Melbourne Village Voice December 2013 by Village Voice

Village Voice No 253 December 2013

Melbourne & District

FIRE STATION BID WARMS TO TASK by FRANK HUGHES

THE Save Melbourne Fire Station campaign has already shown signs that it is influencing council decision making. The protestors are fighting proposals by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service to close the Melbourne facility, reduce provision in Swadlincote, and build a new station in Hilton. At a recent meeting of the South Derbyshire District Council’s Housing and Community Services Committee “rejected Proposal 10 (Melbourne & South Derbys) because of material statistical and other inaccuracies in the analysis” and in view of the “over optimistic first response times.” The council urged the Chief Fire Officer to undertake a fundamental review of this proposal. The campaign, which has ignited public concerns, has influenced our local MP to speak about the issue in Parliament in a debate called by the MP for Chesterfield, Toby Perkins. Heather Wheeler said she objected to the proposals because they were “not based on facts”, and she has also referred to the unacceptable response times and the failure to recognise the likely future growth of housing and industry in the area. The campaign has been spearheaded by a group involving Jane Carroll, Malcolm Stockill Margaret Gildea, Andy Astle and Sharon Bush and prospective parliamentary candidate Cheryl Pidgeon. The group marshalled all of the arguments against the proposals at an information meeting at Melbourne Assembly Rooms, attended by well over 100 concerned residents. The group urged all residents to “have their say” by completing the consultation before December 23. They also called for full attendance at the forthcoming fire service consultation event on December 12 (2pm until 7pm) at Melbourne fire station when it is hoped senior managers of the fire service will be there to answer concerns. Derbyshire County Councillor Linda Chilton indicated that the county council was due to have a discussion in cabinet about the proposals and anticipated that they may be rejected there, too. Derby City Council has already publicised its objection to them. The campaign is galvanising public opinion with the widespread advertising and marketing of pens and wrist bands. Already there has been tremendous public support. Similar campaigns have sparked off in many other parts of the county, but it has been acknowledged that the one in Melbourne has been well advanced and well organised.

DOVES Garages L Ltd. td. MOTOR BIKE & MOPED M.O.Ts. CLASS 1 / 2 NOW AVAILABLE 01332 862123 HIGH STREET, MELBOURNE, DERBYSHIRE

ABOVE: SANTA and his helpers were joined by lots of young children when they attended the Swarkestone Nurseries Craft and Gift Fair. LEFT: Santa also put in an appearance at Melbourne’s annual Late Night Shopping extravaganza where he met up with twins Samuel and Thomas Spencer It proved another hugely successful event with traders and shoppers alike enjoying the experience. Full story and more pictures on centre pages.

PRICE

MATCH ON ELECTRICALS 6 MARKET PLACE, MELBOURNE TELEPHONE: 01332 862607 www.blatchs.co.uk email: sales@blatchs.co.uk

newton fallowell

raising the standard of estate agency

MELBOURNE ESTATE AGENTS MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! Tel: 01332 865696 Melbourne: 01332 865696

Have a very Merry Christmas AS Christmas and the New Year approach, the Village Voice wishes all its readers, contributors, advertisers and deliverers, the very best season’s greetings. The Village Voice is proud to have brought to the community, news and memories impacting on and involving the residents of Melbourne and the surrounding villages during 2013 and for the last 21 years. This edition marks the 21st anniversary of this newspaper, which was first launched in December 1992. A four-page supplement to mark the occasion will be included in the January 2014 edition We would like to thank the many people who have undertaken for us the onerous task of delivering the Village Voice to local homes. Not easy, when having to contend with the weather or fitting it in with domestic duties, family holidays and everything that competes for our time – but we thank them for the grand job they do. We also thank our regular contributors – like Robert Parker, who writes on the farming scene, and who has a touching regard for everything rural – our sports correspondents for their regular articles and to the whole host of residents who give us news and views. We salute the loyalty of our advertisers, whose continuing support is appreciated. Without it, we could not publish. Hopefully, we provide a marketplace for the local providers of goods and services, and for their customers. Thank you all for your active support.

elbourne arage

MoT TEST CENTRE SELECTION OF WORKSHOPS AND OFFICE SPACE TO RENT Castle Lane, Melbourne, Derby DE73 8DY Telephone 01332 862373

www.melbournevillagevoice.co.uk ● news@melbournevillagevoice.co.uk 01332 863535 ● ads@melbournevillagevoice.co.uk 07584 025 852 Where sold: 30p

2 Village Voice December 2013

Melbourne Lets info@melbournelets.co.uk www.melbournelets.co.uk

PROPERTIES TO LET

Curzon House, Breedon on the Hill, Nr. Melbourne. Spacious 2 bedroom ground floor residence in the grounds of Breedon Hall. Large lounge with open fire, dining area off good size modern kitchen with all white goods. 2 very good size double bedrooms and large stylish family bathroom with separate shower. Front terrace, lots of ORP and garage if required. £650 PCM or £700 PCM with garage.

14 Coronation Close, Melbourne. 2 bedroom ground floor apartment which has recently been refurbished with a modern kitchen and bathroom. Good size lounge, Double glazed and GCH. ORP to the front of the property and a huge garden with terrace to the rear. £525 PCM

Ellis House, Derby Road Melbourne. Flat 4 and flat 6 are both 1 bedroom flats. Both have fitted kitchens with cooker and fridge and carpets and curtains. Flat 4 £410 PCM and Flat 6 £325 PCM

Christine would like to wish all of her Landlords and Tenants

a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year! MELBOURNE LETS USES MELBOURNE MAINTENANCE FOR ALL PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE FOR A FAST, PROFESSIONAL RESPONSE! KEEPING IT LOCAL!!

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

07870 547357 PROPERTIES ALWAYS NEEDED Phone Christine on

07870 547357 Tenants are awaiting your property

l Melbourne e t s

Alive ‘n’ Klippin Pat and Louise would like to wish all clients and friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your custom. Christmas Opening Times Monday 16th Tuesday 17th Wednesday 18th Thursday 19th Friday 20th Saturday 21st Monday 23rd

Appointments only 9am – 6.30pm 9am – 6.30pm 9am – 7pm 9am – 6.30pm 8.30am – 12.30pm Appointments only

Then closed until... Monday 6th January Appointments only

NEW SATURDAY OPENING TIMES From 4th January, Pat will no longer be working on Saturdays. Alive ‘n’ Klippin will remain open on Saturdays for appointments only with Louise. Pat’s working week will be... Monday (appointments only) through Friday Louise’s working week will be... Tuesday through Saturday (appointments only)

For more information call... Pat on 07930 594240 or Louise on 07854 472021 Find us on

56 HIGH STREET, MELBOURNE

Restoring paradise A PACKED Melbourne Assembly Rooms enjoyed an enthralling talk by Steve Biggins entitled 'Paradise Lost - Paradise Regained'. The reference was to his sympathetic repair of the National Trust's Calke Abbey gardens since his appointment as head gardener in 1987. Steve explained how he and his dedicated team of workers and volunteers brought the neglected and damaged gardens and buildings back to their present glory. Aided by digital slides, he illustrated 'before and after' views of many of his projects such as the workers tunnel, the orangery and the auricula theatre, which looked perfectly transformed after his team’s labours. Pictured (l-r) are Steve Biggins with Melbourne Photographic Society events organisers Gavin Lake, Lorraine Dowell and Dave Bell.

Nightmare scenario may soon be with us by DAVID BELLIS IN a comedy nightmare sketch some years ago, St. Michael Players floated the idea of houses stretching right up the hill to Isley Walton; the future, and final demise of Melbourne was prophesied. In a strongly worded reaction to a recent planning application to build nine dwellings on land in Main Street, Kings Newton, Melbourne Civic Society has declared that "this proposal is unacceptable in policy terms and should be refused". And the society hints that if this application is successful, the floodgates could be opened and the nightmare scenario will become a reality. The planning application, for outline planning permission to build a ninedwelling development on a site of just under one hectare, will probably be decided by the planning authority in January. The site is on the left hand side of the Main Street in Kings Newton, between Fairlawn and the older 1930s properties leading to the T-junction, with Station Road. In a lengthy submission supporting the application, it is argued that the site is part of Melbourne, which is – to use the plan-

ners’ jargon – a sustainable entity in that it possesses shops, pubs, restaurants, good transport links, schools, and has a buoyant industrial and commercial life. The submission says this development of "low density housing, in ribbon form, in spacious plots … should be considered in the context of the presumption in favour of development if the planning authority cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing". In fact the district council now has an obligation to provide land for 11,000 houses in the period up to 2028, as designated by the three local authorities involved in providing land in the Derby housing market area. However, the Civic Society argues that, if planning permission is granted, "it would be impossible to justify any refusal of permission for new housing development on fields on the opposite side of Main Street, which would constitute a major expansion of Melbourne, contrary to all Local Plan policies”. The next Local Plan Framework is currently subject to a public consultation process. The Civic Society believes that any new developments should only be approved after the approval of a new Local Plan, which will be finally agreed following a public enquiry.

Kings Newton Residents Association, in a trenchant statement following a comprehensive consultation with Kings Newton residents, is clear that "we strongly oppose the planning application because it is contrary to the preservation of the characteristics of Kings Newton, and removes an important visual boundary/break between the settlements of Kings Newton village and Melbourne town/village". The association quotes from district council documents to confirm that Kings Newton has "a strong sense of antiquity, and its own unique identity". In a crucial sentence the association points out that "it would be tragic if the village loses its unique characteristics and separateness because there is a short-term tactical loophole created by the failure of SDDC", to finalise a Local Plan. "We do not want the village of Kings Newton to disappear in the same way as did the village of Chellaston". Jessica Long, chair of the KNRA, was clear in her assessment. "I see the residents as desperately trying to preserve a beautiful and unique rural village, for posterity.” Mrs Long stressed the association wished to work with parish and district councils to actively be involved in the creation of the new strategic plan, currently in consultation.

Thumbs-up to 450-home development THE controversial plan to build 450 houses on a greenfield site – off the A514 road into the city of Derby, opposite the Bonnie Prince, and parallel to the A50 – has been given outline planning permission by South Derbyshire District Council. The application, which includes provision for a primary school, a nursery and a small supermarket, has also made provision to ensure the access off the A514 to the estate is properly laid out to avoid traffic snarl-ups. This was a matter of considerable concern to signatories of the 139 letters of complaint, the 550 signatories of a petition, and to the Chellaston Residents Association. Fears that such a development, on the edge of Chellaston, would jeopardise places for South Derbyshire children at the Chellaston Academy were voiced by local councils. Weston on Trent Parish Council expressed concerns about the long-term effects of this sizeable development on provision of schooling; Melbourne Parish Council was also worried about secondary school provision in South Derbyshire; Education for Mel-

bourne, a local concerned lobby group, was surprised that there were no plans to address secondary school provision. After a serious debate of the full planning committee, lasting over an hour, the district councillors gave approval for the scheme, but applied a condition that development could only go ahead if Derbyshire County Council had a strategy in place to provide new secondary school capacity. The application comes at a time when the district council is engaged with Derby City and Erewash District councils in deciding where houses are to be built, to fulfil the needs of the Derby Housing Market Area (Derby HMA) for the next 15 years. So far, it appears the South Derbyshire area will need to provide land for 13,500 houses, but all this planning – together with the increased housing to be built in the City and in Erewash – will create a very big strategic plan, which will almost certainly be subject to an official inquiry to sanction the go-ahead.

ANDERSONS Accountants & Business Advisors Looking forward to taking on all your accountancy and financial planning needs Chartered Certified Accountants Personal Tax and Corporate Tax

Business development, planning and cash flow projections Accountancy and Audit Service Free Initial Consultation

Payroll, V.A.T. and Book-keeping New Business Start Ups

Bank Chambers, Market Place, Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 8DS Tel: (01332) 862259 Fax: (01332) 864866 Email: advice@andersons-aba.co.uk www.andersons-aba.co.uk

Village Voice December 2013 3

Dance duo with the world at their feet

astic “ foarnmt ance A perf enue” v y Kershaw - And

HIGH STREET STREET, MELBOURNE, DERBYSHIRE DE73 8GF

Melbourne

01332 863522

by TOM MILLS

Assembly Rooms

info@melbourneassemblyrooms.co.uk www.melbourneassemblyrooms.co.uk

BLACKPOOL is a special place for many, particularly those who enjoy dancing. And the recent television programme Strictly Come Dancing reminded viewers of those special days at the Tower Ballroom. Blackpool is also a special place for local couple Spencer Flemming and Sarah Nash, who met three years ago at a dance class at Melbourne Public Hall. Identified by tutors as a suitable pairing, they danced well together and Sarah invited Spencer to be her partner in a competition. Within weeks their dancing took them to Blackpool for the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance Grand Finals competition held at the Tower Ballroom and saw them come away with a sixth place. The excitement and thrill of the competition has driven them ever since and they have returned to Blackpool each year since, having won their way through the regional rounds to secure a place in the finals. Their results have improved with each visit, achieving a fifth and fourth placing, and this year their efforts rewarded them with a second place in the doubles category for both their waltz and cha cha cha. Sarah also progressed through to the semi-finals in the individual competition dancing with Spencer. Spencer first took to the floor at Melbourne Infants School when Mrs Woodward taught the basic steps to pupils in their PE kit. He returned to dance a few years later at the Roy and Dorothy Moxon School of Dance in Derby before giving it up in his early teens to concentrate on swimming for his remaining time at school. He took up boxing at 19, a sport he enjoyed until he gave it up at 30. Sarah, from Mansfield, started dancing at 10 and pursued the medals route until she stopped after four years to concentrate on her academic studies through school and university. She returned to dance only three years ago when she came to live in Melbourne and joined the classes at the Public Hall. Together they concentrate on ballroom and Latin, covering eight dances, but they get their best results with the waltz and cha cha cha. Having returned to dancing they both love it. “There’s a real buzz to dancing,” says Spencer, “and a real thrill, especially in competitions and in winning.” Sarah is also competitive saying: “It’s a really long day working through all the rounds but dancing in the final and collecting the trophy makes it all worthwhile.” Although they do not aspire to become professionals, they both have a desire to improve and continue with lessons and private tu-

ition. A first at Blackpool would be nice, but they both agree that to be able to take to the floor and dance an apparently effortless foxtrot with panache would be a dream come true. Spencer and Sarah acknowledge that their achievements would not have been possible without their mentors, Glenn and Nikki Badham from Gootadance at Burton on Trent, who have helped develop the routines and choreography they perform in competitions when they represent the dance school.

