March 2004 - Contents It's Our World Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Services at St. Wystan's, Repton Services at St Saviour's, Foremark Services at St Mary's, Newton Solney 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 167th Anniversary, Sunday 14th March Mothering Sunday, 21st March, 11.00 am Coffee Morning, Saturday 13th March, 10.30 - 11.30 Women's World Day of Prayer, Friday, 5th March at 7.15 pm at the URC Shell Derbyshire Police Constabulary Choir, Friday, 16th April, 7.45pm at the URC Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Oliver James Walsh Mary-Louise Sedgwick Funerals and Burial of Ashes Olive Smith In Memoriam: Ida Cole St Wystan's News Families at St Wystan's Church - Mothering Sunday What it costs to maintain St. Wystan's and run the parish Update from Repton PCC Dorcas Group Organ recital at St Wystan's, Saturday 24th April at 8 pm Traidcraft Church Development at St Wystan's Coffee Morning (Repton Handbell Ringers) Saturday 17th April, 10.30 - 12.30 am Coach outing to Worcester with a guided tour of the Cathedral, Saturday 27th March Open garden, Sunday 4th April Flower Display in St Wystan’s Church, 26th - 27th June Mothers' Union Bible Reading Fellowship Notes St Saviour's News Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Monday 22nd March at 7.30 pm St Mary's News Lent at St Mary's Coffee Morning (Newton Solney Church Roof Appeal) Tuesday 30th March, 10.30 - 12.30 Evensong at 6.30 pm, Sunday 28th March onwards Extend: Tuesdays, 11.00 - 12 noon Easter Art Exhibition The Derbyshire Police Constabulary Choir, Friday 16th April at 7.45 pm Public Service Information Frozen Food Daylight Saving Musical Events The Chameleon Ensemble, Tuesday 16th March at 7.45 pm Schools Repton School presents A Midsummer Night's dream Repton Primary School PTA Spring Jumble Sale, Saturday 24th April at 11 am Repton Village and History Repton Council Jottings Traffic Calming Exhibition Allotment Free Repton Scout Troop The Rep Theatre Company A Future for Repton's Village History Litter again .... more talk on the streets .... and the Parish Council replies Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton WI Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney WI Rummage Sale, Saturday 13th March, 2.00 pm Gardening Notes

It's Our World

If there was one common theme in the correspondence I received after Gordon Brown's impassioned plea last month to leaders of the world's rich nations to double their development aid, it was that people thought there was nothing new, nothing remarkable in what he said; what was remarkable was that it was a Chancellor who said it.

You may remember that Mr Brown, referring to the millennium targets agreed for reducing global poverty and underdevelopment by 2015, revealed that at present rates that date would be missed by 150 years, and went on to say that "If we let things slip, the millennium goals will become just another dream we once had, and we will be sitting back on our sofas and switching on our TVs and watching people die on our screens for the rest of our lives. We will be the generation that betrayed its own heart."

According to figures from the 2002 CIA World Factbook, the UK gave $75 per head in development aid, while the USA gave $25 per head. If we're tempted to complacency by that comparison, some other figures might cure that temptation: seven countries gave more per head than we did, and tiny Luxembourg gave $357 per head, more than four-and-a-half times as much as the UK. (Source: nationmaster.com)

Why should better-off countries help the rest? For simple humanity, for a start; it's a mark of a morally healthy individual or nation to seek to help others in distress. And development aid is about changing lives lived in daily, unremitting distress: people who lack things as basic as clean water for their children to drink. Christians have the added motive of the words of Christ: what you do to the least of my brothers or sisters, you do to me.

If you vaguely remember something like that, check out Matthew 25: 31 - 46. It's a passage that's either comforting or terrifying.

But as well as the moral reasons, there's a pragmatic one. We're engaged in what's described as a war on terror, and that war won't be won with the usual weapons. The decisive battles in that war will be the battle against poverty and inequity, and the battle against ignorance. Development and education are the weapons that in time will dry up the stream of recruits angry enough to take their own lives to strike at those they've been told are their enemies.

