‘THANKS FOR GIVING ME BACK MY LIFE’
by Lucy Stephens
A FORMER Melbourne Rugby Club player has raised thousands of pounds to help the emergency department which brought him back to life after his heart stopped for eight minutes
Dale Bilson, a fit man who played rugby for Melbourne for many years, said that if it had not been for the doctors in Royal Derby Hospital’s A&E department – along with his wife Sophie – he would not have survived the heart attack he suffered last year aged just 37
Now Dale, Sophie plus friends and supporters have raised more than £4,500 for the hard-working hospital department
He said it was hard to put into words how much their actions in sav-
ing his life so that he could carry on being a husband to Sophie and dad to small daughter Margot meant to him
Dale was attending a gym class when he began to feel unwell, experiencing severe pain in his chest Sophie, who was also at the class, quickly realised something was wrong, armed with the knowledge that Dale’s dad had suffered a heart
attack in his 40s She drove the pair to hospital where Dale went into cardiac arrest in the waiting room
Luckily for Dale a nearby doctor recognised his unusual symptoms –a kind of snoring breathing – and he was quickly put on a stretcher and wheeled away for treatment
Doctors feared the worst when Continued on Page 3 l Dale is pictured left in hospital and (above)
Comedy back at the MSP
MELBOURNE Festival Funhouse Comedy Club returns to Melbourne Sporting Partnership, on Friday, November 21, for a laughter-packed night
Topping the bill is the intelligent, controversially witty, hip and silly Markus Birdman, who got to the semis of last year ’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent Regarded by many in the know as one of the best circuit acts in the country, he has toured internationally and had highly acclaimed shows at the Edinburgh Festival His dandyish onstage confidence, versatility and infectious nature result in a truly absorbing performance
Opening the night will be winner of the highly prestigious British Comedian of the Year, the self-assured Alistair Williams Smart, passionate, impressively quick witted and bursting with confidence, he tackles any subject matter with amusing results
Completing the line-up is Pam Ford, a real force of nature, full of Aussie charm and hilarious gossip
Compere for the night will be the quick-witted and likeable Paul Revill
All proceeds go to supporting Melbourne Festival
Bringing Christmas joy to poorly children
THE spirit of Christmas has come already in Melbourne in an appeal to help a local charity give smiles to poorly children this festive season
Award-winning Q Branch Business Transformation has joined forces with Melbourne Print which is organising a Christmas present appeal to help the me&dee charity turn Santa for poorly children whose lives are spent in and out of hospital
The community is being invited to contribute Christmas gifts which will be distributed by me&dee’s volunteers to children in Burton Hospital Children’s Ward and those receiving care from the Community Children’s Nursing Team, who provide nursing care and support to children with healthcare needs Many of them have palliative conditions, including those needing end of life care
Melbourne-based me&dee, founded by Maria Hanson MBE, provides memory-making experiences for thousands of families where a life-limiting condition has been diagnosed
Every year the charity organises a present drive in addition to its continuing care programme, which this year will see more than 200 people dealing with serious medical issues within the family taken for inclusive days out including to the NEC Winter Funland
The charity’s volunteers take care to provide presents that are age appropriate and suitable for hospital life
The present drive is calling for local businesses to contribute gifts to provide Christmas joy to children who are going through some of the toughest times imaginable
These include everything from baby toys such as teethers, beanies, cuddly toys and books to gifts for teenagers such as gift cards, LCD drawing tablets, pens, pencils, blankets and fluffy socks ‘Free from’ chocolate is also especially appreciated
Yvonne Woolley, Family Support Worker from the Community Children’s Nursing Team, which is part of the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT), said Christmas gifts provided to children by me&dee had been very gratefully received in the past
“Some of the children we look after are non-verbal and a lot have
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complex needs,” she said “Just to see their eyes light up when you go and deliver presents, it’s beautiful ”
Ian Smith, business development manager at Melbourne Print, said: “The idea for this campaign came after attending the recent me&dee Ruby Ball; it was impossible not to see the difference they make for families facing the toughest circumstances As a dad to an 18-month-old boy, I kept thinking about what those parents and children must be facing, especially at Christmas
“I spoke with Matt and Jenny at Q Branch about joining forces, and they immediately wanted to help It’s grown from a simple idea into something that we hope will bring real comfort to families who need it most ”
Melbourne Print owner Paul Wilson said: “We’ve worked with me&dee for several years and have seen first-hand the compassion and dedication that Maria and her team put into everything they do When Ian suggested the idea for this campaign, it felt like a perfect way for us to give something back Our business has always been rooted in the local community, and this appeal gives us all a chance to do something that truly matters
