Melbourne Village Voice May 2014

Page 1

SCHOOL FEARS AT HOUSING PLANS

Village Voice No 258 May 2014

by LUCY STEPHENS

FEARS have been raised over Melbourne school places after plans emerged for further houses in the village.

Developer Alexander Bruce wants to build 22 new homes next to the Millbrook Estate on Station Road. But concerns are growing over schooling provision after Derbyshire County Council had to turn several children within the Melbourne Infant School catchment area away from the school this year due to lack of space. Mum Alison Staley, who lives in Millbrook Estate

Artist’s impression of the planned development.

and is strongly objecting to the proposed new development, said in a letter to the Village Voice, which can be seen in full on Page 18: “Melbourne is becoming too big too fast. Our infrastructure simply cannot cope with

l Children from Aston-on-Trent School try their hand at African drumming as part of their Global Village Week activities. Full story on Page 12.

Melbourne & District

any further increase on demands. Our schools, doctors and dentist surgeries are full to bursting. “The Millbrook estate, with around 130 new homes, has already increased pressure on our local facilities beyond anyone's expectations. There are lots of families here with two or three children of school age.” Further objections to the new development include the impact on traffic and wildlife. Alexander Bruce – a local family business which is responsible for new homes on Ashby Road and Church Street – is proposing houses ranging from two to fivebedroomed on Station Road, of which seven would be affordable, with room for 52 cars and a children’s play area. Earlier this year developer Charles Church announced plans to put more than 70 homes on fields next to The Woodlands near the Packhorse pub. South Derbyshire District Council has said it plans to build 13,454 new houses by 2028 to meet the district’s expanding housing needs. Most of these are contained within Part 1 of the Local Plan which details land in the district earmarked for developments of 100 houses or more. While there are no single developments of this scale planned for Melbourne, the shortfall of 600 homes will be made up of smaller developments to be spread over the district. When given planning consent developers can be asked to donate money to support local services – for example, schools – in the form of a “Section 106” agreement. Developer Davidson’s provided £240,000 when it built the Millbrook Estate homes, which funded most of a new classroom at Melbourne Infant School to accommodate increased numbers of children. Alexander Bruce director James Ottewell said the proposed development would help boost Melbourne’s sustainability in terms of its shops. He said: “There’s a need to deliver good housing in places like Melbourne as opposed to big urban spaces. This would deliver affordable homes for local people.” An online petition objecting to the plans is available at: bit.ly/SeUnyP n Council objects – Page 5 n Civic Society view – Page 6

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INSIDE STORIES

60 reasons to celebrate – Page 2

Flag waving for St George – Page 10

New man on our beat – Page 10

Rugby club awards night – Page 23

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2 Village Voice May 2014

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46 STATION ROAD, MELBOURNE - possible option of garage. Recently refurbished this nicely presented, extended property offers spacious accommodation. There is a large dining kitchen with all white goods and open staircase off the dining room. The front room is cosy with feature fireplace. Upstairs are 2 double bedrooms and a large modern family bathroom. To the rear is an enclosed courtyard style garden with brick store. GCH. ÂŁ575 PCM/ÂŁ625 (with garage)

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n PAT and Charlie Robey, of Trent Lane, Kings Newton, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with friends and relatives on April 5. The couple were married in 1954 at Boulton St Mary’s, Alvaston. Charlie, from Kings Newton, and Pat, from Alvaston, made their home in Trent Lane close to where Charlie was born and raised their family there. The couple received a card from the Queen congratulating them and it took pride of place during the period of celebrations at the RBL Club in Melbourne, enjoyed by everyone attending. Pictured are Sharon and Michael Robey, Charlie and Pat Robey, Tom, Claire, Alistair and Sarah Madden.

Assembly Rooms has a spring in its step YOUR VILLAGE VOICE

VILLAGE VOICE is a truly local independent newspaper dedicated to help keep local people informed and local traders in business. As well as being home delivered, every page of every edition is available for easy reading online through our website melbournevillagevoice.co.uk Every month 5,600 copies are delivered to all the areas listed below. MELBOURNE KINGS NEWTON TICKNALL INGLEBY FOREMARK MILTON LOUNT STANTON-BY-BRIDGE SWARKESTONE WILSON STAUNTON HAROLD TONGE TWYFORD ISLEY WALTON WESTON-ON-TRENT ASTON-ON-TRENT ELVASTON THULSTON AMBASTON BARROW-ON-TRENT BREEDON FINDERN SMISBY

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IT has been a busy springtime at Melbourne Assembly Rooms with a catalogue of events. “Hells Bells�, a Bristol-based tribute act to rock band AC/DC attracted a capacity leather-clad crowd to their first Midlands gig. With convincingly authentic gear and looks along with a huge repertoire of hits, few can have left the event without “Highway to Hell� still ringing in their ears, for several days! In the run-up to Easter MARS manager Andy Heafield had lined up a festival of music titled “The Old School Rocks�. The objective of the weekend was to showcase a variety of talented musicians, and bring a wider audience to the hall. The first night was an open mic night with acoustic sets from Further than Forever, Kai Swarvett, Eva Spencer, Gun Shot, and Carl North. All local talent, they were appreciative of the chance to play on a bigger stage in front of a sizeable audience. The second night had Make My Day, featuring Ryan Crawford on lead guitar, supporting headliners Thunderous Jones – a local rock and roll band, with a heavy dose of Blues and R&B. Featuring Liam Coffey and Martin “Pop� Larkin, the band had a capacity crowd rocking to their unique cocktail of blues, passion and edgy rock and roll. Derby band Karl and the Marx Brothers headlined Saturday, finishing off a nationwide tour at the Assembly Rooms, supported by singer songwriter Jamie Beau and Gardena, playing a mix of

IT’S LIBERATION DAY TIME AGAIN

LIBERATION Day is an annual event that offers music, dancing and songs as well as advice on topics like reducing the fear of crime, community safety, pensions, fire safety, health and social care and much more. It is aimed at residents aged 55 and over in South Derbyshire and is entering its 12th consecutive year. The date and venue for the event is Wednesday, May 21, at Green Bank Leisure Centre in Swadlincote The purpose of Liberation Day is for older residents to go

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Swampblues and Red Neck style music. The first event of its kind in Melbourne was a great success, and, with Marvin and James Cooke mixing the sound and lighting, the free weekend festival was a great addition to the social calendar of Melbourne. Following Burns Night and St Patrick’s Day celebrations at MARs, it was the turn of the English and what better way to celebrate St George’s Day (and Shakespeare's 450th birthday) than with eight of the Bard's greatest love scenes performed by the 1623 Theatre Company led by Ben Spiller. Guests were greeted by St George himself – Andy Heafield dressing up as a convincing dragon slayer. After the theatre and a sausage and chips supper, pianist Ollie North performed traditional songs with an audience singing along, culminating in a rousing finale of Land of Hope and Glory, Jerusalem and God Save the Queen. The Assembly Rooms has built a strong reputation with many performers and touring musicians, and is getting requests for concert functions. Miss 600 are returning to the venue in September to promote their second album being released in June. The local duo, David Amar and Hannah Garner, will be backed by a nine-piece band with the only other Midlands date at the Derby Guildhall, and fulfilling a promise to come back after they so much enjoyed their first visit.

along and obtain advice and information on a range of topics, including how to deal with doorstep callers, fire safety, mobility, fitness, health, pensions and much more. Following last year's resounding success celebrating the Rock and Roll years of the 1950s, the Safer South Derbyshire Partnership is planning to continue with a similar theme for 2014 and looks forward to welcoming Let's Drift, the UK's leading tribute group to The Drifters.

Free transport can be arranged there and back if needed and a free sandwich lunch is also provided. The day starts at 10am and this year will be finishing at 2.30pm. Phil Marriott, chair of the organising group, said: “One of the things that makes Liberation Day so popular is the partylike atmosphere we somehow always manage to create even though the day has a serious purpose.� To book a place, call 01283 595795. Places are limited.

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Melbourne could be facing a loo-ser

MELBOURNE is in danger of loo-sing its public toilets. South Derbyshire District Council wishes to dispose of the asset and any community interest group has until June 3, 2014, to express an interest in bidding for the building. Melbourne Parish Council discussed this item last November and decided then to register the public convenience and the Lothian Gardens as an asset of community value under the Localism Act. This prevents the owner of a property listed disposing of it without enabling any community interest group an opportunity to bid for it. The belief is that SDDC wish to sell the conveniences under its Corporate Asset

Management plan, which would enable a developer to access the land behind and provide vehicular access for housing development. Parents will naturally have concerns for

children’s safety, given the proximity of the Lothian Gardens, should that become a reality. A community interest group is defined as a charity, a company limited by guarantee, an industrial or provident society or a community interest company which has a local connection with the land. A passer-by at the public conveniences said: “We must get the parish council to keep the toilets; visitors, local businesses and many locals make use of them all the time.” If no bidder comes forward, the toilets will be sold. Similar properties have sold for between £10,000 and £15,000. The great news for any first time buyer – there is no chain.

l A GOOD crowd turned out to see the Easter story told in a different way as members of Melbourne Methodist Church staged a short open air puppet presentation. The puppets have been periodic visitors in church since the arrival in September of Rev John Hartley as Melbourne’s new Methodist Minister.

The puppets included a visiting minister, a Roman soldier, Gospel choir and the King of Rock and Roll himself, ‘Melvis’! They told, in song, the story of Good Friday and Easter Sunday, before children in the crowd received a goody bag containing a small fair traded Easter Egg, a balloon and a colourful foldout

re-telling of the Easter story. The show went down well with the crowd and Melvis, together with his friends, were persuaded to give an encore to round things off. The team have their sights on being involved in more All Age Services in church and we may see them again at the next Melbourne Festival.

Village Voice May 2014 3

David’s curly locks shorn for charity

Dance duo’s delight

DANCING couple Sarah Nash and partner Spencer Flemming competed in the North East regional qualifiers recently and recorded a first place in the quickstep, two second places in the samba and the cha cha and a third in the foxtrot. They are both pleased with their results having moved up a category since competing in Blackpool last year. They have been successful in qualifying for the finals in Blackpool once more and will be training hard between now and then. They plan to include several practice competitions in their endeavours to try and ensure a good result in Blackpool.

