LOCAL infant school children got together at the Sainsbury’s store in Melbourne to celebrate £1,769.58 that has been raised for their PTA
Sainsbury’s has now completed the year of fund-raising for Melbourne Infant School PTA and a new charity is set to be its focus for 2018/9.
Members of Melbourne Infant School PTA are seen with children from the school and Sainsbury’s manager Gary Dunne.
A MAJOR scheme to address the drainage problems and improve the playing surfaces at the Melbourne Sports Park has been agreed by South Derbyshire District Council.
Problems with the drainage of pitches resulted in only one game of rugby taking place there last winter, with the resultant loss of income to the Melbourne Sporting Partnership and additional costs to the rugby club having to hire pitches elsewhere
Losses from post-match socialising have had
an impact on clubhouse revenue
The lack of a home pitch is also threatening the viability of the club, which is regularly fielding three adult and one junior sides
The earthworks which took place dating back to 2012 in the early phases of the MSP’s development were held by some to have contributed to flooding at the lower end of Robinsons Hill and, in 2016, along Ashby Road to the rear of the new housing
The scheme will seek to address the issues of drainage both from the pitches and the surrounding land
The cost of the entire project has not been made public but a figure around £250,000 is rumoured
Alderman John Harrison, who is chair of the
finance and management committee which considered the proposal, said: “The council has received a request from the MSP for assistance in improving playing facilities at the sports park and, in particular, the inadequate drainage on some pitches
“The council, as lead drainage authority in South Derbyshire, was obliged to take a view as to the future drainage of land at Cockshut Lane, some of which is in its ownership, and has proposed a scheme to alleviate the risk of future flooding in the surrounding area
“The scheme will incorporate improvements to the playing surfaces, which will benefit local communities together with local residents ”
The funding set aside by the council remains confidential at this stage, as it will be seeking
tenders to implement the scheme
Although plans for improving drainage were included in the original costs for the sports park, it was one of the items ‘value engineered’ out when there was a funding shortfall
Chair of the MSP, and a director of the rugby club, Steve Hollingsworth said: “The MSP is delighted that a scheme has been agreed to improve playing facilities and drainage solutions and looks forward to working closely with the council in its implementation ”
The scheme will involve creating drainage channels to the sides of the pitches which will then take run-off water into the quarry to the east side of Ashby Road
It is hoped that work could begin this year if planning permission is granted
l Tracey Ridley, who is stepping down as organiser, waves goodbye to the Melbourne Carnival
Full report and pictures inside
A DEVELOPMENT of 40 new homes on Melbourne’s Station Road has finally been given the all-clear – several years after the initial permission was granted
Alexander Bruce Estates was given the goahead to build the houses at a meeting of South Derbyshire District Council’s Planning Committee on July 17
Outline permission – which approves a development in principle, before detailed drawings are submitted – was granted for the first phase of the homes back in 2014, with the second phase following suit in 2015
Originally, the whole development was to have been for 46 homes, but that has been reduced to 40 in total
PUPILS at Aston-on-Trent Primary School have a new classroom, with a former head teacher on hand to cut the ribbon
Parish councillor and school governor Haydn Wheeler was head of Aston Primary from 1984 to 1991, and the school’s new classroom has been named after him
It was built with an injection of funds by the local education authority, Derbyshire County Council, as the old one was too small
The new key stage two classroom is already in use and works to the school have also included
THE SCHOOL HOUSE, HIGH STREET, MELBOURNE
improvements to the toilets with the creation of a disabled toilet
It also means that the school now has space for teaching smaller groups of children
“It’s a double whammy, because we have got a nice new classroom and extra space for group work too,” said Haydn, who added that he was “slightly embarrassed, flattered and honoured” to have had the room named after him
Les Brooks, from Aston, who turns 100 this year, was also involved in the ceremony having been a school governor for more than 30 years
3 bedroom detached house with small private courtyard and orp for 2 cars. Large modern kitchen with all white goods. Dining/play/office area off with access to the courtyard. Open wardrobes in back bedroom plus family bathroom. EPC rating e. £650 PCM
28 QUEENSWAY, MELBOURNE
Substantial 3 bedroom family house in much sort after location with large rear garden and driveway parking. Entrance hall with lounge off leading to a large modern dining kitchen with all white goods including dishwasher. French doors giving access to the terrace and long rear garden. Fitted wardrobes in the back bedroom. One other double and a single bedroom plus family bathroom. EPC rating d. £725 PCM
FLAT 1 THE OLD NATIONAL SCHOOL, MELBOURNE
Fabulous part furnished 1st floor flat in conserervation area. Huge dining kitchen-all white goods. Beautiful sitting room with feature fireplace.2 large bedrooms both with en-suite and fitted wardrobes. Third bedroom/office. Orp for 1 car. EPC rating e. £900 PCM
3A POTTER STREET, MELBOURNE
Large 2 bed flat in the centre of melbourne. Kitchen includes white goods, bathroom with bath and shower. Good sized living room with feature fireplace. Secluded garden area with shed. EPC rating d. £550 PCM
FIRST they drank the wine, then they donated the bottles –now those bottles are part of an innovative new flooring system up at Whistlewood Common Volunteers turned out on a hot day to take part in the laying of the wine bottles to form a special insulated floor in Whistlewood’s ongoing project to create a straw bale community roundhouse
Around 9,000 bottles were laid neck down in sand, an unusual but effective method of creating insulation
Whistlewood director Chris Gregson, who is the project manager for the roundhouse, said: “It was brilliant Some people were ferrying bottles, some were carrying sand, people took turns doing a bit of everything The atmosphere was brilliant, people were just finding something they wanted to do and doing it ”
The bottles were laid in the sand ready for limecrete to be poured over the top of them Incredibly, considering the sheer volume of bottles, only around six were broken during the course of the works
The bottles were contributed over the course of several months at the beginning of the year, with local people, bars and pubs turning up to Whistlewood to donate their empties
The build is being completed by Dales Contractors Ltd of Yorkshire
James Ottewell, director of Alexander Bruce Estates, explained to The Village Voice outside the meeting that the developer had been working closely with Severn Trent Water, the landowners and South Derbyshire District Council to create a proper drainage infrastructure, spending thousands of pounds on various projects including clearing culverts and ditches so that rainwater can now properly flow away
The developer ’s contractors have cleared Carr Brook itself of a mountain of debris – including about a foot of silt – and homes which were near the brook on the original designs have been removed, hence the drop in number
Mr Ottewell said: “We have spent two or three years really ironing out all of the issues in terms of the drainage We don’t really envisage there
l Jamie Traynor, manager of the Tollgate Brewery, helping to lay some of the bottles his pub recyled with Whistlewood director and project manager Chris Gregson
being a problem but we have got to make sure
“We are local, we are not here today, gone tomorrow, we can’t really be like a PLC house builder ”
Ahead of the development being granted, planning officers received letters from the local community voicing support for the development along with concerns over flooding and drainage
The majority of the development is for threebed homes – 27 in total – with six two-beds, six four-beds and one five-bedroom home, with 30 per cent of them affordable
Councillor Jim Hewlett, ward member for Melbourne, said: “I like the proposal very much, I like the fact there’s only one access on Station Road and the high hedge which is protected ” Committee member Robert Pearson said: “The affordable housing quota of 30 per cent is extremely welcome, in comparison with some of the applications we have seen,” before he voiced the hope that local people would benefit from affordable housing
The Village Voice put the question to Mr Ottewell, who said the intention was to work with a local housing association provider
At the meeting, Melbourne councillor John Harrison closed the discussion by saying: “I’m just delighted that the development is at long last moved on I hope he gets on with building these homes which are desperately needed, if only to honour our commitments under the Local Plan ” Building work is expected to begin some time in the New Year – Lucy Stephens
n THIS diamond couple are Colin and Brenda Earp, of Melbourne, who celebrated 60 years of marriage this month.
Colin and Brenda tied the knot on August 9, 1958, at Melbourne Parish Church. They celebrated their diamond wedding with a large family party, with their grandson Daniel celebrating his 21st birthday at the same time
Colin met Brenda at a clay pigeon shoot at Park Farm next to what is now the racetrack at Castle Donington, where she lived He remembers to this day what she was wearing: a long skirt in the Dior “New Look” style, with short white Wellington boots!
