August 2004 - Contents Summertime 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 Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Church Picnic, Sunday 29th August, 11 am Coffee Morning, Saturday 11th September Shell Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Marriages Steven William Elliott and Georgina Pine Funerals and Burial of Ashes Norman Alexander Binns James Ronald Meakin St Wystan's News Sponsored Bicycle Ride or Walk, Saturday 11th September St Wystan's Finances Open Gardens and Scarecrow Competition Results Luncheon Club St Mary's News St Mary's Church Roof Appeal: Repairs in Progress Sunday Lunch, 12th September, 12.30 for 1.00 pm St Mary's Church Roof Appeal: Collection Boxes St Mary's Church Roof Appeal: The Hog Roast Sportsmobile: 10th August, 2.00 - 4.00 pm The Amaizing Ingleby Music Maze Thankyou Mary Binns Musical Events Repton School Musical Events, Michaelmas 2004 Charities Christian Aid Collection 2004 Repton Village and History Repton Show, Saturday 4th September Repton W.I. Repton Council Jottings Refuse Freighter, 4th September between 7.30 and 11.40 am Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group, forthcoming meetings Mobile Phone Mast Arrives Unwanted and Unannounced Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W. I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Horticultural Show, 4th September Gardening Notes

Summertime

are the words sung in Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess'. In a similar vein, I remember singing in primary school assembly: 'Glad that I live am I, that the sky is blue …' Both express the sense of freedom and joy which can be felt on a lovely summer day. Summer holidays should give us a chance to relax and be refreshed and to enjoy the world around us. A break from routine can open up other opportunities. Sadly however, many find the summer a difficult time – perhaps the weather is disappointing, it's hard to keep children amused when they are home all day, and holidays away together can produce their own stresses.

So many people seem weighed down by anxieties of one sort or another. Jesus was aware of this when he talked to his followers in the 'Sermon on the Mount' (found in the Bible in Matthew's gospel, chapter 6). He reminded them that worry achieved nothing – in fact, it is counter-productive. 'Take a look around', Jesus said, 'see the birds and the beauty of the flowers – God the Creator is responsible for all this. How much more will God as the heavenly Father provide for the needs of those who trust in him!'

True, there are not always easy solutions to our concerns, but it does make a difference to know we do not have to bear them without help. Perhaps this summer would be a good opportunity to make time to wonder at the world God has created and to find out more about the Creator who is also the Father / provider for all who will trust him. The www Wonderful World Workshop is planned to help children to do this but the Good News is for all ages. Why not challenge a Christian you know to explain it, or visit a church or Christian bookshop (such as Link Up in Burton) to find out more?

Happy summer holidays.

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

Altar Flowers

Altar Flowers at St Saviour's

The United Reformed Church

Church Picnic, Sunday 29th August, 11 am

The morning service will be short, and after it everyone is welcome to go to Foremark Reservoir with their picnic lunches. Cold drinks will be provided. After lunch you can go on a walk, laze in the sun, or go on the Adventure Playground.

Coffee Mornings

Coffee Mornings recommence on Saturday 11th September, when the church will be open until 2 pm to welcome those taking part in the Rural Churches Cycle Ride. The Coffee Morning will be followed by jacket potato lunches, another chance to stock up on homemade marmalade and cakes, to see the latest Webb Ivory range, and to play the children's game.

Shell

Shell (age 7+) will be on holiday for August and will recommence on Monday 13th September at 6.30 pm. New members are welcome.

Marriages

Steven William Elliott and Georgina Pine, both from Willington, were married at St Wystan's on Sunday 20th June.

We offer them our congratulations and very best wishes
for their future life together.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Norman Alexander Binns of 13 Newton Park died on 3rd June aged 79. Following a funeral at Trinity Methodist and United Reformed Church, George Street, Burton, he was interred in St Mary's Churchyard, Newton Solney, on Friday 11th June.

James Ronald Meakin of 25 Mount Pleasant Road, Repton, died on Sunday 13th June, aged 76. His funeral was held on Tuesday 22nd June at St Wystan's followed by burial at Repton Cemetery. Janet Marian Falder of Twin Oaks, Newton Lane, died on 25th June aged 76. Her funeral was held at St Mary's Church on Friday 2nd July, followed by interment in the churchyard.

Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.

