December 2007 - Contents Where is hope? Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Christmas Services 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 Services Coffee Morning Shell Group (for children aged 7 - 11) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Funerals and Burial of Ashes Maurice Henry Brightwell The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Christmas Tree Festivals, Friday 7th to Monday 10th December Carols, Celebration and Thanks at St Mary's and St Wystan's Children, Families and Church Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela The Christian Year The Advent Calendar St Wystan's News Chrysanthemums at Christmas Repton M.U. St Saviour's News St Saviour's Appeal St Mary's News St Mary's Christmas Concert Newton Solney Church Organ Coffee Morning, Saturday 1st December Christmas Fair, Saturday 1st December Sausage, Mash & Bingo, Thursday 13th December Repton Village and History Repton Neighbourhood Help Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Willington Trains Repton W.I. Repton Pre-school Repton Parish Council Jottings Recycling at Repton Village Hall Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Women's Institute Gardening Notes Malawi here I come!

---

Where is hope?

A very happy and joyful Christmas to you all.

Recently I read of a conversation between an atheist and a Christian. After the atheist had given a rational description of life, the Christian asked, 'Where is hope?' to which the atheist replied that he saw no hope. For 'hope' is, after all, a religious category.

'Hope' is one of the central values we celebrate at Christmas. The birth of Jesus brings hope because, as St John put it: 'God so loved the world that he sent his only Son. . .' (John 3.16) God loves each one of us. That is the ground of our hope. Our hope is not based upon politicians or what is going on in the world; it is based on God's love for us.

In fact, much of what is going on in the world today might fill us with despair, and much of that is to do with religion! World-wide, the major religious faiths are on the increase. Religion, as the Economist indicated in November, has muscled its way back into public life. The editorial writer claimed that the turning point between on the one hand the 'demise of religion and the progress of modernism' and on the other the re-emergence of religion as a force in world affairs was the 'Six Day' war between Israel and its neighbours. As a student worker on a Kibbutz in 1967, a month after the end of the war, I well remember the euphoria in Israel at the time.

However, it is not intellectual Anglicanism that has been on the increase world-wide. Since the 1970s, religion has become more polarised. It is the irrational, Pentecostal forms of belief that have grown remarkably. As the editorial puts it: 'hotter religion goes better.'

There are two things to say about this. Firstly we need to take the Holy Spirit and the irrationality of religion seriously. Jesus did no mighty work until he was baptised with the Holy Spirit, and, listening to the Christmas story, we are reminded of the importance of dreams as a medium of God's message. This is not to abandon reason. With reason we can understand the value of dreams, and we can explore the interface between medicine and prayer.

Secondly we need to seek a way of being Christian which is not hostile to followers of other faiths. The spirituality of unity, based on the prayer of Jesus that 'all may be one', seeks to bring reconciliation between the most intractable religious divisions. There are in Palestine groups of Christian Israeli together with Muslim Palestinians living the word of scripture. One of the keys to this spirituality is to seek good and God in everyone we meet. This positive approach also works for family Christmases; why not try it this year? With prayers and best wishes

---

Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

Christmas Services

Advent Carol Service: Sunday 2nd December at 6.30 pm

The Advent Carol Service begins our preparations for Christmas at St Wystan's. The church starts in darkness and gradually grows lighter as we celebrate the coming of the light of Christ. The service leads us by readings along the path of the promise of the anointed One. As usual we welcome the Wystan Singers.

Christingle Services: Sundays 2nd and 16th December

At Newton Solney on 2nd December we welcome children and their families to a Christingle service at 10 am. This will also celebrate the coming of the light of Christ, as children bring contributions towards the work of the Children's Society and are given a Christingle in exchange.

St Wystan's Christingle Service takes place on 16th December at 4 pm. Invitations and collecting 'flames' will go to all the pupils of Repton Primary School, for which we thank the head teacher and staff. Collecting 'flames' are also available during daylight hours from St Wystan's Church.

