Melbourne Village Voice March 2012

‘MOUNTAIN OF MUD’ FEARS

A 30ft MOUNTAIN of earth towering over homes in Melbourne is frightening some of the townsfolk.

The mound is impacting on the skyline for residents of Washington Close and Ashby Road and is the result of work going on at the Cockshut Lane recreation ground development.

One of the residents, Paul Grimley, voiced his and neighbours' fears at the latest parish council meeting, while Melbourne Civic Society has written to South Derbyshire District Council to point out the increasing concern and ask for an explanation.

Dr Grimley told the parish council: "For those who are not aware there is now an earth bank some 25-30 feet high towering over Ashby Road. The visual impact on Melbourne is horrendous."

He said that the on-going works were causing "great anxiety and fear amongst residents".

"We are astonished at the height of the mound, but still no-one can tell us how high it will be. There are no retention walls so people are worried about slippage."

As the mountain appeared over their house, one couple said: "We have never been so frightened in all our lives." And they said the fears were being heightened by the lack of information from the authorities.

Dr Grimley added: "I can't believe that anyone in the Sporting Partnership or the parish council actually intended to inflict this damage on Melbourne and its residents.

"Perhaps on residents' behalf, the parish council would like to raise our fears and concerns with Swadlincote and urge that the mound be made lower.

“Let me say that no-one opposes a playing fields development, and people are pleased that district council money is being invested in Melbourne. But couldn’t it be done in a more sympathetic way?”

In the letter to the district council, Neil Wright, the civic society chairman, said: "Even people not directly affected are surprised by the huge visual impact. It seems to us that this mound is now higher than anything that could be envisaged in the planning application and presents an overbearing aspect to parts of Melbourne.

"Many properties are seriously affected by the development; they are overshadowed and will lose significant sunlight."

Asking for an independent surveyor to be appointed to check the work, the civic society urges the district council to clarify the drainage arrangements in place and those proposed.

District Councillor John Harrison shared similar concern and, as chairman of the Melbourne Sporting Partnership, he said: “We wish to be good neighbours”.

Cllr Harrison apologised for the lack of consultation, identifying this as a failure of council planning officers, and he was also similarly concerned on the levelling height. He said a site meeting is planned in the near future.

Still in the driving seat at 100 –Page 3

Having fun, 40s style –Pages 12,13

One man and his van job –Page 15

Hoping to pull in members –Page 23

● The mountain of soil that has appeared behind homes close to the Cockshut Lane recreation ground development.

Apprenticeships on a plate for MP Heather

SOUTH Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler learned first-hand about what it is like for young apprentices at work and college when she visited trainee chef Robert Taylor at Harpur’s, the Melbourne restaurant where he works.

Mrs Wheeler talked to Robert, 18, and his mum, Heidi Taylor, who part-owns Harpur’s in Derby Road, and then sampled some of his cooking. The visit was organised at the end of National Apprenticeship Week – celebrating the success of young people and their employers under the scheme.

It was the second time in a week that Robert had been under the spotlight, having just won Derby College’s annual apprenticeship cook-off at The Roundhouse when 10 apprentices from local restaurants spent two hours creating a two-course menu which was then judged by top chefs from city and county restaurants.

Robert said: “I was still buzzing from winning the competition and then it was great to have the chance to cook for Mrs Wheeler and talk to her about my apprenticeship.

"It’s the best of both worlds for me – being able to learn the classics from the chefs at Derby College on my day off as well as working in the kitchen at Harpur’s and gaining practical experience. My hero is Sat Bains, who was also a student at Derby College, and I really hope to emulate his creativity and innovation some day in a Michelin star restaurant.”

Mum Heidi, who started her own catering career in the Houses of Parliament more than 20 years ago, said: “It was great for us to be able to talk to Mrs Wheeler about the benefits to our own business of having an apprentice and the support that Derby Col-

lege gives us.

"It was also really interesting to reminisce about my days working in the House of Commons’ dining room and then the House of Lords’ kitchen all those years ago and find out from Mrs Wheeler whether things have changed over the years.”

Mrs Wheeler said: “National Apprenticeship Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of young people and to highlight the positive contribution that

they are making to businesses. Robert has done extremely well to win a competition so early in his apprenticeship and the food he served to us today was absolutely delicious.

"The fact that apprentices such as Robert are also able to attend college on day release to really hone their skills is particularly positive."

For more information about apprenticeships through Derby College call 0800 028 0289.

boost for museum

A POPULAR tourist attraction is set to offer visitors a fascinating insight into South Derbyshire’s industrial past after receiving a major grant.

Sharpe’s Pottery Museum in Swadlincote has received a major grant of £46,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to set up a new project.

The project will tell the little known story of the district’s importance in the international development of public health during the 19th and 20th centuries.

‘Toilet Story Public Health: A Heritage and Legacy from South Derbyshire’ is being brought to life through an exhibition, a new education programme and workshops for families and schools.

An oral history archive about the area’s pottery industry will be created, with members of the public invited to share their own stories.

Curator Ruth Buttery said: “South Derbyshire has a captivating

industrial history and heritage and our aim is to capture it for everyone to enjoy. We are confident the project will enable the local community to take pride in its past, which had a significant impact on the world’s public health.”

The museum already provides an in depth insight into some of the area’s historic factories, including Sharpe’s, T.G. Green and Bretby Art Pottery.

Thanks to this funding, the attraction will delve deeper into South Derbyshire’s production of sanitary ware, toilets and sewage pipes, which were sold worldwide and can still be found in-situ today.

It will also tell the story of Edmund Sharpe (founder of Sharpe’s Factory in 1821), who patented a successful rim-flushing toilet in 1855 – a design not too dissimilar to the ones used today.

The exhibition is expected to be available to view by spring of next year.

New officers

AT THE AGM of the Melbourne Allotment Association, chairman Tony Hubbard, secretary Dave Calvert and treasurer Jim Greatorix all stood down and were thanked for their hard work and valuable input by the members.

Elected were chair Jenny Starkie; secretary Mick Robey; and treasurer Daryl Garner.

● Pictured at Harpurs are (l to r) Sue Sharratt, of Derby College, Heather Wheeler MP, Robert Taylor and April Hayhurst, of Derby College.

Saving liveS

THE South Derbyshire St John Ambulance division held an open evening at the Thomas Cook Memorial Hall in Melbourne and invited young people to attend to learn life-saving skills.

The evening was a great success and resulted in the recruitment of eight new members for the cadet section which covers the age group 10 to 18. The South Derbyshire division is still keen to recruit young people of five to 10 years of age to join the organisation's Badger set.

Pictured at the open evening are: Elizabeth Gell, Kate Harlow, Elliot Frampton (Unit Leader), Carl Roberts (Cadet Officer), Martin Smith and two guests who had attended the recruitment evening.

For further information contact Elliot Frampton on 07771992917.

Susie’s still a driving force at the age of 100

by FRANK HUGHES

SUSIE DIXON is about to become a wheely special lady ...

On March 19 – when she celebrates her 100th birthday – she will join an elite club in Britain. The great-grandmother will be one of only 121 people aged over 100 still driving a car.

Her behind-the-wheel career began in 1930 when she turned 18. It was five years before the driving test was introduced. And, although her insurance costs “a bit more now than it used to”, she has never had a penalty point, an endorsement nor an accident in more than 80 years of driving!

Her first car was a Bullnose Morris, complete with running board and ‘crash’ gears, and she used to do deliveries for Williamson’s butchers in Melbourne. She now uses the car only for short trips to visit family in Tutbury or Weston, but loves the independence it still gives her.

“The traffic has got much worse,” she said. “I used to ride my horse over Swarkestone bridge to the blacksmiths ... but I wouldn’t do that now.”

Mrs Dixon, who lives in Barrow, will be enjoying a big family celebration at Swarkestone Cricket Club, where she is a founder member. She is also very excited about her special birthday treat – a seat in an executive box to watch Derby County. She has been a Rams follower all her life, and remembers vividly her trip to Wembley in 1946 to see them lift the FA Cup.

When she moved to the area in the 1920s "they were talking about building another bridge to replace the causeway and they are still talking about it now". She thought it unlikely she would see that built – “it’ll never happen,” she predicted.

She is as sprightly as many much younger, living independently in the same house she has occupied since 1964. She used to be a very keen sportswoman, having played for Aston Ladies Hockey team –and even now she enjoys a regular swim session in Littleover. Her favourite TV is still any sports programme.

She has never smoked, hardly ever drinks and generally enjoys good health.

Born in Mackworth, she moved to Swarkestone with her elder sister and parents in 1926 when her dad took over the Crewe and Harpur, which back then adjoined a 90-acre farm. She recollected the last bus stopping at the pub for the conductor to shout “anyone for Derby” so that late drinkers wouldn’t miss the last bus home.

