Melbourne Life October 2022

GET THE MEASURE OF YOUR LAWN

Aeration and Scarification, what we call machine work, releases compacted soil and reduces thatch (both causes of moss) to allow moisture, air and nutrients through to the roots. These treatments and all GreenThumb programmes are tailored to best practice, seasonality and fair pricing - based solely on the size of your lawn.

For a treatment or programme estimate from your local lawn expert visit greenthumb.co.uk/measure or scan our QR code.

Book a lawn analysis or Autumn machine work:

Call: 01530 244552

Email: ashby@greenthumb.co.uk

JOY BLISS HOME

Discover the best of village living at HIGHWOODS GREEN, BREEDON ON THE HILL

The peaceful village of Breedon on the Hill offers the ideal rural location for those looking to be a part of something special.

Each individual home has been designed to take advantage of the green space, enticing you outside. Inside, you’ll find spacious light filled homes with multi-function spaces to meet the ever-changing needs of life.

Once you’ve found the perfect home to put down roots, it’s time to sell your current home and enjoy new beginnings. Our selling service, exclusively for our customers, is simple, straightforward and totally free of charge.

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Editor Vanessa Preece 01530 417739

Email enquiries

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Part of Ashby Life Ltd

Rockleigh House 37 Burton Road Ashby de la Zouch LE65 2LF

November issue copy deadline

Thursday 13th October

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.

Welcome

Like the whole of the UK and many people around the world, the team here at Ashby Life were stunned and saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September. For all of us she was a constant and steadfast presence in our lives, and the one person we could rely on to hold true to her values as the world around us underwent fundamental changes.

The Queen notched up some remarkable achievements during her 70-year reign. Since 1952 she travelled to more than 100 countries and made more than 150 visits to Commonwealth countries including 82 state visits. She worked with all 15 UK Prime Ministers, met 13 US Presidents and 7 Popes. She was an extraordinary figure, and we feel proud and very, very lucky to have had her in our lives for as long as we did. She will be greatly missed and on page 26 we look at five of her memorable moments.

Now we must look forward to a new era for both the royal family and the UK as King Charles III begins his reign. As the longest-serving heir apparent in British history he has had plenty of time to prepare for this and to learn from the example set by his mother. This should give us hope and popular opinion so far is that our new King will continue her good work.

Just before I sign off, here’s a reminder that the clocks go back on 30th October.

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As a leading domestic glass replacement company for more than 16 years, Cloudy2Clear windows are the leading name in the industry. There is no need for you to risk your windows by using the dreaded double glazing cowboy down the street. You can join over 336,000 happy customers and replace your glass ethically and affordably. If you have a failed glass unit, it may not provide you with the protection you need or be as energy-efficient as it once was. Take a minute to check your home to see if any double glazing has failed? Taking action now can prevent future financial problems.

When talking to the Manager of Cloudy2Clear windows John Kendall it became clear that these values have been held dear for a

number of years. Since starting the business some years ago Cloudy2Clear have remained true to their core values of supporting the local community by providing a service that saves the public money.

The Cloudy2Clear service only requires the glass to be replaced and not the whole window once the unit has failed. John commented “Cloudy2Clear were able to assist our community through the last financial crisis in 2008 due to the savings that can be made in using our service. Unfortunately we might be going through something similar again soon and the public can rest assured that we will be there to help once again”.

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We are a Which?

WIN a family ticket to attend Statfold’s Halloween Fireworks Spooktacular!

Statfold, located just outside of Tamworth, has developed quite the reputation over the last fifteen years offering both old and young a fantastic fun day out. With a narrow-gauge steam railway, museum, soft play, family funthemed events, country walks and more, it really is a hidden gem. Their calendar is packed with events ranging from the Party in the Park to their Magical Santa Express and of course this month sees the return of their ever popular Halloween Spooktacular.

