Melbourne Village Voice December 2011

TOWN’SNEWYEAR REVOLUTION

"A SPECIAL DAY for Melbourne", was how John Harrison greeted the news that two long awaited projects –the transfer of the running of the Bill Shone Leisure Centre to a new arts and leisure group, and the agreement to allow the Melbourne Sporting Partnership (MSP) to take over the lease of the Cockshut Lane sports fields –seem almost certain to go ahead early in the New Year.

The Sporting Partnership will mean an investment from the District Council of £1m, which, with an ongoing cost of well over £30,000 towards the upkeep of the Leisure Centre, should "have a major impact on meeting the sport, culture leisure and community demands in Melbourne and the surrounding areas", as the district council stated.

The Housing and Community Services Committee of South Derbyshire District Council has agreed unanimously to recommend to the full council that both long standing projects, which have been under discussion for several years, should be given the full go-ahead.

The final transfer of the running and future development of the Bill Shone Leisure Centre is likely to be made during January –about three years after the first proposals were made to the Melbourne Parish Council in December 2008.

The intention is that the New Melbourne Community Group will become the Melbourne Community Group Ltd, a non-profit company limited by guarantee. The lease transfer will initially be for five years, with an agreement in principle to extend the lease to 30 years.

This extended lease would be dependent on the company being able to access cultural and leisure funding, which, crucially, cannot be accessed by elected councils.

The Melbourne Sporting Partnership was first proposed nearly five years ago at a meeting chaired by the then Vicar of Melbourne, Dr. John Davies.

Over the last few years, a very strong committtee has emerged, under the chairmanship of John Harrison, who is both a county and district councillor. Work on levelling pitches is already in hand to a value of £175,000 by accepting many tonnes of landfill from the Station Road development and elsewhere.

The various sporting clubs have come together, on the basis that collectively they can create facilities unaffordable to each club.

Alex Slater, a leading cricketer, footballer and tennis player said: "We needed to come together, to provide all the clubs with the sporting facilities we so badly need to bring us into the 21st century."

Although the district council will kick start the scheme with the initial £1m, it is expected that the the new nonprofit making company, with charitable status – successor to the MSP – will be able to access funds from various sporting bodies and charities. A decision is expected on both projects on January 12.

Time to all come together

FOR MANY people it is going to be a difficult time over Christmas, but one thing is certain: everyone will try to forget their tribulations and come together to enjoy the great annual family and community festival.

This is a time that illustrates and strengthens that community togetherness which is such a feature of Melbourne and the surrounding villages.

Everyone loves to see Melbourne fully illuminated with a Christmas tree and all the lovely coloured lights – such magic for the children.

Church services, Christmas gatherings of all sorts, dinners and lunches, carols round the tree, concerts of bands and choirs, started in late November with a new-look Late Night Shopping which has been so successful. The Rotary Club has maintained its tradition of a Santa sleigh round the area, to raise funds for local children.

We at the Village Voice wish our readers and everyone who has supported us during a difficult year a very happy and peaceful Christmas, with renewed hope for better times in 2012.

TOWN CRYER for the night John Starkey, of the Melbourne Cobbler, led the parade from Budgens to the Market Place for the official switching-on of the Christmas lights for the Melbourne Late Night Shopping Event. John also performed the role of MC for the evening.

■ See Pages 14/15 for the full report and more pictures.

We rely on many people to provide us with news and specialist reports, send us letters, write sports reports, and tell us of important family anniversaries. We are also very dependent on a host of volunteers who provide us with a door to door delivery service. Thank you one and all for for your hugely appreciated help and support, without which we could not publish.

We are very aware, too, that our advertisers provide the financial basis for our publication. We thank you for your continued loyalty in these hard times.

A date with Darwin

DR PAUL Elliott, a reader in Local History at Derby University, visited Melbourne Civic Society and told the compelling story of the establishment of the Derby Philosophical Society in 1784 by Erasmus Darwin, who lived in Full Street, Derby.

His aim was to stimulate discussion about literature and the sciences, and eminent thinkers such as William Strutt, Thomas Gisborne, Herbert Spencer and Joseph Wright were involved.

A Lending Library of all the current publications on natural and experimental science was set up to stimulate discussion and experiment.

So keen was the group to be in the forefront of modern thinking that the society's inauguration was marked by the flight of the newly invented hot air balloon.

Derby, despite being a small provincial town, could claim to be in the forefront of modern intellectual thought influencing science, industry and culture well into the 19th century.

Bill Shone Leisure Centre

The Leisure Centre will close on Saturday 24th December and reopen as normal on Tuesday 3rd January 2012. Bookings line is 01332 863522.

The Leisure Centre will be fully open throughout 2012, with exciting plans to improve the facilities for the bene t of our community.

Melbourne Parish Council and our sta wish all users of the Leisure Centre a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

THE MELBOURNE Art Festival Pop Up Gallery enjoyed some of the benefits of the Late Night Shopping event by holding a closing sale preview event on the same evening.

Many

New homes scheme under more fire

THE PLAN to build nine new homes at a site on Derby Road has come in for more criticism throughout Melbourne.

"Our committee has made it clear that nine units with no parking spaces is totally unacceptable," said Ian Turner, of the Melbourne Civic Society.

And Melbourne Parish Council has also weighed in with a firm recommendation to object to the planning application, on the grounds of the lack of parking facilities and consequent increased risk of congestion on the already heavily congested Derby Road.

Having consulted widely, the decisions of the Civic Society and Parish Council seem to reflect widespread disquiet with the application.

Both local district councillors, Jim Hewlett and John Harrison, have received several complaints about the consequences of increased traffic congestion on Derby

Road, and have decided to ensure that the application is discussed by the full (elected) planning committee, "rather than by officers under their delegated powers".

Cllr Harrison said: "The former prescriptive approach of the previous government was relaxed in January last in favour of allowing local authorities more discretion having regard to local conditions.

"We will endeavour to persuade the members of the planning committee that this application is an excessive development of the site that would materially compound the well known acute and burgeoning parking problems, both on and off street in Melbourne."

One local resident, Steve Spear, says in a letter to Village Voice that the applicant has "stated very clearly that 55 Derby Road has not been used as a car park, hiding the fact that the "yard at 55 Derby Road is and has

been used as a car park for up to 10 cars".

He believes that these 10 cars would need to find additional parking space when the accommodation was built.

Many residents believe that the new residents at 55 Derby Road would seek parking spots on or adjacent to Derby Road, thus increasing congestion. It is also believed that parking would be sought on Dunnicliffe Lane.

New number for police

DERBYSHIRE Police have launched a new telephone number to make it easier for people get in touch with the force about issues that do not need an emergency response.

People can now contact the constabulary by dialling 101, which replaces the former

Effective Maths and English tuition

0345 123 3333 non-emergency number.

The 2010 British Crime Survey found that only 54 per cent of the public know how to contact their local police if they want to talk to them about local policing issues, crime or anti-social behaviour.

It is hoped that 101 will reduce the number of inappropriate 999 calls.

History guides

AN INFORMATIVE guide to bring the history and heritage of Swadlincote to life has been produced by South Derbyshire District Council, local expert Dot Morson and history group The Magic Attic. Guides, costing 50p, are available from Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre.

of the items were on sale at significantly reduced prices, providing bargain Christmas presents.

Pictured in the temporary gallery are (l-r) Nina Spencer, Sharon Brown and Mary Smith.

■ Full Late Night Shopping round-up and pictures –Pages 14 and 15.

Thomas Cook back from his travels ...

THOMAS COOK, son of Melbourne and Victorian travel pioneer, has finally come back to his home town.

Co-Op Travel in the Market Place will shortly be rebranded as Thomas Cook, following the takeover of Co-Op Travel by this very large international company.

In the news recently as being pressed for cash, Thomas Cook have been able to borrow £100m from the banks, to tide the company over the leaner winter months.

Thomas Cook have also planned to close hundreds of branches nationwide, but Lin Bentley, manager of the Co-Op Melbourne branch for 11 years, is now clear that the prominently sited travel agent branch will stay in Melbourne, under the banner of Thomas Cook.

"I am so pleased we are not going to be closed," said Lin, who runs the branch with Claire Meredith.

Lin has just been voted amongst the top three managers in her East Midlands Group and will shortly attend a lunch in London to receive her award.