One of her earliest memories was from around 1916, when she remembers seeing a Zeppelin flying over Derby to drop bombs. She recalls a life without electricity, running water or gas with only a coal fire for heating and when the Derby shops used to deliver provisions on a horse-drawn cart.

Other vivid memories from her childhood were of a mass baptism in the River Trent and a freezing cold winter when the river completely froze.

Now, as well as mother to her three remaining children, she is a grandmother to five and a great-grandmother five times over. Sadly, one of her sons, Roger – a former British sidecar racing champion –died in a motorcycle accident in Belgium in 2008, but she was remarkably philosophical, and remembered the good times following him around to see him race.

Her three remaining children, John, Tom and Marion, all live in the district.

What is her secret to a long life? Well, she would not presume to advise, but an uncomplicated life, a very caring family and good friends around you and a delightfully cheerful nature seems to have worked for her.

As

● Susie Dixon has been driving for more than 80 years.

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Spring time at Calke

ANOTHER livestock disease problem is being identified which is causing big problems – especially for sheep farmers.

Schmallenbergers virus was first found in central Europe a couple of years ago and has almost certainly spread to the UK with insects moving west on prevailing winds.

Animals are affected in the early stages of pregnancy and nothing seems to be wrong until the offspring is born. Very serious deformities are found in some lambs and calves – some so bad that euthanasia is the kindest way to handle these poor things.

The south and south east of the UK are affected at the moment, but it seems to be moving rapidly northwards. Appar-

Country Living

with Robert Parker

ently a vaccine is being developed but could be a year or more away.

Scientists are suggesting that there are no human implications with the disease, but it seems a lot still needs to be learned. Lambing will be at its peak very shortly and farmers are very worried at the chance of finding any problems.

■ While the trees are still without leaves it makes the sight of massive growths of ivy very easy to see. Is it me or is this getting much more common?

Some woodlands are coated over the entire floor and lots of trees are smothered by it. We have lengths of hedge which are totally covered and I can’t think that the other hedge shrubs can stand the competition. Killing ivy on in-

dividual trees may be possible but to do it on hedges is not on. Our cattle and sheep go crazy to get at it, which rather concerned me as its reputation as ‘Poison Ivy’ was deadly.

A visit to the internet said otherwise as lots of people had posted information saying their livestock loved it and it didn’t do them any harm. But I do think the consequences for hedges are very different.

■ Despite having some cold dreary weather in February the overriding trend is still very dry. Parts of the east and south east of the UK are now officially in drought conditions. We have small brooks and ditches which have been totally dry for over a year. This is becoming serious.

Bryony’s feat ‘should Be honoured’

MELBOURNE ought to honour the outstanding achievement of Bryony Balen, says South Derbyshire District Council chief executive Frank McArdle.

"The town should all take pride in outstanding feats of their residents," he told members of the Probus Club.

Mr McArdle was referring to the remarkable achievement of the young woman in making her heroic journey to the South Pole, which should be a matter of great pride in Melbourne.

Bryony became the youngest ever Briton to walk from the Antarctic Coast to the South Pole in January.

Come and enjoy Calke this spring time, we are open everyday

Forthcoming events

Lambing Time Mid March to early April.

Come and see the young lambs with their mothers in the park. Our lambing tent will be up from the 20th March

British Wildlife Photography Award Exhibition

Saturday 10 March Sunday 1 April 11am 4pm

A small sample selection of photographs of the 2011 national photography competition on display in the Riding School

Kite Flying Sunday 1 April 11am 4pm

Join us for our annual kite flying day. The Midland Kite Flyers will thrill you with their skill. Bring your own kite, buy one here or make one in our workshop

Calke Alive 20th Century Tuesday 3 April 12.30pm 4pm

Meet some of Calke’s 1940s wartime characters. ‘Make do and mend’ activities and a Tea Dance in the Riding School at 2.30pm

Easter E Trail

Friday 6, Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 April 1130am 3.30pm

Follow the Easter e trail to find a prize! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Child £3 (Normal park admission and garden ticket applies)

Opening for 2012

House: Open Saturday Wednesday 1230pm 5pm End of Era Tours Thursdays and Fridays 11am 4pm

Garden: Open daily 11am 5pm Restaurant/Shop: Open daily 1030am 5pm Calke Park & Nature Reserve: Open daily 730am 7.30pm (dusk if earlier, closed 25 Dec)

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 this winter please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke or telephone 01332 863822

www.facebook.com/NTCalkeAbbey

@NTCalkeAbbey

"This young woman's superb achievement should be recognised in Melbourne, perhaps with a sign post in the Market Place, marked with the distance to the South Pole," said Mr McArdle.

The sign post, he said, would put on record this "heroic young woman's great achievement" and put Melbourne on the map.

■ Bryony will talk about her experience at the Royal British Legion, Melbourne, on Wednesday, March 21 (7.30pm). Tickets are £5 adults and £3 children. Why not take the opportunity to meet Bryony and ask her questions about her trip.

Pride in the past year’s achievements

AT THE Annual Parish Meeting Chairman Nigel Collyer highlighted the real strides made by the parish council in the past year.

“Good financial management, conclusions towards the operational running of the Leisure Centre, the additional levy to support the Melbourne Sporting Partnership pavilion work, re-alignment of Kings Newton corner and its improvement in accident reduction,” were noted as his top items.

Councillors and public attendees observed a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for Cllr Brendan Freeman, who died last month.

Cllr John Harrison remarked: “Cllr Freeman had been an iconic figure and leaves a big hole in the community."

Chairman Cllr Collyer sought to identify a target for the coming year that would in some way mark the contribution that Cllr Freeman had made to the community.

Councillors can look back on the year with some notable pride in achieving improvements to both facilities and community support –from the fitting of hand rails, installing grit bins, having snow wardens to Christmas light extravaganzas and Festivals followed with schemes to mitigate dog fouling and support CCTV; much has been accomplished.

However, the consistent thorn in the side has been the handling of the Leisure Centre strategy and the continued arguments and conflicts within the council chamber relating to its handover and how the Leisure Centre Committee has discharged its function in relation to council employees.

In the March council meeting that followed, the argument led by Cllr Cliff Crawford was in response to Cllr Christopher Howard’s statement at the February meeting which criticised the former for reporting members of the parish council to the Standards Committee.

The outcome was a unanimous vote to silence Cllr Crawford on the basis he was allegedly quoting statements from exempt minutes. Cllr Crawford then left the chamber.

Mrs Hardy re-iterated her points on speeding in Kings Newton and the need for a vehicle activated sign, further endorsed by Mr David Bellis. Cllr Wendy Earp said that previous direction from the parish council was for the Residents Association to consider establishing a Speed Watch group in order to provide evidence and data to support a sign investment decision.

Cllr Harrison commented that Aston-on-Trent had accomplished this, managing to obtain a one-off funding from the council.

Melbourne Area Transition led by its chairman, Graham Truscott, provided an overview to the parish council on the group's activities.

Mr Truscott noted that Melbourne is the 418th Transition group and in a time when oil is our major dependency and not sustainable he detailed what Melbourne’s Transition Group is doing in the community to reduce the exposure and vulnerability we all have.

“It's not going to wait for governments to do something. We are about making the community more resilient, healthier and safer," he said.

The Transition group has had many achievements in its lifespan to date, including the church Solar PV Project and solar PV buying schemes, Forestry Commission woodland projects, recycling of cartridges and phones and recent acquisition of a community apple press, to name a few.

Mr Truscott welcomed the parish council involvement and invited the wider community to join them in learning about the issues and at the same time having fun.

stUArt BLAtCh reports from the march meeting of melbourne Parish Council

Other news items

■ Overweight lorries using Swarkestone Causeway don’t always get away with it and falling foul of the law has cost one company £2,000 in fines just recently, said Cllr Harrison.

■ Falling foul with dog litter is high on the agenda for the recently formed dog fouling group, or should it be ‘mitigate dog fouling group’. Conducting an audit, they were shocked at their findings, the amount more than the content, and will continue to highlight awareness on the issue to dog owners.

■ A meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 13, to review the probable locations of CCTV cameras in the Market Place and surrounding areas.

■ The re-surfacing of Derby Road near Cockshut Lane is scheduled within the next month.

■ The county council plans to re-instate the wall at the Lilypool.

■ The county council was successful in obtaining a playing field grant from Sport England with a contribution of £50,000

towards improving the Recreational Ground pitches on SDDC land (including drainage, grading, sward establishment).

■ The Melbourne Sporting Partnership is organising an Olympic-nic on Saturday, September 8, when the community is invited to take along a picnic and take part in children’s games.