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St Wystan's News

Sponsored Bicycle Ride or Walk

This year the sponsored "Bike & Hike" in aid of the Derbyshire Churches & Chapels Preservation Trust falls on Saturday 11th September. Once again all four churches in Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney will be open to receive visitors from 10.00 am, the URC Church until 2.00 pm and the Anglican Churches until 6.00 pm. If you are willing and able to act as a steward, to walk or cycle between some of the churches and chapels open in this area, or to sponsor one or more of the various participants, please contact one of the following for further information: Linda Pettitt (Repton URC, 701223), Richard Finch (St Wystan's, Repton, 701245), Anne Redfern (St Saviour's, Foremark, 01332 862350), Jennifer Haynes (St Mary's, Newton Solney, 703827).

St Wystan's Finances

A brief account of the parish church finances appeared in the Parish Magazine for March. We explained then that 2004 was going to be a very difficult year financially unless we could increase our income. Unfortunately, at the end of June we were still well below our budgeted income. If we cannot improve on this during the remainder of the year we shall be in serious difficulties and unable to make our usual annual donations to the missionary charities we support. We are writing in more detail to members of the congregation. We are also asking other Repton residents, occasional churchgoers or simply those who like to see the church and churchyard kept tidy and in good repair, to consider if they can help in any way, perhaps through a Gift Aid donation that enables us to recover income tax in addition to the money given.

If you would like to help or would simply like further information please contact:

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

Open Gardens

For the first time in Repton, the Open Gardens took place over two days. Twenty-two gardens participated, and grateful thanks are due to all the gardeners who kindly exposed their gardens to public view.

Owing to inclement weather, attendances on the Saturday were disappointing; however, the weather on the Sunday was much improved, as was the number of visitors. The gardens on show were very well received and there was much favourable comment.

The scarecrow competition attracted a good variety of both traditional and novel items. The results are reported later, but it is worth mentioning here that the judges were impressed with the standard of entries and found it very difficult to pick the winners.

In the absence of a church fête this year, other activities took place within the Open Gardens framework. These included a Grand Draw with splendid prizes donated locally, Home Produce and Plant Sales, a Book Stall and Tombola. As a result of the Teddy Bears' Holiday Raffle, favourite Teddies are even now winging their way to Madiera, Majorca and Mexico.

In St Wystan's Church, the focus of events was a Floral Display bringing together splendid arrangements by Burton Floral Art Society and by members of the parish. It was organised by Mrs. Margaret Rainey and greatly admired by everyone. There were organ recitals, displays of photographs, a talk on the history of the church building, the bells were rung and the cubs and beavers collected a 'mile' of pennies. Finally, Mrs. Lilian Ash kindly agreed to display once again the wonderful 'Repton Timeline', created by the late Ken Ash, and a magnet for all our visitors.

Refreshments were served in the Village Hall and at the United Reformed Church. Grateful thanks are due to all who provided cakes and confectioneries, and to all who helped serve tea and wash up. In the light of the weather, the two-day event was a great success, raising over £3,700 for St Wystan's Church. We are very grateful to all the gardeners, to all who helped organise events and to all who participated.

Book Stall
David Guest would like to thank all those who left books (discovered nearly every time the front door was opened) anonymously in the porch at Tudor Lodge. The stall raised a magnificent £153, and there are plenty of books left over, now in store, to supply future events in the village.

Scarecrow Competition Results
Congratulations to all the competitors who helped to make the Scarecrow Trail such a success and added to the enjoyment of the Open Gardens Weekend. The judges were very impressed and found it hard to decide; you can feel very pleased with yourselves.

Children

	1st	James and George Baker
	2nd	Katie and Sian Ryalls 
	3rd	Rosie Watson and Alice Cox Morton
Highly Commended	John and Alistair Robson

Adults

	1st	Martyn Groom
Highly Commended	Richard Sharratt
		Pat Masson

Businesses and Organisations

	1st	1st Repton Guides
Highly Commended	Adrian Gillham
		St Wystan's School

Luncheon Club

In the June magazine we appealed for servers, washer-uppers and cooks. We should add that all cooks have their costs reimbursed. Some people share the job, one person doing the first course and the other the pudding. In practice it means just a few hours every three months. If you can help in any way, do please telephone Jean Outhwaite on 01332 799434, or me on 01283 212652.

St Mary's News

St Mary's Church Roof Appeal

Repairs in Progress: Anyone passing through St Mary's churchyard recently will be aware that the first phase of the repair work (relining the gutters and replacing the downpipes) has now begun. Slight setbacks during the first week were the strong winds and the discovery of two insect nests under the guttering. Happily the winds calmed and the insect nests have been destroyed; we hope now for smoother progress.

