April 2006 - Contents The 'New Gospels' Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Holy Week Holy Week Services at St Wystan's 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 Easter Day, Sunday 16th April Coffee Morning, Saturday, 1st April Shell Group (for children aged 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Oliver William Fortin-Tobin Funerals and Burial of Ashes Ian Douglas Young Mary Ann Smith Obituaries Charles Nathaniel Dodd Ian Douglas Young St Wystan's News Easter Eggsploration, Thursday 13th April Change of Address, Julian and Helen Barker St Wystan's Annual Meeting Churchyard Upkeep Repton M.U. Scarecrows Repton Neighbourhood Help Thankyou from Evelyn Cawdron Le Lion d'Or, Carol and Keith Bradley St Saviour's News Foremark Church Annual Church Meeting St Mary's News Spring Buffet Lunch, Sunday 14th May Decorating St Mary's for Easter Chetham's School of Music, Tuesday 25th April Repton Primary Jumble Sale, Saturday 6th May Caught in the Net Charities St Giles Hospice The Gift of Sight - Vision Aid Overseas Repton Village and History Vacancy for Parish Councillor Planning Application, 22 - 28 Askew Grove Garage Sale, 24th and 25th June Malvern Show Trip Repton Brownies Repton Pre-school Recycling Paper Repton W.I. Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Repton Parish Council, Chairman's Report Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Beer Festival, 11th - 13th August Gardening Notes

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The 'New Gospels'

There is much to keep us interested in religious matters at the moment, what with a so-called 'gospel of Judas' and the da Vinci Code court hearing, not to mention a wonderful service to commemorate the 1350th anniversary of Diuma's consecration held last month here at Repton.

I have to confess that parish life is so absorbing that I have not yet got round to the da Vinci Code. However the theory that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had a child by her, and that he didn't really die at the hands of the Romans, has been around a long time. Such stories, which are so clearly in conflict with the four gospel accounts, defy the evidence of 2000 years of Christian witness. One reason why there have been Christians from the time of Diuma to today is that in personal experience over and over again the gospel accounts of Jesus' life and death have been found to be true.

The account of Jesus' life given by the four gospels of the New Testament have been found by Christians down the ages to be life-giving and inspirational. The gospels of Thomas and James were later than those included, and now we wait to see a scholarly response to the latest 'gospel of Judas'. However, my guess is that it will turn out to be a meditation on the motivation of Judas, set in the context of a conversation with Jesus. The press will always err on the side of sensation and claim that these documents upset the gospel account. In fact, biblical scholars have long pointed out that the word used for 'betrayed' comes from a root meaning 'to hand over' and does not have the connotation of treachery signified by the word 'betrayal.'

I would like to finish this letter with the final words of Brother Damian's address to us in February, because it sets out so clearly the vision for mission today, and the response we can make to the wonderful festival of Easter that we celebrate this month:

"There is no person of any race or creed ... whose deepest need is other than to be loved. There is our mission field. Remember, dear friends, that you carry in your hand and in your heart the most tender, sensitive, precious, desirable, wonderful gift that can ever be shared, the Love of God shown to us in Jesus Christ. Yet, because that love is known in compassion and forgiveness, it is the most powerful, robust, energising, transforming force the world can ever know, willing our repentance, accepting our thanksgiving and desiring our personal response."

May you know the joy of the risen Christ this Easter and may you be 'Easter people in this Good Friday world'.

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

Holy Week

We are especially fortunate to have Brother Amos of the Franciscan Order to share Holy Week with us. Holy Week should be a formative time in the life of every parish; my training vicar's ambition was to have such an exciting programme that people would be worshipping every day, but then he had a staff of two curates and only one church! It was however a proper ambition because the events of the last week of Jesus' life are so significant for us. We cannot immerse ourselves too deeply in the mystery of God's love in Jesus' life and death, so we hope that people will appreciate the riches of the Christian tradition which these events represent.

Those who have dedicated their lives to God in a religious community have a particular contribution to make, so we are pleased to welcome Brother Amos to share the week us. He will preach at the main services at St Wystan's on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day. He will also take part in the Stations of the Cross, Compline, and Passover Meal.

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Holy Week Services at St Wystan's

Palm Sunday
9.45 am: A palm procession recalls Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, when his followers cut down palm branches to spread on the road. Then we will read the dramatised passion story according to Mark and the service will end with Communion.

