September 2006 - Contents Jerusalem Today 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 Harvest Festival Services, Sunday 24th September Coffee Morning and Rural Churches Restoration Fund Cycle Ride and Walk Saturday 9th September Shell Group (for children aged 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Amelia Kerys Peers Natalie Anne Taylor Marriages Thomas Naylor and Naomi Stockton Christopher Haseldine and Olivia Smith Thomas Hobson and Rachel Parkin Venugopalen (Algen) Munnien and Anne Protheroe Funerals and Burial of Ashes Hazel Elizabeth Gardner Marlene Southgate Alice Edie Taylor Obituaries Elizabeth (Betty) Kitching Audrey Sarah Noble St Wystan's News Harvest Festival Diocesan Prayer Festival, Saturday 30th September Autumn Course on Prayer Floodlighting Iona Pilgrimage 2007 Repton M.U. Farewell to Joan and Andrew Cox St Mary's News Newton Solney Harvest Celebrations Repton Village Show, Saturday 2nd September Newton Solney Open Show, Saturday 2nd September Repton School Concerts Society, Yevgeny Sudbin, Tuesday 5th September RBL Fruit, Veg & Flower Show, Saturday 9th September Apple Day Tea, Saturday 16th September Rainbow Chasers in Concert, Saturday 16th September Bring & Share Harvest Supper, Saturday 23rd September MacMillan Coffee Morning, Friday 29th September MacMillan Coffee Morning, Saturday 30th September Autumn Ball, Saturday 30th September Thankyou Betty Kitching South Derbyshire South Derbyshire Heritage News Repton Village and History Repton Casuals Football Club Repton W.I. Repton Parish Council Repton Primary School Open Morning, Friday 22nd September Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Gardening Notes Clare Paine in Uganda

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Jerusalem Today

I have promised Bishop Riah H. Abu El-Assal, a Palestinian Arab Christian and Bishop of Jerusalem, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, to write about the situation he faces in Jerusalem.

There are men and women in Israeli society working across the political and religious divide to change hearts and minds to end the occupation and to bring about a just peace. Ronit is an Israeli member of a women's group of Israelis which aims to de-militarise Israeli society: "The Jews came from Europe because they were persecuted. Here they were going to build a safe place for themselves. But old myths about being thrown into the sea are still being used to justify killing Arabs and occupying their lands in the West Bank and Gaza, and to subjugate Israel's own internal Palestinian citizens."

Another is mother-of-three Ruth, a member of Machsom (Checkpoint) Watch. "It's child abuse, sending our soldiers to do what they are doing" she says. "We are sending 18- and 20-year olds to take freedom away from innocent people." She has always opposed keeping the territories captured in the Six Day War of 1967. She is sure the end of the occupation would bring nothing but good for Israel. "We need good neighbours. Frustrated, angry, hungry - that's the worst neighbour to have. We need healthy, happy neighbours."

Bishop Riah writes: "Israel's continued military aggression against Lebanon and the Gaza Strip creates a fertile ground for the seeds of hatred, degradation, and humiliation to take root and promote unrest and violent uprisings. The so-called 'war against terrorism' is creating generations of emotionally damaged youngsters who will be without a moral compass. The complete destruction of the enemy through military force and the bombing of homes, villages, and cities creates a rage at the core of otherwise innocent and potentially productive individuals." However, he continues: "I am encouraged by the increasing number of Israelis who support a two-nation-state solution, and who sincerely desire an end to Israeli occupation of Palestine, Lebanon and Syria. This will pave the way for a permanent peace and guarantee Israel's most desired objective, security."

What Bishop Riah says confirms my own opinion that there is a connection between the Middle East conflict and the threat of terror. This is not to condone acts of violence but to recognise that oppression begets violence.

I would echo the final words from Bishop Riah's letter: "Do not underestimate the influence you have as an individual to effect positive change in the lives of your brothers and sisters in Christ living in the Middle East. It is my hope that the truth of public opinion will influence governments to take a position of moral integrity."

