice and Melbourne URC, to benefit from his efforts.

“I have chosen Melbourne URC and Treetops Hospice because I know that what is kindly given will be well used,” said Pete.

- Open from 9.30 - 5.00 Monday to Saturday and from 10.30 - 4.30 on Sundays -

The popular Peach House Restaurant is situated in the Victorian Peach House that was built about 1895 to grow peaches and other fruit for Earl Ferrers who resided in Staunton Harold Hall at the time.

The Peach House boasts over 120 seats and a large outdoor seating area for those warm summer days.

- Home cooked meals -

- Breakfasts & Lunches -

- Snacks & Sandwiches- Tea & Cakes -

- Freshly ground coffee -

Hot meals are served until 3.30pm each day. Groups welcome, please call 01332 865155 to book.

by FRANK HUGHES

CONSERVATIVES held Melbourne, but the new Aston ward was won by Labour in the May local elections that saw overall control of Derbyshire County Council change hands in a convincing swing to Labour.

Robert Davison gained Aston for Labour, while Linda Chilton held Melbourne for the Conservatives.

Of the 64 council seats, 43 will be Labour, 18 Conservative and three Liberal Democrat.

Mrs Chilton was delighted to have held the seat with a substantial majority. She said: “I have been out walking the area from end to end, listening to what the local people have been saying.

This was an election about local matters” and she is keen to make a difference over the next four years."

She paid tribute to the outgoing council member, John Harrison: “He has worked so hard for the people in this division, and he has been very supportive in endorsing me as a candidate.”

She hoped to be able to carry on the good work he had done for the area. She mentioned education and transport as her top priorities – she was proud that Melbourne Junior School, where she is a governor, has a new classroom on the way and she wants to resolve the longer term secondary education provision.

She is also keen to explore better road access into the south of the county: “Whilst the Causeway is an ancient monument, it does cut us off from the rest of the county in many ways and there must be alternatives.”

She was looking forward to having a brief rest after the hard work on the campaign trail, before getting down to her first engagement immediately after the May break. She may have an uphill struggle, however, now being in the minority opposition party.

In Aston – an extra seat formed in recent boundary changes – there was a very close run race between Labour and the UK Independence Party, which went to a re-count. Only 159 votes separated the two, with the Conservatives being pushed into third place. Although Alan Graves, chair of UKIP in Central and South Derbyshire, was disappointed not to gain any seats he was happy overall with the 25% proportion of the vote they had gained. Liberal Democrats are licking their wounds, having seen a loss of five seats and a collapse in their share of the vote.

Cllr elect Davison was “utterly delighted with the result in Aston,” and he credited this to the hardworking campaign team behind him, ensur-

ing that voters came out in force. “Aston had the highest turnout in the district, and it was a very close three horse race,” he said.

He was delighted, too, not only with the scale of the Labour victory in the county, but also that he had roundly defeated the UKIP candidate.

“We took them head-on, addressing their policies whenever they were raised on the doorstep.” His priority is to work with the county and district councils to promote economic development at the local level, encouraging new jobs and helping businesses to grow.

Voters had also raised with him concerns about the housing development plans in South Derbyshire, and he wants to look again at the sites being promoted and the impact on transport and other infrastructure.

South Derbyshire District Council will have a change of complexion, with five of the eight seats now in Labour control. Overall turnout was 31% in the district – a significant drop from 2009.

Deputy Returning Officer Frank McArdle would like to see this improved, with more people exercising the hard fought right to vote, but he was pleased that of 10,000 postal votes issued 65% were returned, a better ratio than in the polling stations.

“The election had run very smoothly and properly,” he said, paying tribute to the great team they had at the Civic Offices; with “experienced supervisors, staff and a proven system”, impressively they had the count and verification completed in just over an hour for all eight divisions.

Two staff had to stay overnight with the 76 ballot boxes all secured, just to be doubly sure there was no chance of any malpractice.

Voters at the booths and on social networks complained about the lack of canvassing, the absence of voting boards and the general level of voter apathy. Perhaps there is message there for our successful candidates that they now need to fight hard not just to win our votes, but also our engagement.

ASTON WARD RESULT

Robert Davison, LAB … 1279 (right)

Alan Graves UKIP … 1120

Chris Pratt CON … 968

Kevin John Maher LIB-DEM … 84

MELBOURNE RESULT

Linda Chilton CON … 1519 (right)

Alan Jones LAB … 1036

Alan Jack Graves UKIP … 638

Rebecca Wilkinson LIB-DEM … 126

SUNLIGHT streamed through the windows of Derby Cathedral, and the sound soared upwards as A Choir’d Taste performed a lunchtime concert on April 13.

Paul Marshall, the choir’s new musical director, had the idea of performing in the cathedral as a way of trying a different venue, reaching a different audience and also having the opportunity to sing in a building with really good acoustics.

And it worked! The choir, accompanied by the talented Richard Allen, performed a mix of reli-

gious pieces which sounded beautiful, particularly from the retro choir (behind the altar) and a preview of songs which will feature in the choir’s Spring concerts on May 17 and 18.

According to the verger, about 85 people came in to listen to the concert – a blend of loyal supporters from Melbourne and people taking a break from shopping to listen to the music. The audience were very appreciative and it was a new experience for the choir. One which A Choir’d Taste hope to repeat.

● THE ACES of Rhythm Jazz band provided the music and gave a potted history of jazz through the ages for this year’s Spring into Jazz held at Aston Memorial Hall.

The evening included a fish and chip supper and was a fund-raiser for Recreation in Aston.

Pictured are The Aces of Rhythm with RIA committee members (l-r) Paul Hudson, Barbara James and Sandra Bayliss.

STARTLING data about the dire shortage of affordable housing in the South Derbyshire District Council area has been revealed.

Although South Derbyshire has lower than national average unemployment and has an enviable growth record over recent years, there is a serious shortage of affordable housing which will surely impact on the long-term economic prosperity of the district.

The council's finance committee was briefed in late April, when plans to boost the availability of affordable homes were approved. In the first two phases of the plan to develop new housing, 95 new homes are expected to be built in the next five years.

But, although that figure will be boosted by construction of affordable homes by the private sector, it is still only going to impact minimally on the current demand.

There are currently 1,900 households on the council's waiting list, contrasting with a council stock of social houses of 3,785. The briefing paper confirms "demand outstrips supply by a factor of seven".

In addition, whilst the Right to Buy gave a number of benefits, the South Derbyshire stock of affordable social housing has dropped from 8,000 homes to 3,785. The officers comment that the effect of RTB has been "dramatic for those without a home". Lower quartile house prices are seven times more than the average wage; a ratio in the past was considered to be nearer to 3:1.

District Councillor John Harrison stresses that the planned new build social houses in the district will be the first to be started since 1992.

Cllr Harrison assured Village Voice that the affordable homes will be integrated into new housing developments, at the rate of 30% of the total.

"The council planners will insist on new build being attractive modern designs, and not the shoebox design of the past. New development of affordable housing will be "pepper potted" into new developments, not separate ghettoes," he said.

Cllr Harrison also confirmed that "no additional housing development of any kind is envisaged for inclusion in the new Local Plan, apart from infills".

The programme that appears likely to be finally adopted by the district council will be carried out by the council in partnership with the private sector –through housing associations.

The Labour Party opposition would have preferred for the whole programme to be in the hands of the district council, but the plans for new homes were eventually agreed by the committee unanimously. – DOB

MAY I take this opportunity on behalf of UKIP to thank everyone who voted for us. Our results countywide averaged over 24%.

Eighteen of our candidates came second in a mixture of traditional Conservative and Labour areas, which is astounding when you think this is the first time UKIP have stood in these elections.

