June 2008 - Contents The Jesus Revolution 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 Coffee Morning, Saturday 14th June Shell (for children aged 7+) Summer Barbecue, Saturday 12th July Trip to York, Sunday 27th July Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Marriages Kristian Worton and Zandra Jayne Taylor Carl Damian Knight and Victoria Joan Craig Funerals and Burial of Ashes Florence Annie (Florrie) Webster Mary Tegwyn Millgate Michael Albert Sabine Joan Florence Anne Plant The Memorial Book Repton Benefice We host the Bishop of Agra New Dean for Derby St Wystan's News Thank you for the Easter lilies Repton Church Heritage Appeal Events Repton Church Heritage Development Repton M.U. A new Headstone for C.B. Fry St Mary's News Newton Solney Church Organ Coffee Morning, Saturday 14th June Repton School Concerts, Tuesday 17th June A Festival of English Music, Saturday 21st June Sunday Lunch on The Paddock, Sunday 29th June South Derbyshire Roger Rowley retires Problems with BT Broadband Neighbourhood Watch and 'Safer Neighbourhoods' Repton Village and History Cheerful People Wanted St Wystan's Heritage Appeal Arts Weekend, 15th & 16th November ngs Open Garden, Sunday 8th June RVS Floral Container / Front Garden Competition Repton Open Gardens, Saturday 21st - Sunday 22nd June Repton Pre-school A Derbyshire Star JOGS agm Change of Plan! Repton W.I. Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group Repton Parish Council Jottings Repton Village Hall agm Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Parish Council Notes Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School Newton Solney W.I. Further Afield Free Woodcarving Workshops at the NMA Gardening Notes Sam Beeton: Letter from Madagascar

---

The Jesus Revolution

"I want to see a revolution. More than that, I want to be involved in a revolution. I want what the dictionary defines as 'a relatively sudden and absolutely drastic change'. To be exact, I want a Jesus revolution. Jesus was the ultimate revolutionary."

That's the voice of Andy Frost, the director of Share Jesus International. It's a voice which takes me back forty years, to the so-called summer of love, more accurately described as the summer of would-be revolution. The huge demonstration in Trafalgar Square ended in running violence; there were anti-draft demonstrations all over America; the barricades were up during the student événements in Paris. The hoped-for Age of Aquarius, of harmony and understanding, sympathy and love abounding, seemed a long way off, and the anthem for the year was not the Beatles' 'All You Need is Love', but rather the Rolling Stones' 'Street-Fighting Man'.

Was Jesus a revolutionary? The answer to that is not 'more or less', but 'both more, and less'. He was never a street-fighting man; he urged his followers not to disobey the law: when they asked if they should refuse to pay taxes, he advised them to render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's; the only time his advice went directly against Jewish law was when he spoke to a man who wanted to put off his commitment to Jesus until he had buried his relative: Jesus told him to let the dead bury the dead. But he was, in other, more important ways, more revolutionary than most people realise, demanding a total commitment to change the world into the kingdom of God.

At Westminster College, Cambridge, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York recently talked to the ordinands of the United Reformed Church. Dr. Williams assured them of the importance of the U.R.C., and most particularly of our theology, in the modern church. John Sentamu encouraged them by saying that 'Christianity has become part of the furniture - like a grand piano no-one takes the cloth off. It's time we used it to play music on'. In the evening, the Archbishops spoke to a wider audience of students of all persuasions. They were heckled at first, but then came questions about how Christians hoped to change the world: by revolution, through fear and awe, or perhaps by just touching hearts and minds? Rowan Williams answered those who were dissatisfied with the last of these approaches like this: "If by standing where I invite you to stand, you see a world larger than you imagined, you have to ask, 'Is this a reality, and what do I do with it?' Come and see if it is possible to let go of that violent, anxious self, to find that radiant beauty. Decide what you want, come and see, then launch into the deep. Understand that your life lives in the not knowing, as well as in the knowing."

Come and see what the Jesus revolution really means.

---

Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

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)

---

Brasses (contact Pauline Beckett, 500132)

---

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

---

The United Reformed Church

---

Coffee Morning, Saturday 14th June, 10.30 to 11.30 am

Coffee and biscuits, a chance to stock up with home-made cakes and marmalade, the Webb Ivory range of cards and stationery, and an opportunity to chat with friends. Don't miss it! - the next coffee morning will be in September!

---

Shell Group (age 7 - 11)

Except on 2nd June, the Shell group meets on Mondays, 6.30 to 7.30 pm. New members are welcome.

---

Summer Barbecue, Saturday 12th July

The summer sensation is back, with bouncy castle, games for the children, and lots of tasty food. Open from 3 pm; food served from 4 pm. Tickets available from church members, or ring 701581.

