Melbourne Village Voice November 2011

FURY AT BID TO AXE SCHOOL BUS

FEELINGS are running high over the decision by the county council to halt the bus service for pupils from Barrow on Trent to Chellaston Academy.

Parents are angry that from next April their children might have to walk to school – alongside extremely busy and dangerous A roads.

by DAVID BELLIS

But now County Councillor John Harrison has stepped in and lobbied for a 'safe route walk' to take place to show his council colleagues the dangers of their decision.

The ruling was made as a result of guidelines laid

down which state that bus services need not be supplied for distances of less than three miles. The distance from the furthest point west in Barrow to the Chellaston Academy is officially 2.5 miles.

Wayne Graves is one resident who has been eloquent in his condemnation of this decision, and Barrow Parish Council has made a strong objection to children having to walk to school by extremely busy A roads, and, in parts, on roads without side footpaths. In addition, particularly on the roundabout by The Bonnie Prince, there are very dangerous roads to cross.

Cllr Harrison has made it plain to his Derbyshire County Council colleagues that the pedestrian route to the Academy is "demonstrably unsafe, particularly for use by pedestrian school children and cyclists".

He told Village Voice: "I strongly hold the personal opinion that by no stretch of anyone's imagination could the route be designated as safe with eight enforced crossing points on the increasingly busy A5152 and A514, including the unavoidable need to cross the eastern jaws of the 70mph A50 ingress and egress."

The county council has agreed a 'safe walk' to assess the safety of the road, considered to be particularly dangerous at morning rush hour. Cllr Harrison has made a special plea that the walk takes place during the winter months at the same time as the pupils would be expected to walk – either early morning or at the end of the school day. Cllr Harrison also points out that there is an absence of street lighting on parts of the Barrow/Chellaston route.

The provision of a school bus for the 50 or so Barrow pupils at school in Chellaston had been planned to cease in April 2012. But many parents in Barrow will welcome the new decision to assess the safety of the route, secure in the firm belief that the walking route puts children in serious hazard.

Cllr Harrison said: "I fully appreciate and share the strength of feelings, but could I respectfully suggest that everyone calms down until the outcome of the promised safe walk is known."

David Stretton

● HALLOWE'EN is an eerie time after dark and this group was the scariest seen when they turned out to celebrate the Trick or Treat event at The Packhorse. Left to right they are: Lee Eccles, Charlotte Gilmour, Megan Jones, Andrew Jervis and Jaymee-Leigh Montroy.

ble prices

paintings, prints, pottery, jewellery & textiles by local artists. don’t miss this chance to buy unique christmas gifts for friends & family - you're sure to find something for everyone on your list!

now being held at the melbourne festival pop-up gallery

55 derby road, melbourne de73 8fe

telephone:

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Missingmansparks Mountain Rescue alert

DERBY Mountain Rescue team were called out by police on Friday, October 28, to search for a missing man, believed to be in the vicinity of Staunton Harold Reservoir.

The man had been missing since Wednesday and police had become concerned for his safety after his car had been found in a car park near the reservoir, a popular location for walkers.

Mountain Rescue were brought in to search the woodland and areas surrounding the reservoir and nearby Calke Abbey. The man was eventually located, safe and well, in a wooded nature reserve, having constructed a makeshift shelter from under-

growth.

Nineteen members of the team took part in the search, supported by three SARDA search dogs and a police helicopter. Police officers were also involved in searching farm buildings and properties in the surrounding area.

A Mountain Rescue powered boat and canoes were taken to the scene in readiness for a search of the reservoir, but these were not deployed as the man was found before the team’s water section were put into action.

Team spokesman Kevin Corcoran said: “It’s not often that the team are deployed in this area, but for these types of searches, police in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Notting-

hamshire and Staffordshire will call on us if they feel our specialist skills will be useful. In this case, we’re pleased to have been able to find the missing person safe and well.”

Derby Mountain Rescue team is a registered charity, which relies totally on public donations to support its annual running costs of around £18,000.

All team members are unpaid volunteers, on call 24 hours a day 365 days of the year.

If anyone wishes to help the Derby team raise funds they should contact the DMRT secretary on 07050 155537.

For further information, contact the Press Office on 0771 3066473, or by emailing press@derbymrt.org.uk

& Manufacturers STATION YARD, STATION ROAD MELBOURNE. TEL: 862612 FAX: 864006

A PACKED hall greeted Matthew Biggs of Radio 4's "Gardeners Question Time" last month. Matthew, who also writes and appears on television, had returned to Ticknall Garden Club to talk about 'The Back Gardens of Britain'.

He began by referring to a visit he made with Roy Lancaster for Radio 4 to a garden in a very deprived area in the north. The garden had been made on the balcony of a first floor flat. It had everything in it that was bright and cheerful as well as plastic animals and statuettes.

Matthew didn't like it but could see that it cast light amid the gloom of its setting. Matthew said that no garden is wrong if the maker likes it – gardens should reflect the

maker.

He went on to illustrate, with the use of slides, a variety of gardens all over the country. Among them was one purely of gourds and another a garden where the maker regarded as a challenge anything that supposedly cannot be grown here. His garden is now full of exotic plants that you would never normally see out of doors.

Matthew encouraged people to do their own thing. His boundless enthusiasm impressed the audience who went away, it is hoped, to enjoy the garden even more.

Pictured at the October meeting are (l-r) Wendy Gale, Matthew Biggs, Margaret West and Trisha Bricknall.

Market forces

A RECORD numbers of traders are offering bargain buys and distinctive products at Swadlincote’s Friday Market.

An average of 25 stalls can be found amid the hustle and bustle every week – more than double the number of 18 months ago.

Products available include clothes, accessories, garden furniture, plants, fruit and vegetables, household goods, jewellery, fabrics and upholsteries.

Numbers are also growing on the Tuesday and Saturday markets. Market Manager Simon Wardle said: "The vibrancy and atmosphere currently on offer at the market is at an all-time high"

"FANTASTIC” was how Elaine Dunnicliffe described the ‘40s Night’ held at the Royal Suite at Melbourne Royal British Legion Club.

The evening of dance and entertainment was well received by the punters who turned out, many in ’40s style attire, to be entertained and enjoy the fun provided by the Festival Swing Dance Society.

The FSDC provided the music and sound effects, together with 26 members, dressed in the style of the period who jitterbugged throughout the night, providing a floor show and giving the inspiration for everyone to join in.

Entertainment through song was provided by the ‘Webster Sisters’, Hannah and Rosie, and by Jim Edmunds.

The evening raised £310 for the Derby Macmillan Unit.

Already the feedback requests are for another event soon and consideration is being given for a date in the Spring.

Tony puts his faith in new singing project

by TOM MILLS

THE Revd Tony Luke has a dream – of becoming a singing star.

And he looks on track to achieve that as a member of a newlyformed group that has already been in the recording studios.

The Rector of Aston on Trent and the United Benefice of the Trent and Derwent Parish Churches for Barrow, Elvaston, Shardlow, Swarkestone, Twyford and Weston is part of All Faiths, a group comprising six artists from six different religious faiths.

His participation in this exciting project came as the result of an email from Jeff Chegwin, brother of TV presenter Keith Chegwin.

Tony was invited to London for talks with Jeff and his business partner Nick Patrick, who helped launch Katherine Jenkins and masterminded the trio of singing British Army soldiers album, Soldiers.

Jeff had heard Tony sing on the internet and explained that he and Nick were launching a multi-faith band which Tony was invited to join. Tony has had a long-term active interest in multi-faith activities and was delighted to be invited to join the project.

He subsequently recorded a track in May 2010, 'Faith Unites us All' which was mixed with the contributions from the other group members and could be heard on line for a short time.

It was in December that all the members of the group met together in London at the Angel Studios. Under the name All Faiths, the group also comprises Islamic singer Ustad Ali Hafeez Khan, Rabbi Danny Bergson, Hindu singer Chiranjib Chakraborty, Father John Glynn, Buddhist Nun Ani Choying Drolma and The Times religious correspondent and Christian singer Ruth Gledhill.

They recorded the song 'I Have a Dream' which has been run on youtube and the Times on Line website.

It's now a time of waiting with fingers crossed for developments in the wider world of business and music but in the meantime the group's website, allfaiths.org.uk provides a link to Y Music and you can see the group video and listen to their recent recording.