The Earps have three children: Mark, Susan and Karen; five grandchildren: Amy, Sophie, Stephanie, Daniel and Simon, and a great-grandson, Hugo, who arrived in July
OPENING TIME ... (l-r) South Derbyshire District Councillor for Aston ward Peter Watson, Les Brooks, Haydn Wheeler and Anthony Potter from Derbyshire County Council.CHILDREN will be able to have a free bounce on Wednesdays in Melbourne’s main park this August because parish councillors decided to put an inflatable castle there at the suggestion of a local parent
In last month’s Village Voice we reported how Melbourne Parish Council had decided to take away a large piece of equipment in the Lothian Gardens playground after a safety report found it was unsafe and rotting at its base
The timing was unfortunate as it meant the equipment, which includes a slide, climbing wall and rope ladder and is for the use of older children, had to be taped off just before the long summer holidays
But now councillors have agreed to put a bouncy castle in the playground on Wednesdays so that children have something to play on to at least partly make up for the loss of their main piece of equipment
The idea came from local parent Rachel Hill, who helps organise Melbourne Fete & Carnival The bouncy castle comes from Darren Rose who provides it for the carnival
Her suggestion was taken up by the parish council, who have paid for the bouncy castle so it is free for families
“I just thought it was bad timing for it to be closed down before the holidays,” said
Parasol £29. Base £15.
Rachel “I thought it would be nice to get children of all ages to play down there, before something more permanent is put in place ”
The Village Voice were at Lothian Gardens on the first afternoon of the bouncy castle where children certainly seemed to be enjoying themselves
The message had been
spread on social media to make people aware
Mum of two Ruth Gadsby said the bouncy castle was “definitely” a good addition to the park on Wednesdays, especially with the parish council-funded play equipment at Melbourne Junior School on Mondays giving some options for families to plan a fun day out
Local dad Jon Burrell, who was at the park for the first day
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of the bouncy castle, said: “It’s getting people out and about; kids love this sort of thing –they love bouncy castles!”
The bouncy castle will be at Lothian Gardens on four Wednesdays during August from 1 30pm to 4 30pm with the last on the 22nd
If it rains on any of those afternoons, it will be there the following day It is free to use
– Lucy Stephens
TEMPUS fugit, so they say, but the clock in Melbourne Market Place has been very much keeping its own time recently – which is to say, the wrong time
That will all change this month with an upgrade organised by Melbourne Parish Council, which will mean the internal workings of the clock will be linked to a digital system, with the promise of always being accurate
The works to the clock, due to take place on August 19, will also mean the time will change automatically when the clocks go forward and back in the spring and autumn
Saturday 1st September - 7 for 8pm
Village Folk Presents Sound of the Sirens
Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne, DE73 8GF
Tickets £12 from MARs 01332 863522
Friday 7th September - 7 for 8pm
MARs Presents Ben Bowden’s Songs from the Village Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne, DE73 8GF
Tickets £8 from MARs 01332 863522
Friday 14th September. 7.30 for 8pm
Funhouse Comedy Club WITH JONNY AWSUM
Royal British Legion, 87 Derby Road, Melbourne, DE73 8FE
Tickets £9
Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th
September 10am-5pm
Venues throughout central Melbourne, DE73 8DW
Tickets £5 on the day, under 18s free.
A f a n t a s t i c w e e k e n d f o r j u s t £ 5 ! O v e r 1 4 0 a r t i s t s i n
7 0 v e n u e s – l o t s t o s e e a n d d o a l l w e e k e n d T h e h i g h l i g h t o f M e l b o u r n e F e s t i v a l S e e M e l b o u r n e c o m e a l i v e i n a b l u r o f c o l o u r & a c t i v i t y - a r t , a r c h i t e c t u r e , d a n c e , m u s i c , f o o d a n d m u c h m o r e H e l p u s p a i n t t h e t o w n R E D !
Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th
September 10am-5pm
Pool Road, Melbourne, DE73 8AA
Tickets - free with Festival Trail ticket.
C o m e a n d s e e t h e 4 6 8 0 k n i t t e d p o p p i e s c o m m e m o r a t i n g t h e G r e n a d i e r G u a r d s k i l l e d d u r i n g W W 1 d i s p l a y e d b y M e l b o u r n e P o o l
Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th
September 10am-5pm
Venues throughout central Melbourne, DE73 8EN
Tickets - free with Festival Trail ticket.
C o m e a n d s e e t h e 4 6 8 0 k n i t t e d
Friday 21st September
5.00-6.00pm / 6.30-7.30pm
Magical Mayhem & Circus Skills
Senior Citizen Centre, Church Street, Melbourne, DE73 8EJ
Tickets £3 01332 416152 rachel@coupe.me.uk
Friday 21st September 7 for 7.30pm
Hot House Jazz
Sponsor: The National Forest Spring Water Company Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne, DE73 8GF
Tickets £10/£5 U18s
Saturday 22nd September
3.00 to 7.30pm (approx.)
Melbourne
Remembers
Open Air Concert and Festival of Remembrance
Castle Square, Melbourne, DE73 8DY
Tickets - Free
Sunday 23rd September 6.30 for 7pm
Paul Marshall, Emily Kent and Friends in cabaret
Derby Rd, Melbourne, DE73 8FE
Tickets £7.50
Friday 28th September 7.30 for 8pm.
MELBOURNE FESTIVAL PRESENTS
OPEN ROAD PRODUCTIONS
SONGS AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM GRACE - THE LIGHTHOUSE GIRL
THE SAME SKY & SILVER DARLING
Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne, DE73 8GF
Tickets £10
Saturday 29th September
2.30pm - 4.00pm
Cream Tea & Poetry from the Trenches
Senior Citizen Centre, Church Street, Melbourne, DE73 8EJ
Tickets £7.50 including Cream Tea.
Saturday 29th September 7 for 7.30pm
Wil Pearson
Live in cabaret
Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne, DE73 8GF
Tickets £10
Friday Oct 5th and Sat 6th October 7.00 for 7.30pm
A Choir’d Taste in Concert with London
Camerata String
Quartet
Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne, DE73 8GF
Tickets £10
Saturday 6th October 10am - 3pm
Children's Event
Melbourne Parish Church, Church Square, DE73 8EN
Tickets £4 01332 416152 rachel@coupe.me.uk
Friday 12th October 7.00pm on stage 8pm
MARs present the definitive Jam tribute...
Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne, DE73 8GF
Tickets £10 from MARs 01332 863522
Saturday 27th October 7 for 7.30pm
The Friends of Melbourne Parish Church present LIVE JAZZ with trombone virtuoso
Annie Whitehead
The Parish Church, Church Square, Melbourne, DE73 8EN
Tickets £10
tickets: 07962 430450 Or Forteys, Market Place, Melbourne
www.melbournefestival.co.uk/events
IT STARTED with only six children back in 2003 – and now Scallywags Nursery in Melbourne is celebrating its 15th birthday.
Hundreds of families from a wide local area send their children to Scallywags, with many staying on to use its before and after school clubs until the age of 11
In September, the nursery will officially have reached the grand old age of 15 having been set up by director Mary Attwater (nee Dunnicliff) in September 2003
The origins of Scallywags rose out of Dunnicliff Bros, a shoe factory run in Melbourne by the Dunnicliff family for 107 years before it finally closed its doors in the early part of this century
The factory’s shed was based at what is now the original part of Scallywags Nursery, and the adjoining field was used by workers to play football at lunchtimes
“I worked in the factory during school holidays and soon realised that it would not be sustainable in the future so pursued my dream of working with children I went to university to study childcare,” explained Mary
“Then I worked with special needs children for around two years whilst setting up Scallywags The factory had closed about two and a half years before that ”
Some of the original staff from Scallywags, Louise Smith, Kate Moore, Hayley McGill and Sarah Dowell are still working at the nursery today
Having started with just half a dozen children, the nursery has grown hugely with hundreds now attending every day while their parents are at work
Mary’s sister Sarah, a qualified teacher, joined her three and a half years after the nursery started, and a second site at Chellaston was then set up in 2014
But, says Mary, Scallywags is still run along the same familyfriendly lines it started with
“We’ve got lovely relationships with everybody,” she said
“We try to run the nursery as a family-friendly nursery where children are stimulated in an environment which is safe, creative, informative and adventurous, enabling our children to develop their independence and skills as they grow, realising that learning is fun!
