Melbourne Village Voice June 2016

MORE PROBLEMS ON TOWN ROADS

by Lucy Stephens

FURTHER travel headaches are poised to beset Melbourne this month with the closure of busy school run route Packhorse Road due to a fortnight of gas works.

The first week of the works was scheduled to start on Saturday, June 11, and involves shutting Chapel Street with its Station Road and Packhorse Road junctions.

But, during the second week of the works – due to begin on June 18 –traffic will have to travel down diverted routes because the bottom end of Packhorse Road will be completely shut between its junction with Station Road and house number 10.

Drivers have already undergone traffic difficulties this month with the closure of the road leading out of Kings Newton while work was done to the pavement leading to the Persimmon estate.

A spokeswoman for Arriva confirmed that their Number 2 Melbourne to Derby service would be diverted through Kings Newton from June 18. And school bus operator Harpur’s said its 205 service would have to pick up children from Newton Lane or outside Sainsbury’s instead of on Packhorse Road while the works were being carried out.

Parents of children at Melbourne Infant School were informed of the road closure in a newsletter sent out before halfterm, but many other residents were completely in the dark as to the road closure days before it was

put in place.

Emma Brewin, owner of Emma’s Retreat in Russell Yard, said: “Melbourne has got busier and busier, my clients struggle to park anyway. With Packhorse Road closing during school time – it would have been better to do it during the holidays. It’s going to have an impact on the parking.

“I suppose they’ve got to do the work but it’s just the timing – we have a lot of parking issues. People come from outside Melbourne and they are always late for appointments because the parking is such a problem.

“I’ve been working in Melbourne for years, there didn’t used to be such an issue.

“Melbourne has got bigger, which is great for business, but people do need to park – we need another car park.”

Packhorse Road is often at a standstill during school drop-off and pick-up times due to the numbers of parents’ cars parked there.

The work is being carried out by the National Grid to replace old iron gas main pipes with “more durable” plastic ones.

The supplier said: “This is to ensure we continue to provide safe and reliable gas supplies to local businesses and residents.”

Anyone with any concerns should ring 0800 096 5678.

Burglars raid the same home –twice

BURGLARS made off with precious coins and Royal Crown Derby china when they targeted a Melbourne home – twice.

The home on Derby Road was subjected to two separate burglaries in May with the thieves making off with a large haul of stolen goods.

This included a collection of old pennies and Royal Crown Derby plates in the popular Imari design, all stolen after burglars forced open a ground floor window between 7.30pm and 11pm on Monday, May 30.

The unfortunate owner had suffered a burglary earlier in the month when burglars broke into the garage between Monday, May 9 and Friday, May 13, stealing tools including two Rotary petrol mowers and a large WalkerTurner pillar drill.

n “BLOOMING marvellous” was the verdict on the plant sale organised by the 107th Derby (Aston, Weston & Shardlow) Scouts.

Hanging baskets, potted arrangements, bedding plants and patio vegetables were supplied by local nursery Howicks of Gotham and all proved popular with residents quick to snap up the blossoming bargains.

Scouts also offered a local delivery service, which was particularly wel-

comed by elderly residents.

The sale raised a fantastic £1,050, which will go towards new equipment for young people aged six to 18 in all sections of the Scout group.

Helpers and friends pictured at the plant sale include: Craig Morris (Group Scout leader), Jo Cooke (organiser), Margaret Clamp (Scout executive committee), as well as the Carlier family (both Scouts and leaders) and young helpers

Alex Bell (Beaver) and Pippa Lawson.

Anyone with information about the thefts or the whereabouts of the stolen goods should call DC Graham Barrett on 101, quoting crime number 23560/16.

You can also report a crime anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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AT THE ROYAL DERBY HOSPITAL

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Whistle ceremony to remember Somme

ONE hundred years since the opening day of World War One’s bloodiest battle will be marked in Melbourne in an emotive early morning ceremony next month.

At 7.30 in the morning on July 1, 1916, three short whistle blasts gave the signal for troops along the Western Front to go over the top on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

On that day alone 19,240 British soldiers were killed in what was the worst day in the history of this country’s army.

The whole four and a half month conflict saw more than a million lives lost.

Exactly a century later, three whistle blasts will once again be blown at 7.30am at Melbourne’s War Memorial in an Act of Remembrance by the local branch of the Royal British Legion – as part of a UK-wide series of events to mark the historic day.

The whistle blasts will be followed by branch secretary Brendan O’Neill playing the Last Post and Reveille on the cornet.

Brendan said Melbourne’s Royal British Legion had been approached by the Western Front Association – a national organisation dedicated to ensuring interest in the First World War is kept alive – to see if an Act of Remembrance for the first day of the Somme could be held locally.

He said: “This is a simple Act of Remembrance. Those people lost their lives for our liberty. They lost their lives so we might be able to live in a free country.

“It’s not just that one battle, it’s another Act of Remembrance to remember all wars and all those who have given their lives.

“At the Royal British Legion it’s so important to us that people realise that the Poppy Appeal and the Royal British Legion doesn’t just exist for two weeks in the year.

It doesn’t just lead up to the parade one day every year – it’s important that people realise that we are constantly working in the community.”

The Battle of the Somme lasted 141 days from July 1. On the evening of Friday, November 18, in Melbourne there will also be a church service to mark a century since the day the battle ended.

All are welcome to attend the whistle blast and Last Post Reveille Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial at 7.30am on July 1.

The Royal British Legion would also like to hear from anyone who would like to be involved in organising any of these events, or to find out more about the work of the branch.

Anyone interested is asked to call Brendan on 07968 126 325.

– Lucy Stephens

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n THE tradition to play an Olde English Cricket match started about 20 years ago when an Elvaston team used to play a Shardlow team at Shardlow St James’ Football Club. Unfortunately, when the organiser died the fixture dropped off the calendar.

George Bell and his son, Tom, decided to resurrect the tradition and four years ago they started it up again at Elvaston Cricket Club.

Each year 22 players get together and play 18th century cricket. They dress in 18th century clothes (or as close as they can get) and play by the rules of cricket of that time

which include under arm bowling, four balls an over, two stumps and no boundaries – to name a few.

The players also like to sample a pint or two whilst playing – but it’s not clear if that is one of the rules.

The 2016 Olde English Cricketers pictured are (back row l-r): Graham Travis, Iain Black, Adam Deane, James England, Andrew Swindell, Ryan Weston, George Bell, Peter Johnston, Matt Lowdon, Tom Bell, Chris Baker and Jonny Brown; (front l-r): Luke Swarbrook, Steve Swarbrook, Jordan Ruck, Mark Ferguson, Nick Cottrill, Gemma Adams and Nick Adams.

Pub in the running for charity

PETROL HEAD pub-goers from Castle Donington have joined their landlord in getting their feet racing for charity.

Customers from The Chequered Flag – a micropub adorned with car and bike racing memorabilia –are putting forward a team for the Donington Summer Running Festival on June 26.

3 BED DUNNICLIFFE LANE, MELBOURNE £850.00

Team Chequered Flag says it will split any funds raised between local charity Me & Dee –run by Ticknall’s Maria Hanson, which arranges trips for families that have a loved one with a life limiting condition – and the Joseph Cooper Trust, which provides treats for children with cancer.

2 BED MILTON ROAD, REPTON - £475.00

1 BED THE GREEN, FINDERN - £400.00

Landlord Robert Sandham said: “The Chequered Flag has this specific theme because of it being so close to Donington Park circuit, so it is

very fitting for us to be a part of the Donington Summer Running Festival.

“It has a real connection to motorsport and it will be fantastic to raise money for charity in the process.

“I've gathered a team of four friends and customers to come along and we are hoping to get at least another two groups entered as part of team Chequered Flag.

“We have a great level of community spirit and the feedback from the punters has been really positive, they are itching to get involved.

“Even though we are just really excited to be taking part, it would be amazing to win the fastest business and to add the trophy to our memorabilia.”

n THE fourth Flower Festival held at St George’s Church, Ticknall, was held over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend.

“It was the busiest ever,” said organiser Maggie Fenby-Taylor. “We had lots of visitors.”

The theme for the event was Art and Flowers and the funds raised will contribute to the new kitchen and toilet project in the church.

Sales of refreshments in the form of soup, rolls and cakes boosted the takings to make a total of a magnificent £1,400.

Crowning our queen

THE 2016 Miss Melbourne Disco was held at the Royal British Legion Club.

The event was very well supported with over 100 attending, including 30 entrants vying for the title of Miss Melbourne and her attendants.

The independent judges all came from outside of Melbourne, with one being a visitor who had flown in from Newquay.

The entrants were all interviewed in groups by Carnival committee chair Tracey Ridley before the selection was made. The new Carnival Queen is Rhiana Palmer.

“It was a great evening with a good and happy atmosphere,” said Tracey.

“Each of the girls received a crown, a necklace and a posy of flowers. We are now looking forward to Carnival Day on July 9.

“The theme this year is ‘Once upon a time’ and we are hoping to offer something magical, mystical and marvellous for the people of Melbourne.”

‘Secret society’ chief Clare steps down

THE leader of Melbourne’s “secret society” is stepping down from the post – leaving a legacy of nearly £100,000 for businesses in the town.

Clare Bampton, who runs her own PR and marketing business in Melbourne, is leaving her role as chair of Promote Melbourne due to a range of other commitments.

Now she has asked for someone else to step forward and take on the valuable task of helping Melbourne’s business community keep growing.

Clare, who took over Promote Melbourne in November 2012, said the role had given her a “much-needed voice” to raise Melbourne’s profile within the wider business community.

