says the banner made by the beavers and cubs of Melbourne Volunteers are urgently being sought to help save local Scout and Guide groups with fears that the Scout hut itself may have to shut if not enough people step forward to help out.
You can read the full story on Page 3.
MANY reports of anti-social behaviour in Melbourne led police to put a dispersal order in place over the second weekend in March.
Police said they had decided to put the order in place from 5pm on Friday March 10 to 3am on Sunday March 12 “following numerous reports of antisocial behaviour by groups of young people in the village”
These orders allow police to disperse people from certain areas, and, if they are involved in instances of anti-social behaviour, take anyone under 16 back home
Sergeant Ben Frearson who leads the village’s policing team, said: “Over recent weeks we have seen an increasing number of reports of anti-social behaviour in Melbourne
“Large groups of young people have been reported to be gathering in the village and, while this is not an issue, some of the behaviour seen is “There have been reports of doors being kicked, attempted thefts from a local shop and anti-social behaviour in and around Harpur ’s of Melbourne
“While we absolutely understand that a group of young people simply being in the area is not in and of itself anti-social – the reports that we have received have been a cause for concern and we are working proactively to minimise the disruption to
residents and ensure the safety of the young people in the area
“It is important that anyone who witnesses any anti-social behaviour that it is reported to the force to ensure that we have a proper understanding of the issues and can address them appropriately ”
A dispersal order can only be authorised for a maximum period of 48 hours but at the point of expiry, an assessment can be carried out and a further period of up to 48 hours can be authorised if necessary
Anyone wishing to report anti-social behaviour can do so by using crime reporting tools on the police’s website; sending a private message to Derbyshire Constabulary’s Facebook page; direct messaging the contact centre on Twitter: @DerPolContact, phoning 101, or anonymously contacting CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111
The previous month, police asked Melbourne parents to have a “good understanding” of where their children were in the evenings after youths started a fire in Lothian Gardens on February 17 using toilet paper from the public loos
Police said: “This is ld h l d t id spread fire damage to potentially serious inju of hand ”
HE’S a famous figure on our TV screens for his stand-up, hilarious stream-of-consciousness talk show appearances, acting, and lately, going b k t hi ti t t s a ceramicist s brought his d of Dreams” ourne, and a
forthcoming second series of a Channel 4 show along with it.
Our own LUCY STEPHENS has had the opportunity to chat to Johnny about how he has been made to feel very welcome in Melbourne and how he welcomes Melbourne right back.
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l FEMALE firefighters from Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service were at Weston-on-Trent Primary School to talk about their vital work – fittingly, on International Women’s Day: March 8.
Firefighter Amy Walker is pictured talking to pupils
TWO village stalwarts from Aston-on-Trent are officially ‘excellent’ after being recognised for their support for many local organisations.
Award” by Aston-onTrent Parish Council on March 7
Richard Coates and Carole Bagnall were awarded with the “Excellence in the Community
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The couple, now 80, have given their time to many local groups that have boosted enjoyment and community cohesion in Aston over the last two decades
Since moving to Aston 22 years ago, Carole started up a local book club and the Aston-on-Trent Local History Group, both of which are still going
Richard is also a committee member on the history group, and is involved with Friends of Aston Brickyard and HOOVER (Help Our Own Villages Eradicate Rubbish), which conducts litter picks along Shardlow and Derby Road every month
As well as that, he was also verger of All Saints’ Church
Richard said: “I’m a backroom boy really! I like to keep out of the way We just like to keep things ticking over ”
As for why he likes to volunteer for so many organisations, he said: “I just like the social aspect of it, and if you’re doing a
bit of good for the village, that’s good isn’t it?”
Carole said it was a pleasure to give time to different groups in Aston-on-Trent because efforts made to bring people together were always met with considerable enthusiasm
“It’s such a together village that it’s a privilege to be part of it,” she said “You get something going and everybody goes for it
it’s lovely ”
Over the years it has been running, the history group has been instrumental in many
valuable projects including forging links with the local primary school
Carole started it up after learning when arriving in Aston that it had no written local history She called a meeting, 30 people turned up, and the group has been thriving ever since
Cllr Edward Hicklin, chair of Aston-on-Trent Parish Council, said: “They’re quite unassuming people, getting on and helping others, and they’re a real inspiration ”
Other nominees for this year ’s Excellence in the Community Award were Lindsay Pilkington of Recreation in Aston, Debbie Hoddinott from the War Memorial Hall Committee and Mary Day who was nominated her outstanding work in maintaing the Books in the Belfry initiative at All Saints Church
The award is given annually by Aston-on-Trent Parish Council to recognise an individual or group who have made a significant contribution to village life
AN application to demolish the Senior Citizens Centre and Bowls Club is open for consultation until March 14, according to South Derbyshire District Council’s planning portal
Meanwhile, the most recent application to build six houses on the site has been withdrawn
The application states that “the Community Centre is no longer viable” and that “alternative premises have been sourced for its previous uses”, although details of where former users who petitioned to save the centre have re-located is not provided
A spokesperson for Melbourne Hall said: “The decision to withdraw the planning application [to build six houses] has been taken collectively between SDDC LPA, TUK Architecture and Melbourne Hall Estate This is to enable all parties
to address concerns raised by some members of the local community before a new application is submitted
“The disused building has fallen into a poor state of repair and the aim of this project is to rejuvenate the site as a residential development for future generations "
Melbourne Hall has also submitted an application to enable the use of the Grade 2 listed Tithe Barn as a holiday let Whilst the building is currently used as residential and storage, the change of use application is required to enable the former threshing barn, dating back possibly as far as the 14th Century, to be rented out for commercial purposes Local residents have expressed concern that there will be additional pressure on the limited parking in the area