In addition to his church role, Tony is well known locally as a singer performing with choirs including Barrow Singers and several small groups. He is also an accomplished guitarist and he appeared on TV in the boot camp stage of the X Factor only a few years ago.

Racing certainty

DONINGTON Park has been granted planning permission for 60 race days per annum for the next two years.

The planning permission incorporated some significant benefits for local residents, decreasing the number of unsilenced race days from 40 to 20 and also the introduction of a noise management plan. This was offered by Donington Park as a way ahead to ensure that the noise impact from the race circuit is minimised.

The grant of this planning permission was extremely important to Donington Park, and will help to ensure its continued success since re-opening in 2010.

Donington is confident that all of the race days will be taken for 2012 with several race promoters waiting for this important decision.

ON SONG ...

The Revd Tony Luke (front, right) with the other members of the group All Faiths.

More details about the work and responsibilities of the Council may be found at www.melbourneparishcouncil.org.uk

Country Living

with Robert Parker

WHAT a glorious October we have had and long may this weather continue despite the fact that rain is badly needed.

Records must have been broken for sunshine and lack of moisture and it’s really strange how in other parts of the country floods are being recorded.

All livestock farmers will be very grateful to be able to keep their cattle out of doors as long as possible thereby saving food and bedding. The dry season has made both items very scarce and even maize crops, which can usually withstand some lack of rain, have been poor.

land or face penalties, and arable farmers will have to grow at least three different crops and any will not exceed 70 per cent of the total area of the farm.

There will need to be a new definition of an ‘active’ farmer as payments will not be made to individuals who do not derive a certain percentage of their income from farming.

Also, larger farmers could see the subsidy payments cut on a sliding scale.

This could be very discriminating against the UK. There are many other proposals too numerous to mention, and one thing to my mind is certain –an awful lot of extra jobs will be created to administer this jargon!

71 DERBY ROAD, MELBOURNE, DERBYSHIRE DE73 8FE TELEPHONE: 01332 862532 www.pictureofhealthfitness.co.uk Do you need to give it that extra push before Christmas to lose a few pounds? Introduce a friend to any of our classes and they pay just £1 for the rst week.

■ The EU Commission has published its proposals for reform of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2014 when the present arrangements come to an end. The highlighting factor must be its extremely complicated plans which I will try to explain very briefly.

Practices which are of benefit to the environment (greening) are going to be forced upon us, which will be very complex. Each country will have to have the same area of permanent grass-

Then why not try one of our many classes...

I believe we really need a major cull of all this bureaucracy and progress to a simple subsidy-free future.

■ Strong winds have been common during the last few weeks and it surprises me how trees have held on to their leaves. Fruit has also been very loathe to fall off –particularly apples. Some trees at the beginning of November are still loaded.

Grape fun at ticknall

ROSEMARY Oliver and Archie Willday are pictured grape picking at a vineyard in Ticknall.

The vineyard, about a quarter of an acre, was planted in 2004 by Michael South when he moved to live in the village. Having been introduced to Rosemary's home-made wine he offered her the harvesting of the vineyard.

Michael has since moved out of Ticknall and takes a lesser role. The majority of the work on the vineyard is undertaken by Archie Willday and, with Rosemary, they make a good team.

'Siegerebbe' and 'Phoenix' are the two grape varieties grown at Ticknall and both are of German origin. Rosemary is the winemaker having won her first rosette for a parsnip wine in 1967.

The vineyard has produced some good crops since they started harvesting with the best coming in 2008 and 2009. This year the vineyard suffered from the early frost and the dry summer and so there is only the yield from a second harvest, about 10 bottles of Vin de Mont, to look forward to.

Winter time at Calke

A taste of our lunch programme

Thursday 17 November Beer, Cheese and Chocolate

George Philliskirk

A talk about brewing, hops and how to match food with beer. The air will be full of tantalising brewing smells and tempting chocolate and cheese treats.

Friday 18 November, 12 noon Taster Lunch - Flavours of the Sea

Enjoy a 3 course lunch, freshly prepared by the Calke chefs.

Tuesday 22 November The Travelling Theatre presents God’s Wonderful Railwayman Geoff Hales Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this is his story.

Wednesday 23 November Lindisfarne Marilyn Bradley/Clive Katz

Marilyn and Clive shared a Working Holiday at Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island, Northumberland as Room Guides.

Talks start at 10.45am unless otherwise stated. Booking is required for all lunches. Talks take place in the old riding school followed by lunch in the restaurant. Ticket prices £20 per person.

Christmas at Calke

Sat 26 Sun 27 November, 11am 3pm. Deck the Halls

Join us in creating the longest paper chain to help make the old riding school look festive. Sat 3, Sun 4, Sat 10, Sun 11, Sat 17 and Sun 18 December, 11am 6.30pm (last entry 6pm).

Whispers of Calke’s Christmas Past

Catch a glimpse inside the house and follow a Christmas trail to the church. Enjoy children’s crafts in Squirt’s stable, listen to seasonal music and visit Father Christmas in his grotto. As darkness falls, experience the grounds of this unique house as it is illuminated. You may wish to bring a torch. Adult £3.50, child £2, family £11 (members free). Father Christmas grotto £350 (includes present).

Our other Christmas highlights

Sat 3 December, 2pm 3pm Calke Christmas Tea Dance Christmas in the 1940s; Sat 10 and Sun 11

December, 11am 6pm Christmas Craft Show;

Sat 17 December, 2pm 4pm Christmas Party Afternoon & Sun 18 December, 11am 4pm

Christmas Fine Food Fair

Restaurant/Shop: Open daily 10.30am 4pm

Calke Park & Nature Reserve: Open daily 7.30am 7.30pm (dusk if earlier)

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke for more information

Normal park admission applies to all visitors

Free Range Traditionally reared geese, which have been raised solely by us from when they came out of the hatchery at two days old. Our birds are only fed on the highest quality specialist feeds which are supplemented with fresh pastures and locally sourced corn.

6.01Kg / + £8.15 per

kg

TADSOR FARM, ASHBY ROAD, TICKNALL, DERBYSHIRE Phone: 01283 214168 or 07875 566584 Email: christmasgeese@btopenworld.com Christmas Geese FRESH - FREE RANGE For this festive season why not treat yourself to a traditional British Goose? 2011 Prices 4.50kg / 5.00kg £8.85 per kg 5.01Kg / 6.00Kg £8.52 per

Snow patrol to be a hit for the town

DERBYSHIRE County Council's radical approach to winter conditions will see Melbourne having its own Snow Warden, who will co-ordinate activities locally and provide the parish council with information about conditions.

Clerk Norman Hill volunteered for the role and it is assumed the new Lengthsman will be “the hands on the ground come the winter weather”. A benefit to Melbourne joining the scheme is up to one ton of grit free of charge and a grit box.

Whilst the roads can be tricky in snow, Mrs Hardy was quick to point out in the public questions sessions the problem state of roads in the neighbourhood in normal conditions, with Station Road potholes and Derby Road's surface, just two of concern.

District and County Councillor John Harrison had some good news on this front: work will commence to remetal Castle Street in late November and Derby Road remains part of the county council plans.

The parish council, however, will look to ensure work starts on Castle Street after the Melbourne Christmas shopping event as road closures would impact traffic flows.

Mrs Hardy highlighted the continual need for action on Main Street, Kings Newton, with respect to speeding cars in a campaign to get Vehicle Activated Signs. Chairman Nigel Collyer suggested the Kings Newton Residents Association should support it and could probably aid funding, with consideration of using Speedwatch as a step to getting the Highways Authority on board.

Cllr Harrison advised “the costs of VAS is £5,000-£7,000, dependent on availability of electrical supply”.

Continuing on roads, Cllr Robert Parker asked how the Swarkestone Bridge consultation had progressed. Cllr Harrison noted that “nothing will be done for a very, very long time – it’s a massive cost”.

Cllr Collyer commented that, with no replacement in sight, the access to the bridge for heavy vehicles should be closely monitored in order to maintain its condition. Key to this is lack of signage on the A50, something Cllr Harrison continues to review.

The calls for a pedestrian crossing opposite the Lothian Gardens and the old HSBC bank continue. This request was previously rejected due to its corner location. Cllr Collyer agreed to talk to Highways Authority once more.

