January 2006 - Contents The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Ecumenical Services, Sundays 15th and 22nd January Benefice Service, Sunday 29th January The First MMA Service, Sunday 29th January 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 Joint Services in January Coffee Morning, Saturday 14th January at 10.30 am Shell Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Alexandra Mary Durham Ashton Keene Davis Funerals and Burial of Ashes Henry Chilton Iris May Barker St Wystan's News 1350th Anniversary Celebrations, Service and Workshop, Saturday 18th February Metal Chain Needed Mothers' Union The Repton Spoon Bring & Share Supper, Saturday 14th January Parish Magazine Cleaner Needed St Mary's News Saints Alive in Newton Solney Bernard Collier Memorial St Mary's, Newton Solney by Don Sherwin Min-Jym Kym and Ian Brown, Tuesday 7th February Bring and Share Supper, Saturday 14th January Thankyou: Ann Faulkner South Derbyshire South Derbyshire Social Car Scheme Repton & District Care Group Willington Gravel Pits Recycle your Christmas Tree Repton Village and History Poppy Appeal Raises £8,000 Weekly Whist Drives Repton W.I. Repton Village History Group Repton Council Jottings Repton Village Society Milton & Foremark Village Matters Dogs at Foremark Gardening Notes

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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

One of the advantages of retirement is that we have much more time to go to the cinema. Since we moved to Repton we have seen the three Lord of the Rings films, all four Harry Potter films, and today we have been to see the first of the Chronicles of Narnia, 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'. All of these films have been very enjoyable, especially the last, and I do recommend that you try to see it if you have not already done so.

These films, based on the books of J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling and C.S. Lewis, have three things in common which make them appeal to all ages. They tell first-rate stories, they portray the battle between good and evil, and magic is one of the main ingredients of all three.

The Bible has the same three qualities. First, it is a book full of the most exciting stories. Some are long sagas like the story of God's chosen people, the Jews. Some tell the same story in different versions like the four Gospel accounts of the life of Jesus. Some are quite short like the parables told by Jesus, and the reader has to work out their meaning. Tolkien, Rowling and Lewis are all good storytellers and they use their stories to portray the battle between good and evil, as the Bible does.

This approach works well with children. They will accept and listen to the story straight away, even if it is many years before they explore the underlying message. This is why some of our church people have been going into Repton Primary School and St Wystan's School and acting out many of the stories in the Bible. These presentations, which are called 'Open the Book', have been very well received in these schools.

Finally, in the books and the films we see magic power given to very ordinary people, helping them in the battle between good and evil. The Bible is full of examples of God's magic power, his Spirit, given to ordinary people just like us, enabling us, like them, to fight for good and to resist evil.

May God's Spirit be with you all in the coming year,

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

Ecumenical Services, Sundays 15th and 22nd January

There are two occasions this month when we join together with our ecumenical partners, the Covenant Service on Sunday 15th at 10.30 am at St Wystan's, and the Service in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the United Reformed Church on Sunday 22nd at 6.30 pm. We do hope that as many as possible will join us.

Benefice Service, Sunday 29th January

On this fifth Sunday of the month, the Benefice Service will be held at Newton Solney Church, the only morning service to be held outside Repton in the coming year! Please come and fill St Mary's church - and come and enjoy the Bring and Share lunch in Newton Solney Village Hall afterwards. Arrangements for the lunch will be posted at the back of Repton and Newton Solney churches during January.

The First MMA Service, Sunday 29th January

The first united service of our Mission and Ministry Area will be to welcome Bishop Alastair. It will be held at Immanuel Church, Stapenhill, at 6.30 pm on Sunday 29th January. There will be no evening service at our churches that day so that as many as possible can attend this special occasion. If you would like to go but need transport, please contact Peter (703317) beforehand.

