April 2007 - Contents A joyful Easter Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Holy Week, 1st - 8th April 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 14th April, 10.30 to 11.30 am Shell (for children aged 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Jack Stephen Turnbull Funerals and Burial of Ashes John Newton Gladys Doreen Byrd Barbara Anne Marson Repton Benefice New Bishop of Repton, Rev'd Canon Humphrey Southern Christmas Tree Festival - St Mary's & St Wystan's, 7th - 10th December 2007 Spanish Trip St Wystan's News St Wystan's Church, the West End Development Easter Egg Hunt Easter Lilies at St Wystan's St Wystan's Garden of Remembrance Repton M.U. - Making our work known St Mary's News St Mary's prepares for Easter Newton Solney Christmas Tree Festival The Barbican Trio, Tuesday 24th April Repton Village Party, Bank Holiday Monday, 7th May Malvern Show Trip, Saturday 12th May South Derbyshire South Derbyshire Social Car Scheme Emily represents Derbyshire in Mexico Repton Parish Council Chairman's Report Repton Village and History Open Garden, Sunday 22nd April Scarecrow Competition, 23rd - 24th June Repton W.I. Repton Village History Group 'Active Kids' Vouchers Repton Evergreens Trip, Thursday 31st May Repton Village Society Repton Parish Council Jottings Civic Amenity Waste Vehicle 'Safer Neighbourhoods' Dogs Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney W.I. Gardening Notes Sam Beeton: Letter from Madagascar 'Stop the Traffik' Software Inspector

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A joyful Easter

"Can you write something joyful?" I am asked. As I write on a beautiful, sunny day, that is not difficult. And this morning, as I walked over to the church for Morning Prayer, I gave thanks for the beauty of this place, the peace of the churchyard and the kindness of those who invited us to minister here.

At home, we now have the Diocesan Advisory Committee's certificate of approval for St Wystan's development, and both the Parochial Church Meeting and Parish Council have responded positively. There is an enthusiastic group of families, who meet with us every other Thursday at the Primary School, and Newton Solney School has received an excellent Ofsted report.

There is also good news from the Anglican Church world-wide. Church leaders did not - as the media predicted - fall out with each other in Tanzania, and the Presiding Bishop of the United States, Dr. Jefferts Schori, came out well. She showed herself to be a person of grace and compassion, willing to listen to those who disagreed with the Episcopal Church of America and to accept compromise solutions. Part of that was to accept the appointment of a Primatial Vicar to have oversight of those congregations and dioceses which disagree with the General Convention of the Episcopal Church over its stance on gay and lesbian issues.

The Episcopal Church made a strong statement of inclusion: "We wish clearly to affirm that our position as a Church is to welcome all persons, particularly those perceived to be least among us. We wish to affirm to our gay and lesbian members that they remain a welcome and integral part of the Episcopal Church." And the bishop of New Jersey reminded his diocese that: "We are called to minister in New Jersey ... New Jersey is not (one) of the 29 countries in the African continent where homosexuality is a criminal offence."

This spring our own General Synod has begun to prepare legislation for the ordination of women as bishops. If Bishop Jefferts Schori is anything to go by, we would do well to support this. To make your views known, you can write or email Jonathan Neil-Smith, House of Bishops, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ; womenbishopsgp@c-of-e.org.uk.

But perhaps the most important point is that we can live together in the same Anglican family, even though we may differ about things which some consider fundamental. At Easter we celebrate Jesus' victory over death, division and disease. To bring sinful humanity into the presence of almighty God cost him his life. Pray that we may all be willing to make sacrifices in order to emulate this mighty act of reconciliation, and to keep us living and worshipping together.

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

Holy Week, 1st - 8th April

Palm Sunday, 1st April

At the Palm Sunday service at St Wystan's, we recall the Gospel story and bless the palm crosses. The Palm Procession will take place within the church, and as we process we sing joyful songs of praise. The other main feature of the service is the reading of the Passion Gospel, this year according to Luke. Matins will be moved to the Second Sunday of Easter, 15th April.

Monday of Holy Week: 'Saints at Prayer'

The final session of the Lent course will begin at 7.30 pm in the homes of those who have been hosting the course and conclude in St Wystan's Church.

Tuesday of Holy Week: Stations of the Cross

The Stations of the Cross devotion will be held in St Wystan's at 7.30 pm. This popular devotion originated with the Franciscans who led pilgrims through the streets of Jerusalem, praying at those places which were significant on Jesus' route to Calvary. Images made the Rev'd Mary Lewis will assist our imagination and intercession.

Wednesday of Holy Week: Passover Meal

A Passover meal will be held in the Village Hall at 7.30 pm. Last year we held this in the vicarage but were unable to accommodate all who wanted to come. This year we hope that you will all join with us to re-enact this moving celebration of the Passover meal, which is based on the Seder, a meal that recalled the Jewish celebration of the Passover when their ancestors fled from slavery in Egypt. It also recalls the Last Supper, in which Jesus gave new significance to bread and wine. Tickets at £5 are available from Karen Perks, 702392, Sue Parker, 702550, Graham Scott, 701299, and Peter Paine, 703317.