■ The parish council has still to feed back initial comments to the county council on the initial one-way system proposed for Melbourne.

■ Work on the infant school classroom is underway and on target for completion for the new school year.

MELBOURNE Operatic Society members Mike Tebbutt and Jenny Smith are pictured as the Duke and Duchess of Plaza Toro together with their daughter, Cassilda, played by Marilyn Baker for the forthcoming production of The Gondoliers at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

The show runs from Wednesday, March 21, to Saturday, March 24, and tickets are priced at £10, concessions £9 and accompanied children 16 years and under free. Box Office on 01332-863030 or online at www.melbourneoperaticsociety.com

Patrons wishing to take advantage of the special bus service can book their seats with their tickets. Buses will leave Castle Square, Melbourne, at 6.30pm every night.

Footpath threat to a village’s post office

OLIVER and Margaret’s village shop and post office in Breedon on the Hill is threatened with closure because a local landowner wants to straighten a footpath.

More than just a post office, Breedon’s Pinnacle Stores is the only newsagent and general store in the village. It accepts cleaning, advertising, acts as a source of news and newspapers, and is a stopping place for milk, an urgent birthday card or a book of stamps.

Landowner Breedon Aggregates has applied to Leicestershire County Council for permission to straighten the public footpath, the planned route for which will force residents to park on a busy road, putting lives at risk.

In addition, the owners of the small business are worried that they will lose valuable passing trade, making their business unprofitable and forcing it to close.

Leicestershire County Council is undertaking a consultation to find out local views and Breedon people are encouraged to make their feelings known.

Some will, but the results of objections to previous planning applications, all vehemently opposed by local residents and Breedon Parish Council, had no impact on the county council’s decisions. Breedon people wonder whether anybody will listen to them this time.

Unless they win their argument, this small but vital retail outlet could close for ever.

John Harrison presented a cheque for £1,000 from the Community Action Grant scheme to Mrs Helen Moulson (left) and Mrs Jane Dunn, co-chairmen of the Aston Playground Project – a small charity set up by a couple of local mums from Aston on Trent. The mums, members of the project

team, are raising money to renovate the run-down playground on Aston Recreation Ground. The cheque was presented at the Aston on Trent Parish Council meeting.

Offers of help and support from members of the community are appreciated and contact can be made at astonplaygroundproject@hotmail.com

DERBYSHIRE County Councillor

Cooking up a WI treat

STAUNTON Harold WI has again been supporting the national Let’s Cook Local initiative, building on the successful Let’s Cook project held previously.

WI member Barbara Robey has been running the Melbourne project which has taken place using the kitchen facilities at Scallywags. The course has been attended by nine young parents working together enthusiastically in a friendly environment.

“The main aim of the course has been to enjoy and learn about cooking and through this gain an insight into their own health and wellbeing as well as that of their children and be inspired and confident in handling food safely," said Barbara.

During the course the young parents have cooked and baked a variety of cakes, pies and puddings, a range of other foods and, in their final week, cooked a three-course meal and sat down to enjoy it together.

During the course, WI County Chairman Nancy Hawksworth visited the group and presented each of the members with a copy of the WI County Recipe book.

On completion of the course each participant will receive a certificate and a copy of the Staunton Harold WI 90th Anniversary Year Cookery book.

Barbara Robey is pictured (centre) with WI volunteer helpers June White, Rosemary Jackson and Sallie Moore surrounded by the new cooks. Picture by S F Robinson

Parentsgear up for battle over school bus

by DAVID BELLIS

NOTHING is more guaranteed to raise hackles and make mums fight than a threat to the safety of their children.

There was a full house of parents at the monthly Barrow on Trent Parish Council March meeting to protest at what they saw as the sheer silliness of a judgement made by the far away folk of Matlock.

The reason for the big turnout was the apparently perverse judgement of a County Council body called the Hazardous Routes Panels, who have deemed that Chellaston Academy's pupils may quite safely walk from Barrow to Chellaston and back again.

This judgement by the panel, after a trial walk on February 7, means that the school bus which travels from Barrow to Chellaston will have County Council funding withdrawn – with effect from next month.

In a well argued and comprehensively researched response in writing to the Cabinet Member at Matlock, Councillor Mike Longden, the parents compared the findings of the panel against the official standard laid down for a route to be classified as non-hazardous.

The parents' paper proves conclusively that in

Priory Garden Centre

& Nurseries

Don't forget MOTHER'S DAY 18th March.

Large selection of house plant basket arrangements and outdoor containers filled with Spring plants

FARM SHOP

selling local sourced Jams, chutneys, cakes, cheeses, fresh meat, vegetables etc.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Ashby Road, Breedon-on-the-Hill, Derby Telephone: 01332 863494

several aspects the guidelines have not been followed by the panel.

County Councillor John Harrison has made his own comments regarding the panel's judgements, saying "having regard to the facts, the finding reached is perverse".

He quotes from the County Council's vehicle count, conducted in November 2011, at between 7.40 and 8am that on the road from Barrow to Chellaston, and in the reverse direction, there are 592 vehicle movements – a rate of one vehicle every two seconds – a rate of traffic density that for Cllr Harrison is "totally unacceptable".

Like the parents, Cllr Harrison quotes shortcomings in some of the data published by the panel - errors of fact and of statistics quoted.

He said: "Following widespread consultations I have not been able to find anyone who is familiar with the route who regards it as being remotely safe ... the widely held view is that the route is extremely dangerous and that to expose children to such risks is not a responsible decision."

Mrs Anne Heathcote, Barrow on Trent Parish Council chairman, will join Cllr Harrison and a past chairman of the governors of Barrow's Sale and Davy's School, Mrs Hannah Hogg, in presenting the case to the Cabinet Member on March 19.

Sound of jazz at the double for Aston

RESPONDING to many requests to bring jazz music into the village, Aston on Trent resident Steve Aynsley has joined forces with Joe Nutman to form Aston Jazz.

Building on Steve’s experiences arranging for jazz performances at music festivals and other jazz concerts that have been successful in All Saints Church, their first venture – in conjunction with Recreation In Aston – will be a concert entitled Spring into

Jazz.

It is hoped the event on Saturday, April 21, will herald the beginning of many such concerts in the future.

It will take place in the War Memorial Hall with all proceeds over and above the costs going to Recreation In Aston.

Tickets are available from local retailers or by calling 07734 983626.

■ THE HOT House Big Band is back by popular demand after last year's sell-out performance

at Aston on Trent.

A talented and popular Midlands youth jazz orchestra with a national reputation, the Hot House Big Band will be playing a wide range of accessible jazz.

A couple of days after this concert they will be embarking on a tour of New York and Boston.

The concert is on March 31 at All Saints’ Church in Aston-onTrent and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets can be obtained by calling Derby 701108.

P o o l i n g t h e ir t a le n t s

IANEarl has been working for himself since he was 13 and his enterprise, Melbourne Tree Services, is one of the most well-known businesses in the local area. Ian himself is one of the most well-known faces locally.

Some of his clients have been with him since he was 16 years old –that’s a 20-plus year relationship.

Not a fan of school, his hard-working, entrepreneurial spirit started with odd jobs and by 16 he was working at Melbourne Hall as a gardener. In his lunch hour Ian worked for himself, cutting lawns, and in 1997 he set-up his current business, Melbourne Tree Services.

As if it’s not impressive enough to have clients that have been with you for more than two decades, Ian has a range of local household names as his customers too, such as Rolls-Royce, JCB and Lord Ralph Kerr.

Ian’s success isn’t just down to his business sense and stringent work ethic, for he is proud to be part of the local community. For those of you who have never had the need for tree management, hedge cutting, stump grinding or similar services, you’ll probably recognise Ian from him helping to put up the Christmas tree and the town’s lights, as well as a variety of other community-related activities that he lends his talents to.

However, Ian is a modest man and insists that his success and local recognition can be attributed to a wide range of individuals from the “huge support” Lord Ralph has provided whether or not he has been working directly for him, to the businesses to which he provides services like agricultural hedge cutting, timber forwarding or log and wood chip supply, right through to the individuals over the years that have had their lawns

cut. Ian also cites his workforce as essential to his success. He praises key members of his staff, like Dan, who has worked for Ian for more 11 years saying: “Business wouldn’t be what it is without Dan.”

A keen shooter and canoeist, I’m surprised Ian has been able to make a moment for this interview.

All of these activities mean that Ian is very well known and over the last few weeks he has been spotted working with his team (pictured) on the islands in the middle of Melbourne Pool. Not that unusual you might think, but he also needed to have his tractor with him, which gave him something to think about before starting the project. He resolved the problem by building a raft to transport the tractor and the team to their place of work. Not something you see everyday in landlocked Melbourne. – CB

THERE'S a great opportunity coming up for young people to find out how to play a musical instrument.

