November 2004 - Contents Peter Paine's Letter Christians Together in Repton Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Remembrance Sunday, 14th November: Arrangements at Repton & Newton Solney 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 Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Christmas Mini-Market, Saturday 13th November, 10.30 to noon Remembrance Day Shell Junior Church Nativity services, Sunday l2th December at 11 am and 6.30 pm Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Jack Cameron McEwan Trinity Erin and Ryan Thomas Daniel Marriages Richard John Mears and Elizabeth Ann Ellis Funerals and Burial of Ashes Amy Adeline Auckland John Derek Child Ann Macartney Obituary: Amy Auckland Obituary: Ann Macartney St Wystan's News Licensing our new Vicar Thankyou to the Revd Stanley Morris, Ruth Attwood and others St Wystan's Development Update on St. Wystan's Finances Re-Cycling for St Wystan's Derbyshire Churches & Chapels Preservation Trust Have you any room at Christmas? St Mary's News Evensong at St Mary's Newton Solney Church Roof Appeal Newton Solney Harvest Lunch Sale of Work and Fun Day, Saturday, 6th November at 2.15 pm Repton Primary School PTA Ladies Evening, Thursday 11th November at 7.30 pm St Mary's Church Newton Solney Table-Top Sale, Saturday 13th November, 10 am to 1 pm Repton Primary School PTA Autumn Ball, Saturday 20th November Repton Quiz Night, Saturday 27th November, 7.15 pm Repton Primary School PTA Christmas Bazaar, Friday 3rd December at 6.30 pm Newton Solney Infant School Christmas Fair, 4th December at 2 pm The Sitwell Singers, Saturday 11th December at 7.30 pm An Evening with Alison Mckenzie, 11th December at 7.30 pm URC Christmas Mini-Market, Saturday 12th December, 10.30 am to noon Congratulations and Thankyou Congratulations from Ron to Jeanette Griffiths Thankyou - Ros Hudson's Coffee Morning Thankyou - Sue Sharratt's coffee morning Repton Royal British Legion Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Show Musical Events Galaya Bisengaliev & Leah Brown, Tuesday 23rd November at 8.00 pm Schools Repton Primary School Open Morning Hedgehogs visit Repton Pre-School Repton Village and History Extend! Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Repton and Milton Village Design Statement Repton W.I. Repton Evergreens Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Shopping Trip to Birmingham, Saturday 27th November Newton Solney Wild Flower Quiz Gardening Notes Flora of Derbyshire Quiz

Peter Paine's Letter

Dear Friends and Parishioners,

Thank you for the very warm welcome we received on the 9th October and thereafter. We all feel very much at home in the three parishes of the benefice. The Licensing service was truly memorable, thanks to the well-laid plans and preparations made by the churchwardens and team of caterers. Many people remarked upon the friendliness of the bishop, the excellence of the service and the sumptuousness of the spread afterwards. So a big THANKYOU to everyone involved. My family and friends from Norfolk decided that we had arrived at the 'promised land.' They were most impressed with the warmth and interest of the church, the quality of the work done in the vicarage and the potential of the garden. One person remarked that I had 'landed on my feet.'

The other members of the family think that they have landed in similar fashion. Sarah has been the first to find work in the village and is currently assisting the staff at the Bull's Head. Carol is working her first day of supply teaching at St Wystan's school as I write this. Thank you for making us all so welcome.

The following day was also a most happy occasion, as I was able to be present at each of the three churches for three very different services. This was an appropriate introduction, as each occasion gave me an excellent opportunity to appreciate the churches and people who worship in them.

It is a great joy to be able to offer Morning Prayer each day at St Wystan's. This is already a church which feels that it has been much prayed in. To bring the needs of the people to God on a daily basis and to offer prayer is a great asset in a parish, and I am grateful to Stephen for accompanying me there, and to others for joining with us. We hope that there will be those who might join us on a weekly if not daily basis, and others who may drop in as occasion permits - 8.00 am during the week.

The Wednesday morning Eucharist will now be celebrated every week at 10.00 am. We are currently discussing which service to use; there is not universal agreement, so we may have some variety before adopting one service. Please come and join in the debate.

