WATER quality in local brooks in Melbourne, Ticknall and Breedon is set for a big improvement as part of £70million works shortly to be completed by Severn Trent
The water operator currently has a big presence in the local area and has provided clarification to the Village Voice that two major projects are underway
The aim of the first project is to improve water quality in Carr Brook in Melbourne, Scots Brook in Ticknall, Ramsley Brook in Breedon and Grace Dieu Brook in Osgathorpe
Works involve transferring water that has been through the full treatment process from Snarrows Sewage Treatment Works in
by Lucy Stephens
Coalville along a new 12km pipeline to a new outfall in the River Trent
Both Snarrows and Melbourne Sewage Treatment Works are being upgraded with the aim of ensuring water is treated to a high standard so that river quality is not affected In Melbourne, upgrades have included increasing capacity to prepare for future population growth, replacing ageing infrastructure and constructing new equipment for the storage and processing of waste water A 2km sewer is being built to transfer treated water to the River Trent Sewage treatment works in
AN award-winning local spa provided some much-needed calm at this year ’s Download Festival at Castle Donington.
The festival is famous for heavy metal, loud music, energy and many studded leather jackets
But one band recognised that before going on stage to give it their all they would benefit from some calming help from a trained spa therapist.
The Spa at Breedon Priory stepped in after being asked if a therapist could go along to the festival to offer support
Jelena, one of the therapists from the spa, spent an afternoon at Download, taking a range of towels plus a carefully selected range of oils, creams, brushes and other massage equipment
Members of the band who requested the spa’s service said they
Ticknall and Breedon are being downgraded to pumping stations with all flows now going through Melbourne Treated water from Melbourne will be transferred from Carr Brook to the River Trent
The project had involved a 3km pipeline between Ticknall and Melbourne Sewage works –meaning road closures in Melbourne town centre – but the operator had found a different plan which will significantly reduce the works needed
The project is now winding down and is expected to be completed by next February
Meanwhile, Severn Trent has also been busy working on Melbourne’s new flood alleviation project This will involve upsizing
were tired and sore and wanted a refresh before their sets
This was the first year that a band at Download had reached out to the spa
Jelena said it was an “amazing” experience
“I loved the opportunity to be able to do a treatment in a new setting,” she said.
Director Sigourney Gates said:
“We’re really thrilled to be involved with the Download Festival this year
It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase how the festival and local businesses can work together cohesively to bring something positive to the local area It allows us to introduce people to the importance of rest and wellbeing – in the midst of a high-energy event ” LOWDOWN ON DOWNLOAD – Centre
l Back in 2023, children from Melbourne Infant School saw their colourful artwork displayed on a tunnel boring machine that has been part of Severn Trent’s works in the village.
l Therapist Jelena gets the thumbs-up
l Green Day on stage.
Photo: Todd Owyoung
SCAM ALERT
POLICE are warning people to beware of a scam targeting Derbyshire homes, where the caller claims to be a police officer, giving names such as DC Sly and claiming to be from Scotland Yard
The caller says they re investigating unauthorised use of the person ' s bank card and advise them to keep the call secret – a key tactic in fraud
Anyone who receives such a call is reminded never to give out any personal information but should hang up immediately
THE Melbourne man who inspired a beautiful painting finally got to see the finished work after it was pictured in The Village Voice
George Mason inspired the Lawrie Williamson painting ‘Club Show’, which shows the activities of Melbourne Pigeon Club
The painting has just been sold by Irita Marriott auctioneers from the estate of the late Peter West for £650.
After seeing it in the latest edition of our paper, George was able to visit Irita’s auction house and is pictured seeing the painting for the first time He showed the auctioneers the original photograph used to create the work.
The painting’s new owner is from Derbyshire so it is staying local to the area
‘Whirlwind’ year for our new MP
LOOKING back over the past 12 months as MP for South Derbyshire, Samantha Niblett says it has been a “whirlwind” as she reflected on the aspirations she had and the achievements to date, writes Frank Hughes
Establishing a team she has built around her to deal with the heavy casework load was an initial achievement “We care deeply about the community, and I have the best team to help people,” she said Problems with housing, health, child maintenance, passport issues and more have come across the desk
Finding and opening an office was also a main priority for the first few months Situated in the centre of Swadlincote, part of it is being made available for community groups to use The office wall has also provided an opportunity for a young local artist to showcase her work (pictured)
Samantha was also proud to be selected to sit on the Women and Equalities Committee, which scrutinises the work of the Government and the Office for Equality and Opportunity in particular She has represented the committee on recent visits to New York and Finland learning how other countries are tackling equality issues and making networking connections
When elected in July 2024 Samantha said she had three key priorities One was to address issues around Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision in the district, another was to promote arts and culture and a third was to promote Women in Technology She feels that good progress has been made on all three issues
For SEND she has held two well attended meetings, has been instrumental in setting up a supportive Facebook group – now with 700 members – and has given a member of the team specific responsibility to handle SEND issues
On the Arts, she has recently invited the CEO and regional head of Arts Council England to visit both Creative Melbourne and People Express On Women in Technology, she has been busy building networks and has an upcoming initiative involving women in immersive technology She was also involved in bringing a Google Garage event to Swadlincote, helping small businesses to develop through the use of AI
She recalls being able to mention local organisations in the House of Commons Her maiden speech in November mentioned businesses, organisations and communities from across the area
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
Talking about the impact on life, the MP admitted she is hardly ever able to switch off and recognises it is particularly hard on her teenage daughter, who tells her she is working all the time She also said that being an MP is actually better than she expected and, while she is not al-
THE local MP took to social media very recently to apologise and explain her decision to firstly add her name to the number of rebelling Labour MPs objecting to the Government’s proposed welfare reforms, and then to remove it, putting her firmly in the national news spotlight.
Samantha Niblett wrote: “I have hacked off Government, hacked off those of my colleagues who signed the amendment, hacked off those who haven’t, and most importantly hacked off people who are affected by all this.”
She said her motive for adding her name was to get the Government “to take notice of our pleas to review the PIP (personal independent payments) element of the welfare reforms”.
Subsequently she decided to remove her name because of the risks of losing the “good elements of the bill there will be further opportunities for scrutiny to address the concerns around PIP (and) Opposition games and offers to do deals help no one but them”, she wrote.
ways comfortable with the party politicking, she “loves helping to make things happen”
Summing up, she thought the last year had been split into three sections: first getting elected and learning some of the quirks of Parliamentary business; second getting the team up and running to get on top of the casework load, and finally, probably over the last few months, really “getting into our stride” as she put it
She highlighted some of the successes at Government level, including the roll out of free school meals to everyone on universal credit, the provision for additional leave for baby loss in the Employment Rights Bill (2025), taking trains back into public ownership, record investment coming into the region for improving transport connections, the extra two million NHS appointments achieved within five months, well ahead of the pledged timescale She was very pleased about increased spending on Defence, and her involvement in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme with the RAF had given her a stronger understanding of the importance of our services
The Purple Emperor is back
AN elusive butterfly that is the subject of a prize-winning Derbyshire conservation project has been spotted in Ticknall –its first sighting in the county this year
The Purple Emperor butterfly was once only seen in Southern England but, due to climate change, is progressing northwards
Efforts to encourage the Purple Emperor to settle in Derbyshire were spearheaded by the county’s Butterfly Recorder, Ken Orpe, who has been working with organisations and
landowners to plant goat willow or sallow saplings on which its caterpillars feed
The project was rewarded with two sightings of the rare butterfly in Derbyshire last year and the first one in 2025 was seen in June
In his newsletter Ken said:
was seen on a driveway near to Ticknall in the south of the county on the 24th of June 2025
Some of the sallows have also been planted at the Friends of Aston
site is roughly half way between the Bretby and Aston on Trent sightings in 2024 ” Ken has recently picked up a Green Apple Environmental Silver Award from South Derbyshire District Council for his project
Brickyard (FAB) site in Aston-on-Trent
Carleen showcases her talent
SWARKESTONE garden designer Carleen Osborne is continuing to show her remarkable green fingers after once again winning a top award at the prestigious BBC Gardeners’ World Live event
After winning a gold medal in 2024, Carleen went one better this year after carrying off the “Best Showcase Garden” and platinum award at the popular event
Carleen impressed with her pollinator friendly design inspired by her love of plants and belief that gardening should be achievable and sustainable
Chair of the Showcase Garden assessors, David Stevens, the internationally acclaimed garden designer, said: “We were impressed by this very cool, contemporary garden with its elegant upcycled features and a distinctive zigzag pattern that made it appear bigger
“The shape, texture and form of the planting brought the garden alive, treating flower as a bonus. The use of leaf mulch in the shady side looked particularly beautiful This was a fantastic result, created on a minimal budget.”
