March 2006 - Contents 'Life is a cup of tea' Repton 1350 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 Brasses at St Wystan's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Women's World Day of Prayer Service: Friday, 3rd March at 7.15 pm Coffee Morning, Saturday 11th March at 10.30 am Mothering Sunday Family Service: Sunday 26th March at 11 am Shell (for children aged 7+) Funerals and Burial of Ashes Evelyn Fasciato Brenda Welsh Charles Atkin Greta Jean Lord Thomas Arthur Jackson Kathleen Crockett Jean Margaret Smith Rosemary June Archer Alice May Thorp St Wystan's News Book of Remembrance Rhoda's Legacy Brother Amos Flowers at St Wystan's Repton M.U. 'Bring a tin' for the Padley Centre St Saviour's News British Summertime St Mary's News British Summertime Newton Solney Annual Church Meeting St Mary's Church, Mothering Sunday Emma Kirkby, soprano, Saturday 11th March Willington Nature Reserve Public Meeting, 13th March Conservatives Sausage, Mash & Bingo, Thursday 23rd March Doug Scott CBE, Thursday 23 March 'Repton and District Remembered', 1st & 2nd April Thankyou Iris May Barker Mrs. Marjorie Jordan Credit Card Scam A Superb Nature Reserve on Your Doorstep Repton Village and History Repton Open Gardens 2006 Malvern Show, 13th May Repton Council Jottings Repton W.I. Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group Gardening Notes

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'Life is a cup of tea'

Last October the Economist carried an article entitled 'Life is a cup of tea'. It asked: "What causes a kettle to boil? Is it the rapid vibration of water molecules, or because I have plugged in the kettle, or because I want a cup of tea?"

None of these answers conflicts with the others. This is not a trivial observation. In fact it was crucial in a court hearing in the United States, where the judge had to decide whether or not religious theories of intelligent design should be taught in science classes. The theology professor who brought the 'life is a cup of tea' argument into the hearing explained that belief in evolution is compatible with religious faith: an omnipotent God can create a universe in which life subsequently evolves. He argued that it makes no sense to confuse the study of molecular movements by bringing in the explanation 'I want a cup of tea', which is what the proponents of intelligent design are trying to do. Does it matter to us here what happens in an American law court or in small, down-town state schools? Of course not, but the debate about the relationship between religion and science is ongoing and crucial.

What I find most disturbing about the utterances of some religious people -though not the professor, who is a believer - is that they do not think that different explanations for the same event can be compatible. Creationists, who believe in a literal interpretation of Genesis, and those who propound the more sophisticated 'intelligent design' theory, actually believe that science is wrong.

Let me give you an example. In the review of a recently published book on mission I read: 'One of the reasons for our loss of influence has been our flirtation with modernity and the ideas of the Enlightenment.' I would argue the opposite: that it is our repeated failure to take scientific discovery seriously that has held back many from faith. This is very worrying, for today we all rely on science. To accept air travel and yet to be a creationist seems to me to be dualistic and spiritually unhealthy.

The same book review recommended the church of the future to infiltrate its environment. But the methodology of scientific experiment is the environment in which we live.

What is needed is a dialogue between those who hold religious convictions and those who have a scientific education and upbringing. Remember, life is a cup of tea. Different theories or explanations are not necessarily incompatible.

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Repton 1350

2006 marks a significant milestone for the Church here in the midlands. In 653 AD, a group of four priests arrived in Repton from Northumbria. At that time Repton was a principal residence of the royal family of Mercia, and the priests accompanied Elfleda (or Alchfled - spellings vary), daughter of Oswy, King of Northumbria, on her marriage to Paeda, son of the great king Penda of Mercia. Northumbria had already converted to Christianity, and it was a condition of the royal marriage that Paeda should be baptised and receive Christian teaching. Among the four priests was Diuma, who in 656 became the first bishop of Mercia. (In 669 Chad, the fourth bishop, moved the see from Repton to Lichfield.)