Maundy Thursday: Eucharist of the Last Supper

At the Eucharist of the Last Supper (St Wystan's at 8 pm) we re-enact the events of that final evening when Jesus washed the disciples' feet, taught them his vision for servant leadership and gave them the Eucharist. As he led his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane, so we too after communion process to the 'garden' created in the north aisle. Here we may watch with Jesus, who asked his disciples to watch with him while he prayed. The watch ends at 11 pm, but you may leave at any time after of the service. Some may wish to return later in the night.

Good Friday: Family Service and Services of Devotion

At 10.30 am there will be a short Family Good Friday service for children and families at St Wystan's Church. The Three Hours Devotion, led by Rev'd Michael Mitton, Derby Diocesan Mission and Development Advisor, will be held at St Wystan's from 12 noon to 3 pm. Michael wrote the prayer course we have followed during Lent, so I have high hopes that this will be a memorable time of prayer and meditation to take us forward both as individuals and as a church community in our discipleship of Jesus.

There will be a short Good Friday devotional service at St Mary's at 7 pm.

Holy Saturday

At 8 pm a diocesan confirmation service will be held at the cathedral, at which Jo and James Bunt will be confirmed. Please remember them in your prayers. If you are able, come to the service to support and pray for them.

Easter Day, 8th April

At St Wystan's the day starts before dawn with the Service of Light at 5.30 am. We welcome the risen Christ at dawn as did the women who came to the tomb. The service begins with the lighting of the new Easter candle, symbol of the risen Christ. Our baptism promises are renewed.

Holy Communion follows at 8 am and the Easter Family Communion with candles and renewal of baptismal promises at 9.45 am.

Holy Communion at St Mary's is at 10 am, and by extension at St Saviour's at 9.15 am.

The day concludes with Evensong at St Wystan's at 6.30 pm.

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 14th April, 10.30 to 11.30 am

Come and chat with friends over coffee and biscuits, play the children's game, browse the cards at the Webb Ivory stall, and stock up with homemade cakes and marmalade. Everyone is welcome.

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Shell Group (aged 7+)

Shell Group meets on Mondays 23rd and 30th April. New members are always welcome.

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Baptisms

Jack Stephen Turnbull, son of Neil and Jayne Turnbull of Corn Cottage, Seven Sprouts Farm, Ingleby Lane, Ticknall, was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 18th February.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

John Newton, formerly of Burton Road, Repton, died in Cardiff on Wednesday 28th February, aged 71. He was buried at Usk Castle Chase Natural Burial Ground on 9th March. John and Celia Newton lived in Repton for 15 years before moving to Usk, Monmouthshire, in the mid-80's.

Gladys Doreen Byrd of 2 The End, Bretby Lane, Newton Solney, died on Sunday 25th February aged 76. A service at Bretby Crematorium on 5th March was followed by cremation.

Barbara Anne Marson of The Dales, Fisher Close, Repton, died on Thursday 8th March aged 75. A service at Bretby Crematorium on 20th March was followed by cremation.

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Repton Benefice

New Bishop of Repton, Rev'd Canon Humphrey Southern

Following David Hawtin's retirement last October, the next Bishop of Repton will be the Rev'd Canon Humphrey Southern. He will be consecrated as a bishop at St Paul's Cathedral on 31st May, and installed at Derby Cathedral on Saturday 9th June. As a suffragan (or 'assistant') bishop, he will work alongside the Bishop of Derby.

Canon Southern comes to Derbyshire from the Diocese of Salisbury, where he is Team Rector in Nadder Valley and a rural dean. He began his ordained ministry in Kent, and following a spell in Liverpool, moved as incumbent to Hale in Surrey, where he was also appointed Ecumenical Officer for the Guildford Diocese, promoting relations between churches of different denominations. In 1999 he moved to the Diocese of Salisbury as Team Rector in Tisbury. His responsibilities expanded from eight to 12 villages, which became the Nadder Valley Team Ministry. During this time, he was appointed Rural Dean, and last year he was appointed Canon and Prebendary of Salisbury Cathedral.

Canon Southern lays claim to a local connection: his great-grandfather was a GP in Derby at the turn of the last century. However, despite his association with Repton, his home will be at Repton House in Matlock.

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Christmas Tree Festival - St Mary's & St Wystan's, 7th - 10th December 2007

How can we find a creative and fun way to tell people what is happening in and around our village?

Imagine a church in winter, filled with Christmas trees, glittering with lights and tinsel. Look more closely and you spot a tree decorated with mini cricket bats. Has that one really got beer mats and bottle tops? There's a tooth fairy on one, next to a Christmas Carol tree. Every tree is worth a closer look, and you realize that each reflects a local activity and organization. The programme we take home will remind us of all that goes on in the village. We might even note a phone number or two for future reference.

