Melbourne Village Voice February 2014

BEECH BRAWL

Village Voice No 255 February 2014

Melbourne & District

Parish council finds itself at odds with Church Diocese over safety of a tree

by TOM MILLS

A TREE is at the root of a problem that could see Melbourne Parish Council landing up at the Ecclesiastical Court in London.

It is the latest development in a debate that is revolving around health and safety.

A beech tree located in the old burial ground on Castle Street has been identified as unsafe. The parish council has been advised that the tree is suffering from a fungal growth which may undermine its stability and be at risk of falling in stormy conditions.

Consequently, the felling of the tree was recommended as a matter of urgency. Advice from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management states ‘that only major works on consecrated land require a Faculty from the Diocese’.

The removal of the tree, which may cost in the region of £1,000, could be viewed as maintenance work, and if so viewed, would not require a Faculty.

The Diocese believes that a Faculty is required and that if the council proceeds with its plan to fell the tree it will instigate action involving the Ecclesiastical Court.

The whole debate becomes more complicated and potentially costly with the involvement of threatened legal action.

And, with the fear that current storms may take the situation out of the council’s hands and leave all parties with a significant bill for compensation, the issue needs to be resolved with great urgency.

Woman’s body found at reservoir

SAFE-TREE FIRST ... the beech in the burial ground.

AN inquest has been opened after a woman’s body was found by police at Staunton Harold Reservoir.

Police said that investigations into the death of Kathy Keen had revealed ‘no suspicious circumstances’ after the discovery at the local beauty spot (pictured

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Her body was found on the morning of Tuesday, January 28.

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Path bid leads to new plan

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AN APPLICATION for a public footpath to be designated in Melbourne has led to a disclosure that Persimmon Homes have an interest in a plot of land for the potential development of 70 homes adjacent to The Woodlands.

This seems at odds with the statements from South Derbyshire District Council that no new developments will take place in Melbourne under the new Local Plan currently under review as reported by Cllr Jim Hewlett at this month’s parish council meeting.

Further enquiries with the district council have identified a possible reason for the apparent confusion and rumour surrounding the land in question. A spokesman for SDDC said that the Local Plan is considering locations for strategic development, sites that would accommodate developments of 100 houses or more.

It is not pursuing parcels of land that would accommodate fewer than 100 dwellings for inclusion in the plan at this time. The site in question is believed to be only suitable for of up to 70 houses.

There has been speculation about the future of land in Melbourne being used for development for many years and the same would apply to other local villages. The belief that no development would take place locally has perhaps been a desire not supported by facts.

The district council has confirmed that there are no planning applications for building development with them at the present time, with the exception of one for nine houses to be built in Kings Newton.

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2 Village Voice February 2014

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New power station in pipeline

A NEW Willington power station came a little nearer this month.

South Derbyshire District Council’s Planning Committee seems likely to approve the route of the massive 800mm diameter pressure gas pipe line running from Yoxall through to Willington.

The pipeline is planned to go through South Staffordshire and South Derbyshire.

The final decision does not lie with the two district councils – they are statutory consultees – because the Secretary of State will make the decision, having regard to the comments of a host of other consultees, like English Heritage, wildlife organisations, and environmental and ecological specialists, as

On the path to a walking wonderland l The cooling towers of the old power station at Willington.

well as local communities, like Willington and Egginton, which are adjacent to the new

pipeline.

The decision is reserved to the Secretary of State because

by BARRY THOMAS

MEMBERS of Melbourne’s Footpath Group have walked and checked every inch of the parish’s 12 miles of footpaths over recent months and are now discussing improvements with the county council’s footpath inspector.

Group chairman Paul Sturges said: “As part of this work, the group has refurbished most of the 50-year-old footpath signs which are a distinctive feature of the parish.

“After half a century, many of these signs were in a very poor state so the group has removed rust from them, applied several layers of paint and repainted the lettering to make them look very smart again.”

But the improvement to the footpath network doesn’t stop there. The group’s skills have also been in high demand further afield.

Since October 2013 they have installed six wicket gates for farmers in Repton and Foremark, constructed two flights of steps, installed a large number of waymark posts and repaired stiles; all free of charge and at the expense of the members’ time, petrol and paint!

The group will soon be clearing paths on the route of the new National Forest Way (a long distance path) for the National Forest Company around the villages of Smisby and Hartshorne. This involves installing 10 waymarker posts and repairing several stiles.

The posts will be topped with yellow paint, a feature initiated by the group last year in the Melbourne area.

The group is also publicising Melbourne’s recently won status as a Walkers Are Welcome Town. They are working with local businesses to encourage more walkers to visit the town, preferably using public transport!

Members have also installed a Parish Footpath Map on Castle

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the project is deemed to be a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.

The pipeline is 800mm in diameter (about 31.5 inches), and will be 27 kilometres in length, from Yoxall to Willington. The pipe will be buried at a minimum of 1.1metres, going under roads, like the A38, under the Trent/Mersey Canal, and under the Rver Trent.

A great deal of work has already been done; since 2010 there have been consultations with local communities in Willington and elsewhere, so the application should shortly be on the desk of the Secretary of State for Energy.

It is expected that about 100 jobs will be created building the pipeline.

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Street showing all the paths in the parish. The map contains information about the history and names of old paths.

The map was financed by generous grants from Melbourne Civic Society, the East Midlands Airport Community Fund, Western Power Distribution and the county council's Greenwatch Fund.

The Footpaths Group is grateful for the support it has received from Lord Ralph Kerr, the committee of the Senior Citizens' Community Centre, Promote Melbourne and the parish council.

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Mum’s the word for playground cash

ENTERPRISING mums from Aston-on-Trent are celebrating after raising thousands of pounds towards a new playground for local children.

Now the four mums, who have spent the past three years fundraising for the ambitious project, are asking people to support a fellow parent who is running the London marathon for them.

Helen Moulson, Jane Dunn, Jane Jones and Louise Riches – all parents from Aston-on-Trent – have so far notched up an impressive £45,000 in fund-raising to pay for a much-needed facelift to the village’s playground.

Helen said: “The equipment has been there for over 30 years.

It’s got an old see-saw, a modern climbing frame but not one the youngsters can go on. We just want to make it more fun and brighter.

“We’ve lived here for 12 years and we just thought ‘wouldn’t it be nice to do something about it?’ l MEMBERS of the Aston Playground Project receiving a cheque for £500 from the Lloyds So we just took it on ourselves.

Community Fund are (l-r, top row): Louise Riches, Helen Moulson, Jane Dunn and Jane “The playground is used but not as much as we’d like it to be. It’s Jones; (bottom row): Florence Comasky, Ruby Booth, Katie Dunn, Rees Moulson and Oscar part of growing up. It’s fun; it Jones.

The fund-raising has been so successful based plumbing firm J Tomlinson Ltd, who brings kids and friends closer together as that work to upgrade the playground is due is running the London Marathon in April well.” to be done this summer. New swings and in aid of the project.

Fund-raising efforts for the Aston Playbrighter equipment will be installed, there To find out how to sponsor Steve, you can ground Project have so far included a “Smashie and Nicey” night, stalls at the will be proper disability access and new contact the group by emailing astonplayfencing will be put up around the area. groundproject@hotmail.com or by sending Aston Well Dressing event, and a donation Anyone who wants to support the play- cheques to Aston Playground Project c/o 31 from Lafarge Tarmac under their Landfill ground can do so by sponsoring local dad Compton Avenue, Aston-on-Trent, Derby, Community Fund.

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Did you watch the birdies?

DID you take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch? Organised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), this annual event is the biggest event of its kind in the world.

More than half a million people were expected to be watching their garden birds for a single hour over the weekend of January 25/26 as part of the RSPB’s BGB.

With many of the UK's most common garden birds and other creatures in steep decline, the results will be compared with those from winters in the past, stretching back to the first Big Garden Birdwatch in 1979.

It is still too early for the results to be declared but my observations for an hour on Saturday, January 25, were very disappointing.

Apart from two pesky pigeons on a neighbour’s roof, not one bird stopped in my garden.