Celebrations
To celebrate the occasion, a group led by the Bishop of Repton, the Rt. Rev'd David Hawtin, has arranged a number of events. These started in February with a workshop and service. On Friday 19th May there will be a Promenade Lecture on 'Vikings and Christians' at Repton School, and on Saturday 3rd June a pilgrimage from Derby Cathedral to Repton.

Workshop
On Saturday 18th February, there was an afternoon of celebrations at St Wystan's Church and Repton School. In the afternoon, Ray Simpson, an Anglican priest from Lindisfarne, led a packed workshop on 'Mission Then and Now', discussing the lessons we can learn from the Holy Island monks who brought the Christian faith to our region. 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. He described the danger of becoming a 'heritage church' and argued that we should return to our roots. Like the Celtic church, we should work with contemporary culture, not seek to impose our own. For our present age, which hungers for spirituality, he proposed a model based on the 7-day a week church, the people's monastery. An emerging grassroots movement is inspiring churches to network and become villages of God.

Service of Celebration
Later, at St Wystan's Church, an ecumenical service celebrated the consecration of Diuma at Repton in 656, as well as our present-day mission. The celebrations were attended by a large congregation and many senior clergy including: the bishops of Derby, Repton, Lichfield and Lincoln; the former bishop of Repton; representatives of the bishops of Southwell and Stafford; representatives from the Roman Catholic, United Reformed, Methodist, Baptist and Black Majority Churches, the Salvation Army and the Wales Orthodox Mission.

Brother Damian, Vicar of Holy Island, preached the sermon. He reminded us that Diuma, Chad and their companions were schoolboys at Lindisfarne, educated by St Aidan for a missionary life-style, sent out to spread the good news of the gospel, with no expectation that they would ever return to their homes. Similarly, we are all missioners doing God's work, His mission, aided by His Word. An essential part of our role is to sit with, to be alongside those in need. Finally Brother Damian spoke of the transforming power of love: "There is no person of any race or creed, whose deepest need is not to be loved."

Prayers were led by the Rev'd Philip Webb, Derbyshire Ecumenical Development Officer, and lessons read by representatives of the Roman Catholic, United Reformed, Methodist and Baptist Churches, as well as the Salvation Army. It was particularly appropriate that the final blessing was given by the Rt. Rev'd Jonathan Gledhill, bishop of Lichfield.

Thankyou
This was a great occasion, and we thank everyone whose hard work (helping with the arrangements, the bells, flowers, music, refreshments, historical exhibition, stewarding and much besides) made it all so memorable.

Visiting clergy included ...
The Rt. Rev'd Alastair Redfern, Bishop of Derby; the Rt. Rev'd David Hawtin, Bishop of Repton; the Rt. Rev'd Jonathan Gledhill, Bishop of Lichfield; the Rt. Rev'd John Saxbee, Bishop of Lincoln; the Rt. Rev'd Henry Richmond, former Bishop of Repton; Rev'd Tony Wood representing the Bishop of Stafford; Rev'd David Bignall, representing the Bishop of Southwell; the Venerable David Garnett, Archdeacon of Chesterfield; Rev'd James Stapleton of the Black Majority Churches; the Very Rev'd Archimandrite Father Deniol, Administrator of the Wales Orthodox Mission; Rev'd Ray Simpson, Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda; Brother Damian SSF, Vicar of Holy Island; Rev'd Philip Webb, County Ecumenical Development Officer; Father Martin Sylvester; Rev'd Terry Oakley, Moderator of the East Midlands URC Synod; Rev'd Wesley Blakey, Chair of the Nottingham and Derby Methodist District; Rev'd Tim Heard, representing the East Midlands Baptist Association; Lt Col. Trevor Davis, East Midlands Divisional Commander, Salvation Army; Rev'd Vernon Marsh, Chair of the Sheffield Methodist District; Rev'd Alison Tomlin, Chair of the Leicester and Oxford Methodist Districts.

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

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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Brasses

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The United Reformed Church

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Women's World Day of Prayer Service: Friday, 3rd March at 7.15 pm at the United Reformed Church

This year's service has been prepared by the Christian women of South Africa, the 'Rainbow Nation' at the southern tip of Africa and one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world with eleven official languages.