Christmas Tree Festival: Friday 7th - Monday 10th December

During the festival, both St Wystan's and St Mary's will have special events and services.

At St Mary's, a service of Celebration Praise is on Friday 7th December at 7 pm. This will be followed on Saturday 8th at 7.30 pm by a Festival Concert in St Mary's Church.

St Wystan's service of Community Praise, at 7 pm on Monday 10th December, will be followed by wine and mince pies.

Both Praise Services will feature well known hymns and carols, as well as appropriate readings and stories.

Carol Services: Sundays 9th and 23rd December

On 9th December, Foremark Church will hold its candlelit Christmas Carol Service at 4 pm. St Wystan's Carols by Candlelight service is at 6.30 pm on 23rd December. This is a popular service of traditional carols and readings celebrated in the beauty of a candlelit church.

Gift Service: Sunday 16th December

At 9.45 am, members of the congregation are invited to bring gifts to be distributed by Home-Start to children in and around Swadlincote who will otherwise not receive presents at Christmas. If you wrap your gift, please attach a note to say what it is, so that it can go to a boy or girl of the appropriate age and gender. Gifts of money are also welcome.

Crib Services: Sunday 23rd and Monday 24th December

St Mary's Crib service is on 23rd December at 4 pm. This is a service at which we retell the Christmas story, using crib figures which the children of the village made last year. It is suitable for very young children.

On Christmas Eve, St Wystan's Crib service is at 4 pm. Here we use woollen, knitted crib figures, which are brought up by the children as the Christmas story unfolds. These woollen figures have been used by Repton Primary School in their preparation for Christmas, and pupils and their families are warmly welcomed to this service.

Christmas Eve Midnight Communion:

St Wystan's 11.30.   (Please note the change of time.)   St Mary's 11.30

At St Mary's, the Rev'd Adam Watkinson will preside and preach.

At St Wystan's the service, originally advertised variously, has been put back to 11.30.   There will be carols beforehand starting at 11.15.

Christmas Day Services

There will be a service of Holy Communion at 8 am at St Wystan's, followed at 10.30 am by a Family Carol Service. Children are invited to take part in the tableau of the Bethlehem scene. (Please come to an earlier service to collect your costumes!)

There will be services of Holy Communion at Foremark at 9.15 am and at Newton Solney at 10 am.

Benefice Service: Sunday 30th December

All three churches join together at St Mary's at 10 am for a service of Parish Communion.

New Year's Eve Watchnight Service

The Watchnight Service at St Wystan's starts at 11.30 pm. It will be followed by bells to ring in the New Year, fireworks and refreshments.

St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

---

Readers, Intercessors and Offertory at St Wystan's

---

Altar Flowers (contact Frances Wimbush, 703180)

No flowers in Advent.   24th: Everyone!

---

Brasses (contact Pauline Beckett, 500132)

2nd: Jan Gillham.  9th & 16th: Noreen Driver.  23rd & 30th: Pauline Beckett

---

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

9th: Carol Wright, Betty Thorley, Ann Redfern, Polly Faulkner & Heather Lowe.

---

The United Reformed Church

---

Christmas Services

Our Christmas services begin on 2nd December with Advent Carols at Fisher Close Community Lounge.

On 16th December, the Junior Church members present a Christmas play with a difference - 'Countdown to Christmas', with lots of songs and fun.

On 23rd December, the ever popular 'make your own Christingle' service is always lots of fun with the children! The Candlelight Carol Service, with traditional readings and carols, is on 23rd December.

On Christmas morning, there is a short service for all ages. Come and share Christmas with us - and don't forget to bring a present to show to everybody.

---

Coffee Morning

The first Coffee Morning of the New Year will be on Saturday 12th January at 10.30 am.

---

Shell Group (age 7 - 11)

The first meeting in the New Year will be on Monday 14th January at 6.30 pm. Children over the age of 7 are always welcome to join us.

---

Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Maurice Henry Brightwell of 46 Monsom Lane, Repton, died on Saturday 13th October aged 81. A funeral service at Markeaton Crematorium on 31st October was followed by cremation.