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St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

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Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's

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Altar Flowers

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Brasses

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Altar Flowers and Cleaning Rota at St Saviour's

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The United Reformed Church

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Joint Services in January

This month we meet with our Anglican and Roman Catholic friends on two occasions. The Covenant Service, when we reaffirm our common Christian commitments, will be held in the Parish Church at 10.30 am on Sunday 15th January, and the service to celebrate with Christians all over the world the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be held at the United Reformed Church at 6.30 pm on Sunday, 22nd January. Everyone is invited to join with us in these services.

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Coffee Morning, Saturday 14th January at 10.30 am

A visit from a surveyor last month confirmed that the schoolroom is safe for us to use, though this is only a short-term measure, as the repairs to the wall and the corner of the schoolroom should begin soon. So this month our coffee morning is back in our own building with all the usual good things, marmalade, cakes, a children's game, the Webb Ivory stall, and coffee and biscuits. A chance to stock up after the festive season!

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Shell Group (age 7+)

... recommences at 6.30 pm on Monday 9th January. New members are always welcome.

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Baptisms

Alexandra Mary Durham, daughter of Alan and Ellen of Elm Farm, Ingleby, was baptised at St Saviour's Church on Sunday 27th November.

Ashton Keene Davis, son of Emma and Rob of 14 Victoria Drive, Woodville, was baptised at St Saviour's Church on Sunday 4th December.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Henry Chilton died on 26th November aged 25. A funeral service was held at St Wystan's Church on 5th December followed by burial at Monsom Lane Cemetery.

The funeral of Iris May Barker, aged 71, of Pinfold Close, took place at the United Reformed Church on Wednesday 7th December, followed by cremation at Bretby. Her ashes were interred at Repton Cemetery, Monsom Lane, on 20th December. We offer our sympathy to their families and friends.

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Henry Chilton

Our condolences go to Chris and Louise Chilton and to their daughters Libby and Lucy on the death of their son and brother, Henry, who died in his flat in London on 26th November, only 25 years old.

Henry was lively and sensitive, always charming company, a kind and considerate young man who thought deeply about life around him. He was no follower, preferring to plough his own furrow, whether on his own or in conversation with others, and it was that independence of thought, combined with his talent, that made him so special.

A fitting service was devised. His close friends wrote a tribute and several friends of the family took part in the service. We thank the family for their warmth and co-operation, all those who had a leading role in the service and those who came in large numbers to remember Henry with affection.

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St Wystan's News

1350th Anniversary Celebrations

The 1350th anniversary of the consecration at Repton of Diuma as first bishop of Mercia will be marked by a number of events. Our celebrations start in February with a workshop and service. In May there will be a Promenade Lecture at Repton School, and in June a pilgrimage from Derby Cathedral to Repton.

Service and Workshop, Saturday 18th February

On Saturday 18th February the bishop of Repton, the Rt Rev'd David Hawtin, has arranged an afternoon of celebrations at St Wystan's church and Repton School. Leaders of neighbouring Anglican dioceses and our ecumenical partner churches from the Roman Catholic Church to the Salvation Army have been invited, as well as an Orthodox Metropolitan.

In the afternoon, from 2 - 3.30 pm in Repton School 400 Hall, Ray Simpson, an Anglican priest from Lindisfarne, will lead a Workshop / Seminar, on 'Mission Then and Now'. Ray is an author of books on Celtic prayer and mission, as well as a long-standing parish priest and leader of parish-based mission. About the Workshop he writes: "The early Irish churches were monastic villages - hearths which warmed and drew the people to Christ. In our post-modern age, which rejects 'top-down-one-shape-fits-all' institutions but hungers for spirituality, an emerging grassroots movement is inspiring churches to network and become villages of God."

Refreshments from 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm will be provided in the school by the parish. At 4.30 pm in St Wystan's Church, an ecumenical service will celebrate the consecration of Diuma 1350 years ago as well as our present day mission. The preacher will be Br. Damian of the Society of Saint Francis, present Vicar of Lindisfarne.

Please put the date in your diary now.

