Melbourne Life December 2022

GET THE MEASURE OF

Lush green lawns in spring don’t just appear overnight, the preparation starts now. Lawns have a natural build-up of thatch. Thatch creates an environment irresistible to moss.

Aeration and Scarification reduce thatch, thus reducing moss. Simple!

Annual machine work is essential for a healthy lawn. Autumn and spring are the best times of year for your grass to benefit from Aeration & Scarification. Our Spring Ready Treatment will then be waiting patiently for the optimal weather conditions before releasing its nutrients onto your lawn at the best possible time.

Editor Vanessa Preece 01530 417739

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Welcome to our bumper Christmas issue and congratulations to Rachael Chambers, the winner of our December front cover competition with her image of the Ferrers Centre for Arts & Crafts.

Within this month’s magazine we hope you’ll find everything you need to celebrate the festive season to the full locally. On pages 38 and 39 we have our pick of the many Christmas events taking place this month, from carol concerts to festive fairs – there’s a lot going on. We also have details of the local Christmas Church Services and the schedule for the Rotary Santa Sleigh Route to ensure you don’t miss any vital dates.

Melbourne Life is an independent publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the editor. The use of this magazine for canvassing or direct marketing is strictly prohibited. Information is included on the What’s On and Community Board pages subject to space being available. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, Melbourne Life cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions or endorse companies, products or services appearing in this magazine. All adverts are published in good faith using information supplied by each company, on the understanding that relevant permissions have been obtained.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your Christmas shopping, then many of our advertisers are offering gift vouchers. However, if you need a break from all this frantic festive planning then why not enter this month’s competition for afternoon tea and an indulgent treatment for two at the Beauty Temple in Castle Donington?

Now is the perfect time to grab a cuppa and a mince pie (it’s never too early) and enjoy this month’s issue.

Wishing each and every one of you a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

See you in 2023!

It’s a fantastic way to target potential customers and great value for money. See www.melbournelifemagazine.co.uk or call us on 01530 417739 for details.

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Local Pantomimes

Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a family panto. Here’s our round up of the top picks locally:

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs –Nottingham Theatre Royal Saturday 3rd December to Sunday 8th January

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, don’t miss the fairest pantomime of them all! Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be spectacularly brought to life with an abundance of comedy, sensational song and dance numbers, fabulous costumes and stunning scenery. Throw in a magical mirror, seven friendly dwarfs, a beautiful princess, a handsome prince and plenty of audience participation and you have the perfect recipe to outwit the Wicked Queen and let love prevail in this glittering festive treat for all ages. Much-loved and top-selling comedian Joe Pasquale will star alongside Steps singer, television personality and West End star Faye Tozer. Book online at https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/22-23-snowwhite/ Tickets from £21.50.

Aladdin – Derby Arena

Friday 9th to Saturday 31st

December

Get whisked away this Christmas to the town of Shangri-La where Aladdin and his mother, Widow Twankey, dream of a better life. However, lurking in the shadows the wicked sorcerer

Abanazar (Cold Feet’s John Thomson) has his heart set on world domination. It’s down to Aladdin, with a bit of help from his faithful friend Marmaduke the monkey, to save the day. An action packed adventure for the whole family with spectacular sets, breath-taking special effects, gorgeous costumes and mountains of mayhem. For booking see www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/ aladdin-2022/ Tickets cost £18 – £30.

Dick Whittington – Nottingham Playhouse

Friday 25th November to Saturday 14th January

Pack up your hanky and join plucky Dick Whittington and his trusty cat on their quest for fame and fortune. Follow their magical rags to riches tale to London, where the streets are paved with gold. The legendary Playhouse panto is back and full of sparkle, excitement and fun. Packed with dazzling dance, a brilliant live band and swashbuckling adventure, the show sees the return of Nottingham’s favourite panto dame John Elkington, who’ll be serving up some comedy chaos as Sarah the Cook. This year’s panto can be booked digitally or for an in-person visit. See nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/events/dickwhittington/ Tickets from £18.

Sleeping Beauty –Loughborough Town Hall

Saturday 19th November to Monday 2nd January

Enjoy a brandnew spin on a much-loved yarn this Christmas as Little Wolf present an action packed spectacular and spellbinding adventure. Deep in Coalville Castle, Nurse Nancy is making plans for the christening of baby Princess Rose. When the wickedly glamorous Carabosse, a thorn in the royal family’s side, discovers she’s not invited she sets out to put a spindle in the works! Will true loves kiss break the curse? Will Mervin the magician ever get a spell right? Will Nurse Nancy look any better after a hundred years of beauty sleep? See www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk/events Tickets from £17.50.

WIN an indulgent treatment and afternoon tea for two with e Beauty Temple

Each month we bring you a fantastic competition from a local business. This month’s prize is definitely one we would all love to win here in the office.

We’ve worked with Lucy at The Retreat in Castle Donington, one of seven Beauty Temple salons across the Midlands, since the doors opened back in 2020. Housed in a beautiful heritage status Georgian building, split over four levels, the spa has every beauty service you could dream of all under one roof. From the champagne nail bar to the stunning treatment rooms to the relaxing outdoor hot tub, you’re guaranteed a truly indulgent experience.

The Retreat also hosts the Blossom café, serving delicious cakes, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea as well as a fully licensed bar and a private function room for hen parties, birthdays and other special occasions.

Whether you visit for an express treatment or a luxurious few hours, the team will ensure you go away feeling refreshed and comforted. They have a range of special packages for you to choose from, each will leave you feeling relaxed and revived.

