December 2006 - Contents The Peace of the Christ Child Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Christmas Services 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 Christmas at the United Reformed Church Posada - a Mexican Christmas tradition for Advent! Coffee Mornings Shell (for children aged 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Alessandro Mark Greenall Jessica Emily Debenham Repton Benefice Church Electoral Roll 'Bike & Hike' A Turkish Delight Iona Pilgrimage Visit to Santiago de Compostella Ocean Pilgrimage St Wystan's News Repton M.U. Repton Neighbourhood Help, Luncheon Club and Drop-in Centre St Mary's News St Mary's Preparations for Christmas Burton Floral Art Society, Friday 1st December Repton Primary Christmas Fair, Friday 1st December RVS Coffee Morning, Saturday 2nd December NS Infant School Christmas Fair, Saturday 2nd December Repton Care Group Evening with Alison MacKenzie, Saturday 2nd December Repton Village and History Repton W.I. Repton Village History Group 'Stamp And Deliver' Christmas Presents and Stocking-Fillers Trains from Willington Repton Parish Council Repton Village Society Repton Village Society Programme, 2007 Repton Fireworks - Thank You! Bins and Cars Gardening Notes Clare Paine: The rains are coming

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The Peace of the Christ Child

I write with a heavy heart. We are coming up to Christmas, a time of joy and hope, and rightly so. But in writing of Christmas, I am reminded of Bethlehem and the people of Bethlehem today.

All might have been well had I not recently received from a religious publisher a series of pictures which combine images of how life is for the people of Bethlehem with the words of two Christmas carols, 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' and 'Silent night', pictures which will be displayed in the church over the Christmas season.

Bethlehem today is almost entirely surrounded by a forty-foot concrete wall, a new kind of open prison. Its people can only get to their farm lands or to their work in Jerusalem after queuing, sometimes for hours, at a 'terminal' (or checkpoint). Most of those on the wrong side of the wall are Muslim. There were many Christians too, but a very high proportion have fled the conflict.

Should we wonder that so many Muslims in the world are so anti-western?

I don't want to spoil your Christmas, but what is Christmas about if it is not about peace on earth?

There is always the danger that our faith and its celebration becomes an escape into a fantasy world. That is particularly so at Christmas, which is so much a festival enjoyed by children who have no responsibility for the adult world. Is that so for you too, good reader?

The Christ Child was born into the real world of taxes, a national census, ruthless kings and the flight of refugees. The Christmas that we celebrate this month will just be a fantasy unless we grow up with that child and recognise the relevance of his life for our adult world.

One of the pictures I received depicts a Palestinian teenager writing graffiti on the wall. It shows a large red heart and the words: 'Let peace fill our hearts, our minds, and our world.' Is it not remarkable how hope springs eternally in the human heart? Is not that what Christmas is about?

May you truly know the peace of the Christ Child in your heart this Christmas.

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

Christmas Services

Sunday 3rd December at 6.30 pm: Advent Candlelight Service
This service of Advent carols and choral works sung by the Wystan singers starts off in the dark and is illuminated by candlelight. The theme is the coming of God's anointed one, whose birth is anticipated by the prophesies of the Old Testament.

Sundays 3rd and 10th December: Christingle Services
At St Mary's on the 3rd, and at St Wystan's on the 10th, the Christingle Service will be at 4 pm. It is always very popular with the children, and children from our local schools will again be invited as last year. The service was introduced into this country by the Children's Society, so beforehand children are asked to contribute to a collection for them in a special candle-shaped collecting flame. This is then brought to the service and exchanged for a lighted Christingle.

Sundays 10th and 17th December: Carol Services
On 10th December, Carol Services will be held at St Saviour's, Foremark, and at St Mary's, Newton Solney, both at 4 pm. The service at St Wystan's will be on 17th December at 6.30 pm, when the Wystan Singers will lead the singing.

Sunday 17th December: The Gift Service
. . . at St Wystan's is at 9.45 am. At this service we invite worshippers to bring a gift and place it under the tree for families at Christmas. During the week they will be distributed by Home-Start to needy families in Swadlincote. If presents are wrapped, it is very helpful if a note on the outside says what it is, so that they can be given to the right age-range and sex. Gifts of money are also welcome.