Since the end of apartheid in the 1990's, the new constitution has guaranteed the rights and freedom of every citizen. HIV / AIDS, TB and malaria are the major threats to health, exacerbated by extremes of poverty, and the Church is working hard to help relieve the situation. The service reflects the needs of women across the world, and shares the South African concept of 'ubuntu', which embraces respect for human dignity and the importance of hospitality and spirituality in everyday life.

Everyone is welcome to share in this service, and to meet over coffee afterwards.

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Coffee Morning

Saturday 11th March at 10.30 am in the Schoolroom. Another chance to meet with your friends, to buy the home-made cakes and marmalade, to restock with birthday cards and stationery, and to play the children's game. Don't miss it.

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Mothering Sunday Family Service: Sunday 26th March at 11 am

A family service in which the children will help us to give thanks for our mothers, and all the ladies will receive a gift to take home. Everyone is welcome.

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Shell (for children aged 7+)

... meets on Mondays from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. New members are always welcome.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Evelyn Fasciato of 3 Mill Hill, Repton, died on Saturday 31st December fortified by the rites of the Holy Catholic Church. She was 92. After a life-time living in Hong Kong and San Francisco, following the death of her husband, Victor, she moved to Repton in 1979 to be near her daughter, Natalie Argyle.

Brenda Welsh, formerly of 7 Fisher Close, Repton, died on Wednesday 11th January aged 75. A service was held at Markeaton Crematorium on 30th January.

The ashes of Charles Atkin of The Pastures, Repton, who died on 11th January, were interred at Repton Cemetery on Tuesday 31st January.

Greta Jean Lord, formerly of Oakdene Loscoe Farm, Red Lane, Repton, died on Friday 20th January aged 69. A service was held at St Wystan's Church on 31st January, followed by burial at Monsom Lane Cemetery.

Thomas Arthur Jackson, formerly of 14 Askew Grove, Repton, died on Tuesday 24th January aged 85. A service was held on 1st February at Bretby Crematorium. His ashes were interred at Repton Cemetery on 2nd February.

Kathleen Crockett, formerly of 154 Main Street, Repton, died on Monday 30th January aged 85. A service was held at St Wystan's Church on 6th February, followed by burial at Repton Cemetery.

Jean Margaret Smith, formerly of 12 Burdett Way, Repton, died on Wednesday 8th February aged 73. A service was held on 17th February at St Wystan's Church, followed by burial at Repton Cemetery.

Rosemary June Archer, formerly of The Spinney, Brizlincote Lane, Bretby, died on Thursday 9th February aged 50. A service was held on 20th February at St Wystan's Church, followed by burial at Repton Cemetery.

Alice May Thorp, formerly of 17 Milton Road, Repton, died on Saturday 11th February at Netherhall Nursing Home aged 97. Her funeral took place at Bretby Crematorium on 20th February. May died 21 years to the day after the death of her late husband, Walter.

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St Wystan's News

Book of Remembrance

St Wystan's PCC would like to thank the anonymous donor of a Book of Remembrance and a Memorial Bookcase to house it. Mr. John Dipple has kindly undertaken to make the Bookcase.

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Rhoda's Legacy

In over 60 years since it was built at the end of the 1930's, little has been done to St Wystan's vestry. However, a major refurbishment since the start of this year now provides new hanging and storage space, transforming the previously dark and cluttered interior. There is even room to print and produce the Parish Magazine, a task involving a team of over a dozen; this edition is the first to be produced in this way.

The work has been carried out by John Wright from Bradfords of Measham. John has given considerable thought to the project, and the result reflects a sensitive awareness of the church fabric and style. It is a great improvement, which will considerably enhance the smooth running of our day-to-day affairs. To look round and judge for yourself, do ask one of the churchwardens.

None of this would have been possible without a generous bequest from Rhoda Hemmings (1914-2003). We trust that she would have been very pleased with the result.

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Brother Amos

For Holy Week (9th - 16th April) we have invited a guest preacher, Brother Amos from the Franciscan community, to share the week with us. There will be more about the programme in next month's edition, but if during that week you would like to host Brother Amos to a meal, please let Peter know soon.