The Clerk advised that the Arriva bus company

had responded to concerns on the one direction of route 61 through Melbourne and informed the Parish Council that it would remain as-is, with minimal passengers inconvenienced. Two directional buses were not possible, in Arriva’s opinion, due primarily to parked cars and the parking policy employed by the parish council.

District Councillor Jim Hewlett advised that Village Games Officer Toni Jantschenko, from South Derbyshire District Council, is looking for volunteers with spare time to lead activities. The aim is to have villages across Derbyshire taking part in regular sport and physical activity, with inter village competitions, festivals and events throughout the year.

Recent local interest in a BMX bike park has been considered, but there were as yet no venue or grounds. Cllr Harrison noted that the Melbourne Sporting Partnership had provision for a BMX venue on land owned by the parish council. Parish council members will attend an overview of the Melbourne Sporting Partnership's plans for its facilities at the Recreation Ground on November 7 prior to submission to the planning authority. A District Council decision for the application of £1,000,000 for the Partnership will be made on December 7. Cllr Harrison expressed confidence that the proposition will get some funds and was looking to the County Council to support additionally a one-off grant. Additional funds would need to be sourced from sporting bodies.

Other Parish News

■ The high visibility policing at the Wakes each night ensured the event passed with minimal problems. Police are seeing a notable increase in shed break-ins and thefts from cars in the area.

■ Cllr Sarah Dunnicliff will provide support and a conduit between the parish council and the Athenaeum Committee and its plans to support the youth community.

NEWS in brief

MELBOURNE Community Care are to hold a fund-raising event on November 26 at 6pm, hosted by William and Griselda Kerr at the Dower House. It's a talk entitled Colditz. Tickets are available at £25.

■ MELBOURNE Civic Society will be holding a Christmas coffee morning and photographic exhibition on Saturday, December 10, in the Thomas Cook Memorial Hall from 10.30am to noon. Admission is £1.50.

Bike drama for Joseph

AFTER only a short ride on his BMX from his home on The Woodlands, Melbourne, Joseph Russell had an accident outside the Junior School on Packhorse Road when he came off his bike.

Fortunately a doctor from the Melbourne practice was on hand to comfort Joseph, aged 13, while his mother, Laura Ashley, made her way to the scene.

The doctor advised the hospital and Laura rang for an ambulance. Having been described the injuries, the DLR Air Ambulance was despatched and minutes later was hovering over The Woodlands prior to landing.

A doctor and paramedics attended to Joseph before concluding that

transport by conventional ambulance would be appropriate with Joseph being more comfortable in a sitting position. The consolation of a helicopter ride to the Royal Derby never materialised with Joseph being despatched by road. He underwent emergency surgery on arrival and was hospitalised for several days.

Joseph has recovered well and is back at Chellaston Academy, more disappointed at missing his helicopter ride than worrying about his injuries.

He’s now back on his BMX.

MEMBERS of Melbourne Royal British Legion Women's Section were delighted to benefit from local fund-raising efforts when they were presented with a cheque for £850.

Jeffrey Collett, of the Ticknall Scarecrow Trail Committee, attended the meeting make the presentation. Mrs Lynn Whiting, chair of the RBL Women's Section, offered the sincere thanks of the members to Mr Collett and his committee for their generous donation, which will go to the benevolent fund.

Pictured (l-r) are: Gill Holt, Lynn Whiting, Jeffrey Collett and Clare Pattinson.

Christmas in the workshop

THE Melbourne Festival team is running a couple of workshops with a distinct Christmas theme.

'Create a Christmas Door Wreath' is being held at the Gallery, William’s Yard, on December 8, 6.30 to 9.30 pm. Kerry of the Blossom Tree, Melbourne, will lead a workshop where participants will be taken through the steps of creating a wreath.

Starting with the moss base they will then choose seasonal foliages from Kerry's stock and create a beautiful door wreath to take home.

The price at £40 includes mulled wine and mince pies.

A second workshop entitled 'Chocolate

Heaven' on Wednesday, December 14, 6.30 to 9.30pm is being held at the Three Horseshoes, Breedon on the Hill. Nigel, of awardwinning Bittersweet Chocolates, will lead participants through the heavenly world of chocolate making.

They will be introduced to the subtle art of chocolate making and chocolate tempering (preparing the chocolate for working with) and will leave with a bag of chocolate to both enjoy themselves and share with others!

Price at £40 includes the chocolate goodie bag, drinks on arrival and a chocolate fountain.

To reserve a space for either workshop call Helen Saunders on 865342.

Howzat! Cricket club opens shop

IN AN exciting development and thanks to the generosity of local businessman John Blunt, Melbourne Town Cricket Club is opening a pre-owned shop in the premises of the old HSBC bank.

The shop will be officially opened on Tuesday, November 15, and opening times will be Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm and Saturdays 10am to 1pm. It will be open in the weeks running up to Christmas and will be also be open as a part of the late night shopping event.

Managing the shop on behalf of the cricket club will be Sheila Hicklin, parish councillor and mother of two of Melbourne's young cricketers.

Sheila said: " I know just how expensive it can be running sports clubs and all money raised at the shop will be going directly to the development of

cricket at Melbourne. We are hoping that, especially in the run-up to Christmas, people will want to donate unused or unwanted goods to go to a great cause. Additionally there are bound to be some good bargains for shoppers."

The ‘Catch A Bargain’ shop will be selling preowned quality merchandise including clothes, shoes, DVDs, CDs, Play Station games and much more. Anyone wanting to donate items can contact either Sheila Hicklin on 01332 865726 or Andy Heafield on 01332 865422.

The club is also promoting "Christmas with the King" –a tribute to Elvis Presley –at the Royal Suite, Melbourne British Legion, on Saturday, December 17.

Tickets are on sale at the Welcome Cafe or the British Legion.

PICTURED at the Civic Service held at the Parish Church of St George, Ticknall, are (l-r) Mrs Jill Tucker, Councillor Michael Bale (Vice-Chairman of SDDC), Mrs June Bale (Vice-Chairman's Consort), Rev Dr Mark Powell, Mrs Jane Coke-Steel, Councillor Michael Stanton (Chairman of SDDC), Mr David Coke-Steel, (High Sheriff of Derbyshire), Mrs Heather Stanton (Chairman's Consort) and Mr William Tucker (Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire).

Supper quiz repeat

RECREATION in Aston will be hoping to repeat the success of its 2010 supper quiz when it holds the 2011 event on Saturday, November 26, in the Memorial Hall. Doors will open at 7.15pm with the quiz starting at 7.30.

Tickets, which include supper (George’s Fish and Chips), at £8 per person must be purchased in advance and can be obtained by ringing Sandra Baylis on 792141.

HOPE FOR AMNESTY GROUP

ON NOVEMBER 17, a meeting will be held in Church House, Melbourne, starting at 7.30pm to be addressed by The Revd. Jill Bryant, who will give a broad outline of the work of Amnesty, a secular organisation entirely dependent on the support given by millions from all over the world. It is hoped that it will be possible after the meeting to form a Melbourne support group, to make local people more aware of the suffering

that Amnesty exists to monitor and to alleviate. Amnesty is a worldwide charity dedicated to campaigning for the rights of the many people in the world.

It was set up in the early ’60s, and has championed rights for religious and ethnic minorities, people who have been imprisoned without trial, who are tortured and killed without due process of law.

Sporting project a step nearer

A PLANNING application for the new pitch layout and pavilion on Melbourne's Cockshut Lane will be submitted this month.

A meeting of the Melbourne Sporting Partnership, chaired by Cllr John Harrison and with Nick Cooper from HSSP Architects, Zoe Sewter (South Derbyshire District Council), and representatives from Melbourne RFC, Melbourne Town CC, Melbourne United FC and Melbourne Dynamos FC in attendance, heard the latest moves for the scheme.

Those present viewed and commented on plans for the pitch layout and pavilion proposed for the Cockshut Lane site. These were based on existing plans that had been the subject of some improvements/amendments, which were described by Mr Cooper.

Following discussion, some further improve-

ments were suggested by members and these changes will be included in the final plans to be presented to Melbourne Parish Council and South Derbyshire District Council.

