July 2003 - Contents Thought for July Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Bishop of Repton to preach at St Wystan's, Sunday 27th July Services Readers and Intercessors at St. Wystan's Altar Flowers at St. Wystan's Brasses at St. Wystan's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Our New Minister Arrives Summer Barbecue at 5, Monsom Lane, Saturday 19th July Shell Garden Party, Saturday 2nd August Children's Fun Day, Saturday 30th August Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Delphine Helen Dede Folly Matilda Emma Shaw Marriages Jemma Richards and Robert Brown Gilles César Folly and Suzanne Louise Jowett Stuart Arthur Heier & Lalita Nar Funerals and Burial of Ashes Donald (Don) Middleton John (Jack) George Richardson Ross Elsie Joyce Stanley St Wystan's Church, Repton The Vicarage Garden Fête Report Repton Open Gardens Report Scarecrow Competition Prizewinners Parish Pub Walk, Saturday 12th July Mothers' Union St Mary's Church, Newton Solney St Mary's Church Flower Festival Report St Mary's Church All-age Services Newton Solney Tree Competition Thankyou Owen and Helen Nancy Phillips Musical Events Derby Bach Choir Summer Opera Gala, Saturday 12th July Charities Zak's Hospital Fund Christian Aid Collection- 2003 Royal British Legion, Repton Repton Village and History Repton WI Stanley Jarve Vanessa and Graham Jones First Repton Rainbows Summer Fayre, Thursday 10th July Repton Council Jottings JOGS (Joint Organisation of Guides & Scouts) Elections Repton Village Society & R.V.H.G. Outings Broadband: Repton hits the target Don Sayers Milton & Foremark Village Matters The Amaizing Ingleby Butterfly Maze, Open: end July to Oct Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Village Matters Out of School Club Gardening in July

Caring

I remember reading in the Times a few months ago that if you say that you are a nurse, everyone thinks, "How wonderful!" If you say that you are a carer, it produces a deafening silence. This seems to me to be very unfair to a wonderful group of people. I know how grateful my mother has been to her carers, at home, then in a Residential Home and at the moment, in hospital.

When you become incapable in your later years, you depend very much on your carers to feed you, dress you, wash you and generally cheer you up. As you get more helpless, these carers frequently have to do quite unpleasant tasks. They are often quite young, badly paid, but worth their weight in gold for the quality of life they provide for the elderly.

Today there is a great emphasis on qualifications, especially on degrees. Many youngsters are now waiting anxiously to see if they can move on to university for the next stage in their life. The country does need people with professional expertise. The Parable of the Talents implies that we should make the most of the ability which God has given us. But if we follow the example of Jesus when He washed the disciples' feet, then it seems as though we are called to be carers first and foremost, attending to the most basic needs of our fellow human beings. If this is so, then we should value the efforts of professional carers far more than we do and perhaps move away from the idea that the only worthwhile jobs are those which require a university degree.

Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and St. Wystan's Churches

Bishop of Repton to preach at St Wystan's, Sunday 27th July

The office of Bishop of Repton reminds us that Repton was the birthplace of Christianity in the Midlands. There were bishops here in the middle of the 7th century, before St Chad, the fourth bishop of Mercia, moved the see to Lichfield in 669. Nowadays the Bishop of Repton, David Hawtin, acts as an assistant (or 'Suffragan') to the Bishop of Derby.

On Sunday 27th July we are very pleased to welcome Bishop David to preach at the 10 am Parish Communion service.

