Melbourne Village Voice October 2011

SEPTEMBER 30 saw the end of an era when Melbourne Lengthsman Alan Bexon retired. Unbeknown to Alan, who is a popular and well liked man, Michael Wheatley from Melbourne News set up a collection for a retirement gift from residents in acknowledgement of Alan’s devotion and commitment for the last 12 years.

Alan was invited to take his ‘brush and barrow’ to the Market Place where he was met by a large group of people and a presentation was made to him by Michael, a cheque for £1,995.

Alan said: “I was lost for words. I’d been asked to take my brush and barrow down to the Market Place and there were all these people there.”

Having recovered from the shock he added: “I would like to thank Margaret and Michael and all their staff at Melbourne News for their kindness and hard work for my retirement gift. It was a lovely surprise. Also thanks to the shopkeepers and townspeople of Melbourne who gave so generously and signed the books for me. It was great to feel so appreciated. I will keep them to remind me of my many friends.

"I would also like to thank Melbourne Parish Council for their presentation, a beautiful gift I can keep to remind me of my time as Melbourne’s Lengthsman."

Alan is in good shape for someone in their 70th year and says that he still has plans to be doing a few things to keep himself active.

BUSINESS AS USUAL

New organisation’s hopes for late night shopping event

THE Melbourne Late Night Shopping event is in safe hands, says Ruth Malloy, of Promote Melbourne, the newly formed organisation rising out of the ashes of the former Melbourne Business Association.

The date has been fixed for Friday, November 25, and the event will have a Victorian theme.

Promote Melbourne chairperson Ruth said: “We would like lots of people to join in the spirit of the event and dress up in Victorian attire –shopkeepers and the community alike.”

The evening will start with a lantern procession at 5.30pm finishing at the Market Place where Lord Ralph Kerr and Melbourne Carnival Queen Rebecca Henshaw will switch on the Christmas lights.

This will be followed by carols sung around the

Christmas tree. There will be a Christmas market and for the younger visitors an appearance by Harry, The Kidz Bus.

Wayne Spiers will be hosting his hog roast and Jack’s Café will be keeping visitors refreshed with mince pies and mulled wine.

John Starkey, from Melbourne Cobblers, will be Master of Ceremonies for the evening, keeping everyone up to date with all that is happening.

Promote Melbourne colleagues will be running a stall with a raffle and children’s treasure hunt which will support Melbourne Infants PTA, one of Promote Melbourne's chosen benefactors. On the same evening, the Melbourne Festival will be holding its great Christmas art fair at Melbourne Hall Tearooms.

In addition to the late night opening of shops there will be individual events within the businesses.

However, Promote Melbourne is about more than the Late Night shopping event. It has been created to sup-

port the Melbourne business community by working together to create a welcoming, vibrant and flourishing destination for shoppers.

Ruth Malloy from Cream Interior Design, has been supported by the treasurer, Andy Dann of the Mileburne Restaurant, and secretary, Christine Lee from The Fair Trading Place, to create a fresh, exciting group that is looking to enhance the vibrancy of the Melbourne business community.

Ruth said: “Our aims are to provide a support network for the business community in Melbourne and to give them a voice that will be listened to and more importantly, accepted.

“We are looking for our members to recommend local shops and businesses to clients so we can try to provide a sustainable local economy for the existing business community and open the door to new ones and to the residents of Melbourne.”

Continued on Page 8

Will’s French adventure –Page 3

Surgery dream realised –Page 7

First day at school –Pages 16,17

Music marathon success –Page 18

David Stretton

A Big Thank You...

to all the very kind people of Melbourne who helped Joan Owens after she tumbled and fell over on Derby Road, Melbourne, near the Post O ce, on Monday 26th September.

Exit stage right for operatic society

THE SALE of the Liberal Club and Public Hall has required the Melbourne Operatic Society to locate to a new venue for rehearsals, resulting in a move to the Park Farmhouse Hotel at Isley Walton which provides them with a large practice room.

Another change for the society is that its performance of “The Gondoliers” will take place at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton, from March 21 to 24, 2012.

With steeply rising costs and the uncertainty of being able to perform at Castle Donington College in future years, it was felt that a move to the newly opened

Duchess Theatre was the right decision to make. It was in 1983 that, because of new Health and Safety Regulations, a move was made to the Castle Donington Community College, which has served the society and its supporters very well for the last 28 years.

All these changes do not mean that “Melbourne” is being taken out of the Society. Far from it. As well as performing next March in Long Eaton, the society will be putting on a concert version of The Gondoliers at the Bill Shone Leisure Centre at a date to be announced.

In addition the organisation will provide a mini bus from Melbourne to Long Eaton

for those supporters who wish to see the fully costumed show.

With Christmas concert rehearsals in full swing, the society is fully committed to providing ongoing musical entertainment in Melbourne and Castle Donington.

This year’s festive extravaganza will be performed on Thursday, December 8 (a change from the usual Friday night) at the Bill Shone Leisure Centre at 7.30pm with a repeat at Castle Donington Catholic Church on Friday, December 9.

Tickets will be available from the Box Office on 01332 863030 or from society members.

Green light for garden club’s new season

Ladies’Night

Friday 11th November 7-10pm

Weston School Hall

(Forrester Avenue, Weston on Trent)

A pre-Christmas pamper and shopping treat

Chocolatier - Licensed Bar - Cupcakes - Deli Food

Jewellery - Handbags - Cards - Glassware - Gi s & more!

Plus, 15 minute beauty therapies including mini-facials, massages, eye treatments, head massages

£5 - bookable in advance

Tickets on sale now - £3.00 Available from Jo Mathews (01332 691302) or Jo Cooke (01332 700564)

TICKNALL Garden Club held the first meeting of the new programme on September 13, preceded by the AGM. Chairman Mrs Margaret West summed up the previous club year, noting the increased membership, April's successful plant sale, the club holiday to Kent and the happy celebration of the club's 21 years with a lunch for members in the Village Hall on Sunday, September 11.

The programmed speaker was Brian Ellis whose nursery and garden has been visited by club members. Brian had studied painting at art college and his wife had studied printed textiles. This influenced his approach to the garden where his interest is in colour, tone, texture and line. Brian holds national collections of

● Ticknall Garden Club committee members are pictured at the 21st anniversary lunch. They are (l - r) Maxine Silk, treasurer, Margaret West, chairman, John Presley, functions organiser, Trisha Bricknall, admin secretary, Richard Fricker, senior advisor, Barbara Presley, flower arranger, Maureen Anderson, IT and catering, Pat Chinery, outing and holiday organiser, and Wendy Gale, programme secretary.

Sanguisorba, Anemone nemerosa and Aster novi-belgii. Bordering the various paths in his garden, he does repeat planting to carry the eye along and give a unity.

His main concern is with foliage which remains long after the flowers have gone and which forms shapes and colours in the garden. He spoke of many plants with variegated or marbled foliage such as different types of Arums and Pulmonarias. The Alstromeria Royal Star has good red flowers but dramatic leaves which will last. The importance of the positioning of the different shapes and colours of green was illustrated with beautiful slides of lovely plants. Brian also had plants for sale to members. These were much appreciated by a captivated audience.

Paris by bike is tres jolie for William

WILLIAM Anderson, formerly of Melbourne, was full of praise for the organisers of the Royal British Legion's Pedal to Paris event that took place in September. This was the 16th year of the event and the 90th anniversary year of the RBL.

Will was one of the 300 riders who set off from Greenwich Park to take part in the 460km cycle ride to Paris. An early accident to one cyclist during the stage to Dover reduced the field to 299, all of whom finished the course.

"The organisation of the whole event was first class," said Will. "Everything that a rider may require from roadside repairs, refreshment stops and qualified masseurs was laid on for the mixed event with riders ranging in age from 16 to 77."

Enjoying the fine weather, the whole entourage was well received during its passage through France and at each of the overnight stops in Calais, Abberville, Beauvais and finally Paris.

"Everyone was so enthusiastic and encouraging to us," said Will.

On their arrival in Paris, the whole party was grouped together and the riders had a police escort as they rode up the Champs Elysée to the Arc de Triomphe with all other traffic diverted for the ride in. Thousands of spectators waited at the finishing line where opera singer Laura Wright sang for the entertainment of the riders and spectators.

