April 2005 - Contents From the Vicarage The Future of St Wystan's Church Make Poverty History 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 Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Coffee Morning, Saturday 9th April, 10.30 - 11.30 am Shell Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Ellie-Mae Connelly Funerals and Burial of Ashes Alan Joseph Collier Patricia Frances Collier Edith May Collett St Wystan's News Paschal Candle Holder for St Wystan's Church St Wystan's Church Development V-E Day Parade and Thanksgiving Service Mothers' Union St Wystan's Churchyard The Ashes Patch St Saviour's News Retirements at St Saviour's St Mary's News Time of Evensong Church Flowers Newton Solney School: Children's Portraits An Evening with James Lewis, Tuesday 12th April at 7.45 pm An Evening of Magic and Music, Saturday 16th April at 7.30 pm St Mary's Spring Buffet Lunch, Sunday April 24th at 1.00 pm Repton Primary School Jumble Sale, Saturday 30th April 11.00 am VE DAY - 60 YEARS ON, Saturday 14th May, 7 - 11 pm Dorcas Group Coffee Morning and Plant Sale, Saturday 21st May, 10.30 - 12 noon Repton Village and History Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Scarecrow Alert! Malvern Show Trip, 14th May Dog Walkers: A Plea from the Parish Council Bones Apart Repton Village History Group Missing Magazines Repton Village Society Repton Council Jottings Repton W.I. Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Gardening Notes RVS Floral Container / Front Garden Competition 2005 Sam Beeton: Letter from Madagascar

From the Vicarage

At the recent conference of Middle East leaders in London, the Prime Minister is reported as saying that peace between the peoples of Israel and Palestine would reflect positively on the level of violence in the cities of Europe. This is a truth that has long been obvious to many of us; its acknowledgement is overdue.

The Times of 12th March reported the harassment of an Israeli studying Arabic at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. It suggested that an article in the student union magazine advocating suicide-terrorism by Palestinians was a sign of increasing anti-Semitism.

What has happened to the practice of non-violent resistance that is present in every major religious tradition? It worked for Gandhi and for Nelson Mandela. One answer to that question may lie in the fact that both Israeli and Palestinian inherit recent stories of violence. Furthermore, neither side has really heard the story of the other.

Most Palestinians hear only the story of the suffering of their own people, the suffering that they have endured every day. Suffering that goes far beyond a few hours at a check-point – the suffering of millions of refugees, of people who are prisoners in their own land, of those denied access to their fields and homes, of the thousands killed by the Israeli forces.

Most Israelis hear only the story of the ancient covenant, of the land given to Abraham, of Palestinian atrocities from the killing of Jews at Hebron in the 1920s to the suicide bombers of today. All this is set against a people suffering through the centuries – mainly at the hands of Europeans, some of whom took the sign of the cross and, on their crusades, slaughtered Jews, Muslims and other Christians almost indiscriminately. And all this is brought to a focus in the atrocities of Nazi concentration camps such as Auschwitz and Belsen.

An aspect of the present situation in Israel and Palestine which does not reach the newspapers is the witness of Israeli groups opposed to the occupation. These include Peace Now, which helps to arrange non-violent demonstrations such as one recently to protest against the uprooting of the Palestinian olive trees in the village of Jayyous. Machsom Watch aims to tell people of the abuse that happens at checkpoints. Daila (which means 'end' in Hebrew, implying the end of the occupation) is a drop-in centre recently opened by the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions. Rabbis for Human Rights negotiates with the Israeli army to allow Palestinian farmers to reach their olive groves by travelling along roads otherwise forbidden to them; their web site states: "…justice, only justice, shalt thou pursue, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land…" (Deuteronomy 16.20)

The common stance of Israelis who actively oppose the actions of their government in the Occupied Territories is a strong sense of the injustice of those actions. Many consider themselves Zionists and are committed to the existence of a Jewish state, but, to quote Aaron Barnea of The Parents Circle, formed from the bereaved families of Israelis and Palestinians, "it is impossible to believe in liberation for your own state and not for another."

You can read much more about all of this at www.eappi.org, the website of 'The Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel', an initiative by the World Council of Churches. Alongside local Christian and Muslim Palestinians and Israeli peace activists, it supports non-violent resistance, offers protection through its presence, engages in public policy, and stands in solidarity with all those struggling against the occupation.

