Melbourne Village Voice January 2015 by Village Voice

PARKING ‘NEEDS SORTING OUT’

Village Voice No 266 January 2015

Melbourne & District

by LUCY STEPHENS

ONE of Melbourne’s best known property owners has urged community leaders to come up with a solution to the town’s growing car parking problem.

John Blunt, whose family own many properties in Melbourne, has written to The Village Voice after he and his wife tried to visit the local church fete one Saturday but were forced to “give up and head home” having not found anywhere to park. The letter went on to ask whether Melbourne’s new houses, coupled with increased car ownership, could “seriously affect the viability of our town” and posed the question as to whether charging for car parks – which are currently all free – might help ease the problem. When questioned by The Village Voice, many shopkeepers along the Derby Road agreed that parking was becoming a major bugbear, with the town’s central High Street car park generally full shortly after 9am. The car park is heavily used by the town’s workforce and also by residents living in flats who may not have a vehicle space adjoining their property. One shopkeeper said: “My husband brings me every day because I can’t find space to park. We get customers coming into the shop who say ‘I came on Monday but couldn’t find anywhere to park so I’ve had to come back again’.” Businesses along the Derby Road told of the problems of delivery drivers on a tight schedule who could not find the space to drop off goods.

NO ROOM ... town car park is full as usual.

They also reported regular angry stand-offs between drivers along the narrow Derby Road and vehicles forced to mount the pavement due to lack of space. Few, however, thought that charging for parking was a good idea, saying it could put off shoppers and would also impact on people who come into Melbourne to work. Some suggested adopting a three-hour time limit along Derby Road with exemptions put in place for residents. There was strong support for a new car park for Melbourne, or, failing that, better signage for those that already exist – such as the space around Melbourne Assembly Rooms. District councillors Jim Hewlett and John Harrison said in a joint statement: “We wonder if John tried looking behind The Assembly Rooms? There are often spaces there when the main car park is full. However, there is a parking problem in Melbourne, especially on Saturday mornings. There are a number of reasons for this: increased car ownership, the success of our shops and restaurants, and the growth of the village.

“The district council has a policy of no parking charges on land it owns across the whole district, as this encourages people to shop locally rather than in large out of town supermarkets, and it would be unfair on Melbourne shops and shoppers if we only charged here, encouraging them to go elsewhere. “We have been searching for land for a new car park in the village but have drawn a blank. “We were hoping to use the spare land behind the old garage next to the public toilets, but the county council’s highways team vetoed this because of road safety concerns. “Any proposal to introduce parking charges would need consideration by our parish council and our retailers, their staff and their customers. “We encourage further consultation and debate on the important and sensitive issue of our parking facilities.” Melbourne Parish Council chair Wendy Earp said: “The parish council is aware that at certain times and on certain days the parking spaces available in the main car park behind the Lamb Inn can be limited and, whilst this issue can be raised for discussion, there is no

easy solution to the problem. “There is currently no readily available land for increased parking provision and, even if there were, neither the parish council nor SDDC have the funds available to purchase it. “Introducing car park charges would also not be without cost and would only be effective if strictly policed and applied to all car parks, along with the imposition of restricted parking on all the streets around the centre of Melbourne to avoid diverting the problem elsewhere. The possible detrimental effect of car park charges on the local businesses which help to make Melbourne such a thriving community would also have to be considered.”

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Battle on the homes front

2 Village Voice January 2015

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HIGH STREET, MELBOURNE. A wonderful opportunity to rent this newly developed office space which has separate toilet facilities, kitchenette and storage. Approx. 350 sq. ft. There is available parking for up to 4 cars. GCH and private entrance. £550 PCM

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Prize winner

JAMES Hammond, of Tonge, was the winner of the 2014 Village Voice Christmas Crossword. With 25 winning entries, Mr Hammond’s entry was drawn from the hat. He is pictured with his cheque for £25. There were entries from Melbourne and many Derby suburbs, local villages and towns, illustrating a wide readership of the Village Voice beyond that of its recognised delivery area. The crossword solution: Across: 7 Lord, 8 Nativity, 10 Ali Baba, 11 Trent, 12 Three, 14 Panto, 16 Aston, 17 Claus, 19 Myrrh, 24 Ingle, 26 Aladdin, 27 Heath End, 28 Dame. Down: 1 Bleak, 2 Wraith, 3 Canal, 4 Gift, 5 Silent, 6 Systs, 9 Gateau, 13 ESS 14 Pom, 15 Anyway, 18 Log jam, 20 Radial, 21 Night, 22 Gains, 23 Angel 25 Echo.

THE battle to halt the building of 69 new homes on Jawbone Lane, King’s Newton, is hotting up. There is no doubt that many local residents are seriously unhappy, and there have been an unprecedentedly large number of local objections sent by individuals concerned about the consequences of the developments, in terms of a loss of the rural aspects, and the serious destruction of the King’s Newton official Conservation Area. Helen Saunders, who publishes a website on behalf of the Melbourne and King’s Newton Residents Association, has circulated messages and advice to keep members informed. As the Village Voice went to press there had been in excess of 1,200 hits on the website page. There are two developments currently extant-one on Blackwell Lane, and a more recent development for 69 houses on Jawbone Lane, and Mrs Saunders warns of a second imminent planning application for a further 120 houses further up Jawbone Lane, "which will turn Jawbone Lane from a quiet, attractive rural road, surrounded by open countryside into a busy suburban route". The concern and anger of local residents is quite clear. The latest poster sent by a pressure group formed after a meeting to discuss the issues in September, sums up the worries of many residents. "Say No to 69 houses, Build on Brownfield sites" is the theme.

VILLAGE VOICE PHOTOS

Melbourne Civic Society has fired off strong objections to the Jawbone Lane plan dealt with in a lengthy submission. Jawbone Lane as an access point for 69 houses is described as causing an "unsustainable impact on highway safety and amenity". The planned layout, called "substandard", for the 69 houses is described as "evidence of a developer wishing to maximise the number of dwellings at the expense of adequate amenity space, contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework". According to district council guidelines the land under the application should be limited to 49 houses. The Civic Society also alleges that the developments now on the table, as well others apparently in the pipeline, would make the Local Neighbourhood Plan, now in preparation, unnecessary and pointless. Melbourne Parish Council will submit its judgement of the application by January 15. The local district councillors, John Harrison and Jim Hewlett, are both on record as objecting to the Jawbone Lane development. Both the Jawbone Lane plan and another for Blackwell Lane will be subject, within a month, to a detailed and public assessment of the district council planning officials, which will be the basis of final decisions made by elected councillors. In normal circumstances, a final decision on both these applications will be made by the end of March. – David Bellis

Village Voice photos are now available to purchase online at www.melbournevillagevoice.co.uk Alternatively pick up a form from Melbourne News, fill in and return to Melbourne News with your payment and the photos will be posted to you. Village voice is a truly local independent newspaper dedicated to help keep local people informed and local traders in business. Every month 5900 copies are delivered free to all ares listed below. Village Voice can be read online at www.melbournevillagevoice.co.uk MELBOURNE KINGS NEWTON TICKNALL INGLEBY FOREMARK MILTON LOUNT STANTON-BY-BRIDGE SWARKESTONE WILSON STAUNTON HAROLD TONGE

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n ONCE again, through Melbourne Community Care, Lord and Lady Ralph Kerr held their annual Christmas afternoon tea and carols, including mulled wine if desired! Victoria Hancock, Community Care Manager, expressed thanks and appreciation to Lord and Lady Ralph for their very warm and friendly hospitality, and to Lord Ralph for his piano accompaniment during the carol singing. A basket of spring bulbs was presented to Lady Ralph. Pictured are a small group joining in the singing (l-r) Bob Graham, Beryl Chapman, Maureen Birkinshaw and Ann Saunders.