“Many of our children have gone on to get scholarships at top schools and to university I am sure that our great work in our children’s early years makes anything possible! We are extremely proud of all of our children
“I really enjoy my job; coming to work is not a chore as I love working with such amazing people, children and families ”
LOCAL police have taken to social media to ask parents not to tell children they will be taken away by officers unless they behave Derby Police Cadets took to Twitter where they wrote the following: “We get this all the time from parents –‘you'd better behave else they will take you away’ Please don't say this! We want your child to come to us if lost or in trouble, not run from us” – a message that was re-sent by Melbourne’s Safer Neighbourhood Team
MELBOURNE comes alive each September when the Festival aims to bring a smile to everyone’s face at the end of the summer with a big celebration, reports event director Sharon Brown.
This year we are painting the town RED to say thank you to the men who gave their lives in World War 1
Melbourne knitters have excelled themselves creating thousands of Poppies for PopUp Poppies Melbourne, each one an individual like the men they represent; these will be exhibited by Melbourne Pool and around Melbourne during the Art & Architecture Trail on Saturday and Sunday, September 15-16
Townsfolk are again opening up their homes and gardens to invite artists and the public in over the weekend The Festival has been assured that many favourite artists are returning this year to bring a splash of colour to Melbourne
This year there are nearly 150 artists in
70 venues, so remember to wear your comfy shoes to make the best of the Trail Artists Michael Cook and John Rattigan are bringing “The Angel Project” to Melbourne Parish Church and will also be showing “Swords to Ploughshares” – Michael’s piece commissioned by Melbourne Parish Council to commemorate the men who lost their lives a century ago in WW1 This will be alongside the poppies knitted for Melbourne’s soldiers who lost their lives in that war
Barbara Bagley is back with her quirky take on Melbourne architecture and other favourites include Greenman Ceramics and Ashby’s Aluminium Sculptor Matthew Warburton, who has created beautiful poppies for this year ’s Festival
The concert tickets are already on sale from Forteys in the Market Place or by phone 07962430450 or online from the Festival booking office The programme runs through September and October
The concert programme really revs up
after the Art & Architecture Trail with highlights including the return of youth jazz group, Hot House Jazz on September 21 They might be young but they are amazing musicians
The next day sees “Melbourne Remembers”, an open air concert organised by Melbourne Royal British Legion and including the fanfare “Sunset” when the sun sets and a Festival of Remembrance with over 100 musicians
The following weekend Open Road Productions bring musical highlights of three productions On Friday, September 28, enjoy Grace – The Lighthouse Girl, The Same Sky and Silver Dollar; with a cast of 16 it is guaranteed to bring the house down The following night Derbyshire’s favourite crooner Wil Pearson is back by popular demand
October starts with home grown talent A Choir ’d Taste, who are performing for two nights only with London Camerata String Quartet The programme ends with a laid back evening of jazz at Melbourne Parish Church on October 27 Trombone virtuoso and composer Annie Whitehead takes to the stage with Steve Lodder on keys and Liam Genocky on drums A fitting end to what promises to be another fantastic festival
For updates and further information visit www melbournefestival co uk call 07765 819428 or pick up a leaflet
l This group of women are busy sewing the poppies on to a display for the exhibition
NEW heritage signs have been officially unveiled in Breedon, Wilson and Tonge thanks to more than £10,000 in local sponsorship money
Breedon-on-the-Hill Parish
Council spent a year working on the project to bring the signs to its villages
An official unveiling took place at the “Summer Sunday” celebrations with Ida Wright and Hilda Ratcliffe (pictured), the eldest residents in Tonge and Breedon, invited as VIPs to cut the ribbons
The signs have been installed on Breedon’s village green, Breedon Priory, Wilson, Tonge and local bus stops
Debbie Keith, from the parish council, said the signs were there for all to enjoy
She said: “The purpose of the signs is partly to fulfil our objective to make the parish a desirable and attractive place to live, work and play and the parish
council is extremely grateful to our local sponsors who donated over £10,000 to make this initiative possible
“We hope that parishioners and visitors alike will enjoy the
Champagne Breakfast
Wednesday - Friday 10.30am - 11.45am
Saturday 10am - 11.45am and 1.30pm - 2pm
Luncheon
Wednesday - Friday 12 noon - 2.30pm
Saturday 1pm - 2pm
Sunday Luncheon
signs which display photos, old and new, and historical information and anecdotes
“For walkers there is a map showing four loop walks from Breedon Village Green ”
12 noon and 4.30pm 01332
Robert Parker
HARVEST has been sprung upon us when we weren’t expecting it and if this weather continues it could be over quickly
For us to cut wheat in Derbyshire in July is ultra unusual but some local farmers have finished in that month.
Yields have been fairly good after initial worries and the grain has been coming in very dry, which will save on costs.
All straw is being baled, which will help livestock farmers who are in a much worse position. No substantial rain for five weeks has left grass growth at around zero, and most animals are having to be fed supplement rations to keep them in good condition
The problem is that these supplements are our winter foods and on a lot of farms they are in very short supply. Alternatives are very limited, which leads to a very difficult situation and will have repercussions for
many months to come
The drought seems to have increased the amount of trees dying from either Dutch elm or ash dieback diseases.
At the Calke end of the reservoir on the “new road” bridge lots and lots of ash saplings have perished. I assume, but am not quite sure if this is the reason; I suppose it could just be shortage of water
I also notice that sycamores seem to be perishing, too
One thing that continues to be an ocean of green in the parched landscape is the maize crop But even that seems to wilt in the midday heat and then recovers at night.
Maize is a dry land crop basically and has the ability with its large upright leaves which slope towards the stem to water itself even with small amounts of rain
This crop will save the year for many livestock farms and is very valuable to us
Our
Our
WARM weather has brought traditionally early-autumn blackberries out far earlier this year – these beauties were spotted in the children’s play park in Melbourne’s Coronation Close on July 30. Melbourne Garden Club said: “The recent spell of hot weather has prompted the blackberries to ripen earlier and yield a heavy crop.”
Anyone harvesting this free bounty can make jam, drinks, puddings, wine and other goodies or freeze them for future use.
Some of these could be entered into the Melbourne Produce Show on August 18, at the Senior Citizens Centre.
A DEVOTED Melbourne Rugby Club fan who says he probably owes his life to having proper travel insurance will be the subject of a huge sporting extravaganza to be held in the village next month
The Jack Radley Cup is being held at the Melbourne Sports Park on September
1
It will raise money for Ward 3 of Kings Lodge London Road Community Hospital in Derby, along with the Neurological Outpatient Therapy Service, both of which helped Jack for many months of 2017 and 2018 as he was slowly recovering from a stroke
Jack, a lifelong fan of Melbourne Rugby Club and a former Chellaston Academy pupil, had recently qualified as an occupational therapist when he took time out in the summer of 2017 to fulfil a long-time ambition to travel to South America, with good mate Oliver Page, of Barrow-upon-Trent
The pair were about a month into their travels in Peru when Jack started to feel very unwell with a bad stomach ache in the hostel where they were staying
“I thought I’d eaten something dodgy,” he explained
Things did not improve and a doctor was called, and from that point on things moved fast
Jack found himself in hospital where it was discovered he had been suffering with pneumonia Not only that, he had multiple blood clots, one of which got into his spleen where it broke apart before travelling up through his body
Incredibly, it then moved through a hole in Jack’s heart – which unbeknownst to him he’d had since birth – and ended up in his brain, causing him to have a stroke at the young age of 24
And there the story might have ended, if it were not for the fact that Jack’s mum had insisted he had the right travel insurance before he went
ANYONE who would like to air their views on traffic proposals for Melbourne should go to a major public meeting in the village next month
Earlier this year, a set of
HOLIDAY-MAKERS have been warned against travelling without proper insurance by South Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler
Travel association ABTA has reported 15 per cent of people travelling on some holidays completely uninsured over the past 12 months while 24 per cent risked invalidating their insurance by not telling companies about pre-existing medical conditions, or by taking part in activities without checking they were covered under the policy
An insurer can reject a claim in either of these situations
“I’m the biggest advocate of travel insurance now,” said Jack, who had travel insurance with his bank but discovered before the trip it only covered him for around a month’s travel in Europe The cost to upgrade was £100 which, scrimping everything together to fund the trip, he nearly didn’t bother to pay
“Mum was like, ‘get it’ and I got it I’m not sure I’d be here if I hadn’t,” he said
When Jack ended up in hospital, Oliver was being asked for his insurance details before doctors would treat him
Another patient in Columbia, who also had pneumonia, died at about the same time for lack of insurance
In the end, Jack was in hospital for around six weeks abroad and his insurance paid out £348,000 in medical treatment, with the stay in intensive care costing £1,200 a day