Carleen said: “I’m blown away to have won this award Nick, my husband, and I are the perfect team
and we’ve created a beautiful garden with lots of takeaway ideas to inspire gardeners. We’ve felt real satisfaction and joy from making aspects of the garden, like the screens, decking and furniture, and from planting together ” As well as planting tailored to local microclimates, Carleen’s garden included a leaf litter, log pile and hedge offering shelter for small mammals and amphibians
Village oak tree saved from axe
AN OAK tree growing on a grass verge in King’s Newton has been saved from the chop after a vote by councillors
There were no fewer than 77 objections to the proposed felling of the tree which is close to homes on Sleepy Lane
Members of the South Derbyshire District Council (SDDC) Development
Management Committee – the new name for the Planning Committee – voted at a meeting in June not to cut the tree down
A householder affected by the tree had asked for permission to either cut it down totally or reduce it to ground level, saying it was causing “fairly major issues”
These were said to include damaging the roadway with its roots; leaning towards properties causing fears it may fall during high winds, blocking light from the property and also causing significant damage to the drainage system with its roots
A planning report outlining arguments for and against cutting down the tree said its roots had in the past broken through
by Lucy Stephens
the mains sewage pipe, resulting in sewage pouring over a driveway
The district council’s own tree officer backed the householder ’s views, saying in a planning report: “The roots of the tree are lifting the tarmac surface of the driveway and as the roof plate is growing on a raised grass verge; it is potentially unstable and may fail during high winds
“The oak tree is significantly reducing the resident's enjoyment of their properties The removal of the tree will have a minor detrimental impact on the amenity of the area ”
But the council’s conservation officer was against the
felling of the tree, pointing to its positive contribution to the area
The oak tree was planted in the early 1990s, replacing its predecessor, which was the subject of a Tree Preservation Order in 1969
Mapping suggests the presence of an oak tree in the area since the late 1800s
The Kings Newton Residents’ Association, Melbourne Civic Society and Melbourne Parish Council all objected to the felling of the tree, suggesting a crown reduction could be an effective solution to deal with the issues raised
Many of those who objected to the proposed felling pointed to the health of the tree and the loss to the community if it was cut down
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Severn Trent projects update
Ground investigations have been ongoing for the past two years, to check conditions and also locate existing services
An outline design is now being completed, with a detailed scheme expected by the end of 2026
The construction of the new project is then expected to start in 2027 and last for three years
Severn Trent is investing billions into wastewater treatment, so that “recycled wastewater will be as close to its natural state as possible”
The water operator is conducting a drop-in event in the Melbourne Room of Melbourne Assembly Rooms on Wednesday, July 16, between 4 15pm and 6 45pm when residents can find out in detail about current and forthcoming works
THREE knights from the Chevaliers de Leon re-enactment group prepare to do battle at the Melbourne Parish Church medieval fayre Swords, lances and flails were deployed for the entertainment of the gathered crowd in the Rectory garden.
The event was part of Melbourne Parish Church’s 900th birthday celebrations which are taking place throughout 2025
Youth club is set to return
A WEEKLY youth club is coming back to Melbourne for the first time since 2019 – and volunteers are being asked to help keep it running
The youth club is due to start up in September at The Athenaeum building on Potter Street, which is part of Melbourne Methodist Church
Leanne Barker, of Blend Youth Project, has been working with Milly Roberts from the church, chatting to young people coming off the school bus at Sainsbury’s about whether they would like a youth club
Leanne provided an update on the latest results of the 12-week pilot programme – which is currently underway – at a meeting of Melbourne Parish Council on July 1
She said that so far more than 100 young people had been spoken to about whether they would engage in a youth club if it was on offer
While some were not aware of the concept of a youth club, Leanne said feedback had been positive In terms of what young people
would like to see offered, a darts board and PlayStation were top of the list
The project is a partnership between Melbourne Methodist Church and Blend, a youth work organisation managed by Valley Cids
The long-term vision is to create a welcoming, supportive space for young people in the community Milly and Leanne will continue to be out and about chatting to young people on Tuesdays until the end of August
Funding is in place to pay for a youth club with Blend providing two qualified and experienced youth workers
Members of the community are being invited to contact the church if they would like to help run a youth club so it can keep running in the long term
Anyone who would like to help out is asked to contact Milly on 07850526064 or contact the Melbourne Methodist Church Facebook page
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 Our Solicitors can help you with:
• Residential and Commercial Property
• Wills, Probate and Private Client matters
• Litigation / Dispute Resolution
• Family Law
• Commercial and Business Law
MBE award man thought it was a scam
MELBOURNE’S Dominic Harrison
has received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours – but at first he thought it was all a scam!
Dominic has been recognised for his long service as a trustee for GamCare, the charity supporting those affected by problem gambling
Having been involved as a volunteer trustee “for probably longer than anybody cares to remember!” – Dominic chairs the charity’s Audit, Risk and Development Committee where his skills as a qualified chartered accountant are put to good use
He found out about his MBE a few months ago after coming home late from a long motorway journey and reluctantly opening his emails in the evening
“There was this peculiar looking one,” he said “There was something
odd about it Against my better judgement I opened it
“Immediately I saw the Cabinet Office logo and I thought, ‘this is definitely not right’ My wife and I said to ourselves, ‘That’s quite a clever scam, but it’s in bad taste’ ”
But after phoning the Cabinet Office the next day, Dominic discovered to his shock that he had in fact genuinely been recognised with an MBE
a revelation that he said still leaves him “humbled and surprised”
Founded in 1997, GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline, a 24/7, 365 day a year service helping people or their relatives affected by out of control gambling
The charity deals with around 1,000 contacts a week, amounting to roughly 50,000 a year – a huge rise from when it started
The Wheel rolls back
A PROMINENT pub in the heart of Ticknall is once again open to the public after being closed for five years.