Monday 10th
6.45 pm, Stations of the Cross: This devotion originated with Franciscans in the 14th century who led pilgrims to Jerusalem from the place of Jesus' trial to the site of the empty tomb. At significant points along the route they stopped to recall the incidents and to pray. Pilgrims found the experience so moving that they brought the practice home with them. Originally the number of stations varied with the craftsmen who made the pictures, but over time fourteen came to be regarded as standard. We will use pictures made for me some years ago by my sister, the Rev. Mary Lewis, which are based on meditations that I wrote at the time. There will be hymns and silences as well as the meditations. The whole devotion takes about 45 minutes.

Tuesday 11th
6.45 pm, Compline: This is the seventh or night Office of the monastic sequence. Afterwards the greater silence is kept. It is based on the psalms and simple prayer, including the Nunc Dimittis. It is a beautiful and gentle service asking for God's watch and protection during the hours of darkness. It takes about 30 minutes.

Wednesday 12th
7.30 pm, The Passover Meal: On the evening before he was arrested, Jesus ate 'the Last Supper' with his disciples. In the Jewish religious calendar this meal recalled the escape from Egypt, a story symbolised by different items of food on the table. (It is called the 'Passover' because the angel of destruction, who killed the first-born of every Egyptian household, passed over the Hebrew homes that had the mark of blood on the doorpost.) The Hebrews had been given instructions to travel light. They ate a simple meal and fled in the night. This meal, with elements of food recalling their flight and journey through the Sinai desert is what Jews still celebrate every year at Passover. For us it is a good way to prepare for our Easter celebrations, because much New Testament writing understands the resurrection as a new Passover. It is a ritual and solemn meal in which we will try to re-enact the elements of both the Jewish meal and also that Passover eaten by Jesus with his disciples. Depending on the numbers, we will hold it either in the Vicarage or the Village Hall. If you would like to join us, please contact Peter, 703317, or Sue Parker, 702550, or sign the paper at the back of church - as soon as possible, please.

Maundy Thursday
8 pm, Eucharist and Watch at the Gethsemane Garden: This service recalls the Last Supper. It includes symbolic washing of the disciples' feet and ends with a simple procession to the Gethsemane Garden. A short, silent watch recalls Jesus' injunction to his disciples to watch and pray with him. And if you wish, you may stay on for all or part of the full watch which concludes at 11 pm.

Good Friday
10.30 am: A short family service for those who bring children to church on this very special day. 12 Noon - 3 pm, Three Hour Devotion: Come and go for any or all of the three hours (preferably on the hour). Brother Amos will give the addresses during the first two hours. The third hour will include the Passion Reading for John's gospel as well as a time of personal prayer around the cross.

Easter Day
5.30 am, First Eucharist of Easter: We welcome the risen Christ by lighting the Easter Candle in the darkness of the early morning and spreading its light to the church. Then we renew our baptismal promises and conclude with a simple Eucharist.

9.45 am, All-age Eucharist: We renew our baptismal promises with lighted candles and welcome the risen Christ in a joyful act of worship which will conclude with Communion. There will be something for children as well as the movement and drama of the service.

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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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Easter Day, Sunday 16th April

We have two special services to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. At 11 am the children will take part in the Family Service, which ends with a simple Communion to show that we are all part of God's family. At 6.30 pm there will be a service of Easter praise. Come and share the joy of Easter with us.

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Coffee Morning, Saturday, 1st April, 10.30 - 11.30 am

This month our coffee morning is held in the schoolroom on the first Saturday of the month. There will be an Easter egg game to play with the children, the usual home-made cakes and marmalade, the Webb Ivory stall, and coffee and biscuits to enjoy with friends. Everyone is very welcome.

Last year the Webb Ivory sales made a profit of £220, which has gone to Church funds. Thanks to everyone who supported us; please continue to buy our cards and stationery in 2006!

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Shell Group (for children aged 7+)

... meets on Monday 3rd April, 6.30 to 7.30 pm. New members are always welcome.

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Baptisms

Oliver William Fortin-Tobin, son of Marc and Sally of 32 Main Street Milton, was baptised at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney on Sunday 5th March.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Ian Douglas Young of 21 Chestnut Way, Repton, died on Sunday 26th February aged 71. His funeral was held at St Wystan's Church on 9th March.

Mary Ann Smith of The Dales Residential Home, Fisher Close, died on Sunday 26th February aged 94. Her funeral was held at Markeaton Crematorium on 7th March.

