Melbourne Village Voice April 2025

TV STAR STEPHEN A NEW CAST MEMBER

by Lucy Stephens

A FAMOUS acting couple

starring in one of TV’s most talked about shows brought their family to Melbourne to be immortalised by a talented local artist

Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters, stars of Netflix’s Adolescence, came to the village with their children to have a unique piece of family art made by Laura Roberts, of Melbourne Creations

Laura makes 3D ‘life cast’ artwork for clients featuring moulds, usually of a person’s hands or feet – but pets are possible too!

She explained how she had used the power of social media to connect with Hannah – who lives locally with her family –and was over the moon she had brought her family to immortalise their hands for posterity through her work

“I just really wanted to meet them and do something together,” she said

“I thought it was such an exciting opportunity! They are just so lovely I already knew they were going to be down to earth people I felt Stephen was genuinely interested in my work, he is just a really lovely guy ”

Stephen began his career in 1990, with early notable roles in Snatch and Gangs of New York, before his breakthrough role as Andrew "Combo" Gascoigne in the film This Is England Melbourne Creations started life in 2019 after Laura had seen a sample of someone else’s work while in labour with her

second son

She knew at once this was something she would like to do for her own family and had her

son’s hand and foot professionally cast as soon as she could

Inspired by the process, she resolved to start up her own business creating casts for others too The onset of Covid soon after Melbourne Creations was born brought its setbacks, but Laura said her business has grown steadily since 2021

The nature of the work means some of the art pieces

Laura is commissioned to create can be highly emotional

She may be requested to immortalise the hands or feet of a newborn baby, but she has also performed her valuable service in the Macmillan ward at Royal Derby Hospital, where her casts can help soothe the rough passage of grief

“The pride I feel, and the comfort I feel, is that I know this is going to help somebody,” she explained

Right now, Laura is preparing her latest starry commission, and she hopes that having welcomed such famous household names into Melbourne will help more people know about one of the village’s more unusual businesses

As she says on her website: “I know what a casting will mean to you I know the ache of wishing they were still tiny I know the comfort being able to touch the hand of a late loved one and I truly believe the love within my work will bring you that ”

l Laura Roberts (centre) with Stephen Graham, Hannah Walters and

‘New’ driver caught doing 64mph through Melbourne

LOCAL police have reminded newly qualified drivers of the penalties of careless driving after a young motorist within two years of gaining his licence was summoned to court for speeding through Melbourne at 64mph

Kerry Wallington-Waite, PCSO Supervisor for Derby South, described how police had initially followed the speeding vehicle through Ticknall

She said the incident had initially been “suitable for words of advice” but things got more serious when the young driver then sped into Melbourne, reaching 64mph in a 40mph limit

The driver carried on speeding through Melbourne despite being followed by a marked police vehicle “ which he failed to notice”, said PCSO Wallington-Waite

The driver, who has had his licence for less than two years, was issued with a court summons

Police have reminded the public that newly qualified drivers will lose their licence and have to resit their test if they are handed six points within the first two years of driving Officers have said they can also use their powers to deal with anti-social behaviour which includes seizing vehicles and reporting to court

These powers have recently been used in Barrow-upon-Trent in connection with “nuisance bikers” said PCSO WallingtonWaite

GALLERY GIVES HOSPICE A BIG BOOST

LEADERS of Melbourne’s art gallery are shouting from the Treetops after visitors raised £500 for the area’s highly valued hospice.

Visitors who turned out to enjoy The Affordable Art Show at Creative Melbourne raised the money for Treetops Hospice in January and February.

Support was given from those who took artwork in the gallery or donated loose change.

Sharon Brown from Creative Melbourne said: “The idea for a fund-raiser for Treetops Hospice was hatched in the autumn following a conversation with Rachael Peckham about the difficulty in raising money for Treetops early in the year.

“We mentioned that we had planned an Affordable Art Show to start the year and suggested that we would donate a percentage of sales to Treetops; our target was £200 but thanks to everyone who supported the exhibition we raised £500!"

The exhibition has changed but the gallery still has a collecting tin for anyone who wishes to donate.

The current exhibition, Spring Gold, is open until April 12 and the new exhibition Time & Tide opens on April 16.

Pictured are Sharon Brown, Kay Maddocks, Rachael Peckham and Natalie Godrich.

Deadline looms for your views on Local Plan

OPENING TIMES

Open Wednesday 10am - 8pm ursday to Sunday 10am - 4pm

For breakfast, lunch, homemade cakes, scones and a whole counter full of goodies

- Booking is required for A ernoon Tea -

Much love, Lou and the team x

LOCAL residents have up until April 25 to give their views on the latest Local Plan, which shapes housing and economic development in South Derbyshire

Concern has been expressed locally that the plan includes 22 sites around Melbourne and Kings Newton with capacity for more than 2,400 houses – although it has been stressed that sites being included as “potentially able to deliver” does not suggest they would be included on the adopted Local Plan, nor that any development would be approved

The revised Local Plan Part 1 is currently in a consultation phase before it is passed to the planning inspectorate for examination

Residents are reminded that, while the plan allows anyone to make representations, there are strict guidelines as to the grounds on which to respond

The focus of any comments has to be on legal compliance – i e that the plan complies with the relevant legal requirements including a duty to co-operate, and soundness, i e that it is positively prepared, justified, effective and follows national policy

In outline, the plan identifies a need for at least 14,500 new homes over the plan period until 2041

It is calculated that the need in South Derbyshire is for 9,633 homes, worked out on a formula for population growth, with the additional requirement to accommodate the unmet need from Derby city

It proposes that most of the 14,500 homes will be built on existing large strategic sites, which will provide 8,925 houses, on two new sites providing 3,450 houses, and there are 95 dwellings already completed since 2022, when the plan started

The remainder will be provided from already allocated smaller sites which have capacity (242 dwellings), sites where permission has already been granted for 10 or more dwellings and “windfall” sites – for fewer than 10 houses – to make up the remaining 1,788 dwellings

In addition, the plan sets out provision for three new employment strategic site allocations, 70 hectares on Sinfin Moor, up to 10 ha in Mick-

Frank Hughes

leover and up to 68 ha on the former Drakelow power station site

Part 2 of the plan, which covers non-strategic housing allocations and rural area policies, is being saved and is not amended at this time However, it is certain that following the adoption of the revised Part 1 plan it will also need to be reviewed and amalgamated into one comprehensive plan in accordance with new guidelines Part 2 sets out the restrictions on building in rural areas outside existing settlement boundaries, and for protecting BMV (Best and Most Versatile) agricultural land – which includes both the categories of Grade 1, Grade 2 and some Grade 3 land

Locally, concern has been expressed about the number of existing sites, which is basically land available for housing and economic development, around Melbourne and Kings Newton Some 22 sites have been identified, and the potential for development on these sites could amount to more than 2,400 additional dwellings within a five-year trajectory

Similarly, there are sites around all other local villages with potential for development The policies in the local plan and any neighbourhood plans aim to control where development for housing or economic activity can take place but should one of the big strategic sites not come to fruition or where applications are made, the potential for building on such sites could come into consideration

The relatively high property market value in places like Melbourne make it an obvious target for developers

The district council has confirmed that all 22 sites around Melbourne and Kings Newton have been identified as “potentially able to deliver” within the six to 10 year timeframe from when the plan would be adopted

Representations on the Part 1 plan, based on the limited grounds listed above, can be made before April 25 at the following address: https://southderbyshire inconsult uk/LPReview/c onsultationHome by

Aston signals its arrival

‘into the 21st century’

YEARS of campaigning for a decent mobile phone signal are finally paying off in Aston-on-Trent with the installation of a new phone mast

Full connectivity in the village may still be a few months away but a significant step has been made after EE engineers arrived in the village to install its longawaited new mast

The move will “bring Aston into the 21st century” said village campaigner Barrie Evans, who organised a huge campaign and petition which finally resulted in action being taken

After years of experiencing their mobile phone signal cutting out suddenly, having to hang out of upstairs windows to make a call, and being endlessly fobbed off by operators, Aston’s villagers came together in a campaign organised by Barrie to use their combined voice with the aim of being heard

The campaign was launched after operators suggested to villagers that the more complaints received, the greater the chance of something being done

Noting this, in 2022 Barrie spearheaded the leafleting of 1,500 households including Richmond Villages along with posters being put up in the local area and online Aston on Trent Parish Council wrote to

Easter funday

EASTER fun is available at Calke Abbey this spring with some seasonal family activities on offer

A long trail takes visitors around the estate’s parkland plus the Calke Explore area, with the option of a bunny bootcamp and welly wanging

There is a shorter, more accessible trail for littler legs, which takes in the pleasure grounds, stable yards, and the opportunity to discover hidden smells and count the Easter bunny’s carrots

by Lucy Stephens

the local ombudsman about the issue after local research showed poor coverage had been reported in no fewer than 100 locations in the village

A BT representative visited Aston to investigate the issue and a planning application was then made to install a 20-metre-high mast with antennae and dishes – although in the event permission was not required