“Every donation, no matter how small, will bring a bit of comfort and joy to children and families who deserve to feel cared for this Christmas ”
Matt Clutterham, co-founder of Q Branch Business Transformation, said: “We are very
proud to be supporting the me&dee Christmas present drive in collaboration with Melbourne Print
“This charity does incredible work all year round for families who are experiencing all the trauma of seeing children spending months in hospital Being based in Melbourne we see first hand the hard work that Maria and her team put in every day in helping bring joy to people’s lives when they sorely need it
“We hope that lots of people really get behind this Christmas present appeal and show that the festive spirit is alive and well We hope to see lots of gifts dropped off at Melbourne Print – they will go to people who really need them ”
Maria Hanson MBE said: “We are very grateful to Q Branch Business Transformation and Melbourne Print for organising this Christmas present drive for me&dee It’s great to see the local community getting together to help us do what we do best: spread joy Christmas is a very busy time for me&dee but it’s important to us to spread love and joy to as many families as we can You can’t imagine how much distress that lots of people are going through and a thoughtful Christmas present means so much to the children we help ”
All donations should be dropped off to Melbourne Print by Friday, December 5 For health and safety and hygiene reasons, only new gifts and toys can be accepted Melbourne Print is based at 73 Derby Road, Melbourne, DE738FE
HOMES PLAN PUBLIC
A PUBLIC Inquiry into the decision to refuse planning permission for 135 houses on Kings Newton Lane is set to commence on Tuesday, November 11.
The inquiry will run for up to eight days
The outline plan was refused earlier in the year and the developers, Richborough Estates Ltd, lodged an appeal against the council’s decision.
Members of the public are invited to attend the hear-
ing, and it is anticipated that Kings Newton Residents Association and a representative of Melbourne Civic Society will be making representations to the inspector.
A group of local residents opposing the plan have asked for a good show of public support Organiser Tom Scanlon said: “We are not intending to turn up with banners and beating drums but a show of numbers will demon-
INQUIRY
strate the local depth of feeling to this proposed development ”
A letter from the head of planning about the appeal says: “The inquiry is to be held as an in-person event.” It also says “members of the public may attend the Inquiry and, at the Inspector ’s discretion, express their views”
Full details of the application are available on the council’s website, reference DMPA/2025/0438
APPEALING (l-r) Ian Smith from Melbourne Print, Matt Clutterham from Q Branch Consulting, Maria Hanson MBE, founder of me&dee, Jenny Jarvis, co-founder of Q Branch, and Paul Wilson, owner of Melbourne Print (Photo: Chloe Clutterham)
Author Andy reflects on Spy Dog books incident
LOCAL libraries and schools have had to withdraw books by local author Andy Cope after the popular children’s series Spy Dog website was maliciously taken over and used to display pornographic content
Readers may have seen the sensationalist national news reports on the story
Andy explained to Village Voice how the damaging incident occurred The first Spy Dog book was published by Puf-
fin in 2006 Inspired by his own dog Lara, Spy Dog went on to win a number of awards, so a series followed
The books were a big hit internationally, so Andy started a website to sit alongside the series Twenty books later (the final Spy Dog novel was published in 2016) Andy retired from writing children’s fiction to concentrate on his career as a keynote speaker and wellbeing author
In 2020, with his career moving on, Andy decided he didn’t need the Spy Dog website anymore and the web address lay dormant until a few weeks ago when it was bought by someone who decided to use it maliciously Andy and his publisher, Penguin Random House, took immediate action The press release made national and international news and Spy Dog books have been temporarily suspended from sale
Andy is not allowed to comment on the nature of the ongoing action, but he is hopeful that things will be sorted out in the next few weeks
Andy said his publisher couldn’t have moved any quicker or been more supportive Never in a million years did he imagine that anyone else would buy the Spy Dog domain name and never in a billon years did he imagine it would be used maliciously
Harry gains England cap
MELBOURNE 17-year-old Harry
Forster has gained his first England cap after representing his country at cricket
Harry, who studies Sport & Exercise Science at Loughborough College, was part of the England U17 squad which made the final in the Emerging Stars indoor cricket tour in Bangalore last month
Harry was joined by dad Aaron along with England’s parent supporters to watch the games in Bengaluru
Mum Gemma, who stayed at home with Harry’s sisters to watch the action on the screen, said: “It was a really incredible experience and they did brilliantly winning their league, and getting through to the final where they came runners-up The tour began with an opening ceremony and ended with a closing ceremony and gala dinner
The team spirit and the coaches were just brilliant!