I am absolutely sure that success will not be long.

My personal thanks to everyone in Aston division for your support. We achieved 32.5% of the vote coming second and beating the Conservative into third place.

Alan Graves Barrow-on-Trent

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Antique Valuations

National Trust Calke Abbey

Wednesday 15 May, 11am to 4pm

Enquiries: ANDERSONS ACCOUNTANTS AND BUSINESS ADVISORS BANK CHAMBERS, MARKET PLACE, MELBOURNE, DERBYSHIRE DE73 8DS Tel: 01332 862259 E-mail: advice@andersons-aba.co.uk www.andersons-aba.co.uk

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Venue:

HOW CAN you follow the very successful annual Melbourne Quiz at the Legion? The answer was simple: combine a pop-up pub with a fun quiz and raise money for the Melbourne Assembly Rooms at the same time.

So, on April 12, 21 teams (well over 100 people) gathered together to drink Leatherbritches and Tollgate ales and pit their wits against John Elliot’s fiendishly clever questions.

John, who always does a great job for the Melbourne Quiz, had excelled himself with a series of novelty rounds –one in which every question related to the answer to the question before, one with every answer being Tom, Dick or Harry, and one where every answer related to the weather.

All 10 rounds were brilliantly compiled and great fun for the contestants.

There was also a picture quiz compiled by Frank Hughes. Who knew that Peter Allen was one of the last two men to be hanged simultaneously in Britain? Or who was the last person to land on the moon?

The winners of the fun quiz were Don’s Darlings with David Donnachie, Rodney Heafield, Simon Gothridge and Sheila Hicklin pictured. Melbourne Footpaths Group was a very close second and Silver Surfers and Too Wright were joint third. Philip Heath collected the prize for the picture quiz on behalf of Sick Club Row.

The evening, organised by Andy Heafield with help from a few friends, was great fun and raised £500 for new tables for the Assembly Rooms.

The only question that not everyone could answer, particularly as the evening went on, was John Elliott’s ‘Can everybody hear me?’ Despite painstaking efforts before the event to set up the best possible sound system, the Main Hall’s acoustics make it very difficult to hear.

Two events are planned to raise money to improve things – a Midsummer Meal with Music on Friday, June 21, and St Michael’s Players’ next production, ‘Murdered to Death’ in October.

– M. Gildea

IT WAS not the usual Assembly Rooms audience for the American style wrestling show on April 25, but a much younger, livelier audience baying for action and spills.

As the wrestling circus rolled into town the usually sedate main hall was converted into a combat arena, with the centrepiece the 20ft wrestling ring surrounded on all sides by an energetic audience.

Whilst the stakes might not have been as high as the first wrestling match, when Zeus wrestled Cronos for the throne on Mount Olympus, the combatants did their utmost to win over the spectators with grabs, snatches and falls – both in and out of the ring.

Organiser Brad Taylor was delighted with Melbourne as a venue and has already booked a return bout for October.

The audience were equally appreciative:

“An exciting and thrilling night, well worth the money,” said one young fan; Matt Gotheridge (aged 15) summed it up saying “the audience participation made it a great night" with the best chant of the evening “someone needs a Snickers!”

“Not laughed so much in ages,” said another – “well worth the money.”

Development manager Andy Heafield said: “In the past weeks we have shown how versatile we are, having hosted events as diverse as a pub quiz, a food fair, a 40s night, cinema, rock concert, a craft fair and now wrestling – all in addition to the regular weekly programme. We aim to bring more entertainment and events to Melbourne and work together with promoters and local groups to ensure their events are successful.”

■ MELBOURNE and District Amnesty Group will be holding a public meeting about Syria on Thursday, May 23, at 7pm in Church House (next to Melbourne Parish Church).

A talk will be given by a member of Amnesty International who has recently been to Jordan. There will also be time for questions and debate.

Admission is free.

CELEBRATING

20 years in business in Melbourne, Lomas Opticians are proud to have been providing the local community with a thoroughly professional and personal approach.

Mark and Julie Lomas were having lunch in Melbourne back in 1993, saw the former auctioneer’s showroom on Chapel Street up for sale, and decided to set up their own independent business. Joined by dispensing optician Gill Weatherall a few weeks later, they have never looked back.

Julie told the story of how she and Mark were working together after completing ophthalmic studies, and it was love at first sight! Twenty years on, they still only have eyes for each other.

“What we do, compared to the bigger ‘multiples’, is provide a more personal service, including home visits for the housebound, and a consistency of care,” said Julie. From the initial meeting with receptionist Joan Rooney, through to collecting your prescription, the service is friendly and tailored to the individual patient’s needs. “We do refer to our clients as patients, not customers,” said Gill, emphasising the approach they have.

They sometimes see the results of people trying to get a bargain on the internet, or the imitations of computer based

dispensing, with ill-fitting spectacles or lenses which have not been properly measured.

One customer, however, had them totally flummoxed. He came in to collect his glasses, as his wife had instructed. They turned the store upside down looking for his prescription until, eventually, he realised he should have gone to Melbourne Crystal … for his drinking glasses.

Although most customers are local, they have a catchment area extending to Worcester and Northampton.

“Patients appreciate the continuity of service they get from us,” said Julie, “and they know that they will be properly looked after.”

They also carry a much bigger selection of styles than is apparent from a casual look

through the window –very comparable to the bigger city stores.

Gill said that they also specialised in caring for children, and reminded parents that recent cuts in provision mean that routine screening for under fives is no longer comprehensively taking place. Parents will need to be more proactive in looking after their child’s sight as they do for dental care. With completely free eye tests there is no reason for the cost to be a barrier. They are also seeing an increased demand for specialist fashion sunspecs or sportswear.

Being one of the well-established names on the Melbourne high street, they are supportive of the Totally Locally initiative and, if you will forgive one last optical reference, looking forward to the next 20 years in business. –F Hughes

PICTURED is a scene from Melbourne Operatic Society's latest Gilbert and Sullivan operetta –"Ruddigore" or "The Witch's Curse" –which was performed at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

The society's next performances will be on Friday, July 26, at the Duchess Theatre and Saturday, July 27, at Melbourne Assembly Rooms when they celebrate 60 years of entertaining after re-forming in 1953. These concerts will be a celebration of music from every decade since the '50s. For ticket details visit the website at:- www.melbourneoperaticsociety.com

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SPRING Planting for Autumn Colour was the title of a talk and presentation delivered by Griselda Kerr to an appreciative audience at the Catholic Church hall in Melbourne. They were treated to an interesting and humorous presentation of hints and tips on how to keep your garden full of colour following on from spring and summer. The presentation was illustrated with a range of colourful slides. All proceeds from the event were in aid of Melbourne Community Care.

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We are a fashion boutique located in William’s Yard just off Derby Road, Melbourne. We have a wide selection of ladies clothing, shoes, jewellery and handbags to offer a top to toe retail experience. Most items are new from various brands that we regularly stock. These include ladies tops, dresses, jackets and other apparel such as scarves. Brands include Lazy Jacks, Lindsay Phillips, Neslay and more. Some stock is ‘nearly new’ waiting to be recycled, reinvented or redressed offering designer brands at a bargain price.

YOU CAN’T get much more Melbourne than parish councillor Andrew Jackson – and that’s why he’ll be the guest of honour at this summer’s carnival.

Andrew, who celebrates his 70th birthday this month, will lead the procession at the summer extravaganza, which has a circus theme this year.

Born in Station Road, Andrew says of his Melbourne origins: “The luckiest day of my life was the day I was born here.”

That day was lucky for Melbourne, too, since he helped start several much-loved local institutions that are still going strong today. One of them is this very paper, the Village Voice, of which Andrew was part of the founding group 21 years ago.