On Monday, November 7, plans were due to be presented to Melbourne Parish Council and its committees with a planning application to SDDC to be submitted the following day.

The SDDC Capital Programme Screening Panel is to consider the proposals on November 9 and make recommendations.

There will be a short wait until December 7, when the district council will decide on the level of financial support to be committed to the project. The Sporting Partnership will meet on December 14 to receive reports on progress in anticipation of a planning decision by SDDC early in 2012.

THE KINGS Newton Diamond Jubilee committee continued with its fun and fund-raising activities with a Country and Western evening at the Scout and Guide HQ. The room was decorated in a theme to match the occasion and looked good for the turnout of local Cowboys and Indians who arrived in appropriate attire. Graham Clarke entertained with his guitar and the sausage, mash and beans supper went down a treat. The Cowgirls are (from the left) Emma Beardsley, Clare Grice and Monica Heath.

THERE was a large turn-out at Harpur’s for the Melbourne Carnival Committee's cheque presentation evening when the contributions and support to the carnival by local groups and organisations was recognised.

The July extravaganza raised over £4,000 which was shared between the 34 groups and organisations. Individuals' contributions were also recognised with cheques made to charities of their choice.

All the committee members were present with Tracy Ridley acting as compere for the evening with cheques presented by Miss Melbourne, Rebecca Henshaw, and her senior attendants, Philippa Jackson and Shannon Crawford.

The Carnival Committee AGM will be held on November 30, 7.30pm, at the Alma Inn and they will be looking for more volunteers to join them. Committee chairperson Rose Minifie wishes to express her thanks to everyone who contributed to making the carnival a success.

It’s sleigh time

MELBOURNE Rotary Club’s Santa’s Sleigh will be out and about in the days leading up to Christmas, commencing with the Late Night Christmas Shopping event on Friday, November 25.

The programme for Santa and his helpers to visit Melbourne households on December evenings is as follows:

Monday, December 12: Oaklands Way, The Woodlands, Nettlefold Crescent, Smith Avenue, Main Street Kings Newton, Trent Lane, Station Road, Huntingdon Court, The Crescent.

Wednesday, 14: Market Place, High Street, Ashby Road, Penn Lane, Peniston Close, Church Street, Castle Mills, Castle Street, Jubilee Close, Lilypool, Chapel Sreet, Potter Street.

Thursday, 15: Packhorse Road, Queensway, Derby Road, Windsor Avenue, Melton Avenue, Spinney Hill and side roads, Cockshut Lane, Commerce Street, Hope Street.

Monday, 19: Derby Road, Blanchcroft, George Street, Dunnicliffe Lane, Moira Street, Selina Street, Quick Close, South Street, Alma Street, North Street, Victoria Street.

Wednesday, 21: Ticknall village.

All trips start at 6pm.

JUST FOR PUDSEY

WHAT are you doing for Children in Need? The 1st Weston Guides have their event planned. On Thursday, November 17, in Weston Village Hall, 30 Guides will be undertaking a programme of one and a half hours of continuous exercise. All proceeds from the event will be donated to Pudsey Bear.

Lomas Opticians

DAY WORKSHOPS FOR LADIES

Four course lunch with wine, early evening canapes and cocktails in purpose built studio overlooking the River Trent at Swarkestone Fabulous fun - a great Christmas present for mum, daughter, wife or girlfriend. Handmade personalised cards

White Hollows Studio

Xmas gifts for the artist

Hospice fund-raiser

JUDITH Lakin is pictured with her grandchildren at a special coffee morning held at Melbourne United Reformed Church in aid of Rainbows Hospice.

There were a number of stalls including nearly new toys and clothes, cakes and Rainbows merchandise. There was also a raffle.

The event raised £570 with a further £285 from the sale of Rainbows merchandise and cards.

This is the third year Judith has been involved with the event and she has seen it grow each year.

She said: “I couldn’t do it without the help of family, friends and church members and I would like to thank everyone for their help and support.”

Outstanding duO

OUTSTANDING people had their achievements and contributions to communities across Derbyshire recognised when the county council hosted its annual Excellence in the Community Awards in Buxton.

The event honoured individuals, groups, businesses, voluntary groups and charities which are making a difference to the lives of others at the prestigious awards ceremony.

Councillor Andrew Lewer, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, introduced the awards which recognised achievements in six categories.

Barrow on Trent residents Anne Heathcote and Dr Jill Scarfe received recognition in the Volunteering in the Community category with the citation: "Anne and Jill make a great team. Together they have made a huge contribution towards improving life for people in their local parish of Barrow upon Trent.

"Their achievements include helping found the Barrow Singers – a choir with more than 50 members – securing grants for local projects, setting up a weekly youth group, and running coffee mornings and family services at St Wilfrid’s Church."

■ The Singers celebrated their 20th anniversary with a well attended concert at St Wilfrid’s Church.

Formed to provide local people with the opportunity to sing and rehearse together for pleasure, and to provide the local churches and communities with a choir for special occasions, its membership has grown during that period from 15 to 45. Members were originally all from Barrow but now come from all over South Derbyshire and surrounding areas with an age range from mid-teens to youthful 80s.

From the earliest days it was intended that the types of music the choir sings should provide something for everyone, from

classical to spiritual, film, jazz, folk and pop.

The concert included favourite works from the choir’s earliest days, a selection from Puccini operas arranged by local musician John Crone, a memorable rendering of items from Les Miserables and a dramatic performance of the Polovetsian Dances by Borodin accompanied by piano virtuoso Nicholas Waller.

Since the group’s inception, the Barrow Singers have raised many thousands of pounds for local and national charities and on this occasion raised nearly £400 for St Wilfrid’s Church.

Dr Scarfe, who founded the choir 20 years ago and whose long career in music education as a performer, writer and lecturer has taken her all over the world, says she has found more musical satisfaction and fun (and yes, possibly challenges) working with the Barrow Singers than anything else she has ever done.

Phone rst Mick Lakin 01332 862757 07773164277 michael.lakin579@btinternet.com

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New homes a concern

AN IMAGINATIVE and innovative scheme for the creation of nine new residential units in Melbourne seems likely to be a controversial idea.

Given the traffic congestion in the area, and the adjacent existing siting of a popular pub and the new Indian restaurant, there seems likely to be opposition to the creation of nine new accommodation units at 55 Derby Road, which can only add to local traffic congestion and make for additional safety hazards.

The current premises are owned by The One Off, and the plan is that the existing building be converted and extended to create a residential scheme of apartments, with fully modernised facilities. Two of the units will be two bedroomed, the remainder with single bedrooms.

The plan, devised and sketched out on the planning application, by architects BHB of Lichfield, according to the applicants' own statement, "externally best uses both courtyard and rear gardens to provide amenity space for the occupants, and separation from the neighbours".

Adam Devey-Smith, owner of creative design consultants The

One Off, has devised a scheme that "adopts the design principles of new dwellings, taking its aesthetic lead from the history of small manufacturing within the area".

Access to the site is "limited solely to pedestrians – no vehicles are proposed to access the site" –a strategy apparently agreed by county highways.

Some residents have already voiced concern about the increased level of congestion and the inevitable increased competition for scarce parking spaces for residents' cars.

William Rowley, who lives in Derby Road, has written to the planning and building control officers at Swadlincote of his "consternation that the traffic implications have not attracted the opposition of the highways authority ... your council is already well aware of the difficulties experienced on Derby Road by reason of parked vehicles and traffic density, and that the council should not grant applications which will exacerbate that problem”.

It is clear that traffic congestion in Melbourne is a serious and increasing problem. It is also clear that small units are in increasing demand.

The application consultation time expires on November 15.

THE MELBOURNE Civic Society Autumn Litter Pick took place on October 29. With the bonus of fine weather, 16 enthusiastic volunteers (some pictured left) assembled at the Leisure Centre before setting off on their quest to rid the approaches to Melbourne of litter.

Having completed their task, the group had filled 20 large refuse sacks of discarded litter.

In response to enquiries, the litter picking sticks used by the group are available for use by any community group wishing to undertake a similar project. Contact Pam Adams on 865760.

up to fair

IT WAS pumpkin fun time for these youngsters at Calke Abbey. Pictured are: (left) Amber Midgelow Marston; (bottom left) Jo Carter, Ever Mcgarrigle and Ezri Mcgarrigle; (bottom right) Daisy and Ruben Phillips.

