May 2006 - Contents Come and see! Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Services at St Wystan's, Repton Services at St Saviour's, Foremark Services at St Mary's, Newton Solney Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Wystan's Brasses at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Pulpit Exchange, Sunday 14th May Coffee Morning, Saturday 13th May 10.30 -11.30 am in the Schoolroom Shell Group (for children aged 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Rosie Isla Speedy Funerals and Burial of Ashes Richard James (Jim) Udall Obituaries Richard James Udall St Wystan's News Derbyshire Prayer Walk, 14th May 11.45 am Repton 1350, Promenade Lecture, Friday 19th May Repton 1350, Pilgrimage Walk from Derby to Repton, Saturday 3rd June Parish Day of Renewal, Saturday 17th June Easter Eggsploration Brother Amos Repton M.U. St Wystan's PCC Turkey, Christian and Classical, 14 - 28 October 2006 St Mary's News St Mary's Church Flowers Newton Solney Church Roof St Mary's Spring Buffet Lunch, Sunday 14th May Repton School Concerts Society, Tuesday 2nd May Repton School Concerts Society, Tuesday 9th May Annual Spring Plant Sale, Sunday 14th May Dorcas Group Coffee Morning, Saturday 20th May Plant Sale, Saturday 20th May Newton Solney Horticultural Society Talk, Tuesday 23rd May Thankyou Doug Scott's Talk Public Services and Charities Christian Aid Week First Responders South Derbyshire Social Car Scheme Derbyshire Gold Card The National Memorial Arboretum Repton Village and History The Parish Magazine Repton Show Committee, Malvern Show The Repton Spoon Scarecrows 'Active Kids' Vouchers Repton Council Jottings Repton W.I. Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Show (2nd September) Emily represents Derbyshire Gardening Notes

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Come and see!

Advertising is part of the framework of our society; we willingly wear clothes that advertise their makers, we put up with television programmes being fragmented by commercials that are always more strident than the programmes they interrupt, and everywhere we see brand names flaunted. Pretty well anything, it seems, can be advertised - except churches. Admittedly, wayside pulpits might just about catch your eye - my favourite was: 'You're never too good to stay away; you're never too bad to come in' alongside hand-made posters for coffee mornings. Or maybe you might include the details of church services in this magazine. But in the United States things are different.

Last Christmas our big sister there, the United Church of Christ, staged a nationwide television campaign to promote the message that everyone is welcome in the UCC. The commercial began with two bouncers outside a church door, looking menacing. Two men holding hands approach the church; the bouncers block the door. They are followed by a young Hispanic couple who are told "No way", then by an African-American family who are put down with "I don't think so". In between, white middle-class families are let in with warm smiles and hand-shakes. The commercial ends with the message, written and spoken: "Jesus didn't turn anyone away. Neither do we."

The UCC caused more of a sensation than the copywriters could have imagined. Two major broadcasting companies, CBS and NBC, initially agreed to screen it in the run-up to Christmas, but pulled out on the eve of the first showing. The commercial had been seen by members of other churches employed by those companies, and they objected to its presentation of other denominations, though these were only inferred. The UCC protested, the case was taken up by the media, and the advertisements were shown on national news programmes, costing the UCC nothing. And they were seen by millions more viewers than the advertisers had originally forecast.

Now every member church of the UCC has this tag on its notice boards: "No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here." That's a simple message with which all churches would agree. You will be welcome at all of the churches that appear in this magazine - come and see for yourselves!

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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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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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Pulpit Exchange, Sunday 14th May

On this Sunday, ministers and lay preachers in the Derby District visit churches other than their own. At 11 am we have a visit from Rev'd Ian Mead, Minister at Ashbourne Road Methodist / URC, and at 6 pm the Minister at the Haven Ecumenical Centre in Littleover, Rev'd Roger Borlace, will lead our worship. Come and meet them!