This is such an important issue; it affects the safety of our land; it demands our urgent attention and that of our politicians.

The Future of St Wystan's Church

St Wystan's on the Move
Already, changes have occurred with regard to our worship, changes that are intended to build up the life of the church and make our worship more accessible. A small symbol of that is the decision to bring forward the altar, reflecting a major shift in our understanding of God that has taken place over the last 100 years.

Worship
As an Anglican church we inherit a great tradition of liturgical worship, but we need to renew it constantly so that it continues to speak to people today. The use of Common Worship throughout our services brings us into line with the rest of the Church of England. The seasonal material has already been introduced to give the Church's seasons from Advent to Pentecost their own flavour. The main service is usually Holy Communion because that is what Jesus told us to do: "Do this in remembrance of me." At the 8 am service we will continue to use traditional language but at 10 am we use contemporary language.

We will welcome families to bring babies to the service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child and hope thereby that more families will feel able to worship with us as they become familiar with the service. Baptisms will be held at an all-age service, the main service on the third Sunday of the month. At the 10 am Holy Communion, we hope to have more young people serving at the altar to make children visible. Being 'family friendly' is a major concern for all of us.

Besides Evensong on a Sunday evening, there is also a place for different forms of worship; on the first Sunday of the month, we have started a Taizé Worship, to which 28 people came in February.

Ministry and Mission Areas
We cannot escape the reduction of clergy available to rural parishes in the future. By 2008, Derby Diocese will have about 20 fewer clergy. Two posts will probably be lost in Repton Deanery, and it has been suggested that our Benefice of Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney unite with Willington and Findern. Further, the Bishop has encouraged radically new thinking about the mission and ministry of the whole area, inviting parishes to group themselves into Ministry and Mission Areas (MMAs). Before I came here, the clergy of this deanery, with the exception of one large and wealthy parish, agreed that the whole Deanery be one MMA. This plan was put before the bishop via the Diocesan Pastoral Committee and was endorsed before Christmas. This one large Ministry and Mission Area will be divided up into segments, of which we, together with Willington and Findern, would be one.

We cannot resist the national trend; every diocese is having to cope with fewer clergy. What we can do is play an influential part in the organisation of the Repton MMA. Our Churchwardens have already met those of Willington and Findern. These are the people with whom we will be working most closely. A meeting of all the Churchwardens of the new MMA has also been arranged. The question we need to ask ourselves is: what ministries shall we need for our combined parishes (Repton, Foremark, Newton Solney with Willington and Findern)? It is clear that we would need more than one priest. So we should pray to God to call a member or members of our churches to go forward for ordination to a non-stipendiary post. What other ministries might we need – a youth worker perhaps or an administrator? If we can find the people to take on these roles, the diocese would be only too happy to train them. St Wystan's has a great part to play in the future shape of the local church, because we are already very good at lay ministry.

Church Development
St Wystan's has no church hall, in fact nowhere for a group meeting apart from people's homes. Nor is there a space for our office equipment. While we are happy to welcome the PCC to the Vicarage, not even our house can accommodate the Lent course groups of 28 and 18 respectively. Nor is it convenient for those who wish to duplicate to have to ask every time they wish to use the main printer at the Vicarage. Having explored a number of options, the PCC and Development Committee have agreed that the most cost-effective and useful plan would be to develop the west end of the church. There are very many churches where this has already been done. The initial plans attracted some opposition locally and at English Heritage. The architects have now drawn up new plans that omit the elements that found most disapproval. All the essentials are included. Not only are we concerned to provide these facilities, but we are also most conscious that the church is primarily a place of worship. We believe that the plans will enhance this key function.

St. Wystan's has been a place of prayer for centuries. Nothing we plan to do will change that. But the church will cease to be a place of prayer if it is just left to be a tourist attraction. We want it to be much more than that. We want it to be a place of welcome, fellowship and prayer, a place that speaks to people today, so that when they enter they say: "This church is alive; these people are on the move; let's join them."

Make Poverty History

2005 sees a great opportunity to make a difference for the millions living in desperate poverty. The UK will chair the G8 and take on the presidency of the EU; we will be in a unique position to challenge the structures that keep millions of people trapped in poverty.

Churches, charities and many others have joined forces to create a year of action which just might, actually, change the world. Make Poverty History is calling for urgent change in three critical areas: trade, debt and aid.