Lin is well known in the town, not only for her travel agency but also for the fact that she is a founder member of the very successful choir, the A Choir’d Taste.

"Membership of the choir has really given me great joy," she told Village Voice.

Lin has 20 years' experience in the travel industry. She is the mother of three children, and has a two-year-old grandchild. She certainly doesn't fit the stereotype of a grandmother, being slim and extremely fit.

She walks, bikes or runs every day, summer and winter, from her home in Milton to

her workplace in Melbourne. "I love the open air – I'm very aware of our carbon footprint. I really love walking in the hills," she said.

In addition Lin is a beekeeper and

with special guest the ever popular singing star Trevvie

Saturday 7th January

starring Noel Gee

Saturday 4th February

proudly says that last year she produced 80lbs of honey –most of which she gives away. She also keeps hens and grows all her own vegetables.

Monument restoration work now under way

PROGRESS is now being made on the restoration of the monument in Castle Square, on the site of Melbourne’s medieval market place which was known as Castle Green.

The work is a joint project between Melbourne Civic Society and Melbourne Parish Council. The electricity supply to the monument was cut off in mid-November and this has been followed by shot-

blasting and painting the metalwork. The stonework at the base of the structure is being re-bedded and pointed. The final stage involves reconnecting the electricity supply and installing new light fittings.

The aim is to have all the work completed for an official switchon in time for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration next year.

SATURDAY LIVE - with Pop Star Jenny Brookes and musical funny man Bruce Thomson

Tug of War

AIR SMILES ... Lin Bentley, left, and Claire Meredith still have plenty to be happy about.

Poppy Appeal tops £7,600

THE ROYAL British Legion Poppy Appeal in Melbourne this year has so far raised £7,694 with expectations that the total will finally settle around £8,000.

Melbourne's Tel and Sue Potts, who have been organising the Poppy Appeal locally and collecting for the charity for more than 20 years, are pleased with the results. "We are delighted that people have continued to contribute generously even in the current difficult financial climate," said Sue.

MELBOURNE COMMUNITY CARE SHOPPING TRIPS/RECREATIONAL OUTINGS

MINIBUS TIMETABLE - DECEMBER

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

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

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

Melton Mowbray (Market Day) 2:00

Country Living

with Robert Parker

IT HARDLY seems possible that another year has passed and by next spring there will be a six in front of my age.

What has happened to the time! The first 10years of life seem to take an age to pass but the latest 10 sped by in a flash.

I sometimes get introduced to people locally as ‘This is the chap who writes for the Village Voice’ and a few weeks ago a lady said to me: “Oh yes, you write about the weather.”

I make no excuse for that as the climate features so highly to farmers at all times. To the average man in the street (if such a person exists) the weather is just a minor inconvenience. ‘Will I get wet while taking a walk or if it rains will my car get dirty again’ are the usual weather questions, but to farmers and other professions who work out of doors it's the world and all.

2011 has been on our side for most of the time and, although crop yields were lower than average, working on the land has been an easy ride.

Obviously drought has been the major feature and here at the start of December it still continues, November breaking all

WED 14th 09:30

Burton-on-Trent 2:00

Dear Travellers,

Thank you for your support throughout 2011. We look forward to sharing "happy days" with you in 2012.

On behalf of everyone at Melbourne Community Care, We wish you all a Very Happy Christmas & Healthy & Peaceful New Year.

Victoria Hancock

O ce: Unit D, William's Yard, Derby Road, Melbourne DE73 8JR

records for warmth and rain. It’s allowed us to get all field work completed with time to spare, and a lot of cattle are still out of doors and living off grass as well as you would expect in May. In fact they never had enough to graze in May.

I was slightly amused by a pronouncement by the Environment Agency today and I quote “If we don’t get the normal amount of rain in the next few months we will be faced with a drought.” Not bad for a government quango whose budget runs into millions of pounds! Here endeth the weather talk for 2011, but I’m afraid I can’t promise not to mention it in 2012.

Last week another South Derbyshire dairy farm decided to call it a day. This time quite a large, well equipped and well-run setup which didn’t require any new investment to continue.

I don’t know the reason this time for the closure, but soon you will be able to count the number of cow farms in the locality on the fingers of one hand. At least they will have a peaceful Christmas this year.

Best wishes for the season.

£1,000 community grants up for grabs

DERBYSHIRE County Council is offering community action grants of up to £1,000 to help small voluntary, charity and community groups run projects in their area.

During the first round of grants 158 applications were received and a total of £41,257 has been awarded to 57 projects.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Public Health Carol Hart said: “We are delighted to have given over £40,000 to some very deserving causes. We know that

Christmas time at Calke

Whispers of Calke’s Christmas Past

Sat 10, Sun 11, Sat 17 and Sun 18 December, 11am 630pm (last entry 6pm)

Catch a glimpse inside the house and follow a Christmas trail to the church. Enjoy children’s crafts in Squirt’s stable, listen to seasonal music and visit Father Christmas in his grotto. As darkness falls, experience the grounds of this unique house as it is illuminated. You may wish to bring a torch.

Adult £3.50, child £2, family £11 (members free). Father Christmas grotto £350 (includes present).

Christmas Craft Show

Sat 10 and Sun 11 December, 11am 6pm

Calke will be hosting a craft show in the riding school, featuring fine crafts and unique Christmas gifts to buy.

Christmas Party Afternoon

Sat 17 December, 2pm 4pm.

Pop in to our Christmas party in the old riding school at Calke. The Ogando School of dance will entertain us, enjoy some music and play some Christmas party games.

Christmas Fine Food Fair

Sun 18 December, 11am 4pm.

Local food producers will provide delicious foods to taste and buy in the riding school. Produce on offer is grown, raised or baked within a 30 mile radius of Calke.

Mulled wine and late night shopping!

Weds 14 December, 6pm 8.00pm

Come and enjoy a glass of mulled wine, listen to some festive music in our Riding School and browse the Calke shop and Pantry for your perfect Christmas gifts. Free admission.

Seasons greetings from all of us at Calke Abbey!

Restaurant/Shop: Open daily 1030am 4pm

Calke Park & Nature Reserve: Open daily 7.30am 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

community and voluntary groups are doing vital work in their local areas and we want to support that work by encouraging even more groups to apply for the next round of funding.”

To apply for a community action grant, groups must be formally constituted. This means they must have a bank account with at least two independent signatories as well as a governing document/list of governing members and a set of rules.

The next deadline for applications is January 27, 2012.

Two groups who have benefited from the grant are the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Society, whose aim is to restore the 14-mile stretch of canal from Swarkestone towards Derby and finally into Sandiacre; and Findern Footpath group, who were recently awarded over £900 to continue working to create wildlife sites in the local area and encouraging people to get out and enjoy them.

School shield winners

ANNUAL QUIZ IS BACK IN ACTION

THE EXCITING annual Melbourne Charity Knock Out Quiz returns in the new year to brighten up Friday nights during January to March.

For 2012 there is a change of venue to the Royal Suite at the Melbourne Royal British Legion club.

Entry forms must be submitted by January 3, 2012, to Jo Carlier, 21 Selina Street, Melbourne, Derbyshire, telephone 864446 or by email to richard.carlier123@btinternet.com

The first quiz will take place on Friday January 13 at 7.30pm prompt.

RULES

1. Team to consist of four members.

Horace celebrates 90th birthday

DURING competitions week in the summer term at Melbourne Junior School, class teacher Laura Clifford organised a competition with the children to design a shield which would represent their house team.

The children were given shield design outlines and discussed the meanings of each house name (Kinder, Derwent, Strutt and Haddon).

In September the school council and Ms Clifford went through the entries and chose the best four designs. The prize was to have

their shield blown up into large versions to go on display in the school hall.

“The large shields have been produced and donated by Mr and Mrs Shaw and we are truly thankful as the finished articles look amazing,” says Ms Clifford.

The shields were presented to the children in a celebration assembly which their parents attended on November 25.

Pictured (l-r) are: Tom Gibbs, 11, Isabel Mortimer, 10, Miss Laura Clifford, Nick Walker, 10, and Patrick James, 10.

2. Two team members to live in Melbourne or surrounding district. Alternatively, two team members to work for any company or be members of any organisation based in the area.

