June 2007 - Contents A Real Makeover 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 Fathers' Day Family Service, Sunday 17th June at 11 am Coffee Morning, Saturday 9th June, 10.30 to 11.30 am Shell (for children aged 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Henry John Gaunt Tess Eleonore Lézé Marriages Marcus Cumming and Elena Sabelnikova Funerals and Burial of Ashes Ros Granville Repton Benefice Bishop Humphrey Consecrated Spanish Trip friendsfirst St Wystan's News Churchyard Upkeep Repton M.U. Scrap Metal Collection St Mary's News Newton Solney Church Roof Newton Solney Church Quiz Repton School Concert, Saturday 16th June Repton Primary School PTA Summer Fayre, Friday 29th June Newton Solney Infant School Summer Fair, 7th July Thankyou Ros Granville Repton Village and History Repton Village Party Thank You to everyone who supported the Village Party Repton Rainbows Repton Pre-school wants Committee Members Paper Recycling for Repton Primary Repton W.I. Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Floral Container / Front Garden Competition Yellow Book Open Garden, Sunday 27th & Monday 28th May Open Garden, Sunday 10th June Repton Open Gardens, Saturday 23rd - Sunday 24th June Table Top Sale, Saturday 23rd June Preparing fruit and vegetables for Repton Village Show Repton Parish Council From Scilly to the Shetlands Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton Open Gardens and Farm, Sunday 10th June Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney W.I. Gardening Notes

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A Real Makeover

If we watch television at all, we are certain to come across a programme which features a makeover: how to make our homes more designer-friendly, how to make ourselves more beautiful, how to perfect our do-it-yourself skills to ensure that our friends and neighbours gasp in astonishment when they visit us. As my do-it-yourself skills are an embarrassment I try to avoid all such programmes, but occasionally others in my family will want to watch them, and I have to admit a grudging admiration for these teams of skilled people who are able to turn dingy and run-down properties into palaces. But I do wonder if the improvements are more than cosmetic. Having bought at least one house from self-professed do-it-yourself entrepreneurs, I realise that the electrics may well be lethal when examined closely, and that smartly-decorated rooms can collapse into a heap of plaster when you strip the wallpaper off.

Do the same disappointments follow, I wonder, for the people who try to make themselves look ten years younger, or as beautiful as a Hollywood star, with help from a team of dress-designers and beauticians: certainly, if the camera doesn't lie - though it nearly always does - our shape can be astonishingly transformed through crash diets and astute changes of clothing. The myth of Cinderella, whether she be Eva Peron or Lady Diana Spencer, is deep-rooted in our society. But beauty is indeed only skin-deep; a person can look like an angel on the outside, but be quite the opposite underneath.

When Jesus talked about the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, the power of the God-ness within us to make us his children, he wasn't talking about our external appearance. He was urging his followers to make a new beginning, not primarily for our own benefit, but for the benefit of those around us. If that improved world that he called the Kingdom of God is to come about, it will come about through the selfless lives of those who live like Jesus did. St Paul listed what he called the fruits of the Spirit: love, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, compassion, kindness, modesty, self-control, patience. Are they really a part of our lives? They come through drawing closer to the example of Jesus, reflecting on what he said and did, and opening our hearts to what his Spirit continues to urge us to do. The more of us that do that, the nearer we come to that new society which he called the Kingdom of God. Now there's a makeover that's really worth having.

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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 (contact Frances Wimbush, 703180)

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Brasses (contact Pauline Beckett, 500132)

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Altar Flowers & Cleaning at St Saviour's (contact Polly Glasby)

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The United Reformed Church

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Fathers' Day Family Service, Sunday 17th June at 11 am

A service in which we give thanks for all that our fathers have done for us, with a gift for all the men in the congregation - come and worship with us!

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Coffee Morning, Saturday 9th June, 10.30 to 11.30 am

This is the last of this season's coffee mornings. 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 for the summer with homemade cakes and marmalade. Everyone is welcome. The next coffee morning will be on Saturday 8th September, the day of the rural churches' 'Ride and Stride'.