Have a Go Time, for all young people from seven years of age will take place on the afternoon of April 28, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at the Melbourne Parish Church. And it's FREE!

Local musical director and band leader Brendan O'Neill and his team of qualified musicians will be on hand to show those brave enough to turn up how to play any one of the many instruments available on the day.

Brass and woodwind, percussion and timpani, some string instruments, and a piano will be available to try out.

The afternoon is being organised and sponsored by the Friends of Melbourne Parish Church, and the afternoon session will be a curtain-raiser for an evening concert in two parts, which will start at 7.30pm.

In the evening, there will be a 30-player Jazz session, played by Brendan O'Neill's BonJazz Little Big Band. This will be followed by a concert of classical music played by the Melbourne Town Training Band.

All the players will be young people, all working together under their musical director, Brendan.

The acoustics in the big church are great – made for big bands!

For the evening concerts the Friends will be charging a modest entry fee of £5 for adults to cover expenses, and free for youngsters under 16.

‘Alive and kicking’ Council chief executive full of praise for vibrant Melbourne and its Village Voice

"IT'S SUCH a varied and vibrant, alive community, so well depicted in the pages of the Village Voice – the vibrancy just bounces off the pages of the paper."

That was the opening of the talk given to Melbourne's Probus Group, when the invited speaker was the South Derbyshire District Council Chief Executive, Frank McArdle.

His talk was a breath of fresh air. Mr McArdle is no dry administrator, certainly no faceless bureaucrat. He revels in his job, and is plainly proud of his achievements over the last 35 years, culminating in his appointment as Chief Executive.

He is bursting with pride – and speaks passionately about the achievements on his patch. South Derbyshire is a beacon of manufacturing excellence, with Toyota, JCB, Rolls-Royce, and Nestle creating "sustainable long-term green jobs" in manufacturing.

He told Probus members: "We have a vibrant manufacturing community, proud of it, creating and making goods, exporting all over the world."

He listed the huge investment made in South Derbyshire by Nestle producing coffee - "the largest production unit in Europe", based in Hatton. He spoke of the £72m invested in South Derbyshire by JCB, to create a new diesel engine plant, now producing 25,000 engines each year. He was proud that Toyota had invested £773m, at Burnaston, and were planning a further huge investment in jobs.

The manufacturing economy contributes about 12% towards the Gross Domestic Product of the UK. In South Derbyshire, about 23% of the total product of the area comes from manufacturing.

"We're bucking the trend," said Mr McArdle, who has no doubts that work means "making things, creating and competing in the wider world". That is why he is rightly proud that South Derbyshire is the sixth most expansive region of the UK, with an increasingly buoyant tourist trade making a significant contribution to the wider

community.

He was proud that Derbyshire had grabbed over 200 contracts in the Olympic Park – all the concrete comes from Derbyshire, for instance.

Unemployment is below the national levels, but Mr McArdle is certainly not complacent. He recognises that education levels are not satisfactory –fewer entrants to A-levels than UK averages, and there are more young people without any qualifications than the UK average.

He spoke of the huge progress being made at the Burton and South Derbyshire College, now with more students from Swadlincote than from Burton.

Council Tax would be unchanged for the third year running, but this had meant reductions in staff – and "these are people with wives and children and mortgages".

His own salary, he said, had been frozen since 2007.

–DOB

Festival Trail dates

THE MELBOURNE Art Festival committee has confirmed that the Art and Architecture Trail will take place on the weekend of September 15/16.

In a break with tradition the concert programme will start on the trail weekend and continue for two weeks until September 29.

There have already been lots of enquiries from artists wishing to participate and the festival team has some new and interesting ideas.

If anyone is interested in volunteering to help plan this year's festival or would like to host an artist, festival director Sharon Brown would love to hear from you on 07765 819428.

Top honour for six of the best Scouts

SIX SCOUTS from the 107th Derby (Aston & Weston) troop have been honoured with the Chief Scout’s Gold Award, the highest honour in the scouting section.

Alex Griffiths, George Cooke, Juliet Horner, Ashley Griffiths, Jack Bailey and Callum Ogilvy all received certificates signed by Chief Scout Bear Grylls.

They travelled to County Hall in Matlock for a ceremony of recognition and presentation by Sir Richard Fitzherbert, County President, in the presence of

William Tucker, Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, the Queen’s representative in the county.

It is very unusual that so many Scouts from one troop should receive the award and a particular achievement for the younger members, George, Juliet and especially Alex, who was only 11 when he earned his badge.

The Chief Scout Award is more commonly received by older Scouts, since recipients have to prove competence in eight areas of

challenge including: Promise, Community, Fitness, Creative, Global, Outdoor, Adventure and Expedition.

Ashley, Callum and Jack have now moved on to the Explorers section, the next level of Scouting, and all are now working towards the prestigious Queen’s Scout Award.

The Lord Lieutenant is pictured with Juliet Horner, George Cooke, Alex Griffiths and Ashley Griffiths, four of the six Aston recipients of the Chief Scout’s Gold Award.

Your chance to be a leisure centre member

ON APRIL 1, Melbourne Community Centre Limited is taking over the management of the Bill Shone Leisure Centre from Melbourne Parish Council.

The first action taken by the new management team has been to appoint a development manager, Andy Heafield (pictured), who is already getting to grips with the job.

The people of Melbourne and District are invited to become actively involved in the way this important local resource is managed and shaped for the future by becoming members. The purpose of operating a membership scheme is to provide the formal, legal way in which MCCL will work and to provide those members with the opportunity to stand for election to the board of MCCL.

It is the board that will make all decisions concerning the future of the centre.

Individuals over 18, groups and societies that use the centre or are residents of Melbourne and district are encouraged to apply for membership.

A members meeting will take place on April 19 at the leisure centre when more information will be given about future plans and how members can stand for election to the board of MCCL.

Amongst the many decisions the board has to consider, two were proposed at the recent public meeting. One is to rename the centre, the Melbourne Assembly Rooms, and the other was to set the annual membership fee at £5 for individuals and £20 for groups and societies.

The current board would like the views of new members on these two topics.

Membership can be applied by using the membership form on this page.

■ MCCL has been awarded a grant by the Local Energy Initiative to facilitate an energy survey of the Bill Shone Leisure Centre building. The directors have commissioned a study on how to save money heating the building.

To comply with the conditions of the grant, the directors have organised two meetings, both to be held at the leisure centre, at which the specialist company doing the work will present its ideas.

The first meeting on Thursday, March 22, at 7.30pm is aimed at local businesses and will be in the form of a seminar about what can be done for old and new buildings in the field of energy sources, what are the options, payback periods, grants, feed-in tariffs etc.

In addition to Marches Energy Agency, the specialist company engaged in the study, the Melbourne Area Transition Group will also

MCCL MEMBERSHIP FORM.

I/ we would like to join the Melbourne Community Centre.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP – Annual Fee £5

NAME(Print) ……………………………………………………………

ADDRESS ………………………………………………………………

Postcode …………… Tel…………………………

E-mail ……………………………………………………………………

Signature …………………………………Date ………………………

GROUP MEMBERSHIP – Annual Fee £20

NAME OF GROUP(Print) ……………………………………………

ADDRESS………………………………………………………………

Postcode …………… Tel …………………………

E-mail ……………………………………………………………………

Signature …………………………………Date ……………………… (Cheques to be made payable to Melbourne Community Centre Ltd. Please return to Andy Heafield at the Melbourne Assembly Rooms).

■ It is proposed to rename the Bill Shone Centre the Melbourne Assembly Rooms. If you have a better suggestion, please let us know.

Suggestion ………………………………………………………………

■ It has also been suggested that the membership fee could restrict people joining. If you have a recommendation, please let us know.

Suggestion............................................................................................

take part to say what it has been doing and what it can do to help. The second meeting for the residents of Melbourne and district will be held on Wednesday, March 28, at 7.30pm and will include everything people need to know about energy as it applies to households. Entrance is free to both meetings.

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40s FUN NIG

FOLLOWING the success of the 40s Night held in Melbourne last October, another was held in February.

With the Festival Swing Band Society again in attendance with their Mad Hatters Disco providing the music, the evening proved once more to be full of fun.

To add to the entertainment, singer John Dunsby performed two sets in a tribute to the Rat Pack – something that went down well with the punters.

The evening was well supported with a good sprinkling of people sporting 40s attire.

Members of Melbourne’s Ease Your Mind group and friends organised the buffet and the raffle and the event raised £185, which was donated to Macmillan Derby.