He also plays the baritone horn in the Melbourne Town Band, has been a member of the parish council for 30 years and is now chairman of the Recreation Committee; is a member of local choir A Choir’d Taste, a volunteer driver for Melbourne Community Care, and still finds time to do his day job as a partner in East Midlands Self Storage, based in Barrow-on-Trent.

Andrew (pictured), who now lives in Kings Newton, says of Melbourne: “It’s got a unique personality; it’s cut off from most of the surrounding

towns by awkward road systems so Melbourne is a community which looks after itself. It’s a community which is alive with organisations and creative people.”

Andrew has been guest of honour at the carnival once before, when he was chairman of the parish council. This year he will be leading the procession accompanied by his sister, Linda Matthews.

“The committee that’s running the carnival at the moment are young and active people ….and that’s reflected in the success of the event,” he says. “For the last few years it’s been superb. It’s a totally Melbourne event, it’s Melbourne organised and Melbourne gets the benefit of the proceeds.”

Each year crowds descend on the Melbourne Junior School Recreation Ground to enjoy the carnival which raises thousands of pounds for local charities.

At this year’s event on Saturday, July 13, there will be all the fun of the circus with a big top and circus skills workshops plus the traditional procession and shop windows competition.

This year’s Miss Melbourne competition was held at the Royal British Legion Friday, May 10. News about the event will be covered in the June edition.

We are not just there for formal wear as most of our clothes are casual. In addition, we also do hat hire and private parties for birthdays and other events.

You’ll be assured of a warm welcome whilst you browse. New stock comes in every week, so it’s always worth popping in.

Check out our facebook page for regular offers and new stock www.facebook.com/bksmelbourne or call us on 01332 862673.

AFTER 13 years in post, Harold Heath has retired as chairman of Staunton Harold Parish Meeting. On behalf of many of the parishioners I would like to extend a vote of thanks for all his hard work.

It seems to be axiomatic in voluntary organisations that the bulk of the work is done by a few stalwarts. Here at Staunton the group has com-

prised Harold, his wife Mary, and their children Andrew and Alison. Between them they have undertaken the business and organised the fun for our parish.

The chairmanship has moved on, but we are delighted that they will still be involved, not least because they are custodians of the barbecue. John Blunt, Staunton Harold

A ST GEORGE'S Day breakfast at The Garden Restaurant, Swarkestone Nursery (above), was organised by Kings Newton Social Group.

A total of 69 people sat down to enjoy a Bucks Fizz, followed by melon, a full English breakfast and coffee.

In addition to the delicious food, the occasion was enjoyed by everyone including the attempts to answer the St George's Day quiz. The proceedings were completed by the drawing of the raffle.

THERE was a good turnout for the Melbourne Town Band’s annual St Georges Day concert at the Royal British Legion Club (above and left).

It was a rousing event with a patriotic flag waving audience adding to the enjoyment of the occasion.

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MELBOURNE fun run and 12k Rabbit Race is an annual event that has been taking place for the past five years and is organised by the Rotary Club of Melbourne.

Adults and children took part in this great event held on Sunday, April 21, and for the first time this year a new race for the under 12s saw a healthy turnout of children entering the ‘Fit Kids’ Race. First to cross the finish line was Tara Power, in second place Lauren Ferrie and third Lucy Flint.

The 12k event started at Melbourne Pool and took in the scenic route to Wilson and along the Cloud Trail with some hill climbs to add a little variety and test the stamina of all.

First across the finish line in the men’s race in an excellent time of 41.02

was Michael McGinty followed in second and third place by Alistair Chambers and Loui Downing.

The women’s event saw Caroline Scott race home first with Zoe Sewter and Vickie Hallam second and third.

Presentation of the medals to the winners and runners-up was carried out by long-standing Rotarian Kate Dumelow.

Kate, who was recently presented with the Dr Brendan Freeman Award for services to the community, was also on hand at the finish line to give out medals to all participants on completion of their race.

A 5k Funny Bunny race took place alongside the 12k race and saw children, adults and dogs all joining in the fun.

The Melbourne Fun Run was the idea

of John Burney, a well-known figure in Melbourne who set up the event to raise funds for charity.

Runners pay an entrance fee and have the option of raising sponsorship for the event, which is then passed on to their chosen charity by the Rotary Club.

This year’s event supported Rainbow’s Hospice and the Derby, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, with which John and his wife Liz have long been associated.

Supporters of the event whose generous donations kept costs to a minimum were: the Senior Citizens Centre, for the use of the centre; National Forest Spring Water, who donated the bottled water for the runners; and Executive Linen Hire for the competitors' numbers.

TOP LEFT: The 12K Rabbit Race gets underway.

TOP CENTRE: The first three ladies home in the 12K Rabbit Race (l-r) Vickie Hallam, Caroline Scott and Zoe Sewter.

TOP RIGHT: Competitor Eastre Leedham with her two children.

MIDDLE LEFT: Competitor Eastre Leedham with her two children.

MIDDLE CENTRE: Zoe Radmore, 10.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Robert Peat looking happy with himself.

LEFT: The first three men home in the 12K Rabbit Race (l-r) Alistair Chambers, Michael McGinty and Loui Downing.

BOTTOM RIGHT: The Fit Kids get under way.

BOTTOM FAR RIGHT: Luke Bremner chills out.

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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. We

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● ASTON on Trent Primary School Parents Association pamper night and fashion show was a great success, raising over £2,000 for school funds.

With clothes from the new Gok range at Sainsbury’s and hair demonstrations by Crème of Shardlow, the event also included beauty treatments, Indian head massage and Reiki in addition to the many stalls offering beauty aids and products.

The next diary event is the promise auction on May 18 at the Malt Shovel.

Pictured (l-r) are Katie Clare, Helen Moulson and Donna Emson.

THE Bulls Head at Wilson

ONE YEAR ON, the Melbourne

Assembly Rooms team members are proud of the achievements they have made.

Whilst suffering the setback on a bid for development funding to Derbyshire County Council, they have nonetheless looked back on the last 12 months as a successful first year.

The hall and other rooms are seeing much greater levels of use, with functions as varied as wrestling to opera on the agenda, and sitting comfortably alongside the regular sporting users. Craft fairs, food fairs, tribute nights, psychic nights, pop-up-pubs, big-screen cinema have brought in a diverse and broad audience from the wider community. Development manager Andy Heafield has done a great job of trying to bring in a varied programme of events and working with people to ensure success.

The membership scheme, which remains free and open to all Melbourne residents, is totalling nearly 300. A WIFI system is now freely available, and the hearing loop is due for completion within a fortnight.

Some of the members have been instrumental

in making some minor but welcome improvements, cleaning and refurbishing the cloakrooms, and repairing or cleaning some of the decor.

The team still have ambitious plans to refurbish the building, to make the most of the Victorian architecture, which has not really had money spent on it since closing as a school.

These include creating a better foyer area, an information point, improved lighting, acoustics and storage. All of the projects are heavily reliant on further bids for grants, however, and there is a lot of work in just completing the various bids.

In addition, taking over the facility from parish council ownership, has saved approximately £5,000 of parish money which otherwise would have been spent on running costs.

To mark the occasion of a year in operation the team is planning a celebration for all members and the public, with a birthday party on May 25.

Looking to bring in some more public speaking events, Sony Award winner, broadcaster and foreign correspondent Andy Kershaw's one-man show is coming to the venue on August 2.

THERE IS in our little local community a small but selfless body of just, currently, 16 dedicated men and women.

These good people give their time and their energy to help those residents who need help, who need to be driven to medical, dental or chiropody appointments locally, or as far afield as Leicester or Burton, as well as the Derby Royal.