---

Trip to York, Sunday 27th July

We have been invited by Rev'd Graham Maskery, who was Minister in various U.R.C. churches in Derby, to join his congregation at York U.R.C. for morning worship on Sunday 27th July. Graham will cook a mid-day meal for us, and then guide us around this historic city. We have booked a coach, at a cost of £10 per seat. If you would like to join us, please ring Gerald and Christine on 701581 as soon as possible.

---

Marriages

Kristian Worton and Zandra Jayne Taylor were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 3rd May.

Carl Damian Knight and Victoria Joan Craig were married at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Saturday 10th May.

---

Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Florence Annie (Florrie) Webster of Netherhall Nursing Home, Hartshorne, died on Tuesday 22nd April aged 90. A funeral and committal service at Bretby Crematorium was followed by cremation.

Mary Tegwyn Millgate of 12 Springfield Road, Repton, died on Thursday 24th April aged 80. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 12th May was followed by committal at Bretby Crematorium.

Michael Albert Sabine of 113 Burton Road, Repton, died on Thursday 1st May aged 73. A funeral and committal service at Bretby Crematorium on 14th May was followed by cremation.

Joan Florence Anne Plant of Bower Lodge, Well Lane, Repton, died on Saturday 3rd May aged 91. A funeral and committal service at Bretby Crematorium on 13th May 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 died on or after 1st June 2000 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.   All we need is the full name and the dates of birth and death.

Please contact Rev'd Peter Paine, 703317.

---

Repton Benefice

We host the Bishop of Agra

The Bishop of Agra, the Rt. Rev'd Samuel Cutting, and his wife, Snehlata, will be visiting Repton from 10th to 15th July. They are part of a group from the province of North India with which Derby Diocese is linked. The Diocese is hosting the bishops and their wives on a few days of acclimatisation, prior to the Lambeth Conference. Bishop Samuel and Snehlata will stay at the vicarage, and we are planning occasions on which others can meet them. For instance, Bishop Samuel will preach at the Parish Communion service on Sunday 13th July, and there is a short walk planned for the morning of Saturday 12th July, concluding with a pub lunch to which all are welcome. We hope too to host a joint P.C.C. social at the vicarage on the evening of Saturday 12th.

We also hope that individuals might like to invite Bishop Samuel and Snehlata to an evening meal on one of the following dates: 11th, 13th, 14th or 15th July. If you would like to, please contact me at the Vicarage, 703317.

---

New Dean for Derby

The new Dean of Derby, succeeding Martin Kitchen who resigned in December, will be the Rev'd Dr. Jeffrey Cuttell. Alongside the bishops and archdeacons, the Dean holds one of the senior offices in the diocese, although his primary role is to lead the ministry of Derby Cathedral.

After graduating with a first in geological sciences from the University of Birmingham, Jeff worked for the Atomic Energy Authority, pursuing his PhD research at Harwell. A change of direction saw him ordained in 1987, and he served, first as curate and then as vicar in the parish of Normanton. Leaving West Yorkshire in 1995, he moved into religious broadcasting with the BBC, in local and network radio, and as a TV Presenter for BBC 1, before returning to parish ministry in 1999. For the last four years he has been the Rural Dean of Congleton, overseeing the ministry of 20 parishes.

Additionally, he holds a commission as a Chaplain to the Forces. Between 1997 and 2006 he served with the 4th Battalion the Parachute Regiment (Reserve), seeing active service in the Balkans, and he holds military parachutist qualifications with the British, French and German Armies. His educational and military experience came together in 2001, when he lectured at Cardiff University on War and Ethics until 2006.

Of his unusual career path, he says: "The common thread has been my lifelong passion for exploring with others the biggest questions we can ask: Why are we here? Is there a God? How should we live? Helping people reflect on these questions in the light of the Christian Gospel is where my heart lies."

Jeff is no stranger to Derbyshire. His father and grandfather were both Derbyshire miners, and as a child he briefly attended school in Chaddesden.

The new dean will be installed at Derby Cathedral on Saturday 13th September.

---

St Wystan's News

Thank you

. . . to everyone who made a donation towards the Easter lilies at St Wystan's. With lots of you contributing, the church looked wonderful. And didn't they last well? Thank you!

Repton Church Heritage Appeal Events Sunday 29th June Sunday Lunch with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra The Grand Marquee, Repton School Tuesday 23rd September Fashion with Colour & Style The Pavilion, Branston Golf and Country Club September 10th Anniversary Organ Concert St Wystan's Church Friday 17th October Grand Ball Pears School Saturday 1st November Beetle Drive Repton Village Hall Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th November Repton Arts Weekend St Wystan's Church For information on all the Heritage Appeal events, contact Carol Lloyd, 01283 702410, Karen Perks, 01283 702392, or .