In our fabulous competition the winner and a friend could enjoy afternoon tea and a luxury treatment each. The treatment will be either a

Decleor Discovey Facial or a Royal Back Massage (both 25 minutes), then the traditional afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, fluffy scones with clotted cream and jam, delicious cakes and a selection of tea and coffee. Sounds like heaven!!!

If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas gift, why not head over to www.beautytemple.co.uk or call 0333 313 4003 to discover the perfect spa package? Or if you simply can’t choose then gift vouchers are also available.

WIN, WIN, WIN!

One lucky person could WIN afternoon tea for two plus a beauty treatment of either a back massage or facial each. To be in with a chance of winning simply email competition@lifemagazines.co.uk with the subject line ‘WIN with The Beauty Temple’ and let us know your name, address and contact telephone number. Be quick as you only have until midnight on Friday 30th December to enter. See www.castledonington.co.uk for full terms and conditions.

The winner and one friend will be entitled to one 25 minute treatment each (either Decleor Discovery Facial or Royal Back Massage) and afternoon tea for two. The prize will be given as an e-voucher. The prize must be booked within six months of the closing date of 30th December 2022. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries. The winners name will be published on our Facebook page. Multiple or automated entries are not allowed. We will not pass your details on to any third party. Terms and conditions apply.

Breedon

Christmas in Breedon

There’s something for everyone at Breedon this Christmas, with a host of activities for all the family:

Saturday 3rd December. Lantern Workshop. 10am-1pm, Breedon Primary School. Drop in and make your own lantern to carry at our lantern parade. All materials provided, free but small charge made for LED candle. If you can’t make it, drop us an email and we can leave you a kit to collect from the church.

Saturday 10th December. Christmas through the Ages, 7pm, Breedon Priory Church. An evening of songs by choral quartet Tesserae, literary extracts and the occasional historical interlude exploring how Christmas has been celebrated through the ages. Free, please email to book seats. Refreshments will be provided.

Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th December. Breedon Festival of Light. A walking trail of decorated windows throughout the parish on the theme of light. If you’d like to decorate your window, please get in touch.

Saturday 17th December. Carols on the Green, 6pm. Carol singing on the Green, Breedon, followed by mulled wine and mince pies. All welcome!

Sunday 18th December. Lantern Parade and Carol Service, 5.30pm. Meet on the Green with your lanterns before parading up to the church for a carol service (commencing at 6pm). This should be a fun, festive event, so please bring torches, illuminated clothing and anything else you can think of to light the way!

Sunday 25th December. Church Christmas Service, 10.30am. Celebrate Christ’s birth with us. Please email breedonheritage@gmail. com for any enquiries. We hope to see you soon!

Santa Sleigh Route

The programme for Santa and his helpers to visit Melbourne households is as follows:

Friday 2nd, starting at 6.00pm

Melbourne Late Night Shopping - Come and meet Santa and post your letter

Sunday 4th, starting at 5.00pm

The Woodlands, Nettlefold Crescent, Smith Ave, Paget Road, Main Street Kings Newton, Station Road, Sweet Leys Way Estate, Huntingdon Court, Sta ord Close

Monday 5th, starting at 6.00pm

Derby Road, Blanchcroft, George Street, Dunnicli e Lane, Moira Street, Selina Street, Washington Close, Quick Close, South Street, Alma Street, North Street, Victoria Street.

Tuesday 6th, starting at 6.00pm

Ticknall village, Commerce Street, Hope Street.

MELBOURNE RFC

Thursday 8th, starting at 6.00pm

Chellaston - Eagle Drive, Crown Way, Duchess Way, Courtway Crescent, Rowallan Way, Glendevon Way, Prestwick Way, Montague Way and Cordella Way.

Friday 9th, starting at 6.00pm

From The Old Melbourne Arms, Ashby Road, Penn Lane, Peniston Rise, Salsbury Lane, up Church Street, turn and down Church Street, Castle Mills, Castle Street, Jubilee Close, The Lilypool, The Crescent, Chapel Street, Potter Street.

Sunday 11th, starting at 5.00pm

Packhorse Road, Oaklands Way, Queensway, Derby Road, Windsor Avenue, Melton Avenue, Spinney Hill and side roads.

Christmas is coming to Creative Melbourne Gallery...

Many of you will have heard of and even visited Melbourne Festival which is held each September and celebrates creative talent of every kind from the area and entire region from art and photography to performing arts and more.

However, have you discovered Creative Melbourne Gallery in Church Street, Melbourne yet? Melbourne Festival organisers opened the gallery in the Spring of 2022 to support local artists. Each exhibition features work by popular East Midlands Artists and showcases some of the amazing talent in our area. If you want a unique, original Christmas gift head for the Creative Melbourne Gallery!

The current exhibition

AUTUMN GLOW opened in November and celebrates the countryside in Autumn and the beautiful colours in nature throughout the year. It is well worth a visit to enjoy a taste of the talent on our doorstep. Artists Peter Clayton, Steph Jansen, Sarah

Kirby, Mark Langley, Steven McLoughlin and Peter Watson are exhibiting their work alongside some beautiful ceramics, glass, sculpture and jewellery by Audrey Ebrey, Andrew Mason, Louise Roe, Karen Worrall and April Young to name but a few! Autumn Glow is open from 10am - 4pm on Wednesdays through to Saturdays until Christmas with new work being added regularly.

If you need a bit of Christmas “Sparkle” the gallery has jewellery by Sheila Read, Anna Roebuck, Tiffany Stevens and Watermeadow Lane. Look no further than this cosy gallery where you can leave a list for Santa and send your nearest and dearest to shop.