“Harry has always made us proud and
watching him represent his country has brought us all immeasurable joy Harry’s achievements in cricket, the sport he loves, are testament to the dedication and hard work he puts into his training, strength and conditioning and coaching every day We will forever be his biggest cheerleaders ” Fast bowler Harry started off his sporting career at Ticknall Cricket Club aged seven where he stayed for nearly 10 years before joining Ockbrook & Borrowash Cricket Club
Harry, who is pursuing a career as a professional cricketer, works with a strength and conditioning coach Ross Dewar, trains daily and has access to weekly webinars, an ex-pro fast bowling mentor and sport psychologist as well as his coach
As well as studying for an A-level in biology in his spare time, Harry is also part of the national Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) for elite athletes via Loughborough College
DALE’S LIFE-SAVER
Cont’d from Page 1
shocks failed to resuscitate Dale and his wife was told to bring the family to the hospital to say goodbye
But after eight minutes of no heart beat the third shock brought him back round
Dale was in hospital for another week where he underwent a procedure to insert two stents into his blocked arteries
A year later, Dale with family and friends took on the 10-mile run from the gym to Royal Derby Hospital and raised thousands of pounds to give back to the tireless staff in A&E
Dale said: “I wanted to do something fantastic for the emergency department I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them
And Sophie – she saved my life by driving me to the hospital, and she also suggested we should do the run there
“I raised the money for Derby and Burton Hospitals Charity which allows you to say which department you want it to go to Very few people raise money for A&E – yet most people go through there
l Dale with wife Sophie and daughter Margot after the run
“I find it difficult to understand why everybody doesn’t raise money for them They deal with all of us in our worst possible moments They’re there on Friday and Saturday nights and yet they still choose to go in every
saving doctors and nurses at
Royal Derby Hospital’s A&E department
See this link to donate: https://www justgiving com/pag e/ten-miles-to-save-my-life
CANDLELIT SERVICE
THE beautiful Staunton Harold Church will be candlelit for a service of carols and readings on Friday, December 5, at 7pm in aid of Bright Hope Parking is available in the Lion Court car park. Mince pies and drinks served afterwards. Everyone welcome. Wrap up warm!
He is coached by Leicestershire County Cricket Club legend Chris Wright
On his return from India, Harry has moved up to the Under 21s and begins training with them immediately in readiness for the World Cup
Harry said: “It was a great privilege and a proud moment earning my first England cap We started the tournament really strong with a win that set a great standard for the rest of the competition, resulting in us finishing first in our group I look forward to getting back to training and earning more England caps in the future ”
l England star Harry Forster
update on priorities
SOUTH Derbyshire Local Policing Inspector Leanne Craig has shared the latest update about the force’s priorities in the community
She said police had been concentrating on tackling anti-social behaviour over the summer through “proactive, high-visibility patrols and a series of online and in-person engagement events”
Speaking via the Derbyshire Alert system, she said: “As the seasons change, our commitment remains strong We’ll continue to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour through visible policing and community collaboration We have also delivered numerous school talks focusing on what constitutes ASB, its impact and the role of the police in addressing it ”
Police have seized off-road motorcycles, given section 59 warnings – relating to anti-social use of motorcycles –and referred individuals to the Bike Safe scheme
The police have also been focusing on the prevention of vehicle crime, including theft of and from vehicles
Stop checks have also been carried out in relation to drugs resulting in “positive detections”, said Leanne
She said: “Our goal is simple: to make South Derbyshire a safe and welcoming place for everyone, while ensuring it remains a hostile environment for that intent on causing harm Community safety and engagement are at the heart of everything we do ”
PUMPKINS have been in good supply this year with plenty to choose from grown within a few miles of our doorsteps.