3. The quiz will consist of six rounds.

MELBOURNE man Horace Earp celebrated his 90th birthday on September 24 with a party held at home with family and friends. Horace was born in Blanchcroft in 1921 and lived there until he was five years old when the family moved to High Street.

He joined the Royal Navy at 20 and served as a gunner for five years before returning home. Horace met Peggy a month before being demobbed and they married in 1947.

Horace is pictured with Peggy and their family, son Rodney with wife Kate who live in Cornwall and daughter Geraldine with husband Andy who live in Oxford. There are also five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Horace was in the building trade most of his working life before joining Melbourne Engineering for the eleven years prior to his retirement.

Story that still has power to move us

THE Revd Dr Mark Powell, Vicar of Melbourne, gives this year’s Christmas message to our readers

AS THE new Vicar, I am looking forward to celebrating my first Christmas in Melbourne. It’s a wonderful place to live, and we’re grateful to the people who have made us so very welcome.

At the heart of our celebration of the festive season lies the story of the birth of Jesus in the simplicity of the Bethlehem stable two thousand years ago. Despite the passage of time, it is a story that still has the power to move and inspire us.

It tells of God’s love for the world in coming down to live on earth in human form, and to experience human life. This act of humility challenges us to examine the way we live our lives and to see if we might live more simply.

The story tells of two sets of visitors to the newborn Christ-child: poor shepherds from the hills around Bethlehem, and more wealthy and influential wise men from the east. This serves as a reminder that Christ came for all people, both rich and poor, and it demonstrates that God’s love is also extended to all.

The story tells of people being guided to Jesus by angels, or through dreams, or by following a bright new star. This reminds us of the sense of a guiding light that we find in Jesus.

His teaching and example guide our footsteps as we travel through our lives, encouraging us to let love govern our thoughts and our actions.

Mary and Joseph find themselves homeless in Bethlehem, and can only take refuge in a stable. This challenges us not only to think about and pray for homeless and poor people at Christmas, but also to do something practical to respond to their needs – either something truly practical, like helping in a drop-in centre, or giving money to a charity that works to relieve poverty, in our own community or country or overseas.

And the message of the angels who appeared to the shepherds is a message of peace, joy and goodwill. Those same sentiments should govern our Christmas festivities.

In the middle of all the frantic preparations for Christmas, all the churches in Melbourne and the surrounding area, invite you to take a little time to remember the festival’s true meaning.

Find a moment to be still and to give thanks to God for his gift of Jesus. We extend a warm welcome to you to join us for any of the Christmas services, the child-centred Christingle and Nativity services, the solemnity of Midnight Mass or the traditional readings and music of our Carol Services.

And we wish you all a very Happy Christmas.

the festive season in and around melbourne

whispers of past yuletides

THE NATIONAL Trust is inviting people to experience the magic of Christmas at Calke Abbey on the weekends of December 10/11 and 17/18 to experience the festive spirit of years gone by with Whispers of Calke’s Christmas Past.

For the first time Calke will open its mansion at Christmas

for visitors to enter a house preparing for the big day. Visitors can follow the trail and hear the busy sounds of Christmas cooking and see the magic lantern display in the museum room. Continue up to the church and, as darkness falls, experience the grounds of this unique house as it is illuminated.

There will be children’s crafts to enjoy in Squirt’s stable, seasonal music and an oportunity to visit Father Christmas in his grotto.

Whispers of Calke’s Christmas Past will be from 11am until 6.30pm with last entry being 6pm. Visitors may wish to take a torch.

● Family Dental Care using latest techniques and materials

● Friendly and caring service

● Cosmetic Dentistry including tooth whitening Naomi Fry accepts child orthodontic patients on the N.H.S.

Castle Street, Melbourne, Derbyshire Telephone 01332 862942

THE ROTARY Club of Melbourne has organised its popular Carols around the Christmas Tree event for Thursday, December 22, starting at 6.30pm.

Taking part will be members of Melbourne Town Band and The United Reformed Church Choir. Melbourne Joint Pre-School

Playgroups Children’s Choir will also be featured.

Free coffee and mince pies will be available later in the Methodist Church. If the weather is really bad, the carol service will be held in the church.

■ Melbourne Rotarian Douglas Keith is pic-

tured with children from Melbourne Infants School collecting boxes for the annual Rotary Shoe Box appeal.

The appeal is a year-round project, although it comes into its own at Christmas time.

Rotary provides and collects the boxes and manages the storage and onward delivery of them.

“There has been a very generous and caring response to our appeal from the local schools this year and our thanks go to all the children and their parents for their contributions,” said Mr Keith.

a time to remember ...

CHRISTMAS is a joyous period but for many it is also tinged with sadness and for some it is a time that is too difficult to face as it evokes painful memories of loved ones who have died.

On Friday, December 23, Melbourne United Reformed

Church in High Street will be open between 3pm and 5pm to provide an opportunity for people to go along for as short or long a period of time as they wish, to light a candle in memory of loved ones. There will be quiet music to listen to and ap-

propriate readings and reflections to look at.

Refreshments will be available and Revd Jane Barron will be on hand to talk to or just to listen if that is required.

Everyone is welcome –of all ages.

Christmas tree festival

A CHRISTMAS tree festival will be held at All Saints' Church, Findern, with the church open for viewing on December 10/11/12 between 10am and noon on the 10th and 12th and between 2pm and 4pm on all three days.

The celebrations will start on the Friday evening, December 9, at 7.45pm with a performance by the Derby Acappella Chorus.

Tickets at £5 can be obtained by ringing 01283 701929.

Merry Christmas to all our readers

Fry BDS & Associates, Helen Baker BDS

School bus service will go on –pledge

THE SCHOOL bus service for pupils who attend Chellaston Academy will continue.

Nick Harpur, Managing Director of the Harpur Bus Company, is clear that the service can carry on – even though the subsidy given by Derbyshire County Council ceases after April 2012.

In a letter to Village Voice, Mr Harpur is concerned at what he describes as "an air of misinformation" surrounding the end of the subsidy.

"In April 2011, Derbyshire County Council made it clear that the present subsidy would be withdrawn from April 2012," says Mr Harpur.

But the Harpur company has held the registration since the inception of the service, and "as the service must be operated on a commercial basis from April", the company made the "difficult decision" to continue to offer it on a commercial basis, a decision passed on to parents in mid-October.

Mr Harpur takes a sharp side swipe at Councillor John Harrison, saying: "There may be political advantage in a demonstration that there is no safe walking route [to Chellaston Academy].

“Councillor Harrison would be better employed ensuring that people are encouraged to use the service available, and ensure its survival."

Mr Harpur adds: "Misinformation provoking parents to consider making alternative arrangements will certainly prove fatal to [the continuance of] the service."

Councillor Harrison, Derbyshire County Council representative for the Aston/Melbourne ward and a cabinet member for Finance and Management, said: "My campaign is for the [walking] route to be declared dangerous.

“If successful the County Council will continue to subsidise the fare.

“If I'm not successful, all concerned will be relieved that Harpurs is prepared to operate the route as a commercial service, which would be welcomed by the County."

Elle sold at auction

THE ANNOUNCEMENT that Elle of Melbourne has been sold at auction signifies the end of an era for Melbourne Market Place. The premises have been bought by Sarah Turner, proprietor of Rococo Bridal Wear, also of the Market Place.

It is understood that Elle will continue trading through the Christmas period and close its doors in mid-January, 2012.

FOR THIS year's 'harvest' theme at Aston on Trent Primary School the children filled drinking beakers with small change to raise funds to support the work of ‘Water Aid’.

The charity’s mission is to transform lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities.

Sarah Holt, Water Aid Charity Worker, was

invited to visit the school and was presented with a cheque for the magnificent sum of £952.37 which the children had raised.

Sarah is pictured (left) with Headteacher Lindsey Kalirai (right) and members of the school council, Oliver Magee, Zoryana Perehinec, Alice Hayward-Wills, Charlie Roach, Isaac Poyser, Maddie Butcher, Adam Bayley, Florence Comasky and Henry Hayward.

Jilly Clarks Shoes Ltd.

A GATHERING of around 70 people congregated at the War Memorial in Church Square, Melbourne, at 11am on November 11, 2011, for a short act of remembrance and the laying of two wreaths.

The Kohima Epitaph was delivered by Richard Heath, President of Melbourne RBL, with the Last Post and Reveille played by Brendan O'Neil (pictured above) wearing the uniform of the Mercia Regiment.

