12 Village Voice July 2019 THESE young visitors at the Melbourne Parish Church fete were enjoying a visit from face painter Miss Sparkle. The fete was held on June 8 with this year’s proceedings taking place indoors due to the rain. Visitors enjoyed handbells’ music plus tunes from Melbourne Town Band and Melbourne Infant School choir, along with stalls and refreshments. More than £1,000 was raised for the church.
75th Anniversary Celebratory Event for VE Day To mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, when a document of surrender came into effect, and to celebrate the end of World War Two, the Parish Council is considering hosting a Celebratory event on 8th May 2020. As well as being an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice, courage and determination of people demonstrated from all walks of life; the event will be an opportunity to enjoy and celebrate the arrival of peace in Europe.
The Parish Council would like to extend an invitation to local groups or individuals from Melbourne & Kings Newton, to join a Melbourne Parish Council Working Group with the aim of agreeing and delivering our 75th Anniversary of VE Day Event. In the first instance could you please register your interest with; Jacqui Storer on email melbourneclerk@aol.com or mobile phone 07734 939292 Subsequently all interested parties will be invited to attend an inaugural Working Group meeting. Jacqui Storer Clerk to Melbourne Parish Council
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WALK BEHIND MOWERS!
Deputy Lieutenant role for Marvin
IT HAS been a very busy time for Melbourne resident Marvin Cooke and wife Angie. Back in February Marvin had a letter from the Lord Lieutenant, Mr William Tucker, inviting him to become a Deputy Lieutenant (DL). “It came as quite a surprise,” said Marvin “and it was an honour to be approached, so I had no hesitation at all in accepting”. Such appointments are subject to the Queen’s approval or, as more accurately described, “Her Majesty’s non-disapproval” and the post was confirmed in April, with a ceremony in June to confirm the commission. Asked about the role, Marvin said: “As managing director of Toyota UK I have been fortunate to be involved in the business community both locally and nationally, and with many charities through the Toyota Charitable Trust, so the role is a wonderful opportunity to contribute further.” The office of the Lord-Lieutenant dates back to the 1500s when they were responsible for local militia units and, although that military role has largely disappeared, there are still strong links with the armed forces. The duties now include arranging Royal visits, presenting awards on behalf of the Queen and participating in various civic, voluntary and social activities. Deputies, with over 40 appointed in Der-
byshire, assist the Lord-Lieutenant in his duties and deputise whenever required. It is a post held until the age of 75, although early retirement is allowed. Marvin is looking forward to being able to support local charities and he wishes to enhance partnerships with the armed forces locally. In addition to that big news, Marvin and Angie (above) have just renewed their wedding vows in front of a big crowd of friends and relations. “It was our 30th (Pearl) wedding anniversary on April 1 and we wanted to mark the milestone. When we got married in 1989 it was a modest affair at Derby Registry Office, so we wanted to do something special. It was great to be able to have something local at the parish church and walk to a reception for everyone.” – Frank Hughes
ROYAL HONOUR AWARDED TO WILLIE
Contact Mick Reeves for details Mob: 07736 693158 Tel: 01283 821345 RVT Ashacres Industrial Estate, Draycott in the Clay, Sudbury, Derby DE6 5GX mickreeves@reavalleytractors.com www.reavalleytractors.com
THE Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, who lives in Aston-onTrent, has been personally awarded the Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) by the Queen. Willie Tucker has been performing the role of Lord Lieutenant since 2009, and is not due to retire until his 75th birthday in July 2020. He said he learned of the honour by letter: “It was a surprise – but it was a very nice surprise!” Unlike much of the honours system, the Royal Victorian Order awards are within the personal gift of the Queen for distinguished
service to her. Mr Tucker’s role as Lord Lieutenant is to represent the Queen in Derbyshire. It’s a busy job – in some weeks, he has engagements almost every day. In addition, as Lord Lieutenant, he is patron of 26 charities and voluntary organisations and his wife, Jill, is the county’s Guides president. Of his role over the last decade, Mr Tucker said: “There have only been three Lord Lieutenants over the past 40 odd years. It’s been a great privilege to be doing it. It’s a very demanding and time-consuming role.”