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DOUBLE MBE AWARDS

CHARITY QUIZ DATES

Village Voice January 2015 3

Charity worker and climber honoured

Maria’s outstanding service receives its reward

MARIA Hanson, founder of the Maria Hanson Foundation and Me & Dee, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. Recognising Maria’s dedication to her charitable endeavours despite great personal adversity, the MBE has been awarded for outstanding service to the community and for local ‘hands-on’ service which stands out as an example to other people. Maria, of Ticknall, says she is humbled to have been awarded the MBE. “This honour has come as a huge shock. People like me aren’t the sort of people I expect to get this type of award, I’m just an ordinary person! “In the eight years since I first set up Me & Dee, we’ve raised over a quarter of a million pounds and helped 1,300 families to make precious memories with their loved ones and, because of my disabilities, most

of my work has taken place from home. “I am hugely grateful to all of our supporters that have enabled us to help so many families already – from an office for our volunteers to our comfort packs, every donation is very gratefully received and put to exceptionally good use, helping those who need it most. “In 2015, the Maria Hanson Foundation is entering a new era and we hope to be able to help even more people with life limiting illness enjoy their precious time with their families and I hope that the public and businesses will get behind us and donate what they can to our cause.” To find out how you can donate or get involved, check out the Donate or Sponsor section on the website: www.mariahansonfoundation.org.uk/ – Clare Bampton

New peak for mountaineer Robert

ROBERT (Bob) Pettigrew, a resident of Stanton by Bridge, was awarded the MBE in the New Year’s Honours List. The citation on his award is ‘For Services to Mountaineering’. Robert sees mountaineering as a risk sport and also in the broader scheme of things, a minority sport. However, he has been passionate about the mountains since childhood. Reading Rudyard Kipling’s Kim fired his enthusiasm and he was hillwalking in the Peak District on his own at 11. Born in Nottingham into a family with strong Scottish ancestry, he went on to read Sports Science at Loughborough University. With conscription, Robert found himself in the RAF Mountain Rescue and, within a short time of being posted to Buxton, he located the crashed Meteor Aircraft in the High Peak. Later, when serving as a reservist, he became part of the Sherwood Foresters and with them took part in a number of expeditions. Robert led the Derbyshire expedition to the Himalayas in 1961 which was sponsored by the Duke of Devonshire. Robert was very grateful for the opportunities that his various employers had given him to pursue his mountaineering pastime and also to take on a number of voluntary posts such as the presidency of the British Mountaineering Club, the chair of Minor Sports on the Central Council for Physical Recreation and the CCPR representative on many worldwide committees. He has also held positions of importance in various established outdoor organisations including the British Alpine Club.

l Bob Pettigrew pictured in 2013 sitting before the Chandra Kahnni Pass at 11,617 feet in the Himilayas. Robert has also climbed most of the peaks in the background.

In addition to the many first ascents he has been credited with, Robert continues with his trekking at the age of 84. His tip to keeping fit for his trips is hill walking in Derbyshire. He has only recently returned from a trip to the Himalayas where he not only treks but also leads and organises them for other enthusiastic trekkers. Robert said: “Higher Mountaineering is a big team effort. I’m both proud and delighted to be chosen to receive it. “The recognition of my peers to support my nomination is also an honour. “The participation in this sport and the contribution I have been able to make in the administration of it has given me immense pleasure and to be rewarded with an honour for doing what I love is a joy.” – TM

THE annual Melbourne charity quiz started on January 9 with a first round match. Following matches for the first round will take place on February 6, 13 and 20. Second round matches are on February 27 and March 6 with quarter-finals on March 13 and semis/finals night on March 20.

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Country Living with Robert Parker

ANOTHER year arrives but, before we proceed, let’s look back. Weather records for 2014 have just been revealed and it proved to be the warmest and one of the wettest of the last 50 years. I think in our area we can certainly relate to the high temperatures but not the high rainfall. Unusually the south got more rain last year, witness the devastation on the Somerset Levels, and it’s easy to see where the records come from. From a farming point of view, as I have said before, I would settle for 2014’s weather every year but, of course, we all know that’s not going to happen. n The beginning of 2015 sees further bad news for the milk producers with more substantial price cuts. The largest buyer has recently announced a two pence a litre cut from the first of January, which adds to the five pence total drop since around July last year.

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For the average dairy farmer this equates to around £70,000 a year off the bottom line – for some it would be a good deal more. This is very serious stuff and can’t go on for much longer no matter what the reason. Visiting our new local convenience store today there was no sign whatsoever of price reductions for dairy products. I don’t need to say anymore! n The depths of winter can at times seem a depressing place to be, and I very often hear people say they hate it. The only time I feel like this in winter is when it’s raining continuously and working out of doors is a trial. Cold, frosty but sunny days are a very different kettle of fish and almost as good for working in as hot sunny sultry weather in summer. Hot humid days are not good to work in but the need to get warm in winter is the incentive to be out of doors. Nevertheless, roll on spring.

n EACH year Puddle Ducks Pre-school on Packhorse Road, Melbourne, supports various worthy charities. This time Marie Curie cancer care benefited with the toddlers taking part in Mini Pots of Care. Each child decorated a pot wrapper, planted a special daffodil bulb into magic soil and took the bulbs home to care for them. At present, Puddle Ducks have raised £143.63. Staff would like to thank everybody that has donated to this worthy fundraiser. Puddle Ducks managers Angela Beardoe and Mandy Rotherham are pictured with a group of children during their Mini Pots of Care activity.

Grants up for grabs

SOUTH Derbyshire District Council’s Community Partnership Scheme is to be re-launched with the intention of providing capital grants to community groups, sports and voluntary organisations, church groups and parish councils. The scheme will offer grants between £1,000 and £25,000, aiming to support a wide variety of projects that benefit communities within South Derbyshire. If you, or a group that you know of, are looking to develop a project in South Derbyshire for the benefit of the local community and you need capital funding contact Ian Hey, Community Partnership Officer, 01283 228741, ian.hey@south-derbys.gov.uk

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Video record of proceedings

IT WAS quite a surreal start to 2015 for the parish council when a member of the public set up his video camera and tripod to record the first meeting of the year. Matt Williams, of Willington – an independent videomaker – was taking advantage of the changes in the law, introduced in 2014, that enable members of the public to video or make sound recordings of council meetings. Councillors questioned Mr Williams as to his reasons for filming and questioned if the material was to be used on YouTube or other social media. Mr Williams said he wished to video the meeting for his own use and that it was not his intention to download to YouTube, but if that plan was to change, he would notify the council. The council accepted his explanation. Barry Thomas, on behalf of Melbourne Footpaths Group, told the meeting that the organisation had now been in existence for three years and, when first formed, 40 problems with local footpaths had been identified. With support from members and the Derbyshire County Council footpaths officer those problems have been reduced to just two. Mr Thomas went on to ask why the public had only been given a short length of time to respond to a planning application for developments on Jaw-

TOM MILLS reports from the January meeting of Melbourne Parish Council

bone Lane. District Cllr Jim Hewlett advised that he had spoken to the South Derbyshire District Council planning officer that day and had confirmed that the authority would accept submissions from the public until the day before the planning meeting in mail or email format which, in this instance, will be January15. Mr Thomas closed with a request for an update on the relocation of the new BT cabinet. District Cllr John Harrison advised that he was finding it difficult to make contact with an appropriate person at BT to carry the discussion forward, adding that he would not be giving up. County Cllr Linda Chilton reported that she had toured her ward during the recent holiday period and found that the road surface in The Crescent, Melbourne, was in a very poor state of repair. However, more interestingly, The Crescent does not feature on the DCC street map. Cllr Chilton is now addressing this.