After dark on Friday 2nd December, Melbourne Christmas Market a perfect opportunity to meet Melbourne friends (including Santa!), enjoy carols with Melbourne choral group A Choir’d Taste outside the Gallery and to stock up on artist made decorations and gifts in the gallery. If you can’t make it to the Christmas Market, don’t worry as throughout December the gallery will be open with regular deliveries of new stock.

For anyone wishing to get creative in the New Year the Creative Melbourne Gallery will be hosting regular creative workshops in 2023 led by Melbourne Festival Artists. Details and all the latest news and updates from Creative Melbourne Gallery can be found on Facebookwww.facebook.com/CreativeMelbourneGallery

Main Image: Peter Watston; Melbourne Festival Christmas Card – Rebecca Morledge

Melbourne Church Services

I wonder what your favourite Christmas music might be? Perhaps Slade’s ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’ which, incidentally, kept Wizzard’s famous Christmas offering ‘I wish it could be Christmas Everyday’ off the top slot in 1973. I will opt for 1984 and Band Aid’s haunting ‘Do they know it’s Christmas?’. Music is at the very heart of the Christmas story as we hear the angels above the Bethlehem hillside amazing the already startled shepherds with the first ever Christmas number one as they sing out ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven and peace to his people on earth’. Christmas music inspires and challenges in equal measure. The Band Aid single I mentioned features the lyrics ‘there’s a world outside your window and it’s a world of dread and fear…’ Just as then, our world faces significant challenges, challenges that also existed at the time of Jesus’ birth. What the child in the manger tells us is that God is involved. God knows the suffering of this world and wants to transform it into joyful celebration. Whatever Christmas music inspires us, I hope and pray that this Christmas you find fresh inspiration and joy in the music of your choice. Words from my favourite Christmas carol:

O holy Child of Bethlehem Descend to us, we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels, The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, aside with us, Our Lord Emmanuel.

The Revd Steve Short Rector of Melbourne, Smisby, Stanton-By-Bridge & Ticknall

Melbourne Baptist Church Sunday 18th December 6pm

Carols by Candlelight led by the Sunday School (A torch might be useful) Includes prize giving & Christingle followed by coffee & mince pies. Christmas Day 10.30am Family service led by Melvin Harris

www.melbournebaptistchurch.com • 01332 863 726

Melbourne Methodist Church 11th December 10.30am Nativity Service 18th December 2pm Splash! Turn Up & Do Nativity 21st December 4pm Candles & Quiet - a time to rest, remember & reflect 23rd December 6pm Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve 4pm Christingle Service Christmas Eve 11.15pm Christmas Eve Communion Service Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Day Celebration

www.melbournemethodistchurch.com • 01332 405 286

Melbourne Parish Church

10th December 4pm Messy Christmas with Nativity

18th December 6.30pm Carol Service

Christmas Eve 4pm Christingle Service Christmas Eve 11.30pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Day Family Eucharist

www.melbourneparishchurch.co.uk • 01332 583 564

Melbourne United Reformed Church

11th December 3pm Christmas Garden Praise

18th December 10.30am Morning Worship ‘Prepare the Way’ 18th December 6pm Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve 2pm By the Crib’ Carols, Readings & Prayers Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas Celebration of Joy & Hope

www.melbourneurc.church • 01332 862 175

Our Lady of Mercy and St Philip Neri, Melbourne Christmas Eve 5.30pm Christmas Eve service at Church of the Risen Lord, Castle Donington

Christmas Day 9.30am Christmas Day Mass at Our Lady of Mercy, Melbourne Christmas Day 11am Christmas Day Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, Ashby

www.rcparishofashbymelbourneanddonington.com • 01530 412 237

Breedon Church

10th December 7pm

Christmas Through The Ages. An evening of songs by Tessarae, literary extracts, light-hearted audience participation & the occasional historical interlude, this performance will explore how Breedon may have celebrated Christmas in years gone by.

17th December 6-7pm ‘Carols on The Green’. Meet friends, neighbours & family as the community comes together to enjoy traditional Christmas Carols.

18th December 10.30am Communion & Carols

18th December 5.30 - 6pm Join us in getting in to the spirit of Christmas with the Festival of Lights. Meet on The Green at 5.30 for a lantern trail through the churchyard, where lit jars will lead the way ahead of a family service starting at 6pm.

Christmas Day 10.30am Morning Worship

Breedon Festival of Lights

Friday 16th, Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th of December

Many properties will light windows & displays in gardens to create a walking trail to be enjoyed by everyone. There will also be carol singing around the village & all are welcome to join & sing! Weather permitting, the dates for this will be 5th, 9th, 12th, 13th, 16th, 19th, 22nd & 23rd of December.

Christmas rose

The Christmas rose would make a lovely seasonal gift. Christmas legend says that this plant appeared in Bethlehem when an old shepherd who has no gift for baby Jesus cried and his tears turned to flowers to give to the baby. The Latin name for the Christmas rose is Helleborous niger. It is an evergreen perennial which is actually a member of the buttercup family. The erect stems support flowers with petals which look like velvet paper which appear in a blast of beautiful wintery whiteness. The flowers of this hardy plant are usually continuous from December to February and sometimes for longer from November to March.

This plant grows to around 30cm high and looks good in perennial boarders and as under planting to a canopy of trees or the edges of deciduous shrubs. It grows well in shade and partial shade and is suitable for our local clay soil, and also in light and well drained soil. In addition, it is tolerant of acidic and alkaline soil. This popular plant has the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Snow will make the plant droop a bit but otherwise it is unaffected and the flowers spring back up.

After a few years the plants can be divided into 2 or 3 plants and spread around to create a lovely grouping. The leaves are a dark green setting off beautifully the crisp whiteness of the flower. After the plant has finished flowering and is past its best it can be tidied up by removing browning leaves and any leggy stems. I usually do this in the end of March or April.