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Obituaries

Charles Nathaniel Dodd

Rev'd Charles Nathaniel Dodd was the last resident vicar of Newton Solney, ministering from 1991 to 1996 to the joint benefice of Bretby and Newton Solney, whilst also serving as industrial chaplain of South Derbyshire. Having spent several years in Australia, where he had extensive experience as a chaplain to industry, he speedily forged links with the industries and businesses of South Derbyshire, and in particular with those based at Bretby Business Park. Among the most inspirational events of his ministry at St Mary's were those celebrating the church's medieval history, events which brought together members of his two church congregations and technicians from Bretby. Pageants commemorating the lives of St Francis in 1994, and Hildegard of Bingen in 1995, were enacted in the church, with sound and lighting effects by courtesy of local industry. Then in 1996 the whole village was invited to participate in a Midsummer Medieval Festival to honour the de Solney family, with activities ranging from workshops in the church for local schoolchildren, via an archery display on the recreation ground, to a medieval banquet at the Newton Park Hotel - all of which left warm memories for the participants.

It was also during Charles Dodd's years at St Mary's that an earlier phase of church restoration was completed, with repairs to the stonework on porch and tower, and the celebratory re-erection of the weathercock on the spire. Many in the village had cause to be grateful for his ministry, and will be sad to learn that Charles died in February after a year's illness. Following a private cremation, a Memorial Service was held at All Saints' Church, Harrow Weald. Our sympathy and prayers are with his widow, Chris, and their family.

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Ian Douglas Young

Born in Essex in 1934, Ian came to Repton in 1947. At Denstone he excelled at rifle shooting and was in the school team when it won the Ashburton Shield. He continued sport into adulthood, skiing and playing hockey. He was also a member of Burton Round Table.

Ian's professional life was spent in the brewery trade, first for Truman's and later for Marston's. From this perhaps stemmed his serious interest in wine tasting, which led to diplomas from the Wine and Spirit Association. In 1983 Ian married Bridget who introduced him to walking, in Derbyshire, of course, but also in Yorkshire and Switzerland. In retirement he particularly enjoyed working in his garden, and as a volunteer guide at Calke Abbey. Ian was a perfect gentleman. He was dependable, balanced and warm-hearted, a good listener and caring host. We send our condolences to his family.

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St Wystan's News

The Churches in Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney invite all children to our Easter Eggsploration Thursday April 13th, 9.15 am - 1 pm at Repton Primary School Age 4 - 11 : no charge An action-packed morning of music, craft, games, stories, quizzes, etc. Learn about what happened in Jerusalem over 2000 years ago. Parents are invited to join us at 12.15 pm for a presentation retelling the Easter Story through the children's activities. Application form (to complete by Tuesday 4th April) from Karen Perks, 16 Main Street, Repton, Derby DE65 6EZ.

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Change of Address

Julian and Helen Barker are now at The Old Bank House, 12 Market Hill, Framlingham, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP13 9AN Tel. 01728 621057

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St Wystan's Annual Meeting

At our annual meeting in February we heard reports on all aspects of parish life and approved the accounts for 2005. The vicar summed up a busy year past, and outlined things to come in 2006. We elected Martin Wimbush as churchwarden for a further year, and Sue Parker as fellow warden in place of Karen Perks, retiring after five very hectic years. David Bordoli, Patrick Griffiths, Jane Millensted and Karen Perks were elected to the Parochial Church Council for a three year term, replacing Pat Court, Moira Fluck, Cliff Mountney and Sue Parker, who are retiring. Grateful thanks are due to Jan Gillham and helpers who provided the customary magnificent supper.

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Churchyard Upkeep

Thank you to everyone who mowed or helped to keep the churchyard tidy last year. Also to everyone who gave donations. As a result the churchyard looked very smart throughout 2005.

Now the mowing season is almost here again. Thanks to generous offers of help, the mowing rota is already almost complete. Nevertheless, there are occasions when professional help (Hillcrest Landscapes) is needed and also needs paying for. If you would like to help, whether you are a churchgoer or not, please send a donation to Mrs. J Roberts, 37 High Street, Repton, DE65 6GD, making your cheque payable to 'Repton PCC'. Martin Wimbush

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Repton M.U.

The March meeting was a multi-media occasion. It began with a service led by Brenda Cowley; then members watched a video of the annual gathering of thousands of young people at Taizé in France. As the vicar, Peter Paine, told the story of this ecumenical community, he played tapes of Taizé worship songs. These gradually faded into a piano accompaniment as members were encouraged to sing along.

On Wednesday 19th April at 2 pm in the Fisher Close Room, Rev'd Stanley Morris will give an illustrated talk, 'New Every Morning'.

Wednesday 26th April at 7.30 pm in St Wystan's Church: Deanery Overseas Evening. All welcome.