As part of her work Clare organised two of the highly successful Christmas shopping evenings – then taken on by the parish council – which raised cash both for businesses and local causes, such as the two school PTAs.

She also organised a survey of the town’s businesses which produced some interesting responses, including the feeling amongst shopkeepers that visitor numbers in the town were not as high as they could be.

Clare said: “Businesses in the town felt tourists to the area felt it more tricky to find information about Melbourne specifically and that people weren’t really sure about the types of popular attractions that they could reach if they were based in Melbourne – and this prevented people for staying as long as they could or at all in the town.”

The survey led to the founding of the Promote Melbourne website which aims to boost information about the town and its amenities.

Mayhem is a lot of fun

FAMILIES and party-goers witnessed 'Bank Holiday Mayhem' at The Royal British Legion in Melbourne, and it certainly lived up to its name.

Outdoor activities included Sumo wrestling, disco dome, bungee run, bouncy castle, penalty shoot- out and BBQ. Indoors people enjoyed snooker, football, cinema and popcorn, with evening entertainment

from the fabulous Ska-amanga plus support from D.Jay.

Event organiser Jason Fillmore said: “Fortunately, the rain held off and it ended up being an absolutely fantastic event enjoyed by all ages.

“Thanks so much to everyone who attended and details of our next family event, Summer madness, will be coming soon.”

TRANSPORT PROBLEMS?

IF anyone is having problems with public transport to the Chellaston surgery, or has heard of anyone experiencing difficulties with the Melbourne-

Chellaston bus route, then representation can be made to Claudine Molloy at her email address molloyC.midlands@arriva.co.uk

The other main strand of Clare’s work has been helping businesses negotiate the complex area of grant funding, which has led to nearly £100,000 secured for local firms with the possibility of that amount again from applications currently in the pipeline.

David Guilford, owner of DG Light Haulage in King’s Newton, was one of the local businesses helped by Promote Melbourne to secure £46,000 in grant funding, which enabled it to grow from two employees to ten and to move into its current premises.

Selection of e ed to ev

He said Promote Melbourne was a “very important” organisation for the town, adding: “It keeps the spotlight on Melbourne businesses, especially for South Derbyshire District Council – it keeps us at the top of their priorities.”

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l Miss Melbourne 2016 Rhiana Palmer is pictured with her attendants: (back row l-r) Natalie Townsend and Katie Howells; (front row l-r) Grace Sharrett, Brooke Staley, Evie Armstrong and Sophia Hatton-Gough.

Country Living

with Robert Parker

ARE you, like me, getting fed up with the debate about our future in the European Union to be balloted on June 23?

A lot of farmers are nervous about leaving as a big chunk of our income comes from Brussels. At the moment without this funding the biggest majority of farming would be unprofitable which is a pitiable state of affairs.

What we need to remember is this money is paid from the UK government to be paid back to farmers as part of the Common Agricultural Policy. Assuming we left the EU this payment to them would stop and would ‘maybe’ be paid direct from UK coffers.

I have to admit at this stage I am a ‘free trader’ and would like to see all forms of subsidy stopped in the future and see us get our returns from the market. This would mean higher food prices but there could be more fluctuation in supply.

You would find a lot of our costs would come down as a lot of them supplied by large multinational companies are priced at what they think we can afford. The prices of identical

products in the different EU countries vary widely, which proves the above.

For all the hot air and debate at the moment whether we stay or go won’t make a big difference in the future.

We still need our European customers and they need us.

n Spring has been a disappointing affair this year. A continuation of cold wet weather has been making some strange things happen in the plant growth world.

Cereal crops don’t show as much promise as last year’s record harvest, grass growth has been better but grazing conditions have been poor.

We are just doing our rounds of silage making in the area for customers and generally crops are up to 10% higher quantity. This comes at a time when the amount of conserved fodder on farms carried over from last year is also very high, which is creating a surplus.

The old-timers will tell you that something will come along to take this surplus away. Are we in for a drought?

Having fun down on the farm

MORE than 1,000 people enjoyed the beautiful June sunshine when they got a chance to look round Melbourne’s Park Farm as part of a nationwide open day.

Tori and Ben Stanley opened up their farm behind Melbourne Hall as part of Open Farm Sunday, a national campaign aimed at raising awareness of the work that farmers do.

Around 1,200 visitors flooded through Tori and Ben’s farm gates to admire their pigs, Longhorn cattle and Jacob sheep, as well as enjoy burgers, ice creams, tractor rides and fun for children.

Ben said the day had been “wonderful.

He said: “It’s a very worthwhile thing to do – as

farmers we probably don’t communicate what we do well enough. Food is the most important thing in the world; it’s the essence of life; as people we don’t think enough about what we put into ourselves.

“Anything we can do as farmers to communicate the message is very important. Being new here, we really want people in Melbourne to think of us as their farm – we want people to realise that what’s in the field, they can buy.”

Open Farm Sunday was started in 2006 by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming).

Around 1,000 farmers across the country now take part in the event.

Village Voice Postbag

ON a recent visit to Melbourne I was caught in torrential rain without a brolly. Dashing towards the car park, I was astonished to hear a voice ask ‘Would you like an umbrella?’ A car had pulled up by my side and a young woman, with a child in the car, was offering me a new umbrella through her open window.

Astonished, I haltingly offered my great thanks and added “But why?” “Because it’s raining” she said, as she drove away.

I would like, through your pages, to offer my thanks to this person, in the hope that she might read it. It was a lovely gesture and I drove home to Willington with a warm glow in my heart. Thank you, unknown umbrella donor of Melbourne. Val Shelton.

l Ben Stanley, leading one of his Longhorn cattle through the crowds.

It’s a hat-trick of new councillors

FOR the third successive month a new member was co-opted onto the parish council.

Michael Usher was present at the meeting and, after a unanimous show of hands from councillors, he was invited to take a seat at the table.

County Cllr Linda Chilton delivered reports on behalf of district councillors John Harrison and Jim Hewlett, who had submitted their apologies for not attending, in addition to her own.

Transport featured in the reports with notification that certain free services for schoolchildren will be withdrawn. The Arriva 02 Sunday service from Derby to Swadlincote is also now very likely to be withdrawn with timing still to be announced.

Instances of Fly Tipping have been brought to the attention of the parish council which may result in prosecutions.

Residents have been depositing grass clippings and planting Christmas trees and other items in the Old Burial Ground (OBG) without the permission of the parish council.

The unauthorised planting has generated some difficulties for the council as they can only be removed with the consent of a Faculty from the Diocese and after planning approval has been obtained because the OBG is within the conservation area.

The OBG is owned by the Church but maintained by the parish council.

Councillors debated whether to purchase a flagpole and Union Flag to be erected on special occasions. It is proposed to

TOM MILLS reports from the June meeting of Melbourne Parish Council

use the same location and fitting as used for the Christmas tree in December. A decision to proceed was made and residents may soon be seeing the flag flying in the Market Place.

Following on from the installation of the defibrillator on the wall of the public toilets, it was agreed that a demonstration of how it should be used will be undertaken.

A demonstration and training event will take place on Tuesday, June 21, at 11am to which local residents are invited to familiarise themselves with the workings of the equipment.

The public tennis/netball consultation meeting to discuss how to make best use of the three all-weather courts confirmed the level of local interest in these additional facilities.

The object was to encourage participation through membership of both tennis and netball clubs, but they will also be open to the public.

The district council's sports health team, represented at the meeting, announced their intention to provide coaching sessions, particularly for young people.

Members of Melbourne Bowling Club attending were assured by the MSP chairman that there was a clear intention to create a flat green bowls fa-

cility in the Project's next phase if sources of funding could be found.

It was reported that the recent appeal by the MSP for funds has so far raised £27,095.

Agreement has been reached between SDDC and Western Power Distribution to relocate the electricity substation from High Street to the grassed area at the top of Quick Close to the right of the Thomas Cook memorial stone. Residents have been consulted.

n The next Severn Trent Water joint flood liaison meeting will take place on Friday, July 1,at the Assemby Rooms.

n The Melbourne Assembly Rooms AGM will take place in September.

n THE sun shone brightly for Milton Open Gardens and the small hamlet was pleased to extend a warm welcome to over 430 visitors. A total of 14 gardens were open, 10 along Main Street with four at The Waterworks. A very diverse range of gardens were on show, from large landscapes to small walled gardens, each with their own particular charm. The listed telephone box had a very special scarecrow royal visitor – complete with corgi. Impressive security was provided by Milton’s very own live scarecrow as Liz put in a call to Phil!

The village hall looked stunning decked out as a floral scarecrow wedding, and the ladies of Milton WI served tea, homemade cakes and scones to thirsty visitors.

Other very imaginative scarecrows were lurking around the village in unexpected places and plants were for sale in some of the gardens.

Profits will be divided between refurbishment of the village hall and for a village defibrillator.

Rob and Sue Blanshard (left) are pictured sharing their garden with visitors.

l Terry Summerlin joined the council at the council May meeting.

We come in peace –to protest at homes plan

THE local campaign to resist the building of 60 new houses on Jawbone Lane, King’s Newton, drummed up a good level of support to meet the planning inspector on a site visit, despite some horrible weather.

After a full day at South Derbyshire District Council offices, when representations were made both for the developer, Linden Homes, and on behalf of the council –which had initially refused the application –the visit was to try to ascertain the impact of the development on the rural landscape.

The protest was both polite and respectful as the placard-bearing crowd followed round the official party without in any way being rowdy or boisterous.