We can be proud of our Chancellor for speaking words that we're more used to hearing from representatives of churches and charities like Cafod, Christian Aid, and Oxfam. But unless we follow his example, his plea might bear little fruit.

If you're looking for one practical act of global solidarity to undertake this Lent, how about writing a letter to Mr Brown, or to your own MP, to say that you'd applaud an increase in UK development aid, and perhaps even that you'd be willing to pay an extra £3 a week on your tax bill to match the development aid of a citizen of Luxembourg?

Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

St. Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

Readers and Intercessors at St. Wystan's

Brasses

The United Reformed Church

167th Anniversary, Sunday 14th March

The United Reformed Church was opened 167 years ago, on 15th March. Come and give thanks for all the work done by Christians over the years, and help to continue the work today.

Mothering Sunday, 21st March, 11.00am

Mr John Gumpstone will lead Family Worship on the morning of Mothering Sunday, when all the ladies in the congregation will receive a special gift. Everyone is welcome!

Coffee Morning, Saturday 13th March, 10.30-11.30

The new season's range of Webb Ivory cards, wrapping paper etc is now available. Home made marmalade and cakes are always popular, and you can sit and chat with friends over coffee. Our most expensive greeting card is only 50p!

Women's World Day of Prayer, Friday, 5th March at 7.15 pm at the URC

This year's service for Christians across the world has been prepared by the women of the Church in Panama: 'In faith: women shape the future'. Everyone is welcome to join in the service; the speaker will be Miss Jennifer Haynes.

Shell

Shell (age 7+) meets on Mondays from 6.30 to 7.30. All are welcome.

Derbyshire Police Constabulary Choir

Friday, 16th April, 7.45pm at the United Reformed Church. A concert by the Derbyshire Police Constabulary Choir. Tickets £4, available at Repton Post Office, from Church members or ring 701581. Proceeds to the Roof Fund.

Baptisms

Oliver James, son of Andrew and Sacha Walsh of 7 Main Street, Newton Solney, was baptised at St Mary's on Sunday 15th February. Mary-Louise, daughter of Nicholas and Anne-Louise Sedgwick of 6 Blacksmith's Lane, Newton Solney, was baptised on Sunday 15th February.

Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Olive Smith of Ilkeston died on 30th January, aged 74. Her funeral was held at Bretby Crematorium on Friday 6th February. Her daughter Margaret lives in Repton at 29 Pinfold Close.

Ida Cole

Many villagers will be sad to hear of the death of Mrs Ida Cole who died on Friday 6th February 2004 in hospital, near her eldest daughter Pat's home in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

Mrs Cole came to Repton from Stenson in the winter of 1953 into one of the newly build council houses at 1 Mount Pleasant Road with her then young family. Many people will remember her husband Harry who worked for years for the Blue Bus Company at Willington.

Ida raised her family of Pat, Janet, Andrew and niece Christine in Repton. Sadly Harry died in the 1970s. Ida worked for several years as an Auxiliary Nurse at Derby Children's Hospital and later at the Dales in Repton. She continued to live in Repton until quite recently when she left to live in a flat near her daughter Pat's home.

She was a member The United Reformed church. Many in Repton will have fond memories of her riding her bike around the village in her younger days. Condolences to her friends and family.

St Wystan's News

Families at St Wystan's Church - Mothering Sunday

Many families have been to a service at St. Wystan's once in a while, perhaps for a Baptism or at Christmas or for a school service. We would like you to know that families are always welcome at our services. On most Sundays we have Sunday Club for children during part of the service, when they join in activities especially relevant to them. There is always a crèche available for children aged less than four years old. On the third Sunday of each month we have a service for all ages, which we call Morning Worship. This follows a simple pattern which is easy to follow, often actively involving the children. Our next Morning Worship is on Mothering Sunday (21st March) when we also give out bunches of flowers for mothers. You are welcome to join us then, as on any other Sunday.

What it costs to maintain St. Wystan's and run the parish

Here is a simplified version of St. Wystan's Church finances based on the accounts for 2003, for members of the congregation, occasional churchgoers and those who simply like to see the church kept in good repair and the churchyard tidy.

