September 2007 - Contents It's Time for a bit more Humility 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 Church Picnic, Sunday 2nd September Harvest Festival services, Sunday 23rd September at 11 am and 6 pm Coffee Morning and Rural Churches 'Ride and Stride' Shell (for children aged 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Sophie Kate Haines Marriages Paul James Pendleton and Donna Michelle Murfet Neil John Skinner and Pamela Monica Collett Mark Skelton and Samantha Clare Orme William Gorman and Kerry Anne Appleby Funerals and Burial of Ashes Phyllis Harrison Gladys Doreen Andrews Harold William Smedley Frank Wright Obituaries John Gammell Repton Benefice Ride & Stride Christians Learning Together Prayer Festival Spanish Trip, 16th - 23rd October St Wystan's News Bishop Humphrey's Visit, Sunday 30th September St Wystan's Church Development Repton M.U. 5 Years On! St Saviour's News Foremark Harvest Festival Service, Sunday 30th September at 6.30 pm St Mary's News Newton Solney Harvest Celebrations Repton Village Show, Saturday 1st September Newton Solney Open Show, Saturday 1st September Repton School Concert, Tuesday 18th September Repton School Son et Lumière, Thursday 20th - Sunday 23rd September St Mary's Harvest Lunch, Sunday 23rd September MacMillan Coffee Morning, Friday 28th September McMillan Coffee Morning, Saturday 29th September A Charity Ball with James Bond, Friday 26th October Charities Organ Donation Little Bo's Animal Welfare, Helping Sri Lanka's Street Animals Repton Village and History Scottish Country Dancing Repton Casuals Football Club Repton Christmas Tree Festival, Friday 7th to Monday 10th December National Garden Scheme support for Marie Curie Repton W.I. Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters New Self-Defence Class for Adults Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney W.I. Further Afield National Memorial Arboretum Gardening Notes

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It's Time for a bit more Humility

Before his well-deserved holiday in the Alps, Pope Benedict issued a document allowing greater use of the Tridentine Mass in Latin (a propaganda mass, which calls us heretics and also deeply offends the Jews), and re-issued a document published when he was simply Cardinal Ratzinger, Head of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith. This document caused great offence when it was first published and is doing so again. It has deeply offended the Orthodox and the Reformation Churches. In many ways it states a traditional Roman Catholic position - we should not be surprised at that - but it is clear that Rome sees little reason for ecumenical talks and activity unless the end result is that all other bodies - we can't be called 'Churches', only 'Ecclesial Communities' - become Roman Catholic. The reasoning seems to be that Christ only intended to found one Church, the Church of Rome, and that other bodies cannot trace their bishops back to the time of the Apostles.

With respect to His Holiness, and I acknowledge that I can only speak for Anglicanism, there is little doubt that Anglicanism can indeed trace its line of bishops back through the Reformation, when there was no break in the line, to the Apostles. This is clearly stated in the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.

Also, if we study the words of Jesus as we have them in the New Testament, there is a great doubt as to whether Jesus ever intended to set up a body called 'The Church'. As an Orthodox Jew, he tried to reform Judaism and the whole approach to God. It was only later, and especially after Christians were expelled from the synagogues, that Christianity developed in its own right. In the Gospel there are only two mentions of the word 'Church', both in St Matthew, and both widely acknowledged to be post-Jesus.

I do believe that a bit more humility is required from all branches that make up the Church of Jesus Christ. As we look at our own institutions, do we really believe that they are what Jesus intended and died for?

In a sense we are all 'Ecclesial Communities', all deficient in some way, together making up the Church; no one part has an exclusive monopoly of truth or authenticity. The Church as an establishment often makes some of us want to weep, spending so much time arguing about points of practice while so many wither for want of hearing the authentic Gospel of Christ.

Talking of wanting to weep: what are we to make of those who say that the recent floods are a judgement by God on our lifestyle? What about the innocent victims who won't be able to live in their homes for over a year, or the families of those who died? What does the Bishop of Carlisle's message say to them about God - that they are victims of His vindictive collective punishment?