A number of websites explain the campaign and will keep you up to date; visit www.makepovertyhistory.org, www.christianaid.org.uk/campaign and www.april2005.org. When you have visited them, could you write to Tony Blair on a 'white card', asking him to use his international leadership to change attitudes and policies on justice, debt and aid? The visual symbol for the campaign is a white band. You can get white bands and cards from the websites above. Could you write to your MP too? If you or others whom you know would like to join the G8 Jubilee Bike Ride to Edinburgh for the G8 meeting on 2nd July, details are available from www.leedstidal.org/g8rides

Could you help to make poverty history? Do you dare to believe that it is possible?

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

Brasses

Altar Flowers and Cleaning Rota at St Saviour's

The United Reformed Church

Coffee Morning, Saturday 9th April, 10.30 – 11.30 am

A chance to stock up on home-made cakes and marmalade, to browse the Webb Ivory stall, to play the children's game – and to have a cup of coffee with friends.

Shell Group (age 7+)

... meets on Mondays 18th and 25th April at 6.30 pm. New members are welcome.

Baptisms

Ellie-Mae Connelly, the daughter of Adrian and Emma Connelly of 1 Melbourne Avenue, Winshill, was baptised at St Wystan's church on Sunday 6th March.

Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Alan Joseph Collier of 58 Pinfold Close, Repton, died on the 18th February aged 78. His funeral at St Wystan's church on 28th February was followed by burial in Repton Cemetery.

Patricia Frances Collier (known as Patsy), also of 58 Pinfold Close, Repton, died on 22nd February aged 80. Her funeral at St Wystan's church on 7th March was followed by burial in Repton Cemetery.

Edith May Collett of 34 Main Street, Newton Solney, died on 22nd February aged 81. Her funeral on 3rd March at the church of St Mary the Virgin, Newton Solney, was followed by burial in the churchyard.

St Wystan's News

Paschal Candle Holder for St Wystan's Church

St Wystan's PCC is very grateful to Mr. John Dipple, who has made a Paschal (Easter) Candle holder of English oak for St Wystan's church. This was used for the first time on Easter Day this year. It is ceremonially lit at the first service on Easter Day and again at all the services during Easter, as well as every Baptism service.

St Wystan's Church Development

On 16th March, St Wystan's PCC had a special meeting to consider the new designs for re-ordering the west end of the church.

The vicar first outlined the philosophy behind the scheme and its necessity in mission terms within today's church. Fred Hill, chairman of the Development Committee, then gave a detailed description of the new proposals.

The 'glass box' has been completely dropped and the space at the west end of the nave will be left open. However, those elements which the committee found essential have keen kept, namely: the two toilets, the kitchen, the 'welcome space' in the south aisle, the meeting room in the tower (raising the ringers to the first floor level), storage space in the north aisle, and a redesigned vestry. The projected cost of this work is £150,000 together with £18,000 in fees, of Swhich we have already spent £3,000 + vat.

The PCC voted on these proposals and endorsed them almost unanimously (16 votes for, 1 abstention, none against, 4 absent). It recommended that, subject to the views of parishioners at a public meeting, the proposals should form the basis for a Faculty application. The public meeting, with the architect present, will be held in the church on 3rd May at 7.30 pm. The plans will be on view in the church for some time before the meeting, together with an outline explanation. At the meeting the architect will give a full account of the proposals and comments can be made from the floor.

The PCC hopes that these new and less controversial proposals will win widespread approval, that parishioners will recognise that what we propose is important for the life of St Wystan's church, that none of the ancient fabric will be disturbed, and that it will make the building much more useful for present and future generations. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

V-E Day Parade and Thanksgiving Service

In Europe, the Second World War ended on 8th May 1945. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Victory-in-Europe (V-E) Day, and also to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Repton Branch of the Royal British Legion, the RBL is arranging a V-E Day parade and thanksgiving service on Sunday 8th May at 3 pm at St Wystan's Church.

The parade, under the control of the County Parade Marshal, will start from the Square at 2.30 pm. It will be led by Chesterfield Youth Corps of Drums. We hope that the Scout and Guide movements in Repton will participate. After the service, the parade will re-assemble, and the march-past salute will be taken by the President of Derbyshire RBL. There will be a free buffet in the RBL Club for those who participate in the parade and service.

We greatly hope that the whole village will join us in these celebrations.