The wreaths were placed by Arthur Baxter on behalf of the Melbourne branch of

the Royal British Legion and by Col Mike Reynolds Rtd accompanied by his sister Col Sue Reynolds Rtd whose wreath was in memory of his son, Lt Mark Reynolds, of the Army Air Corp. He died in a helicopter crash on May 29, 2008.

A wreath was also placed at the memorial to the Royal Engineers at the senior citizens centre.

Colonel Reynolds and his sister were both serving officers of the same rank at the same time, he in the Royal Engineers and Sue with the Adjutant Generals Corps.

Ex Servicemen Robin Gallamore and Len Betany.

Ann Brazier and Janet Smith in memory of Frank Spare of the Northumberland Fusiliers.

500 pay their respects at the war memorial

IN THE 90th year since the founding of the British Legion and 40 years since the charity was granted a Royal Charter, combined with the significant date of remembrance day (11. 11. 2011), a large turnout was anticipated to acknowledge Remembrance Sunday.

And so it proved to be when an estimated 500 people of all ages congregated around the war memorial in Melbourne.

With prayers led by the vicar of Melbourne, the Revd Dr Mark Powell, the epi-

taph from Richard Heath, President of the Melbourne branch of the Royal British Legion, and the Last Post and Reveille played by Cathy Worral, the two minutes’ silence afterwards was a moving experience.

More than 30 wreaths were laid at the memorial by representatives of the armed services, civilian services, local authorities, clubs, associations and schools before the parade reassembled for the return to the RBL club house.

Christmas Geese & Turkeys

For this festive season why not treat yourself to a traditional British Goose or Turkey?

GEESE

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

goslings are hatched in mid to late spring which allows them to enjoy the first grass of the year and ensures that they grow slowly throughout the year to give a more succulent and tender bird for your Christmas celebrations.

TURKEYS

We also have a great flock of bronze turkeys for those family that prefer a whiter meat, that has become more commonplace on the British Christmas table. All of the turkeys that we produce are completely free range and are raised in a way that try to reduces stress leaves

to produce a premium quality meat. All of our turkeys and geese are plucked and processed on site as this reduce stress of transporting the birds. They are the all waxed finished so that the oven ready bird that you receive is as perfect as we can produce.

HAMPERS

For this year we have stared to produce a Derbyshire Christmas hamper. We have spent all year looking for the very best of local products to ensure that they are packed with every thing you need for your Christmas calibration. We have two size of hampers, contain every thing from wine, cheese and

chocolate to biscuits, beer and puddings. They are available to see at local business and farm shops etc located in and around Melbourne. If you would like us to send you a leaflet with the full information before ordering then please contact us on the number below.

ABOVE: Richard Heath, President of the Melbourne branch RBL, with ministers from Melbourne’s churches, Father Anthony Axe, Revd Jackie Birnie, Revd Dr Mark Powell, Revd Dennis Smith and Revd Jane Barron.

BELOW: Peter Rowbottom on behalf of the Royal Navy.

‘Forget about Derby’

VISITORS to Derby - many say - are very unhappy with the high parking charges in the city, and that these high charges are a serious disincentive to a lot of potential shoppers.

Bob Wheeler, Leader of the South Derbyshire District Council, was quick to comment on the controversy raging in Derby about the high parking charges. He makes the telling point that high parking fees are a serious disincentive "in these difficult times when every penny counts".

He is keen to point out that in South Derbyshire the District Council believes that the car parks it operates are the property of the whole community, which pays for them through Council Tax, and "sees no good reason why they should have to pay twice".

Councillor Wheeler invites shoppers from South Derbyshire and beyond, during the festive season, and for the rest of the year, to come and use the free car parks, "and visit the super retail and leisure facilities in Swadlincote, Melbourne and our other towns and villages".

Ruth Malloy, chair of the Promote Melbourne group, said: “It’s good news to hear Councillor Wheeler encouraging shoppers to visit South Derbyshire and take advantage of the free parking available to them, but in Melbourne we need more parking spaces to accommodate visitors.”

Anniversary treat for Beagle buddies

FRIENDS Alan Higgins, Roy Dunnicliffe and Mick Higgins got together in November to reminisce over an event that happened 50 years ago and which gave them great pleasure for more than 30 years.

The threesome plus a fourth, Richard Hatton, who died only a few years ago, had expressed an interest in going along to a meet of the Oakley Foot Beagles at Ticknall School in 1961.

Alan recalled that the headmistress at the time was called Miss Badkin.

The four friends enjoyed their outing with the pack and became regulars on all the meets. They became known as The Melbourne Lads, acting as whippers-in, although they did much more than that. They became regulars at the kennels, carrying out maintenance work, exercising the beagles, collecting fallen stock and anything else that cropped up in looking after the pack.

The Hound Master when the pack was formed was Alan Boulesworth and in a book 'The Oakley Foot Beagles - The First Fifty Years' published in 2009 he is quoted: "The Legendary Melbourne Lads whipped in for me for about 20 years, a period of wonderful relationship, unselfish whipping-in, dedication to their duties, help with the kennels and always a joy to be with."

The last of the Melbourne Lads retired in 1992 but the remaining three friends still maintain an interest in the beagle pack and Alan, Mick and Roy attended the 50th anniversary dinner, meeting up with old friends.

Alan, Roy and Mick are pictured above.

THE Leicestershire and Rutland

Wildlife Trusts volunteer work parties at Cloud Wood nature reserve, near Breedon-on-the-Hill in North West Leicestershire, are looking to boost their numbers.

The group meets every Friday at the Cloud Wood Nature Reserve at 9.30am and usually finishes around 2.30pm.

They carry out a range of tradi-

tional woodland conservation tasks that maintain a range of age and size structures of the trees that attracts a wide range of flora and fauna.

Robert Johns, of the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, will be delighted to hear from any prospective volunteers and can be contacted by email at rjohns@lrwt.org.uk or by phone on 0116 2720444 and fax 0116 2720404.

the bear facts ...

MEMBERS of the 1st Weston Guides took part in a one and a half hour exercise extravaganza at Weston Village Hall in aid of Children in Need.

Thirty Guides took part in the special event which raised £450 for the Pudsey Bear charity and some of them are pictured above before starting their exercise programme.

The pupils at Sale and Davy’s Primary School were delighted to see Pudsey Bear on Children in Need day.

The school council had organised a fun day for the whole school, which included

dressing up in spots, making clay Pudsey Bears and taking part in a colouring competition. The children also worked very hard at home baking cakes for a cake sale which took place at playtime. Pudsey appeared during the afternoon to present prizes in a special collective workshop to all the competition winners. The children were all very excited to shake hands with such an important bear. The school raised an amazing £351.90, and class teacher Mrs Rhona Worley is pictured (below) with Pudsey and the competition winners.

Alive ‘n’ Klippin

I would like to wish all clients and friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your custom.

Christmas Opening Times

Monday 19th Appointments only

Tuesday 20th 9am – 6.30pm

Wednesday 21st 9am – 6.30pm

Thursday 22nd 9am – 7pm

Friday 23rd 9am – 7pm

Saturday 24th 8.30am – 2pm

Then closed for 1 week. Re-open on Tuesday 3rd January at 9am

For a limited period only at Alive ‘n’ Klippin File and Polish + pedicure

Book in with Louise on a Monday and Friday. For your appointment call Lou on 07854 472021 (Fully qualified Nail Technician)

New to Alive ‘n’ Klippin...

As from the 7th January I will be opening on a Saturday from 8.30am to 12.30pm. No appointment necessary

New Opening Times from January

Monday 10.30am – 8.pm Appointments only

Tuesday 9am – 5.30pm

Wednesday 9am – 5.30pm

Thursday 9am – 7.00pm

Friday 9am – 5.30pm

Saturday 8.30am – 12.30pm

56 High Street, Melbourne Tel: 07930 594240

Group that’s on riGht path

ARE YOU interested in being involved with a group that is concerned with maintaining, repairing and promoting the local public footpath network?

If you are, Barry Thomas would be delighted to hear from you.

This will not be a walking group but one that will work to-

gether in clearing undergrowth, repairing stiles, erecting signs and way-mark paths. The aim is to ensure that the local public footpath network is in good order and to emulate the work of the highly successful Findern Footpaths Group here in Melbourne.