In March this year the mast finally arrived and has been installed by engineers on the village’s recreation ground

An EE spokesperson said: “We’ve taken a significant step towards bringing EE's award-winning mobile connectivity to Aston on Trent, and want to thank the local community for the warm welcome our teams have received

“We’re now working on the next stage of the build and activation process, which we expect to complete within the coming months ”

Barrie said he was “overjoyed” to see the mast finally installed

He said: “It will mean excellent communication in the future, because previously we have been having all these black spots

“It just brings Aston-on-Trent into the 21st century “We should be thankful that we got the numbers that we did which prompted EE into some action We’re just very grateful that they have managed to do it ”

How the church is celebrating

A FULL programme of events throughout 2025 to celebrate the 900th anniversary of St Michael and St Mary’s Church in Melbourne has been compiled by the organising group with events to attract everybody from the local community, writes Frank Hughes

The programme begins with talks by Philip Heath about the history of the church within the village, having taken place on April 3, repeated on October 2, and a tour of the church and talk will take place on July 19 and August 16 There is also a “Whodunnit” talk by Margaret Gildea on May 15, and a talk on June 5 by William Bates, about the restoration of the church

Three concerts are already lined up, with A Choir ’d Taste doing a morning coffee concert featuring music from the last nine centuries on June 19, a chamber music concert by Graham Oppenheimer on September 25 and a jazz concert on December 5

An event for all the family will be the Medieval Fayre, featuring an Historical Re-enactment by the Chevaliers du Leon on June 14 There will be a Medieval Banquet in the church on August 16,

THE Dower House Garden, Church Square, Melbourne, will be open over the weekend of May 16 and 17 (10am - 5pm) in aid of the National Garden Scheme (NGS)

All the money raised goes to the cancer and Parkinson’s charities that the NGS have supported since it began 90 years ago

Teas and cake will be available and the garden will be filled with flowers, bulbs and colourful shrubs

Admission is £8 with children free Dogs are welcome on leads

The previous garden opening at The Dower House in February raised around £2,700 for charity

For more information please contact us on: 01332 862173 www.austinproperty.co.uk - Based in Melbourne -

with an opportunity to dress suitably! On May 17 there is also a Vintage Handmade Fayre

As well as the annual exhibition as part of Melbourne Festival in September, there will be a flower festival running from May 24 to 26, an art exhibition “Wild Saints” by Michael Cook and local artists, from August 24 to 29, and a Christmas Tree Festival starting on December 12 In addition, the annual Christmas Fayre will be held on November 29

Fans of St Michael’s Players will be able to see a re-run of Melbourne through the Ages at MARS on October 17 and 18, and there will be a film showing of The Phantom of the Opera – a silent film accompanied by music by Minima on November 6 in the church A Patronal Festival will be taking place in the evening of September 28, the eve of St Michael’s Day, and on December 14 at 10 30am there will be a Celebration Service marking the end of the year ’s festivities

The organisers of the programme want to welcome the wider community of Melbourne and district to visit the beautiful and historic church and be part of the significantly wonderful celebration

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Furniture with street appeal

THREE pieces of newly installed street furniture have been given awards by Melbourne Civic Society for their contribution to the look and feel of the town

Several sites around Melbourne and Kings Newton were nominated for a Civic Award this year

The awards given regularly by Melbourne Civic Society recognise the contribution made by residents and developers in the last year to maintain high levels of architectural and aesthetic interest through new building, renovation and landscape projects

The panel of Amanda Harman, David Clark, Cllr

Matt Gotheridge and Mike King visited each of the sites to assess which they felt were worthy of recognition

This resulted in three being noted with enough merit to be recognised

These were the newly installed cast iron bollards at the entrance to the jitty off Derby Road leading to Packhorse Road, which were “commended” for the fact that they are a good match in maintaining the historical landscape in this small area of the town

Another new installation of stone gate posts at the front of 49 Church Street were “highly commended” after impressing judges with the “ manner and attention to detail which had been taken to ensure they were in keeping with the age and character of the property”

Finally, a “special award” was given to the hoarding at the front of Church House which, when not obstructed by contractors’ vehicles, was unanimously regarded as being both impressive and sympathetic to the historical context in this area which contains so many of Melbourne’s heritage buildings

Edward Hands & Lewis Solicitors – continuing to serve

Market Place as we have done since 1935

We do not compromise on service or skills and only We are here to help and we have a friendly and very

JUDGING (l-r) Amanda Harman, David Clark, Cllr Matt Gotheridge and Mike King inspect the cast iron bollards LEFT: The hoarding at Church House

Melbourne bestows its highest honours on these three

by Lucy Stephens

COMMUNITY spirit was riding high in Melbourne at a packed meeting of the parish during which the village’s highest honours were bestowed.

Melbourne s latest annual Meeting of the Parish held at the sporting partnership’s rooms saw a healthy turnout including former MP Heather Wheeler

Mrs Wheeler joined councillors, police and representatives from Melbourne’s busy roster of local groups who gave reports updating the room on their activities over the last year

The meeting also saw Melbourne’s prestigious Dr Freeman Award presented, along with the making of two new honorary freemen of the parish

This year ’s recipient of the Dr Freeman Award, given annually to someone who has contributed positively to wellbeing in the area, was given to John Elliot, who has compiled the Village Quiz for more than 30 years

Presenting the award, Melbourne Parish Council chair Cllr Joe Ward said: “He has done this out of the goodness of his own heart and has raised a considerable amount of money ”

Receiving the award, John modestly said he had been surprised to be given a prize for doing something he had enjoyed since compiling the very first quiz in 1991

The quiz in that year raised £100 – while this year ’s event topped that by some margin, fetching more than £2,000 for charity

The room was a fitting setting for the first recipient of the Honorary Freedom of the Parish, which was given to John Harrison for his work in bringing top notch sporting facilities to the town in the form of Melbourne Sporting Partnership

John opened his thanks by telling the room of his pleasure at seeing many familiar faces

He said: “It’s particularly fitting that I have received this award in this place tonight because I was instrumental in setting the ball rolling in this place becoming what it is ”

He recounted how, as a district councillor, his aim had been to improve sporting facilities in Melbourne which, at the time, were “totally inadequate”, and that he was delighted to receive the honorary freedom of the parish in recognition of his efforts

The second honorary freedom of the parish award was presented to Andy Heafield, former manager of Melbourne Assembly Rooms, for his many contributions to village life including the Big Village Small Town festival, a huge celebration concert commemorating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and managing the Assembly Rooms, which under his leadership has seen a stellar line-up of performers and many sell-out events for years

Thanking the parish council, he recalled how he had initially thought around a thousand people might attend the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee concert, but all estimates were smashed on the day with more than three times that number turning out to enjoy themselves

“For weeks afterwards, the buzz around the town was fantastic,” he said, concluding his thanks to the room with: “I want to mention my mum and dad Had they been here, they would have been so proud My mother would have worked it into every conversation going!”

The parish meeting heard from many local groups including councillors who provided updates on projects such as current planning developments and the upgrade to the cemetery chapels, while PCs Benjamin Harvey and Todd Bennett provided a valuable report on their activities in Melbourne, saying that amongst other things there had been a “slight increase” in drug-related incidents since January this year

The meeting heard how police might not be visible to the public because they could be carrying out their work in the early hours of the morning in

order to be most effective

Sharon Brown, speaking on behalf of Creative Melbourne and the festival, said organisers were gearing up to the festival’s ‘coming of age’ 21st birthday in 2026, adding that last year ’s event had been so successful two local hospitality businesses had reported their best weekend’s takings over the whole year!

Melbourne Sporting Partnership, meanwhile, continues to be very well used; Melbourne Community Care is doing great work supporting elderly and vulnerable people, while the carnival will be marking its centenary this year

BELOW LEFT: John Elliot receiving his Dr Freeman Award from Cllr Joe Ward and (ABOVE) Andy Heafield (right) and John Harrison receiving their honorary freedom of the parish awards.

FLOWER POWER

SPRING is sprung and in Ticknall the Women’s Institute has been inspired to get busy helping highlight the floral delights of the season

Ticknall22 WI members have created a Flower Plaque Installation in the garden the group maintains next to the village hall

WI members wanted to highlight the part of the garden it looks after, as well as the benefits of a building that unites many local groups and draws other people to the village

The group has thanked Allan Griffin (pictured right) from Church Lane for the building process involved in the installation, as well as Pete Lewsey of Wood Burner Installation in Melbourne, who supplied the slate pedestal and helped Allan during construction

WI members Ros and Carol dug the ground and planted the flowers, while Maria Picken (pictured top) made the ceramic plaque

Who gets your vote?

Four put their names forward for county council election

- 6.00pm

by Frank Hughes

THE ELECTION being held for the Derbyshire County Council comes at a time when local government is facing very tough financial and organisational issues.