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Scarecrows

Scarecrows will again feature strongly in the Repton Open Gardens weekend at the end of June. We had a wonderful response in 2005 and hope that even more scarecrows will make their appearance this year, so do start to plan and gestate. Further details and entry forms will be available nearer the time.

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Repton Neighbourhood Help

At our half-yearly committee meeting, members received reports on and discussed: the state of our finances (healthy); the luncheon club (thriving); response to appeals for help (amazing); future events (exciting); transport needs (quiet); visiting (ongoing).

Recently we have enjoyed a wonderful musical concert given by the leavers of St Wystan's School, and been entertained by the nursery section. Stanley Morris will lead our Easter worship on 7th April, when he and his wife will be our guests for lunch. Stanley also entertained us at our Christmas tea party.

We will not be meeting on 14th and 21st April; the summer recess will be from 21st July to 1st September inclusive.

Finally, we thank all those who turn out regularly to keep this excellent scheme going. Melodie Bordoli, 212652, Angela Mayger, 702660

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Thankyou

Might I express my gratitude for the beautiful plant given to me at St Wystan's Annual Parish Meeting, and also thank all the loyal flower arrangers for their hard work over the years. I am deeply grateful to Frances Wimbush for so willingly taking over, and wish her well.

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Le Lion d'Or

Having fallen in love with France, Carol and Keith Bradley - stalwarts of St Wystan's congregation for many years - moved last summer to Reffanes, a small village in the Deux Sèvres not too far from Poitiers. Ideally situated for a stopover en route to the south west or for a short break to explore a quiet area, Reffannes is in the Pays de Gâtine, noted for its apples. The nearest town, Parthenay, is famous for its half-timbered buildings, and was a centre of hospitality on the pilgrimage route to St James de Compostella. There are several gardens to visit in the area, and a plan d'eau nearby. Further afield are the 'Venise Verte', a network of navigable canals, and on the coast, La Rochelle and the Ile de Ré.

Le Lion d'Or was formerly a café and small hotel, and Carol and Keith look forward to welcoming guests once again, this time as a small chambre d'hôtes. For more information, phone 08 448 377502 (2p / minute at all times), visit their website at www.le-lion-d-or.com or email keithandcarol@wanadoo.fr

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St Saviour's News

Foremark Church Annual Church Meeting

The annual parochial church meeting of St Saviour's Church, Foremark, is to be held at Hall Cottage, Foremarke Hall, by kind invitation of the Headmaster, on Wednesday 26th April at 2 pm.

The meeting will take place in the new extension on the right of Hall Cottage, which is at the end of the cul-de-sac turning immediately left by the main classroom block, the Tom Davies Building, formally known as New Block. Anyone who comes to Foremark Church or lives in Foremark, Milton or Inglebv is welcome to join us. A meeting of Foremark PCC will take place immediately after the AGM.

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St Mary's News

St Mary's Church Newton Solney Spring Buffet Lunch Newton Solney Village Hall Sunday 14th May at 1 pm Adults £6.50           Children £3.00 Bring your own bottle! Hazel Ward, 21 Blacksmith's Lane, Newton Solney. 701244

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Decorating St Mary's for Easter

On Easter Eve the church will be decorated throughout for Easter. As part of this decoration the wooden cross which has been dressed during Lent with symbols of the Passion will be adorned with flowers to celebrate the Resurrection. Contributions of flowers and foliage would be welcomed, as well as help with the actual decoration from 9.30 am on Saturday 15th April.

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Repton School Concerts Society Chetham's School of Music Tuesday 25th April at 7.45 pm Robert Beldam Hall The Society is pleased to welcome pupils of this world-renowned specialist music school back to Repton. The programme will consist of both solo items and ensemble pieces and we anticipate an entertaining and inspirational evening. For further information or tickets, contact: The Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

Repton Primary School PTA Jumble Sale Saturday 6th May at 11 am Repton Village Hall Jumble accepted at the hall on the day of sale

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Caught in the Net

The internet has created a of myriad opportunities for identity fraudsters to seek out infor¬mation about potential victims. Identity fraud now costs the UK economy £1.7 billion a year.

Shredders to dispose of financial corre¬spondence are an essential part of our defences, but we need also to be aware that many of our personal details are easily available online. For identity fraudsters, identity theft is a full-¬time job. All they need is a few crucial pieces of information such as your name, address and place of birth. If these fall into the wrong hands, they have you.

192.com, Friends Reunited, Google and genealogy websites make it easy to find personal information including your schools and your mother's maiden name, which is often required by banks to verify your identity. Although 192.com and Friends Reunited allow you to remove your details, it is probably impractical to delete everything out there, and almost impossible if you are a com¬pany director. Nevertheless, you can take simple precautions like re-inventing your mother's maiden name and the name of your first school (provided you can remember what you've done).