Will, who works at The Wheel at Ticknall, would like to thank all his sponsors, the people of Melbourne, the RBL Melbourne and Repton and his team mate Graham Darch. Will is still collecting sponsorship for the Royal British Legion Poppy

Appeal 2011 which should amount to around £1,500. Any late donations can be made through the Just Giving website, www.justgiving.com/willanderson

It is envisaged that the Pedal to Paris event will have raised a total of £600,000.

● Will holds his bike in the air at the Arc de Triomphe finish line.

Watch this space –it may cost you a fine

PARKING spaces in Melbourne's High Street car park for drivers with a Blue Card are to become –for the first time –enforceable by civil enforcement officers, traditionally known as traffic wardens.

Up to now the disabled spaces in the car park behind the Lamb Inn have not been enforceable. But plans being actively considered by South Derbyshire District Council seem likely to mean that in the near future every disabled space will be redrawn, to give wider car parking space for the disabled.

The consequence of this policy decision to be taken by the district council is that there will be a reduction in the number of spaces available for other drivers. This is because, legally, car park spaces for the disabled must be wider to accommodate the special needs of the disabled. So seven standard car park slots will be lost.

This will leave a total of eight disabled spaces, 64 normal standard spaces with unlimited parking time, and five short stay spaces, with limited time allowance.

The loss of these precious car park spaces is certain to be controversial, given the chronic shortage of parking spaces in the centre of Melbourne.

District Councillor Jim Hewlett, who initiated the investigation into disabled spaces following a complaint from a disabled resident, recognises that not everyone will welcome the changes.

But he said: "I have been monitoring car parks in Melbourne for some time, and if the car park behind the Lamb is full, there is always space in the leisure centre to park."

Many residents will be reassured that there will be no restrictions imposed for the majority of parkers on standard spaces.

So beware, it won't be long before parking by fully able motorists careless enough to park in disabled spaces will result in a fine notice. The extra cost to monitor and check that the law is being obeyed by the civil enforcement officers is expected and is being budgeted to be paid for by fines.

There is to be local consultation on this subject during the next few weeks.

P ICTURE OF H EALTH

Country Living

with Robert Parker

THE DROUGHT continues and the water level in the reservoir continues to respond by dropping further.

I think it may have been lower before –but it’s getting near to a record. Looking at the level of water in the river at Burton where the reservoir is supplied from, it’s hardly surprising as there is no surplus to pump out.

As usual for me it’s interesting to see what recognisable features are being revealed, and it started me thinking that there are getting fewer people around who remember the valley as it was. I was 11 when it was flooded and at that age your memory is good and things leave an impression on you.

In the bay near Broadstone Lane the old farmstead of New England is now visible. Of course all buildings were demolished

Grand affair for charity

ON A beautiful September morning at Staunton Harold Hall, a coffee morning held in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support raised the magnificent sum of £1,249.61p.

tone

71 DERBY ROAD, MELBOURNE, DERBYSHIRE DE73 8FE TELEPHONE: 01332 862532 www.pictureofhealthfitness.co.uk

Autumn time at Calke “Local Life and Landscape”

Host for the event Jacqueline Blunt wishes to say a very big thank you to all those who supported the occasion and gave so generously.

but the ruins are plain to see. The house was right next to the brook there and you had to cross the brook through a watersplash or ford and I believe the house flooded regularly. The last inhabitants were the Bates family as far as I can remember.

Further towards the sailing club another landmark appears in the form of the walls of a cold frame which was behind the house of the Taylor brothers who market gardened there. They were moved to a new farm on Robinsons Hill, now converted into houses.

In the bay which goes into Calke Park the evidence of Big Dog Kennel Pond is plain to see with its large island at the upper end. Of course Calke Road at the lower end was dug up to let the pond drain before the flooding in 1962/3.

All these sights bring memories flooding back to me, memories of a glorious childhood which is now nearly a lifetime away.

The New Brook Valley as it was called was a marvellous playground for a child, fishing and swimming in the brook, and many adventures. Oh to have them back!

■ Over 20 years ago I planted some horse chestnut trees here to replace two which were major features and had been blown down in gales.

This year they have produced the most marvellous crop of conkers and not a single child came along to collect them to use in playground ‘conker fights’ as we used to do.

The Health and Safety lobby deem such activities out of bounds for today’s children.

How things have changed ...

Ashby Camera Club Exhibition

Saturday 8 Wednesday 19 October, 11am 4pm

The exhibition includes work from a broad cross section of members, from the novice to the very experienced, in an effort to inspire all levels of photographer to make the best of the local landscape, and will hopefully encourage more people to pick up a camera and give it a go!

Autumn Fine Food Fair

Sunday 23 October, 11am 4pm

Come and celebrate local food and produce grown, raised, baked or caught within a 30 mile radius. Our very own Calke chefs will demonstrate some culinary delights using the fresh local produce available on the day! With a wide variety of local producers providing foods to taste and for you to buy, come and celebrate all that is great about local food in our Riding School.

Calke Alive- 20th Century Monday 24 October, 12.30pm 4pm

Meet some of Calke’s 1940s wartime characters. Join in some ‘make do and mend’ activities and our tea dance in the Riding School at 2.30pm.

Pumpkin Party Tuesday 25 October, 11am 3.30pm

Bring your own pumpkin or buy one at Calke. Decorate it in your own style and add it to our fabulous display.

National Trust Walking Festival

Family Story Trail Walk, Saturday 22 October 2pm 3pm

Surviving Historic Features of Calke Park, Wednesday 26 October 12.45 - 3.30pm booking required.

Pistern Hills and Ticknall Tramway Walk, Thursday 27 October 10.30am - 2.30pm booking required

Please visit the website or telephone for more information.

House: Open until 30 October (except Thursdays and Fridays) 12.30pm 5pm

Garden: Open daily until 30 October 12.305pm

Restaurant/Shop: Open daily 10.30am 5pm (closes 4pm November February)

Calke Park & Nature Reserve: Open daily 7.30am 7.30pm (dusk if earlier)

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke for more of our exciting programme of events!

Normal park admission applies to all visitors

For more information on what’s on at Calke please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke or telephone 01332 863822

MORE than 300 people attended the 2011 Melbourne Rugby Club Ball. Held at Hall Farm, Swarkestone, a three-course meal was provided by Big on Taste with music from Terri Peters Big Band and a disco by Thompson Leisure.

Club chairman Peter Ilott was pleased that everything went smoothly and was hoping that the fund-raising event would match the amount raised in 2010. He also expressed his thanks to Ian Lucas, Tor Lucas and Heather Lowson who did the majority of the work in organising the event.

Pictured are (l-r) Heather Lowson, David Smith (president MRFC), Euan Holden (1st team captain), Ian Lucas, Tor Lucas and Peter Ilott.

Childhood sweethearts’ golden day

JOHN and Elsa Danvers were childhood sweethearts when they lived next door to each other in Breedon on the Hill and on September 2, 1961, they married at St Hardulph’s Church in Breedon.

They have enjoyed a wonderful life together and have now celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. The couple have two sons, Nigel and Darrel, and four grandchildren, Scott and Sam, Megan and Ryan, who joined them together with other friends and family members at the Hermitage Hotel in Coalville for a dinner and a disco to mark the golden day.

Council pays tribute to Alan’s hard work

CHAIRMAN Nigel Collyer presented Lengthsman Alan Bexon with an engraved commemorative crystal award to mark his retirement and exemplary service for Melbourne.

“Alan has worked for the past 13 years in all weathers, fine and foul, and has been a great asset to the community,” said Cllr Collyer.

Alan, who attended the presentation with his family, received praise and a round of applause from all councillors and meeting attendees.

Public questions focused on the need for support of young people in the area. Mark Dale, of the Melbourne Methodist Church and driving force behind the Athenaeum, spoke on the intent to open again, but maybe in a different format.

Mark noted that the Athenaeum’s demise was due to a decline in numbers. However, he was canvassing youngsters to see what they wanted and looked for support from councillors as he posed the question: “How would you like to see us use such a great but underused facility?”

