July 2005 - Contents Embracing Change 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 Family Barbecue: Saturday 16th July Shell Family Church Picnic: Sunday 28th August Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Liam Joseph Leahy Marriages Alastair Duncan Hill and Chloe Meryl Ellis James Daniel Brown and Kerry Anne Botham Funerals and Burial of Ashes Bernard Calvert Collier St Wystan's News VJ Day Parade and Thanksgiving Service Living the Word Churchyard upkeep All jam-makers and growers of fine produce! Aid to Russia & the Republics Mothers' Union Luncheon Club and Drop-in Centre Open Gardens Scarecrow Competition: Results Bishop Alastair St Mary's News Newton Solney Church Roof Appeal Maintenance of Newton Solney Churchyard Strawberry Tea, Saturday 9th July Carmina Burana, Pears School, Saturday 9th July Sunday Lunch at Park Manor, Sunday 17th July Repton Village and History BBC Bus in Repton, Thursday 30th June JoGs Summer Fayre Cancelled Garden Opening, 10 Chestnut Way, Wednesday 13th July School Vouchers Repton Council Jottings Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Repton W.I. Trouble in Store Royal British Legion VE Day and VJ Day 1945: Memories from Bunty Marshall and Colin Kitching Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Show, Saturday 3rd September Gardening Notes

Embracing Change

Erma Bombeck wrote: "We sing 'Make a merry noise to the Lord' while our faces reflect the sadness of one who has just buried a rich aunt who left everything to her pregnant hamster." Of course, that description does great injustice to the joyful worship we experience in the churches of this benefice.

Worship is at the heart of the life of the Christian community. Not only beliefs but also styles of worship identify different traditions. Any change to the way we worship is therefore of general interest and raises strong feelings. In our parish churches we have responsibility for a variety of different 'tastes' in worship within a geographical area. This is different from cities, where churches can appeal to one particular tradition.

There are three essential strands that we need to take account of when we consider worship: what Jesus said and did; the tradition handed on by our Church; the requirements of a missionary situation. Any change that is suggested is a matter of striking a proper balance between those constraints. Change of any kind is disturbing. It is challenging and feels threatening. It disorientates us and makes us feel we are losing things we hold dear, and protective of the way we like to do things. Change to worship is particularly disturbing, because worship is one way we identify ourselves as Christians, the suggestion of change threatens our identity, actual change can make us feel that we no longer belong. This is why people may leave when there is a change to worship.

At St Wystan's, we are not suggesting that we lose any of the variety of our worship. But I do wonder, and I ask you to consider, whether we are offering the right services at the right times. If the future of the church here really matters to us, we should ensure that when visitors come, or when new people venture in, they find something in which they can play a part.

The reason for change is that we need to grow. The kingdom of God is about growth. Nearly all Jesus' parables of the kingdom are about growth. My vision is of a growing church. To be a growing church we need to be a praying, worshipping, loving and joyful church. I have experienced such warmth of welcome in our three churches that I am convinced we are on the verge of a new springtime of growth. A growing body is a changing body, but change can make us feel like the Hebrews in the desert - we would rather stay with the old and familiar.

The wilderness journey is not easy but I ask you to embrace it. It is one we will take together in dialogue and honesty. I need your trust and honest reaction, and I will try to give you my honest vision without any hidden agenda. I do hope we will not lose any on the way, but the threat of loss should not stop us undertaking the journey.

A parish church should be a mixed economy catering for the needs of different people. There is no one right answer as to how we do that. We will only discover the right way forward as we look to the needs of the whole and not just to our own preferences.

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

Family Barbecue: Saturday 16th July

Come to the Family Barbecue with games for all ages, a Bouncy Castle for the younger ones, and lots of tasty food. The fun starts at 3.00 pm, and the food is served from 4 pm. Admission is by ticket only, to help with catering. Tickets are available from Church members, or telephone 701581.

Shell Group (age 7+)

... meets on Mondays from 6.30 pm. New members are always welcome.

Family Church Picnic: Sunday 28th August

Following a short family service at the usual time of 11.00 am, we will travel by car to our picnic destination, eat our picnic lunch together, followed by a walk and games.

Baptisms

Liam Joseph Leahy of The Pump House, Meadow Lane, Milton, was baptised on Sunday 22nd May at Lyneal with Colmere Parish Church.