This will be a significant day in the life of our church, and Diocese. Please pray for all those involved with the preparations. Please come to the seminar and service. Please help with the refreshments for which we will be responsible and finally, please be available for stewarding during the service as we will need all hands on deck to enable all our visitors make the most of an exciting service.

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Metal Chain Needed

If you have a metal chain about 15ft long that you no longer use or could lend us for the Anniversary Celebrations on 18th February, the Vicar would be very grateful. Please ring Peter on 703317. Thank you.

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Mothers' Union

What happens when you doubt the conduct or competence of a Healthcare professional? How is the public protected? Find out when Carol Lloyd talks to Repton M.U. on Wednesday 18th January in Fisher Close Community Room. There will be a short service and A.G.M. for members at 2 pm. Anyone else interested in the talk would be welcome at 2.30 pm.

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The Repton Spoon

The Repton Spoon, commissioned to mark the 1350th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in Repton is described and can be seen on the church website at reptonchurch.org.uk. To express interest or to see a sample, please contact Frances Wimbush on 01283 703180 or fjwim@tiscali.co.uk. All the profits from the sale of the spoons will go towards the upkeep of St Wystan's Church.

The spoon will appeal to anyone who has connections with Repton - as a wedding, Christening or anniversary present, or simply as a personal possession to treasure.

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Bring & Share Supper

On Saturday 14th January (7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall) Glenda and Norman Brewin will give a slide lecture on their trip to Irkutsk in the summer to see the work of ChildAid to Russia & the Republics. If their article in the September magazine whetted your appetite, now you can see the pictures!

A Bring & Share Supper is always a good chance to meet new friends and renew old acquaintances. If you haven't been to one before, the idea is to bring your own drink, as well as a dish for 6 for each of you. It needs coordination to make sure we don't end up eating pork pie or chocolate pudding for all three courses, so ring Jan Gilham, 703340, or Karen Perks, 702392, for details and to discuss dishes.

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Parish Magazine

A big thank you to all the magazine distributors for your hard work during the past year and for collecting up the donation envelopes. I have just about had all the envelopes back in and the total collected this year is £2853, the highest total we have ever collected, so a big thank you to everybody for your generosity.

I am now looking for a couple of new distributors, one for Well Lane and one for Springfield Road. If anybody could help, it only takes an hour once a month; could you please ring me on 702392. Karen Perks

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Cleaner Needed

At the beginning of January the lady who currently cleans the church is leaving to take on a full time job, so we are looking for a replacement for the new year. It needs about four hours work per week, but the job could be shared by two people if that is preferred. If you are interested and would like further details, please ring Karen Perks 702392.

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St Mary's News

Saints Alive in Newton Solney

This course restarts on Thursday 12th January at the home of Pam and Alan Atkin, 2 St Mary's Close at 7.30 pm. We look forward to the final 5 sessions of the course and of meeting together after the great festival of Christmas.

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Bernard Collier Memorial

Donations are continuing to arrive in memory of Bernard and will be spent on another seat for the churchyard. By placing an order now the Church Council hopes to have the seat in time for the warmer weather. Meanwhile anyone still wishing to be associated with this memorial is invited to give a contribution to Hazel Ward, 21 Blacksmith's Lane, or Jennifer Haynes, 6 Newton Close.

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St Mary's, Newton Solney Sometimes I come alone to sit and think, As people have for seven hundred years; Some with their hearts serene and filled with peace, And some to pray in agony and tears. The silence is not stony here, but blest, And the old marble knights laid out to pray Lend their still presence to the weight of years And lead our thoughts back to their distant day. They heard the Latin of the Roman mass, While in the nave, upon the rush-strewn floor, The simple farm-folk in their Saxon tongue Besought the Virgin for their sick and poor. All this has passed; the knights no longer go Hotfoot to battle in the Holy Land. The language and the liturgies have changed; I hold a different prayerbook in my hand. But generations that have worshipped here Speak to us still across the gulf of years. St Mary's stands yet with its open door, An ever-present help in hopes and fears. Don Sherwin, 2003