Mothers' Union

At the meeting on 16th March, one of our own branch members, Mrs Pamela Clifford, spoke on "Literacy for adults". She gave a very interesting account of the fifteen years she had spent teaching people with learning difficulties and mental illness, describing some of the many problems she had encountered and some of the varied characters she had met and taught. Mrs Audrey Morris gave a brief account of the Overseas meeting held at Church Gresley on 1st March.

Will committee members please note that there will be a committee meeting at the Bungalow, 5 Mitre Drive, on Thursday 31st March at 10.30 am. Mrs Rosalind Hudson will be the speaker at the meeting on 20th April. Her subject: "My Life and Times". Tea hostesses: Mrs P. Beckett and Mrs B. Starkey.

The Branch outing has been arranged for Monday 25th April, the only available date at Derby University and for the hire of the community vehicle.

St Wystan's Churchyard

St Wystan's Churchyard has been looked after for many years by a stalwart band of volunteer mowers, until recently the Parish Council took over the care of the back part and the ashes patch. We are very grateful to them for their support. Last year, a band of Community Service young people did some work, and the churchyard was greatly improved by their efforts. However, the main part of the churchyard still has to be cared for by volunteers locally.

The cost of looking after the churchyard has been limited to the repair and servicing of the mowers and occasionally trimming some of the yews. There is a fund specifically for the upkeep of the churchyard, which now, unfortunately, is almost empty! If there is anyone in the village who would like to contribute to the maintenance of the churchyard, I would be delighted to hear from you, or you could put donations through my letter box at 37 High Street. If you would like to go on a rota to help with the mowing, Martin Wimbush (703180) would love to hear from you.

The large yew tree impeding the view of the church and the clock is causing concern to everyone, and we are again trying to obtain permission to reduce its height. With the support of the Village Society and the Parish Council we hope we will succeed.

The Ashes Patch

The Churchwardens are concerned that the ashes patch and the surrounding area is looking increasingly scruffy. We would like to rectify this and propose the following improvements:

1. Cut back the two yew trees behind the patch.
2. Remove the soil and debris that has accumulated under the trees and that now washes down over the edges of the patch onto the back headstones.
3. Raise the stone edging round the patch to make a more effective border.

In addition, we would like to consider removing the grass from around the headstones and replacing it with gravel, with the headstones standing proud of the gravel. This has been done in a number of churchyards. When the trees have been pruned, we suggest that a flower bed is created behind the patch, in which roses or other shrubs can be planted, as is the case with the new ashes patch on the opposite side of the path.

Please can any families who have relations buried in the ashes patch contact one of the churchwardens, Karen Perks (702392) or Martin Wimbush (703180), to enable us to discuss the proposed improvements.

Retirements at St Saviour's

The Annual Meeting saw the retirement of four stalwarts from St Saviour's Parochial Church Council. We would like to express our gratitude to Eleanor Goodwin for all her support over many years for the church and her work on the PCC; to Betty Thorley, who was also Churchwarden for nearly 20 years, a faithful member of our congregation, and always generous with her time; to Jim Ellor, our secretary for more years than we can remember, and our representative on the Deanery Synod. In addition, after five years, Heather Lowe has given up the demanding task of Church Treasurer, a contribution that we have gratefully appreciated.

Thankyou to you all. What would we have done without you? We feel sure, though, that we shall have your continuing love and support for St Saviour's. Nick Wells and Polly Faulkner (who also remains Churchwarden) were elected secretary and treasurer respectively.

St Mary's News

St Mary's Church: Time of Evensong

Members of St Mary's congregation are reminded that, with the start of British Summer Time, the evening service moves to 6.30 pm.

St Mary's Church Flowers

Thanks are due to all who helped to arrange the posies for Mothering Sunday and to decorate the Church for Easter. Now that Lent is over, anyone who wishes to donate flowers, perhaps to mark a special date in the year, is reminded to sign the Flower Rota posted in the church porch.

Newton Solney School: Children's Portraits

During March the pupils at Newton Solney School have painted self-portraits for their families in aid of the School's Tsunami Appeal. These are currently displayed in the church baptistry, where they will remain for the early part of April. If you are passing, do call in and take a look.

Repton Village & History

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides

After Easter the waiting list for Repton Rainbows will be opened again. Girls between the ages of 5 and 7 meet each Thursday during term time, between 5.30 and 6.45 pm, for an hour or so of fun, friendship, art, crafts and games. Traditional 'Guiding' songs are included too!