I know many of you are keen gardeners, judging by the number of gardens on display earlier this summer for your Open Garden event. I am looking for a gardener who would like a little bit of extra work, in return for the use of our vegetable patch to grow their own fruit and vegetables. If anyone would be interested in working the Vicarage vegetable patch to grow produce for themselves - and to let us have the occasional cabbage and fruit – we would be very happy to come to some arrangement. Please ring me on 703317.

Christians Together in Repton

Twice a year, representatives from the United Reformed Church, the Catholic and Parish Churches meet to share ideas and arrange joint events. At our last meeting on the 21st September we discussed several items of joint concern, but mostly our work is practical. We arranged our joint services for Remembrance Sunday, the Covenant, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and Maundy Thursday. We discussed the follow-up to last August's Wonderful World Workshop, which the children enjoyed so much, and started to plan its follow-up, an Easter Workshop. Looking further ahead, we started to plan the celebration of One World Week in 2005. Other areas of cooperation include carol singing in the pubs, and participation in the Open Gardens.

The divisions of the past now appear far remote; in Repton today we work and worship together in friendship and Christian fellowship.

Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

Remembrance Sunday, 14th November: Arrangements at Repton

The Remembrance Day Service, which is jointly arranged by the Royal British Legion, the United Reformed Church and St Wystan's, starts outside the lych-gate at 10.50 am. The Act of Remembrance will take place at 11 am at the War Memorial. Then we go into church for the rest of the service. If it is raining, people who do not want to wait outside in the wet can go straight into church.

... at Newton Solney

There will be a short service of Remembrance at St Mary's Church at 10.45 am.

St. Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

Readers and Intercessors at St. Wystan's

Altar Flowers

Brasses

Altar Flowers and Cleaning Rota at St Saviour's

The United Reformed Church

Christmas Mini-Market, Saturday 13th November, 10.30 to noon

Christmas is coming! The famous Shell mincemeat will be sure to sell out quickly! Play Christmas games with the children, win a Christmas Hamper, buy those Christmas cards you have forgotten about - all this as well as the usual home-made marmalade and cakes, and a chance to have coffee and mince pies with friends.

Remembrance Day

Once again we will join in the annual Remembrance Day service at St. Wystan's Church, starting at 10.50 am with the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial.

Shell Group

Shell Group, age 7+, meets on Mondays from 6.30 until 7.30 pm. New members welcome.

Advance Notice

The Junior Church Nativity services will be held on Sunday l2th December at 11 am and 6.30 pm.

Baptisms

Jack Cameron McEwan, son of Ian McEwan and Denise Douthwaite of 14 Welland Close, Winshill, was baptised at St Mary's on Sunday 19th September.

Trinity Erin and Ryan Thomas Daniel, daughter and son of Lucy and Shaun O'Connell of Willington, were baptised at the United Reformed Church on Sunday 26th September.

Marriages

Richard John Mears and Elizabeth Ann Ellis, both from Mickleover, were married at St Wystan's Church on Saturday 18th September.

Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Amy Adeline Auckland of 14 Springfield Road died on Thursday 23rd September aged 86. Her funeral, at the United Reformed Church on Wednesday 29th September, was followed by cremation at Bretby.

John Derek Child of 14 Hawks Drive, Winshill, died in the Queen's Hospital, Burton-on-Trent, on 20th September, his funeral being held at Bretby Crematorium on 29th September. On 16th October, his ashes were interred with those of his late wife in St Mary's churchyard.

Ann Macartney died on Wednesday 29th September on the Isle of Bute, where she and her husband, John, lived in retirement.

Amy Auckland

The family of the late Amy Auckland of 14 Springfield Road would like to thank everyone for their kind messages of sympathy in their sad loss, and especially to thank all those who made donations to the United Reformed Church Schoolroom Roof appeal.

Amy lived in the village for sixty-five years and was a tireless campaigner for the welfare of its people. She was a stalwart of the Labour Party, and worked to establish a Community Centre where the Friday Luncheon Club could meet. She was well-known for her fund raising activities over many years, as well as for her great love of whist drives.