The Wheel Inn on Main Street re-opened in June with new licensee Jason Billingham at the helm
After being closed since 2020, it has benefited from a £315,000 refurbishment inside and out from Heineken owned Star Pubs and Jason himself
The new licensee has 20 years’ experience in the restaurant trade but has not had his own pub before – The Wheel is his first Refurbishment began on May 12; Jason got the keys on June
by Lucy Stephens
9, worked hard to turn the place around; and the doors of The Wheel re-opened at long last on June 14
There has been a full renovation of the pub’s exterior, new signage, lighting, a courtyard garden with new furniture, plus a bar and new dining area
“I love the community spirit here,” said Jason (pictured)
“People have said it’s been such an eyesore for so long, it’s nice to see it open ”
Under Jason’s leadership the ethos of The Wheel will be to nurture and maintain a local feel
A good proportion of the staff
are local; the meat comes from Alfreton-based Owen Taylor & Sons; coffee is roasted in the Peak District; and the gin comes from White Peak Distillery
The aim is to provide a gastropub for the area with monthly live music and a good selection of non-alcoholic beverages too
Jason is throwing himself into his new enterprise, devoting six days a week to The Wheel and establishing himself in the heart of the community
“I want people to come here on a special occasion,” he said
“Or if people want to come in and have a nice flat white, we have that ability too ”
PLAN IS REJECTED BY
PROPOSALS to build 135 houses in Kings Newton have been thrown out by the district council – without even being heard by a committee
South Derbyshire District Council issued a decision notice refusing permission to Richborough Estates, which had applied to build the substantial development on fields to the south of Kings Newton Lane
The developer had sought views from 1,000 residents through a leafleting campaign and also presented their proposals at a packed meeting of Melbourne Parish Council earlier in the year
In a statement accompanying its plans, Richborough said the development would provide “much needed” homes, of which 30 per cent would be affordable, plus a “strong green infrastructure” and multiple points of pedestrian access
The district council has given four main reasons for rejecting the plans
Firstly, the decision notice states the development was outside Melbourne’s settlement boundary, saying it was not appropriate in a rural location
Secondly, the council said not enough surveys had been done to assess the impact of any development on birds, particularly skylarks and owls
The council also said the development would
cause a degree of harm to the setting of Melbourne and Kings Newton Conservation Area, saying: “ the proposed development would erode the outer hinterland of these villages, altering the value, appreciation and interpretation of the historic settlements, in particular the setting of the Conservation Areas”
The last objection concerned the fact that the development would result in the loss of just under six hectares of grade one and two, “best and most versatile” agricultural land
Melbourne Parish Council, Kings Newton Residents Association, Melbourne Civic Society and the countryside charity Derbyshire CPRE all objected to the proposals, and planning officers received 107 further objections
Those who wrote in expressed a huge range of issues with the proposed development, voicing many concerns including the likely impact on traffic, in particular on Swarkestone Bridge
The comment was also made that the homes –even those deemed ‘affordable’ – may well not be so for local people – and there was no provision of housing for older residents
It was also felt that the development would bring together the historically separate settlements of Melbourne and Kings Newton
a recognition not just for himself but for the whole team who do so much to help people affected by a problem that is often silent
“It’s a very difficult thing when people lose control of their gambling,” he said
“In 1997 when we started, that was a pretty analogue age, we’ve now gone very digital Anyone affected by gambling harms can ring that helpline Now we have digital means
chat rooms and the like – in their moment of need, when things have got to a point when they just can’t cope
“For the vast majority of people, gambling is a complement to their enjoyment of sport There are, unfortunately, consequences for a minority of people
“The thing that people perhaps
don’t realise about problem gambling is it’s often invisible
“Our job at GamCare is to make sure what we offer is very visible Over 25 years we know we are good at what we do ”
The only sadness for Dominic is that his dear mum, Anne Harrison, who lived with him and his wife in Melbourne, sadly died aged 93 just before he found out he had been awarded an MBE
“She loved the Royal family and the honours system,” he said
After having to keep the news secret for weeks, he said the honour was a recognition for a very worthwhile cause
He said: “This is one for the team
It’s an amazing group of people at GamCare I’m just the lucky person who has been singled out ”
AUGUST - NOVEMBER EVENTS
Events start at 7.30pm. Tickets: £15 - includes a glass of prosecco and chocolate. To book, please email stwilfridsbarrow@gmail.com
Katherine Swynford - with Lesley Smith
Friday 26 September
Katherine Swynford, was mistress and wife of John of Gaunt, son around the mid to late 14th century is one of the most powerful and enduring in English history.
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS
The Architecture of Barrow upon Trent
Saturday 13 September Sunday 14 September
10.30am to 4.00pm 12 noon to 4.00pm Tours at 11.00am and 2.00pm Tours at 1.00pm and 3.00pm The theme for 2025 is "Architecture". There will be guided tours the weekend. No need to book.
WORKSHOP
Saturday 29 November
Christmas Wreaths
By popular demand, Christine Hemmings will be showing us how to create beautiful Christmas decorations.
Price: £25 per person
To book, please email: stwilfridsbarrow@gmail.com
TALKS
Wednesday 6 August Muck, Pot and Old Bone Mathew Morris, Project Leicester Archaeological introduction to archaeology and reconstructing the past.
Wednesday 3 September An introduction to heraldry Heraldry is found in churches, country houses and the high street. John Titterton's talk
Wednesday 1 October
Mediaeval Art"The Crown of Thorns" Dr Faith Tibble will talk about how the ubiquitous imagery of the Crown of Thorns in Passion iconographycommonly symbolising torture, suffering and humiliation - is not at all what it seems.
Dominic came to be involved through a friend and said his MBE is
ELECTRIC buses are now serving East Midlands Airport, following a £3 5million investment
The 9 Airway service
HOWARD WILLIAM JOYNES
26 April 1950 - 5 March 2025
HOWARD was born to Joan and Stan Joynes in Holbrook, the youngest of two children Alongside sister Marianne, they grew up in Leabrooks and Cromford and spent most of their childhood on the family farm at Calke Mill
He attended Saint Peter ’s primary schools, then went to Bemrose, where he studied hard whilst enjoying a love of football and playing for Derby County boys
OBITUARY
Howard went on to study at Derby Technical College and secured his first job at Maynards Engineering He then worked for FC Construction which sponsored him through Leeds University, gaining a first-class honours degree in Civil & Structural Engineering Subsequently he completed his PhD at Leeds and during those years spent time working in Zambia, South Africa and Kenya, undertaking senior roles in several copper and diamond mines
He then became a lecturer in Civil & Structural Engineering at Trent Polytechnic Whilst there he met John Pike, also a lecturer, and together they founded a successful consulting practice: Joynes, Pike and Associates
Always a busy man, as if two jobs were not enough, he went on to establish a small farm, which grew to 100 acres, breeding cattle and sheep
He continued to work as a consulting engineer until shortly before he died with his own company Broadstone Associates Ltd
Howard met Josephine in 1991, and they married in 1998 He and Jo shared a love of travel, often visiting the Caribbean, taking ski-ing holidays and cruises; they completed two round the
world trips There are few countries they had not visited One trip, a visit to Russia, was especially memorable as they were arrested at gunpoint when they did not have the correctly dated entry permit
At the age of 57 life was turned upside down when he was involved in a tragic accident which required him to be airlifted to hospital Through sheer grit and determination, combined with a strong willpower and, some say, bloody mindedness, he learned how to walk again to live a normal life His only concession to his condition was a blue badge, to enable him to park outside Trent Bridge cricket ground and Marks & Spencer!
In 2016 their new house was built on their land at Broadstone Holt looking over Staunton Harold Reservoir, with Howard overseeing its construction It was described as “of truly outstanding design and an environmental and design exemplar ” To offset any carbon footprint, he planted 22,000 trees around the property
He loved his sport and played for Melbourne Dynamo F C for many years He was also a keen reader, and enjoyed many genres of music, from rock to opera, and especially early American music and Motown
Howard was someone who enjoyed life to the full; he worked hard and played hard He was very much a family orientated person, a loving husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, with whom there was never a dull moment
As one friend described him, a true country gentleman
Howard died just a few short weeks after receiving a devastating diagnosis He died peacefully at the Royal Derby Hospital in March with Jo and Marianne at his side
Hall’s new plan to build homes
by Frank Hughes
has submitted a new planning application to build nine dwellings off Blackwell Lane
The plot of land for the new dwellings is adjacent to the allotments at the back of Castle Street, with the Castle Mews development to the west and the new hall car park abutting to the east
Access to the properties is proposed to be from the track off Blackwell Lane, which would be widened and improved
The application sets out that the site will comprise three bungalows and six houses Five of the properties would be affordable and the remaining four houses full market value Plans also include provision for 18 car parking spaces
The design and access statement says that primary objective of the development is to “address the pressing issue of a lack of suitable dwellings for senior residents and young families, as identified in the Neighbourhood Plan ”
A similar plan was turned down in 2014, when the scheme was to build 15 houses on or adjacent to the current site The reason for refusal of that application was that it would “intrude into the countryside beyond the clearly defined edge of the village ” That application went to an appeal, which was dismissed in 2017
There is also an application to make renovations and internal changes to Pool Cottage (pictured right), the former care home
The plans include demolition of part of the current building, installing an internal stairway and building a two-bedroomed annex
Architects TUK describe the scheme as a sensitive and well-considered transformation of a Grade II listed asset
The building is classed as Grade II listed, but the alterations would have “minimal impact on the heritage asset and its setting” according to the application
MELBOURNE HALL
Diamond anniversary duo’s sparkling celebration
MEET Melbourne’s latest pair of diamonds – Allan and Hilda Walker, who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June.