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Shell Group (aged 7+)

Shell Group meets on Mondays from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. New members are always welcome.

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Dates for your Diary

Summer Barbecue at 5 Monsom Lane: Saturday 14th July. More details next month.
Junior Church Prize-giving: Sunday 15th July at 11 am.

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Baptisms

Henry John Gaunt, son of Tess and Mark of 16 Pinfold Close, Repton, was baptised at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Sunday 6th May.

Tess Eleonore Lézé, daughter of Richard and Susannah of 3 Shustoke Road, Solihull, was baptised at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Sunday 6th May.

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Marriages

Marcus Cumming of Derby, son of Neil and Auriol of Main Street, Repton, and Elena Sabelnikova of Moscow were married in Nottingham on Saturday 28th April.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Ros Granville, formerly of Springfield Road, Repton, passed away peacefully in the Dales, Fisher Close, Repton, on Friday 20th April aged 85. A service at Markeaton Crematorium on 1st May was followed by cremation.

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Repton Benefice

Bishop Humphrey

On 31st May Canon Humphrey Southern was consecrated Bishop of Repton, and on 9th June at 3 pm in the Cathedral there is to be a service of welcome. Please pray for Bishop Humphrey as he begins this new ministry among us.

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Spanish Trip

Where have all the brochures gone? We now need applicants if this trip is to go ahead! Please remember that the cost includes all visits, entrance fees and gratuities; there are no optional excursions with additional costs as is generally found in other brochures. If you add in the cost of all the additional excursions on other tours you will find our prices are very competitive. For more information, contact me on 703317. Peter Paine

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friendsfirst

If you feel that everyone but you has a summer holiday booked, or friends to go away with, don't despair - you are not alone. Thousands of people feel the same way. That's why friendsfirst (the Christian friendship service) has organised two holidays this summer where you'll meet lots of other people and come away with new friends. The first is in North Wales from 21st to 28th July, and the second in the Isle of Wight from 15th to 21st September. Both are situated in lovely hotels, are full board, and cost a maximum of £295 (with discounts available). For further details, contact Katharine Gray on 0121 427 1286, or write to her at friendsfirst, PO Box 8377, Birmingham, B17 9TE. friendsfirst also runs a friendship service which brings Christians of all ages together. For further details, contact them as above.

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St Wystan's News

Churchyard Upkeep

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who mowed and helped to keep the churchyard tidy last year, and to all who helped financially. The churchyard looked very smart throughout 2006. We are now well into the mowing season, and I am grateful for the generous offers of help which have enabled me to complete the mowing rota, employing Hillcrest Landscapes on only two occasions. If you would like to help to keep the area tidy, whether you are a churchgoer or not, please send your donations to Mrs. J. Roberts, 37 High Street, Repton DE65 6GD, making cheques payable to 'Repton PCC'. Thank you.

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Repton M.U.

Repton Branch has for years been linked with a branch in Australia, in New South Wales, and in May we had a reply to the letter we sent about the March meeting, when the Repton Dig was the theme. Our correspondent had been to Repton in 1975 and had been shown round the church and crypt, while another couple from East Gosford had visited a year later and seen 'the dig'.

Next Meeting: On Wednesday 20th June at 2.30 pm in the Fisher Close Room, Lucine McClean will speak on 'Repton to Jordan and Back'. We always welcome visitors at our meetings.

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Scrap Metal Collection

For some years Glenda and Norman Brewin have been collecting cans and foil for Repton Church Development Fund. They also recycle old pans, copper piping, lead guttering, aluminium car wheels - you name it, if it's metal, it's usually worth something. If you have any metal items you want to get rid of, you can ring David Roberts on 702159 to check if it's suitable and arrange collection. Cans and foil can be placed in the bags inside the church porch. Many thanks to everyone who helps in this way.

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St Mary's News

Newton Solney Church Roof

Rejoice! Rejoice! The roof restoration has at last been completed, with results for all to admire. In the autumn there is to be a formal Service of Thanksgiving, which the Archdeacon of Derby has kindly agreed to lead. In the meantime, the congregation will celebrate less formally at the 10 am Family Service on 3rd June. All are welcome.