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Coffee Morning, Saturday 13th May 10.30 -11.30 am in the Schoolroom

Another chance for a coffee and a chat with friends. The Webb Ivory stall always has a wide range of cards for all occasions, and the homemade cakes and marmalade are as popular as ever - and there's a game for the children.

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Shell Group (for children aged 7+)

... meets on Mondays 8th, 15th and 22nd May, 6.30 to 7.30 pm. New members are welcome.

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Baptisms

Rosie Isla Speedy was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 23rd April. Rosie is the daughter of Emma and Andrew Speedy and grand-daughter of Joan and Andrew Cox of the Red House, Willington Road, Repton. The Speedy family lives in Bedford.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Richard James (Jim) Udall of 6 Taverners Crescent, Littleover, died on Wednesday 15th March aged 86. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 24th March was followed by committal at Bretby Crematorium.

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Obituaries

Richard James Udall

Jim, who died in March at the age of 86, was always active and ready to help, whether the local church, his neighbours or his family; it grieved him when in the last year of his life he had to ease up a little.

Jim's family moved to Bretby when he was 3 months old. After school he worked on the Wragg farm, leaving to serve in the Derbyshire Yeomanry during World War II. He came to Repton in 1953 working later at Willington power station. Even after retirement he remained involved, serving as secretary of the retirement committee.

For many years he was extensively involved with the Royal British Legion; for almost 40 years until his death he was Secretary of the Repton Branch, he served on Derbyshire County Committee for 29 years, for much of that time as Vice-President. In recognition of his exceptional service, in 2002 he was awarded life membership of the RBL.

His funeral was well attended and showed the respect in which he was held; standards dipped in salute and buglers played the Last Post and reveille.

We extend our sympathy to all his family, but especially to Renee, with whom he was happily married for 60 years.

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St Wystan's News

Derbyshire Prayer Walk, 14th May 11.45 am

This Prayer Walk, which takes place between the 7th and 14th May, is open to anyone; see the leaflets at the back of the churches. It begins at the Yorkshire border and finishes at the Staffordshire border. On Sunday 14th May the walkers will be passing through Repton, arriving at St Wystan's at approximately 11.45 am. There will be a time of prayer and a shared sandwich lunch before the walkers set off for Swadlincote. You are most welcome to join in the walk, the prayer and / or the sandwich lunch. That day the walk will be from Derby to Repton and on to Swadlincote. There will be a prayer celebration at Hill Street Baptist Church, Swadlincote at 6.30 pm, when all the churches from the town will join together.

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Repton 1350

Promenade Lecture, 'Vikings and Christians', Friday 19th May, 7.00 pm - 8.15 pm
This Promenade Lecture by Julian Richards is the second of three events celebrating the 1350th anniversary of the consecration of Diuma as first bishop of Mercia. The lecture will take place in and around Repton School and Church, and will start in the Undercroft at Repton School, where there will be refreshments at 7 pm. All are welcome.

Pilgrimage Walk from Derby to Repton, Saturday 3rd June This is the third and final celebratory event of Repton 1350. The walk will start at Derby Cathedral, where the Dean will set us off with a prayer. The distance is about 8 miles (so do wear sensible footwear!); it will be as direct as possible, but pause at interesting sites along the way. The route has been planned by Roger Juneau, who will lead the walk and introduce the sites as we come to them. The plan is to stop at Findern Green for a sandwich lunch - bring your own sandwiches - and arrive at Repton at about 3 pm for a cup of tea and sticky bun (provided) on the Vicarage lawn. A short service in church at 4.30 pm will commemorate St Wystan. If you intend to join us on the walk, please let Karen Perks (702392) know beforehand so that we have some idea of numbers, both to arrange transport and to inform police.

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Parish Day of Renewal, Saturday 17th June

We are most fortunate to have Martin Cavender to lead our Renewal Day. Those who came to the Lent Course will recognise him as one of the foremost leaders of renewal in the Anglican Church today. He has met the churchwardens and listened to our needs, hopes and aspirations, suggesting an approach appropriate for our style of worship and church life.

