Melbourne Village Voice August 2017

ALFIE FAMILY’S BIG THANK YOU

by LUCY STEPHENS

THE Melbourne family of a twoyear-old boy diagnosed with leukaemia at only seven months old held a big fund-raiser to give back to the hospital where he received a life-saving bone marrow transplant.

Lorna Commons, mum of little Alfie, warmly thanked all the Melbourne businesses who generously contributed to the “Alfie’s Allstars” garden party held in Victoria Street on July 22

“I think because Melbourne has got such a wonderful community is the reason it’s been such a success,” she said

“A lot of the raffle prizes have been donated by local businesses ”

Large quantities of cake and Prosecco were consumed at the Alfie’s Allstars garden party, organised by Lorna’s mum, Kathy Hicklin, and her sister, Georgina Dutton

Alfie first fell ill at Christmas in 2015 When his family took him to the doctor with a persistent cough and a cold, it was thought he might be suffering with a chest infection But when he failed to shake it off, the family took him back to the GP, who sensed something was wrong

The family then took Alfie to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham They didn’t leave for four and a half months; doctors gave them the devastating news he was suffering from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia – a very unusual diagnosis for such a small child

The gruelling months that followed saw Alfie receive three rounds of chemotherapy, which failed to halt the disease Doctors said his only chance would be a bone marrow transplant

He was transferred to Sheffield Children’s Hospital where he received a trial immunotherapy drug which was successful, despite the odds

from Germany, which Alfie received in August last year His little body spent some time battling with the new cells but he is now in remission and charging around the place like a two-year-old should

“There’s nowhere near enough people on the bone marrow register,” said Lorna, who gave up her HR job at Rolls-Royce to look after Alfie

“His match wasn’t even found in the UK I think everybody should be on the register unless you choose not to be

“Alfie’s doing fantastically The doctors and nurses are amazing They did so much for him, but ultimately the thing that saved him was the donor He’s such a strong boy, he’s so full of fun and energy and life Without sounding corny, he’s special and he’s here for a reason He’s battled and battled to stay with us ”

Alfie’s Allstars garden party raised £1,715 80, which will go towards toys, books and other entertainment for youngsters in isolation at the Sheffield Children’s Hospital

When Alfie was there, he was given brand new toys – as he could not be in any contact with anything that had been played with by other children – and even a new ball pit to bounce around in

Now his family would like to give back to the hospital so that other children can enjoy the same things

“When you’re stuck in a room, that kind of thing eases things – it helps,” said Lorna

To find out more about how to save a life by becoming a donor, log on to the website at www dkms org uk/en or www anthonynolan org

being stacked against it working Then came the agonising wait for a bone marrow donation Alfie’s brother, Billy, was not a match

Anthony Nolan Trust and blood cancer charity

so the

Eventually a 10 out of 10 match was found

Organisers would like to thank the following businesses which donated to the raffle: The Bay Tree, Beau Jangle, La Vie En Rose, Habit Hair and Beauty, Harpur ’s, Melbourne Sun Rooms, Dawn Merrit at Studio Home and Interiors, Sainsbury’s, Melbourne Print Shop, The Alma Inn, The Crewe & Harpur at Swarkestone, Swarkestone Nurseries, and The Dragon, Willington

PARTY TIME ... for (back row:) Evie Jackson, Georgina Dutton, Kathy Hicklin (grandma), Rod Hicklin (grandad); front row: Billy Commons, Alfie, Lorna Commons and Daniel Jackson

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n COOKING on wood fires, building dens – these lucky Scouts had the experience of a lifetime when they went to an international camp in Denmark

The members of First Melbourne Scouts group went on the eight-day trip in July and are pictured setting out. Melbourne Scouts have travelled abroad to Norway and Holland before, but this was the first time they have been to Denmark for the international camp, which attracted

around 40,000 people from all corners of the world.

The group camped alongside fellow young people from Denmark and cooked all their meals on wood fires

Traditional skills such as handling an axe, chopping wood and making furniture formed part of the week’s activities

“It’s tremendous for them,” said Dave Calvert, one of the group’s leaders.

Villagers’ joy over new homes refusal

LOCAL villagers were delighted by news that the appeal against a planning refusal had finally been considered and dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate

In 2016, North West Leicestershire Planning Committee voted to reject an application to build 27 executive homes on Worthington Lane, on the outskirts of Breedon on the Hill The action group BRAND (Breedon Residents Against New Developments) had campaigned to demonstrate that the scheme was “unworkable, unsuitable and unwanted”

However, the decision of NWLDC (North West Leicestershire District Council) was appealed by the landowner and developer, John Blunt, under section 78 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 and in July the Planning Inspector, Mr B Bowker, delivered

his findings

The main issues were whether the site would be a suitable location for housing, having regard to the local development plan, national planning policy, its effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding area and the effect on highway safety

The inspector ruled that “the proposal would not simultaneously deliver the environment, social and economic dimensions required to be considered sustainable development”

He also ruled that “the proposed site would not be a suitable location for housing having regard to development plan, national planning policy and its effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding area Consequently, the proposal would not meet the requirements of [local and na-

Council civic service

THE South Derbyshire District Council civic service was held at St Wystan’s Parish Church in Repton, on July 30

Accompanied by the Gresley Male Voice Choir, proceeds from the collection are being split equally between St Wystan’s Parish Church and the chairman’s charity, the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance Service – a charity also supported by Gresley Male Voice Choir

The service was attended by many civic guests, including Melbourne Parish Council chair Cllr Margaret Sharp, South Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler and representatives from local volunteer organisations Pictured (l-r) are: Deputy Lord Lieutenant Colonel John Wilson with his wife, The High Sheriff Annie Hall, Cllr Mike Stanton with wife Heather, and vicar the Rev Martin Flowerdew

tional policies which] seek to protect the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside”

In a separate application for costs, however, the inspector did find in the appellant’s favour

Peter Spencer, spokesman for BRAND and a resident of the village, said: “This is indeed a great day for the villagers of Breedon It was clear from the start that the majority of folk who live in the village were against this insensitive development

“There were 111 objections, a signed petition with 106 signatories and four in favour of the plan – a significant number There were deep concerns over the access and the impact it would have in a village which has limited resources and lack of infrastructure ” –

Frank Hughes

Some animal magic down on the farm

MELBOURNE has got an animal farm – thanks to a local smallholding couple who have opened up the new venture on their land

The farm has been started up by animal lover Carla Shaw and her husband, Phil, on their land at Melbourne Common, where they moved to around three years ago

“I’ve always been into animals,” said Carla “I was brought up with rabbits and ducks and I’ve always been an animal lover – I wanted a horse and I ended up with three! Everyone says once you have one or two, you always want more ”

Now Carla and Phil have two donkeys, named – of course –Eeyore and Grumpy, seven rare breed Southdown sheep (known for their smiling faces), three pygmy goats, two alpacas and four rabbits At the time of talking to the Village Voice, they were also due to take delivery of two guinea pigs

“Over the last three months we’ve been setting up ready for the public,” said Carla, whose day-job is running her own company which offers training in health and safety amongst other things

Carla and Phil are opening up their animal park every day except Mondays with a small charge for people to go and look at the animals Under-twos are free

A team of volunteers is working on the farm and there are opportunities for people to get involved, including people with disabilities or learning difficulties who will get the chance to go and work with animals

“It’s really good as an outreach programme, for getting people back into communities,” said Carla, who hails from South Yorkshire

A tea room is planned to improve the offering for visitors and the couple are very keen to make the site green-friendly with solar power and other selfsufficient credentials

For now, they are particularly keen to hear from people who would like to volunteer on the animal farm Anyone interested is asked to call Carla on 07869111058

Lucy Stephens

Bash another success

HUNDREDS of runners enjoyed the spectacular setting of Foremarke Hall for the annual Brooksie’s Bash Trail Race

Now in its second year, the event has proved to be very popular with all 275 places in the main 10-mile race sold out well before the day

Organised by Peak Running in conjunction with local running club, Shelton Striders, accompanying the main race were a 5k fun run/walk and a children’s Gnome Roam, which were also successful

The overall winner of the men’s category was Rob Donald, of Shelton Striders After exchanging the lead several times, he pulled clear of second placed Tom Roethenbaugh in the latter part of the race to finish in a time of one hour, one minute and 10 seconds

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l Children enjoying the taster session and getting to meet some of the animals.

Pictures by PETER CLOUGH

Country Living

with Robert Parker

THE recent government reshuffle has given us a new minister in charge of aff i agricultural. s not called the agriculture minisut the head of the department of the onment which encompasses farmchael Gove is a straight-talking but oversial figure and, in the past, I e generally talked good sense. taking up his post he said that the ng industry would continue to financial support after Brexit, but uld have to earn it with more enviental work s is where he parted company with nd I’d like to know what he thinks been doing for the past decade!

me would argue that a farmer ’s presence in the countryside does ng but good for the wildlife, flora auna – and I’d be one of them one of the strange few farmers would like to see a free market

place, devoid of subsidies and government control, but the likelihood of that is zero.