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Flowers at St Wystan's

After organising the altar flower rota for 30 years, Evelyn Cawdron has now taken well-deserved retirement. On behalf of all who visit and worship at St Wystan's and who have appreciated the flowers over the years, we would like to express our gratitude.

Of course, without a loyal team of flower arrangers in support, the task would be well nigh impossible, and we take this opportunity to thank them as well - not just for the arrangements which appear miraculously each week, but for their generous support at festivals and on special occasions.

Many people generously provide their own flowers, but there is also a small 'flower fund'. It has been suggested that readers might like to contribute to this - or indeed to contribute flowers for special occasions such as Christmas or Easter, or in memory of family or friends. In some churches, for example, donations are invited for lilies to be purchased at Easter. If you would like to make a donation to the Flower Fund, whether generally or as a specific memorial, please contact me.

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Repton M.U.

In February, after the MU service led by Audrey Morris, Biddy Weston displayed to an admiring group of MU members examples of the work done by Repton Dorcas Group. The group began by repairing hymnbooks but quickly progressed to making altar linen and choir robes. Now they fill in the gaps between making and embroidering banners and altar frontals by making the kneelers which brighten St Wystan's Church. Many of them have been specially designed at the request of relatives, and represent the interests of the loved ones whom they wish to commemorate.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 15th March, 2 pm at Fisher Close Community Room. The Vicar, Peter Paine, will speak about the Taizé Community.

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'Bring a tin' for the Padley Centre

During Lent we shall again be collecting tins for the Padley Centre, a day centre in Derby which does tremendous work with some of the most socially excluded, the homeless, the mentally ill, people with learning disabilities, and others in trouble. It supports people struggling to move on from difficult pasts, working to build their self-confidence and providing a safe environment.

The Padley Homeless Project is open every day of the year. It includes a 10 bedded emergency hostel and a day centre. Together they record over 40,000 visits a year.

Padley Development Centre is a fully accredited training centre, training people with learning disabilities, mental health problems, and the long-term unemployed. It works with around 250 people a year.

Padley's Trading Project consists of a charity shop and a recycling warehouse. It raises funds for the charity and provides work experience for people who find it difficult to enter the job market. The warehouse collects and sorts donations of clothes, bedding and bric-a-brac. Some items are given to the homeless, saleable items are sold in the charity shop, and non-saleable clothing and bedding is sold as rags. Between them, the warehouse and shop recycle around 6,000 garments a week.

As a small charity, they depend heavily on local support for all their work. At this time, they particularly request items that provide nourishing meals, especially packets of pasta, tins of corned beef and packeted or tinned soup. If you are able to help, please leave tins in St Wystan's Church, Repton Post Office or St Mary's Church.

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St Saviour's News

British Summertime

... begins on 26th March, when the clocks go forward one hour. Evening services at Foremark revert to the later time of 6.30 pm.

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St Mary's News

British Summertime

... begins on 26th March, when the clocks go forward one hour. Evening services at Newton Solney revert to the later time of 6.30 pm.

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Newton Solney Annual Church Meeting

The Annual Meeting will be held in St Mary's Church on Monday 24th April at 7.30 pm. Church Officers will report on the past year, and elections will be held for Churchwardens and the Parochial Church Council. Light refreshments will follow the meeting. Parishioners are warmly invited to attend.

Nomination slips for candidates for the elections can be found at the back of the church during the weeks before the meeting, and should be returned to the Secretary by Sunday 16th April (Easter Day). Anyone resident in the parish has the right to elect the Churchwardens, but you must have been on the electoral roll for fifteen days before the meeting in order to nominate a candidate, to stand for election or to vote.

If you wish to be entered on the Electoral Roll, please ask one of the Churchwardens for an application form, and return it before the end of March.

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St Mary's Church, Mothering Sunday

Families are especially welcome to St Mary's on Mothering Sunday. However, please note the change of service time that day. There will be a Family Service at 10 am, but no Evensong.