CALENDAR GIRL

QUIZ WINNERS

MELBOURNE’S COMMUNITY VENUE AVAILABLE FOR HIRE

•• •• •• Bookings now being taken for 2014 Parties Concerts Performance Arts Fairs Meeetings Fitness Classes

Six different rooms available for hire by the hour, part day or day, from around £5 per hour. Also available: Bar/Licence/Stage/PA Equipment/Kitchen

WHAT’S ON... Saturday January 11th

PHILOMENA Big Screen Cinema returns; starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan and inspired by the true story of a mothers search for the son she was forced to give up. Tickets £6

Saturday January 25th

CELEBRATE BURNS NIGHT

Details in the January issue of the Village Voice. To reserve a ticket call us. Traditional three course meal and Scottish celebrations. IN STEP ... Spencer and Sarah strutting their stuff. Picture courtesy of Photos 2 U Ltd.

Friday and Saturday February 14th and 15th

HEY BEATLES

the return of one of the country's best fab 4 tribute bands. Tickets £7 EARLY WARNING - The Old School Rocks, Thursday April 3rd to Saturday 5th. Three nights of great music for every taste at our first Music Festival. Details in the next issue.

OVER 90 people pitted their wits against quizmaster Robin Sedgewick at the annual Aston on Trent Village Quiz. The 2013 winners of the 'David Smith Memorial Trophy' are "The Red Hair Gang" and the trophy was presented to Adam Bayley aged nine, by Mrs Coral Smith. Barbara James, chairman of Recreation in Aston (RIA), thanked Sandra Bayliss and all the other willing helpers for organising this successful fund-raising event. Chairman of SDDC Cllr Mrs Ann Hood attended the event and said she was very pleased to be part of such a lovely evening. She wished Recreation in Aston all the very best with their fund-raising to improve the recreation facilities on the Playing Fields in Aston.

Free security service SAFER Homes South Derbyshire is a free service working to improve security in the homes of older (aged 60-plus) and vulnerable people who live in South Derbyshire. Anyone can refer themselves or someone else they feel could benefit from the scheme by contacting Amanda Elliott on 01283 219761 or through her email address: amandae@sdcvs.org.uk

MELBOURNE resident Elaine Dunnicliff is pictured taking delivery of her 2014 calendars which have a 40s theme. Priced at £5 they will be available from the Post Office and Jilly Clarks. Elaine would like to thank her sponsors and everyone who has contributed in some way to producing the calendars. All proceeds will be shared between the Nightingale MacMillan unit and the urology department at the Derby Royal Hospital.

All About Feet

Treating all your footcare concerns in the comfort of your own home Call Amanda on: 07522 285827 or 01332 793087

Amanda Poyser MCFHP MAFHP Foot Health Practitioner

17 potter street, MeLBoUrNe DerBYsHIre De73 1DW As the only privately owned, family run Funeral Directors in Melbourne we are able to offer an extremely personal yet professional service at a reasonable cost, both in Leicestershire and Derbyshire.

Under the personal supervision of John Springthorpe Quotations given

telephone: Melbourne (01332) 865511 At ANY tIMe

4 Village Voice December 2013

Country Living with Robert Parker

Memb out in J erships taken anuary will rec 13 MON eive THS

for the & 2 FRE price of E PERS 12 ONAL T SESSIO RAIN NS wor th £60.0 ING 0

THE Eurocrats in Brussels are stirring again with another reform of the Common Agricultural Policy next year. Every six or seven years we see alterations to this policy and, of course, most of them are not very palatable. ‘Modulation’ is a word that we have become familiar with in the last decade or so and generally it means our farm payments are being reduced. Around 15 per cent is taken from our payments at the moment and you can claim some of it back if you go into environmental schemes – such things as hedge and tree planting and leaving margins around fields and growing crops which create food for wild birds. A large percentage of farmers have enlisted into these schemes, but a new larger modulation is proposed which will give no return to farmers. It is being suggested that funds taken from us would be paid to organisations like the National Trust, English Nature and the RSPB. A lot of these groups are cash rich as it is, and their policies quite often come into conflict and hinder farmers considerably. I personally

would like to see all forms of subsidies phased out over a period of years but not in this manner. Another controversial idea is that farmers would need to grow at least three different crops on their farms to qualify for payments. This would create so much confusion, as some blocks of land grow one crop one year and a different one the next year so they are still being rotated. I do hope this never reaches the statute books. We’re now into December and the weather is being a little kinder to us. We are still sowing wheat as are quite a lot of farmers. We are also still making some silage of all the surplus grass that’s still in the fields. This will produce very poor feed, but the object is to clear the herbage before we get a lot of frost which can kill grass if it’s left long. We usually have sheep on but the demand for them means someone has to lose out and be disappointed. Farming is the same but is always changing! I wish you the best for the festive season.

Christmas at Calke A Christmas of Past Presents

Sat 7, Sun 8, Sat 14, Sun 15, Sat 21, Sun 22 December 11am – 6.30pm (last entry 6pm) Unwrap a traditional Christmas searching for hidden presents in the house. Enjoy children’s crafts and visit Father Christmas in his grotto. As darkness falls, experience the illuminated grounds. You may wish to bring a torch. Adult £4, Child £2.50, Family £12 (members free). Father Christmas grotto £4 (includes present).

Christmas Craft Show

Sat 7 – Sun 8 December, 11am – 6pm Calke will be hosting a craft show in the Riding School, featuring ﬁne crafts and unique Christmas gifts to buy.

Christmas Fine Food Fair

Sat 14 December, 11am – 4pm Local food producers will provide delicious foods to taste and buy in the Riding School. Produce on oﬀer is grown, raised or baked within a 30 mile radius of Calke. Enjoy cooking demonstrations from the Calke chefs.

Season’s Greetings from all of us at Calke Abbey! Normal per person park entry applies Winter Opening 2013-2014 Calke Park and National Nature Reserve, daily 7.30am - 7.30pm (dusk if earlier, closed 25 December) Restaurant and shop, daily 10am - 4pm (closed 25 December) The gardens will reopen on the 15 February and the house will open on the 22 February. 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 please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke or telephone 01332 863822

www.facebook.com/NTCalkeAbbey @NTCalkeAbbey

Art sale proves a big draw THE Melbourne Festival team transformed the Assembly Rooms into a PopUp Gallery for the Great Xmas Art Sale. Even the new staging was transformed into shelves to show off the ceramics and wooden pieces on sale. More than 40 Festival artists put work in the sale including Barbara Bagley, whose prints of her recent Melbourne painting – bought for the Senior Citizens Centre by Melbourne Festival – were very popular as were Steven McLoughlin’s beautiful oils. This year the Festival team scheduled the art sale three weeks before the Melbourne

late night shopping. To their relief they sold as much on Friday night as they had the previous two years. They also sold lots of raffle tickets for Children in Need. Over the weekend there was a constant stream of visitors, including lots of familiar faces buying everything from Christmas cards to oil paintings. Unlike the Festival in September, which is funded mainly by ticket sales and sponsorship, the art sale is about selling artwork and aims to raise money towards the next Melbourne Festival. After paying the artists for all the work sold, a percentage of the money went

to the Festival. Festival director Sharon Brown said that “thanks to the support of local people, over £1,000 was banked – a great start to fund-raising for our 10th Festival in 2014”. In addition, the raffle raised £180 for Children in Need and three local Guides sold over £200 worth of handmade Christmas decorations. The girls have been selected to represent Derbyshire on an international trip next summer and have to raise £750 each to pay for the trip. Pictured (l-r) are artists Mary Smith, Joanne Rost and Victoria Brown with Sharon Brown.

The return of the Mummers MEMBERS of Melbourne Civic Society enjoyed a jolly evening in the company of the Melbourne Mummers. Brian Crosbie, who has an academic interest in ethnic musicology, had been delighted to discover a copy of a traditional Mummers Play once performed in Melbourne many years ago. Under his initiative and with enthusiastic supporters it was revived and was performed again for the first time last year. He gave the historical background to Mum-

ming Plays, which were usually performed by farm labourers and village folk around Christmas time. They had their origins in folklore and legends with possible pagan connections. Each area had its own version but usually involved death and rebirth with hero combat or romantic storylines and characters common to all. ■ On Friday, December 20, it will be performed in various public houses in and around Melbourne and Ticknall. Catch it if you can.

Village Voice December 2013 5

Now, it’s the library service that’s coming under attack THERE was a full complement of councillors – parish, district and county – attending the Melbourne Parish Council December meeting. Sadly, there were no members of the public present or representation from the police. County Cllr Linda Chilton opened with news of yet another public consultation. This time it is the library service that’s at risk, initially the mobile section but who knows what’s next. It is believed that there will be four options on the table with the objective to save £200,000. Concern was expressed over what might follow and the need to protect Melbourne’s library. District councillor Jim Hewlett advised that planning approval had been granted for 450 houses to be built at Chellaston, subject to a specific condition that a new secondary school should be built. New development in Melbourne may once more be on the cards according to district councillor John Harrison. He explained that South Derbyshire District Council is experiencing some difficulties in its negotiations with the Derby Housing Market Area (Derby HMA) with regard to the location of new housing to fulfil the needs of the DHMA. Although Melbourne had been excluded from any proposed new development, Cllr Harrison believes that the local community may now be at risk because the SDDC local plan has not been finalised. It was announced that a conclusion had been reached by the highways committee that the often discussed and controversial one-way traffic system for Melbourne will not be pursued any further by the parish council. Following a short discussion, the full council accepted the conclusions. The purchase and installation of a defibrillator in Melbourne is back on the agenda for the council. Following an earlier review it was concluded that the council would not proceed with purchasing a defibrillator but, following an offer of a cash contribution to assist in the purchase, it was decided to re-visit the subject. Doubts were voiced about a suitable location and the likely benefits in a town the size of Melbourne, but it was agreed that these concerns could not be considered in isolation.

TOM MILLS reports from the December meeting of Melbourne Parish Council

The Melbourne Sporting Partnership is set to move at great pace with several meetings planned for the selection of architects. Targets for completion are autumn 2014 for the grounds and Christmas 2014 for the building. Council Chair, Cllr Jane Carroll announced that, following a successful public meeting regarding the opposition to the proposals to close the Melbourne Fire Station, a draft response had been prepared that required ratification by the parish council before sending to the Fire Authority. Cllr Chilton confirmed that she had received a standard acknowledgement to her letter to the Chief Fire Officer and Cllr Hewlett read the wording of the district council letter to the Chief Fire Officer urging a fundamental review of the proposals. The Chief Fire Officer will be present at a meeting and consultation day at Melbourne Fire Station on December 12. All residents of Melbourne and the surrounding areas who will be affected by the proposals are urged to attend and express their concerns. Times for the event are from 3pm until 7pm. ■ Concerns were expressed that tree preservation orders had been placed on certain trees in Jubilee Close. SDDC to be approached about this. ■ The council agreed to accept the recommendations of the SDDC Tree Officer and put in motion steps to have two beech trees felled.

● DAME Catherine's School at Ticknall has organised an after school ballet class on Tuesdays in the church hall. The classes are also open to other children in the surrounding area. Pictured at the first class are a group of pupils with dance teachers Wendy Bates (left) and Emma Reeve.

ALEXANDER & Co SOLICITORS

Village Voice Postbag LAST month's edition of Village Voice carried the story of Whistlewood Common's very successful fund-raising, its purchase of land on Melbourne Common and the lovely picnic lunch on the land which celebrated those achievements. It also carried supportive words from your columnist Robert Parker drawing attention (as he often and rightly does) to where the food on our tables comes from. "Cheap" oil and relatively low fossil energy costs have allowed UK farming to become highly mechanised and very dependent on external inputs. Exotic, and often very ordinary, foods are also imported from the other side of the world. But are these food options sustainable? Where and how, for example is food to come from in the (near) future as energy prices rise dramatically further? Whistlewood can contribute practical demonstrations to these concerns. Indeed Whistlewood has received backing from The National Forest

Company partly because of its pioneering vision of multiple edible and other perennial yields from a given area of land. What's more the vision includes a minimum of external oil-based inputs, benefits in bio-diversity and soil husbandry as well as improved social interactions, education and appreciation of what it takes to feed us. Whistlewood Common is actually just one of many exciting Melbourne Area Transition Group projects that help to build local skills and the resilience of this area to energy, economic and climate-change related shocks. Other projects include the 10kw solar PV installation on the parish church, the successful demonstration food forest on the Melbourne Schools campus and a new project being developed with the National Trust. Village Voice readers are warmly invited to participate in these activities to help build a positive future for our community. The directors of Whistlewood Common Limited.