Cllr Collyer agreed to take the comments forward for an open discussion at the next Recreation meeting. Mark was keen to express that a “management team would be resurrected, as it is a facility that is needed in some form for the town”.

Mrs Eileen Hardy referred to recent youth problems commenting “where are the police?”

A recent commotion in the town caused damage to windows of Melbourne Sweets and Treats.

On younger children’s activities Cllr Andrew Jackson noted that 137 youngsters had attended the Summer Sports sessions and commented that “it just seemed to lack appeal, compared to other villages”, presuming the location at Melbourne Recreation ground may be a factor.

A £25 donation was made to the Scouts and Guides for use of the Packhorse Road HQ facilities.

Moving up the age scale Mrs Hardy berated the use of electric mobility scooters on pavements in the town and asked if users underwent training.

Cllr David Smith had noted a recent incident of “pavement rage” in the market place as a consequence of a scooter blocking the pedestrian footpath. Many councillors were unsure of the regulations concerning their use

District Councillor Jim Hewlett advised that the search was now on to find brave and talented young people for the Derbyshire Young Achiever Award 2011. It could be that the young person has showed exceptional bravery in fighting an illness, kindness in helping others, commitment to improving their school, community or local environment or sporting, music or academic success. Nominations are required up to October 14.

■ Derbyshire County Council is offering Community Action Grants of up to £1,000 to help small groups run projects that improve life in their local community, applicable to Charities and Community Groups. Applications should be made via the DC Council website.

■ Major changes will be introduced for the 2015 General Election with MP numbers reducing by 50. Derby South constituency changes will regain Chellaston and Boulton Moor and lose Hilton, Hatton and Etwall.

Similar changes are planned at County Council level and will be adopted for the 2013 elections.

■ If you don’t scoop the poop, a new special Parish Council Committee to tackle dog fouling will look to ensure you do. A discussion paper to councillors on action to combat dog fouling has been developed with ideas to use hard-hitting posters in the town. Talk of a dog-poop survey on a weekly basis to see if things improve is one such idea. Councillors will review the paper at the next committee meeting.

■ The chairman thanked the Festival Committee for a fantastic event that brings out the best in Melbourne. Attendances were high and it is very likely that even without the Arts Council Grant the event can continue next year. Cllr Jane Carroll thanked Sharon Brown for her relentless work to organise the event.

■ The council determined that its initial focus on CCTV upgrade should primarily consider the Lothian Gardens area. Further requirements and recommendations will be sought, whilst funding is still available.

■ It was agreed to spend £540 on pruning lime trees and clearing the area that backs on to the Recreation Ground/Hatton Court, following concerns from local residents.

● LENGTHSMAN Alan Bexon with his partner, Valerie, and daughters-in-law, Sarah and Christine, at the presentation with Cllrs Jane Carroll and Nigel Collyer.

Double tops for airport

EAST Midlands Airport has secured two top travel awards in recent weeks.

Having been voted the ‘Star Regional UK Airport’ at the Travel Bulletin 2011 Star Awards, EMA was then named 'Airport of the Year' at the National Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) awards at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.

FREE TREES OFFER

SOUTH Derbyshire District Council and the National Forest have joined forces to offer individuals, schools and community groups the opportunity to apply for free trees.

Kate Allies, Environmental Development Manager at the council, said: "Free trees will be available to plant in areas where they will improve the environment and can be appreciated by residents and visitors. We hope lots of people will take advantage.”

There are 1,000 trees which will be available, with a choice of Alder Buckthorn, Bird Cherry, Common Spindle and Hazel. All the species are two years old and 60 to 90cms (two to three feet) high. They will be supplied with a guidance sheet on how to plant and look after them.

There is a maximum of two trees per household, or 10 for those applying on behalf of a school or community group. South Derbyshire residents, schools and community groups can apply by telephone on 01283 595795.

WESTON-under-Fives Pre-school held a 40th anniversary celebration in the village hall.

Local MP Heather Wheeler (above) attended and opened the event by cutting the red ribbon.

To the right of Mrs Wheeler are Astrid Smith and Enid Clarke, the two ladies who originally formed the Preschool on September 6, 1971.

Organiser of the celebration Kathy Poxon, pictured left, said: "It was lovely to have the two ladies join us for the celebration, sharing some of their memories. It made the day very special for us."

Following on from the afternoon event there was a disco in the evening and both were well attended.

The organisers would like to thank everyone for their support at the celebrations and, as a result the fund-raising, was a huge success.

Competing against other regional airports, such as Bristol, Liverpool, Luton and Southampton, for the Star award, East Midlands Airport succeeded in holding on to its title for the fifth consecutive year. The Airport of the Year title was won for the second consecutive year.

Voted for by UK travel agents and independent industry observers the awards are the most prestigious events in the travel industry calendar.

Brad Miller, Managing Director at East Midlands Airport, said: “We are delighted and extremely proud. At East Midlands, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service, choice and flexibility and it’s great to see that our efforts have been recognised.”

New medical centre dream comes true

IT HAS taken 10 years for the dream of a modern, state of the art, medical centre in Chellaston to come to fruition. And on September 22 more than 70 people gathered to witness Olive England, the oldest practice patient at 102, draw the cord to unveil the plaque and formally declare the new centre open.

Dr Philip Das had welcomed everyone to the ceremony and thanked all those who had contributed to providing such an inspiring, bright, warm and welcoming centre for patients and staff members.

Dr Iain Black spoke about how the Chellaston practice has developed since the 80s and its history of various and sometimes unsuitable premises before moving to Manor Road and now to the new purpose-built centre.

The new surgery, funded and developed by leading healthcare property group Assura, was built in partnership with LSP Developments and designed by architects from the West Hart Partnership. Development Manager at Assura Group, Amanda Horley and Ed Sutton, Managing Director at LSP Developments, were both invited to say a few words.

“We are delighted with the medical centre and it’s great to see staff enjoying their new working environment as well as patients benefiting from the additional facilities the surgery is now able to offer,” said Amanda.

Mr Sutton said: “The development process has been challenging, but we have been able to provide the GPs with a modern, highly sustainable surgery which is testament to the strong working relationship between Derby City PCT, the practice and the development team. It has been a pleasure to work with such a proactive group and we hope that staff and patients will benefit from the new medical centre long into the future.”

Annette Jennison, practice manager at Chellaston Medical Centre, announced the winners of an art competition run in conjunction with Homefields Primary School and three young people were awarded prizes –Sonny Rowan, Ulysse Brakeboer and Thomas Harley.

The new medical centre boasts 16 consulting rooms, a minor operations unit, an area to be used for baby clinics and spaces to hold exercise classes. The 12,000 sq ft, state of the art, healthcare facility also includes an integrated pharmacy.

● Olive England is pictured with doctors Philip Das and Iain Black as she unveils the commemorative plaque. Inset: practice manager Annette Jennison.

● A MEDIEVAL Market was held in front of All Saints’ Church, Aston on Trent. Period dress was not a requirement for stallholders or visitors as the market was held to uphold a tradition and for people to have a good time.

MELBOURNE Area Transition will present a talk by Dr Helen Bralesford on Wednesday, October 19, at 7.45 pm in the Honnor Room, Church House. The talk is entitled Great Green Shorts: Environmental Stories that Changed the World. Admission is free and light refreshments will be provided.

Council meeting guarded by gun-toting cops ...

MELBOURNE Parish Council chairman NIGEL COLLYER writes about a recent council meeting he attended.

ON AUGUST30, I went to a Melbourne Council meeting; nothing unusual about that you may think – as the current chairman of Melbourne Parish Council I spend at least two evenings a month on council matters, plus lots of calls, letters and other business in-between.

But this was different. The meeting I attended whilst on holiday in mid-Florida was to our namesake: The City of Melbourne on the space coast of Florida.

Greeted at the door by the clerk, Cathy Wysor, my family and I went through the airport-style security checks, manned by gun carrying police officers. I spent a few minutes talking with the Mayor, Harry C Goode – until recently a member of the US House of Representatives – and his fellow councillors.