The public toilets continue to feature as an agenda item. The latest position as reported is that SDDC has accepted the parish council’s offer to purchase the toilets and awaits contact from the parish council’s solicitors. However, the conditions of sale and the implications of ongoing cost to the parish council have given the parish council cause for concern. A further meeting will be arranged to review the district council’s proposals to see if they can be accepted and to make decisions on whether to proceed with the purchase. The outcome of the meeting will impact on council finances, which in turn will also affect budget planning and the parish precept. The council is required to submit its budget by March. Planning applications were reviewed and approved with the exception of one for Land at Jawbone Lane, King’s Newton. It was agreed to object to this application.

Village Voice January 2015 5

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n A ROCK for Charity night in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and the British Heart Foundation was organised by Nick Bryant and Juliane Tompkins at Melbourne RBL Club in acknowledgement of family members. Local businesses were very generous in providing raffle prizes and many of those attending gave generously even when the raffle tickets had run out. The event raised £1,065 and donations of cheques for £532.50p were made to each charity. Pictured (l-r) are: Evie Carter (Macmillan rep), Nick Bryant (joint organiser), Les Baynton (BHF) and Juliane Tompkins (joint organiser).

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THE Big Garden Birdwatch is back and will take place over the weekend of January 24/25. Each year in January, thousands of people join in the BGB and count the birds in their gardens for just one hour. If you would like to join in you can register with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) before the weekend and you’ll receive a free information pack and an exclusive £5 RSPB shop discount. To request your information pack contact www.RSPB.org.uk/Birdwatch

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£45,000 boost for Aston recreation and sport

6 Village Voice January 2015

RECREATION and sport in Aston have started 2015 in good style with the announcement that Biffa Award has granted Recreation in Aston £45,000 to expand the recreation centre. The award was facilitated by Derbyshire Environmental Trust. Recreation in Aston (RIA) organises many leisure events with a view not only to provide enjoyment for the residents, but also to raise money for the centre project. The money raised plus the Biffa Award, third party funding from South Derbyshire District

Council and Aston on Trent Parish Council, will provide a new activity room, new toilets, new changing room, officials’ changing room etc. The extended and upgraded facilities will enable more sporting and community use by all ages. The chairman of Recreation in Aston, Barbara James, expressed her gratitude to Biffa Award and Derbyshire Environmental Trust. In addition her thanks went to the local councils and also to the residents of Aston on Trent for their magnificent support over a number of years.

n THE curtain was raised on the King’s Newton Social Group production of Cinderella over two nights at the Assembly Rooms in Melbourne. The pantomime was written by Bryan Grice, and his wife, Clare, produced all the pantomime costumes. The social group together with friends made up the cast and everyone not on stage worked hard using their expertise to make it a success.

The group played to a full house both evenings and it provided great entertainment and plenty of laughs for young and old alike. Many businesses in Melbourne sponsored the production and Andy Heafield at MARs was most helpful. The proceeds will be shared between the Maria Henson Foundation ‘Me and Dee’ and Melbourne Community Care.

Probus Poppy cash

MELBOURNE Probus Club held its annual Christmas party at the Melbourne RBL Club, during which president Terry Harrison presented a cheque for £1,175 to Alan Boardman for the RBL Poppy Appeal. The money was raised at the club’s WW1 commemoration dinner in November, and Mr Harrison wished to acknowledge the contribution made by Rex Howell in making this possible. Pictured (l-r) are: Richard Heath (Melbourne RBL branch president), Alan Boardman and Terry Harrison.

THE wedding of Robert Blanshard and Susan Warner, both from Milton, took place at St Wystan's Church, Repton. The couple met several years ago through Melbourne’s A Choir'd Taste. It was a candlelight ceremony, and while the couple signed the register, members of the choir sang two special pieces which were especially memorable to the couple, accompanied by Richard Allen at the piano, and directed by Paul Marshall. They are pictured outside the church after the ceremony. The wedding breakfast was held at The Bay Tree Restaurant in Melbourne, and the couple are going on honeymoon to Jamaica.

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Kate aids polio battle in India

MELBOURNE Rotarian Kate Dumelow has been invited to go to India in February as the local representative for the Rotary Oral Polio Immunisation in India project. In 1985 Rotary made a pledge to the world that it would eradicate polio worldwide. This goal has almost been achieved with a relentless and persistent immunisation scheme of all children under five years of age. The project has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. The area that Kate will be going to is in Attar Pradash and the town is called Budaun, which is about six hours by road from Delhi. It is a remote region and perhaps one that needs continual monitoring. Although it’s about 30 years ago since there was a case of polio in England, it is not so worldwide. There are still three small pockets of polio that are not declared clear. The days spent on the vaccination programme are known as Purple Pinky Days because when a child has been vaccinated their little finger is

dipped in purple dye so it is known who has been done. Kate is very proud to have been asked to represent the district as one of 40 Rotarians who will travel from England to do this work together with Rotarians from all over the world. They will converge on India and get all the under fives vaccinated. Apparently there are very few women that actually go and administer the vaccine. Kate will be taking as many small gifts as possible to give to the children after they have been vaccinated and has asked that if anyone or any organisations wish to donate anything for her to take please ring her on 862666. Although the trip is organised by Rotary, each individual is responsible for their own costs for the trip. Kate is prepared to offer a short talk before she departs and later when she returns home in order that any donations would contribute towards the £1,300 cost. Kate is not taking a holiday in India and will return home when the vaccination project is complete.

Village Voice January 2015 7

VALENTINE’S DAY 13 & 14 FEBRUARY Three courses and a glass of prosecco £60pp

Starters Isle of Skye scallops, cauliflower textures, poached rhubarb and Italian prosciutto Maple glazed pigs cheek, celeriac puree, apples and crispy pancetta Jerusalem artichoke velouté, artichoke crisps and truffle oil Spinach and Mascarpone ravioli, purple sprouting broccoli, pecorino sauce and grated pistachio

Mains Venison Wellington for two, mushroom duxelle, tarragon pancake, seasonal vegetables and port sauce Baked turbot, salsify, braised baby gems, kale crumbs and pink grapefruit foam

Events coming up

l Members of A Choir'd Taste during an open air concert at Chatsworth.

