August 2006 - Contents Bess Of Hardwick & Mary, Queen Of Scots Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Services at St Wystan's, Repton Services at St Saviour's, Foremark Services at St Mary's, Newton Solney Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Wystan's Brasses at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Church Picnic, Sunday 27th August Coffee Morning, Saturday 9th September Shell (for children aged 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Oliver and Joshua Bayley Mia-Grace Olivia Taylor Marriages Justin Timothy Heap and Gwendoline Mary Johnstone Timothy Duncan Warr and Naomi Stockton Funerals and Burial of Ashes Ivy Mary Stacey Marjorie Jordan Edith Nellie Bennett Walter Archer Dawn Thacker Obituaries Dawn Thacker St Wystan's News Evensong at St Wystan's Parish Day Report and Follow-up Memorial Book for Repton Parish Walk in the Peak District, Saturday 19th August 'The Miracles of Jesus' The Church Spire Repton M.U. Sponsored Bicycle Ride or Walk, Saturday 9th September Blaze: The Fire Walk Challenge, Sunday 20th August Repton Neighbourhood Help, Luncheon Club and Drop-in Centre St Mary's News St Mary's Harvest Lunch, Sunday 24th September Newton Solney Church Roof Memorial Seat for Bernard Collier Bingo with Bangers 'n' Mash, Monday 31st July The Rep Theatre Company, 16th - 18th August Newton Solney Open Show, Saturday 2nd September Newton Solney Infant and Pre-School Autumn Ball, Saturday 30th September Thankyou Wendy and Stephen Longden Musical Events Repton School Concerts Society 2006 - 2007 Repton Village and History Scottish Country Dancing Repton Village Show Repton Evergreens Hiring Repton Primary School Premises Sue's Garage Sale Repton W.I. Poppy Appeal, Repton Royal British Legion Changes at Repton Pre-school Repton Open Gardens 2006 Derbyshire Constabulary Neighbourhood Team Crimestoppers Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group Repton Village History Group Publications Climbing the Church Spire in 1804 Repton PC Jottings Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney W.I. Gardening Notes

---

Bess Of Hardwick & Mary, Queen Of Scots

Retirement and holidays both provide opportunities for reading. I enjoy biographies and have just finished Mary Lovell's life of Bess of Hardwick. Bess had four husbands, became one of the richest women of her time and is associated with several famous Derbyshire buildings. She built Hardwick Hall, personally designing the main rooms and insisting on large windows overlooking the Derbyshire countryside. Her fourth husband, the Earl of Shrewsbury, acted as gaoler to Mary, Queen of Scots, a fact which led me to reread Antonia Fraser's biography of that unfortunate Queen.

Mary was moved around the county from Tutbury (just over the border) to Chatsworth, Sheffield Castle and Sheffield Manor, Wingfield, Chartley (back in Staffordshire), then on to trial and execution at Fotheringay. She was moved, not only for security, but also because sanitary problems made it more practical for rich nobles to leave a property to be swilled out and cleaned while it was empty. They then moved on to the next castle or manor house which they owned. This was why the Earl of Shrewsbury owned three castles and six other residences, and spent his last years building another stately home at Wirksworth.

What really struck me about the two biographies was how differently the writers saw the two women. Mary Lovell saw Bess as a far-seeing, determined woman, holding her own in a man's world, on good terms with Elizabeth I (not always easy), generous to her family and neighbours and popular with the estate workers. Antonia Fraser wrote that she was 'a woman of masculine understanding, proud, furious, selfish and unfeeling'. She compared her with Mary who was warm, feminine in brain and intuition and full of generosity and feeling.

Yet Mary was very foolish, falling for the wrong men and unable to see the consequences of her actions. She fled to England and threw herself on Elizabeth's mercy without any idea of the complications this would bring for a queen who was trying to find a path through the minefields of religious disputes and foreign policy.

So why write about this in the Parish magazine? Firstly to encourage you to make the most of our beautiful county in August by visiting some of its historic buildings. As you visit its stately homes or even its ruins, remember that they were homes to all kinds of people with good and bad qualities. Secondly, history can remind us to be careful in making judgements. Even biographers can be influenced by their own prejudices. The Christian approach is to try to see something good in everyone.

---

Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

---

Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's

---

Altar Flowers

---

Brasses

---

Altar Flowers and Cleaning Rota at St Saviour's

---

The United Reformed Church

---

Church Picnic, Sunday 27th August

Apologies for the wrong date in last month's magazine! This month we will be going again to the Rosliston Forestry Centre, after a short service at 11 am lasting about twenty minutes. Bring a picnic lunch; drinks for the children will be provided. Enjoy the forest walks, the play centre, or just relax in the sun.