WAKES WEEK in Melbourne saw lots of people enjoying themselves on the rides with the Waltzer proving to be as popular as ever across all age groups.

Fine weather prevailed with glorious sunshine a bonus for the Saturday afternoon visitors.

PIANO / CLARINET TUITION Theory of music

Contact: Janet Moorhouse in Diseworth Telephone: 01332 812330

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GOOD FOOD SERVED EVERY DAY

Open 12 - 8 Sundays

Every lunch until 3.00pm

Evenings 6.00pm - 9.00pm

Saturday morning breakfast buffet from 10.30am

Ian’s a Diamond geezer

CLOSE your eyes for a moment and it was as if Neil Diamond himself was there on the stage in the Melbourne Royal British Legion.

Ian Payne, the star of the show, had every gesture and mannerism off to perfection. This, coupled with a voice uncannily like that of the great man himself, made for a wonderful tribute evening.

PACKHORSE ROAD, KINGS NEWTON, MELBOURNE DE73 8BZ TELEPHONE 01332 862767 www.yeoldepackhorse.com

The song “You don’t bring me flowers any more,” for which his wife, Anne, joined him was beauti-

Playing it for laughs all the way

MELBOURNE Festival Comedy Club did what was expected and entertained a full house to a great evening of comedy. With three acts as different in appearance as their material linked by the very 'boyish' looking compere, it was fun from the start.

Irish comedian Caimh McDonnell drew attention to his appearance, a likeness to Father Ted with an accent to match, as he set about his topical, interesting and very funny set.

Chris Norton Walker drew his humour from his appearance and manner as well as his material – a huge bear of a man who maintained his straight face and bouncer immage throughout his set.

JUST £7.50

fully performed, as were many hits from the Sixties to the present day.

Ian put on this concert to help the fund-raising for new staging to be located at the Leisure Centre for use by Melbourne groups such as A Choir’d Taste, Melbourne Operatic Society and St Michael’s Players.

He raised over £200 as well as delighting the audience who joined in lustily with Sweet Caroline as a finale. Ian and Anne are pictured on stage at the Royal Suite.

The final act was Tim Clark, who kept everyone on their toes with his whirlwind performance of gags and stories that never failed to impress as the headliner of the evening. He kept the audience on a high to the end.

Compere Chris Stokes linked everything together with his own brand of humour to ensure the festival performance lived up to its reputation and the audience went home very happy. For November 25, the organisers have yet another great evening in store. The bill features Kelly Kingham, Nick Page and the return of Alfie Moore with compere Will Marsh. Pictured at the Festival performance before the show are (l-r) Caimh McDonnell, Chris Norton Walker and Chris Stokes at the RBL Royal Suite.

TICKNALL

Women’s Institute held a Country Market at the Village Hall.

There was a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, bric a brac, cakes and cards as well as a tombola with tea, coffee and cakes also available.

WI members

Femy Taylor (secretary), Gail Miller, Rosemary Mumford and Paula Webster (president) are pictured with customers.

Dark cloud now over solar energy scheme

AN INNOVATIVE scheme to provide economical energy for some of our most vulnerable local residents now seems "very unlikely" to go ahead.

Melbourne District Councillor, Jim Hewlett, vice-chairman of the Housing and Community Services Committee, said excellent returns were expected from an investment in photo-voltaic (solar) panels on 150 homes in South Derbyshire, the homes of older residents living in sheltered council accommodation.

Members of the Housing and Community Services Committee have been briefed in detail about a scheme which was costed to spend £1million to take advantage of the Government's generous incentives for the installation of solar panels.

The committee agreed unanimously to go ahead to bring the scheme to fruition within the next five months – because the subsidies were to be cut from the end of March, 2012.

Subject to the scrutiny of the Finance and Management Committee, and a final approval by the full council, it was expected that the work could be completed within the time scale before the subsidy was halved.

The advantage of the scheme is that it makes sense in so many ways:

■ it gives much cheaper electricity to our most vulnerable residents

Find out what’s on

THE LATEST edition of South Derbyshire’s What’s On guide is now available. This is a great aid for finding events to enjoy from October through to January, featuring a wide range of activities throughout the district with something to appeal to everyone, young and old alike.

For your copy of the latest guide contact Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre on 01283 222848, pop in and collect a copy at Sharpe’s Pottery Museum on West Street, Swadlincote, or view it online on the SDDC website.

WREN’S

EXCITING NEW AUTUMN/WINTER KNITTING YARNS NOW IN SIRDAR ‘SOFT SPUN’ D.K.

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■ it gives very good cash returns to the landlord (the district council) and,

■ it furthers the district council’s 'green' strategies.

The return was calculated in October as likely to be in the order of 10-14 per cent, with a cash return to the council over a 25-year period of between £2million and £2.5million.

However, the optimistic scenario agreed by the Housing and Community Service Committee, as Councillor Hewlett explained, "is very unlikely now to go ahead".

In late October, the Government slashed the subsidy from 43.3p per KWh down, and effectively reduced it to 16.9p, effective from December 12 2011.

In addition, Cllr Hewlett pointed out that a reduction of the subsidy would continue to aggregate – that is it would become progressively less valuable.

Not everyone was in favour of the solar panel subsidy given mainly to large outfits, like East Midlands Airport and Toyota. It has been pointed out that the lowered prices of the solar panel scheme is borne not by the Government, but by all the other consumers who pay big energy bills.

A dissenting comment confirms that the "scheme was never sustainable ... people thought the gravy train would run forever, with those without solar panels subsidising those with".

Celebrate in Style this Festive Season

New Festive Menu available now - see our website We look forward to welcoming you. Please book to avoid disappointment.

Celebrate Christmas at

The Angel Inn

The Moor, Coleorton, Leicestershire LE67 8GB Tel: 01530 834742

CHRISTMAS FAYRE MENU

£16.95 per person

STARTERS

French Onion Soup

Smoked Haddock Fishcake

Warm Brie, Bacon and Rocket Salad

Melon

Lamb Koftas

MAIN COURSES

Turkey Steak

Fillet Steak Medallions

Cod Loin

Goats Cheese and

Sliced Button Mushrooms

Lamb Steaks

DESSERTS

Christmas Pudding

A Light Eaton Mess

Treacle Sponge

Redcurrent Cheesecake

Chocolate Pudding

Mixed Ice Cream

Cheese and Biscuits

BOXING DAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH

served from 11.00am until 2.00pm £16.95 per person

Glass of Champagne or Bucks Fizz

TO START

Melon, Grapefruitand Orange Cocktail

Cornflakes with Strawberries

Porridge

Bran Flakes

MAIN COURSES

Prawns and Smoked Salmon

Full English Breakfast

Mushroom Omlette

Smoked Haddock Florentine

TO FINISH

Croissants and Toast

Tea or Coffee

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

We look forward to seeing you during the Christmas period and will do our best to make sure you enjoy your visit

YES MINISTER

The Revd Jan Barron with husband Nigel, grandson Michael and daughter Amy.

Melbourne Lets

info@melbournelets.co.uk www.melbournelets.co.uk

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10 High Street Ticknall.

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Beautifully situated 2 bed cottage with sunny courtyard garden. Modern kitchen to include all white goods, tted wardrobes, large family bathroom.

£700 PCM

1 Lampad Close, Mebourne.

3 bed family house with garage. Modern kitchen with all white goods. Good size lounge,study,conservatory.

Private enclosed garden. £750PCM

32 Spinney Hill, Melbourne.

2/3 bed family house with garage. Smart kitchen and bathroom, large lounge/diner with patio doors onto good size private rear garden. £700 PCM

The Barn, Ingleby, Nr. Melbourne.

Fully furnished 2 bed apartment in idyllic rural location. Large kitchen/diner, lounge with open re and views over Trent valley. Serviced weekly.

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17 Market Place, Melbourne.

2 bed apartment in central location. Smart kitchen-all white goods. Garage extra. £500 PCM

42 Main Street, Hemington.

Gorgeous fully furnished 2 bed cottage in delightful village location. Wood burner, beamed ceilings, solid oak doors, fabulous kitchen. Long garden.

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7 Hattons Court, Melbourne.

