SLIMLINE TONIC FOR GAIL
ONCE she was called ‘Gail the Whale’ – now Gail Potts from Melbourne is taking on her own Slimming World group after an emotional journey that has seen her go down five dress sizes
Gail, 54, is re-launching the group this month after a lifetime of struggling with her weight
Losing her beloved husband
Dave in 2019, followed by a breast cancer diagnosis two years later, made her focus on her health and now she says she feels “fitter, happier and healthier” than ever
Gail told how her relationship with food was shaped by years of low self-esteem, made worse by cruel teasing at school
“I was often called “Gail the Whale”,' she said
“Those words really hurt and stayed with me for years, making me feel ashamed of my body and turning to food for comfort ”
Like many others, Gail tried every fad diet and slimming club going, but nothing seemed to stick
Her weight had gone up to 19 stone 1lb and she wore size 24/26
by Lucy Stephens
clothes; her health was suffering too
But by September 2024, she had got down to 14 stone 3 5lbs and a size 20/22, and she turned to Liz Foster ’s Slimming World group in Chellaston for support
She said: “I was so nervous, but Liz and the group welcomed me with open arms and a big smile
“I couldn’t believe how easy the Food Optimising plan was – I could enjoy so many of my favourite foods that I enjoyed before starting the plan, just with little tweaks – curries, risotto, roast dinners, burgers nothing was off limits and I never felt hungry!”
With the encouragement of her group, Gail lost four stone 7 5lbs in less than seven months, reaching her target weight of 9 stone 10lbs in April this year
She dropped five dress sizes and now wears a comfortable size 10/12
“I feel fitter, healthier, and hapContinued on Page 3
Festival helps celebrate church’s anniversary
MELBOURNE Parish Church’s Patronal Festival, honouring St Michael, celebrated the church’s 900th anniversary with a wonderful and well-attended service
Many former clergy members, who ministered in the parish for well over the past five decades, returned for the occasion on September 25.
Preceded by a ring of 12 bells, during which the choir supported the worship with singing of the highest quality, the service was presided over by The Bishop of Derby, The Right Revd Libby Lane
It was also attended by The Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, The High Sheriff of Derbyshire, representatives of local organisations, congregation members and friends from across Melbourne Benefice
Prayers of thanks recalled all those who had gone before in the building over nine centuries.
Bishop Libby also urged the congregation to look forward to how we will live our lives and offer ourselves as a church community now and in the future
The event was followed by a very relaxed and enjoyable reception in the Dower House garden, courtesy of William and Griselda Kerr
Another important church event occurred on October 4 with the Collation of the Rev'd Canon Rosemary Donovan as Vicar for the Parish. Collation is the formal term for the occasion when a new member of the clergy is formally welcomed to the new post
ABOVE: Bishop Libby with present and previous clergy at the festival, and (right) at the reception in the Dower House garden
So, just who is going to govern us?
ONE of the biggest changes to the way we are governed at a local level is potentially only months away, yet few people seem to understand what it is happening
Dr Justin Ives, Chief Executive of South Derbyshire District Council, is leading the Co-ordination Group for the change, and he spoke to Village Voice about the restructuring
He is uniquely qualified for the role, too, as this will be the third Local Government reform he has been involved in, having seen changes in Durham in 2008 and in North Yorkshire in 2023
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He explained that the changes are a result of central government’s strategy to end support for two-tier councils (as we have in South Derbyshire with county and city or district councils) and to have unitary authorities of around 500,000 population across the country, as presently exist in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and other parts of England
In Derbyshire this will mean scrapping the county council, the city council and other district and borough councils and merging them into two new authorities, one each for north and south of the county
Options for the way the split takes place have been carefully considered against a range of criteria laid down by Government, and three options were put out for consultation earlier this year, with 7,000 residents responding (around 0 6% of the county’s population)
The responses have now been considered, and a report is being prepared to put to the councils early in November, along with potentially a new fourth option, for a political decision to be made South Derbyshire seems destined to join with the City, Erewash and parts of Amber Valley, although this is not finally decided at present
