February 2007 - Contents Christ's Temple 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 Coffee Morning: Saturday 10th February, 10.30 - 11.30 am Shell (for children aged 7+) Service for the Women's World Day of Prayer, Friday 2nd March 170th Church Anniversary Weekend: Saturday 10th - Sunday 11th March Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Marriages Iain Frank Robert McKay and Katherine Alexandra Gillham Funerals and Burial of Ashes William Vincent Cook Derek Joseph Taylor Obituaries Vincent Cook Repton Benefice 'Saints Alive' Christmas Tree Festival Church Buildings and Development St Wystan's News Family Services St Wystan's Annual Church Meeting & Supper, Tuesday 20th February Repton M.U. ChildAid to Russia & The Republics Repton School Concerts, Tuesday 6th February Herbaceous Plants the Year Round, Wednesday 7th February Thankyou Repton & District Community Care Group Charities Home-Start South Derbyshire South Derbyshire Social Car Scheme Repton Village and History Repton Neighbourhood Help Repton Rainbow Guides Repton Rainbow Guides 10th Birthday Party Ros Hudson Table Top Sale, Saturday 24th March Repton W.I. Making Marmalade for the Show, Repton Village Show, Saturday 1st September Repton Parish Council: Parish Plans Repton Parish Council: Dog Fouling Repton Parish Council: Recycling Binliners We Need You! Repton & Milton Parish Council Elections Repton Village Society Repton & Milton Village Design Statement Repton Village History Group Repton Enabling Fund AGM Yoga Class collects for Charity Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton Open Gardens and Farm, Sunday 10th June Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney W.I. Further Afield NMA Wildlife Watch Group, a club for 7 to 14 year-olds Gardening Notes

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Christ's Temple

At the end of January we celebrated the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the festival which concludes the season of Christmas and Epiphany. This was the occasion when, as a 40-day old baby, Jesus was brought to the Temple, and his parents were met by the old man, Simeon, and the elderly widow, Anna, the occasion when Simeon proclaimed Jesus to be 'a light to the nations'.

Jesus has an ambiguous relationship with the Temple. He observed its obligations, commending the man whose leprosy he has cured to go and present himself to the clergy for a clean bill of health. But he also predicted the destruction of the Temple building, and claimed, in reference to his own body, that it would be rebuilt after three days. He criticised those in leadership and prayed mainly in the open air, but he observed the authorised festivals.

Today, more than ever, we are conscious of how our church buildings are used. Most congregations cannot afford to keep a building which is open only one day a week. Apart from which, the church building - without ever losing its primary value as a place of worship - needs to be of greater service to the community. (There is an article on pages 5 - 6 about the building works in our churches.) In this month's diocesan leaflet, 'Our Diocese', Bishop Alastair has also written with some passion about our relationship to the Temple. Copies are available from the church.

The Christian Church also has an ambiguous relationship to the building where we worship, for it is we ourselves who through our baptism are the Temple of the Holy Spirit. In Christian terms the Temple is formed wherever Christians gather, whether that is a traditional building or some other place. But it is also true that Jesus came, not only to call people to him, but also to offer a new beginning to the whole of creation. And so, through prayer and dedicated use, spaces and places can become sacred.

Places such as our church buildings, or an island such as Iona or Lindisfarne, have a 'thin' quality in which there seems to be little to separate earth and heaven. New developments in churches can often enhance this 'thin' quality. That is our hope for St Wystan's. To take but one example: moving the font from the tower to the west end of the nave will offer a much improved space to those gathering around it, and give the sacrament of baptism greater prominence. With prayers and best wishes,

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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, 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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Coffee Morning: Saturday 10th February, 10.30 - 11.30 am

Another chance to sit and chat with friends over a cup of coffee, to browse the Webb Ivory cards and stationery, to stock up on home-made cakes and marmalade, and to play the children's game. Don't miss it!

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Shell (aged 7+)

The Shell group meets on Mondays, from 6.30 - 7.30 pm, except on the 12th February, which is half-term week. New members are always welcome.

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A Date for your Diary

Friday 2nd March at 7.15 pm: Service for the Women's World Day of Prayer.