What Martin will present may well form a significant part of the agenda for our parish life and growth over the next five years, so this could be a really significant day. Please put the 17th June in your diary now; times are not yet firm, but probably 10 am - 4 pm.

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Easter Eggsploration

Thirty-one children, fifteen helpers and one Franciscan friar spent Maundy Thursday morning at the Primary School learning about Easter. The whole place was a hive of activity with lots of making, glueing, painting, foot-washing and baking, along with story-telling and singing. We also learnt what a Franciscan friar wears under his habit, why it's the shape it is, what his hood is called, and what it means when he wears his hood up - all fascinating stuff! Thank you very much to all the people who came along to help, and particularly to Ruth Attwood, who organized the service at the end of the morning.

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Brother Amos

An innovation for Holy Week this year was the presence of Brother Amos of the Society of St Francis. In view of my fall, his visit was most opportune; he was able to help with services as well as preaching. It was a privilege and a pleasure to have him stay at the Vicarage. We were also very happy to share him around the villages and I am most grateful to all those who gave him meals and lifts. Here are some of your reactions to a most welcome guest. It's always a privilege to worship alongside someone living the religious life, particularly one who understands and lives in community. We found Good Friday especially poignant, with lessons delivered simply and directly, and plenty of time for silence at the foot of the Cross. Friendly, wise and down to earth, he was interested in everything and everyone. He is a lovely and inspirational person, who provided a constant thread through the activities and worship of Holy Week. As the week progressed, we marvelled at his fortitude, firm faith and quiet dignity amongst the marathon of services and sermons he undertook. St Wystan's has been enriched by his presence. Listening to Brother Amos during Holy Week was very special for me, especially on Good Friday, as he brought the gospel to life, touching my heart very deeply, and moving me to tears. I thank the Lord for the ministry of this gifted servant of God who has left me with wonderful memories of the price Jesus paid for each one of us. What a delightful person, so interested in people and life in general. We were able to squeeze in a visit to Burton Museum of Brewing and found him to be fascinated, particularly concerning the family connections and the development of the industry in the town. His warmth for the community was expressed in the Easter Services he shared with us here at Newton. I'm sure that all who met him felt better for having done so. At the Children's Easter Workshop Brother Amos explained that he was a wandering Friar, like Friar Tuck. He held the children's attention with his explanations of his habit, capuche and rope belt: the capuche both for warding off the rain and, before bed, for warning other Friars that he was in silent prayer and not to be disturbed; the knots at the end of his belt to remind him of his vows, but the knot to secure the rope round his waist a special non-slip knot, so that he would not have his breath squeezed out of him if someone pulled too hard!

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Repton M.U.

In April the Rev'd Stanley Morris came to our rescue again when the speaker asked to postpone her talk to the autumn. What would we do without him? This time he took the short service with which we always begin, and then came a historical talk about the Victorian Oxford Movement. This was linked to many favourite hymns written by leaders of the Movement such as Keble and Newman.

On Wednesday 17th May at 2 pm in the Fisher Close Room, Mike Charlesworth will speak on: 'Repton School, a personal history'. It is not necessary to join M.U. to come and listen to this or any other M.U. talk; visitors are always welcome.

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St Wystan's PCC

At its meeting on 23rd March, the Parochial Church Council:

• Elected officers for 2006: Vice-Chairman, Martin Wimbush; Secretary, Karen Perks; Treasurer, Jan Roberts; Gift Aid Secretary, Richard Finch.
• Received a report that drawings for the church development project would go to the Diocesan Advisory Committee meeting in May.
• Reviewed membership of its sub-committees and recorded thanks to Fred Hill and the Building Development Committee for its work in bringing the planning phase to a conclusion.
• Noted with regret the retirement of Canon Barrie Gauge of Derby Cathedral, who assisted with our parish focus a few years ago, and contributed to his retirement present.
• Discussed developments in our Mission & Ministry Area, expressing particular concern that the MMA Council should allow PCC representation especially on financial matters.