We have one massive unsurmountable in farming, which is that it can never just produce the right amount and avoid shortage or surplus

You cannot control the weather which still controls our output 100 per cent. Good luck, Mr Gove.

n The second half of July saw a swing to cooler and wetter days, leaving harvest prospects very dismal.

I suppose we’re now about normal for the time, so if it doesn’t get any worse we’ll muddle through.

Yesterday we had our first full harvesting day for a fortnight

Oilseed rape felt the combine knife and we were very pleased with the yields, which we estimate to be half a tonne an acre better than last year

Let’s hope this continues right through.

treet names keep nk with the past

in a name? The hmond Villages dent in Aston-onTrent is helping keep local history alive by naming its new roads after the fields that graced the area in centuries past.

Richmond Villages, the recently opened retirement development, has chosen the road names after consultation with the award-winning Aston Local History Group

Bradmore Gardens is taken from Brad Moor; Cottage Meadow Way is taken from Cottage Meadows; while Ashfields Grove is from Ash Fields Priest Meadows and Milestones Close also stem from historical sources

Bob Read, from the Aston Local History Group, said: “The names originated from two sources: one was a field survey of 1750, the other was the Act of Enclosure of 1763 for Aston-on-Trent

“I believe local history is very important to pass on to future generations For instance, a few weeks ago the group took year three from the local primary school in a history trail around the village, and they all really enjoyed it!

Local history is one of the bedrocks of national history ”

The team at Richmond Villages is also taking a leaf out of the history books when it comes to naming its new shop, which will again hark back to a name integral to the local community

The shop will be named Mrs Winterbottom’s Pantry – after the Winterbottom family who were an important part of Aston-on-Trent

William and Constance Winterbottom moved into Aston Hall at the end of the 19th century and, when war broke out in 1914, Mrs Winterbottom became the head of the district Red Cross

during the conflict

She also opened part of the hall as a hospital for the wounded, providing 33 beds, as well as organising food for the needy during the Great War and supporting many of the village’s institutions and activities

Her husband, Colonel William Dickson Winterbottom, raised the 2nd battalion of the Derbyshire Yeomanry He was also a major benefactor to the village, donating the land on which the war memorial was built Aston Hall was sold on the death of Colonel Winterbottom in 1924

Now it’s six of the best for the Arts Festival

CONCERTS forming part of the Melbourne Festival have been extended over six weeks this year, as that part of proceedings continues to grow from strength to strength and attract much interest from the arts community.

Festival director Sharon Brown said: “The festival team has been spoilt for choice, so we have decided to extend the concerts over six weeks ”

The opening concert is an invitation-only occasion arranged by the festival and Assembly Rooms, featuring Matt McGuinness and the MLC supported by Scribble Victory – a launch event for Matt’s new EP

Tickets are available to festival hosts, sponsors, helpers and friends of the festival and Assembly Rooms

The music continues with a “Festival Flour-

ish” featuring A Choir ’d Taste on September 8 and 9 This is followed by a Comedy Night with Tanya Lee Davis, Duncan Oakley and Pete Teckman

On Sunday, September 17 – as the arts trail closes – the festival is teaming up with Melbourne Sporting Partnership for an acoustic night featuring Dark Horse

The week continues with performance poet Jo Bell on Thursday, September 21, an evening with Wil Pearson, winner of the Dalesman

Young Musician of the Year 2017, supported by previous winner Emily Kent on September 22

close your eyes and you could believe Jamie Cullen and Ella Fitzgerald were live on stage in Melbourne!

On that Saturday night, September 23, world renowned opera singer, musician, comedian and all-round entertainer Jonathan Viera

New estate’s pond ‘a smelly disgrace’

comes to town with his “Songs and Tales” tour

On September 28, Cast Ensemble Youth Theatre from Chellaston take to the stage with a performance written and devised by the cast and celebrating Melbourne’s Thomas Cook

It explores travel, holidays and the importance of “taking a break”

The following day the Don’t Go into the Cellar theatre company will be putting on “The Singular Exploits of Sherlock Holmes” featuring the great detective recounting his most famous cases

On Saturday, September 30, there will be afternoon tea at Senior Citizens’ Centre, with Chorus Amici performing at Melbourne Parish Church that evening

The festival’s finale weekend on October 14 and 15 will feature The Dave Newton Jazz Quartet at Melbourne Parish Church on the Saturday, followed by the return of OCHO A cappella at Amalfi White on the Sunday

Tickets for all performances are available from the booking office on 07962 430450 or from Forteys in Melbourne Market Place

Festival organisers promise that this year ’s art and architecture trail is “bursting with talent”, with the Heritage Lottery Fund-supported “For the Love of Lettuce” project tying in with this year ’s market gardening theme

There will be “pop-up” vegetable plots around the trail containing Melbourne produce, and newly installed raised beds at Melbourne Senior Citizens’ Centre

Teenager on burglaries charge

TEENAGER Patrick Joyce has been charged with four burglaries, including two near Melbourne on the same night

Two properties in Kings Newton were broken into on the evening of May 22, with one victim allegedly having rings taken from her fingers

A house in Ogley Hay Road, Burntwood, Staffordshire, was also broken into on the same night, again with rings reportedly being taken from the victim

A fourth property in Pool Farm Road, Birmingham, was broken into a week later and various items including jewellery stolen

Joyce was arrested in Northumbria and has been charged with four counts of burglary

The 19-year-old, of Mill Stream Way, Swansea, was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Derby Crown Court on August 14

Changes made to Local Plan

SOUTH Derbyshire District Council has published a number of modifications to its Local Plan Part 2, which sets out the framework for future development and the planning guidance for smaller development sites

A copy of the main modifications is available on the website www south-derbys gov uk/modsconsultation and the consultation documents can be viewed at the council offices in Swadlincote and at Chellaston Library

Representations must be made by Friday, August 18

THE artist’s drawing depicts a charming rural idyll, with a couple walking alongside a gentle sloping reflective pond, while another resident walks the dog The reality today is much different, sadly

The balancing pond installed at the Kings Croft, Persimmon Homes estate is very far removed from the picturesque entrance in the planning design brochure, which also described “an attractive frontage to Kings Newton Lane”

“It is a disgrace,” said one resident A floating green scum lies across the whole surface area, and the smelly, stagnant water has become a collection point for litter and other debris

“There is a gate there for access to the pond area, but I would not let my children go anywhere near it,” said another resident

A workmen’s portable toilet deposited on the verge, adds to the eyesore “There is also builders’ rubble left lying around several parts of the estate ”

Persimmon was asked to comment, but no re-

sponse has been received

n There is a further delay to the designation of “Footpath 7” which used to cut through from Derby Road to the Woodlands and which is now hidden behind a tall wooden fence at the edge of this estate

An application was made by Melbourne Footpaths Group in February 2014 to have the additional spur from Bucks Orchard path added as a modification to the definitive map of footpaths

Frank Hughes

Wednesday

HUGE STOCK CLEARANCE...

HURRY.....

’Ey up me ducks...

E sun shone and the ks bobbed away down stream as Breedon held irst ever “Summer Sun” in July. reedon Parish Council nised the occasion and a up of volunteers put on he duck race – to tie in with he WI’s traditional open gardens event

A year on from last year ’s appalling floods which meant some Breedon residents had to move out of heir homes for several months, the idea behind the elebration was to bring together the communities of Breedon and Tonge in a famly-friendly event

Around 240 ducks made a olourful sight in the water and raised £172 towards the village church’s repairs

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“It was quite a spectacle!” aid Debbie Keith from Breedon Parish Council Melbourne Town Band provided music on the green and local MPs Andrew Bridgen and Nick Rushton took part in the morning walk which began the day’s proceedings. A plaque was also unveiled in the commemorative garden created last year to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Criminal helps police to tackle car thieves

IT TAKES a thief to catch a thief – local police are offering advice to deter car thieves, after consulting with a criminal as to what he would look for in a vehicle.