“It makes you appreciate what we get for free over here,” he said
Meanwhile, back home, his friends
and family undertook a large-scale fund-raising effort so that both his parents could travel to Peru to be by his side as the insurance covered only one family member
That was the birth of the first Jack Radley Cup in September 2017 – the second one this year will see funds paid back to the medical professionals who have helped Jack on the road to recovery
And it has been a long road He only started to walk short distances in May and is still unable to move his left arm
But Jack is an optimist and wouldn’t change the past
For one thing, he says, his experiences receiving occupational therapy will be very helpful when he gets back to the profession himself
For another, he did get to see South America
And there was also the fact that, despite being thousands of miles away, his
friends rallied round to support him in his hour of need by organising the first Jack Radley Cup in Melbourne
“The way my friends and family all pulled together was amazing,” he said
“I just kept thinking I must have been doing something right if all these people have turned out in my name
“I’ve got such a great bunch of friends
They’ve been incredible They’ve kept me sane through the months in hospital ”
In honour of Jack, Melbourne Rugby Football Club will be playing an honorary fixture before the Jack Radley Cup starts: Melbourne First Team will be taking on Market Harborough on the day
Then the cup itself will feature a football tournament with 12 teams playing in fancy dress, with ice cream and doughnut trucks on hand to keep hungry appetites at bay – Lucy Stephens
Heather Wheeler MP said: “It is simply not worth the risk to go on holiday without the right travel insurance Going without any insurance, or having insurance which doesn’t cover your circumstances, could prove very costly if you were to fall ill or have an accident while on holiday ”
The most common reason for not buying travel insurance was that people felt it wasn’t needed with some believing that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) would provide sufficient cover
While it is important to have an EHIC when travelling in Europe, it only provides access to state medical care and does not include repatriation to the UK if you are seriously ill This can be extremely costly should you require an air ambulance, for example
While the average cost of a travel insurance claim is £1,296, the cost of medical treatment or repatriation can run into thousands of pounds, leaving people vulnerable abroad
l Jack is p i c t u r e d (left) with Oliver at Machu Picchu, before his illnessA HUGE fund-raising effort for a much-loved primary school teacher who taught in Melbourne for 10 years has reached nearly half its target
Thousands of pounds have been raised locally and further afield for Zara Scott, who taught many young children in Melbourne In-
fant School during her time there
As reported in last month’s Village Voice, Zara was diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this year and funds are currently being raised to send her to Germany for treatment
The overall target is £88,000 and the aim of the treatment is to
give 34-year-old Zara more time with her family, fiancé Matt and two sons Noah and Isaac
At the time of writing, the fundraising total has reached £43,000
A large cake sale was held in the grounds of Scallywags Nursery in Melbourne, with hundreds turning out in the hot sunshine to eat cake and take part in the raffle, with prizes donated by many local businesses
The whole occasion raised a huge £4,340 55 for Zara’s fund
Then, at Melbourne Infant School, staff, parents and even children took a refreshing dip when they stood in the stocks and had wet sponges thrown at them at a fund-raising picnic
Lots of local families turned out to the after-school event with games organised for children plus a raffle and, of course, the wet sponge throwing, with the whole occasion raising £2,010
A further £922 was collected at the infant school’s stall at Melbourne Fete and Carnival
Also in July, parents organised a biscuit sale outside the schools which was a sell-out in 20 minutes flat, raising £339 71 And businesses in Melbourne have also contributed, with Rococo Weddings auctioning off a prom dress in aid of Zara
n THESE girls from Melbourne got into the fund-raising spirit when they held a yard sale to raise money for local good causes
Ayesha, Martha and Sibella, all 12year-olds about to go into year eight at Chellaston Academy, held the sale on Moira Street.
They sold cuddly toys, books, jigsaws and held a Name the Bear competition, with neighbours coming round to contribute extra items such as children’s furniture and plant pots The day raised £100 each for two well-known local causes: Zara’s Army – the fundraiser for former Melbourne Infant Teacher Miss Scott who has been diagnosed with brain cancer; and the Karusseits, the local couple who are fighting for the right to remain in the
UK after their application was turned down by the Home Office.
Julie Jordan and Sarah Woodward, mums of Ayesha and Martha, said the day had gone really well with passersby stopping to donate.
“It was a good experience for the girls,” said Julie. “There was a real community spirit on the day. Even the gas engineer in my house gave us a fiver!”
MELBOURNE Garden Club will host a talk on 'Rare wildflowers of the Peak District' on September 10 This will take place back at the Senior Citizens Centre, at 7pm, Visitors welcome
l Pictured in the stocks is headteacher Charlotte Gibbs.
FORMER land girls who worked together at Stanton-by-Bridge just after the Second World War were together again to celebrate one of their 90th birthdays in Melbourne
Millie Pass, from the village, turned 90 on July 18 with a family party surrounded by her three daughters and grandchildren
Also there were Ruth Bradshaw and Doreen Beardsley; the three ladies all came to this area to be land girls in the 1940s and have stayed ever since, part of a group of four still living locally
After arriving in the Melbourne area Millie met and married a local man, Derek Pass, and the couple had Pass’s fruit shop in the Market Place
Four children arrived: Tony, Alyson, Jacqui and Julia and today Millie has three grandchildren too: Alice, Amy and Amelia
As well as her family party she celebrated her 90th birthday with a steam train trip starting at Loughborough
Millie enjoys a full life with her three daughters living locally; she goes indoor bowling in Ticknall and enjoys reading, cooking and cryptic crosswords
A member of the United Reformed Church, she has raised money for Help Our Heroes by holding charity lunches
ELAINE Dunnicliff celebrated her milestone fund-raising achievement with TV’s ‘Most Haunted’ presenter Richard Felix.
Elaine has been fund-raising ever since she recovered from a life-threatening cancer in 2006 and she held a party last month, not just to celebrate a birthday which, at one point she did not think she would see, but mainly to mark the achievement of raising £50,000
She said: “I wanted to thank all those who had helped me along the way to meet that target and we had a brilliant night All the performers, including the Milk Hounds, played for nothing so we managed to raise another £200 which will start off the next £50,000!”
She has been friends with Richard Felix ever since he approached her to buy one of her calendars and they have been in contact ever since He told her that at the age of 19 he was diagnosed with a terminal condition and, purely by chance, his surgeon knew one of the top consultants in the field and referred him
LOCAL residents are invited to take their picnics and blankets to a free community concert being staged by the Royal British Legion this September in remembrance of those who gave their lives in the First World War
The Royal British Legion said it was very grateful for the support of Melbourne Parish Council and local businesses which have supported the Festival of Remembrance concert, timed to coincide with the centenary since the end of the war in 1918
Local musical organisations and invited guests will be taking part in the large-scale afternoon of music and entertainment, which starts at 3 30pm in Castle Square, Melbourne, on Saturday, September 22
The legion said: “The occasion will conclude with a finale of approximately a 120-voice massed choir and band accompanying a Drum Head Service starting at 7 05pm timed to coincide with the setting of the sun and the ringing of the parish church bells ” Commemorative programmes will be sold to help raise money for the Poppy Appeal and all performers on the day are giving their time and talents for free in support of the cause
n LOCAL art lovers held an exhibition of their work at the Assembly Rooms – and new members are welcome to join in when the group opens again in the autumn.
Melbourne Art Group has been going since 2010 and holds an exhibition each year.
This year ’s event was held in the Melbourne Room, with members showcasing their work. Visitors enjoyed free refreshments including tea, coffee, strawberries and cream, scones and jam while admiring
That saved his life, she believed, and he is now a 50-year survivor He has gone on to have a successful career as a paranormal investigator and on TV
Elaine has raised the money for both Macmillan Cancer Support but mainly for the Urology Department at Derby Royal Infirmary (DRI), which was the unit that saved her life
She now does a regular day at the DRI sellin anything she can to raise funds She will be han ing over a cheque to Mr Williams who heads th Urology Department and she understands that will be spent on life-saving equipment
She said she wants to take a bit of a break fro fund-raising, but not for long, as she wants to s this as just a half-way point
But she is looking for help, first to raise h profile on the internet, but also for anyone to he her with fund-raising ideas If you have a go idea she would love to hear from you (tel: 0133 864288)
– Frank HughesAfter staging expenses, all profits made before and during the concert will be donated to the Poppy Appeal
The legion said: “You are all therefore cordially invited to put the date in your diaries, bring a chair, a picnic and a blanket and come and be an important part of this one-time event ”
the art on display.
Melbourne Art Group meets between Sep tember and December and then from Janu ary to June on Tuesday mornings in th Melbourne Room from 10am to noon.