Sunday Lunch is to be served at Rock House, Church Lane, Newton Solney, on 12th September, 12.30 for 1.00 pm. Admission is by ticket (£60 per person). Hot and cold buffet, Pimms on arrival and table wines included. Tables for 10 available. For tickets contact Roger Kerry (01283 703336).

Collection Boxes: If you are ready to unload your spare coins from a collecting box or to acquire a new box, please contact Liz Bullivant (703819), Jennifer Haynes (703827), or Linda Williams (701366).

The Hog Roast Warmest thanks to Joe Bailey for his hospitality on 3rd July, to the organising committee and their families, to the splendid musicians (especially the Mellowtones who gave their services free) and to all who contributed to the success of the evening, either by volunteering their help or simply by being there. The net profit for the evening just topped £3000!

P.S. "Lost" property abandoned in the barns included a man's fairisle sweater, a man's folding black umbrella and two dishes won at the tombola. Owners should contact Jennifer Haynes (703827) to reclaim their possessions.

Thankyou

Mary Binns would like to thank the many people in Newton Solney who offered so many caring enquiries during Norman's illness and comforting thoughts after his death. To those who attended the funeral and the interment - including the Postmaster - it was much appreciated.

Repton School Musical Events, Michaelmas 2004

Tuesday 21st – Saturday 25th September, 400 Hall at 7.30 pm
Chellaston Youth Players & Repton School Musicians present
West Side Story by Bernstein & Sondheim

Tuesday 28th September, Music School, 7.45 pm
Subscription Concert: The Johnstone Quartet

Tuesday & Wednesday 16th & 17th November, 400 Hall, 7.30 pm
Abbey & Orchard House Play
Return to The Forbidden Planet

Sunday 21st November, Pears School, 7.30 pm
Orchestral & Choral Concert

Concerto for oboe and violin	JS Bach
Symphony No 5 			Boyce
Beatus Vir 			Monteverdi
Chat Moss 			Maxwell-Davies
1812 Overture 			Tchaikovsky 

Tuesday 23rd November, Music School, 8.00 pm
Kenneth Page Foundation Competition Winners' Concert

Sunday 28th November, Music School, 2.00 pm
Strings, Classical Guitar & Harp Competition
Adjudicator: Miss Nina Martin

Sunday 5th December, Pears School, 7.30 pm
Music Society Concert
Messiah Parts 1 & 3 Handel

Tuesday 7th & Wednesday 8th December, Pears School, 8.00 pm
Christmas Band Concert

Thursday 9th December, Music School, 7.45 pm
Subscription Concert: Catherine the Great Orchestra

Sun 12th December, Chapel, 6.30 pm
Carol Service for Parents, Staff and Parish
Followed by a reception in the Undercroft.

Information from The Music Department, Repton School Tel: 01283 559318

Charities

Christian Aid Collection 2004

The total Christian Aid collection from the Parishes of Repton, Foremarke and Newton Solney was £1845.58 The breakdown of the sum collected was: Repton, Foremarke, Ingleby and Milton: £1515.78, Newton Solney: £329.80.

Many thanks to all who contributed so generously, and to those who specifically held fund-raising events and donated 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 £60. Do please continue to fill in the envelopes.

We would like to thank the dedicated collectors, the counters who helped to co-ordinate the collection, and The Post Office 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. May we remind collectors to contact us if they are unable to collect next year.

We are still looking for collectors for all areas next year. Even if you are willing to collect once, we would be grateful if you could contact either Jackie Hurrell (co-ordinator, 702089) or Melodie Kettle (559217). For Newton Solney the contact is Jennifer Haynes (703827)

Repton Village & History

Repton Show

Repton Show takes place this year on Saturday 4th September in the Village Hall. In addition to the other trophies, Zak's Trophy has been kindly donated by Vicky Taylor for the greatest number of points gained in the children's classes.

There are lots of classes to enter, including a new 'vegetable tray', photography, flower-arranging and crafts. Why not have a go and make this a real village event? Staging takes place from 10 – 11.45 am and the show opens to the public at 2.30 pm. Prize giving at 3.30 pm will be followed by the auction, conducted by Adrian Argyle, at 3.45 pm. Entry forms and schedules will be available from mid-August at the Post Office.

Repton W.I.

At the July meeting the Chair Bodger turned out to be well worth waiting for. He chatted away as he set up his pole lathe. Then in a remarkably short time he produced a chair leg from a piece of green ash from the woods at Belvoir. He brought a beautiful Windsor chair so that we could see the finished product. Members wished that more of them had brought their husbands along to hear this enthralling talk.