Perhaps we should all resort to silence a little more often!

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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)

2nd: Jan Badger.  9th: Pat Court.  16th: Morag Hill.  23rd: Naomi Hignett.  30th: Noreen Driver.

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Brasses (contact Pauline Beckett, 500132)

2nd & 9th: Audrey Morris.  16th & 23rd: Karen Perks.  30th:  Evelyn Cawdron.

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Altar Flowers & Cleaning at St Saviour's (contact Ann Redfern, 01332 862350)

9th: Jane Garner.  23rd: Mavis Archer.

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The United Reformed Church

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Church Picnic, Sunday 2nd September

On this Sunday morning there will be a short service at 11 am, followed by a family picnic and games. Drinks will be provided for the children. Lifts are available; please ring 701581.

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Harvest Festival services, Sunday 23rd September at 11 am and 6 pm

Harvest is the opportunity to give thanks for all the good gifts of the harvest. This year we think about the richness of our harvest gifts, and how we can share them and deal justly with others not so fortunate. The children and young people will take part in the morning service, and offer their gifts to share with those who are lonely. The evening service will be a more traditional service of praise. Come and join the celebration!

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Coffee Morning and Rural Churches 'Ride and Stride'

The next Coffee Morning will be on Saturday 8th September, the day of the rural churches' 'Ride and Stride'. The Hall will be open from 10 am to greet cyclists and walkers; the Coffee Morning will be between 10.30 and 11.30 am. Jacket Potato Lunches will be served between noon and 1 pm, and can be reserved by ringing 701581. The Hall will close at 2 pm.

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Shell Group (age 7+)

Shell Group meets on Mondays from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. New members are welcome. The first meeting of autumn will be on Monday 10th September.

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Baptisms

Sophie Kate Haines, daughter of Gareth and Kerry, of Gretton House, 54 Main Street, Newton Solney, was baptised at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney on Sunday 5th August.

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Marriages

Paul James Pendleton and Donna Michelle Murfet were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 28th July.

Neil John Skinner and Pamela Monica Collett were married at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Saturday 28th July.

Mark Skelton and Samantha Clare Orme were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 28th July.

William Gorman and Kerry Anne Appleby were married at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Sunday 12th August.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Phyllis Harrison of The Dales, Fisher Close, Repton, died on Wednesday 27th June aged 83. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 6th July was followed by cremation.

Gladys Doreen Andrews of Sunnyside Bungalows, 38 Main Street, Newton Solney, died on Saturday 14th July aged 81. A funeral service at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on 25th July was followed by cremation at Bretby Crematorium.

Harold William Smedley of 11 Burdett Way, Repton, died on Sunday 22nd July at Nether Hall Nursing Home, Hartshorne, aged 85. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 30th July was followed by cremation.

Frank Wright of 49 Main Street, Repton, collapsed and died on Thursday 26th July, during the floods, as he helped to put out sandbags in Pinfold Lane and the Square. He was 77. A funeral service at Duffield Cemetery Chapel on 10th August was followed by burial.

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Obituaries

John Gammell

John Gammell, headmaster of Repton from 1968 to 1978, died on 4th July aged 85.

At Winchester, John had been a highly regarded and much loved housemaster. As headmaster at Repton, he steered the school through an era of innovation with gravitas and humanity. Changes rightly made by his predecessor had divided the staff; John and his wife brought it together again by their concern for each member of the community and all its activities. John's huge frame, loud voice and laugh, and his measured speech all conveyed a natural gravitas. His firm grasp of moral and intellectual fundamentals, and his discrimi¬nation between the essentials and the superficial, won the confidence of pupils and colleagues. In a time when the spirit of rebellion was blowing through all educational establishments and traditional values were being challenged, he was a calming influence, able to steady the ship and move it on without fuss or fanfare.