The advice comes from officers in South Derbyshire after a spate of nine crimes to vehicles parked up overnight in this area

The crimes happened in several areas including Melbourne, Kings Newton and Findern, in the week from Friday, July 21

Insp Kate Bateman, who is in charge of policing for the area, said: “We have picked up on this recent spate of thefts from cars and are directing patrols in order to try and deter and catch those responsible

“We would also ask that residents and visitors help us to help them by taking some simple steps to deter the thieves

“The points are all simple steps to take but were identified by a known criminal as to what he looked for when breaking in to a vehicle ”

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Advice included:

l Keep doors locked and do not leave windows open;

l Do not leave valuables on display;

l Remove sat navs from display and wipe the mark from the window where it had been secured;

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l Leave the glove box open to show there is nothing hidden; and

l Don’t leave any bags, clothing or loose change on display

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James gloves up in fight against cancer

AS A Melbourne football coach and sports enthusiast, James Austin may have thought he was reasonably fit – but that was nothing compared to training for a boxing match

James, who coaches under-9s for Melbourne United, signed up to take part in an Ultra White Collar Boxing charity match in Burton Market Hall

The Derby-based organisation gives people with no experience in the ‘sweet science’ the chance to train as a boxer in a safe environment, while raising money for charity

Participants get eight weeks of free training with professional coaches, and are asked to pledge a minimum of £50 for the organisation’s charity of choice: Cancer Research UK

What started out as a local fund-raiser in Derby in 2009 has now grown to events at 110 different locations across the country

James said he signed up to take part in the fight having lost many family members to cancer and also to have a go at a sport he has been enthusiastic about since watching “Marvellous”

Marvin Hagler take on Sugar

Ray Leonard in the World Boxing Championships in 1987

“I’ve only ever had two fights in my life, and I’m 42!” said James, whose fight nickname was “Marvellous” Jimmy Austin, in homage to that first fight he ever saw “I just thought I needed to learn to punch and not get punched Before signing up I thought that coaching the U9s at Melbourne United and playing regularly would mean I was going to be fit How mistaken I was The training was gruelling and the sparring was even more of a challenge

“However, getting thumped on the nose is a small price to pay for the cause

“People like Anthony Joshua must be the fittest people in the land It was lots of core work which I don’t think you get playing football Squats, lunges, leg raises everyone struggled!”

But when James, from Swarkestone, got into the ring and heard the roar of the crowd, his eight weeks’ training came into good use and, although he wasn’t judged the winner, both he and opponent Gareth “The Revelation” Owen from Wigan lasted all three rounds

James raised £695 for Cancer Research UK and the group he was training with raised

£13,500 in total

Robyn Johnson, marketing manager at Ultra White Collar Boxing, said: “UWCB is a unique opportunity for people with no boxing background to experience the wonderful world of boxing, in a safe and enjoyable environment Participants get involved for the same reasons: to get fit, learn a new sport, gain a real sense of achievement and to reach their own personal goals

“Cancer is something that affects us all so working with Cancer Research UK has been a great opportunity We want to raise as much money as we can for this great cause”

Emma Hallas, senior account executive for Cancer Research

UK, said: “Everyone at Cancer Research UK appreciates the amazing support the UWCB team provide us

“Every person that has taken part and raised money for us has made a huge difference Reaching £9million is a fantastic achievement and one that will help save lives, and beat cancer sooner

“UWCB are an incredibly valued supporter of the charity and we are extremely grateful to the team and all the boxers involved ”

You can still donate to James’ fund-raising page here: https://www justgiving com/fun d r a i s i n g / m a r v e l l o u s j i mmyaustin –

Lucy Stephens

DARING sorts are being set an unusual charity challenge – to walk barefoot across 2,000 broken wine bottles followed by hot embers burning at 1,236 degrees Fahrenheit

That’s the extreme fund-raising Fire and Ice Walk being organised by Treetops Hospice this November – and they would like people to sign up Both walks take place at Treetops, based in Risley, which provides nursing care and emotional support for adults with life-limiting illness and their families in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

Chloe Lewis, 14, from Belper, was the youngest person to take part in the Treetops Fire Walk last year She said: “I signed up because I thought it sounded quite fun and I’d never had the chance to do anything

like it before but really wanted to “It was nerve-racking and I was a bit scared that I was going to burn my feet but then I thought ‘calm down, there are professionals here’ and once I’d

done it, it was great I don’t know what I was worried about and I was so proud of myself at the end ” Kathryn Box, corporate fundraiser, explained more about the event: “We really want peo-

ple to face their fears and do the impossible The two walks are very different – the Fire Walk is adrenaline-filled, loud and exciting, and the Ice Walk is a very calm and relaxing event, the ultimate in mindfulness!

“Everyone who takes part has a training session beforehand including motivational exercises and psychological methods with a world-class ‘Fire Master ’ instructor from the event organisers Blaze

“Anyone over 14 years old can take part and you can even enter as a team-building exercise if there are 10 or more of you ”

Participants pay

TAKE THAT James Austin (in black) in the ring with opponent Gareth Owen Photos courtesy Ultrapix

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n THESE partygoers put on their dancing shoes for an evening of excellent music, courtesy of the Kings Newton Social Group

The evening was held at Melbourne’s Scout and Guide Headquarters. Around 70 people enjoyed the singing of professional vocalist John Moakes, who entertained with swing numbers from Frank Sinatra to Michael Bublé.

John competes for Great Britain in Transplant Games

MELBOURNE Swifts Table Tennis Club player John Mould has proved that going through illness is no barrier to athletic prowess, having been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Transplant Games this summer

John will be 60 next year and is a member of the Melbourne table tennis club, having returned to the sport after a 35year absence

This summer he travelled to Spain as a Great Britain representative at the World Transplant Games, which have been going every two years since 1978 with the aim of raising awareness and showing the importance of an active life postop

John had been diagnosed with a rare blood cancer that was not going to respond to chemotherapy alone, so had a bone marrow transplant in 2011 The donor was his sister, Ruth

A lifelong runner, after recuperating from the operation he did some research into whether there were any competitions for people in his situation and discovered the existence of the World Transplant Games

“I only found out about it by chance, which goes to show how much folks are aware of it,” he said

Since then John has taken part in the British Transplant Games for the past three years, where he has won gold for table

tennis along with several other medals

This year he has travelled to Malaga, having been selected to represent his country in the 5059 age group, and took part in five events: the 5k road running race, the 1,500 metres, plus table tennis singles, doubles and mixed doubles

He came sixth for his age group in the 5k road race, eighth for 1,500 metres, and

Doris Britton

won two out of four games in the table tennis singles

Although this wasn’t enough to reach the next stages, for John the important thing is to keep active and raise awareness about organ and bone marrow donation

“It’s just to keep me fit and healthy, and I like to raise awareness wherever I can,” he said

“I was lucky to find a match, but there are folks who may never find one, because not enough people are on the register ”

NHS figures have recorded that in 2015/6 466 patients died while on the active waiting list for their transplant, and a further 881 were removed from the list – mostly due to deteriorating health and ineligibility for a transplant

– Lucy Stephens

My sincere thanks for the many cards, flowers and best wishes received after my recent spell in hospital.

Hospice shop celebrates a quarter of a century

TREETOPS Hospice Shop in Melbourne is celebrating 25 years of helping to raise vital funds for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families

The hospice shop was first opened at Melbourne Hall Visitors’ Centre in 1992 by Sallie Jackson and Margaret Warwick

Sallie, who was a member of the Treetops Support Group at the time, said Melbourne Hall had offered the use of one of its buildings as a shop and she had volunteered to help start things off

Lord Ralph Kerr of Melbourne Hall has been president of Treetops for more than 30 years

“It was very much ad hoc,” she said “We had quite a few volunteers and they stayed with us for a long time ”

Sallie ended up staying at the shop for 13 years and still loves charity shops!

“I love recycling,” she said “Recycling stuff is great – otherwise it would go to landfill, wouldn’t it?”

Today the shop is managed by Rachael Peckham, who has done the job for the past four years, and there are around 30 volunteers who give their time behind the till

Rachael said: “It’s the best place to work because the management are so lovely and the volunteers are fantastic, and you just feel that every amount of money that you make – you can see it all come back into the community

“You go to the hospice and see people benefit from it – it’s just amazing ”

The shop is open daily and is a very popular spot for people in search of a bargain, with the most popular selling items being ladies’ clothes

“People come in for books and games, and the jigsaws are really popular,” said Rachael

She said the shops at Melbourne Hall formed a great community with business owners working together and helping each other out – for example, Millpond Antiques lends a hand by helping value any historical items that get brought into the shop Treetops Hospice began life in 1983 with a campaign

Area’s cause for concern on health

OBESITY, smoking during pregnancy and poor GCSE results are the most pressing health concerns in South Derbyshire, a new report reveals Public Health England has published its latest health profile for 2017 which gives a detailed summary of findings for this area

The figures are broken down into districts with urban areas such as Swadlincote showing greater levels of deprivation Research shows that in the areas of GCSE attainment, carrying on smoking up until the point of delivering a child, and adult obesity are all areas in which South Derbyshire is worse than the national average

But violent crime in the district is much lower than the England average, as is longterm unemployment and the number of under 16s in low income families

South Derbyshire District Councillor John Harrison said:

for a South Derbyshire hospice spearheaded by Cally Cheetham, following her own experiences of caring for relatives with cancer

It needs to raise more than £3million a year – nearly 70 per cent of its running costs – through donations and events – Lucy Stephens

The

"The relative poor performance in the district’s urban core will undoubtedly have been influenced by the presence of the traditional coal mining and pottery industries but these have now been supplanted by more environmentally friendly activities ”

best

retirement living & support

l Volunteer Avril Harrison (left) with Treetops Hospice Shop manager Rachael Peckham.