Repton Church Heritage Development

At the end of April we had the good news that the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) had granted a certificate for the works described in last month's magazine, better and more inclusive access, toilets; a kitchen; and significant space at the heart of the church for meetings, gatherings, concerts, festivals and social events. Now we can confidently expect to be granted a faculty to proceed.

We are very pleased that the DAC has also approved, subject to the final design, our greatly simplified - and cheaper - plans for storage in the south west corner. Some time ago we had realised that our initial plans were unnecessarily complex and expensive. Not merely that, but they would not achieve what we had expected. For example, the plans envisaged that the north-facing screen - the screen facing the kitchen - would be built as two large movable bookcases. It was subsequently pointed out that only with a forklift truck would we ever be able to move them - not very practical! Now we have won a year's grace after the completion of the initial phase of the development to live with it and to decide exactly what we do need from the storage area, before we go ahead with it. But be reassured: simpler does not mean any compromise on appearance or on the quality of materials. In both, the storage area will closely match the rest of the development. This does not form part of the Heritage Appeal, and it has been separately funded.

Your support for the Heritage Appeal

St Wystan's congregation is showing considerable enthusiasm and financial support for the project. But no church can depend on its congregation alone. Nor should it. This appeal is directed to everyone who lives in Repton. There can scarcely be anyone who does not use the church from time to time, whether for worship, for remembrance, for christenings, weddings and funerals, or whose life is not enriched by such a fine building in the middle of our village. And this development can also transform the use of St Wystan's for community activities, concerts and festivals.

Information on how to make the most effective use of your support can be found in the Repton Church Heritage Appeal leaflet, or please contact John Perks, the appeal treasurer, on 01283 702392 or .

Please Support our Events

Throughout the year we will be holding events to support the appeal; they will all be advertised locally. See below for an invitation to a very special Sunday Lunch on 29th June.

For more information on all our events, contact Carol Lloyd, 01283 702410, Karen Perks 01283 702392, or .

---

Repton M.U.

In June, M.U. members will be out and about. On 3rd June they have a bus trip through Derbyshire with lunch at the Dome, Buxton, and on the 4th they visit Egginton Church at 2.15 pm. There will be a short service and a talk on the 14th century church, followed by refreshments. There will be no meeting on the 18th.

Next Month: Wednesday 16th July at 2.15 pm in the Fisher Close Room: Bible Study with Sylvia Fox. Everyone welcome.

---

A new Headstone for C.B. Fry

Our lovely old churchyard is the final home of many whose name and reputation live after them, but none so renowned as Charles Burgess Fry, the star sportsman of his generation, whose multi-faceted talents have never been equalled.

Fry's connection with Repton seems to have been accidental. Originally destined for Aldenham, he was sent first to Repton - apparently to coach him for entrance to Aldenham - won a scholarship to Repton and stayed.

Academically he was outstanding; at Oxford he achieved first-class honours in Classical Moderations and won a major prize for poetry, whilst gaining a cricket blue in all four years, together with blues in athletics and soccer. In 1901 he represented England at soccer against Ireland, and in the following year he played for the losing side, Southampton, in the F.A. Cup final.

As an athlete too he excelled. Whilst still an undergraduate at university he set the world long-jump record, which stood for over twenty-one years. It was an event in which he was never coached and in which he never trained, only competing when there was a competition to be won. It is recorded that on the day he set the record, Fry was smoking a cigar in the dressing room when the event started. He put his cigar down, removed his jersey, ran out on to the track, set the record, returned to the dressing room and finished his cigar.

However, it was in cricket that Fry reigned supreme. He played for Sussex, London County, Hampshire, Europeans (India) and England. Even by today's standards his record is remarkable. In Fry's day, however, batting was more difficult; wickets were less well prepared, they were not covered and the outfield was slower. Having begun with a duck in 1892, he went on to score 30,886 runs at an average of 50.22, which puts him on a par with the great Jack Hobbs. For six seasons he led the batting averages. In 1901 Fry scored 3,147 runs with an average of 78.67 and in 1903, 2,681 runs at an average of 81.3. This was his best season and one in which he added 13 centuries to his tally. His career total of 94 centuries including six in a row as captain of the England Cricket Team in 1901, followed by an innings of 70. He was the first batsman ever to score six consecutive first-class centuries, a feat later equalled by Sir Donald Bradman and Mike Proctor. Their innings, however, were on firm Southern Hemisphere wickets during the course of a leisurely first-class season; Fry set his record in a period of just over two weeks on natural, uncovered wickets.