I hadn’t done anything special to encourage our feathered friends to drop in, I just topped up the bird feeder as usual. Perhaps my neighbours had more luck but sadly the lack of birds in my garden seems to be a feature of this winter. Strangely, the food in the feeder still disappears. Phantom feeders in the middle of the night perhaps?

What sort of results did you have?

– Tom Mills

Country park views sought

LOCAL people are to be asked by Derbyshire County Council for their views on a draft 10-year vision and plan for Elvaston Castle and Country Park.

A series of public workshops were held in autumn 2013 with local people, visitors, partners and organisations about the future of the Elvaston estate. The ideas gathered from the workshops have been used to develop the draft vision.

Since the 1990s the cost to Derbyshire County Council of running the estate and maintaining the buildings has become increasingly difficult. The estate currently costs more than £800,000 to run.

The council has been looking for a sustainable way forward for Elvaston for some years and is currently working together with the National Trust to look at how to secure its future.

The council’s cabinet member for council services, Councillor Brian Ridgway, said: “The vision and plan looks ahead 10 years to 2024, and aims to secure the many benefits of the Elvaston estate for public access and recreation, heritage and conservation.”

A drop-in session at the Gothic Hall, Elvaston Castle, is planned for Saturday, February 15, between 10.30am and 3pm when you can view the proposals and leave your comments.

The draft vision and plan is also online at http://www.futureelvaston.co.uk/engagement-consultation. Call Julie Rodgers on 07789 032020 for details.

The consultation process closes on Wednesday, March 5.

Garden guru guests

TO help optimise Ticknall Garden Club’s gardening success in 2014, the club enlisted a team of horticultural gurus for the panel of Question Time at the January meeting.

Boasting over 150 years of gardening expertise between them were Jeff Bates (RHS Master of Horticulture), Peter Fields (professional gardener) and Tom Pope (retired head gardener, Haddon Hall).

With their usual good humour and sage advice, a spectrum of issues was addressed.

Village Voice February 2014 3

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RAINFALL records for the south of the UK have been broken this winter, causing major misery in some of the worst affected places.

The Somerset Levels can expect to flood most winters but for the water to stay around for more than six weeks is unprecedented and very unpleasant for the people living there.

It’s been suggested that dredging several rivers in the area and doing more maintenance would solve the problem, but I’m not totally convinced about this.

The Government and its quango arm, the Environment Agency, have been shamed into doing something to help but time will tell if they do and what effect it will have in the future.

The EA seems to be devoid of common sense and spends its budget on projects to help wildlife more than farmers and homeowners.

Many millions of pounds have been put into buying land next to sea defences in East Anglia and breaching those defences to let the sea in to recreate salt marsh. This is on some of the most fertile land in the country.

Isn’t it strange that over the North Sea in

Holland they are doing exactly the opposite in reclaiming land from the sea, albeit not always for agriculture?

As a direct opposite to last year, a very mild winter has brought things forward and displays of catkins in hedgerows have been really lovely. Last year we didn’t see any until March, which illustrates just how much seasons vary.

I really am getting fed up at the moment with the continuous rain which I think made every day in January see some. On odd days I really wish I could emigrate to a country with a dryer climate. n You will have noticed that I always tell you about things that are not going well on the farm, but we now have some good news.

We have just received the largest milk payment we have ever had. We have produced a little extra, but our price per litre has at last exceeded 30 pence, in fact it is nearly 32.

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Spring begins at Calke Half Term Family Fun Days

Saturday 15 - Sunday 23 February, 11.30am – 3.30pm Join us for family fun activities and see the park begin to reawaken after the winter.

Come and help us give nature a home with the RSPB on 18 – 19 February.

Calke on Camera Walk

Saturday 15 February, 1.30pm – 3.30pm Join us on this photography walk in the park and gardens and pick up some handy tips on your stroll. Bring along your camera and be inspired by the beauty of the estate.

Kids with Cameras Walk Saturday 22 February, 1.30pm – 2.30pm Join us on this photography walk for children teaching them some handy tips and showing them the best places in the park to take pictures. Children please bring your adult.

Woodwork Course Wednesday 5 & Thursday 6 March 9.30am – 4.30pm Make a breadboard on this one day course with expert guidance from our joiner.

Drinks, packed lunch and materials included. Tickets £60, booking required on 01332 863822 Stargazing

Saturday 8 March, 7pm – 10pm Discover the sky at night as you stargaze on the estate. Leicester Astronomical Society will be on hand to lend you their telescopes and share their knowledge. Soup and a roll included, Adult £5, Child £3, Family £13. Booking required on 01332 863822

Gardens open Saturday 15 February House opens Saturday 22 February – New for 2014 discover newly opened rooms.

House: Sat – Wed 12.30pm – 5pm - End of Era Tours Thursdays & Fridays 11am – 4pm Garden: Daily 10am – 5pm.

Restaurant & Shop: Daily 10.00am – 5pm. Nov – Feb: 10.00am – 4pm.

Park & National Nature Reserve: Daily 7.30am – 7.30pm, dusk if earlier.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke for more information Normal park admission applies to all visitors.

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THE 2014 Melbourne Quiz got underway on January 17 and already there has been a draw, settled by a tie-breaker resulting in Dr and the Pathetics winning a place in the next round by one question.

Two previous champions have also won through to the next round with Sad Anoraks and Kings Newton Bowls Club A both overcoming their opponents.

St Michael’s Players, the defending champions, crashed out in the first round losing to Surplice to Re-Choir-Ments. However, there are still several past champions left to play in the first round and there looks to be some excellent contests still to take place on Friday nights through to the finals on March 14.

Lining up for the start of the quiz (above) are Phil Dobby (timekeeper), Paul Fox and John Elliot (question masters) with the Methodist Marvels on the left and the Sad Anoraks on the right.

NEW FUTURE FOR OLD CRICKET CLUB SITE?

AMBITIOUS plans are in their embryo stage to create a new community facility in Breedon on the Hill which could prove hugely beneficial to the village and surrounding parishes.

The expansion of the village and lack of any community space has prompted a number of local residents to question whether or not facilities such as a village hall, cricket pitch, football pitch and allotments could be provided in the village.

The site of the former Breedon Cricket Ground on Berry Fields has become available and preliminary discussions have been taking place to explore the possibility of such an idea becoming a reality.

Breedon Cricket Club was a well-run club in former years, attracting players of county standard.

Already there has been a questionnaire sent to the villagers to assess the level of support for the idea and the early responses have been very positive. The parish council has been very encour-

aged by the level of support shown.

Breedon resident Simon Jones said: “We realise this is a very ambitious project with many challenges, not least of which will be funding, but enthusiasm is growing in the village with people offering to help.

“The ultimate aim would be that the site and the facilities belong to the villages and be run by a group drawn from the local community.”

At the same time, there is a plan to build a village hall as part of a planning application for a number of houses to be built at the nearby garden centre. But that plan does not include sports facilities and it is anticipated that, if approval is granted, the developer may agree to locate the hall on the Berry Field.

An agreement along these lines would put all the facilities in one place but for the moment the Friends of Berry Field would like to secure the field for which a sum of around £70k will be need to be raised.

ACTION GROUP’S CAMPAIGN TO DERAIL HS2 PLANS

Village Voice February 2014 5

Local Plan consultation responses under review

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TOM MILLS reports from the February meeting of Melbourne Parish Council

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some instruments from SDDC available for members, provide some structured activities with Chill Out the theme for Fridays.

Pictured below are some of the people taking part in the Derbyshire initiative run by ex-police officers and aimed at reducing crime, promoting the health benefits of boxing and improving relationships between young people and police.

No physical contact ever takes place. Everyone is welcome to join in the activity which takes place at 7pm on Wednesday nights at the Athenaeum.

County Cllr Linda Chilton reported on progress for a range of highway repairs in the town. She also spoke about irresponsible parking by Melbourne residents in several locations. Specifically instances of parking on Packhorse Road opposite the schools and the yellow zig zag lines. The police have confirmed that it is not illegal unless it causes an obstruction.