Phishing
Always be suspicious of emails inviting you to a website which collects personal data. Treat them with extreme caution; many are extremely convincing. Remember that banks and financial institutions never invite users to provide credentials on sites in this way.

A Helpful Website
Invaluable advice on current internet threats and how to counter them (including essential software updates) comes from the Open University department of maths and computing at http://safecomputing.open.ac.uk. Try it. Anyone can subscribe, and it's free.

Scambuster
Scams are many and varied, and certainly not confined to the internet. 'Free' holidays, bogus sweepstakes and lotteries, psychic guidance, miracle health cures, get-rich quick schemes, work from home (but invest upfront) - the ingenuity of scammers seems boundless. We may think that we would never fall for them, but people from all backgrounds and walks of life do. To help you understand and counter the threats to your pocket, the OFT has very practical advice on its website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk. It has also published a free guide, 'Scambuster, Your Guide to Beating the Scammers'. For a copy, phone 0800 3893158.

Above all: If it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

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Charities

St Giles Hospice

St Giles Hospice in Lichfield has cared for many from our parishes. It is a charity offering specialist medical and nursing care for people with cancer and other serious illnesses, as well as providing support for their families and helpers. It has over 900 volunteers, but is always looking for more.

The Difference Volunteers Make
On the In-Patient Unit, Volunteer Ward Receptionists, who work Mondays to Fridays from 9 am - 3 pm, field the majority of internal and external telephone calls. From the beginning of 2003 to the end of 2005, calls handled rose from 8,109 to 10,746 a year, a statistic which underlines the importance of volunteers. Just think how much specialist staff time they released!

Midland Fun Run
Several hundred people will run or walk for St Giles Hospice in the Great Midlands Fun Run on Sunday 4th June. The course is 8½ miles long mainly through Sutton Park. Amongst the volunteers taking part are St Giles Hospice staff from most departments, 60 Royal Mail 'Posties', Argos staff and local schools. It should be a great day and a huge success. If you would like to join in, please call Sarah on 01543 432538.

What a difference a hair-do makes!
St Giles looks after the 'whole person', including therapies such as manicures and pedicures. Hairdressing is particularly successful in restoring confidence and pride. There is a 'delightful little salon' and donated equipment and supplies. However, St Giles needs a few more qualified volunteer hairdressers. If you know of someone who might consider helping, could they contact Lesley, Voluntary Services' Manager, on 01543 434546 to discuss.

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The Gift of Sight

We take spectacles for granted. Even if we don't need them when young, by the time we reach middle age most of us rely on them for reading, and as we grow older, we probably have a drawer full, discarded because our sight has changed, or simply because they are no longer in fashion. In the developing world, however, spectacles are beyond the reach of all but a privileged few; for over 200 million people throughout the world - the young who cannot see to play or to study, the old who have forgotten what it is to see clearly and to read - a pair of spectacles would transform their lives.

Vision Aid Overseas
Vision Aid Overseas helps the needy in the developing world whose lives are blighted by poor sight. It sends teams of optometrists and dispensing opticians, people who give their own time and pay their own way, to countries such as Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Malawi and Sierra Leone, countries where eye-care is often unavailable to the poor. Here they establish clinics, provide eye tests and dispense spectacles. In addition Vision Aid Overseas trains and equips doctors, nurses and other health workers, and establishes optical workshops to enable countries to become self-sufficient.

The spectacles are all recycled, second-hand spectacles donated by members of the public in the UK. After a preliminary sort to remove any that are in poor condition, they are sent to one of a number of prisons where inmates clean, grade and pack them ready for use in the developing world. Finally the spectacles are sent abroad with Vision Aid Overseas teams. Each project takes about 3000 pairs of spectacles. Spectacles are only dispensed after a full eye examination and matched as closely as possible to the patient.

To learn more about Vision Aid Overseas, and to read case studies, visit its website at www.vao.org.uk

How you can help
Vision Aid Overseas can not use spectacles that are broken or in bad condition, bifocals or varifocals; nor can it use spectacle cases. Otherwise, you can help by recycling your spectacles at thousands of opticians throughout the UK, and at every branch of Vision Express. Your old spectacles could transform somebody's life.