St. Wystan's

Foremark

Newton Solney

Readers and Intercessors at St. Wystan's

6th July		1st lesson: Ezekiel 2, 1-5: Helen Jowett
  		2nd lesson: Mark 6, 1-13: Sue Hyde
13th July		Epistle: Ephesians 1, 3-14: The Bellringers
  		Intercession and Offertory: The Bellringers
20th July		Morning Worship
27th July		Epistle: Ephesians 3, 14-21: Mary Vincent
		Offertory: Sheila Hunt & Barbara Reeve

Altar Flowers

6th July 			Moira Fluck  
13th July 		Karen Perks
20th July 		Jenny Sayers  
27th July 		Pamela Carr

Brasses

6th July 			Judith Fox
13th & 20th July 		Margaret Venables
27th July 		Audrey Morris

The United Reformed Church

Our New Minister Arrives

Brian Norris, our new minister, is now living at the Manse at 29 Cricklewood Road, Mackworth; he will be taking evening worship on 13th July. He will be ordained and inducted to the United Reformed Churches at Mackworth, Carlton Road and Repton at 2 pm on Saturday, 26th July at Mackworth. Everyone is welcome. Enfield Road is off the ring road in Derby; if you are approaching Markeaton Park from the A38, Enfield Road is the left turn before MacDonalds.

Summer Barbecue at 5, Monsom Lane, Saturday 19th July

A bouncy castle, children's games and lots of food - all for £4 for adults, £2 for children. The fun starts at 3.00 pm, the food will be ready from 4.00 pm. Tickets are available from church members, or telephone 701581.

Shell

Shell (for age 7+) meets from 6.30 to 7.30 pm on 7th and 14th July.

Garden Party, Saturday 2nd August

On Saturday 2nd August, Mrs. Amy Auckland and her daughter Cynth are holding a garden party at 14 Springfield Road, Repton, commencing at 2 pm. The stalls will include a cake stall, tombola, raffle, bric-a-brac and toy and book stall. Everyone will be most welcome. All money raised will go to the Repton United Reformed Church roof appeal. Any donations for the various stalls will be gladly accepted at 14 Springfield Road or at the United Reformed Church.

Children's Fun Day, Saturday 30th August

A fun-packed day for children aged 5 and over, with lots of activities, games and crafts from 10.30 am until 3.00 pm. Make sure you have booked the date; booking forms next month!

Baptisms

Delphine Helen Dede, daughter of Gilles & Suzanne Folly of 37 Mercia Close, Hatton, was baptised at her parents' wedding at St Wystan's, Repton on Saturday 7th June.

Matilda Emma, daughter of Neil and Anna Shaw of Park Cottage, School Lane, Stanton-by-Dale was baptised at St Saviour's, Foremark on Sunday 8th June.

Marriages

Jemma Richards and Robert Brown were married at St Helen's Church in Etwall on Saturday 3rd May.

Gilles César Folly and Suzanne Louise Jowett of 37 Mercia Close, Hatton, were married at St Wystan's, Repton on Saturday 7th June.

Stuart Arthur Heier & Lalita Nar of 124 Palmerston Road, London N22, were married at St Mary's, Newton Solney on Saturday 14th June.

Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Donald (Don) Middleton of 18 Milton Road, Repton, died in The Queen's Hospital, Burton-on-Trent on Friday 16th May at the age of 72. His funeral was held at St Wystan's on Tuesday 27th May and was followed by cremation at Bretby.

John (Jack) George Richardson Ross of 25 Milton Road, Repton, died at home on Wednesday 28th May at the age of 85. His funeral was held at Bretby crematorium on Monday 9th June.

Elsie Joyce Stanley, who lived until recently at 18 Hill View, Repton, died in The Queen's Hospital, Burton-on-Trent on Tuesday 3rd June. She was aged 77. Her funeral was held at Bretby crematorium on Friday 13th June.

St Wystan's

The Vicarage Garden Fête

The perfect summer's day - the perfect setting, with the tower and spire of the church overlooking a vicarage garden filled with tents. It could have been a film set! A special visitor was a mobile belfry from Lichfield mounted on a trailer. It has eight bells which can be rung in the same way as tower bells, though of course they are much lighter and less dangerous. Would-be bellringers were able to try their hand. The bells welcomed all those who came to find stalls crammed with white elephants, second hand books, home produce, tombola prizes and much more. For entertainment there were games, the bouncy castle and the chance to ring in the belfry. For refreshment there was a choice of cool refreshing ice cream, soft drinks or tea and cakes. It really was village life at its best.