MELBOURNE Photographic Society will be hosting ‘An evening with Charles Hanson’ at Melbourne Assembly Rooms on Friday, February 27. Local auctioneer and television personality Charles (pictured) will talk about his career as an auctioneer and follow this with a valuation of items provided by members of the audience. Doors open at 6.30pm and the talk starts at 7.30pm; a licensed bar is available and there will an exhibition of prints by members of MPS.

n A CONCERT at Melbourne Assembly Rooms featured a guest appearance of Sam Bailey, winner of Britain’s Got Talent. It was a very full house for the concert with an audience age ranging from six to 96. Another huge draw must also have been to see Melbourne favourites Meet the Flanagans, formerly known as The Boys Next Door. The Flanagans donated a guitar as a raffle prize which was won by Anna Holling, of Melbourne, who is pictured with Sam Bailey and her prize.

n THE next Melbourne Festival comedy night will take place on Friday, January 23, at the Melbourne RBL Club. Headlining is Paul Sinha, who many will know from TV appearances on The Chase and his Radio 4 show History Revision. Also on the bill is Scott Bennett, who compered a show previously, with Mat Ewins and compere Matt Green completing the line-up. n TICKNALL Garden Club’s next two talks in Ticknall Village Hall (7.30pm) are on January 13, when Jeff Bates will give a talk and demonstration on propagation, and February 10, Mark Smith from Swarkestone Nursery will present Confessions of a Plant Manager. Admission is free for members and £3 for visitors. n THE next meeting of Melbourne Civic Society will be on January 26 at 7.30pm in Melbourne Assembly Rooms when Richard Stone will talk about the history of mapmaking.

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Jogging mums to run a disco for charity

8 Village Voice January 2015

WHO loves to boogie? Two Melbourne mums are putting on a charity disco as part of a big fundraising effort for an organisation which provided invaluable support for one of their children. Suzanne Adams and Ellen Robertson, from Windsor Avenue, are holding the disco at Derby Roadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Royal British Legion on Saturday, February 7. The charity event is all part of their goal to raise ÂŁ3,000 for the Downâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heart Group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a small charity which helped Suzanneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family when their son Jamie was young. Jamie, now at Melbourne Junior School, was born with Downâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Syndrome and heart defects and had already had two major heart operations by the time he was four months old. Suzanne and Ellen, both members of Melbourne Joggers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; where Suzanne is a jog leader â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are busy training for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s London Marathon as part of their fund-raising mission. As well as the disco, they will be holding a family fun day the following month, which will include a bouncy castle, kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; craft activities, coffee and cake. Disco tickets are on sale for ÂŁ5 and are available either from the British Legion, from Suzanne (07999570517) or Ellen (07762127721). The fun day is happening at Wesley

l Ellen Robertson (left) and Suzanne Adams are pictured after completing the Edinburgh marathon.

Hall on Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Potter Street from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, March 14. Suzanne and Ellen said they would like to thank all the local businesses which have sponsored them or donated a raffle prize, in particular: Des Gosling Mobility; Sunfish Fire Detection and Protection; Tip Top Hair Design at Staunton Harold; Melbourne Print Shop; Breedon Priory Gym and Scallywags Day Nursery. They also thanked family and friends for their support. You can also donate by visiting their fund-raising pages: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SuzanneAdams2 or http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EllenRobertson73 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lucy Stephens

Second award for builders

ALAN Staley Building Contractors Ltd (ASBC), of Melbourne, has won the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Master Builder of the Year Regional Award for the second consecutive time. These national awards are held every three years and ASBC won the large renovation award in 2012 for the re-roofing of Melbourne Hall. Official notification has been issued confirming that ASBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renovation works at St Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House in Melbourne have earned the firm the 2015 award for Commercial Project of the Year.

l SANTA, together with Alan Tivey, officially opened the new Scallywags Nursery at Chellaston on the occasion of its first Christmas party.

Alan Staley and his clients will be off to London next month for the FMB Awards ceremony that will be presented by Channel 4â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charlie Luxton at Westminster Park Plaza. Director Alan Staley said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are especially pleased St Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House has received recognition by the FMB as the project was widely supported and mainly funded by community donation. Congratulations to Revâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d Mark Powell, the Melbourne Parochial Church Council and everyone involved who supported and contributed towards this unique project.â&#x20AC;?

Commenting on the award Mark Powell said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was delighted to hear that Alan Staley has won the Yorkshire and Trent Region stage of MBoY. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The building has met all the goals we set and more, and we are so grateful to Alan and his team for his skill and wisdom. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The comments we hear most frequently from people who visit St Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never seen a church hall anything like thisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and expressions of admiration for the quality of the materials used and the overall look and feel of the building.

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Valerie’s a real life-saver

AN eye-specialist from Barrow-upon-Trent saved a woman’s life after diagnosing her with a brain tumour during a routine sight test. Optometrist Valerie Cameron spotted the tumour when 31year-old mum Emily Robinson came in to have her eyes checked at Scrivens Opticians in Swadlincote. Emily had been suffering from migraine-style headaches for months, but doctors had put it down to stress. The problem was so bad she even went to A&E, but staff there couldn’t see anything wrong. At her wits’ end the next day, Emily visited her opticians to check if her eyesight might exl Scrivens’ optometrist Valerie Cameron at the rear with plain the headaches. Valerie commented: “I said to Emily Robinson, son Carter andbaby Leo. her: ‘when are you getting your tests. headaches?’ She was waking up with them in the “It’s amazing when you think about it; my son morning – that triggers alarm bells, it means the kept his mummy and he now has a baby brother pressure is building up in the head. too. Happy days!” “I looked in her eyes and could see that her Valerie – who gets a thank-you hug from Emily optic nerve was swollen because the pressure in every time she sees her – said this was the second her brain was pushing on it. brain tumour she had spotted during a career of “She thought she was going out of her mind – nearly 40 years. she didn’t know who else to turn to.” She added that eye tests can uncover many Valerie told Emily she thought there was somehealth problems and it was also not the first time thing seriously wrong and sent her straight to A&E, phoning ahead to make sure doctors there she had saved someone’s life. Another patient was sent by Valerie to A&E after she spotted from his were expecting her. eyes that he had dangerously high blood presThe following day, doctors removed a pre-cansure. Doctors later said he would have died had cerous – but life-threatening – brain tumour. she not acted in time. Now Emily has a second son and has shared Valerie said: “The eyes are the only place in the her story so others can be aware of the imporbody where you can actually see your blood vestance of regular sight tests. sels working – they lie on top of your retina; it’s She said: “It was a very dark time as I was a an extension of your brain really. You can get a lot single parent with a one-year-old son, Carter. I of clues, about diabetes, about high blood presowe my life to many people who have helped me sure.” along the way, but it all started with a ‘simple’ eye For more information about the importance of test, performed by a caring, knowing individual. eye tests, see http://www.visionmatters.org.uk/ I cannot thank Valerie enough and my family and – Lucy Stephens I make sure we continue to have regular eye

Village Voice January 2015 9

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n MELBOURNE RFC entertained over 120 people for lunch prior to the local derby against Ashby on December 6. Ian and Tor Lucas of Crocker Bros provided the marquee, with Dave Lowson organising the bar and Wendy Jennings-Crocker, Emma and Sophie Clayborn securing 100 raffle prizes which raised £500 for the club. The lunch was a success and was followed by a resounding 35-0 win for Melbourne in possibly their best performance of the season. A crowd of about 200 people watched the game and many stayed for a drink afterwards. The party went on well into the night with a Christmas disco and with numerous Christmas jumpers on show. Chairman Peter Ilott said: “The day was a real success mainly due to the much appreciated help of the volunteers. The lunch was very well attended and received, and the members of the club, old and young, supported the event well. As the day was such a success, we are hoping to repeat this later on in the season.’’ Pictured (l-r) are: Ian Lucas, Tor Lucas, Dave Smith, Peter Ilott and Dave Lowson. Rugby club match reports – Page 19.