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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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Harvest Festival Services, Sunday 24th September, 11 am and 6.30 pm

Give thanks for the harvest with our children and young people at the Family Service at 11 am, when Mr. George Beacock will lead the worship, with the children bringing their harvest baskets and taking part in the service; also at our evening service with our minister at 6.30 pm. We will be decorating the church on Friday 22nd September from 7 pm. If you can help, and / or bring items for decoration, please come along.

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Coffee Morning and Rural Churches Restoration Fund Cycle Ride and Walk
Saturday 9th September, 10.30 am to 2 pm

Our new season of Coffee Mornings begins on Saturday 9th September, with the usual home-made cakes and marmalade, the Webb Ivory stall, and the children's game. From noon until 2 pm we will be serving jacket potato lunches. We will be welcoming those taking part in the annual Rural Churches Sponsored Cycle Ride and Walk from 10.30 am until 2 pm. Everyone is welcome!

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Shell Group (for children aged 7+)

The new season begins on Monday 11th September at 6 pm. New members are welcome.

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Baptisms

Amelia Kerys Peers, the daughter of Lucy and Phil Peers of 53 High Street, was baptised at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Sunday 20th August.

Natalie Anne Taylor, the daughter of Zandra and Kristian Taylor of 48 Arran Close, Sinfin, Derby, was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 27th August.

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Marriages

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

Thomas Naylor and Victoria Bucknall were married at St Saviour's Church, Foremark, on Saturday 22nd July.

Christopher Haseldine and Olivia Smith were married at St Saviour's Church, Foremark, on Saturday 29th July.

Thomas Hobson and Rachel Parkin were married at St Saviour's Church, Foremark, on Saturday 5th August.

Venugopalen (Algen) Munnien and Anne Protheroe were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 12th August.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Hazel Elizabeth Gardner of 3 Swallowdale Road, Sinfin, Derby died, on Sunday 23rd July aged 56. A service was held at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on 31st July, followed by committal at Bretby Crematorium.

Marlene Southgate of 31 Keats Avenue, Derby, died on Friday 28th July aged 70. A service was held at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 8th August, followed by committal at Markeaton crematorium.

Audrey Sarah Noble of The Dales Care Home, Fisher Close, and lately of 10 Milton Road, Repton, died on Thursday 3rd August aged 92. A service was held at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 16th August, followed by committal in the family grave at Twyford churchyard.

Elizabeth (Betty) Kitching of 24 Chestnut Way, Repton, died on Friday 4th August aged 82. A service was held at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 15th August, followed by committal at Bretby crematorium.

Alice Edie Taylor of 92 High Street, Repton, died on Monday 7th August aged 22 months. A service which included the committal was held at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 16th August.

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Obituaries

Betty Kitching

Betty was a remarkable lady. Following her mother's early death, she gave up further education to look after her father, and as a young wife she found herself responsible, not merely for Colin, but also, following the death of their parents, for his 12 year-old brother.

She was never in paid employment but played a full part in community work. In the Civil Defence, she drove an ambulance and then trained other drivers.

Following her move with Colin to the Midlands in 1972, she was involved with the archaeological dig in Repton and became very interested in history, helping to found Repton Village History Group. She became a steward at Calke Abbey and did a lot of research into the Harpur-Crewe family, particularly the Ladies of Calke, which led her to spend many hours in the county archives at Matlock.

Betty was a founder member of 'Take Heart' Derby branch, and also worked for Meals on Wheels, becoming very attached to her 'customers'.

Perhaps her most remarkable achievement was to take up again the education that she had missed. At a time in life when most people are thinking of retiring, she enrolled in the Open University and successfully completed her degree course.

We offer our sympathy to Colin and their two sons.

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Audrey Noble

Audrey Sarah Noble was born in 1913 in Winshill. Her father, the Rev'd Samuel Noble, was a missionary and colonial chaplain in Southern Nigeria, her grandfather a manager of the Midland Railway in its heyday, and her great grandfather a surgeon in Kendal. She was very proud of all this, her ancestry and heritage.