From Monday 24th to Sunday 30th October there’ll be plenty of ghosts and ghouls and lots of frightfully fun activities taking place. Dare you enter Critter Corner? Can you follow the trail through the Haunted Woods? Try your hand at the Witches Academy and take a seat to enjoy the Monster Mash live show. Friday 28th, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October also sees the return of their sell-out Firework Spooktacular presented by the award-winning team behind London’s New Year’s Eve firework

celebration, the perfect end to a spooky day. Tickets cost from £16 for adults, from £14 for children and from £55 for a family.

To find out more about Statfold and their upcoming events including the Halloween Spooktacular or to book online, head over to their website www.statfold.com

WIN, WIN, WIN!

We’ve teamed up with Statfold to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a family ticket to attend Statfold’s Halloween Fireworks Spooktacular. This amazing prize consists of

• All of the scary activities included in the Halloween Spooktacular

• AND access to the Halloween Fireworks at 6.30pm

To be in with a chance of winning simply send your full contact details (name, address and telephone number) to: competition@lifemagazines.co.uk with the subject line ‘WIN Halloween Spooktacular tickets!’. Good Luck!

Terms & Conditions: Entries close on Sunday 16th October. The prize consists of a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to attend the Halloween Fireworks Spooktacular event on either Friday 28th, Saturday 29th or Sunday 30th October only. The winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries. The winner will be notified and the winners name will also be published on our Facebook page. Multiple or automated entries are not allowed. We will not pass your details to any third party.

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Join TREEFEST and help research into woodlands and wellbeing

Have you ever thought how different types of woodland make you feel? The different age, size and shape of trees in the National Forest have made it the perfect choice for Treefest, a research project running until the end of October to help understand the benefits of treescapes on our wellbeing.

Treefest invites people to take part in one or more of eight walks throughout the Forest, and record how the walk makes them feel.

It’s part of Connected Treescapes, a research project led by the University of York, that aims to break new ground in understanding how the UK’s treescapes benefit our wellbeing. It is funded through the £14.5 million Future of UK Treescapes programme and aims to explore the wider value of trees to wellbeing, cultural heritage, and wildlife.

Treefest has been devised by the University of Derby in partnership with the National Forest and health and wellness company Go Jauntly, to use the varied woodlands of the National Forest to further understand how walking amongst different

treescapes can make us feel. Data collected will be used by the wider Connected Treescapes team to help create tools and knowledge to inform the design of future treescapes for the benefit of future generations and the rest of the natural world.

You can take part in Treefest by downloading the free Go Jauntly app on your iPhone or android device and answering a few simple questions before and after your walk. Researchers will then study this data to see how various treescapes relate to wellbeing, with all data being anonymised and averaged before publication.

Available walks in Leicestershire and Derbyshire are at Robin Wood, Calke Abbey, Beacon Hill and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Wood. Or you can explore further afield and walk the remnant ancient Needwood Forest at Jackson’s Bank, Dunstall or Anslow, or try the Rosliston Treefest walk.

As well as helping to influence future treescapes, as a huge thank you for taking the time to participate in the research, all those who take part in the walks before the end of October will be entered into a prize draw to win one of twenty £100 gift vouchers.

See more about Treefest at www.gojauntly.com/ treefest

nationalforest.org

Top, inset and bottom: Ben Hall; Ross Hoddinott; National Forest

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In troubled times, will I still be able to sell my house?

Turn on the News and we are bombarded with price rises, stagnant wages, mortgage rate uncertainty and general doom and gloom. No one would argue that we are in uncharted waters...but life still goes on and we are asked time and again, is it still possible to sell my home and get a good price?

The simple answer is yes! The caveat is, don’t expect it to be the way it has been for the last two years. In these unprecedented times there are things that you can do to make the process both successful and stress free:

Choose your Agent carefully You not only need an agent who fulfils the contract, you need an agent who will always be available to answer questions, be open & honest about the situation (not a pushy salesman), be empathetic to your concerns and who has a great Sales Progressor to chase solicitors and push your sale through to completion. People ask if they have to sell with the same agent they are buying through and if this will make things go smoother? Absolutely not! You need to sell through the agent you trust and have chosen yourself. A great relationship with a committed agent you can talk to is that

which makes the process smoother. This is what we pride ourselves on at Cadley Cauldwell.