---

Coffee Morning

The next Coffee Morning will be on Saturday 9th September. Shell Group (for children aged 7+) The new season begins on Monday 11th September from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. New members are always welcome.

---

Baptisms

Oliver and Joshua Bayley of 25 Kitling Greaves Lane, Burton on Trent, were baptised at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Sunday 2nd July.

Mia-Grace Olivia Taylor of 7 Woodyard Close, Church Gresley, was baptised at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Sunday 2nd July.

---

Marriages

Justin Timothy Heap and Gwendoline Mary Johnstone were married at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Saturday 24th June.

Timothy Duncan Warr and Naomi Stockton were married at St Wystan's Church on Friday 14th July.

---

Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Ivy Mary Stacey of 45 Askew Grove, Repton, died on Saturday 10th June. A service was held at St Wystan's Church followed by burial at Monsom Lane cemetery on 19th June.

Marjorie Jordan of Rider House, Stapenhill, and lately of Newton Solney died on Monday 26th June aged 95. A service was held at St Mary's church, Newton Solney, and thereafter at Bretby Crematorium on 7th July.

Edith Nellie Bennett of Fisher Close, Repton, died on Monday 26th June aged 91. A service was held at Bretby Crematorium on 4th July.

Walter Archer of The Old Post Office Farm, Milton, died on Wednesday 28th June aged 86. Following a service at St. Wystan's Church, the burial took place in Foremark churchyard on 11th July.

Dawn Thacker, formerly of 34 Milton Road, Repton, died peacefully at the Harrowby Lodge Nursing Home, Grantham, on Monday 3rd July. Her funeral took place at Grantham Crematorium on 24th July.

---

Obituaries

Dawn Thacker

Dawn Thacker, formerly of 34 Milton Road, Repton, died peacefully on Monday 3rd July at the Harrowby Lodge Nursing Home, Grantham. For seven months she had endured a serious illness with patience and fortitude.

Dawn had been in the WRAF at Abingdon and trained as a dental technician. She met and married Bob, who was in the RAF, in 1972, living with him in Hong Kong, on the northeast coast of Scotland and at Highworth, Wilts. In 1988 they came to Repton with their two children. Dawn became involved in village life and was an active member of Repton Primary School PTA. Dawn worked as a dental nurse for Mr. Bugg, then at the chemist's shop in Repton, and later at Willington Pharmacy. She enjoyed delivering prescriptions to older residents who looked forward to her visits.

Dawn was a woman of many interests with a sense of humour and an engaging smile. Caring and sensitive, she was always ready to help. She was also very artistic and became an accomplished painter. We give thanks for her life and extend our sympathy to her family, especially to Bob and to their children, James and Sara.

---

St Wystan's News

Evensong at St Wystan's

At its latest meeting, the PCC considered Evensong at St Wystan's. In recent times, attendance on the second and fourth Sundays has been very low and the question arose whether it is sensible to continue to ask people to prepare and lead this service when there are already services in our two sister churches at the same time. Except in July and August, Newton Solney has a 'Prayer Book' Evensong on the second and fourth Sundays; Foremark has Evensong on the second Sunday and Holy Communion on the fourth. At both Newton Solney and Foremark, these are the main services of the day and have reasonable congregations. They are at 6.30 pm in summer but change to 4 pm when the clocks go back for the winter.

After a thoughtful debate the PCC decided to drop the Evensong service at Repton on the second and fourth Sundays from the beginning of September, and to invite those who usually attend to join the congregation at Newton Solney or at Foremark.

---

Parish Day Report

In mid-June, 37 parishioners from Repton and Newton Solney joined together for a Parish Day led by Martin Cavender. Martin's main task was to guide us in a course of self-examination under the title 'Growing Healthy Churches'. This is a kind of church M.O.T. However, whereas your car can be tested in an hour or so, it may take us months or even years to address all the points for potential growth. Together we gave our churches a health test under seven headings. All showed a need for improvement, but the area which a clear majority thought most needed addressing was called 'seeking to find out what God wants.'

Follow-up
It would be impossible to address all the points raised at once. But we can consider seeking what God wants. Hearing the difficulty we have in praying and hence in listening to God, I propose that we hold a mini-course on prayer during the autumn. Prayer is a complex matter; while it is true that there are many ways to pray, it is also the case that there are tried and tested ways that suit different temperaments. Some like to walk the lanes and are inspired by creation, others seek inspiration in scripture, and yet others might prefer silence. But how do we use nature as inspiration? How do we read scripture prayerfully? How can we use silence productively? These are the sorts of questions I would like to explore with you over four sessions.