Jobs for December

• Brighten up tubs and borders with Primulas

• Sharpen any blunt tools

• Harvest sprouts (pick from the base upwards) parsnips, kale and cabbages

• Cover crops sown in autumn, such as broad beans, with a fleece

• Net cabbages and brasicas so they are not eaten by pigeons

• Wrap any non frost-proof pots and garden ornaments with bubble wrap

• Clean plant pots and seed trays

• Decorate for the season with cuttings from your garden, holly, ivy or spotted laurel for garlands, table displays or wreaths.

The Christmas rose can be grown in pots in John Innes potting compost too. Placing the plants in a cold frame or green house can encourage early flowering.

It is always interesting to delve into the story of plants and it is uplifting to learn that the Christmas rose is said to symbolise a pioneering spirit and survival – just perfect for cold times.

Happy Christmas and New Year.

By local garden designer, Francesca Sinclair

For bespoke contemporary and traditional garden design www.francescasinclair.co.uk 07901 547 360

The nights are drawing in, it’s getting colder, and Christmas is just around the corner. This year, we’ve extended our Christmas offer to get you feeling festive and ready for the big day.

As darkness sets in at Calke, an illuminated light trail will light up with a merry glow. This year, we’re working with Quad, an international centre for engagement in contemporary art and film, based in Derby. The lights will be bigger and better than ever to create magical moments for you and your loved ones to enjoy. To give you a sneak peek, you won’t want to miss the star burst lantern in the Stableyards, lit up to illuminate a starry night sky, a willow light tunnel, interactive shadow puppets, and much more.

Since we know that Christmas can be a challenging time of year, the light trail will be free to National Trust members and of no extra charge to non-members, apart from normal admission charges upon entry. The trail along with the rest of our Christmas offer will be open every Saturday and Sunday in December and the week leading up to Christmas, from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd December, to allow you to make the most of Christmas.

The house is also unlocking its doors for Christmas and will be open from 3.30pm to

Getting festive at Calke!

6pm. Step inside and explore Christmases of Calke’s past; the ground floor of the house will be decorated with Victorian decorations, showing how Calke was celebrated in this time. You’ll then embark on a journey into the underground tunnels, moving through Christmases of the twentieth century.

If you’re lucky on your visit, you might spot a man and a woman in matching red suits. Father Christmas and Mrs Claus have made a special trip from North Pole to spread Christmas joy at Calke throughout December. For last minute Christmas gifts and cards, browse the shop, or join the Christmas fairs in the Riding School to find inspiration and treat yourself to a mince pie. We look forward to welcoming you for Christmas soon.

Father Christmas spreading Christmas cheer @ National Trust/ Gillian Day; Calke lit up in festive lights © National Trust/Susan Guy

Festive pets

Treat cats this Christmas with lean slithers of meat - chicken is fine, and they’ll devour any leftover turkey. Mix it up with vegetables such as carrots, swedes, parsnips and sprouts – all very seasonal! –but ensure you do so in moderation.

Also ensure you don’t give your cats any of the following:

• Any seasoned meats, or meats cooked in or including gravy, goose fat or stuffing

• Onions, as they are highly toxic

• Cranberry sauce, as it is too sugary

• Chestnuts and bacon, as these contain too much fat

• Chocolate, as it’s toxic to both cats and dogs

• Potato, in any form, as it contains solanine, which is poisonous

For dogs, they can have boneless and skinless white meat, boiled or plain mashed potatoes (remembering not to add any butter or salt), and small amounts of veg, such as sprouts, green

beans, carrots, courgettes, parsnips, cauliflower, peas and spinach. Scrambled eggs works well as it contains vitamins, minerals and protein, and little bits of fruit will go down well, although watch the natural sugar content.

You should also ensure you avoid the following:

• Any meat with bones

• Gravy, as it’s too fatty and salty

• Herbs and spices, including stuffing

• Bulb veg, such as onions, shallots, chives, leek and garlic

• Chocolate as, again, this is toxic

• Mince pies, fruit cakes, raisins, grapes, sultanas, currants and Christmas pudding

• Pigs in blankets, as they are too high in salt and fat

Later Life Planning – Part 1

Why plan?

Your retirement may last more than half as long as your whole career. And like your career, it will go through different stages – so you should plan carefully for these. Most of us will need to consider at least a number of the steps below as we move into older age.

Review your pension choices

If you taking your income via a Drawdown Scheme, it’s a good idea to review your strategy every couple of years and regularly check its performance. Your adviser may recommend making adjustments (either to the scheme or to how much you withdraw). You should definitely review this if there are significant changes in your own circumstances or the economy.

Equity release

If you find yourself property rich and cash poor you could consider using your property as a source of money to help fund your retirement. Unlocking the value of your property while continuing to live there is called equity release. There are two main kinds of equity release: a lifetime mortgage, and a home reversion plan;

• Lifetime mortgage

This is a loan secured against your home. You receive a taxfree lump sum to spend as you wish, and the loan is repaid

from the value of your home when it is sold.

• Home reversion plan

This is where you sell part or all of your home to a specialist company in exchange for a tax-free lump sum. A guaranteed lifetime lease entitles you to continue living in the property rent-free for as long as you wish.

Lasting Power of Attorney

It is highly advisable to set up Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) while you are still fit and healthy. Should you become unable to manage your financial affairs yourself, LPA will allow another trusted person (e.g. your spouse or children) to do so on your behalf. Without a LPA in place your spouse or other family will not have automatic access to your finances should you become incapacitated. In

this instance they would have to apply through the Court of Protection to become legal Guardians, which can be an expensive, long and frustrating process.