Choose your Solicitor carefully Backlogs from the stamp duty holiday and staffing shortages due to Covid have driven the conveyancing timescales from an average of 8-12 weeks to an average of 4-5 months. Thankfully this timescale is now reducing. Here at Cadley Cauldwell we can recommend from a panel of trusted solicitors, so you don’t need to search elsewhere. We can also provide EPC’s, surveyors and mortgages; everything you need in one place. Be patient. A year ago we were seeing properties sell within hours. The reality is things are

taking a little longer now so don’t rush into reducing your price, sit tight and allow your agent to do what they do best. Great communication, regular updates and a friendly, ‘can do’ Team are what we offer here at Cadley Cauldwell.

By Lee Marshall-Rose

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Friday 28th, Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th

October

Local Events Halloween

Halloween Outdoor Cinema – Calke Abbey, Ticknall

Adventure Cinema hosts three spooky nights of their fantastic Halloween Outdoor Cinema Experience in the grounds of Calke Abbey with a screening of the vampire classic Lost Boys on Friday, the Disney classic Hocus Pocus on Saturday and the terrifying Stanley Kubrick classic, The Shining on Sunday. Bring a blanket or camping chair, wrap up warm, and watch your favourite Halloween film on the big screen under the stars. Standard tickets cost £14.50 for adults and £9.50 for kids (plus booking fee). See www. adventurecinema.co.uk/venues/calke-abbey

Saturday 15th, Sunday 16th, Saturday 22nd to Sunday 30th

October Halloween

Spooktacular –National Adventure Farm, Burton

Head to National Adventure Farm for all the fun of the farm plus a day packed with hairraising Halloween activities. Take the Pumpkin Wagon tractor ride to their Pumpkin Patch where children can pick their own pumpkin to take home. Enter the magical maize maze and learn magic spells, ride a broomstick and brew potions. Enjoy the marvellous magic show, try your hand in the circus skills workshop and enter the fancy dress competition in your scariest outfit. Online booking is required. See www.adventurefarm. co.uk/event/halloween/

Sunday 30th

October Halloween SpookQuackular

– Moira Furnace

This free to enter event, running from 10am to 4pm, sees the return of the ever-popular trails at Moira Furnace. This time though, the grown-up

ducks have left their fancy dressed ducklings in the lava pool for you to rescue (hook-a-duck) and headed off to explore the site. The only trouble is, they’ve been captured by the naughty giant spiders. Can you find all the fancy-dressed ducks and save them from the spiders? Pumpkin bowling is also back. Try your best to knock down as many ghosts as you can with your pumpkins. Do you dare take a ride on the forsaken barge? Beware, there are horrors lurking beneath the water. Come dressed for the occasion in fancy dress and maybe you will get a treat.

Friday 28th to Monday 31st October Halloween at Hickings, New Stapleford Community Centre

From 5pm to 10pm each night, the grounds of the Community Centre in Stapleford will be transformed into a Spooky Walkthough Scare Maze including zombies, fire dancers, kids rides, food stalls, a mobile bar and much more. Strobe lights and lasers will light up the night to add to the ambience. Stroll through the Spiders Lair, and then the Witches Walkthrough followed by Creepy Clowns – if you dare! Tickets from £13.45 – raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society. For details and to book your tickets see https:// halloweenathickings.co.uk/

Sunday 30th October

Halloween Spooky Trail, Elvaston Castle

Bring the kids along to Elvaston castle from 10.30am to 3.30pm and take part in their spooky trail to earn a certificate. Why not finish the day off at the Pumpkin Parlour and carve your very own pumpkin to take home? Parking charges apply. Booking not required.

Festival

STILL LIFE & WILD LIFE at Creative Melbourne Gallery

We hope that everyone enjoyed Melbourne Festival. It was great to see so many cheerful people enjoying great art in the heart of the East Midlands. Melbourne Festival Director Sharon Brown asked us to say a big thank to everyone for supporting the festival this year.

Luckily, we now have a mini festival all year at Creative Melbourne Gallery, Church Street, Melbourne DE73 8EJ. The October exhibition is ‘Still Life & Wild Life’ and is open from Wednesday to Saturday every week until 5th November.