Heaths Nursery in Melbourne opened up its pumpkin patch as usual for local people to get the chance to choose their favourite vegetables ready for the Hallowe’en season.
Your reporter got the chance to snap this picture of little Orson pushing a wheelbarrow at the pumpkin field, helped along by his dad, Matt.
Over at Swarkestone Nursery, managers put on a pumpkin patch for families to enjoy the fruits of the season What a great year for our local pumpkins
Boxer Alan’s boost for kids’ seaside charity
WORLD middleweight boxing champion
Alan Graves Jr is heading back to Derby for a big fight next month – and his parents from Barrow-upon-Trent could not be prouder
Alan is the son of Derbyshire County Council leader Cllr Alan Graves, who lives in the village with his wife, Ann
The ‘Homecoming’ fight on December 20 at Vaillant Live will be a night to remember for many reasons
This will this be the first time Ann has seen her son fight live in the ring
“She hates boxing!” said Alan Snr “She’s never been to any of his fights because she can’t stand to see him being hit – but she is going to this one
“I think it’s fantastic what he has achieved, and I wish him well on December 20 ”
Alan, who at 35 has had an astonishing professional boxing career, is also raising vital funds for the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre – a long-running charity providing seaside stays in Skegness for youngsters who would otherwise not get a break
Having been going since 1891, the charity is close to the family’s heart as grandma Joyce – the mother of the council leader – stayed there herself as a child
Cllr Graves said his mum – who died many years ago – had come from a poor background and had happy memories of her time at the centre
“She remembered it very fondly, and how much fun she had,” he said
Alan Graves Jr ’s journey through boxing has been meteoric, and is all the more remarkable as he only took up the sport two years ago – away from his other career as a successful businessman
Having won every one of his five professional fights, he took the middleweight world title this year
Former CEO of successful company DoNotAge, Alan Graves Jr said discovering his talent for boxing was a long-held dream
He said: “It’s always good to challenge yourself Everybody has their own struggles For me, I need something to focus on Boxing keeps me on the straight and narrow
“I’ve always watched boxing In the past I’ve been one of those guys who sat on the sofa with a bit of a belly and a beer thinking ‘I could do that’
“Once I stepped away from being CEO it became an opportunity for me to focus on something
“My initial aim was to have one professional fight I just got another one and then another!”
Boxer Alan has pledged to donate a pound to the charity for every online share of his training video, as well as a whopping £10,000 if the fight at Vaillant Live is a sell-out
He explained that he decided to donate to the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre not just because of his family connection, but after learning it had paused operations this year for fundraising purposes due to rising costs
He said: “I hadn’t realised the centre was struggling this year When my mother informed me, I felt I needed to do something about that
“I think there are lots of different reasons why the charity is really worth supporting
“It’s a nice break for the children who go We are in the UK, a supposedly first world country When these children go to school and start to socialise, they will hear about other kids who will
by Lucy Stephens
be going on breaks and holidays I don’t think it’s the children’s fault if they are born into poorer families and they can’t go away and have a break ”
Charity CEO Janine Holmes, who lives in Ticknall, said: “We are so pleased that Alan Graves is supporting our charity with his big fight It’s a huge vote of support for us as we work hard to re-open our charity in a sustainable way, so we can continue to do what we do best: put smiles on the faces of children as we did with Joyce all those years ago Thank you so much to him and I hope lots of people go and see the big Homecoming fight on December 20 Every ticket sale gets us close to the £10,000 we receive if the event sells out!”