These volunteers, who do their good deeds without thought of monetary reward, are organised by Melbourne Community Care. They use their own cars, and are reimbursed for petrol costs at Inland Revenue approved rates, and parking charges.

As one volunteer said: "It's all masterminded by the 'Captain', Victoria Hancock, manager of Melbourne Community Care."

The service offered by Community Care is very much appreciated locally, whether using volunteers' own cars, or the Community Care minibus.

The small bus, a fully equipped disabled passenger vehicle for 12 passengers is extensively used for the weekly trips to Budgens, as well as ferrying residents to the Thursday meetings of the local Activity Group, as well as trips to Bakewell or Burton and other interesting places.

What motivates the volunteers? In the main because they have the time, and a strong sense of community, of wanting "to put something back". Their family background sometimes motivates them –there are at least two who are the sons of mothers or fathers in a caring profession, and some are moti-

vated because they see a need that needs to be met, and a good deed to be done.

Simon Leech, a retired RollsRoyce executive, speaks of the satisfaction knowing that the service they give is so much appreciated: "People are so grateful."

Mick Fletcher, a self-employed computer expert, was passing the Community Care office and volunteered to be a driver. "I just thought I had the time, and would try to give something back." He enjoys talking to his passengers, and helping people in need gives him a great deal of satisfaction.

"You meet lots of interesting people, who are very grateful for the help they are getting."

Bob Belk said: "I've a comfortable car, and I have time, so when I saw a notice in the window of the Community Care office, I volunteered." He meets interesting people, some of whom are worried and vulnerable, and he enjoys meeting new people, and doing his bit for the community.

Ruth Smith, a retired teacher, and now Bell Master at the Melbourne Parish Church, is very happy she volunteered. She is an old stager, having given her service for 14 years. "I suppose, on average, I go out about once a week, and I find meeting people, and making new friends very rewarding, and I know the service we give is very much appreciated."

Ruth says she enjoys the job, and Community Care never put pressure on the volunteers, which she finds very considerate.

Ann Harrison has been a volunteer, manning the office phone, and providing informa-

SUNDAY, June 16 (Father's Day) with a 2pm start will see a new event for the Aston Welldressers. Aston-on-Trent is being taken over by gnomes!

Will they be able to give you clues on this treasure hunt? More details of this event can be found on http://www.astonwelldressers.co.uk/

The Well Dressing Festival weekend is July 6 and 7, and this year’s chosen charities are the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance and the 107th Derby(Aston, Weston and Shardlow) Scout Group.

A MEETING is to be held on Thursday, May 23, at Melbourne Assembly Rooms to explore the interest locally in setting up a Melbourne Celtic Spirituality Group.

The meeting is open to all wanting to express their gratitude for being alive and interested in celebrating the rhythms of daily existence with others. The meeting will start at 7.30pm, gathering for refreshments, and an example of Celtic Practice will be demonstrated. The meeting is expected to finish by 9.15pm.

To help plan the evening and to register an interest call 07584 023 222/01332 229 525 or contact derbyshirecuf@gmail.com –but you can also just turn up on the night.

tion and help to visitors. She also drives locally, recognising as she says. “that many residents cannot get to the Health Centre, or to optician appointments, and they need the services of Community Care”.

She adds: "It's very humbling, you get so many thanks."

Victoria Hancock confirms that "we need more drivers". A driver has to pass a security check, and also have a clean driving licence. For driving the minibus, volunteers must pass tests for handling the vehicle, and are trained to cope professionally with disabled people.

So, if you have time and wish to help your fellow residents, consider discussing becoming part of the much admired and much appreciated team of dedicated volunteer drivers.

Why not phone Victoria Hancock on 863585 to have a chat about what is entailed in joining this elite body of dedicated volunteers. – DOB

MELBOURNE Area Transition group (MAT) has been offered very generous grant funding towards the purchase of an area of Melbourne Common for development as a community forest resource of potentially national significance.

The funding means that the group may be able to accelerate some of its most ambitious ideas to help “future proof” this area.

Pledges of £18,000 have already been achieved to match the grant funding, but the group needs to raise a further £35,000 before the end of June to achieve its goal.

Helen Bralesford, one of the group’s founder members and vice-chairman, said: “The unexpected offer of grant funding is one that we cannot ignore. With several successful projects already, including the 10kW solar PV system on the roof of the parish church, a solar PV buying scheme and the demonstration food forest in the grounds of the Melbourne schools, we are very hopeful that people will want to support this latest fantastic opportunity for our community."

The group’s ambitions include the creation of sustainable businesses and rewarding local jobs and livelihoods for local people. MAT is actively encouraging others who share these goals to join the group, share their skills and ideas, and

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help to bring the best ideas to fruition in new 21st century projects and enterprises.

In particular the group is seeking people who can create YouTube type films which can help promote the group’s projects, people with financial and administrative skills and supportive patrons able to provide financial assistance in the early stages.

The group can be contacted via its website: www.melbournetransition.org or on 01332 862028 – or through any of its active members at local events.

■ The group will be hosting local natural beekeepers Derby and District Beekeeping Project (DadBeeP) at their May meeting. Natural beekeeping uses a sustainable approach to aim to maximise bee health and in-

crease local bee populations. The uses of Top-bar hives encourage the natural behaviours of bees, and are cheap to make from recycled materials.

Natural beekeeping is minimally invasive and is usually easy to learn for beginners. Local sustainable beekeepers will demonstrate methods and hives and answer questions from novice or experienced beekeepers and from anyone just interested in supporting bees. All welcome. £2 entry to include refreshments. The event takes place on Wednesday, May 15, at 7.45pm at Church House (next to Melbourne Parish Church).

campus.

● MEMBERS of Melbourne Wine Circle (formed in 1980), had the opportunity to visit the Marston’s brewery site at Burton upon Trent during April.

The 21 members were given a very professional guided tour of the old and new brewing processes. It was good to hear that Marston’s are still one of the only two remaining brewers in Europe to use the traditional method of brewing in wooden casks.

The visit finished with Marston’s hospitality ‘refreshments’ and tastings. Secretary Tony Hubbard offered thanks for the use of the Melbourne Community Care bus and driver.

THE MELBOURNE Parish Church Garden Fete will be held on Saturday, May 18, from 24pm. This year the fete is returning to its previous home, the Vicarage Garden (weather

permitting) and will be a month earlier than usual.

Organisers are hoping it will be better than ever before with a variety of stalls.

Pictured are Finn Spencer and Oliver Mather showing how to build a food forest on the Melbourne school

DAVID Sewell has taken over as musical director of Melbourne Male Voice Choir, having joined the choir two years ago as a singing member.

His musical background includes six years at the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook near Ipswich, where he was head chorister. They sing annually at such prestige events as the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and the National Seafarers Service in St. Paul's Cathedral.

MMV Choir is holding an auction of promises and fashion show at the Melbourne Assembly Rooms on Saturday, June 1. Mike Stanton will be the auctioneer and the fashion show is being organised by Best Kept Secret of William's Yard, Melbourne.

On Saturday, June 22, the choir is holding its annual concert in the Assembly Rooms. Chellaston Academy Soul and Jazz Bands will be guests and a lively evening is assured.

In July, the choir has been invited to sing in the chapel at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas.

New choir members will be welcome any Friday evening at 7.30pm at the new practice venue, the Thomas Cook Memorial Hall, opposite Dove’s Garage in Melbourne. You don't have to be able to read music or even live in Melbourne; if you enjoy music, like having a laugh and are looking for new and lasting friendships why not go along and give it a try.

More information can be obtained from secretary Seymour Bell 01283 703992 or chairman Peter Dawn 01283 222533.

Pictured above (l-r) are Andrea Leeming (accompanist), David Sewell and Peter Dawn, chairman.