Christmas Eve, the Fourth Sunday of Advent
The morning of 24th December will be the Fourth Sunday of Advent; after midday we celebrate Christmas Eve. Mary the mother of Jesus is the focus of our morning worship at St Wystan's at 9.45 am. (Note that there will be no 8 am Holy Communion).

Christmas Eve: Crib Service
In the afternoon there will be Crib Services at St Mary's and St Wystan's, both at 4 pm. Before this service we are again inviting the children of the Primary School to host a figure from the crib for one night during December as a way of welcoming Jesus into their home. They and their families will then be invited to come to the crib service, where we will bring up those figures to make our Christmas Crib.

Christmas Eve: Midnight Communion
There will be Midnight Communion at both St Mary's and St Wystan's. At St Wystan's we start at 11.15 pm, and at St Mary's at 11.30 pm. At St Mary's, the Rev'd Adam Watkinson will preside and preach.

Christmas Day
The first service of the day is Holy Communion at 8 am at St Wystan's. At 9.15 am there is a service of Holy Communion with carols at St Saviour's, and at 10 am June Scott will lead a service of Communion by Extension at St Mary's. The Christmas Day Family Carol Service at St Wystan's is at 10.30 am. Children will be invited to dress up to form a scene from the crib.

New Year's Eve, the First Sunday of Christmas
There will be Holy Communion at St Wystan's at 8 am. This will be followed at 10 am by a benefice service for all three churches at St Mary's. There will be no mid-morning service at Repton or Foremark.

New Year's Eve: The Watchnight Service and Fireworks
. . . at St Wystan's at 11.30 pm will be followed by mince pies. You are invited to bring a bottle and join the ringers in a New Year toast, after which you can watch the firework display in the churchyard.

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St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

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Readers, Intercessors and Offertory 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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Christmas at the United Reformed Church

There is something for everyone this Christmas, with the emphasis on family worship. Advent Carols at Fisher Close on 3rd December; on the following Sunday, 10th December, the Nativity services, with another new - and funny - play presented by the children and young people, which gives us a new perspective on the Christmas story; and on Sunday 17th December the chance to make your very own Christingle. Christmas Eve is very special, with a Storybox service in the morning, and the traditional lessons and carols by candlelight in the evening.

Bring a present for us to see on Christmas morning at 10.30 am, in a service that lasts about forty minutes, and is for all the family.

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Posada - a Mexican Christmas tradition for Advent!

Posada - meaning 'Inn' in Spanish - asks members of the congregation to offer hospitality to Mary and Joseph for a night during Advent. The model figures of Mary and Joseph are taken in for the night, and then passed on to the next home on the list. The tradition focuses our minds on the homeless and the situation faced by the Holy family. The figures are taken back to Church on Christmas Eve. If you would like to be part of Posada, please ring us on 701581.

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Coffee Mornings

. . . for 2007 begin again on Saturday 13th January.

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Shell

The Shell group meets again on Monday 8th January at 6.30 pm.

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Baptisms

Alessandro Mark, son of Jonathan and Gillian Greenall of Mallorca, was baptised at St Saviour's Church, Foremark, on Saturday 4th November.

Jessica Emily, daughter of James and Lucy Debenham of Foremarke Hall, Milton, was baptised at St Saviour's Church, Foremark, on Saturday 12th November.

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Repton Benefice

Church Electoral Roll

Every six years we have to renew our Electoral Roll. However long you have been on the roll, you have to re-apply and complete a new form. These will be available at the back of St Wystan's from the beginning of December. The new roll must be completed 14 days before the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, by 6th February in the case of Repton. It would be a great help if you complete a form straightaway, and give or send it to Margaret Scott, 54 Pinfold Close, St Wystan's Electoral Roll Officer. Please include your phone number and email address, if you have one, as it would greatly assist communications. (This will not be included on the Electoral Roll displayed in church.)

To be on the Church Electoral Roll, you must be baptized and over 16. Also, you must:

Either be a member of the Church of England (or a Church in Communion with it) and resident in the parish;

Or be a member of the Church of England (or a Church in Communion with it) and although not resident in the parish, have habitually attended public worship in the parish during the six months before enrolment;

Or be a member of a Church (not in communion with the Church of England) which subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, and also declare yourself to be a member of the Church of England, and have habitually attended public worship in the parish during the six months before enrolment.