Alan will literally be punching above his weight on December 20, as he prepares to face a formidable opponent in Germany’s David Kerkmann
Kerkmann has won every fight this year, has been victorious in 26 encounters during his career, and also competes in a heavier category than Alan at super middleweight
Alan is busy training for eight hours a day ahead of his big fight
“I’m proud to be creating a great night of boxing for the people of Derby,” he said “There will be a lot of fighters on the undercard as well And if the arena sells out, this charity will get an extra £10,000
“People who come to this event at Vaillant Live will get an amazing spectacle
“Being in the ring is really incredible I feel alive Nothing else matters There are only two things I want to worry about: the other guy’s hands ”
For more information, see @AlanJackGraves on Facebook To share the video, see https://www facebook com/share/v/1APdnN8cvK/
n There is also a pair of ringside tickets up for grabs by silent auction
Sealed bids can be sent to PO Box 8204 Derby DE19NX by Sunday, November 30.
Main picture: Alan Graves Jr in the ring with proud dad Alan and (above) grandma Joyce.
The Common Touch...
WE ARE really entering the winter season now and this means there are actually lots of things to do on site This could be coppicing, hedge laying or orchard tree pruning
Lots of woodland management is done in the winter; the opportunity arises as the trees are becoming more dormant Essentially, they are taking a winter nap
This time of year can often make us feel like we want to be more dormant, too, staying inside cosy and warm, having a nap
Getting out in the woodland and taking part in a volunteering session managing our woods – even in the cold – is great for your mental health It can feel really satisfying looking at a freshly laid hedge, knowing you re helping the trees regenerate in spring
Thinking of mental health we might consider what things we can let go of in our own lives like a tree loses its leaves Winter is a time to focus on what is important to us in our own lives and for some personal reflection
We’ll do some reflection as a co-operative project at our Annual General Meeting on Saturday, December 13 We have several spaces on the board for some new members to step up and help us plan for the next phase of Whistlewood
The bring and share lunch at these events is always worth turning up for and there are always interesting people and new ideas and plans to be made
We run our co-op on sociocracy principles which requires participation and consent decision making from the community we’ve created It uses a circular working system of interlinked decision-making groups, rather than hierarchical systems
Please contact us through our Instagram or Facebook pages if you want to be part of our interesting governance system
There’s a new ‘People Care’ circle forming to join as well, which links to one of the three Permaculture ethics which Whistlewood Co-op is based on This is a re-focus for our project – we’ve certainly worked on and achieved a lot of ‘Earth Care’ over the past decade
The other ethic is ‘Fair Shares and obviously they all intersect as well like a Venn diagram Circles are a fantastic shape to focus on, a supportive shape which also reflects the cyclical nature of our seasons
Let’s celebrate winter together in all its glory – KATHERINE PARRISH
WALKING TO HELP PUDSEY
CHILDREN in Melbourne stepped up to the fundraising challenge when their whole school went out for a walk
All pupils at Melbourne Junior School stepped out of their classrooms, put on their coats and hats,
and went out for a Pudsey Ramble for Children in Need
This was the school’s fifth whole school ramble and it raised £436 in donations for the BBC Children in Need appeal.
Councillors are ‘turkeys voting for Christmas’
COUNCILLORS of all parties and authorities have been facing huge decisions with the biggest re-organisation of local government in many years now stepping up pace
One South Derbyshire District Councillor used the expression ‘turkeys voting for Christmas’ to describe the decision facing them at an extraordinary council meeting in November to decide which of four new local authority options best suited the district
Meanwhile, councillors at Derbyshire County Council will be asked to consider a proposal for one authority for the whole of Derby and Derbyshire at its next meeting on November 13
At the extraordinary South Derbyshire District Council meeting, one councillor said there was no public mandate for this change; it was a “topdown diktat” and was “centralisation being passed off as reform”
Dr Justin Ives, Chief Executive Officer for SDDC, set out the various options which were being presented without recommendation, as he believed it was for elected members to decide
Leader of the controlling Labour group, Cllr Robert Pearson, had clearly wrestled with the decision, which he described as of significant consequence He admitted that local government reform was not the preferred option, and he said the two-tier approach had served us well for over 50 years Nonetheless the Government had made clear the need to move to unitary authorities, which would bring financial benefits and provide a simpler and single point of contact for services