The inspector, Geoff Underwood, stopped at various points along the site to consider the impact of the development on the views over

Carr Brook towards Wilson, from King’s Newton looking towards Breedon, and travelling from Jawbone Lane towards King’s Newton, where the new houses would impede the iconic views.

The separation of the village settlements of Melbourne and King’s Newton was also a key point for the protesters to stress. The use of Jawbone Lane for recreational walking and leisure was also raised with him, and one local resident was vocal about the impact of construction and then additional domestic traffic along the narrow road itself, converging on the junction with the historic cross.

Cllr Jim Hewlett said he was “impressed by the impartiality of the planning inspector, who allowed both parties to make their points and elaborate further on issues where necessary”.

It is hoped that a decision will be

forthcoming within a matter of weeks.

Meanwhile, a further appeal has been lodged against the decision to refuse building planning permission for the adjacent land. Representations were due by June 1, so the next stage will be another planning appeal hearing.

Anti-development campaigners are also dismayed to learn that an additional site has been identified as a potential local SHLAA (Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment) site.

The land along Derby Road from the dangerous corner with Main Street, Kings Newton, is some way outside the settlement boundary, is on a hazardous bend, subject to regular flooding and without access to services, yet in an initial assessment has been deemed potentially suitable for up to 20 houses.

– Frank Hughes

Footpath awards

MELBOURNE Footpaths Group (MFG) appreciates the efforts some local landowners and tenants make to improve Rights of Way across their land, and intend to recognise these contributions to improving access to the countryside in Melbourne and neighbouring parishes.

MFG has launched the “Melbourne Footpaths Group Awards”. They will be presented once a year and will consider contributions made by landowners or tenants in areas such as Footpath Furniture, including stiles, gates, and footbridges; Footpath or Bridleway Maintenance; Waymarking Improvements; and Walking Aids or Guides.

MFG very much welcomes nominations from the public, so if there's a particular footpath or bridleway you use that has significantly improved, do please get in touch via www.melbournefootpathsgroup.org.uk; www.facebook.com/MelbourneFootpathsGroup; and Twitter @melbournepaths

A note for your diary: MFG is leading a Melbourne Woodlands Walk in the evening on Thursday, July 14, starting from Melbourne's Chip & Pin micropub at 6.30pm and walking around some of the recent plantings on the edge of Melbourne. The walk will be about four miles and will include five stiles, conveniently ending at the Chip & Pin.

New bus service is just the ticket

SENIOR citizens and sixth formers can now travel from Melbourne and Barrow-on-Trent to Derby early in the morning for under £1, thanks to a new bus service.

Bus operator Harpur’s, which runs some of Melbourne and Barrow-on-Trent’s school services to Chellaston Academy, says it has started its newly extended 306 service to provide cheaper early morning travel for “… students from Melbourne who are not entitled to free travel – largely sixth formers – and senior citizen Gold Card holders”.

The 306 has been running from Barrowon-Trent to Chellaston Academy for several years but will now start in Main Street, King’s Newton, at 7.45am with a stop at Melbourne market place at 7.50am.

It will then go through Barrow-on-Trent and Chellaston Academy before moving on to Ascot Drive with stop-offs at the London

Road Derby Royal Infirmary site before arriving at Derby Station at 8.30am and The Morledge a few minutes later.

The new service will allow Gold Card holders and sixth formers to travel from Melbourne into Derby city centre for 80p, and to Chellaston Academy for 70p. The fare for sixth formers from Barrow will be 50p.

Senior citizens and younger people with certain disabilities are eligible for a Gold Card, which entitles them to free bus travel – but only after 9.30am.

It is hoped the new service will be particularly useful for Gold Card holders who may wish to get into town early for any reason, such as for hospital appointments.

Nick Harpur, of Harpur’s, said the 306 service operated purely commercially without any subsidy from the county council and the move was an attempt to combat

rising costs and falling revenue “without simply increasing fares”.

The new service was hailed as “brilliant” by Melbourne county councillor Linda Chilton.

She said: “Older people do get up early and to get this for 80p –I think it’s brilliant, absolutely brilliant. The bus services have been something I have been battling with the county about. It keeps their buses full … if this saves the services for the children which stops the worry to parents, that’s great.”

Harpur’s said that passengers holding a one-day excursion ticket would be able to use the service free.

One of the drivers on the new service will be Bryan Tye, who was featured in May’s Village Voice when the children on his school bus campaigned to keep him on their service.

– Lucy Stephens

Choir’s cathedral date for Queen’s birthday

FOLLOWING on from the successful May Musicals concert local Melbourne mixed voice choir A Choir’d Taste has a glittering engagement on Saturday, June 18, in Derby Cathedral to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

The concert will also feature world famous OperaBabe Karen England, the Dalesmen Male Voice Choir, Deventio Brass Ensemble and Il Berberi string quartet. Karen England, who has performed in front of the Queen on several occasions, said: “It promises to be a wonderfully patriotic evening and I'm looking forward to performing Rule Britannia so don't forget your flags!!”

The concert will feature some of the best loved musical pieces associated with the Queen, including Handel’s Zadok the Priest, played at every coronation since that of King George II in 1727; Vivaldi’s Gloria, often played at ceremonial occasions and most recently for the Queen’s birthday celebration in St Martins in the Field, London; and the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah.

BBC East Midlands Today presenter James Roberson will compere the evening. All the funds raised will be going to the Padley charity, one of the oldest and largest in Derby, which supports the homeless and socially excluded people in the area.

l Members of Melbourne’s A Choir'd Taste and the Dalesmen MVC are pictured at the top of the tower at Derby Cathedral publicising their forthcoming concert.

Robin stages his first solo art show –at the age of 80

THEY say to never let go of your dreams – and this artist didn’t, when he held his first solo art exhibition at the age of 80.

Robin Gregson-Brown, of Staunton Harold, has had many highlights during a long and illustrious career as a designer, but his art show at the Ingleby Gallery – which finished this month – was another: it was the first time he had ever held his own exhibition.

Robin, who turned 80 in February and studied at Derby College and then the Royal College of Art in the late 1950s, said he felt “elated” by the achievement.

The exhibition featured Robin’s painstakingly produced paintings of butterflies, created in a “trompe l’oeil” style with clever drawings of shadows to create the illusion of an actual butterfly in a collection.

Fascinated by lepidoptera since boyhood, Robin took two years to produce the show’s 15 paintings, visiting various butterfly collections including the one at Derby Museum to

Jacqui wins festival’s open art award

THE Melbourne Festival Open Art Exhibition was held over the spring Bank Holiday weekend. The Friday night preview was packed and the event was busy all weekend with an estimated attendance of between 700 and 750.

This was the first time the ‘Open’ had been separated from the main Melbourne Festival Art & Architec-

ture Trail in September.

The worthy winner of the 2016 Melbourne Festival Open Art Award was Derbyshire Printmaker Jacqueline Currell. She trained in sculpture and print-making in Bournemouth and has been creating art since 1963.

Jacqui won the Gulbenkian Rome Scholarship in Sculpture 1965-66,

spent a year in Rome and, during her career, taught at colleges in Plymouth and Chesterfield. She has exhibited widely in the UK and her work has won numerous awards.

Pictured at the exhibition are (l-r) Sharon Brown, Teresa Ayre, Fiona Bonner, Lionel Smith, Liz Smith, Joanne Rost, Margaret Gildea and Chris Lee.

study the insects’ intricate markings in detail.

Robin is now a member of the Butterfly Conservation charity, whose president is Sir David Attenborough, and said he hoped his work would help encourage young people to be interested in butterflies and moths.

He said: “I think they are beautiful creatures. Moths are powerful – if you look at the way they are designed.”

Robin spent his career mainly as a textiles and wall coverings designer, becoming an award-winning design director for ICI where he was involved in the creation of classic products such as Vymura wallpaper.

He says that inside lots of designers are painters and that many in his profession go back to their pure art roots when they retire.

Robin plans to hold another exhibition featuring different types of work celebrating the beauty of butterflies and moths.

– Lucy Stephens

NEWS in brief

Cricket club charity day

MELBOURNE Town Cricket Club is holding its third annual "Bob Marshall Charity Day along with a 20km sponsored bike ride on Sunday, July 17, at the Cockshut Lane Recreation Ground.

The day will take the same format as the previous two with a BBQ, bar, bouncy castle, stalls and a Dads vs Lads junior match. The proceeds raised are to be shared between Cancer Research and the club’s ever growing junior section.

The fun starts at midday with the bike ride under way at 1pm.

Chair-man featured

PETER Wood of Greenwood Days, a traditional chair-maker – and world champion bodger, is proud that his skills have been recognised by The Heritage Crafts Association. The HCA campaigns to promote, celebrate and preserve the skills of the traditional craftsperson and in May, it published its first ever broadsheet newspaper. Peter was selected to be one of the crafts people featured in the publication of some of the best traditional craftspeople.

IS A CARE HOME REALLY THE BEST OPTION FOR MUM?

So what do you do for the best when you know your elderly parent isn’t coping at home? You know they need looking after and a little extra support, but is a care home really necessary and is it the best and only option?

It’s a problem facing many people” says Alison Harding, Senior Village Adviser at the soon to open Richmond Astonon-Trent Retirement Village in Derbyshire.

“Every day family members tell parents are, but the reality is often very different with many ageing parents reliant on a great deal of support from a combination of family, friends, neighbours and public services to maintain them in their existing home. The stresses on families can be enormous”.

Of course families and friends are there to help as much as they can and generally do their utmost, but often they’re not local and have many other important responsibilities and demands on

their time. “It’s a real conundrum” says Alison, “and often people are still isolated at home with no real quality of life despite the sterling efforts of their family and friends to sustain them”.