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Repton Village & History

Vacancy for Parish Councillor

The District Council has written to Repton Parish Council to inform us that as no parishioners wish to stand for election as Parish Councillor, we can now co-opt. Parish Councillors' duties include: considering planning applications, village cleansing, playing fields, burial grounds and allotments. Anyone interested in becoming a Parish Councillor should send a short letter with their details to: The Clerk, Repton Parish Council, 4 Slade Farm, Rose Lane, Ticknall, DE73 7LB or email reptonparishcouncil@bunston.fsbusiness.co.uk by 21st April.

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Planning Application

A planning application has been received for the erection of 13 dwellings on land at 22 - 28 Askew Grove, and the Parish Council has strong objections. If you have any comments about the plan you must write, quoting 'Ref No. 9 2006 0200 MR - The erection of thirteen dwellings at land at 22-28 Askew Grove, Repton' to: Planning, South Derbyshire District Council, Civic Way, Swadlincote, DE11 0AH, as soon as possible. Plans can be viewed in the Parish Council Office, The Dales, Askew Grove, Repton, or at SDDC in Swadlincote.

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Garage Sale

We are already collecting for our annual garage sale at 2 Monsom Lane, which will again be a two-day event on 24th and 25th June. Last year's sale raised £400 for the National Autistic Society. This year the proceeds will be split equally between the Autistic Society and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. If you have any suitable bric-a-brac etc., we can arrange collection. Please call Sue Banks, 701726, or Roz Baker, 702759.

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Malvern Show

Repton Show Committee has organised a trip to Malvern Show on Saturday 13th May. This is one of the first national gardening shows of the season, set in a lovely location near the Malvern Hills. The RHS Floral Marquee and plant stalls house thousands of beautiful flowers and plants with many for sale. There are lots of different trade and craft stands, together with food and drink outlets!

The coach will leave the Arch at 8 am and the show at 5 pm. The cost of £18.50 includes travel and entrance to the show. To book your seat, contact Margaret Rainey, 703748.

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Repton Brownies

From September Repton Brownies require a new leader (or leaders). If you could help in any way, please contact Sally Lovatt, 01283 701960. Brownies normally meet on Wednesday evenings, 6.30 - 7.45 pm. There may be some flexibility in timing. Without a new leader the Brownies would sadly close, which will have an effect on 24 Brownies as well as Rainbows and Guides.

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Repton Pre-school

Many thanks to everyone who supported our annual ball in February. We rely on fundraising to cover our operating costs, and it was a very successful evening.

Repton Pre-school (formerly Repton Playgroup) meets every morning in the Den on Mitre Drive. We are a parent-led charity offering play-based education to local children aged 2½ to 4. Sessions are free from the term after the third birthday (provided children are not using their vouchers elsewhere). Otherwise sessions cost £5. We are now accepting applications for children to start in September. Please give us a call on 07788 701676 (Monday-Friday, 9.15 - 11.45 am), or phone Caroline Redhead, chair of the committee, on 01283 703026 if you would like to view a session or book a taster session for your child.

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Recycling Paper

Repton Primary School has a recycling bin for paper and newspapers (not for cardboard) situated just inside the school gates. All funds raised go to the school.

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Repton W.I.

In March the words of the song "Birds do it, Bees do it" took on a whole new meaning for our members as Richard Matkin spoke of the Beekeeper's Year. Mr. Matkin brought along examples of beekeeping equipment, protective clothing and delicious Staffordshire honey. Members agreed with him that bees were fascinating creatures, but were not convinced that beekeeping was a risk-free activity.

Next meeting, Tuesday 11th April at 7.15 pm in the Village Hall: Rowena Lovett, 'A Lingerie Designer's Life'. Visitors and new members are always welcome.

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Repton Village History Group

The speaker in February was Jim Willder, who in 1940 at the age of nine took on the job of paper boy at Ticknall. His daily round was six miles, which took him in a roughly circular route outside the perimeter of Calke Park, including Heath End, Calke village and back through the area now under the waters of Staunton Harold reservoir. He recounted, with the help of slides, the war-time conditions in the village as well as a descriptive account of his round. Delivering newspapers in those days was considered part of the war effort, and he was allowed to start school twenty minutes later than other children! He also recalled that Ticknall, being a farming area, was largely self-sufficient for food. The residents also supplemented their rations by growing vegetables in their large gardens and allotments, as well as keeping pigs and chickens. It was an amusing and entertaining evening.

Repton and District Remembered, Saturday / Sunday 1st & 2nd April
Don't miss our display of old photographs from Milton, Foremark and Ingleby, as well as Repton, together with 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.