Among his many other sports, he played rugby union for Oxford University and the Barbarians.

In later life, Fry taught at Charterhouse School, ran the Hamble Naval College for 42 years, twice stood as a Liberal candidate for Parliament, and was offered the throne of Albania. He was the author of several popular books and a broad-caster in the early days of radio.

With its simple headstone, it was easy to overlook his grave by the north door of St Wystan's Church. Last month, in the presence of his two grandsons, as well as English cricketer and Old Reptonian, Richard Hutton, and BBC cricket scorer, Bill Frindall, his grave was rededicated. A new headstone reads: '1872 C B Fry 1956. Cricketer, Scholar, Athlete, Author - The Ultimate All Rounder.'

---

St Mary's News

Newton Solney Church Organ

The organ builders hope to have completed the refurbishment of St Mary's pipe organ by mid-June, after which it should again be possible to have the church opened daily. The Bishop of Repton has kindly consented to lead a Thanks- giving Service for the Organ on the evening of Sunday 7th September, which happens to coincide with the Patronal Festival. The PCC plans also to arrange later in the year a celebratory organ recital. Details will be advertised when the plans are finalised.

---

Coffee Morning Saturday 14th June, 10 am - 12 noon The Croft, Church Broughton Road, Foston, Derby DE65 5PW Raffle, Plant and Cake Stall Admission £1.50 All proceeds to St Wystan's Church

Repton School Concerts Society Jiafeng Chen, violin, with Brenda Blewett, piano Tuesday 17th June at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall, Repton Music School This is the final concert of the 2007 / 2008 season. In a change to the advertised programme, Jiafeng Chen, the award-winning young performer, will perform the pieces with which he recently won 2nd prize in the Menuhin International Competition. We are looking forward to sonatas by Mozart and Prokofiev, and works by Korngold and Wieniawski. Tickets at £12 and 9 (concessions) are available from Sue Parker, 01283 702550, or the Music School, 01283 559319

Derby Bach Choir with Richard Roddis A Festival of English Music St Wystan's Church, Saturday 21st June at 7.30 pm Vaughan Williams - Five Tudor Portraits Madrigals sung by Queens Company String Quintet Tickets £10 from Foulds Music Shop, Irongate, Derby t. 01332 344842 or www.derbybachchoir.com

Repton Church Heritage Appeal Sunday Lunch on The Paddock with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra The Grand Marquee, Repton School Sunday 29th June, 12.30 for 1 pm Pimms on Arrival, Hot & Cold Buffet Tickets £65 per person including table wines Tables of 10 and individual bookings available For enquiries & bookings, ring Helen Hollins, 01283 816203.

---

South Derbyshire

Roger Rowley retires

21st June sees the end of an era, when Roger Rowley retires from the electrical business which he has carried on for many years, originally in Repton, but latterly, for as long as many of us can remember, in Willington.

With his encyclopaedic knowledge of his business, with no job being too small, too insignificant or too much trouble, always kind and patient, always immaculate, he has been a wonderful help to so many people. Not many of us revel in taking TVs to pieces or dealing with recalcitrant vacuum cleaners, but he has always been there, whatever the problem, with his meticulous accounts for very reasonable sums, explaining exactly what he has done.

We wish him all the very best in his retirement, and would like him to know that he has been so much a part of the local scene, such a mainstay and friend to many, that he will be very sorely missed.

---

Problems with BT Broadband

SDDC is endeavouring to highlight to BT problems with the existing broadband structure in South Derbyshire. If you are experiencing difficulty please contact Nigel.glossop@south-derbys.gov.uk. The more case studies raised, the greater the impact on BT.

---

Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch

Recent advice from Derbyshire Police.

Letting or selling your house

If you are looking to let or sell your house, ensure that the advert doesn't show a photo of your vehicle. Thieves use the pictures to target vehicles.

Warm weather breeds temptation

Summer always brings a spate of thefts of items left by open windows and doors. Remember to close and lock all windows and doors when you will be out of sight.

Internet

Be very wary about giving personal details to an internet site. It is not difficult to build a site that looks real but is actually fraudulent. If you use internet banking, always go direct to the bank website. Never use links that come unsolicited by email.

Distraction Burglary

At the end of April, two men claiming to be from the water board entered a house on Springfield Road and asked the occupier to run the cold water taps as there was "a damaged pipe next door". When asked to produce identification, they fled. This happens regularly, and it's all too easy to be taken in. Report any similar incident to the police immediately on 999.