Could your organization or business decorate a themed tree and tell people about what you do? Already, nearly 30 trees are promised at St Wystan's. Contact Audrey Morris (Repton), 703453, or Jennifer Haynes (Newton Solney), 703827, for more information.

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The Way of St James

Our visit to Santiago de Compostela is going ahead from the 11th to the 18th September. We will fly to northern Spain and travel to Logrono for the first night. From there we pick up the Camino de Santiago (Way of St James), and call in on many cathedrals, monasteries, castles and hostels along this famous route, which is littered with historical sites. We arrive at Santiago on a Saturday and will have a main Sunday service at the cathedral, when we hope the great thurible or botafumerio - to give it its proper title - will be swung. The trip will conclude with a visit to La Coruna, from where in 1588 the Armada weighed anchor, and where in 1809 British troops under the command of Sir John Moore were evacuated.

Please contact me for a brochure and booking form. Worldwide Christian Travel is arranging the trip, and will provide us with an English speaking guide and deluxe air-conditioned coach.

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St Wystan's News

St Wystan's Church, the West End Development

We have more good news. The Diocesan Advisory Committee's certificate is now with the Diocesan Registrar, who will take the application forward to the next stage and apply to the Chancellor for a faculty. We have also received a new drawing from one of the three artists whom we approached for the work on the glass panels in the tower screen. Hopefully, by the time this edition reaches you, the P.C.C. will have been able to appoint an artist. The conditions that we will have to meet for a faculty include allowing an archaeologist to do exploratory work at the west end of the north aisle, in the area where the floor will be disturbed for the kitchen and toilet.

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Easter Egg Hunt

This year for the first time, children who come to the main Easter Day service at St Wystan's will take part in an Easter Egg hunt. Of all the symbols associated with Easter, the egg - the symbol of fertility and new life - is the most identifiable. For hundreds of years eggs have been used to represent rebirth and new life, with many customs dating back to pagan traditions. In some cultures, legend told that the earth itself hatched from a giant egg. In the past, eggs were forbidden food during Lent, so Easter Sunday became the traditional time to start using them again. In medieval times people gave eggs, often brightly painted to represent spring, to their friends and servants. Eggs were used in egg-rolling contests or given as gifts. Later, they were exchanged by lovers, much the same as Valentines today.

The first chocolate eggs were made by hand, using tin moulds, about 150 years ago. They were huge glossy shells, decorated with sugar flowers and pretty ribbons, and very expensive. Mass-produced eggs began to take over at the beginning of the 20th century. Now at Easter, chocolate is everywhere. Just as turkey and mince pies have become part of Christmas, chocolate has become the essential Easter treat.

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Easter Lilies at St Wystan's

There has been a really good response to last month's article, but if you would like to make a donation in memory of a loved one or a special event, there is still time. Please contact Frances Wimbush, 703180.

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St Wystan's Garden of Remembrance

Thank you to Bridget Young, who has tided up the area under the yew trees. We would be grateful if relatives would remove dead flowers etc., using the brown bins beside the church porch. The churchwardens have a responsibility to keep the churchyard tidy, and will remove items that are left too long. Peter Paine

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Repton M.U. - Making our work known

At the Annual Parish Meeting, the secretary paid particular tribute to Margaret Venables for her contribution over many years, and described the work of the M.U. in 2006. She continued:

"We would like to make M.U. work better known in the parish. For example, did you know that there is a fund called 'Away from it All', to which we in Repton contribute regularly, which provides holiday breaks for families under stress? And M.U. provides toiletries at Christmas for prisoners in Foston Hall, as well as running a craft group in the prison all the year round - we have just delivered wool and patterns. Did you know that literacy training provided by M.U. in Africa has an excellent success rate? Most women complete the course and become more independent. Our 'overseas' boxes help to pay for this.

"Our members value their monthly meeting. This year we have planned a programme with several topics of local interest. The service with which we begin shows that we are a church group, and we think of ourselves as a church fellowship, but everyone is welcome, male or female, whether or not they wish to commit to M.U. Membership. We don't mind if they can only come occasionally."

Members are currently enjoying a series of talks on very different subjects, but all by local speakers. In February, Melodie Bordoli told us about her training and work as an Occupational Therapist. In March we heared about the Repton Dig with Colin Kitching.

Next Meeting: On Wednesday 18th April at 2.30 pm in the Fisher Close Room we will be welcoming Martin Jones, who will talk about his work as a local vet.

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St Mary's News

St Mary's prepares for Easter

In readiness for Easter, St Mary's will be decorated the previous day, Saturday 7th April, at 9.30 am. Contributions of flowers or foliage would be welcomed, as would help with their arrangement.

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Newton Solney Christmas Tree Festival

There is to be a second planning meeting in the church on Monday 30th April at 7.30 pm. Representatives of any groups wishing to be involved with the festival would be most welcome.