Where does our money come from?

We have no guaranteed sources of income. We are almost entirely reliant on voluntary giving by the congregation and visitors. In 2003 this is where our money came from:

£25,250 came from regular gifts by the congregation

£6,200 came from the Inland Revenue refunding income tax paid on Gift Aid donations

£5,600 came from cash collections in church

£9,000 came from donations, special events, and boxes in church

£2,600 came from other sources including fees paid at weddings and funerals

making a total of just over £48,700.

Where does our money go?

In 2003 we spent £51,500 or about £1,000 per week (roughly £3,000 more than we received).

£32,649 was paid to the Diocese of Derby as Repton's contribution to clergy salaries, pensions, training, housing, and other central church costs.

£7,700 was spent on maintaining, heating and insuring the church building.

£4,900 went on other expenses including paying the organist and the cleaner, candles and communion supplies, printing, bookstall stock, and Sunday Club expenses

£3,500 was donated to Christian charities, mostly supporting missionary work.

£2,700 was paid to the Vicar and visiting clergy to cover their expenses, and spent on maintaining the Vicarage during the vacancy.

How did we cover this deficit?

There is a small general reserve built up from previous years. This has almost all been spent. Without an increase in income very hard choices will have to be made about spending priorities during 2004.

Do we have any other reserves?

There are other reserve funds earmarked for specific purposes such as major building repairs. These cannot be used to subsidise our general running expenses. During 2003 they have been drawn on for special items such as reprinting the guide book and paying the architect's fees for initial work on our proposed development plans.

How are we going to pay for planned building alterations including toilets?

We have a Development Fund accumulated from legacies which we believe will provide a good start to fundraising for toilets and other improvements.

What are the different ways of contributing?

• through the envelope scheme - weekly envelopes mean a commitment to regular giving. If you are away for a week, you still have the envelope to put on the plate the following week.
• by standing order direct to the church bank account. This can be set up for any convenient pattern of payment - monthly, quarterly or annually.
• by one-off gifts - the parish is always grateful for donations, whether for general funds or towards a specific project.
• via the Charities Aid Foundation.
• through payroll giving - many employers operate a scheme whereby payments to charities can be deducted from your salary.

What about Gift Aid?

Subject to completion of a simple declaration, any taxpayer can ensure that giving to the church, both regular giving by envelope or standing order and one-off donations, is tax efficient. Under Gift Aid, the PCC can recover income tax already paid by the donor on money given. Currently for every £ given through Gift Aid, 28p can be recovered.

Whom to contact:

Richard Finch, Gift Aid Secretary, 19 Chestnut Way, Repton 01283 701245
Jan Roberts, PCC Treasurer, 37 High Street, Repton 01283 702159

Update from Repton PCC

At its last meeting on the 22nd January the PCC:

• progressed plans to adopt the Open the Book project.
• noted a forthcoming meeting with County Council officials about car parking in front of the churchyard gates.
• received a report on plans for toilets and alterations at the west end of the church.
• had updates on the current situation regarding a new incumbent and future plans for the vicarage.
• received draft accounts for 2003.
• reviewed the salaries of the organist, cleaner and clockwinder.
• agreed arrangements for Easter services.
• noted that numerous volunteers would be required for the activities planned for the Open Gardens weekend 26/27th June.
• received an update on the diocesan Renewing Ministry policy.
• thanked retiring members for their commitment and contributions over their four year term.

Full minutes of PCC meetings are displayed at the back of the church, Anyone with questions or wanting more information is welcome to talk things over with a PCC member. The next PCC meeting is on 15th March.

Dorcas Group

We are now holding our meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 2 to 4 pm at 3 Stratford Close. If anyone would like to join us they are very welcome to come along. We hope to hold our coffee morning on Saturday 15th May, 10.30 to noon, but please note that we are not doing bedding plants this year. There will be geraniums, pelagoniums, fuschias and assorted plants besides coffee and biscuits.