After Winchester and Trinity College, Cambridge, John was commis¬sioned in 1941 into the 60th Rifles and served in Italy. Wounded in 1943 on his first day in action, he lost a leg and was recommended for an MC. The prosthetic leg did not pre¬vent him from playing tennis against the boys, and was a source of much fun in 'The Pedants', Repton's quadrennial staff revue.

Beyond the school, his advice was highly valued, and as a member of the Schools' Liaison Committee with the Services, he was instrumental in launching the Short Service Limited Commission, a scheme which still offers commissions to school leavers in their 'gap year'.

After leaving Repton, John spent five years as secretary of the Cambridge University Appointments Board, advising undergraduates about their first jobs. Retiring in 1983 to a village in Rutland, he became a stalwart of the local church and was churchwarden for about 15 years. He is survived by his wife, Meg, and their two sons and daughter.

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Repton Benefice

Ride & Stride

The Derbyshire Churches and Chapels Preservation Trust 'Ride & Stride' is on Saturday 8th September. Many of us, including Bishop Alastair and his wife, Caroline, will be out on the road that day. Details of the bishop's route are on the notice board in St Wystan's Church.

If you like riding a bicycle, why not join with me and others for this event to raise money, both for your local church and the Trust, which supports church buildings throughout the county. Newton Solney did very well from them for their Roof Appeal, so please consider riding and getting sponsored. Sponsorship forms are available in the churches. If you are not a rider and would still like to help, why not be sponsored for manning the church? There is a form within each church with available times. It is also possible to use the event as a sponsored walk.

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Christians Learning Together

The programme for Christians Learning Together in Derbyshire is now on the church notice boards. Canon Andie Brown, the Ministerial Education Advisor, writes: "We believe that churches and Christians who learn, grow." So please see if any of the wide variety of short courses might catch your interest. Application forms are available in St Wystan's Church.

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Prayer Festival

After the success of last year's Prayer Festival, the Bishop of Derby is again calling the diocese together on Saturday 29th September. This year's festival will be held at St Mary's Church, Wirksworth, from 10 am to 4 pm. We are invited to bring a packed lunch or explore the town's suppliers. Tea and coffee are provided. The bishop will give an address in the morning and a reflection in the afternoon. There will be two sessions to explore different forms of prayer. A full programme is available at the back of St Wystan's Church.

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Spanish Trip, 16th - 23rd October

The numbers continue to grow, and we now have 18 people definitely going. This is the last call to join the party! Does this final bell toll for you? If so, brochures are available from Peter at the Vicarage. Please ring 703317 for personal delivery in the village or by post outside.

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St Wystan's News

Bishop Humphrey's Visit, Sunday 30th September

At the end of September, Bishop Humphrey, the new Bishop of Repton, has accepted our invitation to preside and preach at a Benefice service of Parish Communion at 9.45 am in St Wystan's Church. You are warmly invited to the service, and to meet Bishop Humphrey afterwards over a cup of tea or coffee.

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St Wystan's Church Development

The latest good news is that the Diocesan Advisory Committee's glazing specialist liked David Pilkington's drawings for the Tower Screen and will be recommending them to the D.A.C. in September.

Thank you to everyone who made positive comments about my article last month, and to Stanley Morris for his editorial. Perhaps there is now nobody left in the village and among our readership who needs convincing! However, just in case there is, I would make the following brief comments:

• We need to put the high cost of this project into some perspective. Significant work was done in the church during the last century, for instance in the 1930s when the plaster was removed from the walls and the new vestry built, and in the 1990s when the crypt was restored and the present organ was introduced. Major work was also done 120 years ago, back in 1886, when the floor was restored to its original - and present - position, the galleries were removed and the current pews installed. This demonstrates both that major developments happen at relatively long intervals, and also that the church building needs occasional adaptation to current requirements. We hope this development will last as long or even longer than any other, possibly for another 500 or 1,000 years.
• If you divide the cost by that number of years, then it is a quite small amount per year. It so happens that it has fallen to this generation to find the money. I believe the money is there, especially if we can make the church relevant for the wider community. We are building not just for the present but for the future, and the long term future at that.

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Repton M.U.