Relationship Advice Take your next step...with confidence > Deeds of Separation > Child & Financial Issues > Cohabitation and Pre-nuptial Agreements > Matrimonial, Civil Partnership or Cohabitation Problems > Domestic Violence Injunctions Kelly Glenn heads our matrimonial team and is an experienced solicitor who specialises in all areas of Family Law. For further information and to arrange an initial 30 minute free consultation please contact Kelly on (01332) 600005 or email kg@aandco.co.uk

01332 600005 56 Friar Gate Derby DE1 1DF www.aandco.co.uk

Practice Management Standard

Law Society Accredited

6 Village Voice December 2013

Lion Court looking forward to arriving at the office every day

ABOVE: Adam and Lizzy Devey Smith in the Ballroom now that refurbishment is completed. BELOW: Lizzy in the Ballroom during refurbishment.

All White on the night...

Serviced Offices Meeting & Conference Facilities Hotdesking & Virtual Offices

STAUNTON HAROLD, ASHY-DE-LA-ZOUCH 01332 695000 info@lioncourt.co.uk

www.lioncourt.co.uk

INDEPENDENT BUSINESS CENTRE OF THE YEAR 2012-2013

NEW Melbourne restaurant Amalfi White was praised for the success and quality of the building’s restoration by those attending its preview event. Work on the building known in Melbourne as the Liberal Club and Public Hall is now almost complete with only the frontage still to be finished. The refurbishment has been a massive undertaking for husband and wife team Adam and Lizzy Devey Smith in transforming a tired and ageing building into a magnificent Italian restaurant, Amalfi White. Initial plans were thwarted when refurbishment exposed some structural difficulties but these setbacks were overcome and work continued. There was also good news to compensate when some unexpected fine features of the 100-year-old plus building were exposed. Lizzy Devey Smith has not been fazed by the difficulties encountered with her new venture, believing that the outcome would be something special. And so it has been proven. The magnificent ceiling exposed when removing the false low level ceiling gives the upstairs room a feeling of spaciousness and grandeur that perhaps has not been seen by many local residents in what was Melbourne’s premier venue for dancing and social functions for decades. Many other original features have been retained and others exposed having been long hidden through actions taken in the past in an effort to keep the building ‘modern looking’. Other historical finds have been used to enhance the interior decoration and maintain a link with the past, including a display of original certificates distributed as shares to former Liberal Club members. The addition of a new kitchen and a pizza oven, both exposed for diners to view, are interesting features to add to a dining experience. A lift to transport customers to the first floor has also been incorporated in compliance with legislation to provide access for all. The Devey Smiths are proud of their achieve-

ments in creating a new restaurant but most of all they are proud of bringing a historic building back to life for people to enjoy in the heart of Melbourne. It seemed touch and go whether the much-heralded new restaurant would open on time. The still scaffolded entrance, plainly unfinished, carefully navigated by guests, led into a superbly decored and lighted lower floor, to be greeted by hosts, Lizzy and Adam Devey Smith. This was a stunning rebirth of the century old Victorian Liberal Club and the couple are anxious to maintain and emphasise the continuity of the club, and its key position in the history of the town. With the reappearance of the original domed first floor, the couple have succeeded triumphantly. For Lizzy and Adam this was the realisation of a dream – a massive investment, but it seems just the start, for they have plans to build a boutique hotel and four more restaurants. The new restaurant has been planned with meticulous care. The decor – as befits the proprietor of The One Off, a leading national design business – is modern, bright and uncluttered, and white. The 30 serving staff have been trained for three weeks, and the chef's team of 10, led by Mehdi Amiri, a graduate of Michelin starred training, are immaculately turned out. – Tom Mills

Chance to cash in on a new ATM MELBOURNE residents can look forward to an early Christmas present with the installation of new free-to-use ATM machine being installed at Melbourne Post Office on December 12. This facility has been long in coming to Melbourne and is the result of many letters written

by customers requesting the service. Branch manager Munir Ahmed said:” My customers said they want free access to their cash, so we have listened and acted. I’m delighted we can now provide this and that it will be available for our customers in time for Christmas.”

Village Voice December 2013 7

The question is ...

Airport award

WINTER is approaching, the nights getting shorter, the weather getting colder. So, apart from the small issue of Christmas, it can only mean one thing, it’s time to start thinking about the 2014 Melbourne Quiz. Entry forms are now available from quizmaster Paul Fox, contactable via his email address, pfswingwell@gmail.com Completed forms should be returned by January 6 to Jo Carlier, 21 Selina Street, Melbourne or Paul Fox, 22 South Street, Melbourne. The quiz starts on Friday, January 17, at the RBL Club and will take place each Friday night through until March 14 except for January 31 when the Melbourne Comedy Club will be taking place. Teams will be notified of the results of the draw in early January. As usual all profits go to charity, this time the Treetops Hospice.

EAST Midlands Airport has been announced as the winner of ‘Best Regional UK Airport for Customer Service’ in the prestigious 2013 British Travel Awards. The announcement was made at a glamorous gala awards dinner at Battersea Evolution in London and attended by close to 1,000 people from across the country’s travel industry. The British Travel Awards were founded in 2001 and are voted for exclusively by the travelling public. There are 72 award categories, covering all types of holiday experiences and services. Andy Cliffe, Managing Director, East Midlands Airport, said: “We pride ourselves on the level of service we provide to our customers and it’s a great achievement to be recognised by our passengers and awarded this prestigious title.” ■ LANDLORD of the Hardinge Tom Keogh recruited volunteers from staff and customers to join in the Movember campaign and grow a moustache to raise funds and awareness of men’s health. Nine men took part and raised £650 from customers' donations and individual sponsorship. Pictured at ‘Shave Off ’ are (l-r) Andrew Jervis, Lee Eccles, Tom Keogh with daughter Harriet, Georgina, who wielded the razor, and Alex Lambert.

Ticknall gets a life-saver A LIFE-SAVING machine which gives peace of mind to rural communities is to be installed in Ticknall. Parish councillors in the village have decided to buy a defibrillator machine for use if anyone has a cardiac arrest. The machine will be located on the side of the village hall so that it is available to as many people as possible. Parish council chairman Nigel Picken said: “It’s something I think we all think is extremely important. “It is available 24 hours a day; if somebody needed it during the night it would be available, and it’s central to the village. “It’s a bit like having an insurance policy. You hope you’ll never need it, but it’s there if you do.” Ticknall’s defibrillator machine will cost around £1,900, which has pretty much been covered by two grants – a donation of £1,250 from Western Power Distribution and a further £650 from Derbyshire County Council, awarded by

local councillor Linda Chilton. Training courses in Ticknall Village Hall are planned to help people use the defibrillator, although the machine itself gives clear spoken instructions when being used. It works by checking the patient’s heart rhythm and giving them an electric shock if needed. The British Heart Foundation has placed around 9,500 defibrillators around Britain since 1996. As speed is of the essence in the case of heart attacks, they are particularly useful in areas which are harder for an ambulance to reach quickly, including rural communities such as Ticknall. Other places where they’re often found are shopping centres and public parks. Other villages to have defibrillators in this area include Barrow-upon-Trent, which installed its machine a year ago. Advice from emergency services is that if you come across someone who has stopped breathing, dial 999 immediately. – Lucy Stephens

ITALIAN BAR & RESTAURANT NOW OPEN with wood fired Pizza Oven Coffees, Brunch & Lunch Cocktails & Prosecco Bar Special Events in the Ballroom Alfresco Dining in the Gardens

CELEBRATE AT AMALFI WHITE Christmas Day Lunch & New Years Eve Now taking bookings Call: 01332 694 890 Email: bookings@amalfiwhite.com 50 Derby Road, Melbourne, DE73 8FE

WWW.AMALFIWHITE.COM

8 Village Voice December 2013

Downsizing delights

-VYVSZ TQSJOH FTDBQFT

%VCBJ

~ 1 1

Ç¸Ě&#x152;Ë&#x160;Ę?

0DFBO 7JFX )PUFM Â&#x2019; OJHIUT SPPN CSFBLGBTU Â&#x2019; .BS 4BWF VQ UP ~ ËşÇ&#x2030;Ě&#x152; Ć&#x;Ë&#x160;ÍŹËşĘ&#x2039;Ç&#x2030;

VILLAIR

Independent Travel Connoisseurs

.BVSJUJVT

~ 1 1

Ç¸Ě&#x152;Ë&#x160;Ę?

;JMXB "Í&#x160;JUVEF Â&#x2019; OJHIUT BMM JODMVTJWF Â&#x2019; r 'FC 4BWF VQ UP ~ ËşÇ&#x2030;Ě&#x152; Ć&#x;Ë&#x160;ÍŹËşĘ&#x2039;Ç&#x2030;

#PPL B ,VPOJ IPMJEBZ XJUI 7JMMBJS 5SBWFM CZ DBMMJOH QPQQJOH JOUP #BUI 4USFFU $PSOFS "TICZ %F -B ;PVDI PS WJTJUJOH XXX WJMMBJS DPN

3ULFHV DUH IURP SULFH SHU SHUVRQ EDVHG RQ Ć&#x2030; DGXOWV VKDULQJ D URRP ZLWK VFKHGXOHG HFRQRP\ Ć LJKWV IURP %LUPLQJKDP 6DYLQJV DUH SHU FRXSOH DJDLQVW WKH ODWHVW V\VWHP SULFHV DQG EURFKXUHG DLUOLQH $OO KROLGD\ RĹżHUV DQG VDYLQJV DUH VXEMHFW WR DYDLODELOLW\ DQG FKDQJH

THE fabulous Helen Yemm, celebrity gardener and Daily Telegraph â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Thorny Problemsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; columnist, spoke to a packed Ticknall Garden Club. Helen shared her experience of downsizing, when a sudden change in her personal circumstances forced her to downsize very quickly with no time for preparation. She contrasted the development of her much-loved twoacre garden she left behind with her current smaller garden; one that she first loathed and later loved, once she had made her mark on it. She discovered that, although you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take all of your plants with you, you do take less tangible things such as a lifetime of the skills you have acquired and your own style; and that in the end, size doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter anyway. Helen signed copies of her books and answered questions well into the evening.

Singing out for new members HOT House Music, formerly the East Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra, has entertained residents throughout South Derbyshire and beyond for many years under the leadership and direction of Jon Eno. In various formats, Hot House has performed in Melbourne, often featuring local young people. Having expanded into choirs with the formation of the Derby Community Gospel Choir, Hot House has set up a new Community Gospel Choir in Burton on Trent and is looking to expand its membership. The choir is open to all ages. Rehearsals are every Thursday at William Shrewsbury Primary School in Stretton from 6.308.30pm. If you have an interest in joining the choir contact Jon on 07792 550437.

Me & Dee Charity creating special moments for when time is short & precious, send Christmas Greetings with best wishes for a Happy New Year from our office at 33 Derby Road, Melbourne www.meanddee.co.uk

Astonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Santa visit SANTA will be visiting Aston on Trent on Sunday, December 15. He will start from the Playing Fields mid-afternoon and then make his way round the whole village calling at all the houses up to the church and then to the Willow Park Way estate. From there it will be along Weston Road to the Memorial Hall for a short rest break for

Santa and his helpers. He will continue via Chellaston Lane, Compton Avenue and Weston Road to the Post Office, Derby Road, including Green Leas and finally Moor Lane/ Manor Farm Road and finish at The Malt. Two groups are helping with the collecting, the Brownies and the Aston Players.

â&#x2014;? PICTURED with Santa Claus at Staunton Harold Nurseries are (l-r): Archie Brown, Debbie Brown, George Brown and Barbara Hollingsworth.

Carols around the Christmas tree THE MELBOURNE Rotary Club is organising the traditional Carols around the Christmas Tree in the Market Place, on Thursday, December 19, commencing at 6.30pm. Melbourne Town Band will be playing and a combined choir of pre-school playgroups will be taking part. Refreshments will be available in the Methodist Church after the carol singing and the church will be an alternative venue if the weather is bad. â&#x2013; Melbourne Charity Band will beplaying in the Market Place on the morning of Christmas Eve from 10am. The band comprises of musicians from other bands who come together especially for this Christmas event, playing for charity. â&#x2013; The A Choirâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d Taste choir will be touring the pubs and restaurants of Melbourne giving renditions on the evening of Monday, December 23.

JOHN WALL

Alfred Ransome

sends greetings and best wishes for a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year to all my friends.

