November 2007 - Contents Time Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Services of Remembrance, Sunday 11th November St Mary's Service of Commemoration, 4th November St Mary's Service of Thanksgiving, 11th November Services at St Wystan's, Repton Services at St Saviour's, Foremark Services at St Mary's, Newton Solney Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Wystan's Brasses at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Christmas Mini-Market, Saturday 3rd November, 10.30 am to noon Shell (for children aged 7+) Christmas Services - make a note in your diary! Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Ryan George Yates Funerals and Burial of Ashes Doris Margaret Hannah Crawshay Jones Obituaries Doris Margaret Hannah Crawshay Jones The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Harvest Festival Services Newton Solney & Repton Christmas Tree Festivals, 7th-10th December Salaam Bethlehem, Riding Lights Theatre Company St Wystan's News St Wystan's West End Development Repton M.U. St Mary's News St Mary's Fundraising Christmas Mini-Market, Saturday 3rd November Repton Village and School Sale of Work and Fun Day, Saturday 3rd November Twelfth Night, 15th-17th November Christmas Charity Market, Saturday 17th November Repton Quiz Night, Saturday 24th November Repton School Concert, Tuesday 27th November Coffee Morning, Saturday 1st December Christmas Fair, Saturday 1st December Thankyou Megan Smedley and family South Derbyshire Willington Trains Repton Village and History Repton W.I. Repton Quiz Night, Saturday 24th November Repton Pre-school Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Repton Parish Council Jottings New Gravel Pits Newton Solney Village Matters Save Newton Solney Post Office! Newton Solney Women's Institute Further Afield National Memorial Arboretum, Remembrance Day Gardening Notes

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Time

Dear Friends,

As the clocks turn back, the nights grow longer and the Church calendar moves from the Sundays after Trinity to the Kingdom Season, so it seems a good opportunity to consider the passing of time.

Time is relative. When we are young it does not go fast enough; as we grow older it goes all too quickly. As we move from birth to death, we are all caught up in historical time; the events of our lives can be recorded on a time-line such that produced by Ken Ash recording Repton's history.

The seasons of the year and the Church seasons remind us that we are also part of circular time. Circular time is marked by those great festivals such as birthdays and wedding anniversaries, of which we recently celebrated a golden one at Newton Solney Church. It is also marked by the festivals of the Church such as Christmas, Easter and Pentecost.

There is a further complication to time which may be called Gestalt time. It is described by such phrases as: 'the light broke in', 'the penny dropped', 'everything became clear to me.' It may happen at times of great joy such as falling in love, or of great sorrow when someone we love dies. It may happen as we pray or when others pray for us, when we are relaxing on holiday or taking a walk in the countryside, or when we wake up in the morning with a vision in our mind. Such moments may be fleeting or they may last a long time, but if they are genuine they change for ever the way we see things.

These three aspects of time are all present in the Bible. There is the unfolding story of the people of Israel as they respond to God's call. That is historical time. Much of the Bible is about the way the festivals should be celebrated. That is circular time. There is also revelation, when God's word breaks into the life of the nation or an individual and sets them on a new course.

The greatest moment of revelation comes in the life of Jesus. Jesus' whole life is revelation. He announces his message in these words:

"The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." (Mark 1.15)

In this verse, the Greek word for 'time' is 'kairos', from which we derive our word 'crisis'. 'Kairos' time is this third kind of time. Jesus is saying:

'Now, in my life, is a time of revelation and decision. God's reign of righteousness, peace and justice is breaking through into my life. Be prepared to turn your life around and put your trust in this great news.'

As we approach again the celebration of his coming amongst us, can we hear that call to us today? With prayers and best wishes,

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

Services of Remembrance, Sunday 11th November

. . . at St Wystan's Church, Repton

This year, the Remembrance Day service, which is jointly arranged by the Royal British Legion, the United Reformed Church and St Wystan's Church, will take place inside the church, and not outside at the War Memorial. Please come straight into the church at 10.45 am, so that the Act of Remembrance can start at 11.

The Royal British Legion Parade, including the Scout and Guide movements in Repton, will form up outside the Royal British Legion Club at 10.30 am and process to church at 10.40.

During the service, wreaths will be laid at the War Memorial on behalf of the Royal British Legion and Repton Parish Council, and by children from Repton Primary School.

. . . at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney

The Remembrance Day service will begin at the earlier time of 10.30 am. A wreath will be placed at the Village Memorial in the church baptistry.