Many thanks to the organisations who worked so hard to make the afternoon such an enjoyable success. Thanks to all the shops, pubs and local businesses who gave prizes for the raffle. Thanks to the Scouts and Guides for providing the tents and to Repton School for the tables and chairs. Particular thanks to the one entrant in the children's Fancy Dress competition. But most of all - thanks to those of you who came and supported us so generously during the afternoon, enabling us to raise almost £1500!

Repton Open Gardens, Sunday 18th May

The weather fortunately turned out well on the day and the village benefited from a large influx of visitors. We all enjoyed the variety of gardens on display, and owe a large vote of thanks to all who contributed to the success of the event.


The profit on the day amounted to £1250 and will aid St Wystan's Church funds.

Scarecrow Competition, Saturday 17th May

Congratulations to all who entered the competition this year. Although the number of entries was down, the standard was very high. We hope that you will have drawn inspiration from the entries and perhaps also 'have a go' next year. The winners were:

Parish Pub Walk, Saturday 12th July

On Saturday 12th July we are having a figure-of-eight walk in the Peak District. The walk will be in two parts, morning and afternoon, centred on a pub. The first loop is slightly harder and about 5½ miles long. Lunch at the pub (or a picnic) will follow. The second, easier loop is about 4½ miles long. Thus it is about 10 miles in all, but you may prefer to walk only one part with lunch before or after your exertions.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact Roger Juneau on 702384.

Mothers' Union

It was a great pleasure to welcome an old friend, Sylvia Fox, to speak at the meeting on 21st May. As usual, Sylvia made her subject, "Read Mark and Learn" interesting, informative and amusing. John Mark was a close confidant of St Peter, from whom he is thought to have gleaned most of his information. His gospel is the shortest of the four, often omitting facts emphasised by the other three. He omits the actual temptations in the wilderness, and his account of the crucifixion is terse and almost brutal. His gospel ends abruptly; there have been numerous speculations as to the reason but no certain conclusions.

Members were reminded of the need to produce cakes for the joint M.U. / W.I. stall at the Church Fête on 14th June. Final arrangements were made for the branch outing which took place on 5th June and was enjoyed by 15 members and friends. We called for coffee at the "Wind in the Willows" shopping complex in Rowsley, enjoyed a delightful lunch at High Peak College and concluded the day with a visit to Chatsworth farm shop. Grateful thanks to Phil Johnson who was once again our patient and helpful driver.

Three members attended the Deanery Festival service at Church Gresley on 12th June.

It was a great pleasure to welcome Gillie Lister, a past deanery Presiding Member to speak at the meeting on 18th June. She told us of the two years which she and her husband had spent in Ndobe, Zambia and particularly of the projects that they had undertaken. She spoke of the squalid conditions in which most of the population live and their lack of education. The A.I.D.S. virus has resulted in large numbers of widows and orphans left to fend for themselves. Anglican and Roman Catholic organisations have introduced community schools; otherwise all education has to be paid for, an impossibility for most families. However, they are being taught to cultivate the land. An enterprising African lady running the project at Cindi does not allow any child to own a pencil until they have spent time working on the land, thus trying to eliminate the idea that there are free hand-outs.

Diocesan Secretary Christine Harvey will speak at the meeting on 16th July on "Changes which Challenge". Tea Hostesses: Mrs. B. Cowley and Mrs. A. Morris.

We send love and best wishes to our Branch Leader, June Scott, who is still on the sick list.