A few years ago, the Church of England revised its list of Saints' Days. Some of the more obscure saints disappeared, leaving room for new names from more recent times.

On 9th August the name of Mary Sumner appears. Have you heard of her? Perhaps not, but M.U. members know her as the founder of the Mothers' Union. When she gathered a small group of women together in her village to think about the best way to bring up children in the Christian faith, it was not her aim to found a world-wide organisation. But her ideas spread, and now M.U. works on five continents, supporting marriage and Christian family life.

Repton members will be thinking of Mary Sumner and her vision as we visit Twyford Church on Wednesday 19th September, meeting Sylvia Fox there at 2.15 pm.

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5 Years On!

In September 2002, it was decided to make a concerted effort to collect metal and foil, with the proceeds to go towards St Wystan's Development Fund. To date we have crushed hundreds of thousands of cans, taking these to our dealers together with sacks of foil, pots and pans, copper piping, lead, and even aluminium wheels, and raised well over £1,000 so far.

Please keep re-cycling - we can't do it without you.

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St Saviour's News

Foremark Harvest Festival Service

. . . will be held on Sunday 30th September at 6.30 pm at St Saviour's Church. Help to decorate the church would be much appreciated. Please contact the churchwardens about the arrangements.

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St Mary's News

Newton Solney Harvest Celebrations

St Mary's Harvest Lunch is on Sunday 23rd September but the Harvest Festival Services will be held in early October, the school and pre-school on Friday 5th, the congregational service on Sunday 7th. Further details next month.

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Repton Village Show Saturday 1st September in Repton Village Hall Staging from 10am to 11.45 Show opens at 2.30 Prize-giving 3.15 pm. Auction and raffle 3.30 pm. Schedules & entry forms at the Post Office or the Show on the day

Newton Solney Open Show Fruit, Flowers, Vegetables and Crafts Saturday 1st September from 3 pm Newton Solney Village Hall Everyone is most welcome to exhibit. Schedules and entry forms available from Newton Solney Post Office. Entries must be received by 11.45 am, and exhibits staged by 12 noon. Presentation of prizes at 5 pm, followed by the auction and prize draw.

Repton School Concerts Society Libor Novacek - Piano Tuesday 18th September at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall A concert of exciting piano music played by this young prize-winning Czech pianist. The evening will include performances of music by Brahms, Janacek and Liszt. Tickets £12 & £9 (concessions). Season tickets £50 for 10 concerts. For further information or tickets contact: The Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

As part of the 450th Anniversary of its foundation in 1557, Repton School presents a Son et Lumière Thursday 20th - Sunday 23rd September at 8 pm Using the beautiful buildings in the Garth as its theatrical backdrop, this unique event for Repton will chronicle, in light, sound and projections, the history of the school site from its earliest recorded times in the monastic period to the present day. It will be a celebration of the great events and characters that have shaped the school. Tickets at £15 per person are available in person or by post from The Bursar's Office, Repton School, Repton, Derbyshire DE65 6FH.

St Mary's Church Newton Solney Harvest Lunch Sunday 23rd September at 1 pm Newton Solney Village Hall £7.00 Adults : Children £3.50 Raffle : Bring your own bottle! Tickets from Hazel Ward, 21, Blacksmith's Lane, Newton Solney. Tel. 701244

Newton Solney Infant School MacMillan Coffee Morning in aid of MacMillan Cancer Relief Friday 28th September, 9.30 - 11 am in the school hall. Everyone is most welcome.

Coffee Morning in aid of MacMillan Cancer Relief Saturday 29th September, 10 am - noon 9 The Crescent, Repton Books, Bric-a-Brac, Raffle, Tombola All Welcome Donations or prizes would be greatly appreciated. Phone Sue Sharratt, 701619, or leave them at the above address.