THE MELBOURNE Historical Research Group’s 2013 exhibition will be at the Melbourne Assembly Rooms from 11am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9.

Chairman Philip Heath says: “In 2012 our exhibition looked into the subject of shops and shopping. This year we are broadening the theme by looking at trades and professions in addition to shops.

"It’s a huge subject and we can’t hope to cover more than part of it, because Melbourne has had such variety: millers, apothecaries, carpenters, housewrights, tailors, framework knitters, shoemakers, builders, doctors and surgeons, worsted manufacturers, stonemasons and engravers –to name just a few.

“On the artistic side there was a short-lived Victorian pottery at Kings Newton, while famous ironsmith Robert Bakewell literally forged the path of his own career in the basement of a house by the church.”

As always, admission is free and everyone will be very welcome to turn up for a casual browse and a chat over a cup of tea and a piece of cake. The group is always interested in making copies of photographs or documents for its collection, which it is looking to make more easily available for use by the general public.

Group member Adrian Earp is leading a project to remember the part played by Melbourne in the First World War, and will offer a preview of an exhibition to mark the centenary next year.

LOCAL road works have again been causing severe delays to public and private transport users trying to get to work and schools.

Queues of up to two hours have been experienced crossing Swarkestone Causeway while Severn Trent repair 200 metres of water main pipes at the junction between the A514 and Barrow Lane.

The works, which started in early April, are being controlled with a three-way traffic signal which seems to have no recognition of the traffic flows, and – worse – indicating a single carriageway where both lanes are in operation. Delays are also incurred overnight even when the works are not in operation.

“This is just ridiculous,” said one angry motorist, “just how long is this going to go on for?” Well, no one seems sure. One roadwork’s portal suggests the work could go on until June 4, with another linked to Severn Trent’s site indicating May 7.

DAY TIME AT THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS

Wednesdays 10.00 - 11.30am and EVENINGS AT ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL

Tuesdays 19.15 - 20.45pm

contact: Sandra

email: sandradyoga@yahoo.co.uk

mob: 07966 308826

Townsend

Looking for a special day or Birthday gift? come to Townsend Picture Framers. Prints, pictures - framed or mounted - Wood turning items. - Lots of Choice -

Melbourne United would like to thank all its sponsors who have helped to develop the club over the last couple of years.

Adrian Walker

Jake Oxspring

The club is growing each year and the support of our club sponsors enables the club to deliver modern kit and equipment to help the children develop as players.

Messer

The family of Mary, Betty, Joe and Paddy would like to thank everyone for their kind letters, cards and messages of sympathy, also for the donations received in their sad loss.

■ POPULAR local ceilidh band

The Derbyshire Ranters are holding a summer barn dance in the Riding School at Calke Abbey. The date is Saturday, June 15, between 7.30 and 10.45pm.

Tickets are priced at £10 each and can be obtained by ringing 863501/863169 or from the shop at Calke Abbey.

Real ale and local Calke burgers will be on sale.

Melbourne Lets

PROPERTIES TO LET

9 Chestnut Avenue, Foremark.

Superb, spacious, 6 bedroom detached property in this prestigious location. Lovely frontage with double garage and mature trees. Large modern kitchen with white goods and good size utility o . Separate dining room, large lounge plus conservatory. Over the next two oors are the 6 bedrooms-master with en-suite and 2 further family bathrooms.To the rear is a good size garden backing onto woods. £1350 PCM

Flat 2 The Old National School, Penn Lane, Melbourne.

This stunning, fully/part furnished ground oor at is one of the smartest properties in Melbourne.

Situated in the conservation area close to the pool it has lots of the original features. Huge dining kitchen with all white goods, large living area with feature replace. The two double bedrooms are both en-suite and also have tted wardrobes. There is a small o ce. Orp for 1 car. £850 PCM

Hermitage Mews, Penn Lane, Melbourne.

Delightful 1 bed Mews property with garage, small front garden plus ORP. Fully/part furnished there is a very good size living room with feature replace with gas stove. There is a large family bathroom o . The modern kitchen is well laid out and has all white goods. Upstairs is a large double bedroom with skylights and en-suite shower room. Charming! £625 PCM

Fennel House, Salisbury Court, Church Street, Melbourne.

Recently completed 3 bed new build in much sought after location. Over 3 oors with master en-suite+family bathroom+downstairs cloaks.

Quality nishes throughout there is a living kitchen/diner-all white goods- with French windows and access to pleasant rear garden. Good size garage and ORP. £1000 PCM.

Chasewood, Isley Walton, Nr.

Melbourne.

This property has been beautifully modernised with quality nishes throughout. Comprising two good size double bedrooms-master with large en-suite+family shower room.Well-appointed kitchen with oil red Stanley range + modern units and breakfast bar. The living/dining room is large, light and airy with a central wood burning stove. Conservatory and utility to the rear. Terrace, lawns, outhouses and double garage to the front and side. Short term let but possibly longer. P.O.A.

Coming soon...

2/3 bed end terrace Melbourne

£575 PCM.

Nicely refurbished 3 bed semi in Repton

Large gardens ORP.

£650 PCM

IF YOU NEED ANY ADVICE ON HOW TO PRESENT YOUR PROPERTY OR FOR MORE DETAILS ON ANY OF THE ABOVE PLEASE CONTACT CHRISTINE JUDGE ON 07870 547357

PROPERTIES ALWAYS NEEDED

Phone Christine on 07870 547357

● THE ASTON on Trent Yard Sale continues to be a successful venture, this year attracting 68 yards to open in this fund-raising event.

Entry fees go to Recreation in Aston

(RIA) with each Yard raising funds for their own chosen charity.

IT IS the ultimate doorstep challenge for the keen sailor – a trip around the complete coastline of Britain. For Melbourne locals John and Yvonne Robinson their lifelong ambition is about to be realised.

On May 10 they set sail from Dartmouth in Devon to travel about 2,500 miles clockwise around the circumference of Britain. Calling in at about 50 places en route they plan to see all the riches our coastline has to offer, passing by stunning sights like Lundy, Giant’s Causeway, the West Coast of Scotland and the Orkneys.

Then there is the challenge of taking your vessel through some of the toughest sailing conditions and the contrasting joy of solitude, spotting the massive variety of marine wildlife on our coasts.

They have been preparing for the trip for months. The Sundart, a 37ft Dehler sloop, has had some essential repairs and modifications in readiness. With a full winter service completed, and some extra protection applied the boat is now ship-shape.

They have also invested in a complete pack of sea charts and navigational aids to keep them on course. They do have the old fashioned sextant and stars as back up, however. An additional anchor will also save them from drifting overnight when asleep.

It is a lifelong ambition for John. “I have been sailing since I was 12, and Yvonne since she was 20, and now, post retirement age, we both have the opportunity to fulfil this ambition.”

As well as a personal achievement the trip will raise money for a charity they support, SUDEP Action. John explained that they tragically lost daughter Helena, aged only 24, to sudden unexpected death from epilepsy and this is a way of helping to support the charity, which provided a lifeline for them when they needed it.

As well as supporting families of victims, it raises awareness and funds research into the condition affecting one in every 1,000 epilepsy sufferers.

John and Yvonne (pictured above) are taking along some additional crew for the ride, with about half a dozen friends joining them for parts of the journey. The boat has a total of nine berths, which although roomy enough for 6ft 3ins John to stand upright, aren’t quite big enough to practise dancing! But, with the additional luxury of a fridge and a CD player, there should be plenty to while away any stormbound days.

“The biggest challenge will be the weather,” they agreed, “coping with the wetter and windier weather conditions we get in summers now.”