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170th Church Anniversary Weekend: Saturday 10th - Sunday 11th March

We plan a big celebration of our 170 years of witness in the village.

Saturday 10th March will be a Gift Day: the church will be open from 10.30 am until 2.30 pm to receive your gifts, with our usual monthly coffee morning, followed by jacket potato lunches served from midday until 1 pm.

The preacher at both our Anniversary services on Sunday 11th March will be Rev'd Graham Maskery, who served us for many years as lay preacher and visiting minister.

At 5 pm on the Sunday, before the evening service, there will be a bring-and-share tea, to which all friends of the church are invited.

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Marriages

Iain Frank Robert McKay and Katherine Alexandra Gillham were married at St Wystan's Church on Saturday 6th January.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

William Vincent Cook of Fairfield, 10a Main Street, Repton, died on Thursday 14th December aged 76. A service at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 21st December was followed by committal at Bretby crematorium.

Derek Joseph Taylor of 3 Newton Close, Newton Solney, died on Thursday 4th January aged 79. A service at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on 12th January was followed by committal at Bretby crematorium.

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Obituaries

Vincent Cook

Vincent Cook, who died on 14th December, having lived in Repton for many years, was a distinguished architect with a great love for ecclesiastical buildings. In addition to his private, widely based practice in Burton, he was architect to many local churches, among them, for 27 years until he retired in 2002, St Wystan's. The village owes him an enormous debt of gratitude for his assiduous and innovative work during that period. Nothing, however small, was too much trouble, and his prodigious attention to detail, his willingness to consider all solutions, and his outstanding ability to find ways of doing things at a reasonable cost served the church outstandingly well.

Amongst all this Vincent found time to serve as a local councillor and on a number of local committees. He helped to found - and then continued as an active member of - Burton Civic Society, and was a dedicated freemason. He was also the longest serving trustee of Burton Consolidated Charities. At St Wystan's, he was a sidesman for over 20 years and a member of the Parochial Church Council.

He always took a great interest in those he met, and gave help to many, both in his professional career and in his private life, help that was offered and carried out quietly and without fuss. Above all, he was a kind and generous friend, and devoted to his wife, Mollie, his children, Martin and Rachel, and his grandchildren. They will miss him greatly, as will we all.

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Repton Benefice

'Saints Alive' - a course for adult confirmation and exploring the faith

We have now arranged the dates for the course as follows:

Session 1: Tuesday 30th January
Session 2: Wednesday 7th February
Session 3: Wednesday 14th February
Session 4: Monday 19th February
Session 5: Tuesday 27th February
Session 6: Monday 5th March
Session 7: Tuesday 13th March
Session 8: Wednesday 21st March
Session 9: Thursday 29th March

All sessions will start at 7.30 pm at the Vicarage.

If you wish to explore the Christian faith, you are most welcome to join us without any commitment to confirmation. We hope that there may also be some of our regular worshippers who would like the opportunity to refresh their understanding in an informal group, especially if you have not already pursued this course. Please contact me at the Vicarage, 703317.

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Christmas Tree Festival

Both St Wystan's and St Mary's are planning to hold Christmas Tree Festivals around the weekend of 8th / 9th December. Each church will display trees, hopefully quite a lot, decorated by local organisations or individuals in ways that reflect their activities. The trees will mainly be displayed inside the churches, some on the floor, others on raised shelves around the sides. As with a Flower Festival, we would expect a lot of visitors, and it is a good opportunity to demonstrate the range of activities in our villages.

It will be a real opportunity for fun and creativity, and for groups in the village to work together, so we do hope you will want to participate and support us. More information from Audrey Morris, 703453, and Jennifer Haynes, 703827.

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Church Buildings and Development

St Mary's

In the euphoria of receiving a Heritage Grant Offer just before Christmas, we omitted to mention that, as with the earlier 'development grant', this offer carries conditions, some of which we will have to meet for the next ten years. Nevertheless, in faith we signed a 'Repair Grant Contract' with English Heritage; hopefully, by the time you read this, we will have received our first payment and be able to complete the roadside thermometer. Meanwhile a contract with the builders enabled work to begin, and those who live in Newton Solney will be aware, that despite wind and rain, Mr. Howlett and his sons are making good progress.