Among the likely impacts of the reform will be the substantial cost of the changes Dr Ives was clear that he was not able to give any figures before the report went before the council However, separate research shows a recent report from Price Waterhouse has put the total cost over five years at £2 162 billion – averaging out at approx-
by Frank Hughes
imately £103 million for each of the 21 authorities
It is also clear that the number of councillors representing individual wards will significantly decrease Dr Ives pointed out that the Boundary Commission has previously indicated there should be no more than 100 councillors for the new councils At present there are nearly 450 councillors representing constituents on the current councils
It is expected that there will be savings made to set against the initial costs, but again Dr Ives was not in a position to provide detail at this time He outlined that there will be savings from senior leadership salary costs, as there will be fewer senior management positions in the new authorities There will be fewer buildings too, providing opportunities to rationalise services
Asked about the timetable for change, Dr Ives said that after the extraordinary council meeting on November 4, the final reorganisation proposals will be submitted Early in 2026 there will be statutory consultation and a decision on the preferred option made before the summer recess of Parliament In May 2027 there will be “shadow” elections for the authority, and the old and new councils will run in parallel until April 1, 2028, when the new authority will fully take over
One leading consultancy on communications in the public sector (Westco) has recently published an article which said there was “no clear majority for structural change: support for abolishing district/county councils in favour of unitary authorities stands at roughly one-quarter of the public, while a larger share leans toward the status quo” –quoting polling data from early 2025
The SDDC council meeting on November 4, which will be open to the public, will be very important in deciding how reorganisation will take place, and what are the likely impacts Locally Cllr Matthew Gotheridge has said he would like to hear the views of residents in advance of the meeting to represent their views
MELBOURNE Wakes has once more come to town – and crowds were enjoying themselves on Friday, October 10, when your Village Voice reporter went down for a visit.
As night fell there were already hundreds there enjoying the delights of Extreme, the Sizzler and the Dodgems, with the trusty teacups meaning younger visitors enjoyed a taste of the rides, too
2,000 jobs to go at county council
MOVES to shed 2,000 jobs from Derbyshire County Council are already underway and necessary to stave off bankruptcy – its leader and local ward representative has told Village Voice
Cllr Alan Graves, the Reform Party leader at the county council – and representative for Aston ward – said it was necessary for the authority to lose a fifth of its workforce in order to stay financially afloat
He said work was already being done to lose the staff over the next 18 months, and agency staff were the first in line
The council, whose headquarters is based in Matlock, has around 10,000 employees
Cllr Graves said that senior council officers had told councillors that compared with comparable authorities Derbyshire was 20 per cent overstaffed
“It’s very clear that we need to lose 20 per cent of our staffing arrangements,” he said
“If we don’t do something, we would go bank-
rupt ”
He added: “We are very clear it’s not to impact seriously on services ”
Cllr Graves indicated that roles in middle management would be targeted and not frontline staff
“We’ve already made some changes,” he said, “ but we have got a long way to go
“If we don’t make it happen, the council will go bust and the taxpayers will be a lot more affected ”
Unison representatives have hit back, saying they do not accept that the council is overstaffed
Unison’s Dave Ratchford said: “We have asked repeatedly for the evidence supporting what are some fairly outlandish and superficial claims but we haven't had any evidence whatsoever provided to us
At the moment, we have zero evidence and so therefore we ' ve got no choice but to consign it to the same folder as the flat Earth theory and the faked moon landings ”
Gail’s slimline tonic
Continued from Page 1 pier than I ever have,” she said Gail’s journey wasn’t without challenges Just three weeks after reaching her target, she underwent a hysterectomy and emergency bowel surgery Thanks to her improved health and determination to stick to Food Optimising, Gail recovered quickly and maintained her weight
“I truly believe Slimming World helped me bounce back,” she said
Now a proud target member, Gail follows the Slim for Life plan to maintain her weight and continues to attend group every Friday: “The support is amazing – we share recipes, ideas, and have so much fun together There’s never any judgement, just understanding and encouragement We’re like a little family ”
This summer, Gail felt confident enough to wear a bikini on holiday for the first time in years
“Slimming World has given me my confidence back,” she said “If I can do it, anyone can!”