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'Bike & Hike'

By contrast with the same event in 2005, the sponsored 'Bike & Hike' took place this September on a warm sunny day. Since then over £300 has been collected in sponsorship money to be sent on to the Derbyshire Churches and Chapels Preservation Trust; half of this will be returned to the churches concerned. Warm thanks to all involved, cyclists, walkers, sponsors, as well as those who acted as welcoming stewards in our four participating churches.

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A Turkish Delight

In October an ecumenical group of eighteen people from the Repton Deanery, Norfolk, Devon, Leeds and Southampton, and led by the Rev'd Peter Paine, left for a pilgrimage in Turkey.

For many, the popular image of Turkey is a country of Mediterranean beaches, sun and sand. But it is also a land of cultural, historical and geological treasures.

On our arrival in Istanbul, we were privileged to enjoy an exclusive audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew, at his palace, a charming man who made us feel most welcome. Our hotel, in the old part of the city, offered breathtaking views of Istanbul and of the Golden Horn, and from the hotel balcony we could see clearly many of the beautiful historic buildings.

Leaving Istanbul, our travels took us to Ephesus, where we felt we were walking in the footsteps of St Paul, to Parmakule for a bathe in the thermal pools, to Side for rest and relaxation at the seaside, to Konya the birthplace of the Whirling Dervishes and to Cappodocia, a region of bewitching landscapes of spectacularly eroded tuff (hardened volcanic ash). We visited an underground city, carved out of the tuff, and in Goreme we saw ancient churches built by cutting rooms into the soft rock and decorated with superb Byzantine frescoes.

The last day of our Turkish experience brought us back to Istanbul, and to the Grand Bazaar, where we purchased gifts, apple tea and Turkish Delight, before boarding the plane for our flight home.

In mid-October we left England, eighteen people who barely knew one another. A fortnight later, eighteen firm friends, who had enjoyed learning about Turkey, and about each other, returned to England, refreshed and inspired by what we had seen and done, and already making plans for future pilgrimages.

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Iona Pilgrimage

We have booked a pilgrimage for the island of Iona in the Inner Hebrides (off the western end of the Ross of Mull) from 28th April to 4th May. The Iona Community, with whom we will be staying, can only take a limited number of people, and we have booked 12 places. We will be staying in a new building, the MacLeod Centre, where accommodation is in single-sex family rooms, four or five per room with one top bunk.

The programme for the week is called 'Out and About', and we will explore the flora, fauna and geographical features of this fascinating island. There will be opportunities for short daily worship in the Abbey church, where we will learn new songs and forms of inspirational worship. We will also have the chance to explore the spirituality of the present Iona Community, and hear how and why it was founded, as well as visit sites on the island associated with the Columban community of the sixth century. There will be a chance to visit the neighbouring island of Staffa with its famous basalt columns and Fingal's cave. We will probably meet people of other countries and even continents, and there will be opportunities to relax and share entertainment, as well as to assist with the household chores!

Staying at the MacLeod Centre costs £231 for the six nights, full board. Travel costs should be around £75 per person. The Community has an Access Fund, so that no one is excluded on the ground of cost. I have already had interest from 10 people, so if you would like to come, please contact me on 703317 as soon as possible. We have to confirm our reservation by 4th December.

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Visit to Santiago de Compostella

There has been a request to explore the possibility of a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella in north-west Spain, a great pilgrimage centre in the Middle Ages, and rapidly becoming so again today. The rough plan would be to spend three or four days exploring some of the best sites along the Camino de Santiago, starting on the French side of the Pyrenees and reaching Santiago for the feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 8th September, a Saturday. We would spend the weekend there, then go on to a seaside resort for couple of nights before flying home. We need to be in Santiago for a festival, when the great incense bowl is swung from one end of the cathedral to the other.

I'm told there is a very cheap flight from E.M.A. to Toulouse. Depending on flight times, something like the 3rd to 11th September may be a possibility. No costings have yet been made, but if you are interested in the idea, I would ask you to put these dates in your diary and let me know if you'd like me to keep you up-to-date with plans.

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Ocean Pilgrimage
to the Outer Isles of the Western Isles of Scotland, 21st - 27th July 2007

This pilgrimage is organised and led by my sister, the Reverend Mary Lewis. The MV Cuma is moored at West Loch Roag on the west side of Lewis, where the pilgrimage starts. The skipper, Murdo MacDonald, is an extremely experienced seaman, who is assisted on the catering side by his wife Cathy.