Amy will be hugely missed by everyone who knew her. We send our deepest sympathy to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ann Macartney

After a short illness, Ann Macartney died on 29th September on the Isle of Bute, where she and her husband, John, lived in retirement. She had taught at Foremarke for a quarter of a century, joining the staff in 1973. Initially she taught English and then maths. Ann was a totally committed teacher, kind and caring. She was always smiling and never forgot a birthday, but she will be particularly remembered by her pupils for the delicious home-made fudge with which she rewarded the successful and encouraged stragglers. John was church treasurer for many years, and among many other activities Ann ran the Foremarke second-hand uniform shop, St Saviour's Church being the beneficiary of her hard work. St Saviour's will always be grateful to them both, and we offer our deepest sympathy to John and their twin sons, John and Thomas.

St Wystan's News

Licensing our new Vicar

Saturday 9th October marked the beginning of a new stage in the life of our parishes, when Peter Paine was licensed by the Bishop of Repton as our new vicar, succeeding Julian Barker who retired in October last year.

The service at St Wystan's was a mixture of legalities, celebration, and welcoming. The formalities included Peter taking historic oaths of obedience to the Queen and to the Bishop of Derby. Then he performed a series of symbolic acts - pouring water into the font, putting a bible on the lectern, and placing bread and wine on the altar, as a reminder to us all of the essentials of our faith and our duty to be partners with Peter in his work. Following the licensing itself, Peter rang one of the bells and received church keys, parish maps and electoral rolls from the churchwardens to mark the start of his ministry. The service concluded with greetings from the Rural Dean and other local clergy, our MP Mark Todd, local councillors, and headteachers from local schools. Their presence in the congregation, together with Peter's family and friends and groups from his previous parishes in Leeds and Norfolk, made this a very happy occasion.

Thanks are due to everyone who contributed to organising this great event - the churchwardens, the catering team who provided a marvellous tea in the 400 Hall; Terry Bennett, Peter Williams and the Wystan Singers for the music; the bellringers who rang before and after the service; the flower-arrangers and many others.

Note: Although Peter's official title is 'priest-in-charge', this refers only to the legal form of his appointment. For all practical purposes he is our vicar.

Thankyou

That the life of St Wystan's carried on so smoothly during the Interregnum was due to the goodwill and hard work of many people. Two in particular deserve our special thanks, the Revd Stanley Morris and Ruth Attwood, both of whom were prepared to take services whenever asked, as well as carrying out numerous other jobs on our behalf. They were supported in taking services by no fewer than 10 members of the congregation and 9 visiting clergy. It would be impossible to name everyone who helped, but they know who they are, and we hope they will accept the grateful thanks of the churchwardens and PCC.

St Wystan's Development

One of my first engagements was to attend the Development Committee, which I was very pleased to do; developing church buildings is essential if the Church is to move ahead in the modern age and to appeal to a wider and younger generation. We need to remember that, while the church building is indeed holy space, its form is not sacrosanct. Every era has made its mark on it. The Victorians were the last to make radical change, but changes had been made before that, particularly in the 16th century and at the Reformation. Although church buildings change over very long periods of time, we do need to think of them as evolving; if not, they become 'dead' and are no longer useful in the mission of the Church, which is what we are all really here for! The church building needs to speak of a God who is present, not one who was present in the Victorian era and has since atrophied. I see the church as a cot for the new baby which the Holy Spirit is bringing to birth in this present age. We need to have a cot capable of welcoming this new baby. There may be disagreement about the details of the development plans - and they are certainly in a state of radical discussion - but I hope that everyone sees the necessity of meeting the needs of the time. If you are in any doubt, please give me the opportunity to discuss this with you by ringing me on 703317.

Update on St. Wystan's Finances

We would like to thank all those in St Wystan's congregation who have replied to the letter that the churchwardens sent out during August. Responses so far have added roughly £2,500 to our annual income. We are very grateful to all those who have increased their regular giving or started using Gift Aid. This has gone a long way towards balancing our budget for this year. We still have some way to go to achieve our target of an additional £5,000, so we will be very pleased to hear from anyone who has not yet replied. We are also very grateful to other Repton residents, occasional churchgoers or well-wishers, who like to see the church and churchyard maintained and help us financially with this. Any donations to funds specifically for these purposes are much appreciated, particularly through Gift Aid, which enables us to recover income tax.