VOLUNTEERS are urgently being sought to help save Scout and Guide groups in Melbourne with fears the hut itself may have to shut Scout leaders said the Explorers unit had already had to take the “painful decision” to cease operating and will be closed down by the end of March “due to the critical shortage of leaders”
The Melbourne Scouting, Guiding, Explorers and Hut Committee say they “urgently require” new leaders and volunteers to keep going and prevent further closures
More than 400 children use the Scout & Guide Hut on Packhorse Road every week
It is also used by Puddleducks Nursery
Jane Radcliffe, who has been a Beaver leader for over 10 years, said: “Guiding and Scouting have been a big feature of Melbourne life for generations and it’s tragic to think that these highly valued opportunities for young people may have to cease if we can’t get leaders to come forward
“We do have a great team of experienced leaders across the groups who will help and support anyone new but there simply needs to be more of us to ensure that our young people and Leaders can all enjoy the experiences that Guiding and Scouting offer ”
Michelle Lewis, who runs Phoenix Rangers, said: “It s so important for us to have a facility like our hut; it means that the young people in our units can benefit from a place that really works for their needs with outdoors space that gives them the chance to run around, camp, cook, and so much more I really hope that people come forward to help keep the building committee going and give some support to the Scouts and Guides units ”
The committee wants to hear from volunteers willing to step forward and be Scouting, Guiding and Explorer leaders so that units can “continue to provide a rich and varied timetable of activities throughout the year”
This includes weekly meetings, day trips and nights away
All age groups ranging from four to 18 need volunteer leaders, for all units: Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers
Thehut is also looking for a new committee to replace the outgoing members who have been doing the job for five years
The committee requires a new chair, treasurer and secretary
The committee says it would also “significantly benefit” from other volunteers with skills including finance, health & safety, knowledge of insurance, electrical or gas certification or experience of managing buildings
Anyone interested in helping out can go along to a meeting at the Melbourne Scout & Guide Hut on Packhorse Road on Wednesday, March 29, from 7pm when there will be further information for all those interested in volunteering janelradcliffe@gmail com can answer questions on scouting; talismanesu@gmail com can discuss Explorers’ needs; phoenixrangers14@gmail com for all Guiding units and for the hut committee contact: melbournescoutandguidehq@gmail com
Committee chair Matt Watts said: “If sufficient volunteers are not identified to support the running of the various units and the hut committee, then, disappointingly, individual units will cease to operate and the facility may have to close ”
ONE of the Village Voice’s dedicated deliverers has decided to give up his round after 10 years of putting our paper through letterboxes in Isley Walton
Ron Warren has given a decade of loyal service to our illustrious publication having been persuaded to get involved through his lifelong friend, the late Andrew Jackson
Now 79, he has decided to pass on the round to the next willing person
Isley Walton is one of the Village Voice’s more spread-out delivery areas with Ron (pictured right, on his round) getting in his car once a month to take copies of our papers to addresses within the hamlet
He said he had enjoyed his trips out to local houses such as Langley Priory
“I’ve met some nice people,” he said “I’ll miss the cups of tea and chatting to people! It has been an enjoyable experience meeting them ”
Born and bred in Melbourne, Ron was friends with Andrew Jackson for all his life as fellow members of the town’s well-known market gardening community
Having moved to Isley Walton in 2010, he was asked by Andrew if he would deliver 38 copies of our paper to homes in the area every month
The Village Voice is very grateful to Ron and to all our willing army of deliverers for taking 6,200 copies of the paper to households in many villages including Melbourne, Ticknall, Breedon, Smisby, Aston and Weston on Trent
If anyone would like to take on the Isley Walton round, please do get in touch with us on ads@melbournevillagevoice co uk or news@melbournevillagevoice co uk, or you can leave a message for Lucy Stephens on 01332 863181
UNIVERSITY of Derby researcher Dr Carly Butler is asking Village Voice readers if they would like to take part in a treesrelated project For her research, Dr Butler is running focus groups and would like to hear from people who live in, near, visit of use the National Forest These will ask people their experience of local trees, will be held online and last up to an hour Participants must be 18 and over and there will be a £10 gift voucher for taking part
For information, contact Carly Butler: c butler2@derby ac uk by Lucy
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CONGREGATION members from one of Melbourne’s churches, along with visitors from far and wide, have helped raise more than £1,000 for victims of terrible earthquakes this year Leaders at the United Reformed Church decided they must try to help those affected by devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria in February
In a few weeks the church has raised £1,100 for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Turkey-Syria Earthquake Appeal Funds have been raised from a coffee morning, a lent lunch, donations, and the second hand book and jigsaw sale that takes place in the church hall every Thursday
Margaret Loydall, who has been secretary of the United Reformed Church for the past 61 years, said that fellow congregation members had been so appalled by scenes of devastation from Turkey and Syria that a fund-raising appeal was quickly organised
“The pictures we have seen on the television, it was really almost unbelievable to think that people are going through that,” she said
“You couldn’t find words to describe it
really, and we decided we wanted to do something about it – and that’s what we did
“We arranged it very quickly, and gave it out on our church notices, and our church responded in a big way ”
Margaret said the church’s Thursday book and jigsaw sale regularly attracted many visitors from outside Melbourne, and from as far afield as Scotland and Wales
During Covid, the sale was brought back as soon as regulations permitted, but was held outside until it could be taken back indoors
As well as attracting people from outside the area, it is also popular with local folk, said Margaret, adding: “A lot of local people use it for somewhere to come in and have a chat ”
The church’s next fund-raising efforts will be put towards the oncology department at Royal Derby Hospital Church members have started giving out tubes of Smarties for people to enjoy, so that the empty tube can be filled up with 20 pence pieces
“Every family has got someone with cancer which affects them and they go to that department, so we are raising money for that,” Margaret said
LEFT: Elvis, aka Bob Badwal, belts out one of his hits.