Merry Christmas

wishes all his friends and neighbours a and a

Happy New Year

Sticky Fingers Cookery Club for Adults NEW COOKERY CLUB FOR ADULTS

STARTING TUESDAY 14TH JANUARY 2014 9:30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11:30

AT MELBOURNE ASSEMBLY ROOMS Monthly Topics Covered THIS MONTHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TOPIC - â&#x20AC;&#x153;BEST OF BRITISHâ&#x20AC;? ÍžZÄ&#x17E;Ç&#x20AC;Ĺ?Ć?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ĹśĹ? Ĺ˝ĹŻÄ&#x161; Ä¨Ä&#x201A;Ç&#x20AC;Ĺ˝ĆľĆ&#x152;Ĺ?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć? Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ä&#x161;Ĺ?Ć?Ä?Ĺ˝Ç&#x20AC;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?ĹśĹ? ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ç Ĺ˝ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ć?Íż SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE RECIPE WITH THE GROUP

ÂŁ28 Per 4 Week block TUTOR: :Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x161; Ĺ˝ĆľĆ?Ĺ?ĹśĆ?Í&#x2022; Ĺ˝Ç ĹśÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152; Ĺ˝Ä¨ ^Ć&#x;Ä?ĹŹÇ&#x2021; &Ĺ?ĹśĹ?Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć? Ĺ˝Ĺ˝ĹŹÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ç&#x2021; WÄ&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x;Ä&#x17E;Ć? Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ä&#x161;ĆľĹŻĆ&#x161; Ä&#x161;ĆľÄ?Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x;Ĺ˝Ĺś dĆľĆ&#x161;Ĺ˝Ć&#x152; Ä¨Ĺ˝Ć&#x152; Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ä?Ç&#x2021;Ć?Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ?Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E; Ĺ˝ĆľĹśĆ&#x161;Ç&#x2021; Ĺ˝ĆľĹśÄ?Ĺ?ĹŻ Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; Ĺ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x161; /ĹśĆ?Ć&#x;Ć&#x161;ĆľĆ&#x161;Ä&#x17E; Ĺ˝Ä¨ ĹśÇ&#x20AC;Ĺ?Ć&#x152;Ĺ˝ĹśĹľÄ&#x17E;ĹśĆ&#x161;Ä&#x201A;ĹŻ ,Ä&#x17E;Ä&#x201A;ĹŻĆ&#x161;Ĺ&#x161; Ĺ?Ĺś Ĺ˝Ĺ˝ĹŹÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ç&#x2021;Í&#x2022; EĆľĆ&#x161;Ć&#x152;Ĺ?Ć&#x;Ĺ˝Ĺś Ä&#x201A;ĹśÄ&#x161; &Ĺ˝Ĺ˝Ä&#x161; ^Ä&#x201A;Ä¨Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x161;Ç&#x2021; ZÄ&#x17E;Ĺ?Ĺ?Ć?Ć&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152; Ç&#x2021;Ĺ˝ĆľĆ&#x152; Ĺ?ĹśĆ&#x161;Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ä&#x17E;Ć?Ć&#x161; ĹśĹ˝Ç Ä?Ç&#x2021; Ä&#x17E;ĹľÄ&#x201A;Ĺ?ĹŻĹ?ĹśĹ?Í&#x2014; Ĺ?ĹśÄ¨Ĺ˝Î&#x203A;Ć?Ć&#x;Ä?ĹŹÇ&#x2021;ÄŽĹśĹ?Ä&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ć?Ä?Ĺ˝Ĺ˝ĹŹÄ&#x17E;Ć&#x152;Ç&#x2021;Ć&#x2030;Ä&#x201A;Ć&#x152;Ć&#x;Ä&#x17E;Ć?Í&#x2DC;Ä?Ĺ˝Í&#x2DC;ĆľĹŹ or call Janet on 07745 305090

Village Voice December 2013 9

● VILLAGERS from Stanton spent an enjoyable morning in their village hall, making their own fresh Christmas wreath. The morning was led by Rev'd Angela Plummer, who is curate of Melbourne, Smisby, Stanton and Ticknall, with help from her husband, John.

Santa’s sleigh ride routes

Dates for your Christmas dairy

MELBOURNE Rotary Club has equipped Santa with a new sleigh in time for the preChristmas visit and tour of Melbourne and Ticknall. The programme for Santa and his helpers’ visits to local households is as follows: Sunday, December 15, starting at 5pm: Oaklands Way, The Woodlands, Nettlefold Crescent, Smith Ave, Main Street Kings Newton, Trent Lane, Station Road, Sweet Leys Way Estate, Huntingdon Court and The Crescent. Monday, December 16, starting at 6pm: Ticknall village. Wednesday, December 18, starting at 6pm: Derby Rd, Blanchcroft, George St, Dunnicliffe Lane, Moira St, Selina St, Washington Close, Quick Close, South St, Alma St, North St and Victoria St. Friday, December 20, starting at 6pm: Market Place, High St, Ashby Road, Penn Lane, Peniston Rise, Church St, Castle Mills, Castle St, Jubilee Close, The Lilypool, Chapel St and Potter St. Sunday, December 22, starting at 5pm: Packhorse Rd, Queensway, Derby Road, Windsor Ave, Melton Ave, Spinney Hill and side roads, Cockshut Lane, Commerce St and Hope St.

ON Thursday, December 19, there will be carol singing round the village of Aston on Trent starting on Derby Road at 6.30pm and ending up at 8.30pm at the Christmas tree. Families are welcome to join in anywhere just to sing, or listen to the brass band playing. A collection will be taken along the way with proceeds split evenly between All Saints’ Church and The Church of England Children’s Society. ■ A “TRAVELLING CRIB” will once again be making its way around the centre of Melbourne during December. The figures of Mary, Joseph and Jesus started their journey at Dove’s Garage on December 2 and each day will be appearing in a different shop or office window in the Market Place and on Derby Road before returning to the Parish Church for the Christingle Service on Christmas Eve. ■ CAROLS Round the Tree is taking place in Barrow-upon-Trent on Wednesday, December 18. The festive sing-along will start at 6pm in the garden of the Brookfield Club, and lasts half an hour. Coffee and mince pies will be available in Brookfield afterwards. ■ ON Monday, December 23, in Aston on Trent there will be the united carol service around the Christmas tree in the centre of the village. This will be followed by refreshments and music with the handbell ringers in the Methodist church.

Colin Wakefield at Breedon Carpet Care wishes all his customers, old and new, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Jodie’s Deli

Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all my customers and thank you all for the support in my new venture.

Jack & Linda Iliffe would like to wish family, friends and clients, good health, peace and happiness for Christmas and the New Year and we thank you very much for your custom.

LOGS TO GO LOGS TO GO CALL UP THE TEN MILE TIMBER CO Fresh cut or Summer dried in measured 1, 2 or 3 cubic metre loads

To Order: ring Eddie on 07855 438483 www.stauntonharoldestate.co.uk Office: 01332 862599

New Years Eve at Amalfi White 7 COURSE SET MENU IN THE BALLROOM £85pp *Includes ticket to cocktail party

AMALFI WHITE COCKTAIL PARTY £25pp 8pm - 2am Pizza canapés all evening Prosecco at midnight *Table reservation packages available

Call: 01332 694 890 Email: bookings@amalfiwhite.com 50 Derby Road, Melbourne, DE73 8FE

WWW.AMALFIWHITE.COM

10 Village Voice December 2013

Tree leaf strikes ‘EVERYTHING in the garden is not rosy’ at one Melbourne house. Yet again someone has taken a fancy to the shrubs in this front garden and, armed with a spade, dug up and taken an established Acer plant. Two years ago two of the best shrubs in the garden of the house were removed in the same way. The householder, who doesn't wish to be named, told the Village Voice: “I take great pride in my garden and try not to grow weeds, but I am extremely angry that other people feel they can just help themselves to my attractive shrubs. “I’d like to warn the residents of Melbourne to beware of plant thieves!”

■ THE golden years of music hall were brought to life when Thanks for the Memory performed at Melbourne Assembly Rooms. The show was dialogue driven and told the story of Marie Lloyd, queen of the music hall and perhaps in her time the biggest female entertainer in England. From her debut at the age of 15, in 1885, to her collapse on stage in 1922, her role was portrayed by the female members of the cast. The male roles portrayed were her contemporaries. The performance was very well received by the appreciative audience, some of whom came dressed in the style of the period. Melbourne resident Tim Winters, who brought the troupe to Melbourne, was very pleased with the performance and how well it was received, commenting that it was just like a music hall. He is looking forward to returning next year. Thanks for the Memory was formed 12 years ago and evolved from Derby Community Theatre. The players travel throughout the East Midlands with performances based on the 20s, 30s and 40s. Pictured are members of the cast.

Safer meeting date THE next combined Area 3 Safer Neighbourhood Meeting / Melbourne Area Forum covering the villages of Melbourne, Barrow on Trent, Stanton by Bridge, Swarkestone, Weston on Trent, Aston on Trent, Shardlow, Thulston, Ambaston and Elvaston will be held on Tuesday, February 18, at Aston on Trent Village Hall.

Taking to the floor again ALAN Axon, organiser of the ballroom dancing classes at Melbourne Assembly Rooms, confirms that classes will be starting again on Thursday, January 9, at 10.30am. He said: “We specialise in those with two left feet and reluctant partners. It is a friendly, sociable class – nothing too fancy, but teaching the basics.”

THE

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Bulls Head at Wilson This 16th Century coaching inn boasts the finest in real ales, offering fresh homemade cuisine, prepared using local and seasonal ingredients.

Celebrate with us on New Year’s Eve

Full A la Carte Menu available from 7.00pm

5 Course Dinner £45

Dancing and Partying to the early hours! ‘We would like to wish all of our customers a very merry christmas and a happy 2014!’ www.thebullsheadatwilson.com Celebrate the festive season with us, Harpur’s - the venue for every occassion!

Bulls Head Row, Main Street, Wilson, Nr Melbourne, Derby DE73 8AE

Telephone: 01332 863921 bullshead.wilson@btconnect.com

Opening times: MON - TUE 5.00pm - 11.00pm WED - SAT 12noon - 11.00pm SUNDAY 12 noon - 10.30pm

Village Voice December 2013 11

Village Voice Postbag RESIDENTS on George Street in Melbourne are having to constantly clear up and swill down the pavement outside their homes, due to a certain inconsiderate person walking their dog, early morning, and allowing it to foul the pavement

without clearing it up straight away. This has happened on many occasions and residents are now on the warpath to catch and get this person prosecuted. Name and address provided.

newton fallowell

Son inspires Jo’s new book career by LUCY STEPHENS FOR most of us, our childhood hobbies remain just that – but for Melbourne’s Jo Litchfield, the modelling pastime she loved as a girl has flourished into a blooming career as a children’s illustrator and now first-time author. Jo’s new book, Bit-Bot and the Blob – which she has written and illustrated herself – has been inspired by the tastes of her six-year-old son, Finn, and her own love of all things quirky and off-the-wall. Published by Egmont – which is responsible for some of the most famous children’s books including the Thomas The Tank Engine, Miffy and the Mr Men series – it is now on sale and features an adorable robot, an inquisitive boy and an absentminded professor. Describing the genesis of the book, Jo said: “I was looking for work, so I made some characters which were the kinds of things I wanted to do; I made a witch, a pirate chief and a robot. I took them along to various publishers and one loved the robot so much they asked me to write it so I wrote the robot BitBot.

“Finn was a great inspiration. When I was designing and building robots he would constantly be saying what he would do if he built a robot and he said ‘I would get one to do the housework for you’.” Chances are that anyone with young children has already got several of Jo’s books on their bookshelves; her distinctive hand-made miniature models have been used to illustrate more than 100 titles by publisher Usborne. They have been translated into dozens of languages and are sold around the world. As with all her work, Jo has made the models, which illustrate her new book out of Fimo clay. They have pipe cleaner limbs and their own bespoke clothes, while the background scenes are handmade miniature theatre sets. It was Jo’s mum, Jane, who first inspired Jo into her unusual model-making career when she bought her some ready-made cake icing to make shapes with as a child. By the age of 10, Jo and her mum were touring local craft fairs selling her mum’s silk flowers and Jo’s handmade models of little pig families. It is dad Marc that she cred-

Edward’s adventure at sea A FORMER Melbourne resident has been in touch to alert the Village Voice of his forthcoming voyage of discovery. Edward Gildea will be taking part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race which set off from London on September 1. He will be joining the clipper ‘ Switzerland’ in Brisbane and taking part in nine races over four legs totalling 20,000 miles. Despite the name, it is not about tall ships, but a fleet of 12 modern, brand new ocean racing yachts each with a crew of 20. The professional skipper for ‘Switzerland’ is Vicky Ellis, who lived in Chapel Street, Melbourne, for a short time. Edward has set up a Just Giving website to raise money for Mercy Ships, their chosen charity. You can find out more about Mercy Ships on the link: https://www.justgiving.com/Edward-Gildea He will be leaving Brisbane aboard Switzerland on January 11 in his first race to Singapore. The follow on legs will be to Quindao, China then to San Francisco, Panama, Jamaica, New York, Derry/Londonderry, Holland and finally to London with a plan to arrive at St Katharine's Dock on July 12, 2014. The official race website is: https://www.clipperroundtheworld.com 6 and you can track the position of the boats by clicking on 'Race Viewer' / 'Map'.

its for her love of building things and making them work. Jo is now working on some more books and is in talks with animation studios in the hope of turning Bit-Bot into a TV series. She lives and works in Melbourne and is currently looking for new studio premises as her current set-up, a former stable block in Church Street, is being redeveloped. She asks if anyone has any spare space, such as an outbuilding, with electricity and running water which they’d be interested in renting out to get in touch via her website: http://www.jolitchfield.co.uk/ Jo will be signing copies of her book in the Leicester branch of Waterstone’s in February. BitBot and the Blob is published by Egmont and is available in bookshops priced at £6.99.

Looking for the right advice?

The Teams at our NEWTON FALLOWELL Residential Sales and Lettings offices in Melbourne, Ashby and Coalville join in wishing all their clients past, present and future, a wonderful family Christmas and Good Luck with their house hunting in 2014.