---

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 December 2000 are eligible.   All we need is the full name and the dates of birth and death.

Please contact Rev'd Peter Paine, 703317.

---

Repton Benefice

Christmas Tree Festivals, Friday 7th to Monday 10th December

Do come and support the Christmas Tree Festivals at St Wystan's Church in Repton and St Mary's in Newton Solney. The churches will look magnificent, with displays of trees decorated by local organisations or individuals to reflect their own character and focus.

There will be a programme to guide you around, but you will have fun guessing which organisation has decorated which tree. Programmes will cost £1, with the proceeds shared between the churches, the Children's Society and Rainbows Children's Hospice. Refreshments and craft stalls will be available at both churches. St Wystan's will open from 11 am to 5 pm each day, St Mary's from 12 noon to 4 pm on Friday 7th, and from 10 am to 4 pm Saturday to Monday.

---

Carols, Celebration and Thanks at St Mary's and St Wystan's

As part of the Christmas Tree Festival, there will be a service of Celebration Praise at St Mary's, Newton Solney, at 7 pm on Friday 7th December, both to celebrate the festival with carols and to give thanks for the community. A similar Community Praise Service will take place at St Wystan's, Repton on Monday 10th December, followed by wine and mince pies. Both services will take place surrounded by the decorated trees, which will provide a festive and unique atmosphere. We do hope you will join us.

---

Children, Families and Church

December is a good time to write about the welcome we try to give children at St Wystan's and at St Mary's. Children are a vital part of God's church. We aim to nurture them in the Christian faith through fun, friendship, the bible, prayer and worship. Our prayer is that they will develop a personal relationship with Jesus knowing God's love, purpose and power in their lives.

Crèche at St Wystan's, every Sunday at 9.45 am

We welcome children of any age, and for younger children a 'toy bag' is available to help. However, we also recognise that at times you might enjoy the luxury of being able to concentrate on the service. Then you might like us to look after your babies or toddlers for you. The crèche operates in the vestry during the 9.45 Sunday morning service.

All-age Service, First Sunday: St Mary's at 10 am, St Wystan's at 9.45 am.

Both churches have an 'all-age service' every month; these are shorter and involve children in activities.

Family Communion at St Wystan's, Third Sunday at 9.45 am

Holy Communion on the third Sunday is 'family-friendly' involving children throughout the service.

Sunday Club at St Wystan's, Second and Fourth Sundays at 9.45 am

Sunday Club welcomes children of school age. We hope to share the reality of knowing Jesus and to have fun learning more about him through music, drama, story, games and craft. We start in church, and usually we just about finish in time to join in the end of the service in church.

Why not come along and join us - we would love to meet you?

---

Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

In October, a group of 19, including 10 from Repton, led by Peter Paine, set off for northern Spain. As pilgrims on this journey through the beautiful countryside, travelling by coach, we followed the ancient Camino de Santiago (Way of St James) where thousands of pilgrims before us had walked - and still walk - stopping overnight at a variety of hotels and monasteries.

A natural rhythm to the day soon emerged, and we came to know each other through morning and evening worship, shared meals, caring for each other's welfare, sharing stories, and through the wonders and beauty of ancient monasteries, cathedrals and churches along the way.

Although we were not on foot, travelling a route where pilgrims and saints had trodden and worshipped before us connected us intimately with them. This connection was felt especially in simple places such as the Benedictine monastery of Suso. Built in the 10th century on the site of a cave-dwelling where a shepherd, St Emilian, lived during the 5th century, this holy place was, as far back as the Visigoth era, a retreat for prayer and culture, far from the decadence of Roman cities.

Any journey such as this, where strangers and pilgrims come together, can have its frustrations, and this was no exception. As Christians, we are called to become more Christ-like in our everyday lives, and so - as we sought to fulfil 'the Way of the Lord' - we became thankful for new experiences, for the 'ups and downs', and for the discovery of both the predictable and the unpredictable.