The purpose of the Pilgrimage, which Mary has run three times before, is to visit those isolated islands west of the Outer Hebrides where Celtic hermits took up residence, and where there is still evidence of their cells and churches. Mary is herself an experienced retreat leader, having been ordained by the Church in Wales and having directed a retreat house in the Wye valley for 18 years. The cost is £635 for full board for the week. For a brochure with full details, contact me at the Vicarage, 703317.

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St Wystan's News

Repton M.U.

At the November meeting, William Saunders explained how East Staffs Borough Council came to be linked with Blantyre in the Southern Region of Malawi. Training was provided to enable Blantyre's executives to sort out their finances and improve their management in areas such as health and education. The finance for exchanges of personnel and expertise was provided by both governments, not local rate-payers, and as far as possible, those who visited Malawi did so during annual leave. William felt that both sides had learnt much from the link, and thanked M.U. members for knitting vests for premature babies in Malawi.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 20th December at 2 pm in the Fisher Close room. Theme: Angels.

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Repton Neighbourhood Help, Luncheon Club and Drop-in Centre

Our Christmas Lunch for members is on Friday 8th December in the Community Centre, Fisher Close, at 12.30 pm. Our last lunch for members before Christmas will be on 15th December, and the first lunch in the New Year on 5th January, both at Fisher Close.

Change of venue: The Christmas tea and entertainment, a 'thank you' to all our volunteer helpers, will be on Friday 15th December at 2.45 pm in Repton Primary School. Before the tea the school orchestra will entertain us.

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St Mary's News

St Mary's Preparations for Christmas

In anticipation of the afternoon service at the beginning of Advent, we will prepare the Christingle oranges in church on Friday 1st December, starting at 3 pm; help would be much appreciated. We would also welcome contributions of evergreens and help to decorate the church on the mornings of Friday and Saturday, 15th and 16th December, from 9.30 am.

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Burton Floral Art Society Presents 'Glad Tidings' by Tony Brown (National Demonstrator) Friday 1st December at 7.30 pm Burton Town Hall Tickets £6.00 (on the door) to include Tea, Coffee and Mince Pies Raffle, Tombola and Sales Table

Repton Primary School Christmas Fair Friday 1st December at 6.30 pm Tombola, Crafts, Games, Toys, Books, Raffle Refreshments + many more attractions Please support us. All welcome!

Repton Village Society Coffee Morning Saturday 2nd December, 10 am - 12.30 pm. Repton Village Hall Expert Valuations by Charles Hanson (50p per item) (As seen in Flog It! and Bargain Hunt) Local Hobbies and Crafts Tombola, Christmas Cards for St Giles Hospice Tea, Coffee and Mince pies Free Entry. All profits to St Giles Hospice.

Newton Solney C of E (aided) Infant School Christmas Fair Saturday 2nd December, 2 - 4pm Games      Stalls      Santa's Grotto      Tombola

Repton Care Group An evening with Alison MacKenzie ITV Regional Journalist of the Year 2006 Saturday December 2nd at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall Alison is an accomplished public speaker and will talk after some seasonal musical entertainment by the Wystan Singers and a buffet supper. Tickets £7 from Mrs. J. Best, 701845, or Willington Surgery, 703318 This event launches our effort to build funds for physical therapy and rehabilitation equipment to be used locally. Please come and support us.

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Repton Village & History

Repton W.I.

The first meeting arranged by the new Committee was a great success. Helen Whitehouse, the replacement speaker from the Inland Waterways Association, brought excellent slides of Britain's canal network. Dressed as a Victorian boatwoman, she provided a fascinating commentary, enjoyed by nearly 40 members and guests, including one intrepid gentleman narrow boat owner.

Mercia Group Meeting
We were proud to have the new Derbyshire Federation President, Judy Stanhope, to chair our Mercia Group Meeting in November. Repton Village Hall was full, as members from Bretby, Findern, Milton, Newton Solney, Willington and Repton were joined by visitors and friends to see Marilyn Ottewell's Floral Art demonstration. Marylin took us to Scotland, to the London shops, and away to Ghana and Italy. After excellent refreshments several lucky ladies went home with spectacular flower arrangements won in the raffle.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 12th December at 7.15 pm in the Village Hall. The Doveside Bell Plate Ringers will entertain us.