The City of Melbourne is a prosperous, well-maintained community of some 80,000 people; like our own community, it has attracted people who work in nearby high tech and aerospace industries. Amongst the agenda items discussed on the night there was a vote to spend almost five million dollars on a water reclamation plant –quite a different scale to our own council’s annual budget of £130k.

They, too, have some colourful characters who wanted to express forthright and frankly bizarre views to the council – all done though under the watchful eyes of the Sergeant at Arms whose handgun remained on show throughout. Order was ensured!

The Mayor was kind enough to invite me to the front, where he presented me with ‘The Key to the City’ – a great honour – and I was able to say a few words about our community, not realising at the time that the whole meeting was being broadcast on Florida TV.

Over dinner with Harry later that night, he told Maria and I that he’d once been to our village, but had only driven straight through ‘just to be able to say I’ve been’.

ll I’ve invited him to drop by if he’s in the UK again, and hopefully we can show him something of the little place that indirectly gave his great city its name.

Promoting Melbourne organisation

Cont’d from Page 1

The group is collectively investigating ways to raise funds for the local community. Contributions from businesses such as Laura and Richard from Sweets & Treats and Kirsten Bridge at Lily & Lime have created a host of fabulous ideas which the group will be looking to make happen in 2011/12.

Linda Tweedle, from Mimi Interiors, said: “Christmas is a great time of year for people to unite. There will be many activities happening in the run-up to Christmas which will bring businesses and the community closer together. The Blossom Tree in conjunction with The Gallery, in William’s Yard will be running Christmas wreath workshops and I will be holding Christmas craft workshops in conjunction with Deborah from Pooka.”

Both The Blossom Tree and Isobel the Florist are involved within Promote Melbourne showing how a strong group can provide so much more together than individually. Helen at Home Boutique said: “Many businesses have shown their support to the group and have attended regular meetings to offer ways to develop a collective feel in the team. We are building closer links to promote each others’ businesses to customers and forge inter-business links which will be good for the whole community."

Clare Bampton, of Bampton Communications, told Village Voice: “I’m involved because it’s

important to have a balanced united approach to strengthen Melbourne as a town. An essential aim is to market Melbourne as a destination for people to visit and shop, increasing the footfall in the town.

“We also have to remember what the community of Melbourne would like to see happen to protect our village feel, grow the wider business community and promote employment opportunities. The outgoing Business Association did a wonderful job and we thank them for their support of Melbourne. The newly formed Promote Melbourne provides a fresh opportunity to inspire action through new faces and different approaches.”

Promote Melbourne is cur-

rently creating a formal mission statement to ensure there is a real purpose that both businesses and customers will be able to measure the group against and making Melbourne the primary place for locals to come for their shopping needs.

Sharon Hurd, bespoke dressmaker, said: “Whilst the group is still in its infancy we have big plans to improve the business environment, sharing ideas and making things happen for the good of the town.”

If you are a local business and would like to get involved then get in touch with Ruth at Cream Interior Design, who says “we are a friendly bunch who are committed to Melbourne and to introducing improvements for the future good of everyone”.

● Chairman of Melbourne Parish Council Nigel Collyer is presented with the Keys of the City of Melbourne, Florida, USA, by the Mayor Harry C Goode.

● SOMEof the members from Promote Melbourne are pictured in the Market Place. They are (from the left): Paul Wilson (Melbourne Print), Ruth Malloy (Cream Interior Design), Clare Bampton (Bampton Communications), Helen Orrock (Home Boutique), Andy Dann (Mileburne Restaurant), Craig Barker (Baseline), Laura Fortey (Melbourne Sweets & Treats), Isobel Oldknow (Isobel the Florist) and Christine Lee (Fair Trading Place).

Not so sweet for shop

LAURA and Richard Fortey, who run the Sweets and Treats business in Melbourne's Market Place, spent Saturday morning clearing up after their shop window was shattered as a result of a fracas which took place in the early hours of the morning.

The window was shattered, but Laura (pictured inside the shop before the damage and later outside) was clear that the incident was not a criminal act against their business.

" We had no goods stolen, and there was no sign of blood in the vicinity.”

The police were informed and are pursuing enquiries.

Future far from sunny for solar panel scheme

A PLANNING application to install solar panels on a garage roof has received a negative reaction from South Derbyshire District Council planners.

The planning committee will finalise the decision on the scheme for St Brides Farm at Stanton-by-Bridge on October 11.

The solar panels would be sited on the roof of a new build garage, amidst seven residential units on the site. In their assessment of the application, the planners state that the installation could be seen from the A514 Ticknall to Stanton road, and from footpaths which intersect the site.

The planning assessment fully accepts the economic, social and environmental benefits –lower Carbon footprint, reduced CO2 emission, minimal visual intrusion, and no noise, and that the application complies

with the Government's planning guidelines. But the Conservation and Heritage Officer is clear in his judgement –"the application should be refused" . The application is considered likely to "open the door to further applications on the south facing roof slopes ... sufficiently detrimental in itself to warrant refusal".

St Brides is one of the oldest residential buildings in South Derbyshire, with "a little of the original stonework ... of a 12th century Norman church", and "a conspicuous feature of the landscape in popular walking country on the edge of the National Forest". St Brides has "a strong historic character due to its vernacular materials and form, and its position".

Three letters of support for the application were received by the planners, stating

that neighbours would welcome this ecofriendly venture, and that "the UK needs to move with the times".

It’s a swish party

ASTON on Trent Welldressers are having a fund-raising event on Tuesday, October 25, in Aston Memorial Hall.

Visitors to the ‘swishing party’ are invited to take with them up to five items of clothing/accessories to donate to the event, enjoy a glass of wine and browse the items on offer. At the end of the evening you can take away up to five items new to you.

Tickets are £5 including a drink and nibbles, available from village shops or by contacting 01332 792046. All proceeds will go to the 2012 welldressing and charities.

Rutting time again at Calke Abbey

DRAMATICrutting scenes will be taking place at Calke Abbey this month when the red and fallow deer stags battle to win their mates. The park will echo with bellowing calls as the stags try to attract the hinds for mating, and antler-clashing skirmishes ensue to finalise control.

Visitors are drawn to see this natural spectacle year after year.

Philip Bittner, Visitor Experience Manager for Calke Abbey, said: "Deer rutting is nature’s version of Gladiators! It’s a really exciting thing to witness."

Red and fallow deer have been part of the landscape at Calke Abbey since the mid-17th century and the ancient woodland and parkland is the perfect habitat for over 100 of them.

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Three cheers for another huge success

SHOUT it from the roof tops, Melbourne Art Festival committee got it right again with another splendid Trail Weekend and a two-week programme of performing arts.

Three cheers for the dedication, determination and energy of the organisers, the team of volunteers, the hosts –both private individuals –who opened their homes to thousands of visitors and the organisations who volunteered their premises.

With 2,700 trail guides sold this year, the attendance over each of the last four years has hovered around the 3,000 mark and has ensured that the ongoing interest has provided sufficient funds to enable the committee to start planning the 2012 festival.

The weather always helps to bring out the visitors and this year was no different at least until 3.30pm on Sunday afternoon when the heavens opened and anyone out of doors got very, very wet before the sun came out again to end the day on a high.

The reputation of the festival is growing and enticing visitors from near and far. There were American and French families present and a family from Scotland visiting friends in Melbourne who bumped into another family from their village of Strathaven.

With more than 120 artists exhibiting their work in 60 venues during the trail, music at various venues, street entertainment, pubs, restaurants, cafes and other food outlets, it was a challenge to see and do everything. But what an atmosphere it created and maintained for the two days.

Some of the highlights included a special exhibition with Contemporary Artists at The One Off, a design company in Derby Road,which hordes of people visited, to see work by Hannah Lobley, Diane Shepherd, Sarah Jennings, Steve Chaplin and Jane Bevan

amongst others.

Art wasn’t the only attraction on the Trail this year. Melbourne Festival collaborated with Derby-based Surtal Arts to take Bollywood Dance Workshops into Chellaston Academy and Tindles Dance in Melbourne. This culminated in a Bollywood flash mob with over 40 dancers performing in a vibrant splash of sound and colour for a crowd of nearly 300 people on Saturday.

Not to be outdone, the music marquee also attracted huge crowds on both days with The Exile, a very young band making their debut performance on the Sunday.