These are just a few of the initial things to consider, check back next month where we will cover more aspects of later life planning…

If you require advice on any of these stages please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free initial consultation.

Searching for great Christmas gift ideas?

Check out these suggestions from some of our partners at the National Forest and support the Forest at the same time.

What Did the Tree See? is a beautiful picture book that follows the story of an oak tree on a hilltop as it witnesses all the changes around it over the course of hundreds of years. Told in gentle rhyming verse by Charlotte Guillian and illustrated by Sam Usher, this attractive book is printed on FSC paper using soy ink. Publisher Welbeck Children’s donates 10p from every book sold to support the work of the National Forest. Pages at the end of the book include a timeline of events in world history that the oak tree may have witnessed, prompting parents and children to explore their own local history.

Treat someone to a pair of Cotswold Shoes and they will be walking out in comfort in the New Year, while a donation will wing its way to the National Forest. This well-loved outdoor footwear brand has a passion for the natural environment and is developing future sustainable footwear ranges.

Feanedock Fettler, Willesley Wobbler, Charnwood Copse and Needwood Nobbler make up the National Forest Real Ale collection from local Tollgate Brewery. Brewed in the heart of the National Forest on the Calke Abbey Estate, the ales are available to buy at the Tap House in Ashby and other outlets in the National Forest. Tollgate Brewery

makes sustainability central to their brewing processes. All their left-over hops, malt and spent yeast are distributed to the farms and gardens on the Calke Estate to be used as pig feed or compost.

And we may be biased but we think the best things in life are trees! So why not dedicate a tree to be planted in the National Forest? You don’t even need to get your hands muddy, as we do the planting for you. Choose from a range of tree species and beautiful certificates to give loved ones on Christmas Day. The National Forest has shown that trees inspire change, and not just for our landscape. By dedicating a tree, not only will you be helping to continue to grow the Forest, you will also be helping to create the best conditions for wildlife to thrive, as well as a place where people can connect with nature and the outdoors. Growing a greener future for everyone.

See more about all these gifts and partnerships at nationalforest.org

Season’s greeting from all at the National Forest!

nationalforest.org

Local Events

Friday 25th November to Friday 23rd December

12 Days of Christmas Trail

Visit Sharpe’s Pottery Museum in Swadlincote throughout December and travel through the 12 days of Christmas… who knows, Santa might have a special prize for you if you get all of his questions right. 10am to 4.30pm. £2 per trail sheet. Drop in, no need to book!

between 6pm and 7pm until midnight. Call 01283 890 089 or see www.jnlswadlincote. co.uk/event/whats-on/ to book.

Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th December Christmas Exhibition

Ticknall Art Group will be hosting a seasonal art exhibition from 10am to 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday at Ticknall Village Hall, Ingleby Lane, Ticknall. The exhibition will feature original works of art, by local artists, for sale. Entry is free.

Friday

2nd to Saturday 24th December

A Yuletide Tale Whatton House is running a brand NEW immersive adventure this Christmas ... a journey through festive tradition in search of midwinter magic. Meet the mischievous Lord of Misrule as he ventures through time to reveal The Holly King, the first St Nicholas, Krampus and much more. This is a specially created unique Yuletide event for all the family. Tickets from £21 plus booking fee. Book online at https://whattonhouse. co.uk/a-yuletide-tale

Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd, Friday 16th & Saturday 17th December Umpah Nights

Grab your lederhosen and head along to Swadlincote Snowsports Centre for the eagerly anticipated return of their Umpah Nights! Enjoy a bucks fizz on arrival, a variety of German beers and a themed menu. £20 per ticket. Arrive

Saturday 10th December Christmas Concert Gresley Male Voice Choir will be hosting a concert of traditional Christmas carols at St Peter and Paul’s Church, 70 Newhall Road, DE11 0BD. Full audience participation is encouraged. The show will start at 7.15pm and mince pies, tea and coffee will be served. Tickets cost £6 for adults, children go free. Call 07399 417 995.

Saturday 10th December Festive Fun Head along to the Cathedral Quarter in Derby from 11am to 4pm and enjoy some festive entertainment whilst you shop. There will be live music at the waterfall in the Market Place and you can even have your photo taken in the giant snowglobe. From 5th December the ice rink also returns. Adults and children of all abilities can enjoy whizzing around on the ice in hourly sessions from just £7. Book your slot online at www.derbylive.co.uk/whatson/cathedral-quarter-ice-rink-2022/

Sunday 11th December

The Snowman - The Animated Film with Live Orchestra

Don’t miss this magical screening and live orchestral performance of Raymond Briggs’ classic story, The Snowman at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall. Perfect for all the family, we’re bringing the iconic animated film to life on the big screen, accompanied by the English Pro Musica orchestra, playing Howard Blake’s delightful soundtrack. This event also features carols and Christmas favourites sung by the Nottingham Trent University Choir. Come along, enjoy the music, and add some sparkle to your festive season. Tickets £12 to £18.50. 1pm and 5pm showing. See https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/ the-snowman-cineconcert-22/

Thursday 15th & Saturday 17th December

A Feast of Christmas Music

Melbourne Operatic Society will once again be performing their Christmas concerts with a variety of Christmas favourites, readings and the opportunity for a jolly singalong. Refreshments will also be provided. The Society will be at Melbourne Assembly Rooms on 15th December and Castle Donington Community Hub on 17th December. Tickets cost £10 and are available online at http:// melbourneoperaticsociety.com/, by calling the box office on 07518 560 162 or by emailing gilliehallam@googlemail.com. Under 16s go free. A perfect evening to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Thursday 22nd December

