Village Voice No 208 March 2010
Melbourne & District
Star lesson for pup-ils YEAR six pupils at Melbourne Junior School had one of their special lessons delivered by local author Andy Cope. The lessons are designed to be inspirational, helping the young people to develop a positive attitude and give them confidence for what lies ahead. The basis of the lesson is Andy’s book ‘A Brilliant Life’ signed copies of which were distributed to each pupil at the end of the afternoon. Andy was at the school with his pet dog Lara on a secret mission. Pupils had been invited to read Andy’s latest book in the Spy Dog series and there was such a positive response, volunteers names had to be drawn out of a hat. Their top secret mission was to secretly read advance copies of the new
book, Spy Pups Prison Break, without anyone knowing (including mums and dads) and then write a brief review. The select few took their mission seriously and delivered their review to the school after their lesson was over. Here are a selection of quotations from their reviews: “If you want an action book, Spy Pups Prison Break is for you” . . . “A real page turner” . . . “I rate this book 10 out of 10” . . . “This book is just perfect for you kids out there”. It certainly looks as if Andy has another top seller when it is released on April 1. Pictured are (back row, from the left) Daniel Solecki, Owen Cooke, Matty Read, Josh Smith.Front row: Martha Payne, Martha Crosby and Ben James.
MOTOR RACING IS BACK!
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INSIDE STORIES
Flipping good fun – Page 3
Inspiration for a book – Page 7
Kings Newton is home to top radio-controlled cars track
MOTOR racing is alive and well – even though Donington is now not available to host meetings. A new local venue has roared into action in the sleepy hamlet of Kings Newton. The brainchild and vision of John Dawson, from Castle Donington, Ardent Raceway is one of only two indoor tracks in the UK and will be the largest permanent circuit for racing radio controlled cars. The circuit is housed in a former agricultural storage unit in Main Street and was busy with competitors and spectators for its first open day on February 26. John is a radio controlled model car enthusiast and has been involved since the early 80s. He is a member of the Derby Radio Controlled Model Car Club and has raced at all the local venues that have hosted race meetings – but on temporary tracks that have to be set up
by TOM MILLS and laid out on each occasion they are used. He is delighted to have been able to secure premises to set up a permanent track that will be the new headquarters of the Derby club and be available for use by members and the public six days a week. Enthusiasts take their sport or hobby seriously and there are 'professionals' whose sole occupation is racing. One such professional and member of the Derby club is Andy Moore. He was not present on the open day because he was in Thailand for the world championships but he will be in training at the circuit when he returns home. The venture is a not-for-profit organisation - but it must cover its costs to survive. Contained within the building are 10 bays catering for
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60 enthusiasts to conduct ongoing repairs and modifications to their model cars and to get them into the best alignment for racing on the track. There is a drivers' rostrum catering for 10 drivers and two umpires and a large observation area for members of the public. There are also offices, a small shop, coffee bar and a 'warm' area. It is anticipated that the track could become a centre for the radio controlled model car racing fraternity and, with interest throughout the UK and overseas, the local economy could benefit from an influx of visitors. There are oportunities for novices to try their hand at the circuit on non-racedays when, for a modest charge (£2.50 for 15 minutes), they can hire a car and demonstrate their skills. While it seems to be mainly a father and son pastime, there were a number of mums and daughters present on open day, which suggests that if it isn't yet a family affair it just could become one soon.
Rotary Club award – Page 12
Stone me! – Page 18
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