No-one is certain of the future shape of local administration, so the vote on May 1 could well be the most important made for many years Four candidates have announced their nominations for the Melbourne and Woodville ward

DAVID MULLER (CONSERVATIVE)

David has represented Melbourne and district on the county council for the past four years He has been Conservative cabinet support member for adult care and a member of the Derbyshire Fostering Panel He has been a trustee of the Royal School for the Deaf Derby for the past 40 years; he is also a district councillor and lead Conservative committee member for planning

“It has been an honour to represent you and hope I have made some difference in that time,” he said

“We have just been through a very difficult and challenging time with regard to the county’s budget deficit Although the financial situation is improving, we have a statutory obligation to support children’s services and adult care across Derbyshire The extreme weather during recent times has also had an effect on road conditions, potholes, the replacement and repair of street signage and the upkeep of public rights of way

“I will be a strong voice to ensure any reorganisation of local government in the county will benefit the residents of South Derbyshire

“I am determined to protect valuable agricultural land and support the need for quality infrastructure The Government’s target of building 1 5 million houses across the UK has increased my determination to question and challenge, when necessary, future housing applications in our area ”

ANDY DAWSON (LABOUR)

Andy has had 17 years experience as a magistrate in South Derbyshire, has been a school governor and trustee for 14 years, a trustee at South Derbyshire Community Voluntary Support for three years and a parish councillor for Melbourne for the past four years

He says: “Melbourne has been my home for 36 years and I care deeply about our local community With family ties in Hartshorne and Woodville, I understand the challenges facing our entire area

“As a dedicated parish councillor, I’ve worked hard to improve local services, and I’m ready to do even more as county councillor – delivering real results for you

“I believe in action, not just words That’s why I’ll work closely with our MP, Samantha Niblett, to tackle local issues, improve public services and stand up for our community

“I’m approachable, proactive, always ready to listen and to act – putting community before party, because your concerns matter

“Let’s build a better future for South Derbyshire together!”

JOHN

JAMES (LIB DEM)

John said: “Having moved to the area nearly 30 years ago I have hopes that I might one day be classed as a local! During that time three children have been born and raised through the local schools and community, and I've tried to give back with time as treasurer to the Scout and Guide hut, chair of governors at Chellaston Academy and numerous positions at the rugby club

“As to the election, the county council desperately needs new blood and fresh voices when making tough choices in these challenging times: the introspection of the main parties isn't helping “My decades of working as a lawyer in the utilities and green energy sector will bring needed knowledge to issues such as the proposed Chesterfield to Willington power line but the primary focus has to be ensuring that the local issues within Melbourne and Woodville are vigorously represented ”

CHARLOTTE

HILL (REFORM)

Charlotte told us: “I’m 25 years old; I work in construction management and I live in Hartshorne with my partner and my dog I was fortunate to spend my childhood in the village, until I bought my first home at the age of 19 in Woodville, and at the age of 23, I purchased my second home and moved back to Hartshorne

“So now, I am passionate about protecting the local rural area, for future generations, so they can have a rural childhood too, without scarring the landscape permanently with ever growing developments, while maintaining public areas our community already look after, with cyclical maintenance plans and litter picks, keeping areas safe and tidy for our community

“I also work closely with South Derbyshire Construction Academy, to encourage more young people to take up trade roles, and as county councillor I would continue to grow my current work to support increasing job opportunities and apprenticeships across the division ”

Airport celebrates 60

flight service

HUNDREDS of guests turned out to East Midlands Airport for a ceremony marking its 60th birthday

The Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire Michael Kupar OBE and his deputy Penny Coates – a former managing director at the airport – were guests of honour at the event in the check-in hall Mr Kupar read out a letter of congratulations from King Charles, whose father the late Duke of Edinburgh, officially opened the airport in 1965

In it, King Charles said: “I m delighted to convey our warmest good wishes to you all on the occasion of the diamond anniversary of the East Midlands Airport, which is being celebrated today Since the airport was opened by my father 60 years ago, its extensive expansion is testament to the dedication of all those who have been involved in its work

“I was particularly interested to learn of the community outreach programme, which serves as an impressive example of how we can all come together in our collective effort to build a safe and sustainable future

“In the year of this remarkable anniversary, I encourage you all to come together and celebrate I wish to pass on my hopes that it will be a most successful occasion ”

EMA’s Managing Director Steve Griffiths gave a speech in which he said: “Ever since beginning operations on April 2nd 1965, East Midlands Airport has been this region’s gateway to the world – the starting point for an estimated total of 130 million people to make holiday memories and countless items to make their way around the world

“Looking back over the past six decades, it’s clear that the dedication of the people who work here is something that’s been a cornerstone of the airport from the outset It’s a place that seems to engender real affection – from those working here, those who choose to fly from here and others who are drawn to it simply to enjoy the magic of aircraft heading to and from places all around the world

“Over the years we have also fostered good relations with our neighbours for whom we are a constant presence ”

Long-serving staff member Tony Hall spoke about his 42 years at the airport and how it remains a friendly airport despite its growth

Music at the event was provided by the Derby West Indian Community Association steel pans band, which is one of the many local groups to have benefited

from the airport’s community fund over the years

The winners of a school art competition which asked local children to imagine what flying will be like in 60 years’ time were announced, with all entries on display A special celebration cake was shared with attendees – who included Gwen and

The official launch of Alembic, a new

rant experience in EMA’s departure lounge, also took place to help mark the special occasion

Noah Towler of Alvaston, who flew from East Midlands Airport to Jersey on their honeymoon, on the day after the airport first opened

restau-

l Cutting the ribbon are (l-r) Customer Services & Planning Director Mike Grimes, HM Host’s Head of Business Development and Brand Relationships, F&B, Heidi Barlow, EMA’s Managing Director Steve Griffiths, Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire Mike Kapur, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire (and former EMA MD) Penny Coates and EMA’s Commercial Director Chris Lane.

Bin lorries sniffing out poor mobile signal areas

BIN lorries across Derbyshire are about to take on a new mission –not just collecting household waste, but also identifying where mobile signals are garbage

For the first time in the county, Derbyshire County Council is working with district and borough councils’ refuse teams to sniff out the county’s worst mobile signal “not spots”

Equipped with mobile signal testing devices, these lorries will roam the streets as usual, but this time, they'll be picking up more than just bins – they ll be collecting crucial data on where mobile signals fail to deliver

Councillor Carolyn Renwick, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Environment, said: “We’re working hard with Government and partners to bring better broadband to homes and businesses, but what about when we step outside? Too many people in Derbyshire find themselves in signal dead zones, where making a call or loading a webpage is just to slow for modern day living

“That’s why, with the help of our district and borough councils, we’re turning bin lorries into signal scouts As they make their rounds, they’ll help us pinpoint where connectivity is rubbish – so we can lobby and help mobile networks clean up their act ”

l Gray, Jett, Jaxon Hibbert and Charlie Knowlson are pictured with their chocolate eggs after completing the Weston-on-Trent Easter Scramble to raise money for the village’s school library. The Easter Scramble event saw lots of families turn out on a beautiful sunny day to collect a map from the school, unscrambling letters from around the village to create a word and receive a chocolate egg as a prize.

New hope for the Athenaeum

CONGREGATION members at Melbourne’s Methodist Church are hoping to re-open The Athenaeum building on Potter Street

The Athenaeum consists of two rooms with café facilities on the upper floor of The Wesley Hall; it has been previously open as a youth club, a pre-school soft play area and café, along with various other uses over the years

The facility has been shut since Covid but active congregation members at the Methodist Church, which runs the facility, have been in talks as to how to open up again

Information gathering has taken place and the church now wants to hear from groups which would be interested in using the space for activities benefiting the community

The idea is for the space to be in regular use for self-help type groups whose purpose is to offer something to the community benefiting people

There is also the possibility of using the space as a youth club once again if volunteers to run it come forward

Mark Dale, from Melbourne Methodist Church, said: “The Athenaeum was originally built for the benefit of the community and we’d like to re-introduce it for the benefit of the community, as a community building – not a commercial thing We’re asking for suggestions from different people ”

Church leaders are looking for any groups which could cover areas such as special needs, mothers and toddlers, combatting loneliness, or anything else which would fit the aims of the building’s reopening

Anyone with suggestions is asked to contact The Athenaeum’s project manager, Milly Roberts, who herself ran the building as Little Wesleys; she is available on 07850 526064

The Athenaeum was opened in the Victorian era to a crowd of thousands by the Prime Minister of the day

As part of their consultation process on re-opening the space, the church produced two online surveys to gauge people’s views and held an open day in January

LEFT: Pupils from Melbourne Junior School with staff from Acres Engineering, which hosted a mini trebuchet

the help of Jeremy Peterson

Pupils catapulted into a science challenge

PUPILS from Melbourne Junior School stepped hundreds of years back in time to see how science can be put in practice when they visited a local engineering firm

The pupils took part in a Trebuchet Challenge as part of British Science Week organised and hosted by Acres Engineering

The visit began with a tour of the firm, which designs and manufactures a range of equipment and products including trolleys, access platforms and work benches, at its HQ in Castle Lane