See you in the New Year! Ashby: 01530 414666 Melbourne: 01332 865696 www.newtonfallowell.co.uk

Property Law

Business Law

Wills & Probate

Family Law

Litigation

Choose Crane and Walton for everything legal…

We provide quality services in a friendly yet professional way on a range of legal matters, including:

• Property Law and Conveyancing • Family Law • Litigation • Wills and Probate • Court of Protection Applications • Business Law

• Inheritance Tax Planning • Lasting Powers of Attorney • Trusts

Ashby Office

Coalville Office

Leicester Office

Melbourne Office

30 South Street Ashby de la Zouch Leicestershire LE65 1BT Tel: 01530 414111 Fax: 01530 417022

21 -25 London Road Coalville Leicestershire LE67 3JB Tel: 01530 834466 Fax: 01530 810886

113 -117 London Road Leicester LE2 0RG Tel: 0116 2551901 Fax: 0116 2555864

William’s Yard Derby Road, Melbourne Derbyshire DE73 8JR Tel: 01332 863810

w w w. c ra n e a n d wa l t o n . c o m

12 Village Voice December 2013

WENDY’S The excitement of celebrating the b eriors Courtyard Int

Made to measure curtains, valances, pelmets, tie-backs and cushions, etc. Velvets, prints and plain fabrics by . . . ★ Sanderson ★ Harlequin ★ Crowson ★ Prestigious

★ Hardys ★ Richard Barrie ★ Villa Nova ★ Liberty and many more

AS I write this article, there are only 24 MORE SLEEPS and by the time it’s in print there will be even fewer. Yes, 24 more sleeps until we celebrate the birth of Jesus, celebrate God coming to live amongst us – how exciting is that! As a child, there were certain times of the year that were special and exciting, and opening the Advent Calendar each year – chocolate of course – was the best of all. My sisters and I looked forward to opening a new window each day which revealed a chocolate treat; it was so exciting, getting up each

morning, looking for the right numbered little window and carefully opening it to take out and enjoy the delight inside – usually before breakfast! And, of course, another window opened meant one less sleep until Christmas Day. The daily anticipation was just wonderful, in fact my youngest sister used to save opening her calendar until nearly bed-time just so that she could look forward to it a little bit longer. And in the time of Advent, a time of waiting and anticipation and preparation, there is still that sense of excitement for me now.

Anothe night Melbo

★ John Willman ★ Montgomery ★ Nina Campbell ★ Osbourne & Little

★ All types of Tracks, Poles & Accessories Co-ordinate your home with our Soft Furnishing Service

Home Measuring Service Call in and see our huge range of blinds (including Venetian, Vertical, Roman and Pleated) together with our fantastic selection of wallpaper

BULLENS COURTYARD - MILL LANE MEWS ASHBY-DE-LA-ZOUCH - TEL.01530 411078

Nyree and Cerys Peach with Katie and Fiona Halliday.

PICTURE OF HEALTH FITNESS

SPIN CLASS BLE TIMndaETy 7.1A5pm

Mo Tuesday (Beginners) 6.30pm Wednesday 7.30pm Thursday 6.30pm Saturday 9.30am

BUY 10 CLASSES EE GET 2 FR N TO MEMBERS

ALL CLASSES OPE AND NON-MEMBERS

Of course, as a child, I looked forward t Christmas presents and unwrapping the Christmas morning and I still look forwa the gifts, but to giving them now rather receiving them, and to seeing family friends, but most of all to celebrating the of Jesus, a gift given to each one of us. How incredible that the creator of the verse should come to us as a vulnerable born into an earthly family, just like each with all the same joys and heartaches a own families have and who also, like us, laughter and sorrow, happiness and pain.

STUDIO

Train for free at weekends Personal training packages including free diet and training packages open to members and non members.

MELBOURNE’S Late Night Shopp again an unqualified success. The parish council event, organised b port from South Derbyshire District Co cember 6. Although other parts of the storm surges and flooding, Melbourne ex crowds turned out to make the most of i With no lantern procession this year, t ket Place for the countdown to switchin Midlands Internet Radio had set up the entertained the gathering crowd with m Claire Kerr to say a few words before th Switching on the lights were District C consort, husband Frank, parish counci Mari-Claire Kerr. Lord Ralph Kerr was A Santa’s grotto had opened at 5.30p there were activities for them to enjoy waited to see Santa. Well over 100 chil ceeds from the grotto will go directly to th ents’ Association and Melbourne Junior The joint winners of the children’s George and Henry Stringer. The children’s fairground rides did colour to the street scene. In addition to the businesses that stay vided hospitality there were 20 charity a Live entertainment in the Market Pl Town Band, the Town Training Band, B Handbell Ringers. The committee and members of Prom tremely hard to bring together all the i Christmas event for Melbourne.

Stuck for ideas on Christmas gifts? Why not give someone a Picture of Health Gift Voucher 7 1 D E R B Y RO A D, M E L B O U R N E , D E R B Y S H I R E D E 7 3 8 F E TELEPHONE: 01332 862532 w w w. p i c t u r e o f h e a l t h f i t n e s s . c o . u k

Gifts with a difference ...for Christmas Visit us to find a wide range of beautiful fair trade gifts including jewellery, scarves, crafts, toys, food and much more. 28 Market Place, Melbourne, Derbyshire

01332 863619

Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 4pm

Village Voice December 2013 13

birth of Jesus

to the em on ard to than and birth

e unibaby, of us, as our knew .

Another name for Jesus is Emmanuel, which means “God with us”, because that’s what Jesus is, he is God with us and amongst us, now and forever – the light coming into a dark world that brings love and hope. And for me that will always be something to celebrate. I hope that during the busyness of preparations and anticipation of Christmas you may find time and space to call on God and to allow him to come closer to you. And when Christmas comes, to greet this baby, God’s own son, with excitement and joy and thanks – and celebrate anew a day over 2,000 years ago when a baby

A Christmas message by REVD. ANGELA PLUMMER, Curate, Melbourne Parish Church was born that would change the world forever. Advent calendars remind us that a day to be excited about is coming, we plan for it and celebrate it and, as part of those celebrations, you are warmly invited to join in with any of the Christmas services that will be held in the churches in Melbourne and the surrounding areas as we celebrate together the gift to the world of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, the God who is with us. Wishing you all a very peaceful and happy Christmas. Now, how many more sleeps is it?

Coppice

Boarding Kennels & Cattery We are friendly endly establishment located on the outskirts of rural Melbournee offering comfortable, secure accommodation, daily exercise sessions, playtime and love from our knowledgeable and experienced staff. We welcome dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes and invite owners to visit by appointment to see our facilities. We also have just introduced a brand new CCTV system for extra security and for the monitoring of our guests.

er big t for ourne

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

01332 862770 info@coppice-kennels.co.uk

Blackwell Lane, Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 8EL www.coppice-kennels.co.uk .c

ing extravaganza was once

y Promote Melbourne with supouncil, took place on Friday, Decountry had witnessed severe xperienced good weather and the t. the crowds gathered in the Marng on the Christmas lights. East eir stall in the Market Place and usic before inviting Lady Mariehe countdown started. Council chair Ann Hood and her il chair Jane Carroll and Lady also in attendance. m for the younger children and in the Wesley Hall whilst they dren visited the grotto. All prohe Melbourne Infant School ParSchool PTA. fancy dress competition were

Lady Mari-Claire Kerr (right) and Cllr Ann Hood press the switch to turn on the lights watched by Cllr Jane Carroll and Frank Hood.

a brisk trade and added more

yed open for the evening and proand commercial stalls. ace was provided by Melbourne on Jazz Little Big Band and the

www.barenecessities.co.uk

mote Melbourne had worked exingredients to make it a special – Tom Mills

now

Mondays open

call us on:01332

865554 market place melbourne derbyshire de73 8ds

Yoga Classes Melbourne DAY TIME AT THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS Wednesdays 10.00 - 11.30am and EVENINGS AT ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL Tuesdays 7.15 - 8.45pm starts 6th January

swimwear A - H cup

mastectomy

lingerie & swimwear

LADIES - GENTS - CHILDREN CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS GALORE Wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year, 2014. Thank you for your custom throughout the year it is much appreciated. Quality at affordable prices

lingerie A - I cup

Jilly Clarks Shoes Ltd.

contact: Sandra email: sandradyoga@yahoo.co.uk mob: 07966 308826

29 Derby Road, Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 8FE

Tel: 01332 862343 www.jillyclarksshoesltd.co.uk

14 Village Voice December 2013

Cuts 4 All

Lynn, Julie, Rachel, Sophie & Aby at

Lynn’s Salon

Tel: 01332 863534

Vicky, Silke & Lynn wish all their clients a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Closed Mon 23rd December. Open Christmas Eve 8.30am - 2.30pm Closed 25th - 30th December. Re -open Tuesday 31st 9am - 3pm. Closed New Years Day. Re-open Thursday 2nd January 2014

Melbourne Carpets and Interiors

37a Market Place, Melbourne

would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

2013

would like to wish all our customers

a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year

Phone 863607 for an appointment

The co-operative pharmacy in Melbourne wishes you a Merry Christmas. We are here for all your healthcare needs throughout the festive season. 1 Potter Street, Melbourne. Tel: 01332 862 510 Mon - Fri: 08:45-18.30 Sat: 09:00-12:00 Sun: Closed Christmas Eve and New Years Eve closing at 5pm

❄

Thank you to our customers for your support during the past year. We were overwhelmed with offers of help and support regarding Pool Cottage and hope we can call upon you in 2014

❄

Solicitors ❄ ❄ John, Sue and the staff would like to wish our clients -

❅

past, present and future, a wonderful Christmas and prosperous new year. Thank you all for your continued support.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

❄

Margaret & Michael - Melbourne News

❅

Melbourne Royal British Legion Would like to wish all members, customers and friends, A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Seasons Greetings from Residents and Staff Thank you to all who support our fundraising events

Thank you for your custom.

DOVES GARAGES LTD Dave, Ellie and staff wish all our customers old and new a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

15 Derby Road, Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 8FE

Sally Cook from the Courtyard Beauty Salon would like to wish her valued clients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

SDDC District Councillors

John Harrison & Jim Hewlett wish all constituents

A Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year ‘Listening to local people’

Jo and John

THE WHITE SWAN Dougie and Natalie wish all their customers a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year

VICKY’S HAIRDRESSERS 90 High Street, Melbourne

Vicky and her staff wish all their customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year For an appointment ring 862196

wish all their customers a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Village Voice December 2013 15

OBITUARIES GEORGE WILLIAM BLOOD 1923 - 2013 BORN in Quick Close Melbourne to Thomas and Florence Blood, a farming family, George spent his formative years at High Barns Farm, Isley Walton, and went to school in Castle Donington. He started his working life for Mr J G Shields (grandfather of the current J G Shields) and later went on to run his own business. He met Louie, who was to become his wife, in 1939. He spotted her at a dance; he knew immediately this was the girl for him and he proposed and was accepted shortly afterwards. They married in December 1942 at Shardlow Parish Church and lived in Shardlow until they moved to their brand new house in Aston on Trent in 1961. George’s business was based in Weston on Trent where he was a pig and poultry farmer, rearing up to 600 pigs, some beasts and chickens and 1,000 turkeys at Christmas. Sadly, they were not blessed with a family but nevertheless enjoyed a full and varied life together. They were keen motorcyclists and travelled on their various machines around the country, particularly to the Isle of Man for the TT racing. Their holidays were very exotic; they were travelling to Barbados and the Caribbean before most of us knew these places existed. Trips to Cyprus and the Greek Islands were also favourite destinations, as were the Austrian mountains and a special coast to coast Canada trip. They made a lot of friends on their “Jollies” and remained firm pals with many of them. George always considered himself a Melbourne man and his love of music led him to devote many years to the Melbourne Male Voice Choir until his retirement only a few years ago. He also joined the Melbourne Town Band on its reforming and approached learning the cornet with his usual enthusiasm and energy. George and Louisa enjoyed a happy marriage together for 70 years until George sadly passed away after a short illness on October 6.

LOUISA THERESA BLOOD (nee Farley) 1923 - 2013 LOUIE was born in Troedyrhiw (Trodroo), Wales, to Elizabeth Farley. Sadly her father died about a month before she was born so she never knew him.

GLENNA NEWBOLD 1930 - 2013 GLENNA – “Aunty Glenna” to a host of friends and relations – was a warm-hearted and popular lady, practical and down-to-earth, but with a ready sense of fun. She made friends of all ages easily, and quickly won their lasting affection. The majority of her working life was spent at the shoe factory of Dunnicliff Bros., where she managed the book keeping and wages for 34 years. Glenna’s parents, Frank and Winifred Heath, kept a dairy farm in Risley at the time of her birth. But Glenna was born in Blanch Croft, Melbourne, so that her birth could be in the capable hands of her great aunt Lizzie Gregory, the much-respected Melbourne midwife. The family moved to Melbourne in 1938, to help in the market gardening business started there before the First World War by Glenna’s grandfather, Marson Gregory. Glenna, as the eldest child by several years, shared in looking after the younger children, Frank, Dorothy and Noreen. On leaving school, Glenna quickly found the office work she wanted, but after 15 years of work in Derby she felt ready for a change. She trained in Warrington prior to becoming a policewoman in Derby for a couple of years, but marriage in 1961 took her back to work in Melbourne, and to Dunnicliff Bros. As might be expected from a

CAR REPAIRS AND SALES For all your maintenance and repairs at high standards but LOW PRICES CAR SALES

FULL SERVICE FROM £99

Fully equipped workshop and diagnostics

+ VAT

● Louisa and George Blood, who died within eight days of each other. The family were Eddie, Vince, Ray and Louie. Her family came to live in Shardlow when the eldest of the brothers, as head of the family, found work and a small house for them to live in Wilne Lane, Shardlow. Louie started to work as a laboratory assistant for the Ministry of Agriculture in Shardlow Hall in 1957 and in 1984 was awarded the Imperial Service Medal for ‘Meritorious Services’. She took an active part in the running of their business, mainly as paymaster general and book keeper. Louie was always there to support George in work and leisure, accompanying him on many of the Melbourne Male Voice Choir concerts and visits to Germany and elsewhere. Some years ago Louie began to have problems when her eyesight began to fail. Unfortunately, about three years ago it was also noticed that she was experiencing difficulty with certain everyday tasks making life even more difficult for her. She was subsequently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and deteriorated until she needed 24hour care. She moved a year ago to the Firs Care Home in Breaston where she was given professional care in a warm, homely family environment until her passing on October 14, surviving George by only eight days. – T White

good book-keeper, Glenna was known for her methodical and meticulous habits, from counting the number of items she’d washed and ironed, to a religious observance of family and friends’ birthdays. She knew anniversaries and family birth dates off the top of her head, often better than the parents did. Glenna’s person-centred outlook on life seemed to make age irrelevant, so perhaps it was unsurprising that she married Arthur Newbold, the widower organist of the Melbourne New Jerusalem Church on Derby Road, who was 18 years her senior. Glenna was the church secretary, and Arthur the church organist until it closed in the 1970s. They lived happily together for about 35 years, making their home at 11 Windsor Avenue. Glenna entertained visitors with tea and cake, a ready laugh and

smile, sparkling eyes and a flow of lively conversation which was rarely known to dry up. Both were interested in music, Arthur being a member of Melbourne’s onetime Alhambra dance band, and Glenna a good soprano singer. Her mother, maternal grandfather and sisters were musical, too. Music helped to make the market garden premises at 2 Rawdon Street a happy home in Melbourne when the children were growing up there in the 1950s. Glenna had bounced back from ill health a few times during her later life. Some years ago she conquered a circulation problem in her legs that threatened to make her unable to walk, and she again appeared to have made a remarkable recovery from illness last year, when she willed herself to get better in time for the Melbourne Festival. And so she did, taking her accustomed place with duplicate book and pen, receiving rapid-fire orders for teas and lunches. She enjoyed the contact with people and the chance to brush up her office skills, never losing the ability to add figures in her head at lightning speed. But, sadly, the recovery proved to be short-lived, and her illness was diagnosed as terminal cancer earlier this year. She is greatly missed. The family would like to thank all those who came to the funeral and/or donated to the collection for the Nightingale Macmillan Unit (Derby), which raised £1,419. – P.E.H.