A Charity Ball with Bond . . . James Bond Friday 26th October, Burton Town Hall 3 Course Dinner & Coffee, Complimentary Welcome Drink Reception 6.15 pm : Dinner 7 pm : Carriages 1 am Tickets £45 Telephone 01246 569818 or 01283 704714 (evenings) Proceeds to Little Bo's Animal Welfare Charity, Helping Sri Lanka's Street Animals

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Charities

Organ Donation

It is only now that I have come to understand what life is like for the hundreds of people in the UK who are anxiously waiting for a transplant. This is because I too am now on that list, waiting for a double lung transplant. With cystic fibrosis, it has always been inevitable that it would come to this - I just wasn't ready for it to come so soon.

The UK is way behind our European neighbours with regard to organ donation. We still have an opt-in scheme, which means we have to actively register as organ donors. Families can still turn down organ donation against the wishes of their dying relative.

There are currently over 60 people at my hospital waiting for new lungs. Due to the organ shortage, only one operation was carried out last year. If things stay as they are it will simply be too late for many of these people.

When was the last time you even saw a donor card? I think I last saw one in a Post Office when I was 6. I filled all of it in, not quite realising that no-one would want my lungs! For more information, and to join the National Online Donor Register go to www.livelifethengivelife.co.uk.

Thank you from all those waiting for that precious phone call.

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Little Bo's Animal Welfare, Helping Sri Lanka's Street Animals

'Little Bo', a charity created by Sam Noon from Milton, raises awareness of the unimaginable suffering of Sri Lanka's street animals, and aims, through sterilization, vaccination and education to improve their lot. There are many obstacles to overcome: war, corruption, resistance to sterilization, lack of education on animal welfare, and limited veterinary facilities. The charity is aiming to employ its own vet and build its own Animal Hospital.

As part of Sam's mission, at Christmas, despite osteoarthritis she scaled Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka, taking 7 hours to reach the top. Next month, she is organising a fund-raising ball at Burton Town Hall (postponed from June for family reasons). To support her work, see the advert above.

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Repton Village & History

Scottish Country Dancing

Come and join us! We are a friendly, enthusiastic group and welcome new members. All you need is a pair of soft-soled shoes - and a sense of humour!

From September to March we meet on the last Monday of each month, starting again after the summer on 24th September. (7.15 - 9.15 pm, Repton Village Hall; £1.50 each). For more information, phone Frances or Martin Wimbush on 703180.

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Repton Casuals Football Club

A reminder that Ball Skills sessions for children aged 5 and upwards re commence on Saturday 8th September at Broomhills Lane Playing Fields. For further information contact Bob Errington 701183. Newcomers welcome.

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Repton Christmas Tree Festival, St Wystan's Church, Friday 7th to Monday 10th December

Yes, we know it's a long way ahead, but to ensure the weekend goes smoothly we are asking now for volunteers to act as stewards during the festival. It would be a one or two hour slot between 11 am and 5 pm, and could be mainly 'sitting down' duty, helping with the brochures or the craft stall. If you could help in any way, please contact Karen Perks on 702392, or email Carol Lloyd on cjhl@btinternet.com.

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National Garden Scheme support for Marie Curie

This year, Marie Curie Cancer Care is celebrating ten years of support from the National Gardens Scheme, to which three 'Open Gardens' in Repton contribute. To mark the event, garden parties were held in July and August to thank the NGS and their openers.

With your help, Marie Curie nurses make it possible for people who are seriously ill with cancer, and for whom active treatment is no longer an option, to be cared for at home for as long as possible in comfortable and familiar surroundings. Care and emotional support is provided free to patients and their families or carers during the day or, more usually, overnight. Anyone needing support can contact a District Nurse who will decide whether to request the help of a Marie Curie nurse.

As we listened to one Marie Curie nurse tell her story of 'holding the hand' of a patient as he died, our hearts went out to all those in need of such love and care, and we were encouraged, along with many others, to continue to open our garden - even after this summer of pouring rain!

To date, the NGS has raised over 4 million pounds for the Marie Curie Nursing Service, providing well over 200, 000 hours of nursing care. This wonderful support would not be possible without those of you who support us at our openings; a huge "thank you" to you all.