The wind blew but the sun shone on June 19 in 1965 when they tied the knot at St Michael’s and All Angels Church in Alvaston, where Hilda was from
Talented musician Allan, a fixture in the local band scene for many years, took time to have the first dance before joining band mates on stage to entertain his new wife and their guests
Allan, 86, was born and bred in Melbourne and has lived here almost exclusively all his life
He first set eyes on his future wife while they were both working at Rolls-Royce, where he was an apprentice
After asking her out one day they got married a few years later, enjoying a honeymoon in Cromer, for which they hired a brand new Mini specially!
The pair moved to Melbourne, buying their first property on Oddfellow’s Row for a princely £650
by Lucy Stephens
Banding continued to be a big part of his life for many years A talented guitarist and singer, he played with The Mike Jackson band and the John Allan Quartet, with his many gigs over the years seeing him and bandmates deputise for big name bands at The Mecca Ballroom in Derby, as well as
his younger days it was home to no fewer than 14 pubs and, as older generation Melbourners will recall, a cinema!
The couple have been very happy to call Melbourne home for their married life, witnessing many changes over the years
Highlights have included some tremendous holidays – they have enjoyed 26 cruises together, their most recent in the Aegean and Adriatic
In 1967 their first born Darren arrived, followed by David in 1970 – and it was in that year that the couple moved to a new build in The Pingle where they still live today
Allan stayed on at Rolls-Royce where he completed 50 years of service, moving from his early days as an apprentice tool maker to becoming an inspector
playing for many local weddings Hilda brought up the couple’s children at home and worked over the years as a lunchtime supervisor at Melbourne Junior School, as well as at Drake’s Shoes on Derby Road, now the home of the Air Ambulance shop
Over his many years in Melbourne Allan has seen the town change hugely – back in
Having been through some periods of ill health – Hilda has been treated for cancer and has experienced bouts of pneumonia in recent years – her advice for anyone is to seize the moment
“I think you should do what you can if you can afford it, when you’re able to do it No-one knows if they going to get ill,” is her wise advice
As to the secret of a long and happy marriage?
“Patience!” laughs Hilda
The musical tradition has continued through the family with son Darren playing with local favourites Meet the Flanagans, and grandson Ben one half of Burgess and Walker
The couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary with family with a meal at The Spirit Vaults, and were treated to a special card from Their Majesties the King and Queen
They take great pleasure in living close to their family: sons Darren and David, daughter-in-law Sharon and grandsons Ben and Louie
l
and Doris
A WILSON great-grandmother is more than a century not out after celebrating her 101st birthday!
Noreen Smith was a land girl in the Second World War and remembers VE Day being announced on the radio, going on to celebrate in her then home town of Ashby. She celebrated her 101st birthday with friends Sheila, Babs and Doris and Angie Cooke, who made her a celebratory lunch
Angie visits Noreen every week and brings her regular visits from the hairdresser, as well as doing gardening and odd jobs.
Noreen is a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt – as well as a local distributor of the Village Voice!
Wed
Noreen about to tuck into her celebration cake with friends Sheila, Babs
Calke
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)
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
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.
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.
TOP: John Smithard with Annie and Liz
ABOVE: Ryan, one of the festival chaplains
BELOW: Ian and Sue Statham waiting for Green Day
THESE BOOT FOR
...
R
DOWNLOAD has been and g (pictured left) of Melbourn up with the acts – and plent
DOWNLOAD has a reputation as one of the most friendly festivals and my experience certainly confirmed this.
Queuing for food is a great time to chat to a new friend On the edge of a mosh pit, plenty of friendly metalheads help you keep safe The fans are so passionate about the genre of music; it seems to create a closeknit community Friday night’s rain was magically manifested by Billie Joe Armstrong of headliners Green Day singing “here comes the rain again”
Heavy rain for the Sex Pistols just added atmosphere to their anarchic and raucous set, as you might expect from the grandfathers of punk Then lead singer Frank Carter starts trying to organise a death circle of fans whilst actually in the middle of them complete with microphone and mic stand It didn’t quite work, it halted the start of ‘Pretty Vacant’ three times Frank was a good replacement for original singer John Lydon, with all the same energy and punk swagger Then it rained a tiny bit for Korn, too, Sunday’s headliner, but mostly the sun shone down and the dust blew about
The first day had an American punk band bias with Rise Against, Weezer and topped off by Green Day on their first visit to Download They had the largest crowd of the weekend and everyone agreed an excellent set
I bumped into a fair few locals John Smithard brought his daughter Annie and
her friend Liz They were looking forward seeing Korn and any heavier metal acts S and Ian Statham from the Melbourne Flor had shut up shop and dashed over to Green Day I'm sure they won't have be disappointed
The band who started in the late 80s su have enough hits to fill the near two-ho set, kicking off with ‘American Idiot ba off they go with full energy Billy Joe pi a fan from the crowd to join him on ‘Kn Your Enemy’; her energy matched his a the crowds They've always been politi
ABOVE: The Tori & Ben team, Will, Ian, Jo and Katie
l Local
teens George, Luca, James,
TS ARE MADE ROCKING
gone once again, and Katherine Parrish e went along this year and caught ty of local festival-goers too.
d to Sue rist see een ure our ng! cks ow and cal
and they made sure the US administration got a mention – they're obviously worried about what s happening politically in their home country Set ends with ‘Good Riddance’, we all join in singing “I hope you had the time of your life” Hope Green Day did, the whole of Download did for sure
At the end of the night in the guest area bar I nearly tripped over Andrew and Mairead Horth of Horthworld fame, with friends Martin, Alex and Anna Gilchrist
I'm not sure how many of the 75,000 attendees were locals, obviously as the home
of heavy metal most of the crowd have travelled from far and wide to visit Castle Donington
I hitched a ride on the bus back to the Rock Retreat to get home; the driver was super friendly and helpful, and it seemed the plush camping option at the back of Melbourne Hall was popular and well organised Met Russ on the bus and he said it’d added about £300 on top of his ticket price for his campervan pitch But for five days camping he didn’t seem too miffed
Saturday I got to see some metal in the form of Kittie, an experienced all girl heavy metal combo hailing from Canada Formed nearly 30 years ago and still with two original members
The Dogtooth tent was packed, the pace was fast and loud from the metal queens who blew us all away
The whole three-day line-up had a fantastic gender balance even though the headliners were all male, well Sleep Token all wear masks but pretty sure there are no girls in the band
Download has an extensive provision for fans with accessibility needs, large platforms for them getting clear views of the main two stages, hard surfaces for getting around, special camping areas as well as separate toilet facilities There was increased focus on recycling with posters and ads on the large screens with sustainable messages including a psychedelic cat encouraging fans to recycle their electricals I met
and had a selfie with the ‘Can Man’ (above) –a creature made out of drinks cans Stacks of paper pint cups wobble their way around the crowd carried by folks who wanted to make some cash from the refunds at the bar I ve heard even the number of tents abandoned at the end of the weekend was down on last year, so whatever Download are doing it’s having a positive effect on the environmental impact of the festival Obviously there’s a challenge to make a festival this large totally sustainable
Pastoral care of the crowd was covered by the festival chaplains, I chatted to one of them; Ryan said he'd found people really friendly and it seemed he'd been able to support some Downloaders even if they didn’t share his faith
The Tori and Ben team were busy in their new food truck, their Longhorn burgers going down a storm They’d nearly sold out when I checked in with them on Saturday At least they didn't have to go far to restock Sunday came and all festival-goers seemed to be getting ready to worship Korn, who were headlining on the mainstage A skilled warm-up for the Korn audience carnage to come was Jerry Cantrell, who served the crowd with a few Alice In Chains tunes and some fantastic guitar licks and vocal harmonies
Korn have been around a long time, 32 years in fact but, with 10 previous appearances at Download, this was their first headline slot Well overdue by their own account
and they did what they always do: perform at their best with an excellent show which pleased the crowd and the many crowd surfers
I didn t feel out of place near the front as a lady in her 50s, as the band are only a few years younger than me, but the crowd is full of all ages They played all the big hitters and everyone was having the loudest sing-along; the crowd seemed to know every word The jumping up and down was hard on my feet which were very sore by now
A great end to three days of full-on exposure to Download
If you like rock, metal or punk think about a 2026 ticket but seek out some comfy boots
LEFT: Emma and Lyall chilling after Korn’s Headline Set
RIGHT: Anna, Mairead, Andrew, Alex and Martin
Dexter and Jasmine enjoying the sunshine.