The A Choir’d Taste concert was a sellout –The Wind in the Willows was delightful – Hothouse played to a full house again.

Comedy Night was another success; Nigel John was good as Elton John – he looked and sounded like the man himself –and James Rippingale put on a beautiful performance and played to a full house. Playback Theatre pulled in a receptive audience and entertained with their spontaneous performances, their interpretation of the tale of the Christmas Tree brilliant.

The programme ended with Rhythm of the World when Melbourne echoed with the sound of five drummers from India, China, Africa and the UK performing to an audience of people aged five to 75 at the Leisure Centre. The encore had to be seen to be believed with people dancing in the aisles and picking up drums to join in –amazing!

The Kinder Choir closed the performance programme with a flawless performance.

The whole programme was a credit to all the effort everyone put in.

FESTIVAL IN PICTURES –PAGES 12 and 13

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Members of the Parish Council

Melbourne Parish Council Quarterly Report - October 2011

The Parish Council is making good progress on its 2011 strategic projects.

This includes a recent decision to secure the future of the Leisure Centre with a transfer of operational control to Melbourne Community Group. Plans are well in-hand for a big event on Saturday 2nd June 2012 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee - make a note in your diaries. Support for the newly formed trader's association 'Promote Melbourne' will include road closures for an extended Christmas Shopping event in the Village centre. We continue to monitor the e ectiveness of the road layout at Kings Newton corner for its e ectiveness at improving road safety. A small Working Group has been set-up to explore best practice from other areas to tackle the Dog Fouling that is allowed by a small anti-social section of our community. We are progressing with a scheme to restore the Castle Square monument.

THE Melbourne Art Festival Committee is delighted to announce that Adam Devey-Smith, owner of the Melbourne business The One Off, has very generously donated the use of its offices at 55 Derby Road, to Melbourne Festival for use as an office and a pop-up gallery, until building and renovation work starts later in the year.

Speaking on behalf of Melbourne Festival, Sharon Brown said that they were overwhelmed by his generosity.

Useful Numbers

The

For further details of this and other Melbourne Festival activities visit or call 07765 819428.

The Parish Council wishes our retiring Lengthman, Alan Bexon a long and enjoyable retirement and is now seeking a replacement for the position. Anyone interested please contact the clerk Norman Hill. There is also a vacancy for a Parish Councillor; this will be advertised shortly.

SDDC Rubbish Collection,

on Saturday 5th November.

The Pop Up Gallery opened on October 1 and local artists are keen to exhibit their work. Chellaston Academy students are also exhibiting.

team of volunteers who run the festival has agreed to man the gallery.

Pictured above are (l-r) Phil Dobby, Chris Brown, Sharon Brown, Adam Devey Smith, Richard Collier and Lee Draylord

THE KINDER Children’s Choirs the High Peak brought the M bourne Festival concert and p formance programme to a close. This was no children’s choir. T was a bunch of attractive, enthusi tic, immensely gifted young peo putting on a performance so prof sional and polished that it quite to the breath away.

At times very moving, at times pu joyous fun, their varied reperto ranging from Handel to Amy Wi house enthralled the audience in parish church.

At a time when young people a getting a very bad press, it was exh arating to watch these perform with their flawless diction and m tery of dynamics singing in imma late harmony. Apparently there is voice test required to join, wh makes their achievements all the mo

Leics.

DAY WORKSHOPS FOR LADIES

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a great Christmas present for mum, daughter, wife or girlfriend.

.. FESTIVAL 2011 PICTURE GALLERY

remarkable.

Founding Director Joyce Ellis told us how the choir sang in Normandy this summer, at an event to commemorate the D-Day landings, standing in front of 9,000 white crosses marking the fallen, singing Band of Brothers. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. In the second half the audience thrilled to James Bond theme songs, Somebody to Love by Freddy Mercury and two Abba songs.

The main choir features singers from seven to 19 years old, but in the second half a section of the older members performed four current popular songs, complete with dance moves, including Amy Winehouse’s Rehab and Starship’s Don’t Stop Believing.

The finale was the waltz from The Merry Widow, which had members of the audience dancing in the aisles or swaying in their seats.

PIANO / CLARINET TUITION Theory of music

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DAME Catherine Harpur’s School in Ticknall will be holding an open day on Saturday, October 15, between 10am and 1pm, to which everyone is welcome.

Established in 1744, this flourishing and friendly independent village school caters for children aged 3 to 11 years.

With a philosophy that young minds need individual encouragement, the small classes in the school – a maximum of 15 children per teacher –provide a nurturing environment which promotes social and intellectual stimulation. The nursery has a maximum of eight children per session and is rated excellent by Ofsted.

The children enjoy the benefits of a large garden which incorporates a spacious playground alongside wildlife areas and gardening plots and they participate in joint projects with Calke Abbey and the National Trust. The school’s unique ethos

is to foster a setting where children, their families and teachers work closely together.

Nursery sessions are free with Government nursery vouchers accepted and there is an affordable approach to funding with fees a fraction of those seen in other independent schools.

Children from Dame Catherine’s have made the transition from a small village school to larger secondary schools with ease and confidence, and achieve very good academic results. For more information please contact the school on 01332 862792 or visit its website www.damecatherines.co.uk.

Pictured above are Fay Younger (left) and headteacher Margaret Whyte with their new intake.

■ FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL PICTURE SPECIAL ––PAGES 16-17

RICHARD Stone gave an interesting talk on the art of stained glass to Melbourne Civic Society. Excellent photographs illustrated its development from mediaeval times to the present day. Using examples from many churches around the country Richard showed what awe-inspiring effects were achieved. Many such windows were damaged and destroyed during the Reformation and the Civil War. Richard went on to show how William Morris revived an interest in stained glass as an art form in churches because of his passion for a return to working with one's hands in the mediaeval manner. He showed many beautiful examples of the work of the pre-Raphaelites that can be seen in this area. It is a unique art form that still continues to this day. The next meeting of the Civic Society will be held on Monday, October 31, at the Leisure Centre (7.30pm) when Dr Paul Elliott from Derby University will give a talk on the Derby Philosophers.

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THIS YEAR’S Golden Gates

Run took place on Sunday, September 25, with 230 athletes of all ages – from four to 82 – taking part over a revised course which started and finished at Elvaston Cricket Club’s pavilion.

Athletes enjoyed a choice of a

five or two mile run round the pleasant wooded parkland of Elvaston Castle and, although the weather was un-seasonal, the cricket club responded with excellent warming breakfast fare at the finish.

The organisers are pleased with the event's successful tran-

sition this year and say they are well on track to surpass last year's total of £1,200 for the preferred charity, Leukaemia Research.

The website address for the Golden Gates Run for those wanting any further information is www.elvaston-pc.org

melbourne’s a recipe for culinary success

MELBOURNE has always attracted visitors for a variety of different reasons, one of which has been the availability of consistently good food.

There are now two good reasons. The Bay Tree Restaurant, which has a long history for fine dining, and the newer Mileburne Restaurant, which has built up a very good reputation for fine dining in recent years, have both been nominated in the Derby Food and Drink Awards for the title Best out of Town Restaurant.

The Mileburne is also proud to have been nominated for a second title, Restaurant of the Year in the Derbyshire Food and Drink Awards. This is a great accolade for both restaurants and is also good news for the town.

There are now likely to be even more visitors. But dining doesn’t stop there. With the increasing number of alternative dining opportunities,Melbourne is becoming a Mecca for those wishing to explore its wide variety of eateries.

Indian food is catered for with the Melbourne Arms-Cuisine India and the new Zeerah. The Thai experience can be enjoyed at the Yim Siam and stone baked pizzas have been introduced at the Lamb Inn. There is also a wide range of good pub grub at the Bluebell, the Alma, Ye Olde Packhorse and the Paddock.

Recent developments at the Hardinge Arms and the renamed Harpurs is providing customers with new menus and dining experiences while there are plans for a new Italian restaurant on Derby Road.

A bonus for Melbourne residents is that this is all on our doorstep.

Litter pick time

MELBOURNE Civic Society has organised an Autumn Litter Pick for Saturday morning, October 29.