Christmas Comedy Night

Funhouse Comedy will be bringing a Christmas Special night of laughter to the Lyric Rooms in Ashby. Topping the bill is the incredible Scott Bennett who recently made his ‘Live at the Apollo’ debut. Opening the night will be the very likeable, down to earth and madcap Lindsey Santoro. Completing the line-up is the lively Raj Poojara. Compere for the night will be the chatty and cheerful Spiky Mike. Tickets £15 in advance. 7.15pm doors, 8pm start. Book online at www. funhousecomedy.co.uk

Tuesday 27th December Festive Special Trail Run

This popular festive run on the wonderful trails of South Derbyshire is back. Meeting at the Royal British Legion in Melbourne, you’ll head out for a festive plod on the trails, before returning to enjoy a hot and cold buffet spread and maybe a drink or two at the Legion. There will be the opportunity to join in some additional festivities, including a raffle. Organised by Peak Running, tickets cost £10 which includes food at the Legion. Pre booking essential. See www. peakrunning.co.uk/guided-runs

We

It’s FREE to feature your event on this page or on our website. Please submit your full event details online at www. melbournelifemagazine.co.uk/submitevent.html. Deadline for submissions for the January issue is Thursday 8th December. Life Magazines cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. For any queries, please email info@lifemagazines.co.uk

Big village small town event attracts big names

The Big Village Small Town music event taking place in Melbourne over the late Bank Holiday weekend in May next year continues to grow and with the latest announcement of performers and venues taking part, it is on track to become an annual event that will prove to be popular with both local and far afield music lovers.

Ticket details and further additions to the line-up are to be announced shortly, including other venues taking part in the Big Village Small Town. Event Manager Andy Heafield revealing the line up to Melbourne Life said “This will be the event’s first year but I’m hopeful that it will become a fixture in the music calendar, the signs are already there in the reaction to the performers attending and the enthusiasm locally from other venues”

Friday 26th May – 3 Daft Monkeys. With Celtic and eastern influences, their infectious style of music and rhythms takes you on a musical journey that will leave you breathless and overjoyed. Mark Radcliffe said on BBC 2, they were the highlight of Glastonbury.

Saturday 27th May – Simply Dylan. No ordinary interpretation, John O’Connell and the 6-piece band will delight Dylan fans young and old and ignite a wave of passion for one of the World’s most prodigious songwriters. Playwright Alan Bleasdale recently described the band as “Glorious, joyous exuberant sound fronted by the genius of John O’Connell”.

Sunday 28th May – Mark Radcliffe’s UNE. UNE are BBC 6 Music and Radio 2 broadcaster, musician and author Mark Radcliffe and electronica tech head Paul Langley (Robs Records/Yeti-Music Man/BMG). UNE is electronic

music spanning many styles with a plaintive lonely voice at its heart. A happy accidental collision of man and machines.

Monday 29th May – Edwina Hayes. Edwina’s reputation as a true natural talent of gentle folkAmericana has led to her performing everywhere from Glastonbury Festival to The Royal Albert Hall. Her cover of the Randy Newman song Feels Like Home was featured in the Cameron Diaz film My Sister’s Keeper and has since had millions of plays on YouTube. American singing star Nanci Griffiths referred to her recently as “having the sweetest voice in England.”

County Councillor for Melbourne and District, David Mueller is the latest to financially support the event and said “I am only too happy to assist the event with some funding. In addition to being a great musical concept with some tremendous performers, the event has the potential to bring revenue into the area. In these times that is vital to the financial well-being of all communities. Village, town or in this case both!”

Look out for more updates and news in future issues of Melbourne Life.

Melbourne Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne Derbyshire DE73 8GF 01332 863522 • info@melbourneassemblyrooms.co.uk www.melbourneassemblyrooms.co.uk

Merry Berry Winter Vibes

We look forward to December at Whistlewood, winter is a lovely season on the Common. It’s a time of rest for a lot of the site and some of its wildlife, but the nature nursery kids are still there two days a week, wrapped up and with muddy wellies. Volunteers and Duke of Edinburgh teenager volunteers are busy pruning apple and pear trees while they are dormant and getting ready to wassail the trees.

On Saturday 3rd December we are making wreaths from willow and natural materials at our workshop. The straw bale roundhouse is a fantastic place to hold our workshop, we have mulled wine on the wood burner, seasonal music, and the smell of all the greenery is very festive.

At the Melbourne late night shopping and Christmas lights switch on event, Friday 2nd December, we have a stall in town selling seasonal goodies made by our associates and our famous hot mulled apple juice. This year we’re going to have a raffle for a seasonal hamper full of fantastic produce from Whistlewood.

This year we are also planning and preparing for our big 10th anniversary celebrations – it’s been such an amazing 10 years and we’d like to thank everyone who has supported us, been to our events and to Melbourne Life and its readers who have been following our progress. We look forward to meeting some of you in December and if we’ve not caught up by then, please look out for our special events in 2023.

Peace and goodwill to you all.

Community Board

Sparkling Christmas Festival

Back with extra pizazz after a two year absence due to Covid – everyone is invited to come along and celebrate at St. Mary’s Church, Weston on Trent on Sunday 11th December, 11am to 4pm. Refreshments, stalls, children’s activities, plus an illuminated woodland wonderland walk around the new copse. Carols by candlelight to follow at 5.30pm. Keep in touch with what’s happening – including how to take part in our monthly lottery - via the church website - www. trentderwentparishes.org/weston or search for ‘Friends of St Mary the Virgin Church, Weston on Trent’ on Facebook.

Melbourne Area Derby u3a Time on your hands? Retired or semi-retired?