They will be “blogging” their progress on www.thecrusoes.wordpress.com where there are additional details of the charity for sponsors or those who would like to donate. Sponsor forms are also at Wayne’s and Alive N Klippin. They even have some space on the boat if you fancy it and have the sea legs.

Looking forward to the four month long trip, John and Yvonne also want to acknowledge helpers and in particular the co-owners of the boat for letting them use it for so long this summer, and Staunton Harold Sailing Club for making theirs the Commodore's charity of the year. –F Hughes

Barbara James (chair of RIA) also sold refreshments at her yard donating the proceeds to Cancer Research.

Daughter-in-law, Amanda Bethell pictured above (right), ran the Derby 10K the following morning and also donated her sponsorship monies to Cancer Research.

MARY MESSER 1927-2013

MARY Messer (nee) Laban was born on Ashby Road, Melbourne, a daughter for Joseph and Winifred Laban and the eldest of three – sister Betty and brother Joe followed. She was a bright pupil and attended school in Melbourne and then Parkfield Cedars in Derby.

Mary had a happy disposition and was a popular and well liked person from childhood through to her mature years whilst belonging to a close-knit family unit. When leaving school she worked for her father in a greengrocery shop in Spondon. She went on to have many different jobs in her working life which included working on the land, as Manageress of Mothercare in Derby, a Postmistress in Stanley Common and a variety of office work for both Laban’s Haulage and at Castle Mills.

Mary met Owen Messer after he returned from active service in the Army when he was working for her father at Laban’s. They married at Melbourne Parish Church in 1948. The couple went on to have three children, Peter, Pauline and Patrick, and continued to live in

EDNA ASHFIELD

1910 - 2013

EDNA was born in Melbourne on January 11, 1910, the only daughter of William Henry and Edith (née Bentley) Collyer. Her father’s family lived in Ivy Cottage, Jawbone Lane, King’s Newton and were market gardeners. Her mother was the second of the 12 children of Emma and John Bentley of St. Bride’s Farm, Stanton-by-Bridge.

In 1921 Edna moved with her parents and younger brother to King’s Newton House, where her father started his own market garden business and lived there until he died in 1956. Both Edna and her brother, George Henry, known locally as ‘Cuff’, worked for the family firm, which became W. H. Collyer & Son.

In 1935 Edna married Jack Ashfield, a Derby greengrocer and local carrier, and just before the outbreak of the Second World War went to live at 201 Station Road, Melbourne –a house built by Heaths Builders, who had been enticed to Melbourne from Swarkestone when her father had employed them in the

JOY PHILPS

1935-2013

JOY died on Good Friday and, following cremation at Bretby, a memorial service was conducted by Rev Peter Dawson OBE, retired Methodist Minister, at Melbourne United Reformed Church.

Joy was the first of two daughters born to Arthur and Violet Brown. They spent their early years in South East London and Surrey. Both girls attended grammar school and Joy spent a year at Croydon Commercial College, gaining shorthand and typing qualifications. Her first job was in the Treasurer’s Department at Coulsdon and Purley Council offices and, although painfully shy, she amazed everyone by setting up a Bible study and discussion group that was held weekly in the lunch break.

Five years after their meeting, marriage to Arthur Philps took place in April 1960 at Old Coulsdon URC, where Joy was a member. Whilst living in their first house near Reigate in Surrey, their two children were born:

DAVID BRIGGS 1943-2013

OUR BELOVED uncle, David Briggs was born on New Year’s Day 1943 in Ticknall; the youngest of four children to Jack and Maggie Briggs.

David was looked after by his siblings, older brother John, and sisters Margaret and Mary, and was one of the extended Heafield family. Known to be a wanderer, he would disappear for hours before simply showing up back at the house, oblivious to the anxiety he has caused. This trait never left him!

David attended Ticknall and Melbourne schools before heading off to study engineering at Bristol University.

His career started at Rolls-Royce in Derby, before heading to Aberdeen in Scotland where he settled with his wife Sue, and became a leading light in offshore, subsea pipeline engineering. Daughter Victoria arrived in 1978 and David described his life as truly contented; He was by now a great uncle to Harry and Jack and a grandfather to Anya.

David remained a loyal supporter of Derby County, and he tried valiantly to endear himself to the Scottish football supporters in north-east Scotland; however with his devil-

Sadly, Mary was pre-deceased by Owen in 1997 and soon after moved to Breedon. In addition to her three children, Mary had six grandchildren.

Mary also had lots of interests, joining the Girls Training Corps during the war years.

She was also a member of Melbourne Choral Society, a member of the Women’s League of Health and Beauty, a member of the Concert Party that mimicked the shows of the Black and White Minstrels. Mary was also a longserving member of Staunton Harold Women’s Institute, which she joined at 14 years of age. She was president four times and was still an active member until her illness six months ago.

In her teenage years she played the organ and when the church organist was unavailable, she would play for weddings or the Mothers Union.

Melbourne before moving to Stanley Common to take on the Post Office.

They subsequently moved to Worthington.

Having been christened, confirmed and married at the parish church, it was Mary’s wish that her funeral service should be held there.

Edna always loved gardening, and after she, Jack and daughter Evadne moved to Blakemore House further along Station Road, she ran a small market garden on the land at the rear of the house.

In 1976 Edna and Jack retired and went to live with their daughter, Evadne Robbins, at Thurlestone Grange, Thulston. There she continued to grow salad crops and tomatoes for some 10 years. Sadly, Jack died from cancer in 1981.

Edna carried on working in the large garden at The Grange and produced tomatoes in the greenhouse until she was almost 102 years old, when she had a fall and broke her femur. She made a good recovery from this but needed the support of a three-wheeled zimmer, which she used until a few days before she died on March 11.

1920s to work on King’s Newton House. The firm also built for the family the three pairs of semi-detached houses 189-199 Station Road adjoining ‘Waen Wen’ (201) of which one pair is still in family ownership.

The private funeral took place at St. Bartholomew’s Church, Elvaston, on March 18 and she was buried in Melbourne Cemetery between her parents and her husband.

In 1975 Joy moved to Kings Newton, where she was very happy. She became a member of Melbourne URC and was involved with markets, planting and watering the flower tubs and other activities to help. She was often asked to read in the church she loved.

In the late 1980s, Joy and Arthur moved to Aston on Trent and Joy joined the Methodist Ladies’ Group, becoming responsible for finding speakers and organising coach trips –skills which she brought to Melbourne Wednesday Group where she became the Programme Planner, finding and welcoming a speaker every week and making many friends in the process. At this time she was also a carer on the Melbourne Community Care minibus, driven by her husband, Arthur.

Stephen in 1962 and Jackie in 1964. Arthur’s work took them to Brighton, Ashford in Kent and Solihull and, when he became a ‘Lion’, Joy was involved in many fund-raising events.

Two years ago, Joy was sadly predeceased by her son Stephen, but leaves husband Arthur, daughter Jackie and six grandchildren of whom she was very proud and always speaking.

the shop assistant whilst David and the family moved onto another shop; it was only after asking for a Celtic shirt, that I realised I was standing in the official Aberdeen FC shop with a rather irate assistant.

Beating a hasty retreat out, all I could hear was the schoolboy laughter of David as he tried hopelessly to hide on the High Street. Priceless.

Family was very important to David and, as children, the expectation of waiting for him to arrive was bettered as soon as he walked through our nana’s front door in Ticknall. His distinctive and infectious laugh accompanying the raft of stories, tales, fables and most probably myths is legendary.

ishly funny humour, when asked what he thought of football in Scotland, David replied, “I think it’d be a good idea!”