Members will assemble in front of the Leisure Centre at 10am and enthusiastic volunteers will be welcome to join in.

Sizzling Gems

A trio of mouthwatering Lamb Kali Mirch, Achari Tikka and Reshmi Kebab cooked in a charcoal clay oven and served on a bed of sizzling onions. Melbourne Arms Special Diced chicken breast sauteed with ginger, garlic and tomato paste, fresh fenugreek and sweet corn blended with gram our nished o in a creamy sauce.

Tawa Lamb

Tender diced lamb prepared on a hot plate with onions, tomatoes, capsicums, fresh garlic, ginger and green chilli paste with a hint of garam massala.

Paneer Pasanda

Home made cottage cheese slices stu ed with fresh ground spinach blended with cashew paste served in a mild creamy sauce. Served with boiled basmati / pillau rice and naan of choice.

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CLERK TO TICKNALL PARISH COUNCIL

Ticknall Parish Council requires a Clerk/Responsible Financial O cer to provide professional support and advice in all aspects of the Council’s work.

Candidates need to be computer literate, competent in all aspects of administration including nancial management, and have an understanding of local government regulations governing the conduct of Parish Council business.

The applicant should preferably hold the Certi cate in Local Council Administration, although this is not absolutely essential. However, we would expect you to train for and acquire this quali cation in due course, at the Parish Council's expense.

Salary – Local Government Scale SCP15, £8.344per hour to SCP17, £8.747 per hour for a minimum of 5 hours per week. This pay scale could be subject to negotiation in the event of exceptional experience or quali cations. The Clerk will work from home for which an annual allowance of £100 is paid.

For any further information please contact the Clerk by phone on 01332 862628 or email enquiries@ticknallparishcouncil.co.uk

Applications with CV, detailing experience and quali cations together with names and addresses of two referees should be sent to the Clerk to the Council, The Paddock, Topfarm Courtyard, Ashby Road, Ticknall, DE73 7JJ, or email, enquiries@ticknallparishcouncil.co.uk no later than 28th October 2011.

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School life starts here ...

IT WAS first day at school for some of the area’s youngsters last month –with Melbourne Infants School having a really busy time.

There was an exceptional intake this year of 72 children at Melbourne.

Commenting on the large intake this year, head teacher Jo Sadler said: “The children have settled in very well.

“We had a good transition between the pre-schools and ourselves during the school summer term and everyone is looking forward to the first parents evening.

“All the feedback received so far has been positive.

“Obviously our preparation paid off but we are still waiting to hear about dates for when building will start on the new classroom.”

TOP: Melbourne Infants School’s Seahorse class with Mrs Fletcher, Miss Scott and Mrs Hall.

ABOVE: The Starfish class at Melbourne with Miss Perry (left) and Mrs Danby.

RIGHT: Melbourne’s Penguin class with Mrs Danby and Mrs Howell.

LEFT: Weston on Trent Church of England Aided School Wrens team with Mrs Butler, Mrs Salih (headteacher) and Jackie Ford.

TOP LEFT: Aston on Trent Primary School with Mrs Armitage and Mr Bamford. BOTTOM LEFT: Sale and Davy’s CE (controlled ) Primary School’s Merlin class with new class teacher Justin Comasky, Carol Toplis, Helen Waite and Ashton Reed.

ABOVE: Findern Primary School with Miss Ballard (left) and Mrs Wightman. BELOW: St Hardulph’s Primary School, Breedon on the Hill with Mrs Whiteside.

Melbourne Dental Practice

Marathon effort a resounding success

THE 12-hour music marathon held at Ticknall Parish Church was a very successful event, surpassing all expectations. It attracted hundreds of people from a wide area, all keen to listen to a feast of music.

The weather was warm and sunny bringing out the visitors who were enthralled by musicians from near and far. Youngsters sang, played flute, clarinet, violin, drums, electric guitar and piano with a bit of dance thrown in for good measure.

An informal group led community singing while a bass singer as well as the church choir each had a spot.

An international viola player, a harpsichord player, organists and keyboard players as well as a nationally renowned soprano and a concert pianist entertained delightfully.

MELBOURNE COMMUNITY CARE SHOPPING TRIPS/RECREATIONAL OUTINGS

MINIBUS TIMETABLE - OCTOBER, NOVEMBER & 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.

Brizlincote

The beautiful sounds flowed throughout the day as the visitors indulged themselves with hot bacon, sausage and egg baps followed by cakes and biscuits.

The event was in aid of church funds and raised almost £1,400.

A group of young musicians taking part in the Music Marathon are pictured (from the left): Grace Evans, violin, Hannah Payne, piano, Bradley Dawn, guitar, Louis Dawn, drums, and Hope Evans, flute.

Patients group idea takes a step forward

by COLIN BARKER

MONDAY, September 19, 2011, could prove to have been an important day for the NHS patients of Melbourne and Chellaston depending on future support.

As an interested party, I attended the inaugural meeting at Chellaston Surgery to discuss the creation of a Practice/Patient Participation Support Group.

It was a promising turnout of more than 20 people with the practice represented by two GPs and the Practice Manager.

Also in attendance was a member of the PCT, two members of the Derby Health Forum, with the rest of the group made up of patients from both surgeries.

I have to admit that I didn't recognise many people from Melbourne, which is a pity as I feel it important that any patient group is equally represented from both sites.

We were given an insight into the sort of things that as a group we could do by Sandra Harrison from Derby Health Forum.

There are two ways in which you can become involved and these are:

Patient Reference Group (PRG) –You can become a member/supporter of this group which would involve periodic completion of questionnaires to give valuable feedback to the Practice and the main group or as a volunteer for distribution of relevant leaflets/material. This commitment would be ideal for anyone not wishing to attend meetings.

Practice/Patient Support Group (PPSG) –As a member of this group, you would attend meetings as and when required, to be a 'voice' for your fellow patients to express views on Practice strategy, health promotion, relay information/plans to patients and organise fund-raising. I would add that it is not the role of this group to deal with patient complaints as there are laid down procedures to deal with this.

I believe that the PPSG should be made up of no more than 1012 members, ideally equally represented from both surgeries.

My view is that our remit would be to inform the surgeries of patients’ wishes to further enhance services, facilities and treatments for the good of all.

How much ‘clout’ the PRG and PPSG will have remains to be seen, but we won't know until we try. It might be of interest to patients to know how many of the GPs support this idea.

To conclude, I would say that with a current patient list of approximately 6,500 at Melbourne and 7,500 at Chellaston and rising, there must be a wealth of diverse experience/expertise within our GP Practice area, which I understand is now the fourth largest in the area.

This is your chance to 'have a say' with both groups having an important part to play.

For those who would like to see a separate group for each location, these surgeries have always been linked so it is right that all decision making is relevant to both. Please don't let that deter you from becoming involved.

If you are interested, I'm sure Annette Jennison would be pleased to hear from you. Contact her by telephoning 01332 862124, emailing annette@melbournesurgery.co.uk or by writing to her at Melbourne or Chellaston surgeries.

Naomi Fry BDS & Associates, Helen Baker BDS

What shall we do with Athenaeum?

A FEW months ago the Melbourne Methodist Church announced that the Athenaeum Youth Café was closing for an extended period of time following a significant decline in the number of youngsters using the café. Now, the church is looking at the options that would enable it to re-open in 2012.

The church is very keen that the Athenaeum cafe is used throughout the whole week, both during the day and in the evenings and to achieve this the first stage is to ask the people of Melbourne for suggestions about what they would like.

Suggestions will be welcome from all age groups and organisations but in particular from the young people.

“We talked to the young people back in 2002 when we planned the Athenaeum,” said Mark Dale, on behalf of the church, “but that was almost a decade ago and times change, so we are asking them again.”

To encourage their input the church is offering a prize of an iPod Nano for the best suggestions.

“All people need to do is send us their ideas and their name will go into a prize draw,” said Mark, “or they can leave their ideas and names on a new Athenaeum Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/melbourneathenaeum”

An early suggestion is that a structured workshop night should be held where young people would sign up for classes in different skills.

WEDDING BELLS

PETER Simpson, son of David and Carol Simpson of Melbourne, married Nuala Sykes, daughter of Paul and Clare Sykes, of Burgh Le Marsh, Lincolnshire, at Our Lady and the English Martyrs, Spilsby.