So what is the alternative? In the past the only obvious solution has been residential care, but this might seem like an unnecessarily draconian step to take when, with a little extra care and support, an elderly parent can continue to enjoy a more independent lifestyle. The answer could be a Village Suite at award-winning retirement village operator Richmond Villages, who are part of Bupa. People purchase their own apartment and enjoy a level of support which includes all meals, cleaning, laundry and household chores, with personal care on hand 24/7 if required.

“Most people have at least one meal a day with friends in the restaurant or take the option of having meals brought to their apartment.” continues Alison, “Dining with friends is a regular

social occasion for most people, but the social aspect is enhanced further by our activities and events team who facilitate everything from bridge clubs to cultural festivals, all designed around the interests and wants of the people living at the Village. We also

drivers meaning shopping and other routine journeys, as well as recreational outings, no longer requires ordering a taxi or relying on family or friends if you don’t

drive anymore.”

Graham Cramphorn, whose mother has been living in a Village Suite at a Richmond Village for home had just become too much work for her. She wasn’t coping well and it was all getting her down. Now she has her own beautiful apartment, a great social life and excellent facilities all on her doorstep. Not only has it been the perfect move for mum, but knowing that support and help

from Richmond Villages is there 24-hours a day is very reassuring for me and my family.”

l Robin Gregson-Brown at his exhibition at Ingleby Gallery.

Photo: Tina Baker

Thunderbirds are go for these two

THE ADVERT says: “The Mongol Rally thunders 10,000 miles across the mountains, desert and steppes of Europe and Asia each summer.

“There’s no backup, no support and no set route; just you, your fellow adventurists and a tiny car. If nothing goes wrong, everything has gone wrong.

“Without ABS, gadgets or navigation to help, the Mongol Rally is about getting lost, using your wits, and scraping into the finish line with your vehicle in tatters and a wild grin smeared across your grubby face and raising cash for charity.”

Melbourne lad and third year mechanical engineering student Isaac Gosling has just signed up for this adventure, with colleague Alex Truman.

They are also ‘giving a lift’ to another student, Yasmin Durgut, as far as Istanbul. They are intending to complete the route in a Perodua Kenari car and a mobility scooter! Their crazy notion is to transform both into Thunderbirds 2 and 4 and dress up as characters from the iconic TV cartoon.

“We have been talking of doing it for the past few years, and we have the long summer break before starting a Masters course and we probably won’t get this kind of chance again,” said Isaac. “It really is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

The rules of the rally are very simple – you can only take a ridiculously small vehicle, you are completely on your own, and you have to raise £1,000 for charity.

The starting point is London, on July 17 and the finishing line is the small Russian town of Ulan Ude near the border with Mongolia, and you

have to get there between August 12 and September 12.

Where you go, and what you do in between is up to you, although there are two scheduled pit stops and a beach party in Romania.

“We are planning to take our time and arrive one day before the deadline; we have chosen to take the longer route, 11,000 miles through Turkey, Iran, Uzbekistan and places like that.”

And why Thunderbirds?

“We just thought it would be fun, and something different to have a theme and people can have a laugh as we drive past.”

Their charities are Cool Earth and Cancer Research, particularly chosen because Isaac’s uncle had recently battled with the disease, and they are hoping people will sponsor them. For more information or to offer support visit their website: www.teamthunderbirds.wix.com/mongolrally2016

– Frank Hughes

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AT LONG last, Melbourne Parish Council has secured approval to install a defibrillator in the town centre.

Purchased through the parish council and funds made available by County Cllr Linda Chilton and others over a year ago, the council has been frustrated in not being able to secure an approved location for its installation.

Having been given the all-clear, the defibrillator has now been installed on the wall of the public toilets on High Street.

Melbourne Parish Council chairman Margaret Sharp is pictured with local electrician Dave Worrall and the newly installed defibrillator.

HOW TO USE IT

l Defibrillator Location - High Street Toilet Block, Market Place.

l To access the box dial 999.

l You will be given an access code to open the box and an ambulance will be called automatically.

l Take Defibrillator to the patient and press green on/off button 1.

l A recorded message will give clear instructions thereafter.

Getting active in the Forest

ACTIVITIES as part of the Get Active in the Forest programme continue on Sunday, June 26, with a visit to Hilton's open water pools and grasslands which form a wonderful nature

reserve in the old gravel pits.

You can join Derbyshire Wildlife Trust for an introduction to this varied site.

Visitors should meet at the Willowpit Lane entrance at

9.45am for a 10am start, wear stout footwear and take your binoculars.

The walk will last approximately one hour.

Countdown to Festival

PLANS are well underway for this year’s Melbourne Festival. The dates are September 17 and 18 for the Art & Architecture Trail while the concerts run from September 3 to October 14.

Artists will be exhibiting in an exhibition called Wild Wood at the Assembly Rooms this year, with artists inspired by the National Forest, woodlands and woodland wildlife.

For this year’s Emerging Talent Award for young artists, 15 have been shortlisted to go ahead and create their final piece ready to exhibit at the Festival and for the selection of the overall winner of the £500 award.

The Food Festival will again be at Castle Farm Courtyard and the Food Court with pizza, barbecue and coffee at the

Senior Citizens’ Centre. There will also be an art café at the Assembly Rooms again.

Wind in the Willows is the theme this year to tie in with Wild Wood at the Assembly Rooms. There will be a gypsy caravan for the weekend and Toad will be “admiring” the classic cars at Melbourne Hall.

VILLAGE FETE

A TRADITIONAL village fete will be taking place at Findern on Saturday, June 25, from 12-4pm. There will be lots of things to entertain visitors including music, crafts and activities, a bake-off, raffles, stalls, food and drinks, children’s entertainment, parades and displays.

MEMBERS of Melbourne’s jogging group put their best feet, arms and legs forward when they tried out the new fitness trail at Whistlewood Common.

The fitness trail is the latest addition at the community owned 10-acre site on the edge of Melbourne, and it was installed thanks to an Awards for All grant.

The team at Whistlewood say the new facility is suitable for adults and older children, and that local sports clubs are also keen to use it.

Director Rose Minifie, who secured the grant, said: “We are delighted that this fitness trail adds another string to Whistlewood’s bow in supporting exercise in the outdoors, and encouraging people to use this unique site, which is open to the public all year round.”

Whistlewood was set up in 2013 with the aim of transforming the land into a productive woodland providing an educational service teaching people about sustainable living.

It also has an all-natural children’s play area complete with living willow dragon, orchards, walks and wildlife – but no dogs are allowed.

The site is run by volunteers and there are regular Saturday morning working parties at 10am finishing with lunch around a campfire.

Whistlewood director Sarah Spencer said: “It has been amazing what local people have created in just over two years, turning the site from a pasture to a vibrant woodland with facilities that are developing month by month.

“Our fantastic volunteers have looked at the site, come up with ideas and have just run with them, with support from members and the wider public.”

Next, the group is planning to create a community garden on the site, growing fruit, vegetables and herbs with no chemicals.

If you would like to be part of this new gardening group please email Helen Saunders via the website.

The next event will be a big one – a family festival on July 2, with local bands, hog roast, home-cooked vegetarian food, a Tollgate bar and family crafts and entertainment, with all proceeds going to further developing the site. For more details see www.whistlewoodcommon.org

“PROBABLY the best Astonbury yet,” said organiser Steve Aynsley, commenting on the recent music festival.

“The audience gave Vince Eager (pictured) a standing ovation after his performance in All Saints’ Church, and newcomer Ruby Sky left a lasting impression at both shows, as a solo performer in the church and with her amazing band in the War Memorial Hall.”

The Junkyard Angels made their debut in the village on the Saturday night to a very appreciative audience.

The bar had been raised this year and all performers put in a 100% performance – from the

Aston Players’ junior chorus to older hands like ragtime pianist Joe Nutman.

Cathy Razzell brought along a fine set of musicians together with "In Harmony", a choir from Willington featuring her daughter, Caitlin. Cathy's husband, Tony, was a firm favourite on the Saturday night.

Ukuleles came to the fore on both nights with Bugs, a 13piece ukulele band from Beeston, and Emily Hodgkin, who sang wonderfully to her own ukulele accompaniment, joined towards the end of her performance by her talented sister, Grace.

Other artists of note included Alison Hurt, Jessica Lemon with Mick Shaw, Rob Alliott and Danny Lockhart, Tristan Shandy (who, as the Memphis Tones, backed Vince Eager), Tony Luke, Tracey and Karyn, and the Flamettes, Aston Players’ adult chorus. Closing the proceedings was the ever popular Mocking Jays. Many others contributed to the success of the event and thanks were expressed to those behind the scene.

Over £1,200 was raised, which was divided between All Saints’ Church and the Aston Well Dressing Group.

Looking good for Aston’s pupils

PRIMARY school pupils in Aston-on-Trent still get a “good” education, Ofsted has decreed.

Aston-on-Trent Primary is the latest in this area to undergo inspection by the Government education watchdog, and it emerged having maintained a “good” rating from its last inspection in October 2010.

Inspector Roary Pownall said in his report that the 207-pupil primary headed by Lindsey Kalirai had “maintained the good quality of education in the school since the last inspection” and that staff were “very positive”.

His report went on to say: “Pupils also say that their voice is valued. On the day of my visit, work had started on the new ‘trim trail’ on the school grounds, which pupils had asked for and had helped to plan.

“Pupils enjoy coming to school to learn and they wear their uniform proudly. They look after the building and do not drop litter. Pupils are polite to visitors and each other, work and play happily together and cooperate well in class.