Inspired by her own transformation, Gail is excited to start her own Slimming World group in Castle Donington, helping others achieve their dreams
She said: “If you’re struggling with your weight, please come along – you’ll find a friendly, supportive group who will cheer you on every step of the way ” Gail’s Slimming World group relaunches on Tuesday, October 21, and will meet every Tuesday at 5pm and 6 30pm at the Castle Donington Community Hub
l Gail features on the cover of the Slimming World magazine
Everyone is welcome to just pop along to either session, or for more information contact Gail on 07845 238022 or at slimmingworldwithgail@hotmail com or find her on Facebook and Instagram
PROPOSALS for a threeacre haulage park in Swarkestone with room for 27 lorries have been lodged with planners – despite the site operating for nearly two years without permission
The site on Barrow Lane is already being used as a haulage storage yard and base for a nationwide logistics business
A planning statement accompanying the proposals said: “The land has been used as a haulage yard for approximately 22 months; however this use unfortunately did not have the benefit of planning permission.”
It went on to say: “The applicants AT Haulage Ltd operate a nationwide logistics and transport company who are based at Litchurch Lane, Derby “However, that site reached capacity, leaving the company with an immediate need for a satellite site, hence the use of the land at Barrow Lane ”
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Quiz night for charity funds
MELBOURNE charity me&dee
is inviting the public to get their best thinking caps on to raise funds to help families where a life-limiting illness has been diagnosed
Next month the charity is holding its last quiz night of the year at Melbourne Sporting Partnership With Saffron Catering doing the food, there will be a festive theme with turkey and cranberry cobs, salt and pepper potato wedges and mince pies
The charity is looking for teams of up to six people to test their knowledge against the quiz master while raising funds for the charity
The event will be held on Tuesday, November 18, and will include a ‘Heads & Tails’ ice breaker and raffle
The cost is £10 per person for teams of up to six, and food included
Doors open at 6pm with food served at 6 15pm and the quiz starting at 7 15pm
For more information go to events@meanddee co uk or call 01332 297 011 to secure your place
Future stars shine brightly
THE FRIENDS of Melbourne Parish Church billed their Festival Fringe concert as “Stars of the Future” and few in the audience were left in any doubt that these young musicians were destined for glittering careers
It was a fabulous concert with some quite extraordinary moments, writes FRANK HUGHES
The programme started with Mozart’s Duo in G major (K423) with Graham Oppenheimer on viola and 21-year-old Yixuan Kassia Ren on violin She is from China and studying at the Royal College of Music in London Graham described the piece as friendly and fun, and the two of them played out the dialogue between the two instruments with amazing accomplishment
Next was the debut of the Šuma Quartet, featuring Kassia, Pavla Bedřichová (violin), Connor Quigley
(viola) and Gabriel Webb (cello) playing Beethoven String Quartet in C minor (opus18 no 4) The piece was written at the turn of the 19th century with turmoil and revolution in Europe
The performance left the audience quite breathless at the end of the final Allegro movement, played at a prestissimo tempo, a wild romp with phrases switching between the minor and the major key, and the minor winning triumphantly in the end
At the outset, organiser Gordon Hughes promised “a world premier of some sort” and, as the debut for this young quartet, that performance will linger long in the memory
After the interval the entire ensemble, joined by Ben Matson, another RCM student of the cello, treated us to a “Souvenir de Florence” by Tchaikovsky Introducing the piece, Graham described it as dramatic and en-
ergetic, using short excerpts as examples
The four movements seemed to be packed with melodies, beautiful and sentimental vibrato from the violins, haunting hymn-like themes; echoes of Cossacks riding horses across windy Russian Steppes and folk tunes with fairy-like steps from pizzicato violas A musical banquet, which made you wonder just what the composer had got up to in Florence!
A packed church thoroughly enjoyed the music and the occasion “One of the best ever concerts we have put on,” as one audience member put it
Two more “Friends” events are planned: November 6, when Minima will be accompanying the silent film The Phantom of the Opera, and on December 5 there is a jazz night with the Alan Barnes Octet performing “A Jazz Christmas Carol”
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
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LEFT: Yixuan Kassia Ren on violin with Graham Oppenheimer on the viola.
ABOVE: The Suma Quartet with Ben Matson.