All four options set before the council joined South Derbyshire with Derby City and Erewash Two, however, had Amber Valley joining the new Northern Unitary Authority (Options A and A1), a third, Option B had all of Amber Valley join the Southern Authority and a fourth (B1) had only some parishes of Amber Valley join the South There was also a fifth option – not to support any of the proposals
Cllr Pearson set out the choice the controlling group had made, which was for Option B He outlined that this option was the best for residents of South Derbyshire as it enabled sustained growth, it enabled Derby City to grow in all directions and it was the least complex and deliverable route He said this was not a decision made lightly and he proposed that a letter should go to the Minister outlining the concerns about the potential erosion of the local voice and the reservations many shared
Cllr Amy Wheelton (Independent) outlined her reasons for objecting She pointed out that 62% of South Derbyshire respondents to the consultation had disagreed with the unitary proposals She also highlighted the overall cost of the reform would be £400 million, and there was a question as to whether pension costs had been part of the financial considerations She predicted a rise in
by Frank Hughes and Lucy Stephens
council tax for South Derbyshire residents, and the “cold hard truth” was that those with socioeconomic disadvantage will be negatively impacted She also drew attention to the negative impact on the 80% of Derbyshire residents who live in rural areas
Despite ‘Against’ votes from almost all opposition councillors the vote was won by the controlling Labour group
After the vote, the mood in the council chamber seemed to change when the realisation hit that they had indeed just voted for the end of the district council as an entity, and probably, for many, the prelude to the end of political life
Over the summer, the county council – meanwhile - asked local people and partner organisations for their views on three options for reducing 10 councils in Derbyshire to two – one for the north of the county and one for the south including the city It also began detailed and independent analysis of the benefits, costs and risks of each option by comparing them against those of a single unitary council for the whole of Derby and Derbyshire
A statement from Derbyshire County Council said financial analysis showed the single council option was the most cost-effective by “a huge margin” – saving at least an extra £100m over the first six years compared to each of the twocouncil options and at least an extra £20m every year from then onwards
Feedback from residents, businesses and partners on the options put forward by the county council for creating two new unitary councils showed more people were opposed to them than were in favour and there was significant concern about splitting the county into more than one authority
Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor Alan Graves said: “Central government’s major reorganisation of local councils across the country means we are facing decisions that will affect the way local services are run for years to come It’s vital that we make the right decision to simplify the system, make it more efficient and cut costs
“As the council providing the largest proportion of services in the area and managing the largest budget, we’re confident that our data analysis is realistic, credible and deliverable From these findings and feedback from residents, businesses and local partners, it’s clear that creating a single unitary council covering the whole of Derby and Derbyshire is in the best interests of all residents and businesses in the area ”
Government is expected to carry out a statutory consultation on all submitted proposals early in 2026
NEW APPEAL ON HOMES PLAN
KINGS Newton residents have been notified of a new appeal concerning a long-running planning application to build houses on Trent Lane
Last year the appeal in Melbourne and Ticknall raised a grand total of £13,348 including a contribution from Rolls-Royce Local people have been thanked for their generous support
Plans to build two homes on the land at Trent Lane have been rumbling on with a previous application already refused by committee and again at appeal.
Residents have until November 24 to comment on the proposals for two homes on the lane after a fresh appeal was launched in October.
A new application was then submitted which was again refused – and a second appeal has now been launched
The latest application was turned down on the basis it was “unacceptable development” on Trent Lane and caused harm to a conservation area
CHICK Whiting, Simon Gotheridge and Kevin Iliffe are pictured busy collecting for this year ’s Poppy Appeal at Sainsbury’s in Melbourne.
MP helps give teaching a breath of fresh air
SOUTH Derbyshire MP Samatha Niblett has been helping Weston-on-Trent Primary School pupils take more lessons in the fresh air after opening their new Forest School.