“During my visit, I saw no instances whatso-

ever of misbehaviour or silliness. Pupils display good attitudes to learning and complete their work neatly.”

Mr Pownall said Aston Primary pupils were making good progress from an early age and commented on their “impressive” skills in creative language. He gave as an example that of a year one pupil – aged between five and six – who had written “the mad goat head-butted the tree and the tangerines fell into the basket”.

Commenting on the quality of teaching at the school, Ofsted also said the most able pupils were not being challenged as much as they could be.

But Mr Pownall acknowledged that work was being done to address this, such as giving bright students tasks to develop a deeper understanding of maths.

School business officer Cat Smith said the inspection had been a “very positive experience” for the school.

She said: “A big thank you to all staff and pupils who have worked so hard to help us achieve our good status and maintain it.”

– Lucy Stephens

n CHILDREN and staff at Weston-on-Trent C.E. (Aided)

Primary School are celebrating after being judged outstanding in all areas during their recent church inspection.

The inspector drew attention to the "positive impact of the school’s Christian ethos on children’s well-being, achievement and relationships amongst all in the community”.

The school has also just received the national R.E. Quality Mark, one of only seven schools in Derby and Derbyshire with the award, which recognises outstanding learning in R.E.

Pictured are head teacher Ben O’Connell, with staff and pupils holding a celebration cake.

n A SPECTACULAR and unique choir flash mob surprised passengers at East Midlands Airport in the early hours of Sunday, May 22, to help raise awareness and funds for the airport’s corporate charity, CLIC Sargent.

Rock Choir members from across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire performed ‘A little Respect’ by Erasure to the delight of the passengers in the check-in hall and then collected donations wearing wigs, to help raise awareness for the charity’s Wig Wednesday on May 25.

CLIC Sargent fund-raising manager Anna Finnegan said: “The passengers were so surprised when it happened.”

IT’S TIME TO ACT ...

EVERYONE has a unique skill – and it’s time to show yours at Melbourne’s second school fund-raising talent contest.

Never fear, the Melbourne’s Got Talent show – held at the infant school on Packhorse Road – has its tongue firmly in its cheek and the whole occasion is purely intended as a bit of good-hearted fun.

Last year’s event featured The Village Voice’s very own Frank Hughes as a guest judge and was a resounding success, raising hundreds of pounds for Melbourne Infant School.

This year the parents association, who are organising the event, are hoping to replicate last year’s triumph and are looking for acts to put themselves forward.

So, if you’re an amazing musician, a glorious toe-tapper or maybe a masterful magician – and you’re not afraid to show it – then get in touch with the Melbourne’s Got Talent committee.

In addition to acts, local businesses are also being invited to provide raffle prizes. In return, their company logo will be featured in the programme on the night.

The event is being held from 7pm to 10pm on July 1 and to get in touch with the team either to take part or donate a prize, you can contact Melbourne Infant School Parents’ Association chair Jenny Halliday on sowterjm@aol.com

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CARPETS of English bluebells have a better chance of making their annual appearance in Aston-on-Trent thanks to a special planting session aimed at boosting the quintessentially delicate native flower.

Nature experts have long warned of the dangers of Spanish bluebells invading this country and suppressing the English variety.

So a new planting project from the Friends of Aston Brickyard and Richmond Villages in Aston-on-Trent is aimed at re-establishing native English bluebells at the plantation site.

Established in 2012, the Friends of Aston Brickyard (FAB) is a group of volunteers working to restore and manage a nine-acre wood and grassland site on the edge of Aston-onTrent – previously untouched for 30 years after its former incarnation as a brickyard.

FAB secretary John Holloway said: “FAB are very appreciative of the support from Richmond Villages. Volunteers work hard to protect and develop the plantation as a haven for flora and fauna; re-introducing English bluebells will significantly progress our aim to protect and proliferate this lovely and quintessential flower.”

Gay Evans, community relations manager from Aston’s Richmond Villages, said: “Our villages are designed to fully integrate into the local community. To provide support for a conservation project that will bring delight to residents and help

restore a community woodland is a tangible way that we can demonstrate our commitment to protecting and enhancing our green environment.”

Bluebells have been much in the press this spring over fears that the Spanish bluebells are threatening the pure native population because they are stronger and easily cross pollinate.

This has led to one in six UK woodlands now containing Spanish bluebells which rapidly spread and stamp out the English flowers.

With the help of Richmond Villages the FAB team is hoping to establish colonies to spread through the woodland.

FAB volunteer Brenda Burrell said: “I think it’s important that we should try to protect English bluebells where we can, because they are so much more delicate than Spanish bluebells.

“The trouble is that the Spanish ones are so much more robust and because they cross pollinate and are stronger they overwhelm the English ones.

“We thought we’d have a chance at Aston Brickyard to try to make a difference if we can.”

As for telling the difference between English and Spanish bluebells, there are several key ways: English bluebells smell stronger and have white pollen, while the Spanish flowers hardly have any scent and their pollen is pale green or blue.

– Lucy Stephens

l Gay Evans (left), from Richmond Villages, and FAB vol Brenda Burrell planting bluebells.

e’s

Foggy day is a crowd pleaser

SPORTING and I’m a Celebrity legend Carl Fogarty met fans at Donington Park at a special new event ahead of the World Superbikes Championship.

“Foggy” was in attendance at a free ‘meet and greet’ along with other current riders including Alex Lowes and Josh Brookes as he regaled fans with his experiences both on the circuit and in the jungle.

Around 2,500 people turned out to the event outside Donington Collections on Sunday, May 22.

Talking of his experiences during the popular ITV show I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here – which he won in 2014 –Fogarty told the crowd: “For the first 24 hours I was thinking ‘what the hell have I done here?’ But eventually I just relished being in there with a good bunch of guys and it was an experience I’ll never forget.

“I thought I’d be the first one out and then every day after I thought I was going to go, but thanks to the fans I won the thing, which was amazing. I loved it, and it’s something I’ll never forget.”

But there was disappointment in Castle Donington because the event was to have taken place in the town itself, with superbike riders scheduled to ride around the streets on their vehicles in the same way as the town’s well known historic car parade, which took place at the end of April.

It was decided shortly beforehand that, because of the huge crowds of people who were expected to come, it would not be logistically possible to hold it as originally planned due to health and safety considerations.

Kate Smith, owner of Tylers tearooms on Market Street, said her business was to have opened specially on the Sunday of the original event – before it was moved to Donington Park.

She said: “I found it extremely disappointing. We’d planned to open and it was going to bring quite a bit of business. Everybody was really excited about it.”

But she added: “I get that the logistics side of it let it all down.”

Explaining why the event had changed venue, Castle Donington Parish Council chairman Shaun Ambrose-Jones said: “Although we anticipated a good local response, we didn’t expect a nationwide one. Fantastic though this is, it was realised that the event would have to move somewhere larger

Marksmen on target with BBQ

THE Melbourne Marksmen Airgun Club has donated a BBQ to the Melbourne Royal British Legion Club. It has already had a successful first outing, being used at a fun day.

The Melbourne Marksmen meet on a Thursday evening at the RBL Club and welcome new members. Please contact Phil Pilsworth Secretary on 0755 2818480 for more information.

Yvonne and John from the RBL Club are pictured with the BBQ and members of Melbourne Marksmen.

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to properly accommodate it, most obviously, Donington Park itself.”

Donington Park managing director Christopher Tate said: “We were delighted to see so many people at the Donington Collections for the World Superbike champions meet and greet event on Sunday 22nd.

“We were particularly pleased with the response from our neighbours, the local residents enjoyed the day and took advantage of a special residents ticket discount for the World Superbike race event this weekend - with many telling us they’d never been to watch racing at the circuit before.

“Local residents and long distance visitors alike were able to meet some of the most famous riders in motorcycling. This event followed on from the long-standing local resident discount offers, the Classic Car Parade each May in Castle Donington and the strong working relationship we have with Castle Donington Parish Council. We all look forward to working together on similar events in the future.”

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l Carl Fogarty (left) being interviewed at the meet and greet event. Photo: Martin Stephens

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Allotments up for grabs

THERE’S good news for Melbourne’s keen gardeners from Hilly Fields allotments.

It’s nearly mid-summer, and it’s been a funny old year: a very mild windy winter followed by a cold spring. All the Hilly Fields produce was well advanced and then it fell behind, but now everything is back to normal.

There has been lots of rain at the right time, and all the allotments are looking good.

But, much to their surprise, the allotments now have vacancies. Some members have moved away, and others have new jobs and can’t spare the time. So, for the first time for many years, new allotmenteers are being sought.

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Queen’s

MORE than 1,000 people turned out for Castle Donington’s street party on Sunday, June 5, to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Although Her Majesty couldn’t come herself it did not stop the enjoyment of all who were there.

The event had taken months of planning, spearheaded by two local residents, Jackie Green and Shan Fletcher, who led a team of people, supported by Castle Donington Parish Council, in organising the festivities.

we own the freehold of our Commerce Street site,” said secretary Mick Robey.

“Each allotment holder, after a year’s probationary period, becomes a shareholder.

“We don’t pay a dividend. That comes from growing our own fruit and veg, and the health benefits from all the digging. We eat the fruit of our labours!

“Our annual subscriptions are amongst the lowest in the country – £15 for a full plot and £10 for a half. We give first preference to Melbourne residents when we have a waiting list, but that doesn’t apply now.”