The couple honeymooned in Vancouver and The Rockies.

SARAH Jane Milham married Jason Adam Smith at Melbourne Parish Church. The reception was held at the Bill Shone Leisure Centre and the couple, who have made their home in Melbourne, honeymooned in Sicily.

Grant for history group

ASTON on Trent Local History Group has been awarded a £850 Community Action Grant from Derbyshire County Council. The group will use the funding to create innovative new games and resources to encourage children to learn about their local history and heritage.

Chairperson Carole Bagnall said: "Now that we have our village heritage centre, we want children to use period costumes, puzzles, quizzes, jigsaws, treasure hunts and other activities so that history becomes interesting and fun. The grant will enable us to involve volunteers to design and create resources that can be professionally made to last. We very much appreciate the support that the county council gives to community groups."

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up and down opening for the rugby club

MELBOURNE 1st XV started their competitive campaign with a resounding win over Notts Casuals in the NLD shield. The final score was 39-19 against a side that plays in a league higher than Melbourne.

Melbourne played into a strong wind in the first half and within a minute Skye Alejandro scored a try. Notts Casuals hit back with two tries of their own, both converted and led 14-10 at half-time.

Skipper Euan Holden reduced the deficit with a penalty, but Matt Smith was yellow carded and this seemed to be a catalyst for the rest of the team.

Great teamwork saw tries from Olly Page, Andy Gates and Freedy Freedlander before Casuals reduced the deficit with a try of their own. Matt Smith scored the final try to make amends for his earlier yellow card. Holden added 14 points with the boot and was pleased with the performance especially with some new faces.

An away trip to Kesteven saw Melbourne return empty handed after a 17-0 defeat, the score not reflecting the possession and territory Melbourne had. Holden’s comment was that Melbourne were

not clinical enough, but there were lots of positives to be taken from the game.

Another away trip to Worksop saw Melbourne register their first league victory. Despite poor preparation following a car breakdown and conceding an early score, Melbourne eventually found their feet and registered a comfortable 38-12 win. Tries came from Tom Howard (2), Rob Foster, Freedy Freedlander, Jacob Watts and Skye Alejandro with eight points from Euan Holden

MELBOURNE 2nd XV started their campaign with three successive Pennant games. First up saw a 31-0 defeat against Matlock 3rds. The next game saw the 2nds take on Derby Vets at home and, in a tight game, Melbourne triumphed 10-6. Dale Bilson scored the only try, with Chris Fulton contributing five points.

Finally, at the end of September, the 2nd XV made the short trip to play Ilkeston 3rds.

In a tight game, Ilkeston’s experience edged the younger Melbourne side 15-7, with Melbourne’s points all coming from Dale Bilson, with a try and a conversion.

SURGERIES

Councillor John Harrison & Councillor Jim Hewlett ADVICE

at Melbourne Leisure Centre - 11 am to 12 noon

Saturday 5th November, 2011

Saturday 3rd December, 2011

Saturday 7th January, 2012

“Listening to Local People”

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County Call-ups what a start!

MELBOURNE RFC U14s have six players selected for the Derbyshire county squad – Louis Chapman, Callum Donnelly, Joe Cuthbertson, Nathan Gostick, Ben Milton and Cameron Walker.

They are very proud to represent their club and county and are looking forward to the late night training sessions at Moorways under floodlights and the Rugby Festival against our neighbouring counties of Lincs and Notts.

Following the recent U13s Derbyshire trial, the following Melbourne U13s players have been selected to train with the Derbyshire county squad: Joe Bhalay, Josh Toplis, Baden Ramage, Ben Goddard, Lito Cahili , Oliver Cope, Joe Travers, Joe Nalty, James Askew, Patrick Arana and Jack Slater.

Melbourne is proud to have the largest club representation in Derbyshire – with 11 players and they should be congratulated for their selection.

"I’m pleased for the players involved and I'm sure they'll gain from the experience of representative Rugby,” said head coach Kevin Brown.

“The number of successes at the trials did not overly surprise me, as week in week out these lads demonstrate skills that place them at the summit of Midlands rugby."

The first match of the season for the U14s was against Mellish and there were a number of weary players following the previous day's county trials.

Last season’s match was a real feisty affair and Mellish looked like they had been on steroids over the summer!

The game was played in a great spirit and the difference was Melbourne's ability to keep the ball alive and offload to the supporting players. This allowed Melbourne to score six tries through Hedley Hardcastle, Jamie Wilson, Alex Hotchkies (Humper to his mates), Sam Walton, Humper again and Josh Brookes. Luke Merrey converted one. A great team effort from both forwards and backs.

Mellish scored a try either side of half-time, managing to convert one to make the final score 32 - 12 to Melbourne.

DESPITE being current NLD CUP holders, Melbourne U13s have never beaten Nottingham since ‘contact’ rugby commenced five seasons ago. The players were keen to end this sequence in their first game of the new season.

A poorly fielded kick saw Nottingham immediately threaten and for the next five minutes laid siege to the Chariots line. Defence was strong with Josh Toplis, Jack Slater and Tom Brown putting their bodies on the line bravely and the pressure yielded no points for Robin Hood’s men. Gradually Melbourne worked their way up field when Nottingham’s most threatening centre burst through for a try but Joe Nalty made a great cover tackle to stifle the move. A desperate clearance kick from Nottingham was fielded by Connor Hooper. He burst some tackles and cantered in for a wonderful try which Jack Bull converted. Tom Brown's probing kicks caused panic and the forwards were taking control. Jack Slater took an offload from Joe Travers and powered over between the posts for a super try which Bull again converted. Half-time: 14-0 to Melbourne.

The second half saw Melbourne continue to dominate. Bull, Slater and Jack Brough led the forward surges while Derice Laing flew deep into Nottingham territory. After some great support play by James Askew and Ben Goddard, Patrick Arana burst onto the pass and left defenders flailing as he powered over the line followed by another Bull conversion. A fantastic passage of play involving interlinking forwards and backs resulted in Connor Hooper waltzing over for a second try.

The confidence levels amongst Melbourne were surging when Dan Bostock popped up on the end of another fine passage of play and his excellent acceleration saw him zip in untouched for a try. The final whistle brought satisfied smiles from the parental support and the players alike.

Coach Kevin Brown said: "The players were fantastic today, brave technically superb, organised and full of skill.”

The new faces have settled in well and haven't let their lack of rugby experience stop them making a huge contribution to the team. The changes haven't stopped

there either, with new faces in the coaching staff and the addition of Ruth Oxtoby. But the biggest change has been the introduction of a new age group. The summer months saw girls aged between seven and 12 turning up to train with the under-15s and having so much fun that the club has now announced the creation of the under13s Minxes.

Melbourne is now looking in great shape

to provide girls rugby for a long time to come.

No matter what your age or ability the Minxes coaching staff and girls are always willing to work with and help any new players.

Performance of the day came from Josh Toplis for his persistent defensive pressure. The final score of 36–0 didn’t flatter Melbourne. WITH the number of teams in this year's Girls 15 Midlands League being low, it has given the Melbourne Minxes squad time to work with the new girls, Louisa Chapman, Lauran Quacquarelli, Katie Cooper, Ellen Carnell, Megan Oxtoby and Amy Ward.

So, if you want to see what the Minxes do, then pop down on a Sunday between 11am and 1pm and see that girls play rugby too!

The Melbourne Chariots Under-13 rugby team with coaching staff.

Clubmark honour for town’s cricket club

MELBOURNE Town Cricket Club has been awarded the prestigous Clubmark by the English Cricket Board.

Melbourne becomes only the 39th club in the whole of Derbyshire to be given the award and is the result of many months of planning and implementation by the club's head coach, Julian Humpidge.

Clubmark is given to clubs which meet a high level of criteria laid down by the sport's governing body and, in particular, the club's junior development policies.

Melbourne currently have two kwik cricket and one under 13 teams and a coaching programme which caters for young cricketers of all ages and ability. This is in addition to the succesful school cricket programme which it developed with Melbourne Junior School earlier in the year.