FREE DE-ICER, SCREEN WASH & SCRAPER KIT WITH EVERY FULL SERVICE

TYRES, BRAKES, EXHAUSTS, CLUTCHES, SUSPENSION, STEERING, DIAGNOSTICS, MOT REPAIRS and more… WINTER HEALTH CHECK WHILE YOU WAIT! LOCAL COLLECTION AND DELIVERY SERVICE FROM YOUR HOME OR PLACE OF WORK

GREAT TYRE DEALS! Please phone for a quote - can we be beaten on price? GIVE US A TRY - SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! www.handsautos.co.uk UNIT 7 DOVESITE BUSINESS PARK, THE COMMON, MELBOURNE DE73 8HS

TEL: 01332 864394

LOVE SHUTTERS

% 20 OFF LOVE YOUR HOME LOVE OUR SHUTTERS For a limited time only, we are offering our customers a fantastic 20% off S:CRAFT’s stunning range of made-to-measure interior window shutters, the perfect compliment to every window and home. Transform your home and take advantage of 20% OFF S:CRAFT shutters when you order by 14th February 2014. Call 01332 864635 email ruth@cream-interiordesign.co.uk or visit www.cream-interiordesign.co.uk

ORDER BEFORE VALENTINE’S DAY 2014

cream

interior design

16 Village Voice December 2013

Bronzed Beauties Mobile Spray Tanning

Get a tan in your own home! natural looking tan - Get the colour to suit you! • Subtle, Ouick and easy - Get the tan you want in just 30 minutes! • Fully qualified in leading brand Xen Tan •

Merry Christmas!

Get your Christmas glow ready for the festive season. Special offer just £15.00 a tan (up to 31st December 2013). Call Gill today... t: 07887 837021 e: bronzedbeautie@hotmail.com www.bronzed-beauties.com

PRIZE CHRISTMAS CROSSWORD THIS year the clues both Across and Down for the Christmas Crossword relate to local towns or Christmas with a sprinkling of general. The Village Voice is anticipating a good response to the competition for which there will be a £25 prize for the winning entry drawn out of the hat. All entries must be received by Friday, January 3, 2013 and should be addressed to: Mr E Roberts, 11 Old Gate Avenue, Weston On Trent, Derby DE72 2BZ The winner will be announced in the January issue. ACROSS 1 “God rest you ----- gentlemen.” Most of myrrh disposed about the Orient. (5) 5. Shovel coal in: town to our NW. (5) 8. Doe eats a heartless dog. It could be to side-step. (5) 9. ---land is Santa’s home from alp with a tremor. (3) 10. In good condition when the First Noel loses the letters of enrols. (3) 11. Snow slide but without SW or SE. Hatless (slang). (2,3) 12 “Use stall, inn full” centrally means very tired. (3,2) 14. Work for wages. Heanor, moving, loses two of its three gases. (4) 15. Detest: Floating harbour loses Rugby Union. (5) 17. Crab somehow takes in a circular letter: a snake. (5) 20. One of the Wise Men who can go with onions to stuff a turkey. (4) 22. Belonging to a town to our NW: Welsh emblems. (5) 25. Orc shuffles before an American soldier: that’s the Queen’s dog. (5) 26. Rugby, bygone, covers the floor. (3) 27. Water might be this at Xmas:

14 16

17 20

witches regularly contribute. (3) 28 and 18 down. Town to our SE: Ghoul metamorphosized, personal smell, uneven. (12) 29. City to our N. Sounds like Joan’s old partner. (5) 30. Midlands town is shabby without duplicates, unkempt. The song says: “it’s by the sea.”! (5) DOWN 1. The Virgin Mary. Don a man reconstructed, or a singer. (7) 2. Santa’s reindeer, anagram (hurl pod). (7) 3. Non-U Yule ride, erratically, for one who surrenders. (7) 4. Town to our N; Able Pear loses certain duplicates. (6) 5. The ends of Josephs and Liam fall off leaving the brownish colour of old photos. (5)

6. Poor meat for Christmas dinner: a bit off alas. (5) 7. It can be preceded by long or little to make towns. (5) 13. A sign of the Zodiac from most of Noel. (3) 16. A tree which rhymes with Stoke

or with toque. (3) 17. A icicle melts giving a girl’s name. (7) 18. See 28 across. 19. Hips lay dislocated to behave like a chimp, gorilla or gibbon. (7) 21. “Hark the herald ------ sing”, gleans untidily. (6) 22. Lid takes in an ancient city: unpleasantly vivid. (5) 23. English composer, potentially regal. (5) 24. As is the nose of 2 down: front of leg and algebraic unknown. (5)

Village Voice December 2013 17

Assembly Rooms has plenty to offer in 2014 ■ IT WAS a real ‘foot-tapping’ evening with ‘lots of laughs’ thanks to Travelling People (pictured), who performed at a charity event held by Recreation In Aston as part of its fund-raising to extend and improve the Recreation Centre on the playing fields. Said Barbara James, chairman of Recreation in Aston: “We were delighted by the response when we told people that Travelling People would perform for us. The tickets sold out immediately, we didn’t even have to advertise the event.” Sandra Bayliss, who organised the evening, said: “We all had a wonderful evening; everyone brought their own drinks and picnic, a real community event.”

ChRistmAs boxes IT was a ‘thinking outside the box’ evening at Breedon on the Hill WI for their November meeting, and a crafty one at that! Members Kathy Ford and Diana Wilkins led a workshop in making presentation boxes, ideal for Christmas. They soon found out who was adept at cutting up card, scoring, folding and being nimble with their fingers. Kathy displayed wedge shaped boxes ideal for enclosing chocolates for a table setting or a small gift, finished off with a flurry of ribbon. Diana’s example was a box with a top and a base using origami techniques simply using old birthday or Christmas cards. No glue anywhere! It was a very enjoyable and inspirational evening rounded off with lovely refreshments. The next meeting on Wednesday, January 29, will be a talk by internationally known and expert quilter Linda Forey, who will be showing a number of her award-winning quilts and talking about how they were made. Visitors are very welcome to the meeting, which starts at 7.30pm in the community room at Breedon School.

THE marketing team at Melbourne Assembly Rooms is planning well ahead to promote some exciting community events for 2014. Saturday, January 11, sees the return of the Big Screen cinema nights, with a showing of Philomena, starring Dame Judy Dench and Steve Coogan. With the new sound curtains and panels in place in the hall it is anticipated that the audibility will be much improved for these events. On January 25, there will be a traditional Burns night which includes a four-course meal, Scottish music, dancing and readings to the memory of Scotland’s favourite son and poet, Robert Burns. For those with any Scottish blood, and even those without, this is a highlight of the year, providing an opportunity to air the kilts and swing the sporrans. Tickets (at £25 each) will be limited, so early booking is recommended.

18 Village Voice December 2013

● Melbourne Exservicemen Len Bettany (left) and Stan Slater (below) at the War Memorial.

Remembrance Sunday REMEMBRANCE Sunday in Melbourne was marked by a large gathering in Church Square in glorious sunshine. The numbers taking part in the parade from the RBL Club on Derby Road to the memorial in Church Square were swelled by the contingent of Grenadier Guards that had attended the special service to bless the replacement memorial bench in memory of Danny Blinco, the previous day. The short service was led by the Revd. Dr Mark Powell supported by members of the clergy from other Melbourne churches. A two-minute silence was observed, the Exhortation was delivered by Richard Heath and the Last Post and Reveille were played by Kathy Worrall. Many wreaths were laid at the memorial as people paid their respects on behalf of organisa-

WREN’S

■ ARMISTICE DAY, November 11, was acknowledged in Melbourne with a short service at the War Memorial in Church Square. A single wreath was laid at the memorial and the Last Post was played by Brendan O’ Neill. In contrast to the previous day, a smaller gathering observed the occasion on a wet and dreary morning.

tions or personally. The parade returned to the RBL Club for a rousing concert performed by the Melbourne Town Band.

NEW SEASONS KNITTING YARNS NOW IN GLITTER AND SEQUIN YARNS BY KING COLE

Haberdashery. Christmas gift ideas... knitting bags, sewing baskets, handkerchiefs - gift boxed and loose. Thermal underwear, hats, gloves and scarves. H.J. sock range including ‘soft top’ All major credit cards accepted Visit us at www.wrenswoolshop-derby.co.uk email: wrensofderby@hotmail.co.uk

870 Osmaston Road, Allenton, Derby DE24 9AB Tel/Fax: 01332 340965

FREE PARKING AVAILABLE

ABOVE LEFT: Colour Sergeant Alan Dennis, serving with the Mercia Regiment, who was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) in 2010, salutes after placing a wreath at the memorial. ABOVE RIGHT: Andrew Astle places a wreath on behalf of Melbourne Fire and Rescue service.

Holme Tree Kitchens...

MELBOURNE FISH & CHIP SHOP Telephone: 865583

as m t s i r h C y r r e M A ar e Y w e N y p p a H and a ers m o t s u c r u o l l a o t

Handmade bespoke kitchens, bedrooms, studies and bathroom furniture made by us in our workshop in Ashby de la Zouch. From traditional to contemporary designs to suit all tastes.

OPENING TIMES Tuesday 24th closed at 8pm Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day Re-open Friday 27th & Saturday 28th December 11.30 - 2.00pm / 4.30 - 8.00pm. Closed Monday 31st December & New Years Day Re-open Thursday 2nd January as normal.

Come and visit our stunning showroom at: Unit G3 Ivanhoe Business Park | Smisby Road | Ashby de la Zouch | LE65 2UY Telephone 01530 564561 Christmas hours: We will be closed from 3.30pm on Friday 20th December until 9am Monday January 6th 2014.

HOLME TREE

www.holmetree.co.uk

Gluten Free Fish & Chips available daily fried in a separate frier

Village Voice December 2013 19

What a bumper year

● Brian and Nina Blinco place a wreath in memory of their son, Danny.

Grenadiers’ tribute to Danny Blinco REMEMBRANCE weekend began with a poignant tribute to Grenadier Guardsman Daniel Blinco and the dedication of a new memorial bench alongside Melbourne Pool. A fine crisp autumn afternoon drew a huge crowd of friends, colleagues and family to pay their respects to the young soldier, tragically killed by a sniper in the Northern Ireland conflict almost 20 years ago, when he was aged only 23. Danny had grown up in Melbourne and was schooled at Chellaston. His colleague and fellow Guardsman Carl Foster had noted that the bench bearing Danny’s name was looking in need of repair, and set about raising the money to replace it. Carl said: “The donations from former comrades and Melbourne friends poured in, such that we were also able to make a donation to the RBL Melbourne, Melbourne Parish Church and to the Colonel’s Fund Grenadier Guards.” A contingent of Guards had called a reunion of the Queens Company in Danny’s honour and, after being ordered “to attention” beside the War Memorial, they marched majestically behind the Town Band to the tune of Westward Ho! and the

British Grenadiers March. A moving service led by Reverend Dr Mark Powell included a reading “Now let us praise famous men” from Ecclesiastes, and the exhortation from Bunyon’s Poem “For the Fallen”. Mrs Nina Blinco, Daniel’s mother, courageously read the poem “He is gone” by David Harkins. As Karen Worrall hauntingly played the Last Post, standard bearers lowered flags and a respectful two-minute silence descended over the Poolside, Afterwards Mr and Mrs Blinco paid tribute to the fantastic turnout. “We are extremely proud and grateful to the people of Melbourne and to the Grenadiers for a lovely occasion,” she said. They also warmly thanked Carl Foster and both Simon Gotheridge and Sheila Hicklin, who had organised the memorial, along with all the other helpers at the Royal British Legion who had made the event possible. In the words quoted from Harkin’s poem “You can shed tears that he is gone, or smile that he lived.” I suspect all of us present did a bit of both. – Frank Hughes

ALLOTMENT holders up on Hilly Fields have just had a fantastic year. The cold spring delayed the fruit blossom and, when the trees and bushes flowered, the bees did a superb job, and we’ve all picked bumper crops of apples and plums and all the soft fruits. The summer heat and rain produced just the right growing conditions for potatoes, onions and courgettes, and the cabbages and Brussels sprouts are as large as we’ve ever known them. Sweet corn ripened by late August – something it didn’t manage at all last year – and the Hallowe’en pumpkins delighted all our children and grandchildren. We’ve all picked huge crops of French and runner beans, and the parsnips, brassicas and leeks still in the ground will keep us fed during the winter months. The only problem has been the huge numbers of cabbage white butterflies which flourished in the summer heat; without net protection (or a nearby wasp nest), they’d have stripped the brassicas bare, and it’s now time to net them again to keep the pigeons away! Hard work – and allotments are really hard work – has been rewarded by the best harvest that many of us can remember, and all our freezers are full. Now we’re going to start all over again. Early in the New Year a few plots are likely to become available. Anyone who’d like to join us should put their name down now by writing to the allotment association’s secretary, Mick Robey, 11 The Pingle, Melbourne. Priority, as always, will be given to Melbourne residents – and that includes everyone in Kings Newton too. – Jenny Starkie

C.D.S. Appliance repair/sales

KDF Driving Instructor DSA approved & member of The Institute of Advanced Motorists Learn to drive with confidence in a friendly and calm atmosphere.