'The Diaries of John Joseph Briggs, 1820 - 1875', Tuesday 18th April
Philip Heath, a well known local historian, will be talking about Briggs diaries, which he has edited and recently published in book form. John Joseph Briggs recorded life in Melbourne and King's Newton at a time when Melbourne was a self-reliant community needing little from the outside world. It was swarming with industry of all types and provided its own entertainment. The diaries cover all aspects of life, as well as the changing trends and fashions. This promises to be a most interesting talk. Repton Village Hall, 7.30 pm.

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Repton Village Society

We had a full house for Geoff Williamson's talk on the Trent and Mersey Canal. He took us from its start at the River Trent through Swarkstone, Stenson and Burton and on to Fradley Junction where it meets the Coventry Canal, showing the restoration work that has been done, together with glimpses of the old canal network and its importance to the district. After the talk we had our AGM. Peter Rainey was re-elected chairman, Alan Webster vice-chairman and responsible for our successful programme of events; Hazel Blackhall continues as secretary. Martin Wimbush was elected treasurer as Dennis Dalton has stood down. Dennis has worked hard to ensure our accounts and membership details are in very good order - thanks, Dennis! Afterwards, members enjoyed wine and soft drinks, with cheese, biscuits and a good chat.

'Extremes of Local Weather over the last 30 years', Thursday 6th April
In this country, weather is always a topic of conversation and we have our own ideas on the changes we see. David Stainer, who will be talking to us, should have the facts; he is a member of the Meteorological Society and has been an amateur observer for 40 years. 7.30 pm, Repton Village Hall.

'The Development of Sheffield', 4th May; day trip to Sheffield, 10th May
On Thursday 4th May, Rod Pearson will talk about the development of Sheffield and its role in the industrial revolution. He is a very good speaker as we know from his talks on Port Sunlight and the Bass Railway Trips. This will set the scene for our trip to Sheffield on Wednesday 10th May.

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Repton Parish Council, Chairman's Report

My six-monthly update last September mentioned the arrangement with the Red Lion for the public to use their toilets during opening hours, the finger-post at The Cross, the lighting along the Cinder Track, and the CCTV system at the Mitre Field and Den.

Traffic
Traffic continues to be a major problem despite the calming measures recently introduced. The Parish Council is negotiating with the County Council to control dangerous parking outside the Post Office and the Spa shop, where double yellow lines are to be installed, and to attempt to improve parking facilities elsewhere. With no land available to provide off-street parking, this is difficult, but we are exploring the possibility of creating facilities in The Pastures and Boot Hill.

Osier Beds
Discussions have taken place with the Church Commissioners and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust about the management of this historic site, which at the moment is deteriorating due to neglect. The Parish Council offered to purchase, rent or simply manage the site, but despite early hopeful noises, the Church Commissioners are not prepared to relinquish control of the wood. I understand that talks are going on between the Wildlife Trust and the Church Commissioners with a view to some conservation work.

The Yew Tree and the Church Clock
Following two unsuccessful planning applications, it proved to be third time lucky when, after prior negotiation with SDDC planning department, permission was finally given for the churchyard yew tree to be pruned and re-shaped to let the church clock be seen from the area of The Cross. The Parish Council has taken the view that the clock is a village amenity and paid for the tree surgery; it has also agreed to pay the annual maintenance costs for the clock, bringing it in line with most other local councils.

Tree Planting
To continue the tree theme, 20 lime trees have been planted on Burton Road up to the parish boundary. The trees have been paid for out of the legacy given by Rhoda Hemmings. I am sure she would have approved. It is hoped to plant more trees if suitable sites can be found. Suggestions would be welcome.

Christmas Tree
The final tree item concerns the village Christmas Tree, which the Parish Council erected and decorated outside the Village Hall. Unfortunately, last year's tree died and had to be felled.

Financial Assistance
The Parish Council has given financial assistance to the U.R.C. to enable repairs to go ahead at the School Room, damaged when part of the retaining wall collapsed into the brook. Unfortunately, the insurance did not cover the whole cost of repairs, so the council decided to help in order bring this useful village meeting place back into use as soon as possible.

Financial assistance has also been given to the Village Hall for a detailed structural survey. Further funding may be required when the results of the survey are known.

The Parish Council has given a donation to Derbyshire Wildlife Trust towards the purchase of the former Repton Quarry gravel pit. As detailed in the March edition of the Parish Magazine, the Trust aims to establish a superb wildlife reserve, which in future will provide an educational resource for local schools and provide local people with excellent wildlife viewing facilities.

Village Map and Time Line
An illustrated map is being produced and will be exhibited in a display case near The Cross. It will show local places and buildings of interest, enabling parishioners and visitors to fully appreciate our historic village.