The group says: “We are a friendly grou and would welcome new members of an ability.”
Starting up again on Tuesday, Septembe 18, the cost is £2.50 which includes a ho drink and chocolate bar. To find out mor contact Robin Wood on 01332 602523
l Elaine Dunnicliff with Richard Felix
THE greatest showman, cheerleaders, and even Donald Trump himself – or it could have been someone wearing a mask – were all in Melbourne for this year ’s carnival procession
And large crowds who stood out in baking temperatures were there to admire the spectacle
This year ’s carnival on July 14 was on the theme of the United States of America and local groups rose magnificently to the challenge with some eyecatching floats
The winners of the float competition were GE Simnett & Family Funeral Directors with a fabulous float along the theme of hit film The Greatest Showman George Simnett cut a
splendid dash through the streets of Melbourne as PT Barnum himself accompanied by glamorous circus performers
Oakden School of Dance carried off the second prize for their cheerleaders’ display accompanied by the current US president, Donald Trump, while Puddleducks Pre-School won third prize for theirs on an American Indian theme Meanwhile, 15 local shops dressed their windows up to the spar-spangled nines when they took part in this year ’s carnival window competition, with the winners, the Air Ambulance shop, Derby Road Studio Home and Interiors was highly commended
Carnival report and pictures on Pages 12-13
ABOVE: The Athenaeu m ‘American Diner ’ float
LEFT: The Puddleducks entry
BELOW: Oakden School of Dance
l The Greatest Showman float with George Simnett holding the winner ’s trophy.
l Jack and Linda Iliffe with Margaret and Dave Buxton
ABOVE: Oliver Hanley-Dove provides some food for thought
BELOW: Will Taylor on the bucking bronco
THE sun beat down and Elvis was in the bu ing or, to be precise, at Melbourne Sc playing fields … as thousands turned out for year ’s Fete & Carnival
The theme was the US of A and the school f were a riot of colour, noise and the sight of peopl ting down on picnic blankets to enjoy the afterno
American-themed entertainment
Guests of honour Margaret and Bill Sharp op proceedings with Margaret telling the crowd: “It honour to be invited here on such a lovely day It years ago since we were on the fete and carnival mittee, so we know what hard work has gone into by the committee to make it such a success
“I hope you enjoy all the attractions we’ve got today ”
In the middle of the field a huge crowd watche spectacular antics of the motorbike riders from Perfect Trials Display as they performed jumps, ances and tricks
The carnival’s main stage saw a line-up of perf ances including those by Melbourne Town Band, bourne junior and infant schools and Elvis tribut Rik Gaynor
But there was another Elvis clearly visible on day – carnival chair Tracey Ridley, who has ste down from her role after five years at the helm years of hosting Miss Melbourne and many mo
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RIGHT: Guests of honour Margaret and Bill Sharp.
being involved in the annual summer carnival adventure
Writing in the carnival programme, Tracey said she would now be “hanging up my sparkly carnival shoes”, adding: “I have had a truly wonderful time being involved with this special event and I’m proud to have been part of this historical Melbourne community day ”
Members of the carnival committee made a special presentation to Tracey on the day, saying “what an amazing, fantastic job she has done”
“It will not be the same without her but we’ll give it our best shot next year!” they added
Around the field on the day were many fairground rides, sandpits for children, food stalls, bars, games and fun
Also there was a special stall raising awareness and funds for the Karusseits, a Melbourne couple whose support team are raising money for legal fees so they can fight their battle for the right to remain in the UK and not be deported back to South Africa
A raffle at the carnival raised £440 with an additional £66 from sales of knitted toys, while a Melbourne resident won the top prize which was four days in a motorhome
Melbourne Fete & Carnival raises thousands of pounds for local charities and organisations each year
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Many secrets are yet to be uncovered in Calke Abbey’s seemingly abandoned rooms. This year, you can investigate the stories of Calke’s women in the house and explore forgotten views of the estate in the wider parkland. Visit our website for more information on new discoveries, changes and seasonal highlights.
Every day until Sunday 2 September 10.30 – 16.00
Enjoy carefree summer days and let your imagination run wild in our natural outdoor play areas. Discover the Garden of Imagination inside the walled garden, experience a whole new adventure at A Maze in Calke, or join us in Squirt’s Stable for indoor fun and games.
Saturday 15 September 10.30 – 12.30 and Kids with cameras 13.30 – 14.30
Bring your camera to Calke and have some fun with the photography team on this creative walk in the park. We’ll teach you some handy tips and show you the best places to take photos on the estate.
Sunday 7 October 11.00 – 16.00
Come and celebrate the English apple and orchards in Calke’s gardens with juicing, tasting, puzzles and apple advice. A garden ticket is required for this event.
By becoming a member of the National Trust, you help us to protect the country’s heritage and landscape, while enjoying free entry to over 500 places. Here at Calke Abbey, membership supports our conservation work both in the house and gardens, as well as the internationally important protected parkland.
Calke Abbey Summer opening
Restaurant & Shop: daily 10.00 – 17.00 Park & National Nature Reserve: daily 7.30 – 19.00
House: daily 12.30 – 17.00; ‘taster’ visits and family apartments available 11.00 – 12.30
Gardens: daily, 10.00 – 17.00
www.facebook.com/NTCalkeAbbey @NTCalkeAbbey
EACH year, Aston-on-Trent puts together a spectacular well dressing weekend – a tradition that almost certainly harks back to pagan times in Derbyshire, although the ceremony in the village itself is relatively modern It’s a true labour of love that involves creativity, painstaking attention to detail and weeks of preparation
STEPHENS takes a look.
HILDA Norton carefully cuts flower heads from a beautiful blue hydrangea, while, on the other side of the room, husband Tom uses a small brush to carefully place various organic materials on to clay.
We are in the War Memorial Hall in Aston-on-Trent in early July, and this is the week that villagers come together to create the main well dressing in this year ’s weekend-long celebrations on July 7 and 8
The atmosphere is one of quiet concentration as people work away, taking great care as they pick from a huge variety of different organic materials boxes of musky red dyed desiccated coconut; fragments of egg shells; petals of all colours; wisps of feathers to create this year ’s well dressing: a colourful image of a funfair created by Liz and Gary Hill
“Everything that we use is natural,” explains Pat Simpson, well dressing co-ordinator
For Becky Carney, a local resident who enjoys going to help create the well dressings, it’s a great way for the community to come together to create something special
“We met up last year to do this,” she says “It was brilliant, it was totally packed in here and I ended up coming every night to help, and I met lots of people!”