LOOKING BACK ... IN LOCAL PICTURES

SUMMER is with us, and here are some interesting shots of how people have enjoyed these warmer months in our local area over years gone by

The lazy summer scene in the black and white photo shows three people enjoying a peaceful row in their boat on Melbourne Pool

The shot is from around the 1950s and shows Kate Honnor, aged around 11 or 12 at the time, with her two grandmothers, Mabel Rawlins and Muriel Honnor

Kate’s parents were Alice and the Rev Robert Honnor, who was the vicar of Melbourne Parish Church from 1953 to 1972

Kate, 74, who now lives in Nottingham, told The Village Voice how her family had been allowed to keep a boat for use on Melbourne Pool and often used it to go fishing

This particular photograph was

taken by her grandfather

“It was lovely to grow up in Melbourne, it really was,” said Kate “I miss it I’ve got fond memories of Melbourne ”

Our other shot of summers past is a nostalgic image of Ticknall taken in 1968

It shows a summer ’s day – note the absence of cars – and, in the top right corner, you can make out the farmyard of Slade Farm with straw stacked under the barn, along with the buildings of Hayes Farm near the roadside This whole area has now been converted to dwellings

These were the days of Charles Harpur-Crewe, squire of the village, when the estate still had a team of men employed at the woodyard, at the junction of Main Street and High Street, whose busy wood cutting saws were a familiar sound

August at Calke Abbey

Fly-tippers are hit with £400 ‘fines’

DISTRICT council environment leaders have handed out six £400 fixed penalty notices to fly-tippers in South Derbyshire this year – but want the public to help clamp down on the problem.

Whether you’re planning a family adventure or looking to avoid the crowds, there’s something for everyone every day this August. Uncover hidden stories as more of Calke’s secrets are revealed and make the most of the sunshine on one of the many estate walks. Visit our website for more information on new discoveries, changes and seasonal highlights.

Enjoy summer play in the park and garden

Spend carefree summer days in Calke’s natural outdoor play areas. Enter the Garden of Imagination through the secret door, or go on a wild adventure in the woods at Calke Explore. Pop in to Squirt’s Stable for dressing up, crafts and lots of activities for children to enjoy whatever the weather!

Discover hidden views and wildlife sculptures

Pick up a ‘seek and reveal’ interactive map and start discovering the hidden gems of the wider a range of wildlife sculptures lurking among the trees. You can also see snapshots of Calke’s past

Treat yourself to a little piece of Calke

This summer indulge in a taste of Calke, from freshly baked cakes in the restaurant and café to handmade pizzas in the kitchen garden and a juicy burger from the stableyard BBQ (BBQ weekends only).

By becoming a member of the National Trust, you help us to protect the country’s heritage and landscape, while enjoying free entry to over 500 places. Here at Calke Abbey, membership supports our conservation work both in the house and gardens, as well as the internationally important protected parkland.

Calke Abbey summer opening

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

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

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

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

www.facebook.com/NTCalkeAbbey

@NTCalkeAbbey

The giant load of soil and rubbish pictured right was found on Acre Lane in Aston-on-Trent on July 12, having been tipped there by someone, but this was one of the examples where the district council has been unable to find the culprit

South Derbyshire District Council had this to say: “Fly-tipping is an unacceptable abuse of the local environment and we share the passion of residents, businesses and landowners in tackling it and bringing those responsible to justice

“We have handed out six £400 Fixed Penalty Notices to fly-tippers in South Derbyshire so far this year, while several investigations are ongoing with a view to using new powers available to us to seize vehicles involved in offences

“To support our own evidence gathering we need help from members of the public – descriptions of vehicles and suspects, registration plate details, times and dates are all useful and we will always act on information provided to us

“We would urge anyone with information about those responsible for fly-tipping to call our Safer Neighbourhood Wardens on 01283 595795 or email neighb o

bys

Photo above courtesy of Melbourne Historical Research Group’s archives; and the one on the left also comes via the Melbourne Historical Research Group archives, but courtesy of Val Hayton whose grandfather Mr Shutt was the former Melbourne Midland Bank manager and founder member of the Melbourne Photographic Society

Maisy’s tea party raises pots of charity cash

ENTERPRISING teenager Maisy Hayward raised hundreds of pounds for Treetops Hospice by holding a tea party and bake-off contest in the pub where she works.

Maisy, 19, held the Tea for Treetops party and Great British Bake-Off style competition at The Malt in Aston

Maisy, of Aston-on-Trent, who has worked at the pub for the last four years, said she had her own personal reason for supporting the hospice

She said: “Last year, my next-door neighbour was diagnosed with a brain tumour and it was all very sudden We were really, really close and he was like a second dad to me His partner and daughter are like family to us and it affected us a lot

“He got really poorly, very quickly and, unfortunately, passed away the day after he turned 50, so he was very young

“His partner said that what Treetops did was to give her the confidence to bring him home Treetops offered her nurses overnight Had Treetops not offered her that beforehand she would never have felt con-

fident enough to bring him home where we wanted him to be

“She knew the support was there for her and it was something she found really, really helpful Treetops also provided reflexology, which my neighbour loved – the nurses were lovely and they just lightened up his day

“Since he passed away, Treetops also offered the bereavement services, which they found really helpful

“Really, everything Treetops offered made a massive difference to them as a family and for me; seeing them have to get through that was difficult, so to know that Treetops were there was great ”

The tea party and bake-off was a great success with nearly £600 raised for Treetops – and Aston-onTrent Pre-School then swelled the total further by putting out boxes which collected a further £140

The bake-off contest featured three categories: Grandma’s Favourite, The Great British Classic and My Secret Ingredient Malt owners Punch Taverns provided the ingredients plus tea and coffee, and Michelle Hollinshead and Ann Rigley, from Cake Décor Ltd in Derby, judged the 15 entries Around 100 people turned out to buy a slice of cake and have a cup of tea

Choir back for church concert

THE renowned Gresley Male Voice Choir will be giving a concert in Ticknall to raise money for a charity that provides holiday breaks to those in need

“Me and Dee” of the Maria Hanson Foundation gives free seaside breaks for families facing uncertain futures due to illness, and for military personnel with physical and emotional injuries

Maisy thanked mum Sally, who ran the children’s decorate-a-cupcake stall, her sister Hattie for helping out with tea and coffee sales, Carolyn Stubbs for helping and selling her home-made conserves and cordials, and the Malt pub with landlady Laura Bowler providing the room, plus tea, coffee and ingredients for the decorate a cupcake stall

The event was so successful that another one is planned near Christmas

“I am incredibly proud and thankful to all who helped, baked and attended,” said Maisy – Lucy Stephens

The choir is staging the concert at St George’s Church in Ticknall on Saturday, August 12 Gresley Male Voice Choir has just returned from its summer tour, and chairman Geoff Hampson said: “In our extremely busy schedule of fortnightly concerts where we support the fund-raising of many different charities throughout the year, we always reserve one concert a year for a charity very close to our hearts

“This year we have decided that the ‘Me and Dee’ charity will be the recipients It also gives us the opportunity to return to sing in the lovely St George's Church with its magnificent acoustics; we are all looking forward to it immensely ”

The concert starts at 7 15pm and the admission fee is £8 with tickets available at the door

Carnival club float

IN OUR July issue we reported that the carnival float featuring the re-enactment of the famous 1980 Wimbledon men’s single final was that of the Melbourne Table Tennis Club

It was in fact the Melbourne Tennis Club float

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They are open 7-days a week and are located next to Aldi, opposite Pets at Home and Wickes.

l Maisy Hayward (right) with fellow Malt staff member Lindsay Bridges.

Alar cloc gifts scho leave

SCHOOL’S out for sum are some of the childre our area who are movi ent things come the year in September

At Scallywags Nurser there were emotional goo of young people who are le of 11

Scallywags staff prese seven leavers with an ala can get up for the bus in t secondary school, and a since lots of homework th online Nursery owner and Attwater said: “We had a “Some of them started months old We’ve been a r of these families ”

The Scallywags leave room where they had sp nursery and were prese leaving gifts

Meanwhile, at Puddle-d on Packhorse Road, childr ing for primary school Conkers as a goodbye trip

The pre-school said: “Pu 24 children leaving this J Mandy and all our staff wi best as they make the school We have had a fa our rising fives ” Sale & Davys Playgroup Trent said goodbye to spokesperson for the grou dren come from far and w setting, including Chellas son Fields and Sinfin “All but one, who is go Trent Primary to be with going onwards together t Primary School where we all stay firm friends We w their next exciting advent Meanwhile, Kangaro which meets in Melbourn said goodbye to 19 leavers to primary school

l Children at Scallywags Nursery for the last time before going to secondary school.

l Children from the Kangaroos Pre-School with Ruth Gadsby and Helen Banister

for ool ers

mer – and here en from around ng on to differnew academic

y in Melbourne, dbyes to a group eaving at the age nted each of the rm clock, so they he morning come memory stick –hese days is done manager Mary teary bye-bye!

d with us at six eally special part rs visited every pent time at the nted with their ducks Pre-School ren who are leavwere taken to uddle-ducks have July, and Angela, sh them the very transition into bulous year with in Barrow-upon13 children A p said: “Our chilide to attend our ton, Hilton, Stening to Weston on her sister, will be to Sale & Davys are sure they will wish them well on ure!” os Pre-School, ne’s Wesley Hall, s on their way up

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l Youngsters from Sale & Davys playgroup in Barrow-upon-Trent.