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

Re-Cycling for St Wystan's

Two years have now passed since concerted efforts began to re-cycle aluminium, steel and foil. With the help of Repton School, the Royal British Legion and many environmentally-conscious individuals, a total of £540.60 has been raised. Thankyou to all who have contributed. Do please continue to leave your metal and / foil in the sacks provided in the church porch.

Derbyshire Churches & Chapels Preservation Trust

On 11th September all four churches in our villages were open for the Sponsored Bicycle Ride & Walk. Thanks are due to all those who acted as stewards or who made the cyclists and walkers welcome in other ways. Two cyclists travelled from Repton and a family of walkers from Newton Solney. The sponsorship money for the day totalled over £400, which will be shared between the Trust and the parishes concerned. Well done and thank you.

Have you any room at Christmas?

Unusual people wanted! It's unusual to invite a stranger from another country to your home for a day or a weekend, or to share your Christmas with, say, a Chinese person who may not know what Christmas is. It's not usual to answer lots of questions about British customs while showing a guest around your locality, nor to be given insights into other parts of the world while teaching, say, an Indian to make mince pies. It's pretty rare to contribute to international goodwill and understanding just by opening up your home to an adult international student on a short break from studies at a UK college.

If you are unusual enough to be interested in this idea, HOST would love to hear from you. HOST is a national organisation, backed by the British Council and many universities, which matches students with volunteer hosts for very short visits. Please see www.hostuk.org, or call our volunteer regional organiser, Ruth Pelly, on 01335 330555.

Melanie Finch writes:
The HOST website is very informative. We had two Chinese students for Christmas through HOST a few years ago. It was one of the most fascinating Christmases we have ever experienced, and we are still in touch with one of them now she's back in China. Other people from the Repton area have also hosted successfully several times. Do call me on 01283 701245 if you'd like to hear more!

St Mary's News

Evensong at St Mary's

In view of the Service of Remembrance at 10.45 am, there will be no Evensong on 14th November. Since British Summer Time ends on 31st October, the next Evensong, on 28th November, will begin at 4.00 pm.

Newton Solney Church Roof Appeal

On 5th December there is to be a Carol Concert given by the Gresley Male Voice Choir in St Mary's Church at 7.30 pm. Please watch out for notices giving further details.

Meanwhile during the past month a further £1000 has been raised by a Golf Day at Branston Golf Club. Money is continuing to come in from the Collection Boxes distributed for small change. More such boxes are available at the back of the church or by request from Liz Bullivant (703819), Jennifer Haynes (703827), or Linda Williams (701366).

Christmas cards at 50p each, depicting Church Lane in the snow, are available from Jennifer Haynes (703827) and can be ordered in packs of l0 or 20. A sample card can be seen on the notice-board in the South Aisle of St Mary's Church.

Newton Solney Harvest Lunch

Warm thanks to all who worked so hard to make this such a success. We are most grateful to those who donated the potatoes, the lasagne, the tempting desserts and the raffle prizes. Your support has enabled us to raise £383.00 for Church Funds.

Congratulations and Thankyou

Congratulations!

... from Ron to Jeanette Griffiths on achieving a BA (Hons) in Combined Studies.

Thankyou

... to all who supported Ros Hudson's Coffee Morning on 6th October. Although attendance was a little disappointing, it raised £312 for Repton and District Care Group. ... to all who helped to make Sue Sharratt's coffee morning a great success. It raised £963 for MacMillan Cancer Relief. A special thankyou to Lesley, Chris, Mary, Di, Rachel, Jan, the Boot Inn and Mulberry.

Repton Royal British Legion

The organisers of the Repton Royal British Legion Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Show, held on 11th September, would like to thank all the entrants, judges (George Astle and Chris Wild) and helpers (Paul, Denise, Janet, Steve, Sam, Roy and Maisie). All the money raised, a grand total of £364.92, will go to the Poppy Appeal.