Next meeting: Tuesday 10th August at 2.30 pm. Garden meeting at the Grange, 16 Main Street.

Repton Council Jottings

Following the Parish Council Meeting on 12 July 2004 there are just two items of general interest to report.

1. Derbyshire County Council has advised details of the second phase of their traffic calming plans for Repton. This time the focus is on vehicle and pedestrian movements in the vicinity of the Cross. A plan of the proposals is available for inspection in the Parish Office at The Dales. To summarise, the scheme comprises:

• A new pedestrian refuge at the entrance to Burton Road.
• A raised plateau in front of The Abbey school house.
• The existing pelican crossing in Willington Road raised up on a plateau.
• The pavement outside the Old Mitre widened to 1.2 metres and continued around the corner of the building.

Whilst welcoming most of these measures the Parish Council is to restate its earlier objection to the widening of the pavement at the Old Mitre; it believes the consequent reduction in road width to single line traffic, at a point where drivers of vehicles entering the village have limited visibility, greatly increases the risk of accidents.

Any comments on the plans should be made in writing to Derbyshire County Council as soon as possible, addressed to David Harvey, Director of Environmental Services, County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3AG.

2. Residents near the village end of Main Street are very worried about a mobile phone pylon that has recently been erected by Orange Telecom on land off Broomhills Lane. They are voicing concerns about dangers to health, and devaluation of their homes. Planning approval for the mast was granted by Derbyshire District Council in late 2001.

As the Parish Council does not convene in August, the next meeting will be on Monday 13th September at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall.

Refuse Freighter

A refuse freighter will be available to receive domestic waste on the Village Hall car park on 4th September between 7.30 and 11.40 am.

The freighter cannot accept items such as metal items, builders rubbish, bathroom fixtures, fridges, freezers, cookers, washing machines, dryers, wardrobes, beds, 3 piece suites, car parts, kitchen units (unless dismantled) asbestos, gas heaters and bottles, paint, any inflammable substances, televisions & fluorescent tubes.

South Derbyshire District Council will collect bulky items at a quoted cost. Ring SDDC on 01283 595758 for further information.

Repton Village Society

A 'full house' of RVS members had a fascinating visit to Sinai Park where the present owners welcomed us and gave a potted history of the house. We were then taken to look round the outside of the building, the moat and the plunge pool, and also inside the part of the building that has been restored and is now habitable. It was a real treat to see an ancient place that was used by the monks in Burton and then given to the Paget family by Henry VIII, being brought back to life again from a derelict ruin. Our next meeting is on the 9th September when the well-known speaker, Max Craven, will talk on 'Pickford House'.

P.S. Have you been down St Peter's Street in Derby recently. As one of those who attended Derek Palmer's 'Derby beneath your feet' talk, I was amazed to see the road dug up; there was the roof to the Markeaton Culvert exposed, together with a length of tram lines crossing it, just as Derek had described it!

Repton Village History Group

The Group has now published its new book of photographs of old Repton and District entitled "Repton – Historic Capital of Mercia". It has been greeted with enthusiasm as have our two other new specialist publications, namely "The Repton Institute 1858 – 1863" and "The Banns of Marriage, Repton Parish 1859 – 1908". The first of these deals with the Rules and the Minutes of the old Institute and makes fascinating reading. The second could be very useful for those who wish to trace their family history. These are all on sale at our monthly meetings.

There will be no meeting in August but from September, the group will be meeting regularly on the first Tuesday of each month in the Village Hall at 7.30 pm. Everybody is welcome to come along and learn about the history of the district or to contribute their memories of days gone by. We ask for a donation to cover the cost of hiring the hall and refreshments are provided. Our programme up till Christmas is:

Tuesday 7th September Slide show of old South Derbyshire by David Smith

Tuesday 5th October Talk: "The Button Box" by Graham Nutt

Tuesday 2nd November Workshop Evening

Tuesday 7th December Social Evening with Quiz and Mince Pies

Mobile Phone Mast Arrives Unwanted and Unannounced

I am not a technophobe. I choose to use a mobile phone. I am not a 'nimby' either. However, I am fiercely protective of my family's well-being.

For a long time we have had a TV booster mast at the rear of our property but now we have a new silhouette to ruin the view of the rolling Broomhills. In 2001 a replacement mast planning application was approved, apparently without any consultation with Repton residents. I find it appalling, that such a potential hazard to the health of local residents could be approved without anybody knowing except the Planning Authority. The application was also approved without objection by the Parish Council.