Soon we came to our promised destination of Santiago de Compostela where, on Sunday, we celebrated with thanksgiving the Eucharist as pilgrims, a moving service remembering Jesus as the true meeting place with God.

Later, we visited a full cathedral for the main Sunday service, where, opposite the high altar, we were fortunate to see the lighting and swinging of the great silver thurible, the Botafumerio. As seven strong men hoisted the lighted thurible on a pulley system into the air, the silver casket swung high across the length of the transept releasing its cleansing clouds of sweet-smelling smoke - just missing the communion rail and the heads of those close by in wheelchairs. This amazing sight was well received in true Spanish fashion with cheers and claps of delight from the large congregation.

Our final destination at the cathedral was to the mortal remains of St James the Apostle (the son of Zebedee and Salome and brother of John, the Apostle), held in a silver casket beneath the high altar, which represents the pilgrims' goal.

As we took time to pray quietly here after the crowds had gone, gradually we felt a sense of calm and rest after the movement of our pilgrimage together, before we made our way northwards for our journey home.

---

The Christian Year

. . . begins with Advent Sunday. Advent, from the Latin 'adventus' meaning 'arrival', is a time when we anticipate the arrival of our Lord into the world through the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time to celebrate light in the midst of darkness, and also a time when we look forward to Jesus' second coming.

In the 5th century, Advent began on St Martin's Day, 11th November, and heralded six weeks of fasting leading to Christmas. During the 6th century, however, Advent was reduced in length, and later the fasting was dropped. Today, Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to 30th November (St Andrew's Day) and lasts until midnight on Christmas Eve.

The Advent Calendar

In protestant areas of Germany during the 19th century, religious families drew a chalk line on the door-post for every day in December leading up to Christmas Eve. The first known Advent Calendar dates from 1851, and the first printed calendar from 1903. Its twenty-four 'windows' count the days to Christmas and heighten anticipation. Traditional windows reveal pictures linked to the time of year, and elements of the Christmas story, an angel perhaps, or one of the shepherds, Christmas presents or a candle. The last window shows Jesus himself, lying in a manger.

The Advent Wreath

However, the traditional symbol of Advent is the Advent Wreath. A circle of evergreen branches, laid flat to symbolize eternal life, reminds us of God, His eternity and endless mercy, which have neither beginning nor end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope we have in God, the hope of renewal, of eternal life. Candles on the wreath symbolise the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son. The four outer candles, traditionally red, represent: God's people, the candle of hope; the old testament prophets, the candle of peace; John the Baptist, the candle of love; Mary, the mother of Jesus, the candle of joy (sometimes a pink candle). The candles may are also be thought to symbolise the four centuries of waiting between the prophecies of Malachi and the birth of Jesus.

The fifth and central candle is lit on Christmas Day to represent the birth of Jesus, the Light of the world.

---

St Wystan's News

Chrysanthemums at Christmas

For many years, Bob Jones, who lives in Repton High Street, and his late wife, Margaret, have given two dozen fine single white chrysanthemum flowers to decorate St Wystan's Church at Christmas. The gift is in memory of their infant daughter, Susan Marie, born on 26th December 1970, who died tragically a few days later.

Bob, with the agreement of his son and daughter, has now made a substantial donation to St Wystan's to ensure that these flowers continue into the future. We are most grateful for this generous and thoughtful gift.

The chrysanthemums have been much appreciated by flower arrangers and made a great contribution to the Christmas decorations. As you enjoy their beauty, perhaps you will reflect that as well as celebrating the birth of the infant Christ, they also commemorate a young life so sadly lost.

---

Repton M.U.

At our November meeting, we are looking forward to a talk by Dr. T.G. Hyde about the Royal British Legion. We are also collecting together the varied decorations which we have been making for our tree for the Christmas Tree Festival. They illustrate the work of M.U. at home and abroad.

December Meeting: Wednesday 19th December at 2.30 pm in the Fisher Close Room: Carols at Christmas with Morag Hill.