BELOW: Rev Tony Luke and his daughter Charlotte
ELVIS was in the building – also known as All Saints’ Church in Aston-on-Trent – for a concert that raised well over £1,000 for good causes
As reported in February’s Village Voice, church vicar Rev Tony Luke is also chaplain for Derby County Football Club, and is travelling to Kenya with the club’s community trust later this year to work with children
in schools in impoverished parts of Nakuru
Tony said: “The concert was a resounding success and thoroughly enjoyed by all those who attended. We sold out with two weeks to go!
“The star of the show was undoubtedly Elvis, aka Bob Badwal, supported by my daughter, Charlotte and me, plus two young singers, Satia Badwal and
Ellie-May Astbury.
“All Saints' Church is a superb venue for concerts, and the atmosphere was heightened by the wonderful lighting design, produced by Chris Gorman.”
After clearing expenses, the concert raised enough for a £250 donation to the Turkey and Syria Earthquake Appeal as well as over £1,000 for Rams in Kenya
by Lucy Stephens
A DEDICATED member of staff at Melbourne Junior School has retired from her job after more than a quarter of a century.
Julie Abbott is a familiar face to many local families because of her work as business manager at the junior school on Packhorse Road, her friendly smile greeting parents and children from the desk in the front office every day
She has now decided to retire after 26 years in the job - and said though she will miss everyone she used to see every day, she is ready for the next set of adventures in her life
Julie started at the junior school in January 1997 and has since then seen four head teachers in the job, the first one when she started being Chris Tilley
So what has changed over the years?
“Quite a lot,” said Julie “Everything was all done on paper, the registers were all paper registers, and obviously that’s all gone on to computers now
“I think the job is more diverse now, there’s so much now with legislation and things like GDPR, whereas back then you just got on with it and did it, basically!
“It’s very diverse, just because there is so much you do in your job You deal with parents, personnel, finance, everything that’s encompassed in the role People sometimes think that it’s just parents and teachers but it’s far wider than that ”
Julie started working at Melbourne Junior
School when her daughters Laura and Suzi were pupils in years five and three She began her working life in a bank, but had then moved to being a business manager at Shelton Infant School, her father having been the head at Shel-
Some things have remained the same over the years at Melbourne Juniors The uniform remains unchanged, as do the names of the school houses
But, as with any school, what changes are the children and families who move up every year
“Those children who were at the school when I started, some of their children are now there, so it’s that next generation,” said Julie
“It’s nice to see what they are doing now they are grown up and in their 30s, how they are progressing in their jobs and what they have done since they were at school Some of them have got really good jobs – that’s really great to see ”
With her role based in the front office, Julie said part of her job over the years has involved being a listening ear
“I hope I have made a difference in some people’s lives,” she said
But she said that despite being sad to leave and say goodbye, at the age of 63 it was the right time to sign out of the register and move on to new things
“I think as you get a bit older you realise there’s more to life – there’s so much I want to do,” she said
With plans to go on holidays, including a trip to America, she said she will enjoy being at home and enjoying a full week of activities including swimming – which she does three or four times a week – and walking her dog
“I’ll miss the people for sure,” she said “Melbourne has been part of my life – when I walk into Melbourne, everybody says hello ”
Julie enjoyed a slap-up leaving do with colleagues past and present at The Dragon in Willington
A MUM and son are getting their running shoes on in aid of local hospice Treetops in memory of a much-loved nan from Melbourne who gave many hours of counselling to the highly valued charity
Heather Gould, and 18-yearold son Dan, are running in the forthcoming Derby 10k in memory of Margaret Stanford, who was Heather ’s mum
Margaret was ‘outgoing, loving and a force of nature’, Heather, 54, explained: “Mum was quite simply fabulous Her answer was always ‘yes; what’s the question?’