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Repton Village History Group

In October we had an excellent evening when Richard Farman talked about the development of the picture postcard. He brought along a large number of examples from his extensive collection, and told the audience how the postcard has developed over the years. Everyone was impressed with the quality of the exhibits and the wide range of subjects covered. We have no meeting in December, but look forward to seeing you all again in the New Year.

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'Stamp And Deliver'

Repton Scouts are once again delivering Christmas mail - 'Stamp & Deliver'. The scheme only operates within the Derby area, including the villages of Repton, Newton Solney and Milton. Leaflets with a map and list of all the places within the delivery area are available at the collection points. We cannot deliver cards outside the delivery area, but have to redirect them through the Royal Mail at a loss to us.

You can buy stamps and post greetings cards in the special yellow post-boxes at:

Repton: the British Legion; the Dales; Forge Ahead; Hairs & Graces; Mulberry; Redshaws Family Butchers; the Spar Shop.

Milton: the Swan.

Newton Solney: the Brickmakers; the Unicorn; Jim Ward (11 Blacksmith's Lane).

We are indebted to them all for the time and effort they willingly and freely give each year.

The first collection will be on Monday 4th December. The final collection and closure of all sales points will be at 3 pm on Friday 15th December. Please remember to use the postcode

The postal service is run entirely by volunteers, and all profits from the sale of stamps go the local Scout and Guide Groups and to local charities. This year we are supporting the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre, a charity which provides holiday breaks for disadvantaged children across the county.

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Christmas Presents and Stocking-Fillers

For a present with a Repton connection, how about . . .

The Repton Spoon
Commissioned to mark the 1350th anniversary of Christianity in Repton, its design was 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 is ideal for anyone with Repton connections - as a wedding, Christening or anniversary present, or simply as a possession to treasure. To see a sample, contact Frances Wimbush, 703180 or mrhwim@yahoo.co.uk. Pictures of the spoon are on the church website at www.reptonchurch.org.uk.

Repton Village History Group Publications
Over the years Repton Village History Group has published several books and leaflets. They are reasonably priced and good reading. Many of them are stocked at Repton Post Office.

The two most recent publications are 'Repton - Historic Capital of Mercia' and 'Notices and Jottings from St Wystan's Parish Magazine from 1889 to 1937', which contains many interesting extracts from old Parish Magazines. 'Mr Astbury's Repton Diary of Summer 1843' 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, a most useful document for visitors to the area. You can buy it in St Wystan's Church.

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Trains from Willington

A reminder that the timetable changes from 11th December. The new times are not yet available, but on past experience, most changes are very minor. However, do check at www.centraltrains.co.uk or www.nationalrail.co.uk.

We find that more people are using Willington station, and it certainly avoids fighting for a parking space at Burton or Derby. However, it is wise, before going up to the platform, to check with the passenger information service at the foot of the stairs that your train is running on time.

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Repton Parish Council

These notes were written before the November meeting of Repton Parish Council. The minutes of that meeting can be read online or in the Post Office.

• A report by the Safety Camera Partnership shows that on Burton Road 15% of vehicles travel at over 44 mph. The road does not meet the criteria for safety cameras, but it has been agreed that the police will carry out speed enforcement checks at least once a month. Meanwhile, in Main Street the accident and casualty record is said to be insufficient to warrant more stringent enforcement of speed limits, so requests for additional traffic calming measures are being repeated.
• The increasing level of casual and low-level crime in Repton has been discussed at a Repton Area Meeting of SDDC. Examples cited by parish councillors included damage to cars parked in High Street, repeated vandalism to the phone box at The Cross, stones thrown at private houses, an alleged drug-related incident involving a car in Mitre Drive, anti-social behaviour and damage such as broken windows at The Den and Village Hall. The Police and the Safer Neighbourhood Partnership have been notified of the deteriorating conditions and residents' rising concern. All non-urgent crime should be reported to the Police on 0845 123 3333. Do insist on being given a crime number to ensure the incident is recorded and investigated.
• Repton Village Society has been congratulated on completing the Village Design Statement. It is a substantial and useful document that will be used as supplementary planning guidance. RVS proposes to put it on sale through village outlets for a modest sum and will soon make a further announcement.
• Repton School has met with representatives from the County, District and Parish Councils to discuss pedestrian safety at the bottom of Burton Road. A request for railings in front of The Old Mitre could not be met due to the narrowness of the pavement. Other options were explored but discounted. Serious concern remains but a solution acceptable to all parties has yet to emerge.
• A price of just over £2,000 has been accepted to raise and extend the kerb in front of the war memorial by the lych-gate in order to discourage pavement parking. Disabled access will be retained.
• A heritage map of Repton is nearing completion and will soon be put on permanent view in a purpose-made display case. The approved location is backing on to the Great Wall, opposite NatWest Bank, alongside the car parking area in front of The Arch.