To arrange professional lessons Call Keith on...

07868 850640 www.kdfdriving.co.uk Wendy and her friendly team at

The Angel Inn -COLEORTON-

Would like to wish all our customers & friends a Merry Christmas & a Prosperous New Year. Telephone: 01530 834742

PIANO / CLARINET TUITION Theory of music Contact: Janet Moorhouse in Diseworth Telephone: 01332 812330

^,KW KE>/E KZ /E ^dKZ dK z͊

Est. 1965

No call out charges Same day / next day service Washing Machines Tumble Dryers Ovens / Hobs Fridge / Freezers Dishwashers

01332 864669 07966 519093

Stihl Chainsaws from £149 inc VAT*

20% off Stihl Garden Machinery Range Servicing on all makes of mowers & garden equipment

Huge Selection of Christmas Present Ideas Ride on tractors, scale models, toys, caps, branded clothing, toys, workwear, caps, boots and much more!

http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/jdrvt11

ΎtŚŝůĞ ^ƚŽĐŬƐ ůĂƐƚ

Just off the A515 next to the Total Garage zFree Parking z Open 8am-5pm Mon²Fri 8am²12noon Sat Rea Valley Tractors, Ashacres Ind Park, Draycott in the Clay, Sudbury, Derby DE6 5GX

www.ashfarmkennels.co.uk

T:01283 821345 sales@reavalleytractors.com www.reavalleytractors.com

20 Village Voice December 2013

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GARDENS

Need a job done? Think local...

BUILDERS

"a reputation built on local recommendation"

www.pblandscapes.co.uk full design and construction service free quotations

Solhurst Construction

●

& Sons (Builders) Ltd

TEL: 01332 863571 MOB: 07813 932420 Woodlands Way, Melbourne

Melbourne Builders

ALL BESPOKE JOINERY AND CONSERVATION WORK UNDERTAKEN Castle Lane Industrial Estate, Melbourne, Derby DE73 8JB

Tel: 01332 865605

Brickwork - Roofing - Extensions - Renovations All Work Considered

Fax: 01332 865614 Email admin@gwheath.com visit us at www.gwheath.com

Tel: 01332 863071 Mobile: 07739 429802

Melbourne Property Services For a free no obligation quote call Andy on

01332 865674 - 07866 612787 Hand me a genuine quote and I will try and beat the price

TREVOR MARKS GARDENING SERVICES Too busy or unable to do the Gardening? Then maybe Trevor can help! Grass Cutting - Hedge Cutting - Weeding - Pruning Block Paving - Turfing - Fencing - Patios For a regular, reliable Service by a local person at a competitive price call

01332 690109 or 07900 483555

Melbourne Gardening Services All Garden Maintenance

Call Mark Hudson on 07974 908221 melbournegardeningservices@gmail.com

n Lawn Mowing n Hedge Trimming n Conifers n Tree Work n Slabbing n Fencing n Decking

CAR REPAIRS

BUILDING & PLASTERING No job too small - clean, friendly, reliable service - quality work guaranteed MJB Building and Plastering

B BLOCK PAVING ALTERATIONS G GARDEN WALLS NEW BUILDS PATIOS ROOF REPAIRS LANDSCAPING RENOVATIONS CONSERVATORIES EXTENSIONS FASCIAS SOFFITS GUTTERING FENCING

New building and extensions, Room renovations, Artexing, Dry lining, Decorative plaster coving, Stud work, skirting etc. Wall & floor tiling, Garage conversions, Rendering. Insurance work undertaken.

for a free estimate call Martin on 01332 758645 or 07779 061213

George W.

Heath

Extensions Alterations ● New Builds ●

melbourne

20 quick close, melbourne, derbyshire de73 8gh

ESTABLISHED IN 1969

BUILDING CONTRACTORS

landscapes

tel: 01332 862810 mobile: 07752 731708

BUILDERS

R&B Builders J. G.

R A T C L I F F

20 years local time served tradesman

■ CONSERVATORIES ■ EXTENSIONS ■ ALTERATIONS ■ GENERAL BUILDING WORKS

FREE QUOTATIONS AND ADVICE

Tel: 01332 862718 or 07792 148390 www.randbbuildersmelbourne.co.uk

CARPENTERS AND JOINERS

TOWNLEY JOINERY WO O D WO R K AT I T ' S F I N E S T A family run business who bring you the finest bespoke joinery. We supply and fit kitchens, staircases, windows, doors, conservatories etc and specialise in listed building work. For more information on what we do, please visit our website www.townleyjoinery.co.uk

DEAN TOWNLEY Unit 27, George Holmes Way, Hearthcote Road, Derbyshire DE11 9DF

Tel: 01283 210797 Mob: 0782 8235467

Graham Twells Carpenter & Joiner Over 35 years of experience in conservation and renovation

All types of external & internal woodworking Fitted kitchens, windows & doors Laminate Floors, book case & cupboards, wardrobes & stairs Timber repairer & furniture repairs

Tel: 01332 864257

A.N. GALE (Repair Garage) Church Street, Melbourne • ACCIDENT REPAIRS• • SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE • • MOT REPAIRS • TESTS ARRANGED •

TELEPHONE 862658 or 862593 or MObILE: 07778 306 664

An independent community paper designed and published by Village Voice Newspapers. Typeset by Greenborough Ltd., t/a Voice Productions. Printed in England The publishers of Village Voice are not responsible for any content or claims in advertisements in this newspaper.

Advertisements may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers.

Village Voice December 2013 21

PAINTERS AND DECORATORS

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

PLUMBERS AND GAS HEATING ENGINEERS

melbourne painting services For all your painting and decorating needs Quality work at affordable prices OAP discount

EATEES FESR M I T

Ring Nolan Jackson on

01332 864097

or 07963 059893

B & B Decorators Interior and Exterior - Domestic and Commercial FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES

TELEPHONE: 07792 509330 rjbriers@btinternet.com

Best possible prices for inside work before Christmas Andy

WESTON DECORATING Ltd.

Brizlincote Brizlincote

Se S Sealed e ealed alled U a Unit ni t R Replacement eplacement nt Spe Specialists ialis Sp e eciali ia is t s

• Full professional se service • 15 years experience • 10 year guarantee • Free, no obligation g qquote

DOUBLE GLAZING ALL MISTED UP?

Prices from just

£60 per unit

it? Why replace Wh reeplac lace th the wh whole hole le fframe ramee when h you ou can jjustt replace th the seale sealed l d unit? Daytime: 07814 616 802 Evening: 01283 568 997

Melbourne Glass Ltd & Property Maintenance

PLUMBING & HEATING LTD 4

Tel: 01332 864733

● Complete Bathrooms ● Kitchen Installations ● Boiler & Heating Installations ● Small Building Works ● Boiler Servicing & Repairs ● Landlord Gas Safety Checks

301436 301436

LPG

Miss R. M. Stubbs

Interior and Exterior Painting and Decorating

Tel: 01332 862876 or 07721 494555

Over 20 Years Experience - All aspects of glazing undertaken

UPVC / Aluminium /Hardwood &Softwood / Doors / Windows / Conservatories / Fascia Boards / Guttering Steamed up double glazed units replaced in existing frames WIndow & Door Repairs / Internal Doors & Joinery Work

Tel: 01332 862714 Mob: 07581 196091

Mobile: 07920 101280 or 07920 101281

email: weston18@btinternet.com

ELECTRICIANS

PLASTERERS

MELBOURNE ELECTRICS “Brushing aside the competition”

Barry Fitchett 9 DUNVEGAN CLOSE, STENSON FIELDS, DERBY DE24 3AL

For all your electrical needs Domestic – Commercial - Industrial Testing & Inspecting etc

A member of NAPIT & Fully Part P Registered Established 1973

Contact David on . . .

Tel: 01332 863547 / Mobile: 0780 170 9492 Email: melbelec@tesco.net

Kasudaca House, 80A Victoria Street, Melbourne, Derby DE73 8FQ

HIGH CLASS INTERIOR & EXTERIOR DECORATING A GOOD JOB AT A FAIR PRICE Tel & Fax: 01332 765332 Mobile: 077 995 488 60

MISCELLANEOUS

POTTERS MINI SKIPS AND AGGREGATE SUPPLIERS TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE PLEASE CALL NICOLA ON 07584 025 852 or go to... www.melbournevillagevoice.co.uk

LIMESTONE, BALLAST, SAND, GRAVEL, TOP SOIL MINIMUM ONE TON LOCAL DELIVERIES TEL: (01332) 701667 MOBILE: 07850 380 425

22 Village Voice December 2013

League leaders too hot to handle MELBOURNE started November with an away trip to league leaders Spalding, one of the best sides they have played for a few years. Melbourne competed well at scrum and lineout but were second best in the loose. They suffered a 41-10 defeat with tries from Matt Smith and Mark Coyne. Next up saw a league and NLD plate double header against local rivals Ashbourne, Paul Macer of Kite Consulting sponsoring the match ball and Harpur’s providing a bar for the crowd. The whole game was a tight affair with both sides competitive. Ashbourne edged the scrums and lineouts, with Melbourne edging the loose play. The backs were well matched and defences ruled the day. Tom Howard, Rob Foster and Jack Fisher all went close in the first half. The forwards were superb throughout. Ash Stringer and Theo De Vies constantly tested the Ashbourne backs. A scrum infringement from Ashbourne saw Euan Holden kick a penalty for a 3-0 lead. The ref missed a high tackle from a Mel-

● Melbourne RFC 1st XV: (back row l-r) Ian Masters (coach), Kier Biggins, Dale Bilson, Jack Fisher, Will Judge, Jacob Watts, Theo De Vies, Alec Judge, Stefan Greenhalgh, Joe Stuart, Ash Stringer, Dave Middleton (assistant coach); (front row) Matt Smith, Rob Foster, Dan Walker, Euan Holden (captain), Gary Lakin, Mark Coyne, Mike Lowery and Sam Stuart.

bourne player, which resulted in an Ashbourne player being yellow carded for retaliation. The second half continued in the same vein, but Melbourne’s game management was superior to Ashbourne’s and they spent 30 minutes in the Ashbourne half. The only try of the game was scored after a sustained period of pressure on the Ashbourne line. Ashbourne had another player yellow carded. Melbourne took a quick penalty and five phases later Will Judge provided a fine scoring pass for Theo to score to make it 8-0. The last five minutes saw Ashbourne close the gap to 8-3, and a fine last minute tackle on the line by Jack Fisher closed out the game. Paul Macer voted Theo De Vies as man of the match. After a week off, the side travelled to Bakewell for another league and cup double header. With four players unavailable, coach Masters was forced to make a few changes, notably Sam Stuart making his first team debut this season.

DENTURE REPAIRS MELBOURNE DENTAL LABORATORIES

Melbourne started slowly and were soon 17-0 down, only to rally, eventually losing 24-17. Tries from Dan Walker and Jack Fisher and seven points from Euan Holden saw them sneak a losing bonus point and maintain their midtable position. The second XV had a mixed month. A much changed side went to Keyworth and ended up providing three players for the opposition. Melbourne won 50-17 with tries from Kurtis (3), Buxton (2), Line, Jo Stuart and Pearce with Buxton converting five. Next up was a thumping win against Newark 4ths in the Pennant. Jordan Sparkes score a hat trick in a 54-8 win. Then came a return to Castle Donington. This time the Donington pack proved to be a bit too much for Melbourne’s young bucks and revenged their early season loss 33-19. Robert Thompson played for the first time in a couple of years. Melbourne’s tries came from Chris Fulton (and two conversions), Jordan Sparkes and the impressive Scott Swannick.

MINIBUS TIMETABLE – DECEMBER 2013 For further information, cost of trips, or to book a seat, either call in the Community Care Office, Mon-Thu 9:30am-1:30pm; Fri 9:30am-12:30 or telephone 863585 (answering machine when office is closed). All journeys subject to number of booked passengers, minimum number required is 8, max 12

DEPART MELBOURNE

DESTINATION

DEPARTURE APPROX.