We are fortunate in this village to have Brownies and Guides also, who all meet at The Den, Mitre Drive.

Rainbows is in immediate need of an Assistant Leader. Anyone who has a current Guiding Warrant, or anyone who would like to help out every week with a view to obtaining a Warrant, would be welcome.

For further details, or to add your daughter's name to the list, please contact Carol (Tigger) on 01283 703991. £50 Prize up for grabs
Repton Rainbows' 4th Annual Fun Quiz Sheet is now available around the Village, from Tigger and from any Rainbow parents. There is a winner's prize of £50. It is sure to provide entertainment, challenges and even the odd discussion, so have a go! All proceeds to Repton Rainbows. Many thanks for your support.

Scarecrow Alert!

Scarecrows were once one of the most familiar figures of the rural landscape. They have been recorded in history for centuries, their image has proved irresistible to writers, poets and film makers. Sadly though, they are now in decline due to changes in farming technology, although there has been a scarecrow in the fields between Repton and Newton Solney throughout the winter months.

Now, however, they are making a welcome revival due to the popularity of village shows and competitions, and they will again be an important part of our Open Gardens Weekend on 18th and 19th June.

Will you help to revive the ancient tradition of scarecrows? We hope that we will have even more entries for our competition this year. Entry forms will be available from local shops and included in the June Parish Magazine. However, it is never too soon to make a start. There are cash prizes to be won, but the real satisfaction is in the making; artistic licence and amusing captions are positively encouraged.

Malvern Show Trip, 14th May

The Repton Show Committee is organising an outing to the Malvern Show on Saturday 14th May. The coach is filling up fast but there are some seats left. The coach will depart Repton at 8.00 am and leave the show at 5.00 pm. The cost of £16.50 includes the entrance fee to the show.

This is one of the first national gardening shows of the season, and is set in a lovely location near the Malvern Hills. The RHS Floral Marquee houses thousands of beautiful flowers and plants with many for sale. There are lots of different trade and craft stands, together with the necessary food outlets! If you are interested in visiting the show, contact Margaret Rainey on 703748.

Dog Walkers: A Plea from the Parish Council

The Parish Council has received a number of complaints about dog fouling in the village; it seems that there has been a recent upsurge. If your dog does have an accident, especially on footpaths, please do scoop it up. Quite apart from the legal duty to do so – and the possible fines – it is for the benefit of all of us. Thank you.

Bones Apart

The Repton Village Hall Management Committee would like to thank everyone who bought tickets for the Live and Local event, 'Bones Apart'. We regret having to cancel; three members of the Quartet were unavailable on the night due to unforeseen circumstances. We are particularly sorry as the event was well-supported, and we know people were looking forward to a good evening's entertainment.

Repton Village History Group

Visitors are very welcome to our meetings at 7.30 pm at the Village Hall. Our current programme includes:

Tuesday 19th April: "Why William Astbury came to Repton"
In July 1843, William Astbury came to stay in Repton. He lived here until October of the same year and during that time visited many places and met a great number of people. His diary gives a fascinating insight into village life and was published as a book by our Group in 2000. Our speaker is the Rev'd Dr Stephen Orchard, a member of one of the oldest families in the village, who has transcribed the whole of Astbury's diaries. The Repton part is just a small section of the complete work, which is housed in the Cheshunt Foundation at Westminster College, Cambridge, where our speaker is Principal.

Tuesday 17th May: A "display evening" of archives and projects.
This will be an opportunity to see more of our photographs and documentary archives and the results of our current research. It is also an opportunity for people to bring along their personal photos and documents to share with us. These informal evenings are becoming a popular event where visitors can come along and reminisce about village families and events.

You can read more about the History Group and its activities at www.reptonvillage.org.uk

Missing Magazines

Our monthly parish magazines are preserved for posterity by being bound into hardback annual volumes. These bound copies began in 1889, and apart from a mysterious gap, the series is complete up to the present date.

The gap, from 1938 to 1952 inclusive, spans fourteen years. We do know that there was a volume covering 1945 to 1952, because it is shown in a list made in about 1960, but that book is now missing. Does anyone know where it is? Can any of our older readers please tell us whether or not there were any parish magazines published during the years of 1938 to 1944? If the answer is 'no', we can stop looking now, but if the answer is 'yes', then we need to spread the message that we are searching for these missing years, bound or unbound, in order to complete our archive set.