The youngsters saw many of the company’s products taking shape in the workshops and learned how materials change through the manufacturing process, before they were invited to operate a miniature trebuchet, which was made by Acres’ staff and modelled on the giant catapults soldiers once used to attack castles

Their task, which took place under the watchful eye of the company’s production manager Jeremy Peterson and HR and HSQE manager Alice Parker, was to alter the machine’s weights and pin alignment in order to hurl a bean bag the furthest distance possible

Luke Parker, managing director of Acres Engineering, said: “We host visits from a number of schools throughout the year and it’s been a pleasure holding our Trebuchet Challenge with Melbourne Junior School as part of British Science Week

“During an event ideas meeting, Alice came up with the great idea of design and manufacturing a small trebuchet We held an internal competition to design the trebuchet and we manufactured it ourselves on site It worked extremely well and the children have really enjoyed it – and I’m sure our staff will want to have a go too

by Simon Burch

“It’s very important for us as a local engineering company to raise our profile locally and to inspire the minds of young people There is a chance that seeing inside a factory will spark an interest in an engineering career and help lead us to the next exciting generation of engineering ”

School pupil Seb Froggatt, eight, came top of the leaderboard when his class took part in the challenge, having hurled his beanbag a mighty 5 81m across the room

He said: “I liked seeing how far the bean bag went and I was really proud to win I have enjoyed coming to Acres and learning about engineering I like playing with Lego at home and I liked seeing the laser cutters today ”

Catherine Fowkes, a teacher at Melbourne Junior School, said: “This was a wonderful hands-on experience for the children, who have seen how products go from the design process through to the final product and viewed the machines in action

“The Trebuchet Challenge has been great fun and it’s something that the children will remember and something we will talk about and reflect on in the classroom ”

Acres Engineering has recently made the news for its profound commitment to improving life chances for young people through offering apprenticeships and work placements

For the last 15 years the company has consistently taken on three or four apprentices annually and has helped many more young people on the first step of their careers through work placements

BRAND NEW TRACTOR STOLEN

POLICE have re-issued advice on how to protect heavy machinery from theft after a brand new tractor was stolen in Ticknall

The incident happened overnight in March with the perpetrator cutting through a fence to access a new Kioto orange and grey tractor from Ashby Road

Police have reminded the

public they can help protect heavy machinery with trackers, alarms, immobilising devices and CCTV

Quad bikes, sit-on lawn mowers and rotavators are desirable to thieves and are harder to steal if they are shackled together or chained to a building or the ground

The tractor theft in Ticknall was not the only large piece of

machinery to be stolen in recent weeks

On April 1 at around 11pm a Twin axle trailer, eight foot by four foot, was stolen after being hooked up to a vehicle in Shardlow Road, Aston-on-Trent

Anyone with any doorbell or CCTV footage is asked to contact police quoting crime number 25000189779

challenge as part of British Science Week

ABOVE: Amelie releases the pin to unleash a miniature trebuchet under the watchful eye of Jeremy Peterson, production manager at Acres Engineering

BELOW: Millie, a pupil at Melbourne Junior School, sets up a miniature trebuchet with

MELBOURNE HALL & GARDEN

This wonderful treasure house and garden, once home to Victorian Prime Minister Lord Melbourne, will be open for the 2025 season.

Hall and Garden

OPEN - every a ernoon in August (except the rst three Mondays) HALL: 2pm - last entry 4.15pm GARDEN: 1pm - 5pm

Garden

OPEN - April - September on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 1pm - 5pm and whenever the Hall is open during August Enjoy a selection of delicious food in...

The Tearoom or stop o at...

The

Sitooterie for a drink and ice cream - then relax inside or outside...

The Brewhouse before you browse around the... Shops with our unique selection of retail units. The Courtyard FROM MAY 7TH TO SEPTEMBER 24TH

CLOSE ENCOUNTER THE QUIZZING KIN

THE ANNUAL Melbourne Village Quiz reached its exhilarating conclusion with a close encounter between last year ’s runners-up, Ever Hopeful, and quiz stalwarts Even Higher Hill

After eight weeks of quizzing the original 28 teams were whittled down to the last four for finals night

A capacity audience at the Melbourne Sporting Partnership saw Surplice to Requirements narrowly lose out in the first semi-final to Even Higher Hill and Kings Newton Bowls Club bow out to the Ever Hopefuls in the second semi

The two losing teams then played each other for the honour of a third place prize, with Surplice winning that contest by some margin

In the final, Ever Hopefuls took an early lead and were looking on course for a comfortable win until the much feared blockbuster round, when players go head to head to guess words from just one letter (Who will ever forget the catchline “I’ll have a P please Bob” from the TV version of the game?)

After that the momentum was with Even Higher Hill right into the final round, even though the incorrect answer, Alesha Dixon, seemed to feature regularly from them The final score was 100 to the Even Higher Hill and 93 to Ever Hopefuls

Fortnightly Wednesday Food Event, 4pm to 8pm, in e Courtyard - a selection of street food traders serving food from all over the world. Please check Facebook and Instagram Melbourne Hall Courtyard Events for updates. 01332 862502 www.melbournehallgardens.com info@melbournehall.com

ere is so much to see and do from evening comedy events and daytime strolls in the Garden, historic tours in the Hall to retail therapy and food in the Courtyard.

As well as the fun of the questions, the annual quiz has a more serious community purpose in that it raises money for good causes This year an amazing £2,000 was collected from raffle and entry fees, and two cheques were awarded to two groups First Colin Fox, an ambassador from the Alzheimer ’s Society, gratefully received the first £1,000 and said just how valuable the donation was; it would go to the Singing for the Brain activity

Then Claire Barker from Community Care accepted the second cheque which would be used to keep the Memory Café going in Melbourne She said it was “an amazing contribution” and thanked everybody for continuing to support the project

Organiser Paul Fox paid tribute to all the people who help run the quiz, from ‘security’ on the door, to the human computers who keep score, the timer and bell ringer and not least to John Elliot, who spends the rest of the year from now until Jan 2025 compiling quiz questions

Melbourne Dental Practice

Naomi Fry accepts child orthodontic N.H.S. referrals.

If you wish to contact the practice, please call 01332 862942

LEFT: Colin Fox liot on behalf of

ABOVE: Claire B nity Care

Pictured above are quiz winners Pete Ilott, Dave Lowson, Richard Gundry and Tim Burrage, with (above right) the runners-up tea

R OF IND

Fox receives the cheque from John El-

lf of the Alzheimer ’s Society

ire Barker with the cheque for Commu-

Stalking the stork

EAGLE-EYED youngsters enjoying the annual Easter egg hunt at Swarkestone

Nursery and Garden Centre this April may spot a stork sculpture created by volunteer gardeners from Treetops Hospice

The handcrafted wire sculpture includes a wire ‘cloth bundle’ dangling from its beak with a decorated egg laid inside The stork is one of several egglaying animals created from recycled materials by local charities and schools

Sculptures are hidden around the family-run garden centre store for its alternative egg hunt

Nat Goodrich (pictured), of Treetops,

said: “We absolutely love the stork that our volunteer gardeners Steve Mills and David Driver have created It’s very eyecatching and we’re sure it will be a big hit with children and families

“Getting involved with local community events like the egg hunt is a great way for us to raise awareness of the hospice and our care for local patients and families ”

After the Easter egg hunt has finished, the stork will be returning to the 12 5acre hospice grounds and gardens in Risley, Derbyshire, where it will be enjoyed by patients, staff, volunteers and visitors alike

New homes plan for village is approved

BUILDERS will be moving into Breedon-onthe-Hill to create a new housing development of entirely affordable homes after the scheme was given the green light despite significant local objection

Bowsall Developments Ltd has been handed the go-ahead to build 18 two and three-bed houses on Southworth Road after a committee approved the works, and a final decision notice granting permission was issued this year

All homes in the scheme are being made available on a social rented basis and each comes with cycle storage and a garden shed

The normal requirement is for housing developments over a certain size to provide for a percentage of affordable homes

An Affordable Housing Statement accompanying the plans said that, while targets for house building in North West Leicestershire had been exceeded, delivery for affordable housing had lagged behind quota

The statement also said that 73 households in Breedon were not getting enough housing benefits income to pay the rent and maintain what the Government deems an appropriate standard of living

But local residents along with Breedon Parish Council objected to the proposal, making the point that there was no evidence of local need for a 100 per cent affordable scheme

Developers acknowledged that the need in

Breedon itself may be low but residents from within the district as a whole are able to bid for social housing in the area

Neighbours and parish councillors also voiced significant concerns over the potential impact the development could have on flooding in the village with residents having been forced to evacuate for months in the past following severe rainfall

Breedon’s flooding problems have improved recently because of ongoing works but these have not been completed and the issues have not wholly gone away

In January 2024 several properties on Main Street were flooded and the concern is around the impact of the new houses on people living downstream

It was also felt that the new scheme is over-developed and the planned houses overlook neighbouring houses too much

Developers have amended their designs in response to previous feedback

Members of the planning committee, in approving the proposals, followed the advice of officers who had recommended the scheme be given the go-ahead despite the level of objection

A planning report said “ there would be no substantial harm to the built and natural environment, with any harm being outweighed by the economic benefits associated with the construction of the dwellings and the positive social sustainability aspects of the scheme ”

MELBOURNE Junior School has appointed a new head teacher. Danielle Martin (right), who is currently deputy head at the school on Packhorse Road, will be taking up her new role in Sep-

tember following the retirement of the incumbent head teacher, Jane Whirledge (left).