The December meeting of the council will take place at 7.30 pm on Monday 11th December in Repton Village Hall.

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Repton Village Society

Nick Noyes' talk lived up to its title 'A view from the Loo'. His interest in travel and mountaineering in particular gave a large audience a chance to see some stunning views, from humid jungle to canoeing down rapids to snow-covered peaks. All were linked by views from the various loos, of widely varying standards, that he found on the way. His final adventure, before returning to Derby and the Silk Mill Museum, was being stuck at a mountain hut, high in the Alps, and in the end having to be helicoptered off in appalling and dangerous weather.

We had a glorious day for our trip to London and the visit to the Royal Society of Arts building by the Strand. Designed by Robert Adams (of Kedleston Hall fame), the building has been very well preserved with many original features. After the tour we went our various ways before leaving London to a magnificent sunset. As it was bonfire night we saw a large number of firework displays on the return journey, and to round off an interesting day, were even greeted with a grand display as we finally entered Willington.

'The National Forest, a Forest in the Making', Thursday 4th January
Penny Wilkinson, the Tourism and Promotions Officer, will give us an update on the current status of the National Forest. It is many years since our previous talk on the subject. Then the forest was just starting out, and all that could be seen were areas of saplings, but there were ambitious plans. It will be interesting to see how things have developed.

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Repton Village Society Programme, 2007

Thursday 4th January: 'The National Forest, a Forest in the Making' by Penny Wilkinson, Tourism and Promotions Officer, The National Forest Company.

Thursday 1st February: 'A South Derbyshire Itinerary' by Philip Heath, Heritage Officer, South Derbyshire District Council, followed by the AGM.

Thursday 1st March: 'The History of Cunard' by Eric Flounders, Public Relations Manager, Cunard.

Thursday 5th April: 'Blue Tits, Raising a Family' by David Tideswell.

Thursday 3rd May: 'Stories of the Severn' by Diana Perowne.

Saturday 5th May: Guided tour of the Severn Valley with Diana Perowne. Times, costs and details later.

Thursday 7th June: Wine Tasting with Keith Grainger.

Thursday 5th July: Evening visit by car to Shardlow for a guided tour of the port by John Manners. Cost £3 including tour, entry to the Heritage Centre and light refreshments.

Thursday 6th September: 'Repton to the End; The story of Repton School from 1557 to 2007' by John Plowright.

Thursday 4th October: 'The Making of the English Landscape, Hoskins Updated' by Marilyn Palmer, Professor of Archaeology, University of Leicester.

Thursday 1st November: 'The County Air Ambulance' by Barbara Quinn, Area Fund Raiser.

Saturday 1st December: Coffee Morning, 10 am - 12.30 pm. Free entry.

Indoor talks and events start at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall. Members £2. Visitors, who are always welcome, £3. For further details contact Alan Webster, 701838, or David Guest, 703650.

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Repton Fireworks - Thank You!

JOGS (who run the Den) and the Pre-school thank everyone who supported the fireworks on Mitre Field. Over 400 folk turned out to watch, and we hope that you all enjoyed yourselves. And we made enough money to start to replace our ageing tables in the Den.

Particular thanks to the outlets in Repton who sold tickets, to Andy Beeston and Andy Sread for organising the Beacon, to John Perks for organising the fireworks and to Dave for providing the bar. Thanks also to the Parish Council for making the field available, to those who manned stalls and marshalled, and to Repton Enabling Fund for securing the event.

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Bins and Cars

The last brown bin collection this year was on 21st November. From now on, the black bin is collected weekly until composting resumes at the end of February.

A reminder that we are asked to store bins within our own boundaries if at all possible, and to keep the pavements clear of bins and cars. This is particularly important for the visually impaired and for people using prams and wheelchairs.