Members will be expected to

Whispers of Calke’s Christmas Past

Sat 10, Sun 11, Sat 17 and Sun 18 December, 11am 6.30pm (last entry 6pm).

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

Christmas Craft Show

Sat 10 and Sun 11 December, 11am 6pm.

Christmas gifts to buy.

Christmas Party Afternoon

Sat 17 December, 2pm 4pm. The Ogando School of dance will entertain us, enjoy some music and play some Christmas party games.

Christmas Fine Food Fair

Sun 18 December, 11am 4pm. Local food producers will provide delicious foods to baked within a 30 mile radius of Calke.

walk a number of paths twice a year to check on their condition. Melbourne has 37.

It is planned to have the first meeting of the group in early January at a local pub.

To find out more details and the meeting venue, contact Barry Thomas on 01332865720 or histman@gmail.com

COMPLIMENT O

“IT’S BEEN a great event. It’s the best turnout e a Melbourne Christmas event,” is how Parish C Clerk Norman Hill described Melbourne’s Vic Christmas Shopping Event this year.

And for those of you who know Norman, that’s quite a compl Kicking off with a packed children’s lantern parade at 5.30 event saw visitor numbers continue to grow throughout the even shops enjoyed bumper sales and most of the visiting stalls ha throughout the evening.

Children appeared to particularly enjoy the double decker bus, Santa (courtesy of Melbourne Rotary), as well as the light on.

For the adults there was a fantastic selection of food and well as all the shopping – made even more enjoyable by perfo from the Melbourne Town Training Band and the Melbourne M Choir.

Promote Melbourne Chairman Ruth Malloy of Cream Interi “We were overwhelmed by the support for the event. It was an turn-out and it caught us a little bit by surprise.

"There were a lot of happy faces, although we appreciate th were some areas that we will be able to improve for next year ample, repositioning the band or stalls to avoid a bottleneck.

“We had a lot of volunteers helping throughout the night from raffle tickets and putting up stalls to taking photographs and lit ing, and we would like to give everyone a huge thank you. We have done it without you.

“We would also like to collect some feedback and we would li courage people to drop us an email at promotemelbourne@gm with their comments or suggestions on what could be improved year’s event, as well as what people thought worked well and w to see again.” – Clare B

01332 811597 info@threadso ife.co.uk www.threadso ife.co.uk

Make

Lord Ralph and Miss Melbourne, Rebecca Henshaw, press the switch to turn on the Christmas lights.

OF THE SEASON

IT’S RSPB QUIZ TIME

THE Secretary of Derby Natural History Society has compiled a quiz sheet to raise funds to help the Derby Local Group of RSPB.

The Compass Quiz features general knowledge questions, puzzles and clues with answers related to compass points and directions, though the questions relate to sport, music, TV, literature etc. There are monetary prizes to be won and the closing date is Thursday, January 12. To obtain a copy send a s.a.e and cheque for £1 payable to “RSPB” to Quiz,12 Chertsey Road, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 0RA.

PRIZE CHRISTMAS CROSSWORD

THERE is a slight change to this year's crossword with the clues, both across and down, relating to more general names, places and words not specific to either the Melbourne area or to Christmas.

The Village Voice is anticipating a good response to the competition for which there will be a £25 prize for the winning entry drawn out of the hat.

All entries must be received by Thursday January 5, 2012 and should be addressed to: Mr E Roberts, 11 Old Gate Avenue, Weston on Trent, Derby DE72 2BZ.

The winner will be announced in the January issue.

ACROSS

1 Unruly horde was king of Judea at the first Xmas. (5)

4 Miser who repented at Xmas. (7)

8 Burn me from Melbourne leaves this chap. (3) 9 and 28 across. Scatter five letters in and around Swadlincote for the garb in which baby Jesus was wrapped. (9,7)

11 Choice of colours for this Model T car and its make by a village near Ashby. (11)

17 (and 1 down) ‘Crusoe’s Incline’ runs alongside the Melbourne Arms. (9,4)

18 Bradman and this rope twisted is just beyond Ashby. (11)

23 Haphazardly filled around 19 down, here is the largest local place of worship. (9)

27 Within the Wise Men (-----) is the time of our life. (3)

28 See 9 across.

29 Organ played badly might make the congregation -----. (5)

1 See 17 across

DOWN

2 Uncontrolled rush of mob loses letters of UFOs to become a diamond shape. (5)

3 Players of records or dinner jackets (1,1,1)

4 See 22 down.

5 In keeping with most of his name 1 across ruled with a --- of iron. (3)

6 Robin, at heart, is a Japanese sash. (3)

7 Unborn bird is part of Eggington. (3)

JUST £7.50

10 Good --- is an expletive which sounds like -- abiding. (3)

12 Belonging to a Swedish pop quartet. (5)

13 Smell from old sour tea as it loses least letters. (5)

14 Lynam or O’Connor. (3)

15 You’ll sound like Noel. (4)

16 Pantomime lady gets confused, drink honey? (4)

17 Sprinted as the ----- Empire at Christ’s time had its Order of Merit withdrawn. (3)

19 Prince Charles’ motto :--- DIEN is a third of

Reichstag. (3)

20 Confused Shepshed, having lost some middle, pays attention. (5)

21 The Muse of Poetry from her at ’ome. (5) 22 and 4 down. Jack and this tall growth could be in a pantomime(9)

23 Leading aircraftman (abbr). (1,1,1)

24 Dove heard from the Coopers’ Arms. (3) 25 Three-quarters of scrummed half make a note of music. (3)

26 This animal can pull a sleigh but is not used by Santa. (3)

RECREATION in Aston hosted a very successful "Super Saturday Supper Quiz" with an excellent fish and chip supper provided by "George's Tradition" of Chellaston.

The current chairman of South Derbyshire District Council, Cllr Michael Stanton, attended together with his wife and consort Heather.

Robin Sedgewick and his wife, Ann, worked hard to provide a wonderfully var-

ied mixture of questions for the evening and Sandra Bayliss, of Recreation in Aston, paid tribute to their efforts.

The David Smith Memorial Trophy was won by the team "Take Five" who are pictured receiving the award from Cllr Stanton. Left to right are Sandra Bayliss, Liz Evans, Tim Lemon, Jerry Evans, Cllr Michael Stanton, Karen Denchai, Andrea Lemon and Quizmaster Robin Sedgewick.

‘Good’ report for village nursery

THE Old Forge Day Nursery at Findern is delighted to announce that, following the recent Ofsted Early Years Inspection, it received a very respectable 'good with many outstanding elements' for the overall practice.

Those elements identified as

outstanding were:

■ The effectiveness of safeguarding

■ The extent to which children enjoy and achieve

■ The extent to which children feel safe, and

■ The extent to which children adopt healthy lifestyles.

Bishop’s Badge honour for Edna at the Cathedral

EDNA Brame has lived in Melbourne since 1954 and for most of that time she has been involved with the Parish Church.

In addition to her various roles in local church life, she has also contributed to church work in the Diocese of Derby, in particular with the Mothers Union.

Edna's work in the Diocese has now been formally recognised and acknowledged with the presentation of The Bishop's Badge at a special evensong held at Derby Cathedral.

Edna was joined at the presenta-

tion by a party of 34 made up of members of her family and her friends.

"It was a great honour to be presented with the Bishop's Badge," said Edna.

"And I would like to thank all who attended to support me and for the many acts of friendship and love from everyone over the years."

In December 2008, Rotary President Kate Dumelow presented the Melbourne Citizen of the Year Award to Edna for countless years of service to just about all of the Melbourne community.

The inspector added: " It is a lovely nursery with friendly and welcoming staff, who have great relationships with the children" and said that "if the nursery continues in its quest for continuous improvement, 'Outstanding' in all areas should soon be achieved."

Townrestaurantis named top of the Tree

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Tenants are awaiting your property

THE BAY TREE in Melbourne has won the accolade of being the Best Out of Town Restaurant in the Derby Food and Drink Awards 2011.

The awards ceremony was held at the Roundhouse Derby, with an estimated 300 people attending.

Bay Tree restaurateur Rex Howell admitted to being “on tenterhooks” as the awards were made for the different categories before the Best Out of Town announcement was made in favour of the Melbourne restaurant.

“I was quite emotional when they made the announcement,” said Rex. “In fact I had to hold back the tears.”