“She’d go to the moon and back for anyone she cared for and she was the kind of nan that would sneak chocolates to her grandkids as they came out of school
“Mum was widowed in her mid-40s when my dad died from bowel cancer My brother and I were just teenagers at the time and her whole world collapsed Her many wonderful friends and her work as a bank cashier kept her together in that darkest of times and helped her find ways to deal with the huge gap that had opened up in her life ”
Several years later, it was through friends, that Margaret met Graham, who became her life partner for almost 30 years The couple enjoyed caravanning, holidays abroad and ‘led a life full to the brim’ ”
After the couple moved to Melbourne from Wolverhampton in 2003, Margaret started volunteering for Risley-based Treetops Hospice She trained as a volunteer bereavement counsellor
Heather said: “It was mum’s long-held wish to give back something from the awfulness of her experience of losing my dad, and counselling was her real calling
“For over 20 years, mum supported countless men and
women through the loss of partners, wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and brothers and sisters She had such compassion and an empathy she was clearly born to share She helped them in their darkest times and places
“As a family, we will forever remain super proud of all her work at Treetops It is a source of great comfort to us to know there are hundreds of families who were supported by mum ”
Margaret was diagnosed with cervical cancer in February 2021 and died just six months later aged 79
Heather explained why running the Derby 10k was so important to her and Dan –despite admitting being ‘built for comfort not speed’:
“It’s been an amazing comfort and positive force to fund-raise in mum’s memory It’s been an excellent way to deal with our anger and frustration and all the emotions that come with the loss of such a dear family member,” she said
Last year, Heather organised a ‘Great Swish’ bring-and-buy fund-raiser where second hand clothing, bags and unwanted gifts were sold and swapped The event raised over £700 for the end-of-life charity, and Heather plans to organise the event again this year
Heather ’s daughter, Rachel, is also running the Cambridge Half Marathon in memory of her Nan
The Derby 10k takes place on Sunday, March 26, and is suitable for all running abilities
The course begins and ends at Pride Park Stadium taking in the sights of the city centre
Treetops Hospice welcomes other runners to sign up and run for the charity
Runners are asked to pledge to raise £108 or more in sponsorship which helps pay for one night of Hospice at Home nursing care
Treetops runners will each receive a branded running techshirt, fund-raising support and resources
Treetops has a number of charity places available in different running events throughout the UK this year
For information, head to www treetops org uk/derby10k or email treetopsevents@treetops org uk
This year, Treetops Hospice is celebrating 40 years of caring for people and their families in the local community
During this time, the hospice has supported thousands of patients with end-of-life nursing care and bereavement counselling
ABOVE: Margaret with her grandchildren Dan and Rachel BELOW: Margaret receiving a Treetops long service award from Former Mayor of Erewash Cllr Chris Corbett, who presented the awards in 2018
MELBOURNE has seen a fair few new developments over recent years.
Hundreds of new houses have been built
Old iconic buildings such as the Liberal Club on Derby Road, and the former shoe factory a few doors down, have been brilliantly turned into the uber-stylish Amalfi White and Turaa Restaurant, complete with fresh new wall art Melbourne Carpets, now Leddy’s Restaurant on High Street, is the latest transformation to take place
But nothing is quite so full of sheer exuberance and fun as the selection of beautiful old vehicles-turned glamping pods currently gathering on two pieces of land near Melbourne Hall
Here you’ll find an old Maltese bus, a boat, an American school bus, a fire truck, and an
by Lucy Stephens
old Citroen van – one of only 13 of its type ever made There’s even a helicopter
It’s all courtesy of TV comedian and artist
Johnny Vegas who has brought his “Field of Dreams” to Melbourne Hall
So why Melbourne?
“I’d done a gig at Melbourne when they had the comedy nights,” he explains “We were looking at potential sites and we met up with Roger (Lowe, of Stable Ales) at Melbourne
“It was just like something out of a picture postcard! We looked around and I think we all came away going ‘It’s going to be hard to beat – I don’t think we’ll be able to top that’!”
Johnny says he’s excited to be bringing his
vision for glamping in quirkily re-purposed v hicles – some of which are extremely rare –Melbourne And he thinks our village is ju the ticket for what he wants his site to be
“You have just got everything within a fe minutes’ walk,” he says
Which are the vehicles that have been t most popular to book? Has he a favourite?
Patricia, the first vehicle that John bought, will always be very close to his hea he says The former Maltese bus has been lo ingly designed by him personally and it named after his dear late mum
“They have got personalities,” he mus “It’s really sweet seeing who is drawn to wh vehicle Families go crazy for Skoolie (t American school bus) I love Dino, by the lak
The fire truck young adventurous coupl
I adore Billy the Snail He’s compact and bijou Puma, the helicopter – that’s the one I’m really excited about!”
Johnny’s early memories of camping trips will strike a chord with many other experiences of us Brits toughened up in our youth by rain-soaked fields and less than well insulated tents: “In Wales, in a gale, in a field, a twin shower block, the tent rips, we spent the entire night looking at the stars, getting rained on, and Dad was like: ‘You’re not having a shower until 6am!” he recalls with a chuckle
While his own Field of Dreams offers a clearly more luxurious experience, it still taps into the increasingly contemporary idea – which back in the 1970s was a necessity for most people before the arrival of budget airlines – that a staycation in our
own UK is just as good as jetting off abroad
“I just find it far more relaxing not having to pack a passport,” says Johnny
With so much to offer Field of Dreams guests in Melbourne, what has he particularly enjoyed on his trips here?
Johnny’s spent time chatting to locals in Stable Ales and The Spirit Vaults, and says he’s enjoyed walking up into the main village, picking up two fox toys as presents in children’s shop Lucky + Gray, that he says were very happily received!
Meanwhile, he says he is looking forward to being part of this community that has made him and his glamping site feel very welcome
“I never set out to run a business because I’m not business minded,” he says
“If we can provide this opportunity for
people, they’ll always remember when they stayed in a school bus or stayed in a helicopter We can do that in a nice environment
“Lord and Lady Ralph Kerr have been absolutely wonderful with us They have welcomed us with open arms
“We are so appreciative to have a home that’s somewhere as beautiful as Melbourne; we are looking forward to being part of the community
“You can tell it’s a village with a lot of pride in itself and what it does
“We are the same with the buses and how we restore them and we care for them We only want to enhance what’s already there because what’s already there is perfect ” And here’s to that
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RANGERS at Calke Abbey have been helping the future take root by planting 164 new trees.