Marriages

Alastair Duncan Hill and Chloe Meryl Ellis were married at St Wystan's Church on Saturday 4th June.

James Daniel Brown and Kerry Anne Botham were married at St Mary the Virgin, Newton Solney, on Saturday 4th June.

Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Bernard Calvert Collier of 50 Springfield Road, Repton, died on 17th May. His funeral at Bretby Crematorium on 27th May was followed by cremation.

St Wystan's News

VJ Day Parade and Thanksgiving Service

The Second World War finally ended on 15th August 1945 with the cessation of hostilities in the far east. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of that momentous day, VJ Day, the Repton Branch of the Royal British Legion is arranging a parade and a thanksgiving service on Sunday 14th August at 3 pm at St Wystan's Church.

The parade will start from the Square at 2.30 pm, led by Ashbourne Town Band. After the service, the parade will re-assemble, and the march-past salute will be taken. There will be a free buffet in the Royal British Legion Club for those who participate in the parade and service. We greatly hope that the whole village will join us.

Living the Word

For those who are interested in living a phrase from the gospel each month and relating it to everyday life, there will be a meeting at the Vicarage at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 20th July. At this meeting we will give further explanation and plan future dates. All are welcome; please let Carol or me know if you intend to come.

Churchyard upkeep

Recently I have had enquiries as to how people who are not able to mow the churchyard can still contribute to its upkeep. There are several aspects involved, including buying and maintaining the machines, the fuel needed to run them, and of course, the people to use them. This season, we have a full rota of mowers, which includes Hillcrest Landscapes on two occasions. Hillcrest, the maintenance and the fuel all need to be paid for, and the churchyard account is very depleted. And so, if you value the churchyard and would like to help to keep it tidy, whether you are a church-goer or not, please send your donations to Mrs. J. Roberts, 37 High Street, Repton DE65 6GD, making cheques payable to Repton PCC. Thank you.

All jam-makers and growers of fine produce!

Should you feel a great desire to make jam, pickles and preserves, but you don't have folk to eat them - let us help you out! Glenda Brewin runs the 'Home Produce Stall' at several events throughout the year - you may have seen her recently at the Open Gardens - and Frances Wimbush runs a 'Bottles & Jars' Stall at the Sale of Work in November. Both are always in need of your contributions.

Similarly, if over the summer you have a glut of fruit in your garden, we would be delighted to make use of some of it to help our fund-raising.

Aid to Russia & the Republics

One of our Project Partners, Joy McRae, will be visiting St Wystan's on Sunday 24th July when she will talk at the 10 am Service about her work in Khabarovsk on the far Eastern shore of Siberia. We do hope you will be there to support her and ARRC.

Mothers' Union

At our meeting on 15th June, John Caudron spoke of his experiences during the two years he spent as a National Service recruit in the RAF. Having just qualified as a solicitor, he was posted to RAF Cardington in 1954. The strawberries and cream which he enjoyed three times in his first week were no indication of events to follow.

Later we discussed arrangements for the Diocesan Festival Service at St Wystans on Tuesday 19th July at 7.30 pm. We send love and best wishes to June Scott and Frances Bamford, both in hospital recovering from surgery. Sadly we had to say farewell to Ros Hudson; we wish her well.

Mrs. C. Willetts will speak at the meeting on 20th July on 'Marketing the MU'. Hostesses: H. Cook and M. Venables.

Luncheon Club and Drop-in Centre

On 17th June we said our own good-byes to Ros Hudson, a faithful helper for many years, and guest of honour at our VE Day party. Thank you, Ros, for all your willing help. We wish you many happy years in your new home.

A big THANK YOU also to Jean Outhwaite, who has been drawing up the cooks' and helpers' rotas for many years, as well as looking after the petty cash so efficiently. After 10 years of service, Jean has decided that it is time for others to take the helm. However, we will not be saying good-bye completely; she will still be a helper when needed and is willing to stay on the committee, for which we are very grateful.

Our last meeting before the summer break is Friday 15th July. We will reconvene on Friday 9th September. The summer outing is on Tuesday 16th August, an afternoon trip into Derbyshire via Ashbourne, Tissington and Dovedale, with tea at the Isaak Walton Hotel.

Open Gardens Scarecrow Competition: Results

First Prize Nick Wells, 60 Milton Road

Second Prize Repton Primary School

Third Prize Jane Haywood, 48 Milton Road

Additional Children's Prizes


Special Commendations

The standard was very high and it was very difficult for the judges to choose the winners.