---

St Saviour's News

St Saviour's Appeal

Thank you for your generous response to last year's appeal, which has enabled us to do four small items of urgent repair to the church.

This autumn the church has suffered theft of lead from part of the roof. We hope that most of this will be covered by insurance, but we have had to install additional security lighting, and there is other work - such as lead flashing on the vestry roof - which need attending to. The tower parapet may also need attention in the near future. So please could you help St Saviour's by making a donation; cheques should be made payable to 'Foremark P.C.C.', and may be sent to the Vicarage. Thank you in anticipation.

---

St Mary's News

St Mary's Christmas Concert

During the Christmas Tree Festival, Rolleston Choral Society has kindly offered to give an evening concert of Christmas music in St Mary's Church. The concert, on Saturday 8th December at 7.30 pm, will be followed by light refreshments. Tickets at £5 each can be obtained from Jo Ballington, 563054, or Jennifer Haynes, 703827, or - if space is still available - at the door on the night.

---

Newton Solney Church Organ

You may remember that ten years ago an Organ Fund was established with a view to refurbishing St Mary's fine Bevington organ. Unfortunately, a major leak in the guttering necessitated giving priority to restoring the church roof. Now that that work has been effected, attention can be turned back to the organ.

A faculty application has already gone to the diocesan authorities for permission to undertake the work, and it is hoped that this can begin early next year. Notices relating to the project will be posted on the church notice-boards as and when more information becomes available.

---

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!

South Derbyshire Conservative Association Bingo, Sausage & Mash Thursday 13th December at 7.30 pm Repton Village Hall £6 to include supper, mince pies and coffee (pay at the door) Bring your own drink and glass                Raffle Enquiries to Pam Bladen, 701189

---

Repton Village & History

Repton Neighbourhood Help

Members are looking forward to the Christmas festivities. On 30th November we have carol singing; on 7th December, after our Christmas Luncheon, we shall all visit the church to see the Christmas Tree Festival; and, last but not least, on 14th December we shall thank our volunteers with a concert and tea at the Primary School (by their kind permission). We take our Christmas break on 21st and 28th December, and meet again in the New Year for luncheon and a social afternoon on 4th January.

We meet at the Community Centre in Fisher Close. New members are always welcome, and we do have places on the reserve list. This means that when members are absent for any reason, you have the chance to come and socialise over a delicious luncheon. And there is always room for you in the afternoon, when we enjoy getting together over various activities and a cup of tea. Just turn up about 1.45 - 2 pm; you will be sure of a warm welcome. Help needed

We need another volunteer driver on these Fridays, so, if you can commit to most Fridays over lunchtime we would love to hear from you.

If you would like to talk over any of these matters, do call us.

---

Repton Village History Group

Glynn Wilton, curator of the National Tramway Museum at Crich, was our speaker in October. He gave us an excellent illustrated talk about the origins and development of trams, from the time they were built to carry goods over rough terrain right up to the modern passenger tram. He explained the different forms of traction - horses, ropeways, hydraulics, steam and electricity - in an interesting and informative manner.

Our December events are our joint Coffee Morning with Repton Village Society on 1st December, and our participation in the Christmas Tree Festival at St Wystan's from 7th to 10th December.

'Silk Gloves and Sanitation', Tuesday 15th January

In the New Year, Philip Heath's talk will compare our neighbouring towns of Melbourne and Swadlincote during the 19th Century. Philip, the local Heritage Officer, is an excellent speaker, well worth braving the weather. Village Hall, 7.30 pm. Members and visitors are welcome.

---

Repton Village Society

At our November meeting, Barbara Parish, the Area Fundraiser for the County Air Ambulance, gave a most interesting talk on the work of this vital service. It was perhaps a surprise to some to learn that the Air Ambulance service relies entirely on voluntary funding and receives no help from Government; on at least one occasion, because of lack of funds, a helicopter has been unable to fly. She confirmed that when, next March, the machine currently based at East Midlands Airport moves elsewhere, it will be replaced by a larger and faster helicopter.