Thank you!

Quite apart from this grant a big 'thank-you' is due to everyone who has supported the campaign to Raise the Roof, whether through fund-raising events, donations, filling boxes with small change, or in any other way. We owe a special 'thank you' to the late Derek Taylor, who so beautifully inscribed the sponsorship certificates issued to those who have sponsored a square foot or more of the roof; so these sponsors can also consider their certificates to be in part a memorial to him.

St Wystan's

The PCC has approved new drawings for the elevations - now displayed in the church - which are much superior to anything seen before. The design is sympathetic to the shapes and patterns already present in the stonework of the church, and therefore much more in keeping with the building. The drawings have been approved by English Heritage and the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings, as well as the Diocesan Advisory Committee. Apparently DAC members were really enthusiastic about them, and we hope you will share their view! We hope to obtain the DAC Certificate shortly. The architects can then request tenders from three builders; then we can apply for a faculty. Together with the faculty application will be a request to allow an archaeological exploration within the part of the church affected by the building work. This is an inescapable condition for a faculty, and it may mean a short delay in starting the main work.

We are also in correspondence with three engravers, one of whom will be asked to produce engravings for the four glass panels on the ground floor of the tower screen. We have asked for four figures to be represented on them: St Wystan, St Guthlac, one of the most notable members of the Anglo-Saxon monastery, Bishop Diuma, the first bishop of Mercia, and St Werburga, the first abbess of the combined Anglo-Saxon monastery. This will be a significant aesthetic contribution to the work.

When we have chosen the builders, we will have a clear idea about the fund-raising necessary to complete the work, and in a position to launch an appeal.

Developments in church buildings are about much more than toilets. At St Wystan's the proposed kitchen and meeting room facilities are essential to us as a place for children on Sundays, and for meetings during the week, to mention only the most obvious. But beyond that, they are about the mission of the Church as we seek to reach out to the community and community groups. We hope for the enthusiastic involvement of the village in your historic church.

St Saviour's

Sadly our application for a grant from the Headley Trust was declined, but a generous gift in response to our autumn Gift Day will enable us to do the essential repair work to the vestry roof in due course.

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St Wystan's News

Family Services

St Wystan's main morning services are becoming ever more 'family friendly.' On the first and third Sundays of the month, we try to include the children creatively within the service.

On the first Sunday, Morning Worship is a service of hymns, songs, readings, responses, dialogue with children, their involvement in some simple activity, prayers, and a short, child-friendly talk.

Family Communion on the third Sunday is similar, but based on a shortened, child-friendly version of Holy Communion. During the service the children are invited to gather round the altar - which for the first part is between the choir stalls - where they can be fully involved and have easy communication with the leader.

Although these services are particularly aimed at young families, we are keen to include children in our worship at all times, so on the other Sundays, when the service is Parish Communion, there is a Sunday Club for the older children. On every Sunday there is a crèche in the vestry, where you can - if you wish - take babies and very young children.

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St Wystan's Annual Church Meeting & Supper
Tuesday 20th February at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall

Anyone living in Repton, and all members of the congregation, are welcome to come to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting and share in the supper which follows. Supper tickets at £4 will be available from Jan Gillham, 703340, Jan Roberts, 702159, Martin Wimbush, 703180, and Sue Parker, 702550.

The meeting starts with the election of churchwardens. Anyone who lives in the parish is entitled to vote. We then have reports on different church activities and plans for the future, presentation of the past year's accounts, and elections to the Parochial Church Council.

There are three vacancies to be filled on the PCC. You must have been on the electoral roll for fifteen days before the meeting in order to nominate a candidate, to stand for election or to vote. Application forms are available in church or from Margaret Scott, Electoral Roll Officer, 701299.

The meeting normally lasts a little over an hour and is followed by supper. You don't need to buy a supper ticket if you just want to attend the meeting.

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Repton M.U.

Repton M.U. began the year with a short service followed by the A.G.M. Business was taken at record-breaking pace to leave more time for the speaker, Clare Paine. Clare showed us photos and described her life as a volunteer teacher at the University of Central Buganda. Her enthusiasm and commitment had enabled her to survive the very basic facilities, the intermittent electricity and the creepy-crawlies. We were pleased to provide a small donation to buy mosquito nets for future volunteers.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 21st February at 2.30 pm in the Fisher Close Room. Melodie Bordoli will speak on Occupational Therapy. Non-members welcome.