Gallery has VIP visitors
CREATIVE Melbourne Gallery had some VIP visitors recently to meet the team and to hear about the ways in which the Arts are flourishing in the area
MP Samantha Niblett had invited the Chief Executive Officer of Arts Council England, Darren Henley and the Midlands Area Director, Peter Knott to visit her constituency to explore ways to raise the profile of Melbourne Festival and the arts more generally
They also visited People Express in Swadlincote
Festival director Sharon Brown gave the guests a brief history of the festival in Melbourne and the development of the gallery, Creative Melbourne She also outlined the Spaces to Create programme, which aims to develop the art practice of a small number of creatives into self-supporting businesses, the Community Workshop programme, which aims to engage many parts of the community in art and creativity, the plans for the annual festival, and the work of the many volunteers supporting the community enterprise
Sharon also highlighted the support from South Derbyshire District Council with which the festival now has a Service Level Agreement to promote creativity
Creative Melbourne had benefited from an Arts Council grant in 2024, enabling it to run the Blossoming project, which had facilitated 28 artist-led workshops, which had over 800 participants and was supported by 111 volunteers
Food for thought in free breakfast scheme
PRIMARY school children from Barrowupon-Trent enjoyed a bright and early MP visit after their school was picked for a Government scheme providing free breakfasts
South Derbyshire MP Samantha Niblett paid a visit to Sale & Davys CE Primary School, part of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust, which is one of 750 across the UK chosen as an ‘Early Adopter ’ of the Government breakfast project
Early adopter schools are using Government funding to help provide free breakfasts to children, while feeding back to Whitehall on how successful the pilot scheme is proving
Sale & Davys applied to be part of the project and was one of the successful applicants, with the Government keen to see a range of different types of school taking part
Head teacher Sarah Briggs said the project had been extremely successful at the school with around a third of all families on roll taking up the offer
The school is opening up the gates for parents dropping their children off at 8am to enjoy a free breakfast of cereal and fresh fruit and a chance to enjoy some play time with their friends
The scheme is run by teaching assistants Marie Cheshire and Mandy Dudden, and Mrs Briggs said it had been popular from the word go
She said: “I love the buzz around the school in the mornings as children come in for their breakfast!
“It’s good for children’s mental health to come in and socialise with their friends A balanced breakfast really helps make sure they are ready to learn when lessons start ” Mrs Briggs said the project was particularly
popular with working parents who were benefiting from dropping their children off and getting to work early She said prospective parents visiting the school also often asked about a breakfast club, and having the ability to provide a free scheme was invaluable for those who may be struggling with the rising cost of living
School business manager Victoria Lindsay said: “The breakfast club scheme has worked really well for us as a school The Government has provided funding per pupil and we have also been able to use the initial start-up and termly grants to effectively staff the club and provide healthy food options too ”
One pupil, Oscar Allitt, said he went to the breakfast club twice a week
“There’s games and the food is really nice as
well,” he said Samantha Niblett said: “It’s great to see that the Government’s Early Adopter breakfast club scheme is proving so popular at Sale & Davys Having a healthy breakfast first thing in the morning has been proven to be so important for children’s learning and it’s brilliant to see children tucking in and having fun with their friends in the morning One little girl mentioned she had had her breakfast, and this meant her mum could go to work ”
Sarah Clark, CEO of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust, said: “We are proud to see several of our schools, including Sale & Davys, involved in this initiative “ This scheme is already making a tangible difference in our communities ”
The Common Touch...
WELL, June was hot! Hottest on record, and it’s exceedingly worrying and very uncomfortable to be out in, and even fatal for some humans and lots of wildlife too
It’s been predicted for many years that we would see weather instability Now it’s here maybe people will realise how important it is to cut carbon and use our earth’s resources wisely.
We at Whistlewood have this as a core principle, that’s why we’re off grid We capture rainwater, we harness the power of the sun and we have diversity of plants and trees on our land.
One of our aims is to make our land and community more resilient to these weather changes and promote carbon reduction
I have to share with you a fantastic Duke of Edinburgh session we had the other week.
It was very hot so we made sure we had some nice jobs to do in the shade; checking and re-marking the orchard tree labels and also pruning the cherry trees
Some of the other fruit on site is ripe now and the kids got the chance to try gooseberries, black and redcurrants.
Some of the newer D of E’s hadn’t come across gooseberries before, as you don’t really see them in the shops, and probably only ever seen a blackcurrant on the ad-
verts for Ribena.
They actually liked them, which was fantastic and they took some home with them
The tree pruning team had also picked a large bowl of cherries – they all got eaten too
Feel we had a very healthy session that day ...
Some of the kids will also be helping me at the carnival stall in Melbourne on July 12; really looking forward to celebrating 100 years of the carnival
Their committee is another bunch of brilliant volunteers working hard for our community, and they’ve always been so supportive of Whistlewood
We’ll be focusing on the history of various inventions from the past century and have a bit of a museum vibe Melbourne 100 years ago was a pretty sustainable place, meeting a lot of our needs locally and we at Whistlewood take great inspiration from this
If you want to come along, we can tell you more about Whistlewood We’re always looking for more members for our co-operative, which you can join from the age of 16.
– KATHERINE PARRISH
l Samantha Niblett (back row, right) with pupils, teaching assistant
Mandy Dudden, school business manager
Victoria
Lindsay and head teacher
Sarah Briggs
DOWN ON THE FARM
NATURE a is a cruel mistress and the glorious love affair I had with the colour green in May, today feels like a very brief and distant one night stand with mother nature now.
I am considering organising an open garden event; if you still have a lovely green garden would you consider opening your gardens?
It’s all going to be in aid of the ‘hungry cows trust’ Please call in and let me know if you would like to be involved and I can pop down with the cattle trailer, back up and let a few cows out to help you manage all that lovely green grass you have been watering to make your grass grow and then I can save you the trouble of having to mow it every weekend
So, before the water police ban us all from having green grass and if you do have one of those enormous lush green lawns on Penn Lane, (ideally with a swimming pool for the cattle to drink from) and are feeling particularly philanthropic, give me a call and perhaps I could heft the whole herd down to you for a week or two before it’s too late
I can’t make any guarantees that they won’t eat the flowers but the manure they leave will surely provide fair compensation
The dry weather is rapidly resulting in some sobriety in the beef markets as well Record prices over the last few
With Ben Stanley
months due to the falling UK beef herd and high demand have meant that I have been walking around feeling like John Dutton
The summer grass has gone, it’s not coming back and nobody has made much hay – and that all means no farmer in their right mind wants to buy any more cattle now Suddenly confidence has bombed and so have the prices
But the dry weather hasn’t been bad news for all farmers, and barley crops are being harvested in record time I’m not sure I have ever seen a combine rolling in June before and when Tori and I got back from Northumberland last weekend after staying with friends, I got in a state of panic
I looked out of the window and realised neighbouring farmers had already completed their barley harvest while we had been away
My grandfather always told me that the barley harvest should always start the day after Ashby Show and, with this old tale in my mind, I hadn’t really paid any attention to the impending speed at which barley has been ripening so quickly in this heat
It has completely caught me out because, although my barley is ready to cut as well, I haven’t done anything to get ready at all
The tractor ’s in bits and my son Bertie’s Berkshire pigs most certainly
should not still be living in the grain store – neither should an ancient 15ft fishing boat – and I really should have mucked and cleaned all the lambing pens out in the far corner months ago
Another problem is that next week we’ve got Yorkshire Show
And, although I love showing and taking not just our children, but also our animals on holiday with us to Harrogate every year it is without a doubt the biggest time hoover ever
It isn’t just the time spent away at the show, when you should be at home doing some barley harvesting or something useful, it’s the time spent getting ready the months, weeks and days beforehand that really eats away your time It all takes up far too much time up than it should
So, it’s important to keep it all in perspective
I can’t remember the names of most of the successful athletes at the last Olympic Games, let alone the beautiful cow that won the Yorkshire last year If you are lucky enough to put all that work in and win a red ticket, you don’t get a fancy medal ceremony with the national anthem playing in the background, you receive £50 by bank transfer three months later
Theoretically success in the show ring may mean ‘your stock rises’ and your animals are more valuable, but when hay is short and confidence is
Novel school fund-raiser
PRIMARY aged children in Weston-on-Trent have been given a literary treat after the arrival of The Book Bus
School teachers invited parents to sample the delights of The Book Bus after arranging for it to visit the school.