DECEMBER

Telephone: 01332 865510

Melbourne Dental Practice - E S TA B L I S H E D 3 0 Y E A R S -

TEXT MESSAGING SERVICE

Mon 9th 9:00 Meadowhall, Sheffield Tues 10th 9:00 Melton Mowbray Mon 16th 9:00 Chatsworth & Farm Shop NB: Additional entrance charge for House or Garden Wed 18th 9:30 Burton-on-Trent – Octagon Centre Fri 20th 1:00 Fosse Park

2:30 2:00 4:00

Everyone associated with Melbourne Community Care Services, would like to thank you for your support throughout 2013. We all look forward to the pleasure of your company when the 2014 season begins. Meanwhile, we wish you, and your families, a very happy & peaceful Christmas followed by good health and prosperity in the coming new year. PLEASE NOTE: THE COMMUNITY CARE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 12:30pm FRIDAY 20th DECEMBER 2013 UNTIL MONDAY 6th JANUARY 2014

Naomi Fry BDS & Associates, Helen Baker BDS

Councillor Linda Chilton, Councillor John Harrison and Councillor Jim Hewlett

Castle Street, Melbourne, Derbyshire Telephone 01332 862942

Office: Unit D, William's Yard, Derby Road, Melbourne DE73 8JR SOUTH DERBYSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL

ADVICE SURGERIES

at Melbourne Assembly Rooms - 11 am to 12 noon Saturday 4th January Saturday 1st February Saturday 1st March “Listening to Local People”

COAL & SMOKELESS FUEL MERCHANTS Prompt delivery to all local areas Competitive Prices Pre-Packed Cash & Carry Sales from The Yard Also Logs and Kindling

3:00

To try and reduce the amount of clinical time lost due to missed appointments and late cancellations, the practice will soon be offering a text messaging service. Any patients who wish to receive these will need to complete a text messaging consent form, available at reception. Please note, we cannot offer this service unless a consent form has been completed.

● Family Dental Care using latest techniques and materials ● Friendly and caring service ● Cosmetic Dentistry including tooth whitening Naomi Fry accepts child orthodontic patients on the N.H.S.

YOUNG rugby players from Melbourne RFC earned the opportunity to play at Welford Road, home of 10-time English champions Leicester Tigers. After some close-fought games, the Melbourne Under-10s claimed one of the qualifying places after topping their pool in the final festival of this season’s Prima Tiger Cup played at Mellish RFC in Nottinghamshire in November. The Prima Tiger Cup, sponsored by Prima Solutions of Loughborough, is enjoying its biggest-ever season with 70 teams entering the qualifying stages played at regional festivals in Norfolk, Suffolk, Staffordshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. The qualifiers from each of the five festivals went forward to the super 16s round at Welford Road, to be played before a Leicester Tigers first team fixture at the 24,000-capacity Welford Road stadium.

MELBOURNE COMMUNITY CARE JOHN SMITH (MELBOURNE) LTD SHOPPING TRIPS/SOCIAL OUTINGS • WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REQUEST A LATE CANCELLATION FEE • Community Care do not provide escort assistance on these trips. • For information on our “escorted trips” please contact the Community Care Office. • Every Friday we run a local door-to-door service to Budgens Supermarket and escort assistance can be provided if required.

Unit 9, Potters Yard, Potter Street, Melbourne DE73 8HX

MINI MARvELS

The Common, Melbourne, Derby DE73 8HU

Tel. 01332 862744

Lomas Opticians Local, professional care by GOC registered Opticians Mr. M. S. Lomas BSc MSc MBCO Mrs. J. Lomas FBDO

20 Years

❱Home visits for the housebound in Melbourne 19 9 3 - 2 013 ❱Private and NHS examinations ❱Free tests and specs for pre-school to teens Opening Times: ❱Budget, fashion, designer frames Monday, Tuesday, ❱Sunspecs, sportswear, safety specs Thursday & Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm ❱Over 300 styles to view Saturday ❱Comprehensive lens choice dispensed by qualified opticians 9.00am - 12.30pm ❱Specialist low vision aids and magnifiers Closed Wednesday

1 Chapel Street, Melbourne, Derbyshire Telephone: 01332 865021

Village Voice December 2013 23

Joggers group running away with the prizes THE nights may be drawing in and the temperature dropping, but a group of enthusiastic runners are still pounding Melbourne’s streets every Tuesday evening. Now the weekly Melbourne Joggers group, which has just reached its fourth anniversary, is celebrating multiple successes including several marathon runners and a leader handed a coaching award for his dedicated training. Last year group leader Bernadette Dooley completed the 2012 London Marathon, and this year fellow athletes Ellen Robertson and Suzanne Adams finished the Edinburgh version, raising thousands for charity at the same time. Suzanne raised £1,500 for Umbrella – a Derby charity which provides care and support for children with disabilities. It’s a cause close to S u z a n n e ’s heart since her son Jamie, who has Down’s Syndrome, has benefited from its services. Ellen raised £500 for the Shepshedbased organisation S t e p s , which helps children with motor disabilities. The fundraising pair managed to raise similar amounts for other charities when they completed the Great North Run. WINNERS ... (l-r) Ellen Robertson, Bernadette Dooley, Martin Stephens and Suzanne Adams at the South Derbyshire Sportsperson of the Year awards evening.

FAIR DATE THE Chellaston Academy Christmas Fair is on Sunday, December 15, in the Academy Main Hall All proceeds go towards The Chellaston Uganda Project, 2014.

All three – who are Melbourne mums – credit the jogging group with helping them reach their running goals. Suzanne said she began going along to the weekly jogs two years ago after reading our Village Voice article about Bernadette, who had then just trained to become a jog leader. She said: “When I first learned about the group, I’d been doing a little bit of jogging and I’d seen the write-up, I actually cut it out and I thought ‘I’m going to do that’.” Ellen added: “I was really nervous about joining the group; you just hear the words ‘running group’ and you assume everyone’s going to be amazing runners. Suzanne said there were all abilities … that first time I couldn’t even run a mile!” Melbourne Joggers is part of Jog Derbyshire and it’s aimed at providing a friendly environment for people who want to run with other people. This autumn Martin Stephens, a Melbourne dad who founded the group in 2009, was named Community Coach of the Year at the South Derbyshire District Council sports awards. He was handed the award after judges heard how he went “above and beyond” leading the group by helping members prepare for big runs; coming up with individual training plans; and even providing his accompaniment on long, cold weekend training sessions. Talking about her own marathon experience, Bernadette said: “I never would have reached the start line if it wasn’t for Martin.” Melbourne Joggers meets every Tuesday at 8pm at the Picture of Health gym. Runners of all abilities are welcome, and everyone always has someone to run with. Now that she has finished her marathon, Suzanne has trained to be a jog leader, too. Suzanne and Ellen both thank their families for their support during the training; Suzanne is married to Craig and has three children, and Ellen’s husband is David and they have a daughter, Isla. For more information, log on to http://www.activederbyshire.co.uk/jog/

DOVES Garages LLtd. td. TYRES

HIGH STREET STREET, MELBOURNE MELBOURNE, DERBYSHIRE

Claire scores another goal

CLAIRE Mitchell, of Shardlow, has been presented with the South Derbyshire Sportsperson of the Year award. The canoe polo player joined a group of sportsmen and women at a special awards evening in Swadlincote for the presentations. When told she had won Claire said: “I couldn’t believe it. There were so many worthy winners. I feel really proud to have been acknowledged by my local area.” Claire has racked up an impressive medal haul with Team GB at the World Games and European Championships. The trainee solicitor, 27, was nominated by her club coach from the Derby-based Viking Canoe Polo Club, Peter Mitchell (not related). Claire’s interest in the sport started as a child when her father played and she went to all the tournaments with him. She started playing at 11 and had trials for the National U21s squad when she was 13 and spent a year with them developing her game until she was

VILLAGE CARS

QUALITY SERVICE AND REPAIRS TO ALL MAKES OF CAR - FREE LOCAL COLLECTION COURTESY CARS AVAILABLE 01332

eligible to play for the team at 14. She had trials for the full women’s team at 19 and was selected for the European Championships in 2009. She is now a regular in the Team GB starting line-up of five. It’s no easy job keeping at the top of your game in this tough contact sport. At this point in the season, Claire would normally be taking part in two indoor and two outdoor sessions a week plus indoor fitness training at the gym. Most matches take place outdoors on open water and, as there are no suitable outdoor facilities in Derbyshire, the ‘home ground’ is in Stockport. Claire said: “It has been a busy year. The World Games and European Championships were absolutely incredible experiences, something I will never forget. “Winning the Sportsperson of the Year is overwhelming and I feel so grateful that I, the team and the sport have all received recognition.”

GUARANTEED BY THE RETAIL MOTOR INDUSTRY

RS HOU

4 - 8 Seaters available Local & Long Distance Journeys Committed to a Quality Service

www.villagecarssd.co.uk

862123

For new & used cars please visit www.dovesusedcarsderby.co.uk

MELEN’S Private Hire Local & Long Distance Call us for quotes and bookings on

01332

862777 NWLDC Vouchers

MALCARS TAXIS 4 - 6 - 8 - 12 - 16 SEATERS Competitive Rates Local & Long Distance Call Andy

863 864

R H MOTORS A cheaper way to keep you motoring SERVICING OF ALL MAKES AND MODELS DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIRS

Unit 2 Station Yard, Station Road, Melbourne www.rhmotorsgarage.co.uk

Tel: 01332 695155 Mob: 07970 062289

24 Village Voice December 2013

Goalden days for Dynamoes

SPORT

TICKNALL RANGERS: (back row) Keith Palmer (chairman), Ian Hall, Luke Broomhead, Ben Dale, Adam Dolman, Jake Harrold, Ryan Kiddie, Matt Archer, Kevin Earp (assistant manager); (front) Jonny Armstrong, Luke Harvey, Paul Lakin (captain), Alex Slater (player manager), Steve Bryman and Vinny Hallifield.

MELBOURNE CARPETS WE FLATS ARE HERE

TO CAR PARK

CARPETS AND VINYL FLOORING SUPPLIED & FITTED PROFESSIONALLY

HIGH STREET

LAMB INN

Extensive selection of domestic and commercial flooring to suit business, rented and residential property All samples can be taken away and viewed within your own home

38 High Street, Melbourne ASSEMBLY ROOMS

Telephone: 01332 863743 Mobile: 07966 245884

OUTDOOR CLOTHING

Stockists of Barbour Aigle • Hoggs • Chrysalis SHOOTING EQUIPMENT FISHING TACKLE Corporate CLAY SHOOTS arranged & much more Pay us a visit at 64 Church Street, Melbourne, Derbys

Tel. Derby (01332) 862091 www.melbournegun.com

MELBOURNE Dynamoes had an amazing month of November with both sides winning their four games in some style, the first team scoring a remarkable 34 goals and the reserves 20. The first team began the month with a quite stunning 16-0 home win against lowly Chellaston with leading scorer Dave Brough leading the way with seven goals aided by a hat-trick from fellow strike partner Micheal Tristram. Doubles from skipper Carl Allsop and Matt Brian plus strikes by Tom Ballard and James Jennison completed the rout. The team’s good form continued the following week when they trounced Mickleover Royals Reserves 9-2 at home in the Derbyshire Cup. Brough and Tristram were again in form with two apiece along with two from Danny Guild plus goals from Brain, Allsop and Jennison giving Dynamoes a safe passage into the quarter-finals. A hard fought 5-1 home win against a tough Newhall United was thanks to doubles by Tristram and Brain along with a late goal from Jennision. Melbourne finished the month with another 5-1 home win, this time against Allestree. Another double from Tristram plus goals from Guild, Allsop and a rare Ryan Grey strike completed a perfect month for Gavin Salisbury's men, giving them confidence going into a difficult month of December. MELBOURNE Dynamo Reserves also had an amazing time with the previously unbeaten Stapleford Town being knocked over twice by a young Melbourne side. It was at home to Stapleford that a Jack Goodband double gave Melbourne a 2-1 win in the league. This was followed with a comfortable 5-1 home win against Wirksworth Town Reserves. Goodband led the way again with a brace, with two from Tom Colclough and a Ben Stanley strike completing the scoring. A week later, away to Stapleford in the Challenge Cup, a quite amazing game saw the reserves win 7-5 after extra-time with Colclough going one better this week with a hat-trick. Another double from Goodband plus goals from Tom Donnachie and Adam Dolman completed this great cup win. The final game in November saw the reserves possibly give their most complete performance in years as they destroyed an Ambergate side from a division above 6-0. The teenage strike force of Jack Goodband (3) and Ryan Monk (2) were almost unplayable and a second half finish from Donnachie secured a brilliant win for Greg Salisbury’s men and a place in the last eight of the Junior Cup. TICKNALL Rangers only had two games in November, with both home fixtures ending in defeats. A 4-0 loss to T.L.Darby was a much closer game than the score line suggested. A Matt Archer penalty gave Ticknall the lead against league leaders Wetmore Warriors, who have won all seven of their league games this season. However, the lead was short lived and Wetmore came back to win 2-1.

Nuvolari remembered

A PLAQUE has been unveiled at Donington Park to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Tazio Nuvolari's famous race victory at the circuit in the 1938 Grand Prix. The presentation was made by Terry Cordy, of luxury Swiss watchmaker Eberhard & Co, and Kevin Wheatcroft, chairman of Donington Park Racing Ltd, outside the original farm building – now the circuit office – which formed part of the first race track at Donington. Pictured are Mr Cordy (left) and Mr Wheatcroft with the the plaque and a 1934 Maserati 8CM driven by Tazio Nuvolari.