Celebrating 50 years of making the right moves
by Lucy Stephens
IT’S been 50 years of top moves in Melbourne as a local dance school celebrated half a century in the town
Founders Paul and Julia launched Oakden Dance Academy in 1975 with their first classes for adults at what is now the Assembly Rooms
Things have stayed in the family ever since with daughter Mandy Gregory having taken over running the school – which she still does today – and her daughter, Charlotte, running classes too
Can Mandy believe it’s been 50 years?
“No!” she said, adding: “I just enjoy it!”
Paul and Julia Oakden first started teaching dance to adults in Barrow-upon-Trent in the early 1970s, after meeting at classes in Chellaston
With people from Melbourne starting to attend, Oakden opened up in the town and has been running here ever since
In its early days Oakden was just catering for adults but moved into teaching children with the release of the seminal 1977 film Saturday Night Fever and the increasing popularity of disco
Mandy said: “Everybody wanted to learn the routines in that!”
Julia Oakden duly sent off for Saturday Night Fever dance routines and children began going along on Saturday mornings, keen to be able to strut their stuff like John Travolta
Today, Oakden Dance Academy still thrives with around 240 children on its books and classes in Hilton, Tutbury, Willington and Melbourne
Around 70 young people of different ages from Melbourne go along every Saturday to learn how to dance
“It’s really popular still,” said Mandy “People don’t leave!”
How does she account for its success?
“I think we make it friendly,” she said “We aren’t strict People pay when they come We don’t have kids here who don’t want to be here All the kids who come want to be here I think we are parent friendly ”
With children staying on at Oakden for years, some have gone on to professional careers using their dance
TOP: Members of Oakden Dance Academy striking a pose as the school celebrates its 50th birthday in Melbourne.
ABOVE: The Oakden Dance float from the 2023 carnival procession.
Night of storytelling
VILLAGE Voice readers are being invited to join ordinary people from Aston and Weston-on-Trent – and London – for an evening of storytelling as part of a campaign to keep a historic church open
The night is being held on October 25 in the village hall in Weston by Friends of St Mary The Virgin Church Organisers are promising ‘live and uncensored’ true stories telling the deeply personal events from people’s lives, told as they were experienced
Entertainment includes:
n From the Emerald Isle, Jimmy Flynn (yes, that’s his real name!) tells about how a deer dropped into his lap; witnessed a car accident with surprising consequences; and meeting the
Dalai Lama without realising it
n Donna Empson will share the deeply personal story of how the diagnosis of her husband with Parkinson’s Disease affected family life
n Fast forward decades later, and Joe Empson will tell the uplifting story of how pioneering brain surgery has hugely reduced his symptoms of Parkinson’s (much to his family’s relief)
n Reminiscent of ‘Carry on Matron’, Mark Cummings will relay a risqué story from his career as a nurse
There will be a licensed bar, snacks and a raffle Starting from 7 30pm, the event costs £10
Tickets can be obtained at Aston Post Office or stmaryschurchwardenwot25@gmail com
skills Oakden graduates have worked in cruise ships, holiday parks and hotels, and twice a year students undertake exams through the International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA)
For Mandy, it’s just as rewarding now as it was when she first got her professional dance teaching qualifications aged 21
“Some people now have been coming for 15 years!” she said “I just think it’s fun ”
the
topper was put on display ahead of the show’s launch on October 8 … and it even made the television news!
The topper was featured on BBC East Midlands Today where reporter Anna Church congratulated Margaret on her “beautiful postbox topper”
Teacher led quality day care for babies and young children in a stimulating environment where learning is fun.
Open 7.30am - 6.00pm Monday to Friday sfunded essions available Places available for babies from 12 weeks to 5 years old
THE Celebrity Traitors series launched on TV this month – and a slice of the action has been spotted on a post box in Ticknall
Created by Margaret Upton,
brilliant
Crow time
The Artisan Show
IN THE UK
Welcome to the Christmas Artisan Show at STAUNTON HAROLD HALL
Winter Show - November 7th - 9th & 14th -16th 10am - 4pm
SCARECROWS popping up in gardens and street corners have once again created a feelgood weekend – and raised important funds for charity too
This was the second year that Weston Scarecrow Trail has taken place in the village since Covid, and it brought out the inner crafting skills of many residents
With 30 scarecrows in total along a variety of themes – often topical – the charity event in October was organised by local mums Kate Todd and Lisa Ireland.