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10 Village Voice January 2015

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

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Estate children who h

STAUNTON Harold School was built around 1850 by the Ninth Earl Ferrers for the children of the Staunton Harold estate. The Earl and his successors appointed and paid the teachers, until it was absorbed into the state system sometime in the 20th century. By the time the school closed in 1964, the Staunton Harold estate had been divided up and sold, and the 13th Earl Ferrers had been living in Norfolk for 10 years. The school was situated next to an existing farmhouse which later came to be called ‘School Farm’. Nearby is Ashby Lodge and also another house called ‘Timberdown’. The latter was formerly the Recreation Room which had been designed, built and donated to the people of Staunton in the 1920s by the 11th Earl Ferrers, who was a professional architect. The school originally included a house for the schoolmaster and his family at one end of the building. When the school closed in 1964, the whole building was converted to residential use and is now known as ‘The Old School House’. One of the first to live there after it became a house wrote a history of the house and school, a copy of which can be seen in the museum at Ashby de la Zouch. Also in the museum are old photos of the children and their teachers, such as the one shown here, from 1938. The last log book of the school still exists and will be deposited eventually in Ashby Museum. One headmaster in the 1800s was Mr Calvert whose two daughters also taught at the school, and there are photos of them. One of them, Minnie Calvert, was also the organist in the church at Staunton Harold. If any readers have more pictures or further information about the school or the pupils in the photo, please let the editor know. – Irene Brightmer

SO, THAT WAS CHRISTMA BREEDON Play and Learn preschool held a Santa’s grotto which, after a fun packed afternoon, raised £280. The group is a charity run and relying on the goodwill and support from family and local businesses. Pictured (l-r) are: Hazel Norwell, Becky Heldreich, Sammi Gillham, Amanda Lenton and Santa (Dennis Smith).

THE MTB Training Band is pictured at the annual Patrons’ Christmas Concert, at which the annual awards were presented. The trophy winners were: The Gerry Price Musical Director’s award – Emily Robinson, The Matthew Kyte award – Phil Mustoe, The President’s Cup for the most improved player – Zoe Hunt, and the Band Person of the Year – Patrick James.

MELBOURNE Operatic So annual Christmas concerts ton and Melbourne to appr There was a usual mix of some well-known and som Christmas stories by memb This year’s piano accomp Graver from Sawley Metho the society performs at Chr year. As well as these two conc inaugural concert took p Parish Church and was more than 50 people from welcomed the society and for a repeat performance n

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had their own school THIS photograph of Staunton Harold School was taken in 1938. The pupils attending at that time are: Back row – Dennis Dunnicliffe, Walter Lovett, Ray Williams, Mary Shattock, Eric Elvastone, Peggy Martin and Donald Elvastone. Middle row – Herbert Hurst, Ken Thornley, Betty Dye, Kathleen Harrison or Vivienne Kemp and David Bignall. Front row – Tommy Holt, Haydn Roberts, “Bill” William Bailey, Jo Cooper, Reg Thornley, Jackie Williams and Cyril Elverson. The following is a brief outline about some of the pupils: DENNIS DUNNICLIFFE lives in Lount. His father worked on the estate as dairyman. WALTER LOVETT lived near the Bignalls. His father was a chauffeur and did various jobs on the estate. RAY WILLIAMS was a miner at Lount pit. His mother (d. 1997) looked after the church for the Earl and was given Melbourne Lodge. Ray lived in the Malthouse until recently. MARY SHATTOCK lived in Lount, married and became Mary Messer and moved to Melbourne. She died in 2013. THE ELVASTONE BROTHERS on the back row lived at Lountwood. HERBERT HURST lived in Lount on the Coleorton

side of the road in one of the pottery cottages. BETTY DYE lived at Keepers Cottage on the right bank of the lower lake. Her father was gamekeeper to Lord Ferrers. The cottage was a substantial building, probably built in the 10th Earl’s time, and was demolished by the water board in association with the building of Staunton Harold reservoir in the 1950s. She is now Bet Beasley and lives in Ravenstone. DAVID BIGNALL lived at Home Farm where his father farmed. TOMMY HOLT lived in one of the two Springwood Cottages (in Burney Lane, now one house, and is still thatched). HAYDN (usually known as ‘Peter’) ROBERTS lived at Hilltop where his father farmed until they moved to Warwickshire in the 1940s. WILLIAM BAILEY lived in a farmhouse on/near the site of the old factory in Lount, where his father was a farmer. JO COOPER (may have) lived at Ropers Hill. These details were recorded by Irene Brightmer and Betty Cawte, as recalled by Bet Beasley (née Dye) of Ravenstone and the late Mary Messer (formerly Shattock) of Melbourne. Thanks are also due to Jean Grimley for her assistance.

AS ... A LOOK BACK IN PICTURES

Village Voice January 2015 11

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ciety performed its s in Castle Doningeciative audiences. f Christmas music, e less so, as well as bers of the society. anist was Godfrey odist Church where ristmas every other

certs an additional place in Diseworth well attended by m Diseworth, who d expressed a wish next year.

NEWMOUNT Brass Band delivered ‘Totally Traditional’ a concert of traditional brass band music and carols for a musical Christmas feast to an appreciative audience at Melbourne United Reformed Church.

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JACK’S Café prepared a complimentary Christmas meal for 30 people known to Melbourne Community Care. Everyone wined, dined and had a very happy and enjoyable evening. Praise and thanks indeed to Sarah and her excellent team for their thoughtful generosity, caring and kindness. Some of the guests are

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12 Village Voice January 2015

Guides in need of some volunteers

GIRLGUIDING is seeking volunteers to help make sure even more girls and young women in Melbourne can benefit from the amazing opportunities guiding offers. An information drop-in event is being held on Saturday, January 24, between 9am and noon at Melbourne Scout and Guide Hut for anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering to help give more girls and young women their own space to have fun, build friendships and discover their full potential. In return, volunteers will have the chance to develop n THE toddlers of Ticknall Playgroup held their annual Christmas Party and said goodbye to local volunteer Millie Pass as she retires for some rest and relaxation. Millie has served both parents and children with drinks and snacks for the last few years and will be missed by all at the playgroup. Santa is pictured with the toddlers and staff at the party. Millie is holding a bouquet of flowers.

n THE 1st Melbourne Tigers Cub Scouts held a mini Xmas fayre which they organised and operated themselves and raised £143 for the RBL Centenary Poppy Appeal. Pictured (l-r) are Dave Calvert (cub leader), Amy Fillmore, Richard Heath (president RBL), Josh Lewsey and Richard Trevena (Scout leader). This event will count towards the Cub Scouts’ community challenge badge.

Village Voice Postbag

HELLO children, I saw lots of you on my usual tour of the streets of Melbourne in the days leading up to Christmas, and the Rotary Club again kindly supplied all my little helpers, who went door to door collecting money to help needy children. This year, they worked really hard and collected over £1,900, which was the best they had ever done – last year’s total was £1,700 – so there will be more to give away to those who need it most! I was very pleased with the result, and I want to thank everyone who helped, looking after my sleigh, and driving me around; not just the members of the Rotary Club, but also a lot of their friends who came along to help out. I do hope all my little helpers will be there again next year, because I just couldn’t manage it without all their help. I hope you all had a super Christmas, and I wish you all a very Happy New Year! Best wishes from Santa Claus

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skills, meet people and enjoy new experiences and adventures – as well as receiving a great range of benefits like free training and resources. Girlguiding development worker Laura Price said: “I’m sure there are lots of people out there who will be making it their New Year’s resolution to volunteer and help others locally, but aren’t sure how to get started. Volunteering with guiding is an amazing and rewarding way to do that – whether it’s helping with a Rainbow, Brownie or Guide group or giving a couple of hours here and there to help out with trips, event planning or fundraising.” Sarah Matthews, District Commissioner, said: “We have lots of girls wanting to join us in the area and by volunteering a couple of hours a week you can help us increase the number of girls who can get involved.” Girlguiding welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds, ages, cultures, faiths and abilities. Roles are flexible and volunteering can be arranged to fit around a busy lifestyle. For more information about the event or for more details on getting involved contact Michelle Lewis on 07905 364664 or Sarah Matthews on 07841 092367, or visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested In Melbourne there are currently Rainbows (5–7 years), Brownies (7–10 years), Guides (10–14 years) and the Senior Section (14–25 years).