Remember:

• Secure your door chain.
• Make absolutely sure a caller is genuine before you let him in.
• Staff from utility companies carry an identification card. Always ask to see it. If in any doubt, contact their company for verification.
• Don't give them any personal or bank details.
• If they have a vehicle, take down the registration number, make and model.

Always look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

---

'Safer Neighbourhoods'

According to Derbyshire Police, overall crime in the county fell by 4% in the 12 months to the end of March. House burglary has reduced by 15%, vehicle crime by 16% and criminal damage by 11%. Violent crime, however, has increased by 3%. Detection rates have improved for all categories, from 25.2% to 28.9% overall.

Over the last five years, crime has fallen by 25%, with 25,000 fewer victims; house burglary has fallen by 56% and vehicle crime by half. Criminal damage has seen a slight rise of 0.6%, and violent crime has risen by 7% per cent. Assistant Chief Constable Goodman said: "We could not have achieved these huge reductions without the help and support of the public. Derbyshire is amongst the safest place to live and work in the Midlands and also in the country. Our performance is on a par with the top forces nationally."

ACC Goodman attributes part of the success to the fact that Derbyshire now has Safer Neighbourhood Teams firmly established. They aim "to provide visibility and a recognisable face on the streets to tackle very local concerns."

The next Safer Neighbourhood meeting locally is at 6.30 pm on Tuesday 3rd June at Newton Solney Village Hall.

---

Repton Village & History

Cheerful People Wanted

Repton Scouts and Cubs are looking for cheerful people who are willing to give up some of their spare time to be Scout and Cub Leaders and assistants. All necessary training will be given. Contact Andy Beeston on 01283 703314 if you are interested in joining us.

---

St Wystan's Heritage Appeal Arts Weekend, 15th & 16th November

As part of the Arts Weekend planned for November, there will be an exhibition of your photographs of St Wystan's Church and its surroundings. This is not a competition, and we are calling on photographers of all ages to take part. It is an opportunity to explore a creative and interpretative approach; images in any format will be welcome, whether in black and white or in colour.

If you would like to discuss this project in more detail please contact Morag Hill on 01283 225660 until June 19th, from June 20th on 01283 72799, or .

---

ngs Open Garden, Sunday 8th June

Jan and David Roberts are opening their garden again from 2 to 5.30 pm in aid of the National Gardens Scheme. Admission £2.50. Teas will be sold in aid of church funds, and there will be a plant sale.

Repton Village Society Floral Container / Front Garden Competition After last year's successful competition we will again have the following categories: The Best Hanging Basket or Container (Private and Business) The Best Front Garden Judging will be between 1st and 31st July. Entry Forms from the Post Office and Redshaws the Butchers. Prizes (Bretby Nurseries Vouchers), sponsored by Repton Parish Council, will be awarded at Repton Village Show on Saturday 6th September.

Repton Open Gardens, Saturday 21st - Sunday 22nd June

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

St Wystan's Church: The church will decorated. Tours will be at times shown in the programme. The organ will play and bells ring.

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

Prize Draw: Tickets for the Prize Draw will be on sale in the village beforehand and over the weekend; the draw itself will take place on Saturday 28th June.

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

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

---

Repton Pre-school

Our theme this summer is transport, and learning about emergency vehicles included a visit from a real fire engine complete with genuine fire fighters. Later this month the children will be role playing as travel agents and learning about road safety. And continuing the theme, our trip will be to Thomas Land to see Thomas and his Friends at Drayton Manor Park.

We are at full capacity from September, and are considering opening on some afternoons to accommodate more children and allow existing children a greater number of sessions. Please get in touch if you have a child of pre-school age, so that we can discuss your requirements. We are also offering 'First Friends' on Monday afternoons. This allows younger children from 2 up to get a taste of Pre-school, its toys and staff. If you would like more information, please call Karen on 07983 911 079 during pre-school hours (9.15 am to 12.15 pm, Monday - Friday).

We would like to thank all the revellers who made our 'Wild West' evening such a success. However our real appreciation goes to the local businesses that helped support the event. We raised £1,500, which will go directly to funding new equipment and toys for the Pre-school.

---

A Derbyshire Star

On St George's Day, a Derbyshire Star was awarded to Linda Shortt. The Star is presented by the Scout Association in Derbyshire to no more than four people each year for their outstanding contribution to scouting in the county.

Linda started her involvement as a leader in Beavers in Repton, and then supported both guiding and scouting as the treasurer of the JOGS committee for many years. She handled not just the finance, but most of the other administrative work as well and was a stalwart in helping with fundraising and other events. A star indeed!