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Newton Solney Church Quiz

After a year's interval we again have a quiz in aid of church funds, this one relating to the London Underground. Copies (£1 each) will be available at and after the Buffet Lunch on 10th June, from members of the PCC, and from 'Hairs & Graces' at Repton. When completed they should be returned to Hazel Ward by 1st September.

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Repton School Concerts Society The Rothwell Temperance Band Saturday 16th June at 7.45 pm in the 400 Hall This band is one of the most progressive in the country and comes from the great tradition of brass bands from the north of England. The band has an astonishing contest record with fifteen wins from twenty-five competitions. This is guaranteed to be an exciting end to the 2006/7 season, an entertaining concert with a varied programme of pieces and styles. Please note that this event is on a Saturday and in the 400 Hall! Tickets £12 and £9 (concessions). For further information or tickets contact: The Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

Repton Primary School PTA Summer Fayre Friday 29th June at 6.30 pm Games, Raffle, Tombola, Cakes, Books, Toys plus many other attractions A fun night out for all the family!

Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School Summer Fair 7th July from 2 pm in the school grounds There will be a seaside theme, and during the afternoon school children will be dancing and singing. Various stalls, games, raffle, tombola and lots more. Everyone welcome!

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Thankyou

Lynn, Joy and family would like to sincerely thank all the staff at the Dales for the outstanding care given to Ros Granville during her 5 happy years as a resident there, and in the last few weeks before she passed away. Also for all the support and kindness given to her family during this difficult period. We cannot praise and thank them all enough.

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Repton Village & History

Repton Village Party

On Bank Holiday Monday, tents, bunting and hundreds of balloons transformed the Den and Scout field into a scene of lively jollity and fun, as well over 600 visitors, including lots of children of all ages, enjoyed a traditional village party. The weather too played its part: the unremitting rain-clouds of early May parted at lunchtime, the afternoon was largely dry, and there were even spells of glorious sunshine.

Children were everywhere. They planted sunflower seeds for the village show, made scarecrows and a collage sheep, and hunted for buried treasure. Toddlers named a teddy, made butterflies and decorated baskets. Older children played skittles and joined in the five-a-side football and tug-of-war. Rainbows, Brownies and Guides sang camp-fire songs and had lots of activities inside their cosy tent. At the 'have-a-go' circus children spun plates and hoops and walked on stilts. Elsewhere, Anglo-Saxon monks and warriors clad them in armour, talked about food and clothing, demonstrated the art of inscription on vellum, and gave them a picture of Repton before the Vikings.

Adults were equally occupied. The more sedate examined the history group displays and took part in the quiz, examined the plans for St Wystan's redevelopment and redesigned the village hall, listened to the handbells or to a very talented group of young musicians from Repton Primary School, learnt how to make up a hanging basket, guessed the weight of the cake - a tie meant it had to be shared - and of a church bell clapper - fortunately no tie here - and named the toy sheep. Sadly the promised real sheep was unavoidably absent, entangled in red tape!

The more active joined enthusiastically in the games. Led by the 'heavy brigades' from the Boot and Red Lion, the tug-of-war pitted pub against pub, neighbour against neighbour, and mum against child. There was Scottish dancing; lots joined in the football, the tug-of-war, and of course, the maypole dancing.

As befits a May Bank Holiday, the maypole took pride of place. Children from the primary school had been practising for weeks beforehand and brilliantly negotiated a number of dances, including the complexities of the 'spider's web' - even if we weren't always quite sure how! Then others joined in, and the last dance ended with everyone sitting in a circle, banging their heads on the ground - how on earth did it come to that?

And during all the activity there were continuous queues for ices at one end of the field, and for teas at the other. All credit to Frances Wimbush for her original idea, and to her and an energetic team for realising it so triumphantly. Thank you too to those village organisations and local businesses which gave their support in so many ways. It was a very happy afternoon with something for everyone, an afternoon that showed that the best fun is still that which you make yourself and enjoy with your friends. Will there be another one? I do hope so.