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Repton School Concerts Society Min-Jym Kym (violin) and Ian Brown (piano) Note that this concert is on Tuesday 7th February, not in January, as in the original programme. For further information or tickets, contact: The Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

St Wystan's Church Bring and Share Supper Sojourn in Sunny Siberia A slide lecture Repton Village Hall. Saturday 14th January at 7.30 pm £1. Everyone welcome. Bring your own drink. If you haven't previously been to a Bring & Share, the idea is to bring a dish for 6 for everyone who attends. However, it needs coordination to make sure we don't end up eating pork pie or chocolate pudding for all three courses! So, ring Jan Gilham, 703340, or Karen Perks, 702392, for details and to discuss dishes.

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Thankyou from Ann Faulkner

Ann, Hannah, Matt and family would like to thank everyone who attended Geoff's funeral and sent messages of sympathy. We were overwhelmed by your kindness. We would also like to thank the doctors and nurses at Willington surgery, and also the pharmacy, who have been a great support throughout Geoff's illness. Thankyou, all.

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South Derbyshire

South Derbyshire Social Car Scheme

South Derbyshire Social Car Scheme provides a door-to-door transport service for elderly, disabled, and vulnerable people in South Derbyshire. Our transport makes a big difference to the lives of our clients, bringing friendly contact, and helping them live an independent life. We operate 365 days a year, taking people to medical appointments, support groups, Luncheon Club, to visit relative or friends, or to attend social events.

Volunteers wanted
Demand for help continues to grow, and we need to find new volunteers. In particular, we urgently need more drivers. Some of our drivers help us several times a week, others can only offer a few hours a month. However much time you can offer, we would love to hear from you.

Drivers need to have a full driving licence, and a reliable car. We offer the real satisfaction of helping people keep their independence, and we pay 40p per mile mileage allowance.

If you would like to know more, please phone Alyson Key, Social Car Scheme Organiser, 01283 551766, or Richard House, Volunteer Co-ordinator, 550163.

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Repton & District Care Group AGM

The AGM of the Repton & District Care Group will be held at Willington Surgery on 17th January at 7.15 pm. Everyone who lives in the area is welcome. For further information, please contact Jean Best, 01283 701845.

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Willington Gravel Pits

It is a pleasure to report that Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has been able to go ahead with the purchase of Willington Gravel Pits. The response to November's appeal has been generous, but much more is still needed to develop and manage the site as a nature reserve, ensuring a secure future for its rich variety of wildlife. If you can help in any way, please phone 01773 881188 or email enquiries@derbyshirewt.co.uk.

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Recycle your Christmas Tree

Until the 15th January, South Derbyshire District Council will recycle your Christmas Tree. The nearest point is at the Twyford Road car park in Willington.

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Repton Village & History

Poppy Appeal Raises £8,000

So far, this year's Poppy Appeal has raised some £8,000. On behalf of all ex service personnel and their dependants, The Repton and District Branch of the Royal British Legion would like to thank everyone who contributed and / or helped to collect this splendid sum. Much comes from the sale of poppies door-to-door in Repton, Foremarke, Milton, Newton Solney and other local villages. Other contributions come from the Fruit and Vegetable Show in September, whist drives, raffles, and donations for wreaths.

The Remembrance Day Service Parade was well attended, and supported by our local youth organisations, the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

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Weekly Whist Drives

All are welcome at the weekly whist drives, which take place every Wednesday at 7.30 pm at the Repton British Legion Club; you don't have to be a member.

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Repton W.I.

At the December meeting members were presented with two elastic bands, an orange, a pile of cloves and a cocktail stick. After a demonstration by Marjorie Boddice, we went on to make Elizabethan pomanders which were dusted with orris root and decorated with ribbon before being taken home to dry.   Seasonal refreshments, a few carols and an exchange of gifts completed an enjoyable Christmas meeting.

Next Meeting, Tuesday 10th January at 7.15 pm in Repton Village Hall: "A lighthearted look at the Hanoverians" by Anne Owen. Bring along a Royal Souvenir.