. . . at St Saviour's Church, Foremark

The Roll of Honour will be read during Morning Prayer, starting at 10.45 am.

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St Mary's Service of Commemoration, 4th November

On 4th November, the Sunday nearest to All Souls' Day, we are holding at 4 pm our annual Service of Commemoration, when we remember family members and friends who have recently died. Anyone who wishes to light a memorial candle is warmly invited to come and share in this service.

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St Mary's Service of Thanksgiving, 11th November

A Thanksgiving Service for the restoration of the church roof will be held on Sunday 11th November at 4 pm. The Ven. Dr. Christopher Cunliffe, Archdeacon of Derby, will give the address.

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St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

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Readers, Intercessors and Offertory at St Wystan's

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Altar Flowers (contact Frances Wimbush, 703180)

4th: Jenny Jones.  11th: Sue Hyde.  18th: Natalie Argyle.  25th: Wendy Mair.

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Brasses (contact Pauline Beckett, 500132)

4th: Glenda Brewin.  11th & 18th: Margaret Shepherd.  25th: Jan Gillham.

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

11th: Annie Hunter.  25th: Marion Bishop.

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The United Reformed Church

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Christmas Mini-Market, Saturday 3rd November, 10.30 am to noon

Another chance to catch up with the latest Webb Ivory Christmas cards, wrapping paper and gift range, and to stock up with home-made marmalade and cakes - there will not be another chance until January! There will be Christmas games for all the family, a raffle - your chance to win a Christmas hamper - a tombola and a Christmas stall. And mincepies with your coffee! Everyone is welcome.

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Shell Group (age 7+)

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

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Christmas Services – make a note in your diary!

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Baptisms

Ryan George Yates, son of Sarah and Kevin of 20 Monsom Lane, was baptised at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Sunday 21st October.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Doris Margaret Hannah Crawshay Jones of 15 Chestnut Way, Repton, died on Friday 5th October aged 83. A service at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 12th October was followed by burial at Monsom Lane Cemetery.

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Obituaries

Doris Crawshay Jones

Doris was born in Burton in 1924 into a truly Scottish family. From her early days at primary school, she was encouraged to sing, and at the High School in Burton she took part in music and drama at every opportunity. By the time she left school at 16, all she wanted to do was sing and go onto the stage.

In 1941, aged 17, Doris was called up and auditioned for ENSA - the Entertainments National Service Association. Initially, she was with the 'hospital' section, entertaining troops recovering from injury, an unnerving experience for a teenager, where one night the audience was five or six injured patients, and the next, several thousand troops on R&R (rest and recuperation).

Demobbed for Christmas 1945, she toured the country with pantomimes and concerts. This led to contracts to play the principal girl in Aladdin on the London circuit, and many other opportunities.

But just as her career was developing, her mother fell ill and Doris returned to Burton to look after her. By a fortunate co-incidence, her brother had just taken a new assistant into the veterinary practice, Martin Crawshay Jones; Martin and Doris married in 1948. There followed the role of Prince Charming in Cinderella at the Garrick Theatre in Lichfield, but not long afterwards, Doris gave up her career to devote herself to her family.

When her children were older, Doris became a JP and a member of the Board of Visitors at Sudbury prison, where she worked tirelessly to support those who found themselves in difficult circumstances. There followed the establishment of 'Second Chance', a shop in Ashbourne which sold nearly new clothing.

In later life she suffered many ailments; it was particularly hard for a woman who loved music and painting to be afflicted by deafness and to lose her sight through glaucoma. But she had an infectious sense of humour, and coped with everything without complaint or self pity.

Doris will be fondly remembered: she was glamorous, loving, sensitive, tough, and had a wonderful sense of humour. Our thoughts are with Martin, and with their children and grandchildren.

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The Memorial Book

The Memorial Book was donated in memory of Henry Chilton as a place where the names of those who have lived in Repton can be recorded in the church.   All former Repton residents are eligible, as well as those buried or interred in St Wystan's churchyard or Monsom Lane cemetery.   There is no charge but a donation towards church funds is greatly appreciated.   Those who died on or after the 1st November 2000 are eligible.   All we need is the full name and the dates of birth and death.

Please contact Rev'd Peter Paine, 703317.