---

JOGS agm

The Annual General Meeting of JOGS takes place at The Den, Mitre Drive, on Thursday 5th June at 7.30 pm. It will be followed by a committee meeting.

---

Change of Plan!

As many of you will know, I had planned a gap year in Malawi with the charity Project Trust, starting this September. Unfortunately, due to problems with another project there, Project Trust is not able to run my project in Malawi next year; it is too costly to run just a single project within the country. However, I have been placed in a brand new project, in the north of South Africa. I will be working in Fedile High School, a secondary school, where I will be a teaching assistant, and also heavily involved with extra-curricular activities.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank again everyone who has supported me so far, and to let you know that I am only a few hundred off my £4,480 total fundraising target!

---

Repton W.I.

June is our anniversary month, since the Repton W.I. was founded in June 90 years ago. A celebratory lunch will be held at Littleover Lodge on Wednesday 18th June at 12.30 pm.

Next Meeting: The speaker at our June meeting (Tuesday 10th June at 7.15 pm in the Village Hall) will be Paul Stevens from Repton School. His talk 'In the Beginning' will include information about Mrs. Fisher, wife of the Headmaster who later became Archbishop of Canterbury. It was Mrs. Fisher who was instrumental in founding the Repton W.I. There will be a Plant Stall.

---

Repton Village Society

On May Day David Barker traced the expansion of the Potteries from the medieval period to more recent times, and also referred to the relatively rapid decline of the industries there. His talk was followed by a coach trip that he guided to see the remains of manufacturing, and the attempts at preservation and regeneration. A thought-provoking day.

'The Staffordshire Wildlife Trust', Thursday 5th June

Philip Knight will be talking about the many sites managed by the Trust in one of our neighbouring counties.

Guided Tour of the Birmingham Assay Office, Thursday 10th July

There are a few places for this trip left on the coach. There will be ample free time in Birmingham, and maps and guides will be provided. Ring 701838 for details.

---

Repton Village History Group

In April we welcomed David Smith, who told us about the history and culture of gypsies and also brought some excellent slides to illustrate his presentation. It was a very interesting and informative talk, very professionally delivered. On Tuesday 3rd June our outing to St Wystan's School is limited to members only. Booking is necessary and the list is filling fast. Please contact Alan Kimber on 01283 704042.

This is followed at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 17th June by our normal monthly meeting. Do note, however, that it will be held at Repton School Cricket Pavilion. In a meeting entitled 'Tea and Talk', Frank Watson and Paul Stevens will speak about some of the sporting personalities associated with the school.

---

Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Brown Bin Scheme: Every household in South Derbyshire is now on the 'closed vessel system' for brown bins. Any compostable waste, including meat, fish etc, can be put into the brown bin, provided that everything is well wrapped in newspaper. Biodegradable plastic bags can also be used in the brown bins. The brown bin collection will continue for the whole year except for the 2 week Christmas period.
• Repton (Bulls Head) Bed Race: Mr. Pope, the landlord of the Bull's Head, asked the Parish Council to support his plan for an annual Repton Bed Race. Other neighbouring villages have yearly events - such as Willington Raft Race and Newton Solney Cricket - so he plans to hold an annual Repton Bed Race with different categories ranging from kids' teams to veterans, and including local business and societies. The race would provide the opportunity to raise money for a local cause. The idea is to hold it on either the Sunday or the Monday of the August bank holiday. The Parish Council resolved to support the idea and to request that the money raised be donated to the Village Hall.
• New Speed Limits: Derbyshire County Council has proposed reducing the speed limit on the B5008 from Repton to Newton Solney. The plan is to put a 50 mph limit on the stretch that is currently unrestricted, and a 40 mph limit immediately before Newton Solney.
• Street lamp, Tanners Lane: After requests from the Parish Council for more effective street lighting on Burton Road, Derbyshire County Council has agreed to install a new streetlamp at the junction with Tanners Lane. It was noted that a number of the lamps on Burton Road are obscured by overgrowing trees. It would be very helpful if the owners of these trees would prune them so that the street lighting would be even more effective.
• Street lamp, The Pastures: DCC has also agreed to provide a new streetlamp and replace the lantern on another lamp in The Pastures. This will be paid for by a large contribution from the Safer Neighbourhoods Group, and a small contribution from the Parish Council. As in Burton Road, trees on private land in The Pastures are obscuring the lighting. Would you look at your trees, and if they obscure a street lamp, would you please consider having them pruned back.
• Funding for Play Provision: We have been successful in our application to the Safer Neighbourhoods Group and been granted £400 as a contribution towards the £1000 cost of the play facilities which the Parish Council provides during the summer holidays. The use of these facilities will be monitored closely this year, so that a judgement can be made as to whether the cost is justified. Last year the attendance was not as good as we would have liked. If you don't use the facilities you may lose them. The dates for the Climbing Wall, Laser Games, Sportsmobile and Playmobile will be advertised in the July and August Parish Magazines.
• Donation to Repton Village Society: The Village Society asked for and was granted £100 towards the prizes for the Floral Container and Front Garden Competition, which is held every year. The Parish Council is happy to donate the money, as it has done for many years.
• Speedwatch Scheme: Local volunteers are to be trained by the police in the use of hand-held speed cameras and will shortly be monitoring traffic in and around Repton, so please watch your speed.
• Police Visits:
  - Mobile Office (Village Hall car park from 10 am): Thursday 10th July, Friday 29th August.
  - Mobile Office and Mobile Library (the Police Mobile Office and Mobile Library will visit locations in Repton together): Tuesdays, 1st and 29th July, 9th September.
• Next meeting: Monday 9th June at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall. The agenda will be posted on the website and on village notice boards a week before the meeting.