This was the first time in the restaurant’s 23-year existence that it had been nominated for the awards and it came within days of being informed that it had been awarded a second Rosette by the AA.

Notified of being short-listed for the Derby award in September, The Bay Tree was told that an inspector would make an unannounced visit for assessment sometime in the near future. The visit took place with the assessor identifying himself only after a meal had been taken and obviously enjoyed.

Rex was quick to point out that the award is for the restaurant and its full complement of staff and demonstrates that it is a team all pulling together that has made it successful.

Rex is joined in the kitchen by his wife Susie who is the pastry chef, with co-owner Vicki Talbott, who manages front of house.

Village Voice Postbag

Can anyone recall Edith Morris?

I AM trying to find out, for my family tree, if anyone can throw a light on the life of my grandmother, Edith Morris.

All I know is that at the age of 27 she lived in Castle Square, Melbourne, when she married my grandfather on July 29, 1900. She then moved to Belvedere Road in Woodville.

In later years she moved back

to Melbourne and lived in the Alms Houses. She died in 1938 or thereabouts.

I would particularly like to know who her parents were and whether she had any relations in the area.

T A Burbeck

43 Albion Street Anstey LE77 DD

● Rex Howell and Vicky Talbott holding the award for Best out of Town Restaurant with chefs Gary Bent and David Prochazka.

Mum Sally the new pharmacy manager

THE Co-operative pharmacy in Melbourne's Potter Street has a new manager. She is Sally Coffey, mother of three daughters, who has been living in Melbourne for 21 years. Trained in pharmacy at the University of Bath, she worked for many years with Boots.

Sally is plainly delighted to be back doing what she loves best – working for the community in a local pharmacy –and said: "I'm so pleased to be working locally, within my own community, and I do want to develop the community services within the pharmacy. I am very much motivated to serve the community well."

As an instance of this service, the pharmacy now offers flu jabs to the public at £11 a shot.

In addition she supports smoking cessation sessions and also talks regularly to patients with ongoing conditions who take regular medication, explaining the point and the effect of the treatments.

"I want to make a difference," she said, and in addition to her pharmacy specialism, she is also aware of the necessity to provide a good range of products for the retail side of the business.

Born in Alvaston, Sally was head girl at her school, Noel Baker. She met her husband, Joe, when she was still a schoolgirl. The couple have three daughters –aged 16 and twins of 13.

Robin Gallamore, manager at the branch for over seven years, is winding down for retirement.

Power to the church

A 10KW solar PV system has successfully been installed on the south facing roofs of Melbourne Parish Church and is now operating and meeting the church's need for electricity.

Graham Truscott, who has championed the project through his role with Transition Melbourne, reported in the Church Bulletin: "On its first day of operation – a cloudy and overcast day – it was running at a very encouraging 8KW and surplus electricity was already being exported to the grid."

The system is still without a display screen to show the performance, but it is envisaged that this will be installed by mid-December.

Pictured on the church roof during the installation of the panels are the new vicar, the Revd Dr Mark Powell and Anthony Gibbs, from the contractors, Main Line Energy Solutions.

X FACTOR BOOST FOR CHILDREN’S HOSPICE

RAINBOWS Hospice For Children and Young People is due to benefit from the X Factor charity single, a cover of the Rose Royce classic ‘Wishing on a Star’.

Launched on Sunday, November 27, the single is performed by the last 16 contestants in this

year's hit TV show and also includes boy bands JLS and One Direction.

All net proceeds will go to the charity 'Together for Short Lives' which represent all children’s hospices nationally, including Rainbows in Loughborough.

The Co-op Pharmacy team (l-r). Steph Faulkner, Alison Ward, Sally Coffey (proprietor), Elisabeth Jeffs, Tracey Dowell and Jo Blackmoor.

Mr Geoff Wood Spinney Hill, Melbourne wishes all his friends and relatives, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

(Unfortunately, I will be unable to send Christmas cards this year)

Jack & Linda Iliffe

would like to wish family, friends and clients good health, peace and happiness for Christmas and the New Year and we thank you very much for your custom.

HEAFIELD

Peggy & Fred

wish all their friends & neighbours a Happy Christmas

Colin Wakefield at Breedon Carpet Care wishes all his customers old and new, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

JOHN WALL sends greetings and best wishes for a Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year to all my friends

THE WHITE SWAN

Dougie, John, Hannah, Sarah & Emma wish all their customers a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year

DOVES GARAGES LTD

Dave, Ellie and staff wish all our customers old and new a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

VICKY’S HAIRDRESSERS

90 High Street, Melbourne

Vicky and her staff wish all their customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

For an appointment ring 862196

WISHING ALL OUR CUSTOMERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Sally Cook from the Courtyard Beauty Salon would like to wish her valued clients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

from Residents and Staff

Thank you to all who support our fundraising events

MELBOURNE Parish Council has appointed a new lengthsman following the retirement of Alan Bexon on September 30.

The new man is Jim Bancroft (right), who says: “I’m pleased to take on the job, having been made redundant some time ago.

“I’ve lived in Melbourne for 42 years and this is the first local job I’ve ever had and I’m overwhelmed with the positive response from all the local people that I have met since I started."

Amnesty group is given a good start

Vicky Murray writes about the recent meeting held in Melbourne for a talk on Amnesty International.

ABOUT 15 of us gathered for the meeting and the speaker, Jill Bryant, gave a superbly illustrated and interesting talk on Amnesty International and its history with resulting good questions and discussion afterwards.

The purpose of the meeting was not only to hear a good talk on Amnesty but to see if there was enough interest to start a Melbourne Amnesty group. And indeed there was. We asked people to sign up if they were interested and just about everyone did so.

Jill Bryant has also signed up to our group and I think it almost certain that she will be our Chair. Interest has already been shown by someone in the secretary post, though all positions will, of course be by election. We also need to appoint five founder members and decide on the Amnesty campaigns the group wants to adopt as its own.

This work will be done on January 19, at 7.30pm in Church House. Please feel free to attend if you are interested.

The December meeting, as usual with Amnesty, will be concerned with the annual greeting cards campaign. Cards are signed by people and sent to prisoners of conscience and groups persecuted for their legitimate actions and protests.

For the last three years the local campaign has been held in the Parish Church but now that a Melbourne Group is forming it is appropriate that we have it elsewhere and this year it will be held in Church House, Church Square, on December 10 from 10am to noon. Please come and sign the cards if you possibly can. They have been made by Sally Ann Williams and are very beautiful.

We all know how a card can cheer and indeed people who have been released all say what a difference having these cards makes to their ability to cope. They know they have a lot of support.

Occasionally there is a reply and that happened here last Christmas from one person we had sent a card to. The Thank You card will be available and on show for people to see and talk about. Indeed I shall be aiming to do a lot of talking at this event –about the cases and situations.

There will also be letters to sign. Do not worry if you only want to put your first name on a card – that is fine. But it would be great to see you and it could be the best present you give this season.

As there is a cost for cards and postage abroad I shall be asking for donations.

Refreshments will be available.

Pictured at the meeting above are Jill Bryant, former chair of Derby Amnesty, addressing the meeting in Melbourne with some of those attending, Margaret MurrayLeslie, Linda Latchford, Vicky Murray and Frances Fagan.

ZUMBA IS HERE

BARROW on Trent Village Hall has become the latest venue for ZUMBA, a highenergy aerobic dance workout from South America that has become a huge hit with fitness fans in the USA and UK.

It is the latest fun and fitness initiative introduced by the South Derbyshire Village Games project and residents are invited to go along to the weekly sessions being held on Fridays, 7-8pm. Cost for each session is £3 and the classes are available for those of 12 years upwards.

Also at the village hall are the newly introduced Tai Chi classes being held on Mondays from 2pm. Sessions cost £3.

Further information is available from Village Games Co-ordinator Toni Jantschenko on 07909 442996.

Councillor John Harrison & Councillor Jim Hewlett

ADVICE SURGERIES

at Melbourne Leisure Centre - 11 am to 12 noon

Saturday 7th January, 2012

Saturday 4th February, 2012

Saturday 3rd March 2012

“Listening to Local People”

JOHN BROWNHILL 01332 8 10529 Castle Donington

www.ashfarmkennels.co.uk

DERBYSHIRE'S annual Sports Awards saw local successes being achieved in the District awards.