St Mary's Church

St Mary's Church Flower Festival

Warmest thanks to all who contributed towards the success of the Flower Festival - the flower arrangers and their helpers, Carolyn Steele for co-ordinating the ordering of the flowers, the refreshment team and all who donated cakes, June Scott for designing the programmes and service sheets, Don Sherwin for his History of the Church, Derek Taylor for the memorial cards, Newton Solney Art Group for their excellent display of paintings, the organists, the stewards and Mr. & Mrs. David Shilton for the use of their field as a car park. The PCC is most grateful to all who donated or sponsored displays and to all the visitors who made this such a special event. We are delighted to have raised over £2000 towards the Restoration Fund and wish to express our thanks to everyone involved.

St Mary's Church All-age Services

A reminder that an 'all-age service' is now held at St Mary's on the second Sunday in every month. This will continue during the summer months; the next all-age service (without Holy Communion) will be held on Sunday 13th July. All are welcome.

Newton Solney Tree Competition

Copies of the Tree Competition are still available at the Village Shop in Newton Solney and at Hairs & Graces in Repton. Remember that the deadline for submission is 1st September and that the winner from among the correct entries will be drawn at Newton Solney's Harvest Festival celebrations towards the end of that month.

Thankyou

We would like to express our thanks to all our friends, neighbours and relatives for their prayers and kindness to our family, especially the love and support given to Suzanne, Gilles and Delphine. Thankyou. I would like to thank all my friends who have sent me get-well wishes during and since my stay in hospital. Thankyou all.

Derby Bach Choir Summer Opera Gala in the superb setting of Pears School, Repton Donna Bateman soprano Simon Theobald baritone Conductor Richard Roddis Accompanist David Barker 8.00 pm, Saturday 12th July Tickets £15 including canapés & sparkling wine. from Foulds, Irongate, Derby Tel: 01332 344842 Evening dress optional

Charities

Zak's Hospital Fund

We are holding a Car Treasure Hunt on Sunday 6th July starting at Repton Village Hall at 2 pm. £5 entry fee per car. If you would like to enter please ring Vicky on 01283 704050.

Dates of coming events: -
- Tuesday 2nd September at 7.30 pm: a demonstration on how to "Prepare Vegetables For Showing", a follow up to "How to Grow Vegetables For Showing". At Repton Village Hall.
- On Saturday 27th September at 7.30 pm: a chamber choir, Noteable Company, will be entertaining at St Wystan's Church, Repton.

So far Zak's Hospital fund has raised £4,500. Many thanks to all those who have supported us to achieve this fantastic amount.

Christian Aid Collection- 2003

The total Christian Aid collection from the Parishes of Repton, Foremarke and Newton Solney was £1757.11. Many thanks to all who contributed so generously, and to those who held fund raising events donating the money to Christian Aid.

Christian Aid will again be able to claim back the tax on all gifts from taxpayers. We have estimated that they will be able to claim approximately £70. Do please continue to fill in the envelopes.

We would like to thank the dedicated collectors and the counters who helped to co-ordinate the collection, and The Corner Shop for having the collection box. We would especially like to thank the new collectors who have joined us, and those who are retiring after years of helping us. May we remind collectors to contact us if they are unable to collect next year.

We still have no collector in Ingleby. If you could possibly help next year, even if you can only collect once, please, please contact Jackie Hurrell (co-ordinator, 702089) or Melodie Kettle (559217). For Newton Solney the contact is Jennifer Haynes (703827).

Royal British Legion, Repton

Recent Branch activities in respect of British Forces in Iraq have involved: -
Gift Aid Parcels: Parcels containing toiletries and snack foods were sent to seven local servicemen from Repton, Etwall, Newton Solney and Willington serving in Iraq with 40 and 42 Commando, 23 Engineer Regiment, 3 RHA and the Scots Guards.
Fundraising: A fundraising event was held in the legion on the 31st May. Shops and pubs in the village kindly donated prizes. Some £1600 was raised. All the proceeds will be distributed to the local Regimental Aid Funds belonging to the Queen's Royal Lancers, 40 Commando Royal Marines, 23 Engineer Regiment and 3 RHA.