Schools

Repton Primary School Open Morning

Do you have children in the Repton catchment area who are due to start school in September 2005? Would you like to come and see what we do? On Friday 12th November, 9.30 am - 11 am, Repton Primary School is holding an Open Morning for prospective pupils and their parents and the people of the Repton area.

Come and join us, meet the staff and pupils, see our excellent facilities and what we do.

We look forward to meeting you!

Hedgehogs visit Repton Pre-School

On 7th October, Repton Pre-School was visited by Stuart MacDonald of Hogs Haven Rescue Centre, a hedgehog sanctuary in Derby. To the delight of the children, Stuart brought along a mother and baby hedgehog. Yvonne Riley, the new leader of the pre-school, says, "The children were so excited, they stroked the hedgehogs, asked lots of questions, and were very interested in the idea of hibernation." The visit raised money towards the sanctuary, and is the first in a series of visits developing this term's theme of hibernation, migration and the changing nature of autumn, aiming also to increase practical awareness, particularly of safety. This term has seen the children making their own wormery, bark-rubbing, making scarecrows, collecting and counting conkers, leaves and other autumn flora.

Repton Pre-School is a parent-led group for 2½ to 4 year-olds. Sessions run from 9.15 am to 11.45 am, with Rising Fives meeting one afternoon per week from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm in spring and summer. The school is a registered charity, and a member of the Pre-School Learning Alliance, with 26 places per session. Children may attend one to five mornings per week.

Yvonne loves her new appointment. "The children are absolutely lovely, we have excellent staff, a supportive committee and parents." To know more, contact her at Repton Pre-School, The Den, Mitre Drive, Repton DE65 6FJ or phone 07788701676.

Repton Village & History

Extend!

Come and enjoy an hour of fun at Repton Village Hall each Tuesday, 11 am noon, £1.50 and cheap at the price. Extend is gentle movement to music, that is uplifting for older people. Once the music starts, you immediately begin to move, whether sitting or standing.

Ages at present range from 60 to 96. People come from many parts of the village and even from Burton. So do come along; we would love to welcome you. It really does help to improve your joints and relieves your aches and pains.

Repton Village History Group

The October meeting of Repton Village History Group was well attended and it was pleasing to see more new faces among the audience. Graham Nutt was the speaker, talking about 'The Button Box'. Graham, as many of you will know, was the driving force behind setting up and running the 'Magic Attic' archives located in Sharpe's Pottery at Swadlincote. He is also a weekly contributor to the Burton Daily Mail's feature 'The Mail Remembers'.

Graham commenced his talk with a brief history of the 'Magic Attic', from when it was first formed in the 1980's to the present. He then went on to give a most unusual talk about growing up in South Derbyshire and complemented this by producing mementos from two large boxes. These contained all manner of items, most of which would have been commonplace in houses in those days. The list of things is too numerous to record but included sheets of toilet paper, packets of Woodbines, war-time identity cards and ration books, a hand grenade, old records and film annuals, a risqué postcard and many more. It was obvious from the reaction of the audience that Graham brought back many memories of days gone by, and all agreed that it was a most enjoyable evening.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 2nd November at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall, when we will be holding our first Workshop evening. This is your opportunity to see some of the research projects that have been, or are being undertaken, and to view some of our archives. It is also your opportunity to make suggestions and comments, and should you wish, to take part and make yourself known to us. The December meeting, on Tuesday 7th, will be a Social Evening with a quiz and mince pies. All are welcome.

Repton Village Society

We had a well-attended meeting on the 7th October, when Chris Weir gave a fascinating account of the life of the self-made man, Jesse Boot, and the way he built up his retailing empire.

Our next meeting is on the 4th November, when Richard Dobson will give an illustrated talk on the work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. There will also be an opportunity to support this charity by buying their Christmas cards. The talk starts at 7.30 pm and is in Repton Village Hall.