If anyone would like to join the company, contact the secretary Mick Robey on 07967 582442 or write to him at 11 The Pingle, DE72 8FB.

birthday street party

By 8am the street was cleared ahead of being closed, by 9am, porta-loos arrived, bunting went up and 160 tables with benches were laid out in two main rows down Borough Street. Under Jackie and Shan’s supervision, M&S volunteers organised, positioned and labelled each table according to the predetermined street plan.

By 2pm tables were dressed and the party began. Connie Hallam, Castle Donington’s own centenarian, formally opened proceedings, welcoming everybody, wishing the Queen a

LIGHTING UP TIME

SINCE its election a year ago, Breedon Parish Council has achieved a great deal. Some of the completed projects include installing new signs and gates at either end of Breedon, daffodil planting at several sites in the parish, and the re-pointing of the war memorial.

There are also several projects on the drawing board which include the parish information plan. This will see footpath signs, information boards, and historical signs placed at several locations around the village. This project has been kick-started by Breedon Aggregates, who have sited two new signs on the footpath near Breedon Church.

Parish council members and residents enjoyed the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations and have created a garden on the green as a permanent reminder.

The highlight was undoubtedly April with the lighting of the beacon and the ensuing party in the church with the ladies of the WI doing tea and cakes to the music of Roots Community Choir. The party carried on in the Holly Bush, courtesy of the Community Association.

Cllr Jones expressed his thanks to all involved, saying: “The hard work of everyone paid off, making the night a huge success. It was lovely to see so many people there – a real community feel.”

happy birthday to which everybody sang along, wonderfully backed by the Rolls-Royce Brass band, who played all afternoon. This was followed by the National Anthem to really get people in the mood.

Food, drink, plenty of children’s entertainment, a magician, a table quiz, as well as trophies being awarded for fancy dress, shop windows and best dressed tables saw an afternoon baked in glorious sunshine simply fly by. A true spirit of community, as a great time was had by old and young alike.

l Celebrating the lighting of the Breedon on the Hill beacon are (l-r): Harold Heath, Colin Armitage and Gill Yates.

l Volunteers from Marks & Spencer help to lay out the picnic tables on Borough Street.

Droner Peter is high-tech pilot

A HARMLESS toy for children and hobbyists, a business opportunity or a growing nuisance?

These are the questions being raised by the huge sales growth of drones – unmanned aerial vehicles. Local expert droner Peter Wright thinks there is no cause for concern and is making the most of the latest technology with his new business.

Peter (pictured) has had a long-standing interest in both model aircraft and photography, so the opportunity to combine the two with the new drone technology was a natural progression. He has spent the last 10 months working towards his pilot qualification, giving him permission from the Civil Aviation Authority for aerial work.

“The law is complicated but quite clear,” said Peter; “if you are operating a small craft, up to a weight of 7kg with a camera, you cannot fly within 50 metres of any person, vehicle, vessel or structure. You must keep it within your line of sight at all times. You cannot fly it within 150 metres of any congested area – which means any centre of population or industry, or within 150 metres of an outdoor gathering. It is prohibited to fly it over 122 metres high or 500 metres horizontally from the controller, and, obviously, you cannot fly it in controlled airspace. Some of these laws are relaxed with CAA permission.”

With drones available to buy from as little as a few pounds it is essential that new users understand what they are and are not allowed to do.

Peter has been working on his Permission For Aerial Work, granted by the CAA, a require-

ment if it is intended to use a drone for commercial work of any kind. It involves a two-day course on air law then a half day flight test, and writing a full operations manual with all the associated risk assessments.

The aircraft themselves can be very dangerous when they fail. Champion skier Marcel Hirscher very narrowly avoided serious injury when a photographer’s drone crashed within inches of him, and last year a toddler in Birmingham lost an eye in a heart-breaking en-

counter. The CAA also reports that drone near misses with aircraft are an increasing worry.

Peter, who is a self-employed IT businessman, said that if the rules are followed and ‘pilots’ use their common sense the risks can be minimised. He is hoping that his certification will enable him to offer services for TV and film work, survey work and perhaps some thermal imaging work.

“It has huge potential,” he said.

–Frank Hughes

n RARELY has the art of clothes shopping been put to better use than when crowds came to The One Off on Derby Road, Melbourne to take part in a school fund-raiser. The one-day shopping event offered clothes by popular mail order retailer Boden with a proportion of sales going to Melbourne Infant and Junior schools.

Parents also ran a raffle to help boost funds further. Final figures are not yet known but visitors to the event, which has been held in Melbourne before, certainly did the schools proud with more than £1,100 raised with more to come for the two schools, which will be spent on educational enhancements for pupils.

Volunteers get keys to library

VOLUNTEERS will finally get the keys to Castle Donington Library this month as they take over from council managers.

Leicestershire County Council announced several years ago that 37 of its libraries would have to close because of budget cuts – leaving only 16 of the biggest libraries under council management, such as the large branch in Ashby-de-laZouch.

County leaders then invited volunteers to take over the affected libraries, of which Castle Donington’s was one.

On June 22 a group of committed volunteers will be taking over the re-named Castle Donington Community Library – and they are hoping it will offer an even better service.

Parish councillor Chris Hills, who is one of the volunteers, said the new library would initially maintain the same opening hours as it has at the moment but it was hoped these could eventually be extended to seven days a week and the services enhanced.

This would include offering high speed broadband.

Cllr Hills said: “We want to save the library be-

cause Castle Donington is a growing community and we felt that the library was an invaluable resource to the community – we didn’t want to see it die.”

Figures show that the Delven Lane branch has a footfall of around 35,000 people a year – an amount of usage that Castle Donington leaders felt meant it was well worth preserving.

Volunteers currently have the building on a ten year lease at a peppercorn rent, with grant funding from the county council, North West Leicestershire District Council and the parish council, which will cover the running costs for the next few years.

Cllr Hills also said the Castle Donington parish council had recently raised its precept by 50 per cent so that services in the town which were no longer being funded by the county council – including running the library and cutting the grass on the town’s verges – could be met within the community.

The new community library will be officially opened on July 9 by children’s author Andrew Cope, of Kings Newton, who is the author of the popular Spy Dog, Spy Pups and Spy Cat series.

Striding out to aid charity

FOREMARKE Hall at Milton will be the venue for the inaugural Brooksie’s Bash 10-mile trail race and three-mile walk on July 17.

The event is organised by Shelton Striders in partnership with Derbyshire Mind’s ‘Enjoy Derby’ project, with the proceeds going to the charity.

Mental health is a hot topic at the moment from Prince Harry championing the “hidden injury” at the Invictus Games to employers introducing training.

Shelton Striders are working with Derbyshire Mind and have four mental health ambassadors promoting running and exercise as a way to a healthy mind.

Almost entirely on traffic-free paths and bridleways the scenic route, which will be well marked and marshalled, passes through the Ticknall, Staunton Harold and Robin Wood areas.

It has been used by Shelton Striders for several years as a club event, and they thought it was time to open it up to other clubs and local

runners to enjoy this area of South Derbyshire, while supporting a very worthwhile cause.

You will also be able to try Nordic walking at the event. Entries are available on line through the Shelton Striders’ website, http://sheltonstriders.org.uk/brooksies/

FOOTBALL fanatic Councillor Pat Murray has notched a memorable hat-trick by being named chairman of South Derbyshire District Council for a third time.

The 68-year-old was handed the chains at the annual civic council meeting.

Cllr Murray, who has served on the authority since 2007, immediately set his sights on his key aim of boosting the profile of music in South Derbyshire and raising money for Prostate Cancer UK and its Men United campaign.

n ASTON School Parents’ Association held an ASPA Day at the school in May.

There were activities in the school hall and the classrooms, an inflatable assault course and a Big Top.

Children and staff dressed in circus costumes for the event, the sixth held at the school.

The Big Top stayed in the same location for the school fair, held the following day and open to the public.

There were activities and shows in the Big Top plus all the other normal activities for a spring fair to raise funds for the association.

Marshalls wanted for the Moonlight Walk

WITH the Treetops Hospice Care annual Moonlight Walk fast-approaching, volunteers are being asked to step forward to act as marshals.

The ladies-only sponsored walk starts and ends at the University of Derby and relies on up to 100 volunteer marshals based across the 5k and 10k routes to keep walkers on the right track and ensure their safety.

The Moonlight Walk starts at 10pm on Friday, June 17, to coincide with Treetops’ Hospice at Home nurses starting their shifts across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. The walk should finish at approximately 1am the following day and volunteer marshals will be stationed along the walk route.

Those interested in volunteering as a marshal or taking part in the walk can register online at http://www.treetopshospice.org.uk/moonlight or call the fund-raising team on 0115 949 1264.

l Chris Hills, Tony Saffell, Steph Garnett, Fiona Palmer and Colin Burton, pictured outside Castle Donington Library.

Trish Mason (nee Glossop)

Your daughter Sam wants to know if you are OK. Would love to meet up in July. Please email littlewitch72@yahoo.com or phone 001 276 494 2923

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MARJORIE CALOW

1932 - 2016

MARJORIE was the second daughter of George and Gladys Calow. The family home on the corner of North Street and George Street was combined with the workshop and yard of the Calows’ building and joinery business

At 18, Marjorie couldn’t wait to get away. After a degree in chemistry at Queen Mary College, London, and a brief spell as a teacher, Marjorie spent 22 years at Boots Pure Drug Company Ltd. in Nottingham. Meanwhile, she had married Andrew Harrison, who also worked at Boots, and in 1958 they bought a bungalow in the Nottingham suburb of Bakersfields.