He had a mischievous streak too; on one trip to visit into Aberdeen with him I asked where I could buy a Celtic football shirt for a colleague back in Nottingham; this was no problem and we marched purposely into a sports shop on the High Street. I was left alone with

David was a highly respected member of the community in and around his home village of Balmedie, and in the oil industry where he was awarded lifetime honorary membership of the Pipeline Industry Guild.

There are two men in our lives that we looked to as we grew up; our father, Leslie, and our uncle, David. Both of these gentle, loving and kind men were our role models and have shaped how we are now; we hope they were as proud of us as we are of them.

– Alistair, Anton and Bruce Roe

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THE 2013 season for Aston and Weston Bowls Club should have started on Easter Sunday but, due to the cold and snowy conditions, the green was not playable. Sunday April 7 was the revised opening day.

This season the club has joined the Belper and District Bowling Association, playing in a doubles league on Wednesday evenings, and so far they have won one and lost one.

Planning permission for an extension to the clubhouse to provide a new toilet was

approved in January and the club has recently been awarded a grant from the Midlands Co-operative Community Fund for its construction. The project is progressing very well, thanks to the hard work of club members.

Members are looking forward to a busy season of social and competitive bowling.

In order to recruit new members, flyers have been circulated locally to advertise the club and anyone who would like to play

EIGHT martial art students from Melbourne and Castle Donington have passed their Black Belt Dan examinations which took place at Melbourne Assembly Rooms.

One of the top instructors in the country, Dave Allen, 8th Dan, travelled from Huddersfield to oversee the grading together with Mark Rotherham, who was also awarded his 5th Dan.

Mr Allen said: "Mark has done a remarkable job building his club up to a high standard and the students should be proud of themselves. It takes five to six years of regular training, dedication and commitment to get the chance to even attempt black belt status."

Most of the successful students have been training in the Art of Wado Ryu karate and selfdefence for over 10 years.

Mark, who runs the Maximum Response Academy Martial Arts and Fitness Club, said: "I am very proud of all my students for the dedication and commitment they have shown to reach this stage in their chosen sport. The black belt grading is not easy. The MRKD Academy now has over 40 Black belts within its membership."

To join The Karate Academy phone 07824810746 or email... m.rotherham@mrkd.org.uk

MELBOURNE COMMUNITY CARE

SHOPPING TRIPS/SOCIAL OUTINGS

MINIBUS TIMETABLE – MAY & JUNE 2013

For further information, cost of trips, or to book a seat, either call in the Community Care O ce, Mon-Thu 10:00am-2:00pm; Fri 10:00am-12:00 noon or telephone 863585 (answering machine when o ce is closed). All journeys subject to number of booked passengers, minimum number required is 8, max 12

• We reserve the right to request a late cancellation fee for bookings cancelled one week prior to journey.

• Community Care do not provide escort assistance on these trips.

• For information on our “escorted trips” please contact the Community Care O ce.

• Every Friday we run a local door-to-door service to Budgens Supermarket and escort assistance can be provided if required.

bowls is invited to go along and visit the club. Bowls equipment and tuition can be provided for those new to the game.

For club information, please contact Ann Watkins on 01332 792516 or Clive Brett on 01332 792822.

Aston and Weston Bowls Club members are pictured (l-r) Elaine Brett, David Elson, Clive Brett and Tanya Noon from the Midlands Co-operative Community Fund.

Mon 17th 09:00

(Octagon Centre) 2:00

Bakewell, Derbyshire (Market Day) 2:30

Wed 19th 09:00 Boundary Mill Store, Catcli e, Nr She eld 2:30

Mon 24th 09:00 Chester eld 2:30

Wed 26th 09:30

Burton-on-Trent (Octagon Centre) 2:00

TUESDAY 9th JULY - MCC are considering a trip to the East Coast, either Skegness or Bridlington, with a comfort stop on route. We would leave Melbourne 7:30am and depart the coast around 4:30pm. An approx cost £13-£15. Please let us know, as soon as possible, if you would be interested.

Please look out for our Minibus Questionnaire. We would appreciate your views on our service and welcome your comments and suggestions - available either from the Community Care o ce or on the minibus.

WITH the new season now up and running, Kings Newton Bowls Club held its first competition, the Quentin Blood Trophy. In a closely contested final, Henry Hastings and Ian Jardine defeated Alan Holbrook and Alan Hicklin. The winning pair are pictured receiving the trophy from Mrs Sheila Blood.

With league fixtures coming thick and fast, all the teams have been in action with mixed results. The Men's Vets 1st team lost 74 at Derby Co-op and won 11-0 at home to Netherseal. The Men's Vets A team won 6-5 at home to Sudbury and lost 8-3 away to Henhurst.

The Men's Sunday team, playing in the Swadlincote and District League, won 6-2 at home to Lamb, Newhall, and lost 5-3 at Eton Park.

The Ladies evening team has won one and lost two, picking up nine good points away at Rowditch whilst the Ladies Vets have had mixed results, winning 7-3 at home to Littleover and losing away to Rolls-Royce.

The Men's midweek league teams started with good wins, the first team 10-2 against Sitwell and the A team 10-4 at Winshill.

For more details visit the website KingsNewtonBowlsClub.net – ARB

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● Pictured (back row l-r) are: Glenn Mattingley ( first dan), Paul Slee (second dan), Mandy Rotherham (third dan), Craig Roper (second dan), Thomas Dowell (first dan). Front row: Peter Ames (first dan, Dave Allen, Faye Dakin (first dan), Mark Rotherham and Thomas Robinson(first dan).

Ceiley,

HISTORY-MAKING yachtswoman Tracy Edwards MBE was joined by local schoolchildren to open Burton Sailing Club’s new training centre at Formark Reservoir, which was made possible courtesy of a £50,000 grant from Sport England’s Olympic legacy fund.

The children have all been learning to sail at Burton SC as part of RYA OnBoard, the nationwide initiative from sailing’s national governing body to provide low cost sailing opportunities to local school and youth groups.

The youngsters took part in sailing/racing throughout the afternoon. Parents, pupils and staff from other local schools/groups had also been invited to have a go at sailing for the first time.

Tracy Edwards became the first woman to take part in the Whitbread Round the World Race on a Maxi yacht in 1985 and in the 1989-90 Whitbread Race she skippered the first all-female crew on Maiden, which won two legs and finished second overall.

The Yachting Journalists’ Association (YJA) voted her 'Yachtsman of the Year' – the first time a woman was awarded the trophy in its 32-year history, and her achievement was recognised with the award of an MBE.

Burton Sailing Club was formed in 1902 and the club's founder member, local politician and businessman Lord Gretton competed in the 1906 Olympics held in France where he won two gold medals and one silver.

The club currently has 220 members and supports an additional 150-plus sailors through its links with local schools and universities.

Burton SC is a recognised RYA Training Centre, meaning it conforms to the highest standards of quality and tuition – in 2012 the club provided instruction to 257 students who learned to sail or trained as power boat drivers.

The club runs programmes/initiatives to introduce people to the sport and to enable them to sail regularly.

MELBOURNE Dynamoes Football Club had to cram in 11 first team games and three reserve team matches in a hectic April, but a superb team effort saw the first team rise to third place in the premier league and the reserves ending in a respectable seventh place.

The first team began the month with a 3-0 home win against Allestree with Danny Guild (2) and Matt Brian getting the goals. They followed this up with a solid 1-1 away draw versus Willington thanks to an Adam Ross strike.

A convincing 5-0 away win against Chellaston was thanks to a Matt Brian hat-trick with Tom

Ballard and Led Bull getting the others. It was leading goal scorer Brian who hit a brace in the following game away to Derby Rolls-Royce, earning a 2-1 win and getting some revenge for the Challenge Cup semi-final defeat the previous month.