The exhibition features work by ten popular artists including Jane Bevan who creates work from natural materials found on her walks in Calke, Lynn Hazel, who is exhibiting her life-size wildlife sculptures, photographer Howard Johnson and more.

This autumn the gallery is also hosting a series of creative workshops to encourage everyone to develop their creative skills and have fun together.

The workshops are all led by Melbourne Festival artists so drop into the Gallery and get creative.

Following on from ‘Still Life & Wild Life’, Creative Melbourne will be hosting Autumn Glow featuring local landscapes in the lead up to Christmas.

To find out more look out for monthly updates here or visit Creative Melbourne on Facebook or visit the website.

As a not for profit organisation Creative Melbourne relies on volunteers if you would like to help out for a few hours each month they would love to hear from you.

Above and left: Lynne Hazel; Steven Tandy

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Breedon on the Hill

Queen Elizabeth II: Five memorable moments

Our beloved Queen always retained a wicked ability to surprise. Here we celebrate occasions when the delight, dominance, devilishness and charm of Elizabeth II really came to the fore.

For Queen and country, 2012

At the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony the stage was set, and the eyes of the world were on Stratford. A video begins showing Daniel Craig’s James Bond arriving at Buckingham Palace, where he is escorted to Her Majesty by two loyal corgis.

The pair then make their way to a helicopter and after a whistlestop tour of London – not to mention a wave from Churchill – seemingly parachute jump into the stadium!

Annus horibilis, 1992

Imagine, amidst a disastrous year, you then are obliged to give a speech to mark your 40th anniversary as the Queen of Great Britain.

It would have been acceptable not to mention the woes that had recently engulfed her family –from the revelation of lusty phone calls between Camilla and Charles to the separation of Andrew and Fergie, alongside the blaze that literally engulfed Windsor Castle – but instead she faced head-on the catastrophes that threatened her exemplary reign.

The sword and the cake, 2021

Just like in the mythical days of King Arthur, the notion of a monarch wielding a sword to defend the people and land of their kingdom is branded in our imaginations.

It was this irresistible urge then, which spurned our very own Queen to take up a ceremonial sabre to defeat her foe. The battlefield: the 2021 G7 summit in Cornwall. Her target: an enormous cake.

The rambling rose, 2008 “It was clear from the moment we stopped

that they hadn’t recognised the Queen,” began former Royal Protection officer Richard Griffin, referencing some American tourists near Balmoral. Upon asking where she lived, the Queen said “Well, I live in London, but I’ve got a holiday home just on the other side of the hills.

The Americans asked if she’d ever met the Queen to which she replied, “I haven’t, but Dickie here meets her regularly.” They excitedly took pictures with the pair before going on their way. Later, the Queen joked, “I’d love to be a fly on the wall when he shows those photographs to his friends in America.”

Lady Ma’amalade, 2022

A very special Jubilee moment was the video of our magnificent late Queen with fellow national treasure, Paddington Bear, who had come to have tea at Buckingham Palace.

As is befitting of our beloved bear, chaos ensues: tea is greedily slurped, china teapots are nearly broken, and cream cakes are squirted.

By way of apology for his poor behaviour

Paddington offers Her Majesty a marmalade sandwich, but she already has one tucked away in her bag: ‘for later’.

Local Events

Thursday 6th October

u3a Open Afternoon

Retired or semi-retired? Find out what Melbourne Area Derby u3a has to offer at Melbourne Assembly Rooms from 2.30pm to 3.45pm. Anyone no longer in full-time employment is very welcome to pop-in and browse our stands showcasing all our interest groups, from History to Bridge, Walking to Photography, and so much more. Just turn up; the event is free with tea and coffee available. For more information see www.u3asites.org.uk/melbourne-area or email madu3ainfo@gmail.com

Saturday 15th October Science

Discovery Fun Day

The Environmental Education Project will be hosting this event at Rosliston Forestry Centre, Swadlincote, DE12 8JX. Join them for fun with science with simple experiments themed around the weather. Join the Rosliston Astronomy Group with their telescopes in the training. Free entry and everyone is welcome to join. See www. roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk for more information or call 01283 535 039.