2/3 bedroom townhouse in quiet location. New bathroom, carpets and vinyls and completely decorated throughout. Gated access onto elds at rear.

£530 PCM

6 Woodlands Way, Melbourne.

Smartly presented 2 bedroom townhouse in quiet location with garage. Recently refurbished kitchen to include all white goods. Lounge/diner with French doors onto fully enclosed private garden.

£550 PCM

Schoolmaster’s Retreat, Stanton by Bridge.

Fabulous 1 bedroom apartment in the West Wing of The Old Rectory. Secluded property having been recently refurbished to a very high standard.

£525 PCM - includes council tax and water rates

Flat 3, 18 High Street, Melbourne.

1 bed penthouse at. Good size living kitchen, double bedroom, en-suite bathroom with shower.

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FOR A MORE PERSONAL SERVICE AND HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PROPERTY CALL CHRISTINE JUDGE ON 07870547357

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PROPERTIES ALWAYS NEEDED Melbourne

“I’m delighted to be here at last," said Jane, who had previously only been to Melbourne when she came to ‘Preach with a View’, as part of the process of appointing a new minister in the URC.

On that occasion, Jane and husband Nigel were accommodated at the Coach House in Melbourne.

“It was a warm and welcoming introduction to Melbourne,” reflected Jane, adding: “I felt it was the right place."

Jane has strong feelings that this is her calling for the next stage of her ministry. She has already met the other members of the clergy in Melbourne and is looking forward to working with them.

Originally from Manchester, Jane was

brought up in Withington. She started her career as a speech and language therapist with the NHS, specialising with patients who had suffered from head injury or stroke.

She left the NHS to answer her calling to the ministry and has come to Melbourne from a group of three churches in Marple, Marple Bridge and New Mills where she had been the minister for 12 years.

Three roles have been scoped for Jane in her new position. In addition to her major role in Melbourne, she is also the Minister for the URC in Little Eaton, which will call on her one Sunday in three. She is also the Synod Mission Enabler which will engage her supporting churches in Derbyshire where they are without a minister, looking at the vision and mission of the church whilst an Interim Moderator is responsible for the day-to-day church activities.

The new role falls right for Jane as she has just completed a three-year course, Mis-

sion Shaped Ministry (Fresh Expressions) which will equip her for the new responsibilities.

Jane is joined in Melbourne by her husband Nigel, a former senior Medical Scientific Officer working at the Christie Hospital in Manchester. He has suffered from Multiple Myoloma (cancer of the bone marrow) for over 10 years and has been unable to work for some time. Their grown-up family of two daughters and a son and their three grandchildren have remained in the northwest. There are still lots of unopened boxes in the Manse waiting for Jane and Nigel to deal with, a task that they will get down to soon but in the meantime they are acquainting themselves with their new surroundings. Jane is looking forward to putting on her hiking boots to do a little walking.

“It’s good for relaxing and thinking,” she says. She also enjoys eating out and going to the theatre with Nigel and friends.

stamp and deliver

Vegas. They were accompanied by a lively group of friends from Melbourne and America.

DURING December

Scout and Guide Groups in Derby and surrounding areas will be delivering Christmas cards in envelopes bearing ‘Stamp and Deliver’ stamps, which have been posted in distinctive yellow boxes.

These are sited within local shops, businesses, churches, pubs and clubs etc. courtesy of their owners or organisers without whose generous support ‘Stamp and Deliver’ could not continue to raise much-needed funds for Scouting and other vital charities.

This year the first collection from the special yellow boxes will be on Friday, December 2 with final collection and the clo-

sure of all sale points at 3pm on Thursday, December 15.

Derby and District Scouts ‘Stamp & Deliver’ scheme provides a Christmas card delivery service to those purchasing the special stamps. Its success each year is determined by the number of stamps sold. Between 1982 and 2010, £95,442.12 was raised for numerous nominated charities. This figure represents 10 per cent of all the money raised from the sale of the special stamps during that period. This year the charities to benefit are: Children First, Derby, and Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre in Skegness. Stamps are still only 20p each.

Christmas bazaar

MELBOURNE Parish Church's Christmas bazaar will be taking place on Saturday, November 19, from 2pm - 4pm at the Melbourne Leisure Centre.

In addition to the many wonderful stalls, including tombola and a raffle, there will be Junior Church activities and games and teas provided by the Mothers' Union.

THE LONG wait for a minister at the Melbourne United Reformed Church is now over. The Revd Jane Barron was inducted at a special service in the church on October 8.

...

right place for me, says new minister

Mileburne recipe for award glory

IT WAS third time lucky for Melbourne restaurateurs Rebecca and Andrew Dann of the Mileburne Restaurant in Melbourne when they were declared Derbyshire Restaurant of the Year at the prestigious Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards 2011.

The following morning Andrew declared he was delighted, “but I’m still in shock".

TV chef Simon Rimmer hosted the evening at Thornbridge Hall, and Councillor George Wharmby, Derbyshire County Council Chairman, pre-

sented the accolades.

“Having been nominated twice previously, an honour in itself, we didn’t feel over confident as we travelled to Ashford-inthe-Water for the evening so it was great news when they announced the result, ” said Andrew.

"It's a good result for us and for Melbourne," he added, "especially in the run-up to Christmas."

Andrew and Rebecca, who is expecting a baby in three weeks time, say they would like to thank their customers for nomi-

nating Mileburne for the award. Entries are judged on a number of criteria including the quality of food and drink served, customer service, use of county produce and acknowledgement of it on menus.

They are then judged by an independent panel of food specialists and each short-listed venue has a mystery shopper visit.

There was another local connection at the awards when the Local Food Hero category was won by Steve Lathaen, of Calke Abbey.

Melbourne Dental Practice

Friends who have made their mark

THE FRIENDS of Melbourne Church is a local group which, in a very short time, has made a mark in the town.

● Family Dental Care using latest techniques and materials

● Friendly and caring service

● Cosmetic Dentistry including tooth whitening

Naomi Fry accepts child orthodontic patients on the N.H.S.

Castle Street, Melbourne, Derbyshire Telephone 01332 862942

MELBOURNE COMMUNITY CARE SHOPPING TRIPS/RECREATIONAL OUTINGS

MINIBUS TIMETABLE - OCTOBER, NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

For further information, cost of trips, or to book a seat, either call in the Community Care O ce, Mon-Thu 10:00am-2:00pm; Fri 10:00am-12:00 noon or telephone 863585 (answering machine when o ce is closed).

All journeys subject to number of booked passengers, minimum number required is 8, maximum 12.

Please note: We reserve the right to request a late cancellation fee. Community Care does not provide escort assistance on these trips. O

It is a very successful organisation that has attracted and kept over 240 members over the eight years since it was founded in 2003.

The interesting fact about the membership is that more than 50 per cent of the members are in fact not regular church attendees. This is in line with the purpose of the Friends, registered with the Charity Commission, which is to provide support and funding for the fabric of the Church.

Melbourne's glory is certainly the fine Norman Church in its idyllic setting, and many Friends realise that this mediaeval masterpiece is for everyone to cherish and support – hence the large secular membership.

The AGM of the Friends took place, at the invitation of Mrs Griselda Kerr, at her home at the Dower House, when new trustees were elected. The "majority of these new trustees are not regular churchgoers, in line with with our policy of reaching out beyond Church Square", as Friends chairman Phil Dobby said.

The meeting was well attended, and there was plenty of open discussion about the future of the Friends, and the planning of events for the next year.

The Friends have amassed over £16,000, and there was lively discussion about how this sum could be used. A favourite project is an extension of the Vicarage outbuildings to provide toilets and a kitchen. As one Friend pointed out, such a project was unlikely to be much progressed by a relatively small sum for such an ambitious project.

The Friends have a very good record over the years for providing thought-provoking local events – like hosting BBC's Any Questions, and inviting distinguished academics to speak. Two Foreign Secretaries have spoken; Roy Hattersley, a deputy Leader of the Labour Party; Kate Adie; and Maxwell Craven. Mark Todd our last MP gave a very thoughtful critique of Parliament.

Last year, before the election, local parliamentary candidates had a vigorous debate. In addition there has been a string of distinguished musical events, like the two choirs concert from Canada in July, the Jakob Lindberg recitals, and two visits to Melbourne from the splendid Kinder Choir. There have also been Friends' visits to Nottingham and to Highgrove.