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l Some of the ‘rising fives’ from the Puddle-ducks Pre-School at a leavers’ trip to Conkers

Walk of the month

TO CELEBRATE our beautiful rural area The Village Voice will be publishing regular walks in the paper, for readers to enjoy. The first comes courtesy of Melbourne Civic Society’s Walks Around Melbourne book

MELBOURNE TO WOODHOUSES

Distance: 2 6 kilometres (1 6 miles) Time: 1 hour

Terrain: Easy, flat on footpaths and tracks

Refreshments: Melbourne

Parking: Castle Square or Church Square

Buses: Regular from Derby Fewer on Sunday

OS sheet: National Forest Explorer 245 (1:25 000) or Derby and Burton 128 (1:50 000)

This is a gentle introduction to countryside close to the town centre

Starting from Church Square, go through the gates beyond Melbourne church and walk alongside the Pool, past Melbourne Hall, the Mill and Pool Cottage [1]

At the point where the high stone wall on the left ends, there is a small weir on the right Just after the weir a gate leads to the path alongside the Pool bank Follow the bank as far as the plantation called the ‘Intake’

Just before the wood turn left over a stile and, 50 metres further up, turn right through a gap Cross the field diagonally to the far corner, passing Pool Farm on the right

Take the farm drive towards the main Ashby road and after 200 metres turn right down a track that takes you through the Woodhouse Farm complex [2]

This small hamlet was originally a settlement in Melbourne Wood, and was busy in the 18th and 19th centuries with the manufacture of scythe stones, using hard gritstone from the local quarries Today it is overshadowed by the massive dam of the Staunton Harold reservoir

After the farm turn right along Ashby Road and cross a small brook The road begins to rise and just before a pair of houses a well-marked public footpath turns off to the right

At the end of the field continue in the same direction with a copse on your right

Then take the path uphill towards a fine stand of trees, after which a gate leads into Penn Lane

Turn right down the lane as far as Vale House A ‘dark entry’ to the right of this house leads back to Melbourne church

ALAN SWIFT (SWIFTY)

21.7.2016

In loving memory of Alan. Time passes, memories stay, always remembered every day. Sadly missed by Iris and sons, grandsons and granddaughter. XXXX

Kay Beardsley Counselling

Mobile: 07759 930346

Email: kay@kaybeardsleycounselling.co.uk

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This is one of 14 walks from Walks Around Melbourne published by Melbourne Civic Society All walks are illustrated with detailed maps and sketches They are available to purchase from Melbourne News, the Melbourne Hall Gift Shop and through Amazon. Price £5.

l Pupils from Melbourne

Junior School

who have received awards at the end of term in July

Crashes keep town fire crew busy

WHILST it has been a “relatively quiet period, thankfully”, the crew at Melbourne Fire Station have nevertheless had several critical incidents to attend, according to manager Andy Astle

The crew were called out on July 27 to a road traffic accident after a silver Skoda car had left the road on Blackwell Lane, Melbourne It had come to rest among felled branches and a big tree stump was lodged against the door, trapping the elderly driver

“Using saws to cut away a clearing, we then had to use our inflatable air bag to lift the car clear of the tree stump Thankfully he was OK and was discharged at the scene by the ambulance service,” said Andy

They were also been called out recently to another road accident after a Toyota car had parted company with the road at Swarkestone causeway, landing upside down several metres below road level

Fortunately, the young driver and his three passengers had managed to escape from the wreckage with only scrapes and minor injuries With the aid of the firemen’s ladder they were able to escape the site into a waiting ambulance

A speedy response to a house fire in Melbourne had averted what could have been a very tragic situation An elderly resident had apparently dropped a lit cigarette, starting a blaze Luckily, the fire was quickly extinguished but smoke had filled the upstairs of the property, and firefighters were able to rescue the occupier and help him to an ambulance

Earlier in June in another incident a car had ended up on its roof near the Thomas Cook Memorial Hall in the middle of the night

The elderly female driver had lost control of the vehicle and was trapped With the use of cutting gear she was freed and put into the care of medical assistance

In addition to responding to calls, the local team have been providing cover at other stations when needed, going around the village doing “safe and well” visits and trying to recruit additional staff

“With three staff members still in development training, which will bring us back up to nine, ideally we need a few more to keep us up to strength and deal with contingencies,” Andy said

A message on social media after one of the recent events reflects how grateful local people are for their continued commitment

It read: “A big thank you to Melbourne fire service tonight You were all fantastic and handled a delicate situation with precision and care We are so lucky to have a local team who are passionate about their job and thorough in their work ”

If you are interested in working as a retained fire officer visit www derbys-fire gov uk/jobs-and-careers

– Frank Hughes

Free child care provision

WORKING families are being urged to check if they are entitled to more free child care after the Government doubled the current provision for those who meet the criteria

From September, the amount of free early education available to three and four year-olds in some families is being extended to 30 hours from the 15 it has been up until now

Derbyshire County Council is reminding people to check if they qualify for the extra hours by visiting www childcarechoices gov uk

Anyone who is eligible and wants to take up the extra hours must apply before August 31

If families qualify, children can take up a place from the start of the next full term after their third birthday

What’s on... at Melbourne Festival...

Friday 8th & Saturday 9th September - 7.30pm

A Choir’d Taste in Concert - Festival Flourish

Melbourne Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne DE73 8GF

Tickets £10 - Bar available.

Friday 15th September - 7.30 for 8.00pm Festival Funhouse

Comedy Night

Comedy TanyaLee Davis, Duncan Oakley and Pete Teckman compered by Howard Reed. Melbourne Royal British Legion, 87 Derby Road, Melbourne DE73 8FE

Tickets £8 - Bar Available.

Saturday 16th September & Sunday 17th September 10am - 5pm

Melbourne Festival

Art & Architecture Trail 2017

VENUES THROUGHOUT CENTRAL

MELBOURNE - DE73 8DW

Tickets £5 on the day, under 18’s free. A fantastic weekend for just £5! 150 artists in 70 venues - lots to see and do all weekend.

DON’T MISS...

‘For the Love of Lettuce’

A Celebration of Melbourne Market Gardening Heritage. Enjoy a taste of Melbourne’s Market Gardening past and a look into the future.

Melbourne Festival

Family Trail

Come down the garden path to enjoy storytelling and activities for children and families based on Peter Rabbit!

Sunday 17th September - 7.00pm

Dark Horse - Acoustic Evening

The Pavillion, Melbourne Sports Park, Cockshut Lane DE73 8DG

Tickets £8 - Bar available.

Thursday 21st September - 7.30pm

Poetry Live with Jo Bell

Sponsored by Melbourne Area Transition

Melbourne Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne DE73 8GF

Tickets £8 - Bar available

Friday 22nd September - 7.30pm

Wil Pearson

Live in Melbourne

Sponsored by Lemon and Lime Interiors

Pianist and singer Wil, supported by Emily Kent - close your eyes and imagine Jamie Cullen & Ella Fitzgerald - AMAZING!

Melbourne Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne DE73 8GF

Tickets £10 - Bar available

Saturday 23rd September - 7.30pm

A Night with Jonathan Viera

World renowned opera singer, musician, comedian & entertainer

Melbourne Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne DE73 8GF

Tickets £10 - Bar available

Thursday 28th September - 7.00pm

Cast Ensemble

Youth Theatre

Take a trip inspired by local hero Thomas Cook.

Melbourne Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne DE73 8GF

Tickets £5, under 18’s £3

Friday 29th September - 7.30pm

Don’t Go into the Cellar

‘The Singular Exploits of Sherlock Holmes’

Sponsored by John German Estate Agents

The great detective recounts the highlights of his crime-busting career.

Melbourne Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne DE73 8GF

Tickets £10 - Bar available

Saturday 30th September - 2.30pm

Afternoon Tea & Ten Poems about Gardens

Senior Citizen Centre, Church Street, Melbourne DE73 8EJ

Tickets £10 - including donation to Treetops Hospice

Saturday 30th September - 7.30pm

Chorus Amici

Melbourne Parish Church, Church Square, Melbourne DE73 8JH

Tickets £5 - Bar Available

Saturday 14th October - 7.30pm

Melbourne Festival

Jazz Night with the Dave Newton Quartet, featuring Alan Barnes on saxophone

Melbourne Parish Church, Church Square, Melbourne DE73 8JH

Tickets £10 - Bar Available

Sunday 15th October - 7.30pm

OCHO A cappella

Amal White Bar & Restaurant, Derby Road, Melbourne DE73 8FE

Tickets £8 - Bar Available

For more information pick up a Festival Lea et or visit www.melbournefestival.co.uk

To book tickets call 07962 430450 or call into Forteys Sweetshop, Market Place, Melbourne.