Shooting club has its sights on new members

MELBOURNE Marksmen’s Club is following a grand tradition of bell target practice which, according to club secretary Phil Pilsworth, was started in the early 1900s at the suggestion of Lord Baden Powell. The Melbourne club, which meets at the Royal British Legion, is into its fifth year, having been reformed by Chris Hough and John Watson. There are now about 30 members who travel from across the East and West Midlands to attend, as there are so few clubs of its kind. It is as much a social club as anything, said Phil, with members coming to practice their shooting in a safe environment and to meet others with similar interests.

With airguns costing well under £100 most members have their own equipment, but the club owns a couple of airguns so that anyone can have a go. It is not easy, either! Holding a 4kg Feinwerkbau rifle steady while you aim at a tiny target six yards away takes concentration and a very steady hand. The club also provides an opportunity to buy and sell equipment and antique or collectible items; a recent fund-raising gun fair raised in excess of £750 for the RBL Poppy Appeal. The club is always looking for new members, if you are interested just turn up on a Thursday night after 7.30 or contact Phil (pillseey@googlemail.com)

OBITUARY

Village Voice January 2015 13

Rotary Club’s charity cheques presented THE Rotary Club of Melbourne presented donations totalling £2,750, and made the annual award to its Citizen of the Year, at its Christmas presentation night. Rotary members, their partners and guests welcomed representatives of their chosen charities at Jack’s Café, and presented a cheque for £1,000 to president Margaret Sharp’s chosen charity for the year, Fragile X, which provides research into the condition which can result in difficulties with learning and speech. A donation of £750 was made to Rainbows Hospice, a local charity which has been adopted by the Rotary Club, and supported for many years. Further cheques of £500 each were handed to representatives of the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, and the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Home, and all were received with grateful words of thanks from the various recipients. A further cheque for £1,000, for the club’s main overseas charity, in South-west Uganda, was despatched earlier, for logistical reasons, and will

be used to provide the roof over a new extension to the safe house in Bucence, where the club has provided a water supply, the safe house, and the basis of a farm for the villagers, totalling £8,000 over the last few years. Rotary’s Citizen of the Year Award went to Sharon Brown, who has contributed so much to the village in the organisation and presentation of the Melbourne Festival, one of the most significant attractions on the community calendar. Sharon said: “I was very flattered to receive the award. The Melbourne Art Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary last September and this award is testimony to its success and the contribution made by the festival hosts and the many volunteers that has made it possible.” Main picture (l-r) back row: Dawn and John Else, from Air Ambulance, Margaret Sharp, and Kathryn Silk, of Fragile X. Front row: Doris Wragg, of Derbyshire Children's Home, and Caroline Rosin, Rainbows Hospice. Inset picture: Sharon Brown receiving her award from Margaret Sharp.

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PETER WEST 1932-2014 THE phrase “a real character " is often used and regularly abused to describe those with what is often simply mild eccentricity. However, on the evening of his 82nd birthday, Melbourne lost a genuine real character when Peter West, husband to Beryl, gardener, countryman, antiques collector, "garbageologist" pigeon fancier and friend to many passed away in Derby Hospital after a short illness. Born in Kent in 1932 – "my mother was French, you know" – and one of seven brothers and sisters, he did not have an easy childhood since he suffered from a cleft palate. Peter was to suffer more than 20 painful operations to correct this later in his life. Nevertheless, he was able to find some compensation in his love of natural things. After the family moved to Northampton, Peter found employment in the parks department as a plantsman. The training he received, and the love of gardening which it gave, stayed with him for the rest of his life. Peter moved from gardening to farming, choosing to live at a Derbyshire farm and immerse himself in an agricultural world which has all but disappeared from England. He worked hard and for long hours but found companionship and satisfaction in the work. Many years after, he would talk about the complexities of ploughing with horses or the difficulties of lambing. He became attuned to a natural world which he grew to understand and love. His love of dogs and his interest in keeping birds of all varieties came from this time. After this came a period of painful, and by today's standards fairly primitive facial surgery. Peter underwent this bravely and without complaint, preferring to praise the skill of the surgeons who helped him to find new directions in his life. Before long a restored Peter had taken up ballroom dancing and, soon afterwards, had met Beryl, who became his wife. He would often remark how lucky had been to find her. With this transformation came a new occupation. Peter became, to use his own phrase, a garbageologist”, a refuse collector with a round taking in local villages.

Melbourne farewell for Bishop

THE Diocese of Derby, which covers the whole area of the county, has chosen Melbourne as a venue for its Vocational Day and has announced that Bishop Humphrey, the Bishop of Repton, will come to Melbourne at 10.30am on Sunday, January 18, for his final service before leav-

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Born with a perceptive eye and a quick mind Peter quickly understood the critical difference between discarded antiquities and junk. He began to buy and sell antiques, paintings and, most importantly, his beloved clocks. He acquired a collection of these things which could rival almost any and which he would show to his friends with pride. A visitor to Peter and Beryl might be shown a collection of Meerschaum pipes, a scary yet exquisite collection of Victorian dolls or the latest ormolu clock. He had a real gift for spotting the same quality in antiques which he found in beasts and flowers. His earlier life had prevented him from acquiring an education but his mind was sharp and his memory for detail was strong. Peter’s retirement with Beryl brought him satisfaction and the time to follow his interests at auctions. However, he began to suffer a series of serious problems with his health. He faced these challenges resolutely and bravely. His last, short and unexpected illness thus came as a shock to Beryl and to his many friends. We will miss seeing him make his daily progress to the pub, trundling through the town on his mobility scooter, oblivious of the No 61 bus looming over him. We won't get any more gardening or antiques advice willingly dispensed and at length. Dressed like a traditional gentleman with good shoes and tweed suit, Peter was one of a breed we don't see much anymore. He will be missed by Beryl most of all, but also by all of us who knew and liked him. – JW, CS

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ing his Bishopric to take up his post as Principal of Ripon College Cuddeston. At Cuddeston he will lead the country in that most challenging role of training ministers for the Church of England. Wave the flag – let’s be proud of what we have got and of what

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we have achieved in Melbourne with all its churches, its Community Care, its band, societies and acting groups. Sometimes it is hard to see the wood for the trees. The Parish Church invites you to come to wave Bishop Humphrey off in style on January 18.

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14 Village Voice January 2015

Bonnie Prince still remembered

WHEN Bonnie Prince Charlie led his Jacobite Army into Derbyshire in December 1745, all Europe was awaiting the outcome. In theory this charismatic but inexperienced prince with his hardy but ragtag army should have been easily defeated in the Scottish Highlands within weeks of their appearance. Instead in just a few brief months they had marched the length of Scotland, captured Edinburgh, routed their opponents and invaded England. By December 5 they were just 120 miles from London, less than a week away from changing the course of history. Swarkestone Bridge is the symbolic high-water mark of the young prince’s fortunes. It was a strategically important crossing point and the Jacobites sent troops to secure it. Scouts crossed the river and explored the roads leading from the bridge ahead of the expected march on the capi-

January events at Calke Abbey

l CHILDREN from Dame Catherine H a r p u r ' s School and Nursery enjoyed their visit to the pantomime Cinderella at Snibston’s Century Theatre and are pictured with one of the cast members.