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Repton School Concerts Society The Barbican Trio Tuesday 24th April at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall Celebrating its 20th anniversary, The Barbican Trio is regarded as one of the UK's leading ensembles. It has a reputation for stimulating performances, a breadth of repertoire and exceptional rapport with the audience, so we are looking forward to an exciting evening of music. The programme will include works by Mozart, Lalo and Brahms. 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

Repton Village Party Bank Holiday Monday, 7th May Mitre Field Enjoy a 'Village Green' atmosphere. * Entertainment around a maypole              * Live music * Traditional games              * Displays              * Competitions * Tug-o-War              * Refreshments * Demonstrations              * Family Football and much more . . . ! Something for everyone to enjoy, and an opportunity to find out more about your village. If you run a club, society or regular activity in Repton the Village Party is an ideal platform to tell everyone about it. Please contact Frances Wimbush, 703180.

Malvern Show Trip Saturday 12th May dep. Repton 8 am; dep. Malvern 4.30 pm RHS Floral Marquee ; Trade & Craft Stalls ; Plant Stalls Food Outlets ; Set in the Malvern Hills £21 inc. Transport and Show Entrance Contact Margaret Rainey, 703748 Organised by Repton Show Committee

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South Derbyshire

South Derbyshire Social Car Scheme Are you unable to use public transport? Do you find it difficult to visit the doctor, dentist, hospital, clinic, opticians, social activities, local shops, relatives or friends? Why not contact the Social Car Scheme on 01283 551766 and speak to the organiser, Alyson Key, Monday to Friday, 9 am - noon only 40p / mile Funded by South Derbyshire Primary Care Trust

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Emily represents Derbyshire in Mexico

You may remember that, as a Young Leader from 1st Repton Rainbows and Guides, Emily Elson from Newton Solney was one of two Derbyshire Guides selected last year to represent the Midlands on an International Guiding trip to Finland. Perhaps you supported her fund-raising fashion show at the Den.

Now Emily is delighted to have been selected to represent Derbyshire this August in Our Cabana, Mexico, one of the Girl Guide Association's four world centres. There the 12 girls and 3 leaders will participate in Girl Friendship Sessions, including time working with children from the local communities, and helping Our Cabana to celebrate its 50th Anniversary year.

Fashion Show, Wednesday 11th April

To help towards the £1500 she has to raise, Emily - together with a friend who represents Staffordshire on a similar trip to New Jersey - is organising a fashion show. She says: "It will be a huge clearance sale of famous branded clothing, with huge reductions on ends of line and a huge choice of samples, a chance to pick up fantastic bargains with clothes for everyone - the young and trendy and the mature and elegant - in sizes ranging from 8-32, at half price compared with the major high street stores. All this and a fun evening too! At the end of the evening there will be a chance to sort through rails of over 300 lines and buy as many clothes as you like, saving a fortune. Lines include M&S, Next, River Island, Dorothy Perkins, Etam, Wallis, Gap, Pilot, New Look, Top Shop and Evans." The show takes place on Wednesday 11th April at 7.30 pm, at St Mary's Church Hall in Stretton. You can buy tickets at £3.50 on the door, or from SJ Property Services, Main Street, Stretton (opposite the chapel).

For more information or tickets, or to sponsor Emily , you can contact her on 01283 703604 or 07738851913, or by email to emily-elson@hotmail.com.

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Repton Parish Council Chairman's Report

Traffic: Last March I started my report with traffic problems, and I am afraid that little progress has been made during the year since. A survey by the Safety Camera Partnership found that 15% of traffic on Burton Road exceeds 44 mph, but still decided that the road does not meet the criteria to install a safety (speed) camera. They did, however, promise to carry out regular speed checks with hand-held cameras. Derbyshire County Council promised to review the traffic calming on Main Street after we requested an additional speed platform between Zytec and Hallifield's farm, but despite reminders from the Parish Council no action has been taken.

Village Cleaning: A comprehensive cleaning schedule has been worked out for the village, and our contractor is kept very busy. While most effort is concentrated on the High Street, Burton Road, Main Street and Brook End, where the majority of litter and traffic grime accumulates, we try to sweep and clear litter from other areas on a rota basis, so that everywhere is covered during the year. We are grateful to Repton School for taking on the area of The Cross, Willington Road and the bus shelters.

Broomhills Pavilion: The wall at the west end of the function room has been a problem for some time. The plasterwork keeps flaking and salt deposits form on the surface. A building surveyor, employed by the Parish Council to investigate, discovered that damp was penetrating the wall, due to errors made during the construction of the building. The surveyor's report was sent to the District Council, who built the pavilion. After conducting their own investigation, they have decided that the inner wall will have to be demolished to allow the brickwork to dry out, and then re-constructed with new waterproofing. Hopefully the work will be done as soon as possible.