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

This is a joint event with the Village History Group and all proceeds will go towards the cost of rebuilding the Village Hall. The History Group is mounting a display of Repton photographs, Charles Hanson has agreed to be present to value your antiques at 50p per item, and there will be an exhibition of the work of the Art Department of Repton School. Refreshments and a tombola will also be available. Free entry.

'Beside the Seaside', Thursday 3rd January

Rod Pearson will explore the relationship between the railways and seaside resorts in the days before universal car use. Rod has talked to the Society several times now - Port Sunlight, Bass Railway Trips and Sheffield - and we look forward to his return.

---

Willington Trains

It is hard to get reliable information on the new timetable. Stagecoach East Midlands Trains publish a timetable to 15th May; note, however, that the pocket timetable they produce does not show all the trains that call at Willington; I  am assured that the website, which does show them, is correct. Arriva CrossCountry website isn't clear how long their time-table lasts; also, they have lots of trains going from Birmingham to Nottingham, but the website shows none coming back!

On the surface, little seems to have changed. The one Sunday train has disappeared, but times are pretty much the same. In the longer term, however, as the Parish Council Jottings report, there are considerable grounds for disquiet. There is talk of withdrawing East Midlands direct trains between Burton and St Pancras, and Arriva make no secret of their intention to cut their service from seven trains to four in December 2008.

For all journeys it would be worth checking train times.

---

Repton W.I.

At the November meeting, members heard more about plans to celebrate Repton W.I.'s 90th birthday next year. Our Christmas tree decorations were on display, and we look forward to seeing them on the tree. Two visitors joined us for Christine Stanley's cookery demonstration of 'Festive Fare'. We enjoyed sampling her punch, pork with oranges, and starry mincemeat tart, not to mention the rum truffles.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 11th December at 7.15 pm in the Village Hall. Helen Chambers will be entertaining us in costume as Elizabeth Mundy, Tudor Musician. Don't forget your present for the Gift Exchange.

---

Repton Pre-school

Repton Pre-school children are currently having a busy time. They supported Children in Need with a 'yellow day' and fund-raising activities. The Christmas outing will be to the Tamworth Snow dome to play in real snow and meet real reindeer, as well as Father Christmas. Weeks of singing practice will culminate in the nativity play, and the term will finish with a Christmas party.

We are full for this year, but taking applications for next September. Our 'warm up' afternoons - for children to attend with their parents or carers prior to joining - will start next term on Monday afternoons at The Den. These afternoons allow children to get used to the environment and staff. If you have a child who is too young for pre-school, but who would enjoy the opportunity to take part, then please get in touch. Call 07983 911 079 during pre-school hours (9.15 am to 12.15 pm, Monday - Friday) or visit www.reptonpreschool.co.uk.

---

Repton Parish Council Jottings

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

• On 12th November, Mr Miles King of Midlands Rural Housing addressed councillors and members of the public on Low-Cost Housing Schemes. These schemes cater for people with a local connection, and the homes are either part owned or rented. Repton already has a development of 12 such houses at the top of Longlands. SDDC is to carry out a new survey of low-cost housing needs in Repton at a date yet to be advised. This is part of a government initiative to assess housing requirements in parishes with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants. Further information will be provided when the survey is imminent.
• It is reported that under a new train franchise the number of trains stopping at Willington will be reduced, perhaps to as few as 4 a day. At the time of writing the situation is not entirely clear, but it is being suggested that a 'Willington Station Users Group' should be formed to fight the cutbacks. If you are concerned by a reduction in local train services, or fear that it may herald the eventual closure of Willington Station, it would do no harm to lobby your local District and County Councillors, and write to Mark Todd MP. Contact details for all are available on the parish council website.
• The parish precept has been set at £13,350 for the coming year, a below-inflation increase of 3.5%. The precept forms the major part of the parish council's income and is used for essential village maintenance - grass cutting, pavement sweeping, litter removal, upkeep of public facilities and so on. Village improvements such as bench seats and tree planting are funded from capital reserves.
• A bridle path runs towards the Trent from the Tea Rooms in Brook End, an area known to some as the Stinyard. The path is now obstructed at its far end by vegetation and rubble. As it is a dead end it is little used, but there is still a requirement that it be kept open to walkers and riders. Enquiries are to be made to see if it would be possible to create a footpath linking it to Willington Bridge. This would make a pleasant alternative to the narrow pavement along the busy Willington Road.
• On 13th November an appeal was heard against the refusal of planning permission to build houses on land between Pinfold Lane and Pinfold Close. The hearing was conducted by an independent Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. Nine local residents and two parish councillors attended. The purpose of the hearing was to establish whether the grounds of the refusal were correctly founded. Those grounds were that the development would have an adverse effect on the setting of the Conservation Area. The outcome is now awaited with interest.