IT’S two for the price of one with David Constable pictured in a before and after photograph taken with Pat Watts (Bentley) from Alive & Klippin. David, 19, a sports therapy student at Coventry University, had taken the decision to shed his curly locks to raise money on behalf of Epilepsy Research UK in memory of his uncle, Andrew Doncaster, 49, who had died unexpectedly on April 16. David said: “It was a massive shock to our family and I wanted to do something positive in memory of such a vibrant, personable and funny man. Uncle Andrew was always telling me to get my mop of mega curls cut, so I decided to donate my curls through a charity fund-raising event in memory of him – he would have been impressed. Thanks to Pat for kindly donating and clipping my curls. “Uncle Andrew lived on The Woodlands from 1992 to 1997 and always spoke fondly of his years in Melbourne. His career took him south to Buckinghamshire where he married and had a son, now nine years old.” If anybody would like to make a donation to the charity, they can do so via the web page: http://www.justgiving.com/David-Constable1

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4 Village Voice May 2014

Country Living with Robert Parker

HOW could two springs be so different! 2014 has been very kind to us so far, but in fairness we still have five or six weeks left till summer proper, so it could still all go wrong. Talking to other livestock farmers, they all agree that they have never seen so much grass in the fields at the end of April. There is almost as much as there was a month later last year, and trees, shrubs and vegetation are all advanced by the same amount. I saw the first swallows flying over the farm on the fourth of April, a full 10 days earlier than last year, and by now they’re in nests and starting their yearly cycle all over again. All of this is very good news for farmers, the only downside being that the soil is still in fairly poor condition after such a wet winter, which has compacted and slumped it badly. Some very hot weather will help this by drying it out and cracking the structure to depth to let some air down into it. My only concern at the moment harks me back to the comments of a farmer long since dead and his comments on the weather. He always used to say that when

you have small crops of grass you always seem to have good weather to harvest them and the converse, when you have large crops. I have to say that over the years the prophecy has generally been correct and in a few weeks I could be an unhappy person. We do have another annoying cloud on the horizon, too, as yesterday our milk buyer wrote to say he was reducing our price by 1.6 pence per litre. This will wipe nearly £20,000 off the bottom line of our small business, which will be difficult medicine to swallow. It’s fair to say that most farmers have expected this as the buyers have raised the price in the last year in an effort to get more share of the market, and I believe that the market is now awash with milk. The good spring has made this situation worse. We all like to budget our cash flow for the future but things like this make it wellnigh impossible to be accurate. We are too good at the job! Producer numbers have halved in 20 years and they are still producing as much milk.

IT’S GOODBYE FROM HIM ...

Springtime at Calke Tramway Ramble

Friday 23 May 1.30pm-4.30pm Join the Countryside Manager for an 8km walk along the route of the long abandoned Calke Tramway. Find out about this important piece of our industrial heritage. Part of the National Forest Walking Festival.

Calke Alive 18th Century

Tuesday 27 May 12.30pm-4.00pm Sir John and Dame Catherine Harpur invite you to their new house, to meet some of the characters who lived and worked at Calke in the 18th century.

Calke on Camera Walk

Thursday 29 May 1.30pm-3.30pm Join us on this photography walk in the park and pick up some handy tips on your stroll. Bring along your camera and be inspired by the beauty of the estate.

Calke Alive 19th Century

Saturday 31 May 12.30pm-4.00pm Meet characters who lived and worked at Calke. From scullery maids to squires, boot boys to baronets - they all have a tale to tell.

Bushcraft School

Sunday 8 June 10.30am-1pm & 1.30pm-4pm Join a bushcraft session and learn essential outdoor skills. Suitable for children 6 years +. Booking required call 01332 863822 House and Gardens fully open – new for 2014 discover newly opened rooms House: Sat – Wed 12.30pm – 5pm; End of Era Tours Thursdays & Fridays 11am – 4pm Garden: Daily 10am – 5pm. Restaurant & Shop: Daily 10.00am – 5pm. Park & National Nature Reserve: Daily 7.30am – 7.30pm, dusk if earlier Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke for more information Normal park admission applies to all visitors. For more information on what’s on at Calke please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke or telephone 01332 863822

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THE community party at Melbourne Assembly Rooms to celebrate Dr Black’s retirement was a great success with some party goers dressed in tartan to fit the occasion. The ceilidh band, Jiggery Folkery, provided lively music for dancing to suit all tastes. Colin Jackson sang to welcome people to the event and to entertain during the buffet. The many prizes in the raffle were kindly donated by individuals and businesses in the town. More than £500 was

raised for Melbourne Community Care Group. Jane Bavister officially launched Melbourne Community Care Patrons Scheme at the event. People are asked to pledge £1 or 50p a week which will make an enormous difference to the organisation and enable it to continue for several more years. Pictured are (l-r): Louise Deathwick, Jane Carroll, Phil Dobby, John Symonds, Dr Iain Black, Tanya Hunt, Beverley Tonks and Jane Bavister.

... AND IT’S GOODBYE FROM HIM

THE Sale and Davy’s School annual Easter service took place on April 11 and this year the school celebrated and gave thanks to John Wilcox who retired as a Governor after 25 years. John has had several different roles over the years, being chair of governors three times. John has also appointed numerous members of staff – in fact he has helped to appoint every single member of staff on the current team. Past headteachers who had worked with John were invited to the service and present were Susan Gotch, Susan Smith, Christopher Mansell and Carolyn Stops. John was presented with four engraved Tutbury whisky glasses and a bottle of whisky. After the service John and his family, past headteachers and

governors were invited back to the school for tea and cakes. It was great to trace the recent history of the school back through five headteachers who all clearly enjoyed working with John.

Pictured above are former head teachers Susan Gotch, Sue Smith, Chris Mansell and Caroline Stops with current head. – S Briggs

‘Enough is enough’ in housing scheme wrangle

THE May meeting turned out to be one of some considerable importance. The public comment allowed at the start of the meeting reiterated the constant complaints of traffic problems, led by Mrs Eileen Hardy with her usual succinct statement of the facts of speeding traffic through Kings Newton, in particular the "disgusting" speed of lorries and vans down Trent Lane. She was backed up by the recounting by County Councillor Linda Chilton of the frightening saga of the Polish juggernaut stuck down a cul de sac off Spinney Hill, which took two hours to extricate; the damage the previous week to the Swarkestone Causeway; and selfish parking by parents dropping off children at the infant and junior schools. These endemic traffic problems came with the news that both Melbourne schools were full, with several children subject to appeal against rejection for school entry, and that Chellaston was also full. It was against this background of excessive development considered by one letter writer to be "too big, too fast", and existing facilities too stretched, that the council came to discuss the planning application 9.2014.0287. That outline application, to build 22 houses – or, as one councillor said, that as it was only an outline proposal it could be many more houses – was discussed seriously and at length. This was a controversial application adjacent to the large 130-home development on Station Road, an application that certainly raised the hackles of many neighbours, and was the subject of a searing critique by the Melbourne Civic Society. Although warned by District Councillor John Harrison that the demand for new houses could "not be resisted", the parish councillors debated the issues very carefully, and finally recommended that the application should be objected to. One councillor remarked that the development seemed to be of a very high standard. This was no spasm of "nimbyism", but a considered view that the spate of developments was more than the town could cope with. The council had, in any case some years ago in the Parish Plan, favoured small developments; the current spate of developments – already applied for and ones forecast to be laid in the next few months –

Dragon builds on its success

THE DRAGON at Willington has been building on its success following on from winning the Derbyshire Food and Drink Award for the Best Traditional Pub earlier in the year. Having undergone significant alterations over the last few months, the pub now boasts a new restaurant and bar. No doubt it will be challenging sister pub Harpur’s in next year’s awards for a different title. Director of Bespoke Inns, Heidi Taylor, and head chef Chris Blincoe, are pictured at the official opening of the Dragon’s new restaurant and bar.

Sports injury clinic

Village Voice May 2014 5

DAVID BELLIS reports from the May meeting of Melbourne Parish Council

were "too big, too fast" for the town to absorb comfortably. The crucial lack of educational capacity needed to be addressed and, although the county council had two new secondary schools planned for South Derbyshire, neither the timing of these schools nor the location was clear. Everyone waits with bated breath the promised big plan for housing and amenities due to be presented to the Secretary of State in July. n The parish council seems to have a new lease of life. Councillors may not know much about Twitter or Facebook, but the youngest, Councillor George Hudson has promised to lead them into the promised land of the hugely successful social media. n But there is a new spirit at the council: it is open and transparent, and the council has in the last few weeks completed two surveys. The first is a report and analysis on Melbourne's Twitchells, with clear action points; the second on the Lothian Gardens, with clear priorities, and a clear laying down of responsibilities. OVER TO YOU ... Cllr Jane Carroll (left) hands over the chairBoth reports are models of firm action plans. n Wendy Earp was elected by the council to be manship of the parish council to Cllr Wendy Earp. the chair for the next year. She takes over from Councillor Jane Carroll, who made a graciously self-effacing speech of thanks to all who had supported her in her two years as chair. By all accounts, she has performed her duties impeccably, with no political bias, and seems to have brought the council to a new level of communal togetherness. n The district council has funded a Citizens’ Advice Bureau weekly session at the Melbourne Health Centre, each Friday from 1pm to 3pm. n The council will financially support a defibrillator, and the cost of a second will be borne by the Rotary Club of Melbourne. n It was agreed to send a letter of appreciation to Mrs Griselda Kerr for having organised the well attended talk by her traffic expert brother Ben Hamilton-Baillie.

MELBOURNE born Stuart Warnock has returned to his roots and has established a new business in Castle Street. His Melbourne Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic is striving to be at the forefront of evidence-based practice to provide high quality physiotherapy services in the area. Stuart was educated at Chellaston School and graduated from Coventry University in 2005. He then gained experience practising within both the NHS and private sectors. Stuart said he “gained interest in the subject after sustaining a sports injury and really wanted to make a difference to help others”. He has also worked with a range of high-level athletes, including UK National swimmers, the England Youth cricket team, Staffordshire runners and triathletes, Burton Albion footballers and netballers from Perth, Australia. His work entails dealing not only with sports injuries but also helping those suffering with arthritic or conditions requiring physiotherapy. Recently, Stuart has been working with Tim West, who embarked upon a gruelling 1,100-mile walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End in April. His website www.melbournephysio.co.uk has additional information.