Play Equipment: We are hoping to install a new climbing frame on Mitre Field to cater for the 4-10 year olds. This depends on funding being available from the District Council, who will pay two-thirds of the cost. There is still a gap in the provision of facilities for teenagers. This is a more difficult problem to resolve, both in provision of suitable equipment and - even more difficult - a suitable site. A survey of the village has identified one or two possible sites, but further development will have to wait for funds and a final choice of a site. It will be a problem for the next Parish Council after the elections in May.

Kerbing at the War Memorial: We have asked the County Council to reinstate the kerbing at the War Memorial up to the church wall by the lych-gate, in order to tidy up the area, and to stop cars from parking on the pavement in front of the memorial and the new seat. To speed up the process, the Parish Council has agreed to fund the work, but progress is painfully slow. The last we heard was that the County Council was trying to locate the correct type of sandstone kerb.

Village Map: On a more positive note, the village map is now in place opposite the NatWest bank. Thanks go to the Village History Society, which together with the Parish Council sub-committee has produced a splendid addition to the street scene. The informative map shows that Repton has much to interest both visitors and residents, in addition to the attractions of its historic centre. Many hours of research and negotiation went into the production and funding of the map. The project was paid for out of Rhoda Hemming's bequest and generous donations from Repton School, South Derbyshire District Council, Toyota and East Midlands Airport.

Planning: There have been two particularly controversial planning applications this year. The first, to replace four semi-detached houses on Askew Grove with thirteen new properties, was hard to believe until it was seen on paper. The council objected strongly due to the excessive number of dwellings, which we considered to be totally out of character for that area of the village. The application was thrown out by the District Council, only to be followed by a new submission for eleven houses. This application was allowed, and the houses are being shoe-horned onto the site as I write.

The second application was to demolish a house on Pinfold Close to gain access to the land behind, to enable houses to be built. Strong opposition from the Parish Council and many local residents persuaded the District Council to reject the proposal. The developer has appealed against this decision, however, so the battle is by no means over.

Precept: The parish precept has remained at £12,000 for three years. This is due to careful control of spending, as well as the judicious use of 'depot' money and the money from Rhoda Hemming's bequest for projects such as tree planting and the village map. We have decided that this year we will have to raise an extra £900 to cover the cost of the local election in May, but our precept will still compare very favourably with other similar parish councils.

This is the last Chairman's report before the council goes into the melting pot at the local council election in May. Many of the councillors have put in hours of work behind the scenes over the past four years, liaising with the Police at 'Safer Neighbourhood' meetings, meeting with the youth services, attending training courses, organising street cleaning and village maintenance and working on projects such as the village map and the ongoing 'Time Line'. My thanks go to them all, and to our hardworking clerk, who deals so efficiently with parish business and keeps the books and the councillors in order.

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Repton Village & History

Open Garden

On Sunday 22nd April, Jan and David Roberts are opening their garden at 37 High Street, Repton, for the National Gardens Scheme (the Yellow Book). Teas will be available in aid of St Wystan's Church, and there will be plants for sale. (2 pm to 5.30 pm, admission £2, children free)

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Scarecrow Competition, 23rd - 24th June

The Scarecrow Competition is a fun part of the Open Gardens weekend. To encourage everyone to have a go we will be demonstrating how to make your scarecrow at the Repton Village Party. Do come along and pick up a few tips. This year there are valuable prizes to be won, including family tickets to some of the top attractions in and around Derbyshire. Nick Wells, who has won first prize for the past two years, has agreed to be our judge this year. Application forms and more information will be available from local shops and in the next edition of the Parish Magazine.

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Repton W.I.

In March Rowena Lovatt paid a return visit to Repton. Her talk began in Victorian times with the production of beautiful silks at a mill in Leek. The owner asked his wife, Elizabeth Wardle, to think of ways to increase sales, and she responded by producing kits with printed patterns. She went on to teach embroidery; her fame spread and attracted the attention of William Morris. With her pupils' help she designed and made altar frontals and vestments which are still to be found in churches in and around Leek. Rowena carries on the tradition by conserving old Leek embroideries and making new ones in the Leek style. Next Meeting: Tuesday 3rd April, 7.15 pm in the Village Hall: 'An Evening of Surprises'. Note that this meeting is a week earlier than usual.

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Repton Village History Group

In February Alan Gifford gave an excellent talk, supported with slides, on the history and renovation of the six-sailed Heage Windmill near Belper. Alan has been closely involved in this massive project, organised by volunteers. The mill is open to the public on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays from April until the end of October, and well worth a visit.

'Repton School', Tuesday 17th April

Repton School celebrates its 450th Anniversary this year, and Paul Stevens will give an insight into the everyday life of the students and staff over the centuries. This should be a fascinating evening, and will no doubt also tell us something about the life of the village in those days. Everyone is welcome. Entrance is £1.50 for members and £2.50 for visitors. Village Hall, 7.30 pm.