Now it has been erected, the mast is clearly visible from the footpath up to the Broomhills. The playing field, where so many young people enjoy football, is within the possible field of microwave emissions. Also, many horses, which may also be susceptible to microwave emissions, are kept in this area.

The Stewart enquiry of 2001 stated that mobile phone masts should not be sited near schools. Some might worry about the proximity of Woodend Nursery.

Public health concerns are still being raised by bodies investigating the microwave emissions from similar masts. These have been met with derision by those who wish to promote such sites; however, blue asbestos was thought a good idea at the time and so was thalidomide! Only time will tell about microwave emissions.

I am told that this mast will affect house prices by a possible 10% drop. My future does not appear to be bright or 'Orange'!! So what can we do? It may be too late. At the very least we can lodge our opposition. Remember: just because you can't see it from your house doesn't mean it's not affecting you. You may have had your head in the sand just a little too long this time, Repton!

Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W. I.

There was almost a full house for our June meeting, when Station Officer Dempsey came to amuse us with anecdotes of his life, serving in the Derby Fire Brigade. He alerted us to the dangers of fire. His advice on how to be safe in the face of fire was particularly enlightening, especially as not all members could claim to own a fire alarm! An evening outing to Uttoxeter Races was much enjoyed by a group of members together with family and friends.

In July the speaker will be from the National Arboretum which we shall be visiting on 18th August for our summer outing.

Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney Horticultural Show, 4th September

The Committee has decided that paintings exhibited in the Show may be for sale.

Gardening Notes

Summer is nearly over. How quickly the seasons pass! Onion, garlic and shallots will need lifting as soon as the leaves start to yellow. Dry them outside, if sunny, otherwise in the greenhouse or on a windowsill. Pick runner beans on alternate days: allowing the pods to mature will stop further flower formation. And courgettes should be picked twice weekly.

Plant spring cauliflowers and purple-sprouting broccoli, spinach and pot-raised lettuce and parsley. Sow calabrese, leaf-beet, autumn-sown onion and winter lettuce. Salad rocket sown now or in September will give tender, peppery leaves until March. All these sowings will need regular watering.

Container plants for overwintering should be drenched with Bio Provado to prevent vine weevil grubs destroying them by eating their roots.

Consider ordering bulbs now. There is no hurry for most spring-flowering bulbs until next month, but colchicums and other autumn-flowering bulbs, and early spring bulbs such as the small-flowering iris should be in as soon as possible. The general rule is to plant them at two and a half times their own depth, but perhaps deeper in light soil. Order sweet peas for autumn sowing as well as garlic, autumn-onion and shallots for planting soon.

Take cuttings of lavender, pinks, pelargoniums, argyranthemums, cistus, fuchsias, santolina, achillea, passion flower, honeysuckle, pyracantha, ivy, lavatera and more.

Wysteria needs pruning and training horizontally to help promote flowering. Pruning is carried out in two stages: all new shoots are shortened to 6 to 9 inches in August, and again to 2 or 3 buds in January. Often they do not flower until they are 8 years old, but most plants sold nowadays are well-established. The early-flowering varieties are prone to frost damage. The two commonest varieties are w. sinensis (Chinese) and w. floribunda (Japanese). W. sinensis produces flowers in June after the leaves, and it tends to have longer racemes. One other distinguishing feature is that w. sinensis twines anti-clockwise and w. floribunda clockwise. There is a hybrid between the two, but I don't know which way that twines! There is also more colour variation in the Japanese varieties, from the commonest lavender to white and pink.

It has been known for a long time that there is a beneficial relationship between certain fungi and plant roots. The fungi take water and nutrients from the soil and pass them into the roots; in return they receive sugars which they cannot make themselves. Dried formulations containing these fungi are now available in three types, for roses and garden plants, for trees and for houseplants. One dose when planting should have a permanent effect. It seems to work when planting new roses, preventing rose-replant disease. Another novel method to prevent this is to plant the rose into the ground in a cardboard box filled with fresh soil or compost. By the time the roots have grown through – in two years – the danger has gone.

At this time of year there are large numbers of insects for the swallows, swifts and house-martins, though the swifts will leave for winter quarters in early August. Tits and sparrows will feed on aphids, spiders and small beetles in many plants. When the soil is dry, earthworms and similar creatures descend to the moister depths, and blackbirds and thrushes look to ripening summer fruits. Finches and sparrows change from insects to a wider diet including seeds, nectar and pollen. They can often be seen on red hot pokers collecting nectar. Many perennials and annuals produce abundant seed; delphiniums are amongst the favourites.