Tuesday 11th October

100 Plants That Almost Changed the World Ticknall Garden Club are very proud to announce the return of Chris Beardshaw. A celebrated designer, plantsman and broadcaster, Chris has clocked up over 35 years’ experience in the horticultural world and is well known for his TV and radio work. This is a ticket only event - £10 for members, £15 for visitors. 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Ticknall Village Hall. See www. ticknallgardenclub.org.uk

Friday 14th & Saturday 15th October

Burton Oktoberfest

The National Brewery Centre will transform their courtyard marquee into a traditional foot stomping Oktoberfest event with bier, live music, a DJ with all the cheesy tunes. Be prepared to be entertained, Bavarian style. Expect traditional folk dancing to Oompah music, foot stomping, table bashing and hearty singing galore. Friday 6pm to 11pm, Saturday 12pm to 5pm and Sunday 6pm to 11pm. Tickets from £5 standing. See https://nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk/event/burtonoktoberfest/ for info and to buy tickets.

Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th October Staunton Harold Running Festival

A collection of picturesque races for all the family, running through the private gardens of the Staunton Harold estate and the National Forest Biggin Wood. Various race distances including 10km, 5km, 2km Fun Run and bring your dog along too for the Canicross races. Everyoneincluding your hound will receive a Finishers Medal. See www.endorphinsport.com/ for details and prices and to register online.

Thursday 20th October

Watercolour Painting for Beginners Sparks Art UK will be hosting this fun event for complete beginners. With over 20 years’

experience, they will be coaching throughout the session as they demonstrate the ins and outs of techniques and materials. The two hour class, held at Sharpe’s Pottery Museum in Swadlincote from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, costs £29 per person and includes all materials and a welcome drink. Spaces are limited so book early by contacting Sam on 07825 738 011.

Thursday 20th October Comedy Evening

The UK’s biggest live comedy prize of £10,001 is at stake as nine pro comics try to qualify for the semi-finals of the British Comedian of the Year 2022. Nine pro acts perform their best 10-minute set in an evening of laughter at The Lyric Rooms, Ashby. You, the audience, vote for your favourites to go through to the semi-final. Compere Spiky Mike will be on hand to guide you through the acts. Tickets cost £11 and need to be booked in advance. See https://funhousecomedy. co.uk/venues/ashby-comedy-club/

Friday 28th & Saturday

29th October

Much Ado

About Nothing

Your Chance Productions bring to life Shakespeare’s witty tale of gossip, friendship,

jealousy, rivalry and love. Old friends are reunited and old flames are rekindled. Who will be victorious? Shows will start at 7.15pm on Friday and 2.15pm and 7.15pm on Saturday. Tickets start at £11. Book online at www.derbytheatre. co.uk/whatson

Saturday 29th October Halloween Disco

Melbourne Animal Farm, The Common, DE73 8DH will be holding a spooky Halloween Disco for local children from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Scary fancy dress is encouraged. Tickets cost £5 per child (accompanying adults go free). However, if you have visited the farm during half term for their Halloween Spooktacular event entry is free to the disco. Prizes to be won. Treats and snacks included in the ticket price. See their Facebook page for details and the latest updates.

We always recommend you check with the event organiser before you visit to confirm details.

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 November issue is Thursday 13th October. Life Magazines cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. For any queries, please email info@lifemagazines.co.uk

MELBOURNE

Uncovering the mysteries of Breedon’s past

Two of the pleasures of working in a building as old as Breedon Priory Church are being able to discover secrets that have been lost for centuries and show them off to our visitors. Over the past few months, we’ve been working with experts from universities across the UK to shed new light on our Saxon carvings, and the results are remarkable!

Whilst the sculptures today are plain stone, during the Saxon period they would have been painted in colours including red, yellow and black. Some of the richest carvings may have even had gold leaf on them. Recently, work by the University of Leicester has shown that some of this paint has survived on the Breedon Angel, our most famous sculpture. Analysis of the results is still ongoing, but it’s amazing to think that the angel’s true colours may be revealed after 1200 years.