Special thanks are due to Cathryn Heywood, Peggy Phillips, Sam Phillips, John Silcox and Roy Ward.

Repton Village & History

Repton WI

June was a busy month for the W.I. After the monthly meeting we ran a successful stall at the Church Garden Party. Then we celebrated the 85th anniversary of the founding of Repton W.I. with a dinner at Littleover Lodge. Here we were joined by some former long-serving members and enjoyed seeing them again.

Next month, on Tuesday 8th July at 7.15 pm we have Mrs Nancy Hawkesworth with a demonstration called 'What's Cooking?' There will be a cake stall as well as the usual book stall.

Visitors and new members are always welcome. Just come along to the Village Hall.

Stanley Jarve

Having lived most of his adult life in Repton, first with his late wife, Mary, and his daughter, Barbara, in Well Lane and later in Springfield Road, Stan is currently a resident at Nether Hall Nursing Home, Hartshorne. Barbara lives in Camberley, Surrey, but visits her father regularly. Stan would be pleased to welcome any friends, but it may be best to check with Matron on his condition. The telephone number is 01283 550133.

Vanessa and Graham Jones

At the end of the summer term, Graham Jones retires as Headmaster of Repton School.

Educated at Birkenhead School and Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, Graham came to Repton from Charterhouse, where he had been a distinguished Housemaster. His sixteen years at Repton have brought numerous changes to the fabric and to the ethos of the school, most notably perhaps the construction of two brand-new girls' boarding houses, and the gradual achievement of full co-educational status. The recent inspection brought a glowing verdict on Mr Jones's tenure. He has "led the school most successfully through a period of great change in the school's life, .... guided by a clearly articulated vision". Mr Jones retires to a new home in Herefordshire with his wife Vanessa, herself a familiar figure in the village through charity events such as the annual Sale of Work and a wonderful hostess.

Graham will be succeeded as Headmaster by Robert Holroyd, coincidentally also a former pupil of Birkenhead School, and a First Class Honours graduate (in French and Spanish) of Christ Church College, Oxford. Mr. Holroyd, a Housemaster at Radley College, will be accompanied to Repton by his wife Penny and two young daughters.

First Repton Rainbows invite you and all your friends to our Summer Fayre Thursday 10th July, 5.00 - 6.15 pm The Den, Mitre Drive Come and join us for tea and cakes or browse through Usborne Books. Aromatherapy products on sale. Also 'Weekenders', Quality Greetings Cards,cake stall, tombola, raffle and games. Prizes and cakes gratefully accepted on the day. For further details please phone Tigger on 703991.

Repton Council Jottings

A few disconnected notes from the Parish Council meeting on 9th June 2003.

Following an uncontested election in April, Repton Parish Council now has the following members:
Elected: David Roberts (Chairman), Peter Court (Vice-Chairman), John Bladen, Shelagh Evans, Barbara McArdle, John Shortt, Avril Skipper, Roger Wetton.
Co-opted: Chris Jerram, Roger Paulson, Mary Smith.
Clerk: Celia Bunston.

There have been complaints that one of the yew trees in front of St Wystan's Church has grown so high it obscures the clock. Subject to planning consent, the Parish Council will fund pruning at a cost of £530.

Revised arrangements are in hand for the Millennium Book to be preserved for posterity in the County Records Office at Matlock. It can be made available when required.

Eight Planning Applications were considered and objections lodged against three, for the reasons given:
~ Conversion of Farm Buildings to Residential Use, Ridgeway Farm, Mount Pleasant. Resubmitted Application with total number of dwellings reduced from 5 to 3, including existing farmhouse. Original objections reiterated: outside village envelope, single-track access, and inappropriate road junction priorities.
~ New Perimeter Fence, Repton Primary School. Erection of 2.4 metre high, galvanised railings around the whole site. Unacceptable visual impact on Milton Road and inadequate consultation with local residents.
~ Felling of 15 trees, The Mitre House, Repton School. No replacements proposed.