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Nigel’s sporting aims honoured

THE chairman of Melbourne Swifts Table Tennis Club has received an award for his work getting young people involved in sport.

Nigel Webster, who started the club in 2013, was presented with the Ray Gill Award by Melbourne Rotex

The award is given to someone who is working to provide sport for young people

Kate Dumelow, from Rotex, said the organisation was “so pleased” to award the prize to Nigel, whose club has lots of young people on its books regularly playing the game from its base in the old squash courts behind the Assembly Rooms

He said he was “absolutely delighted” to receive the recognition

“It’s absolutely vital to get young people into sport,” he said “It gives them a release from the constant academic grind These days we seem to be putting them through a sausage machine of SATs and various other things

“We have got lots of co-operation from parents who want to be involved Parents phone me up every week saying can soand-so come and play

“Getting this Ray Gill Award was a surprise because I never expected it – I hope to honour his memory ”

Rotex was set up a year ago after the lamented demise of Melbourne Rotary Club Its members are keen to carry on the many good works that Rotary used to do in the community, such as giving dictionaries to all primary school children and holding the writing compe-

tition at Melbourne Junior School

But it needs more members so that these things can carry on Rotex is keen to stress that anyone who is community-

minded and wants to help is very welcome and certainly does not have to be an ex-Rotarian If that’s you, phone Kate Dumelow on 01332 862666 to find out more

Shed loads of police advice

DERBYSHIRE police have issued a film with tips on how to keep sheds and garden equipment secure this summer, when outbuilding break-ins often rise

The film can be viewed via this URL https://www youtube com/watch?v=mh5TqD9HvmQ and it gives 10 top tips on how to prevent shed break-ins

the Rose and Crown in Chellaston

DOREEN was born in Castle Street, Melbourne in November 1925, the eldest child of Charles and Mary Parnham There followed six siblings – Janet, Ivor, Brenda, Maurice, Ann and Andrew – and all lived “round the pool” at The Weirs

Aged 11 she met Cliff Foster from Stanton by Bridge when he stole her hat in Melbourne school playground and when she was 19 they were married at Melbourne Baptist Church

They went on to have three children, Ian, Carole and Julie

They first lived with Cliff ’s parents at Cuttle Bridge Cottage, Swarkestone, and Doreen would regularly push Ian in his pram over the causeway to visit family in Melbourne and years later wondered how she dared

They moved to The Brasserie at Melbourne Hall, now the tearooms (where she said she lived in fear of encountering Lady Caroline Lamb in the nighttime) and finally to Chellaston in 1953

Doreen left school aged 14

and went to work as a cook’s assistant at Boots cafeteria in Derby

In 1940 she’d just caught the bus from Melbourne Church to go there, when shortly afterwards, a German plane dropped its bombs over Melbourne, one landing just across the road from the bus stop

She had many other jobs during her life including shop assistant at Chellaston Co-Op; for her brothers Maurice at Melbourne Motorcycles, and Andrew at Parnham Tractors; on the land at Samuel Jackson’s in Kings Newton; a domestic at the Derby Royal Infirmary; and

Together these made her a very familiar figure around Melbourne, Chellaston and Derby

For recreation she enjoyed her garden, she loved to shop and loved holidays and day trips out, especially those to the seaside and those with her sisters She was keen on tennis, though never played and went to Wimbledon several times, her highlight seeing Tim Henman win a quarter-final

Doreen held a strong Christian faith and was a Sunday school teacher at Melbourne Baptist Church in her younger days and later a loyal member of the Methodist Church in Chellaston

Her husband, Cliff, died in 1999, after which she lived alone for 18 years and remained fiercely independent Doreen died at the age of 91, a devoted grandmother of four and great-grandmother of five After her death, the most common remark to family from those who knew her was “she was a lovely lady”

DOREEN FOSTER (née Parnham) 1925 -2017

l Nigel Webster receives the Ray Gill Award from Margaret Sharp.

Play area boost for village kids

CHILDREN in Findern have a new playground for the summer, thanks to a large refurbishment project that has just been opened

The play area has been revamped with swings, climbing apparatus, slides, stepping blocks and a train; it was officially opened on July 21 by Cllr Michael Stanton (pictured), chair of South Derbyshire District Council, with guests welcomed by Cllr Mary Goodall, chair of Findern Parish Council

Costing around £26,000 plus VAT, the project was initiated by two local mums – Abby Litting and Dawn Foote – who identified that the existing play area was in need of a little TLC

Plans were drawn up and presented to Findern residents and it was decided that phase one would involve the update of the kiddies play area

A working party was set up with Richard GilesGrant acting as project manager Findern Parish Council provided its support

Funding was sought principally via the Tesco ‘Bags for Life’ scheme with the supermarket giant awarding a grant of £10,000 for the project

Local businesses were also approached and many of these generously provided extra financial support In particular these included: Archway Motors, Mercia Marina, Murrays Funeral Directors, Nadee Restaurant, Woodgrow Horticultural, Findern Village Hall, South Derbyshire District Council and Councillor Martyn Ford’s Commu-

NEWS in brief National Trust invitation

THE Derby & District National Trust Members’ Group is inviting new people to attend its forthcoming meetings

The group is run by members and the aim is to promote the National Trust and local properties, with a variety of social events throughout the year

Meetings happen at Landau Forte College in Derby and start at 7 30pm

The next meeting will feature a talk by master stone waller Trevor Wragg Taking place on Tuesday, September 26, “There’s more to walls”, will be an introduction to the history, geology and wildlife to be found in Derbyshire’s characteristic stone walls

nity Fund

Additionally, the parish council made a donation to cover the cost of the funding shortfall

The new playground equipment was supplied and installed by Streetscape Products and Services Ltd The whole project took around 10 months

New head as school tries to turn things around

A NEW headteacher has been drafted in to help the ailing John Port School after an Ofsted report judged it inadequate in all areas

John Port, which takes pupils from Milton, Twyford, Foremark and Findern, is the largest secondary in Derbyshire and, with just short of 2,000 pupils, among the country’s biggest too

The school has suffered a turbulent few months with the suspension and then resignation of head teacher Chris Sainsbury

Renowned education expert Sir Barry Day was drafted in by the Department of Education last year to chair an interim academy board to try to turn things around

Oftsed inspectors visited during the summer term and the school has now been put in special measures after they found a catalogue of serious faults, including:

l The 2016 exam results the worst in the school’s history;

l Ineffective safeguarding measures;

l Senior leaders judged to have an “over-generous view of the quality of teaching”;

l An increase in poor behaviour and exclusions; and

l Too many sixth formers not finishing courses they start and too few achieving high grades

Lead inspector Zarina Connolly visited John Port on June 6 and by the following day had drafted in six more inspectors to thoroughly examine the school

They observed learning in 45 lessons, visited the school’s alternative on-site provision (The Bridge), held meetings with the head and other senior leaders, observed pupils at break and lunch times and took account of 219 responses to the online parent view questionnaire

Eleven parents submitted comments to inspectors including two over the phone

The report said: “Leaders, including previous governors, have not secured a good standard of education in the school since the last inspection

In fact, standards have declined rapidly

“The examination results in 2016 were among the worst in England Pupils’ attainment and progress were extremely poor in a number of subjects, including English and mathematics The current progress of pupils is slow in a wide range of subjects, because teaching remains weak ”

There were some positives, however Inspectors also said:

l The quality of teaching in the English department had rapidly improved;

l Newly qualified teachers were well supported;

l The curriculum was broad and balanced;

l There was a good range of vocational and academic pathways;

l Modern foreign language teaching was improving quickly as a result of new leadership; and

l The Interim Academy Board (IAB) had brought “much-needed stability and strength to leadership”

John Port has a new head, Karen Squire, who is starting her post on September 1

In a letter to parents on July 20 she said that statutory requirements as regards safeguarding had now been met and a development plan drawn up to address the concerns raised by Ofsted

This included parent forum meetings; extra staffing from Spencer Academy Trust and a new homework policy The school will also be monitored every eight weeks by Ofsted

Check your Gold Card

GOLD Card holders are being reminded to check validity dates on their cards as thousands are due to expire in the next few months

Gold Card is Derbyshire’s equivalent of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) which allows older and people with certain disabilities to travel free-of-charge, off-peak on local buses

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The following talk will take place on Tuesday, October 17, and will be given by goldsmith Jamie Hall about “The Staffordshire Hoard”

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High flying time at airport

EAST Midlands Airport is expecting to record its busiest ever summer after publishing its latest passenger numbers, plus reporting 18 months of consecutive growth

Latest figures announced by the airport show a four per cent increase in the numbers of travellers during May compared with the same month last year – with more than 502,000 people travelling in that month alone

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Art show fund-raiser

NEARLY 2,000 people are expected to flock to the annual art exhibition held to raise funds for Dame Catherine’s School in Ticknall over the bank holiday weekend

The show opens with a champagne preview on the evening of Saturday, August 26, and then continues the following day and Monday, August 28

With more than 1,000 original pieces of art and nearly 200 artists –from unknown talents to professional artists – it’s a big undertaking run entirely by volunteers

Last year ’s show sold more than £18,000 worth of art in two days and has raised more than £150,000 for the school since it began 24 years ago

This year ’s event features well known artists Jo Allsopp, John Rattigan and Steve Smith, all of whom will be on hand over the weekend

Dame Catherine Arts spokesperson Deborah Bates said: “We are thrilled to have three such diverse and accomplished guest artists Their work is striking, skilful and yet so different, with a broad appeal, which captures the essence of the whole show ”

ABOVE: Contemplation by Steve Smith.