---

Repton Village Hall agm

The Annual General Meeting of the Village Hall Committee takes place in the Village Hall on Monday 2nd June at 7.30 pm. All are welcome.

---

Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney Parish Council Notes

The parish council is seeking views regarding the feasibility of replacing the inadequate changing facilities at the recreation field. It may be that football teams will not be allowed to compete in their particular league if facilities are not up to standard. What does everyone think?

With respect to the B5008, DCC is investigating a package of proposals including alterations to the speed limits, chevrons, vehicle-activated signage, and village entrance signage. The police are also looking at the possibility of speed enforcement using mobile cameras.

There have been further complaints regarding dog fouling on the recreation field. This should not be happening! Please clean up!

The parish council is updating the village plan and needs your feedback. You can read both the existing and the draft updated plan at www.newton-solney.org.uk. Please pass your ideas to your councillors.

Next meeting: Friday 13th June, 7.45 pm in the village hall.

Repton Area Meeting: Monday 16th June, 7 pm in Newton Solney village hall. All welcome to attend, local area issues discussed.

---

Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School

We were pleased to welcome fourteen visitors to Collective Worship in May. Do join us again on 4th June and 2nd July at 9.15 am. Newcomers are very welcome.

Summer Fair Another date for your diary is Saturday 5th July when we will be holding our Summer Fair in the school grounds at 2 pm. There will be a variety of stalls, games and refreshments, so we hope you can come along. Recycling We will be very happy to receive used printer cartridges, old mobiles and handsets as part of our Recycool recycling programme. Call in at school or send them via a pupil.

---

Newton Solney W.I.

Since our last meeting, members have enjoyed a '90th' birthday party at the Group Meeting hosted by Findern W.I. We were addressed by Nancy Hawksworth and then enjoyed party games and delicious food provided by Findern members. A birthday cake was the prize for the competition winner.

Jo Parfitt entertained Ann Clark and her husband, Bob, from Shrewsbury. Ann had brought back to Newton Solney the 'Produce Cup' won by her mother, Mrs. E.M. Whysall, three times in the 1950s. Members Sue Ellis and Dorothy Rosser were also present to exchange memories and Newton Solney history.

Members were reminded of: the 'One Step Further Group' 'trial walk' on 14th May, the visit to the Brewhouse to see the 'Mikado' on the same evening, and the Mulberry Rooms luncheon on 21st May.

The handicraft competition was won by Rosemary Booth.

Sue Smith, a W.I. Advisor, guided us through the Resolutions, both of which provided much discussion. The first asked for 'the E.U. to Legislate that Bottom Trawling by Fishing Boats should be Banned, to Conserve Dwindling Fish Stocks'. The second, 'Inappropriate Imprisonment of the Mentally Ill' was also debated at length, as members felt that suitable secure medical treatment, not imprisonment, was needed.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 10th June: '50 minutes with Dotty Wickes'. Whist Drive, 24th June. Both at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall.

---

Further Afield

Free Woodcarving Workshops at the NMA

To promote the art of woodcarving the British woodcarvers Association will be running free workshops for children aged 7 to 11 every day from 14th to 29th June. To make the workshops fun and safe, the carvings will be made out of bars of soap using wooden chisels and plastic knives. For full details please contact Randie Cush on 01283 792333 or email rcush@thenma.org.uk.

---

Gardening Notes

By now it should be safe to plant out all bedding and tender plants, hanging baskets and containers. Whether bedding, shrub or vegetable, anything freshly planted needs a good watering to help it establish.