Mrs Whirledge will be leaving the school at the end of the summer term.

The Common Touch...

We’re spiral bound

THIS month we have our skill sharing and sustainable living event ‘Earth Dayish Celebration’ almost coinciding with other events which happen around the world

It carries on the Whistlewood tradition of adding ‘ish’ onto our events! Life isn’t always clear cut, the path to our greener lives isn’t always a straight line

One of the events we’ll have on the afternoon of April 26 at the free event is the ‘Rekalibrator ’ , a labyrinth of three spirals cut in to the long grass, each spiral represents one of the three ethics of permaculture

It’s quite a task to mark out this large natural installation Our whole site is designed along the permaculture ethics of Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share

At the Rekalibrator you are invited to slowly walk in and out of each spiral whilst contemplating the principles: what the earth does for you, what you can do for the earth etc

If you want to you can do it bare footed, too, to really connect with the land It’s been an installation recreated around the country using ropes to create the spirals and was designed by a chap called Spanner

People have a great many reactions to the experience, like: “What an inspirational experience Truly brings us into the present moment, bringing clarity and true connection ” Another person said: “I found the experience to be so powerful! I sat in quiet contemplation on the grass for some time afterwards while I

processed what I’d learned, and realised that everything that came through was exactly what I needed at that time ”

See rekalibrator co uk for more info

I’ve been ‘rekalibrated’ a couple of times and I'm definitely going to walk the spirals again, as well as give a talk on volunteering at Whistlewood, and I'll be also making some blossom out of tissue paper and twigs

There’s going to be so many things to take part in – foraging, learning about seasonal eating, forest bathing, sewing and mending clothes, to join in International Mend it in Public Day, tours of the site, fairy door making, terrarium making There’ll be amazing homemade cakes and refreshments available

I love seeing Whistlewood full of inspirational people sharing ideas and skills, it really is what it’s about and why we started it in 2013

We’ll also be receiving our official Award for the Kings Award for Volunteering

There’s a whole season of art and other events at Whistlewood, check out Whistlewoodcommon org for all the details

If you’re able it’s walkable from Ticknall and Melbourne and we’re on the No 2 bus route

So come along and continue your upwardly spiralling journey to a greener life In Mr Spanner ’s words: “Let’s cultivate a future where sustainability is not just an ideal, but a lived reality ” – KATHERINE PARRISH

KEEN readers will be able to use Melbourne Library at a weekend for the first time because of a new county-wide shake-up of opening hours launched this month.

Libraries across Derbyshire have new opening hours which started operating in April

The revised hours are part of the council’s Public Library Strategy and follow a 12-week consultation in which 3,800 people gave their views

The strategy affects all 43 council-run libraries in Derbyshire and, while the opening hours are slightly reduced from previously, they do involve Saturday opening times and are in fact slightly increased in Melbourne

A spokesperson said: “We’re pleased we can now open the library on Saturday mornings and would encourage anyone who hasn’t been to the library for a while to come and see what’s on offer

“By opening the library on a Saturday we’re giving wider access to the community, including families who may want to visit together on a weekend

“We’ve also slightly increased the opening hours at Melbourne Library All libraries in Derbyshire are now open for at least 16 hours a week

“Opening the library on a Saturday is something people asked for during the public consultation into our Derbyshire Public Library Strategy, designed to secure the future of county libraries, ensuring they remain open,

by Lucy Stephens

offering modern and sustainable services to their communities

“We’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation, which has helped shape our library service for the future ”

There is further good news for Melbourne with the council – to mitigate overall reduced opening hours – removing reservation charges for book and talking book requests, where the item is either in print or in stock in Derbyshire libraries, as well as charges for borrowing talking books

Under the new system Melbourne Library will be open from 9 30am to 1pm on Saturdays; from 2pm-5pm on Monday; from 9 30am to 1pm on Wednesday, and then from 2pm to 5pm the same day, and from 2pm-5pm on Friday

Derbyshire library customers using the e-service ULibrary are also being encouraged to switch to an alternative lending service as it will no longer be available

The decision by Derbyshire County Council to discontinue the use of ULibrary from April 1 has been based upon cost-effectiveness due to the very small number of people using it, and to simplify access to its library service e-lending resources

Customers currently using ULibrary are being encouraged to switch to the Borrowbox service and/or Libby app which provide similar resources and are already used by thousands of Derbyshire library customers

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

A KEEN reader has marked 25 years’ membership of Melbourne Library by presenting a special book

The book title is a play on words featuring the Nottingham library’s spiral staircase

Marcus is pictured presenting the book to Trudi Moloney at Melbourne Library

Marcus Nolan, who has been using the local library’s services for a quarter of a century, gave the High Street facility a copy of “Inspiralled”, a collection from the 15strong ‘Pen and Paper ’ writing group based at Bromley House Library in Nottingham

St Michael & St Ma ry’s Melbourne Wishes To

Invite You

To

Join With Us To Celebrate The 900th Anniversary Of This Beautiful Parish

15 May - 7:30pm

17 May - All day

24-26 May

5 Jun - 7:30pms

14 Jun - 10am-5pm

4 Jul - 7:30pm

19 Jul - 10am-12pm

19 Jul - 2pm

16 Aug - 2pm

24-29 Aug - 9am-5pm

5-6 Sep - 10am-3pm

20-21 Sep - All day

25 Sep - 7:30pm

28 Sep - 6:30pm

2 Oct - 2pm

17-18 Oct - Time TBC

6 Nov - 7:30pm

29 Nov - 10:30am-3pm

Dec - 7:30pm

Who Murdered the Princess in The Tower - A ‘Whodunnit’ - A Talk by Margaret Gildea

Vintage Handmade Fayre

Flower Festival to Celebrate 900 Years

The Contentious Restoration of the Parish Church - A Talk by William Bates

Historical Re-Encantment By ‘Chevaliers Du Leon - Medieval Fayre - Hog Roast

Evening Medieval Banquet - Entertainment A Choir’d Taste - Morning Coffee Concert

A Tour of The Church - A Talk by Historian - Philip Heath

A Tour of The Church - A Talk by Historian - Philip Heath

An Artistic Exhibition - ‘Wild Saints’ - Local Artist - Michael Cook and Fellow Artists

Produce Show

Melbourne Festival and Arts Trail

Chamber Music - Graham Oppenheimer

Patron Festival

A Chequered History of The Church Over 900 Years - A Talk by Historian - Philip Heath

St Michael’s Players - A Humorous Review Of The Last 900 Years in Melbourne at MARS

Phantom of The Opera - Silent Film with Music By Minima

Christmas Fayre

Jazz Night

Christmas Tree Festival

Celebration Service

Mastering Melbourne

THE Melbourne Assembly Rooms

(MARS) and the Melbourne Sporting Partnership (MSP) have been in our diaries a fair bit since arriving in the village and continue to be so these past months

We had great fun attending a couple of auctions at MARS, which had nothing to do with the free coffee and cakes (although I can’t speak for TAS) and all to do with the excitement of finding out how much certain items will go for under the hammer of Irita Marriott

It is a fast-paced arena and no good being a ditherer when it comes to a piece you want Trust me, I’ve paid that price Actually as it happened the piece I was thinking about, but not bidding for, didn’t make the acquired reserve, so I didn’t lose it to anyone – and for this reason I was able to go to Irita’s office in Derby Road and see if I could purchase this painting of Venice that I just couldn’t get out of my head

It was lovely to see many of the actual pieces on display as sometimes looking at them on the screen in the auction room can be difficult to judge their actual size, if you haven’t studied the catalogue Luckily we had a blank bit of wall that the painting would fit on, so it wasn’t too shocking for TAS when I walked it home the next day He did ask if it came with a free biscuit

At the recent auction, my nephew

was interested in a few items, and he was registered to bid over in London

He gave me strict instructions not to bid in the room on the same pieces, so I sat firmly on my hands, with paddle on the chair next to me He did purchase some books – but alas wasn’t able to indulge in a beautiful piece of lemon shortbread TAS took his piece

I became less dithery this time and secured a small present for a friend who is celebrating a special occasion this year The ease of picking it up within the hour locally, made for a peaceful shopping experience The staff in the extremely busy office are always helpful and friendly, even when rushed off their feet on auction day

As for the MSP, it is the comedy nights we have been to, plus the much talked of Village Quiz

The comedy nights have seen excellent comperes weave their banter through a night of three comics who take to the stage to do their best to not rip to shreds the front tables A good night is had by all with the MSP bar helping the laughs flow It’s a win win (providing you aren’t on the front tables)

And speaking of winning, was it going to be a second-round win for Man Club in the Village Quiz?