Coffee Morning, Saturday 4th December, 10 am - 12 noon
This year the Society is hoping to encourage villagers to put on a show of their hobbies and crafts, as well having a new display of photographs of old Repton by the Village History Group. If you have a hobby or craft that is suitable for display at this coffee morning, please ring Alan Webster on 701838 before 24th November to arrange table space (no charge) for what, we hope, will be an interesting morning. Coffee and mince pies will be available, together with a tombola stall and the History Group publications - all in the Village Hall, admission free.

Repton and Milton Village Design Statement

Some time ago many of you filled in a questionnaire, providing comments that have contributed to a Village Design Statement for Repton and Milton. We have now produced a draft and would appreciate your views before we finalise the document.

The draft is available at Repton Post Office, the Swan Inn at Milton and the November meeting of the Repton Village Society, and it can also be seen on reptonvillage.org.uk website. Further copies are available from Peter Rainey (703748) or Polly Faulkner (703436).

On the back of the draft document we have provided space for your comments. These can then be left at Repton Post Office, the Swan Inn, 29 Monsom Lane or 85 Main Street, Milton. If you want to discuss your comments with us, we will be at Repton Village Hall on the 23rd November between 7 pm and 8 pm and at Milton Village Hall on the 24th November also between 7 pm and 8 pm. We would like all comments to be returned by the 4th December so that we can finalise the document.

We aim to publish the best possible document and need the input of as many residents of Repton and Milton as possible.

Repton W.I.

At the October AGM, members looked back over a pleasant and financially sound year. The three retiring Committee members, Anne Yates, Joyce Dennis and Joan Paulson, were thanked for their help. They were replaced by Wendy Bateman, Karen Perks and Rosie Carpenter. Margaret Rainey had completed her three years as Treasurer and was thanked by the President, Jill Cownie, who was re-elected.

Plans were made for the Group Meeting, an outing to Wyevale and for lunch at Marsh Farm on 4th November.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 9th November at 7.15 pm in the Village Hall: David Faulks on Balloon Modelling. Visitors welcome.

Repton Evergreens

At our September meeting we welcomed our new members and enjoyed the bring-and-buy stall.

Our next meeting is at 2 pm on Thursday 28th October, when we will be deciding details of our Christmas lunch.

Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

At the AGM, members appointed the committee for 2004 - 2005.

A review of meetings which have taken place this year reminded us of the variety of subjects we have enjoyed, from the talk given by Mr Brian Ibel entitled 'The New Derby Super Hospital' to the pottery talk and demonstration given by Phil Evans of the Roundhouse Gallery.

Outings also had a wide appeal, ranging from a visit to an evening race meeting at Uttoxeter Race Course, to a visit to Chatsworth Farm Shop for behind the scenes demonstrations of their butchery and bakery operations. Four lucky ticket holders also heard Calendar Girl, Tricia, reveal the truth behind the making of the calendar and the subsequent film 'The Calendar Girls', when she spoke in the Assembly Rooms at the Autumn Council Meeting of the Derbyshire Federation.

On 17th November, our final speaker for the year will be Rowena Lovatt on 'The Life of a Lingerie Designer'. In December we shall celebrate Christmas early with a four-course dinner and social evening for all members.

Newton Solney Village Matters

Shopping Trip to Birmingham

On Saturday 27th November, Newton Solney Infants' School is organising a shopping trip to the Bull Ring in Birmingham. We shall leave from the Unicorn pub at 8 am. Cost £8. If you are interested, call Angela Lomas on 01283 535167.

Newton Solney Wild Flower Quiz

Congratulations to Mrs C. Berry of Newton Road, the winner of our competition. Thank you for all the support given, which raised £154 for Church Funds. Answers are on display in St. Mary's Church and in Newton Solney Village Shop.

Gardening Notes

A succession of mild winters should not lull us into a false sense of security. Cold spells can still occur and cause a lot of damage, even if they are only of brief duration. This applies particularly to the soft, unripened growth of a wet summer. Tender plants that cannot be moved into shelter should be insulated with several layers of fleece, sacking or straw. Herbaceous plants can be protected by covering them with a pot or a pile of bracken or peat substitute. Alpines can be protected from excessive wet by a sheet of glass placed over them on supports.