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Repton Benefice

Harvest Festival Services

Thank you! to everyone who spent much time and effort decorating our churches for the Harvest Festival; and for your generous donations and Harvest Gifts, which have been distributed around our villages and to the Padley Centre in Derby; and for the cash collection from Newton Solney, which supported the Bishop of Derby's Harvest Appeal to help orphaned children in Tanzania and North India.

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Newton Solney & Repton Christmas Tree Festivals
Friday 7th to Monday 10th December

Preparations for the Festivals continue apace and publicity is now extending well beyond the villages. We have had very generous offers of help, but more will be needed for both churches to ensure a successful weekend. Stewards are required to help with the stalls and to welcome visitors, and contributions to the craft stalls and refreshments will be very gratefully received.

If you can help in any way, please contact one of the following and let them know when you are available:

for Newton Solney: either Sue Elson, 703604, or Jennifer Haynes, 703827.

for Repton: either Carol Lloyd, 702410 cjhl@btinternet.com, or Karen Perks, 702392.

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Salaam Bethlehem, Riding Lights Theatre Company
Friday 30 November, St John's Church, Harborne, Birmingham

Salaam Bethlehem is a play which invites you to experience the hopes and fears of Bethlehem's Christian community. Forty years on from the occupation of Palestine and within a stone's throw of the greatest divine intervention of all time, people are praying and working for another miracle. While dwindling numbers of tourists still make it through the checkpoints, the grip of the separation wall gets tighter, wages are frozen and travel permits refused. But despite increasing restrictions, the warmth and vitality of daily life in the West Bank continues, for now.

Riding Lights is one of the country's most productive theatre companies, touring shows nationally and internationally for the last 30 years. If you would like to join a party to see Salaam Bethlehem, contact Peter Paine, 703317.

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St Wystan's News

St Wystan's, West End Development

'I have a dream.' The phrase is for ever linked with Martin Luther King. But I too have a dream. Part of that dream is that St Wystan's could again be a place sought out for spiritual growth and development. It could be a place to which parish groups from around the diocese and beyond come for a Quiet Day or an Away Day such as the P.C.C. took in Spondon recently.

I dream that St Wystan's Church could have the facilities to welcome children of all ages to worship with their families, and that we could offer space for those children to catch the vision of God's love in Jesus.

I dream that St Wystan's could again be a place of Christian learning and teaching such as the ancient monastery would have offered. Our Saxon crypt already attracts many visitors who want to sense something of the numinous in a place of ancient pilgrimage; St Wystan's could, I believe, be much more.

Of course, there are other parts of my dream that do not relate directly to the development, but this much does. Without a tower room, none of these things can happen. Can you catch the vision?

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Repton M.U.

In October, after the usual short service, members enjoyed the story of dolls through the ages. Long ago they were linked to religion and magic, then they were part of a royal dowry and the playthings of princesses. In the 18th century they displayed the latest fashions before, in Victorian times, moving to the nursery. Dolls made of wood, wax, china, celluloid and paper were on display to remind members of their own childhood.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 21st November, 2.30 pm in the Fisher Close Room: Dr. Tom Hyde: 'The Royal British Legion'. Non-members are welcome as ever.

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St Mary's News

St Mary's Fundraising

Thanks to everyone who supported the London Underground Quiz which raised £105 for Church funds, and special thanks to Hairs and Graces for their help in advertising and sales. We received completed forms from as far away as Fife and France, but our congratulations go to Glenda Brewin of Willington who won the £20 prize. The draw took place at the Harvest Lunch, which successfully raised almost £440. Sincere thanks to Linda, Kay, and all who worked so hard in the preparation of the meal, donated delicious desserts and contributed towards the raffle. It all resulted in a most pleasant occasion.

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Christmas Mini-Market Saturday 3rd November, 10.30 am - noon URC Schoolroom Home-made cakes and marmalade, the Christmas Stall, Webb Ivory Christmas cards, wrapping paper and gift range, Christmas games for all the family, the Christmas Raffle & Tombola Coffee and mincepies Everyone is welcome - bring your friends! Win a Christmas Hamper! All proceeds to the United Reformed Church

Repton Village and School Sale of Work and Fun Day Saturday 3rd November from 2.15 pm In the grounds and halls of Repton School A large number of Stalls including Cakes, Gifts and Crafts, Bottles, Cards, Toys, Jewellery, Books, Tombola and Silent Auctions. Fun items for Children of all Ages Gladiators, Bungee Run, Bouncy Castles, Putting, Face Painting, Hair Spray, Play Station, Coconut Shy, Lucky Dip, Apple Bobbing and Ducking Stall. Refreshments Teas, Cakes, Pancakes, Cookies, Hot Dogs, Fajitas, BBQ and Soft Drinks. A Large Number of Excellent Prizes to be won