Posies for distribution at the Family Service will be prepared in church on the previous morning, Saturday 25th March, at 10.30 am, when help would be appreciated.

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Repton School Concerts Society Emma Kirkby, soprano with Derby Choral Union and Orchestra Saturday 11th March at 7.45 pm Pears School The distinguished soprano Emma Kirkby is generally recognised as the leading singer of Early Music.   On this visit to Repton, she joins Derby Choral Union and Orchestra in a programme of popular choral music by Mozart, Haydn and Rutter. The concert will be conducted by Richard Dacey, Director of Music at Repton School. Please note the change of venue and the price. Individual Tickets for this concert cost £15 (no concessions) For further information or tickets, contact Sue Parker, 01283 702550, or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Willington Gravel Pits Nature Reserve a Public Meeting Irene Coope, DWT Chief Executive, will explain the Trust's plans for the reserve and invite public discussion. Repton Village Hall 13th March at 7 pm The meeting should last about 30 - 40 minutes, and will be followed, after a short interval, by the regular meeting of the Parish Council. You are all welcome to attend either meeting or both.

South Derbyshire Conservative Association Sausage, Mash & Bingo Thursday 23rd March at 7.30 pm Repton Village Hall Bring your own drinks £5 (pay at the door)           Enquiries to Pam Bladen, 701189

An illustrated talk by Doug Scott CBE the first Englishman to climb Everest Pennine Way Junior School, Swadlincote Thursday 23 March at 7 pm A unique opportunity to meet, see and hear a world famous mountaineer, traveller, photographer and speaker. "enlivened by a lifetime's stunning photography and lubricated by a flat vowelled wit so dry it could mop beer tables." Ring 01283 223 697 for tickets (£5) and directions. All proceeds to Community Action Nepal, founded by Doug, which funds projects like schools, health posts, clean water supplies and income-generating schemes that benefit whole communities.

Repton Village History Group Local History Weekend 'Repton and District Remembered' Featuring hundreds of old photographs and documents Repton Village Hall Saturday & Sunday, 1st & 2nd April, 10 am - 5 pm Admittance free Everyone welcome Light refreshments available

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Thankyou

Iris May Barker

Derek, Julie, Elaine and Lisa would like to thank all friends and neighbours for their kind thoughts and words of sympathy, especially those who attended Iris' funeral service. Special thanks to Dr Farrell and the staff at the Willington Pharmacy for their kindness and care during her illness.

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Mrs. Marjorie Jordan

... of Newton Solney, now residing in the Rider House Nursing Home at Stapenhill, would like to pass on her sincere thanks to all her many friends for the numerous cards, gifts and good wishes she received over Christmas and the New Year. She appreciates your kindness and sends her best wishes to you all.

Credit Card Scam

There are many villains trying to part you from your money. A recent scam works like this: You receive a phone call claiming to be calling from the Security or Fraud Department at Visa (or Mastercard), and the caller gives persuasive but false details of his job. The conversation then goes like this:

"Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your Visa card issued by NatFax bank. Did you purchase a computer for £249.99 from Scammers in Burton?" When you say "No", the caller continues, "Then we will issue a credit to your account. This is a company we've been watching." (The amount typically ranges from £150 to £249, just under the £250 purchase pattern that flags most cards.) "Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to you at (he gives you your address). Is that correct?" You say "yes". The caller continues: "I'll start a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, call the 0800 number on the back of your card and ask for Security. You'll need to refer to this control number." The caller gives you a multi-digit number.

Having gained your trust, the caller now turns to his real aim. He says, "I need to verify that you're in possession of your card". He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers". There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers, the numbers you sometimes use to make internet purchases. The caller will ask you to read him the 3 security numbers. A little more reassuring conversation, you think you're about to receive a credit, but when the caller hangs up, he has learnt all he needs to raid your account.

What scammers want is just the 3-digit security number on the back of the card. (They have already found everything else they need.) Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call Visa or Master card directly. The real Visa or Mastercard never ask for anything on the card. The police urge us to pass this warning on. By raising awareness, we protect each other.