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Thank You

A big thank you to everyone who supported the Village Party:

those who sponsored and supported the event, including Repton Parish Council, Repton Village Society and Derbyshire Community Champions.

the many friends and neighbours who helped before, during and after the day.

all of you who came and joined in the fun - it wouldn't have been a party without you

We have had many very positive comments, a tribute to the enthusiasm and goodwill which made the whole project worthwhile and helped it achieve its aim of bringing the village together - newcomers and families of all ages. There is a selection of photos on the centre pages, but if you have more that you would be prepared to share, we are going to make up a scrap-book for the archives. Contact Frances Wimbush, 703180.

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Repton Rainbows

Would the four Mums who registered their daughters for Rainbows at the May Day Village Party, please contact me a.s.a.p. Sorry for the inconvenience. Tigger (Carol Hickebottom), 703991

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Repton Pre-school wants Committee Members

You don't need to have any present ties with the pre-school, just an enthusiasm for fundraising and new ideas! Ideally we are looking for someone who perhaps has already had experience in education and / or accounting, and who is now retired or not working, as we have the posts of Chair and Treasurer to fill for September. We particularly need someone who can offer continuity and stability, as our usual committee members tend to leave when their children move on. If you are interested and would like to find out more, please call Gill Cormack on 01283 215806.

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Paper Recycling for Repton Primary

Anyone may use our paper recycling service which is situated on the school drive. Repton Primary School benefits from all the paper collected (but no card please). The gates are open early every morning until about 6 pm, and for two hours on Saturday mornings.

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Repton W.I.

Our tea and cakes were in demand all afternoon at the May Day Village Party, and we hope that the profile of the W.I. was raised by our leaflets and posters.

At the May meeting we welcomed two new members before enjoying a talk by Keith Blood, a Blue Badge Guide. In a darkened room, with appropriate slides, he told chilling tales of Derby, city and county, and invited members to join him on one of his ghost walks. Plans were made for a minibus outing on 27th June to see the Leek Embroideries.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 12th June, 7.15 pm in the Village Hall: A Social Evening with Coffee Tasting, Quiz and Plant Stall.

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Repton Village History Group

There was a packed village hall for our April meeting, when Paul Stevens spoke on Repton School, which celebrates its 450th Anniversary this year. Paul, who is the archivist and librarian at Repton School, spoke about the everyday life of the students and staff of this famous school, concentrating mainly on the last 200 years. He recounted many stories about the growth and running of the school, various events and characters, and the mischief that students got up to in their spare time. It was a very interesting and informative evening, which reminded us too, how much the school has influenced the development of the village.

On Tuesday 19th June, Paul Stevens and John Ward will be giving us an informal guided walk around some of the lesser know parts of the school grounds. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us. It is a 'members only' event and is currently fully booked.

Repton Village Society

Our May programme featured our annual 'Talk and Walk'. Pam Powis, a Blue Badge Guide for the Severn Valley and Wales, traced the route of the river from source to the sea and described in detail some of the towns and industries along its length. Her talk was accompanied by excellent photography. Then, a few days later, Pam guided the coach to the Iron Bridge in Coalbrookdale, Much Wenlock and Bridgnorth, where we joined the Severn Valley Railway for the train journey to Bewdley. There was time to walk round at all of these stops.

Another Wine Tasting, Thursday 7th June

Keith Grainger will be conducting another tasting, this time featuring the wines from the Roussillon region of France. Tickets from Alan Webster on 701838.

Wisley / Brooklands, Saturday 30th June

2007 is the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. The coach leaves Repton at 8 am, and will stop at the RHS garden at Wisley before going on to Brooklands.

Village Party

The Society was glad to support this very successful event, and congratulate Frances Wimbush and her team for creating such a happy atmosphere, much enjoyed by the several hundred who attended.

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Repton Village Society Floral Container / Front Garden Competition After last year's successful competition we will again have the following categories: The Best Hanging Basket or Container (Private and Business) The Best Front Garden Judging will be between 1st and 29th July. Entry Forms from the Post Office and Redshaws Butchers. (Entry Free!) Prizes (Bretby Nurseries Vouchers), sponsored by Repton Parish Council, will be awarded at the Repton Village Show on Saturday 1st September, together with the Rose Bowl to the overall winner.