Audrey has been a significant part of the fabric of Repton since she arrived with her mother, sister and brother in 1935 after the death of their father, who at that time was vicar of Barrow and Twyford. Perhaps she will best be remembered for her major role in the church and as a teacher.

Audrey loved the church and devoted considerable time to it. She is reported as saying: "If I could go and live in church, I would." Many vicars of Repton came to see her as their rock. Besides acting as sacristan and teaching in Sunday School, Audrey was organist, chorister and a keen bell-ringer. She had a lovely voice and loved music; one of her few regrets was that she never had the chance to have her voice trained.

At St Wystan's she taught for 30 years, retiring in 1974. She had a wonderful way with children, and there must be many a pupil and adult who has enjoyed her acute sense of humour, repartee and the glint in her eye. Her humour was infectious and the children benefited from her dedication, conscientiousness and care. Many kept in touch with her until her death.

In all, Audrey was a very genuine Christian person, brought up with a strong faith, and very proud of her background and roots. Even when she was crippled with arthritis, she never felt sorry for herself. She always thought that she had had a good life and was extremely grateful for it.

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St Wystan's News

Harvest Festival

St Wystan's Harvest Festival is on Sunday 24th September. We will be making a collection of items for the Padley Centre in Derby. Items which are always appreciated include packets of biscuits and pasta, tins of corned beef and tuna, tea-bags and packeted or tinned soup; also good quality clothes for young adults, shampoo, towels and the like. A list of other items that they would appreciate will be posted at the back of the church.

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Diocesan Prayer Festival

There will be a day of prayer and reflection with Bishop Alastair on Saturday 30th September at Wirksworth Parish Church from 10 am to 4 pm. You may come and go as you wish. The timetable will include: an address by Bishop Alastair at 11 am; times in the morning and afternoon to experience and explore; a prayer tree; space for contemplation; images of Christ; working with clay; using our senses. For full details please see the notice in church. This will be a timely contribution to our own exploration of prayer in our autumn course.

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Autumn Course on Prayer

Last month we reported on the Parish Day run by Martin Cavender in June. All of us who attended thought that he gave us something exciting to explore. Now it's over to us. The aspect of our life that most people thought was weakest was listening to God and seeking his will. So it is our intention to hold a mini-course on prayer during the autumn. The course will run for just four sessions each of which will be offered twice a week. The proposed dates are:

Session 1      Monday 11th September, 7.30 pm; Tuesday 12th September, 2 pm

Session 2      Monday 25th September, 7.30 pm; Tuesday 26th September 2 pm

Session 3      Monday 9th October, 7.30 pm; Tuesday 10th October, 2 pm

Session 4      Monday 30th October, 7.30 pm; Tuesday October 31st, 2 pm

We may be able to invite Martin back towards the end of November, possibly on Saturday 25th for a further session. Sessions will be held in church unless otherwise notified.

The subjects we will be exploring will including; praying with creation; praying with the Word; the use of the body in prayer; the creative use of silence. This is not an exclusive list and others' experience may add additional topics.

Please sign the notice at the back of the church if you wish to attend as it would be good to have some idea of numbers. Thank you.

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Floodlighting

When you drive back to Repton on a dark evening, do you enjoy as I do the friendly sight of St Wystan's spire floodlit and welcoming you home?

Floodlighting was installed in 1977 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Derby Diocese - which happily coincided with the Queen's Silver Jubilee.

If you would like to floodlight the spire in memory of someone you love, or perhaps to celebrate a special occasion or anniversary, contact Martin Wimbush on 703180. There is no charge but a donation towards church funds is greatly appreciated.

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Iona Pilgrimage 2007

On Lindisfarne in April, the idea was floated that we might run a pilgrimage to Iona next year. I have been in contact with the Abbey on Iona, where the present Iona Community founded by George MacLeod just before the Second World War runs courses and welcomes guests throughout the summer. An Iona week now runs from Saturday to Friday. Most weeks are themed and offer to explore issues about which the Community is concerned: social, economic and political justice; the renewal of the church; new and inclusive approaches to worship and others. Common elements of the programme for each week include: a pilgrimage around the island; boat trips to the island of Staffa (for an extra charge); a ceilidh (dance and song) on Monday nights in the village hall; a grand concert on Wednesday night with guests taking the leading roles; a craft room to be explored; opportunities to learn new worship songs, to help lead the music and / or singing in worship; sessions about the Iona Community and its healing ministry.