One of the challenges of the sculptures is that our best pieces, such as the angel, are inaccessible to the public, either locked away or situated high up in the nave. However, thanks to Professor

Dominic Powlesland, you can now visit and explore the carvings like never before. Almost all our sculptures have turned into 3D models that can be viewed online, meaning you can see the angel and other carvings in a way that hasn’t been possible since the day they were made. Visit https:// bit.ly/3xu8p5g to admire the sculpture (and their cobwebs!) in all their glory.

Experience a Magical Autumn at Calke Abbey

Autumn is a magical time of year at Calke Abbey. It signifies a period of change, as the colours around us begin to shift from the bright greens of summer to vivid goldens and rustic reds. There’s plenty to do this Autumn, whether that’s enjoying a peaceful walk through the parkland or observing the deer in the Deer Park.

When trees begin to shed their leaves, they leave colourful piles of red and orange as far as the eye can see. This is the perfect time for an autumnal amble. Follow the waymarked blue route through Serpentine Woods and take in a kaleidoscope of colour, as sunshine peeks through the bare trees. Enjoy the peace and quiet apart from the crisp crunching of leaves on the ground as you walk.

Learn more about the parkland at Calke on a park guided walk. Available every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 11am or 2pm on a first come first-served basis. However, please double check the website (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calkeabbey) to see when they’re running. Hear stories about the ancient parkland, which has been through a long journey from its roots as a religious ground to its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserve. These guided walks are also your only chance to enter the Deer Park, witness the deer up close and learn about their history at Calke. You’re bound to discover something new on these fascinating rambles, so make sure you get there early.

Autumn is also the time to stop by the Deer Park, as deer rutting season takes place from October onwards. Watch out for bellowing roars and keep your eyes peeled for clashing antlers, as the stags compete for the females. Bring a pair of binoculars with you, as you won’t want to miss this spectacular behaviour.

Visit the gardens mid-October to see a vibrant display of homegrown pumpkins and gourds on the Auricula Theatre. You can even purchase

the pumpkins and gourds from Thursday 27th October to decorate your house and prepare for Halloween. This is truly a highlight of our Autumn offer and is well-worth visiting. At the end of the Physic Garden is a small orchard, which produces a variety of local and historic apples. Take a seat to admire them in full view and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. At times during October, the gardeners will also be selling the apples, allowing you to enjoy fresh apples at home.

Top and inset: A Red Deer stag announcing that it’s deer rutting season © National Trust/Dennis Richardson The pumpkin and gourd display in the Auricula Theatre © National Trust/Bryony Sibson

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Big Village, Small Town

A new music weekend has been launched in Melbourne for 2023 and will feature venues in the area coming together under the umbrella of ‘Big Village, Small Town’ hosting performances over the weekend of the late May Bank Holiday. The name came about due to the continual and ongoing debate over what Melbourne is, village or town.

The event is being managed by Assembly Rooms manager Andy Heafield, who also came up with the idea. Andy added “The event, can we call it the BVST for short, will be a boost to the local economy and show what a great array of venues and performance areas Melbourne has to offer. I’ll be working hard with the other venues to ensure we have a wide variety of great music on offer. There will be ticketed events, some free to enter but we’ll also have additional ‘fringe style’ performances.”

The event came about after discussions following the recent Queens Platinum Jubilee outdoor concert which attracted over 3,500 people. Performers are in the process of being booked but one man who has already signed up is national broadcaster Mark Radcliffe. Mark has agreed to become the Patron of the BVST. After agreeing, he went on to say;

“Having performed my one man show in Melbourne recently to a sell out and enthusiastic audience, I was only too happy to become the patron of the 2023 BVST music event when asked. I believe it will bring musical life into the community. It’s a beautiful place to live and the

event will allow others to share in it as well. Andy has his finger on the pulse and I know he will put on a great event. I look forward to seeing you there.”