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Repton Village History Group

At our November meeting, David Guest presented a Magic Lantern show. Slides, many around 100 years old, showed scenes from all round the world including some of Repton. David was assisted by Roger Paulson who had made some repairs to the lantern, the same one used by Arthur Todd when he gave shows in the Congregational Chapel schoolroom many years ago. Ivor Sandars talked about his boyhood memories of the Repton Film Society and the excitement of going to the pictures in Repton! Several members of the audience could remember this.

On 29th November, twenty-two members visited Repton School library to see the historic building and its amazing contents, many of which are hundreds of years old. Paul Stevens, the Librarian, gave us a most interesting conducted tour which was appreciated by all.

On Tuesday 17th January (7.30 pm in the Village Hall), David Stanier will be giving an illustrated talk about the fondly remembered Blue Bus Services, which once provided public transport on two routes between Burton and Derby. This will bring back many happy memories. Visitors are always welcome.

We are pleased to announce that the Landshapes organisation has made a grant for the purchase of new display panels. This is for our contribution to their archives of the National Forest and its surrounding area, a recording by David Guest and Colin Kitching of a village walk and description of St Wystan's Church. It will be re-recorded on CD for libraries in the area of the National Forest.

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Repton Council Jottings

Selected news items from Repton Parish Council.

A donation of £7,500 has been made to the Derbyshire Wildlife Fund appeal to create a 110-acre wetland wildlife conservation area on the Trent washlands. The planned site is the former Repton Gravel Pits, upstream from Willington Bridge. In 2002 no fewer than 142 species of birds were recorded there, including some rare visitors; subsequently the British Trust for Ornithology voted it the best site of its type in the country. This land is also home to many other forms of wildlife including otters, voles, butterflies and dragonflies, plus endangered wetland plants. Carefully managed public access is to be developed, but in Repton we are privileged already to have a grandstand view of the area: follow the footpath off Tanners Lane, along the edge of Parson's Hills, to take in the whole scene. This is a first class nature reserve in the making, right on our doorstep.

Few can be unaware of the damage sustained to the United Reformed Church in June 2005 when a wall partially collapsed into Repton Brook. Since then the schoolroom has been closed, with extensive shoring-up in place. A number of village organisations normally use the room on a regular basis. An insurance claim is in progress, and the Parish Council has stepped in with a grant of £5,000 to help fund uninsured costs. We all sincerely hope that this will speed the reconstruction work.

In the last two months 15 planning applications have been approved. Some residents in Milton were concerned about the extra traffic that may be generated by a proposed extension at Foremark School, but there are no grounds for objecting.

By the time you read these notes an internet website for Repton Parish Council should be up and running on www.repton-pc.gov.uk Developed in house to minimise the cost, the site is a simple one, but it will provide you with more details than you're ever likely to need about the Parish Council and its activities. Work on the website is ongoing, and more photographs are to be added, but already it contains plenty of interesting local information. Also included are personal contact details for councillors, dates of meetings, agendas, minutes, useful links etc. Take a look and then use the contact form on the site to raise any issues, or just to say what you think of it. All feedback is very welcome.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on 9th January at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall.

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Repton Village Society

The RVS had its traditional (second) Christmas Coffee Morning on the 3rd December. A good crowd attended to see a display of hobbies and crafts. Charles Hanson had a queue of people throughout, wanting a valuation of their prized collectables. The raffle was a great attraction with a first prize of a half hour flight around the area, thanks to the generosity of the Bannisters. In total a profit of £180 was made for the County Air Ambulance, and their stall also sold £140 of cards and goodies. Thanks to all those who attended.