Bishop Alastair

Following the retirement of Bishop Jonathan in May, his successor, the Rt Rev'd Dr Alastair Redfern will be installed as the seventh Bishop of Derby later this year. As the Suffragan (or 'number two') Bishop in the Diocese of Lincoln, Bishop Alastair already has eight years' experience of a bishop's duties, and he is particularly knowledgeable in the areas of theology, church history, social justice, training clergy, and developing the spiritual life and faith of lay Christians. He is a lecturer, teacher, speaker and author of books and papers on a variety of Christian themes, including the recently republished 'Being Anglican' (ISBN: 0232526133).

In wider community circles he has worked in night shelters for the homeless, worked with Oxfam and Christian Aid, been a member of a steering group for regeneration in Lincolnshire communities, and contributed to local radio.

"The Church recognises that it is important to be open to different ways of reaching out into the heart of community life, responding to human need at many levels," said Bishop Alastair. "Derby's quite radical but realistic strategy for mission and ministry provides an excellent foundation on which to build. I am looking forward to following through with this work, while listening and learning at the same time. I am committed to a partnership style of working and am very eager to start meeting folk in the county, visiting churches and a host of organisations once I'm in post."

Bishop Alastair, 56, is a widower with two children. He has some Derbyshire connections already - his father-in-law was from Ilkeston and one of his daughters works for Rolls-Royce in Bristol but comes to Derby for training. For relaxation he enjoys walking and reading.

St Mary's News

Newton Solney Church Roof Appeal

VE Celebrations: Final figures were not available for the June Magazine, but it is now known that proceeds from the event topped £2,800. Thank you again to all concerned.

Collection Boxes: The boxes for small change continue to be filled and emptied; £232.10 has been received so far this year. If you have a box to be collected and / or replaced, please contact Jennifer Haynes, 703827, or Linda Williams, 701366.

Maintenance of Newton Solney Churchyard

Since Bernard Collier's death in May, several members of the community have kindly given their services with mowing and the various other activities required to keep the churchyard tidy. The churchwardens and PCC offer their heartfelt thanks to all involved. We certainly do not take any of this for granted.

At our PCC meeting in June, it was agreed that a small area on the north side of the churchyard might appropriately be set aside to encourage wild flowers. Once this area has been identified, it will only be mowed twice a year, every effort being made to control brambles and other vigorous invaders.

Repton Village & History

BBC Bus in Repton

The BBC Bus will visit Repton on Thursday 30th June from 10 am - 3 pm, parking near the Arch. It will be open for anyone to come on board to use and learn about computers, new technology and the BBC. There will also be live broadcast inserts into programmes for BBC Radio Derby.

Summer Fayre Cancelled

The JOGS Summer Fayre, planned for 2nd July at the Den, has been cancelled.

Garden Opening, 10 Chestnut Way

We would like to thank all those who kindly supported our recent open days. As a result we raised a further £600 for the National Garden Scheme charities. We would also like to thank the other residents in Chestnut Way for their tolerance of the parked cars.

We are open again for the NGS from 6 to 9 pm on Wednesday 13th July - entrance £3, which includes a glass of wine.

School Vouchers

At Repton Primary School, we are collecting Sainsbury's 'Active Kids' and Tesco's 'Computers for School' vouchers. If you have any that you could donate, please send them via a pupil, drop them off at school or post them to Repton Primary School, Springfield Road, Repton DE65 6GN. We should be very grateful.

Repton Council Jottings

News of significant developments at the Parish Council in June:

• Richard Bugg has been co-opted as a Parish councillor, having secured six votes in a secret ballot of fellow councillors. Three other candidates secured one vote each. Richard has lived at 28 Main Street for the past 23 years, operating a dental practice in Repton and Derby until he took early retirement. He will be a valuable asset to the Parish Council.



• A deal has been negotiated with Alf and Ann Heaton at the Red Lion allowing members of the public (not just customers) free use of the toilets during pub opening hours. Most importantly, toilets for the disabled are also available at the Red Lion. It has long been clear the SDDC has no intention of reopening the original Public Toilets in Burton Road, and the cost to the Parish Council of taking over and running that facility is prohibitive. What a relief … at last to have found an affordable way to cater for the essential needs of visitors to the village! Suitable signs are being put up to inform everyone of the new arrangement.