New homes plan comes under fire

6 Village Voice May 2014

RUMOURS and speculation are rife in Melbourne about forthcoming or possible housing developments. Apart from the projected development of 70-plus homes to the west of the Packhorse Inn, where promised detailed planning applications have yet to be tabled with the planners, there is a firm application placed with South Derbyshire District Council for 22 homes, adjacent to the 130 homes on the award-winning Millbrook Development. There is also speculation that a further development is being worked on for the land, at the bottom of Jawbone Lane, opposite and across Station Road from Millbrook. And the application blocked by the district council planners for nine homes on Main Street, Kings Newton, is now under appeal. The outline application for 22 homes on Station Road is stated by the applicant to be "a design-led scheme of high quality houses set within an attractive residential environment with a conservative feel", with a third of the houses designated as "affordable". The application has been subjected

to strong criticism from the Melbourne Civic Society. In a hard-hitting six-point critique, the society considers that the "application is clearly premature and, together with other applications, submitted or planned, is clearly an attempt to pre-empt the proper consideration in the local planning context". The society is in this context referring to the new Local Plan, already subjected to lengthy consultation, and about to be submitted to the Secretary of State for final approval. The Civic Society also believes that the application may well set a precedent to utilise all the land for residential development on the south side of Station Road, "which would inevitably detract from the special character of Melbourne and turn it into another suburb of Derby, contrary to all existing and proposed planning policies". The Civic Society details the "lack of availability and adequacy of local infrastructure and services", and additionally notes the "inadequacy of primary and secondary provision", another valid reason for refusal of "this speculative development proposal". – David Bellis (See also letter on Page 18).

n STEAM enthusiasts came from near and far for the annual spring Crank Up event at the Melbourne home of Jeff Robey. Held on Easter Sunday, things didn’t look promising as Jeff and son Joe started wheeling out the exhibits at 7am and the rain soon came. However, they persevered and the weather had brightened by the time the first visitors showed up at about 11am. There were 25 steam engines on display, cranked up and running, having been locked away for the winter months. All the engines are of a vintage dating between 1908 and 1925 and are American manufactured models. Jeff no longer collects anything made after 1925. Visitors also enjoyed refreshments prepared by Jeff’s wife, Barbara, who is president of Staunton Harold WI. Donations made during the day for Cancer Research amounted to £105. Pictured viewing an ‘Associated’ six horse power engine, circa 1914, are a group of enthusiasts from Burton on Trent are (l-r) Bob Purdy, Bill Benn, Joc Elson, Ian Iison and Maurice Wright.

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Five of the best

PHILIP Heath, Heritage and Conservation officer at South Derbyshire District Council, provided Ticknall Garden Club with a glimpse into the development of five South Derbyshire landscapes at the club’s April meeting. Members were taken on a journey behind the magnificent façades of Melbourne Hall, Calke Abbey, Repton Park, Swarkestone Hall and Sealwood Cottage. The next meeting is on Tuesday, May 13, when Howard Drury, a horticultural broadcaster and writer, will be speaking. Meetings take place in Ticknall Village Hall (7.30pm).

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Thursday 26th June - £30.00

Ten years of fair trading

THE early months of 2004 saw the opening of The Fair Trading Place in Melbourne Market Place. This was an exciting step for a group of women who had started selling fair trade goods at a Tuesday coffee morning at the Wesley Hall a couple of years earlier. The excitement of opening the shop reached fever pitch in April 2004 when George Alagiah (patron of the Fairtrade Foundation at the time) agreed to perform the official opening. His passionate support for fair trade gave a real boost to the whole venture. During the past decade the shop has sold vast quantities of fairly traded chocolate, tea and coffee, thousands of fair trade greetings cards, and large amounts of fairly traded scarves, bags and jewellery. Alongside these best sellers countless other items have sold well from fairly traded fairies to fairly traded salad servers and cheese knives. Over the years, as well as running the shop, various projects have been supported at the shop including sending tools to Africa, being part of the AntiSlavery movement, campaigning for Trade Justice and getting involved in fair trade campaigning nationally. “We still need to keep ‘banging the drum’ for fair trade,” said Alison Thornhill, who has been with The Fair Trading

Village Voice May 2014 7

WEEK DAY SET LUNCH Sample Menu 2 COURSES £14

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ANTIPASTI Ox cheek pizzetta with pomegranate molasses and wild rocket Smoked salmon and freshly baked focaccia with aged balsamic and extra virgin olive oil Garlic and rosemary pizza bread with sea salt ***

SECONDI l Karen Ward, Alison Thornhill and Christine Lee.

Place since it started. “There is still great injustice in the way goods are produced, particularly in the developing world. “ People are still exploited in many places.” “Ten years after opening we’re still trading and still pas-

sionate about selling fair trade products,” said Christine Lee. “We’re very grateful to the people of Melbourne and the wider area for supporting the shop over the past years and we plan to continue selling our wonderful fair trade products for many years to come.”

Well dressers’ fund-raisers

ASTON on Trent Well Dressers held a successful Sunday Afternoon Tea fund-raiser recently, the first of a full programme of events to enable the members to put on the well dressing festival weekend in July. The two nominated charities for 2014 are Friends of Aston Brickyard Plantation and Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre. Coming soon will be the Family Treasure Hunt taking place on Sunday, June 15, starting at 2.30pm. Participants will enjoy a leisurely walk around Aston starting from the Heritage Centre

whilst solving the clues and looking out for those cheeky gnomes. Costs are £5 per family or £2 each. The Well Dressing Walk will be taking place on June 28. The format, as used in previous years, will be to depart from Aston by coach around 7.30am to a point 25 miles away. Walkers will then amble back home through some nice countryside from Leicestershire on the Ivanhoe Way. To register an interest or request further details contact Robin Sedgwick walk@astonwelldressers.co.uk

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We could see this was a big one from miles away

Melbourne firefighter Andy Astle relives the night his team tackled the blazing inferno at Derby Assembly Rooms

8 Village Voice May 2014

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FEW call-outs can be as dramatic as that received at Melbourne Fire station in March to tackle the blazing inferno at Derby’s Assembly Rooms. Andy Astle, who has been a retained firefighter since 2001, recreated the incident as it unfolded, and described the impact on life as part of the fire service. “You can be absolutely anywhere when the alerter bleeps,” said Andy. “One of the team is a decorator, so he might be hanging wallpaper or halfway up a ladder. Worse, you could be in the bath, and you have to jump out, put your clothes on while wet through – get the kids to put on slippers and dressing gowns and pull them away from the television! “That Friday evening son Joseph was on the computer, and we were waiting for wife Hayley to return with a McDonald’s meal treat for us all. So I dragged Joseph round to his grandmother’s around the corner and dashed to the station.” At the fire station, Andy donned his uniform and, as scheduled driver, he prepared the appliance and checked equipment. As they sped along Main Street, Kings Newton with lights and sirens on full, a plume of toxic smoke was clearly visible on the Derby horizon and the team knew this was going to be a big emergency. As you listen to the radio messages you build up a picture of the scale of the fire, and you’re preparing yourself mentally,” said Andy. Officer-in-Charge for the incident Calvin Smith ran through any additional information picked up from control and briefed the team. Arriving at a rendezvous point they saw that hoses were already being turned on to the roof of the car park and their first task was to set up water jets onto the Assembly Rooms building itself to stop the inferno from spreading. They were then tasked with running a hose from a pump in the River Derwent to one of the two Aerial Ladder Platforms (ALPs). A total of 16 pumps were deployed to the incident. They were then sent into the Assembly Rooms itself where noxious smoke was spreading through the ventilation system, raising fears that the hot fire gasses would ignite.

Along with colleague Morris Hall, Andy was tasked with inspecting the plant rooms on the top floors. Kitted out with breathing apparatus they were detailed to crawl through the smoke filled maze of ventilation ducts checking for any signs of ignition. He said: “You can only do that for about half an hour, so the second team, Chris Johnson and Craig Smith, were deployed.” The jets from the ALPs were highly effective as the main fire was on the top of the car-park and after a couple of hours the blaze was being brought under control. At that point the commander scaled down the incident, releasing resources to cover for any other incidents. “We were released after midnight, and after a bit of banter on the way back, which helps to wind down, it was routine cleaning and preparation of the equipment and the engine, in readiness for the next call-out.” Back at home the family are wondering if everything will be alright and children need reassurance, as they watch the news on TV, that daddy will be back home safe and sound. “We train and prepare for all sorts of situations, and that all kicks in as you are doing your job,” said Andy, “but for families, and bearing in mind in Melbourne that means mums, dads, brothers and sisters too, they are bound to worry when you are out there. With social media nowadays the wider community is also aware and it is comforting to see support and encouragement from the wider public.” Back home by 1.30am, Andy’s reward for a tough shift was his missed tea: a cold burger and chips. Whilst meetings and committees decide the long-term future of the service for places like Melbourne, the lads from our village are just getting on with the business of saving lives and protecting our property. They are still actively recruiting additional members of the team, so if you are interested visit the DFRS website or just call in at the local station in Melbourne on a Tuesday evening practice night.

Terms and conditions apply. Based on 2 people sharing. Subject to availability and changes. Unless states, transfers are excluded

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Village Voice May 2014 9

Expert’s view on our traffic

l Ben Hamilton-Baillie gets his message over at the Assembly Rooms and (right) gets an interesting view of Melbourne.

A GOOD number of people turned out for the public meeting at the Melbourne Assembly Rooms to listen to Ben Hamilton-Baillie talk about traffic and movement. The meeting was also well represented by Melbourne parish, district and county councillors although no officers had accepted invitations. Mr Hamilton-Baillie is the UK’s leading specialist on new ways to re-balance the pressure from traffic and urban renewal in its endeavours to improve the quality of life. The pressure to accommodate the movement and parking of cars and lorries, along with bicycles and all the other pedestrian activity remains one of the key factors affecting village life. In his illustrated talk, the first part looked at a whole range of situations countrywide and actions that had been taken to improve them. His vision of creating open spaces and attractive places, reducing street furniture and using coloured paving to encourage traffic flow and good feelings between motorists and pedestrians, where applied, reportedly work well.

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In the second part of his presentation, he considered Melbourne and spoke about it warmly, commenting that Melbourne is an attractive and thriving town with many fine features. He had toured the town together with several parish councillors earlier in the day and had taken some photographs, which he shared with the audience, as examples of some odd or poor designs or features. He expanded on his theme of creating attractive places and mixing traffic and pedestrians. He was certainly not in favour of one-way systems or white lines in the middle of the road which he believes encourage speeding. The presentation was well received, although some members of the audience voiced their concerns about the lack of parking facilities. Ben acknowledged that however much parking space was provided, it would never be enough. Following a question and answer session, those attending were invited to write down their comments for later reference by the parish council. The response was very encouraging.