The planting scheme was grant funded by and designed in partnership with the National Forest Company to increase the wood pasture habitat on the Calke estate
The estate is approximately 1,000 hectares, made up of woodland, wood pasture, hay meadows, wetlands, and tenanted farmland, with acres of this accessible for visitors to explore
Wooden tree guards were installed last summer, ready for the winter tree planting season
A team of volunteer rangers, led by Calke’s rangers, then planted the trees in December and January
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were planted, including oak, small leaf lime, sweet chestnut, black walnut, horse chestnut, field maple, and hornbeam The National Trust says that establishing a variety of trees is particularly essential to increase resilience to diseases and climate change; it also reflects the historical planting on the estate
ture, supporting hundreds of species ”
Rob Cleaver, forest creation manager at the National Forest Company, said: “Wood pasture is a nationally important habitat For more than a decade we’ve been supporting landowners to create wood pasture and parkland, with the animal welfare, biodiversity and landscape benefits they can deliver ”
granted by the National Forest Company has been vital for this work as, without their support, these trees wouldn’t have been planted this year This is crucial as trees take a long time to establish, which is the first step in creating wood pasture
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Area ranger Meurig Palin said: “We have seen several different plant pathogens affect our trees over the years, with the ash dieback we’re currently dealing with being a clear example We don’t know what diseases we may face in the future, so having a good range of species means that our tree population is more resilient to the challenges that may come along ”
The primary focus of the project is growing open grown trees and creating wood pasture habitat, that has been lost across large swathes of the landscape
“Not all trees are of equal value,” Meurig said “A tree that gets to grow in the open can be more valuable than just another tree in a woodland It will have a chance to develop a full canopy and become a veteran tree of the fu-
Experts say that “long lived” trees are particularly significant, as they create niches of habitat including deadwood, small holes, and fissured bark that can accumulate the hundreds of species that live on them
Meurig said: “It’s not just about how many trees can we get in the ground but about how can we create a sustainable lasting legacy that will make a difference in the future ”
The scheme also fits in with Calke’s 50-year vision, which is partly focused on expanding the amount of wood pasture across the estate This is a key habitat at Calke that is particularly nature rich and is the reason Calke Park is designated as a National Nature Reserve Meurig said: “Funding
“We’re delighted to help the National Trust deliver their 50year vision for Calke, with habitat creation and management on a significant scale,” said Rob, adding: “Our grants are designed to be easy to navigate as it really does matter that we take action as soon as possible ”
Similar planting took place last year in the fields near Middle Lodge, which are also in early stages of eventually becoming wood pasture There are also many other significant trees through the parkland that serve as essential habitats to diverse species, including the Old Man of Calke
The ranger team will continue to care for these trees while their root systems are establishing In summer, if there are any long periods of drought, the team will be watering each tree and replanting any that have failed in winter
STANDING in for the chair at this year ’s Melbourne Parish Council AGM, vicechair Cllr Nigel Collyer said it was always a pleasure to commence the annual business with the Dr Freeman Award, given each year to someone who has made a significant difference to the life of the village
This year ’s award was presented by Mrs Elizabeth Freeman to Andy Heafield for his involvement in the Queen’s Jubilee event in 2022
Andy said he was one of a team of four who worked on the event and, as the other three were councillors and could not receive the award, he proudly accepted it on behalf of all the team He went on to say the event was a fantastic occasion which had brought all the community together
The formal part of the annual meeting followed with reports from the various sub-committees, with Cllr Collyer having a prominent role to play covering not only the chair ’s report, but also that of planning and strategy, and the burials sub-group
Overall, the reports gave the impression of a busy council diligently covering a range of responsibilities, with many of the long-standing problems in the village still causing frustrations Parking, dog fouling, speeding, and antisocial behaviour all had a regular airing in the reports
The public questions section of the meeting was dominated by a group of residents who voiced concerns about reported plans by Forestry England to remove the fences at Poppy Wood Commerce Street resident Michael King de-
by Frank Hughesscribed it as “trouble brewing” as the area was well used by dog owners and horse riders in the village, and the removal of fences would cause problems Another local, Liz Hepplewhite, said that as the hedges were permeable, the fences were needed to keep dogs off the main roads, as “not everyone has their dog under control” She also mentioned problems on the bridle path
Notwithstanding that Poppy Wood was in Stanton by Bridge parish, Cllr Collyer – acknowledging the strength of opinion – proposed that the issue was referred to the relevant subcommittee to discuss and to decide if any further action was appropriate
The menace of anti-social behaviour, which had come to prominence with groups of young people causing damage and fear, was discussed in the subsequent regular meeting
District Cllr Martin Fitzpatrick said he had discussed the issue with the police, who would ensure a heavier police presence on Friday evening He also said there were other measures the police could introduce, such as requiring groups to disperse, but they were reluctant to invoke these at the moment There was a need to ensure all incidents of ASB were reported (calling 101) so that the scale of the problem could be properly addressed
In other business Kings Newton’s residents had raised concerns on speeding through the village, plans for the Coronation Day event were on track, and a new committee structure for the council was being considered
CREATIVE Melbourne Gallery’s latest exhibition
“Street Life” which opened at the beginning of the month with work from new and exciting regional artists, is one not to miss, writes Frank Hughes
The theme celebrates urban landscapes and reflects on the bustle of daily life in our cities
Ian Patrick Palmer brings to life through his sculptures memories of ‘the working man’ who was ubiquitous in factories, coal mines, shipyards, wearing cloth caps and steel-capped boots