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ChildAid to Russia & The Republics

Another new record - £1,690 for 2006! Very many thanks to all who helped by buying preserves and seasonal goods, donating fruit or jars.

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Repton School Concerts Society Alexander Chaushian - Cello Ashley Wass - Piano Tuesday 6th February at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall Alexander Chaushian is one of the outstanding cellists of his generation and the winner of numerous prizes, including the 12th Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. He has performed at the Royal Festival Hall and the Barbican. Ashley Wass is one of the UK's leading pianists. The programme will include Sonatas by Brahms, Schubert, Beethoven and Mendelssohn. Tickets for this concert are available at £12 and £9 (concessions). For further information or tickets contact: The Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

Newton Solney Horticultural Society presents a talk by Hazel Kaye Herbaceous Plants the Year Round Newton Solney Village Hall Wednesday 7th February at 7.30 pm £2 including refreshments Everyone welcome!

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Thankyou

Repton & District Community Care Group

Thank you to everyone who supported our Festive Evening on 2nd December, and who helped to raise £489 towards the funds of this very local charity.

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Charities

Home-Start

. . . is a particularly valuable charity working at a local level, and one that we at St Wystan's are glad to support. At our Gift Service in December, members of the congregation placed gifts under the Christmas tree, to be distributed by Home-Start to needy families in Swadlincote. Writing to thank us, Jayne Sullivan, Organiser of Home-Start in South Derbyshire continued:

"It has been a very challenging year for Home-Start South Derbyshire. We have struggled for funding (but) are receiving more and more referrals for families needing our support. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to offer our service to all of these families and find ourselves running a waiting list. Our aim for next year is . . . hopefully to expand in order to support the many more families who are struggling to cope and would like our support."

In a friendly and informal way, Home-Start supports parents with at least one child under five. Families look for support for many different reasons - postnatal illness, loneliness, poverty, disability, problems with relationships, single parenthood, and coping with multiple births or young children. The aim is to help them through difficult times, giving them the strength to cope with their difficulties, and in turn to give their children the time, attention and love they need.

Could you support Home-Start, with cash or by volunteering?

Home-Start is a voluntary organisation. It needs financial support - the whole year round. In addition it needs volunteers with experience of parenting. They will come from all walks of life, and are selected for their friendliness, practical approach and understanding. Each gives about two hours a week, although this is negotiable, and excludes school holidays if volunteers have children. Locally, Home-Start is based in Swadlincote, 225586, and Burton, 566684. There is lots more information at www.home-start.org.uk. If you could support them in any way, they would be very pleased.

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South Derbyshire

South Derbyshire Social Car Scheme

. . . provides door-to-door transport for elderly, disabled, and vulnerable people. It akes a big difference to people's lives, bringing friendly contact, and helping them live an independent life. The scheme operate 365 days a year, taking people to edical appointments, support groups, Luncheon Clubs, to visit relatives and friends, and to attend social events.

Volunteers needed

As demand for help continues to grow, new volunteers are needed, and in particular, more drivers. Some drivers help several times a week, others only a few hours a onth. You need to have a full driving licence and a reliable car. There is a 40p per mile mileage allowance.

Users

Are you unable to use public transport? Do you find it difficult to visit the doctor, dentist, hospital, clinic, opticians, social activities, local shops, relatives or friends? Then contact the Social Car Scheme on 01283 551766 and speak to the organiser, Alyson Key, Monday to Friday, 9 am - noon. Only 40p / mile. Funded by South Derbyshire Primary Care Trust.

If you would like to know more - whether as a user or as a volunteer - please phone Alyson Key, Social Car Scheme Organiser, 01283 551766, or Richard House, Volunteer Co-ordinator, 550163.

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Repton Village & History

Repton Neighbourhood Help

In December we had a superb Christmas lunch, with Stanley Morris leading us in carol singing afterwards; thank you, Stanley. The following week was a first, when we were invited to go up to the Primary School for a concert. This was our 'thank you' party for all our volunteers, and they and all the members thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful music performed by so many of the school children; thank you, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Stone, your staff and all the children.