The Repton School Play Twelfth Night Shakespeare's charming comedy of mistaken identity Pears School, in the Round Thursday 15th, Friday 16th & Saturday 17th November at 7.30 pm Tickets (free) from theatres@repton.org.uk or by telephone: 01283 559343

Repton Churches Together Christmas Charity Market Saturday 17th November, 2 - 4 pm, Repton Village Hall Gifts, Jewellery, Foods and Cards from Rainbows Hospice : Tradecraft : Tearfund Aid to Russia : Christian Aid / Cafod : Amnesty International Refreshments and Music In support of Rainbows Children's Hospice

Repton Quiz Night Repton Village Hall Saturday 24th November, 7.15 for 7.30 start – prompt! To book a table contact Carol Lloyd, 702410 £12 per table of four Finger food included but bring your own drinks and glasses

Repton School Concerts Society The Brook Street Band with Nicki Kennedy, Soprano Tuesday 27th November at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall The Brook Street Band is an award-winning group, specialising in eighteenth century repertoire. They take their name from the street in London where Handel lived and composed for most of his working life. Their recordings have received 'rave' reviews, and the evening promises to be an exciting event. Individual tickets are £12 & £9 (concessions). Season tickets are still available at £50 for the 6 remaining concerts. For further information or tickets contact: The Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

Repton Village History Group and Repton Village Society Coffee Morning Saturday 1st December, 10 am - 12.30 pm. Repton Village Hall Expert Valuations by Charles Hanson (50p per item) (As seen in Floggit and Bargain Hunt) Display of Repton photographs: 'The Square and Beyond' Exhibition of work from Repton School Art Department Tombola, Tea, Coffee and Mince pies Free Entry. All proceeds towards the cost of rebuilding the Village Hall.

Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School Christmas Fair Saturday 1st December, 2 to 4 pm Everyone is welcome to come along to enjoy games, stalls, gifts, refreshments, and of course, to meet Santa!

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Thankyou

Following the sad loss of Harold, Megan Smedley and family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation for all the kind words, cards and donations to Repton District Care Group. Special thanks go to all the staff at Nether Hall Nursing Home.

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South Derbyshire

Willington Trains

From 11th November, the Midland Mainline franchise will be taken over by the Stagecoach Group, and the Central Trains and Virgin Cross Country franchises amalgamated to form a new Cross Country franchise operated by Arriva. The latter is intending to introduce a new timetable from 9th December. For all journeys after 11th November it would be worth checking train times.

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Repton Village & History

Repton W.I.

At the AGM members heard reports on the year's varied activities and the Autumn Council at Derby. Karen Perks and Jenny Jones agreed to continue as President and Secretary, and there are three additional committee members. Plans were made for next year, when we will be celebrating 90 years of W.I. in Repton. Christmas tree decorations are being made ready for the Festival in December.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 13th November at 7.15 pm in the Village Hall: Nancy Hawkesworth is still not well enough to resume her cookery demonstrations but she has arranged a replacement, Christine Stanley, who will be giving a cookery demonstration called 'Festive Fare'. Visitors always welcome.

Don't Forget! Mercia Group Meeting: 5th November at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall.

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Repton Quiz Night, Saturday 24th November

We do hope you will come and join in our annual quiz night, we will be delighted to see you. It costs £12 for a table of four with a prompt start at 7.30. Between the rounds there will be a break for refreshments and stand-up bingo. Do remember to bring your own drink and glasses. It is a fun evening with everyone battling hard, and usually a very close finish. Proceeds will go towards St Wystan's Church funds. For information and to book a table, please contact Carol Lloyd on 702410 or email cjhl@btinternet.com.

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Repton Pre-school

Repton Pre-school is thriving with a total of 26 children between the ages of 2½ and 4. As the numbers are due to rise to 36 over the next 2 terms, we are full for this academic year. However we are taking applications for next September, and would like to hear from you if you have a child or children of pre-school age. We are planning on running Repton Pre-school 'warm up afternoons' for children to attend with their parents or carers prior to joining, so they can get used to the environment and staff, and enjoy playing with the toys.