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Cures using dung and urine

MELBOURNE Civic Society was treated to a lively and humorous talk by Joan Ward on the treatment of illness and disease in days gone by. With cures ranging from the mediaeval preference for the use of dung, urine, frogs and dead cats and the Victorian liking for opium and alcohol, it was no surprise that the audience were warned "not to try this at home”. The next meeting of the Civic Society will take place on Monday, May 19 (7.30pm) at Melbourne Assembly Rooms when Ernest Miller will be talking about Stoneywell Cottage at Ulverscroft near Markfield.

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St George’s Day fun

10 Village Voice May 2014

Sgt Summers Melbourne’s new man for all seasons

THE Melbourne Town Band performed its annual St George’s Day concert at the RBL Club, which also involved lots of flag waving and audience participation.

ST GEORGE’S Day celebrations started early for some Melbourne and Kings Newton residents when they enjoyed a special breakfast at the Swarkestone Nurseries restaurant. l A combined celebration for St George’s Day and Shakespeare's 450th birthday took place at Melbourne Assembly Rooms. It included performances of love scenes by the 1623 Theatre Company before supper and later singing and flag waving by the audience.

FOLLOWING the announcement of recent changes in the allocation of policing duties, Sergeant Graham Summers has taken responsibility for the three teams which cover the Melbourne, Mercia, Etwall, Hatton and Hilton neighbourhoods. Sgt Steve Todd, who was previously in post, is now managing neighbourhood policing in the Derby West policing section. Sgt Summers’ service spans 21 years with Derbyshire Constabulary where he has served as a Reactive Officer throughout D Division, as well as on the Armed Response Unit and with Roads Policing. He was also seconded to the Royal Cayman Islands in the British West Indies. Sgt Summers said: “Although most of my experience has been responding to emergency calls for service, I am looking forward to tackling matters which affect the lifestyle and living standards of the people of South Derbyshire in partnership with our connected agencies. I have led from the front in a reactive role and I intend to use that experience with my new team and I will be out there and visible with them. “Skills I have learned during my service as a front line police officer are transferable to my new role. I believe in a positive and robust approach when necessary and I will be listening to those in the community with issues and information to offer.”

Return to Northern Soul

IF you closed half an eye you could have been on the set of “Ready Steady Go!”, said one of the guests at the Royal British Legion for an event marketed to Northern Soul enthusiasts who had travelled from all over the country. The 60s gear included Sgt Pepper outfits, floral mini skirts, hippy hairdos and pork pie hats to mention a few and celebrity look-a-likes included Sandie Shaw, Dusty Springfield and John Lennon, probably! There was even a superb 60s Chevrolet Corvette parked proudly between the regular

Vauxhall Astras in the car park. DJs Dave Bates and Keith Lishman, playing a good combination of purist Northern Soul, classic Motown and familiar 60s pop, kept the dance floor full from start to finish, with some of the over-60s demonstrating dance moves not recommended by their chiropractors. Catryn Keightley organised the event as a fund-raiser instead of a 60th birthday do and she was delighted with the turn-out, raising over £427 for Melbourne British Legion Women’s Section.

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Bank talks

HEATHER Wheeler MP has been in talks with NatWest to ensure that the services to residents of Repton are protected following the news of the closure of the Repton branch from June 18. She said: "NatWest have agreed a national deal with the Post Office to allow people to be able to withdraw money and pay in cheques to their NatWest account completely free of charge. "I am fully assured that the people of Repton will still have viable local banking options despite the closure of the NatWest branch and that the bank's staff's futures have been protected, too.”

Honouring the village’s VC hero

A GRAND military unveiling ceremony is being held in Ticknall this month to commemorate a humble shoemaker’s son who was awarded the country’s highest honour for bravery. Ticknall-born John Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1857 for his crucial role in the blowing up of the Cashmere Gate during the Indian Mutiny. A plaque will be unveiled in his honour as part of a weekend of events which are being held to celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birth. The son of a shoemaker, John Smith was born in Ticknall in 1814 and lived in a cottage between 57 and 69 Ashby Road, which is no longer there. He went to India and joined the Bengal Sappers and Miners where he was awarded the Victoria Cross after setting off the explosion which destroyed the Cashmere Gate. Smith was the only soldier to survive the attack. The Victoria Cross is the country’s highest military honour and is very rare. In its 150-year history, 1,356 have been awarded. Members of the public are being invited to attend the unveiling of the plaque about Sgt Smith

LOCAL children and their parents had the chance to join in with some fun in the woods with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust at Staunton Harold Reservoir. The children aged four to 14 made brushwood shelters and learned how to light a fire with flint and steel before winding up the event cooking themselves some bread on their own

VC which will take place after a special service to be held outside Ticknall Village Hall on the afternoon of Sunday, May 18. Special guests will include Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire William Tucker, Derbyshire High Sheriff David Coleman, Colonel Mike Reynolds and Sgt Smith’s great, great, great niece Alison Wood. Also there will be Lieutenant Colonel Jay Wilson, an 88-yearold retired soldier from Suffolk who was the last Bengal Sapper and Miner to leave India in 1948 when it became independent. Everyone is welcome to go along to the unveiling ceremony from 2pm (for a 2.30pm start) with Melbourne Town Band playing from 1.45pm. There will also be a free exhibition in Ticknall Village Hall on Saturday, May 17, devoted to Sgt Smith VC. His medal is now in private hands and not available to view but the exhibition will feature a limited edition Victoria Cross (pictured) which has been loaned by official makers Hancocks of London. The exhibition includes memorabilia and is open from 11am to 4pm. – Lucy Stephens

camp fire. The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust will be running more family events at the reservoir at weekends and during school holidays in the upcoming months. Check the notice boards at the reservoir for details or go to the DWT website www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.or g.uk/whats-on

Favourite quotes of the day as reported by the DWT organisers: “Epic! Can I do it again this afternoon?” – Emma aged 12; and “This bread tastes like bread” – George, aged nine. Kay Thompson of DWT is pictured on the left with a group of Melbourne residents in the woods at the reservoir.

£21,500 for a nuclear bunker

“LOT 53: one post cold war nuclear lookout bunker for sale … going, going, gone! Sold to the man from Rotherham for £21,500. The old Royal Observation Corps nuclear fallout shelter reported for sale in last month’s Village Voice has been sold for £18,000 more than the estimated value to Chris Petrie from Maltby in Rotherham. He has no firm plans for it but said: “It is in a very picturesque area; you are not going to get views like that anywhere else.” He has thoughts of turning it into an eco-garden but he has no idea of the planning regulations in the area. The site, which is adjacent to the A514 road

alongside Robin Wood, is rather isolated and quite overgrown. He had not been able to inspect his new property and venture down the rickety ladder, as the hatch was sealed. Mr Petrie, who is 39, works as a head of maintenance on a private estate. n FIORI Musicali is one of the UK’s top providers of baroque and classical music outside London and will be performing in the wonderful Georgian setting of Staunton Harold on May 17. This will be one of over 30 concerts Fiori Musicali stages each year with many being held in tucked away country churches, stately homes and historical town venues.

Village Voice May 2014 11

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12 Village Voice May 2014

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QUAY TO A FAM

OUR striking picture is of a quite remarkable family – the Howells, photographed at Southampton and paraded on the quay on June 14, 1959, having just disembarked off HMS Empire Fowey. Their father had been seconded for the second time to England after years of service in Malaysia. Proud dad Stanley, a corporal in the Green Howards, came back to the land of his forbears, with his Dutch wife, Olive Mae nee Leembruggen. His family of nine children – with a further still to be born – included, third from the left, the well-known and much respected Melbourne restaurateur, Rex, who has run his Bay Tree restaurant for over 20 years. The family is remarkable for many reasons, not least that its roots lie in Victorian England, where the Howells lived in Kent. Like so many Christian families, their sons went out to the colonies, to the Empire, to take Christianity and English administration to far-flung corners. In the case of Frederick Howell, from Elham in Kent, he took his Christian faith to the headhunters of Borneo. His son, William, married Dyang (Princess) Sarah Sanam, the beautiful daughter of an Iban headhunter tribal Chief, by whom he had 11 children. William, who compiled a local language dictionary, was the grandfather of Rex. The Howell family members are still remembered in Borneo – “we are very much welcomed there,” says Rex. Olive Mae, redoubtable mother of 10, came of a Ceylonese Dutch/French family, wealthy burghers (merchants) in the Dutch areas of Ceylon. She and l The Rev. William Howell, Stanley were married in Singagreat grandfather of the pore Howell children. Corporal Howell, smart and ramrod straight, as pictured on

Digging up the school’s grounds

l The Howell family on the quay, in Southampton, in June 1959. Olive Mae with (from the left), the children in ascending order o MAURINE, now lives in Florida; VARINA, now lives in Ilkeston; R USA; DUSTY, now lives in Australia; RAY, who died in 1981; LA ginia, USA; and RONALD, now lives in London STACEY, unborn when this picture was taken, but "was the twin

the cold Southampton quay, is a tribute to the Army, and the parents with their smart-as-paint children were obviously people with high standards. He was offered a further spell in the Army, but his wife forbade

DURING Aston-on-Trent School’s Global Village Week, the pupils took part in an archaeological dig in the school grounds. This was funded by Derbyshire Archaeological Society and in consultation with Mercian Archaeological Services. Medieval pottery, fossils and evidence of the school builders were discovered and the children had lots of fun digging whilst learning about the value of archaeology in their locality. During the week, the children also cooked Jewish delicacies, took part in a Hindu wedding, experienced African drumming and danced national and international dances. On the last day, they visited the Heritage Centre and had an Easter hat parade down to the Easter service at All Saints’ Church. They even Christened a doll.