LEFT: Matisse Monkeys by John Rattigan

RIGHT: Doris by Jo Allsopp.

Villages’ relief over rail plan

IN ANNOUNCING the confirmed route for the HS2 High Speed Rail link though Leicestershire and Derbyshire, the original plan to tunnel beneath East Midlands Airport, affecting villages like Tonge and Breedon, has been scrapped

To the relief of campaigners in those villages it seems their concerns – not least the £500million cost of the tunnel – were heard

Jim Morrison, who spearheads the Stop HS2 campaign in Breedon and Tonge, said: “It has been a four-year fight against the original 2013 plans Obviously, we are pleased it will be avoiding Tonge, but let’s face it, wherever it goes it will disturb and distress many people and we are very sympathetic to their concerns ”

Another change has been a re-modification to the route around Measham Sonia Liff, who represents MAPA (Measham, Austrey, Packington and Appleby) Action Group similarly welcomed the most recent change as the former route would have impacted significantly

She said: “Whilst we are pleased, it is tempered because the whole thing is a white elephant – in north-west Leicestershire there is no benefit from the HS2, only its detrimental impact ”

Freephone: 0800 0111 222 Email: ashby@greenthumb.co.uk

Further afield in Kegworth, across the Trent Valley to Long Eaton and other parts of Erewash Borough, fears are the impact is going to be devastating to many communities and individual

households

Some properties have already been sold under the compensation scheme, such as that owned by North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen

On his website, he questions the economic benefits of the project whilst outlining the “blight, fear and anxiety” being felt in rural villages

Mr Morrison said the campaign would not end just because the route had been confirmed

“We will need to remain very vigilant as there are a lot of consequences to this project, for example the building of power lines, power substations, construction encampments, double tracks, road closures etc which have not even been thought of as yet All of these will have an impact on our local communities ”

With the alignment for Phase 2b now fixed, the government plans to enact legislation by 2022 so that construction can begin in 2023, with the line expected to open in 2033

On the heels of the HS2 announcement Transport Minister Chris Grayling has subsequently signalled the end of plans to electrify the Midland Mainline route north of Kettering

Instead, he announced, the next operator on the franchise will be required to deliver modern, fast and efficient trains This would include a new fleet of bi-mode intercity trains from 2022, to deliver more seats and comfort for long-distance passengers – Frank Hughes

University group prepares for its formal launch

AFTER the high level of enthusiasm generated from the first U3A (University of the 3rd Age) meeting, the steering group has been pulling together the various threads to properly constitute the new Melbourne and district U3A group

The U3A is a self-directed organisation targeted at those who have retired, partially retired, or stepped down from full-time child care responsibilities, and who have spare time to pursue their own interests

The formal launch and inaugural meeting will be in the Main Hall at Melbourne Assembly Rooms at 2pm on Thursday, September 7

Chris King, who has taken on a role of publicising the U3A, explained: “At that meeting the steering group will outline and seek general approval of the constitution, which will follow the usual guidelines for any charity

“We will also explain the financial structure, discuss the range of interest groups already identified at the first meeting and indicate progress on identifying potential ‘leaders and sponsoring individuals’ ”

People will also be asked to affirm what topics and areas are of interest or suggest others

Those interested in joining will be asked to formally sign up and pay the nominal fee for the remainder of the 2017/18 financial year

Teenagers are urged to take bug vaccine

DERBYSHIRE County Council and local surgeries are urging school leavers and students going on to university or college to protect themselves against the increasing risk of contracting meningitis

Cases of one type of meningitis and the septicaemia associated with it have been increasing in England, from 23 cases in 2009 to 176 in 2015

The increase is caused by an aggressive strain of the bug

Older teenagers are particularly at higher risk of infection because they are mixing with lots of new people, some of whom may be unwittingly carrying the bacteria

The campaign is persuading young people to take up the free meningitis vaccine and to also ensure that their MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) immunity is up to date The

vaccination is being delivered through a threeyear programme which will eventually aim to cover all teenagers

Melbourne and Chellaston medical centres are offering the vaccination service, and are encouraging those eligible to phone the surgery after 11 am or to simply pop in, preferably after 10am, to confirm eligibility and make an appointment

Eligibility for the free vaccine can also extend to mature students up to the age of 25

The vaccine helps protect against four strains of the disease – meningococcal (Men) A, C, W and Y These are serious conditions that can kill in hours and can leave those who recover severely disabled

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “Although some students may have had a MenC vaccination previously, they should still have their free MenACWY vaccine as this gives the extra protection needed

“Students should be vaccinated as soon as reasonably possible and before they go on to further or higher education The highest risk of meningitis is in the first year of university, particularly during the first few weeks

– Frank Hughes

Catching the stars

THE Derby and District Astronomy Society will be joining the folks at Whistlewood once again to present all things astronomical on Saturday, August 19

The event includes solarscopes, moonglobes and model rocket making

With camping overnight there will be lots of opportunities for catching the stars

Top job is axed to save money

COUNTY council chiefs are doing without a chief executive in order to cut down on management costs

The move was approved by the county council at a meeting on July 26 and means that the top management team at Matlock is being scaled down to save more than £300,000 a year

As well as the chief executive’s post being abolished, two further top jobs are also being done away with: the assistant chief executive and the strategic director of corporate resources

A single new post – a strategic director of commissioning, communities and policy – is being created instead

Councillor Barry Lewis, leader of Derbyshire County Council, said: “It’s our public duty to constantly look for savings to balance the council’s

books

“That sometimes means being bold and doing things differently – it’s the right thing to do because every saving we make helps us to carry on providing quality frontline services for the people of Derbyshire

“We have been as open and transparent as we can possibly be, given that individual employees are affected But I want to be absolutely clear that, whilst the legal rights of the employees will of course be respected, there is no intention of making any “golden handshake” payments

“As well as cutting costs on senior managers, we’ve also reduced the allowances paid to our councillors holding positions on cabinet by around 12%, saving the council just under £29,000 a year ”

l The committee members are Marjorie Tunnicliffe, Lyn Hackett, Lynn Walker, Teresa Frearson, Mary Atkinson-Wright, Ian Turner, Diana Wilkins, David Simpson, Cec Slater, Andrew Jackson, Sharon Clark, Chris King and Frances Johnson.

l EMMA Freeman, daughter of Debra Wass and Andrew Freeman, was married at Newton Park Hotel to Ian Whyatt, son of Jane and David Whyatt. The couple are originally from Melbourne and now live in Cambridge. They spent their honeymoon in the United States

RIGHT: Melbourne Cricket Club Under 13s are: Zak Lewis, Josh Smith, Freddie Oxspring, Tom Jansen, Alex Walsh, Charles Elwell, Josh Lewsey, Charlie Tovell, Will Jackson, Archie Turton, Joe Jenkinson and Nick Dickens.