The Luncheon Club recommenced after the Christmas break with a full complement of members. Unfortunately, illness has affected attendances, both members and helpers, and we wish all who are absent a speedy recovery. Since our last report we have welcomed four new members and two new helpers; we do hope they will be very happy in our midst.

Our 'Drop-in' afternoon follows the luncheon every Friday. Any older person is welcome to come along - just drop in any time between 1.45 and 3.45 pm, for what is a pleasant, sociable time. You don't have to attend every week, only as it suits you; you will be sure of a warm welcome. The only cost is a few pence for a cup of tea, and something from the larder for the free raffle. Do phone us any time for more information about the luncheons and the afternoon sessions.

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Repton Rainbow Guides

During term time the Rainbows (for girls aged 5 - 7) meet weekly at The Den in Mitre Drive, Repton, for 'fun and friendship', and to enjoy the Guiding Experience. Activities include craft, art, games, songs and outings. After Rainbows, they can move on to Brownies.

Like all parts of the Guide and Scout movement, Rainbows and Brownies are open to all creeds and denominations. If you would like more details or you would like your daughter to be on the Joining List, contact me at any time.

Repton Rainbow Guides 10th Birthday Party

We will be celebrating our 10th Birthday on Thursday 8th February. It would be a real party if Rainbows from across those years, ex-Leaders, parents and Guiders could join us. The show will start at 5.45 pm in The Den. Come and join us for refreshments and a slice of our birthday cake. For further details, please phone me.

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Ros Hudson

Prompted by the news that her old family home, Laurel Hill, was up for sale, Ros "would particularly like to be remembered to all those who lived in 'Wood End' in the good old days, and all the others in the pre-war days when Repton was quite a small village, and we knew everyone and where they lived." She sends her best wishes for 2007 to all who remember her.

You can write to Ros at 35 Minster Court, West Street, Axminster, EX35 5PL.

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Table Top Sale, Saturday 24th March
Information for stall-holders

The Table Top Sale will be an opportunity to sell items ranging from the results of a spring-clean to those you have made yourself. The cost is £6 a table. The Village Hall will be open at 9 am for setting up, and there will be an hour at the end for clearing up. You must remove anything not sold. To book a table or for further information, please contact Carol Lloyd on 702410, or email cjhl@btinternet.com.

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Repton W.I.

The W.I.'s first speaker of 2007 was Val Shelton from Willington, a Home Visitor for the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre in Skegness. She told us that there are still many families in and around Derby whose children need a holiday break, to boost their confidence, or to get them away from stressful surroundings and introduce them to new activities. After listening to typical stories, members felt that this charity, though founded in Victorian times, fully deserves our support today.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 13th February at 7.15 pm in the Village Hall. Gill Weston: 'The Family at Melbourne Hall'. Visitors welcome.

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Making Marmalade for the Show
Repton Village Show, Saturday 1st September

Most of us are amateurs, and unaware of the small changes we could make to impress the judges. You may find some of their previous comments useful as you prepare for this year's show:
The peel needs to be really well cooked before you add sugar; this can make a difference to the texture, taste and appearance. Jars should be filled to the top. Use either a waxed disc and cellophane cover or new screw top lids (available from Lakeland). It is important to put the full name and date on the label, as in 'Seville Orange Marmalade 17 Feb. 07'.

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Repton Parish Council Notices

Parish Plans

We are reviving the idea of producing a Parish Plan for Repton. This will incorporate ideas for the future enhancement of village facilities for the benefit of local people. In order to produce the plan we need volunteers; they could be representatives of local organisations, or individuals who would like to be involved. To start off, we have to form a steering group from these organisations with perhaps one or two representatives from the Parish Council. If you are interested in recording what you want for your village and your organisation, and are willing to be a part of the steering group, or if you want more information, please contact Celia Bunston, the Clerk to the Council, on 01283 701309 or 01332 865226, or by email to reptonparishcouncil@bunston.fsbusiness.co.uk. Examples of Parish Plans can be viewed on the Derbyshire Rural Community website at www.derbyshirercc.org.uk

Dog Fouling

Following complaints that there has been a spate of dog fouling on High Street, we have been forced to ask our contractor to clean it up at our expense. He is in the village on Thursdays only, so excrement may lie on the ground for up to a week. We ask you to please clear up after your own dog, put it into a plastic bag (poop-scoops will be available free from the Post Office soon), and place it in the bin; it does not need to be a dog-fouling bin - any bin will do. Please try to help; not only does it look awful - it is a risk to health.