The cost is approximately £230 full board for adults, £117.50 for full-time students or £112 for youths (12-15), plus travel costs which will depend on numbers. We could travel by train - more expensive - or by minibus. Please contact Peter, 703317 or peterspaine@surefish.co.uk, if you would like to receive the full letter about travel options and accommodation arrangements.

For those who would like to hear the full story of the founding of the Community and / or explore the logistics of a pilgrimage, Carol and I are inviting you to the vicarage for an evening of Iona worship and the video of the rebuilding of the monastic domestic quarters on Sunday 17th September at 7.30 pm .

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Repton M.U.

There is no official meeting in August, but instead members enjoyed an informal gathering at 44 Pinfold Close. It was too cold to sit outside so refreshments were served indoors, and news and views were exchanged at greater length than is possible when a speaker has been invited.

September is a busy month:

Thursday 7th, 7.30 pm: Quiet Evening at Hartshorne Church

Monday 18th, 7.30 pm: Diocesan Festival, Derby Cathedral

Wednesday 20th, 2.15 pm: Fisher Close Room: Sylvia Fox, 'Bible Study'

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Farewell to Joan and Andrew Cox

Joan and Andrew came to Repton in 1977 and have been loyal members, with their daughters, Emma and Jenny, of St Wystan's Church, serving the church in many ways, not least on the PCC, where it was Joan who suggested grazing sheep in the rear section of the churchyard, just as happened in her father's church in the north of Scotland. Joan was for many years a member of the Sunday School team and also in charge of floodlighting the church.

Joan taught at a number of local schools, most recently at St Wystan's, Andrew at Repton. As a Geography teacher, Andrew's passion for travel led to expeditions to places as far flung as Bolivia, Kenya, China, Nepal, the Atlas Mountains and the Grand Canyon, and to a succession of wonderful, illustrated talks. Both have splendid singing voices and sang regularly in MusSoc.

For many years Andrew coordinated the Repton Village and School 'Sale of Work & Fun Day', which every year raises tens of thousands of pounds for local, national and international charities.

Now they have retired to the seaside in North Berwick where they are conveniently placed for Edinburgh, the golf and walking; they are both keen walkers and first met in the Mountaineering Club at Aberdeen University.

Thank you to both of them for their huge contribution to St Wystan's Church over many years. We wish them a long and happy retirement.

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St Mary's News

Newton Solney Harvest Celebrations

Staff and pupils at Newton Solney School will celebrate the Harvest in St Mary's Church at 2.30 pm on Friday 29th September, with the congregational Harvest Festival following on Sunday 1st October at the 10 am All-age Service. Contributions of produce, flowers and foliage will be welcomed on the mornings of Friday and Saturday, 29th and 30th September, as will help with decorating the church on either or both of those days. Gifts of fresh produce, dry goods and toiletries will be delivered during the following week to the Padley Centre and the Derby City Mission.

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Repton Village Show Saturday 2nd September in Repton Village Hall Staging from 10am to 11.45 Show opens at 2.30. Auction from 3.45 pm Refreshments Schedules & entry forms from the Post Office or at the show on the day. Please support your Village Show!

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!