Minutes of PCC meetings are available at the back of the church. If you want to know more, do ask a PCC member; again there is a list of members at the back of the church and on the website (www.reptonchurch.org.uk).

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Turkey, Christian and Classical, 14 - 28 October 2006

Fifteen people have now signed up for this trip, which means we will definitely be going! This will be a really memorable journey visiting the best of the Classical and Christian sites of Turkey, parts of Paul's journeys, some of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, and concluding with the frescoed rock churches of the Ilhara and Goreme valleys in Cappadocia. A full brochure and booking form are available from Rev'd Peter Paine. Don't delay, book today!

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St Mary's News

St Mary's Church Flowers

Grateful thanks to all who provided flowers or foliage for Mothering Sunday and Easter or who helped to arrange them. Now that Lent is over, anyone thinking to provide flowers, perhaps to mark a special date in the year, is asked to sign the flower rota in the church porch.

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Newton Solney Church Roof

Although the architect has still to set a starting date, there should soon be some sign of activity on the roof. Before the full English Heritage grant is released, we have to repair the louvres in the church tower. However, once the scaffolding has been erected for this, there is every hope that it will not be removed until the restoration work is completed. Late summer, perhaps?

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St Mary's Spring Buffet Lunch

All tickets for the 14th May have now been taken. Please note that the lunch was originally shown on the events page as 'Bring & Share'; it is not.

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Repton School Concerts Society Graham Oppenheimer, viola, James Campbell, clarinet, Ronan O'Hora, piano Tuesday 2nd May at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall An evening of exceptional music-making by three leading international artists who will collaborate in a concert of popular solos and ensembles by Schubert, Saint-Saens, Brahms and Mozart. Tickets £12 and £9 (concessions) from Sue Parker, 01283 702550, or the Music School, 01283 559319

Repton School Concerts Society AGM & Final of Repton School Music Competition Tuesday 9th May at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall No tickets needed

Friends of St Wystan's School Annual Spring Plant Sale Sunday 14th May, 10 am - 2 pm St Wystan's School Children's Prizes   •   Lots of special prizes and gifts Bedding Plants   •   Hanging Baskets Plant Pots to decorate   •   Face Painting Refreshments

Dorcas Group Coffee Morning Saturday 20th May, 10.30 am - 12 noon 3 Stratford Close Coffee and biscuits 75p Raffle   •   Bring and Buy   •   Cakes   •   (some) Plants Everyone welcome      Biddy Weston, 704049

Repton Primary School PTA Plant Sale Saturday 20th May at Repton Primary School Order forms available from the school office FREE delivery in Repton

Newton Solney Horticultural Society Propagation, Working in a Garden Centre, How Things Have Changed A talk by Peter Buckless Newton Solney Village Hall Tuesday 23rd May at 7.30 pm Entrance £2.00 including refreshments. Bring & Buy plant and produce stall Please come along and support this annual event.

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Thankyou

Thankyou ... to everyone who supported Doug Scott's talk and slideshow at Pennine Way Junior School. There was a wonderful turnout for a very enjoyable evening, raising well over £1000 for Community Action Nepal, the charity which Doug founded to help the rural population of Nepal.

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Public Services and Charities

Christian Aid Week

East Africa is in the grip of its worst drought for more than 20 years. Eleven million people are at risk, mothers are desperate to find their child's next drink, some are begging for water, there are reports of people dying of thirst. How can this happen when the world has so much?

By supporting Christian Aid Week, you are among millions of people who think poverty is unacceptable. Your actions and contributions will bring about a better life for people in poor communities all over the world. In Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia, Christian Aid partners are sending tankers of clean water to many of the settlements and villages affected by the drought. For thousands, this is their only source of water.

Christian Aid Week Collection, 14th - 20th May
During the first week of May you will receive an envelope from Christian Aid. When you make a donation, Christian Aid asks you to sign the Gift Aid Form, which allows Christian Aid to claim back tax you have already paid - 28p for every £1 you give; all you need to do is fill in the declaration on the envelope. If everyone does this we will raise at least an extra £1 million.