Tim Rose specialises in cityscapes and buildings, capturing familiar images as diverse as a carwash and the inside of St Paul’s Oliver Lovely, who is based in Nottingham, is a location artist who sketches images in cafes, pubs, stations or football grounds and then recreates and reworks them in oil to produce work of detailed expression and texture Howie Johnson is a photography artist, who lets you focus through his lens, on familiar buildings or objects and enjoy their beauty
With work also from Kat Christou, Michelle Holmes, Mark Langley, Steven McLoughlin, Peter Watson, Rob Wilson and other Melbourne Festival Artists including Andrew Mason and Anna Roebuck, the exhibition is quite special and is a “must see”
It runs until April 8
Two new exciting projects are being launched by the gallery to further focus on the community aspirations
One will provide the opportunity for younger artists to join the resident artists and to set up their own practice based in the “spaces to create” A second will focus on bringing more creative opportunities to the community
It is hoped that additional grant funding can be obtained to bring in two project leaders to realise these ideas
l Andy Heafield receives the award from Elizabeth Freeman
SOUTH Derbyshire MP Heather Wheeler took herself back to school for an hour or two when she visited Aston-on-Trent Primary
The MP, who joined one school assembly and then took time to chat to the head teacher, said: “Assemblies are a good way to see all the pupils in a school They do bring together the school into a community and I remember them well from my school days “I was also able to have a good catch up with the head teacher, Sam Moore
“This type of catch-up is very useful so that I can bring the issues and thoughts of schools back to Westminster I am able to garner a good idea of the successes as well as the strains and stresses of running a primary school The school is the heart of the village and epitomises why Aston village is such a popular place to live ”
Sam Moore said: “It was great to welcome Heather Wheeler Heather spoke to children from reception to year 6 about the importance of democracy, making a difference and British Values Our children also enjoyed hearing about ' a day in the life of an MP’ which they found very interesting!”
VERY poorly children rushed to Derby and Burton hospitals in an emergency will be helped to smile a little thanks to comfort packs donated by Melbourne charity me&dee.
The charity is donating the packs as a gesture of support for families who arrive at the hospital with poorly youngsters in an emergency and may have nothing with them – like a cuddly toy or distracting game It is also providing packs for parents to provide some comfort in what can be heartrending situations, when even something as simple as a cup of tea can offer a grain of support
Fran Watson, a senior play specialist at Royal Derby Hospital, said: “These packs will be really helpful because a lot of our parents and children come without anything as it’s an emergency and sometimes they get transferred out to another hospital
“You come at once because your child is ill, and parents can often forget about themselves too You get caught up in the emotional rollercoaster of what your child is coming in for ”
Children’s comfort packs provided by me&dee will include an age-appropriate activity, book, toothbrush, toothpaste and fl l Th ill l i l d b b H
small lion cuddly keepsake, or baby Hope elephant The cuddly elephants – an animal chosen because an elephant famously never forgets – contain a voice recorder in the ear so that siblings or other family members can record their voice to comfort children in hospital when they cannot be there alongside them
Parents’ packs will hold toiletries, tissues, instant tea, coffee, milk and a soup mix, so that mums, dads or other carers can at least use a new hospital’s hot water supply to make themselves a drink
They will also have a notebook and pen to make notes when talking to staff and write down things needed for a relative to bring in Fran, who has known me&dee founder Maria Hanson MBE for 15 years, said:
“Maria is such a lovely person I’ve known her ever since she started up me&dee Over the years she has supported me, to in turn pport families in such a massive way In me ways, she’s the first port of call for me he supports me in anything that I ask her r
“The soft toy and book in the children’s mfort packs are just the sorts of things at children will have left behind when ey’re rushed in A comfort pack might be mple, but for a parent and a child who ts one, it will just make them smile a lite bit and it will make them feel that they e not on their own, and somebody’s ought about them
“For patients who have experienced e&dee, there aren’t enough words to exain the gratitude they have Whatever e difficulties and the challenges you may ve, Maria’s always able to make things tter She’s just a very special lady ” Maria, whose charity helps provide comrt and memory making activities for fames who – due to serious illness – are cing a potentially short and certainly un-
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DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL, SOUTH DERBYSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL AND MELBOURNE PARISH COUNCIL
Your County, District & Parish Councillors’ surgeries are on SATURDAY 8 APRIL at The Assembly Rooms, Melbourne - 11am - 12 noon
They are also available on phone or email:
MARTIN FITZPATRICK (District) 07710 030187/01332 862323
martin.fitzpatrick@southderbyshire.gov.uk
JIM HEWLETT (District) 07979 976860/01332 863927
jim.hewlett@southderbyshire.gov.uk
DAVID MULLER (County) 07415 720360/01283 384112
david.muller@derbyshire.gov.uk
WHISTLEWOOD will be starting up the community garden volunteering on Tuesday mornings this spring, so keep an eye out on our Facebook page to see when it starts. You might want to learn about growing edibles.
You might not have your own garden space, or have had an allotment in the past but it became too much to keep up with on your own Join our green fingered crew to get outside and get growing and be part of a community who are into healthy eating and value seasonal food.
If we grow our own food or buy locally grown food we are helping to strengthen our food security. The interest in community gardening and food-growing locally is exploding as more people become concerned about the cost of living crisis, threats to trade links across the world and food insecurities brought on by climate change.
There’s a phrase which is going around at the moment and that is ‘Our food system is broken’. We’ve seen evidence of this on the super-
market shelves recently I hope it is bringing it home to people that we might not be able to rely on certain foods being available all the time
We need to rethink the food choices we make when shopping. This country does not have food sovereignty; the food system is in crisis.