Last season’s Melbourne Rugby’s U12s scooped the coveted “Junior Team of the Year” award, for achieving seven tournament successes across the midlands region, including the NLD Three Counties Cup, the first time any Melbourne side has achieved these heights. This Award category encompasses all sports clubs across South Derbyshire. “Melbourne U12s had an unprecedented season. Such success comes from the commitment of players, parents and coaches and the award also recognises an outstanding record of player development and inclusivity that is the envy of many sports clubs across South Derbyshire.”

Fittingly, their head coach Kevin Brown was named as

‘2011 Community Coach of the Year’ having led the U12s to their successes. In addition to this he actively referees at local schools, assists at two local football clubs and supports RFU development and emerging schools –all as an unpaid volunteer.

“Kevin’s coaching is of ‘Academy standard’ yet it is being given freely to young people within the community game. The players he works with are benefiting from his experience and skill, and his workload and energy as a volunteer amaze all those who know what he does.”

Pictured with their awards at South Derbyshire District Council offices are player of the season Jack Slater with Joe Bhalay and Josh Toplis, representing Melbourne Rugby Club’s U12s, and coach Kevin Brown.

School places deadline looms

PARENTS of children born between September 1, 2007, and August 31, 2008, need to apply now for their child’s infant or primary school place.

People can apply online at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/admissions, which is quicker and easier and allows parents to make changes to their application at any point up to the closing date. They also receive an e-mail to confirm their application has been received.

People without access to a

computer can contact Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058 for staff to take their application details. This process takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, people can still choose to complete a paper form which they can get by calling 01629 537499. The form can be returned to any Derbyshire infant or primary school.

Parents still need to fill out an application form even if they have approached a school to put their child’s name down.

For those parents whose chil-

dren are currently at an infant school, they will also need to apply for a junior school place even if their child attends an associated infant school.

Parents can express preferences for three schools, although no child has an automatic right to a place at any particular school.

The deadline for all applications is midnight on January 15.

Parents who fail to meet the deadline may find the school they want their child to go to is full.

THE MELBOURNE Parish Church Christmas Bazaar proved to be a successful event with many wonderful stalls, including tombola and a raffle.

There were Junior Church activities and games for the younger children and teas provided by the Mothers' Union.

The event raised £1,118 for the church Fabric Fund. Pictured (l-r) are: Helen Powell, Ruth Collyer and Sue Davey, negotiating for a bargain with stall holder Jane Cox.

Airport ends year on a high

EAST Midlands Airport has secured both Best Regional UK Airport and UK Airport of the Year at the British Travel Awards 2011, celebrating its fourth successive travel award win in less than three months.

The announcement was made at a gala awards dinner at Battersea Evolution in London and attended by more than 1,000 travel industry professionals. Shortlisted organisations were first nominated by experts from the industry before being voted for on-line by the British public. In 2011, over 700,000 votes were cast with the results scrutinised and audited by Deloitte LLP.

The significance of the awards is best illustrated when considering that competition came from 13 other airports, including Newcastle, Leeds Bradford and Belfast City for the Best Regional UK Airport and from 17 major airports including London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Liverpool John Lennon for the UK Airport of the Year award.

EMA is also celebrating being awarded a Green Apple Environment Award for the fifth consecutive year at a presentation at the House of Commons.

The airport was recognised by the Green Organisation, an independent environment group, for environmental best practice, commending the airport’s achievement in successfully installing two commercial scale wind turbines on site – a UK airport first.

The Green Apple Environment Awards were launched in 1994 by The Green Organisation and have become well established as one of the most popular environmental campaigns in the world. The awards are well established as one of the major environmental recognition schemes, both in the UK and internationally.

MELBOURNE Inner Wheel held a Christmas mince pie and coffee morning at the Thomas Cook Memorial Hall. All proceeds from the annual event are to be donated to Rainbows Children’s Hospice.

Pictured (l-r) are: Judith Rosser (IW vice-president), Sheila Henderson and Maggie Evans (IW president).

Prize plants time

A NEW competition for the best hanging baskets, tubs or pots is planned for Melbourne next year. Judging will take place during the week commencing July 9 and the winner will be awarded a trophy. The first three will receive garden centre tokens.

The competition will be open to all domestic households within the confines of Melbourne, at a cost of just £5, with all funds raised being donated to the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance,

(DLRAA). Entry forms will be available in June and entries will close on June 30.

Representatives from local garden centres will inspect all entries, and draw up a short list of the best six, which will be revisited together with another judge from the Air Ambulance fund-raising organisation. Awards will be made on or about Saturday July 14.

For more details, speak to the organiser of the event, Liz Burney, on 862225. Liz is an official volunteer/collector for DLRAA.

Contractors

SERVICES

J&D DANVERS

tough time for the Bluebell boys

Continued from Page 28

This was followed by a 6-0 loss to Inham Celtic, but once again the score was level until the later period of the game. A 7-0 away loss to Bass House and a 4-0 reverse to Long Eaton Magpies ended November with a whimper.

THE BLUEBELL had a difficult month and began with a 4-1 defeat away to Sinfin City in the cup, with Jack Tivey getting the consolation.

This was followed by a close 2-1 loss to Shadows with Jack Havron getting the goal. Against Derby Panthers, the Bell ended up 3-2 losers with Robinson and Dom Saniera getting on the score sheet. Another loss followed away to West Hallam 3-1 with Havron getting the consolation this time.

A welcome win against Brinsley White Lions was thanks to Stevenson and Holmes goals but the month ended with a cup defeat away to Darley Abbey Colts with Jake Allen getting on the scoresheet.

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AFTER a succesful season celebrating its 150th aniversary year off the pitch, Melbourne Town Cricket Club toasted on the field achievements with a celebratory dinner at the RBL Royal Suite.

Attended by 70 cricketers and guests, the evening was a great success with Tel Potts, in his last speech as chairman, extolling the club's virtues as a community club above all else.

To mark the 150th anniversary, former player Fred Heafield presented the club with a ceremonial bell which is

to be rung to signal the start of play at matches in the future.

Pictured are (back row left to right): Colin Wakefield (best midweek bowling), Andy Potts (1st XI most improved player), Ben Newton, Andy Stanley (2nd XI batting), Matt Heafield (players' player of the year development XI bowler and 2nd XI all rounder), James Heafield (2nd XI fielding); front row Mark Rossi (1st XI batting), Jason Lander (2nd XI bowling), Alex Slater (1st XI bowling) and Paul Scrimshaw (Sunday XI batting).

Last kick blow for melbourne firsts

HAVING had a couple of weeks off, Melbourne RFC first XV resumed their League campaign with a home game against Amber Valley.

Captain Euan Holden benefited from the return of some of the students to bolster the side as well as the return of players from injuries. Holden scored a couple of penalties to establish an early 6-0 lead, and maintained this for most of the game. Melbourne had 70 per cent possession and territory for the majority of the game as Amber Valley rarely threatened.

However, Melbourne could not find a way through the resolute Amber Valley defence. Dropped passes and wrong options cost them dearly.

With 10 minutes to go, Amber Valley finally got into the Melbourne 22 and scored a try from a lineout and drive. Melbourne hit back immediately from the restart with

a penalty to lead 9-5.

The last five minutes of the game saw some strange refereeing decisions which allowed Amber Valley to gain territory again and, from a five metre scrum, the Amber Valley number eight somehow managed to get the ball over the line. The final kick saw the conversion go over and Melbourne go down 9-12.

The 1st XV then travelled to Ashby, who were sitting in second place in the League. Holden had to make seven changes from the previous week and a poor start was to cost Melbourne.

Three tries were conceded in the first 10 minutes as Ashby raced to a 15-0 lead. Melbourne knuckled down and worked their way back into the game. Gary Lakin scored to reduce the deficit and this was soon followed by a try from Dale Bilson after a fine kick from Chris Fulton.

Neither try was converted. Melbourne controlled the game well and had the best of the exchanges for a long period of the game. A penalty from Holden reduced the deficit to 13-15 and then Ashby had a player yellow carded after the Melbourne captain was head butted. The score remained as it was until the last couple of minutes. Ashby edged the scrummage battle towards the end of the game and eventually the pressure told as they scored a late try to make the final score 20-13.

