NOVEMBER 2025...

Welcome to our November edition.

Remembrance Sunday has taken place once more and it is always our privilege to carry photos from this solemn occasion in which local communities pay tribute to the fallen every year.

Our front page news this month concerns the moving story of Dale Bilson, a fit man in his 30s who has raised thousands for the hard-working A&E staff in Derby where his life was saved following a shock heart attack. Anyone who is moved by Dale's story and that of the tireless work of emergency staff can donate to his fundraising which is still active.

Whisper it, but we are getting close to Christmas and with it the traditional Lights Switch on event in Melbourne on December 5.

Coincidentally, that is also the last day for donations to the Christmas present appeal that is being organised by the kind souls at Melbourne Print and Q Branch Business Transformation on behalf of the hard-working charity me&dee, which works to create joyful memories for families going through tough medical situations. Do give to this appeal if you can - it will mean the world to children facing Christmas either in hospital or being cared for in the community.

Did you know that a big local Government shake-up is on the cards? There are some key decisions being made in council chambers at the moment that will spell a shift in the organisations delivering local services. Keep an eye out in our pages for more information in the coming months.

Turning to our centre spread isn't for the faint-hearted this month as we bring you some 'spooktacular' images as the local area celebrated Halloween, pulling out all the stops with some very scary costumes, not to mention extremely convincing make-up.

Those who attended the St Michael's Players' tribute to Melbourne Parish Church's 900th birthday will recognise and no doubt have a good chortle when they read Colin Barker's review of the occasion - and for those who didn't make it, let's hope his piece will let you know what you sadly missed.

We are very grateful to our columnists Ben Stanley, Katherine Parrish, Trevor Langley and Naomi Duffree who contribute their thoughts to us every month, as well as Alex Slater who has been letting us know what's happening in the world of sport for years.

On that note, hats off to the players in local clubs who are representing Melbourne so strongly - sport is a key part of local life and it's great to see it flourishing with these reports in our pages. 

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