Parents bought books for their children and the school sold breakfast pastries, adding this money to previous fund-raising to buy new volumes for its library stocks and keep children reading Pictured are staff outside The Book Bus and some of the books.
poor, this isn’t necessarily true And I don’t think Frank the bank manager is going to accept pretty rosettes to put against the farm overdraft anytime soon
But I can remember Eddie the Eagle and that ‘jump’; I can remember Nigel Mansell’s tyre exploding on the final lap, losing the race and the title; and I can remember the pain of watching Tim Henman in that Wimbledon semifinal
So, as we set off for Yorkshire Show in all honesty I just want a ‘clean run’, no drama When the child’s balloon goes bang on the edge of the showring, my bull doesn’t blink and I don’t end up chasing after him down Harrogate high street and the children don’t let go of their sheep in the young handler ’s competition, resulting in a crisis only Mr Whippy can solve
I just want everything to go ok
Maybe a few rosettes along the way for the kids would be nice but if we all come back in one piece, having put our worries about the dry weather and pigs in the grain store to one side for a week that will do
The Yorkshire Show may be a busman’s holiday for me but however you choose to get away in the coming holiday season make sure you do get away; it’s so important
But don’t be surprised to see a cow in your garden when you get home
Police alert on open water swimming dangers
POLICE have issued fresh warnings over the dangers of swimming in open water after reports of people in the River Trent near Swarkestone Bridge
The warning was issued through the police’s Derbyshire Alert service amid rising temperatures on June 29
In 2021, local teenager Thando Ndlovu died after entering the River Trent near Swarkestone Bridge
Police said: “We have recently had reports around people swimming close to Swarkestone Bridge
“We would like to stress the importance of not swimming in locations that are not covered by a lifeguard, especially when the weather is warm Though it may seem tempting to take a swim in one of our local rivers, lakes or reservoirs, these can be very dangerous, with fast running under-currents
“Parents, please know where your children are going and educate them around the dangers of open water ”
Featuring: Anna Binns, Viv Cawson, Alison Evans, Amanda Hughes, Mary Johnson, Zaza Lewis, Deboarh Miles, Stephen Shiro, Rachel Wilcock, Christina Williams & Zoe Zegzula.
Creative Melbourne Gallery, Wellington House, Church Street, Melbourne DE73 8EJ Open Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm.
Friday July 11: ‘Westival' Summer Fun
Weston-on-Trent Primary School. 3.30pm - 6pm. Inflatables, music, stalls, yoga, glitter tattoos, forest school, performances, sport and games. Free entry and buy activity tokens inside.
Saturday 12 July:
Melbourne Fete & Carnival
The School Playing Fields, Packhorse Road, Melbourne. Procession from Castle Square starts at 11.45am
Friday 18 July - Saturday 19 July:
Melbourne Operatic Society proudly presents Songs from the Shows
Friday 18 July: Melbourne Assembly Rooms, 7.30pm.
Saturday 19 July: Castle Donington Community Hub, 7.30pm.
Tickets: £10 including wine and nibbles. See ad on P9.
Friday 18 July:
Music Time 25th Birthday Party
Musical fun for babies, toddler, preschool children. Melbourne Assembly Rooms. Text Tracey: 07866 689971.
Friday 18 July: Treetops Hospice Fashion Show and Pop Up Shop
British Legion, Derby Road. Doors open at 6:30pm for 7pm start. Tickets £5, available in advance only from Treetops Hospice Shop, Melbourne Hall Courtyard. 01332 865566. 18+ event.
Saturday 19 July:
A Coffee Concert in the Parish Church by A Choir'd Taste.
A performance by our mixed choir of songs and music over the 9 centuries of the Church, from 1125 to the present day. 10.30am. Coffee and Cakes will be on sale; No admission charge or tickets, but donations to the Church will be welcomed. See ad on P3
Saturday 19 July:
A Walk & Talk Tour of the Parish Church... inside and out, by local historian Philip Heath. There is no admission charge but booking is required. For tickets, please call or text Jim Hewlett on: 07979 976860. Donations to the Church will be welcomed. See ad on P3.
Saturday 19 July:
Coffee Morning
United Reformed Church Hall, High Street. 10am - noon.
Wednesday 23 July - Saturday 6 September:
Creative Melbourne Gallery Exhibition Hot!
Featuring: Sujata Aten, Vitor Azevedo, Judith Brown, Laura Donaldson, Ali Hunter, Paul Johnstone, Paula Kemp and Bernie Rutter. Creative Melbourne Gallery, Wellington House, Church Street, Melbourne DE73 8EJ
Open Wednesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. See ad on P9.
Friday 25 July
Melbourne Town Band Summer Concert
Featuring a varied programme of music from all the bands under the MTB umbrella. Melbourne Parish Church 7pm.
Saturday 26 July:
Coffee Morning
Catholic Church, St Mary's Hall, Church Street. 10am - noon.
Tuesday 29 July:
Melbourne Community Care Memory Cafe
Melbourne Assembly Rooms 1.30pm-3.30pm. For people with dementia & their families & carers or experiencing memory loss.
Saturday 2 August: Coffee Morning
Methodist Church Wesley Hall, Potter Street. 10am - noon.
Tuesday 5 August:
Melbourne Community Care Coffee & Company
Melbourne Assembly Rooms, 2 - 4pm.
Saturday 9 August: Coffee Morning
Baptist Church Schoolroom, Chapel Street. 10am - noon.
Saturday 9 August:
Creative Melbourne Workshop Wire Seed Head Stems Workshop
Join Judith Brown for a nature inspired workshop where we’ll create mostly 3D wire seed head stems to display in a vase. Inspiration will come from seed heads such as cow parsley, poppies, grasses and more. All materials, tea and cake included. £85. To book email judith@judithbrownjewellery.co.uk or call 07733 026077
Saturday 16 August:
A Walk & Talk Tour of the Parish Church... inside and out, by local historian Philip Heath. There is no admission charge but booking is required. For tickets, please call or text Jim Hewlett on: 07979 976860. Donations to the Church will be welcomed. See ad on P3
Thursday 28 August:
Creative Melbourne Workshop Sketching Melbourne Hall Gardens
Join artist Jenny Stevenson for a morning sketching “walk-shop” in Melbourne Hall Gardens. Wander through the gardens drawing the architecture, sculptures, fountains and water features. Enjoy two hours on a private visit to these beautiful gardens. The workshop is suitable for adults and over 16’s. Materials & equipment supplied. To book, email makeit-creativemelbournefestival@outlook.com or call 07962 430450
Thursday 28 August:
Creative Melbourne Workshop Sketch & Stroll at Melbourne Parish Church
Meet at The Honner Room, Melbourne Rectory DE73 8EN, 1.30 -3.30pm
As part of Melbourne Parish Church’s 900th Anniversary celebrations, join artist Jenny Stevenson for a “beginners walk-shop” around the Church, looking at the beautiful stonework and exterior and then the stunning stained glass, stone carvings and artefacts inside. The workshop is suitable for adults and over 16’s. Materials & equipment supplied.
To book, email makeit-creativemelbournefestival@outlook.com or call 07962 430450
Friday 29, Saturday 30, Sunday 31 August
Off the Tracks Festival
Donington Park Farmhouse. See advert on P10
Every Tuesday: Melbourne Community Care Bereavement Group
MSP, Cockshut Lane, Melbourne 10am -12pm. Friendly group for anyone affected by a bereavement.
VILLAGE VOICE Postbag
CONFUSION OVER BEER
I WAS involved with the beer launch at the Spirit Vaults in May and found some of the information in the June 2025 [Village Voice] edition a little confusing
The beer that was brewed and sampled was a recreated Nut Brown Ale from Melbourne’s John Hair ’s Brewery An unopened 1950s bottle of this beer was donated to MHRG by Ben Robey, who was living at the old brewery building on Church Street in the late 1950s
Ben generously funded the analysis costs from Brewlab in Sunderland, and I used their results to design the recipe that Simon Morgan went on to brew
This beer was not connected to Murphy’s, Iain Kenny, or the late Max Dallman and his family Their involvement was with another donated bottle containing Hair ’s Best Bitter, which has not yet been re-created but hopefully might be Barry Thomas
PS: Bottles of Nut Brown beer are available from the Spirit Vaults!