Elaine Dunnicliff would like to thank everyone who supported the event with raffle prizes, the buffet, and for attending.

The entertainers are fully booked for the next 12 months so arrangements for a follow-up event are still some time away.

Weston Run attracts

THIS year's Weston Run took place in perfect weather conditions with a fantastic turn-out. A total of 310 completed the fivemile road race and the two-mile fun run, with funds from the event going to the 107th Derby Scout Group.

The first three runners home in the five-mile race with 217 finishers were Stephen Price, Jordan Wildrianne and James Walker, while the winning teams were Shelton Striders, Derby Athletic Club and Long Eaton Running Club.

With 93 finishers in the fun run, the first three places went

to Chris Turley, Alex G Griffiths and Nathan Hill.

Pictured are the runners bunched together at the early stage of the five-mile run and (inset) the competitors in the junior event.

GHT

s spreading its wings. egular fortnightly elbourne, Elaine DunCook are in the process er group in Long

40s Night

Walking festival just one of the Spring highlights

THE National Forest Walking Festival this year will be held between May 19 and 31.

The event is organised by South Derbyshire District Council with financial support from the National Forest Company, and the valued support of a myriad of local groups.

The popular festival includes something for everyone with more than 80 varied walks available during the 13-day programme.

There are walks for all ages, interests or abilities, with all guided walks led by local experts keen to pass on their knowledge about this special area’s rich and varied history, flora and fauna, geology, myths and legends.

You can enjoy anything from a gentle stroll, walks for the whole family, walks suitable for wheelchair users, to longer more strenuous rambles for keen walkers.

Four of the walks have been organised by Melbourne Civic Society, one of which is a night walk.

For details of all the walks visit www.thenationalforestwalkingfestival.org.uk or the Tourist Information Centre at Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, Swadlincote.

■ ENTERTAINERS are being invited to showcase their skills at one of the biggest events in the

South Derbyshire calendar.

The Festival of Leisure, a long held tradition renowned for its displays, demonstrations and music, is taking place at Maurice Lea Memorial Park, in Church Gresley, on June 23 and 24.

Calls are now being made for unique, varied and interesting acts, individuals or groups to wow the crowds in the main arena.

Further information is available by emailing grounds@south-derbys.gov.uk.

■ THE bumper spring edition of What’s On, published by South Derbyshire District Council which provides dates, times and descriptions, detailing how to make the most of the area’s popular attractions, is now available.

It is a comprehensive guide listing hundreds of walks, activities and events taking place in South Derbyshire from March to June.

Upcoming events include the Etwall Well Dressings, show-stopping performances at Rosliston Forestry Centre, South Derbyshire Day at Pride Park Stadium, Willington Arts Festival and the Catton Hall Classic Car and Transport Show.

Free copies are available by visiting Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre, calling 01283 222848 or visiting www.south-derbys.gov.uk.

are (left) Jill Younger; (above) Mar(right) Tracey Clark. laine Cruders.

OLYMPIC fever will be sweeping the nation this summer, and the Melbourne Carnival will be getting right into the sporting spirit, too.

Carnival organisers have announced that “Olympics 2012” will be the theme for the summer bonanza, and they hope to see plenty of people help make this year's spectacle the best yet.

Last year more than 3,000 people flocked to Melbourne to enjoy a fun-filled day of rides, stalls, tug-of-war and live music, helping to raise more than £4,000 for charity.

This year the committee is hoping to top that with another fantastic event, which will take place on July 14.

As ever, kick-starting the day will be the carnival procession and shop window competition. Chairman Rose Minifie said: “The Olympics 2012 will be a great theme and one that should give people plenty of scope to come up with some really eyecatching floats and shop windows. Everyone's so excited about the Olympics that it was the obvious thing to choose."

This year's carnival committee has three new members: Rosie Atkins, Alison Staley and Olly Merchant. Rosie Atkins, who will be taking on responsibility for the procession, said: “The games are so varied and there are all sorts of things people can do. I can't wait to see what people come up with.”

Secretary Gemma Bettelley said: “Last year lots of local groups and societies did us proud with the film and TV themed floats. It would be great this year to see streets get together to put on a float, too.”

You can check out the latest news by logging on to the carnival's website: melbournecarnival.co.uk, and facebook page: Melbourne Fete and Carnival.

For queries on stalls, contact Rachel Hill on melbournecarnival@hotmail.co.uk. For floats contact Rosie Atkins on philipandrosie@yahoo.co.uk. and for carnival advertising Gemma Bettelley is contactable on gemma.bettelley@power.alstom.c om.

All other queries to Rose Minifie on roseminifie@gmail.com, or 07795 362 936.

LOCAL author Andy Cope is riding along on the crest of a wave as sales of his Spy Dog series of books go from strength to strength. Books 12 and 13 will be released soon and Andy has a book signing at Waterstones in Derby on March 24 between 11am and 1pm.

The books are already available worldwide and the rights have recently been sold to China. Publishers Puffin have asked for two more books, which are due in 2013. And now publishers Harper Collins have approached Andy to write a new series of books aimed at the same age group as Spy Dog (7+). The first in this series ‘Raccoon Rampage’ will be out in April and book two is almost completed.

Van man adam’s bitten by VW bug

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THURSDAY

ADAM Secker is a van man with a mission.

Adam acquired a VW camper van in 2008 but it is now beginning to show some signs of its age –and he's decided to put things right.

With no room to carry out the work at the home he shares with his partner, Rebecca, he decided to advertise in the Village Voice for a garage that he could rent to carry out the restoration.

Having received a positive response to his ad, Adam can now look forward to some hard work, carrying out the restoration in relative comfort shielded from the winter elements.

Adam was bitten by the VW bug soon after he and Rebecca took up windsurfing as a hobby.

Needing a means of transport for their boards, he bought a VW panel van and converted it into a camper van but without the luxury of a cooker, fridge or sink. It was pretty basic – but it gave them the opportunity to get to places with their equipment and a place to sleep. Carsington Reservoir, Rutland Water and Rhosneigr in North Wales have proved to be very popular windsurfing locations for them.

After friends bought a split screen VW camper

van, Adam and Rebecca were invited to join them at the world's largest Vanfest, the Volkswagen camper van show held at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern.

It was this event that convinced Adam that he must have his own traditional camper van and set them both off on a new hobby combined with their love of windsurfing.

The cost of first and second generation VW/Westfalia camper vans was prohibitive so Adam settled for a 1987 third generation vehicle which came complete with all the fixtures and fittings and has been their pride and joy ever since. It even has a customised seat to accommodate Custard, their golden retriever, on their travels.

All the fixtures and fittings have been removed from the camper in preparation for the restoration work and, although ideally Adam would like to see it all completed in time for this year's Vanfest in September, realistically he admits it will probably be the end of the year.

Adam came to Melbourne in 1999 having completed a mechanical engineering degree at Loughborough.

Street parking in spotlight

ON-STREET parking issues in the centre of Melbourne have been the subject of many debates in the past without reaching conclusions that satisfy businesses and residents alike.

Requests to Derbyshire County Council Highways Department in 2011 to review parking resulted in an informal consultation taking place in the town. The ensuing report placed before the Strategic Director for Environmental Services included the officers' recommendation that the recommendations are submitted

as a formal proposal for full consultation with Parish Council and other statutory consultees.

The proposals are:

(a) The limited waiting bay outside No 10 High Street be revoked and directly replaced with a 'No Waiting' restriction to match the rest of the area.

(b) An enforceable Disabled Bay should not be provided.

(c) The 'No Waiting' restriction outside 29,20,23 Market Place be converted to a Limited Waiting Bay with the time to match the remainder

in the area, that is 'Limited Waiting 20 minutes –No return, Monday-Saturday, 9am -6pm’.

(d) 15 metres of the Limited Waiting Bay from the junction of Market Place eastwards along Church Street be revoked.

(e) Recommendations also be sent to MP Heather Wheeler.

These decisions were taken at a meeting on February 20 and officers will in due course communicate the recommendations to the parish council.

Putting the fun back into breedon

IT HAS only been a few short months since the Breedon Parish Forum was formed as the new representatives of Breedon parish. As many know, the Breedon community has been battered and bruised for several years and needs a refreshing and vibrant start to a new future.

The parish council has spearheaded this and the forum committee wants to move forward and create a healthy future for all who reside within

its boundaries. The forum committee is looking forward to creating events and activities inclusive of all parishioners. This year they will include the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the fun run and an Olympic-themed event to boost the fun factor.

Parish forum meetings are to be held on the last Monday of every month at 6.30-8pm in the community centre. Further information can be found on the parish council website.

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Tributes paid to town’s much-loved doctor

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MELBOURNE COMMUNITY CARE SHOPPING TRIPS/RECREATIONAL OUTINGS

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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.