Lee Bull scored a double at home to Chellaston with strikes from Ballard and Jack Purkiss giving Dynamoes a 4-1 win. A hat-trick each for front two Dave Brough and Adam Ross saw Melbourne romp home with a 6-0 win away to Punjab United in contrast to a single Danny Guild goal in a mid-week away win at Newmount.

The great run came to an end with a 2-0 away

defeat against Rowsley. Matt Brian got the only goal of the game at Mickleover RBL but a 1-0 away loss at Swanick PR left Melbourne needing a win in their last game to secure third place.

They did this in style with a double from Danny Guild giving him 14 for the season, a 19th goal of the season for veteran Dave Brough and a 13th goal of the season for Jack Purkiss seeing Melbourne to a 4-1 home win against Newhall United.

With leading goal scorer Matt Brian hitting 22 goals plus 16 from Adam Ross scoring was never a problem for Gavin Salisbury's men in another successful season for the club.

MELBOURNE Dynamoes reserves finished their season with two wins and a defeat. A hard earned 3-2 home win, saw leading goal scorer Vinny Hallifield, Rob James and Dan Stanley grabbing the goals.

A disappointing 1-0 away midweek loss to Little Eaton Reserves was offset when Greg Salisbury's men ended the season with a superb 2-1 away win at Wirksworth Town Reserves.

Hallifield grabbed a couple of tap-ins to take his season’s total to a superb 17 goals, leaving Farrell Scott with 11 goals and nine from Ben Dale in his tracks to complete a solid season.

BROOKFIELD Colts Under

14s Sunday team looked for a top four spot at the start of the season. But in fact they went on to win the Derby City League Under 14s division one title, which they took with one game still left to play and by five clear points.

Back row( l-r): Rob Cole (manager), Leighton Elliot-Sewell, Bradley Hefford, Nathan

Oliver Williamson, Wayne Harvey-Toon (chairman), Lewis Belgrave, Joseph Cheatle, Joshua Beard, Brad Cole, Chris Sewell (assistant). Front row: Finley Charles, Oliver Harvey-Toon, Devante Reittie, Callum Edworthy, Thomas Robotham and Surafel Behailu.

SPORT

MELBOURNE RFC First Team ended the season in style by being crowned champions.

They travelled to East Retford, knowing a win would secure promotion and, in a battling display, Melbourne delivered, in front of a respectable number of supporters who had made the trip, winning 43-10.

Melbourne’s first try came from the front-row, prop Gaz Lakin picking a tremendous line to crash over underneath the posts. Dan Walker scuppered a try-scoring opportunity but from the resulting scrum, Melbourne went through the phases, allowing Jacob Watts

to crash over. Time after time, Melbourne went into the Retford 22 to score points, with Tommy Howard adding another two to his season’s tally.

A collector’s item try in the form of a Melbourne catch-and-drive saw Will Judge beaming from ear-to-ear as he dotted down, and a further try for the scrum-half saw Melbourne with a comfortable half-time lead.

The second half saw Retford making inroads into the 22, but Melbourne's defence held firm, with Retford managing only an unconverted try for their second-half efforts. Melbourne themselves

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Telephone: 01332 863743

Mobile: 07966 245884

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Shop premises in Melbourne.

Approx 40m2 over 3 rooms + toilet, kitchen & cellar

Either re-assign existing lease (until Oct 2015) or new lease available.

Rent incl.all service bills £920 PCM.

For info & details please contact... Ruth Malloy - 01332 864635

ruth@cream-interiordesign.co.uk (Business una ected)

managed a try with Al Hollingsworth dotting down under the posts but the half was more memorable for the yellow cards, two to each team. The result meant Melbourne were assured of promotion to the highest division in the club’s history.

Next up was a home clash with Grimsby. Melbourne struggled to establish a foothold on the game, conceding early penalties at the breakdown which continuously lost good ground. An early penalty from Euan Holden saw the score at 3-0, before Jacob Watts scored the first try. Holden scored a try after Melbourne had powerfully won a short range scrum. Just before half-time, Grimsby took a quick penalty and good vision from their fly half saw him put a chip over for his winger to outsprint the cover and score in the corner. After the restart Holden scored his second try, also converting it. Tommy Howard had a try disallowed, but soon after amends were made, with Howard collecting a kick to outstrip the cover and score in the corner – his 31st try of the year. Rob Foster was next followed by man-of-the-match Theo De Vies scoring the final try. The game ended in the wind and the rain at 39-8 to Melbourne.

And so it came down to the final league game with a showdown at Kesteven, with winner takes all. Melbourne put the finishing touch to a superb season, winning 13-3 in a ferociously physical game. Melbourne met the physical challenge posed by the strong Kesteven runners with ferocious hits, with all of the forwards leading the way. With the backs scoring lots of tries this season, this was a day when the forwards took the limelight.

Having been pushed back at the first scrum, Melbourne began to exert some real pressure at scrum-time and with their runners unable to gain significant yardage over the gain-line, Kesteven struggled, often resorting to aimless kicking. When Melbourne had the ball, they looked dangerous, slowly acquiring field position and possession until the pressure told, the home side giving away a penalty in front of the posts which Euan Holden knocked over. Immediately, Melbourne grabbed the game’s only try, scored by Tom Swainston, a wonderful solo effort scuttling and carving his way through the Kesteven defence. It was converted by Holden beautifully from the touch-line. Kesteven did exert some pressure of their own before the end of the first half, grabbing a penalty and nearly scoring a try themselves, with their powerful number eight going close. However, Melbourne’s defence held firm, and they managed to add another Holden penalty before the close of the half, bringing the score to 13-3.

The team-talk at half-time stated the obvious: the biggest 40minute performance of the season was required if Melbourne were to walk away as champions. And, without a doubt, the green and gold delivered. In defence, they were magnificent, led by the heroic Jake Walker, who tackled everything put in front of him and also managed to nick a Kesteven scrum off their put-in. A scoreless second half saw Melbourne win 13-3 and crowned champions.

In a season littered with highlights –coming back from the first two losses to win 20 games straight; Theo De Vies heroics at Grimsby; the 100 points against Amber Valley; the complete performance against Lincoln away from home ... this was the fitting end to a season’s hard graft. Thanks to Dave Middleton, who started it all off with his gruelling fitness regime last summer, but especially coach Ian Masters, who instilled confidence within the squad.

■ MELBOURNE Minxes are holding their Annual Girls Fun Day on Sunday, May 19.

Melbourne Minxes, part of Melbourne Rugby Club, are one of the few, if not the only, club to offer girls only rugby for girls aged nine and below. The Minxes also look for ways to maintain the girls' interest and keep them playing into the under 13s, under 15s, under 18s and then into an adults team. The fun day event is a chance for other clubs from across the Midlands as well as Melbourne Minxes to show girls why other girls love to play the sport in an environment where there is no score sheet, no contact, no pressure and most of all where the environment is full of friendly people with big smiles on their faces no matter what.

Anyone can turn up at Chellaston Academy at any time after 10.30am. The club is willing to send you more details if required; just contact Nick Woodland, Melbourne Minxes, Girls Play Rugby Too on 07504123122.

● Members of the successful MRFC 1st team squad are pictured on completing their promotion gaining season 20122013. Back row: Ash Stringer, Peter Ilott (chairman), Dave Smith (president),

Paul Carroll (referee), Al Hollingsworth, Will Judge, Jacob Watts, Chris Mansfield, Kier Biggins, Tommy Howard, Will Weeds, Euan Holden (Capt); Front row: Dave Middleton

(coach), Ash Corden, Theo De Vies, Rob Foster, Matt Smith, Tom Swainston, Dan Walker, Mark Coyne, Jacob Walker, Dale Bilson, Gary Lakin and Jordan Hollis.