On Valentine’s night TAS found himself as part of the Man Club Village

Quiz team, taking part in round two I’m wondering if the team did so well in the first round because they knew they d have an excuse not to be out with their partners on Valentine’s Day (Would there be such an incentive in round two?)

The week leading up to it, TAS was posed some wordy questions from me He wanted to practise the questions re ‘which word can you put in front of words X, Y and Z to form three new words’ At least, he said he needed practice, but I think he just enjoyed the silence of 10 mins and counting, from me trying to think of some difficult ones to catch him out! Did the practice help? Well, suffice to say the whole team did very well and were leading until the brutal last round (where you lose points if your answer is incorrect) when they were pipped at the post by Mad u3a

It was an entertaining evening despite their disappointment Since then, The Even Higher Hill went on to take the winning crown for 2025 Congratulations to all who took part

A window of dry weather one Sunday, found TAS suggesting we visit The Dower House during The National Open Gardens Weekend It was a wonderful treat for all the senses and the views across the Pool were magnificent

by Naomi Duffree

By the way, I’ve never called it a lake; please stop confusing me with someone who’d call it a lake I only add this as anyone who has been in the village more months than myself tells me

‘And have you been down to the Pool?

It’s a Pool, do not call it a lake’ This always makes me smile as it is 99 percent of the time followed up by, ‘I mean, it is a lake, really, but don t ever call it that’

The scents, sculpture and snowdrops were the perfect antidote to all the wet weather we have had It was such a calming walk through the wellkept gardens and has prompted me, now that the sun is showing itself, to suggest to TAS the time has come to tidy up our garden now that spring is here

As I said to him, up at the MSP: you can’t win ’em all

THE NEW town in North West Leicestershire, being referred to as Isley Woodhouse, is anticipated to bring 4,250 houses to the area just south of the border with Derbyshire with new schools, shops, sports facility and space for economic development

Although the anticipated outline plan has not yet been submitted by developers Harworth and Caesarea, the timeline for the plan anticipates the first houses being occupied by 2029 and completion of the project by 2050

The development is also included in the NW Leicestershire draft Local Plan, which is currently out for consultation

It is understood that a major issue will be the road network, as access to the new town along the A453 will be impacted by the industrial developments being planned not just for the new SEGRO site (reported in March) but also for Airport, Freeport and the motorway junctions Plans show realignment of the A453 to the west of the site, and new roundabouts at access points along the A453 but not improvements further north and east of the site

When developed the town will be second only to Ashby in the area in terms of size

IT WAS a full house at Donington Manor Hotel as Melbourne Operatic Society held its annual dinner to celebrate 100 years of song

Around 80 society members turned out to the centenary dinner along with numerous supporters Mike McGhee and Rachel Hallam addressed the attendees, expressing gratitude to both members and supporters and reflecting on the society's history, which began in 1925 and was re-established in 1953 following the war years.

The evening featured an impressive magic display by Bishop Peter Fox, while musical entertainment was provided by Allie Sturla, John Zahorodnyj, Niall McKay, and members of the society

Led by Musical Director David Henshaw, they performed their signature tune "Hail Poetry" from The Pirates of Penzance unaccompanied.

The evening concluded with a disco, courtesy of Ray Lees.

MELBOURNE Royal British Legion will be conducting a brief service of memorial to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The service will be held at the village war memorial, at 7pm on May 8. All are invited to attend.

Any enquiries can be made to the branch secretary on 0774 887 3966.

DOWN ON THE FARM

With Ben Stanley

MY HANDS are luminous orange: I look like a chain smoker, they are chapped and stinging, I am tired and have grey bags under my eyes, I haven’t taken these waterproof trousers off for a month, I need a haircut, a good wash and I undoubtedly am guilty of having a pretty low level of personal hygiene, my eyes are red, dry and full of dust, my feet are sore, I don’t have enough time, but my heart is full of pride, although my head is swimming

It can all only mean one thing: spring has arrived on the farm

I haven’t smoked a fag in years, can’t understand how anyone can afford it to be honest, but the staining on my hands isn’t tobacco, it’s iodine When calves and lambs are appearing at a fast enough frequency you are dipping fresh navels all the time and inevitably you end up wearing it all over your hands

Iodine is an amazing product for ‘drying up’ the newborn umbilical cord and its application is very necessary to prevent infection Despite the price of iodine doubling in the last 12 months (like everything else seems to have) there is no product available that comes close to it However, despite the cost of the stuff and all my best endeavours not to do so, it always seems impossible not to get it all over myself for two main reasons

With lambs: to apply the iodine you cradle the lamb under your arms and as the newborn tummy wriggles and kicks with the sting, it is impossible to avoid it going everywhere

With calves: having already crept up to your target, trying not to be spotted by mother cow, and after manoeuvring a hind leg or two, you apply as liberally as possible However, you tend not to be looking down at what you’re doing, but up, straight in to the

eyes of a very disgruntled mother cow, who is either (a) giving you the benefit of the doubt, (b) giving you five seconds until she has processed what you’re doing and then going to charge, or (c) applying a horn up your bottom

And my reactions could be quicker to the imminent danger if I wasn’t so tired; with your world revolving around parturition and new life there is no such thing as a regular working day

Sheep especially have an incredible knack of beginning labour at around 4am and, although for the first 10 days or so you’re up and out like a champion every morning constantly buzzing at the sight of new life all around you, by week two the novelty begins to erode and by the third week not even a Stein glass of Red Bull will give you wings

And then, as it all starts to come to an end and you are willing the last few stragglers to just crack on with it, you remember to look in the mirror again and what normally isn’t a pretty sight anyway is in desperate need of a shave, deep bath and a haircut before you accept a dinner party invitation again

The liberation of not having to continue to wear waterproof trousers is incredible, especially as the days get warmer and it is a great novelty to reach into your pockets to pay for some milk in Doves Garage and not have to sift through straw, rubber tail docking rings and various needles and medical equipment to find some coins to pay with

My eyes are red and dry not just because of fatigue but they are also full of dust because it is so incredibly dry We have barely had any rainfall since the start of March and, although dry, warm and sunny conditions are magnificent for turning out new life onto pasture, if it doesn’t rain soon then there is not

A MELBOURNE teenager and her aunt are inviting the local community to put their general knowledge to the test and have a great night out as they prepare to build school facilities in Kenya this Spring Elle Thornton, 16, is joining her aunt Olivia Parratt in Derby County Community Trust’s Rams in Kenya trip in May, where they will be volunteering at a school in Nakuru – a city where many live in extreme poverty - to help improve the lives of children there

To help fund the trip Elle and Olivia (above) are hosting a fund-raising quiz and raffle at the MSP on Thursday, April 24 The quiz night costs £2 50 per entry with teams of six vying for the winning trophy Hot food and a bar are available on the night and raffle prizes include a four-ball golf round at

Horsley Lodge and a voucher for Breedon Spa

Elle said: “My aunty Olivia and I decided only a few weeks ago to join the annual volunteer trip to Nakuru, Kenya, in May, where we will assist in building facilities at local schools We decided to do this to help make a difference to the lives of children there

“I realised that this opportunity could be life-changing for me I want to help the children better their lives and improve their facilities It’s important to understand what life is like in developing countries, and I believe this trip will give me valuable insight into how I can contribute to improving their quality of life ” The quiz takes place at 7 30pm To book tickets call Eve on 07976 135789 or email: evewoodhouse@hotmail com

going to be much for them to eat

I know what you’re thinking: farmers are never happy and you’re right, so for the moment I’ll take the weather Little lives do better outside away from the bugs and bangs that can happen inside and, although I have no spring corn to drill this year, I see neighbouring farmers have planted seed in almost perfect conditions We just need those April showers now to make all new life grow

And in my heart I am feeling proud, very proud We embraced the new Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme (SFI) in this new post-direct subsidy era and now much of it is coming to fruition as we turn new life out into fields that have traditionally been intensively cropped but are now lush green with low input flowering herbal leys, bordered by 2 km of flourishing new hedges that are now shooting into life It is a beautiful pastoral scene and cattle are grazing again in fields that won’t have seen stock in them for a generation It will help regenerate the soil, trap carbon and enhance biodiversity So, I’m proud, proud to be one of the early adopters in this new farming era

But my head is swimming and now I feel uncertain and anxious – even betrayed – because last week the Government decided without any warning to deal farmers yet another shattering blow by pulling the drawbridge up on their new flagship (SFI) and not committing to any guarantee it will ever reopen

Having embraced this new opportunity and having sacrificed output from the farm we now face an uncertain future again as the Government turns its back on us and nature friendly farming Whatever next?