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Repton W.I.

In August, Repton W.I. members plus husbands enjoyed a guided tour of Melbourne Hall. Intelligent questions were asked about pictures, china and glass, but the remark most often heard was: "I wouldn't like to do the dusting here." After the tour, it stayed fine long enough for us to enjoy a stroll in the gardens, before ending with tea and scones.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 11th September at 7.15 pm in the Village Hall: Susan Dixon: 'The work of the St John's Ambulance'. There will be a Harvest and Produce stall. Visitors and new members are always welcome.

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Repton Village Society

On Thursday 6th September, John Plowright, Master of the Scholars at Repton, will give a talk entitled 'Repton to the End'. He is the editor of a book of the same title, written as part of the school's 450th anniversary celebrations. His talk will be in the Tithe Barn at 7.30 pm and is limited to Society members by advance ticket only (£1.50), obtainable from me on 701838.

'The Making of the English Landscape', Thursday 4th October

At our October meeting (7.30 pm, Repton Village Hall), Marilyn Palmer, Professor of Archaeology at the University of Leicester, will speak on 'The Making of the English Landscape (Hoskins Updated)'. W.G. Hoskins did so much, through his books and television programmes, to show how our countryside has developed from the earliest times. Marilyn will be tracing this evolution and bringing us up to date as well. Visitors are most welcome, as indeed they are to all events - except those marked 'for members only'.

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Repton Village History Group

Our August event was a 'walk and talk'. A party of forty members met outside the magnificent front of Foremark Hall and, guided by Julian Hawtree, walked through the grounds towards the Church. At several points along the way we paused to consider the history of the area and the people who would have inhabited it. Through the Bakewell gates we went into the historic church, where Julian told us more about the area and the original landowners. After this the more daring in the party went on to the ice house and then back to view the outside of the hall and be shown how Repton Preparatory School has adapted the rooms from their original uses over the sixty years since it moved there. It was pleasing to see how well this historic building is cared for. We are very grateful to Julian for such an interesting and informative evening. Inside St Saviour's, a collection was taken for church funds. Members' Evening, Tuesday 18th September (Visitors welcome!)

At our next meeting, (Village Hall, 7.30 pm) several members will give thumbnail talks about their special historical interests. It is hoped the subjects will include Newton Solney, the history of the Wain family of Bretby and Repton, and Askew Engineering Workshops at Askew House. Visitors are welcome. Entrance is £1.50 for members and £2.50 for visitors.

Programme Change: On Tuesday 20th November, 'The Story of Burton Flour Mill', a talk by Nick Roe, will replace 'Derbyshire Ghosts'.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

A monthly newsletter covering issues from the most recent Parish Council meeting in August.

• A plethora of planning applications necessitated a special meeting of the Parish Council on 6th August. One particularly controversial application was for the construction of a mobile phone mast off Broomhills Lane for T-Mobile. Four councillors declared an interest and left the room while those that remained considered the matter. The decision they reached was to object on grounds of unproven need, perceived health risks, aesthetics, and concern about the growing number of masts in the area. Also, if the installation is to go ahead it should be moved further up the hill, away from the playing field and houses, and be well screened by evergreens.
• Following the recent removal of a traffic-calming plateau near the Square, complaints have been received about the increased speed of traffic in Main Street. Derbyshire County Council had advised only that the plateau would be adjusted. In view of the fact that a splitter island outside Forge Ahead was also removed some time ago, the County Council is being asked what alternative proposals they have to slow down traffic entering the Square.
• Common Ragwort is very evident this year in a number of unused fields around the village. It grows up to a metre high and can easily be identified by its dark green, ragged leaves and flat-topped head of tightly packed yellow daisy flowers. Ragwort is a specified weed under the provisions of the Weeds Act 1959, as it is poisonous to most grazing animals, with horses being particularly vulnerable. Humans can also be at risk from direct contact. The Ragwort Control Act 2003 introduced a code of practice, requiring owners or occupiers of affected land to prevent it from spreading to neighbouring land. The seeds disperse very easily on the wind. The landowners in question are being reminded that they must take all necessary steps to stop it from spreading.