Repton School Concerts Society Yevgeny Sudbin - Piano Tuesday 5th September at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall. The Society is pleased to welcome to Repton this young Russian virtuoso from St Petersburg. This promises to be a remarkable and memorable concert. The recital will consist of a richly varied programme of music by Scarlatti, Chopin, Debussy and Scriabin. Season tickets for the whole series of concerts are available at £50 for 10 concerts, or individual concerts for £12 and £9 concessions. For further information or tickets contact: The Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

Royal British Legion, Repton Fruit, Veg & Flower Show Saturday 9th September at the Legion Presentation and auction at 8.30 pm Schedules available from the Legion Bar. Entries to be in place by 2.30 pm Show open to non-members

Burton Floral Art Society Apple Day Tea Saturday 16th September at 2.30 pm in Repton Village Hall Raffle, Stalls & Games Teas £1.50 served from 3 pm

Rainbow Chasers in Concert Saturday 16th September Ashley Hutchings, founder member of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and the Albion Band, is bringing his current acoustic ensemble, Rainbow Chasers, to Repton School as part of a tour to promote their new album. The evening will open with a short set by Ashley's son, Blair, and will also feature Judy Dunlop, a renowned Folk singer in her own right. Ashley describes Rainbow Chasers' music as 'intelligent Folk', and those familiar with his enormous contribution to British music will know that this concert is an opportunity to see Folk performed at its very best. The concert will take place in the Art School, High Street, Repton, starting at 7.30 pm. Tickets cost £10 and seats can be reserved by ringing 01283 559200 or by contacting me in the Art School, 01283 559 301. Jeremy Bournon

St Wystan's Church Bring & Share Harvest Supper Repton Village Hall. Saturday 23rd September at 7.30 pm £1. Everyone welcome. Bring your own drink and glasses. Sign up on the notice at the back of St Wystan's Church, or ring Jan Gilham, 703340, or Karen Perks, 702392, for details and to discuss dishes.

MacMillan Coffee Morning Newton Solney Infant School will be holding a MacMillan coffee morning in the school hall on Friday 29th September between 9.30 and 11 am in aid of Cancer Relief. Everyone is most welcome to come along.

Coffee Morning in aid of MacMillan Cancer Relief Saturday 30th September, 10 am - noon 9 The Crescent, Repton Books, Bric-a-Brac, Toys, Raffle, Tombola All Welcome Donations or prizes would be greatly appreciated. Phone Sue Sharratt, 701619, or leave them at the above address.

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

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Thankyou

Betty Kitching

I have been overwhelmed by the number of letters and cards received since 4th August, and the task of acknowledging each one is beyond me. So this note records my appreciation - and that of the family - for the kindness and support extended to us by so many.

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South Derbyshire

South Derbyshire Heritage News

... is a fascinating source of local history. Liberally illustrated, it has been published three times a year around April, August and December. It is circulated to parish councils, historical groups and libraries, but you can also read it through South Derbyshire website, www.south-derbys.gov.uk. To receive Heritage News by email, email philip.heath@south-derbys.gov.uk.

The following extract gives a flavour; unfortunately we cannot reproduce the accompanying illustrations.

Trent Crossings

The Trent at Twyford, meaning the 'double ford', could still be crossed by chain ferry as recently as 1963, when the boat was washed away in floods. Until Victorian times, Swarkestone Bridge formed the only roadway connection between the southern extremity of Derbyshire and the rest of the County north of Trent. Willington Bridge, originally a toll bridge, was opened in 1839 and the Midland Railway viaduct was built over the river between Melbourne and Weston in 1867. Other crossing points were provided by fords and ferries, all long abandoned with the ascendancy of motor vehicles.

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Repton Village & History

Repton Casuals Football Club

Ball Skills sessions re-commence on Saturday 9th September at Broomhills Lane Playing Fields. Newcomers welcome aged 5 upwards. For further details contact Bob Errington on 701183.

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Repton W.I.

Members were lucky with the weather for their August Garden Social Meeting. Everyone sat in the sun and enjoyed tea, cake and a chat in the garden of Spring Cottage. President, Jill Cownie, thanked Jenny Jones and her husband for their hospitality.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 12th September at 7.15 pm in the Village Hall: Richard Papworth, 'My Life as a Prison Officer'.

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Repton Parish Council

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

In response to queries following last month's item about proposed sites for aggregate mining in the Trent Valley, a map of the suggested site most relevant to Repton has been posted on the parish council website. It stretches from Willington Bridge to Twyford, on the Repton side of the river. A second potential site, only partly within the parish, continues further downstream to just short of Ingleby. The map can be found on the 'news' page of the website.