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A Superb Nature Reserve on Your Doorstep

Towards the end of January, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust held a public meeting on the future of its new reserve at Willington, purchased with the help of the Aggregate Levy Fund, a very generous legacy, a donation from Repton Parish Council and the fantastic support of Trust members and the public.

The site, which has the potential to be a nationally renowned nature reserve, forms a vital link in a chain of wetlands now being developed in the Trent Valley. It already has a variety of wildlife and is particularly notable for its bird species. In summer, butterflies, dragonflies and insects are there in abundance.

Without management a site like this will slowly deteriorate as species like willow and alder encroach into the wetland and grassland areas. This is already happening in many areas, and in particular on the islands in the main pool. Until recently, little ringed plover and common tern, both scarce, used to nest on the islands. However, over time, trees have begun to cover the bare earth and shingle nesting areas, and the birds have not nested in recent years. To encourage them to return, the trees need to be cleared and gravel re-exposed.

There are two large areas of grassland, one specifically designed to allow winter flooding. Grazing these areas will encourage species including breeding waders such as redshank and wintering wildfowl like wigeon.

The reed bed has great potential. It is hoped that the future will bring birds such as marsh harrier, bittern and bearded tit, and also that the reserve will become a home to otter and water vole.

Naturally, the reserve will attract visitors but it is important to prevent disturbance or damage to the habitats and species. Direct physical access is not always possible. For example, livestock grazing is an important part of conservation management and fencing is essential. Initially we are asked to use Meadow Lane only and not to walk across the site. In the coming months it is intended to create new viewing platforms, provide interpretation panels, invite people to visit the reserve and hold a volunteer day for those who have offered to help develop the site. For the future, the Trust is looking at possible access routes, although there may no longer be a circular walk. It is also unlikely that dogs will be encouraged as they would threaten wildlife such as ground-nesting birds and otter. At present there is no disabled access, but as the reserve is opened up it is intended to develop access for disabled people and pushchairs on as many paths as possible. The current track along Meadow Lane will be an early priority. For us in south Derbyshire, the reserve will offer a chance to see and enjoy wildlife locally, and also the opportunity to be part of a much larger vision to return wildlife to the whole of the Trent Valley. It is a great opportunity to create something special for future generations.

If you are interested in helping to develop the reserve please get in touch with the Reserves Team (01773 881188). The Trust will be looking for people to help with species monitoring, practical conservation, events, wardening and checking livestock.

To find out more about the Trust, ring 01773 881188 or visit www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

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Repton Village & History

Repton Open Gardens 2006

Repton Open Gardens will again be a two-day event, on the weekend of the 24th - 25th June, the weekend before Wimbledon. This is always an enjoyable occasion, not least for the gardeners, who unfailingly comment on the friendliness of the visitors and the pleasure of showing them around. Almost all the gardens open last year will be opening again, and we have promises of more, but we are always looking for new blood. If you would like to open your garden or know someone who might like to be involved, please contact Tom Hyde, 703662, or Jan Roberts, 702159.

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Malvern Show, 13th May

Repton Show Committee is organising an outing to the Malvern Show on Saturday 13th May. The coach will depart from Repton at 8 am and leave the show at 5 pm.

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 many different trade and craft stands together with the necessary food outlets!

The cost will be £18.50, to include entrance to the show. This is a popular trip and early booking is advised. Contact Margaret Rainey on 703748.

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Repton Council Jottings

Brief unofficial notes on some subjects dealt with by Repton Parish Councillors in February 2006. The full minutes can be read on www.repton-pc.gov.uk