Organ recital at St Wystan's

There will be an opportunity to hear the new 'Peter Collins' again in a recital to be given by David Johnson on Saturday 24th April at 8 pm. Tickets £6, under 18s free.

David is a well known local musician who has taught and lectured for all his professional life in Derby. He is now free-lance and is sub-organist at Derby Cathedral. He will play music by English, French and German composers. All the proceeds from the event will go to Church funds.

Traidcraft

There is a Traidcraft stall in St. Wystan's Church every third Sunday after the mornong service, about 11.00 - 11.30 am. If you would like to buy FairTrade produce, please come and see what's on offer.

Church Development at St Wystan's

The wheels are still in motion for the development of St. Wystan's and the situation is briefly set out in this article. Progress is being made, albeit slowly, as the procedures that have to be adopted are somewhat lengthy.

The proposals that have been displayed in the church have been refined, phased and developed by the Architect. They now have to be presented to and discussed with English Heritage, the Local Authority Conservation Officer and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. This consultation is at present being undertaken by the Architect and any comments by these bodies will have to be considered by the Architect, PCC and Diocesan Advisory Committee before moving on to the next stage. The timescale for the consultation and consideration could take up to 3 months and it is at this time that a decision will have to be made by the PCC on moving to the next stage, that of making a faculty submission to obtain permission to undertake the development.

Should a decision be made to move forward an "advice application" has to be made to the Diocesan Advisory Committee which will result in the granting or refusal of a certificate. The "advice application" has to be accompanied by detailed drawings, specification and budget costs. If a certificate is forthcoming an application for a faculty to proceed with the development can then be made to the Diocesan Advisory Committee. It is understood that this process could take up to a further 4 months.

Drawings, together with phasing and a 'statement of need' will be displayed in the church for all to see and comment upon and progress will be reported in subsequent magazine issues.

Coach outing to Worcester with a guided tour of the Cathedral
Saturday March 27th 2004

The coach will leave Repton at 8.45 a.m. to arrive in Worcester at approximately 10.45 am. There will be coffee and biscuits on arrival followed by the tour of the cathedral. Afterwards you will be free to visit Royal Worcester, which is close by, with its shop, museum and other attractions, or Worcester town centre. There is a restaurant in the cathedral and in Royal Worcester. We will leave Worcester at approximately 4.30 pm, arriving back in Repton at 6.30 pm. The cost is £13 each which includes the coach, coffee and biscuits, and the guided tour. If you would like to go please contact either Jan Gillham, tel 703340 or Jan Roberts, tel 702159.

Open garden

Jan and David Roberts are opening their garden at 37 High Street, Repton on Sunday, April 4th from 2pm to 5.30 pm. Admission £1 and there will be a plant sale (herbaceous, shrubs) - proceeds to St. Wystan's Church. Although spring is arriving early this year, hopefully there will still be some spring colour!

Flower Display in St Wystan’s Church, 26th - 27th June

Repton Open Gardens this summer will be a two-day event on the weekend of the 26th / 27th June. At the same time, there will be a Flower Display in St Wystan’s Church. We will be featuring garden flowers in particular, and would be delighted if keen gardeners are able to grow and donate flowers for these arrangements. As well as flowers and foliage, we will need lots of helpers, especially in the run up to and on the weekend of the event.

We hope that individuals, families and organisations may like to sponsor displays of flowers. All donations will be acknowledged during the weekend.

If you are interested in helping in any way, growing flowers, providing foliage, doing an arrangement, stewarding or just helping, please contact Margaret Rainey on 703748 or Karen Perks, 702392.

Mothers' Union

Speaking at the meeting on January 21st, Anne Yates gave a very interesting and informative talk on her work as a JP, explaining the guidelines to which magistrates have to work, depending on the actual wording of the charge brought by the police. Some years ago people were approached and asked to be magistrates; today people may apply.

The AGM was also held during the meeting. We were all very sad to learn that, due to pressure of work, June has decided to stand down as Branch Leader and we would like to express our most grateful thanks for all that she has contributed to our branch during her term of office. However she will remain a member and has agreed to continue as nominal leader until we get a new incumbent as the vicar of the parish has to approve the appointment of branch leaders.