Put up or Shut up Following last month's article, could I mention the lock-up in Repton? In Thomas's book, 'Repton 1557 - 1957', there is a section entitled 'Repton Village in 1854' which includes the following: "Where the bookshop now stands (now 'The Gallery') were two shops with eighteenth-century bow windows, and down the little lane where today (in 1957) stands a telephone kiosk was the Parish Lock-up - a round house with a steep conical roof, like that standing in Ticknall." I don't know of any picture and drawings, and certainly don't know when it was demolished, but would dearly love to know more. If you can help, please do contact me on 704042. Alan Kimber

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'Active Kids' Vouchers

Repton Primary and Newton Solney Infants Schools are both collecting vouchers from Sainsbury's and Tesco. Until 29th May Sainsbury's are offering one 'Active Kids' voucher for every £10 spent, which can be exchanged for sports, activity and cooking equipment. Similarly, Tesco is issuing 'Computers for Schools' vouchers until 13th May. If you have any that you could donate, please send them via a pupil, drop them off at school or post them, either to Repton Primary School, Springfield Road, Repton DE65 6GN, or to Newton Solney Infant School, Trent Lane, Newton Solney, Burton on Trent, Staffs DE15 0SF.

We would be most grateful.

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Repton Evergreens Trip, Thursday 31st May

Our half-day trip to the Peak District will leave Repton Village Hall car park at 10 am, returning for 2.30 pm, followed by a meal in the Village Hall. If you would like to come along, please contact Mrs. C. Yeomans on 702975. Non-members are welcome.

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Repton Village Society

At our last meeting, Eric Flounders, the Public Relations Manager of Cunard, talked about the history of company from its beginnings in Canada in 1839, and kept the large audience enthralled - even without slides. He plotted the changes from a small, basic, sailing-ship company carrying immigrants to Canada and the USA, through getting the mail-shipping contract across the Atlantic, to becoming the icon of the shipping world with the unrivalled safety record of never losing a ship.

'Blue Tits - Raising a family', Thursday 5th April

David Tideswell will make a welcome return to the society, this time talking about blue tits. His talk will be illustrated with his usual excellent slides.

'Stories of the Severn', Tuesday 1st May

N.B. Because of the local elections, our talk will be on the Tuesday night. It should be really interesting, as our speaker is a Blue Badge Guide with a lot of experience of the area.

'Guided tour of the Severn Valley', Saturday 5th May

For those with tickets, the coach will leave Repton Church at 8 am, returning at approximately 6.30 pm. For those who have signed up for it, the tour will include a trip on the Severn Valley Railway. Peter Rainey

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

About 30 people attended a meeting of Repton Parish Council on 12th March. Firstly they heard from the vicar, Peter Paine, about proposed alterations at St Wystan's church. Then the new licensee of the Bulls Head, Richard Pope, talked about his plans for reopening the pub.

• Many residents will have seen the proposals to make a number of physical changes to St Wystan's, principally at the west end of the building. The Rev'd Paine said that all villagers have an affinity for and an attachment to St Wystan's church building, whether or not they are churchgoers. Briefly, the changes involve moving the font to create a meeting room in the tower, with a new floor above for bell ringing, installing toilets and a kitchen, and better access for the disabled. The proposals were put into perspective by mentioning other significant developments in the building through the ages. The cost of all the work is not yet known, but could amount to £200,000. The parish council will write a letter in general support of the proposals, so as to assist in grant applications and fundraising appeals.
• After being closed for the past two years, The Bulls Head is currently undergoing a £600,000 refurbishment, and is due to reopen on 25th May. Mr. Pope has taken a 10-year lease on the premises, and aims to operate the business as a good quality pub serving real ale and speciality beers, with dining facilities for 100 customers. There is the potential for another 100 al fresco meals to be served on the rear terrace, where patio heaters will be available when the weather is chilly. The existing children's play area is being scrapped, and the entire car park area will be resurfaced and re-lined. While work takes place, the recycling bins at the rear of the car park have been moved to the Village Hall. The Parish Council would like to see the recycling facility reinstated when work is completed, but it was unable to secure any firm undertaking. Mr Pope answered a number of questions that were raised by parishioners, ranging from neighbours' casual use of the car park, the condition of the rear fence, and noise from cellar cooling equipment, through to the absence of an apostrophe in the pub's name!
• The district council recently rejected an outline planning application to demolish 53 Pinfold Close and 7a Pinfold Lane and develop land at the rear for residential purposes. The developer has now lodged an appeal against the ruling. The parish council is writing to SDDC supporting the decision to refuse permission. The loss of this open green space in the village remains a serious concern.
• A planning application to construct an entirely new farm on land at the top of Robin's Cross Lane has been revised and resubmitted with the location slightly altered so that it will not be visible from the Ticknall to Milton Road.

The next meeting of Repton Parish Council will be on Monday 16th April at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall. John Shortt

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Civic Amenity Waste Vehicle

The Parish Council will again provide an amenity waste vehicle on the Village Hall car park on Saturday 14th April from 7.30 to 11.30 am.