The Assembly Rooms will be one of the venues hosting four concerts but others have been quick to sign up including Amalfi White, the Melbourne Inn, the Alma Inn, the Parish Church, Melbourne Sporting Partnership, Creative Melbourne Gallery and The Spirit Vaults. Also coming on board to offer financial support are the East Midlands Airport.

Performances and ticket details will be released in December. Anyone wishing to get involved should contact Andy at the Assembly Rooms in Melbourne on the details below.

Melbourne Assembly Rooms

“Little venue is forging a big reputation and is the jewel in the town’s crown, praised by musicians, comedians and theatre groups as one of the area’s best performance spaces” (Colston Crawford, Derby Telegraph)

Community Board

Melbourne Poppy Appeal

Enjoy a night of soul and Motown with ex Drifter CJ Jackson – ‘A Man of Soul’ - in aid of the Poppy Appeal at Melbourne Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne on Friday 28th October. Doors open at 7pm. Show starts at 8pm. Tickets cost £7.50. See www.ticketsource.co.uk/mccl for details and to book online.

Befriending Service

The team at Treetops Hospice know only too well the power of a good chat over a cup of tea to enhance the lives of people who are facing end-of-life issues. Reducing isolation is widely recognised as being beneficial to both physical and mental health. A weekly call or visit can be a lifeline. Their Volunteer Befrienders help people to remain independent and can signpost to other available support, and social and community groups. Offering small acts of kindness, laughter, a game of scrabble, practical help or sharing memories can bring joy to people’s lives. To volunteer or if you – or someone you know – could benefit from this service please see www.treetopshospice.org.uk/ourservices/befriending-service

Breathwork for Wellbeing

Do you have challenges in life? Stress? Anxiety? Feeling overwhelmed? Breathwork is a fantastic way to release many of life’s challenges, work things out, gain clarity, release trauma and allow you to move forwards into life with excitement, enthusiasm and joy. Guided by Rebecca in the beautiful surroundings of Whistlewood Common, access the theta brain wave state and the subconscious to uncover locked up troubles, stresses and emotions, allowing release, healing

Deadline for inclusion on November’s Community Board is 13th October

and a new perspective. 10am to 11.30am on Saturday 8th October. £20 per person. To book contact Rebecca on 07891 512 948 or email rebecca10@sky.com

Coffee & Company

Meet friends or make new friends over a cuppa and a chat with this social get together organised by Melbourne Community Care. Meet between 2pm and 4pm on Tuesday 6th October and the first Tuesday of each month at Melbourne Assembly Rooms.

Free Debt Advice Service

Do you need support in managing your debts? With the cost of living crisis having a massive effect on people’s finances, more and more people could benefit from trustworthy debt advice. Citizens Advice are offering free, confidential and independent advice on debt related issues including personal debts, budgeting and income maximisation. Flexible appointments to suit your needs either face to face, phone or online. Call 01332 228 745 or see www.citizensadvicemidmercia.org.uk/moneyadvice-service

Strictly No Falling

Would you like to improve your strength and balance? Join this friendly class which runs each Monday at Melbourne Assembly Rooms, High Street, Melbourne at 1.30pm. It’s a great way to improve your balance, postural stability and coordination. Have fun, socialise and maintain your independence. Everyone is welcome, all abilities. £5 per class. To book your place contact Rachel on 01332 865 591 or 07896 031 084.

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.

garden room isn’t just

room in your

it’s a room that adds value to your life, and your home. With 20 years experience in designing, manufacturing and installing garden buildings throughout the UK you can trust that Cabin Master will deliver you The Perfect Space for your garden, such as a Garden Office, Gym, Mancave, Garden Bar, Entertaining Space or Spare Room.

The Perfect Escape. Holiday at home...

with a BBQ cabin. It can become the heart and soul of your garden. Our trademarked sloping wall design not only gives the cabins an unmistakable silhouette, it also makes them very comfortable and enables you to sit back and relax whilst enjoying countless days and nights with your favourite people.

-

10am -

Toton Lane, Stapleford, Nottingham NG9 7JA.

Please consider donating your discount

With the cap on typical annual energy bills set to rise from £1,971 to £2,500 this month, so many of us are worried about the potential effects of a costof-living crisis that feels increasingly out-of-control.