Large food corporations are using up about 70 per cent of the world’s land to produce about 30 per cent of the world’s food. They also produce food for animal feed and biofuels using all the world’s commercially produced fertiliser and wasting tons of water Check out Pat Mooney and his ETC group who monitor the impacts of, among other things, agriculture around the world
We need to educate ourselves about what these multi-nationals are doing and keep monitoring and questioning their data on food production. Most of the food they produce is then highly processed and contains too much salt, sugar and fat. Not to mention the cost to the earth and environment of the industrial agricul-
certain future together, said: “For the children, the packs are intended to be a diversion They’ve got something to cuddle, something to read and something to make
“In cases where there are extremely poorly children, a child may be on a clinic at one hospital, potentially just visiting as an outpatient, but find themselves being transferred with a parent or carer at a moment’s notice to another hospital Or they may be on a clinic and admitted to a ward as an emergency
“The parent will have nothing with them and be totally unprepared, left with just their handbag, perhaps not even any cash with them, for 24 hours until they can remedy that ”
In 2023 me&dee is appealing to local businesses to adopt them as their charity of the year One comfort pack costs £25 and businesses are able to pledge support at very little cost per month, while achieving benefits themselves in terms of fulfilling increasingly important corporate social responsibility
For more information on how to support me&dee fulfil its important work comforting families going through sad times together, see www meanddee co uk
tural processes, packaging and transportation. The cost of this ‘convenient’ food is the cost of climate collapse and massive carbon emissions.
After talking to some older people recently about gardening, they all said lots of salad items today don’t taste of anything. When they remember eating tomatoes grown by their grandparents, they said they tasted incredible.
The loss of taste in these foods shows us the vitamin content is very low; varieties are very limited and selected for shelf life and size, and then they’re picked before they’re ripe! Give up on tomatoes out of season, you’d get more vitamins from making a salsa from tinned tomatoes. Thinking about what food choices you are making in your weekly shop and trying to grow your own food collectively with others will benefit your health, both mental and physical … and your pocket! –
ASTON players took to the stage once again with a wonderful performance of Treasure Island, which brought plenty of smiles and laughter to the village’s memorial hall.
From producer Delia Gascoigne playing the part of the parrot –hobbling and complaining of aches and pains, leading to her being sadly unable to sit on the shoulder of a suitably piratical John Sibley playing Long John Silver – to a fabulous pantomime dame, Ma Hawkins, played by Paul Makinson, this was a production that bore all the traditional highlights of a good oldfashioned British panto, complete
with the always-necessary audience participation in the form of a sing-along and culminating in a riotous water pistol fight
With the part of the young hero Jim Hawkins perfectly portrayed by Ingrid Gascoigne, who melted hearts alongside fiancé Jenny – as played by Ava Chetwyn – with a beautifully sung duet, the Aston Players as usual left a warm feeling in the hearts of their audience over five performances spread over three days
As with all the best panto, the freewheeling plot took in all the famous elements of Treasure Island –pirates, a map, and the prospect of
Continuing until Saturday 8 April:
Creative Melbourne Gallery Exhibition
Wellington House, Church Street, Melbourne. Open: Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. See ad on page 3.
Saturday 18 March:
Coffee Morning
10am - noon. United Reformed Church Hall, High Street, Melbourne.
Sunday 19 March:
untold riches – via a Bake Off inspired journey featuring the fine ladies of the WI, a cake-making competition, much switching of roles, and, of course, the dreaded black spot.
Raising many laughs from the audience was Tim Howell playing the part of Squire Trelawney, with his enthusiastic leading of the audience singing, while Liz Holme seemed perfectly at home in her role as WI president-turned pirate
With around 350 tickets sold, proceeds from the panto will be split between the local air ambulance charity and Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough.
TICKETS are now on sale for the historic Derbyshire County Show at Elvaston Showground, and organisers have introduced an early bird offer to entice people to book in advance
The annual event will take place on June 25 featuring a mixture of prize-winning livestock, local food producers, rural crafts and fun for all the family
It follows a highly successful event last year, when thousands of people took advantage of the summer weather to attend the show, which was being held for the first time in two years because of Covid
This year ’s event, which is the 141st show, will offer a blend of new and much-loved attractions, including Shetland Pony racing, a gundog display, a companion dog show and a parade of vintage tractors
Alongside domestic pets, visitors to the show can also expect all the traditional elements that have become the norm, including livestock, agriculture and countryside living
Edward Hicklin, chairman of Derbyshire Agricultural and Horticultural Society, which organises the show, said: “The county show has a very grand history stretching back to 1860 and we have a proud reputation to uphold, staging an event which has something for every member of the family and celebrates all that is good about the countryside on the city’s doorstep
“When a show is staged almost every year for more than 140 years it has to evolve and we are embracing technology with a new website and online ticketing, as well as new attractions such as the Trampoline Wall Stunt Show ”
The Derbyshire County Show began life as the Derbyshire Agricultural Show in 1860, when it was established by a group of
COMEDY is back at Melbourne Sporting Partnership, on Friday, March 31, for another night of fun and laughter
Topping the bill at the Festival Funhouse Comedy Club is winner of Best Act in the Midlands Comedy Awards 2016, the exciting and energetic Duncan Oakley He “powers out a clever blend of stupidity mixed with impressive musicianship that yields hilarious results His easy confidence and
Whistlewood Common 10am - 12 noon. Learn the “clippy” method of this old craft. £25 for 18+ and £15 for 8+. www.shop.whistlewoodcommon.org
Saturday 25 March:
Coffee Morning
10am - noon. Roman Catholic Church, St Mary’s Hall, Church Street, Melbourne.