Melbourne Area Derby u3a is open to anyone no longer in full-time employment living in villages and towns near Melbourne. Its members run more than 20 interest groups, ranging from art appreciation to walking. They also organise a monthly meeting with guest speakers and hold social events. In December there is a quiz, lunch and trip to Lincoln Christmas market. To find out more email madu3ainfo@gmail.com or visit the website www.u3asites.org.uk/melbourne-area

Looking for New Members

Melbourne Probus Club meet on the third Wednesday of each month at The Royal British Legion Club in Melbourne from 10am. Meetings include a talk from an invited speaker, a raffle and tea, coffee and biscuits. A fortnightly informal coffee & chat is also held from 10.30am at the Welcome cafe. The group is open to any retired or semi-retired men who live in the Melbourne area. They are currently seeking new members. Why not give them a call on 01332 863 854

Deadline for inclusion on January’s Community Board is 8th December

or email their secretary Andrew Baldwin at andrewbaldwin2012@gmail.com to find out more.

Christmas Raffle

Melbourne Community Care will once again be raising funds through their fabulous Christmas raffle. There are 5 great prizes to be won this year...three hampers plus a handmade quilt and a home baked Christmas cake. A donation of £2 or more per ticket is requested. Put the money in an envelope with your name and contact number on the outside and drop them off to their office on Derby Road, Melbourne. Alison and Angie will also be at Melbourne Market on Thursday 1st December to collect envelopes. Winners will be drawn at 10am on Thursday 15th December.

Christmas Food Drive 3 local charities; Miles For Smiles, Ashby Sands United FC & Ronnie’s Rockets have joined forces to collect goods & food to pass on to those who may find Christmas particularly difficult this year. They need non-perishable food, toiletries, unused toys, sanitary products & sleeping bags etc. If you have anything you can donate, please contact Matt on 07951 608259 & he will arrange a convenient collection time with you. Search ‘MSR at Christmas’ on Facebook to find more details.

Craft Club

All crafters, experienced or complete beginners wanting to try something new, are welcome at The Alma Inn, 59 Derby Road, Melbourne every Thursday from 1pm to 3pm. This includes knitting, crocheting, card making, cross stitch and sewing. It’s a fantastic way to meet or make new friends, have a chat and catch up over a cuppa. Please bring your own craft supplies along with you. No need to book.

Did you know you can put community information on this page free of charge (subject to space)? So, whether you are looking for new members, volunteers or just have some information that you’d like to let local people know about simply email the details over to us at info@lifemagazines.co.uk

We’d love to hear from you.

Winter Wildlife

Despite the chilly weather, there is still plenty of wildlife to see during the winter months. So wrap up warm and get outdoors!

Birds of prey

Winter can be a great time of year to look for birds of prey. Short-eared owls can be seen more widely in the winter, as migrants join resident birds. They mainly hunt during the daytime, flying low over moorland and grasslands. Winter can also be a great time of year to look for barn owls, as they often extend their hunting hours into daylight to find the extra food they need to get them through the colder months.

Winter mammals

Although some mammals like hedgehogs and bats hibernate during winter, there are still lots of mammals that remain active including deer, badgers, foxes, water voles and otters. Spotting mammals in the winter can be easier as mud, frost, and snow can reveal tracks and footprints, so make sure to check the ground when you are out walking.

Winter waders

The winter may feel chilly to us, but for waders nesting in the Arctic, the UK is a paradise! Every autumn wading birds head for our food-rich wetlands in astounding numbers. At Rutland Water Nature Reserve, tens of thousands of wildfowl arrive every winter, with as many as 25,000 ducks, geese and swans being recorded.

Winter flowers

Winter aconites and snowdrops are some of the most cheerful sightings in midwinter. Enjoy the carpets of yellow and white that appear, giving hope that warmer times are on the way and spring is just around the corner!

Starling Murmurations

During the winter months, large numbers of starlings visit Britain. As dusk arrives, the starlings set off for their communal roost in one of the most staggering natural spectacles of all. Flocks arrive from all directions, gathering in the skies above their roost sites. Tens of thousands of starlings will take part in the murmurations, which create incredible swirling shapes in the sky, contracting and expanding as one flock merges into another. A truly breathtaking experience to see.

How you can help wildlife this winter

Winter can be difficult for many wildlife species, especially with sudden temperature drops. To help wildlife thrive through this season, here are some things you can do to help:

Keep it wild: Let your garden stay wild throughout the winter. Undisturbed piles of leaves and logs make great homes for animals to hide and hibernate in. Some insects will also nest in dead vegetation, compost and leaf litter.

Provide food: Birds can find it harder to find natural food supplies during the cold weather; so make sure your feeders and bird tables are well stocked. Provide water: Unfrozen water for drinking and bathing may be hard for birds to find during a frost, so providing a small shallow dish of fresh, clean water will help them out.

Break the Ice: If you have a frozen pond in your garden, make sure you gently make holes in the ice. Frozen pond water can cause toxic gasses to build-up, which can harm fish or frogs that may be hibernating at the bottom.

Help protect local wildlife and wild places by supporting Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, find out more at lrwt.org.uk

By Jordan Linthwaite, Communications & Engagement Assistant

Making ends meet this Christmas

For many, Christmas is a time for celebration; a chance to bring together family and friends, share lots of gifts and eat too much food. Yet, for others, it can be a stressful time. Against the backdrop of soaring inflation, this cost-of-living Christmas could push many households towards the breadline, as the pressure to buy presents and meet up with friends and family mounts up. This is especially the case for parents, who may feel a responsibility to splash out so they can keep the festive magic alive for their children.