• We reserve the right to request a late cancellation fee for bookings cancelled one week before.

• Community Care do not provide escort assistance on these trips.

• For information on our “escorted trips” please contact the Community Care O ce.

• Every Friday we run a local door-to-door service to Budgens and assistance can be provided.

BRENDAN FREEMAN

1928- 2012

THERE was a very large congregation at Melbourne Parish Church on February 29 for the funeral of Dr Brendan Freeman.

Brendan was a lifelong Roman Catholic, and at this service a Roman Catholic Mass was celebrated by the Rev Father Anthony Axe.

The Dean Of Derby, the Very Reverend Dr John Davies, said in his address: "A Roman Catholic Mass in an Anglican church, the Vicar gladly consenting, and the former Vicar giving the address ... speaks volumes about the kind of community that Brendan worked so hard to maintain and develop".

Dr Davies said that we all have to go, and Brendan's way was surely as good as it gets, allbeit the shock for his wife, Elizabeth, and his children, Caroline, Helen and Sean, and the wider family was considerable".

Brendan Freeman was the son of a County Mayo carpenter, who left Ireland in the 1920s and settled in Wirral, Merseyside. Brendan said of his father that he landed on Merseyside with "just a bag of tools".

Brendan was educated St Anselm's College at Birkenhead, and entered the Medical School of Liverpool University in 1948. In his young days he was a very good rugby player and cricketer.

After National Service as a captain in the RAMC in Malaysia, he was demobbed in Singapore. He was appointed the medical superintendent in a tin mining town of 10,000 miners and their families in Malaysia. He worked in Malaysia until 1971.

over the Melbourne practice in October 1980. In the 18 years in the Melbourne practice, until his retirement – when he was 70 – he oversaw what was in effect a revolution in medical care in the town. From the start, his energy and drive were remarkable; he brought in innovative clinics to tackle diabetes, obesity, and other specialist disorders.

And he hit national headlines when he started much appreciated consultations at 5.45 in the morning to enable patients to see a doctor without disrupting their working day.

Visitors to these early sessions could hear his great laughs as they waited their turn to see Brendan, usually drinking tea as he talked to patients. His thoughts and concern were always for the patient.

He retired in 1998, having masterminded the building of a new modern Health Centre – a really remarkable contrast with the small space he and his predecessors had for consulting rooms in Church Square.

nity; he pioneered Melbourne Community Care, and was still committed to the group as its long-standing chairman at his death. He was a Labour Party member, a long-serving member of Melbourne Parish Council (chairman for two years), and also a South Derbyshire District Councillor.

He and Elizabeth enjoyed gardening and created a wonderfully imaginative garden at their Ticknall home. He was a tremendously popular member of the Ticknall Garden Club, and its chairman for some years.

When news of his sudden death became known in the centre of Melbourne on the morning of February 13, local residents were stunned and could be seen in little groups speaking of their shock and sadness at his passing.

Parish Clerk Norman Hill, who worked with Brendan Freeman both as a committee chairman and as chairman of the parish council, described him as "a very special person". Brendan, as always, was well-briefed throwing out ideas from his fecund mind like sparks from a roman candle.

Jane Carroll, who worked with Dr Freeman as Practice Nurse from 1983 to 1998, said he was "a wonderful person, great fun to work with".

Alan Corbett was a Practice Manager in the Melbourne Health Centre and worked with Brendan for many years: "He was a great man, hard working, dedicated to his patients".

Mark Todd, MP for South Derbyshire from 1997-2010, knew Brendan well: "A man who lived by his principles, and as a clinician was always concerned to be accessible to people."

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He was the only doctor in the town, so, with charge of a 90-bed hospital, he gained a much more widespread experience than a normal GP in England. He was joined on his return to Malaysia, by his new wife, whom he had met and married while on a course at Liverpool in 1959. She was a trained nurse and midwife. The three children of the marriage were all born in Malaysia.

He came back to England in 1971, worked in general practice in Derby, until taking

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Maggie Dobby spoke of his service to Staunton Harold Hospice: "He was always honest and told the truth to patients". For Maggie, Brendan was "particularly suited to palliative care".

As Dr Davies said: "Being a doctor for Brendan was certainly practical Christianity –part of his vision of care for the whole person ... as a practical Christian. Family planning material was displayed without reservation."

Brendan was also active in the commu-

Brendan Freeman came to Melbourne to collect his newspapers, often standing in Margaret Wheatley's shop doing mini-consultations – talking to people, speaking about council matters, health matters, often interspersed with loud laughter, and no doubt wise advice.

He will be fondly remembered for many years. Truly, as Dr Davies said: "Jargon about community only gets you so far - living examples are what we need, and Brendan was that." – DOB

● A horsedrawn hearse carries Brendan Freeman (inset) to his final resting place.

“The Garden Awakens”

‘Promote’

off to a flyer

"A FANTASTIC turn-out, which surpassed all expectations," was the reaction of Ruth Malloy, who organised an inaugural meeting of the new Promote Melbourne organisation.

Nearly 60 business people, from a very varied range of business came to the newly named Melbourne Assembly Rooms to hear Ruth's enthusiasm, backed by two local business people. Craig Barker of Baseline Creative, and Kirsten Bridge of Lily and Lime spoke of their enthusiasm to see Melbourne grow as a business centre – an advantage for everyone who lives in the town and surrounding villages. At the end of the meeting County Councillor John Harrison arrived bearing a gift of £500 from one of his discretionary funds to help kickstart Promote Melbourne. "A really pleasant surprise, " said Ruth.

The inaugural AGM will be held at the Paddock Restaurant on April 6, at 6pm, when officers and committee will be elected.

Kwik Jubilee celebration

TO CELEBRATE the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Melbourne Town Cricket Club is organising a kwik cricket festival at the Cockshut Lane ground. It will involve 16 kwik cricket teams who have been specially invited to take part.

Organiser Julian Humpidge is looking forward to welcoming some of the area's top clubs to the ground and said: "We have invited not only South Derbyshire clubs to take part but clubs from our neighbouring counties Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire. The event will be another stepping stone in the club's development and also complement the ground developments that we are all excited about.

"We hope that the community will support

the event as well as they did our match against the MCC. The MCC match had the cricket stars of recent years, this event will involve the stars of tomorrow."

Local company Amalfi White has stepped in to sponsor the event as a part of its continuing commitment to the community and junior sport. Managing Director Lizzy Devey-Smith said: "I have always placed great value on sport, especially for the young. It can have such a positive contribution to the local community and the sense of belonging. So many parents, players and coaches put months of effort to help local clubs like Melbourne Town Cricket Club succeed. Well done to them.

“For our part, we are delighted to sponsor

our local cricket club as part of our ongoing commitment to support sports in Melbourne."

Lizzie will be on hand to present the specially designed Jubilee Cup to the winning team and the club's development manager, Andy Heafield, is hopeful that it might be a Melbourne team.

"It is great that a local company of the stature of Amalfi White is supporting the club and we are grateful to Lizzie for her support and the company's invaluable input. I know that everyone will have a great day and I am hopeful that our own under 11s will compete with the best clubs in the area," Mr Heafield said.

The event will take place on June 5.

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● PICTURED at the monthly Melbourne Arts and Crafts Market at the Leisure Centre are (l-r): stall holder Helen Walker displaying her Gambia crafts to Sharon Middleton, June Langley and Jenny Adams.

Village Voice Distribution Barrow on Trent

Person required to pack and deliver 13 bags (270 copies) of the Village Voice (monthly) to addresses in Barrow on Trent, Twyford and Arleston Lane.

Tel: 01332 701300 or 07931 541387

Journey down River Derwent

BARRIE Lings was an excellent guide for Melbourne Civic Society members at a recent meeting. He took the audience on an illustrated journey down the River Derwent – from its unmarked source in the peat bogs of Bleaklow Hill to its final destination where it flows into the River Trent near Shardlow.

On its way we saw many quaint bridges, including the one at Barlow which remains the only one undamaged by flooding. Chatsworth, Matlock and Belper all owe their picturesque attractions to the river.

The industrial use for its fast-flowing waters has left a legacy of many mills on its route. Bridge chapels, castles, and churches all appeared on the scene.

Despite the reservoirs at Ladybower and Carsington our guide emphasised that the River Derwent remains a river that cannot be tamed. It increases the flow of the River Trent by two thirds.

The speaker at the February meeting was Stephen Bailey. He came to talk about the Derbyshire Portway, which is an interesting and picturesque long distance walk of about 50 miles.

Beginning at the Hemlock Stone at Stapleford he tracked the route into Derbyshire, often taking us along country lanes and ancient pathways, to its end at Mam Tor with its magnificent view.