Recycling Binliners

We have arranged with the District Council to have the new recycling bin-liners - a new initiative to help keep your recycling bins clean - available at the Post Office. They will be sold for 10p each. You can contact the Dog Warden on 221000 / 595795.

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We Need You!
Repton & Milton Parish Council Elections

Parish and District Council elections take place on 3rd May 2007. Candidates are required for the eleven seats that comprise Repton Parish Council. To be eligible to stand for election you must be over 21, on the electoral register, and live within the locality.

There has not been a contested election in Repton for many years; last time we had to co-opt some councillors to make up the numbers. Repton Parish Council would like to apply for 'Quality Status'; to do so, all its councillors must be elected, and none co-opted. The reason for obtaining Quality Status is to make the council more professional, up-to-date and accountable. It will also avoid the possibility of its being absorbed into another council. It is far preferable for Repton to have its own parish council centred in the village, rather than be a satellite of a neighbouring village or town.

The role of a councillor

Repton Parish Council operates on a non-political basis and meets on the second Monday of each month. Councillors hold office for 4 years and have a duty to attend each meeting. The parish council maintains and manages Broomhills Playing Field and Pavilion, Mitre Recreation Field, Monsom Lane Allotments and the Burial Ground. It undertakes village maintenance for the District Council and maintains footpaths throughout the parish on behalf of the County Council. It is consulted on all local planning applications. From time to time village improvement projects are undertaken. To finance these activities money is raised by a precept, which is the parish council's share of the local Council Tax.

Between council meetings much of the workload falls on the Clerk, a paid employee who is the Proper Officer of the council, and on the Chairman and Vice-Chairman. For the other councillors, however, it is not simply a matter of turning up for a meeting once a month; all are expected to volunteer for some allocated responsibilities. The workload of a good councillor can be expected to average about 2 hours a week. Training courses are available for councillors during evenings and at weekends, to gain familiarity with subjects such as council powers, procedures, regulations, finance etc. Additionally there are opportunities to attend area meetings where other parishes are represented; these events are often useful for the contacts that can be made and the ideas that can be picked up.

All parish councillors are unpaid but have an active interest in and concern for their local community. They are required to abide by the Local Government Code of Conduct, and to declare any financial interests they have in the parish. They must also declare any personal or prejudicial interest in matters discussed at council meetings. The work of a parish councillor is not always plain sailing. Sometimes a difficult decision has to be taken in the interests of the community as a whole, though not everyone will welcome it. Parish councillors must consult widely and listen to all views put forward so as to reach a reasoned conclusion. There may be legal considerations or responsibilities that also have to be taken into account. If possible a compromise will be reached. Planning issues are often contentious.

The closing date for nominations is 4th April.

Please consider standing for election as a local parish councillor. Your help is needed to try to ensure that Repton remains a village whose residents have a major say in its destiny. If you are interested you should contact the Electoral Registration Officer at SDDC, 595795, for further information. Also the Parish Council Clerk, Celia Bunston, 701309, will help if she can.

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Repton Village Society, Meetings 7.30 pm, Repton Village Hall

Penny Wilkinson, the Tourism and Promotions Officer at the National Forest Company, gave us an update on the current status of the National Forest Plan. It is many years since our previous talk on the subject when only 6% of the area was forested and the old industrial areas looked particularly bleak. Now 17% is forested (with a target of 30%), which has already made a significant difference with many saplings starting to make their impact. Penny lives in the village and so was able to give a local twist to the talk.

'A South Derbyshire Itinerary' (and AGM), Thursday 1st February

Philip Heath, Heritage Officer at the South Derbyshire District Council, is extremely well qualified to escort us on this journey through our local countryside, and to add to our understanding of our area and its history. The talk will be followed by the Annual General Meeting of the Society.