Carnival seeking king or queen

MELBOURNE will once again be crowning its own king or queen with the annual carnival competition taking place on May 16

The contest, in association with Miss Melbourne, is at the MSP at 6 30pm for a 7pm start

Open to all boys and girls living in Melbourne or attending schools in the town, the winning king or queen will ride in the leading vehicle to open the carnival procession on Saturday, July 12, along with attendants chosen at the contest

Carnival organisers are busy arranging this year ’s event, which will mark its centenary year

They are looking for groups who would like to get involved with the procession which meets in Castle Square at 11 15am, leaving at 11 45am and travelling around Melbourne before arriving back at Melbourne Junior School at 12 20pm ready for the start of the carnival

To get involved, contact the carnival committee through its Facebook page or email melbournecarnival@hotmail co uk

Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April

What’s On

Wednesday 16 April: Participating in the World Transplant Games

Melbourne Probus Club - Talk by Susie Konowalik. Come and learn about Susie's inspiring journey.

Royal British Legion : 10:15am Open to all, no charge. Please contact Andrew Baldwin 07526 162305

Continuing until Saturday 12 April: Creative Melbourne Gallery Exhibition Spring Gold

Jo Polmear, Kara Stracham, Kate Westwood, Mark Langley, Steve McLoughlin, Peter Watson. Glass by: Emma Mayle, Ceramics by: Bradley Spencer, Helen Butler & Sylvia Glover. Wellington House, Church St, Melbourne. Wed to Sat 10 - 4pm

Monday 28 April:

Melbourne Civic Society "Knitters, Nailers and Traitors" Talk by David Skillen: 7pm: Wesley Hall

Everyone welcome; members £2; visitors £3; inc. refreshments

Tuesday 29 April:

Melbourne Community care

Memory Cafe

Melbourne Assembly Rooms 1.30pm-3.30pm. For people with dementia & their families & carers or experiencing memory loss.

Wednesday 9 - Saturday 12 April:

Melbourne Operatic Society proudly presents The Mikado

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton, 7.30pm. Tickets: £15/£13

Thursday 10 April:

Melbourne Photographic Society ‘Namibia’ by Paul Bingham.

Mostly desert, the variety of landscapes and wildlife makes this one of Africa’s most impressive countries.

Thomas Cook Memorial Hall, High Street, Melbourne. Doors open at 7.00pm and the talk commences at 7.30pm Members £2, visitors £5

Saturday 12 April:

Creative Melbourne Gallery Workshop

Creative Collaging for all the Family

An afternoon of cutting & sticking to create collages inspired by Melbourne, led by artist Stephanie Sian Coley. 1.30 -3.30pm Suitable for ages 5-95! FREE. Booking required: 07962 430450 Thomas Cook Memorial Hall, High Street DE73 8GJ

Wednesday 16 April - Saturday 17 May:

Creative Melbourne Gallery Exhibition

Time & Tide

Paintings by Carole Baker, Helen Brown, Michelle Holmes, Steven McLoughlin, Patrick Prentice, Cynthia Twiss, seabird sculptures by Jane Gibson, glass by Stevie Davies and ceramics from Leanne Ball & Jane Clowes.

Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 April: Derbyshire Makes Free Festival of Making

Pottery, woodcrafts, animation, endangered skills, textiles, digital art, print-making, local heritage, makers' market and so much more! For all the family. 10am - 4pm. Swadlincote Town Centre. www.derbyshiremakes.co.uk/swadlincote

Saturday 26 April:

Melbourne Town Band

St George's Day Concert

Royal British Legion. 7pm. Tickets £7 available from Sue on 0780 170 9501, from the legion, or on the door.

Saturday 26 April:

Whistlewood Earth Day(ish) Celebration

Talks, Walks and Experiences - all aimed at celebrating "Our Power, Our Planet". 1 pm - 4 pm. Free Entry, some paid for activities. www.whistlewoodcommon.org/shop

Saturday 3 May:

Coffee Morning

Methodist Church Wesley Hall, Potter Street. 10am - noon

Tuesday 6 May:

Melbourne Community Care Coffee & Company

Melbourne Assembly Rooms, 2 - 4pm

Saturday 10 May:

Coffee Morning

Baptist Church Schoolroom, Chapel Street. 10am - noon.

Thursday 15 May:

Creative Melbourne Gallery Workshop

Wire & Paper Flower Making Crafternoon

Join artist Lise Bennett for an afternoon of crafting and conversation making wire and paper flowers to take home and decorate your home. 1-3pm. All materials provided. Free - To book: 07962 430450 The Lounge, Melbourne Assembly Rooms, High St. DE73 8GJ

Saturday 17 May:

Joint Melbourne Town Concert and Training Band Concert

Royal British Legion, 3pm. All welcome. Tickets £2 on the door.

Saturday 17 May:

Coffee Morning

United Reformed Church Hall, High Street. 10am - noon.

Saturday 17 May:

Vintage and Handmade Fayre

Melbourne Parish Church, 11am-3pm. Enjoy a traditional vintage and handmade fayre with live entertainment and a pop-up cafe. Free admission.

Fri 23, Sat 24, Sun 25 & Mon 26 May:

Creative Melbourne Gallery

Derbyshire Open Arts

Hosting Sujata Aten, Sue Gardner, Michelle Holmes, Amanda Hughes, Fi Marks, Sue Olumide, Lucy Ormsby, Christine Pearson, Kate Westwood & Cheryl Wilbraham.

Wellington House, Church St, Melbourne. Open 10am - 5pm.

Creative Melbourne Gallery.

Saturday 24 May:

Coffee Morning

Catholic Church, St Mary's Hall, Church Street. 10am - noon.

Saturday 24 - Monday 26 May:

Community Flower Festival for Melbourne 900th Anniversary Melbourne Parish Church, 10am-5pm. Come and see stunning displays and flower arrangements and enjoy free crafts, music and movement (Saturday 2-4pm) and Bellringing (Monday 2.15pm). Free admission.

Saturday 21 June:

Creative Melbourne Gallery Workshop Fused Glass ‘Seascape Waves’ with Stevie Davies.10.30pm - 12.30pm. £50 per person

Create your own fused glass free standing ‘seascape wave’ sculpture. To book: go to: www.stevie-davies.co.uk search ‘Workshops’.

Saturday 2 August:

Creative Melbourne Gallery Raku ‘Art & Alchemy’ Workshop with Andrew Mason. £65 per person. 1.00 - 6.00pm Come and enjoy the Japanese art of Raku at Creative Melbourne Gallery this August. To book: drop into the Gallery between 10am-4pm Wednesday to Saturday or call 07765 819428

Every Tuesday:

Melbourne Community Care

Bereavement Group

Melbourne Assembly Rooms 10am -12pm Friendly group for anyone affected by a bereavement.

We are happy to include events in this listing free of charge, but the Village Voice costs money to produce every month. If your organisation has found this listing helpful, please consider helping us to continue to produce YOUR local newspaper. Thank You.

has a vacancy for a

Sexton / Grounds Person

Sexton / Grounds Person - 37.5 hours per week

NJC SCP10 - £13.91 per hour

As a Sexton / Grounds person, the priority will be to maintain a high-quality environment that will give clients and visitors a sense of tranquillity, re ect the excellent standards of care and sensitivity, and work closely with Funeral Directors as well as tending to the surrounding grounds of the Cemetery on Packhorse Road in Melbourne.

and a vacancy for an

Assistant Parish Clerk

Assistant Parish Clerk - 8 hours per week

Twelve Month Fixed Term Contract

NJC SCP5 to SCP8 - £12.85 - £13.47 per hour (depending on experience)

The main responsibility is to be present and available in Melbourne and King’s Newton to provide support to the Parish Clerk in their duties to ensure the smooth running of the Parish Council. You will need to be a good communicator with an ability to deal with a wide range of enquires, including in relation to the cemetery. Strong interpersonal skills are essential together with IT skills which should include the competent use of Microsoft O ce.

Training will need to be undertaken in both roles with the potential for further development and progression.

The roles may involve some homeworking and sta will be required to be on hand within Melbourne & King’s Newton to meet members of the public, contractors, and service providers.

If you are interested in one of these opportunities, further information is available on the Parish Council’s website at melbourneparishcouncil.gov.uk/news where the Job Descriptions and Person Speci cations can be found. To apply, submit a covering letter and CV to the Parish Clerk. The deadline for written applications is 4pm on Friday 25th April 2025.

Further information is available from the Parish Clerk

Email: clerk@melbourneparishcouncil.gov.uk Telephone: 07734 939292

DERBY is a very popular city and countless visitors come from all over the globe Shopping is always popular and a vast number of eateries and restaurants are available, offering all types of foods

It was here I located House Boat, a South Indian restaurant (opened August 2024) The name of the restaurant and the authentic dishes are inspired by the traditional houseboats that offer exceptional dining experiences in the Kerala region of South India

To commence I chose House Boat Special Platter (Ulli vada, Chicken 65, Chilli chicken, Beef dry fry, Lamb chukka, Malabar prawns, Chutneys), with flavours just perfect (for me) to start a meal

Main course choices offer a very good range, with fish, meats and vegetable options, using the finest quality, freshest ingredients I decided on Prawns Masala (succulent prawns, cooked in flavoursome gravy made with onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger and a blend of aromatic spices) This dish had splendid aromas and complementing flavours

With no hesitation ‘Compliments to Chef ’ , were duly sent

House Boat, South Indian Restaurant, 89-91 Saint Peter ’s Street, Derby DE1 2AB.