You can reduce the cost of greenhouse heating by removing all tender plants to one end and only heating and insulating this part, dividing it off from the rest of the greenhouse with a curtain of bubble-wrap. Be very careful when watering; with the reduced temperature and light most plants need much less water. Lettuce grown through the winter in the greenhouse or cold frame only needs frost protection. The main cause of failure is botrytis mould resulting from damp conditions, so keep them well ventilated.

Winter-flowering and spring bedding plants should be in by now, but it is not too late, especially for bulbs. November planted tulips are less likely to be damaged by fireblight. Wallflowers can be annual, biennial or perennial. The bedding variety is biennial. Perennial varieties include Bowles Mauve, Cheiranthus - the Siberian wallflower that comes in yellows and orange - and Cheiranthus Harpur Crewe, a double yellow which must surely have come from Calke. They belong to the cabbage family and may suffer from clubroot where cabbage have been grown. You can grow almost anything in a large enough container, provided you can move it, but it will be totally dependent on you for water; rainfall may not be enough.

November is a good time to plant raspberries, fruit bushes and fruit trees. You can grow an apple tree in a container if you use a suitable rootstock. Almost all apples are grafted on a rootstock which will vary in vigour. The Greeks and Romans grafted apples, but the idea of using rootstock of varying vigour is much more recent. Dwarf rootstocks appear to be less good at absorbing nutrients, resulting in a smaller and less vigorous tree which needs good, fertile soil. Conversely, the more vigorous rootstocks may be needed if the soil is very poor. Extremely dwarfing rootstock (m27) is used for containers, very dwarfing (m9) for cordons and dwarf bushes; dwarfing (m26) will grow to 9 - 10 feet and is used for bushes, cordons and espaliers; semi-dwarfing will grow to 12 - 15 feet and is used for bushes and half-standards; the vigorous m25 is used for standard trees and is too big for most gardens. Pollination is the other main consideration when you choose a variety of apple. You must have other apples nearby which flower at the same time, and you need to consult pollinating charts, which can be found in most books on growing fruit trees. Some trees, such as Bramley and Blenheim Orange are tetraploid and cannot fertilise other trees, as they have an extra set of chromosomes compared to the more usual diploid trees. Few apples are self-fertile.

New lawns can be laid with turf now. On established lawns, moss occurs when drainage is bad, the lawn is shaded, or the grass is cut too short and not fed. Moss killer should be applied in September and the moss and thatch raked out two or three weeks later. But moss will regrow if the underlying cause is not dealt with. Now is a good time to improve the drainage; it will give you good exercise if you start by spiking the lawn, although it is possible to hire a machine to do the job. Applying a top dressing and raking it into the holes left by the spiking or hollow-tining will give extra benefit. The top dressing should consist of six parts of fairly fine horticultural sand, three parts of sieved soil and one part of peat substitute.

This has been a good year for tits, robins, greenfinches and thrushes, all of whom have produced large numbers of young. There is also an abundance of food for them in the fields and hedgerows, with big crops of beech mast, berries, brambles, elder, rowan and holly. Also birch, larch and spruce seed and pine cones, so it is likely that only a cold spell will bring them in large numbers into our gardens.

Flora of Derbyshire Quiz

If you enjoy puzzles you may like to know about a written quiz sheet, compiled by the Secretary of Derby Natural History Society, which is on sale to raise funds to help publish the new 'Flora of Derbyshire'. The Derbyshire Flora project is an ambitious scheme to publish an up-to-date 'Flora of Derbyshire' with accounts of all flowering plants and ferns growing wild in the county. It will show the distribution and status of each species, using written accounts and coloured distribution maps. It will update and supersede the 'Flora of Derbyshire', published by Derby Museum in 1969, and will record the many losses and gains that have occurred since then. It will be of use to anyone studying wild plants, and should become a standard reference work for many years to come.

The quiz features cryptic clues, botanical puzzles and general knowledge questions with a floral theme. The closing date for entries is Sunday 16th January 2005. To obtain a copy send s.a.e. and cheque for £1 payable to Derbyshire Flora Committee to S M Jones, 'Flora Quiz II', 12 Chertsey Road, Mickleover, Derby DE3 0RA.