David Wilkinson Memorial Lecture, Thursday 19th January

Our next meeting is on Thursday 19th January (7.30 pm in the 400 Hall, Repton School). Jeremy Bournon, Director of Art at the school, will talk on 'The Isenheim Altar-piece' by Matthias Grünewald. This medieval altarpiece was highly significant in its day for the healing and comfort of people afflicted by the plague. Its meaning is no less important for us in the 21st Century. Admission is free, with a retiring collection for a nominated charity. Jeremy can be guaranteed to be enlightening and informative.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Dogs at Foremark

The PCC is concerned that dogs are being exercised in the churchyard at Foremark. This is both unnecessary and offensive to the families of those buried there. Dog litter is also a health hazard to those who strim the churchyard and keep it tidy. Therefore the PCC would be very grateful if you could keep dogs out of the churchyard. There is plenty of room to exercise them elsewhere. However, for obvious reasons, please avoid the school fields.

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Gardening Notes

I hope you will always have an enjoyable New Year's gardening. New years seem to come around ever more quickly, and, if you are fond of radishes, you can start this one by sowing some outside - weather permitting - as well as some of the cut-and-come-again crops such as varieties of lettuce and rocket. Ordinary lettuce can be sown in modules in a greenhouse for planting out later, or directly into the ground in cold frames. Broad beans, onions, leaks and small round carrots can also be sown in a greenhouse, as also sprouting broccoli for use in the autumn. Fruit trees and bushes may need netting where bird damage has been a problem in the past. Net brassicas against pigeons, which can do a lot of damage in cold weather. Moles too can be a nuisance in January and February, due to mating and building nests.

Prune vines before the end of January when the sap starts to rise. Continue to prune fruit trees. Hard pruning tends to produce a lot of new shoots and few fruit buds, and minimal or neglected pruning has the reverse effect in established trees. On apple and pear cordons and espaliers, reduce any long shoots that have grown since the summer pruning to 5 cms. Prune blueberry plants more than three years old by removing weak shoots and cutting the oldest shoots close to the base; aim to reduce the size of the bush by about a quarter. Blueberries require a definitely acid soil and are often best grown in pots.

Continue to plant bare-root deciduous trees and hedging plants. When a tree or shrub dies, it should be removed in its entirety in case its demise has been caused by disease, and in case its remaining roots or stump become infected. Honey fungus is present in most soils, and its mycelia spread from an infected plant, which shows a creamy white sheet developing beneath the bark, discolouring the wood beneath and smelling strongly of mushrooms. If a stump cannot be dug or pulled out, you may need a stump grinder. Failing this, ammonium sulphate can be used on the stump with all due caution.

Coral spot is another infection that spreads from dead wood and has severe effects. It shows as numerous small, pinkish nodules on the bark, and attacks acers, magnolias, currants and gooseberries in particular. Sudden Oak Death was first thought to have been imported on timber from the U.S.A., but it may in fact have been here for a long time, and a major source now seems to be plants imported from the continent. It is caused by a phytophthora, of which there are many species, mostly insignificant. So far, it has not proved very infectious to English oaks. It also attacks rhododendrons, and the winter-flowering Viburnum x bodnantense is a major victim. Fungal infections are spread by spores, either from plant to plant or within a plant; spores and bacteria are spread outside the plant by wind or rain. Viral infections are spread by sap-feeding insects such as aphids, or when sap from an infected plant is transferred to another plant, so it is important to sterilise secateurs and garden knives after use (if that is possible!) A national collection of cannas at Nottingham has been wiped out by viral infection. Most canna stocks in this country are now infected. Removing infected leaves and spraying against aphids may give some control.

Many shrubs can be propagated by layering at this time of year. Camellia, azaleas, rhododendrons, cornus, cotinus, lilac, magnolias and some viburnums are suitable. Forsythia, like blackberry, often tip-roots by itself, but layering is simple: take a long, whippy stem close to the ground, and peg it into a shallow trench some 9 -12 inches from the tip of the stem; carefully bend the tip to point upright and tie it to a cane. Bending may be enough to stimulate root growth, but it may help to make a slanting cut on the underside of the buried section. Fill the trench and water well. Roots should have formed by next autumn, but it may be wise to leave it for another year before severing from the parent plant.