The chances of finding these books may be slim after so many years, but it is certainly still worth the effort of looking for them. Could you please tell people that we are searching, and even look in your own house, to see if we can locate any of these missing magazines? If you have any clues, please contact me or the Vicar or the Churchwardens. Many thanks.

Repton Village Society

The next meeting will be on 7th April at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall. The talk on 'The Bass Railway Trips' will be given by Rod Pearson. Rod was our excellent guide to Port Sunlight so we can expect another interesting talk. The Bass trips were major events in Burton's calendar and involved a great deal of planning to ensure everyone had a 'grand day out'.

Our last meeting on 3rd March started with the AGM. The officers were re-elected: Chairman, Peter Rainey; Vice Chairman, Alan Webster; Treasurer, Dennis Dalton; Secretary, Hazel Blackhall. The committee is made up of David Guest, Erica Bannister, Janet Melen, Roger Paulson, Jeanette Griffiths and Wendy Bateman. The chairman said the society had had a very successful year with a good mix of meetings that have been well attended. The 2006 programme, being put together by Alan Webster, is looking very good.

After the AGM, John Jamieson gave an amusing and well-presented talk on 'The Role of the Police Helicopter'. The talk included video clips of local car chases and searches, including one where the suspect tried, unsuccessfully, to hide from the thermal imaging camera in a wheely bin! A donation has been sent to the Air Ambulance as John did not want a fee.

Please note: Mike Charlesworth's 'Repton Reminiscences' will be on Thursday 12th May. The date has been changed as there will be local elections on 5th May. Mike always gives an amusing and enlightening talk so make a note of the change in your diaries.

Repton Council Jottings

A round up of mostly road-related items from recent Parish Council meetings:

The road through the Square has been in a poor state of repair for years. After a number of requests to improve it the Highways Dept say they recently issued instructions for resurfacing. Looking further ahead, the Cross and its approaches are due to be done during the next twelve months; also, the very narrow pavement near Zytek will be widened.

Streetlights in Askew Grove and Milton Road do not throw sufficient illumination along the Cinder Track, and DCC have been notified. They advise that next year they will consider a project to improve the situation. To speed things up, the Parish Council would be prepared to finance the reasonable cost of the work, but really it seems to make little or no difference who pays.

It is a year now since efforts were started to get an additional bollard outside the Spar Shop, the kerb height increased, and other improvements made to the pavement around the corner of Boot Hill. Well, a new bollard has just appeared, but it seems nothing else can be expected in the near future. Inconsiderate drivers still block the road by parking on the yellow line while they do their shopping, despite the fact that, during the daytime, only loading and unloading is permitted there. The Police are being asked to help to enforce the restrictions.

Repton Tandoori has applied to change its name to Jaipur Restaurant. There is no problem with that, but more contentious is the proposal that the words be illuminated in blue neon, and the frontage changed to include a door opening out across the pavement. Objections have been lodged!

Objections were also registered against the following planning applications:

A swimming pool enclosure at Laurel Hill, Main Street.

Work on an existing garage and the creation of living accommodation over, at Cockey Farm, Burton Road.

A large brick built garden tool store in the grounds of Bower Lodge, Well Lane.

A further seven applications attracted no objections.

The most recent news on the battle to get the next phase of traffic calming started, is advice from Matlock that the matter has been scheduled for June. It will include a review of parking arrangements in the High Street.

The next Parish Council meeting will be on Monday 11th April at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall

Repton W.I.

Wills, second deaths and how to pay for a Care Home! Members could have been in for a depressing evening in March but in fact solicitor Simon Richardson had prepared a clear and helpful presentation with a touch of humour.

On 12th April we have an opportunity to find out what our treasures are really worth when James Bamford comes to Repton. You've seen him on 'Flog It' – now see him in Repton Village Hall. W.I. members are asked to come at 7.15 pm as usual, so that business can be dealt with as swiftly as possible, before our visitors flood in with their antiques. Don't forget your cakes.

Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton WI

In February we had an interesting talk by the designers of 'Sky Vault', the proposed landmark for the East Midlands. Many people had not heard of this project, which is still at the planning stage and open to suggestions that could influence the choice of situation and the facilities at the site.