Repton Shrubs is to be commercially developed by Forest Enterprises and will include an increased proportion of broadleaf trees, more open space and wildlife habitats. Repeated attempts to secure greater public access have stalled; the Forestry Commission advise that the land is leased and the freeholder will not negotiate.

The next meeting of the Parish Council is on 14th July at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall.

JOGS (Joint Organisation of Guides & Scouts)

The AGM of the above Committee was held on Monday 19th May and the following officers were elected :

Repton Village Society & R.V.H.G. -- Three Extra Outings

Tuesday evening, 15th July: There are still a few places left on this evening trip to Strutt's North Mill at Belper and the guided tour of the museum at this World Heritage Site. The entrance charge is £1.50 and there is also a buffet supper (optional, pre-booked) at £4.50. We meet there at 7.00 p.m. and there will be time to enjoy the Well Dressings in the adjacent Riverside Gardens. Information and booking contacts are given below.

Wednesday evening, 20th August: An evening visit has been arranged to the Derbyshire Family History Society's headquarters at Bridge Chapel House, St Mary's Bridge, Derby. As well as a guided tour of the premises, with their extensive family and local history resources, there will also be an opportunity to look inside the ancient and rare example of a bridge chapel. We shall meet there at 7.00 pm. As numbers are limited to thirty, please telephone (below) for full information.

Tuesday, 30 September: A special, unrepeatable treat. A guided tour of the Mansion House in the City of London, followed by tea with the Lady Mayoress, Carole Blackshaw, who comes from Repton. Return luxury coach from Repton Cross. The actual tour party has to be restricted to forty (names and addresses are submitted in advance), but there will be nine spare seats if you fancy a cheap return trip to London. Dropping-off point will be only at the Mansion House. Booking is essential: members £15, non-members £17.50; coach only is £10. Please contact either Alan Webster (701838) or David Guest (703650).

Broadband: Repton hits the target

Since our article in February encouraging internet users to register an interest in broadband, events have moved, appropriately, with startling speed. BT recently reduced the threshold for converting the Repton exchange from 300 potential subscribers to 250. And expressions of interest have grown at an increasing rate from February's lowly 75 to reach that target of 250 just two weeks ago. So now it's only a matter of waiting for the BT engineers to visit Repton. The faster the numbers continue to grow, the sooner this is likely to happen - after all BT needs the money. If you think you might be interested in a broadband connection but have not registered, do so now - it does not commit you to buy broadband, but be warned: once you try it you won't go back to the snail-pace of an ordinary phone connection. And it provides simultaneous phone and internet service on a single line.

how to register
Log on to the Broadband welcome screen at www.bt.com/broadband. As well as general information on ADSL you will find a link to the full list of broadband service providers: clicking on these takes you to their websites, with details of costs, contracts, etc. Register with any one of them; they all have to use the BT exchange.

Don Sayers

Following ill health, Don Sayers has now left Repton to live with his sister in the south. His plumbing and heating business has ceased trading. Apologies to all his customers. Unfortunately his advert in the magazine will run until the adverts are reprinted.

The Amaizing Ingleby Butterfly Maze This is the fourth year of the Midlands' largest Maze. Armed with or without a map and a quiz sheet, follow the paths in the large field of 7 ft. high maize plants. This year's maze is in the shape of a butterfly / caterpillar and all the quiz sheet questions are about these. There is a viewing platform in the centre for parents to spot their children or children to spot their parents, whoever is lost! Open: end July to Oct. Wed and Sat 1 - 6 pm. Sunday and Bank Holidays 10 am - 6 pm. Adults £2.50. Children (under 16) £2.00. Parking free. Light refreshments available. Road signs will guide you to the Maize field, which is on the Ingleby to Ticknall Road. Bookings and enquiries: please ring 01332 862796 or 07831817025

Newton Solney Village Matters

Out of School Club

The Newton Solney Out of School Club is open to all children aged 4 to 12 years, between 3.10 and 6.00 pm each weekday during school term.