Club Development Manager Andy

Heafield said: "This award is a testament to the work put in by Julian and his team of coaches and tells us that the club is going in the right direction for the future.

"We have just been told that we can enter a 3rd XI in the Derbyshire League next season and this will give a great opportunity to our junior members to play senior cricket alongside and against experienced adult players. We look forward to the day when our 1st XI are competing at the highest level possible with the whole team having come through our youth programmes."

Plans are already in place for winter coaching for juniors at Chellaston School from January and anyone wanting further details should contact Sue Potts on 01332 864618. The club is also looking for senior players and anyone interested should contact Andy Heafield on 01332 865422.

DYNAMO TEAMS MANAGE TO KEEP UP GOOD WORK

MELBOURNE Dynamo's first team continued its good form into the hectic month of September beginning with a 1-1 home draw with local rivals Chellaston, Danny Guild getting a last minute equaliser.

A 7-3 away win against Ashover followed with Dave Brough hitting a hat-trick plus a double for Lee Scott and strikes by Danny Guild and Adam Ross.

Another stunning away win, this time against previously unbeaten Willington, saw goals from Lee Scoot, Matt Brian, Andrew Smethurst, Rich Worger, Ryan Grey and an own goal earning them a 6-2 win.

Disappointment followed with a 1-0 away defeat to Holbrook St Michael’s, but this was soon

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forgotten as Matlock Sports were beaten 6-0 with a hat-trick from Danny Guild plus a double from new signing Lee Bull and an Adam Ross finish.

The first team ended the month with a poor performance in losing 5-4 to lowly Derby RollsRoyce with the Dynamo goals coming from Matt Brian, Joe Storrar, Danny Guild and Carl Allsop.

MELBOURNE Dyanamo Reserves also continued their good start to the season and began the month with a hard fought 2-1 win against Wirksworth with Jack Havron and Farrell Scott getting the all important goals.

Their unbeaten start came to an end with a 32 home reverse to Mackworth, Garry Croake and Farrell Scott getting the consolation goals.

A good 3-2 away win in the cup to a strong Al-

lenton United Reserve side was earned by strikes from Jack Tivey, Havron and Croake, which was followed by a 6-2 league victory versus Hilton with doubles from Croake, Havron and Neil Redfern getting on the scoresheet.

A disappointing 2-0 away defeat to Ambergate was soon forgotten as the reserves ended the month with a good 2-0 cup win against Wirkswoth Ivanhoe with Havron and Tivey getting the goals.

TICKNALL Rangers have made a good start, despite losing their first cup game 1-0 against Branston Gate. Defeat forgotten, they followed on with three wins, the first a 4-0 away success versus Wetmore Villa with Matt Archer scoring all the goals.

It was also that man Archer who scored the

only goal away to Travellers Rest A before Ticknall ended the month with a stunning 8-4 home win against Shobnall Rovers, Matt Smart hitting five with a brace from Farrell Scott and a Mark Nixon screamer completing the scoring.

THE BLUEBELL have made a solid start to the season but lost their first game 2-1 away to Brinsley with Jack Havron getting the consolation. Havron was again on the scoresheet the following week along with Jack Tivey in a 2-2 draw against County.

The Bluebell ended the month with a superb 21 cup win against Boulton Park Lane Rangers with Michael Tristam and that man Havron again getting on the scoresheet.

● Melbourne’s young kwik cricketers receive their awards at the presentation night.

Ticking The righT boxes aT Thegrange

TICKNALL Cricket Club enjoyed a record-breaking 2011 as they arrived back in the Derbyshire Premier League with a bang.

Unlike 2008, when the Grange side sank without trace, second time around they had a superb season which ended with a fourthplace finish – the highest ever achieved by a newly promoted club.

The records tumbled during the season as Luke Harvey's men achieved the highest total by a promoted club and opening batsman Paul Borrington became the most successful batsman in the Premier League's history.

Derbyshire's 23-year-old prospect finished the season with 1,802 runs and nine centuries, averaging more than 90.

Fellow Ticknall opener Harvey also had a glorious season with the bat, while all-rounder Zain Abbas hit 1,000 runs and took 41 wickets.

The evergreen Shahid Khan was back at the Grange for a third season and he did not disappoint, averaging 35 with the bat and 23 with the ball, while the talented Ryan Cowley grabbed 26 wickets, often at key moments.

Ticknall's 2nd XI had a brief flirtation with relegation from Division Four South of the County League. But some good results towards the end of the season, aided by the silky batting of Johnny Thompstone, saw them stay up.

The club received several awards, with the Grange voted the best ground in the Premier League and Borrington winning the Derby Evening Telegraph's man of the season award.

MELBOURNE CARPETS

COLIN HARRIS is seen putting Melbourne Wanderers players through their paces and getting straight into pre-season training.

Colin, a former Great Britain International athlete, international bobsledder and now currently employed as a strength and conditioning fitness coach for the Great Britain junior tennis team, has provided six weeks of intensive training at Melbourne Recreation Ground for the local community youth team.

Having finished third last season in the Burton Junior League, the Wanderers step up to U17/U18 Youth League for the coming season and their fitness training will look to pay dividends come the early season's games.

With new players and a 20-plus strong squad, the Wanderers hope to be in good shape as their season starts.

The team has secured finance from East Midlands Community Fund and David Stanley Transport for the next two seasons.

colin makes Them happy Wanderers going up ... for second year in succession

MELBOURNE Town Cricket Club's second team ended the season in stunning style, winning four of their last five league games to secure a second promotion in three years.

They began the final month of the season gaining revenge for their cup final defeat to Swarkestone 3rds by firing them out for just 44 with Jason Lander taking a remarkable 7-22 to help earn a seven wicket win.

It was the bowlers again doing the damage the following week at home to Uttoxeter 2nds with the visitors shot out for just 99. The wickets were shared around this time with three apiece for Matt Heafield and Colin Wakefield plus two each for Ben Newton and Ranjit Rathmore which set up an easy six wicket win.

A high scoring game away to Alvaston & Boulton 3rds saw the home side post a daunting 258 all out with yougster Matt Heafield taking a superb 6-74. A magnificent opening stand of 179 by skipper Kenny Grant (77) and Andy Stanley (87) aided by a quick 46 by Newton saw Town to a remarkable victory by six wickets.

Needing to win one of their last two games, the seconds travelled to fellow promotion favourites Burton 2nds. Melbourne batted first posting a competitive 202-6 with Matt Heafield top scoring with 69 helped by 42 from Rathmore and 32 by James Heafield. But this was not enough as the home side passed that total for six wickets.

Melbourne were left needing to win their last game of the season to make sure of promotion. Away to lowly Alrewas 3rds it was the bowlers who did the damage as they have done all season with Matt Heafield (4-30) and Jason Lander (3-25) doing the business and taking them to 42 and 44 wickets for the season – a superb achievement in any cricket.

A brisk 39 by Joe Storrar hurried the victory along by seven wickets and Kenny Grant's men could celebrate.

THE FIRST team finished with a bit of a whimper, although ending up in a creditable fourth place. They began the month beating lowly Clifton 2nds by five wickets after bowling them out for 188 –mainly down to Matt Briers, who took 5-42. In reply a brilliant 73 by Lee Tallis aided by 48 from Mark Rossi saw Town home with 11 overs to spare.

The following week, Melbourne were on the wrong end of 309-7 posted by Rolleston 2nds, although Slater and Briers with three wickets apiece escaped the punishment and a quite brilliant 102 not out by Rossi earned the first team a creditable draw on 217-8 with Slater adding 36.

The last game of the season saw Melbourne travel to league champions Burton, who posted just 161. Skipper Alex Slater took 4-45 and in doing so topped the league wickets total with a remarkable 53. He was aided by youngster Matt Heafield, who took 4-23.

In response, 39 by Rossi took his season’s total to 835 runs but, despite 31 from Andy Potts, Melbourne were bowled out for just 102.

This concluded a quite fantastic 150th anniversary season for Melbourne Town, both on and off the pitch, with great strides being made with facilities.

With the new practice nets, the juniors with both the U13s and Kwiks going from strength to strength and with the introduction of a 3rd team next season Melbourne Town CC is definitely on the up.