• Some summer activities for energetic local teenagers: firstly, the County Youth Services are to hold a five-a-side football tournament at Broomhills Playing Fields on 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd August, from 2.00 to 4.00 pm each day. A trophy will be presented to the winning team. As an added attraction, some wooden skateboard / bike ramps are to be available as well. Secondly, it has been agreed that the County skateboard van will visit Willington on 28th July and 24th August. The equipment will be set up at the Marina Car Park for use between 10.00 am and 12.00 noon on both days. Young people from Repton are very welcome. For further details, see adverts on local notice boards nearer the date, or if additional information is required, phone Ian Duckmanton on 221000



• Nine planning applications were considered this month and none attracted any objections. One was for the conversion to residential use of the Corner Shop in the Square - for many years our local newsagent. It is disappointing to see yet another shop closing in the village. The conversion work may involve some realignment of the pavement, and a request has been made that it be reinstated with blue bricks to match the existing ones. They were re-laid not so long ago by the Village Improvement Group



• The times when the Parish Council Office is open to the public have been extended; they are now 1.00 - 4.00 pm on Mondays, and 2.30 - 6.30 pm on Wednesdays. Pop in to the Dales and have a word with Celia, our Parish Clerk, if there's anything you want to raise, or any planning applications you'd like to view.

The next Parish Council meeting will be held in Milton Village Hall at 7.30 pm on Monday 11th July.

Repton Village History Group

The well-attended May meeting was another of our interesting and popular 'Display' evenings. It included an innovation of two mini-lectures, one by our member, Sheila Wain, who has researched the Auden family, the second by David Guest, who gave us an insight into the origin of the Repton Chronology, and also the current investigations into the possibility of producing a more permanent copy. There were many items from our archives on show; of particular interest, there was a display of photos about the Second World War, and a family tree of the Brown family dating back to 1766. This was recently sent to us by Penny Ellis from Thailand. Just to prove that history is always being made, there were photos of the recent parade by the Repton Branch of the Royal British Legion to celebrate the 70th anniversary of their founding as well as the 60th anniversary of VE Day.

Our next events are:
Tuesday 19th July: 'The Findern Trail', a guided walk round Findern. As there is a limit of 25 on this trip, please contact Alan & Gill Hiley on 01332 273445 for full details and booking. It is a free event but a donation of at least £1 is requested for Findern Church.

After a break in August, the next meeting on Tuesday 20th September is a talk by Maureen Newton, 'A Backward Glance at Childhood Games'. Meet at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall. All welcome.

Repton Village Society

On Thursday 2nd June, Diana Perowne gave a very informative and humorous talk on the 'The Lunar Society of Birmingham'. Her lecture focused on the various members of the Society, and how they helped and supported each other. The Thursday talk was followed by a successful coach trip to Birmingham on Saturday 4th June, led by Mrs. Perowne. We were expertly guided round Soho House (Matthew Boulton's house), the Jewellery Quarter and St Peter's Church. After lunch we went on to Bournville Village, with its Quaker origins, before finishing with a tour through leafy Edgbaston. Both thoroughly enjoyable events.

Thursday 7th July: Evening Trip to Belper for guided walk round the Strutt Housing (part of the World Heritage Site). We are to meet at Belper at 7.00 pm. Details from Alan Webster (701838) or David Guest (703650). This will be an interesting meeting, as the guides will point out many features of the houses and street layout that we would otherwise miss. Look forward to seeing you on the trip.

We do not have a meeting in August, so our next event will be the Wine Tasting on 1st September at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall. Tickets from Alan Webster (701838).

Repton W.I.

When three W.I. members from Bretby came to our June meeting to collect craftwork for display at the County Show, they found everyone folding paper to make boats, hats and flapping birds. Some members showed great aptitude for Origami while others struggled, but everyone had an enjoyable evening.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 12th July at 7.15 pm in Repton Village Hall: Mr. J. Jacks: 'Art and Illustration'.

Advance notice: Members' Garden Meeting, Tuesday 9th August at 2.30 pm at 2 Shakespeare Meadows.

Trouble in Store

If you watch 'Trouble in Store' - Tuesdays at 7 pm on BBC1 - look out for Wayne Tunnicliffe, a DJ on Metro Radio in Newcastle. Wayne grew up in Repton; his parents, Angela and Terry, live in Milton Road. In the first programme of the 8 week series, Wayne was fed to the sharks; we wait to see what happens next!