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Gardening Notes

On a fine day, take time to walk round the garden and consider what changes you can make to enhance the winter scene. Many trees have attractive bark: there are numerous named varieties of birch, although the wild silver birch is often good; betula utilis jaquemontii has very white bark, that of b. albosinensis peels orange and brown, and that of b. ermanii creamy pink; b. papyrifera is the canoe bark birch, whose bark peels white, whilst that of b. nigra is reddish brown, becoming blacker with age. Acer griseum is well known for its peeling red bark, and the snake bark maples, such as acer davidii, have green bark striped with white. Young stems of dogwood and willow offer colour from yellow and orange through bright red to almost black.

There are also many winter-flowering shrubs and trees. The autumn-flowering cherry flowers throughout the winter, except in cold spells. Viburnum bodnantense is also in flower for a long spell. Sarcococca, the winter box, has white flowers with a strong, sweet smell. The winter-flowering honeysuckle (lonicera fragrantissima), witch hazels (hamamelis), mahonias and daphnes are all very fragrant, and the winter jasmine is useful for indoor decoration. Apple and pear trees may need pruning now, but not plums or cherries. Cut the shoots of wisteria back to two or three buds.

Continue digging the vegetable garden when possible. If club root has been a problem, the advice is to lime thoroughly before growing brassicas there again. Club root is caused by a soil-borne slime mould, which can remain viable in the soil for 20 years. Infection occurs through the root hairs, causing the roots to swell and disintegrate, releasing further spores. Applying lime to raise the pH above 8 may prevent the mould from becoming active, but it may take a lot of lime. There are chemicals which, used as a dip for individual plants, may help.

Provided the soil is not frozen, plant garlic cloves in a sunny spot. Similarly, plant roses, deciduous trees, shrubs and climbers, raspberries and currants when conditions are suitable.

Christmas roses may be in flower before long. Remove old leaves from the Lenten hellebores, in case they are infected with the fungus which causes leaves to blotch. Root cuttings can be taken from herbaceous plants with big fleshy roots such as oriental poppies, eryngiums and acanthus.

Pinch out the growing tips of autumn-sown sweet peas. Sow seeds of alpine plants that need cold temperatures to germinate. Sow in shallow pots with sharply draining, gritty soil, and stand them outdoors.

Bring bowls of bulbs which have been kept in the dark into a cool, light place, bringing them indoors when the buds are showing. Keep them in a good light, turning them regularly to ensure even growth.

If buying cyclamen, check that they have not been kept too wet, causing botrytis (mould) amongst the buds and yellowing leaves. Poinsettias are best bought before they are fully out. Look for unopened yellow flower buds in the centre of the coloured bracts.

Order seeds, seed potatoes, onion sets and summer bulbs from the catalogues; garden centres don't always have everything we need. Buy or order well-rotted manure or mushroom compost for the border and vegetable garden - it acts mainly as a mulch, having very little in the way of fertiliser content.

Many of our garden birds in winter, with the exception of tits, are winter visitors from the continent. Continue to provide food and water, and keep bird tables, feeders and bird baths clean. Scrubbing at least once a month with disinfectant or weak bleach, and washing off with clean water, will help to prevent infections such as E. coli and salmonella; humans are also susceptible, so it may be wise to wear disposable gloves. Recently, we have noted an unusual number of deaths in chaffinches, apparently due to an intestinal worm (humans are not susceptible), which cleanliness will also help to prevent.

Clean out nest boxes; remove any nesting material and unhatched eggs before washing out with boiling water. (The removal of eggs is only legal between November and January.) When it has dried, place a handful of straw or wood shavings in the nest box; small birds and mammals will often shelter there in bad weather. In severe cold snaps, there are records of up to 20 wrens squeezing into a single box.

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The rains are coming

Ugandans are not relying on natural powers to send the rain, to feed the family; they are relying on people. Fellow human beings whom they regard as their brothers and sisters, despite never having met them. Who will send the rain? What is holding the rain back? Changes in climate patterns? Who has the power to change this? The farmer waiting and watching, helpless and forced into dependence?

We respond to the world as we experience it, and this must be respected. However, I believe that the reliance Ugandans should have on us is knowing that we act responsibly to create a fair and sustainable world for all our bothers and sisters. More and more I feel that it isn't so much my responsibility to feed the starving and sick child, but rather to question the structures that prevent the mother working to buy the treatment that it needs.