Some items cannot be taken: metal items, builders rubbish, bathroom fixtures, fridges, freezers, cookers, washing machines, dryers, wardrobes, beds, 3 piece suites, car parts, kitchen units (unless dismantled), asbestos, gas heaters and bottles, paint, any inflammable substances, televisions and fluorescent tubes, and any other hazardous waste. All of these can be collected at a cost by the District Council Bulky Service, 595759.

Waste vehicles will also be available at the Marina car park, Willington, on 16th June, 22nd September, 24th November, and next year on 23rd February. We know that it is becoming increasingly difficult to dispose of waste. The Parish Council has paid for this service. Please use it.

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'Safer Neighbourhoods', Monday 2nd April and Tuesday 12th June

Do you want to hear about local policing and how you can help our villages stay a safe place to live? Are you being disturbed by anti-social behaviour near your home? Have you any practical suggestions for reducing crime locally? Would you like to know who to contact if problems arise?

If so, then come and meet the Safer Neighbourhoods Team for our area. Monday 2nd April, Repton Village Hall at 6.30 pm, or Tuesday 12th June, Findern Village Hall at 7 pm.

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Dogs

In the last six months we have all noticed an unhealthy increase in the dog mess on our pavements. Indeed, a friend of mine had to avoid six piles on the short walk down Pinfold Lane - not easy with a toddler and double pushchair. I walk around a lot in the day, and the owners I see do clean up after their dogs, so maybe the problem is with late night or early morning walkers, who think it doesn't matter in the dark. Well, it does matter to us, as we walk to school, to the shops, visit others, or simply enjoy the fresh air. It seems that a few are spoiling it for the rest of us.

Let's catch the culprits, and if it means midnight vigils let's do it. And when the culprits are identified, we can contact the Anti-Social Behaviour line on 595795.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney W.I.

Four members attended the spring Council Meeting at The Winding Wheel, Chesterfield, where they heard a very interesting talk by Christine Hamilton.

At our March meeting, Jane Bagshaw, the Wardrobe Mistress of the Burton Mellow Dramatic Society, gave a very detailed talk on 'Behind the Scenes', and showed many of the costumes she had made for their productions over the years. She had the help of three of our members, who acted as models to show off some of the beautiful dresses.

The monthly whist drive is on 27th March, and our next meeting is on Tuesday 10th April, when Alan Guildford will talk on the restoration of Heage Windmill.

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Gardening Notes

Frost is still possible until the end of May. Japanese maples, pieris and hydrangea are particularly susceptible; most damage is caused when frozen shoots thaw rapidly in the sun. It will be tempting to plant out tender plants and sow outdoor seeds earlier than usual - and you may well get away with it - but keep some fleece handy to protect them if necessary.

Continue to sow peas and broad beans outdoors, and harden off those started earlier under glass. Plant out second early potatoes. Sow cabbage for summer or autumn use, and also winter cabbages, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots and beetroot, and continue successional sowings of lettuce. Sow sweet corn in modules later in the month, as well as runner and French beans.

Feed strawberries and other soft fruits with a general fertiliser such as Growmore, or 'blood, fish and bone'. Marrows, courgettes, squashes, cucumbers and melons can all be sown in a heated greenhouse. Sow the seed on edge, not flat, to reduce soil resistance for the emerging cotyledon. Sow half-hardy annuals such as alyssum, asters, cosmos and French marigolds in a cold greenhouse. Sunflower seeds can be sown outside, where you want them to flower, spaced about 18" apart.

If you are sowing fine seed, water the compost first to avoid washing the seed away. If light levels are low, stand pots on kitchen foil so that the seedlings benefit from reflected light. Leave a can of water in the greenhouse to warm up before watering seedlings.

Prick out tomato seedlings as soon as they are big enough to handle. Plant them into 3½" pots, keep them in a warm place (15°C) and feed regularly. Remove reverted green shoots from variegated shrubs. Spray roses at regular intervals against black spot, rust and mildew.

Plant dormant dahlia tubers. Watch out for rust on hollyhocks, and destroy any brown, speckled leaves. A spray with Fungus Clear may help to protect them.

Deadhead daffodils after flowering, except for miniature daffodils and those that you want to naturalise and spread. There are some very fine Lenten hellebores available, which self-seed prolifically. If you collect the seed when ripe, you can sow it in the early summer, but it will take 3 to 4 years to come into flower.

Towards the end of the month you can start to plant up hanging baskets. Fill the container with multi-purpose compost, adding slow-release fertiliser. When planted, keep it in a warm, light place till all danger of frost is over.