In April, Barbara Dakin will give a talk entitled 'Oh Mum, what have you done?' Also in April, on Friday 22nd, SOS Fashions will stage a Fashion Show in Milton Village Hall at 7.30 pm. Tickets at £3 are now on sale from WI committee members, or ring 704381 for more information.

Gardening Notes

Repton Village Society Floral Container / Front Garden Competition 2005 After last year's successful competition we will again be having the following categories :- ž The Best Hanging Basket or Container (Private and Business) ž The Best Front Garden. Judging will be between the 2nd and 29th July. Prizes (Bretby Nurseries Vouchers), sponsored by the Repton Parish Council, will be awarded at the Repton Village Show on Saturday 3rd September, together with the Rose Bowl to the Overall Winner. Sowing seed, whether on the windowsill or under glass, will have started in March, but in April it should be warm enough to sow most hardy plant seeds outside. One time-honoured method of telling whether the soil is warm enough is to sit on the ground, but this must surely depend on how many layers you are wearing. A more feasible method for the older generation perhaps is to wait until the weeds start growing, and the more technically-minded could use a soil thermometer. Whichever way, you can soon make a start on sowing carrots, lettuce, spring onions, spinach, turnip, beetroot, peas and broad beans. Also Brussels sprouts and winter cabbage, leeks and celery – if you still have room after planting out all the vegetable seedlings that you started under glass last month. Hardy annual flowers can also be sown outside now.

Runner and French beans can be sown in boxes in the greenhouse and planted out in May, although they will need frost protection then. Sow basil in a pot in a frost-free place, and sow tomato, cucumber, aubergines and peppers in a heated propagator. Established tomato seedlings can be planted in a heated greenhouse.

Continue pricking out seedlings of bedding plants sown under glass last month as well as autumn- or February sown sweet peas.

Plant maincrop potatoes at the end of the month, and continue earthing up early potatoes already planted. Check the herb bed; you may need to replace short-lived herbs such as thyme, sage and tarragon.

Paeonies are easy to grow in most gardens, but not in mine. They must always be planted with the crown just showing above the surface of the ground; never cover it with the plentiful compost or well-rotted manure that they need. They can often remain undisturbed for twenty or thirty years, but if you want to divide or move them, try to do it in October.

Mulch around the base of fruit trees and bushes, and water around those that are newly planted. Before you use any mulch, dig out perennial weeds such as dandelions. Mulches suppress weed-growth and retain moisture. They also protect roots from high temperatures. Bark, wood chips, cocoa shells and grass clippings work well. Spent mushroom manure is less efficient as it lets the light in. Bark chips won't improve soil fertility and, having a high ration of carbon to nitrogen, may actually decrease the nitrogen content of the soil. Cocoa shells break down quicker and so need replacing more often. They increase the potassium and nitrogen content of the soil, but also contain a chemical that can be toxic to dogs. Grass clippings increase soil fertility. Inert materials can also be used as mulches but, of course, they do nothing to improve the soil. You can use plastic sheeting or gravel, pebbles or coloured, recycled glass. There are also specially designed weed-control fabrics, most of which are permeable. These can be covered by bark, but as they do not break down, they will probably need removing at a later stage. They are most useful under gravel gardens or garden paths.

Few shrubs need pruning, other than to keep them within their allotted space and to encourage young growth, on which flowers or fruit may form. Always take out damaged, dead or diseased wood. Shrubs that flower on the previous year's wood – such as forsythia, winter jasmine, philadelphus and weigelia – should be pruned immediately after flowering. Cut buddleia hard back in early spring, and prune lavatera now to 3 or 4 feet, or they will grow long and floppy shoots. Evergreen ceanothus will not stand being cut back into old wood, though you can prune them lightly after flowering. Nor should you cut cistus or lavender into old wood. Prune mophead hydrangeas by cutting some of the older branches down to ground level, but h. paniculata and h. arborescens flower on the new season's growth, so can be pruned close to the base of last year's growth. Daphne should never be pruned.

Periwinkle forms a good ground-cover, and it is often said – as with epimediums – that clipping it over to remove the old leaves in March or April improves it by producing fresh leaves and more flowers.

Watch out for night frosts in April, and keep fleece handy to cover fruit bushes or wall-fruits in flower, as well as other tender plants and young growth.