Well dressing in Derbyshire is a well-known ancient tradition involving giving thanks for fresh water A packed talk given by Aston resident Steve Aynsley in the War Memorial Hall on June 26 told of the fascinating origins of well dressing, for which villages such as Tissington are particularly famous
It is thought that well dressing dates back to pagan times and originally involved giving sacrifices to the water gods, be-
LUCY
fore the practice was stopped by the Christian church
Tissington revived the ancient custom in 1349, having escaped an outbreak of the Black Death at the time, but Aston-onTrent did not start its own well dressing ceremonies until 1997
That was when local wildlife artist, the late Robin Gibbard, had the idea of creating a well dressing ceremony in the village following the discovery of a 1924 map showing that Aston had 26 wells and pumps – this was before mains water was pumped into the village in that same year
The tradition started from there and each year ever since the painstaking process has taken place: a local artist creates a striking image along a theme, which is then enlarged and transferred on to clay which has been put on to large wooden boards, themselves having been specially soaked in a local pond for several weeks beforehand
Nails in the boards help keep the overall image together
The week before, the main image is assembled in the war memorial hall with villagers coming together to create different sections
Organisations such as schools and Scout groups also create their own well dressings Aston’s celebration is the most southerly of the Derbyshire well dressings, and probably one of the biggest
The event has raised many thousands for various charities over the years, with this year ’s chosen causes the Macmillan unit at the Royal Derby Hospital and the Aston and Weston branch of the Royal British Legion
Well dressing chair Chris Hopkinson said: “The weather was again kind for the festival; there was a good crowd of visitors over the weekend, even though it became quiet during the football on the Saturday afternoon (when England beat Sweden 2-0 – VV)
“There were nine well dressings this year, with Richmond Villages and the 107th Scouts producing well dressings for the first time
Along with the displays there were side stalls with food and goods, puppet and fair ground entertainment ”
Chris went on to say: “There have been many different committee members over the years, and the event has grown and now involves both the All Saints and the Methodist churches, along with the White Hart and The Malt inns
“But, as with all these village events, there is a lot of work throughout the year to ensure these are successful, so the committee are looking for new mem-
bers to ensure the event continues in its present form, remains successful and raises money for
l Julia Stott concentrates on her work l Visitors admire some of the village artwork. l The colourful image of the funfair in all its glory
AFTER several years of legal wrangling
Melbourne Footpaths Group has been able to announce that the footpath at the back of the Kings Croft estate linking Footpath 7 (Buck’s Orchard) to Woodlands Close has been re-established and is now on the Derbyshire Definitive Map of public rights of way
Footpath 7 links the top of Derby Road to Main Street, Kings Newton
Back in 2014 the footpaths group applied to add the route to the definitive map under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, but later in 2014, although aware of the footpath’s existence, the developer of the estate, Persimmon, fenced off the path making it impassable for over three years
After a public hearing in July 2017 was closed because new homeowners had not been properly informed, a fresh hearing was tabled for January
2018 by planning inspector Martin Elliot He reserved his judgement which was released in March this year
At the inquiry the inspector had to balance the evidence from over 20 people who had used the route during the relevant 20-year period from 1994 to 2014, against evidence from objectors, one of whom claimed it was only used rarely, and another who was unaware of a route
The inspector concluded that, whilst the evidence of use was “not substantial, it was suffi-
cient on the balance of probabilities to raise a presumption of dedication of a public footpath”
The inspector then considered whether any landowner had demonstrated any intention not to dedicate the way or whether there had been any overt acts to show the public an intention not to dedicate it
Establishing unchallenged and unhindered access meant that it could be shown this was not a “permissive” path (i e one used only with the landowner ’s consent) The inspector concluded that there was “insufficient evidence to demonstrate a lack of intention to dedicate” the path and so made the order for it to be a dedicated right of way
New homeowners on Marlpit Road and Cartwright Way were aggrieved by the actions of the developer, and concerned about issues such as anti-social behaviour, safety and security but the inspector felt these were not issues for his consideration under the legislation
Melbourne Footpaths Group chairman Paul Sturges said the group was “delighted the county council and the inspectorate had endorsed the case made on behalf of local walkers, to whom the path is an important route through this part of the town”
A part of the route is now heavily overgrown by leylandii, although passable, which will need to be trimmed back at some point
–Frank Hughesn A GIRL guiding group in Weston-on-Trent has two more members who have been presented with the highest award available in the movement
Gemma Peterson and Olivia Bartram from 1st Weston Guides were presented with Baden Powell badges by district commissioner
Susie Warden
To achieve the badge, the girls had to try new things and achieve 10 different challenges, which covered
lots of areas like global awareness, celebrating diversity and learning a new skill.
As part of their efforts to gain their badge they travelled to Holland in 2017 and also spent a weekend away at Girlguiding HQ next to Buckingham Palace.
Both girls have now moved up to the next step in guiding, the Phoenix Ranger unit for 14-18-yearolds, based in Melbourne
Earlier this year we re-
ported that fellow 1st Weston Guides Elsa Cooper and Mia Lawson also received their Baden Powell badges – being the first guides to receive the honour in Weston for at least a decade
Of around 8,000 Guides in Derbyshire, only around 60 receive Baden Powell Badges annually
Pictured (l-r) are Olivia Bartram and Gemma Peterson being awarded their badges by Susie Warden.
ON A lovely evening in early July, Melbourne Garden Club was treated to a delightful walk on the wild side at Calke Park, courtesy of Bill Cove, Countryside Manager (ably assisted by his dog!)
Members discovered all about the history of the park, fascinating information about several of Calke’s hidden treasures, in the form of their
trees; being able to see them first hand was a real treat
They also learned more about the Old Man of Calke, believed to be over 1,800 years old, a giant Redwood and what is believed to be the largest, small leaved
THESE children from Melbourne were not skipping school – just skipping at school – to raise funds for a defibrillator
Children from Melbourne Junior and Infant schools were invited to go to their classes dressed in red on the day of the skipathon, July 6.
They took turns to skip their way through the morning with the aim of raising enough money for a defibrillator which it is hoped will be sited on the gates, to be accessible for the school’s communities as well as residents.
Defibrillators are sited in public places for use when someone is suffering from a cardiac arrest.
There are others in Melbourne: one is on the public toilets near Lothian Gardens; two more are at Melbourne Sports Park – one on the main building and another near the artificial grass pitch.
THE Bay Tree restaurant in Melbourne is 30 years old this August and still going as strong as ever.
Rex Howell reminisced about how they bought the original restaurant on July 27, 1988, and were open, serving customers a week later
“Mind you,” he said, “we didn’t have much of our money left and when there were only four covers for Sunday lunch I was wondering how on earth we were going to pay the bills!”
Having sustained a restaurant business at the top of the game for three decades, Rex and wife Susan know what the ingredients are for success
“First and foremost, it is consistency,” said Susan “Having the ‘finger on the button’ at all times, doing service the proper “old school” way and ensuring a consistency in the standards of the food ”
Rex is first to admit that he is exacting in his standards and not always the easiest to work with “I check everything a supplier brings in and it has to be of a consistently high standard – if it is not it goes back ” Sourcing excellent ingredients is just as important
Although in the same location, they have expanded it, refurbished the whole interior six times and are planning another change in October which will see the current bar/reception area being transformed to cater for people who just want to drop in for a lighter meal, bar snack or just a drink or coffee
Nowadays a refurbishment also means a professional interior redesign, rather than, as Rex (pictured) recalled, the quick repaint job they did when they first opened
The “foodie” programmes on TV and the internet critics have been one significant change over the years, with all of the expectations and frustrations that can bring
“On the rare occasions if there is a problem, we would rather sort it out there and then, rather than reading a review about it later when it is too late to fix ”
Rex, who is originally from Malaysia, never wanted to do anything else other than own his own restaurant He has a passion for food which still shines through even when he is talking about food as simple as the perfect poached egg Susan, who originates from Canada, met Rex when they were working together, and they have shared a great life together in the business
“We have not really had the chance to holiday together as one of us needs to be here, but that shows just how much the business means to us ”
Many celebrity diners have been served over the years, including Nicholas Parsons, Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee, Robert Powell, Babs from Pan’s People, Jill (Richardson) from Crossroads, David Gower to namedrop just a few But probably the most famous was astronaut Buzz Aldrin – who obviously said the food was “out of this world!”
Rex also paid tribute to some of the staff they have had working there over the years
“Vicky Talbot, who retired in 2014, was an integral part of the set-up since the start; chef Gary has now been with them for 12 years, and there have been many others joining the team over the years Great teamwork is clearly part of the success mantra
There is no talk of retirements either “He would not know what to do,” Susan joked With the passion that they both share for their restaurant one can easily see the Bay Tree flourishing for another 30 years of exceptionally fine dining
– Frank Hughes
GOOD news for local oenophiles
– Melbourne wine shop Pierre Hourlier has been recognised in a major international awards scheme Pierre Hourlier, based at Melbourne Hall, has been highly commended in the ‘Specialist Merchant of the Year ’ category in the International Wine Challenge Awards for its LanguedocRoussillon wines
The Languedoc-Roussillon region of France stretches along the south coast from Provence to the Pyrenees and is the country’s largest wine-producing area
TICKNALL Women’s Institute will be holding its Autumn Fair on September 8 in the village hall
The WI says: “We will be selling the usual fabulous array of cakes, summer produce; vegetables, flowers, etc, including homemade jams and chutneys, there will also be a bottle stall (everyone a winner) and other interesting stalls We will also be providing refreshments ”
The event opens at 10 30am and goes on until 12 30pm
LOCAL patients with lifelimiting conditions could now have the option to be cared for in a hospice bed in South Derbyshire for the first time, if large-scale plans now with council planners get the go-ahead.