Please note these dates now.
So that as many as possible can attend, we propose to hold afternoon and evening sessions. The suggested dates are Monday 11th September at 7.30 pm / Tuesday 12th September at 2 pm; Monday 25th September at 7.30 pm / Tuesday 26th September at 2 pm; Monday 9th October at 7.30 pm / Tuesday 10th October at 2 pm; Monday 30th October at 7.30 pm / Tuesday 31st October at 2 pm. We could invite Martin back towards the end of November, possibly on Saturday 25th for a further session. Further details will be published in future issues of the Parish Magazine and by letter of invitation. The course will be open to everyone, whether or not you were able to come to the Parish Day in June.

---

Memorial Book for Repton

At a service on Sunday 25th June, a Memorial Book for Repton was dedicated at St Wystan's Church. It was given in memory of Henry Chilton and is housed in a bookcase made by Mr. John Dipple.

Entries can be made at the request of a close relative on behalf of former Repton residents, and also those buried or interred in St Wystan's churchyard or at Monsom Lane cemetery. There is no charge but a donation towards church funds is greatly appreciated. Those who died on or after the 1st January 2000 are eligible. If you would like an entry to be made, please contact Rev'd Peter Paine. He will need the full name of the deceased together with full dates of birth and death.

---

Parish Walk in the Peak District

The walk, on Saturday 19th August, will be about 10½ miles, in two parts, forming a figure of eight. The morning loop - 6 miles - will be slightly more challenging than the afternoon route, but we will allow more time for a slower pace than last year, and the most difficult (and possibly Buchanesque!) section will be optional.

The afternoon loop - 4½ miles - will start and finish at the same pub (where we will have lunch) as the morning loop, so that you can do either loop or both. If you would like to join us, please ring me on 702384.

---

'The Miracles of Jesus'

The Bible says that Jesus fed a crowd of 5000 with a few loaves and fishes, stilled a storm with a word, healed the sick and lame, walked on water, turned water into wine and brought the dead back to life. In 'The Miracles of Jesus', Rageh Omaar tries to decipher the meaning of the miracles of Jesus. The series has been widely publicized and is thoroughly commended. It deserves a very wide audience within the church as well as outside it. Rageh Omaar says, "As a Muslim I am fascinated by this man Jesus ... Jesus has changed the lives of millions of people ... so let's try and ask the question 'why'?"

The series begins on Sunday 6th August at 6.35 pm on BBC 1.

---

The Church Spire

In June you may have noticed men clinging precariously to the spire - not the vicar getting nearer to God, but work being done on the lightning conductor. The steeplejacks first put up an aluminium ladder in sections to the top of the spire, then worked in a bosun's chair to attach the new lightning conductor to the stonework. The work took longer than anticipated because the weather has to be very calm - as you can imagine!

The last time a steeplejack ladder, then made of wood, was put up was in the 1980's to carry out work on the weathercock. Dr. Taylor (of Viking dig fame) asked if he might climb to the top, which he did, and he was about 80 years old at the time! On this occasion, your vicar and churchwardens did not ask the same question in case the answer was 'yes'. See below for the report of a similar climb 200 years ago.

---

Repton M.U.

At the July meeting, despite the heat, members listened intently as June Scott outlined the historical background of Readers, those trained and licensed members of the Church of England who take services, preach and visit the people where they live. She saw them extending their ministry to a wider area, and thought that in time some might go on to local ordained ministry. A lively discussion followed before June was thanked both for her talk and for the work she does as a Reader.

There is no official meeting in August but members are invited to an informal get-together at 44 Pinfold Close on Wednesday 9th August at 2.30 pm.

Date for your diary: Thursday 7th September at 7.30 pm, Quiet Evening at Hartshorne Church.

---

Sponsored Bicycle Ride or Walk

The annual sponsored 'Bike & Hike', in aid of the Derbyshire Churches & Chapels Preservation Trust, will take place this year on Saturday 9th September. As in the past, all four churches in Repton, Foremark & Newton Solney will be open to receive visitors from 10 am, the URC church until 2 pm and the Anglican churches until 6 pm. If you are willing and able to act as a steward, to walk or cycle between some of the places of worship open in this area, or to sponsor any of the participants, please contact one of the following to obtain further information: Linda Pettitt (Repton URC, 701223), Karen Perks (St Wystan's, 702392), Ann Redfern (St Saviour's, 01332 862350), Jennifer Haynes (St Mary's, 703827). Last year, in defiance of incessant rain, several intrepid walkers and cyclists squelched their way around the lanes; across the county the Trust raised an impressive £20,000, of which half comes back to the participating churches.