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MILY’S FUTURE

Parents Stanley Howell, Corporal in the Green Howards, and of age: REX, now lives in Melbourne; ROBERT, now lives in Maryland, AURIE, now lives in Bath; RANSE, now lives in Sterling, Vir-

nkle in my mother's eye", now lives in Dubai.

that; she had had enough of the Forces! The family, firstly in Blackpool, and then settled in Nottingham, were in for a rude awakening. Three rooms, 10 children – a huge culture shock – the awful cold

contrast with their warm weather, servant armas and their fresh fruit in Kuala Lumpur. The shock is clearly illustrated by his mother sending Rex to school on his first day in a sailor suit, a humiliation that still rankles. The early days for Rex were “just hell". Racism was rife, and it rankled too that he was told by his father that "you'll never do any good”. But through adversity and setbacks Rex triumphed. He had a good example, because his mother had "very high standards, taught good manners and respect for the elderly”. His mother always kept a welcoming home – "always a meal available" – and the "first question was always do you want food?" Rex worked with two of his elder brothers in a restaurant, but 20 years ago with his wife, Susie, he set up his Melbourne restaurant, with Vicki Talbot as his front of house. He is a hard taskmaster –“ do it right, or not at all" he tells himself and his staff – and, as he admits, "things do go wrong”. But the restaurant is now renowned across our region. His siblings have spread all over the world; all have prospered. Rex is a family man. His mother ended her days in Dubai, in the care of her daughter, Stacey. As Rex says: “We don't do homes; we look after our older people, which is why Susie's mum is in a flat adjacent to us.” Rex has built up a formidable business, and perhaps the restaurant has become a local institution. He himself is a man who likes to show off his expertise, as he sometimes has cooking seminars. He quietly provides at Christmas for the needy through Shelter. – David Bellis l The beautiful great grandmother, Dyang Sarah Sanam.

Village Voice May 2014 13

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Running to remember Clough and Taylor

Julie’s

may only run the 5K route). Entries close at midnight on Sunday, June 15. No entries will be taken on the day. The event has teamed up with several charities, Cerebral Palsy Sport, Hope Against Cancer, Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and Nottingham Hospitals Charity. Sponsorship donations can be made to the charities via http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity Participants will be asked to wear a coloured T-shirt: Forest red, Derby white, neutral blue or charity yellow. For more details see www.clough-taylor-run.com n THIS year Breedon’s Open Gardens will take place on Sunday, June 8. The WI has again rallied round to help organise this event in support of Breedon’s his-

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toric church on the hill. In addition to usual running costs, this year the church needs extra funds for toilet facilities. The plans are nearly complete for the installation of water into the church which is a Grade 1 Listed Building. Until last year there was no water supply to the church but, with assistance from Breedon Quarry, there is now a stand pipe for fresh water at the top of the hill. The church is now eagerly awaiting permission to take the water into the church in order to provide very necessary facilities for its visitors. Enjoy an afternoon in the gardens of Breedon on June 8 and, in particular, some legendary WI teas.

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RUNNERS and walkers are being invited to take part in the Clough Taylor People’s Run at Donington Park this summer. The commemorative running event is being held on Thursday evening, June 26, with a 7pm start time, to celebrate the lives of two of the East Midlands’ greatest footballing heroes, Brian Clough and Peter Taylor, and their successes with Derby County and Nottingham Forest. There will be both a 5k and a 10k route open to runners and walkers of all abilities. Both courses are officially measured by a UK Athletics qualified measurer. Standard entry costs £15, with over 60s and under 16s costing £10 (under 16s

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PLANS are hotting up to make this year’s Melbourne Fete and Carnival a box full of vintage delights. Carnival organisers are keen to hear from people who would like to take part in the procession – either on foot or by entering a float. Participants are asked to contact Wendy Simnett on 07972 115 852. The traditional carnival tug-of-war will once again be taking place this year. Teams of eight are needed and entry can be either on the day or beforehand. If you want to enter before the day, please call Matthew at the Picture of Health Gym on 01332 862532.

There is another reminder for anyone who wants to take part in the bunting challenge: collection boxes for completed bunting are available around the village and it is requested they come attached to ribbon or tape. All bunting should be completed by July 5 and the contact for any queries is Emily on 0777 901 4775. Finally, in keeping with the vintage theme, there will be a Melbourne bakeoff on the day of the carnival on July 12 with prizes promised for the best scones and Victoria sponge. Log on to http://www.melbournecarnival.co.uk/ for more. – Lucy Stephens

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l THE Inner Wheel Club of Melbourne held a charity coffee morning at the Thomas Cook Memorial Hall and pictured (l-r) are: Sheila Henderson, Rachel Cooper, Judith Rosser (president), Ros Bell, Sue Mayhew, Doris Britton and Denise Webb.

Egging Elliott on

ELLIOTT de la Fuente Parker, a student at Chellaston Academy, has raised £110 for the school’s Uganda Fund by raffling off a huge chocolate egg. Elliott contacted an egg manufacturer in Telford, who agreed to meet him and subsequently kindly donated the enormous egg for the worthy cause. Elliott said: “The egg was so heavy that when we transported it back in the car, it set off the seat belt warning which meant that it travelled back safely with the seat belt on! It weighed almost 10kg.” The winner of the egg was a very lucky Phoebe Cross from Year 7, who was presented with it on the last day of term. Last year Elliott completed his first triathlon and raised almost £300 for the Uganda Fund.

Minister visits Melbourne development DAVIDSONS Homes ‘Millbrook’ development in Melbourne was visited by Nick Boles, the Government’s Planning Minister. The development is one of the winners of a ‘Built for Life’ award, which was announced by the minister at a national housing event at Nottingham Trent University, prior to the visit. ‘Built for Life’ is a Government-endorsed standard for well-designed homes and neighbourhoods and is awarded to new housing developments that have been judged to be attractive, functional and sustainable places. It reflects the Government’s commitment to build more homes, better homes and involve local communities in planning. Coincidently, the development was also announced as the winner of the Melbourne Civic Society’s 2014 Civic Award. Mr Boles said: “Building for Life principals show the importance of good design in creating vibrant places and

Village Voice May 2014 15

beautiful buildings and the benefits they can bring in making development acceptable to people living next door. They are an incredibly useful guide for all involved in development and bring big benefits for both builders and buyers.” James Wilson, MD of Davidsons, said: “We are delighted to receive this award. We designed the new streets at Millbrook to feature village greens, wide pavements and extended pathways leading to existing town amenities. We wanted to produce a development that matched the centre of Melbourne in feel and appearance, and that would be a great place to live.” Millbrook was the first development in South Derbyshire to be given the highest rating in the Ourplace quality design scheme, adopted by the district council. Pictured (l-r) are: Heather Wheeler MP, Cllr John Harrison, David Wilson, chairman, Davidsons, Cllr Jane Carroll, Nick Boles, Cllr Jim Hewlett, Cllr Nigel Collyer and James Wilson.

Probus Club treat

PROFESSOR Emeritus Janet Spencer gave the Probus Club of Melbourne members a real intellectual treat at the April meeting. A teacher of the history of architecture at De Montfort University, Professor Spencer's talk held the members spellbound, during a panoramic discourse on the history of European classic architecture – from the ancient Greeks to virtually the present day. Her talk was illustrated by telling slides of key pointers in the 3,000 years' continuity of the classic styles of the ancient world, from Gothic, to Renaissance and Baroque, and neo-Gothic through to later structures still harking back to the classic forms. One of Professor Spencer's last slides was of Kedleston Hall, a classic 18th century masterpiece – a building which she seems to particularly relish. The talk certainly confirmed the continuity of classic forms, and her own mastery of the changes and adaptations within the classic context wrought by the great architects like Pugin and Wren over the centuries.

Moonlight Walk

THERE is a late call from Treetops Hospice for ladies to take part in the annual Moonlight Walk on Friday, June 27. The Moonlight Walk is the biggest fund-raising event of the year for Treetops Hospice, with hundreds of women taking part. This year's walk will be the fifth event organised by the charity. The options for participants are either a 5k or 10k walk starting at 10pm. The start and finish point is at Derby University, Kedleston Road, DE22 1GB. Registration at £12 includes T-shirt (14 to 17yrs: £10) and should be made by May 13. n FARMER Robert Botham has been named as president of Ashby Agricultural Society's Centenary Show being held on Sunday, July 13, at Cattows Farm, Heather, Leicestershire.

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ARMY veteran Paul Harman is going back into battle in a few weeks – but this time it’s all in a good cause. The former Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer, who was injured in Kosovo and discharged in 2001, is taking part in the huge charity event, the Big Battlefield Bike Ride, to help raise money for the military charity Help for Heroes. Paul, 37, who runs a wealth management company based at Staunton Harold, will be cycling around 350 miles along the Western Front from Brussels to Paris along with hundreds of other cyclists to commemorate the outbreak of World War 1. Paul will be taking part in the marathon ride along with friend John Marriott, a wine merchant, from Ashby. Paul admits the prospect of taking part in the ride is somewhat daunting. “I have been doing most of my training indoor on rollers, much to my

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wife’s dismay,” he says. “I like to do challenging things and took part in the Tough Guy event in Wolverhampton earlier this year. I feel the bike ride is a really worthwhile cause.” Help for Heroes supports veterans and serving personnel who have been wounded or injured, or have been sick, as a result of serving their country. The Big Battlefield Bike Ride is taking place from June 1-8 and culminates in all the cyclists joining together for a grand finale ride into London. Paul, whose grandfather and great grandfather were decorated during active service, has already raised £1,200 towards his target of £2,600. “Help for Heroes is very close to my heart,” says Paul “and I thought this would be a fun way to raise money for charity.” If you are interested in sponsoring Paul you can do so online at www.bmycharity.com/paulharman. – P Dixon

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TIME flies, and this September will see Melbourne come alive with the 10th Melbourne Festival. Things have certainly come a long way from the original idea dreamed up by the three Phils – Dobby, Heath and Harris – and it is now a big date in the Melbourne calendar. The Trail this year is on Saturday and Sunday, September 13/14. Western Power Distribution, who keep the electricity flowing throughout the East Midlands, has agreed to be the headline sponsor again this year. Several other sponsors, including East Midlands Self-Storage, Onesystem Limited and Crane & Walton Solicitors, have also offered their support. This year there is a heavy focus on families and young people on the Trail. The Festival team has lots of big plans but needs help from local businesses to sponsor them so please get in touch if you would like to help. The team has already contacted artists, hosts and potential sponsors. There have been nearly 200 applications from artists this year, and lots of support from local businesses and homes willing to host artists; the next challenge is selecting artists as there is only space for half the applicants. The food festival is booked, music is lined up and don’t miss the Mad Hatter! The Festival concert programme is coming together, opening on Saturday, September 6, and continuing until Saturday, September 26. If any local pubs or churches have a performance which they would like to include in the programme they should contact the Festival team by the end of May.