The History of Cunard, Thursday 1st March

Eric Flounders, the Public Relations Manager of Cunard, will trace the history of the company, from its beginnings in Canada in 1839 to becoming a world famous name operating some of the best known ships ever built. He will deal with the triumphs and disasters along the way, and the company's move into cruising with a new modern fleet.

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Repton & Milton Village Design Statement

The final version of the Repton and Milton Village Design Statement is now published. We would like to thank all those who have made their views known and supported us; the document can be seen as a real reflection of the community's concerns. We have already used the document to comment on developments in the parish. Copies of the document cost £2.50 and are available in the Post Office.

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Repton Village History Group

For this month only, we will meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month, 27th February, (Village Hall, 7.30 pm) instead of the normal third Tuesday. Alan Gifford will give an illustrated talk on the history and renovation to working order of Heage windmill, situated near Belper. It is a splendid example of renovation, and the only six-sail mill in the British Isles. Operated by volunteers, and open to visitors at various times during the year, it is well worth a visit.

Our March meeting, on Tuesday 20th, should be an interesting event. Entitled 'The Swinging Sixties', it will be an evening of reminiscences, a meeting during which both members and visitors can contribute. If you can recall any special memories of that decade, we would love to hear them. "If you can recall The Swinging Sixties," says Alan. What can he mean?

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Repton Enabling Fund AGM

This fund contains money accumulated from the early fireworks displays and the Queen's Jubilee celebrations. Interest-free loans are available to any Repton organisation to help start up new projects and events, including organisations set up especially to organise an event.

The Annual General Meeting of the fund will take place at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 7th March in The Den on Mitre Drive. All village organisations are entitled to a representative on the committee and to attend the AGM.

For further information, contact Andy Austen on 702448.

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Yoga Class collects for Charity

I would like to say a big 'thank you' to all my yoga students in Repton for their generous contribution to our autumn food collection. This has been distributed to Barnardo's in Midway, where it will help to feed many families, and to 'Mind' in Burton, who provide a hot meal each day at their drop-in centre. Once again, thank you.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton Open Gardens and Farm

Our small hamlet of Milton is proud to be opening its gardens for the first time this year. We have all enjoyed looking round the gardens in Repton, and thought that others may wish to look at ours, so on Sunday 10th June, eleven of Milton's gardens will be open for you to view, along with Brook Farm.

This year's event is being organised by Milton Women's Institute, and the proceeds will go to them. However, individual gardens may be raising money for their own charities; for example, one garden will be flying a Harris Hawk for charity, another is selling plants and yet another is looking to have a table-top sale - so something for everyone. At the farm, you will be able to see the pedigree Holstein cows (there may even be some quite young ones), and for the children the opportunity to see the huge farm equipment - tractors and telehandlers. Milking takes place between 4 and 6 pm, so if you are there at that time you will be able to watch and learn.

Refreshments - teas, coffees and cakes - will be served in the garden of the Swan Inn (weather permitting), whilst the pub will be open for stronger drinks! The Village Hall hopes to have a display of old photographs and old hand-held farming implements.

We hope you will book it in your diary now, to make our first opening a big success; we look forward to seeing you.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney W.I.

The end of 2006 was, as usual, a very busy time for Newton Solney Women's Institute. Following our successful 75th Birthday Dinner, we had a Christmas Shopping trip to Meadowhall, where over forty members and friends spent an enjoyable but hectic day out. We also, in November, joined with other Mercia Group members, for a most enjoyable and instructive group meeting, when we marvelled at the intricate flower arrangements created by Mrs. Marilyn Ottewell, followed by a buffet supper. One of our members, Sheila Hornsby, was lucky enough to win one of the superb arrangements in the prize draw.

In December our Christmas 'Party' evening included entertainment by the Sudbury W.I. Handbell Ringers, followed by a joining-in session. This was hilarious - not as easy as it looked! We then enjoyed an American Supper, followed by a bran-tub present. The Mercia Group Carol Service, hosted by Repton W.I., took place at the United Reform Church and was well attended.