Treetops Hospice Care at Risley cares for thousands of patients across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, but does not currently offer overnight stays
But now the hospice has submitted a planning application for a new In-Patient Unit which would provide 12 dedicated end-of-life beds and facilities so that patients would be able to receive care at the end of their life in a hospice if that is the best option for them
Although there are more than 200 hospices through the UK, there are currently no independent hospice beds throughout Southern Derbyshire and Southern Nottinghamshire
The plans for the unit are now with Erewash Borough Council
Treetops provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life limiting conditions – such as cancer, Multiple Sclerosis and Motor Neurone Disease – living in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire
Last year the hospice supported over 1,800 people with a range of services provided free of charge
Treetops chief executive George Cameron said: “We believe that everyone deserves a choice over where they receive their care and end of life support We want to support people
with any life-limiting illness to die in their preferred place
“By offering an In-Patient Unit, we would be able to offer them a choice to die in our supportive and beautiful surroundings, if that is their wish
“Dying at home is not always possible due to people’s care needs, or even everyone’s choice Equally, some people do not feel comfortable going into a nursing home or hospital
“We already offer hospice care in people’s homes through our Hospice at Home service –last year, we provided almost
42,000 hours of nursing support – and this commitment will not change
“The new In-Patient Unit can provide continuity of care for those who wish to be cared for by Treetops until the end ”
The hospice said its plans had been welcomed by local people as well as the hospice staff, volunteers and supporters
If granted, the new unit would be nurse-led with flexible visiting times for family and friends Plans include sleeping facilities for family members as well as a multi-faith room
Treetops is hoping to hear from Erewash Borough Council by mid-September as to whether its plans can go ahead
If they do, it is hoped that the new service will be open to receive patients from spring 2020
Treetops’ services include support and information, a day care unit, Hospice at Home nurses and therapeutic services including counselling, art therapy and complementary therapy
‘THERE will be a performance of Vaughan Williams' Oboe Concerto as part of the Derby Concert Orchestra’s next concert at St Peter's Church, Littleover, on Saturday, October 13, 7pm The concert is in memory of Marjorie Calow (1932-2016) of Melbourne
A talented young oboeist George Strickland, who has recently graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music, will be the soloist
Marjorie was a great music lover and English music was one of her enthusiasms, so organisers feel this performance should be a very fitting way to remember someone who had many friends and family connections in Melbourne Tickets for the concert will be obtainable from Foulds Music Shop in Derby, or the orchestra’s website www derbyconcertorchestra co uk
OUT for a walk in the summer sunshine? If you have parked in a layby, do not leave items visible in your vehicle, police in Melbourne are warning Melbourne’s Safer Neighbourhood Team reported on Twitter on July 25 that they had received several reports of cars which had been broken into and goods stolen while their owners were out walking
“Please refrain from leaving items on display in parked vehicles Reports of windows smashed and items grabbed today: Ball Lane Elvaston; Ambaston Lane, Shardlow; and Findern Lane, Willington All vehicles parked in laybys and left whilst walking,” said the tweet
n ANGIE Cooke has handed over a cheque in the sum of £2,000 to Community Care, following her fund-raising halfmarathon run in June.
“Originally, my target was £300, then it went up to £500 and it just kept going,” she said
“It was just amazing; lots of local people supported me and people have been so generous in donating ”
She wished to give a special mention to her trainer Kieran, who also completed the run. “I could not have done it without him,” she said
The intention is that the money will go towards replacing the Community Care minibus, which is now starting to show signs of its age.
Pictured are Alison Thornhill (left) and Angie Cooke
I’M WRITING to express my sincere gratitude for the hundreds of thank yous, best carnival ever comments and very well done wishes the Carnival committee and I were thrilled to have received after this year ’s event
Melbourne Fete & Carnival was another fantastic success, even battling with the scorching temperatures, England’s football hopes and Wimbledon
It was a USA themed, action-packed day with amazing floats, stage and arena acts Fun and fund-raising, are the two priorities of the day and Wow! Our community came together
Some of the figures I have already received are Zara’s army (Miss Scott’s charity) raised £1,000; Simnett’s Funeral Directors collecting for 2018 Pink miles/breast and prostate cancer research raised £220; Air Ambulance raised £95; Canine partners £83; Melbourne British Legion £238 and Breast Cancer Care raised £285
While still only charging a few pounds entrance fee, the onus is firmly on a community day We do, however, have overhead costs: the acts, stage and sound, the ground hire, insurance, St John’s ambulance team, toilets and even the bins! This year also we have paid £3,000 to the Junior School, for much-needed updated electrical works, a super new generator, which will keep us running for many more years to come
As I now retire from the Carnival, due to family commitments, I wish the continuing committee the very best for the future They will bring you a fabulous Carnival next year, on Saturday, July 13
Many thanks again for your continued support
Some days you just have to create your own sunshine
Tracey Ridley, chair of Melbourne Fete & CarnivalAFTER initial attempts to take a large party to the Somme dissipated, Kev Iliffe (branch chairman), Andy Boardman (branch standard bearer) and Simon Gotheridge decided the pilgrimage should still go on and undertook the self-funded, 1,800-mile round trip to visit the 58 men across 36 different cemeteries.
ARE you troubled by technology? Laughable with a laptop?
Citizens Advice are here to help – with volunteers providing free IT lessons at Melbourne Library over the next few weeks
Upcoming sessions run by the DIG-IT project, which is organised by Citizens Advice South Derbyshire and City, will be running on the fourth Friday of every month, from 10am to 11 30am
The next sessions will be on Friday, August 24, and Friday, September 28
Volunteers from the service will be on hand to answer questions on various equipment, the idea being to help demystify today’s communication and tech-driven world
Basing themselves in Arras, they travelled out to visit each of the sites over four days Locations ranged from well known memorials such as Tyne Cot and the Menin Gate to small rural graveyards tucked away in the corner of a field, through to communal graveyards in larger towns
Irrespective of the location, every site was immaculately kept, a real testament to
the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission And every site was moving in its own way
On his first visit to the region Simon said: “For me the whole trip was emotional, and at times overwhelming I felt extremely privileged to visit the Somme to pay my respects to the men of Melbourne who gave everything for our freedom ”
At each grave or memorial, a small wooden cross was placed with thanks from the people of Melbourne Then a few words of thanks were said, soil that had been taken from Melbourne sprinkled on the grave and the act of homage recited, with the Melbourne Standard dipped in respect
The tag line for the trip was: “They cannot come to us, so we will go to them ”
Kevin commented: “Of my very special moments, really the first was when we visited Thomas Toon, the first man from Melbourne to be killed and the second was at the Arras Memorial when we had completed them all and we did our bit with the Act of Homage The other special thing was the number of people who followed us on Facebook and the lovely comments we received ”
Highlights of the trip included the Standard being paraded at the Menin Gate 8pm Ceremony and at the annual Thiepval Memorial Service to commemorate the first day of the Somme battle on July 1
Andy said: “It was an achievement that we three are proud of and will live with us forever We must never forget those that gave the ultimate sacrifice ”
n GRACE Higginson married Nick Bailey on Saturday, July 14, in Breedon-on-the-Hill
Grace grew up in Melbourne and lived in Wilson until she left to go to university in Bristol Nick comes from Bradford and is a business improvement manager for the Whitbread Group The couple met at Nick’s sister ’s wedding
The wedding took place at Breedon Church and the reception was held in a marquee in Grace’s father ’s garden in Clifton Campville.
The couple were honeymooning on the Greek island of Santorini before returning to their new home in Solihull where Grace is a lawyer for a renewable energy firm.
THROUGH your pages I would like to congratulate the parish council (and Cllr Mick Usher) on their initiative of restoring the bench at the end of Queensway
I usually walk back from work that way and it seems to be providing a welcome stop for many people who are walking around Melbourne, shopping at Sainsbury’s or simply in need of a sit down
I do hope this is the start of a bench initiative that will see the parish council installing benches at various points around Melbourne It is such a simple scheme and most welcome Andy Heafield
PICTURE RESTORATION AND CLEANING
PICTURE FRAMING AT AFFORDABLE PRICES - FAST SERVICE
Treetops Hospice Care is looking for volunteer assistants at its charity shop in the courtyard at Melbourne Hall. The role is unpaid, but you will get invaluable retail experience within a friendly team. Previous experience not essential. Full training provided. All enquiries to the shop or on 01332 865 566.