Royal British Legion

In the year to May, the Repton and District Branch has raised over £9,000 for the national Poppy Appeal, including £317 collected during the VE Day Thanksgiving Service at St Wystan's Church. Many thanks to all concerned. Thank you also to Mick Groom for making and installing additional equipment that now enables us to fix up to four poppy wreaths to the War Memorial.

VE Day and VJ Day 1945

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of VE and VJ Day, we invited Bunty Marshall and Colin Kitching to share their personal recollections with us. If you would like to share your own memories, please contact the editor.

In 1941, I volunteered to join the WRNS (the Women's Royal Naval Service) as a driver. Due to the shortage of male despatch riders - they were all sailors - I and two new found friends were pressurised into becoming Despatch riders. After a few days' training in London, we were sent to Rosyth dockyard in Scotland. Our job was to deliver signals to all the ships. Riding large motorbikes, it was a very arduous job especially in the winter, and particularly on the night shift.

After a very serious accident in 1944, I was posted to the Admiralty in London as a driver. On 7th May 1945, I was on leave staying with my parents in tranquil Repton, when I received a telegram ordering me to report immediately for duty at the Admiralty in London. We all knew something very exciting was happening.

When reporting for duty the next day, VE Day, I found it impossible to drive anywhere in the area around Trafalgar Square. Happily we were given permission to join the joyous crowds, singing and dancing and throwing our hats in the air. A wonderful feeling of relief!

My thoughts at this time, I feel sure, were of great thankfulness to see the end of the dreadful savagery, but this happiness was mixed with sadness that so many of my friends were not alive to share in the excitement of Victory in Europe. Our thoughts also went to the many people in the country who had lost their homes and families in the bombing.

Alas, all was not over - we were waiting for news of our boys still fighting in the fearful conflict in the East. We all were thinking "Oh, for the end of this horrendous war", and looking forward to the day when (as the wartime song said) " ... the lights go on again all over the world ."


By May 1945 I had served four and a half years in the Royal Navy - first in the splendid cruiser HMS Edinburgh and then, at the other end of the spectrum, in an assault landing craft flotilla. Early in 1945 the flotilla, in which I had spent nearly three years, had been disbanded. When May arrived I found myself in an RN transit camp at Balloch (on the delectable shores of Loch Lomond) waiting to be dispatched to the Far East to fight the Japanese.

The complete defeat of Germany was a magic moment for all of us, whether civilians or in the Services. It had been inevitable from the success of the Normandy landings and the Russian counter-attack, but it had still taken nearly a year to force the Nazi regime to capitulate, with heavy loss of life on both sides. For me, however, VE Day was vastly different from the joyous experience of nearly everyone else. All I need say is that on VE Day my CO put me in charge of 40 rather inebriated sailors who had to be escorted from Balloch station, via Glasgow Central, to London Euston. Somehow, in spite of successive tribulations, all 41 of us actually arrived at Euston as scheduled. But VE Day was not a fun day in my memory.

Back to the overall theme, however. The feeling of relief brought about by Germany's elimination was immense, of course. But for many of us this was tempered by the dread fact that we were now required for the other war, in the Far East. I had family reasons for wanting to see Japan utterly defeated. Yet the enemy's fanatical resistance to America's growing superiority made it obvious that this was likely to take a couple of years or so, with high casualty figures.

The summer of 1945 drifted on. The exodus from the transit camp increased. And in July I learned that at the end of August my move to the Japanese war would occur. Like thousands of others, I had to accept the inevitable. Then, on 15th August came the miracle, the sudden and totally unexpected Japanese surrender, ordered by the Emperor within days of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Make no mistake: for all of us who faced the final showdown with Japan it was a miracle of deliverance.

Indeed, for the UK population as a whole, the relief was indescribable. We were so very tired, for the privations and sorrows of war had lasted close on six long years. By comparison, bear in mind that the appalling First World War lasted a little over four years.

So I end with the happiest of reflections. On 16th August, the first day of peace, our first child was born; then my transfer to the Far East was cancelled; and in January 1946 I exchanged my naval uniform for a demob suit and went home.

Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

Music filled Milton village hall when Patrick Cooke came to talk about his life as an Organ Grinder. We enjoyed a most relaxing evening as Patrick played traditional and some modern arrangements. During pauses from winding the organ, he told us about the production of cards for such music, and recounted anecdotes about busking at Chatsworth and Buxton Opera House. The talk closed to the theme tune of 'Last of the summer wine'.

At the July meeting, Paddy Laban will talk about HER life as a lorry driver.

Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney Show

Newton Solney Open Fruit, Flower, Vegetable and Craft Show will take place from 3 pm on Saturday 3rd September in Newton Solney Village Hall. Exhibits for the show must be staged by 12 noon on the day. Schedules will be available in August from Newton Solney Post Office and Chris Freestone, secretary of Newton Solney Horticultural Show, 701147. They will also be delivered to every household in Newton Solney, so there is no excuse for not entering - it's only fun! Please support this annual village show, which has been going for many years.

Gardening Notes

Last autumn, some weather prophets forecast a severe winter, colder than for many years. Now they forecast a very hot summer. I suspect that any one of us could forecast as accurately, but we have had some very hot days in May, and rainfall has been below average, so it behoves us to be prepared.

Heavy rain reaches the open areas of the garden, but plants growing under a canopy of shrubs and trees can remain dry in the heaviest rain. Beneath walls and around hedges, soil can also remain dry, and watering is often needed. Newly planted shrubs, trees and border perennials will need a regular soak. Plants in containers may dry out quickly and should be moved to a shady spot. Lawns need a lot of water to keep them green, but in times of water shortage they can be left, as they quickly recover after rain; during a dry spell, raise the height of the cut and leave the grass box off. Keep the water level of ponds and bird baths well topped up, and leave a fountain or waterfall running in the pond to increase oxygenation. Keep the seed-bed well watered; temperatures above 20°C can inhibit germination, especially of lettuce. Keep greenhouse vents open, and the door too - though you may have to cover this with a net to keep cats and birds out. Shade the greenhouse, if necessary, and keep the floor dampened where tomatoes are grown. Crops approaching harvest need plenty of water.

Powdery mildew can be a problem in dry weather. Phlox, michaelmas daisies, clematis, sweet peas, and roses growing against walls are among plants affected. There are several anti-fungal sprays, or dust them with green sulphur, avoiding the flowers. A spray with milk diluted with nine parts of water may help. Keep them well watered. Silver-foliage plants do well in dry conditions. Artemesias and stachys come from dry places, and their leaves are covered with fine hairs which create the silver appearance and prevent moisture loss.

Research shows that deadheading is definitely worthwhile, but in some cases more than others. Although time-consuming, it tidies the plants up, prolongs flowering, and may be necessary, as with alchemilla mollis, to prevent excessive self-seeding. Pansies, violas, antirrhinum, alyssum and sweet peas benefit from regular deadheading. Removing a faded flower promotes the formation of side shoots in a further effort to produce flower and seed. Deadheading azaleas and rhododendrons expedites the formation of new growth. This is true for roses too, where the latest idea is to remove the flower head only, and not to take a length of stem with it. Leaving the leaves increases the area of photosynthesis. I am less sure about deadheading daffodils and tulips to save the plant's energy, when it seems to me that the seed head has already formed before the flower has faded. However, the experts say that you should.

Divide crowded bearded iris after flowering. Cut the rhizomes into smaller pieces, leaving one or two pairs of leaves to each root. Cut the leaves down to about half their length to prevent water loss, and replant the rhizomes with their upper surface just showing above soil level.

Feed hanging baskets and containers regularly, unless they have already been given a slow-release fertiliser. Continue feeding tomatoes with a special tomato feed, tie the main stems of cordon-grown tomatoes to their supports, and remove all side shoots (but not in bush varieties).

Sow polyanthus, primula, winter-flowering pansies and forget-me-nots in trays in a cold frame. Wallflowers and biennials such as foxgloves, hollyhocks, verbascum and honesty can be sown now too, but in open ground. Sow spring cabbage, and keep sowing lettuce until the end of the month.

Keep hedges in shape. Trim hawthorn, privet, laurel and leylandii. Cut helianthemum (rock roses) back hard after flowering; new leaves will soon grow, and they may flower again. Cuttings can be taken from a range of shrubs, climbers and heathers. Azaleas and rhododendrons are amongst many plants that can be increased by layering now.