We were pleased to learn that Lucine McLean and Margaret Shepherd have decided to become members. Other committee members were willing to continue in office. The treasurer, Ros Hudson, presented a financial statement for 2003 and the deputy leader gave a brief résumé of branch events during the year.

We send best wishes to Maud Pollard who has had the misfortune to have a bad fall and to Frances Bamford, who is shortly to come out of hospital and move into a flat at Fisher Close. The community room at Fisher Close is to be closed for refurbishment for the next two months so the March meeting will be at the Bunglaow, 5 Mitre Drive. Very grateful thanks to Angela Mayger for allowing us to hold the meeting on 18th February at her lovely bungalow. The speaker, Jennifer Haynes, told us about her seven years as a prison visitor at Sudbury Prison, where she attends evensong whenever there is a 5th Sunday in the month. One of her most lasting memories is the lusty singing of the hymns by the prisoners.

Names were taken of those members wishing to attend the Diocesan Festival Service at the Cathedral on 25th March at 7.30 pm and the Deanery Overseas Evening at Overseal on 1st April, also at 7.30 pm.

The Revd Stanley Morris has very kindly said that he will admit the three new members at the 10 am Communion Service on March 14th. Other MU members will take part in the service.

Enquiries have been made regarding a branch outing in June to include a visit to Hartington Flower Festival following lunch at Derby College of Further Education. The preferred day seems to be Tuesday 15th June. Congratulations to Eve Cawdron, our faithful pianist, who achieved her 102nd birthday on 10th February. Many thanks to Angela Mayger for taking over the birthday card list. Will members please remember to bring a birthday card to our next meeting, and also a tin for the Lent Padley Centre project. At the meeting on 17th March, June will speak about St Patrick.

Hostesses: Mrs R Hudson and Mrs K Dent.

Bible Reading Fellowship Notes

The new year's supply of these helpful booklets commences in May. If you would like to receive copies or change your standing order, please let me know by Easter week at the latest. Telephone 702040

St Saviour's News

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting of St Savour's Church will be held at Foremarke School on Monday 22nd March at 7.30pm. By kind permission of the Headmaster it will take place in the School Staff Room: on entering the hall through the front entrance, turn immediately left to the Staff Room. Anyone who comes to Foremark Church or lives in Foremark, Milton or Ingleby is welcome to join us.

St Mary's News

Lent at St Mary's

The Lent Study Groups will meet on Wednesday evenings throughout March, beginning on 3rd March at 7.30 pm in the Church. In order to deepen understanding of the diocesan debate on Ministry & Mission, the focus will be on Biblical material concerned with these aspects of Christian life. All are welcome.

Money boxes for personal Lent offerings are available at the back of the Church and as always there are containers for tins & dry goods to be delivered to the Padley Centre for Easter.

Posies for distribution at the Parish communion on Mothering Sunday will be prepared in the church on the morning of Saturday 20th March at 10.30am; help would be appreciated. Families will be especially welcome at the 10.00 am service on the Sunday morning.

Daylight Saving

Please note that Evensong in Newton Solney moves forward to 6.30pm when British Summer Time begins on Sunday 28th March.

Frozen food

Since Meals on Wheels is no longer operating in the village, you might like to know about a firm that supplies frozen food at reasonable cost and delivers free in this area on Tuesday afternoons and Friday mornings. There is a minimum order of £15. Details from Katherine Muir, 702350.

Daylight Saving

British Summer Time begins on Sunday 28th March, when the clocks move forward for one hour.

Schools

Repton Village & History

Repton Council Jottings

Some of the topics discussed by Parish Councillors on 7 February 2004. Official Minutes are displayed in the Post Office.

Ø     Working alongside the PCC, a site meeting has taken place with the County Council Highways Dept to better organise car parking in front of the church (see November's Jottings). If funding can be secured it is intended to extend the pavement kerbstones by the War Memorial, and to designate some parking space specifically for churchgoers.