---

Blaze: The Fire Walk Challenge

Home-Start South Derbyshire invite us to join a sponsored fund-raising event on Sunday 20th August. The event will be provided by Blaze, the world's leading professional firewalk providers, who have a 100% safety record. Sponsorship forms will be provided. For more information and an information pack, contact Jayne at Home-Start South Derbyshire, 01283 225586.

---

Repton Neighbourhood Help, Luncheon Club and Drop-in Centre

The Luncheon Club and Drop-in Centre are currently enjoying a summer recess. We start again on Friday 8th September. Meanwhile we wish all members and helpers happy summer days and look forward to seeing you all in the autumn at the Community Centre. Melodie Bordoli, 212652, & Angela Mayger, 702660

---

St Mary's News

St Mary's Harvest Lunch, Sunday 24th September

The Annual Harvest Lunch will be held at 1 pm in the Village Hall. Tickets cost £7 for adults and £3 for children. There will be a raffle, for which donations would be much appreciated. Come and enjoy yourselves, but book early to avoid disappointment as tickets are limited. Contact Hazel Ward, 701244.

---

Newton Solney Church Roof

Activity at last! By mid-July the scaffolding had been appeared on the roof of St Mary's and preparations were in hand for replacing the missing oak louvres in the spire. Only when this preliminary work is completed to the satisfaction of English Heritage shall we receive confirmation of the grant 'in-principle' offered to complete the roof repairs. When that money is guaranteed, the 'thermometer' in Church Lane will reveal the good news to everyone.

---

Memorial Seat for Bernard Collier

Following a suggestion first promoted last November, the churchwardens and PCC have been looking for a suitable seat to be set in St Mary's churchyard as a tangible memorial to Bernard. After visits to a wide range of garden centres and outdoor furniture specialists, a two-seater teak bench has finally been chosen, for which a plaque is currently being inscribed. If you have not yet contributed and would still like to do so, please contact Hazel Ward, 21 Blacksmith's Lane, or Jennifer Haynes, 6 Newton Close.

---

Bingo with Bangers 'n' Mash Repton Village Hall, Monday 31st July at 7.30 pm in aid of Clare's voluntary work in Uganda Tickets (£4) and info from 703317 or 702392 All welcome!

The Rep Theatre Company Presents a Taste of the Fringe! A double-bill of Edinburgh Festival previews A Servant to Two Masters by Carlo Goldoni, adapted by Lee Hall 16, 17, 18, August at 7.30 pm The 400 Hall Studio Theatre, Repton School The hungry hero of Goldoni's comic masterpiece doesn't think twice about the problems inherent in having two bosses - especially when they're unaware of each other's presence and desperate to get back into each other's...arms. Chaos and confusion abound in Lee Hall's hilarious modern adaptation of a timeless classic. Tickets: £7.50 (concessions £6.00) Box Office: 01283 559343 Terrorism by the Presnyakov Brothers 16, 17, 18, August at 9.15 pm The 400 Hall Studio Theatre, Repton School There's a bomb scare at the airport, a suicide at the office. A man ties up his lover, an old woman plots murder. At the scene of a gas explosion the rescue services are busy photographing limbs, for fun. In this town everyone is a terrorist, everyone a victim of terrorism. This acclaimed, hard-hitting and thought provoking play, written prior to 9/11, has a chilling relevance to "The War on Terror" that is disturbingly prophetic. Tickets: £5.00 (concessions £4.00) Box Office: 01283 559343 Enter into the spirit of the Fringe: see both shows for £10.00 (cons £8.00)

Newton Solney Open Show Fruit, Flowers, Vegetables and Crafts Saturday 2nd September from 3 pm Newton Solney Village Hall Exhibits must be staged by 12 noon. Schedules from Newton Solney Post Office and Chris Freestone, tel. 701147 Please support our annual village show!

Newton Solney Infant and Pre-School invite you to their Autumn Ball Saturday 30th September at the Marquee, Newton Solney by kind permission of the Holdcroft family Reception 7.30 pm, Supper at 8.15 pm Dancing and Entertainment Carriages 1am Tickets £35 per person Black Tie Contact Jill Langley, tel 01283 701065

---

Thank you

... to everyone who supported our second National Garden Scheme Open day at Woodend Cottage, 134 Main Street, on 2nd July. We raised another £221 for NGS charities, and £117 via teas and cakes provided by friends from St Saviour, Foremark cum Ingleby, for their church.