The next meeting of the parish council is on Monday 10th December at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall. The agenda is posted on the website and on village notice boards a week before the meeting.

---

Recycling at Repton Village Hall

We now have an increased recycling amenity at the Village Hall. However, a small minority of people have been abusing it, leaving unsuitable items including household items and large cardboard boxes by the side of the bins. We then have to dispose of these ourselves. Empty plastic bags should be placed in the dustbin by the side of the hall.

---

Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney Women's Institute

Christmas came early at the Autumn Group Meeting, hosted by Bretby W.I. at Repton: after business was concluded and our speaker, Anne Etches, had addressed us, we were entertained by Richard Westcott, a pantomime 'Dame'. Before our eyes he was transformed from the sole male at our meeting into the traditional 'Dame', complete with gaudy dress, outrageous make-up and hair, and encouraging us to join in the stock action songs. The costumes were colourful, the jokes corny, but we all left smiling at the memories they brought. The entertainment was followed by an excellent supper and Newton Solney won second prize in the meeting competition - for a wand.

Our November meeting was the AGM, when, with one exception, all the present committee agreed to stay for another year, and Jo Parfitt was re-elected President. Terry Martin gave the Treasurer's report, Linda Williams read the minutes of the previous AGM, and Joan Buchanan, secretary, reported on the group's activities for 2006 - 2007. The meeting was followed by a buffet supper, coffee and wine.

On 14th November, our Birthday Lunch at the Brickmakers' Arms was enjoyed by 23 members. A group of members leaves on Wednesday 21st November for Christmas Shopping at Meadowhall. The monthly Whist Drive will be on 27th November in the Village Hall.

The final meeting for 2007 will be a Christmas Social with American Supper, Bran Tub and entertainment - Tuesday 11th December at 7.30 pm in Newton Solney Village Hall.

---

Gardening Notes

And so, once again, we approach the year's end. There is little that is urgent in the garden, but the New Year may be colder, and for that reason, some jobs are best done now. I am wondering whether to convert one half of the garden to gravel, to cope with the hot weather, and the other half to a bog garden. Either way it is a good idea to get on with winter digging, incorporating plenty of compost or well rotted manure. This will improve soil structure and drainage, but also delay drying out.

Last summer's rain showed us the importance of soil structure. Even where soil was not submerged, the extreme wetness limited the supply of oxygen to plant roots, weakening plants and making them more vulnerable to fungi and other soil-borne infections. Many worms and smaller creatures in the soil were killed off, with knock-on effects for birds and others higher up the food chain. In the Ouse washes, the RSPB believes that 1,000 pairs of ground-nesting wading birds lost their eggs or chicks in one reserve alone. The wet weather also reduced the supply of caterpillars and aphids, although here we seem to have a good number of young tits and goldfinches.

As long as the soil is not too wet or frosted, this is the traditional season for planting trees, fruit bushes and canes. Small trees establish more quickly than large ones. Do not plant too deeply, and do not put compost in the bottom of the planting hole; when it rots, it will leave a gap under the roots.