Mr Dobby was voted in again as chairman.

● Pictured are some of the 'Friends' at the AGM at the home of Mrs Griselda Kerr (far left). Mr Dobby is in the back centre, flanked by treasurer Romey Cunnington on the left, and secretary Judith Baron, on the right.

Naomi Fry BDS & Associates, Helen Baker BDS

Village Voice Postbag

Mums the word on anti-social behaviour

IT HAS recently been reported in the local press that the police, together with SDDC, are working to tackle anti-social behaviour by increasing patrols, speaking to youngsters, sending letters to parents etc.

Whilst this is undoubtedly dealing with individuals who display obvious bad behaviour, it has also affected those who have simply been hanging around in the ‘wrong’ places, notably the Market Place and Derby Road close to the Spar shop, which is understandably appealing being close to shops to replenish supplies of drinks and snacks.

The lack of facilities for Melbourne teenagers has been the discussion point for a group of Melbourne mothers. This is especially noticeable at school holiday times. Their sons and daughters are very likely to be seen walking or sitting together, in friendship groups, around Melbourne. Unfortunately some people view all groups of teenagers as anti-social, but what is there to do for teenagers during the school holidays?

Melbourne has excellent facilities for those who like traditional sports, but not all teenagers are into traditional sports. Melbourne Leisure Centre offers very little and the squash courts hidden at the back are a bit of a mystery to teenagers; but these facilities could offer so much more. A modern sport like BMX is now extremely popular with teenagers, as recognised by Chellaston Foundation College.

Where can this activity along with skateboarding and free-running be practised. Undoubtedly they will gather in car parks. Antisocial behaviour reports are sure to follow.

It has been suggested that providing up to date recreational activities would not only be of great interest to teenagers, but would give them somewhere to go and cut down on reports of anti-social behaviour. Melbourne Mums have been discussing an idea which they think would be suitable for the summer holidays, subject to obtaining suitable funding, and only if carried out by enthusiastic and energetic professionally trained staff.

The Leisure Centre could:

■ Hold ‘drop-in’ activities, Monday to Friday, 1pm to 6pm.

■ Turn one room into a free-running gym.

■ Staff the squash courts and open them for continuous drop-in use.

■ Provide table tennis and badminton.

■ Provide a Wii with a giant screen.

■ Hire an adult sized climbing wall with instructors.

■ Provide a suitable area for skate boarders, BMX (not extreme versions) and free-runners.

Maybe a wall around the facilities could be painted by the teenagers in any style they please.

These and other suggestions are offered in the hope that they could be taken up by the correct professional bodies, councils or groups. The present situation is affecting teenagers, parents and the local community now, and will most certainly affect all growing families whose children will all eventually become TEENAGERS.

If you would like to get involved or have any constructive suggestions then please email Helen via mkimleh@aol.com

Melbourne Mums (Names Supplied)

£500-plus for charity

I WOULD like to thank everyone who took part in my horse ride to help raise funds for my chosen charity for the year – the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.

The ride, organised in partnership with Sport Endurance, was a huge success and it was heart warming to see so many smiling faces on the day.

Even though we were experiencing a mini heatwave on October 1, it did not put off almost 100 riders travelling from all over to the venue in Ticknall.

We had children as young as three on lead rein walking our fivemile route through the beautiful Calke Abbey Estate, while other riders completed either seven, 12 or 17 miles around South Derbyshire’s scenic countryside.

We managed to raise over £500 for an extremely worthy cause and hope to hold a similar event in May of next year.

Thanks once again,

Cllr Michael Stanton Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council

Bucketload

of thanks

I WOULD like to thank everyone who 'put money in my bucket' whilst I was busking with my trumpet during the Melbourne Festival.

I was playing at the food court by Castle Square on Sunday lunchtime and managed to raise £29.63, which has been donated to Cancer Research UK.

Tom Osborne

JOHN SMITH (MELBOURNE) LTD COAL & SMOKELESS FUEL MERCHANTS

New strip club ...

MELBOURNE Rugby Club

1st XV's strip for 2012 has been sponsored by Dave Smith, of the National Forest Spring Water Company Ltd, James Cripps, of The Alma Inn, Melbourne, and Bob Stowell, of Bob Stowell Transport.

The new strip was presented prior to the recent league game against Sleaford.

The sponsors are pictured with 1st XV captain Euan Holden and Peter Illot, chairman of MRFC.

Chariots on fire to share under 13s festival trophy

TRAVELLING further afield to find quality opposition, the Melbourne Chariots visited renowned Midlands club Silhillians, near Solihull to take part in their annual U13s festival. Melbourne saw off a talented Worcester side 10-5 and then followed it up with impressive victories against Bromsgrove and Silhillians 50-0 and 45-0 respectively.

A semi-final pitted them against hosts Silhillians again, who could not find a way

through the industrious Melbourne defence. Melbourne attacked with power and pace and eventually cruised through to the final with a comfortable 10-0 victory.

Droitwich awaited and a game of real high quality saw defences win the day. Droitwich needed theirs first as Connor Hooper was thwarted only metres short of a score, and then equally desperate defence forced Droitwich to ‘knock on’ over the line. A final flurry saw a fantastic covering tackle

by Henry Kaszmarcyzk which ensured a 0-0 final result and a shared trophy.

Melbourne’s 23 tries were scored by Jack Slater, Patrick Arana, Baden Ramage, Jack Bull [2], Tom Slater [2], Joe Travers [2], Henry Kaszmarcyzk [2], Daniel Bostock [4] and Connor Hooper [8]. Player of the Tournament was Jack Slater.

Back on home territory Melbourne U13s welcomed their city ‘rivals’ Derby. From the start Melbourne attacked with power, and immediately Tom Brown threw a ‘miss-two’ pass for Connor Hooper to snap up and speed past the flailing Derby defenders for the opening try.

Jack Slater showed fantastic hand-off technique to score under the posts. Next Joe Nalty showed superb footwork to score.

Jock Brough burst away from a maul as he powered over for another try; Hooper scored another; and a superb floated pass from Joe Travers saw Joe Nalty speed in for another to bring up a 34-0 half-time score.

Courtyard Interiors

Melbourne brought on all their replacements for the second half but it didn’t change their dominance. Derby were clearly losing heart, and the Melbourne tries continued to come at regular intervals. Joe Todd showed a great step and acceleration for his try, Hooper then brushed off weak tackling for his hat-trick and Jack Slater dived in for his brace. Joe Bhalay wobbled his way over for another try and Joe Nalty’s hat-trick brought an end to the match.

Joe Travers converted five, while Ben Goddard and Tom Brown converted one each.

“Our 67-0 victory was bigger than I expected, but it didn’t actually flatter my players, who were superb today,” said a satisfied coach Kevin Brown.

■ MELBOURNE RFC U15s have had a successful start to season with victories against Matlock, Spalding, Ashfield and a defeat against Derby.

Highlight was reaching 40 points in the first NLD game of the season against a strong Spalding team.

Sox-ceSSful team of kidS

MELBOURNE United FC (Blue Sox) U8s have made a fantastic 100 per cent winning start to their 2011/12 season in the Derby Mini Soccer League, winning all five matches, amassing an amazing 34 goals and conceding just four.

Of the 13-strong squad, 11 already have their name on the scoresheet. Winning margins such as 13-0 and 8-0 show the dominance of this team.

The season started for the U8s with a 7-1 win over Littleover Dazzlers Real. This was followed by wins of 13-0 over Little Eaton Diamonds Allstars, 3-1 against Mickleover 95 Rams, 8-0 against New Boulton Athletic

Blues and a narrow 3-2 win over Riverside Juniors Rapids.

In addition, the Blue Sox won both friendly fixtures over the half-term break, 5-1 against Spondon Dynamo and 4-1 over Belton Juniors.

The U8s squad is pictured following one of its victories.

Back row( l-r): Jake Laban, Zach Robertson, Benjamin Radcliffe, Tommy Shaw, Thomas Wolverson, Fraser Howat and Ziggy Turton.

Front row( l-r): Henri Stacey, Lara Shaw, Archie Turton, Oliver Edmonds, Ross Johnson and Oliver Lamb.