Our final NGS open day this year is on Sunday 13 August, 1 - 5 pm, entrance fee £2 with proceeds as above.

---

Repton School Concerts Society 2006 - 2007 22nd August Repton International Summer School Concert This is a new Summer School for advanced string players. Works by Beethoven, Schubert and Debussy performed by members of the Faculty 5th September Yevgeny Sudbin (Piano) Perhaps the outstanding pianist of his generation, this young Russian virtuoso, who has been compared to Horowitz and Pletnev, will perform Scarlatti, Scriabin, Chopin and Debussy. 3rd October Mozart 250th Anniversary Concert Performed by the Navarra String Quartet, Repton's quartet in residence, along with members of the music staff and the chamber choir. 31st October Pacifica String Quartet This dynamic string quartet will play Mozart, Janacek and Dvorak. 28th November Kenneth Page Foundation Concert The two top prize-winners of the violin and viola competitions will each give a recital marking the commencement of their concert careers. 6th February Alexander Chaushian (Cello) with Ashley Wass (Piano) This brilliant cellist from Armenia, a member of the Kempf Trio, joins the World Piano competition winner to form an amazing duo. Their programme includes sonatas by Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and Mendelssohn. 6th March The Musicke Companye A unique, early music ensemble comprising leading British musicians. Their programme includes works by Purcell and his contemporaries. 24th April The Barbican Trio One of the UK's leading ensembles. Programme of trios by Mozart, Lalo, Arensky and Brahms. 8th May Annual General Meeting Music Competition Final 16th June Rothwell Temperance Band Rothwell Brass Band ranks with the finest in the UK. Unless otherwise stated, concerts are at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall. For further details, season tickets (£50) and tickets for individual concerts (£12 / £9), please contact: Sue Parker, 56 Askew Grove, Repton DE65 6GR, tel. 01283 702550, or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

---

Repton Village & History

Scottish Country Dancing

A small but enthusiastic group of people meet on the last Monday of the month in Repton Village Hall to practise the better known Scottish reels. We start again after the summer on 25th September at 7.15 pm.

This is a very informal session and no experience is needed, just a pair of soft-soled shoes and a sense of humour! There is a small charge of £1.50 to cover the cost of the Village Hall.

Do come and join us. It's good exercise, both mental and physical, and above all it's good fun. If you have any questions please phone Frances or Martin. The dates for the rest of the season are listed in the Events Calendar.

---

Repton Village Show

... will be held in Repton Village Hall on Saturday 2nd September. A schedule appeared in the May edition of the Parish Magazine, and an entry form is on page ?? of this edition. From the middle of August there will be copies of both the form and the schedule in the Post Office, and at the Village Hall on the day.

We are all amateurs when it comes to baking, making jams and chutneys, or creating pictures and handicrafts. Vegetables, fruit and flowers depend on what is available, so have a look round and see what you have in your garden. Please do have a go and support our village show. For more information or to talk it over, contact either Hilary Hazelwood on 702423 or Carol Lloyd, 702410.

---

Repton Evergreens

To celebrate the anniversary of the group, members enjoyed lunch and a trip round the Peak District at the end of May. In June we visited Foremarke School; once again the staff ensured a lovely afternoon. Many thanks to the Headmaster for his kind hospitality.

Thursday 31st August will see our bring-and-buy sale, a wonderful opportunity to come along and see if you would like to join this small but happy group.

Southport Trip
On Thursday 7th September we have a day's outing to Southport. The coach leaves the Cross at 9.30 am, picking up on its way through the village. Non-members are very welcome at a cost of £10 per head. The coach will leave Southport at 5 pm. Please call Mrs. Yeomans on 702975 to book your seat.

---

Hiring Repton Primary School Premises

Now that Derbyshire County Council no longer provides adult education classes at Repton Primary School, the school premises are available for hire by tutors, instructors and the like for evening classes or meetings. If you would like to ask about fees, please contact the school office on 01283 703732.

---

Sue's Garage Sale

Due to the magnificent response to our appeal for items to sell, our garage sale raised an unbelievable £1,153. A large cheque has gone to the National Autistic Society (including private donations), and a smaller one to the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. A huge 'thank you' to everyone involved in any way.

As this was our last fund-raising event, someone might like to use the idea for the future - storage space and bundles of energy essential!

---

Repton W.I.

Diana Millner, the speaker at the July meeting, began with a short talk on the history of lace. She went on to show examples of beautiful lace work, before dividing members into groups around the pillows and bobbins which were ready for them to have a go. With an instructor standing by, most people found that the basic steps were not as difficult as they thought, and all who tried managed a row or two.