A revised application to build 11 houses on land next to the Cinder Track in Askew Grove has been approved by the planning authority, and in fact, work on site has already begun. It has been agreed that the developer will provide funding for the local community to the tune of £4884 for medical care, £18,462 towards local education, and £11,000 to enhance public open space in the neighbourhood.

Our Parish Council Clerk, Celia Bunston is to be congratulated on recently gaining her Certificate in Local Council Administration. In order for a parish council to achieve Quality Council status it must have a fully qualified council clerk. Celia became the clerk at Repton six years ago, and she holds a similar post at Ticknall, where she lives. If you have a query about any council matter you are welcome to phone her at home on 01332 865226; alternatively she can be found at the parish council office in the Dales on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.

The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust's walks around Willington Reserve have proved highly popular, with all places now taken for the first walk on 10th September, and a second one planned for October. All those who have put their names down will be contacted by the Trust with full details. For anyone interested in becoming more actively involved, the Trust is organising working parties on the third Sunday of each month. To find out more, phone the DWT at Belper: 01773 881188.

A personal profile and photo of most parish councillors has recently been added to the PC website, together with similar details for local county and district councillors. Go to the 'councillors' page to see your representatives and to learn more about them.

A donation of £250 has been made to the Village Hall towards the cost of essential pruning and crown reduction of the large trees beside the Brook.

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.

Repton Primary School Open Morning Friday 22nd September 9.30 am - 11.30 am Do you have children in the Repton catchment area who are due to start school in September 2007? Would you like to come and see what we do? Repton Primary School is holding an informal Open Morning for existing and prospective pupils and their parents to come and find out more about the school. Come and join us, meet the staff and other parents and pupils, see our excellent facilities and what we do. We look forward to meeting you!

Repton Village History Group

We are very sad to hear of the passing of Betty Kitching, the founder member in 1980 of the RVHG, which had sprung from an earlier WEA evening class and a village survey. Colin and Betty have been an inspiration to the group over many years, and we pay tribute to their enthusiasm and drive in researching and recording the history of Repton. In 2005, Colin was elected our honorary life president in recognition of the great contributions made by them both.

In July we heard an excellent talk in July by Barbara Fibiger on 'Living Above the Shop', followed by a summer break from our regular meetings. We resume on Tuesday 19th September, when Keith Blood will talk about 'The Victorian Schoolroom' (Repton Village Hall at 7.30 pm). Keith is an excellent speaker and an expert in his subject, being very much involved with the National Trust's Museum of Childhood at Sudbury Hall.

We look forward to seeing our members and visitors again, and have put together a winter programme which we trust will be of interest to most people.

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Repton Village Society

Meetings take place at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall.

'The Butterley Engineering Company', Thursday 7th September
Our autumn programme starts with Brian Key, a member of the Heanor Local History Group, who has a particular interest in this company. His talk will outline the history and achievements of the Butterley Company, which was a major player in its sector but has now disappeared from the landscape. It will be best remembered for the steelwork in St Pancras Station, which still bears the company's name, and the newly restored Falkirk Wheel Canal Lift.

'The Gas Man comes to Call', Thursday 5th October
A talk by an anaesthetist from Burton Queens Hospital, now retired, tracing the history of anaesthetics from opium to computer technology.

December Coffee Morning: Calling for Hobbies, Crafts and Societies
At our last December coffee morning, people presented their hobbies and crafts, and the Village Show committee had a display. This year we would like to extend the invitation again, so if you are a member of a society, or would like to start one and would like a table to display your work, then let Alan Webster know on 701838. The charity we are supporting this year is St Giles' Hospice.

Results of the RVS Floral Container and Front Garden Competition
On walking round the village there were many very good hanging baskets, and front gardens that were a credit to their owners. Not all had entered the competition, but of those that did, the standard was as high as before, again setting the judge some tough decisions. It was nice to see new entrants among the prize-winners.