THE Second XV travelled to Amber Valley for a Pennant fixture, winning 33-5. There were tries from Sean Moran (2), Tony Day, Jordan Sparkes and skipper Steve Wales. Dean Sylvester and Will Weeds shared the conversions.

They also had a game scheduled against Notts Gems, who failed to turn up for their own home fixture!

U15s make it two wins oUt of two

MELBOURNE U15s made it two out of two in the NLD Cup this season with a pulsating win 22-17 away against an excellent Kesteven team. The trip to Kesteven was viewed with anticipation as they were seen as the hardest team in the NLD (Notts Lincs and Derbyshire) group and they have not lost for a year.

The first half was a tight affair and finished 7-7 against the wind and up a slope. Melbourne finished close winners thanks to four excellent tries from Sam James (2), Sam Hollaway and Jamie Bullock. Both teams played the game in a

great spirit and it was a real treat for both sets of supporters. This was a real team performance and although the strength and speed of the Melbourne backs perhaps tipped the game towards them, all the forwards had a great game and stood toe to toe with the bigger Kesteven pack. As well as attacking well, the whole team defended as if their lives depended on it.

Melbourne top their group with two bonus points from two wins and are in an excellent position to progress to the semi finals of the NLD cup for the first time as Juniors.

Try bonanza as the Colts get off to a solid start to season

MELBOURNE Colts (Under 17s) have made a solid start to a new season which sees them playing league matches in the top league of the NLD.

They have played nine matches up to the middle of November, winning five and losing four, scoring 46 tries and conceding 25.

Their season started with a convincing home win in a friendly against Kesteven, a future league opponent, by 69-7, scoring eleven tries through Jack Pearce 4, Lewis Bowman, Danny Lawson, Callum Macken, Sam Hancock, Chris Whittaker, Sam Rooth and Lewis Hammond, George Cartwright converting seven.

The next match saw the colts open their league campaign with a resounding home win over Sleaford by 55-7 with tries from Lewis Bowman 2, Callum Macken 2, Jack Pearce 2, Matt Gregory, Sam Rooth and Joe Thompson with conversions by George Cartwright 4 and Danny Staniforth.

A second home friendly against league opposition saw them narrowly lose 10-12 to Sherwood Barbarians, with tries scored by Jacob Higgins and Joe Thompson.

The second league match, away at Paviors again saw them narrowly beaten by 22-24, with tries from Joe Stuart, Chris Whittaker and Danny Lawson, George Cartwright converted 2 and kicked a penalty.

A third league match was conceded by Spalding to give the Colts a walkover, however a friendly was arranged against good quality opponents, Market Bosworth. A well contested match saw the Colts again narrowly lose by 22-26, with tries from Callum Macken, Matt Gregory, Ryan Alton and Aaron Narwal.

The following week they again played a friendly against another top Leicestershire side Syston. Losing 12-0 at half-time it looked like a third defeat in a row was looming but an awesome first 15 minutes of the second half saw them turn the game around with three excellent tries from Callum Macken, Joe Stuart and Danny Lawson to win 17-12.

Next came a friendly against Burton which saw a solid team performance result in a comfortable win by 38 to 5, the tries scored by Lewis Bowman 2, Danny Lawson 2, Callum Macken and Ryan Alton, with conversions from George Cartwright and Danny Staniforth.

The following week the Colts again took on quality Leicestershire opponents Lutterworth and, although defeated 24-41, they played very well against one of the best teams they will play this season.

Melbourne scored first through Joe Thompson following a sublime piece of handling skill from Jack Pearce. Lutterworth then scored five tries in succession before five more tries were shared, with three to Melbourne from George Cartwright, Chris Whittaker with a superb solo run and Jack Pearce.

Their fourth league match was away against Sherwood Barbarians and a very solid team performance, especially in defence, saw

them run out winners by 26- 5, with tries from Joe Thompson, Sam Rooth, Lewis Bowman and Sam Hancock, George Cartwright converting three.

This win saw them sitting third in the table by mid-November –a very promising start to the league campaign.

■ Some of Melbourne RFC Colts are getting international experience in both union and league rugby. Josh Doyle, Danny Lawson and Callum Macken are now training with the Irish Exiles.

Jack Pearce and Lewis Bowman are also playing rugby league for the Midlands Region and have played International Fixtures against Scotland.

Lewis Bowman was selected to play for England at rugby league but sadly injured himself. Lewis is also playing in the Nottingham

academy and has played on the wing for them.

Dave Lowson the Melbourne Colts coach is very proud of the lads’ achievements but is passing all the credit on to Mercer, who taught them everything they know .

Pictured above are: (back row l-r) Jacob Higgins, Ryan Alton, Joe Stuart, Findlay Lowson, George Cartwright, Danny Staniforth, Lewis Hammond, Ed Hames, Jack Harrison, Joe Thompson, Will Butler, Callum Macken; (middle row) Sam Rooth shaking hands with Bob Stowell of Bob Stowell Transport, shirt sponsor, and (front row) Jack Pearce, Lewis Bowman, Danny Lawson, Chris Whittaker, Sam Hancock, Josh Doyle and Elliott Gostick. Missing were Matt Gregory and Aiden Metcalfe.

SWALLOW SWOOPS

high-flying Dynamo star finds the net six times in a month

MELBOURNE DYNAMOShad an up and down month, starting November with a 3-2 cup win against Derby Rolls-Royce Reserves thanks to a Paul Swallow brace and an Adam Rossi finish.

A 3-3 home draw to high-flying Cromford followed when Dynamos conceded a last minute equaliser. Dynamos' goals came from Paul Swallow, a rare Ryan Grey strike and a Danny Guild volley.

A 4-2 home win versus Ashover was thanks to a Paul Swallow hat-trick as well as another Adam Rossi goal.

The month ended in disappointment for the first team when, following a last minute penalty, they were knocked out of the cup 3-2 by Ripley Town, who are a division below Melbourne. Consolation goals came from from Dave Brough and Adam Rossi.

The Melbourne team enters December with a tough month ahead and needing to change their fortunes.

DYNAMOS RESERVEShad a superb month, although they began with a 2-0 home loss to Wirksworth Town, a team two divisions higher than the reserves.

But they followed this with a 6-0 thrashing of Punjab United Reserves. A Farrell Scott hat-trick, a double from Jack Tivey and a Dom Saniera finish earned the win.

This result was bettered the following week as the reserves recorded a brilliant win away to Ripley Town in the cup. Garry Croake rolled back the years with a superb hat-trick aided by a Jack Havron goal and special mention should go to goalkeepers Joe Storer and Eddie Dale, who both played in alien positions out of goal, the latter belying his 46 years to play 60 minutes up front.

Dynamos Reserves ended the month with a 4-0 win away to Roe Farm with Adam Dolman (2), a Jack Ward penalty and an Olly Seamer header earning the comfortable win that took them to second in the league.

MELBOURNE CARPETS

TICKNALL RANGERSdid best of all the local teams in November, winning all four of their games and in doing so went top of the league and into the semi-finals of the cup.

They began the month with a superb 7-1 home win against Hilton Reserves thanks to a hat-trick from leading scorer Matt Archer, a superb lob from Vinny Hallifield, a Craig Hall goal, a Charlie Ault strike and one from new signing Bjorn Franklin.

They followed this with a 2-0 home win over Alrewas Athletic with second half goals from Matt Smart and Bjorn Franklin.

The cup quarter-final clash versus Monksbridge Reserves followed. A typical end to end cup tie saw Ticknall come through 6-4 with doubles from Carl Allsopp and Matthew Brian plus strikes by Matt Archer and Alex Slater.

Rangers ended the month with a 3-1 away league win against the same side. A 35-yard free kick by Alex Slater plus good finishes by Matt Smart and Ian Hall completed the victory. This capped a superb month for Ticknall as their sponsor, Air Logistics Ltd announced they were continuing their support.

AFC MELBOURNE have struggled again, losing all four games beginning with a 4-1 defeat to Wilmott after getting it back to 1-1 thanks to a Tom Evans goal.

Continued on Page 26

Melbourne Dynamos Reserves: back row Greg Salisbury (capt), Adam Dolman, Farrell Scott, Ben Newton, Oliver Seymer, Jono Dolphin, Eddie Dale (assistant manager); front row Richard Fox, Jack Tivey, Dominic Saniera, Sam Taylor, Victor Hallifield, Jack Havron, Ryan McCloughlin and Tom Jennings.