• Vehicle parking continues to be a problem in the centre of Repton, as in so many villages, with no affordable solution in sight. A meeting is being sought with DCC highways engineers to discuss how further space might be created in Boot Hill and the Pastures.
• Irene Coope, the Chief Executive of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, has accepted an invitation to talk about the Trust's plans for the new wildlife reserve upstream from Willington Bridge (Repton Village Hall, 13th March at 7 pm). The reserve will be a valuable local amenity, and in about a year or so it should be available for use by local schools as an educational resource. This is a chance to hear more about what the site has to offer, and what will be the Trust's priorities in its development. It also provides an opportunity to ask questions and express opinions on the subject. About 80 people attended a similar recent meeting in Willington - will Repton residents show the same level of interest? Incidentally, we do have another DWT reserve in the parish, namely Carvers Rocks at Foremark Reservoir. More about that another time.
• Two planning applications this month attracted some comment: the first was for the erection of a vehicle / garden store and offices at 89 Main Street, Repton. This is outside the village envelope and the proposed building was considered to be too large; also it could be converted to residential use at some future date. The second was an application by Cemex UK to expand Willington Quarry and extract 1.2 million tonnes of sand and gravel over a six-year period, followed by a further year's restoration. The quarry is situated 1 km from Willington, 2 km from Newton Solney and 2.5 km from Repton, with access from The Castleway in Willington. This work will have no direct effect upon Repton, but in the spirit of co-operation, the other parish councils involved are being contacted to ensure a consistent approach. One interesting suggestion is that in return for granting approval, once extraction and restoration is complete, the site should be surrendered to an appropriate nature conservation charity.
• Bits and bobs: The cost of a kissing gate for the footpath alongside Mitre Field is to be investigated ~ A revised policy on the reservation of burial plots is to be drafted ~ In future the cost of maintaining the parish clock on St Wystan's church tower will be borne by the parish council ~ A new licence agreement for the use of Broomhills Lane Playing Fields is being negotiated ~ The draft master plan for the development of Nottingham East Midlands Airport is available for viewing at the Parish Office ~ BT is being asked to remove unsightly stickers from the phone box at the Cross ~ The 30 mph zone in Mount Pleasant Road is to be extended out as far as the last house.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on 13th March at about 7.30 pm at Repton Village Hall, following the presentation by Irene Coope at 7 pm.

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Repton W.I.

At the February meeting, we listened with raised eyebrows as speaker Michael Everington advised us to throw out our floral carpets, avocado bathroom suites and much prized mahogany or oak kitchens before putting our homes on the market. The twinkle in his eye should have warned us that the estate agent was making fun of the current fashion for TV makeover programmes. He then gave sound advice on the housing market and especially on the changes when the new houseseller's pack becomes compulsory.

After the talk we tried our hand at valuing local properties from newspaper particulars. Plans were made for the county quiz and a visit to the Mulberry Restaurant at Burton College.

Next Meeting: Tuesday March 14th, 7.15 pm: Richard Matkin: The Beekeeper's Year. Visitors and new members always welcome.

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Repton Village Society

John Jones gave us an enthralling talk on the many and varied forms of life in a disused manganese mine, a mine which he has studied for many years, and in sufficient detail to rewrite the reference books. His talk was very amusing, but the wealth of data and the inferences that he had drawn were a revelation. How he was able to see some of the insects, let alone to take such superb photographs, was amazing. We were fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and amusing speaker.

'The Trent and Mersey Canal' and AGM, Thursday 2nd March
The evening will start with Geoff Williamson talking on the Trent and Mersey Canal. Built by James Brindley to serve industry, the canal has contributed greatly to the prosperity of the areas alongside, as well as influencing the surrounding countryside. After a period of neglect it is now a major tourist attraction. The talk should provide us with more knowledge of this important local landmark. Following the talk we will hold our Annual General Meeting to elect our officers and committee and to review and accept the accounts. After that, members are invited to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, cheese, tea, coffee and soft drinks.

'Extremes of Local Weather in the past 30 years', Thursday 6th April
In this country, the weather is always a topic of conversation, and we often have our own ideas on the changes we see. David Stainer, who will be talking to us, should have the facts as he is a member of the Meteorological Society and has been an amateur observer for 40 years.

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Repton Village History Group

At our January meeting, David Stanier talked to a packed Village Hall about the Blue Bus Services which used to run between Burton and Derby. With the help of excellent slides, he traced the history of the company and its beautifully maintained fleet, as well as recalling many of the people who worked for the company.

1950's Memorabilia Display Evening, Tuesday 21st March
At our meeting on 21st March, members and visitors are invited to bring along and display items which were commonplace in homes in the 1950's but have become out of date. Come along to this informal meeting and reminisce with others about the 'Good Old Days'.