The 148-pupil school on Forrester Avenue welcomed the local MP to officially cut the ribbon on its latest Forest School area that has been created in a playing field
The inclusive space has been kitted out so pupils can enjoy regular lessons out there, practising core learning skills such as maths and reading with the natural world as inspiration
This is the second Forest School area that has been created at Weston Primary, with the MP also cutting the ribbon on a new yurt during her visit
Samantha was given a tour of the school by eager pupils who got the chance to hear about the life of an MP during a Collective Worship on the theme of democracy
Head teacher Mark Hibbert said: “We were delighted that our MP Samantha took the time to come and visit Weston Primary School and do us the honour of opening our new Forest School
“At Weston it is important to us to allow our pupils to thrive by offering inclusive spaces where they
by Lucy Stephens
can learn in the best way possible
“All our pupils get the opportunity to enjoy learning in our Forest School and with our new yurt, willow tunnel, Viking tent, pots, pans, camp fire and huge tyre –along with so many other things –there is so much for them to get stuck into and enjoy
“We’re very grateful to our Diocese for providing funding for our new spaces and to the whole team at Weston for working so hard to create these fantastic areas Children learn best when they are relaxed and engaged and I know how much they will enjoy learning in these new spaces – bringing that enthusiasm back into the classroom too ”
The MP said she had been “blown away” by her visit to the school: “Weston-on-Trent Primary School is a wonderful inclusive environment where they bring the outdoors inside The children are getting the chance to play and learn in this new Forest School – I saw a maths class taking place outside
“This is a wonderful, calm school led by an incredible head teacher who
“AT the going down of the sun, and in the morning, We will remember them … ”
Those words once more echoed around Melbourne’s War Memorial on Sunday, November 9, as a large crowd assembled to remember those fallen in conflict.
As part of Remembrance Sunday wreaths were laid by many community groups, organisations, councils, schools, churches and in memory of those sadly lost.
The notes of The Last Post and Reveille shimmered over the crowd, the two-minute silence was solemnly held, a hymn was sung and prayers said
Gravestones poser for councillors
NOVEMBER’S Melbourne Parish Council meeting was mostly business as usual, with delivery groups chasing progress on new CCTV for the village, refurbishment of the cemetery chapel, listing all the Heritage Assets, relocating parish maps and sorting the Thomas Cook gardens.
One issue that did raise eyebrows was the quote from stonemasons to make repairs to cemetery headstones After “wobble testing” headstones, contacting families, and then laying down dangerous ones, the council has now been told that headstones lying flat on the ground are a trip hazard and will all have to be raised
One councillor summed it up saying “we’ve gone stark raving mad!”
The outcome was to get in further quotes and then seek advice from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management
Another tricky issue to tackle is the proliferation of A frame advertising on narrow pavements
Councillors had been receiving complaints that these were causing obstructions for pedestrians, mobility scooters, prams and pushchairs
Whilst the council recognised the need for businesses to advertise, and they had also installed planters in several locations, the complaints did need to be addressed The highways group were asked to give the matter further consideration
A member of the public addressed the council about problems she and her friend had encoun-
by Frank Hughes
tered walking their dogs She asked if the speed limit could be reduced and/or if the verges there could be lowered on Breach Lane
“It’s an accident waiting to happen” she said, with big trucks and lorries regularly using the road and electric cars so silent you can’t hear them approach
Chair Cllr Andy Dawson sympathised with the problem and said that the council had previously asked for the speed limit to be reduced only to have that solution turned down It was agreed that the highways group would be given the task of considering what options there might be and then liaise with the county council
Arrangements for the Late Night Lights
Switch-On are progressing well The event is on Friday, December 5, starting mid-afternoon, with the lights turned on at 6pm
As usual there will be food stalls, local businesses open, Holland fair rides, Melbourne Town Band and an appearance from Santa Claus
There will also be a lantern procession along Church Street by local school children to coincide with the lighting-up time Parents who would like their children to take part are asked to contact the clerk to the parish council Roads will be closed from 3pm and re-open at 9pm
Thanks for stamps
HUGE thanks to Village Voice readers and fellow hoarders who collected their used stamps for the RNIB during the past year
Please do not be deterred from collecting now that stamps are barcoded, and sometimes marked by pen Do remember to leave at least 1cm of paper around them and, if posting, please check the price at the Post Office
There are fewer stamped envelopes these days and the price of posting is high, but we are still managing to collect significant quantities for this worthy charity
Happy Christmas from Jean Grimley, Hoarder in Chief, of 37 Sweet Leys Way, Melbourne, DERBY DE73 8LE and Jane Lakin, who spends hours patiently sorting, trimming and posting
Solar power query
Would