Join the Ranger for a winter tree identiﬁcation walk – looking at tree shapes in the landscape as well as buds and branches close up. Easy walk with some steps and gentle gradients. Meet at the Ticket Oﬃce.

Hidden Garden

Mon 19 & Wed 28 January 11am–3pm

Now the plants are resting for the winter, come and see the Back sheds and peek into the wonderful world of boiler tunnels, stoke holes and pipework. Try out the Gardeners’ tunnel too! Garden ticket required. Charges apply to non-members. Last ticket sold at 2.15pm.

Waking the House

Mon 19 & Wed 28 January 11am–3pm

Sneak into the House while it’s closed and you’ll ﬁnd deep conservation cleaning going on. You can also get an advance peek at the rooms we’re changing for 2015. You’ll sneak back out using the Brew house tunnel before anyone knows you’ve been there! Ticket required. Charges apply to non-members. Last ticket sold at 2.15pm. House and Garden: Other than the above dates, the House and Garden are closed for winter and re-open on Sat 7 Feb. Restaurant & Shop: Daily 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. 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

Members of the Parish Council Chair Wendy Earp Vice Chair/Highways David Smith Burial Grounds Sheila Hicklin Recreation & Ameneties Andrew Jackson

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David Carpenter Jane Carroll Nigel Collyer Sarah Dunnicliff Christopher Howard OBE George Hudson Rose Minife Robert Parker Margaret Sharp Malcolm Stockill Paul Willmore

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Jacqui Storer - Clerk

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Area Forum

THE next Melbourne Area Forum and Safer Neighbourhood meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 4, at Barrow upon Trent Village Hall. The meeting covers Melbourne and the villages of Barrow on Trent, Stanton by Bridge, Swarkestone, Weston on Trent, Aston on Trent, Shardlow, Thulston, Ambaston and Elvaston.

Ranger Tree Ramble

Sun 18 & Thurs 22 January 10.30am–12.30pm

tal. Instead, a collective crisis of confidence amongst his commanders obliged Charles Edward to retreat, and the dream of taking London died when the army withdrew from Derby. Each year the Charles Edward Stuart Society invites enthusiastic re-enactors to commemorate these great events. There was no fighting in the county in 1745, but mock skirmishes in the shadow of Swarkestone Bridge and Derby Cathedral help bring this important moment in Derbyshire’s history back to life. Participants came from the length and breadth of the UK to play their part, and wreaths were laid in memory of both sides of Britain’s last civil war. The action at Swarkestone attracted over 100 spectators to the riverside location in the garden of the Crewe and Harpur. Pictured are a group of re-enactors taking part in a mock skirmish. – Arran Paul Johnston

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Melbourne Parish Council Quarterly Report - January 2015

A Working Party has now been established, chaired by Cllr Carroll, to prepare a Neighbourhood Development Plan and the application for the area within the Parish boundary to be designated as the Neighbourhood Area has been submitted to SDDC. Volunteers to help with the development of the Neighbourhood Plan would be welcomed, so if anyone is interested please contact the Parish Clerk. The Remembrance Service & Parade was, once again, very well-attended and thanks are extended to the Melbourne Branch of the Royal British Legion for their organisation of the event. The Parish Council donated £100 to the Parish Church towards the purchase of ceramic poppies to commemorate the members of the Parish who lost their lives in the First World War. The Parish Council’s accounts have been audited with no areas of concern identified. At the December meeting the flooding representative from Derbyshire County Council gave a very informative presentation relating to the recent flooding which has taken place in Melbourne, explaining the roles and actions of both Severn Trent and the County Council. Severn Trent had advised that they had received very few reports of flooding in the area and therefore all residents are urged to report any incidence of flooding to Severn Trent via their hotline: 0800 783 4444, so that they are fully aware of any potential problems. Photographic evidence of any flooding event is also very helpful. We were blessed with a fine night for a very well-supported ‘Melbourne At Christmas’ event in December when Father Christmas switched on the Xmas lights. This was the first time that the Parish Council had taken over the organization of this annual event and thanks go to all those who helped to make the evening such a success. Wendy Earp, Chair, Melbourne Parish Council

Auction for church

FAMILY valuables were dusted down and given an airing when Barrow-upon-Trent held its very own antiques roadshow. The valuing event was held at St Wilfrid’s Church, as part of a twoyear fund-raising drive to try to save the medieval building for future generations. The valuations were conducted by Vanessa Savage from Derbybased Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers, who offered their services free of charge after reading about local efforts to save the church. As reported in The Village Voice,

Payback time ...

a plea went out to local parishioners last summer asking for their support to preserve 800-year-old St Wilfrid’s – which, it was feared, might have to shut its doors due to high running costs. Friends of St Wilfrid’s, who organised the valuing event, want to save the distinguished church for the future by turning it into a community space which could be rented out for a variety of purposes, while still holding Sunday services. Dozens of people from the area turned out to the valuation day to have their family heirlooms looked

at by a professional, with all proceeds going towards the preservation project. Items brought in included a valuable American fob watch, china, silver and a cameo brooch that had been in the same family for five generations. Jill Scarfe, from The Friends of St Wilfrid’s Church, said on the day: “It’s gone really well. We’ve been very pleasantly surprised by the steady flow of people who’ve come along and they’ve all been happy with what they’ve heard.” – Lucy Stephens

Village Voice January 2015 15

l BARROW resident Norma Sharp (right) presents a painting to be valued by Vanessa Savage, of Hansons Auctioneers.

Derbyshire Constabular y Male Voice Choir

MELBOURNE Assembly Rooms has had a bit of a facelift in the lounge and one of the lobbies thanks to the efforts of the local Community Payback team. The payback scheme is part of the Criminal Justice system which supervises low-risk offenders in unpaid community reparation work who have been sentenced to community work orders as punishment for an offence. . The team has been working every Monday for a number of weeks to spruce up one of the entrance lobbies and the lounge area and were recommended for the job by one of the directors who had previous experience of the scheme being used successfully by the parish council. “The scheme is ideal for a community project, like the Assembly Rooms, and they worked hard, under close supervision, to do a good job,” said Andy Heafield, development manager at the centre. “We hope they will come back to undertake the decoration of other areas in the building,” he added.

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‘Lovely War’ cash boosts seating fund

ST MICHAEL’S Players, together with A Choir’d Taste, have been raising money for a few years now to transform the old Melbourne School Hall into a better setting for concerts, revues, pantomimes and plays. Having made major contributions to the stage, the acoustic curtains and panels, and lighting, the next step was the most ambitious of all – the purchase of tiered seating so

A choir of civilian men aged 20 to 70+ who perform in concert to raise funds for charity

War’. The Assembly Rooms had let them use the hall for the production and rehearsals free in exchange for the profits from the production. Their contribution, together with a donation from the choir and the proceeds from other fund-raising events, means that there is just £10,000 still to be raised. – Margaret Gildea

that even people in the back row could have a better view of what was happening on stage. The tiered seating cost £19,000 but both the Players and the choir were sure it would be worth it and set about raising the money. Just before Christmas, St Michael’s Players handed over a cheque for £2,750 (pictured above) from their recent production of ‘Oh! What a Lovely

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16 Village Voice January 2015

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18 Village Voice January 2015

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n MAXIMUM Response Academy Karate Club students from Melbourne, Donington and Kegworth were among those who took part in a coloured belt grading exam at Melbourne Assembly Rooms in December. Adults and juniors came together to be tested by chief instructor Mark Rotherham, 5th Dan, in their skill of Wado Ryu karate/defence.