Many people enjoyed the trail plus refreshments in the local village hall
The whole event raised nearly £1,000 to be
split between the village hall and the children’s mental health charity Bridge the Gap
Clear winner of the public vote for best scarecrow went to a depiction from the film ‘Wicked’ which even featured a yellow brick road (pictured bottom left)
Lisa said: “We’re really appreciative of how the village came together We can’t run an event without people creating the scarecrows – the feedback has been amazing.
“That lovely feel that we are bringing back to Weston-on-Trent, we really appreciate that people have got on board with that ”
Graffiti clues to our past
A POSSIBLE early representation of ‘cancel culture’ might be in evidence at a church in Aston after being uncovered in a fascinating medieval history investigation
crosses: Ts, Ms and Ws – the latter of which are known as ‘Marian’ symbols, associated with the Virgin Mary
Surveyors said: “Someone got very enthusiastic on one pew, creating a whole line of Ws ”
Over at St Mary the Virgin Church in Weston, surveyors found a lot to get excited about in the porch, which they described as rich in initials, dates and Marian marks dating back as early as 1648
Come and enjoy a truly magical festive shopping experience, inside the impressive Staunton Harold Hall this November. The family of the Hall have kindly opened their doors once again this Christmas to welcome you all into their beautiful family home. This is an incredible opportunity for you to come and experience the stunning grade I Georgian mansion usually closed to the public. Many of the rooms will be beautifully decorated, themed and filled with carefully selected artisans and makers from across the country, showcasing British craftsmanship at its finest. BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL FOR THIS EVENT AS TICKETS ARE LIMITED. We advise booking early to avoid disappointment for this truly magical event. Admission is £10 per adult and £5 per child - under 5s free. For further information please visit the Artisan Show website.
Armed with powerful lights, cameras and recording forms, volunteers from the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Medieval Graffiti Survey paid a visit to parish churches in Aston and Weston on Trent as part of a wide survey investigating centuries-old marks scratched into walls, columns and pews
Surveyors found some great examples including, in Aston, a strange mark that could be interpreted as an early example of being ‘cancelled’
The church is home to four similar marks – described by surveyors as “curious ‘pecked’ circles” that have not been seen elsewhere
Volunteers suggested that they may be evidence of a person’s name or initials having been removed, an early form of ‘being cancelled’
Other graffiti seen in All Saints’ Church in Aston includes masons’ marks, finely executed initials – dating back as far as 1646 and 1696 –and some early dates, with a hand outline on the wall of the church’s ringing floor
There are also drawings of ‘nets’ on the tower arch, which are perhaps ‘apotropaic’ – intended to entrap evil
Along the pews at Aston there are also many
They found two hand outlines – one of which is likely to have been a child – plus an upright human figure with what could be fashionable puff sleeves
There is a ‘daisy wheel – another evil-entrapping, apotropaic symbol – inscribed on a pew
Group member Andy Hoe said: “Churches are fascinating repositories for these ancient marks, giving an insight into medieval social history
Data from all the churches we survey will go into a database adding to our understanding of past generations
“Aston History group and both churches have a photographic and documented copy of our survey so why not discover for yourself this fascinating record of past lives
“And when you visit a church or a medieval building keep your eyes peeled, you never know what you will find ”
LEFT: The ‘daisy wheel’ at Weston ABOVE: The Aston ‘cancel culture’ marking.