Prune fruit trees now, in the dormant season, though cordons and espaliers should really have been pruned in late summer. By letting in more light, judicious pruning improves colour and flavour. Established apples should not be fed; excess nitrogen produces lush growth and poor fruiting. If a boost is needed, then apply a little general fertiliser round the perimeter of the tree in late winter. Check all tree ties.

After Christmas, save some berries from the mistletoe and store them in a plastic bag in a cool place until February or March. Then split the berries, remove the sticky seed and smear it into a crack or cut in the bark of an apple tree. It will usually take two or three years to establish.

Erect and repair fences and trellises, and tie in loose shoots from climbers.

On established wisteria, cut back shoots, shortened in the summer, to two or three buds. Prune vines such as vitis coignetiae, grown for their autumn colour, similarly if they are getting too big, back to two or three buds from the old wood. Vines grown for edible grapes should be pruned before Christmas to minimise bleeding.

In December you can take root cuttings of herbaceous plants such as acanthus, echinops, papaver orientale and verbascum. Take a good root from an older, vigorous plant and cut it into 5 to 10 cm lengths, making a horizontal cut at the upper end, and a slanting cut at the lower. (This makes sure you know which end is which!) Insert them vertically in pots of compost, and place in a cold frame. Root cuttings from variegated plants are a disappointment; they lose their variegation.

Check stored fruit and vegetables. Dahlia tubers also need checking. Do not let them dry out completely. Those left in the ground need frost protection from a good blanket of compost, though they are more likely to succumb to wet than cold. Lilies in pots will also rot if they get too wet, but they do not normally need frost protection. Move forced bulbs for a week or so into a shaded, frost-free place before bringing indoors.

Evergreen azaleas, flowering at Christmas, can be kept for several years. In the summer, stand them outside in the shade, and never let them dry out. Repot every second year. Cyclamen dislike central heating. Keep in a cool, light room, and don't overwater. Poinsettias are native to Mexico; they like a warm, draught-free spot and dislike temperature drops. As with all euphorbias, the sap of poinsettias can be an irritant.

Start to think about ordering seeds and bulbs for next summer

Continue to provide food and fresh water for the birds. Scrub bird tables with disinfectant at least monthly, to prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria.

---

Malawi here I come!

Following in the footsteps of Kathryn Argyle and Sophie Farrell, I am going on a gap year with the Project Trust, to Malawi. Malawi is a small, very poor country in South-East Africa, most famous for its large lake, Lake Malawi. Project Trust is an educational charity that sends 17 - 19 year olds to countries in South America, Africa and Asia, where they are involved in projects from a few months to a year, often teaching English, although there are also many 'Outward Bound' type projects.

To be accepted, I had to spend 4 days on a selection course on the Isle of Coll. We were constantly assessed on tasks ranging from essay writing to digging 'lazy beds', although there was nothing lazy about that! We stayed with local families, which meant that we could learn all about the community and life on such a small, remote island. We were allocated to groups and given community tasks. Mine was to help a farmer, which meant herding and penning sheep, a lot harder than it sounds, as they are surprisingly fast and strong! I also had to help clip a dog that really did not want to be clipped, repair fencing, and help move cows with massive horns to a different field. It's unnerving trying to keep cows from coming into the field when you have a huge bull right behind you! I had a great time on Coll, and have kept in contact with many of my fellow volunteers.

Starting in September, the Malawi project lasts a year. It involves teaching English in a primary school, and being involved in extra-curricular and community activities. With a partner, I will be living in basic accommodation. For the most part we will get our food and essentials from the local market; that will bring our bartering skills up to scratch! I hope to gain so much from this year, but also hope to give something back.

Can you help?

Now that I have passed selection, the next test is fundraising; in all I need to raise £4,480. So far I have been raising funds through school cake sales, a Christmas quiz, and applying to charitable trusts. In addition I am planning fundraising events such as a race night. If you would like to support me through donations, advice, or help at any fundraisers, then any help at all, no matter how small, will be gratefully received. I will gladly keep in contact with those who have helped, and let them know how I'm getting on!