He had made a special study of the landmarks along the way: hermitages, standing stones, rock formations and stone circles. His researches about their history and that of the route itself had culminated in him writing a book on the subject.

■ The next meeting of the society will be on Monday, March 26, in the Leisure Centre at 7.30pm when the Annual General Meeting will be followed by a talk by Philip Heath on 'Mystery Buildings'.

Gladys Mather 1920 - 2012

THE FUNERAL of Gladys Mather took place on February 17 at St George’s Parish Church, Ticknall. The church was full and later everyone enjoyed 'afternoon tea', something that Gladys would have really loved.

Born in 1920 Gladys was the youngest of six children. She first met her husband Ted when she was six weeks old... they were both christened at the same service in St Andrew’s Church, Derby and she always said that Ted winked at her over the font.

During the war she worked in munitions, on a lathe making shells and she would “run like the wind” to escape the air raids.

She married Ted on June 20, 1942 and their union was blessed with Geraldine, Roger and Rosalind.

THE Strictly T42 Tea Dance held at the Bill Shone Leisure Centre, Melbourne, was a great success. With over 20 people attending, they all enjoyed both the dancing and the tea.

With Karen Cresswell in charge of the dancing, she was available to help where needed if anyone was a bit rusty on some of the dances. Sue Smith looked after all the baking for tea and be-

tween them they kept everybody happy and made for a very enjoyable afternoon.

The success of the event is evident because requests for a repeat have been taken on board and the next tea dance will be held on March 20 at 2pm in the leisure centre.

Pictured are some of those attending with Karen and Sue (centre) in uniforms.

Athenaeum’s future plans

PLANS for the future of the Athenaeum, the youth internet café in Potter Street, will be explained and discussed at a youth work event taking place at the Athenaeum on Tuesday, March 13. Those with an interest in youth, youth work or parents of young people are invited to attend.

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01332 865510

Gladys always worked in the license trade, being a barmaid at the White Horse on the Morledge, running the Blue Peter at Alvaston, and as a wine waitress at Ramsden’s Berni Inn on the Cornmarket before moving to The Chequers at Ticknall in 1967.

Gladys and Ted spent many happy years as mine hosts during the late 60s and 70s. Some Sunday mornings would see her bashing ice with a rolling pin ready for Martinis long before they became popular, Gladys could make a mean Pimms. She was a very commanding landlady who would not tolerate bad language, and she had her own ideas of who should use the pub – for example, one day

Robert Fearnall

1955-2012

"THE ultimate professional ... the most knowledgeable person in the UK on motor cycling ... a man with a unique niche within motor sport ... founder of the very successful Bike Sport News newspaper, which gave 'unique coverage to legions of club motorcycle racers," have been just a few of the heartfelt comments posted about Robert Fearnall.

Mr Fearnall, who was found dead at his Potter Street, Melbourne home, on Thursday, March 1, was a giant of motor racing, particularly motorcycle racing.

Robert was born in Cheshire, near Oulton Park. He had been associated with Doning-

six 'Hell’s Angels' roared into the car park. Gladys went out and stood with her hands on her hips saying “Not tonight thanks lads”, the reply being “OK Mrs” and off they went.

One of her greatest passions when she retired was her garden. Gladys spent many happy hours sitting reading and knitting and of course tending to it –growing the beetroot and runner beans that the family would take with open arms. She was digging up the parsnips only two weeks before she died.

One of her 80th birthday presents was a 'light spade' so that she could carry on digging.

She was an avid sports fan and looked forward to seeing her favourite Stephen Hendry at the Crucible - she would often stay up to the early hours to watch him. She followed Manchester United’s exploits in Europe, especially when David Beckham was playing for them, and she loved to have a bet on the horses – betting on her favourite jockey, Johnny Murtagh, using her Ladbrokes phone account.

Latterly she looked forward to her Tuesdays at the Ticknall Lunch Club with her friends – indeed her diary only had one entry filled in for this year, which was Jan 10, "TLC 1st one of the year –looking forward to it."

Gladys loved her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great, great-grandchildren and they adored her.

Her family have been overwhelmed by the response they have received following Gladys’ death, a true accolade to her. She is much loved and will be greatly missed.

ton Park since 1977, and had directed racing operations at the circuit almost uninterruptedly since then.

He started his career with the Autosport magazine as a journalist, but he later "played a major part in the rehabilitation of Silverstone in the 1970s, before moving to Castle Donington in the late 70s", said Sir Robin Miller, chair of the major media company, EMAP.

He was famous for his "little black book, bristling with contacts" – not just in the UK but all over the racing world.

As we went to press, there were no details available of funeral arrangements.

❍ A fuller appreciation of his life will be published in our April edition.

Leisure Centre team deserves pat on back

THE LOCAL team who are pioneering a fresh way of looking at and operating the Bill Shone Leisure Centre deserve the thanks and support of everyone who values community life in Melbourne.

It is particularly good news that the project now has LEAF funding for a professional energy survey of the building and that this includes energy education/training for those of us keen to reduce costs in our own homes as well.

It was good to see the team explaining their thinking and inviting further ideas and help at a packed public meeting in February. Good to hear views expressed about future funding, looking well beyond our usual dependency on external largesse (with our money!) from remote bodies in Swadlincote, Matlock or London.

The 21st century is increasingly about taking responsibility locally and taking back real community control in new models of community enterprise and initiative. By putting time, effort, energy and expertise into the community centre the team have given us not only the prospect of a much better facility, but also the inspiration for other possible community projects.

Each and every Melbourne resident might like to consider “How can I adjust what I do to new economic and environmental realities?

How can I contribute, with my neighbours, to making Melbourne a better place to live and work, not as the world stays the way we’re used to and might like it to be, but as the world changes rapidly around us?”

Fortunately, there are many already embarked on this journey in this place, particularly inspired by the Melbourne Area Transition group, but there is scope for many more ...

Graham J Truscott

Probus Club has room for more members

THE MELBOURNE and District Probus Club provides a social meeting point for retired and semi-retired professional and business men.

It has a maximum membership of 50. Currently there is a shortfall and we are therefore looking to recruit additional members.

We meet in the Senior Citizens Centre in Church Street, Melbourne, from 10am on the third Wednesday of each month. Following refreshments we have a talk by a guest speaker. On certain occasions these meetings are followed by lunch at a local hostelry.

During the year specific arrangements are made to hold luncheons and to undertake visits to places of interest. These occasions are not restricted to members.

If you are interested in finding out more about Probus membership, please come along to a Wednesday meeting, or contact our secretary, Richard Heath, on 01332 862970 for further information.

Edward Mitchell

President

Melbourne and District Probus Club

AIRPORT PROJECTS

MANCHESTER

Airports

Group, the owner of East Midlands Airport, has announced the completion of two major multi-million pound development projects at the airport – a £2.9m state-of-the-art hangar facility and a £22m luxury 218bedroom hotel.

The two schemes represent a capital expenditure of £25m and have achieved among the highest-ever environmental ratings in the UK, within each development’s respective building category.

The new hangar facility took just 23 weeks to construct and was completed with an Energy Performance Certificate ‘A’ rating, on the A+-to-G scale, which records how energy efficient a building is and measures its environmental impact.

The new Radisson Blu East Midlands Airport Hotel achieved the highest ever rating for a commercial hotel in the

UK, scoring well above the 70% ‘Excellent’ threshold on the BREEAM scale, which is used to assess the environmental credentials of new buildings.

It also attained an ‘A’ rating on the Energy Performance Certificate.

The projects are estimated to have brought around 180 new jobs to the airport – along with the creation of around 250 jobs during the construction stage of both projects.

Other good news for EMA was reported recently when it secured its third recertification of ISO14001, the international standard for environmental management.

Continuing its achievements in the environmental field, EMA was awarded a Community Mark, the Mayday Carbon Positive Award and was crowned the Carbon Positive Pioneer for the East Midlands region in the 2011 BiTC awards.

‘Off’ month for rugby club

FEBRUARY proved to be a difficult month for Melbourne RFC. All the games on the first two Saturdays were cancelled due to the cold weather. Melbourne 1st XV were scheduled to play bottom of the table Nottingham Boots Corsaires.

However, for the second time this season, the opposition cancelled on the morning of the game and Melbourne were awarded a home walk over.

Melbourne did have a squad game against a Loughborough University freshers side, losing 7-0.

THE SECOND XVmade the short trip to Derby to play their Vets team in a Pennant fixture. In a close game, Melbourne scored four converted tries from Alex Hollingsworth, Tom Line and Ash Stringer (2), with Rob Foster scoring 11 points with the boot. However, it was not enough as Derby Vets won 33-31.