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Yellow Book Open Garden, Sunday 27th & Monday 28th May

During the Bank holiday weekend, Robert and Pauline Little invite you to visit their garden at 10 Chestnut Way. You will see borders packed with common, unusual and interesting plants; there is an emphasis on vibrant colours, bold structures, interesting foliage and heady scents. The new ½ acre field is being developed into a woodland, butterfly garden and meadow.

There is a plant stall, and home made teas and cakes. Open 1 - 5 pm; admission £2.50, children free.

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Open Garden, Sunday 10th June

Jan and David Roberts are again opening their garden at 37 High Street, Repton, for the National Gardens Scheme from 2 to 5.30 pm, admission £2, children free. Plants will be for sale and teas available in aid of St Wystan's Church. In April over 160 visitors helped to raise £533 for the NGS charities and £135 for church funds. Many thanks to all those locally who came despite the threat of showers, and we look forward to welcoming you again. The garden will also be open on 23rd and 24th June for the village Open Gardens weekend.

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Repton Open Gardens, Saturday 23rd - Sunday 24th June

During the Repton Open Gardens weekend, eleven gardens will be open from 2 to 6 pm, most - but not all - on both days. Programmes (which also act as entry tickets) will be on sale in the village beforehand, at the Church lychgate, and in the gardens on the day; adults £3, children free.

St Wystan's Church: In the church there will be floral decorations, a history exhibition organised by Repton Village History Group, and an exhibition by local artists. Tours of the church will be at times shown in the programme. The organ will play and bells ring.

Stalls: In gardens and at the village hall, there will be a number of stalls, among them a tombola, a bookstall and home produce stalls; donations for these will be gratefully received. (Plants and tombola, Jan Roberts, 702159; books, David Roberts, 702159; home produce such as jams, biscuits and sweets, Carol Lloyd, 702410.)

Prize Draw: Tickets for the Prize Draw will be on sale in the village beforehand and over the weekend; the draw itself will take place on 30th June.

Refreshments: The village hall will serve teas between 2.30 and 5.30 pm. Jan Gillham would be particularly grateful for cakes for teas and help on the day; please contact her on 703340.

Scarecrows: Prizes for the Scarecrow Competition include family tickets to Twycross Zoo, Snibston Discovery Park and Conkers. Judging takes place over the weekend, with prize-giving in the village hall at 4 pm on Sunday. Many of you had a trial run during the Village Party, and it would be great if there are lots of entries. You really don't need to be an expert, but you do need to apply by Sunday 17th June. Application form on page 12.

The Open Gardens weekend is a major fund-raising event for St Wystan's Church. We hope you will all join in to make it a real success.

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Table Top Sale

I am holding a table top sale at The Den, Mitre Drive, on Saturday 23rd June. Tables at £5 each can be booked from me at emily-elson@hotmail.com, or call 703604. All welcome, stall holders from 1 pm, bargain hunters 2 - 5 pm, admission 20p. All proceeds will go towards funding for an international guiding event. So those of you who have just had a spring-clean can take this opportunity, book a table and cash in on those unwanted items.

Also, thank you to those of you who attended my Fashion Show and Sale at Stretton in April, and to those who bought an Easter Quiz. I hope you enjoyed it; the winner with 25/25 was Miss S. Plowman of Newton Solney.

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Preparing fruit and vegetables for the Show
Repton Village Show, Saturday 1st September

In February we passed on comments from the judges on making and presenting marmalade. Here are some of their tips on presenting fruit and vegetables.

Soft fruit e.g. raspberries and blackberries should have the stalk attached.

Apples should be as picked, and not polished.

Tomatoes should have the stalk attached and be of uniform size and shape.

Runner beans need to be freshly picked so they 'snap' when broken in two.

Do not trim cabbages; all leaves should be on show.

When presenting 5 vegetables, make sure that they are all from different 'families'.

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Repton Parish Council

A brief review of the major issues arising at the AGM of Repton Parish Council on 14th May.