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OBITUARIES

Village Voice May 2014 17

WILLIAM HANCOCK 1921-2014 WILLIAM started work in a Stoke on Trent pottery but attended night school and a Technical Training Centre before becoming a trainee aero engine fitter in 1939 at Cosford, where he learned the rapidly changing techniques in new aircraft, including test flying. “It was a lovely job!” He undertook intensive training to be a RAF commissioned officer and navigator, studying aerodynamics, astronavigation and Morse code, visual and audio, then H2S radar. Posted to 100 Squadron, 1 Group Bomber Command, operational flying in a Lancaster aircraft began to the Ruhr. He also flew to Chemnitz, Plauen, Nuremberg, Munich and Stuttgart. At low altitude he assisted in countering the German offensive in the Ardennes salient. On one particularly difficult occasion for William as navigator, a brand new aircraft, E2, suffered total electric failure, but the crew pressed on to their target without navigational aids, using the stars and dead-reckoning only. In 1945, he dropped food supplies and collected PoWs and troops from Europe. He took part in the last raid of the war on Hitler’s fortified mountain retreat in Berchtesgaden. Promoted to Flight Lieutenant, he converted to the Lincoln aircraft, before becoming Squadron Navigation Officer. In 1946, William married Audrey, the sister of his crew’s bomb aimer. The couple acquired a registered smallholding of four acres in Selston, Notts, and within six months they produced vegetables and had 500 poultry, six breeding sows and goats. After demobilization, William worked at Rolls-Royce, Hucknall. His most interesting years, 1956-9, included high atmospheric temperature testing at 45 degrees C the Dart engine in the Dakota, with no air conditioning, on the West African coast and endurance testing Conway engines in the Vulcan prototype VX770 in Malta. He was

involved in demonstrating Vulcan Conway engines to Alitalia and Iberian airlines, then the Tyne conversion of the Airspeed Ambassador (BEA Elizabethan) in Malta. After learning helicopter performance calculation at Cranfield, he became responsible for the operating costs of the R-R communications Heron aircraft and was cleared to fly as co-pilot. He was Personal/Technical Assistant to the Manager at Hucknall as R-R took over the operations of Napier’s, whose principal project was the Gazelle engine for the Wessex helicopter. William was delighted to fly the first trip of the testing days, 6-8.30am, before starting his normal working day. In 1966, he was appointed Purchasing

ELSIE MAY SMITH 1922-2014 ONE of the 'characters of Melbourne', Elsie Smith passed away peacefully in her sleep, after a long illness. Elsie was born in Shirebrook, near Mansfield, in 1922. She had 11 siblings; her father was a miner and her mother a pastry chef. Her early life, between the wars could not have been easy and at 14 she found herself working in service near Nottingham and sending all her earnings back home. In 1943, she married Stan Toon, and they set up home in Oddfellows Row, Station Road, Melbourne. They both worked for Trent buses, he as a driver, she as a conductress. They had four children – Liz, Jill, Lyn and Andy – and to make ends

Manager at Hucknall, whilst transferring Re-heat Jet Pipe manufacture for the Adour engine to SNECMA, Paris. Suddenly, in 1980, Audrey passed away. The following year William revisited Canada and America, enjoying seeing old friends from his training days in the 1940s and ex-colleagues. Having retired from Rolls-Royce in 1982, he married Victoria, who was secretary to their friend, the R-R Chief Test Pilot. William joined Victoria in Melbourne and he worked four years, surveying sites of mining subsidence. William maintained his membership of the Royal Aeronautical Society, R-R Heritage Trust, Nottingham Society of Engineers and 100 Squadron Association. He enjoyed Farnborough and Paris Air Shows. His love of aeroplanes never diminished and Victoria would ask: “William, can we close the hangar door, please?” A Ticknall Garden Club committee member, his creation was featured in Melbourne Community Care’s Open Gardens 2011. He was quickly promoted from tea-boy to president of Melbourne Probus Club and was a Civic Society member. ‘A lovely man; a true gent’, he was renowned for his upright stature and smart appearance. Friends and especially family have been very important to William and he watched with admiration as the young ones grew, taking pride in their achievements. “William was a remarkable man who had a remarkable life" of wonder and awe. He was grateful to survive the war and, for his 90th birthday, received donations for the Bomber Command Memorial. – Jean Grimley

WILLIAM HANCOCK Victoria and family wish to convey their sincere thanks and appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and flowers received. We have been quite overwhelmed by kindness. Special thanks to all involved in William’s care: Dr Chakraborti, Royal Derby Hospital Oncology; our GPs, Dr Philip Das and Dr James Long, whose support was above and beyond our expectations. Thanks also for the exceptional care and compassion of the District Nursing team, the daily team of carers, the Marie Curie and Treetops support; to Rev Dr Mark Powell for his spiritual and personal support; to Musical Director Simon Collins, the Church Choir and Bellringers for their special contributions at the service; to Funeral Director John Springthorpe and colleagues, for their professional and personal support to the family throughout.

Thank you all for your comfort and guidance throughout this difficult time.

m Of 7,366 Lancasters built, 3,400 were lost on operations and 200 were destroyed or written off in crashes. Of the 125,000 aircrew serving in Bomber Command in WW11, 73,700 became casualties with over 57,000 dying and others made POWs.

meet Elsie worked at Newton Yard, at Hatton’s Market Garden and later at Castle Mills. Stan died in 1977 and Elsie married Arthur Smith in 1982, moved to Queensway, and gained a stepson, Des. Sadly, Arthur died in 1986 after four happy years together. She continued to work part time at the Liberal Club for many years after that. Elsie was a very capable card player, and enjoyed playing bridge, whist drives and bingo and socialising at the Liberal Club. Her main enjoyment, though, was her family and as well as her four children and one stepson, she leaves 12 grandchildren and two step grandchildren plus 13 great grandchildren and five step great grandchildren. Many Melbourne people will remember her cheery ''Ay up ma duck'' as they walked across Queensway. –NP

LEONARD (LEN) LAGER 1939-2014 LEN Lager, of La Aparecida, Spain, died peacefully at home with his family. Len was born at Overdale, Main Street, Kings Newton, and lived all of his life in Melbourne up until he and his wife Nicolette decided to move abroad to Spain in November 2005. He attended school in Melbourne and went to Derby Art School. On leaving school he worked for a short time in Derby and then worked at Castle Mills (the stocking factory) as a warper up until the factory closed down.

After that Len was the licensee at the Lamb Inn on the High Street until 1989; he then managed the clubhouse at Breedon Priory Golf Club and also The Blue Bell in Church Street. After that, up until his retirement in 2004, he worked in Long Eaton. Len was an avid pigeon fancier and belonged to several clubs including Melbourne Homing Society, Woodville North Road Club and Ashby. When he went to live in Spain the pigeons went too and he first joined Orihuela Club but then found one closer to home, Club Delta in Santomera where he was racing until just before he passed away.

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Village Voice Postbag

18 Village Voice May 2014

We’re becoming too big too fast

AS a concerned resident and mother, I would like to express my thoughts on the proposed outline planning application for Station Road, Melbourne. I feel that this application should be made public as the continual plans for new large scale developments in Melbourne affects the wellbeing of everyone in the parish. We all know Melbourne is a fantastic place to live and we want to keep it that way. I live at 3 Sweet Leys Way, and am the mother of two children with another on the way. I am strongly opposed to the new development of 22 dwellings on Station Road for the following reasons: Melbourne is becoming too big too fast. Our infrastructure simply cannot cope with any further increase on demands. Our schools, doctors and dentist surgeries are full to bursting. I know from applying to Melbourne Infants this year that several families have been disappointed and not got places for their children. We have long-term problems with traffic congestion, the state of the roads and parking in the village. Additional housing will simply exacerbate this problem. Station Road is one of the busiest and possibly most dangerous roads in Melbourne. Speeding drivers and poor visibility due to residents parking on both sides of the road put families at risk as they walk to school. Increasing traffic in this area will inevitably make this worse.

I feel that we are compromising our countryside aspect, vistas and market gardening heritage by building on every piece of land in the area. We need to protect our green spaces, as the team at Whistlewood Common are demonstrating. Residents and wildlife have already endured five years of extensive building down at the Millbrook estate which is just nearing completion. It has taken nearly two years to encourage wild birds into our garden. The Millbrook estate, approx. 130 new homes, has already increased pressure on our local facilities beyond anyone's expectations. There are lots of families here with two/three children of school age. There are also other planning applications in the village, probably the most controversial being up by the Packhorse for another 70-100 homes. Many of the residents at Millbrook bought their houses on the understanding that there would be no further development on such a scale for at least 10 years. The residents of the Millbrook estate are working together to object to this application. Also just to make you aware, after speaking to Tony Burdett (the planning officer) today – he has agreed to extend the consultation period by an additional two weeks taking us to May 21. If you wish to discuss this further please don't hesitate to get in touch. Alison Staley

YOUR photograph of horse-drawn traffic crossing Swarkestone Bridge (Village Voice, April 2014) put me in mind of a story recounted to me several times by Alf Toon. Alf was our manager at the butchers’ shop on Derby Road when I left school and joined the business 60 years ago. Melbourne had as many as half a dozen butchers shops at the beginning of the last century. Three of the most prominent were along Derby Road; Toons, now the Welcome Cafe, our own at number 35 and A.C.Knowles (we called it ‘Acka—bone) where Roger now has his antique shop. Rivalry was fierce among the proprietors, not least as regards their transportation. A smart trap and a fast pony were marks of success. Tuesday was market day in Derby, when the butchers drove in to buy their stock. They would

take a youngster with them to link up with the other lads and drive the purchases back to Melbourne in the afternoon. If one of the butchers, say, my grandfather had come by a really good high-stepping pony, he would set a lad to keep watch and tell him when Ack-a-bone set off for market. Then he would follow after a well-judged interval. The aim was to catch up and overtake the other horse at a spanking pace on Stanton Gutter or Swarkestone Bridge. As he swept by, looking straight ahead, grandfather would raise his hat, say “Morning Knowles” and trot on, stiff backed, down the road. Old history this, my grandfather died when I was born, but maybe, just maybe, that was him in the front trap. John Blunt

The days of rival butchers

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THE National Trust Food Fair at Calke Abbey attracted lots of attention from exhibitors and visitors alike. The fair celebrated food that is grown, raised, baked or caught within a 30-mile radius. Lorna Pounder, staffing the Heath's Farm Shop, Woodhouses stall, is pictured with a group of visitors admiring the display of produce and plants.