Email us your comments to letters@melbournevillagevoice.co.uk or write to The Village Voice, 11 North Street, Melbourne DE73 8FZ
Members of the Parish Council
07811 586049
Collyer 07831 540538
Anger at damage to war veterans’ graves
A RESIDENT in Aston-onTrent is angry that graves of war veterans have been damaged, he says by contractors, and is not satisfied with the outcome of an investigation
Bill Fereday, himself exforces, has been looking after soldiers’ graves in the Moor Lane cemetery in Aston and noticed the damage recently
One gravestone, that of Sapper C H Smith of the Royal Engineers, who died in 1919 had been chipped and scuffed, apparently by tyre marks from a lawn mower, according to Bill Another had the kerbing knocked over, and one had been deemed unsafe
by Frank Hughes
01332 862699
Dawson 07811 586049
Dave Calvert
Jane Carroll 01332 863269
Nigel Collyer 07831 540538
Andy Dawson 07811 586049
George Dunnicli 07780 806267
Matt Gotheridge Kevin Guilford Sheila Hicklin
David Smith 01332 862699
Terry Statham Terry Summerlin 07528 884778
Angela Tillyard
Clerk
Vicky Roe (WhatsApp only) 07824 634604
clerk@melbourneparishcouncil.gov.uk
Assistant Clerk
Kate Bedford 07966 461416 Useful Numbers...
Aircraft Noise & Complaints 0845 1088540 Clean
0800 5872349
Faults 0845 6058058
0845 6058058
www.melbourneparishcouncil.gov.uk
The Parish Council met on 1st July with a busy agenda. Prior to the full council meeting, the monthly Planning Committee reviewed all Planning Applications received in the month. There were no contentious issues raised by the new applications. The Planning Committee also received a presentation from planning consultants Marrons together with property developers Davidsons Homes. This presentation provided an update on the planning application to build 66 new homes on land either side of Jawbone Lane. On the previous occasion when the developers met with Councillors and the public, concerns were raised about the impact of additional tra c that would be generated as a consequence of the development, particularly at the junction of Jawbone Lane and Main Street in Kings Newton. It was disappointing to note that the proposed highways design is unchanged.
After the resignation of Councillor Sarah Hardy, the council voted to co-opt a replacement and we are pleased to welcome Terry Statham, who will join the Parish Council at our September meeting. Following the resignation of Councillors Joe Ward and Mick Usher, we will be seeking to co-opt two additional councillors, also at our meeting in September.
In May this year a group of 5 young people started a re in the Public Toilets. The damage forced the closure of this facility for a few weeks. Fortunately, we were able to forward CCTV footage onto the Police and all 5 suspects were identi ed and subsequently interviewed. As none of the o enders had any previous criminal convictions, the Police have opted to use unpaid work in the community as a punishment, rather than prosecute.
To help ensure that the centre of Melbourne is a clean and safe place for us all to enjoy, the Parish Council project to upgrade the CCTV system is nearing a conclusion.
There is no Parish Council meeting in August, so I wish everyone an enjoyable and restful summer.
Andy Dawson Chairman, Melbourne Parish Council
A 68-YEAR-OLD from Melbourne has raised more than £2,700 for the memory-making me&dee charity through completing the entire South West Coastal Path
Andy Younger, whose story has been featured previously in the Village Voice, completed the gruelling challenge in 51 days, walking between six and 20 miles a day
He and partner Jill Tivey had 49 stopovers along the way, including campsites, wild camping, 24-hour car parks, pub stopovers and two nights in a holiday bungalow kindly loaned free of charge
The couple would like to thank generous supporters for their donations and for their encouragement along the way
A SDDC spokesperson told Village Voice: “We are aware of some concerns raised by a resident in Aston-on-Trent regarding the Moor Lane Cemetery
“The gravestones in the cemetery have been inspected, by both ourselves and an independent company Both inspections concluded that three gravestones are considered unsafe
“We have placed signs on these in order to trace the owners, as we do not hold the records for this cemetery
“Inspections also identified
He took the matter up with South Derbyshire District Council, who are responsible for maintaining the cemetery, but he remains unconvinced by their response
that damage was not recent, and was considered to have taken place during the winter months, due to general wear and tear ” One of the graves is registered as a Commonwealth War Grave and Mr Fereday has now telephoned and written to the CWG Commission, who told him they will investigate the matter
He said that a neighbour had also contacted SDDC to complain that he had witnessed the use of a ride-on mower causing damage to gravestones and hitting an adjoining wall
SDDC said: “To alleviate any further concerns, we have instructed our grass cutting teams that the whole cemetery should now be strimmed in future ”
Andy has raised £2,752 for me&dee which was handed over in the Melbourne Royal British Legion l Jill
MISSED out on Oasis tickets?
Have no fear: tribute band Oasis Forever will be performing at this year ’s Melbourne Fete and Carnival
Also taking to the stage at the carnival this year will be Hey Beatles and W T Funk Band, while Pedal Power V Parkour will be wowing the crowds on the arena stage.
This year ’s Melbourne Carnival is being held on Saturday, July 12
Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the event on Melbourne Junior School Playing Fields will also include all its favourites including food and drink courts, stalls, children’s rides, with Punch and Judy making an appearance too The procession around Melbourne’s streets will leave Castle Square at 11.45am. Tickets are available via TicketSource or on the day
l Sapper Smith’s gravestone.
Tivey and Andy Younger with Maria Hanson MBE (right), founder of me&dee
Softball festival
A DOZEN women’s cricket teams descended on Melbourne Sports Park for the cricket club’s third ladies’ softball festival.
Melbourne Mavericks fielded two teams (pictured left) on the day, with players from Rolleston, Belper Meadows, Elvaston, A&B, Chellaston, West Hallam and Ockbrook, HCWS (Hindu Cultural and Welfare Society) going along.
With 20 games played on the day, feedback was very positive and the Melbourne Mavericks continue to go
from strength to strength
The raffle and cake stall made £330 and everyone who helped out are warmly thanked including umpires, MSP staff, players and supporters, and JJ Heath, who offered complementary pitch-side sports massage
MTCC ladies softball section (Mavericks) are extremely grateful to Adrian Wagstaff, of Adrian Wagstaff Wealth Management (SJP), for his continued support and sponsorship this season, along with Eurofins AgroSciences for their very kind donation to the club.
Club’s summertime blues
AS May turned out to be an excellent month for Ticknall Cricket Club, then June proved to be the total opposite.