The prizes (vouchers for Bretby Nurseries) will be presented at Repton Village Show prize-giving on 2nd September, and have been sponsored by both Repton Parish Council and Bretby Nurseries.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

During the summer, members have enjoyed the usual monthly meetings, when speakers have included Elizabeth Davies, who talked about her support of the Tara Project, and Barbara Gunner who enthused on the healing properties of the Aloe Vera plant.

Outings continue to be popular and members have been on a theatre visit to see 'Grumpy Old Women'. Some members have taken regular evening and weekend walks, and in July several other Mercia Group W.I.'s joined us for a coach trip to 'Calendar Girls' country, where a local history guide pointed out places of historical and topical interest. A stop at Skipton Market for bargains and an early evening fish and chip supper rounded off a 'grand day out'.

The August meeting involved some members in cycling the Tissington trail before taking a guided tour of Tissington Hall.

In September we shall be providing teas for two separate groups of visitors to our area. The September speaker will be Mrs. Fairweather, showing us how to make Christmas Garlands - in good time!

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Gardening Notes

How quickly the seasons pass! Once again we are at the end of summer, the harvesting mainly finished, and now preparing for winter and making plans for next year. No rest for the wicked - or for gardeners.

We can make a start on tidying up the border, cutting back any perennials that have suffered in the hot weather, and making a note of the plants that need to be divided or replaced. Leave alone any plants whose faded flowers or seed-heads could provide benefit for wildlife or added winter interest. Later in the month you will need to clear summer bedding and prepare containers for winter- and spring-flowering plants. Lift and store gladioli and any other tender summer bulbs. A decision will have to be made as to whether to dig out shrubs, roses and other plants apparently killed by the heat and drought of July. Some may shoot again next spring - or even now - but the alternative is to start afresh with new plants.

Clip young lavender plants hard to encourage bushiness, but in older plants do not cut into old wood. Deciduous magnolias rarely need pruning, but if they do, do it now. If cut in winter they tend to bleed, which can lead to die-back.

Continue to take cuttings of tender plants which might succumb to a cold or wet winter. Pelargoniums, argyranthemums, fuchsias, osteospermums, verbenas, salvias, diascias and penstemons are all likely candidates. Last year I grew lobelia cardinalis from seed, and regarding them as very tender, lifted them into a cold frame for the winter, but some that I had missed survived hard frost happily. Cuttings of pelargoniums, pinks, lavender and silver-leaved plants dislike humidity and should not be put in a plastic bag or propagator. Rose cuttings can also be taken now, although this is most successful with species roses. Place cuttings of this season's growth, at least six inches long, in a shallow trench in a shaded area or cold frame, adding sharp, gritty sand around their base before you refill and firm the trench. They take a year to eighteen months before they are established.

Alpines are accustomed to cold but do hate wet. Plant them with plenty of grit to promote good drainage. Some may need keeping still drier, so place a sheet of glass as an umbrella over them.

Stake tall, top-heavy vegetables such as Brussels sprouts to prevent wind damage. Lift main-crop potatoes when the tops die down, and onions if not already harvested. Plant spring cabbage. Winter lettuce and salads can still be sown. With some protection some will survive in the open, but most will do better under a cloche or in a cold frame. Keep the greenhouse well ventilated to prevent condensation, and remove shading from the glass; check the heaters. Indoor plants need less water now; cacti and succulents can often be left dry all winter.

The fat, white grubs of the vine weevil become active now, chewing away at plant roots. This can be especially damaging to pot plants. A liquid drench of Bio Provado vine weevil killer is recommended. The appropriate nematodes can be used on edible plants but are only effective between 5-20°C, and the soil must not dry out! Keep up your guard, because stopping treatment after the pest has apparently disappeared can allow numbers to build up again. Spring-flowering meadows are usually cut at the end of June, but later, summer-flowering meadows can be cut in September when the flowers have gone to seed. Leave the cut hay for a few days to let any remaining seed fall out, then rake it up and remove, so that it does not enrich the soil and encourage dominant grasses. New flower meadows can be sown now.