Tel: 07341 612 522. E-mail: info@houseboatrestaurant.com

Web: www houseboatrestaurant com

Head chef Anoop and the brigade of experienced and highly skilled kitchen personnel are proud to ensure delight and exceptional enjoyment for all diners Additionally, I added sides of Naranga Choru and Paratha I favoured Gulab Jamun (hugely popular, traditional Indian dessert) to finish

Quality wines/drinks offer beverages for everyone, and parties/occasions are accommodated with ease Gift vouchers (great idea!), outside catering, collections and deliveries are further, available options Advanced booking is very much advised for popular times

Thank you to Vinod, for a true welcome, plus John and Sakthi for exemplary service throughout Highly recommended Their ‘sister ’ restaurant, Kottaram, is located at 28 Maid Marian Way, Nottingham

VILLAGE VOICE Postbag

WE ENJOY reading Ben s monthly account (Down on the Farm) of the travails of modern farming

In the war years it was our milk which came from Park Farm

Each morning the farmer would bring his pony and trap into Castle Square, and my mother would go out with a jug, which he filled with a dipper from his two churns

In an echo of those days I now go to Dumelow’s Dairy each week and fill my glass bottles from Robert’s machine I told of those early days to another customer a few weeks ago, but he capped my account

His wife is from India, and in her early life the farmer came each morning and milked the cow outside the door

John Blunt, Staunton Harold

HUGE thanks to all the Village Voice readers who have been kind enough to save their used stamps for the RNIB There has been a terrific response during these last few months, but we do have a few issues to point out

The RNIB check list states that a minimum 1cm must be left around each stamp – fiddly, I know, now that the stamps are bigger Some people have very carefully cut close to the stamp, but unfortunately these cannot be used by the RNIB Neither the pre-paid gold labels nor faux stamps can be used either

Having said this, Jane Lakin (nee Brookes) has patiently and carefully trimmed the majority and posted three A4 envelopes, weighing 400g, 400g and 350g respectively, with some left for

Ticknall excited to be back in cricket big time

AS WINTER slips by and the clocks have gone into summer time attention is very much on the quickly approaching cricket season, writes David Fox

Ticknall Cricket Club are relishing their first team returning to the premier division after gaining promotion last season

In complete contrast to this time last year, when incessant early spring rain delayed the start of the season, the weather this time around has been kind A dry early spring has enabled groundsmen around the

county to prepare pitches ensuring there is no repeat of any delays

On the personnel side of the club, Ticknall are happy to have maintained most of the players from last season, a combination of experience and young players

Although not a new acquisition, it is hoped that fast bowler Wasim Akram can return after missing the whole of last season with an injury incurred in pre-season training requiring surgery

Winter nets have proved yet again a suc-

Rugby club’s cup final date

AS THEIR highly successful season prepares to draw to a close, Melbourne Rugby Club’s first team have continued their barnstorming form including bagging a cup final place this month

March started off in the strongest possible way with a huge win over lower placed Mellish Melbourne asserted dominance right from the off with Miller-Pickering scoring the first try just minutes into play

That set the tone and Melbourne exerted superb control throughout, finishing up with an impressive final scoreline of 96-0 with North running in four tries and Cresswell converting nine

Two weeks later Melbourne once again proved their strength and muscle in an encounter with Matlock

This was a tougher proposition for the green and golds but they proved able to break down stubborn Matlock with Miller-Pickering once more the first to score for Melbourne – again at only a few minutes into play

It proved another triumph for Melbourne who ended up 45-12 to the good

The victories just kept coming with a cup semi-final against West Bridgford at the end of March, in which Melbourne ran riot with a confident 11-try performance

Emerging with a terrific final score of 73-12, the win puts Melbourne through to the finals of the Nalad

cess and more juniors have taken part this year, which is an indication that interest in playing cricket – particularly within Ticknall – has grown, which only bodes well for the game and the club

Ticknall continues to field three senior sides and the captains this season are Tom Wood, George Hughes and Martin Norman for the first, second and third teams respectively

The ground, pitches and pavilion have been prepared and everything is in place

Senior XV Cup where they will play Ashfield on April 19

The seconds also had a great March with two victories, the first one also against Mellish seconds

Melbourne flexed their muscles, totally dominating Mellish with 11 tries and nine conversions from Brown

The seconds came off the pitch with a great victory – 73-5, and took that confidence with them into their next encounter with Castle Donington, winning 31-17

Melbourne’s recently reborn ladies’ side also continues to impress with two good victories in March, first against Newport which they won with a convincing 21-0 Then came a meeting against Ashbourne in which the ladies also proved dominant, coming away with 21-5

The ladies is an inclusive club which welcomes more players Training is on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and anyone who would like more information is asked to contact the women’s coach, Gary Rudkin

Pictured are (top) Melbourne’s 1st XV against West Bridgford (photo: Peter Ilott) and (right) Melbourne Ladies in action against Ashbourne on March 23 (photo: Jansen Brown studios)

ready The first team commence the season on Sunday, April 13, in the National Cup competition away at Collinswood League games for all senior sides commence on Saturday, April 19 (Easter Saturday), with the first team playing local rivals Rolleston to celebrate their return to the premier division The game starts at noon at The Grange (Ticknall recreation ground): 50 overs a side with all facilities available A good way to welcome the summer and avoid those busy Easter roads

THEY’RE THE CUP KINGS

Dynamo get their hands on silverware

AFTER another fantastic season (so far) on the pitch for Melbourne Dynamo, they reached their first cup final since 2022

Familiar rivals Derby Singh Brothers awaited them in the Derbyshire Divisional Cup South final The opposition had not had the best season to date, currently sitting 13th in the league, however recent form goes out the window when it comes to cup finals!

With the league title still mathematically in their hands, Melbourne Dynamo knew this was realistically their only chance of silverware this season In the weeks leading up to the game, the club rallied around all its members in an attempt to get as many people to the game as possible, to show their support – and they did not disappoint!

With just over 200 people in attendance, t was estimated that around 80 per cent of he crowd were Dynamo fans, and they created a fantastic atmosphere A big turn-out rom the junior players brought along some new chants for the team and the players, accompanied by their new marching drum, which helped keep the tempo of the game

going

The game started pretty evenly, with some early chances falling to Derby Singh Brothers, but nothing that troubled Dynamo keeper Tom Cox, who kept them at bay Goodband continued to cause Singh Brothers trouble before the break, dancing through their defence and setting up Muir,

who blasted a shot towards goal which was saved well

Dynamo carried the first-half momentum forward into the second half, as Withers pressed the ball high up the field to win it back and deliver a fantastic right-foot low cross into the box, where Goodband arrived late to tuck home past the Singh Brothers keeper The roar from the crowd was something special

Dynamo nearly doubled their lead soon after As the game went on, Singh Brothers created a few chances, but failed to make the most of them Dynamo continued to defend extremely well, keeping the Singh Brothers’ attackers at bay, until the final whistle blew to crown them Derbyshire Cup winners for the fourth time in their history

“It’s a fantastic achievement to win this trophy for the fourth time,” said Dynamo manager, Gav Salisbury

“The lads have been fantastic all season

MARCH was a jam-packed month for Dynamo as they began with a narrow 1-0 defeat in the league cup quarter-final against high flying Doncaster City followed by a midweek 2-0 away loss to top of the table

South Normanton Athletic

However, the first team were soon back on track a few days later at home to Tever-

sal

Losing 3-2 going into injury time, goals from Lewis Hughes and a 96th minute winner from Jack Bodill claimed all three points, Dylan Muir and Jack Goodband having earlier got on the scoresheet

Then came the cup final victory which

was backed up by a convincing 4-0 away win at AFC Normanton as goals from Elliott Dawson, Tyler Withers, Jack Bodill and Jack Griffiths claimed the points It was the Regan Bickerton show a few days later as he helped himself to a quite remarkable eight minute hat-trick away at Arnold Town to go with a Jack Goodband opener in another 4-0 win A fifth win in a row came via a 4-2 home success over Wirksworth Ivanhoe as top scorer Jack Goodband helped himself to a brace along with strikes from Elliott Dawson and Jack Bodill A remarkable eight-game month was

and some silverware is the icing on the cake Hopefully, we can finish the season strong The club as a whole is going places and this just confirms the strides we are making both on and off the pitch

“It was brilliant to see such support on the night and that really made a difference ”

“This has been a fantastic evening for the club,” said Dynamo’s chairman Conor Raynor

“Not only securing another piece of silverware, but to see so many fans turn out in support of the players, many from our junior sections, has been amazing to see It’s nights like this that make all the hard work from our volunteers worth it, when we can all come together as a club and celebrate together ”

Unsurprisingly, goal scorer Jack Goodband was named Player of the Match, with a brilliant all-round performance