After separating amicably from Andrew, Marjorie inherited her father’s bungalow and returned to Melbourne in the late 1970s. Aged 45, she began successful studies for a Master’s degree in Industrial Relations at Warwick, and then got a job as Tutor Organiser in Derby for the WEA. Marjorie also continued as a lay member of Employment Tribunals, having been nominated for the purpose in 1977 as that rare animal – an active, experienced, female trade unionist. In 1989 Marjorie obtained her third degree, this time in English Literature, from the Open University. As WEA tutor organiser, Marjorie was given responsibility for

THOMAS GORDON BEARDSLEY

1928 - 2016

ALWAYS known as Gordon, he was born in Nottingham and moved to Melbourne as a young child. He attended Melbourne School and lived in Moira Street with his parents. Gordon also had two brothers and a sister.

In his early years he worked on the land around the Melbourne area. He met Doreen in the 1940s when she was working locally as a land girl. At that time they enjoyed ballroom dancing together. They married on September 4, 1948.

Now taking day boarding dogs which includes socialispaddocks.

Contact us: 01332 862796

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Theregistercanbeviewedduringo cehoursatSouthDerbyshireDistrictCouncil, CivicO ces,CivicWay,Swadlincote,Derbyshire,DE110AH.Pleasecontact01238 595890or01283595724inordertomakeanappointment.Alternatively,thefull applicationcanbeviewedatwww.southderbys.gov.uk. Anyrepresentationrelatingtothisapplicationmustbemadeinwritingtothe LicensingAuthorityby29consecutivedaysafterthedateofthisnotice.

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Their son, Paul, was born at the home of Gordon’s parents at Packhorse Road, Melbourne. Gordon, Doreen and Paul moved and lived at Ramsley whilst Gordon worked on the land there. Later they moved to Radbourne and then Stanton, during which time Gordon worked as a dairy farmer. After dairy farming he worked for a milk bottling dairy where he delivered milk door to door around the Allestree area.

Following this Gordon drove a lorry, wholesaling milk around Burton and Derby.

Around 1958 Gordon and Doreen moved to Melton Avenue where they remained.

Gordon began working with Derek Pass on a small holding on Robinson’s Hill, Melbourne, run as a hobby/part-time business. Eventually Gordon and Derek sold the land and Gordon helped in

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women’s studies, and was proud to offer what she herself called “fairly subversive courses”. Her conventional middle-class, middleaged image helped to ensure that she was taken seriously. Marjorie retired in 1991 and enjoyed being holed up in her bungalow reading, and listening to music. Trips out, especially to Stratford or to the opera, with good food and wine, were great pleasures. She allotted her time very strictly and was a stickler for routine; she could be seen on her daily walks across the Common in all kinds of weather.

Marjorie was a meticulous recorder of absolutely everything and she had an encyclopaedic memory. Despite her interests in literature and music, she also maintained a wide and varied social circle and was a prolific sender and receiver of letters and cards. Her last achievement was to have her extensive correspondence with the author Roy Fuller reproduced for private circulation. She was aware that her health was deteriorating because of a heart valve problem, but was able to enjoy a last small celebration to mark its successful launch. Marjorie ended her days peacefully in her own home, which had been her emphatic wish, and was eternally grateful to the numerous friends and kind neighbours who enabled her to achieve it.

– P.E.H.

the family business, retailing fruit and veg.

When Gordon and Doreen retired they were regularly seen in Melbourne. They were members of King’s Newton Bowls Club and often played in matches.

Gordon also enjoyed football. In his 20s he played full back for Stanton Villa Football Club. Paul recalls as a child enjoying large family holidays in Blackpool and fortnightly trips to Sheffield. Gordon and Doreen also had many holidays in Spain.

Gordon loved gardening and especially his geraniums; he won ‘best kept front garden’ in 1999 and 2000 and they regularly visited garden centres together.

After his time working on the land Gordon maintained a keen interest in tractors and ploughing matches.

Grandsons Ryan and Jordon enjoyed watching Bruce Lee films with Grandpa although Gordon’s preference was cowboy movies and John Wayne. They also remember the numerous fun trips to Skeggy they enjoyed together.

During the last few years Gordon began to lose his memory a little and then finally he was diagnosed with cancer.

Before any illness, Gordon and Doreen celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary. They were married for 68 wonderful years. Gordon is survived by Doreen, son Paul, daughter-in-law Kay and two grandsons Ryan and Jordon.

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Now it’s the Chip and Win pub ...

NOT much more than a year after its doors opened, Melbourne’s micropub, the Chip and Pin, is now winning recognition.

Although it did not end up as winner of the prestigious Camra Country 2016 Pub of the Year award it was one of the three finalists.

“Just being shortlisted was so amazing,” said one of the owners, Elaine Chadwick.

“In just over a year of trading it is clear that people appreciate what we are doing. The competition is fierce, with some 30-odd pubs in the running, and the criteria are demanding, including the welcome, the level of service, and predominantly the quality and choice of products.”

Martin Reek, chairman, visited the pub to award the certificate to the owners.

Asked what she felt was the recipe for their success, Elaine replied: “We provide a constantly changing list of beers and ciders, sourced locally from within a 20-mile radius. We don’t have sport, or music but we positively encourage conversation and we like to feel we are part of the community.

“Our regular customers come not just from Melbourne but from all surrounding areas, including Chellaston, Ashby and Whitwick.”

Landlord Dave Carpenter has been reviewing the “locale” list of breweries in the area and found that it has nearly doubled, to 71, indicating the phenomenal business growth there has been in the micro-brewing industry.

Hot on the heels of the local Camra award,

Rotary finale

THE final meeting of Melbourne Rotary Club will be held on Tuesday, June 21, at Melbourne Hall Tea Room at 7 pm, to which any past members of the club are invited. The club will also be making its final round of donations to local charities at this meeting. n The promised feature on the life and times of the Melbourne club has unfortunately had to be held over until the July edition.

came news of their TripAdvisor certificate of excellence.

Now in its sixth year, this achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned great reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year.

“It honours hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travellers,” said Heather Leisman, vicepresident of Industry Marketing, TripAdvisor.

The certificate is based on the quality, quantity and frequency of reviews submitted over a 12month period. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall rating of at least four out of five, and have a minimum number of reviews in the past year.

“We would like to thank all our customers and suppliers who have voted for us in these awards,” said Elaine. “Cheers ” – Frank Hughes

THE ladies of Breedon Women’s Institute enjoyed an excellent day out to one of the National Trust’s newer local properties, Stoneywell in Ulverscroft, Leicestershire (pictured)..

An informative tour of this 'arts and crafts' style house and gardens provided much food for thought.

The gardens were in full bloom with vividly coloured azaleas, rhododendrons and a magnificent handkerchief tree! There was plenty of inspiration for members ahead of the Breedon Open Gardens event to be held this year on Sunday afternoon, July 3.

Members have also enjoyed an entertaining and very tasty evening with Debbie from Long Clawson Dairy at a recent meeting. The provenance of Stilton cheese was interesting and Debbie interspersed her humorous talk with tastings of recipe ideas using

both savoury and sweet.

Stilton,

Members had made their own cheesy dishes, and a nice glass of wine instead of the usual tea finished off a great evening.

l Dave Carpenter, James Cripps, Elaine Chadwick, Martin Reek and Matt Harnden with the CAMRA award.

CONNIE BINGHAM 10.5.1919 – 8.4.2016

I would like to thank everyone for their cards, flowers and kindness following the recent loss of my dear Mum. Also for the many donations that raised £255 for Breast Cancer UK.

Thank you to all the staff at Pool Cottage for their wonderful care and attention, Rev. Angela Plummer for a lovely service and JP Springthorpe for their care and professionalism.

Barbara Barker

THANKS

Cllr Linda Chilton wishes to thank, most sincerely, all who sent cards and flowers on the sudden death of her much loved husband Keith, on 14 May 2016, only ten days after his beloved aunt Morella, also of Melbourne. Words cannot describe how I feel at this time but the support I have received is overwhelming and I feel rather humbled.

Thank you all.

Pilates Classes

n MELBOURNE RFC’s women and girls section, the Minxes, took another step forward with their ‘7s weekend’ with around 800 people attending.

The event started as a recruitment drive five years ago and is now one of the biggest all-female events in the UK with sides from Scotland and Wales joining those from Yorkshire, Surrey, Gloucester, Somerset and everywhere else from England.

Head of the section Nick Woodland said: “I am lucky to have an amazing bunch of parents who support the crazy ideas that I have and we are lucky to have a club that backs us. “The event is now at a point where it needs polishing and we hope that this can be done with the addition of an amazing clubhouse facility and from sponsors because if we can pull off an event like this with very little, just think what can be achieved.”

Top women cyclists wheeling in

THE Aviva Women’s Cycling Tour is coming to South Derbyshire on June 18.

The biggest cycling event to visit the area, Stage 4 of the tour from Nottingham to Stoke on Trent, will pass through Elvaston, Thulston, Aston on Trent, Weston, Swarkestone, Stanton, Ticknall and on through Hartshorne to Swadlincote.

Estimated time of arrival at each village can be viewed on womenstour.co.uk. As a guide the lead cars will appear at approximately 10.50am at Elvaston with the peloton 10 minutes later. It is estimated that the cyclists will take about 40 minutes to reach Swadlincote from Elvaston. Rolling Road Closure will be in effect and it will take around 30 minutes for the race convoy to pass any point on the course.

l MELBOURNE RFC’s annual awards evening was organised by club president Dave Smith and hosted by Pete Ilott, the club chairman, at Melbourne Assembly Rooms.