Do not scarify lawns after a hot, dry summer, but rake lightly to remove thatch and debris. Spike the whole area to a depth of about four inches when there is some moisture in the soil, and apply an autumn fertiliser, which has a higher ratio of potassium and phosphates to nitrogen, to promote root rather than sappy top growth. Sow grass seed over bare patches, and finally, top-dress the lawn with a sand-based mix.

Frost can occur in September; be ready to move tender plants under cover, and have fleece handy to protect any that you leave out.

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Clare Paine in Uganda

With your help, Clare Paine is spending eight months in rural Uganda teaching Global Politics at the Central Buganda University, a mission university 96 km west of Kampala. A big 'thank you' to all who have supported her. Her final fund-raising event, the Bangers & Mash, made £220. Thank you to Karen Perks and Sue Parker who organised it, and to John and Suzy Perks who called the numbers.

first impressions

i arrived friday afternoon via Dubai and Adis Ababa. met at airport by Margaret, the bursar of university. big smile and made me feel instantly welcome. i was shattered but adrenalin kicked in ... good job as we had 3-hour trip to Kasaka (my village) via numerous hotels to change money, markets for vegetables and margaret's house to get my bedroom key. road from Kampala started off as concrete, turned to track, got increasingly narrower and bumpier as the surroundings got darker ... due to sun setting and power being off. finally stopped in pitch darkness with small light coming from small building, my new home!

shown room. inside is a bed and two plastic chairs, a hanging piece of rope with coat-hangers, full stop. the toilet was through the living space, which is our kitchen, along another corridor with no roof as this half of the building hasn't been finished, and at the end with a piece of tin roofing just covering. the toilet is a concrete structure. of course it wouldn't be hygienic to sit on it so perching, as opposed to squatting, is the order of the day ... the wash room is a bowl with a jerry can full of cold water. oh and i soon realsed that i would never be alone ... i'm always accompanied by these six-legged hopping things!

ok, after dinner i was in my room thinking ... what have i got myself into? however, as I crawled under my mosquito net and finally let myself relax i began to reflect on the scenes i had witnessed on my way to my new home. it had been pouring down with rain ... i mean serious English 'cats and dogs', and there were so many people struggling to make it home carrying their worldly goods, or were actually at home but the roof was obviously leaking. we passed people with children on the roads just walking despite the storm, and how many of those arrived at a place that gave them shelter, a dry and warm bed, food on the table and a welcome party? i thanked God from the bottom of my heart for all that i had, as i realised that o.k it's basic here but its everything i need and more than the people around me could dream of having.

waking the next morning, after a good night sleep, i felt really ready to start again. what a beautiful place i live in. green hills with splashes of red flowers. the following few days i spent getting used to the rhythm of life, being introduced to those around me and seeing the university. it is clear that i am living in one of the poorest places in Uganda. the university is also very basic, with a couple of offices, a place for volunteers to live ... but as yet I'm not sure where the teaching happens. the Diocese / Church offices are here for the surrounding area, so there is also a rather big church. the bishop is a jolly and sincere fellow who has spent a little time in New Zealand when he was a student and so can help to bridge some of the cultural gaps. he is the chancellor of the uni and as we haven't got a vice-chancellor at present he is the boss.

Kasaka (my village) doesn't have any shops, so a 30 minute walk to Kanoni is the nearest place to get the very basic things. There is always someone walking along the road or track and always someone to greet or who will welcome you to their country again! alternatively you can take the boda-boda (motorbike / taxi) to-and-fro.

Kampala is the capital, a 2hr trip in a small van full to the brim. luckily today we got front seats. this meant great views. we went through so many villages and because of the early time of day many children were heading to school in their different coloured uniforms. through one village it would be a mass of green then the next village a mass of pink, then blue ... like a rainbow!

a last thought ... it seems that all walks of life have their problems, and whatever the situation we find ourselves in, everyone can suffer and everyone needs love. there are no excuses not to smile!