Envelopes will be collected during the week starting 14th May. If the envelope is not collected, the post office has kindly agreed to let you leave it in a container there.

Last year's collection in Repton, Foremarke, Ingleby, Milton and Newton Solney raised £1879.60. Your continued support for Christian Aid is greatly appreciated.

Help!
If you can help to collect or distribute envelopes, please get in touch. We still need collectors for Askew Grove, Springfield Road and Milton Road. Even if you can only collect this once, we would be grateful if you would contact Jackie Hurrell, 702089, Melodie Kettle, 559217, or for Newton Solney, Jennifer Haynes, 703827.

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First Responders

First Responders are local lay people trained to a very high standard in First Aid, including defibrillation. In conjunction with the local ambulance service, they respond to medical emergencies locally. When an emergency call is received by the ambulance service, it activates the ambulance, the paramedic and the First Responder team. As First Responders are local they will often be the first on the scene. Time is crucial; brain death occurs within 8 minutes of a cardiac arrest. An aging population and traffic congestion reinforce the need for a local First Responders Group. So in a very real sense, First Responders save lives.

Following an article in the December issue of the Parish Magazine, a number of volunteers have come forward to be trained as First Responders, but we urgently need more. We also need a small group of people to help with organisation. Initially equipment will initially be provided by East Midlands Ambulance Service in conjunction with St John's Ambulance Service, who will also provide training.

To learn more or to register interest, contact Chris Pratt, 01283 557257, chris.m.pratt@btopenworld.com.

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South Derbyshire Social Car Scheme

Are you unable to use public transport? Do you find it difficult to visit the doctor, dentist, hospital, clinic, opticians, social activities, local shops, relatives or friends? Why not contact the Social Car Scheme on 01283 551766 and speak to the organiser, Alyson Key, Monday to Friday 9 am - noon.

Only 40p / mile, funded by South Derbyshire Primary Care Trust.

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Derbyshire Gold Card

Gold Card entitles you to half fare or free travel (depending on which card you qualify for) on almost every bus and train service within Derbyshire, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also use your Gold Card to travel to and from some towns and cities in neighbouring counties if the journey starts or finishes within Derbyshire. This includes (among others) journeys on buses and trains to or from Burton, Manchester, Meadowhall, Nottingham, Sheffield, Uttoxeter and Worksop. You can travel by bus (but not by train) to towns such as Ashby and Leicester. Long-distance express coach services, tours and special excursions are not included in the scheme, but you can use the Gold Card to buy season, multi-journey and saver tickets in advance.

Orange-striped Gold Cards
By bus you can travel on most services free after 9.30 am on weekdays and at any time on weekends or bank holidays; before 9.30 am on weekdays, cardholders pay half fare. By train, you can mostly travel half fare.

Purple-striped Gold Cards
Holders of purple-striped Gold Cards are entitled to free travel on any bus or train service covered by the scheme, at any time and on any day of the week.

Are you eligible?
Any Derbyshire resident over 60 is entitled to an orange-striped Gold Card. Similarly you are eligible if you receive the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance, hold a blue badge, are partially sighted, have enduring mental ill health, a permanent walking disability, are partially sighted, or cannot drive on medical grounds. You qualify for a purple-striped card if you are registered blind or profoundly deaf, have a learning disability, or if you receive Attendance Allowance or the middle / higher rate care component of Disability Living Allowance.

To find out more about the Gold Card or to check your eligibility, call South Derbyshire District Council, 01283 595836, or the county council, 08456 058058, or visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk. You will find that there are many ways to apply for a card, including at local post offices.

And finally
... Gold Card holders also get discounts from many businesses and services around the county!

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The National Memorial Arboretum

Lying between Burton-upon-Trent and Lichfield, the NMA is well worth a visit. Conceived as a living and lasting focus for remembrance for those who have lost their lives or suffered in the service of their country, it is a haven of peace and contemplation.

