March

ELDERLY people are becoming too intimidated to go into Melbourne’s cemetery because of an increase in drug dealing activity, the parish council has heard.
Council chair Sheila Hicklin told the latest meeting: “It’s just a shame that the elderly feel intimidated going into the cemetery when they are paying their respects.” She said it was “so sad that people daren’t enter the cemetery”.
The concerns are to be raised with local police. The Village Voice asked police to comment on the issue – we were told that while a small number of reports had been received on behaviour at the cemetery, they did not have evidence that drug dealing was taking place. The message is clear: if you spot drug dealing happening at the cemetery or anywhere else, report it to police. If it’s not reported, it can’t be dealt with.

Anyone interested in helping to run Melbourne’s library is invited to attend an open day on March 14.
The event is one of 20 being held across the county following the plan to transfer ownership of that number of libraries to community ownership.

Ticknall couple Rosemary and John Oliver are celebrating 65 years of marriage this month. Their rich life story is told in this month’s edition as is that of Griselda Kerr, whose first gardening book is being launched this spring.
Fifteen years in the making, her book is one she wished she had had when she took on the huge task of caring for her Dower House garden.

After 20 years at the heart of political life, Alderman John Harrison has decided to call it a day, having decided not to seek re-election to the district council in May. His is also a fascinating story that can be read in this issue of Village Voice.

Melbourne’s Male Voice Choir is singing out for help. Dwindling numbers and an ageing membership mean the choir is at serious risk of going under.
Anyone who would like to join the group is asked to get in touch. Full details can be found in our March edition.

And… on the sport front: the first team of Melbourne’s rugby club continue to show their class and dedication. Local synchronized ice skating teen Alex Lewsey is heading off to not one but two world championships this spring, and any budding young cricketers are being invited to get themselves signed up to this year’s all-stars initiative … when we first hear leather on willow, we know that summer will be here.