Rugby youngsters need your vote

MELBOURNE RFC U13s won a free kit from Samurai as part of a competition through AEG and are now in the final 50 teams hoping to get a training day with the England squad.

To achieve this they need your vote. The vote system will only allow ONE vote per IP address. Please support them and place your vote now. It would be a great advert for the club as a whole if they can win this.

Follow the link below and

vote for Melbourne under 13s:

http://www.aeg.co.uk/GlobalPages/Campaigns/GrassrootsRugby-campaign-page/

■ YOUNG rugby players from Melbourne will run out at the home of Leicester Tigers after booking their place in the knockout stages of this season's Prima Tiger Cup.

Melbourne Under-10s finished top of their pool at the opening festival of this season’s competition, which was held at

Mellish RFC.

Melbourne beat Scunthorpe, Stamford, Nottingham Boots Corsairs and West Bridgford, scoring 16 tries and conceding none.

They have now qualified for the last eight of the Prima Tiger Cup, which will be played at Welford Road before Tigers take on French league leaders Clermont Auvergne in Europe’s Heineken Cup on Saturday, December 17.

Comfortable home start for rugby club’s first XV

MELBOURNE 1st XV had their first home league game of the season against Mellish. Captain Euan Holden had problems with unavailabilities and players being away at university and selected a far from full strength side, drafting in some second team players.

Mellish arrived having lost their first two games and the match was a tight, scrappy affair with Melbourne struggling to obtain quick clean ball against a big Mellish pack.

The ref struggled to gain real control and let a number of high tackles go unpunished. Melbourne were also guilty of poor discipline, which resulted in too many penalties against them.

Melbourne had three clear cut chances in the first half and all were clinically finished. Tom Howard, playing on the wing, scored the first two, showing excellent pace and footwork to score under the posts. Olly Page scored the third after another sharp break. Holden converted all three. Mellish went over for a try in the corner, which saw a half-time score of 21-3.

The second half was also a scrappy affair. Andrew Feedlander touched down in the corner for the bonus point score. Holden converted again. Mellish pressed hard in the last 20 and had a few chances, but the Melbourne defence was resolute, with Andy Gates in particular putting in some excellent tackles. The final score was 28-5.

Next up for the first team was an away trip to Lincoln. The team started poorly and were 25-0 down at half-time, but rallied well in the second half, scoring tries from Tom Howard and Matt Smith, Holden converting both. The final score was 35-14 to Lincoln.

Melbourne then played Notts Moderns in the NLD Shield quarter finals. Melbourne started slowly and came off second best in the first half. They rallied well, going down narrowly 14-8, with a try from Skye Alejandro and three points from Holden’s boot.

Next up was a home league game against Sleaford. With unavailabilities and injuries, captain Holden had a makeshift pack who struggled against Sleaford in the loose play. A tight first half saw Sleaford lead 7-3 at half-time. Immediately on the restart, Holden scored a try for Melbourne to lead 10-7. The score then changed hands eight times throughout the second half. Tries from Rob Foster, Skye Alejandro and Tom Howard were not enough to guarantee the win, and Melbourne went down 31-29, picking up two bonus points in the process. Holden is hoping for the return of some injured players in the next few weeks to bolster the ‘pack’.

MELBOURNE second team hosted local rivals Belper in the Pennant. In a topsy turvy game, Melbourne were dominant in the first half with their younger side getting the better of the opponents. However, two errors cost them and Belper scored two converted tries against the run of play.

Melbourne hit back with two tries from Dave Middleton and Steve Wales to give a half-time score of 14-10 to Belper. Melbourne started well in the second half with Dean Sylvester controlling the game well. Dan Walker scored his first try for the club and this was closely followed by a penalty from Sylvester and a try from Pete Ilott. Belper hit back with two tries to make the score 25-24 to Melbourne. A late try from Ryan Williams secured a 30-24 win.

THE VETS XV had their first run-out of the season against local rivals Ashby. In a tight game, Melbourne scored two tries through Ian Lucas and Dave Sutheran, both converted by Dean Sylvester, but that was not enough as Ashby secured a 15-14 victory.

Dynamos hit six as good form continues

MELBOURNE DYNAMOSFootball Club continued its good form in October with both teams maintaining their positions in their respective leagues.

The first team drew their first game of the month at home to Mickleover RBL with Adam Ross and skipper Lee Scott getting on the scoresheet. They followed this up with their best display of the season so far in beating second in the table Rowsley 86 6-0 at home. Paul Swallow with a double plus strikes from Adam Ross, Dave Worger, Danny Guild and Lee Scott.

This was bettered a week later when the first team won 8-0 against Derbyshire Amateurs in the cup. Paul Swallow hit a hattrick along with a double from Danny Guild, plus Adam Ross, Dave Worger and Dave Brough putting Dynamoes through.

MELBOURNE DYNAMOS RESERVES had a solid month beginning with a superb home win against a strong Newton FC with a Garry Croake header and a Tom Jennings strike securing the win. A hard fought cup game away to Codnor MW followed. The reserves were 2-0 down but a good goal from Dominic Saniera pulled them back into the game and a sweet left foot strike in the last minute from midfield maestro Vinny Hallifield took it to extra time then penalties which saw Melbourne lose 3-1.

They ended the month away to Newton and lost 2-1 with a Jack Tivey goal the consolation.

Melbourne Dynamos would like to thank their main sponsors for the 2011/12 season, those being the Alma Inn, Zeerah, Premier Tool Hire, Melbourne, plus G.I.Gray and Son. The club is very grateful to all those that help the club to continue its existence.

TICKNALL RANGERS had another good month remaining unbeaten in the league and winning through to the quarter-finals of their league cup.

They began with a brilliant 5-1 home win against a good Travellers Rest B team with a brace from Matt Archer plus goals by Craig Hall, Matt Smart and Kevin Earp earning the victory. A 2-1 away defeat in the challenge cup against Drum and Monkey was a game Ticknall actually dominated with Matt Smart getting the consolation.

Rangers were back to winning ways a week later in the league cup with goals from James Wetton, Kevin Earp and a Matt Archer penalty giving them a 3-1 home win versus Greenfield Royal Oak and it was against the same opposition that Ticknall earned a 1-1 away draw in the league thanks to a Matt Smart finish in a brilliant team performance with a depleted team.

AFC. MELBOURNE have had a very difficult start to the 2011/12 season losing all 10 of their games starting with a 3-0 loss at home to Kimberley and a 4-1 loss versus Grange Park to follow, with Rob Painting getting the consolation.

The following week Oliver Read got the goal in a 4-1 cup reverse against Bull’s Head. A 6-0 cup loss to Lovell and a 2-0 home defeat to Stenson followed in quick succession.

Against Toton, Melbourne lost 7-1 with Alex Harris getting the goal and a brace from Tom Evans wasn't enough as they lost 4-2 to West Hallam. Bass House beat them 8-1 and Inham Celtic 6-1 with Anthony Harris getting the goals in a tough start to the season for the Melbourne side.

Double champ Jamie

JAMIE Spencer-Pickup, a former pupil of Aston on Trent Primary School and now at Trent College, was recently crowned Under 42Kg National Judo Champion 2011 and retains the title he won in the Under 38Kg in 2010.

The hard fought competition which was held in Nottingham attracted more than 160 competitors from all over the UK.

In Jamie’s Under 42Kg weight category 21 hopeful players had entered.

After successfully winning three keenly contested preliminary rounds, Jamie moved into the quarter and semi-finals. With these wins under his belt he progressed to the final against a strong contender from Wales.

Jamie’s opponent moved in with three very strong attacks that momentarily weakened his defence, but Jamie’s resolve was strong and, with a tenacious hip throw, caught his opponent off guard resulting in a throw onto the mat. The referee scored the win and title to Jamie.

Jamie is a member of both Ryecroft Judo Club in Beeston and Long Eaton Judo Club where the coaches were very proud of his achievement in winning the title in two weight categories.

MELBOURNE DYNAMOS 1st team: (back row l-r) Ryan Gray, Danny Guild, Matt Brian, Andrew Smethurst, Joe Storrar, Dave Brough , Adam Ross, Tom Donnachie and Tom Moulton. Front row (l-r) Paul Swallow, Farrall Scott, Alan Buxton, Carl Allsop, Gavin Salisbury, Dave Worger and Lee Scott.