The first team played six games during the month, winning only one of them
It all started with a T20 Premier Cup game at Denby Ticknall won the toss and decided to bat Although losing an early wicket, Wood (74) and Tarrant (30) kept the score moving until Tarrant was out Then Cork and Wood soon followed and the innings collapsed with no batter making double figures Ticknall mustered 142 for eight in their 20 overs
This proved far too little as Denby easily passed the total required in only 16 overs
The first league game of the month was at The Grange against Sandiacre on a showery day which didn’t help Ticknall won the toss and chose to bat They lost regular wickets as play kept being interrupted by rain Cork held the innings together with a wellfought 73 and Ticknall mustered 178 for nine in 48 overs
A heavy downpour at tea reduced Sandiacre’s target to 168 and meant Ticknall bowling with a wet ball San-
diacre were in complete control of the chase enhanced by a second wicket stand of 106 and easily reached the required target in the 35th over, losing just four wickets in the process
The next game was away at Belper Meadows, who won the toss and chose to bat Belper found the bowling easy and, with the help of a 111 third wicket partnership between McNeil (79) and Thomas (56), they scored 244 for the loss of five wickets in their allotted overs
As Belper found batting easy, Ticknall found it very hard, losing wickets at a pace and were meekly bowled out for 82 losing the game by 162 A big defeat
Ticknall found themselves back at Denby for their next league game
Ticknall won the toss and elected to bat They posted a competitive total on the Denby pitch, Wood and Tarrant putting on 94 for the second wicket
When Wood (62) and then Tarrant (44) were out in consecutive overs Cork took over scoring 76 not out in 69 balls and Ticknall ended with 234 for the loss of only four wickets
Denby found batting slow and Ticknall were favourites when they reduced Denby to 188 for seven with five
overs left
by David Fox
Another wicket fell and a close finish was in prospect One over to go with two wickets in hand, Denby wanted nine A four was scored on the first ball a dot then three singles leaving Denby requiring two off the last ball which was promptly struck for four and Denby won by two wickets
The following day Ticknall were back at The Grange playing Belper in the Premier Cup, a 40-over competition, which was reduced to 30 due to rain
Again, Ticknall fielded a mixture of first and second team players Belper batted first and put Ticknall’s bowlers to the sword making 266 for five
Although Tarrant made 69 in 35 balls once he, Wood (30) and Cork (23) were out there was only one winner and that was Belper by 87 runs Yet another defeat
The final game of the month was at home to local rivals Swarkestone, who won the toss and batted Ticknall made early inroads by taking regular wickets, reducing Swarkestone to 79 for six However, a rear-guard action
by Hearne (50 not out) saw them reach 197 for eight in their overs
Ticknall seemed well on the way at 147 for four with plenty of overs left but wickets started tumbling and in the 47th over they found themselves 191 for nine A tense finish but the seven runs required were scored in the penultimate over giving Ticknall a one-wicket win – the only one in the month
Ticknall second team had yet another poor month, in their four games losing three with one abandoned The first game away at Ockbrook was abandoned due to rain with Ockbrook 87 for seven
The next two were both at home with Spondon first up They chose to bat putting on a competitive 289 for nine Ticknall made a fist of the target, eventually failing by 26 runs with Joe Jacques hitting 89
The second home game was against Hilton but a different story with Ticknall losing by nine wickets Ticknall made 184 all out batting first, Joe Jacques again top scoring with 51 However, Hilton made short work of the chase, scoring 185 for the loss of only one wicket
The last fixture of the month was
away at Chellaston who, batting first, made a competitive 239 for seven, Hughes taking four wickets Ticknall found themselves 160 for eight with 12 overs left but a rear-guard action found them only 12 runs short with one wicket left therefore losing the game
Ticknall’s third team had another good month, winning two, drawing one and losing one The winning draw was at home to Brailsford making 289 for four with Wood 129 and Bunyan 79 Brailsford was a long way behind, finishing on 205 for six
The next two games were both wins, the first away at Tutbury by five wickets Chasing 157 they scored 161 for five, Wood making 54
The second win came at home to Lullington, who were bowled out for 77 with Durham taking five for 52 Ticknall easily passed the target in losing only two wickets
The final game of the month was lost at Kings Bromley by four wickets They made 169 for seven, top scorer Lucas with 62 Kings Bromley made the total required losing six wickets
The notable point about this game was due to injuries, with Ticknall ending up fielding with nine players
Youngsters enjoy their first taste of bowling
THERE was an extraordinary level of excitement on the bowling green when children from Melbourne Junior School visited Kings Newton Bowls Club for the first of two “taster” sessions. The club is making a sustained effort to attract more members and to involve the wider community in the sport Top coach Alan Tarpey had organised the event and he was on hand, with a number of volunteers, to explain and supervise where necessary
Twenty-eight children from year five turned out in house colours, hats and sunscreen to try all of the eight set-up exercises. Some very quickly mastered the technique and managed the weighted woods
Teacher Mrs Van Rooyen said: “It was great for the children to experience something they would not usually be drawn to unless relatives played.”
Later she also said that “ it was obvious
that the children were all really enjoying it ” Club chairman Peter Barton said they were keen to promote the sport
They had recently applied for charity status with a view to fund-raising more for the new club house. They also need to appeal to more players, with 11 teams in the North and South Derbyshire and the Burton and district leagues
With 60 playing and 45 social members their aim is to encourage more to enjoy both playing bowls and the club facilities.
The plan for the new club house already has planning permission but they are about 60% away from the funding needed
After the bowling session the children gave several rousing cheers to show their appreciation to the organiser and helpers.
They were sent on their way back to school with a healthy basket of fruit each, kindly provided by Colin at Sharps market gardeners
One boy, appropriately named Jack, exuberantly announced: “I will definitely be joining!”
There are a number of social functions coming up at the Kings Newton club and non-members are always very welcome to turn up, particularly on Sundays, to socialise or have a go
Pictured are the children at the event and (right) the helpers on the day with coach Alan Tarpey (centre).
MELBOURNE Town Cricket Club senior teams continued their good early season form.
The first XI began the month on the wrong end of the weather as they travelled to Muggington first team and managed to keep them to 168-7 off their 45 overs But rain delays meant Town had only 33 overs to get the total set and ended up short on 130-8
A week later the first team welcomed league leaders Draycott to Cockshut Lane and had the visitors in trouble at 175-7 with Nadeem taking 3-46 But a vital decision didn’t go Melbourne’s way and helped Draycott to post 229-7
Faisal Mehmood (54), Uzzy Awais (51 not out) and Muhammad Nawaz (35) all contributed but Town ended up just 16 runs short on 213 all out with 11 balls to go
A second successive defeat followed a week later as Slater ’s men travelled to Burton and it was the hosts who posted a daunting 265-6 with Qadir Zadran the pick of the bowlers taking 3-38 In reply Melbourne fell to 116-9
But then a remarkable stand between Zadran (85) and Sunny Dhiman (14 not out) saw them score 112 but just fall short on 228 all out
There was a positive result to end the month as the first team beat Etwall by four wickets after bowling the home side out for just 136 with Dadurrahaman Ghani lead-
ing the way with 4-34 supported by 3-34 from Muhammad Nadeem Top scorers Alex Slater (35) and Uzzy Awais (35 not out) saw Town home after slipping from 64-1 to 895 Melbourne Seconds have really turned their season around and posted three wins and a draw in June to climb the table They started with a comfortable 84-run home victory against Rosehill Meths 2nds after scoring 216-8 first up
A superb knock of 68 by Matt Nicholson supported by 34 not out by Tom Williams took them to a total out of reach of the visitors, who ended on 132 all out with Oscar Jones the pick of the bowlers with 4-29
A battling losing draw followed a week later as Derby Congs hit 255-8 batting first with three wickets apiece for Sam Raven and Ranjit Rathore stemming the flow of runs In reply Town held on, scoring 236-9 as late order hitting from Manjinder Singh (56), Harwinder Singh (45) and Bali Chohan (43) took them to within 20 runs at the end
In the last game of June John Collins men welcomed Chellaston to the MSP and the visitors scored a huge 263-8 with Sam Raven 5-77 the pick of the bowlers Town chased down the total with eight overs to go thanks mainly to a quite remarkable knock of 125 by Gurwinder Singh
He scored 20 fours and four sixes in his 68-ball knock ably supported by Ranjit
Rathore (63) It was left to Bali Chohan (38 not out) to claim another vital victory for the second team
Town’s third team ended the month of June 32 points clear at the top of the table but began with a five-wicket defeat to Brailsford as the visitors chased down 232 Skipper Liam Landers-sung with 75 top scored along with 38 not out from Kartheek Mylapally as Town set a tough total, but Brailsford passed the score with just five balls remaining
Town got back to winning ways in their next game in unbelievable circumstances at home to Yoxall, bowling them out for just 17 thanks to a spell of 6-11 from Michael Rennocks to claim an easy 10-wicket win
It was soon two wins on the trot when they travelled to Winshill
Youngster Noah Gregory’s 4-10 and 4-16 by Pandy Sarangadaran saw the home side bowled out for just 83 and it was left to Landers-sung, who hit 49 not out to claim a comfortable nine-wicket victory
The thirds ended the month with the win that took them so far clear at the top of the table as they gained revenge for earlier in the month by defeating Brailsford by 119 runs Jake Wright with exactly 50 led the way with the bat as Town posted 208 all out and it was the returning Sam Barker, who took 4-20, that helped bowl Brailsford out for just 89