Yet, for some, the impact of this crisis is beyond worrying, with more and more families being pushed towards the breadline. This is particularly the case in rural areas, where a greater reliance on cars, lower availability of low-price supermarkets and fewer employment opportunities are creating an additional strain on incomes. A report from ‘Action for Communities in Rural England’ states that as many as 30% of households in the countryside could soon be living in fuel poverty.

The Government has announced plans to ease the pressure - including a £400 energy bills discount, which will be paid in six instalments to help families through a tough winter. However, while these are welcome announcements for many, for others it still won’t be enough to put food on the table or power the radiators during cold December evenings.

Keeping the house warm will prove even more challenging for those living off the mains gas grid. That’s because the cost of alternative heating methods, including oil, LPG and solid fuel, is not even capped - it can continue to rise without intervention. One of our elderly beneficiaries is expecting the price of his solid fuel to double this year and could be paying as much at £380 a month. Simply put, £400 won’t be enough for him to stay warm this winter.

We’re encouraging those who are not reliant on the money received from energy bill discounts to donate them to charities like ours. While everyone will benefit from a little extra help at the moment, some are in need of greater support than others, and every contribution to Rural Action Derbyshire goes towards providing vital services to those in need.

Although Government action alone may not be enough to cover rising fuel costs for many, your

support can make a real difference - with donations to our Oil Bank helping to supply oil to those who would otherwise no longer be able to heat their homes. Money raised can also be used to restart our Rural Hardship Fund, which provided £17,000 worth of cash, food and household items to the most vulnerable before it was recently brought to a halt due to funding issues.

So, if you are not in desperate need of your discount, please consider giving it to those who are. Every penny will go towards supporting people who may not be able to deal with the ever-growing cost-of-living, and who are at serious risk of being overlooked. Your contributions are, as always, greatly appreciated - and can help to change lives across Derbyshire.

You can donate to any of Rural Action Derbyshire’s projects on our website: ruralactionderbyshire.org.uk

Business

Architects

AG Dezign 22

Cam Butler Ward 13

Arts, Crafts, Gifts, Jewellery & Toys

Ashby Bears 20

Cathy Stephens Jewellery 48

The Olive Branch Toyshop 11 Childcare, Clubs, Schools & Tuition Derby High School 19

Trent College & The Elms 23

Chiropodists

Ashby Chiropody & Podiatry Clinic Ltd 8

Cleaning, Ironing & Laundry Services

Molly Maid 20 Toni’s Ironing Angels 34 Dental Services

Beautiful Dentures 39 Estate Agents & Housing

Cameron Homes 3 Marble Property Services 24 & 25 Whitehead’s Estate Agents 37

Events & Atractions

Ashby Connect 12

Financial Services

Great British Finance ................................... 16

Furniture Repairs & Restoration

Maceys Bespoke Upholstery 30

Garden Maintenance

Arctic Cabins Ltd 41

Charnwood Tree Services 44

E D Paving 8

Eden Tree Care & Fencing Ltd 11 & 20

Green Thumb (Ashby) 2

Silvan Tree Specialists 5

Swarkestone Nursery 35 Home & Interiors

Birch Bedrooms Ltd 40

FABCO Interiors 27

Gliderobes Ltd 45

Hunters Furniture 15

R M Page Clock Repairs 44

Stylish Home 7

Wrapped Studio 33 Kitchen & Bathroom

Dream Doors Derby 33

Elite Spray Tech 17

Holme Tree 5

Locksmiths

Hazlewood Locksmiths 44

Plumbing, Heating & Gas Services

Gas Assist Heating and Plumbing 34

Property Repairs & Maintenance

Green Logic UK Ltd 34

Pubs, Restaurants & Takeaways

The Priest House 11 Roofing

RSJ Roofing 46

The Roofing Company (Leicestershire) Ltd 39

Solicitors & Will Writers

LevLaw Ltd 8

Smith Partnership 31 Travel & Holidays

Skills Holidays 47 Windows & Doors

Capital Windows Derby Ltd 40 Cloudy 2 Clear 9