Following the local elections at the beginning of the month all Repton councillors have completed the many formalities associated with their acceptance of office. After a six-year stint as Chairman, David Roberts has decided to step down and John Shortt has been elected in his stead. We owe David our sincere thanks for the diligent, tactful and good-humoured way he has at all times conducted council matters. A welcome is extended to Karen Gilliver, Carol Lloyd and Gary Street, who join the council for the first time. The composition of the new council is:

• Chairman: John Shortt, 702702
• Vice Chairman: David Roberts, 702159
• Councillors: Richard Bugg, 701930; Peter Court, 702599; Karen Gilliver, 701921; Chris Jerram, 704546; Carol Lloyd, 702410; Barbara McArdle, 701301; Bernice McLaren, 701090; Roger Paulson 704043; Gary Steel, 07740 257410.
• Council Clerk: Celia Buston, 701309.

Two planning applications to build a total of seven homes off Askew Grove were received too late to be included in the agenda of the May meeting. They will now be discussed in June.

Some weeks ago, the much valued community bus service to Swadlincote was discontinued. After extensive lobbying by local users it has been reinstated, however in future it will go to either Burton or Swadlincote on alternate Tuesdays. This is not quite what most people were seeking, but it is certainly a big step forward. Efforts to improve things are continuing.

There is a recurring problem of dogs fouling the Mitre Field. This is a recreation area but the owners of the dogs do not seem to care about the health risks for young children. Investigations are now underway into having the whole field designated as an area from which dogs are excluded. If this could be achieved it would mean regular patrols by the dog warden. Substantial fines can be imposed on dog owners who breach the regulations.

Application has been made for a late licence at The Bulls Head to allow the pub to trade until 1.30 am on Fridays and Saturdays. There would be an additional 30 minutes drinking-up time. The proposal is a serious concern to neighbours who fear it will mean a lot of night-time noise and disturbance. An objection is being lodged.

Next meeting: Monday 11th June at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall. The agenda will be posted on the website and village notice boards the week before.

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From Scilly to the Shetlands

Formerly a pupil at Foremark, now a gastro-enterologist in Australia, John Masson is spending most of June cycling from the Scillies to the Shetlands to raise awareness of bowel cancer.

This is John's second long-distance ride for charity; in 2004 he cycled from Sydney to Townsville in Queensland, his home town, some 2100 km, raising A$70,000 for cancer research. This year he will cover some 850 miles, breaking only to give Bowel Cancer Awareness (and fund-raising!) talks to Rotary clubs along the way. His father, Bill, who lives in Repton, will be his support driver.

The trip is self-funded, and all the money raised will go to Bowel Cancer UK. Bowel cancer is the second commonest cancer, but with better awareness and screening, deaths can be prevented. John is speaking at the Graduate Medical Centre, Queen's Hospital in Burton, on Monday 18th June at 6 pm. Do come along and support him.

If you can't come on the night but would like to make a donation, you can visit John's website at www.justgiving.com/ukride07. And if you would like to know more, contact Bill Masson on 702886.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton Open Gardens and Farm, Sunday 10th June, 2 - 6 pm

Eleven gardens open and the farm. Come along and join in our day, watch the cows being milked, fly a Harris Hawk as well as tea and cakes in the village hall.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney W.I.

The May meeting debated a resolution against the closure of Local Community Hospitals. Pam Atkin presented the facts and then opened the debate to the audience. After a spirited discussion it was felt that this area, as opposed to many rural areas, was well served by its local hospitals, and the vote to keep local hospitals was unanimous.

Jane Bagshaw reported that the Mellow Dramatics Group won the award for the best Midlands show with 'Godspell'. Jane also won the Eileen Warner Memorial Trophy for handicrafts with her beautiful hand-made beaded bracelet. The evening concluded with a glass of wine and savouries.

Two members attended a meeting at Ashbourne covering the Great Milk Debate in support of prices paid to farmers for their milk. It was standing room only, as many farmers from the area were there along with local MPs and a supermarket executive.