Based at the School Hall, Trent Lane, Newton Solney, we organise a wide range of activities, both indoor and outdoor. In addition to games and sports, we encourage children to take part in a wide variety of craft activities, gentle team games, theatre, dancing, plays and shows. Earlier this year we even helped raise money for Red Nose day by making and selling cakes and sweets.

Charges are just £5.25 for each full session, between 3.10 and 6.00pm, or £2.00 for 3.10 until 4.00pm.

If you would like further details of the Out of School Club, please contact Stacey Plowman, Club Co-ordinator on 07792 064142

Gardening in July

There is still time to sow some vegetables for use in the autumn. Beetroot and carrots, turnip and spinach sown now will mature for use in September or October. Lettuce too can still be sown as well as French beans and early peas. Peas sown at this time may avoid the pea moth caterpillar which eats the peas inside the pods, though if you grow mange-tout this will not be a noticeable problem. Spring cabbage can also be sown now for harvesting next February onwards and wallflowers, sweet williams and winter flowering pansies. Plant out leeks, purple sprouting broccoli and winter cauliflowers. Check regularly for pests, in particular aphids and cabbage white caterpillars on brassicas. The grey aphid which thrives on brassicas can be difficult to eliminate once it gets a hold.

Cut out old raspberry canes once all the fruit has been picked. Prune blackcurrants after fruiting, taking out a quarter or a third of the old shoots. Red and white currants should be pruned once the bushes have reached a reasonable size. Cut new shoots back by about two thirds.

Prune fast growing hedges like privet, hawthorn and Leylandii, also laurel. Philadelphus and weigelia can be pruned after flowering. Give wisteria a summer prune, cutting back the long whippy shoots to four or five leaf joints. Cut back some mint to produce fresh shoots later in the season . Cuttings can be taken from the soft new growth of many shrubs in July when they have begun to harden a little; Buddleia, philadelphus, hydrangea, spiraea, weigelia are all suitable, also tender perennials such as fuchsias, pelargoniums, clematis and honeysuckles.

Check stakes supporting chrysanthemums and dahlias and tie in new growth. Remove side shoots and all but the central bud where larger flowers are required. Feed dahlias and make sure they do not go short of water. Deadhead border and bedding plants. Lift and divide crowded clumps of bearded iris. Cut the rhizomes into smaller pieces, using a sharp knife, and leaving one or two pairs of leaves to each root. Cut the leaves down to about half of the original height to save water loss through the leaves and replant the rhizomes just below the soil surface.

Silver leaved plants make the perfect foil for strong colours in the border or more formal bedding. Senecio cineraria is mostly used as a silver leaved annual in bedding displays. Some senecios are small shrubs. Senecio candicans has large oval silver leaves, the reverse of which is almost white, but the flowers are poor yellow daisies. Stachys byzantina also has silver leaves. Phlomis - sage-like herbaceous perennials - have grey-green leaves with white, yellow or lilac dead-nettle like flowers. Artemesias are also grey-green. They are very prone to aphid attack. Most grey and silver leaved plants come from dry, scrubby areas and the silver appearance is caused by their leaves being closely covered in fine hairs to prevent moisture loss. Many golden leaved plants tend to burn to a harsh yellow in full sun.

Before going on holiday, give all pots and containers a thorough soaking or set up a drip watering system. Water any vulnerable plants in the garden and then give them a mulch. Continue feeding and removing side shoots from greenhouse tomatoes and keep the greenhouse damped down in hot weather. If white fly are a problem, try the parasitic encarsia wasp, which feeds on them. This cannot be used if insecticides have been used in the last month or so. If white fly get out of control, suck them up with a car vacuum cleaner.