The site covers over 150 acres, so it is possible to wander around for hours and cover several miles. To help navigate your way around, the site is split into three sections - the red, blue and yellow routes. Disabled access is generally good, and wheelchairs and electric scooters are available and free, although booking is advised. Guide dogs are welcome but not pets, although there is a small area where they can be exercised.

Except at Christmas and New Year, the Arboretum is open from 10 am to 5 pm (or dusk if earlier) every day. Admission is free, but donations are invited. The visitor centre houses a shop, art gallery and restaurant. The Millennium Chapel observes the Act of Remembrance at 11 am every day.

The range of activities is much too great to list here. May will see wildlife walks, tree and memorial dedications, commemorative services and flypasts. To learn more, visit www.memorialtreesuk.org.uk or call 01283 792333.

Friends of the Arboretum
Volunteers help to maintain the numerous plots, meet and greet visitors, give talks to local groups, give tours in the chapel and arboretum, and serve visitors in the shop. If you would like to help in any of these areas or would just like to be a 'Friend of the NMA', contact the Membership Secretary, Roger Davies-Lee on 01283 791218, or visit www.friendsofnma.org.uk

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Repton Village & History

The Parish Magazine

After nearly 7 years, Derek Auden has handed over responsibility for small ads to Neil Cumming. Derek has been a model of courtesy and care, and we thank him for his hard work.

Permanent and duplicated display ads are dealt with separately. For the former, contact Roger Juneau, 702384, for the latter, the editor. Detailed information is on the website at www.reptonchurch.org.uk.

Without your contributions, the Parish Magazine would be much less interesting. Information about forthcoming events is particularly welcome. You can find the next copy date and contact details at the end of the small ads. All material may be edited. If you would prefer an article to be published anonymously, you must still let the editor have your name and contact details.

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Repton Show Committee, Malvern Show

There is just one ticket remaining for the trip to Malvern on Saturday 13th May; contact Margaret Rainey, 703748. The coach leaves the Arch at 8 am.

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The Repton Spoon

... is proving a considerable success, and a second batch of the solid silver version is now on sale. The spoon marks the 1350th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in Repton in 653 AD, its design inspired by the distinctive 'barley twist' pillars of the Saxon Crypt. Two versions are available; the first, in silver-plated pewter, costs £20, the second, in solid hallmarked silver, £95. Profits from the sale go towards the upkeep of St Wystan's Church. The spoon will appeal to anyone with Repton connections - as a wedding, Christening or anniversary present, or simply as a personal possession to treasure.

There are pictures of the spoon on the church website (google Repton Church). To see a sample, please contact Frances Wimbush on 01283 703180 or fjwim@tiscali.co.uk.

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Scarecrows

Only a few weeks now until Repton Open Gardens weekend; how is your scarecrow coming on? After last year's wonderful response we are relying on you to come up with ever more inventive ideas. So set your mind to it - will it be Harry Potter, the Queen at 80, Elfleda and Paeda, or Peter and the ladder? Further details and entry forms in next month's Parish Magazine.

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'Active Kids' Vouchers

A reminder that Repton Primary School is collecting vouchers from Sainsbury's and Tesco. Until 30th May Sainsbury's are offering one 'Active Kids' voucher for every £10 spent, which can be exchanged for PE, play and drama equipment. Similarly, Tesco is issuing 'Computers for Schools' vouchers until 14th May.

If you have any that you could donate, please send them via a pupil, drop them off at school or post them to Repton Primary School, Springfield Road, Repton DE65 6GN. The school has to spend its Sainsbury's vouchers by the end of June, and its Tesco vouchers by 7th July, so please don't leave them until it's too late.