The grading consisted of basics and combination drills, katas, self-defence and sparring. Mark said: "The students deserve congratulations. The standard of students who were successful just seems to get better and better. “The club, which has been established since 2000, is going from strength to strength and retention is fantastic,

which speaks for itself. Next year a group of students will be attempting 1st, 2nd and 3rd Dan black belt. "They have been training hard with dedication and commitment for the last five to six years – there are no short cuts.” Pictured is Mark Rotherham, centre in blue, with his successful students in the coloured belt grading session.

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A SUNNY December Saturday saw another great session for the Melbourne United Soccer School with plentiful smiles and soccer skills on display. The school goes from strength to strength with 39 boys and girls now registered from reception, year one and year two. The under-7s are now playing regular football in the Derby Junior League. They have played 10 games, winning five and drawing two, scoring 46 goals. The reception and year one players – the club’s hidden future talent – focus on the fun side of football and developing their skills

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to enable them to start playing regular football as next year’s under-7 teams. The school will now take a winter break until Saturday, February 21, at Melbourne Junior School. Any boys or girls interested in the soccer school should ask their mum or dad to contact Nigel Theobald on 0774 002 8601. Further up the football pyramid the under-10s are top of their Champions League Group, while the under-14s had a cracking November, winning four out of five games to fire them up to third. The under-16s remain top of their league and unbeaten. SOUTH DERBYSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL

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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.

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Melbourne topple local rivals

Village Voice January 2015 19

MELBOURNE RFC had a strong start to December with back-to-back wins. They entertained local rivals Ashby in front of a crowd of about 250. The first seven minutes saw Melbourne dominate possession and territory. Kier Biggins was strong in the loose and eventually Melbourne got a penalty in front of the posts for Holden to kick 3-0. Ashby came back with Coyne penalised. Melbourne continued to control the game. Biggins turned over another ball and Melbourne found themselves in the corner. Another penalty conceded from Ashby saw Holden take another three. After 36 minutes, Melbourne broke through. Quick ball from Page, to Holden inside to de Vies, inside to Stringer and

Watts to canter around under the posts right in front of the cheering Melbourne fans. Holden converted for 13-0. On the stroke of half-time, Page scored. From a set move off the scrum, Watts popped, Page hit the gap, dummied and scored in the corner. The old boys watching appreciated that a move first conceived 20 years ago was still scoring tries. Holden converted for a 20-0 half-time score. Ashby came at Melbourne strongly and had 20 minutes of good territory without really threatening. Melbourne’s defence was superb, holding Ashby out, forcing turnovers. On a rare sortie into Ashby ground Jack Fisher kicked a penalty to make it 23-0. Fish got a yellow card for knocking the ball out of the scrum

half‘s hands. Melbourne ended up in Ashby’s corner and, from a line-out, catch and drive, Judge scored a try. Holden converted from the touchline for 300. With 10 minutes to go Melbourne went for the bonus point try and they got it. Someone turned the ball over and Tom Lowery latched onto it, finishing strongly in the corner. Final score 35-0 with Michael Lowery man of the match. Next saw bottom of the table Bakewell arrive at Cockshut Lane. Melbourne had a couple of changes with Watts dropping into centre. Melbourne dominated the first half with numerous scoring chances going begging and disappointingly ended it at 7-7 with a try from Biggins

and conversion from Holden. Bakewell defended very well but had to tire at some point. Melbourne continued to dominate possession and territory and five second half tries were eventually scored. Watts (2), Page, Will Judge and Tom Lowery on the stroke of full time. Final score 38-7 and a respectable seventh place in the table. MOTM – Watts. THE 2nd XV have not played in December with two games postponed. THE Colts flourished in December – a draw at Mansfield, a 14-0 win at Chesterfield and a 1514 win against local rivals Long Eaton all in the Derbyshire league, sees them sitting mid-table. The final games of December were lost to a waterlogged main pitch.

n KING’S Newton Bowls Club members turned out for the annual Boxing Day competition and enjoyed an entertaining morning with the addition of the traditional bacon butties prepared by Dave Lyons. Chairman Neil Hill is pictured presenting the Hardinge Arms trophy to winners Ian Jardine and Dave Lyons, who beat Cynthia Bailey and Roger Timmins in the final.

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THE weather disrupted Melbourne Dynamo's fixtures during December but didn't stop both teams pushing themselves up their respective league tables. The first team began with a superb 8-1 home win against lowly Tibshelf with Danny Guild putting in an unbelievable performance with five goals together with one each for strike duo Dave Brough and Micheal Tristram as well as a clinical finish by Tim Adcock to complete the goal fest. The following week Dynamo were in Derbyshire Cup action in the quarter-finals away to local rivals Chellaston and easily won through 8-2 with Matt Brian scoring a hat-trick plus goals from Brough, Dave Worger, Carl Allsop and rare strikes by Matt Jones and Tom Niewiarowski securing the win. Gavin Salisbury's men ended 2014 with a hard fought 2-0 away win against Allestree with Brian and Allsop earning the vital three points to push Melbourne up to third, just two points from the top. Melbourne Dynamo Reserves only had two games in December and began with their worst performance of the season as they went out of the Derbyshire Junior Cup 4-2 to a good Derby City Corinthians side despite goals from Dan Stanley and Callum Cocker. Being the current cup holders it was a more disappointing defeat. Three injuries in the first quarter of an hour didn’t help Greg Salisbury's men but they did return to the top of the league table the following week when they beat a stubborn Ambergate side at home 3-1. Leading scorer Jack Goodband’s double took him to 28 goals for the season and Ben Stanley also got on the scoresheet to end a superb year for the club. Ticknall Rangers had a quite brilliant time in December, turning their season round with three wins and a draw. They began with a 1-1 away draw with Ashby Ivanhoe, Matt Archer scoring the allimportant goal. A 3-2 home league win against Alrewas Athletic was thanks to a Matt Archer double and a superb Ian Hall strike. It was the same score the following week, this time away from home, as Ticknall won through to the semi-finals of the league cup. Leading goal scorer Archer destroyed Alrewas with a devastating hat-trick, the winner coming from the penalty spot in the last minute and Rangers ended 2014 moving up to fifth place in the table with their third successive 3-2 victory. A Craig Hall double was backed up by an Archer tap-in to totally transform Dave Archer's team’s fortune in the space of a magic month.

WINTER CRICKET PRACTICE

MELBOURNE Town Cricket Club begins its preparations for the 2015 season with winter practice starting at the Gateway, Derbyshire county ground on Sunday, January 18, 2-3pm. Everyone is welcome at the practice sessions as the club looks to inject new blood into the playing side for the new season with Alex Slater captaining the first team, Dan Marshall as the new 2nd XI skipper with Bruno Rost the new third team captain. The club is looking to push for promotion on all three fronts this season. Anyone interested should contact Alex Slater on 07966933583 or alexslater72000@yahoo.co.uk for more details.

MELBOURNE CARPETS Baby places from 12 weeks to 5 years old now available

01332 705070 | Rowallan Way, Chellaston, Derby, DE73 5WX www.scallywagsnursery.com | chellaston@scallywagsnursery.com

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