THE VETShad their monthly run-out against a side from East Leake and Melbourne soon notched up a 12-0 lead. Matt Pipes opened the scoring after a fine break from Jake Oxspring. Rich Ireland then scored in the corner.

East Leake fought back and, using their strong pack, they scored their two tries and led 14-12 at half-time.

Melbourne regrouped, changed their game plan and ran away with the second half. Andy Watts scored under the posts after a flowing backs move and Jake Oxspring scored after a quick ruck following a midfield break. Dave Sutheran scored after an East Leake lineout was stolen on the East Leake line while Jake Oxspring added his second from 60 yards after taking a quick penalty.

The scoring was finished by Pete Ilott. An East Leake scrum was disrupted and he chased down his own kick to score in the corner. Dean Sylvester added five conversions for a 45-14 win.

THE COLTSgo from strength to strength and have qualified for the NLD semi-finals as well as the last 32 in the National 17 Cup thanks to a 13-10 win against Newark. They also had a 33-23 win against Lincoln. They have drawn Oundle in the National Cup and will have to wait and see the result of the Lincoln-Newark game to determine their opponents in the NLD semi-final.

Cup final defeat for Under 10s

MELBOURNE RFC U10s returned to Leicester Tigers' Welford Road ground to play the final of the Prima Tiger Cup before the Premiership clash with Gloucester.

Wearing a special one-off pink and blue tiger-stripe kit commissioned to commemorate the day, thanks to sponsors DeltaRail, The Tool Shop and kit suppliers Badger Rugby, the boys turned out to face fellow finalists Bury St. Edmunds from Suffolk.

From the kick-off, Melbourne dominated the best part of the first half, pinning Bury in their end of the pitch.

When Bury eventually broke into Melbourne half, a tremendous defensive effort held them off before the half-time whistle.

It looked like the game was heading for a 0-0 draw. Then, with the clock running down, Bury organised their forwards to drive over the Melbourne line.

Despite the best efforts of the lads to hold up the ball, a try was awarded with no time left for Melbourne to level the score.

While the final result, at 1-0 to Bury St Edmunds, wasn’t the one everyone at Melbourne hoped for, the boys did themselves, their huge number of supporters and their club proud in what was a hard-fought final in difficult weather conditions.

To put the game and the score into context, this was the only try the Melbourne boys conceded in the whole competition. – Steve Rudd

● The teams take to the pitch in the Prima Tiger Cup final with Melbourne in the pink. Picture by Caead Photography

● AFC MELBOURNE: (top row l-r) Paul Hughes, Chris Beer, Steve Sellis, Matt Anderson, Tom Snaith; bottom row Dan Halligan, Colin Pope, Scott Drabble, Oliver Stirling, Rob Painting, Phillip Evans and Alex Harris.

TICKNALL Rangers had an awful run in February, losing two important games as the league title seems to have slipped away. Having started the month in top spot, Ticknall lost 5-4 at home to Shobnall Rovers, the team who overtook them.

Rangers had led 2-0, 3-2 and 4-3 in the game with goals from Craig Hall, Paul Harvey, Mark Nixon and Matt Archer. Paul Harvey was on the scoresheet the following week in another disappointing team performance, a 3-1 loss away to A.F.C. Stapenhill.

The month ended on a positive note with a hard fought 4-2 home win against Midway. A Ben Dale double, one from James Whetton and a 24th goal of the season for Matt Archer secured the win.

AFC MELBOURNE were unlucky in their two league games, losing both 3-2. Away to Shardlow St James Reserves, goals from Rob Painting and Chris Beer were in a losing cause while Rob Painting was on the scoresheet the following week in their defeat at home to West Park with Steve Sellis getting the other.

RBL tug team hoping to pull in more members

MELBOURNE Carnival has included a Tug-of-War competition in the programme for several years, encouraging local pubs and clubs to enter teams.

Rising to the challenge, the Melbourne Royal British Legion entered a team in 2009. From that novice team the Melbourne RBL Tug of War Club was formed. The club joined the Tug of War Federation of Great Britain in 2010 and, in its first year, competed in a handful of competitions and got dragged through the mud on a number of occasions.

However, the club members persisted with their training under the watchful eye of coach Dave Smith. They have also had the assistance of Steve Gardner from Holland Sports Tug of War Club in Barton Under Needwood.

Paul Gregory and Victoria Smith run the team which completed its first full season last year, 2011, a season that saw them beat a number of teams, take many ends and compete internationally.

The club picked up a silver award in two weight categories in the National Premier League and competed in the World 4+4 championships in Belgium, coming fifth overall in the

Tiger Josh

JOSHUA Bevan Brown from Melbourne RFC Under 16s has been selected to join the Leicester Tigers Academy and, having already commenced training, is very much looking forward to the whole experience.

The U16s and MRFC are looking forward to seeing him run out for the Tigers.

600kg 4+4 and beating one of the UK's top teams.

The shelf full of trophies in the Royal British Legion Club confirms the level at which the team is now competing. Tug of War is classed as an organised sport by Sport England and the competitions are organised into weight categories.

The club is in need of additional pullers and is looking to recruit male, female, young and not so young volunteers to join. The club competes every Sunday from April until the third week in October and trains all year round, combining rope work with other activities like cycling, swimming and running.

The club members are gearing up for the 2012 season and are currently training four times a week.

If you are interested in TOW and think that this could be a sport for you, contact Victoria Smith at mrbltugofwarclub@hotmail.co.uk or on 07880 802531.

The club will be hosting two competitions in Melbourne this season on April 8 and June 10, which is a real honour for the club.

THE Melbourne RBL TOW 600Kg 4+4 (male + female) team above in action at a Warwickshire competition with Emily Cook at the front. Inset are six members of a team who took part in an International 4+4 event in Belgium in 2011. They were joined by two pullers from the Barton Under Needwood TOW club. Victoria Smith is holding the name plate.

Black belt success for martial arts students

EIGHT martial arts students from Melbourne, Aston-on-Trent and Castle Donington have passed their 1st Dan Black Belt grading which took place at Melbourne Leisure Centre

Dave Allen, 8th Dan and one of the top instructors in the UK, travelled from Huddersfield to oversee the grading with Mark Rotherham 4th Dan, who runs the Maximum Response Academy.

The eight students – Nic Evans, 42, Myles Lound, 27, Christian Slee. 15, Joseph Shakich, 15, Tom Handley, 15, Dominic Slee, 13, Jacob Boddey, 13, and Samuel Unsworth, 13 – have all been training in the Art of Wado Ryu karate and self-defence for six years.

Mr Allen said: "Mark has done a remarkable job building his club up to such a high standard and the students should be proud of themselves.

It takes five to six years of regular training, dedication and commitment to get the

chance to even attempt black belt status."

Mark, who runs karate and self-defence classes for adults and juniors in Melbourne, Repton, Castle Donington and Kegworth, said: "I’m very proud of all my students for the dedication and commitment they have shown to reach this stage in their chosen sport; the black belt grading is not easy.”

The MRKD Academy was founded to provide local, affordable, safe, comprehensive karate/self-defence and fitness training for all ages and to encourage young people to channel their energy into something worthwhile that will give them confidence, character and fitness.

Anybody who would like to join the Maximum Response Academy is asked to telephone 01332 864182 or send an email to m.rotherham@mrkd.org.uk.

Alternatively you can check out the website www.mrkd.org.uk

Ross’s 18th earns Dynamos a win

THE local football teams were distrupted by the weather in February and it showed in their results.

MELBOURNE Dynamos won two and lost one of their games. Opening with a 3-1 away defeat to Allenton United it was left to Carl Allsopp to grab the consolation goal.

The following week, Allsopp scored in the last minute at home to Derby Royals to earn Melbourne a 2-1 win. Adam Ross scored the other goal.

Dynamos finished the month with a superb 1-0 away win against Rowsley 86 with leading goalscorer Adam Ross hitting the winner –his 18th of the season.

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All samples can be taken away and viewed within your own home 38 High Street, Melbourne

Telephone: 01332 863743 Mobile: 07966 245884

MELBOURNE Dynamos Reserves began the month with their worst performance of the season. Away to Bargate Rovers Reserves, Melbourne went down 3-2 with Farrell Scott and Oli Seymer getting the consolation goals.

Scott was on the scoresheet the following week in a 1-1 home draw to Ambergate. The Reserves ended the month with a 3-1 away win over Hilton Harriers with Matt Archer getting a brace and leading goalscorer Farrell Scott adding another.

THE BLUE BELL had just one game in the weather affected month but it was a morale boosting 3-0 win against Darley Abbey Colts with Jack Havron, Jack Tivey and Steve Allen getting the goals.

More football on Page 23.