Stitches in Time tapestry
ANOTHER highlight of Melbourne Festival this year was the display of the Stitches in Time Tapestry which, like the famous Bayeux Tapestry, is a historical representation in textiles of all the 12 villages in the area
Melbourne Civic Society managed to borrow the tapestry for the display. The banner for Melbourne represents the Birdcage at Melbourne Hall, the Market Place, the former shoe and market gardening activities and the churches
It was created in 1991 in collaboration with designer and textile artist Fiona Goodwin. The Melbourne banner is pictured right with (left) the ones from Ticknall (top) and Stanton by Bridge (bottom)
Councils’ appeal on new homes plan
OCTOBER’S Melbourne Parish Council meeting was addressed by the leaders of Breedon and Long Whatton and Diseworth councils to make residents aware of the Isley Woodhouse planning application, which would bring 4,250 new homes to the area south of the A453 They wished to encourage residents to object to the proposals given the scale of the development and the impact it will have across neighbouring areas
Cllr Ray Morris from Breedon said that this development and the Freeport proposals would bring many more traffic movements to the area Phase 1 of the Freeport plan would bring some additional 200 vehicle movements in peak hours; add to that the fact that 78% of
by Frank Hughes
the 4500 new households will have at least one car, the cumulative impact will be too great, he suggested
Objections to the proposals need to be lodged before October 26 and to facilitate locals making representations they had set up a new website www stopisleywoodhouse co uk where help is available to formulate a response
The local police also addressed the meeting, and reported briefly on some of the most recent incidents in the village
They had been dealing with vehicle thefts, and had attended an incident on Derby Road, which had been highlighted on social media
They also assured one councillor that there would be a presence at the Wakes fair
In other matters the issues of parking had several mentions, notably parking outside the MSP during a busy weekend recently, instances of parking on double yellow lines, and inconsiderate parking during Melbourne Festival weekend
There was also a gentle plea to property owners where trees or hedges are overgrowing onto pathways to use the autumn season to cut them back to keep walkways clear
Finally, amongst other council business, it was agreed there was a need to reach a conclusion on the chapel refurbishment, which councillors felt was dragging on The delivery group was asked to consider the options and make a recommen-
SOLAR FARMS OPPOSED
DERBYSHIRE County Council leaders have voiced their solidarity with residents opposing large scale solar farms on fields near their homes – including proposals for one near Twyford Councillors at the Matlock-based authority voted at an October meeting to oppose developments for solar farms and battery energy storage systems (BESS) on greenfield sites
Council leader Cllr Alan Graves, who represents Aston-on-Trent, proposed a motion regarding large solar farms and BESS systems, citing several planning applications which have been put to South Derbyshire District Council including at Arleston Lane
As reported in last month’s Village Voice, the single track country lane near Twyford is at the centre of a proposal for a solar farm and BESS on eight agricultural fields, that would be the size of 80 football pitches if granted
Residents living metres from the proposals have said they are not against green power but cannot understand why the farm should be built on agricultural land in the countryside
Cllr Graves’ motion – which was passed at a
full council meeting on October 8 – means that the county council has recorded its opposition in principle to “ the development of large-scale solar farms and battery energy storage systems on greenfield sites in South Derbyshire”
It also expresses “ solidarity with local residents and parish councils who have raised concerns about the impact of these proposals”
Talking to Village Voice, Cllr Graves said it would be far better to put solar panels in other places such as on the roofs of houses in new developments and brownfield sites
He said the proposals for Arleston Lane were “horrendous” for a small community of residents living along the narrow road
As part of the motion Derbyshire County Council has made its position clear to South Derbyshire District Council – the body responsible for planning decisions – as well as local MPs and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero As well as Arleston Lane there are currently planning applications for solar farms at Oaklands Farm near Rosliston, Stenson Lane and Egginton
The Phantom ofthe Opera
with music by Minima
Beneath the sewers of the Paris Opera House dwells a masked gure. e Phantom, a hideously dis gured composer whose dream is to turn chorus singer Christine into a diva. Lon Chaney, the “Man of a ousand Faces”, dominates this classic adaptation of the 1910 novel. His ghastly make-up and outrageous performance made e Phantom of the Opera one of the great classics of American silent lm.
Melbourne Parish Church Thursday 6 November 2025, 7.30 pm
“Minima are one of the leading bands accompanying silent lm in Europe.” (Barbican Centre, London)
“Minima’s spine-tingling music clung to each twist of the movie… spellbinding accompaniment.” ( e Guardian)
dation for an extraordinary full council meeting to approve
“Minima turned the 1925 Phantom of the Opera into an immersive and gripping emotional experience.” (Swansea International Festival) Tickets £15 (£10 under 18s) from Creative Melbourne Gallery on Church Street or scan the QR code.
Flourishing lives, rooted in God, nurturing all.
