There are new signs of life for MARS
MELBOURNE Assembly Rooms (MARS) is getting something of a facelift, with work well underway to modernise both the entrance lobby areas and the kitchen. The old school kitchen is being turned into a multi-purpose space with modern catering facilities, permanent bar fixtures and exhibition space on the walls, which will extend out into the lobby. “As well as using the area as a bar for regular events, we plan to stage art exhibitions, coffee mornings, cookery demonstrations and wine tastings in the refurbished area,” said manager Andy Heafield. He added that “demand for the facility continues to increase as we improve on what we have to offer, and it is pleasing Photo: Tina Baker that many local groups look upon the venue as their home to stage their own events”. He said: “My aim has always been to make it central to our community and I believe we are going some way towards that.” The cost of the refurbishment, at around £100,000, has been made possible through grant money made available by South Derbyshire District Council and from revenue from lettings. Cllr Jim Hewlett, chairman of South Derbyshire District Council’s Housing and Community Services Committee, said: “The council is delighted to be supporting the Melbourne Assembly Rooms project and, thanks to the dedication of the community and everyone involved, excellent progress is being made. “It’s a fine example of partnership working that is bringing something fresh and vibrant to the local community.” Although longer term there is still the aspiration for a who-
‘Paperboy’ John still delivering at 90
HAPPY 90th birthday to the Village Voice’s oldest “paperboy”. John Thompson, of Ingleby pub fame, has been faithfully delivering our papers to local residents for the past 24 years. John, who set up the pub in 1969, still helps distribute the Village Voice by putting it through doors in Ingleby. “I’ve never missed a delivery, apart from holidays!” he said. The John Thompson Inn & Brewery is now run by John’s son, Nick, and is well known for its roast beef dinners. The brewery was set up in 1977. John said he still helps out in the pub garden, as well as his paper delivery duties. His wife, Ann, still works in the pub’s carvery. He is pictured delivering a Village Voice to local resident Gill Watson.
lescale renovation of the entire building, funds from organisations like the Heritage Lottery Fund are never guaranteed and making improvements with money which was available now seemed to be an obvious choice. Those who attended the old secondary school will remember cookery classes in the kitchen with teacher Mrs Fanny Jeffries and as MARS director Sheila Hicklin recalled: “It was never the Great British Bake Off, but we all wanted to have our Christmas cakes turn out better than hers.” MARS directors say the lobby will have a much more open feel with the suspended ceiling removed and the interior decoration in the kitchen will be very sympathetic to the heritage of the building. – Frank Hughes
Motorbike owner gutted over theft
A BIKE enthusiast who has spent three and a half years modifying his machine has appealed for help after it was stolen from a unit in Melbourne – along with another vehicle. The two bikes, an orange KTM 300 EXC and a blue and white Suzuki DR Z400, were stolen from a unit on Castle Lane Industrial Estate in Melbourne between 5pm on Thursday, January 26, and 11am the next day. Suzuki owner Tim Thompson
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is a member of the national group the Trail Riders. He said: “I have spent the last three and a half years modifying this bike to suit the riding I do. “The modifications made to it are reasonably distinctive and I have sent details to various trail riders groups across the country. “I am gutted that it has been stolen and would really appreciate any help that anyone can give to try to get the bike back.”
Village Voice February 2017 3
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