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Repton Council Jottings

There are no Jottings this month, but minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 10th April can be viewed on the Repton council website: www.repton-pc.gov.uk . The minutes are also available each month in Repton Post Office. Repton council website now contains a link to all new planning applications received by South Derbyshire District Council in the preceding month, plus recent planning decisions. You can also use the link to lodge online comments about current planning applications direct with the planning authority.

The next Parish Council meeting includes the Annual General Meeting and will take place on 8th May at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall.

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Repton W.I.

After the County Quiz, in which Repton came fourth, and a very enjoyable Group Social Meeting at Newton Solney, we settled down to listen to the April speaker, Mrs. Rowena Lovett from Leek. Who would have thought that the life of a Lingerie Designer could be so interesting and amusing? Mrs. Lovett had designed lingerie ranges for clients as diverse as Littlewoods, M & S and Hardy Amies; had been flown to Paris in a small plane owned and piloted by her boss (very scary); and had suffered from numerous take-overs and redundancies. Through it all she had kept her sense of humour, and everyone enjoyed her talk.

Next Meeting, Tuesday 9th May at 7.15 pm in the Village Hall: Resolutions Meeting, with Hot Supper provided by the Committee.

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Repton Village Society

Before a full audience, David Stainer gave an interesting and informative talk on our local weather over the last 30 years. His detailed observations showed the extremes of temperature and rainfall, but he also dealt with the change to warmer weather that we have seen over the last few years. Evidently the cold we have experienced in the last few months is just a reversion to what we were used to only a few years ago! David also explained the relationship of air frost and ground frost, a topic of importance to the many gardeners in the hall.

'Crucibles, Crosses and Catastrophe', Thursday 4th May
Rod Pearson will give an introduction to the geographical, historical and social factors that made Sheffield one of the prime movers in the industrial development of Great Britain and the world. This will be a stand-alone talk although it complements our visit to Sheffield the following week. Rod has already given us two very interesting talks and was our guide to Port Sunlight.

'Botanicals, Beams and Blades', Wednesday 10th May
A visit to Sheffield by coach leaving Repton at 8.30 am with Rod as our guide. We will visit the Botanical Gardens (recently refurbished) followed by the Winter Garden, the Anglican Cathedral and other buildings of interest. After lunch we will go to the Kelham Island Museum. This is a working and living museum housed in what was formerly the tram power-station. For details contact Alan Webster, 701838.

'Royal Crown Derby China', Thursday 1st June
Jacqueline Banks will speak on this local and interesting topic.

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Repton Village History Group

Our March meeting was another of our popular display evenings, this time on the 1950's. The Village Hall contained a mass of memorabilia brought by members and guests, as well as items from the Magic Attic; 1950's music played in the background. The meeting opened with several people giving their personal reminiscences, and continued with memories of important events. We thank those who brought along treasured items, which helped to make for an interesting and enjoyable evening.

Our Local History Weekend took place at the start of April. It is three years since we staged a similar event, and this year we kept to the well-tried formula but included much new material. Over 700 photographs were on display as well as two continuous slide shows, videos of local scenes, and the audio memories of local people. The display of our documentary archives proved very popular, especially the census returns; they were in much demand. The weekend was a great success with over 400 people attending.

On Tuesday 16th May at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall, we will hold a short AGM followed by a talk by Robin Trotter on 'the History of Burton Abbey'. Visitors are welcome.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney Show (2nd September)

Advance notice of a class for the handicraft section: 'A Knitted Scarf'. Knitting is the craze again, just find those needles and produce a scarf to exhibit at the show!

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Emily to represent Derbyshire

I am a Young Leader at 1st Repton Rainbows and Guides, and have been selected as one of two Young Leaders from Derbyshire, one of twelve to represent the Midlands on an International Guiding trip to Finland this summer.

A Fashion Show that I organised at the Den in early April was very well supported and raised a staggering £340 towards the £1000 I have to find. So I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported me, especially to the Repton Scout leaders, the models, JOGS, and all who helped advertise the event. Thank you also to Newton Solney Delicatessen for their 'Guess the Name of the Bunny' competition, which raised an amazing £50.