The theme this term has been Fairy Tales, which has involved making (and eating) gingerbread men and planting beanstalks. We are also looking seasonally at hibernation, and will create Halloween, bonfire and festival of light pictures over the next few weeks.

For more information, visit www.reptonpreschool.co.uk or call 07983 911 079 during pre-school hours (9.15 am to 12.15 pm, Monday - Friday).

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Repton Village History Group

Our winter season started in September with a 'Members' Evening', a series of short talks about the specific interests of some members. Sue Ellis started the ball rolling with an illustrated talk on the history of Newton Solney. Richard Wain told us about his family and their connections with Bretby and Repton, and this was followed by Alan Kimber, talking about Askew Engineering Workshops and their rather weird and wonderful products such as three-wheeled cars, bicycles, and steam-driven lawn mowers and rollers. Ivor Sandars rounded the evening off with some reminiscences and excellent examples of the local dialect.

'Burton Flour Mill', Tuesday 20th November

Our next meeting will be an illustrated talk about the history and re-development the well-known landmark of Burton Flour Mill. Most of us drive past it frequently, and this promises to be an interesting evening.
Village Hall, 7.30 pm.

Coffee Morning, Saturday 1st December, 10 am to 12.30 pm

Our annual Coffee Morning and social event in the Village Hall is shared with Repton Village Society. There will be lots of things to see and do, as well as mince pies and coffee. We will be showing photographs including a new display, 'The Square and Beyond'. All proceeds from this event will go to the Village Hall.

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Repton Village Society

In October, Professor Marilyn Palmer gave an excellent lecture on 'The Making of the English Landscape'. Before a large audience she particularly emphasised the changes brought about by industry and modern living. A few days later, several members turned up to help plant 25kg of daffodil bulbs in the grass verge on Burton Road. The Society has now planted displays at all the major entrances to the village.

Thursday 1st November

Barbara Quinn, Area Fund Raiser will be talking about the work of the County Air Ambulance. She will be bringing Christmas cards etc.

Coffee Morning, Saturday 1st December, 10 am to 12.30 pm

Together with Repton Village History Group, we will be holding our annual coffee morning in the Village Hall. The History Group will be mounting a display of Repton photographs, and as on previous occasions, Charles Hanson will be available to value your antiques at 50p per item. New for this year is a small exhibition of the work of the Art Department of Repton School. There will also be a tombola and refreshments. Entry is free. All proceeds are going towards the cost of rebuilding the Village Hall so please make every effort to attend.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Despite best efforts to keep Repton and Milton clean and tidy there are reports that the amount of rubbish on the streets is increasing. Plans are already in hand to replace the two rusting litterbins on the sausage with larger ones, and perhaps have them emptied twice a week. Consideration will now be given to purchasing more bins for other places. These bins are expensive to buy and install. Also, having them emptied regularly increases the village maintenance costs. This is the price we pay for the thoughtlessness of some people.
• Few can have failed to notice that the shallow-set sandstone kerbs around the Cross are being damaged more often these days. No sooner have the stones been repaired, it seems, than they are again dislodged. Large and heavy vehicles that are unable to manoeuvre through the tight turns and narrow village streets are responsible. Derbyshire County Council is being urged to weigh the cost of frequent repair against the alternative of replacing them with larger more durable stones. Larger kerbstones could still be made from sandstone in keeping with the character of the area, but set more deeply into the ground.
• Permission has been obtained to plant more lime trees in verges on Burton Road. The work will be undertaken in the next couple of months, funded from Rhoda Hemmings' legacy.
• In summer last year, Derbyshire County Council published a consultation document outlining the long-term strategy for aggregates mining in Derbyshire. It included a draft proposal to extract sand and gravel lying beneath 350 acres of the water meadows between Repton and Willington, just downstream from the bridge. Strong objections were lodged, citing noise dust and dirt pollution, and the major adverse visual impact it would have on Repton and Willington. Now a Preferred Options Report has been produced and thankfully the area has been designated as having a 'high environmental sensitivity'. As a consequence it has been recommended for protection from extraction activities for the foreseeable future. This is probably the best possible outcome that could have been hoped for. It is only a recommendation, however, and nothing is guaranteed, so not wishing to take any chances, the objections are being restated and expanded to include archaeological considerations.