NEWS in brief

n MARY Alice Joyce Dunnicliff, daughter of Alan and Alice Dunnicliff of Melbourne, married Christopher William John Attwater, son of The Revd Canon Stephen and the late Anne Attwater of St Helens, at Melbourne Baptist Chapel on Saturday, April 26. The bride was attended by bridesmaids Sarah Butler (sister), Carol Hames, Rachel Hames and Harriet Jackson. The best man was Richard Hutchinson. The reception was held in a marquee at the home of the bride’s parents and the couple enjoyed a honeymoon in the Seychelles.

FINDERN Open Gardens will be taking place this year on Saturday, July 12, between 1pm and 5pm. Tickets priced at £3.50 give entrance to all open gardens. Visitors can also enjoy tea/coffee and homemade cakes and there will also be a raffle, tombola and a treasure hunt. All profits to All Saints’ Church. Tickets are available in advance from Findern Post Office or by calling 01283 704460 or on the day at the village green. n FOLLOWING a thought-provoking presentation by the charity Intercare, the Rotary Club of Melbourne is now organising a collection of unwanted medicines, medical equipment, and spectacles, to be recycled by Intercare in Africa. Medicines and equipment must obviously be in original packaging, and labelled, so that they can be reused, something that is not permitted in this country, but which can alleviate suffering, and even save lives, in less fortunate areas of the world. Anyone who has accumulated unwanted medical supplies or spectacles can call one of the Rotary organisers, Margaret Sharp, (862471), or Kate Dumelow, (862666), for more information, or to arrange collection. n CHRISTIAN Aid week began on Sunday, May 11. Every year Churches Together in Melbourne organise house to house collections for Christian Aid and each church has a number of streets allocated to them. Last year in Melbourne, Churches Together raised just over £3,000 and organisers thank residents for their generosity. Christian Aid supports communities in the poorest, most neglected parts of the world. They help communities torn apart by war. Please help to raise the funds so that this work can continue to grow. Knocking on doors and asking for money is not easy, but neither is being afflicted by extreme poverty, famine and war. n Melbourne Male Voice Choir’s annual concert will take place at Melbourne Assembly Rooms on Saturday, June 7 (7.30pm) with guests Long Eaton Silver Prize Band.

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Village Voice May 2014 19

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WITH a General Election around the corner the elections to the European Parliament in May might have a bit more intrigue this year. The national campaigns have generated more heat with debates over German wives, second pension schemes and a racist UKIP candidate calling for Lenny Henry to leave Britain. Here in the East Midlands the battleground may be more sedate but nonetheless it is starting to gather momentum. Thursday, May 22, is the date set for the poll and in the East Midlands we shall elect a total of five of the 73 members to the European Parliament (MEPs) sent from the UK. We have one vote for the party of our choice, and each party lists the candidates in the order they will be selected, depending on their share of the vote. All three mainstream parties and six other parties are fielding candidates. The top two candidates for each of the parties is as follows: LABOUR — GLENIS WILLMOTT, born

1951, MEP for the East Midlands since 2006, succeeding upon the death of Phillip Whitehead; and RORY PALMER, born in Worksop, a Leicester councillor since 2007. CONSERVATIVE — EMMA McCLARKIN, born in Stroud, MEP for East Midlands since 2009; and ANDREW LEWER, born 1971, Derbyshire councillor since 2005 and former Leader of Derbyshire council. LIBERAL DEMOCRATS — BILL NEWTON- DUNN, born 1941 MEP for East Midlands since 1999; and ISSAN GHAZNI, born 1959, Nottingham councillor 1987-1991. GREENS — KATHARINA BOETTGE, born in Germany; and SUE MALLENDER, born in Walsall. ENGLISH DEMOCRATS — KEVIN SILLS and DAVE WICKHAM. UKIP — ROGER HELMER, born 1944, MEP for East Midlands since 1999 (voted in as a Conservative he switched allegiance subsequently); and MARGOT PARKE, born in Grantham.

Artists’ talent on show

ANOTHER very successful exhibition by Ashby Art Club saw more than 200 paintings on display at Ticknall Village Hall over the Easter weekend and in excess of 500 visitors. There is a wealth of talent at the club, illustrated in the exhibition with many of the paintings sold. The preview evening was attended by Mrs Gill Hoult, Mayor of Ashby, and Councillor Geraint Jones from Ashby Town Council. The club is always happy to encourage new members. Meetings are on Monday evenings in Smisby Village Hall at 7pm. There are monthly demonstrations by professional artists at the club, Saturday afternoon workshops and other events. If anyone would like to join, go along to Smisby and see what happens or visit the website at www,ashbyartclub.org for more information. Club members pictured at the Easter exhibition are (l-r) Yve Hill (secretary), Richard Knowles and Barbara Royds (chair).

BNP — CATHY DUFFY, born 1958 and a Charnwood County Councillor; and ROBERT WEST. There are also two other independent candidates, CHRIS PAIN (AN INDEPENDENCE FROM EUROPE) and STEVE WARD (HARMONY). In 2009 the region returned two Conservative, one Labour, one Liberal Democrat and a UKIP MEP. However, the outspoken right winger Roger Helmer fell out with his party, announced his intention to stand down in 2011 but instead defected to UKIP and remained as a sitting MEP. Derek Clark is not standing for re-election. The voting system for the European elections is conducted under the Proportional Representation systems known as the closed Party List. For each region the political parties announce in advance their preferred order of candidates, and unlike local and national elections, votes are cast for a party, not the individual. – Frank Hughes

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Melbourne run ended

Staunton on crest of wave

22 Village Voice May 2014

MELBOURNE RFC welcomed promotion pushing Spalding to Cockshut Lane with a real hope of an upset after four wins in a row. A strong defensive display from the visitors stopped this from being a reality. Melbourne started the game with strong hard running forcing Spalding back towards their own try line. One of the many positives on the day was the ball retention with Melbourne phases reaching double figures regularly. The pressure paid off when the referee awarded a penalty 30 metres out which Euan Holden converted for three points. Spalding worked their way back into the game with big carries from their forwards especially the number 8, who seemed to make yards from every scrum in the first half. Melbourne’s strong defence was eventually breached when a well-worked move from a line out in Melbourne’s 22 saw the big second row score. Another penalty from the boot of Holden made the score 6-7 at half-time. Melbourne’s defence was eventually breached when the Spalding hooker managed to break through and only a last ditched tackle stopped him scoring. Spalding kept the ball alive and eventually their prop scored in the corner. Melbourne responded with another penalty from Holden. In a topsy turvy game it was now Spalding’s turn to attack. Their big forwards won a line out and mauled 25 metres towards the try line. It looked to be a certain score until Mat Smith illegally brought it down, was yellow carded and the Spalding forwards scored from the resulting penalty. A try eventually came with good line out ball allowing phases to develop in the opponents’ 22. Some good hands from the backs allowed Ashley

Stringer to touch down in the corner for a final score of Melbourne 14, Spalding 21. A visit to relegation threatened Kesteven followed. Despite a strong start where Melbourne established a good lead, they succumbed to a strong second half showing from Kesteven to lose 31-21. Tries from Watts, Stringer and the returning Stefan Greenhalgh were all converted by Euan Holden. The final home game saw the arrival of Loughborough in a match sponsored by Staunton Harold Nurseries. Melbourne were much changed again with Devon Iliffe, Joe Stuart and Jack Pearce all starting. Loughborough had the early pressure but Melbourne held firm. Devon made a good break to win a penalty which Holden kicked to touch. From the lineout, the now familiar Michael Lowery training move of catch and drive started and Watts was driven over for a try, fantastically converted by Holden. An error from the kick saw a sustained 10 minutes of pressure from Loughborough who scored two penalties to make it 76. A midfield scrum on the half way saw Watts pop the ball to Page, who dummied the wing, drew the fullback and popped a simple pass to Rob Foster to score and go into a 12-6 lead. More pressure saw a five metre scrum after a lineout and Dale scored in the corner (17-6). On the stroke of half-time, Page took a quick tap on the Melbourne 22, Dale made good ground up the wing, finding Watts on the inside, who passed to the supporting Jack Fisher, who raced up the touchline to score. Holden’s conversion attempt hit the crossbar and it was 22-6 at half time. Immediately on the restart, Al Judge was yellow carded after being kicked in the face. Lough-

borough scored from a quick penalty, but Holden increased the lead with a penalty. A break involving Fish, Devon and Rob saw a lineout in the corner with Joe Stuart being driven over and Holden converting for 32-11. Watts and Walker came off injured and Ian Masters was on. Loughborough scored a converted try to make the score 32-18. A great performance from all shows Melbourne really can compete at this level. Ian Master MOTM was Gary Lakin. The final game saw a visit to local rivals Ashbourne with a much changed side and debuts for Tony Day and Ananth Srinivasanth. In a tight game Melbourne lost 19-20. Rob Foster scored a try from a set move and Jack Pearce finished well in the corner. Olly Page scored a fine solo try with Holden converting two of the tries. Ian Master’s voted Olly Page as MOTM. Melbourne finished their league campaign in a creditable sixth place. The Seconds finished their season with a loss and a win. A bare 15 went to play Keyworth A and lost 33-45. Melbourne matched Keyworth for most of the game, but conceded two tries when reduced to 13 men through injuries. Tries came from Little Watts two, Jordan Hollis two, and Guy Cooper. The final game saw the arrival of 12 men from Notts Moderns. Melbourne made up the numbers and romped to a 75-12 win with tries from Ian Lucas, Phil Jones two, Jordan Hollis two, Jordan Sparkes, Kurtis Robinson, Eliott Riley, Tom Cresswell two, and Guy Cooper with Sylvester converting 10. Even at this stage of the season, new players are coming forward. The Seconds should finish second in the Pennant League, having won 17 out of 23 games scoring 128 tries.