If you would like to know more about the trip, or would like to offer sponsorship, please contact me on 01283 703604.

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Gardening Notes

By now we should be able to see what damage the winter weather has done. The harsh frosts in late November will have caused some casualties, but the cold winds of February and March may have done more damage to plants that have survived all our recent winters. It is the late spring frosts that kill off aphids and other insects just as they are becoming more active, but hard winters also help.

Most plants do not flower in winter, when frost would damage their petals and pollination mechanisms, and there are no bees about. Flowering times depend on many factors. Some plants bloom when days are short, and some during the long days of summer. Primroses may flower in the autumn when day lengths are similar to those of spring, but temperature is a deciding factor then. Spring-flowering bulbs and some trees need a period of cold to break their dormancy; a branch of a spring-flowering shrub such as forsythia, cut and brought indoors in the autumn, will not open like one brought inside in the spring. It may seem like splitting hairs, but flowering actually depends on the length of darkness rather than of the day. For poinsettia to colour up for Christmas, it needs twelve hours of darkness a day for several weeks beforehand.

Late tulips are still flowering in May, and aquilegia, sweet rocket, dwarf iris, oriental poppies and paeonies brighten the border. Oriental poppies do not suffer if their yellowing foliage is removed after flowering to make room for bedding plants. Paeonies do not do well for me. They need feeding well, and the crown must never be covered by more than an inch of soil. They should be easy to grow and there are many wonderful hybrids. Tree paeonies are even more exotic and should not be difficult.

Lily of the valley grows wild in some areas. It likes a shady place, not too dry with plenty of humus, but it often escapes and does better in areas where it is less welcome.

If necessary, apply fertiliser before sowing vegetables. Carrots, beetroot, lettuce, calabrese, spinach, turnips, spring onions, winter cabbage, peas, broad, French and runner beans can all be sown outside in May, the latter two later in the month. Erect supports for the runner beans; they climb clockwise, whilst 90% of all twisting climbers climb anti-clockwise. Continue to earth up potatoes.

Remember to apply shading to the greenhouse glass. Marrows, melons and cucumbers can be sown in a heated greenhouse. Tomatoes and peppers can be planted in the greenhouse provided that a minimum temperature of 15°C can be maintained. Lay dry straw or strawberry mats under and between strawberry plants to protect the developing fruit. Protect them (and likewise hostas and delphiniums) from slugs. Keep fleece handy to protect susceptible plants from frost. Apply it also over fruit blossom if practical.

Watch out for aphids. They suck the sap and excrete a sticky substance that sooty moulds colonise. They may also introduce viral infection.

Foreign plants import new pests; we already have the lily beetle. Giant ladybirds eat aphids, but when these run out they eat smaller ladybirds. Box blight is spreading as is rosemary beetle, which also eats lavender, sage and thyme. And after problems with oak trees, there is now a disease affecting chestnuts. We should encourage beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies with suitable planting; avoid chemical control, which eliminates them together with any biological control.

Gardens were originally created as a peaceful refuge from the wild areas outside, keeping weeds and wild flowers out. With the increasing rarity of wild flowers in recent years, it has become popular to create a patch for them in the garden. It is important to ensure that their source is truly native; some seed mixes have included seed from mainland Europe, which can lead to hybridising problems, as with the Spanish bluebell. Wildflower seed does not always germinate easily, and it may be more convenient to buy plants from a specialist nursery. Choose plants to suit your local conditions - soil type, sun or shade, shelter - considering whether or not you want them to spread. The soil needs to be impoverished or grass will choke them; this may mean removing the topsoil or turf. It is best to prepare the soil before the end of March. Allow weed seeds to germinate, then hoe them off to reduce competition for the wildflower seed, which can be sown over a six week period from the end of May in order to ensure continuity of flowering.

Our siskin invasion continued into April, with numbers regularly in double figures, on one occasion reaching 40 or 50, largely feeding on seed spilt on the ground.