Next meeting: At the next Parish Council meeting on 12th November, Mr Miles King from Midlands Rural Housing has been invited to speak on the subject of affordable housing. His presentation will begin at 7 pm in Repton Village Hall and will be followed by the formal meeting of the council at 7.30. All are welcome.

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New Gravel Pits

Derbyshire County Council is considering sites for new gravel pits. There has been an exhibition and public consultation (now closed) during the early autumn, the final draft of the Council's plan will be submitted to the Secretary of State in summer 2008, and an independent inspector will carry out a public examination of the plan the following year.



Of the 17 sites under consideration in the 'Preferred Options Report', confusingly, the site that causes us most concern is named 'Foremark'. It stretches from the Trent to the Old Trent, and from the old waterworks at Milton to within 300 metres of the Willington Road. In the east it is less than 20 yards from a nursing home, and its southern boundary is less than 150 yards from Brook farm and Repton School. Many properties, including a third of Repton, lie within 500 metres; and would be affected by noise and dust from extraction and transport. Footpaths and bridleways across the site would be affected. In Willington there would be a significant increase in the numbers of heavy goods vehicles travelling to the A38. The effect on Milton and Foremark would be less: the site is not visible from Milton village, which lies some 500 metres from the south-eastern boundary beyond Askew Hill.

Two other sites are worth a mention: one is an extension to the existing site to the west of Willington with access close to the A38; the second is at Potlocks Farm, a relatively small site immediately to the east of Willington power station; permission to develop there has already been granted.

At 'Foremark', Hansons intend to extract over 11 million tonnes of sand and gravel over a period of some 18 years. The total site covers 177 hectares, with 142 to be excavated. The average depth of 5.1 metres makes for a relatively high yield per hectare. The site could be worked through plant at Potlocks Farm with access onto the A5132 there, but there is no guarantee of that; plant could be situated on the new site with a new bridge across the Trent. Hansons see the site as a replacement for the workings at Shardlow, which will be exhausted by 2011 / 2012, and at Potlocks. They have proposed an extension at Shardlow, which might delay closure there for 3 or 4 years.

The County Council assessment of the site includes aspects such as the impact on the conservation area, floodplain, biodiversity, archaeology, historic character of the landscape, and agricultural value of the land. Each of these is rated, and the combined assessment scored out of 109 for suitability; the 'Foremark' site scores 53 (49%). and has been classed as having low potential to be suitable for working. It is the lowest score of any of the sites.

The main advantages of the site are deemed to be its relatively high yield and the low agricultural value of the land.

The main disadvantages are: the many adverse impacts in terms of visual intrusion, noise and dust; the need for new plant and access arrangements; the strong contribution made by existing habitats to priority biodiversity targets; the established landscape character; the location of the site near to an airport and within an area where there is a high potential risk of birdstrike.

The demand for aggregates appears insatiable. At present, the County Council is recommending that it be met by extensions to existing sites at Attenborough, Elvaston, Shardlow, Swarkestone and Willington. Provided that the minister and his inspector agree, we can perhaps breathe easily for the moment, but the battle will not go away.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Save Newton Solney Post Office!

The Post Office is proposing to close the branch office in Newton Solney. This will cause hardship to many elderly residents, and be very detrimental to the village. We only have until 12th November 2007 to register our objection.

Please write to: Mark Partington, Network Development Manager, Post Office Ltd., c/o National Consultation Team, Freepost Consultation Team

or email consultation@postoffice.co.uk

And please sign the petition in Newton Solney Post Office led by the Burton Mail.

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Newton Solney Women's Institute

At the end of September, a coach full of members and friends visited Leeds to see the making of 'Countdown'. It was a most enjoyable day; all the staff made us most welcome, and we were introduced to the stars, Carol Vorderman, Des O'Connor, and the guest, Barry Norman. We watched three back-to-back sessions for programmes to be broadcast on 24th, 25th and 26th October.

At the October meeting, chaired by Jo Parfitt, Jean Burns reviewed the Autumn Council Meeting, attended by the Deputy Mayor of Derby; the main guest speaker was Pam Ayres, who everyone agreed was excellent, humorous and interesting. Then, our speaker for the evening, local author David Bell, spoke about Derbyshire Ghosts and Legends. He also brought along a selection of his books on various subjects of local interest, including 'Local Heroes', and tales of Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Leicestershire. We found his tales intriguing and thought-provoking.