Hot Cross Buns, Cakes, Craft Stall selling wool-fabric-jewellery items and lots of card making items, Easter Cards
Saturday 1 April:
Coffee Morning
10am - noon. Methodist ChurchWesley Hall, Potter Street, Melbourne.
Saturday 8 April:
Coffee Morning
10am - noon. Baptist Church Schoolroom, Chapel Street, Melbourne.
Sunday 14 April:
with Sarah of Little Trees. Whistlewood Common. 10.30am - 12 noon. £10 for five to 13s, and £3 for siblings and under fives. www.shop.whistlewoodcommon.org
Wednesday 19 April - Saturday 22 April: Melbourne Operatic Society proudly presents The Sorcerer
Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton, 7.30pm See ad on page 9.
landowners and farmers led by Dr John Hitchman
The emphasis has changed over the years from showcasing predominantly agricultural activities and equipment to organising a more all-round day-out for everyone
Children are admitted free of charge and as well as fairground rides and ice cream there are plenty of opportunities to learn about animals and the countryside
Tickets purchased in advance cost £10 for adults, while entrance for accompanied under 16s is free of charge Tickets are available online by visiting www derbyshirecountyshow org uk
Car parking at the event will be free
good natured banter leaves the crowd wanting more”
Opening the night will be the 2014 English Comedian of the Year winner, Jack Campbell His distorted logic and amusing anecdotes are both unique and appealing Also appearing is cheeky banter merchant Lovdev Barpaga whose deadpan oneliners are delivered with confidence and warmth
Compere for the night will be the appealing Carl Jones, who has a natural ability of telling humorous stories, which draw the entire audience in As ever the night will be made by the friendly banter with the audience which can occasionally stretch from the bizarre to the surreal!
All proceeds from the night go to support Melbourne Festival
Picture: EDITH STEPHENS
MELBOURNE Rugby Club is hoping that the new facility erected adjacent to the playing field will be ready for the start of next season to provide much needed storage and welfare facilities near to the playing areas
Ian Lucas, chair of the directors of the club, said that good progress was being made to realise this long overdue project He explained that the club had grown massively over recent years, with the expansion of the senior and junior teams, along with the minis and the girls’ sections Different equipment was needed for every level of the game, even down to differing sized match balls, and having easy access to storage was a priority for the club, he said
He also explained that they needed to have toilets nearer to the pitches, especially for the younger players when “chaperoning” comfort trips to the loo were needed for adequate safeguarding
“Getting the storage and the toilets in place is a priority for us,”
Ian said
Funds for the project have come partly from a £25,000 grant from South Derbyshire District Council but mainly from club fund-raising To minimise costs, friends and supporters of the club have been involved in the construction and fit-out There is a ‘buy a brick’ campaign to raise further funds, and the club would be happy to hear from anyone in the community who would like to be involved in any way A pledge form is available at shorturl at/aqvwW
MELBOURNE Dynamo’s senior first football team continued their charge to the Macron Store Nottinghamshire Division 1 West title in February.
They began the month with a hard fought 1-1 draw at home to Heanor Town Reserves with a Charlie Tovell strike earning them a share of the spoils
Goals from Dynamo youngsters Oscar Supple and Olly Walsh saw the first team go top of the league with a 2-1 away win
against Holbrook Angels They consolidated that position in their last game of the month as they put Rowsley 86 to the sword with a stunning 8-2 home win Braces from Charlie Tovell and Conor Poynton plus finishes by Jack Goodband and James Smith to go with two own goals completed the rout and left Adam Dolman’s team top of the table with two months of the season to go Melbourne Dynamo Reserves had a diffi-
cult month which began with a 2-2 home draw against Sleetmoor Utd as the visitors scored a last minute equaliser Goals from Harry Foxon and Olly Walsh had earlier given Dynamo a 2-1 lead A hard fought game away to Newhall Utd in the Challenge Cup ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat but a better performance versus high flying Bargate Rovers at home the week after earned a 1-1 draw as Sam Simpson got on the scoresheet
WOMEN who would like to have a go at softball cricket are being urged to try out the game at Melbourne Sports Park Training sessions for ladies’ softball cricket are back up and running at the MSP and any women who are interested can go along on Monday evenings
The female softball club has a new dedicated coach and would love to see more women give the game a try.
The women’s softball team at Melbourne saw its first ever season in 2022 and took part in its inaugural cricket festival in Aston-on-Trent after only three training sessions.
Now the club is hoping to build on last year ’s success by attracting some more players to join them.
Taster sessions are being held up to the end of this month at the tennis courts at the MSP from 5 45pm to 7pm on Mondays, and ladies of all abilities are very welcome.
For more information call Sara Oxspring on 07469 395889 or Louise Malkin on 07975 558506
l Melbourne Dynamo FC’s first team: (back row, left to right) Noah Trivett, Matt Jones, Oscar Supple, Charlie Tovell, James Smith, Tom Cox, Conor Poynton, Ollie Walsh, Isaac Gosling, Lewis Hughes, Owen Morrell; (front row left to right) Greg Salisbury (coach), Adam Dolman (joint manager), Jack Goodband, Carl Allsop (captain), Macauley Jones (vice-captain) Gavin Salisbury (joint manager) and Alan Buxton (coach).
l The ladies softball team in a training session at the MSP (above) and pictured (left) in their 2022 debut season.