A Parish Council sub-committee is also working on plans to make a permanent copy of Ken Ash's 'Time Line', which shows the history of Repton set against historic events nationally. It is hoped, if permission can be obtained, to put it on permanent display in the church.

Both of these projects are to be funded from Rhoda Hemmings legacy.

Parish Council Web Site
Thanks to the hard work done by John Shortt and Richard Bugg, the Parish Council now has a web-site at repton-pc.gov.uk.

Thank you
I would like to thank all the councillors for their hard work, often unseen, during the year. Special thanks must go to our hardworking clerk, Mrs. Bunston, who deals so efficiently with parish business, often working beyond the call of duty on our behalf.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney Beer Festival

In conjunction with the village hall, the Unicorn will host Newton Solney's first Beer Festival on the weekend of 11th - 13th August. It will feature over 20 real ales in the village hall and a further dozen or so at the Unicorn next door. There will be live entertainment on the Friday and Saturday nights and food concessions on the pub car park. Saturday will also host a fun day for families with a bouncy castle and stalls spread between the village hall and the pub. If you would like a stall at the event, please get in touch with Paul Needham at the Unicorn, 01283 703324 / 07886 104174. There is no charge for a pitch.

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Gardening Notes

The soil should be starting to warm up and, with more hours of daylight, it should be possible to start sowing some seed directly outside; if the weeds are germinating, then so should other seeds too. Carrots, beetroot, spinach, peas and broad beans can be sown, as well as parsnips and leeks. Winter cabbages, Brussels sprouts and cauliflowers can also be sown outside now, but often do better if started in modules in a cold greenhouse or frame and planted out later.

Fast-growing hardy and half-hardy annuals such as cosmos, alyssum, dahlia and French marigolds can be sown in an unheated greenhouse. Prick out March-sown seedlings when they are big enough to handle, holding them by the leaves and not the stem. If they are big enough, plant out sweet peas sown in the autumn and those sown in January or February. Plant second early potatoes, with maincrop potatoes two or three weeks later. Onion sets too can be planted out now, as the risk of being checked by frost is less. Dahlia tubers can be planted in the flower border. Plant them about six inches deep, and protect emerging shoots from frost.

Deadhead daffodils leaving the flower stems, but do not deadhead daffodils such as narcissus bulbocodium, the hoop-petticoat daffodil, which can be left to spread by seed and will breed true.

On fruit trees, remove shoots that have formed below the graft, and remove reverted green shoots from variegated shrubs. Plant evergreen hedges and trees, and keep them watered throughout the summer. Check for aphids, especially in the greenhouse, and check gooseberries for any sign of mildew or sawfly caterpillar. Mildew can be sprayed with mancozeb (Bio Dithane 945) if it is still available; the caterpillars are best squashed. The green flowers of the gooseberry are a good source of nectar for the first bees to emerge from winter hibernation, so don't spray them.

Take cuttings of tender perennials from overwintered plants such as diascia, salvia, osteospermum and verbena; also from herbaceous perennials such as phlox, lupin and delphinium. Dahlias have hollow stems but will only root from solid stems, so take cuttings from basal shoots.

Cut some of the older branches of mophead hydrangeas to near ground level, but - apart from removing old flower heads - leave the younger growth. Hydrangeas paniculata and arborescens both flower on wood produced in the current season, so can be pruned to within a few inches of last year's growth.

Prune lavatera to about 3 or 4 feet. It is not long-lived, so take cuttings now. Prune forsythia, kerria and flowering currant after flowering. As with santolina, senecio, artemisia and lavender, do not cut cistus, the large-flowered rock-rose, back into old wood. Tie in clematis, which is now growing fast.

Start to mow the lawn regularly. Leave areas where bulbs are growing until the leaves have died down in June. Where possible, weed out dandelions, daisies and plantains by hand. Ideally, in April you should apply a fertiliser high in nitrogen, with a weedkiller about two weeks later when the weeds are growing vigorously. (Weedkiller can be applied any time until August, when growth is less vigorous.) However, a combined weedkiller in April works well enough. Raking followed by mowing will check the growth of creeping weeds like clover and speedwell. Do not mow for several days after using weedkiller, and do not put the first mowings on the compost.

Keep feeding the birds; they will soon be nesting and need extra food. As food in the hedgerows lessened by February, we began to get many more birds on our feeders, including - apart from the usual tits, woodpecker, nuthatch and chaffinches - long-tailed tits, goldfinches and greenfinches. But the prize went to siskins, on one day up to seventeen at once, and a heron often visits, reducing our population of frogs.