Our President, Jo Parfitt, welcomed everyone back in 2007 and introduced our speaker, Roger Hoskings, of Highfields Happy Hens, a very special farm. Our members were very moved, as Roger told us of his and his wife's involvement in extending help and friendship to disadvantaged young people, through training and companionship.

Next meeting: (Village Hall, Tuesday 13th February at 7.30 pm) 'Taking Shirley Valentine to Greece'. Whist Drives resume on 30th January.

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Further Afield

NMA Wildlife Watch Group, a club for 7 to 14 year-olds

Lying at Alrewas, between Burton-upon-Trent and Lichfield, the National Memorial Arboretum covers 150 acres of reclaimed gravel workings. There is a wide variety of natural habitats, including emerging woodland, hay meadow, riverbank and marsh, each with its own flora and fauna. Here you can observe over 100 species of birds including skylark, lapwing, oystercatcher, and kingfisher, and - if you're lucky - brown hares, otters, and several species of bats.

The Arboretum Wildlife Watch Group meets monthly to explore the wildlife. Its next meeting is on Saturday 17th February at 2 pm. For details contact Richard Thorpe, Volunteer Wildlife Officer, on 01283 792333.

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Gardening Notes

Once upon a time, February was a very cold month with continuous hard frost and thick snow. We could almost always count on skating on the Old Trent, if not on Foremarke Lake. It was only towards the end of the month, as days grew longer and the sun had some warmth again, that we could start to garden. Until then it was a matter of brushing snow off the evergreens and putting out food and water for the birds. Hopefully, we can get to work a bit earlier now.

It will soon be time to buy early seed potatoes; place them in a light but frost-proof place to chit for about six weeks prior to planting. Both peas and broad beans can be planted in boxes in a cold greenhouse or frame and planted out later. The seed of lettuce, carrots, early summer cabbage and cauliflower, parsley, celery, leak and onion can all be sown in a cold greenhouse or frame.

Sweet peas can also be sown in pots in a cold frame, but the slow-germinating seed of begonias and impatiens really need a heated propagator. Tuberous begonias can be started into growth if you keep them at 55 - 64° F. Plant them - hollow side up - in moist, loamless compost in seed trays. Once the shoots start to appear, the tubers can be planted individually into pots. To germinate well, tomato seed for a heated greenhouse needs a temperature of 60 - 65° F. Where you intend to sow early vegetables directly in the ground, cover the soil with cloches or black plastic to warm up. From the middle to the end of the month, peas and broad beans can be sown outside; covering with cloches will produce an earlier crop. Onion sets can be planted out at the end of the month if conditions are favourable.

Plant lilies as soon as possible; ensure that the bulbs are plump and not dried out.

Cover strawberry plants with cloches to encourage early fruiting, but open the cloches when the plants are in bloom to allow pollinating insects in.

It is a good time to take cuttings of dogwoods, willow, most conifers and evergreens, and greenhouse vines. Chrysanthemums overwintered in the greenhouse will also give cuttings now.

Spring-flowering clematis only need pruning if they are getting too rampant; prune them after flowering. Large-flowered clematis that flower before mid-summer do so on last year's growth. They need very little pruning; remove only dead wood down to a strong pair of buds. Late-flowering, large-flowered clematis and all viticella varieties should be pruned down to about 3 feet.

Start to prune roses from the end of the month. As a general rule, hybrid tea roses will need about a third of the growth cut away as well as all dead wood. Prune to an outside bud. Floribunda roses should be pruned less severely. Species and old-fashioned roses hardly need any pruning.

Witch hazel (hammamelis) can be pruned after flowering to keep it smaller and more compact. Cut back last summer's growth to two or three buds. Witch hazel flowers better in a sunny position, but keep its shallow roots cool and moist; mulch around the plant, leaving a gap of a few inches around the stem. Hellebores also need mulching with organic matter.

The borders need tidying now; clear away weeds and the top growth of perennials left over winter. Annual weeds can be composted, but bin perennial weeds such as dandelion.

On a dry day, give lawns their first cut of the year, keeping the cut high to leave the turf less open to moss and weeds. Repair damaged lawn edges. Cut the piece of turf around the damaged area out, then turn it through 180°, so that the damaged edge is now on the inside. Fill in with topsoil, level and reseed.