'Repton and District Remembered', Saturday / Sunday 1st & 2nd April
In 2003 we staged a major exhibition of photographs and documents from our archives. This was a great success and we were immediately asked when we were going to do a repeat. On Saturday and Sunday 1st & 2nd April we will be doing just that (see the advert on page 6). We will have on display about 700 photographs, old census returns, other historic documents, a continuous slide show and recorded memories of local people. The event is free and open from 10 am to 5 pm on both days. It will also include photographs of Milton, Foremark and Ingleby.

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Gardening Notes

We can hope that the soil will begin to warm up in early March, and sowing seeds outside will be feasible once more. However, weed seeds will be the first to germinate, and it is important to control them at once. One single seed capsule of shepherd's purse may contain up to 4,000 seeds; fortunately, most will not germinate. Hoe bare soil regularly, dig areas that have not yet been dug and bury the weeds, or apply a mulch; perennial weeds such as dandelion should be removed first. The mulch can be of organic matter such as compost, mushroom manure or bark, but it must be thick enough to exclude light, and to avoid sealing in cold or frozen soil it should not be applied until spring. This type of mulch will ultimately improve the soil. Applying a sheet of black plastic will also suppress weeds.

First early peas and broad beans can be sown outside in March, or started in a cold greenhouse and planted out later. In the greenhouse or cold frame, peas can be started in a length of plastic gutter. Cover with a layer of compost and plant out when the first roots show by simply tipping the gutter's contents into a prepared, shallow trench. Onion sets can be planted out in late March, as can early potatoes that were put to chit in January. Lay main crop potatoes out to chit. Sow tomatoes for planting out in late May. Sow chillies and peppers indoors for harvesting from July onwards; they will need bottom heat and are often slow to germinate. During their growing period they will need a minimum night temperature of 54°F (12°C), but do better with higher temperatures not exceeding 80°F.

Cover dahlia tubers with moist compost and keep them in a warm environment to produce shoots for cuttings.

Sow leeks, lettuce, Brussels sprouts, onions, autumn cabbage and summer cauliflower in a cold greenhouse. Also many of the bedding plants for summer; amongst others, impatiens, antirrhinum, lobelia, salvia, verbena, nicotiana, aster and cosmos can all be sown now. Sow herbs for spring - parsley, thyme, chives, coriander and French tarragon; Russian tarragon has less flavour.

Sweet peas sown in the autumn can be planted outside now, and those sown in February should have their tips pinched out as soon as they have two sets of leaves.

Prune dogwoods and willow grown for their colourful stems. Cut back to two or three buds from the base of the plant to promote strong new growth. Willow can be grown as a standard and then pollarded to produce the same effect. White-stemmed brambles should be pruned every two years, leaving the young stems. Prune winter-flowering heathers lightly, with shears, after flowering. Buddleia, lavatera and other shrubs which flower on the current season's growth should also be pruned now.

Ornamental grasses will need trimming. Take a thick pair of gloves when tackling pampas grass, as the leaves are razor-sharp. This is a good time to divide herbaceous perennials such as phlox, delphiniums, Michaelmas daisies, kniphofia and hostas.

Gertrude Jekyll recommended bergenias as edging plants. They may not be to everyone's taste, but their large, evergreen leaves, which often turn red with the first frost, do form a contrast to other leaves, and their flowers are attractive in early spring. There are a several new varieties available in shades of pink, red, purple and white. They need a humus-rich, moist but well drained soil and full sun or partial shade, and should be divided every three to five years in spring or autumn. After flowering, sections of young rhizomes with one or more leaf rosettes can be rooted in sand. They may need protection from snails.

Pulmonarias (or lungwort) provide another early flower and make good ground cover for a shady place. The flowers may be pink, red, blue, purple or white, according to variety. The leaves are often spotted with white or silver. Remove dead leaves after flowering, and divide every three to five years. They can be grown from seed or root cuttings taken in mid-winter. In dry conditions the leaves are prone to powdery mildew.