A Parish Meeting is to take place in Milton Village Hall on Monday 10th September at 7 pm, followed by the next meeting of Repton Parish Council at 7.30 pm. Plans will be available from 6.45 pm, and a surgery will also be held at that time.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

New Self-Defence Class for Adults

A new self-defence class will start in Milton Village Hall on Tuesday 2nd October. It will be run by Milton resident, Duncan Hogg, who has over 20 years' martial arts experience. Duncan holds a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, 3rd Dan in Kick Boxing, a Black Belt Level 2 Instructor's Diploma in Krav Maga, and an Instructor's Diploma in Tae Kwon Do. He is also a qualified referee at England Team selection trials and England squad training. Duncan is giving his services free; all profits go to Milton Village Hall.

The classes are for adults only and will run on Tuesday evenings from 7 8.30 pm. Due to the size of the village hall, class sizes are limited so, to avoid disappointment, book early. Phone Duncan on 07973 663601. The first lesson is free, thereafter £7 per lesson, or £25 per month by direct debit.

Techniques include: defence against knife attacks, gun threats, stick and bat attacks, and chokes and strangles; releases and restraints; personal safety and real-life scenarios; street awareness; ground survival skills. For any queries, please phone Parish Councillor and Village Hall Treasurer, Gary Steel, on 07740 257410. He has already enrolled, along with several others from Milton. So don't delay. Remember our motto: "The few that do are the envy of the many that watch".

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Self-Defence for Adults Tuesdays 7-8.30 pm starting on 2nd October Instructor: Duncan Hogg, qualified instructor and referee. Class sizes are limited so book early. Phone Duncan on 07973 663601. £7 per lesson or £25 per month by direct debit. (The first lesson is free.) Duncan is giving his services free; all profits go to Milton Village Hall. Enquiries to Gary Steel on 07740 257410.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney W.I.

With no meeting in August, we decided to have a summer picnic and visit Heage Windmill for a conducted tour by Alan Gifford, one of our recent speakers. So, after the one week of lovely summer, we chose for our visit a day when the forecasters promised torrential rain and high winds. In spite of this, we were made most welcome by Alan and a period-dressed group of volunteers, including a miller who soon had the six sails turning briskly. It was all most enjoyable, and after climbing up into the windmill, we had our picnic of hot drinks and snacks in the audio room.

'Countdown', Thursday 27th September: Our visit to the recording is now confirmed, and seats on the coach are selling fast. Anyone interested should contact Margaret Acford on 567239 or Terry Martin on 703195. It costs £10, and the coach will leave Newton Solney at 10 am. The recording session begins at 1.30 pm.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 11th September: 'Careers, Concerts and Catastrophes'.

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Further Afield

National Memorial Arboretum

The NMA recently appointed a new honorary chaplain, Rev'd Simon Lumby.

The Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness was dedicated in November 2000. It is the only place in the United Kingdom where the Act of Remembrance is observed at 11 am on every day of the year.

The chapel is largely built of wood, and echoes the earliest churches built in Britain some 1700 years ago. The structure is supported by twelve trunks of Douglas Fir, each representing one of the twelve apostles. Saint Peter stands by the Chapel doors, keys in hand with a cockerel at his sandaled feet.

The carvings alone merit a visit. Carvings by the Essex School of Woodcarving include a cross in memory of Group Captain Leonard Cheshire VC - a wartime hero who, in peacetime, came to symbolise selfless humanitarian service - and a wonderful tableau called 'The Storyteller'. The altar, pulpit and lectern were all carved by the inmates of Swinfen Hall Young Offenders Institute, just a few miles away, and the altar bears the texts: 'When I was in prison ye visited me' and 'What they doest in private thy Father will reward thee openly'.

Three crosses hang on the wall behind the altar. The central one is the Sword of Sacrifice that is present at every Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery. The other two are made from dead elms and represent the thieves' crosses. Apart from the Act of Remembrance, the chapel hosts regular Services of Remembrance and Dedication - ten of them in September alone. For information on these and much more, see www.thenma.org.uk.