JOHN SMITH (MELBOURNE) LTD

IT was third time lucky for Staunton Harold Sailing Club when it was announced that the club had won The Royal Yachting Association Club of the Year Award 2014. Representatives accepted the trophy from the British Sailing Team’s Megan Pascoe and RYA CEO Sarah Treseder at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show. Staunton has been a finalist for the award for the last three years. Sarah Treseder highlighted the club’s friendly, welcoming ethos, its range of RYA training courses, work with schools and the local community and significant programme of facilities investment over the last three years. It is a recognition and reward for the sustained effort from the legions of indefatigable volunteers in all sections of the club over the years. May is National Watersports Month and no fewer than eight Derbyshire sailing clubs and watersports centres are running free open days or discounted taster sessions to encourage people to give sailing, and in some cases windsurfing, a try throughout the month. Staunton Harold is promoting its Push The Boat Out event, to be held on Sunday, May 18. Visitors are invited to go along for a relaxing coffee and chat with club members and learn about the award winning sailing club. You will be able to watch the dinghy racing from 11.30am and will also be able to experience 30 minutes of sailing with an expert sailor for just £5 each. To book your taster session, visit the club website http://www.shsc.org.uk/ and follow the Push the Boat Out link. Burton SC at Foremark Reservoir will be hosting its Open Day on Bank Holiday Monday, May 26.

COAL & SMOKELESS FUEL MERCHANTS

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Applicant: Melbourne Fete and Carnival Committee Place: School Playing Fields, Melbourne Junior School, Packhorse Road, Melbourne, DE73 8JE Time: 1200 to 1800 hours only, Date: 12th July 2014. Licensable activities: Supply of alcohol, Performances of dance, plays, live and recorded music. Licensing Authority: South Derbyshire District Council, Civic Offices, Civic Way, Swadlincote, DE11 0AH.

Duties to include basic preparation and serving of food. 14 - 16 hrs, no evenings. £6.71/hr for age 21+ Please contact Neil Munton on 01332 865155, drop your CV into The Peach House Restaurant, Staunton Harold Nurseries, Melbourne Road, Staunton Harold, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 1RU or email to nbmchef@aol.com

Due to business expansion, The Clean Company (of Melbourne), are seeking to recruit a further member of staff to assist with cleaning on a part time basis. The person we are looking for will need to be honest, discrete, personable, reliable and be flexible with regard to a working routine. If this position interests you, please contact Catherine on 07527 099282

The full application can be viewed at the above address or at www.south-derbys.gov.uk. Any representation relating to this application must be made in writing by the 21st of May 2014 to the Council at the above address. SOUTH DERBYSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL

Councillor Linda Chilton, Councillor John Harrison and Councillor Jim Hewlett

ADVICE SURGERIES

at Melbourne Assembly Rooms - 11 am to 12 noon

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MELBOURNE COMMUNITY CARE SHOPPING TRIPS/SOCIAL OUTINGS MINIBUS TIMETABLE – MAY & JUNE 2014 For further information, cost of trips, or to book a seat, either call in the Community Care Office, Mon-Thu 9:30am-1:30pm; Fri 9:30am-12:30 or telephone 863585 All journeys subject to number of booked passenger. • WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REQUEST A LATE CANCELLATION FEE • Community Care do not provide escort assistance on these trips. • For information on our “escorted trips” please contact the Community Care Office. • Every Friday we run a local door-to-door service to Budgens Supermarket and escort assistance can be provided if required. DEPART MELBOURNE

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M.C.C. PATRONS SCHEME: THANK YOU to all who have already become a valuable Patron. If you would like information on this scheme, please contact the Community Care Office (863585) – where forms are available. Your contributions, however small, are hugely important to us for the future continuance of our valuable services. Your support is always greatly appreciated.

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Girls’ marathon plan

Village Voice May 2014 23

Up and down Town

GIRLS Play Rugby Too is the message that comes out loud and strong from Melbourne Minxes, the female section of Melbourne Rugby Club. Coach Nick Woodland says: “It’s great to see so many training each week. We started with a small handful and now we have over 40 girls playing.” September will see the girls section celebrating its 10th birthday and they want to stage a marathon match, playing for 12 hours in July. Girls with the age range of eight to 18 from Melbourne, Chellaston, Buxton, Ashbourne, Syston and many other places will be taking part. The Minxes will be using the event to raise funds for next season’s annual tour but they also want to donate a large portion of the funds raised to the Matt Hampson Foundation. Matt Hampson’s charity was set up to help injured athletes, be it due to an accident in sport which impairs their lives or to help disabled athletes achieve their dreams. Matt was a victim of an injury during a training camp with England Under 20s rugby team but now works hard to help others.

l PLAYERS, club members and volunteers supporting Melbourne Cricket Club turned out on a Saturday morning to start preparing for the new 2014 season. They are pictured putting up the practice nets and cutting grass at the Cockshut Lane ground.

MELBOURNE Town Cricket Club has made an indifferent start to the 2014 season with the first team losing both their league games whilst the seconds have won both of theirs and top the table. At home to Barton, the first XI were put in to bat and amassed a stunning 261-8 with Russ Allaway leading the way with an unbeaten 101 aided by Tom Anderson (41) and Mark Rossi (30). But this still wasn't enough as the away side passed their target easily for the loss of just three wickets. The Melbourne team was on the receiving end again when A & B 2nds hit 271-9. Matt Briers (5-78) helped by skipper Alex Slater (2-48)and Kev Meakin (2-42) at least stemmed the flow of runs. In reply Town were cruising on 106-1, but the loss of top scorer Andy Potts (69) and Mark Rossi (30) saw a collapse and only Anthony Wagstaff (28) stayed firm as Melbourne were all

out for 161. In contrast the second team made a stunning start to the 2014 season. They began with a huge 88-run victory away to A & B 4ths with Town hitting 277-7 batting first. Neil Thurlow top scored with 75 helped by quick-fire 50s from new signing Mark Hirons (54) and Paul Scrimshaw (50) and 36 by Ian Roberts. The away side was shot out for 189 in reply, Jason Lander (542) and another new signing Jan Roguska (3-26) causing the most damage. Marc Towell’s men continued their good form into the home game against Ticknall 3rds. A spell of 3-11 by Stephen Goalen plus two wickets apiece for Hirons, Roguska and Siv Sirapalan helped bowl Ticknall out for just 140. In reply 54 runs from Roberts took Melbourne to an easy eight-wicket victory.

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n THE weather impacted on the Kings Newton Bowls Club open evening held early in April. Enthusiastic members turned up to welcome visitors and introduce them to the game. Although fewer than anticipated arrived to take advantage of the opportunity offered, those who did enjoyed their time on the green. Some members and visitors also played under the floodlights before retiring to the warm and welcoming club house. Club member Graham Leech (left) is pictured tutoring visitors in the art of crown green bowls: (l-r) Denise Chaplin, Keith Chaplin and Helen Leech.

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Hi ho ... it’s silver for the Dynamo

24 Village Voice May 2014

SPORT n MORE than 80 people attended the Melbourne Rugby Football Club annual awards dinner at the Assembly Rooms. The evening was hosted by chairman Peter Ilott and president Dave Smith. The award winners pictured (l-r) are: Standing – Jacob Watts (Player’s Player and 1st Team Player), Joe Stuart (Most Promising Player), Tom Williams (awarded an honorary life membership), Ian Masters (Chairman’s Award) and Dave Lowson (clubman of the year). Kneeling are Jack Pearce and Kurtis Robinson (joint leading try scorers) and Tony Day (second team player of season). Jack Fisher (not pictured) won the Most Improved player.

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MELBOURNE Dynamo Football Club had another superb month with both teams continuing their good league form and the reserves winning their first ever piece of silverware – the Derbyshire Junior Cup. Man of the match Ben Stanley scored a brace to go alongside a header from Shaun Hayes and a clinical Ryan Monk finish to take Greg Salisbury’s men to a 4-1 win against Ashbourne Reserves in the cup final. A crowd of over 100 watched the game held at Mickleover Sports ground and witnessed skipper Vinny Hallifield hold the trophy aloft in front of the many Dynamo fans. The first team continued their great league form and at the time of writing are top of the table. If they win their last three games they will be crowned champions. They began the month with an outrageous 5-4 home win to fellow title contenders Rowsley as a Michael Tristram hat-trick and a Tom Ballard strike gave Dynamo a 4-1 lead. Amazingly, the away side drew level in the last minute but straight from the kick-off leading goal scorer Dave Brough scored from the halfway line to give Melbourne a vital three points. A week later, Melbourne’s unbeaten league run came to an end with a 2-1 away defeat at Woolley Moor. Dave Worger scored the consolation goal. Dynamo returned to winning ways with a midweek 5-1 away win over Little Eaton with Brough hitting two, aided by goals from Matt Brian, Michael Tristram and Tom Donnachie. This was followed by a comfortable 5-0 win at Wirksworth Town. This time it was Brian’s turn to hit a double with Brough, Tristram and Karl Munton getting on the scoresheet and putting Gavin Salisbury's men top of the pile with a great chance of a first league trophy for over 15 years. The first team also had a cup quarter-final against Woolley Moor which they sailed through 6-1. Strike duo Brough and Tristram both hit doubles with Danny Guild and Ryan Grey adding to the total. Melbourne Dynamo Reserves have climbed to third in the table after a fine month but they started by losing their MRA Junior League Cup semi-final 4-2 to Derby Rolls-Royce Reserves, who play in the league above. Ben Stanley and Jack Goodband scored the goals. Their league matches began with a 7-0 win against Ambergate Reserves with Shaun Hayes hitting a hat-trick along with a Tom Colclough brace, a Jack Goodband finish and a Jack Stanley header. They followed with a 10-1 midweek home win against Willington Sports. Hayes hit his second hat-trick in three days, Tom Donnachie scored a double and goals from Tom Colclough, Dave Brough, James Jennison plus rare strikes from Jak Ward and Ryan McLaughlin made up the total. A 2-0 away defeat at Woolley Moor reserves was soon forgotten when Roe Farm were beaten 6-0. Farrell Scott scored a hat-trick and Ben Dale, Ryan Monk and Ben Stanley grabbed one each. A 4-3 away win versus Ambergate Reserves took Melbourne into third spot. Leading goal scorer Jack Goodband hit two along with Shaun Hayes and Ben Stanley. Greg Salisbury's men ended the month with a comfortable 5-1 win away to Little Eaton Reserves with two each for Adam Dolman and Goodband and a James Jennison finish to complete a hugely successful month for the club.

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WE’VE WON THE CUP ... Dynamo Reserves celebrate their success in the final of the Derbyshire Junior Cup.

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