Is your child starting school in Autumn 2026?
Come along to one of our open day or evening sessions to see our wonderful and happy school in action and find out about the opportunities we offer for every child to succeed.
Thurs. 16th October 1pm - 3pm
Sat. 1st November 9am - 11am Tues. 4th November 1pm - 3pm
Wed.12th November 5pm - 6.30pm
Frid. 28th November 9am - 11am
Please call or email the school office to book a place or arrange a visit.
We are also accepting admissions for all other year groups, please contact us for further information.
We pride ourselves in being a school that nurtures the seeds of potential in every child, enabling them to grow and flourish into their own unique contribution to the world. We have a happy, caring and supportive learning environment with our own school dog, small class sizes, an abundance of space, weekly forest school sessions and daily school-led wrap around provision from 7:45am - 5:30pm.
This is a GOOD school where pupils ‘go into school happy and come out happy.’ Ofsted November 2022
‘The ambitious curriculum balances academic rigour with a sense of belonging.’
‘Parents rightly appreciate the discrete, personalised care that they and their children receive.’ SIAMS January 2025
St Hardulph’s C of E Primary School, Main Street, Breedon on the Hill, DE73 8AN
Email: office@st-hardulphs.leics.sch.uk Tel: 01332 862572
Website: www.st-hardulphs.leics.sch.uk
Headteacher: Mrs Kelly Ellis
LOFTY PRICE TAGS FOR FORGOTTEN PAINTINGS
Remembrance Day service
THOSE wishing to take part in Remembrance Sunday this year are being advised how they can lay a wreath and be included in rehearsals for the event
The British Legion is holding its usual open air service at Melbourne Memorial on Church Square on Remembrance Day, Sunday, November
9
The parade will muster at the legion at 10 20am with the route passing down Derby Road and Church Street, leading to Melbourne Parish Church
There will be a designated area specifically for the public, to enable the parade to enter Church Square
safely, and the service will start at around 10 55am
Anyone wishing to lay a wreath should contact branch president
David Worrall on 0780 170 9492 as soon as possible
All wreaths ordered will be hand delivered to the relevant organisations or individuals before the event
Anyone laying a wreath should be aware that the wreaths will be laid ‘in order ’ and that they will need to be positioned accordingly
After the service the parade will return to the Royal British Legion via Castle Square, Potter Street and Derby Road whereupon an informal concert will be given by Melbourne Town Band
Road closures will take place
A rehearsal regarding the procedure for the open-air service will be held at 11 15am on Saturday, November 8, in Church Square
The legion invites and encourages anyone who intends to take part, or who wishes to know more about the parade, to attend
In addition, at 11am on Tuesday, November 11, a short Service of Remembrance will also take place at the Melbourne War Memorial
Meanwhile, The British Legion’s Melbourne branch AGM will take place on Wednesday, October 29 at 8pm in the Royal Suite of the Royal British Legion Club on 87 Derby Road, Melbourne
MELBOURNE auctioneer Irita
Marriott has helped a house seller make cash in the attic after two forgotten paintings reached way over their estimates
Irita discovered the paintings in a loft while conducting a house clearance in Wales
Not only did the seller have no idea the paintings were there, they went on to make hundreds of pounds at auction
The paintings were found during filming for the new series of ‘The Derbyshire Auction House’, which airs on the Really TV channel
Irita said: “When I brought the pictures down from the attic and showed them to the seller they said ‘they're not mine, I ve never seen them before!’ They had no idea they even existed!”
The portraits, which date from the 17th/18th Century, would have originally been part of much larger pieces of artwork but at some point were cut down and
The painting of the female figure is thought to depict St Barbara, while the male figure is believed to depict Christ or St Sebastian
Both paintings went under the hammer at Irita Marriott’s auction in September
With a conservative estimate of £30£50 on each, they went for many times over that with one reaching £300 and the other – depicting the female figure – topping out at £460
One of a small number of female-run auction houses in the UK, Irita Marriott Auctioneers has celebrated two years in business this autumn
One record breaking episode of The Derbyshire Auction House, which is currently filming for its third series, saw a client make over £75,000 at auction with lots including a diamond eagle brooch which made a whopping £11,400