Sam Beeton in Madagascar

St Wystan's Church supports Sam Beeton, who teaches at St Paul's Theological College in the diocese of Antananarivo, the key training centre for the church of Madagascar. He returned recently to England to have his marriage to Violette blessed in his home parish.

Our trip to England has been to have our marriage blessed, see friends and relatives, and to visit churches, as we are on furlough.

Our wedding took place in May. When I say our wedding, you may think of it as one event, but in fact there are three parts to it, the 'vody ondry', the mairie and the 'fiangonanana'. We were busy with all three on one day. The first is the 'vody ondry'. This is the traditional wedding and actually means 'sheep backside', as that was the traditional wedding gift from the man to thank the bride's parents. Luckily for me, a vegetarian, there are alternatives today. The vody ondry has come to be the equivalent of the engagement. The two families and friends assemble in the bride's house, an engagement ring is given and speeches are made on behalf of the bride's family and the groom's family. The bride and the groom themselves don't actually say anything.

The mairie is the civil wedding at the town hall; the mayor, dressed with a sash in the colours of the Malagasy flag, gave us official documents saying we were married.

Finally, but most importantly, we proceeded to the 'fiangonana' for the church wedding. We arrived here about an hour and a half late because the bridesmaids had not finished doing their hair. In the church wedding the bride and the groom each have two witnesses, so I had a pastor, who studied with me in Birmingham, and our neighbour, the French teacher in Ambatoharanana. Violette's two witnesses are Malagasies working for Youth for Christ and are currently showing the Jesus film in Mahajanga on the East coast. After the reception in town, we had a party for everyone in College. There was plenty of cake to go around.

Most people have one blessing of their marriage in Church. We had two! The first was in Madagascar and the second in England, here in Bath, my home parish. In Madagascar, Violette understood all the Malagasy service and here I understood everything. We went through the service together several times, so Violette said her vows in English quite confidently. I was blessed in Madagascar, as the Bishop did them in English. We chose songs like 'Spirit of the Living God' that can be sung in both English and Malagasy.

Violette's English has improved a lot during her stay here, and we have made an effort to find time to study. My Malagasy won't have suffered as we often talk and pray in Malagasy.

Food shock
The food we are having here is very different to what we eat in Madagascar. Here there is more processed food and food imported from around the world. In Madagascar, you can also buy many of these things, imported from France and South Africa in supermarkets, but I try to buy locally. That means we eat rice for lunch and dinner, with vegetables in season from the market. Bananas are a favourite in Madagascar as here. In Madagascar, they grow all year round. Here we are ferried around in the car even for short distances. In Madagascar, we do a lot of walking, as the nearest bus stop is 40 minutes away.

In Britain, the church walls and floors are filled with the remains of the deceased. In Madagascar, the dead are placed in the family tomb and are shown great respect by all, even after many years. The idea of placing them anywhere where they could be walked over would be met with incomprehension.

Flobert
Flobert, who left this year to work in the new diocese of Fianarantsoa, visited us last week and spoke of his work and his new parish, Manakara. He is encountering many challenges, but God is working through Flobert and his people, and we were pleased to hear, the church is moving forward.

There are seven churches in Flobert's parish, two in Manakara and five in the bush. Sometimes the 'bush' can be very isolated indeed. To reach one church, Vohimasy Bekatra, he has to travel 40 miles from Manakara. He can cycle 20 miles, but the next 20 miles he has to walk, as there are no paths. He goes through forests and across valleys and wades across a river to reach his flock. But God has blessed his work. The first time he went, 35 adults were baptised, apart from all the children, and the second time, 15 were baptised.

Flobert has been struggling with communication; the dialect here is not the same as that of the north, where he comes from. Another difficulty is the lack of an organ. Flobert is a man of musical gifts who is able to lead a sevice without accompaniment, but it is sad for him 'not to be able to build on the talents of the young' as he puts it. As not only a priest but also a community leader, Flobert has been thrilled to be involved in a development project providing a public toilet, a rubbish skip to improve hygiene and a bench by the sea.

Please pray for Sam and Violette
By the time you read this, our furlough will be over. Back to the routine of morning and evening prayer in chapel and the discipline of the College timetable. Please pray for our marriage, that together we will be a blessing to each other and those around us. Pray for the new term at College, that the Lord will give the staff wisdom and insight into his purposes for us. Pray for Flobert, and also for our students, Robert, Leonard and Franko, as they leave us to lead their parishes in the service of God.