Grass is growing actively now. Set the mower blades high to start with, and lower them gradually. Give lawns a high nitrogen feed, or a combined 'feed, weed and mosskill' fertiliser. Sow grass seed on bare patches, covering to protect from birds. Spring and early summer, when growth is vigorous, is the best time to use weedkiller, but some weeds are resistant, especially the creeping varieties. If you rake the lawn before mowing, it helps to check their growth. And always mow with a grassbox to minimise the dispersal of seed. When lawnmowers were introduced in 1830, the idea came from the machines used to shave the nap from newly woven cloth. Early models were pushed or pulled by a pony. Self-propelled machines were not invented until about 1900.

Clean up established ponds. Cut plants back when they show signs of new growth. Thin out oxygenating plants to stop them taking over, but do not remove too much, or algal growth will occur - as it will if you add fertiliser to pond plants.

The mild winter, together with the large crop of berries last autumn, has resulted in fewer birds coming to the garden to feed. We have had no siskins or blackcaps, although we have seen plenty of great, blue and coal tits, with occasional long tailed tits and goldcrests. Goldfinches have been regular visitors, with nuthatches and greater spotted woodpeckers a bit less frequent.

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Sam Beeton

St Wystan's Church supports Sam Beeton, who teaches at St Paul's Theological College in Antananarivo, the key training centre for the church of Madagascar. Although Sam is on furlough this year, his work continues.

A day in the life of a college worker

Jean Aimé's family has worked at the college for more than 30 years. He and his wife, Seheno, have three children. Seheno has six brothers and sisters and Jean Aimé has nine. That is quite usual; in Madagascar the traditional wedding blessing is, 'may God give you seven girls and seven boys'!

Jean Aimé starts work at eight in the morning but gets up at five to work in the fields for an hour and a half first. He grows peas, cassava and sweet potatoes, and has enough rice paddy to feed the family for four months. Last year he watered a field of peas for two months, but the day before the harvest, they were all stolen. He says, 'We can't afford to get depressed; we just planted again.'

At lunchtime the couple prepare food for the family and their animals: one cow, one pig and four chickens. The cow eats banana plants and grass, but the pig food has to be cooked.

After work finishes at four thirty, they feed the animals, then before bed at eight, they watch television. There is no mains electricity in the house, but they have a battery which they charge at the market every two weeks.

The Word of God, alive and active

A group of three people is working with the Malagasy Bible Society to revise the Malagasy Bible. Pasteur Stephane is from the Lutheran Theological College, Pasteur Yvette from the Reformed Church, and Rev'd Lova, an Anglican, was a student in Sam's Greek and Hebrew classes until last year.

The translators use special software from the Bible Society to compare different translations, and to examine grammar and vocabulary. The first book they have completed is the Gospel according to Mark. Verse one reads, 'Ny niandohan'ny filazantsaran'i Jesoa Kristy, Zanak' Andriamanitra'.

"I think you will agree," says Sam, "that the Bible revision and the college's part in it is good news too!"

To support the work of Sam, or the USPG, visit www.uspg.org.uk, email enquiries@uspg.org.uk, or ring 020 7803 3422

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'Stop the Traffik'

Last month we remembered and celebrated the abolition of the trans-atlantic slave trade 200 years ago. Both black and white abolitionists were driven by the conviction that freedom is a human right. But slavery is far from dead. The scale of human trafficking

Men, women and children are trafficked within their own countries and across international borders. Victims include runaways and orphans, those abducted, those sold by their parents or whose parents have been deceived, and those sold from the street or institutions. They are trafficked into prostitution, forced labour, military service, domestic service, illegal adoption, and forced marriage. Trafficking affects every continent and most countries.

Due to the hidden and illegal nature of the crime, gathering statistics is difficult, but the following are some of the most credible and frequently quoted.

• At least 12.3 million people are victims of forced labour, at least 2.4 million as a result of human trafficking.   ILO
• 600,000-800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year, approximately 80% women and girls, 50% minors.   US Department of State
• An estimated 1.2 million children are trafficked each year.   UNICEF
• Human trafficking is the third largest and fastest growing source of income for organised crime, exceeded only by arms and drugs trafficking, and generating 7 billion dollars per year in criminal proceeds.   UN

Stop the Traffik is a global coalition against people-trafficking. By raising awareness on a subject that is little known or understood it calls for change and freedom. At the heart of its campaign, advocacy and education demonstrate ways in which we can all be involved and help to change people's futures. You can sign an on-line petition (at www.stopthetraffik.org) to be delivered to the United Nations. Stop the Traffik also welcomes donations and corporate support. Currently, two-thirds of its corporate members are churches and schools (Why should that be? Does it not concern us all?), but it does include large corporations such as Centrica.

The bicentenary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade is not just a time to celebrate liberty, it is a time for us to commit to bring liberty to everyone.

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Computer Safety

Software Inspector

Secunia, an internet security company, offers Windows users a free check to make sure that your installed programs are up-to-date. Out-of-date programmes are frequently vulnerable to attack. It doesn't offer updates as such, but points you at vendor websites where you can find out more or download updates. Go to http://secunia.com/software_inspector