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MELBOURNE KINGS NEWTON TICKNALL INGLEBY FOREMARK MILTON LOUNT STANTON-BY-BRIDGE SWARKESTONE WILSON STAUNTON HAROLD TONGE TWYFORD ISLEY WALTON WESTON-ON-TRENT ASTON-ON-TRENT ELVASTON THULSTON AMBASTON BARROW-ON-TRENT BREEDON FINDERN SMISBY

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YOUR VILLAGE VOICE

or by alternative possible routes through North West Leicestershire. Derby City Council has been campaigning to get the route diverted through the city and this option would make more sense.

There is also a route which would avoid the need for a costly tunnel under the airport by diverting the track towards either the M1 corridor or the Midland Mainline track.

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CONSULTATION on the current phase of the Local Plan is complete and the responses are under review by South Derbyshire District Council.

When the review is complete there will be another consultation event at Aston on Trent. There will be no public event in Melbourne because there are no proposed housing developments planned for Melbourne, district councillor Jim Hewlett told the parish council.

He continued with news that SDDC has implemented cost reductions resulting in a planned saving of over £1m in operating costs and that the authority’s content of the Council Tax will continue to be frozen at current levels.

Attending the meeting for the first time was PC Victoria Ball, the new beat officer for Melbourne. PC Ball was previously a reactive officer based in Swadlincote. She made reference to the arrest of two prolific offenders and to offenders on bail charged with ‘going equipped’.

Council chair Cllr Jane Carroll reported that she had attended a Whistlewood Common meeting, which was a great success. Members discussed various topics including wildlife, produce, timber/green and more. There are to be tree planting days on Friday and Saturday, March 21/22, and volunteers from the broader community are invited to take part. The AGM will be held on April 10 at Melbourne Assembly Rooms.

Cllr Sarah Butler reported good news from the Athenaeum where the re-established youth club is flourishing under the new leader. Special nights for Oz Box (non-contact boxing), music, with

“What we should be doing is increasing capacity on the areas where it is most needed – the busy commuter corridors, thinking of how we will want to communicate in the future, eg looking at superfast broadband, and thinking of the likely advances in alternative methods of road travel.”

If that option fails, and HS2 gets the go-ahead, the group would rather it was routed via Derby

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route, or if they are to be blighted with it, they want it built in a less intrusive way.

The campaign started immediately after the plans for the HS2 route were published last year.Mr Morrison said that building the HS2 did not make any sense.

“It is a bad use of £55,000m,” he said, avoiding using billions which makes it an unreal number.

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THE Tonge and Breedon HS2 Action Group (TABAG for short) is in it for the long haul with its campaign to either stop or re-route the High Speed 2 line from destroying the community.

The chairman, Jim Morrison, a Breedon resident, said they would like to stop the HS2 from being built. If that fails, they would want it rerouted either through Derby or along a less costly

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6 Village Voice February 2014

War centenary funding boost

ASTON on Trent Local History Group has been awarded a grant of £8,900 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. Additional funding has been provided by Aston Parish Council and the Royal British Legion The project is being run in partnership with the Aston & Weston Branch of the Royal British Legion and aims to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by men from Aston and Weston and the impact the war had on both communities The villages have unique links to the conflict in which 25 men lost their lives, fighting in all the major battles on the Western Front and the major sea Battle of Jutland. The project includes a major exhibition, local school activities, a choral concert, speakers, public debate, plays, readings, commemorative book and audio CD. John Holloway from the Aston History Group said: “The project has already attracted a great deal of attention from villagers and we have been delighted with offers of support plus donated and loaned artefacts, some of which have come from the frontline trenches.

“There is a tremendous legacy for Aston and Weston and we want to offer an opportunity for both communities to learn more about the human cost of the conflict. We are specifically engaging with young people to raise their awareness of the effect on individuals, families and communities.”

The eight-day exhibition will be held in the All Saints’ Heritage Centre from September 6 to 13 and will be officially opened by William Tucker, Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire. Other activities will be held throughout September and October, culminating in the Remembrance Sunday Parade.

Terry is the new president

MELBOURNE Probus Club members elected Terry Harrison as president at the club's AGM in January.

Mr Harrison (pictured) praised his predecessor, Richard Heath, for having presided over a very successful year, with interesting, well attended talks, and with a significant increase in new members.

Edward Mitchell was elected vice-president.

Players recruit for new show

MELBOURNE will be commemorating the start of the First World War in a variety of ways this year, and St Michael’s Players have decided that their autumn production will be based on scenes from ‘Oh What a lovely war’.

It is an ambitious production, and means that the Players, well known and loved for their comic reviews and plays, interspersed with the occasional serious production, now need to attract new people to join the group.

They are looking for someone who can direct the production, someone who can help with the musical numbers, for people who want to act, sing, help with

costumes, props or general stage management, and who want to be part of a group who like to entertain an audience and have fun while they are doing it.

UNITS TO LET

If the plan to attract new talent is successful, the Players have been thinking about broadening their repertoire to include workshops or small scale productions on Sunday evenings at the Assembly Rooms.

If you are interested, Gordon Hughes, secretary, actor and sketch writer, would be delighted to hear from you. The Players rehearse on Thursdays (and Sundays as the production gets closer). You can contact Gordon on 07837 592596 or email on gordonhughes007@btinternet.com Join up now! You might not get the King’s shilling, but you make a major contribution to Melbourne village life.

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Keeping heat on fire station topic

WHILE Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service sift through the volume of replies to the controversial “Fit to Respond” consultation, which earmarked a number of fire stations including Melbourne for closure, the Save our Fire Station group has been busy behind the scenes to keep the issue on the front burner.

The group sent a 48-page document entitled “A Change for the Better” to the head of the DFRS, Sean Frayne, and is hoping that this will be further aired at a forthcoming meeting between him and Cheryl Pigeon, Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for South Derbyshire.

The group also intends to be present at the meeting of the Derby Fire Authority on Febru-

ary 13 when it is anticipated the formal responses to the consultation feedback will be revealed.

In the alternative proposals Sharon Bush has suggested growing the size of the Melbourne crew and training them as a specialist response team for road traffic incidents.

Another idea is to nominate Melbourne as the first responders for the area south of the city boundary where significant housing development is expected to take place.

A further suggestion was merging the three neighbouring services, Notts, Derbys and Leicestershire to make back office savings in senior management posts and administrative functions.

And yet another idea was to

look at providing Human Resource and Finance functions on a national rather than county basis, which would save money for all counties under pressure.

Finally the group has suggested looking at privatising some of the support functions to prop up front line services.

In replying to the group Mr Frayne accepted that there had been “a good response from Melbourne residents” and he promised to “ ensure that the authority is made aware of them”.

Meanwhile the local fire station has been recruiting for additional on-call (retained) fire fighters. Melbourne is one of 11 stations where additional parttime staff is being sought.

Village Voice February 2014 7

W OOD - FI RED PI ZZA

RESTAURANT

PROSECCO BAR l ON behalf of members of Melbourne’s A Choir'd Taste, Frank Hughes is pictured donating a cheque for £220 to Cheryl Webster of Treetops Hospice.

The money was raised from carol singing around the local pubs and restaurants in the week before Christmas.

SCHOOL FUNDING SOUGHT FROM DEVELOPERS

DERBYSHIRE County Council is to seek funding from developers towards the cost of providing more secondary and primary school places in South Derbyshire.

Up to 35,000 homes could be built in the area by 2028 and the county council is keen to plan for this extra demand on schools in the area.

Cabinet has asked for feasibility studies and will launch informal consultations on potential changes.

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Cheers! Double for pubs

l HARPUR’S team members Peter Edge (head chef), Tom Williams (manager), Jules Sinton (supervisor) with their certificate from the Derbyshire Food and Drink awards.

VILLAIR Independent Travel Connoisseurs

IT was great news for local business Bespoke Inns when Harpur’s of Melbourne was named finalist and runnerup in the Best Gastro Pub of the Year award and The Dragon at Willington won the Traditional Pub of the Year award.

The Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards event took place at Chesterfield FC's Proact Stadium, where guests from shortlisted venues enjoyed a glitzy celebration.

Celebrity chef Valentine Warner welcomed winners to the stage to collect their awards.

Harpur’s finished runnerup but, according to manager Tom Williams: "We were absolutely delighted with the result.

“Over the past 12 months we have evolved into a very successful gastro-pub, with a wide and varied customer base from all over Derbyshire, thanks to head chef Peter Edge's superb cooking and commitment.

“After a lot of hard work, creating new menus, new branding and marketing, Harpur’s is now a restaurant and bar clearly in favour.

“The Derbyshire Food and Drink Award was recogni-

tion of all our efforts and we are pleased to have brought more attention to Melbourne.”

Harpur’s has also been short-listed for the Burton Mail Restaurant of the Year competition.

Sister pub The Dragon at Willington scooped the Derbyshire Food and Drink Award for Best Traditional Pub at the same awards ceremony in Chesterfield.

The Dragon had previously won the Best Out of Town Pub title in the 2012 Derby Food and Drink Awards.

Bid to beat the bunting record

CALLING all volunteers – the good people of Melbourne are being asked to help rise to an unusual challenge: to break the UK’s record for the longest line of fabric bunting.

The gauntlet has been thrown by the Melbourne Fete and Carnival committee, which is setting the theme for this year’s carnival along vintage lines.

The exact theme for the July bonanza has yet to be fully decided, but committee members are planning how it should best run alongside First World War centenary commemorations taking place this summer.

Now they are asking local people to take part in an attempt to break the UK fabric bunting record by producing material triangles to a set template.

The current record was set in Leeds and stands at 2.5 miles. That means that in order to break the record, the Melbourne bunting line would need 12,500 individual triangles attached side by side!

According to the carnival committee, there is

no limit for the amount of fabric bunting any volunteer can make – it could be one piece or 99.

The group said: “We are asking for as many people of Melbourne to create a triangle that can be sewn onto tape and then put up around the carnival field. There is no set colour scheme so you can use old T-shirts, bedding, tea towels – anything at all as long as it’s fabric! The only rule is that you use our specific template.”

The dimensions of the triangle required for the bunting attempt are 19 centimetres along the top and 29 centimetres along each of the long sides.

You can download the triangle template from the website www.melbournecarnival.co.uk/ or pick one up from the Welcome Café or Jilly Clarks Shoes on Derby Road, or from Melbourne Library.

Completed triangles should be handed in to any of these locations or to a member of the carnival committee.

This year’s carnival is due to take place on Saturday, July 12. For more information, visit the carnival’s web or Facebook page.

– Lucy Stephens

Tourism big business for the area

TOURISM is a vital part of the prosperity of South Derbyshire, and this has been recognised by the National Forest being featured in Visit England's promotional activities.

Walkers from all over the country come to walk in South Derbyshire, where Melbourne has pioneered the concept of

'Walkers Are Welcome', and the National Forest Walking Festival attracts 1,500 walkers from far and wide.

Visitors flock to Calke Park, where extra parking space has had to be provided for increased visitor numbers.

South Derbyshire District Council has estimated that the

total visitor spend in the district is more than £160m, with overnight visitors providing an income of over £47m. The council estimates that the 320,000 overnight visitors and the 3.6 million day visitors to events and attractions supported an estimated 2,389 full-time equivalent jobs.

Top Govt designer’s traffic flow input

MELBOURNE Parish Council has been offered the opportunity to have a meeting with one of the UK’s top designers for the built-up environment in the hope of resolving some of the traffic flow issues in the centre of the village.

Ben Hamilton-Baillie is an expert adviser to the Government’s Commission for Architecture and the Street Environment and has recently completed an award-winning project transforming Poynton in Cheshire to create “shared space” for both traffic and pedestrians.

He has worked internationally as well as contributing to the Department of Transport’s Manual for Streets, which sets out the ways in which streets may be changed from ‘transport corridors’ to places people want to live and spend time in.

Initially, the plan would be to engage with all interested parties, shopkeepers, residents, councils etc, to explain some of the best practice and key principles to deal with congested towns and villages. This would enable the council to think about what might be done in the future to avoid any further erosion of the town’s character without compromising the inevitable growth in traffic

and demand for residential parking.

The intention is to organise an initial meeting with the parish council and then have an open meeting to which the public would be invited.

There would be no cost to the council at this early stage as the cost of the initial consultancy will be covered by a benefactor. n Nearly £600,000 is being invested in road repairs and other improvements across the county in February. The money is part of a £35 million package Derbyshire County Council is spending on improving the roads in 2013/14.

During the month, work to improve Derbyshire’s roads will include expenditure in South Derbyshire to a total of £189,000, broken down to four projects: Drakelow Park, Drakelow (road resurfacing) - £21,000 B5010 London Road, Shardlow (Ambaston Lane to Canal Bridge), Shardlow (road patching) - £60,000 B5010 London Road, Shardlow (Shardlow village/Navigation Inn to Cavendish Bridge) (road resurfacing) - £74,000 Springfield Road, Repton (road resurfacing) £34,000.

MEMBERS of Breedon on the Hill WI were treated to an extravaganza of colour and exquisite stitchery at their January meeting.

Award-winning quilter Linda Forey presented over 20 of her own designed and stitched quilts (one of which is pictured right) which have been shown nationally and some internationally.

Each quilt came with its own story, how it came about, the method of design and the choice of fabrics used, with examples ranging from traditional to contemporary, modern designs.

The audience was full of admiration for their fabulous looks, blaze of colour and the professional finish each showed, whether stitched and quilted by hand or by machine. This was beyond what many know as 'patchwork quilting' and was quite inspirational.

The next meeting, on Wednesday, February 26, celebrates Breedon WI's 10th birthday, with a

Bollywood themed party - there will be dancing!

Past members are invited to join in the fun, as are new members. Festivities begin at 7.30pm in the Community Room at Breedon School.

Neighbourhood meeting

Village Voice February 2014 9

THE next Area 3 Safer Neighbourhood and Area Forum meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18, starting at 6.15pm at Astonon-Trent Memorial Hall.

Neighbourhood Forum meetings allow the public to raise and discuss any issues or problems within the area with councillors, police safer neighbourhood teams and other agencies. The local policing priorities for the next three months will also be set during this consultation.

Linda has WI in stitches

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WHILST it may not have been a “braw, bricht, moonlicht nicht” outside, inside the Melbourne Assembly Rooms it was “Scots Wha hae” for a traditional Burns Supper.

A Highland piper led the procession to the tables and piped in the haggis, before a sumptuous fourcourse banquet provided by Penny Heath.

Splendid speeches to the Haggis and to the Bard himself from Douglas Keith, to the Lassies from Alan Aitkenhead and to the Laddies from Margaret Gildea rounded off the traditional proceedings before Scottish country dancing led by Diane Beech and the Stone Monkey followed by a full-on Scottish disco from MC Andy Stewart.

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HARPUR'S of Melbourne held its first Burns Night this year. Alec Stalker and Gordon Mitchell, from the Derby Scottish Association and the Derby Burns Club, were guests of honour and presided over proceedings which included the traditional presentation of, and toast to, the haggis.

The Immortal Memory, a Toast to the Lassies and some fabulous poems and songs written by Robbie Burns were sung and recited by the audience and Chris Baldwin.

Tom Williams, manager at Harpur's, said: “We were delighted with the turnout and the comments at the end of the night. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the meal and the entertainment and, if you have never been to a Burns Night before, it was a great introduction without being too formal.”

Alec Stalker, from the Derby Scottish Association, presented the Immortal Memory and gave everyone a tremendous insight into the life and times of Robbie Burns. His passion and enthusiasm for the Scottish Bard shone through and everyone left a lot wiser if not a little tipsy.

Pictured from the left are: Gordon Mitchell, Heidi Taylor, Tom Williams, Chris Baldwin, Alec Stalker (secretary Derby Scottish Association and Derby Burns Club).