On 13th October we had the Annual Lecture - Richard Stone speaking on the River Trent - and on the 17th a meeting of the Christmas Festival members. On 26th October there was a quiz evening organised by Bretby WI. On the 31st October we have the monthly visit to the Mulberry Rooms, and our birthday lunch is at the Brickmakers' Arms on Wednesday 14th November.

If enough members and friends are interested, Margaret Acford will organise the annual Christmas shopping trip to Meadowhall Centre on Wednesday 21st November; the cost is £7. More details on the WI notice-board, at the Post Office, or ring 01283 567239.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 13th November at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall: the Annual General Meeting.

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Further Afield

National Memorial Arboretum, Remembrance Day

Following the dedication of the Armed Forces Memorial, the National Memorial Arboretum is again open to the public. Large numbers are expected on Remembrance Day. If you are thinking of a visit then, and particularly if you want to attend the service, you are advised to ring 01283 792333 for details of timing and car parking.

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Gardening Notes

Where summer plants are still flowering, there is a great temptation to leave containers alone. Ideally they should be cleared out and replanted for winter in early October, while conditions are still warm for them to settle in, but now, in November, it really must be done. Compost all the summer plants, ensure the container has good drainage, and add fresh compost. At this stage, added fertiliser will only lead to lush growth, susceptible to frost and wet. Plant up with winter and spring bedding plants and bulbs, and water well. You may need to water again in dry spells during the winter. It may be wise to treat for the grubs of vine weevil, which might otherwise chew the roots away.

Raise containers to prevent them freezing to the ground beneath. Insulate terracotta, glazed and stoneware pots, and pots containing plants susceptible to the cold, with bubble wrap or a dustbin liner stuffed with straw or dry leaves. Cuttings can still be taken from geraniums and pelargoniums as you bring them in for the winter. (Pelargonium flowers have two upper and three lower petals. Geraniums have five identically shaped and regularly spaced petals.) To assist drainage, make sure there is plenty of grit in the potting compost; they are more likely to be killed by overwatering than by being allowed to get too dry. Store in a frost-free greenhouse or frame. Watch out for botrytis and remove all mouldy and dead leaves.

Cut back all herbaceous plants except those needed for winter effect. They may otherwise become a home for pests, especially slugs, to overwinter. Continue dividing plants, but leave all grasses, kniphofias, penstemons, and any tender plants until spring. Weed the border thoroughly, and cover it all with a good layer of compost. If the border is badly infested with weeds, it may be best to remove all plants and let it lie fallow for a year, covering it with black plastic. You may still need to dig bindweed out, removing every bit by hand.

Plant tulips and lilies (although lilies may not be available till early spring).

In early November, you can try a winter sowing of broad beans; Aquadulce Claudia seems to be the hardiest. They will be at risk from severe weather and fungal attack. You can also sow round-seeded peas such as Feltham First, Pilot and Douce Provence; unless sown in a greenhouse border, they would need protection from mice and pigeons.

Cut buddleja, lavatera and tall roses back to avoid wind-rock. It may help to give roses a light prune now, and a final, more careful prune in March. Remove any rose leaves infected with black spot, and clear up those lying on the ground.

Take hardwood cuttings of many shrubs, trees and climbers. Virtually all shrubs, trees and climbers can be planted now, though evergreens may be best left until spring. When planting near a wall, it is important to prepare the ground thoroughly, as the soil there is often poor and very dry. Dig a hole at least 2 to 3 foot square and 2 foot deep. Break up the soil at the bottom of the hole, and refill with good soil mixed with plenty of compost and well rotted manure, adding a handful of bonemeal. Water in well.

This is also a good time to plant fruit trees, bushes and canes. Most fruit trees are grafted onto the roots of a different variety - the rootstock - which controls the size of the tree: M27 allows a final height of 1.8 metres; M9, up to 3 metres; M26, 3.5 metres; M106 and MM25, up to 5 metres. Some apples are self-pollinating, but most will need a different variety flowering nearby at the same time. Ornamental crab apples will pollinate most apples, but for best results you should consult a pollination chart such as that on the RHS website.

To minimise the build-up of gases poisonous to fish and frogs, remove all decaying plant matter and leaves from ponds. Disconnect electric pumps (which can be damaged by freezing) from the main electricity supply, remove from the pond, and clean before storage.

Empty old nest boxes and clean with boiling water. When dry, put a handful of wood shavings in and hang up again. Small mammals may use them to hibernate, or birds to shelter in severe weather.