Due to this pressure, some households may take drastic measures to make ends meet. For example, over half of people in the UK will consider taking out extra credit to cover the cost of Christmas, according to KIS Finance, often applying for expensive payday loans to make it through to January. In fact, the Centre for Social Justice believes over 1 million people in England could be borrowing from illegal money lenders or ‘loan sharks’. This can have damaging long-term impacts on people’s finances, forcing them to start the year in significant debt.

This December, we’re encouraging people to decide what is really essential versus what is a luxury, and to look at new ways to try and save money. For those wanting to put cash aside for a rainy day, Derbyshire Community Bank,

formerly the Credit Union, is a great option. This not-for-profit financial co-operative is owned and controlled by members, and enables you to access generous, reliable savings accounts, as well as loans at lower costs than some forms of borrowing.

If you are worried about putting meals on the table, there are food banks recommended by South Derbyshire CVS who can provide nutritious options for you and your family. Citizens Advice Mid Mercia can offer guidance on spending sustainably, avoiding debt and saving energy. South Derbyshire District Council have advisory services on everything from accessing energy vouchers and rebates to signing on to Universal Credit. Whatever you’re going through, there is help available.

We at Rural Action Derbyshire also offer several avenues of support. For the 67,000 living off the mains gas grid in Derbyshire, we can negotiate lower heating oil prices through our Community Oil Buying Scheme. We can also signpost you to specialist services if you are in need of additional aid this winter, with links to projects that cover fuel, food and travel.

RAD offers online advice too, with posts on everything from eating well on a budget to protecting your mental health over the coming months. For full information, visit our website ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk

If you are struggling, please reach out for support. There is help available to make sure everyone can have an enjoyable, affordable Christmas.

No one does Christmas like Nigella, which is why this glorious yule log is the ideal centrepiece for your festive lunch.

Top Tip Don’t expect perfection. Remember that trees are naturally wonky and flawed. Be sure not to over stir the cake mix; you want it light and airy.

Method

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/gas mark 4/350°F. In a large, clean bowl whisk the egg whites until thick and peaking, then, still whisking, sprinkle in 50g / ¼ cup of the caster sugar and continue whisking until the whites are holding their peaks but not dry. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks and the remaining caster sugar until the mixture is moussy, pale and thick. Add the vanilla extract, sieve the cocoa powder over, then fold both in. Finally, gently fold in the egg yolks.

2 Line a Swiss roll tin with baking parchment, leaving a generous overhang at the

Nigella Lawson’s Yule Log

ends and sides, and folding the parchment into the corners to help the paper stay anchored. Pour in the cake mixture and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Let the cake cool a little before turning it out onto another piece of baking parchment. If you dust this piece of parchment with a little icing sugar it may help with preventing sticking, but don’t worry too much as any tears or dents will be covered by icing later. Cover loosely with a clean tea towel.

3 To make the icing, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl suspended over a pan of simmering water, then let it cool. Put the icing sugar into a processor and blitz to remove lumps, add the butter and process until smooth. Add the cooled, melted chocolate and the tablespoon of vanilla extract and pulse again to make a smooth icing.

4 Sit the flat chocolate cake on a large piece of baking parchment. Trim the edges of the Swiss roll. Spread some of the icing thinly over the sponge, going right out to the

Ingredients (serves 12)

For the cake

• 6 large eggs (separated)

• 150 grams caster sugar

• 50 grams cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Cranberries (to decorate)

For the icing

• 175 grams dark chocolate (chopped)

• 250 grams icing sugar

• 225 grams soft butter

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

edges. Start rolling from the long side facing you, taking care to get a tight roll from the beginning, and roll up to the other side. Pressing against the parchment, rather than the tender cake, makes this easier.

5 Spread the yule log with the remaining icing, covering the cut-off ends. Create a wood-like texture by marking along the length of the log with a skewer or sharp knife and finish with a handful of cranberries.

Architects

Cam Butler Ward 13

Making Plans Architecture 8

Arts, Crafts, Gifts, Jewellery & Toys

Ashby Bears 35

Cathy Stephens Jewellery 56 Melbourne Hall Courtyard 28 & 29

The Olive Branch Toy Shop 11 Chiropodists

Ashby Chiropody & Podiatry Clinic Ltd 35 Cleaning, Ironing & Laundry Services

Molly Maid 8 Toni’s Ironing Angels 41 Dental Services

Beautiful Dentures 35 Electricians

The Power Couple 11

Estate Agents & Housing

Cameron Homes 9

Whitehead’s Estate Agents 43 Events & Attractions

Derby Arena 27

Melbourne Parish Council 7

Stags Head Events 27 Financial Services

Great British Finance 32 Garden Maintenance

Arctic Cabins Ltd 51

Charnwood Tree Services 55

E D Paving 41

Eden Tree Care & Fencing Ltd 18 & 31

Green Thumb (Ashby) 2

Silvan Tree Specialists 5

Swarkestone Nursery 15

The Garden Warehouse 25 Home & Interiors

Birch Bedrooms Ltd 30

Derby Bed Centre 19

FABCO Interiors 3

Gliderobes Ltd 40

Hunters Furniture 12

R M Page Clock Repairs 44 IT Services Code & Evolve Ltd 8

Kitchen & Bathroom

Dream Doors Derby 54

Elite Spray Tech 45 Holme Tree 17 Locksmiths

Hazlewood Locksmiths ............................. 36

Plumbing, Heating & Gas Services

Ashby Home Heating 33

Gas Assist Heating and Plumbing 41 Pubs, Restaurants & Hotels

The Priest House Hotel 11 Roofing

RSJ Roofing 36

The Roofing Company (Leicestershire) Ltd 31 Solicitors & Will Writers

Fishers Solicitors 37

Smith Partnership 49 Travel & Holidays Skills Holidays 47 Windows & Doors

Capital Windows Derby Ltd 16