November...

THE nightmare that is Swarkestone Causeway could be coming to an end if Derbyshire County Council’s dream comes true. The authority is championing a strategy for the Trent Valley which includes a new crossing over the river to replace the ancient causeway.
If successful the causeway would then be put to recreational use in a bid to attract tourism into the area.
Village Voice would love to hear what our readers think of this idea.

Just down the road a 10-bed lodge-style hotel has been given the green light to be built in the car park of the Crewe & Harper pub. South Derbyshire District Council has agreed to the scheme, which had raised considerable local objection.

Three Melbourne businesses are celebrating success in high-profile competitions. Andrea Simpson, who opened a salon in Market Place earlier this year, has been named England Facial Skincare Therapist of the Year. She won the accolade in the 2019 Luxury Travel Guide Spa and Wellness Awards.
Meanwhile Dandelion Stationery has seen its greetings cards crowned winner for ‘Best Relations and Occasions range’ at a UK-wide awards ceremony in London. To help celebrate there’s a free-to-enter competition for children, courtesy of Dandelion, in which the winner will get their design produced into cards.
And Amalfi White has won the coveted ‘Best out of Town’ title at the Derby Food and Drink awards. Three cheers for Melbourne …

With the festive season fast approaching you will find the details of Santa’s annual sleigh programme in this edition, as well as how to use the local Scouts’ Stamp and Deliver scheme that benefits charity.
But this could be the last year of a real Christmas Tree in Melbourne Market Place. Parish councillors are reported to be looking at alternatives, as the cost is proving prohibitively expensive. We don’t think we have heard the last of this.

Our photographers have been busy in the past few weeks covering Wakes Week, Hallowe’en and Pumpkin Day. Don’t miss their pictures.