Pictured with their awards (l-r, back row) are: Tim Wilbraham (clubman), Devon Iliffe (most promising player), Tim Richardson (3rd XV/Stag of the year and leading try scorer), Al Judge (players’ player and most improved), Matt Derbyshire (Chairman’s Award), Will Judge (1st XV player of the year). Front: Will Cresswell (knight of the year) and Morris Hall (10 minute rest award).

MELBOURNE

Thursdays 9.30am and 7pm

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Call Toni: 07794 118214

CASTLE DONINGTON

Tuesdays 9.15am

Methodist Church

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Call Gill: 07979 722631

South Derbyshire District Council recently announced plans to create a ‘cycling legacy’ on the back of news that some of the world’s top female cyclists will race through the area. This legacy will include creating a cycling hub at Green Bank Leisure Centre in Swadlincote, where commuters can store their bikes and use shower and changing facilities before heading to work.

Spectators are being urged to line the streets en-route, while a ‘come and try it’ fun day at Swadlincote’s Eureka Park (10.30am-1.30pm) on the day will feature a whole host of family friendly cycling-related activities, as well as a viewing point for the peloton.

Al e Birch

United show you can win with kids

“YOU’LL never win anything with kids,” said Alan Hansen famously in 1995. Well, he has been proved wrong once more as Melbourne United U15s have stormed to the title with a record that reads: W12 D1 L1, goals for 67 against 23.

The lads have played some cracking stuff all season. In fact at times it’s been like watching Brazil, or even Leicester.

The excellent new pitches at the recreation ground have enabled beautiful passing football to be played. Away from home on poorer pitches they have had to adapt their style. Luke Magill has done a brilliant job as coach getting the lads fitter, getting them to pass the ball on the floor and tuned in to new ways of playing.

“He’s made us run a lot, but it’s really paid off in games,” says centre back Harry Fox.

Charlie ‘Chazza’ Bestwick has been immense between the sticks. The odd coloured gloves have been a big help. The defence has been ably marshalled by Oscar Bagley, who has looked a class act all season.

Oli Clarke has dominated the midfield with craft, guile and a heart as big as his tackles. Cap-

tain fantastic Olly Boyd (he plays the No.10 role) has kept the lads going, leading by example, shouting a lot and displaying a massive will to win. He also weighed in with 18 goals.

Up top Lewis Hamilton has troubled defences all season with pace and power, bagging 21 goals and finishing as the league’s top scorer.

Some games have been won easily, in others the lads had to dig in.

They have shown a superb attitude, total effort and massive commitment all season. They are a credit to Melbourne’s Blue Army and the rising profile of Melbourne United FC.

– Luke Magill (head coach) and Chris Flint (manager)

Getting out and active

THE Out & Active Club at Rosliston Forestry Centre has a great range of outdoor and sporting activities that may include archery, bushcraft, drumming, cycling, human table football and laser combat. It is suitable for children aged eight and over and takes place (9am-5pm) from Monday, August 8, to Friday, August 12, and from Monday, August 22, to Friday, August 26.

Cricket is back in Aston

THIS season will see the return of grass roots village cricket to Aston on Trent.

The focus will be on local players and it is hoped to build a club that the village can be proud of.

At a Sign-Up day the new club gained over 40 members, social, junior and senior playing members.

An under-11 team played their first game in the SDCDG Kwik Cricket League at Melbourne with the first senior fixture, a friendly against Swarkestone CC, taking place on Sunday, May 1.

There were so many players wanting to play in the senior fixture that two 20-over games were played to accommodate as many as possible.

Swarkestone CC were victorious in both games, passing the 120 mark in each of their innings, but Aston performed better in the second game and certainly have cause for optimism – especially as this

Youngsters are having a ball ...

JUNIOR cricket in Melbourne is going from strength to strength. Well over 50 children enjoyed some long overdue sunshine and cricket coaching at Melbourne Town Cricket Club by volunteer MTCC coaches.

The junior section now has teams in kwik cricket (Yr 3 - Yr 6) and hard ball teams for under 11, 13, 15 and 17. This is the first time that all age groups have had a team and it shows how much the club has developed over recent years.

“It’s wonderful to see so many new players coming through the junior section into

senior cricket,” said James Hogwood, chairman of MTCC.

The club is working in partnership with Derbyshire County Cricket and Melbourne Junior School by offering an after-school club at school, coaching during PE lessons and expert coaching at the junior training sessions.

The junior training takes place at The Recreation Ground, Cockshut Lane, Melbourne, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on Wednesdays. If you would like to go along, contact Sue Potts on 01332 864618.

was the first game in several years for some.

Although plenty of practice is needed in all areas, there was no shortage of enthusiasm or support, with a good turnout of spectators braving the cold.

They had the chance to keep warm inside by the excellent BBQ put on by Chris Toon, and all involved would like to say a hearty thanks to everyone who contributed to an excellent tea.

Ian Dunn for Aston said: “It's so exciting to be a part of this new village cricket club; we have come a long way since our first meeting and are looking forward to being a permanent fixture in the village again.”

If you would like to get involved in any way, get in touch by calling Dave Duncan on 07774 155156 or Ian Dunn on 01332 799948 or by visiting the website http://aotvillagecc.play-cricket.com

l A group of Aston on Trent Village Cricket Club players at their first friendly fixture: (back row l-r) Dave Cross, Luke Ashenden, Richard Paine, Steve Merrey, Dave Duncan, Andy Mason, Rob Quinn, Dan Swan and Tim Watkins; (front row l-r) Steve Hyde, Luke Merrey, Anthony Allcock,

Simon Archibald, Chris Jones and Ian Dunn.

Town make merry in May to finish top

MELBOURNE Town Cricket Club continued their good early season form with the first team leading the way as they finished May at the top of the table.

They began with a rained-off game away to Dunstall 2nds. Town scored 170 all out, batting first with Matt Briers (47) holding the innings together. The game was in the balance as Dunstall had hit 145-6 when the rain caused the game to be abandoned. Briers completed a good match with 3-57.

The following week at home to Barton the first team held on for a losing draw as the visitors batted first and scored a healthy 240 all out with Faren Price taking 4-50 supported by 3-55 from skipper Alex Slater.

Melbourne looked on course for victory as Andy Potts (38) and Price (43) put on 91 for the first wicket, but the loss of both saw Town collapse and it was left to Slater to lead the rearguard as he ended 41 not out to claim his side a losing draw.

The first team then ended the month with two convincing victo-

ries, the first being away at lowly Winshill with Matt Briers destroying the home side’s batting line up in taking 6-29. He was ably supported by two wickets apiece from Price and Slater as Winshill were shot out for just 65.

Opener Potts hit a quickfire 49 not out as Town won easily by eight wickets.

This was backed up with another win the following week at home to Swarkestone 2nds. Price (4-44) and Briers (3-33) led the way as the visitors were bowled out for 136.

Melbourne sneaked home by three wickets with Slater again leading the way with the bat, top scoring with 44 to leave the first team 14 points clear at the end of May.

MELBOURNE Town 2nd team had an up and down month as they settled into mid-table but began with a rained-off game at home to Allestree when it looked like they were on their way to victory.

Having bowled the visitors out for 155, thanks to 4-36 by Marc

l Melbourne Town Cricket Club 1st XI: (back row l-r) Steve Price, Ian Roberts, Matt Grimmett, Faren Price, Matt Briers, Mark Rossi and Albert Wood (scorer); (front row l-r) Kaustav Dutta, Dave Briers, Alex Slater (captain), Andy Potts and Mark Swallow.

Towell and 3-31 by skipper Dan Marshall, their reply was well set on 71-0 off just 18 overs when the heavens opened.

A high-scoring losing draw away to Lullington Park 3rds saw the home side score freely to amass 257-8, with three wickets apiece for Towell and James Hogwood stemming the flow.

In reply, Town finished on 186-7 with Izzy Anjilliath (55) and a first league half century for Sam Adcock, plus 31 from Towell left the 2nds safely holding on for the draw.

The following day Marshall's men held on for another losing draw away to Alvaston and Boulton 4th Xl. The home side scored a healthy 205 all out with Ben Newton (4-58) and Hogwood (3-45) doing the damage with the ball.

A superb knock of 58 by Mark Hirons, supported by 32 from opener Simon Fletcher, took Melbourne close but the loss of those two left Town settling for the draw on 175-8.

A first defeat of the season at home to Castle Donington followed as Melbourne were bowled out for just 79, losing by six wickets, and the seconds ended the month disappointingly with another defeat, again by six wickets away to Uttoxeter 2nds.

Melbourne batted well to get to 161 thanks mainly to openers Scrimshaw (32) and Fletcher (36), but then the innings fell away and, despite Hogwood taking 4-39, the seconds ended the month sliding down the table.

TOWN’S third team competed well in the month but began with a defeat at home to Breadsall thirds as the visitors scored 167 all out. Melbourne were shot out for just 69 in reply to fall to a 98-run defeat.

A week later Bruno Rost's men travelled to Ashbourne and the rain caused abandonment as the home side had posted 209-3 and the thirds were 54-4 in reply.

They did, however, end the month with a morale-boosting 106run home victory against local rivals Castle Donington 2nds. Melbourne scored 181-4 batting first with Toby McCabe (45), Ashley Ellwell (43) and skipper Rost (40).

A spell of 3-22 by Elwell, ably supported by Sam Barker (2-6), Cory Jones (2-19) and McCabe (2-19) secured a convincing victory to move the thirds into the safety of mid-table.

The club would like to thank its ball sponsors for the months of April and May without which it would struggle to run the senior and junior teams. These were: Doves Garages, Harpur's, Richard Heath-President, Lomas Opticians, Melbourne Royal British Legion, Scallywags Nursery, Albert Wood and Willows Sports Centre.