BURNS Night was celebrated at the Hardinge Arms in Kings Newton and enjoyed by those attending. Landlord Tom Keo was very pleased with the evening and thanked Brian Grice for his attendance, the Grace and addressing the Haggis.

Pictured are Brian Grice with dagger and Chef Alex Lambert holding the Haggis. Looking on are Steve Lawrence and Simon Quinn.

Cel and M ren tain hall Lion gav P Pip Stre

Three cheers for th Three Bears

GOLDILOCKS and the Three Bears was the panto o for the Rainbows and Brownies of Weston and Aston o this year. In a departure from the normal ‘trip out’ pantomime being performed in the city, this year gro ers invited the panto to come to Weston.

Chaplin’s Travelling Panto group visited Weston an the show in the village hall in front of an audienc which included several parents and leaders.

‘Fantastic’ was the response from young and not so The colourful show included comedy, sing-alongs, ad and audience participation and the 75-minute perfo flew past.

The cast of Goldilocks and the Three Bears are p with their audience at Weston Village Hall.

Players’ panto

ASTON Players’ pantomime, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood, held over two weekends in January, was a huge success.

Director Steve Aynsley took his inspiration from a 1952 production in York and played to packed houses at every performance in the War Memorial Hall.

Highlights included the comedy classroom sketch in which the Merry Men, the Babes and Schoolchildren interfaced with the dame, Nurse Norah, played by John Sibley and the hapless henchman, Herman (disguised as “schoolgirl” Buttercup), played by Rob Wilkinson.

The showstopper came when Katie Wilkinson, playing Maid Marian, sang “On My Own” (from Les Miserables) chained up in the Sheriff ’s dungeon.

The junior chorus, with ages ranging from five to 10, is going from strength to strength and, throughout the panto, delighted the audiences with their singing, dancing and acting abilities encouraged by choreographer Hazel Armstrong.

It was heartenin playing such large the stage. These Chamberlain cont (with set up assista and Joe Merrick), C sisting Kim Hodgki Delia Gascoigne, w Beelzebub, Cather

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Village Voice February 2014 11

tic ancestry had a chance to air dinner jackets d posh frocks!

Melbourne Assembly Rooms is becoming owned for putting on a fabulous night’s enternment, and this was no exception. The old school l looked brilliant, decked in Saltire and Rampant n flags, and the newly installed theatre lighting ve it a baronial feel.

Pictured are Penny Heath, holding the haggis, er Tom Gray, MC Andy Stewart and helpers Jan eet, Claire Lambert, Ellie and Sue Tivey.

he

of choice on Trent to see a oup lead-

nd put on ce of 75,

o that had something for everyone

o young. dventure ormance

pictured

Sheriff, William Evans as naughty schoolboy, Just William, Isabel Orduna as conscientious schoolgirl Busy Lizzie and Patricia Wint as a soldier.

‘Veterans’ Julia James, Sian Sedgwick, Lauren Hyde and Jamie Armstrong gave sterling performances as Robin Hood, Will Scarlet, Friar Tuck and Little John respectively and the

Babes were played by twins, Chloe and Emma Merrey. Laura Armstrong was delightful as the Spirit of the Greenwood as Lottie Cavanagh doubled up as schoolgirl, Lazy Lottie and the Dame’s erstwhile assistant, Dozy Dora, while the whole ensemble was complemented

by Livvy Cavanagh as cheeky schoolgirl Lippy Livvy together with Chris Knott

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and Gill Walker as the Sheriff ’s soldiers.

The scenery was designed and built

by Andy Shakich with help from the players, family and friends, the music and sound effects supplied and directed

by Nathan Powell and the production co-ordinated by Jenny Hunting.

Ann Sedgwick co-ordinated the players throughout the performances and thanks must go to Ivette Ford, who looked after the refreshments both during rehearsals and performances and who frequently deputised for players.

Chairperson this year was Geraldine Wilkinson with secretary Gill Walker and treasurer Kim Hodgkin. Geraldine, along with Veronica Stringer, also looked after the door with Fran Smith while Debbie Lockie handled the prompts.

Funds raised are to be split between the Aston Players’ budget and the charities, Rainbows Hospice and the Aston Playground Project.

– Steve Aynsley

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GETTING TOADS ACROSS THE ROADS

12 Village Voice February 2014

THE time for the annual toad migration will soon be here and Christian Murray-Leslie is asking for volunteers to help reduce the carnage on our roads.

He said: “Last year our efforts at the Foremarke toad crossing were very successful with 775 helped across safely and with only 34 recorded casualties, which was much better than the year before.

“Toads have the worrying habit of freezing when car headlights approach!

“The more volunteers we have the better we can manage the crossing and spread the individual load over the two-three week period of the migration.

If you would like some more information or would like to volunteer please get in touch with me on 01332 862921.”

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Iolanthe for operatic society

"IOLANTHE", or "The Peer and the Peri", opened at the Savoy Theatre on November 25, 1882, and ran for nearly 400 performances. Both Gilbert and Sullivan were at the height of their creative powers in 1882, and many people feel that Iolanthe, their seventh work together, is the most perfect of their many collaborations.

Melbourne Operatic Society will be presenting this delightful operetta at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton, from Wednesday-Saturday, March 12-15 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £11, £10 for concessions, and free for accompanied children 16 years and under.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Box Office on 01332 875350 or through the website www.melbourneoperaticsociety.com Minibus places (just £3) are available from Melbourne and Castle Donington on Wednesday and Thursday evenings by calling 07980 421453 or 01332 811077.

Pictured are members of the Operatic Society at a recent rehearsal at the Assembly Rooms.

OBITUARY

JOAN COLLYER 1923 – 2013 JOAN Collyer was born in Melbourne in Commerce Street where her grandparents (Tivey) owned a village shop. Her mother was one of nine children.

Most of her 12 cousins lived in the same street or very close by and all remained in the area all their lives and lived to an old age.

Joan moved to Derby and then to Shelton Lock for a few years. Frank, her husband, who was also born in Melbourne, worked in the employment ministry. They moved to Bramcote in Nottinghamshire in 1956 and then on to Buckinghamshire where Frank commuted into London (St James Square).

Joan and Frank moved back to Melbourne in 1989 to be with their extended families.

Joan was always gregarious, loved company and soon established regular meetings of the cousins for many years where she lived in Breach Lane, until Frank died in 2003.

The last 10 years she lived by herself but with lots of contact with her friends and remaining relatives and of course her two children, Rosemary, who lives in

Market Drayton, and Richard, who lives in Aberystwyth.

Playing bridge was Joan’s delight and she played with friends for many years in Melbourne. The company and contacts it gave her was excellent.

She was also a keen member of the Baptist Church and regularly attended service most Sundays.

Her very good friends would always make sure she had a lift there and back for which she was very grateful.

Joan was always devoted to her five grandchildren and one great grandchild and always welcomed them. She was the sort to be very interested in what they were doing and always asked lots of questions.

In the last few years she relied on lifts to take her to Melbourne events and was always grateful for the help she received.

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Village Voice February 2014 13

Sales & Service Administrator Sunfish is a specialist fire safety company based in Melbourne, Derbyshire. As well as installing and servicing fire detection and alarm systems, Sunfish also distribute fire products both within the UK and to global export markets. The Company is third party accredited and has an established client base including local government, housing associations and major commercial organisations.

Due to expansion, the Company is currently seeking to recruit a Sales and Service Administrator to work in our busy and fast moving sales office.

The role will have responsibilities including customer call handling, preparation of quotations, sales order processing, order shipping and scheduling of Service Engineer work loads.

MELBOURNE Swifts Table Tennis Club is now supporting two teams. The first team play in division two and the second team in division four.

The club was formed in January 2013 and the two teams started playing league table tennis at the start of the season in September 2013.

Tuesday is club night, 5.30 to 6:30pm juniors (£1 fee) with 16-plus, 6.30-9pm (£2 fee).

Newcomers are invited to go along and try their hand, equipment provided. Novice and experienced players are welcome.