LEFT: The Under 11s with sponsor Dave Guilford

Future’s bright for the juniors

MELBOURNE Town Cricket Club’s junior section is going from strength to strength, boasting over 60 players for the five teams along with seven coaches

This year two of the sides have been sponsored by long established local firms, Melbourne Property Services and DG Light Haulage

Melbourne Property Services is run by Andrew and Deborah Sharratt Andrew said: “We believe that after setting up our business in 2008, the local community has supported our business, so we have decided to give back to the community and sponsoring the club’s under 13s seemed a great way of doing it The future of the club looks to be in great hands and anything we can do to help assist is great ”

The under 13s have had a good season so far, performing particularly well in their league matches They have all improved and the results show this, finishing joint second with four wins from their six league games

in the South Derbyshire Development Group The team consists of a whole range of players from complete beginners to Ben Radcliffe and Joe Jenkinson, who play for South Derbyshire district, along with Lara Shaw, who plays for Derbyshire

Coach Jim Jenkinson said: “The under 13s have progressed as a team throughout the season with many good individual performances, and the future is bright for the club ”

The club’s under 11s team have been sponsored by DG Light Haulage this season and managing director David Guilford said: “It’s a great club and I wish them all the best for the 2017 season ”

The under 11s have developed well through the season, culminating in two superb victories against Swarkestone and Etwall

Coaches Andy Potts and Greg Smith believe the team will go on to better things next season after their first season playing hardball cricket

n POLICE fishing teams from around the area took part in their annual competition at Foremark Reservoir in July Forces from Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands each mustered seven-man teams for the event

The boat fishing and floating line only contest was held on a hot day with calm waters – which makes fishing tricky

Team members were serving or retired officers and the competition lasted all day, from 9 30am to 5pm

The winning team was Staffordshire (above), who took nine fish Derbyshire took eight fish, the West Midlands, four and Nottinghamshire three The contest is a catch and release event which meant that the fish were not killed but put back into the water

Tennis club sights on silverware

MELBOURNE Tennis Club’s league teams continue to go from strength to strength as they enter the final few weeks of their respective divisions. Silverware and promotions look possible for three teams at least.

The ladies Burton league team currently sit in second place having started July with a resounding 8-0 victory against Ashby Castle Pat Milham and Pam Oliver once again won all their sets to maintain their 100 per cent record They were supported by Julie Chamberlain and skipper Karen Brenchley, who also won all four of their sets

Tough matches away to CURC in Derby and the return against Ashby both ended in 2-2 draws for the ladies team who ended the month with another stunning performance The Milham/Oliver pairing again won all four sets as did the Brenchley/Sallie Allen pairing to claim another 4-0 victory, this time against Lichfield This left the Burton ladies side in second place, just needing another two victories from their remaining four games to claim promotion

The mixed Burton league team won their first two league matches comfortably by 8-0 margins with Denstone and then Spittall both at home thanks to some very good play from Howard Cheshire, Julie Chamberlain and Simon Brenchley

They ended the month with a hard fought 2-2 draw away to Ashby leaving the mixed side third in the table with plenty of games still to play

The men’s Burton league side also began well, winning both their matches in July 3-1 against Netherseal and Virgin Active Vinny Hallifield was star of the show as he won all four rubbers he played in, along with 16-year-old Simon Brenchley, who also has a 100% win record, win-

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ning the two rubbers he played Rob Clarke matched Brenchley’s record of two wins from two, and the Roger Spencer/Ian Ward partnership also contributed two wins

At the end of July the men’s team are the only unbeaten team in their division, winning four and drawing one of their five matches

As well as all the senior teams doing well, the club’s mini reds continued their first competitive season as they travelled to Ashbourne A team of Daisy White, Theo Shepherd, Layla Sheriff and Oliver Clarke won their first match against Church Broughton 9-7 and followed this up by just losing 7-9 to Chesterfield and 6-10 to Ashbourne

Team co-ordinator Sallie Allen said: “All three matches were extremely close and all the mini reds played well They have proved themselves to be a great team for Melbourne in its first year of mini red competitions ”

NEW SHIRTS FOR BOWLS CLUB MEMBERS

ladies (l-r) Pat

MEMBERS of Kings Newton Bowls Club have had their new shirts sponsored by Michael Smith, of Melbourne, a director of Nottingham-based Cedar Financial Planning Ltd

Our photographer Pete Clough took this shot of club members sporting their new attire at the open doubles competition on July 16

Both men’s midweek teams have had some good results which have seen the first team climb out of the relegation zone and the second team in contention for promotion The ladies’ teams in the veterans and midweek leagues, and Saturday mixed team continue to struggle near the foot of their leagues

The men’s veterans teams are both doing well with the first team mid-table and the second team sitting in third place

l Set for action against Lichfield are Melbourne Tennis Club

Milham, Pam Oliver, Karen Brenchley (captain) and Sallie Allen

Swarkestone retain friendly trophy

THE annual friendly cricket game between Swarkestone Cricket Club and Melbourne Rugby Club was held this year on July 14

Our picture shows the two teams who played what has now become an annual 20/20 match between the two clubs for The Boar Trophy

The Swarkestone XI included players from across all levels of the club, from the 1st XI to juniors The Rugby Club side was made up of players from all their senior sides who played in their club kit, which those present said was a great idea to help the substantial crowd of supporters of both sides identify and differentiate between the teams

Swarkestone batted first and scored 150 runs from their 20 overs In reply Melbourne scored 125 from their overs whilst losing 13 wickets

At the end of the match both sides congratulated each other and celebrated the occasion in what participants said was the “traditional manner”

Swarkestone retained the trophy and the club’s chairman congratulated both sides before wishing Melbourne Rugby Club well for the coming season in Midlands Division 1 Melbourne offered to host Swarkestone CC in a rugby match but this was respectfully declined by Swarkestone Profit from the bar and BBQ will be split between the two clubs

Ups and downs for town cricket club

MELBOURNE Town Cricket Club had an indifferent July as the first team slipped down the table, the second team maintained their top two spot and the thirds continued their climb up the league.

away to Barton 1st X1 Town bowled their hosts out for just 131 with Faren Price leading the way with 5-29 along with Nadeem 342 plus a superb spell from Slater, who bowled his 14 overs for just 15 runs

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The first team began away at Alvaston & Boulton 2nd team The home side scored 196-8 off their allotted overs with Anthony Wagstaff taking 4-49 and fellow spinner Muhammed Nadeem weighing in with 3-34 Town’s reply looked to be going well when Russ Allaway (50) and Mark Rossi (45) were together on 112-1 but the loss of them both saw Melbourne collapse and end up on 1809 and a losing draw

A week later away to Lullington Park 2nds, Melbourne batted first and scored a useful 209-9 with skipper Alex Slater (57) top scoring supported by Muhammad Tayyab (33) A superb spell of 544 by Marc Towell along with 3-52 from Slater took Town to the brink of victory but the hosts held on, finishing on 193-9

At home to top of the table Risley, Town produced their best batting display of the season as they chased down a formidable 239-4 in just 22 4 overs with Tayyab hitting a remarkable 116 not out of just 53 balls including 12 sixes and six fours

Russ Allaway also batted well for his 70 as Town claimed a victory that moved them into third place in the table Rain ruined what looked to be an enthralling game the following week as Town entertained Swarkestone 2nds Alex Slater ’s men ended the month in disappointing style as they were well beaten

But in reply only Slater (23) and Jack Harrison (21 not out) had any answer as the firsts were bowled out for a paltry 83 and end the month in fifth place

Town’s second team continued their run of good form as they maintained a promotion spot They started with a superb home win against fellow promotion challengers Washlands 1st X1 as good bowling by Ranjit Rathore (3-16) and Julian Humpidge (3-19) saw the visitors struggle to 92-9 off their 40 overs In reply Melbourne’s innings was held together by Alex Winter, who scored 40 not out, in a four wicket victory

Sawley 3rds were then the visitors to the MSP and they could only score 148-6 batting first as James Hogwood (3-53) bowled well A stunning 78 not out by Ranjit Rathore supported by 36 not out from Ash Elwell eased Town to a six-wicket win

Dan Marshall's men travelled to Wootton 2nds and Ian Roberts (49) and the in-form Rathore (44) took Melbourne's total to 173-7 In reply the home side just held on, finishing on 137-9 as Hogwood (4-16) nearly bowled Melbourne to victory

The seconds ended the month in second place thanks to an eightwicket home win over Yoxhall 1sts The visitors could only muster 106-9 as Rathore caused havoc with 5-23 and then Anjilliath (62 not out) saw Town home

The thirds continued their climb up the table with an easy eightwicket home win as Ash Elwell took 3-16 to bowl Kings Bromley seconds out for just 91, before Elwell (30) along with Bruno Rost (35) eased Town home

An entertaining game away to local rivals Ticknall 4ths saw Melbourne score 228 all out as Rost top scored with 86 supported by 48 by Sam Adcock In reply Ticknall just held as Elwell (3-16) and Holden (3-48) saw Ticknall finish on 161-9

A crushing defeat of visitors Ashbourne 2nds was next as Elwell (72) and Rost (58) continued their good form Skipper Holden had the luxury of declaring on 201-7 but Melbourne didn’t need the overs as Will Goodman (5-15) and Elwell (5-25) bowled Ashbourne out for just 41 and secured a massive 160-run victory

The thirds’ good run came to an end away to Kirk Langley as they could only score 138 all out and the home side easing home by six wickets

The final league game of the month saw a remarkable match as Town were bowled out for just 116 with Alex Blackhall top scoring with 33 But a quite brilliant spell of 5-11 from Ash Elwell left hosts Derby Congregational in disarray on 40-7 Congs’ No 9 came in and smashed 53 to take the home side to the brink of victory until Harry Potts claimed his wicket and then ran out the final batsman to earn a tie, Congs also being bowled out for 116

Alex Slater

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