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Gardening Notes

It may be a bit late to offer advice on coping with floods and waterlogging; perhaps we should all go in for water gardens. Most plants and lawns will soon recover from short-term flooding, but when waterlogging is prolonged, the water becomes stagnant and the soil compacted, depriving plant roots of oxygen. Worms, which normally break up the soil, are either dead or deep underground, and the soil will take some time to recover. Nutrients have been washed out of the soil to a varying extent. Lawns should be deeply spiked. Newly planted perennials, shrubs and even trees can be dug up and planted in a safe place in soil-based compost to await better times.

Early September is a great time to take cuttings from tender plants and many perennials and shrubs. Also from alpines and rockery plants such as aubretia, arabis, perennial alyssum, rock roses and autumn-flowering gentians. Propagate evergreen lewisias by cutting off a rosette with as much stalk as possible, and pot into sharp sand. Pinks are easily reproduced from cuttings by pulling the tip of a non-flowering shoot out from the plant. Do not use too large a pot or too rich a compost; a mixture of gritty sand and (less than half) all-purpose compost will encourage the cutting to put out roots to search for nourishment. Keep the cuttings in a cold frame, water, and protect from slugs.

Many shrubs can be increased by layering. Forsythia and holly often root on their own when a shoot lies on moist ground. Rhododendrons, azaleas, cotinus (and more) sometimes need help. Peg a fresh shoot down and cover in soft soil, keeping the tip above ground and tying it vertically to a cane; some people recommend making a slit under the shoot where it is pegged down. It should root in a year, when it can be detached to form a new plant.

Keep ponds clear of falling leaves. Remove rose leaves affected by black spot.

Towards the end of the month, a start can be made on planting perennials, roses, climbers, shrubs and trees. Divide overgrown perennials and herbs, but leave late-flowering plants till spring. With milder winters, you may risk leaving dahlias and gladioli in the ground, covering them with a thick layer of mulch.

Lift maincrop potatoes when the tops die down. Lift any remaining onions, beetroot and turnips. Parsnips and carrots can be left until needed, unless slugs are a problem. Plant out spring cabbage. Sow winter lettuce and early varieties of carrot under glass.

Sow green manure on empty vegetable space; this is dug in later, when it has grown. Mustard and rye grass are easiest, but comfrey, borage, and some annual lupins and peas can be used.

Prune blackcurrants; in established plants, remove one branch in three to make way for strong new shoots. With hybrid and blackberries, cut fruited canes back to ground level.

Apply a drench of Bio Provado vine-weevil killer to pot plants, or use a biological control, which needs a soil temperature of 15 - 21° C. Stop watering cacti other than Christmas cacti.

Pot up herbs for use through the winter; put them in a cold frame or greenhouse, or on a windowsill. Mint, parsley, thyme and chives should all do well.

Hardy annuals, sown in their flowering positions by mid-September, will give an early show in spring. Colchicum bulbs should be planted as soon as possible. They will naturalise in a sunny, sheltered spot. Their large leaves emerge in the spring and can be obtrusive. Plant other spring bulbs - in the ground or containers - apart from tulips, which are best left till November. Bulbs for Christmas flowering are specially prepared and need planting immediately. For a mass display of daffodils or tulips, use a large pot; plant one layer half-way down, cover with compost, and plant a second layer on top.

Lawns would benefit from an application of autumn lawn fertiliser, which has a higher ratio of potassium and phosphorus to nitrogen. This promotes root growth and hardiness. Moss may be a problem after a wet summer, and need raking out or treating with mosskill. Sow grass seed on bare patches if the weather is cool and moist; otherwise, leave till spring.

I am afraid that many ground-nesting birds have had a bad season, but we have had a good number of young tits, as well as goldfinches and greater spotted woodpeckers. All of them feed voraciously on our feeders, but disperse around the surrounding countryside during August.