For more info visit www.swiftstabletennis.co.uk Pictured are members sporting their club polo shirts at a recent club night (from l-r): Carl Barcock, Stuart Uprichard, Nigel Webster, Paul Fox, Sandra Hewitt, Carl Jackson, Mike Starkie and Rod Raffell.

Jobs landed at airport

EAST Midlands Airport’s dedicated employment and education facility for adults has seen over 110 potential recruits pass through its doors and placed over half in employment in just eight months of it being open.

The bespoke facility was officially opened in June 2013 by Andrew Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire.

EMA has partnered with Stephenson College and Job

Centre Plus to help unemployed people in the East Midlands region develop their workplace skills and give them the opportunity to apply for the vacancies on the airport site.

In the short time the academy has been open it has gone from strength to strength, with 113 people attending courses and 59 of these securing employment on the airport site.

The Academy’s week-long course offers two level 1 City and Guild qualifications in customer service and personal development, alongside some coaching on interview techniques .

At the end of the course, all candidates are offered the chance to apply for any of the vacancies currently available.

So far, positions have been filled at many of the large employers on site.

Village Voice Postbag

I AM sure that there are many in Melbourne who will want to join me in wishing all those in The Welcome Cafe a belated Happy New Year.

Sitting at a table in the cafe recently, and enjoying my breakfast, I began to reflect on how important Sid's establishment is to many of us in the town.

Jo, Alex and the staff feed many of us at very reasonable prices. At lunch there are hot attractive meals which are important for many in Melbourne who perhaps find it difficult to cook for themselves or who enjoy meeting friends. There are home-made cakes and bread for sale and Alex can be seen delivering lunchtime meals to our more senior citizens.

The cricket club and many other organisations

Surgery with

HEATHER WHEELER MP Saturday 28th February Melbourne Assembly Rooms 3pm - 5pm Phone for appointment on

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Whilst training will be given, the individual must be able to work under pressure and display a 'can do' attitude. They will also possess a confident and pleasant telephone manner, proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office, and English and Mathematics qualifications to a minimum of GCSE standard.

The role is full time and permanent and offers the opportunity to develop a career within the fire industry.

To apply, please email a current CV with a covering letter to... careers@sunfishservices.com or by post to... the Managing Director, Sunfish Services Limited, Unit 9 Station Yard, Station Road, Melbourne, Derbyshire DE73 8HJ Sunfish Services Limited is an equal opportunities employer.

benefit from the fund-raising done in the cafe and many of us are pleased to use the premises as an ad hoc meeting place.

Jo, Alex and the staff are unfailingly cheerful and interested in their customers and in the life of the community .

I know that I am not alone in the regard I have for The Welcome Cafe. The name is appropriate and there are many of us who would like to pay some proper compliment to Sid, his family and staff.

In an age where slick national chains fill our High Streets with identical products The Welcome Cafe is a rare long lived and valued survivor, serving us in very many ways.

John Williams.

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14 Village Voice February 2014

ve noticed ne will have rn r u o b el M in ts en Resid rant has been estaura R e ee re r T y a B e th t a th hment during is rb fu e r re a g n in o g under ou that yo o tell y to d se a le p m a I d n ry a Ja January . rk is now complete the work

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Colin’s magic carpet ride ends

COLIN Wakefield is about as Breedon as they come – despite being the current chair of Melbourne Town Cricket Club.

Having moved to the parish at the age of three months he has remained there ever since, marrying wife Monica and raising two children, Chris and Zoe. He is now looking forward to a wellearned retirement.

Colin is better known as Breedon Carpet Care, a business he set up in 2000 and is in the process of handing over to his son. After training as a draughtsman and working in that field for over 30 years he saw the writing on the wall with the advent of computer-aided design and decided it was time to set up in business on his own. Purely by chance he saw an article in the paper about a lady in Wales who had set up a similar business and he decided to go for it. He did several months of training, purchased the necessary equipment and then advertised in the Village Voice.

The first job he did was at the Hardinge Arms pub and since then he has built up a huge client base.

Asked what his secret to success in business was, he said: “It is important to be clear about what service is being offered.” He prides himself in offering a thorough service at a reasonable price along with a cast iron guarantee.

But developing the business had meant some sacrifices to home life too – his phone was on constantly and he would work when the customer needed him to, including weekends and evenings.

Colin’s main interest outside of work is a lifelong love of cricket. He is the current chairman of Melbourne Town CC and has played for the club for over 40 years.

He recalls going to his first Test match at Trent Bridge in 1957 to see England play the West Indies, where Tom Graveney scored his highest Test score of 258 and, despite a commanding first innings lead, England managed to pull a draw from the jaws of victory! Plus ca change!

He also recalls the thriving Breedon club on “the Berry” – the corner of the A453 and Tonge Lane, which in those days was “one of the best run clubs in the country” and drew players of county standard into the team.

Whilst at school Colin played for Breedon on many occasions and he eventually joined Melbourne 1st team where he was captain for six

years and was still playing last season. He scored his only century in 1983 against Diseworth and has taken over 1,000 wickets for the club.

Colin was also a keen footballer, playing for Breedon for over 20 years.

Now looking forward to retirement, he is keen to improve his golf. Having enjoyed foreign holidays, both long and short haul, he has recently become a convert to the pleasures of cruising.

His recollections of life in Breedon through the early 1950s include visiting the two village shops.

In the old post office, run by Stan Shawcroft, you could buy anything from a stamp to a washing machine. He has fond memories, too, of sliding down Breedon Hill on the grass on cardboard or a sledge in snow. “We made our own entertainment then,” he added ruefully.

At nearly 66 he and wife Monica want to make up for those years of sacrifice and hard work and enjoy a well-earned retirement. He promises to leave Chris to run the business his way . . . honest!

– Frank Hughes

Choir’s concert season

MELBOURNE Male Voice Choir enjoyed a very successful 2013 under its new musical director, Dave Sewell.

Numbers have grown and Dave is looking forward to welcoming the next new member who will take the choir's strength up to 30.

Dave said: "We have started learning new pieces for this year’s concert programme so anyone thinking of joining or returning to the choir, now would be a good time.”

The concert programme includes performances at a number of prestigious venues and will see the choir travelling to neighbouring counties during the concert season.

In May the choir will perform in The Saloon at Kedleston Hall

together with Ecclesbourne School choir. On Saturday, June 7, they will be in the Assembly Rooms, Melbourne, for the annual concert when Long Eaton Silver Prize Band will be their guests.

Also in June the choir will be helping Sudbury Hall celebrate the 40th birthday of the Museum of Childhood with Abbotsholme School Choir.

On Saturday, August 2, the choir will return to Melbourne Assembly Rooms, putting on an event to recognise the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. Also in August they will be performing in Southwell Minister and in September in De Montfort Hall, Leicester.

The venue for October will be

St. Edward's Church, Castle Donington. with guests Ockbrook School Choir prior to Ockbrook's tour of Italy.

Choir chairman Peter Dawn said: "We have an exciting year to look forward to and the increase in our membership has been the reward for the hard work everyone has been putting in.

“There really is a buzz when we meet on a Friday evening to practise at the Thomas Cook Hall. Anyone who would like to come along at 7.30pm will be made most welcome.”

Choir Secretary Seymour Bell can be contacted on 01283 703992 and will be pleased to answer questions and give more details to anyone interested in joining the choir.

RANTERS BACK IN ACTION

LOCAL Ceilidh band, the Derbyshire Ranters, with caller Jane Squire, are holding another popular barn dance at Calke Abbey Riding School.

The date is Saturday, March 22, and the event

starts at 7.30pm to 10.45. As an added incentive there's a real ale bar plus locally sourced burgers.

Tickets are £10 and available from 863501 or 863169.

The life and times of a mill

MELBOURNE Civic Society enjoyed an informative talk from Dr John Outram on January 27 about Cheddleton Flint Mill.

Situated on the River Churnet near Leek, it was recorded in 1253 as a flour mill. However, as the demand for white pottery, rather than the established red earthenware clay developed, it reinvented itself as a mill for grinding flint in the 18th century.