Ø     Staying on the subject of parking, there is a vexed question that remains unresolved - how to deal with the inconsiderate people who park right in front of Cross Stores and the Post Office rather than walk a few yards, creating queues of stationary cars belching pollution. This irritates everyone, but what's the solution? Extending the line of bollards is only a partial cure, and the pavement is so narrow it might create difficulties for the disabled and for parents with buggies. Another oft-suggested idea is double yellow lines, but as the traffic warden is hardly ever here they're likely to be flouted, and anyway they would make it difficult for the Spar delivery lorry to unload cages of stock into the shop. Answers on a postcard please ...

Ø     The police have reported that during January in Repton there were 4 instances of criminal damage, 2 thefts from vehicles, and one theft of a vehicle itself; a quiet month. Some residents are dissatisfied with the level of policing in the village – saying that the only police they ever seen here are in cars racing to an emergency with sirens wailing and lights flashing. To answer this and any other points that villagers care to raise, the police will attend the Village Hall, 6.00 – 7.00 pm, on Monday 8th March. If you have concerns do come along and air them in an informal session, otherwise the message goes back that everyone is perfectly happy!

Ø     Of just four planning applications submitted this month, one is being recommended for refusal: a large extension at the rear of 57 Askew Grove. It is felt to be over-development of the plot.

Ø     A resident of Willington has reported vertical cracks in the parapet of the road bridge between our villages. Of course bridges are inspected regularly, and there is no indication of how long the cracks may have been there, still the County Council has been asked to carry out a survey as a matter of some urgency.

The next Parish Council meeting will be held in the Village Hall on 8 March at 7.30 pm, preceded by a Parish Meeting at 7.00 o'clock.

Traffic Calming Exhibition

There will be an exhibition of the County Council's proposed traffic calming measures for Repton on Saturday 13th March from 11 am to 4.30 pm in Repton Village Hall. The exhibition was also staged on 27th and 28th February but the Parish Council were told of this too late to give notice in the Magazine.

Allotment Free

Rent £11 per year. If anyone is interest in taking on an allotment, please contact the Clerk to the Council by telephone - 01332 865226.

The Boys are back in business.

The Repton Scout Troop was formally re-established as part of the 1st Repton Scout Group on Thursday 5th February. It was an excellent evening when not only were the new Scouts invested, but some of the existing Cubs went up to Scouts, some older Beavers went up to Cubs and new Beavers were enrolled. Scouts (aged 10½ to 14) meet on Thursday from 7.00 till 9.00pm. Cubs (8 to 10½ ) meet on Tuesdays from 6.30 till 8.00pm and Beavers (6 to 8) meet on Mondays 6.00 till 7.00pm. For further information ring Andy Austen on 01283 702448 or Malcolm Cresswell on 01283 733056.

The Rep Theatre Company

The Rep Theatre Company will be returning to Repton in July with a festival of drama mostly performed by young people. Five different shows are due to be staged in Repton School's theatres between 22nd and 31st July.

Local residents may remember the company's ambitious promenade productions performed through the Arch in Repton a few years ago, which featured a variety of modes of transport - from Ferraris and milk floats to taxis and military vehicles. More recently, the company rehearsed and performed indoor productions in Repton prior to runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, most notably earning a five star review for their production of 'Equus'.

This year's festival will feature productions by the Rep, visiting theatre companies and local schools. Other events are planned including theatre workshops and late night jazz.

If there is a local company or a group of enthusiastic individuals which would like to perform at the Festival, please contact Festival Director, John Sentance, on 01283 559343 or email theatres@repton.org.uk.

A Future for Repton's Village History

There are some road signs at the four entrances to the village announcing: "Repton - Historic Capital of Mercia." But what does this slogan mean? Is it true? How do we know? And who is studying and recording the history of our ancient village anyway?

