Melton borough people who inspired us in 2018

Asfordby pensioner Keith Chambers is reunited with his beloved cocker spaniel Suzie after she was missing for four days after being spooked by a hot air balloon in Melton Country Park EMN-181231-145527001

JANUARY

“She nearly fell out of her wheelchair, it was that much of a surprise to her.”

Clive Freeland commenting after military riders and their horses from Melton’s Defence Animal Training Regiment visited his mum, Joan Hart, on her 100th birthday.

Pc Lewis Sparling, who is succeeding his late father by serving in the Leicestershire Police force, wearing the same collar number EMN-181231-145737001

FEBRUARY

“They see the world differently to how we see it but working with these children forces you to see the world in the unique way they see it and you feel you would be missing out if you didn’t see it that way.”

Melton’s Birch Wood Area Special School head teacher, Rosalind Hopkins, described the rewards of teaching autistic children.

MARCH

CRSM Stuart Rowles and Staff Sergeant Ben Moore with Joan Hart and her family of daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at her special birthday celebration EMN-181231-145931001

“We couldn’t believe it when we saw him because he is twice the size you would normally expect - he towers over all the other lambs.”

Sam Booth speaking after helping her dad deliver an 11.2kg lamb called Billy at their Upper Broughton farm which is believed to be one of the biggest ever born in the UK.

APRIL

“I am sure dad would be proud.

The RAVC centenary parade is greeted by huge crowds in Market Place in Melton EMN-181231-145701001

“ I’d obviously rather have him here but wearing his collar number is the closest thing I can have.”

New police officer Pc Lewis Sparling reacting to being given the same collar number epaulettes (111) as his beloved father, Stew, a former Melton police officer who died aged 44 after having motor neurone disease.

MAY

“That will be my 80th birthday and I want to be able to drive down the road that day.”

Shirley Garratt, a Melton great-great-grandmother who completed a skydive in aid of The Air Ambulance Service EMN-181231-150015001

Veteran borough and county councillor, Byron Rhodes, predicts Melton’s long-awaited bypass will be open by May 23, 2022 after the Department of Transport agreed to pay nearly £50million towards the £63.5million cost of the road.

JUNE

“When I saw her she went absolutely mad and I knew it was Suzie. I am over the moon to get her back.”

Asfordby pensioner Keith Chambers (84) celebrates being reunited with his beloved two-year-old cocker spaniel after dozens of people searched for days for her when she went missing.

JULY

“We have always had a strong link with the town and I believe that relationship is as strong as ever.

Round Corner Brewing CEO and co-founder Combie Cryan (left) with head brewer Colin Paige EMN-181221-115101001

“On behalf of the RAVC I would like to thank the people of Melton Mowbray and the wider community for their ongoing support.”

Lt Col Martyn Thompson, the Melton-based Defence Animal Training Regiment’s commanding officer, speaking before the Royal Army Veterinary Corps celebrated its centenary with a spectacular parade of service personnel and animals through the town.

AUGUST

“It was very tense watching mum but she took it all in her stride. She’s always wanted to do a skydive but we were all pleased to see her back on terra firma.”

Son Paul reveals his family’s nervous wait as 80-year-old Melton great-great-grandmother, Shirley Garratt, completed her maiden skydive from 13,000ft

SEPTEMBER

“It must have been only a couple of inches outside my driveway.

“To give me a parking ticket for that is ridiculous. I’m 81 and I don’t need the stress of all this.”

Melton resident Colin Way was fuming after being given a parking ticket after leaving his Vauxhall Meriva on his own drive.

OCTOBER

“This man inspires me every time I see him.”

Former England rugby skipper Mike Tindall praised Matt Hampson as he officially open his Get Busy Living Centre, at Burrough on the Hill, which supports and rehabilitates people who have suffered life-changing injuries through playing sport.

NOVEMBER

“The green plaque is a fitting tribute to all the people who left their jobs and families to fight for our country, creating a lasting legacy that will keep their memory alive for many years to come.”

Melton war historian Derek Simmonds speaking at the unveiling of a green plaque at the town’s Drill Hall, where men signed up and marched off from to fight in the First World War. Many never came home.

DECEMBER

“The dream, or rather the intent, for us, is to develop an iconic brand and whatever happens our home will always be in Melton Mowbray.” Co-founder and CEO, Combie Cryan, speaking at the launch of Round Corner Brewing, a £1million brewery and tap room based at Livestock Market.