A plentiful supply of coal for the firing of kilns had led to the development of potteries around Stoke. With developing transport links of river, roads and canals it became practicable to import to the area, clay from Cornwall and flint from

Village Voice February 2014 15

Kent and Normandy. The speaker explained the technical details of the flint grinding process which continued until the start of World War ll.

After the war the mill ground glass and emery for abrasive products and closed in 1963.

It is now restored and two working water wheels can be seen in action along with conserved buildings and machinery.

The next Melbourne Civic Society meeting will be on Monday, February 24, at 7.30pm. at Melbourne Assembly Rooms. David Knight will explain Roman and Medieval discoveries at Barrow on Trent in a talk entitled The Trent Valley Through Time.

Burglars bow out empty-handed

A POLICE helicopter was mobilised to catch burglars red-handed after they were spotted raiding an archery club lock-up – but arrived after the raiders had fled.

The incident happened at the brickyard plantation in Astonon-Trent, which is the meeting place for the Centaura Field Bowmen Archery Club.

A passer-by spotted burglars breaking into the club’s lock-up at 11.30pm on January 9 and phoned the police.

Derbyshire Constabulary sent their police helicopter, along with police cars, to the scene – but by the time they arrived the raiders had run off.

If it is available, the police helicopter is sometimes used in instances where crimes are reported as they are happening, as it makes it more likely that officers can catch the perpetrators.

Archery club secretary Vanessa Earith said nothing had been stolen in the incident.

Centaura Field Bowmen is one of several local archery clubs. It has been going for around 30 years, has 24 members ranging in age from seven to 73 and meets twice a week for target practice.

This involves shooting specially made artificial targets including bears, deer, squirrels and even a rhinoceros.

Vanessa, who shoots with an American flat bow and goes to the club with her son – who uses a traditional English longbow – said: “I love it. It’s addictive! It’s a stroll in the woods but holding a bow and arrow.

“Everyone thinks you just pick a bow up and shoot a few arrows but it’s very technical.

“And, actually, it’s an English tradition to shoot a long bow.

It’s historical and it’s so nice to go out into the fresh air.”

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l Aston archery group members (l-r): Brian Beardsley, Mark Hithersay and Josh Earith.

In last month’s Village Voice we reported how nature-lovers from Aston-on-Trent were helping to turn the brickyard plantation into a properly managed and conserved area of woodland.

The archery club meets in part of the brickyard and its members are also doing their bit to help preserve the woodland, by helping bring back native species and creating special habitats to encourage rare species of butterfly to make the area their home.

Anyone interested in finding more about the archery club can do so by calling Vanessa on (01332) 691031.

– Lucy Stephens

Historical dates

VISITORS to Ticknall are most welcome to attend the meetings of the Ticknall Preservation & Historical Society held on the last Friday of each month at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, Ingleby Lane.

The society’s programme of events through to the AGM is:

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MELBOURNE WEDNESDAY GROUP MELBOURNE COMMUNITY CARE (ESTABLISHED 1979)

SHOPPING TRIPS/SOCIAL OUTINGS

PROGRAMME JANUARY TO JUNE 2014

MINIBUS TIMETABLE – FEBRUARY - MARCH 2014

February 19th 26th

Local History Contemporary jewellery

Richard Heath Donald Hawthorne

March

5th 12th 19th 26th

City boy on a farm Keep Fit Fire of London Healthwatch

Mike Whysall Marion Robinson Paul Newsham ‘Jazz’, Community Involvement

April

2nd 9th 16th 23rd 30th

Early Calke Keep Fit “Something” Bowen Therapy Fingerprints

Colin Stewart Marion Robinson Peter Clough Isobel Gifford Paul Newsham

May

7th 14th 21st 28th

Fire Safety Slums, hardship & Hosiery Keep Fit “Excuse me Madam but …

Simone White Mike Whysall Marion Robinson Richard Papworth

4th 11th 18th 25th

Zulu War Life in a pharmacy Keep Fit Music with Heather

John Williams Sally Coffey Marion Robinson Heather Hawthorne

June

February 28, “History of the Cromford Canal”.

March 28, “Sewerage, Sanitation and Public Health with Tony Hurrell.

April 23 (Wednesday), “Catherine Booth – Mother of the Salvation Army” with Danny Wells.

May 30, “Meet the Pagets” with Richard Stone.

June 27, “Walk around Repton using Photographs” with Keith Blood.

September 26, AGM (brief) “Strategic Deception” with Hugh Davies.

Tea, coffee, biscuits and a chat 9.30 – 10.30 Speaker on various subjects 10.30 – 11.30

Entrance costs £1, visitors £2 (including refreshments); annual membership is £4 (singles) and £6 (couples). For enquiries call 01332 862116 or e-mail hillcoleorton@yahoo.co.uk

President: Betty Bateman – 01332 863689 Secretary: Pam Bailey – 01332 695198

Melbourne Wednesday Group meets at Melbourne Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne DE73 8GF on Wednesday mornings 09.30 am – 11.30 am - All are welcome -

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 • 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.

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16 Village Voice February 2014

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Melbourne win by single point

18 Village Voice February 2014

AFTER the postponement of the Stamford game (waterlogged pitch) at the beginning of January, Melbourne travelled to bottom club Melton Mowbray having had no fixture for a month.

The game was played on a crisp day with a strong wind and Melbourne faced it in the first half. The physical Melton Mowbray pack probably edged the first half. Melbourne fell foul of the referee, who seemed to give no time for them to compete for the ball, and the penalty count was against them.

The Melbourne defence held well but, facing a strong wind, rarely got into the Melton Mowbray half. Eventually Melton scored a try after a strong run from the centre. This was converted to make it 7-0. With the last play of the half, Rob Hollingsworth stole a ball and quick hands from Will Judge and Euan Holden saw Stringer finish powerfully for 7-5 at half-time.

On a rare Melton Mowbray foray into the Melbourne half, another missed tackle saw Melbourne concede a try to go 14-5 down.

Melbourne continued to push and were rewarded with a fine finish from Tommy Howard. Holden converted for 14-12. Holden then kicked a penalty to take the lead for the first time. Melton Mowbray missed two late kicks to win the game and Melbourne scraped through 15-14.

With another game postponed, Mel-

bourne faced a trip to Oakham. With three changes in the pack, it was a tough ask, and Melbourne never really got the rub of the green, losing 19-5.

Rob Foster scored an opportunistic try, stealing if off the forwards after a strong scrimmage.

The second XV continue their strong season. They played a double header against Notts Casuals 3rds (boosted by the postponement of the 1st XV game) coming away with a bonus point 28-16 win. Tries came from U18 debutante Elliot Riley, Kurtis, Line and Sam Cole with all four converted by Chris Fulton.

Next up saw the top of the table clash against Castle Donington. With the pitches under water the match was played away and a thunderstorm saw the action suspended for 10 minutes in the first half with Melbourne leading 70 after a try from Devon Iliffe converted

by Fulton.

When the match restarted, conditions were poor. A little ‘’bust-up’’ in the first half saw Devon yellow carded and he harshly received a second yellow card later for trying to split up another bust-up. Castle Donington took advantage of the extra man and scored two late tries to win 14-7.

With no let-up in the rain, Melbourne RFC is desperately trying to secure the use of a pitch (but to no avail). Consideration is being given to forming a water polo team to take advantage of the conditions at Cockshut Lane.

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Premiership treat for the Minxes

MEMBERS of the Melbourne Minxes rugby teams were treated to some special treatment at a recent mid-week training session at Castle Donington College.

Worcester Ladies head coach Donna Kennedy and two players from the current Premiership champions, Karen Jones, ex-international player with 35 caps for England, and Jen Mills, who plays back row and at times hooker, turned up to offer a coaching session for the Minxes.

The Minxes were somewhat taken back by the arrival of the Premiership stars but soon found their stride taking in every word that Donna had to say. The benefit of having the Worcester players mixing with the Minxes during the warm-up set a high level of intensity which the Minxes continued right through the session.

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

The Melbourne girls took a lot from the session, afterwards saying how exciting and empowering it was. Minxes coach Nick Woodland said: "To be honest, it is a huge credit to Donna for connecting with grassroots rugby and offering up her time. With her players training on the same night, it was a lot to ask of her but she took the time out to do it.”