www.treetopshospice.org.uk | Registered Charity No. 519540
MELBOURNE Sports Park was the venue for an official English Cricket Board (ECB) Disability county fixture
Hosted by Melbourne Town Cricket Club, the match was played between the Derbyshire Merlins and a side from Lancashire
Part of a national competition run by the ECB for players with either learning or physical disabilities, the game is played using an Incrediball
The final score on the day went Derbyshire’s way, as they beat Lancashire by 186 runs, which qualified them for the semi-finals in the overall contest
Derbyshire has two disabled cricket teams – the Falcons, who are in a mini-league with Shropshire and Warwickshire, and the Merlins, who are paired with Lancashire, Yorkshire and Staffordshire
This is the sixth time in the last seven years that Derbyshire has qualified for the semi-finals, going on to win the overall competition twice, in 2015 and 2016 Derbyshire Disabled CC said they were very grateful to Melbourne hosting the game and are always looking to welcome new players of all abilities Pictured are members of the Merlins side with Lancashire players
HOT weather is having a knock-on effect on bowling greens – although it is bringing people out to have a go at the sport, says Kings Newton Bowls Club
With the league season now past the halfway stage, the club’s various teams are mainly doing well The recent hot weather has parched most greens making them very fast and tricky to bowl on
Both ladies’ teams are doing very well with the South Derbyshire team top and the seniors second in their respective leagues
Also top of division five is the Monday evening second team whilst the first team in division three is struggling a bit but
should avoid relegation The two Tuesday evening teams are both comfortable in midtable while in the Friday men’s leagues, the first team is third in division two with a good chance of promotion and the second team in division four is mid-table
In the men’s vets (over 55s), played on Thursday afternoons, the first team is in fifth place in division one whilst the second team are second in division four and going for promotion
On Saturday afternoon the mixed team in the Belper league is fourth in the third division but, with a game in hand on the top two, has a good chance of promotion
The Burton league mixed team is also doing
well, sitting fifth in division three – its first season in that league
The club will be hosting the final of the Dickie Cup on the evening of August 9 This is the knockout handicap competition for all the clubs in South Derbyshire and the Burton area so is a good coup for Kings Newton, with a large crowd expected for the 7pm start between Newhall and Netherseal
With all the good weather this summer, the Sunday open afternoons have been very well attended with many people going along to try bowls or just to have a chat and a drink
These are from 1pm every Sunday
COUNTY councillor Neil Atkin was present to make an award of £3,000 to Swarkestone Cricket Club from Derbyshire County Council’s Members Community Leadership Scheme
The award was a major contribution to the club’s new patio, picket fence and furniture, with the patio constructed by Adam Poynton Developments
The club says the patio has already proved to be a great asset to the club and the local community
Pictured are Cllr Atkin, cricket club chairman David Corner, club treasurer John Wilcox and Tom Dixon, a club vice-president and honorary life member, with young cricketers from the club’s under 9s and under 11s on the new patio
ON a hot and humid day, the third annual 10-mile Brooksie’s Bash Trail Race took place in July Starting and finishing at Foremarke Hall, it used the footpaths and bridle ways through Ticknall to Staunton Harold reservoir, returning through Robin Wood
It was accompanied by a shorter 5k race this year, as well as a family fun run/walk to encourage people out onto the trails Both events were fully marked and marshalled
There was also a children’s Gnome Roam, ice cream van, hot food and a cake stall to make the event a family day out
For the second year running
the main race sold out, with all 300 places gone well before the day The 10-mile race was won by Aston on Trent runner Stephen Price of UKnetrunner co uk, closely followed by Rob Donald from Shelton Striders Ellie Evans from local club South Derbyshire Road Runners won the ladies race, in a new course record time While some of the runners found the weather challenging, all were well prepared; the positive atmosphere created by the runners and marshals was evident to all present, with smiles all round at the finish line
The event acted as a fundraiser for local mental health charity, Derbyshire Mind
BUDDING tennis players had a go with a racket as Melbourne Tennis Club held its first open day in July
The club staged the event at its base at Melbourne Sports Park, and all four of its coaches (Phil Wilcock, Howard Cheshire, Gaz Haddon and Sallie Allen) were there to provide guidance on forehands, backhands and the perfect volley
There was a bouncy castle, face painting, a tombola and –of course – strawberries and cream
The club said the day was “well supported by the community” with many taking the op-
portunity to have a go on court n Hard-working tennis players from Melbourne took turns to keep playing for 12 hours straight in a fund-raising rallython in June
The event was held on the same day as the World Cup Fun Day at Melbourne Sports Park with players starting to hit balls back and forth over the net from 7am
They carried on until 7pm with juniors represented at every level
A club spokesman said: “Both juniors and seniors took part with many couples consisting of one junior and one senior In
this section the winning rally was an amazing 264 strokes!
“The second placed rally was a fantastic 124 strokes
“The longest rally between seniors was 114 shots (ladies of course!)
“Sponsorship was good with the top junior raising £80 and the top senior £85
“The club raised over £800 –a remarkable achievement
“All sponsored funds raised will go towards the new courts
“The club would like to thank everyone who took part and made it such an enjoyable event and to everyone who sponsored players taking part ”
l Members of Melbourne Tennis Club at the open day.
The
THE recent Chellaston Academy trip to Uganda delivered a full Melbourne United kit to the boys of Mlisada Orphanage outside Kampala
Over the last few years, several Melbourne United and Dynamo players have helped to build and paint the orphanage, and the club has said: “It is fantastic to see the boys fully decked out in the club’s kit.”
The children are pictured outside the orphanage, which was partly built by several footballers from Melbourne United
What has struck the football club the most is the total joy on the faces of all the boys.
WITH two months remaining of the 2018 season all three Melbourne Town Cricket Club teams have a good chance of promotion
The first XI ended July in fourth place after a good run of form which began with a narrow 16-run victory at home to Abbotts Bromley 1st team Town posted 183 all out in their innings with Muhammad Nadeem (49) and Mark Rossi (47) along with Muhammed Tayyab (34) the main contributors Then a fine spell of bowling (5-47) from Waseem Sajid claimed the victory
A week later away to Barton, Melbourne lost by five wickets after posting a score of 215, which was thanks mainly to Adam Swain (65 not out) and again Muhammad Nadeem (47) But, despite 3-38 from Sajid, he couldn’t stop Melbourne falling to a defeat
Russell Allaway’s men returned to winning ways with a convincing 41-run home victory against Winshill Melbourne had scored 202 batting first, led by Alex Slater, who scored 62, along with Mark Rossi (44) as the two put on 101 for the fourth wicket
Opening bowlers Matt Briers (4-38) and Adam Swain (3-51) made sure the away side fell short on 161 all out
Town finished the month with an abandoned game away to Etwall Melbourne, again batting first, scored 200-7 with Matt Briers (42) and Faren Price (32) and, despite 4-43 from Alex Slater, the home side finished close on 194-7 before the rain came
Melbourne Town Seconds ended the month of July in a healthy second place after a superb set of results, starting with a hard fought 63-run victory away at Uttoxeter
Town scored 207-7 batting first with openers Simon Fletcher (51) and Matt Grimmett (36) leading the way
Then there was a superb spell of 4-16 by James Hogwood supported by Marc Towell, who took 3-38, to see the home side bowled out for 144
Hogwood (5-14) and Towell (3-20) did the damage a week later as Alrewas 3rds were bowled out for just 77 Alex Winter hit 48 not out in reply as Melbourne secured a 10-wicket victory, which was repeated a week later as Dunstall were bowled out by the in-form duo of Hogwood (4-21) and Towell (3-20) for just 92 And again Winter swept the seconds to victory with an outstanding 70 not out
Melbourne Town third team ended July in a superb second place as Andy Holden’s men continued their good form which began with a convincing 77-run home win against top of the table Trentside Tony Papas (72) led the thirds to a competitive 178-8 and Alex Blackhall, with a career best 8-29, bowled the away side out for just 101
Tutbury conceded the following week to give Town full points and another victory followed a week later away at Kirk Langley Melbourne chased the home side’s score of 193-3 as Aluvathingal (53) and Joseph-Mathews (31) led the charge, but it was down to 16-year-old Sam Jenkinson (28) in his first ever senior match and Alex Roome (26 not out) to see Town home with two balls to spare
A week later at home to Brailsford thirds 14-year-old Ben Radcliffe hit a remarkable 101 not out, ably supported by Alex Blackhall (54) The score of 213-7 was always going to be beyond the away side, who were bowled out for just 71 with Sam Jenkinson taking 3-19
Andy Holden’s men ended the month in disappointment as they narrowly lost away to Trentside by just two wickets after posting a decent 221-8 with Mohan (94) and Aluvathingal (85) scoring 170 in their opening partnership
But, despite 4-58 from Joseph-Matthews, the thirds just failed to win losing with four overs to go
The club would like to thank this month’s ball sponsors who were: Breedon Carpet Care, Cricket-box, D G Light Haulage, Bounz UK, Crane & Walton Solicitors, Lion Court and Acres Engineering
THE Ray Gill Award, presented by a late president of Melbourne Rotary Club, is given annually to a notable recipient who has contributed significantly to the sporting lives of