Garden Meeting, Tuesday 15th August (a week later than originally planned). It will be at Spring Cottage, 15 Main Street, where from 2.30 pm we will be enjoying tea and cakes in a lovely garden setting.

---

Poppy Appeal, Repton Royal British Legion

In the year to the end of May, the Repton and District Branch of the Royal British Legion raised £9605.51 for the Poppy Appeal. This is the highest amount ever collected in our district - which embraces Repton, Willington, Milton, Newton Solney, Bretby and Etwall - and is a credit to everyone involved. Over 10.5 million ex-service personnel and their dependants in the U.K. benefit in some way from funds generated by the appeal. May we pass on their thanks to you all.

---

Changes at Repton Pre-school

Caroline Redhead has come to the end of her stint as Chair of Pre-school and is succeeded by Gillian Cormack. Caroline writes: "I would like to thank our staff, parents, committee and children for a busy, successful year. I would also like to wish all our leavers a very happy start to primary school, wherever they will be starting in September - we will miss you all! Come back and visit from time to time ... " The Pre-school now has its own website at www.reptonpreschool.co.uk

---

Repton Open Gardens 2006

With splendid weather over the whole weekend, attendances were very good. Our grateful thanks to all who kindly opened their gardens - seventeen, including three at Repton School and three 'Yellow Book' (National Gardens Scheme) gardens; there was widespread praise.

The scarecrow competition again attracted a high standard of traditional, amusing and novel items.

St Wystan's Church was decorated with flowers, and Alan Kimber and Repton Village History Group arranged photographic displays of 'Old Repton' and 'The Dig, 1976 - 91'. There were organ recitals, and the bells rang.

In the churchyard, members of the Burton Floral Art Society, led by Margaret Rainey, staged a display of modern arrangements, interpreting with clever use of natural materials 'the Art of Flower Arranging in the Environment'. The display generated much interest and became a major talking-point.

In all, the event made over £3,000 for St Wystan's Church. We are most grateful to everyone who contributed in so many ways: cakes and confectioneries, plants and produce, books and prizes: to all who were so generous with their time and energies: to all the gardeners: and finally, to all our visitors - it was, as ever, a pleasure to meet you.

Not quite finally! The biggest 'thank you' goes to Tom himself, whose friendly persuasion contributed greatly to the success of the weekend.

Scarecrow Competition, winners and judges' comments: 1st prize 60 Milton Road
Awarded for attention to detail, standard and amount of work, humour and topicality.

2nd prize 56a Burton Road
Fit for purpose and a high standard of construction - plus entertainment value. Can we have it there permanently please?

3rd prize 21 Main Street, Newton Solney
Awarded for the standard of work involved and the close attention to detail.

Highly Commended
14 Chestnut Way Topical and definitely a 'scarecrow'
36 Chestnut Way Unusual and good entertainment value
58 Milton Road Very entertaining and good attention to detail
63 High Street Very well presented with excellent detail

Thank you to everyone who took part in the competition. All of the Scarecrows were entertaining and without exception of a very high standard. It's good to know that there is a tooth fairy!

This year's judges were Lynn Charles and Joan Townsend, both teachers with an interest in art and crafts.

---

Derbyshire Constabulary Neighbourhood Team

PC Kelemko, SC Seville and SC Gibson cover Repton, Willington and Findern. You can ring them on any aspect of Crime, Community Safety or any other issues in the neighbourhood. If they are unavailable, leave them a message and they promise to get back to you when they return to duty.

PC Kelemko has a mobile number, 07711 734430, but people have found it hard to contact him on that. Hence we advise: in an emergency, dial 999; for all non-emergencies, dial 0845 123 3333.

---

Crimestoppers

If you know of anyone committing any crime or dealing in drugs, please call: 0800 555 111 Calls are free. You will not be asked for your name or address. You may receive a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest and charge. Rewards are paid anonymously.

---

Repton Village Society, www.reptonvillage.org.uk

The Society had a full house for its visit to Staunton Harold Hall early in July. We were greeted and shown round by John and Jackie Blunt, who bought the Hall in 2003 and are in the process of restoring the building to a family home. The Hall was occupied by the army in 1940, then housed prisoners of war before becoming a Leonard Cheshire home and then a Sue Ryder hospice. It was fascinating to see how the Hall has developed from the original Jacobean building. The visit was rounded off with a light buffet with a glass of wine -a very pleasant way to spend an evening.