With just over 20 girls from the Melbourne U13 and U15 teams attending the session it shows just what the coaches are doing at Melbourne RFC to develop girls rugby.

The club would like to thank James Whitfield for speaking to Donna about what we are trying to achieve in Melbourne, and to Donna, Karen and Jen for making contact and taking the time to invest in grassroots rugby.

– Nick Woodland

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“Listening to Local People”

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.

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

Telephone: 01332 865510

Exciting times ahead for United

FOR the last 18 months or so Melbourne United has been conspicuous by its absence from the pages of the Village Voice.

The club has been in a re-building phase, which has seen a number of exciting developments, some notable achievements and the establishment of very solid foundations for the future.

During this period the club has forged close links with the Derbyshire FA and, on the back of the FA’s Grow the Game strategy, has been able to access grant funding for a number of initiatives.

One of the highlights of this new relationship is that the club has secured funding for a state of the art 3G artificial grass pitch at Cockshut Lane as part of the Melbourne Sporting Partnership.

This will provide the club with an enviable training facility and save the boys travelling all over South Derbyshire to find a venue. It will also act as a quality hub for the Soccer School.

A second initiative with the FA is being selected to be part of the FA Tesco Skills Programme, which means that the club will have a dedicated FA coach working with it exclusively for three months over summer to help develop the grass roots programme for junior boys and girls.

As well as these exciting off the field developments there have been some notable achievements from the players. Two boys from the club have signed junior forms with Derby County at under-10 and under11, and a number of boys in Development Centres with Derby, Forest and Leicester at ages ranging from under-seven to under-14.

This has raised the profile of the club and resulted in scouts from these clubs keeping an eye on MU players. The club has grown such that it now has 10 teams taking part in weekend matches in the Derby Junior and Derby City leagues, and each year it is looking to introduce at least one if not two teams at the entry under-seven level.

To achieve this there is a need to encourage boys to attend the Soccer School, which is aimed at the infant school age group experiencing their first years of football.

The club also needs parents who want to become managers of the teams. The Soccer School runs on a Saturday morning and, although currently in its winter break, will resume from Saturday, March 1.

The emphasis is on fun, and flyers will be available in the schools in February with specific details. If your child is above Year 2 please check the website www.melbourneunited.org.uk where you will find HIGH STREET, MELBOURNE MELBOURNE, DERBYSHIRE the contact details of the team manager.

Village Voice February 2014 19

Dynamo’s 13-goal smash and grab

n MELBOURNE Town Junior Cricket section has started the under-13s and under-11s hard ball practice sessions at Chellaston Academy. The sessions got off to a good start with 26 juniors turning up for the second session.

IN a rainy month of January Melbourne Dynamo still managed to play a few games with great success. The first team stayed unbeaten and still top the table.

The reserves moved up to fourth in the table, won through to the Derbyshire Junior Cup final in some style as well as getting to the MRA Junior Cup semi-finals to cap a superb month.

The first team went goal crazy in their first game of the year thrashing Sandiacre Town 13-0 with James Jennison, Micheal Tristram and Danny Guild helping themselves to hat-tricks along with a double from Dave Brough, a header from skipper Carl Allsop and an own goal completing the rout.

In their only other game to beat the

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weather, Melbourne showed tremendous resolve to come from 2-1 down with 10 minutes to go as a Danny Guild brace and a stunning free-kick from Ryan Gray kept their unbeaten run intact to win 3-2.

MELBOURNE DYNAMO RESERVES started their unbelievable month with a quite brilliant 6-2 home win in the Derbyshire Junior Cup semi-final against South Wingfield.

Doubles from Tom Colclough and Tom Donnachie plus strikes by Ryan Monk and Hack Stanley got the reserves to the final in some style.

A week later, Greg Salisbury's men entertained Pastures first team from the division above but this meant nothing as Melbourne came away with a brilliant 3-

1 win with Matt Brian, Jack Goodband and a stunning diving headed own goal by ex-Dynamo player Sam Taylor which takes the reserves to another semi-final.

They ended the month moving up to fourth in the league with a 4-1 home win against Woolley Moor Reserves with a double from Jack Goodband plus finishes

by Ryan Monk and Tom Colclough.

TICKNALL RANGERS had just the one game that beat the weather in January but they kept up their unbeaten run with an entertaining 4-4 home draw against Edgehill Reserves.

A penalty from Matt Archer, strikes by Charlie Ault and Alex Slater plus a last minute header from Matt Brian securing the point.

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Ice-cool Simon races to victory

20 Village Voice February 2014

Run to celebrate 25 years

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THE 25th anniversary Weston Run will be held on Sunday, March 9.

The event starts and finishes at the Ukrainian Centre in Weston-on-Trent, and spectators will be able to watch the runners complete a circuit of the field both at the start and the finish.

The races will start promptly at 11am.

There are two events – a fivemile road race and a two-mile fun run – details of which together with entry forms are available on www.107derbyscouts.org.uk. It is also possible to enter by post or on the day.

This event will generate funds towards the running costs of the 107th Derby Scout Group, who organise the event.

l Simon in action negotiating the icy conditions.

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LOCAL photographer Simon Parkinson shot to kart racing success when he competed in the ‘Rotax Max’ Winter Championships at the Stretton circuit near Leicester.

Simon’s kart, fitted with a new engine over the Christmas period, was ‘run in’ during a test session on the Wednesday prior to race day.

An extremely cold morning with sub-zero temperatures on race day meant the track was treacherous, with marshalls having to use a space heater in an attempt to melt the ice on the start/finish straight.

Qualifying went well despite still being on the final ‘running in’ process for the engine. The difficult conditions had played into Simon’s hands and he managed to post the fourth fastest time.

His ‘intermediate’ tyre choice was the only option available for the slippery track surface and Simon finished third in his first heat and fifth in his second.

With a third place finish in his last heat, Simon lined up for the final, in third position on the grid.

“We decided to go for a full wet tyre set-up for the final which was probably the better way to go as the ice had now melted … but it still wasn’t perfect.”

Luck was on Simon’s side as his final was delayed by half an hour, resulting in the track surface becoming even wetter as the late afternoon mist descended and the track temperature dropped by a couple more degrees, matching the conditions to his tyre choice.

After a good start and by midway through the first lap Simon was already battling for the lead.

“I noticed the pole position driver hadn’t worked his tyres quite as much as I had on the warm-up lap so I knew my best chance would be in the early stages of the race,” he told Village Voice.

Going into the hairpin for the first time the leader ran wide on slightly colder tyres, leaving a tiny gap, and Simon slipped through to take the lead.

The second place kart kept him honest all the way through the race, but as they crossed the finish line Simon took the chequered flag – and his first ever final win – by less than a second.

With the points counting from all the heats and the final, Simon finished a very creditable second overall and his best result at his home circuit.

Electric formula for Donington success

THERE has been an exciting development at Donington Park – with the announcement that it has been selected as the global HQ for Formula E, the FIA's new global electric racing series.

Construction work on the 44,000square foot bespoke premises began in January and when complete will provide state-of-the-art facilities for each of the 10 Formula E teams, together with offices, stores and workshops for Formula E's own operational staff – totalling more than 150 people.

In addition, the Formula E teams – all of which have now been announced – will use the Donington Park circuit for their testing and development work on the fully-electric Spark-Renault SRT_01E race car.

Formula E is a new FIA Championship using electric singleseater race cars capable of speeds in excess of 225km/h.

Beginning this September in Beijing, the series will compete in the heart of 10 of the world's leading cities including London, Miami and Rio de Janeiro. Ten teams, each with two drivers, will go head-to-head to create a unique and exciting racing series designed to appeal to a new generation of motorsport fans whilst accelerating the electric vehicle market and promoting sustainability.

Film star Leonardo DiCaprio is getting into the electric car racing game.

He and Venturi Automobiles have co-founded a team that will compete in the Formula E Championship, so keep an eye out for him in the area.