Last year was the 1350th anniversary of the coming of Christianity to the Midlands, after four priests came down from Northumbria to Repton in AD653 to convert the pagan population of Mercia, starting with its royal family. This was the first written record to mention our village by name, but it was to be mentioned many more times afterwards during its sometimes turbulent history. What evidence survives today of these successive occupations by the Angles, Saxons,Vikings and Normans? The demography of modern Repton has altered over recent times: in contrast to the 'old' local families, most of its population wasn't born in the village and has no family roots here. This is not to say, however, that 'newcomers' are not interested in the story of Repton's fascinating past. Hundreds of residents and visitors attended our acclaimed Remembering Repton & Milton exhibition weekend last year. We should now like to see more people getting involved in the researching and recording.

The Repton Village History Group was formed over 20 years ago, and it has been led until recently by Betty and Colin Kitching, who are now its honorary life members. Publications include the Repton Trail guide, Repton Remembered (out of print), Ken Ash's Repton Heritage map and his church guide leaflets, and, most recently, William Astbury's Repton Diary, 1843. Later this year we shall be publishing a new book of old photographs of Repton and the district from our expanding archive. The History Group (part of the Village Society) is now evolving into a more public phase. It will meet monthly in a hired room in order to accommodate more people, and to have the space to get down to some practical work on various projects. These meetings will be run as informal discussions and workshops, rather than talks as put on by the RVS, whose programme itself now embraces local history topics.

We have just been given a microfiche reader on which we can study censuses and directories. We have our own archives of photographs, copy documents, maps, recordings, census returns, scrapbooks, etc. to draw upon. We do not, as a group, involve ourselves in work on family history, although this can be done elsewhere.

If you are interested in taking part in any research work, or already have some practical knowledge of local history to offer, please get in touch and come along. Our first 'open house' meeting is on Tuesday, 16 March, at 7.30 p.m. in the meeting room at Fisher Close. We hope that local people will feel free to drop in for a chat, and a coffee, to reminisce about old Repton or identify people in the photos or, perhaps, to bring along some items of their own to share with us. Please contact: David Guest, Chairman (703650); Ivor Sandars, Vice-Chairman (702688); Alan Hiley, Secretary (01332 273445); or Alan Kimber, Photography Archivist (704042).

Litter again

We have moved to Repton in the last six months from a large city and are impressed by the friendliness and warmth of the village. Repton is a lovely place with plenty going for it What surprises us is the amount of litter around. It's such a shame and so needless. Why don't people use litter bins around here? We think we will take a leaf out of Kyran and Sarah Farrell's book and ask to borrow their digital camera to catch the offenders. There are probably only a few but they are certainly making an impact!

Also, why do people allow their dogs to bark for such long periods and sometimes at such unsociable times of day? Again, it's probably only a certain few owners but they are making the lives of many miserable. We are not against dogs at all. We have two of our own but they are never allowed to bark unsociably, as well as doing any thing else unsociable - the Farrells' camera won't be snapping us!

So let's please think of others and look after this great village.

....more talk on the streets

Can we make a direct appeal to those miscreants who let their canine friends foul within sight of the 'dog bin' on the footpath between Pinfold Close and Springfield Road. PICK IT UP. Is it time to name and shame? Broomhills pitch is also particularly bad at times and needs 'clearing' before play. Have people no regard for the health and welfare of village children?

This must stop...so watch out: pictures will be taken! Further to the item in last months magazine about dog fouling in Repton: the Parish Council is very concerned and disappointed that the problem of dog fouling of pavements has reared its ugly head again after several years absence.

We have reported the problem to the local Dog Warden and asked the District Council to provide extra dog bins. It should be pointed out however, that cleared up dog mess can be disposed of in wheely bins or litter bins, so the lack of dog bins should not be an excuse for not cleaning up after your pet.

The Parish Council regards this issue as being of utmost importance since the offending malodorous slimy piles are not simply an annoyance when stepped in, but they are a serious threat to the health of children. With this in mind we would ask you to help track down irresponsible dog owners. If you see a dog making a mess on the pavement which is not subsequently cleaned up by its owner, please ring the District Council on tel. no. 221000 and ask for the Dog Warden. You should then give the warden the name and address of the dog owner. This is the only way the problem can be solved. It may result in the owner being fined and his name appearing in the local press.

Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton WI

Milton WI began the New Year by welcoming several new members to the first meeting of 2004. `Phil` of Roundhouse Gallery, Foston, talked entertainingly about his career as a potter and showed examples of beautiful pots he had made and others he collected.

In February the annual dinner was held at the Old Mill Wheel, where good food and company was enjoyed.

At the February meeting a talk about `Disappearing Street Furniture was given by Jim Willder, followed in March by Derek Palmer on `Underneath Derby!

Milton WI meets on the Third Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Visitors and new members from Milton and surrounding areas are sure of a warm welcome so just come along on the night.

Gardening Notes

The sowing season really gets under way in March for those of us who do not buy ready-made plants from the garden centres and who have space to grow them in a warm and light place at home. Always read the instructions on the seed packet as to time of sowing and temperature required for germination. For the majority of annual bedding plants and perennials, this will be about 15o C. Also check whether light should be excluded or not. Fine seeds are usually sown on the surface with perhaps a light covering of fine sand or vermiculite. Bigger seeds usually need sowing with more compost over them and all need keeping moist. A warm window sill, heated greenhouse or propagator will be required at this time of year. Petunia, nicotiana, antirrhinum, lobelia, begonias and many other similar plants should be sown now in trays of seed compost. Carrots, parsnips, lettuce and parsley can also be sown now in the greenhouse. Broad beans and early peas, too can be started under cover or sown directly outside, preferably under a cloche. Mice love early peas!

Onion sets can be planted when conditions are suitable. Tomato and cucumber seed will need more warmth but can be sown now. Early potatoes, chitted in February, can be planted out now. It is a good time for dividing herbaceous perennials - hostas, geraniums, hemerocallis, kniphofias, catmint, etc. Delphiniums too, can be divided now and basal cuttings can be taken from them and lupins and phlox. New lavender plants can be planted now in a sunny free-draining place. They will need regular watering until established as their fibrous roots may find it difficult to transfer from pot conditions.

Finish taking cuttings from chrysanthemums. Sweet peas sown in February in a cold frame should have the tip of their shoot nipped out once three or four leaves have formed. This will encourage bushier plants. Check for aphids, especially in the greenhouse and watch out for slug damage on hostas and other susceptible plants. A layer of sharp ash or grit around the plants may deter. Divide congested clumps of snowdrops after flowering.

Prune roses, also buddleias and lavateras. Mophead hydrangeas and lace caps can have their dead heads removed now leaving two strong buds. Hydrangea paniculata varieties flower on the current year's growth and so can be pruned hard. H petiolaris scandens - the climbing hydrangea - only needs tidying up. Willows and dogwoods grown for the winter colour of their stems can be pruned hard now.

Plant new strawberry plants, making sure they are disease free, and tidy up old strawberry beds.. Tie summer fruiting raspberries to their wires and cut back any weak tips that go more than ten inches or so above the top wire.

Plants need nutrients which are absorbed from the soil in solution; with carbon dioxide from the air and water and with the aid of sunlight and chlorophyll in the leaves, food is made. To make sure of healthy plant growth fertilisers containing nutrients can be added to the soil. In the majority of soils only nitrogen for vigorous plant growth, phosphates for root growth and potassium, which promotes good flowering and fruit formation, need be added. Trace elements such as manganese, sulphur and calcium are rarely deficient, nor are other elements needed in even smaller quantities

Animal manure, garden compost and mushroom manure have only small amounts of all the three major requirements. Bone meal and fish, blood and bone have higher amounts of nitrogen and phosphates but no potassium. Hoof and horn has very high nitrogen only. Potassium, if needed in any strength, has to be given as the inorganic salt. The organic fertilisers, such as bone meal, are slow in action. Growmore has equal amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P) and potassium (K). Phostrogen has the ratio of 14:10:27, Miracle Gro 14:13:13 and Vitax Q4 has N, P and K and trace- and micro-nutrients. These quantities are usually marked on the packeting of the fertiliser. These latter inorganic fertilisers are readily soluble and so are more rapidly available to the plants but also more rapidly washed out of the soil.