A week later, a small group managed a trip to Sheffield. During the morning we had a conducted tour of the Cutler's Hall with its history going back to 1624. The collection of cutting implements and silverware was impressive. In the afternoon we visited the grandiose town hall, opened by Queen Victoria in her 80th year, when the Duke of Norfolk was the Mayor of Sheffield. We travelled by Trent bus to Derby and train to Sheffield, with many making use of Wayfarers Tickets to minimise the cost.

'The Butterley Engineering Company', Thursday 7th September
Brian Key will be talking about this company which was a major player in its sector. 7.30 pm, Repton Village Hall.

---

Repton Village History Group, www.reptonvillage.org.uk

In June our members had an excellent visit to Burton Town Hall. We were met by the Mace Bearer in full regalia, and taken to the Council Chamber where the mayor gave us a fascinating talk about the history of Burton and the evolution of East Staffordshire Borough Council. It was most interesting to hear about the people involved and the town hall buildings, and to see the robes and chains of office. The highlight of the evening came when two of our members were persuaded to dress as the mayor and deputy in full regalia. Finally we were able to inspect the silverware and pottery on display. It was an interesting and enjoyable evening.

We have no meeting in the Village Hall in August. Details of our September meeting will be in the next Parish Magazine.

---

Repton Village History Group Publications

Over the years Repton Village History Group has published several books and leaflets about the village and its surrounding area. They are reasonably priced, good reading and useful as presents. Many of them are stocked at Repton Post Office.

The two most recent publications are 'Repton - Historic Capital of Mercia', well illustrated with many photos, and 'Notices and Jottings from St Wystan's Parish Magazine from 1889 to 1937', which contains many interesting extracts from old Parish Magazines.

Another very popular publication is 'Mr Astbury's Repton Diary of Summer 1843'. Mr Astbury stayed in Repton for 14 weeks and recorded all aspects of his stay in great detail. It is a fascinating record of village life 160 years ago. Finally, the 'Repton Trail' is a substantial leaflet describing notable buildings to be seen on a walk through the village. It is a most useful document for visitors to the area, and is also available to buy in St Wystan's Church.

---

Climbing the Church Spire in 1804

The following extract from 'Notices and Jottings from St Wystan's Parish Magazine' is taken from the Parish Magazine of April 1899'.

In the year 1804, Joseph Barton, a native of Repton, fixed a series of twelve ladders to the south-eastern facet of the spire, mounted to the weathercock, and brought it down. Adorned with streamers of ribbon, it was carried round the village, then repaired and replaced. Barton received £10, plus a goodly collection made among an admiring crowd of villagers, and others. Sad to relate, a few years later, he met with his death whilst repairing the spire of Twyford Church; the scaffold gave way, he fell to the earth and was picked up dead.

---

Repton PC Jottings, www.repton-pc.gov.uk

Council minutes and details of planning applications can be viewed on the website, which also gives access to parish, district and county council services.

Notes covering some of the main subjects discussed by Councillors at the July 2006 Repton Parish Council Meeting.

• Long-term plans are being developed to extract aggregates lying under Trent Valley farmland downstream from Willington Bridge. This is revealed in a consultative paper recently issued by Derbyshire County Council. The Parish Council has responded with the following comments:
1. Extracted gravel should not be transported through Repton, but instead conveyed over the river to larger roads.
2. On completion of extraction work the land should be devoted to wildlife conservation, not restored to farmland.
3. Any possibility of the area being used as a landfill site is objected to.
• A waste handling plant just outside Willington is one of the proposals in an outline plan for the future development of waste sites in the county. The parish council has written to DCC expressing concern that this would be close to existing housing, and also near proposed future residential development.
• Fearing that a planned reorganisation of police forces in the East Midlands would lead to a further reduction in the already low level of policing in rural communities such as Repton, the parish council has added its voice to the growing number of opponents to the widely publicised mergers.
• Many villagers continue to be unhappy that their black rubbish bins are only emptied fortnightly throughout much of the year, causing overflowing waste and bad smells during hot spells. A letter is being written to SDDC reporting that local residents continue to be annoyed with the current system, and also requesting that we have a kerbside collection of recyclable plastics, plus a collection point for cardboard in Milton.
• Not many weeks ago the planning authority rejected an application to erect 13 houses in Askew Grove, on land adjacent to the Cinder Track. The parish council originally listed ten separate grounds of objection. A revised application has now been re-submitted, with the number of houses reduced to 11. On a majority vote the parish council will not object this time provided:
1. the buildings are moved 2 metres away from the northern boundary
2. the Cinder Track hedge is replanted with native species in keeping with its rural setting
3. all services, particularly electricity, water and sewage, are upgraded and no occupation of the houses is permitted before these services are improved
4. planning officers meet the parish council to discuss the above, and a meaningful S106 agreement (funding for community projects)
Photos of the type of houses envisaged are shown on the planning page of the PC website. The developer advises that in the current market he anticipates their price would be £180,000 - £200,000

The next meeting of Repton Parish Council will be held on Tuesday 11th September at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall, preceded by a Parish Meeting at 7 pm.