On 10th May, 32 members of Cutthorpe Over 60's Club were entertained to tea in the village hall, following their day's outing in Derbyshire. On 16th May we saw 'Goodnight Mr. Tom', on 22nd May several of our members gave a helping hand at a coffee morning in aid of the Kidney Patients' Association, and on 23rd May we had our last Mulberry Rooms lunch for this academic year.

For your diary: On Tuesday 12th June, Jane Spavold will give a talk on 'Victorian Women'. The next whist drive is on Tuesday 29th May at 7.30 pm, and our next theatre trip is to 'Showboat' on Thursday 7th June. Finally, there is to be a 'Christmas Tree' meeting on Wednesday 29th August to begin making decorations for our W.I. tree.

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Gardening Notes

The spring of 2006 was late, cold and dry. This year, after a very wet winter, spring has been exceptionally warm and early. Both, we are told, were due to climate change. Whatever the case, it should be safe now to finish planting out your summer bedding and other tender plants, giving them a dressing of balanced fertiliser in the process. Water all newly planted plants, individually where possible, and thoroughly soaking each at the root; overhead watering may encourage surface rooting and later susceptibility to drought. Daily watering should not be necessary. Water early in the morning or in the evening, never in the heat of the day.

Hoe regularly in dry weather; weeds compete with other plants for water, and hoeing creates a dust mulch that reduces evaporation.

This is a good time of year to deal with perennial weeds, while they are growing vigorously. It is difficult to grub up every bit of convolvulus, thistle or ground elder root; the alternative is to spray with a weedkiller based on glyphosphate, protecting the plants around.

Sow beetroot, carrots, peas, French and runner beans, cauliflower, purple-sprouting broccoli and kale, these latter for over-wintering.

Plant out seedling sprouts and winter cabbages, and use the space between rows for quick maturing crops such as lettuce and radish. Protect all brassicas from birds and caterpillars. Plant out marrows, courgettes and tomatoes sown under glass earlier. Sweet corn sown in April can also go out now when the seedlings are three inches tall, or it can be sown directly outside. Plant sweet corn in blocks of twelve or so, with gaps in between to allow wind pollination.

If you grow tomatoes on the cordon system in the greenhouse, you will need to tie them regularly to their supports, feed them and remove side shoots (which can be used for cuttings). Cucumbers need a more humid atmosphere and should not be grown with tomatoes.

Plant new water lilies, choosing types that are suitable for the size of your pond.

Dig tulips up when the foliage has died down; store them in a mouse-proof place till autumn. Sow wallflowers, sweet Williams and other biennials to flower next year.

Thin out the weaker stems of herbaceous perennials such as phlox and delphiniums. Support delphiniums and other tall perennials. Stop dahlias by removing the growing tips to encourage them to break from the base. It is usually advisable to restrict stems to five or six per plant. Tie dahlias regularly to their supports. Water sweet peas in dry weather to prevent bud drop.

The newer varieties of alstroemerias are a great improvement on the old A. aurea, which spread everywhere. They now come in a wide range of colours with bigger flowers. They can be short - suitable for containers - medium or tall - which will need staking. If you dead-head them regularly and feed weekly with tomato fertiliser, I am told they should flower until September. They will need dividing every third year in April.

Trim back new shoots of evergreen ceanothus, rock roses and brooms after flowering, but not cytisus battandieri. Take four-inch cuttings of buddleja, honeysuckle, jasmine, forsythia, broom, hydrangea, spiraea, lavatera, lavender, clematis and passion flower. Root in multi-purpose compost with equal volumes of coarse grit and sharp sand or perlite, and cover with a plastic bag.

Areas of grass with spring bulbs can be mown in June, but wildflower meadows should be left till September. During a drought, only recently laid lawns should be watered; grass will recover quickly when it rains. Raise the height of the blades if you mow, or simply stop mowing until it rains again.

Fruit may need thinning at the end of June - after the June drop - if there are still too many fruitlets. Remove any that are damaged or misshapen. Dessert apples (and also pears) should have the main fruit removed, leaving two well placed fruit on either side. For cooking apples, leave one fruit every six to nine inches. Plums rarely need thinning.