---

Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney W.I.

Newton Solney W.I. has had a varied and interesting programme during the first half of 2006, ranging from member Sheila Hornsby's recollections of a visit to Mozambique to see where her husband was working and living, through to a cookery demonstration on 'Food for Vegetarian Guests'. Through our speakers we have 'visited' Calke Abbey and the Harper-Crewes, found out what 'The Magic Attic' contained, and become 'Active in the Forest'.

Members have again made monthly visits to lunch at the Mulberry Rooms of Burton College, and theatre visits have been organised to see the Pyjama Game and Naughty Marietta. We provided tea for a Derbyshire Pensioners' Club, and made and donated cakes for St Giles Hospice. Newton Solney also hosted a successful and enjoyable social evening for the Spring Social meeting, the theme being 'Theatre'.

Our quiz team was well placed again in the county quiz and the Willington W.I. fund-raising quiz.

A trip to Melbourne Hall and Gardens followed by tea at the tea-rooms has been arranged for August.

Jo Parfitt, our president, tel. 702580, would be pleased to give details to any prospective new members, or arrange for a 'taster' visit. We still have interesting meetings and outings to look forward to during the latter half of 2006.

---

Gardening Notes

August is usually a quieter time in the garden. The border will need tidying up, and keep dead-heading, where practical. Tidy up and tie in climbing and rambling roses; training them horizontally produces most flowers. Hybrid tea and floribunda roses will go on flowering into October if regularly dead-headed. Leave roses and the lawn alone if drought is a problem - they will recover in the autumn - but water phlox if they show signs of mildew. Plan changes and make a note of any new plants needed. Buy or order spring bulbs now for the best choice and the best bulbs.

Strawberry plants decline in vigour after two or three years, so peg some runners now, either in open ground or in pots of compost plunged into the soil; the latter tend to transplant better.

Cut back summer-fruiting raspberries. Check brassicas for cabbage-white caterpillars. Keep picking runner beans, and keep them well watered. Give Brussels sprouts a high-nitrogen feed as the small sprouts start to develop. Sow spinach and spring cabbage, also hardy lettuce under glass for use in winter.

Beech, yew, hawthorn and laurel hedges all need cutting in August.

Take cuttings from non-flowering shoots of tender perennials such as osteospermums, diascias, argyranthemums, penstemons and fuchsias, inserting them immediately in damp compost; if this is not possible, keep them briefly in a damp plastic bag in the shade. Take cuttings of semi-ripe wood from clematis, campsis, solanums and passion flowers; make one cut directly above a pair of leaves, the other cut halfway between this joint and the next down.

Most plants make rapid growth in the first half of summer and need more water then than later. Moderate drought may improve the flavour of some vegetables and tomatoes, but potatoes, peas and beans need plenty of water as they near harvesting. Also shrubs and trees in their first year after planting.

Water is essential for plant growth in several ways, but primarily in transporting essential minerals to the cells. Evaporation through the pores in the plant's leaves causes a constant flow of water and nutrients from the roots. A high rate of evaporation from the leaves and a lack of water entering through the roots causes the plant to wilt. Once a plant begins to wilt, its growth will be retarded.

The water supply to the plant is limited by its root system. Improving drainage and the structure of the soil by mulching with bulky compost, manure or gravel, and by double-digging if necessary, allows plants to develop a deeper root system. However, soil can only absorb water at a limited rate.

Water is held in the soil in capillary pores. It is most readily available to the plant through the larger pores. Clay soils hold the most water, but mostly in fine pores, so that the water is not always available. Sandy soils have large pores, which is better, but they drain quickly. Loamy soils contain both small and large pores, so the smaller pores retain the water and the larger pores facilitate drainage.

Puddling on the surface may cause run-off and soil erosion. Waterlogging prevents roots functioning efficiently; the plant will die if drainage is not improved. Making a hollow around the base of the plant or burying a plant pot close to the roots and filling it slowly with water will help. Garden sprinklers or drip-feed systems are efficient, since watering is spread over a longer period. Controlling weeds reduces the competition for water.

Before you go on holiday, stand containers in the shade and water well. Consider installing a drip system in the greenhouse. Stand indoor plants in the kitchen sink. But best of all, get a friendly neighbour to come in and do some watering. Hope for good weather on holiday, and rain at home.