Cannas and dahlias can be planted in their final flowering position, and will benefit from a balanced fertiliser such as Growmore or pelleted chicken manure. For the best results in the border, it may be worth thinning the stems of delphiniums and phlox by removing some of the weaker stems. It is also possible to take the tops out of some of the later flowering perennials in order to stagger their flowering. Michaelmas daisies, heleniums and rudbeckias can all be treated in this way.

Tender vegetables can be planted out now after hardening off. These include marrows, courgettes, squashes, runner and French beans started under glass, as well as outdoor tomatoes and sweet corn. Set sweet corn in a grid pattern to help wind-borne pollination.

Sweet corn, beetroot, carrots, peas, runner and French beans can also be sown directly outside. Sow lettuce at regular intervals, rather than all at once. Calabrese, purple-sprouting broccoli and other brassicas sown now will be ready to harvest in the autumn. Leaf or beet spinach can be used in the autumn and the following spring. Sow cauliflowers to overwinter later in the month.

Feed rhubarb with a high nitrogen fertiliser such as ammonium sulphate. Don't pick it in the first year after planting, and pick only lightly the following year, but subsequently it can be picked more vigorously. Don't pick all the stems, or pull them too late in the summer; they need the leaves to build up the buds for next season.

In the greenhouse, tomatoes should be doing well. Remove non-flowering side shoots, keep well watered, and feed weekly. In cool, damp weather, potato blight can also affect tomatoes, though this mostly affects tomatoes outdoors. Keep the greenhouse well ventilated, and, if blight does occur, spray with a copper-based fungicide such as Bordeaux mixture. Earth potatoes well up to prevent blight spreading to the tubers.

Dahlias, other than dwarf varieties, will produce more stems if you remove the tip of the main shoot at this stage. However, if you want prize blooms, the number of shoots should be controlled, and disbudding will also be necessary. Chrysanthemums can be treated in the same way; remove side shoots and disbud to leave one main bud per shoot. Trim aubretia, alyssum and geranium species after flowering. When you cut back the flowered stems of euphorbia, protect yourself from the sap, which can be an irritant.

Deadhead roses. Research shows that the best results come from simply snapping the dead head off. To encourage better flowering, tie climbing and rambler roses down as near the horizontal as possible. You may need to tie clematis and honeysuckle similarly. Where necessary, prune philadelphus, weigelia, deutzia and kolkwitzia after flowering. Privet, lonicera and leylandii hedges will need a trim. Take softwood cuttings of shrubs.

Prepare strawberries by pegging down runners, and place straw round the plants to prevent splashing with mud and keep the fruit dry.

Mow the lawn regularly, but raise the height of the cut if drought threatens. Do not water; grass soon recovers when rain does come. Meadow areas planted with spring bulbs can also be mown now. If you treat the lawn with weedkiller, the next six weeks' mowings should not by composted.

Check blackcurrant bushes for 'big bud' and destroy badly affected bushes. Watch out for sawfly caterpillars on gooseberries and Solomon's seal. There is also a caterpillar which attacks roses. They can defoliate the plants very quickly. Pick them off and squash them. And look for and squash the bright red lily beetles. They can lay 200 - 300 eggs under a leaf, which hatch into small orange grubs. These coat themselves with black excrement to deter attack, and strip leaves and flowers. They also attack fritillaries, but that seems less of a problem here. Try to pick the beetles and grubs off and squash them, but you will be lucky to find them all. Provado Ultimate Bug Killer and Provado Vine Weevil Killer should provide protection for up to six weeks. New this year is a nematode spray that will kill caterpillars of both the cabbage white butterfly and the codling moth. Like other nematode applications, it is completely safe and non-toxic.

---

Sam Beeton

The Serenity to Accept

'What is the secret of the Malagasy's happiness? Many visitors notice that the Malagasy, despite often difficult lives, have wonderful smiles and laugh in the face of adversity. They share the secret of happiness with St Francis: "Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things that I can and the wisdom to know the difference."

'There is much injustice in the world. The Malagasy know that it is often wise just to accept that this is the way things are; then we can move on to enjoy life. For example, a farmer may know that it will be a long time before he can afford to buy a cow. He doesn't say, "If only I had that cow, I could be happy," but he seeks contentment in the things around him now. Every day, drivers will have someone cut in front of them, but I have often seen how they just sigh for a moment and carry on. They don't let things spoil their day!

'In Madagascar, the family is strong; children look after their younger siblings, and the wisdom of grandparents is appreciated. Family reunions are very important events. At harvest time, everybody has a role to play. Parents and older children work together to scythe the rice, the younger children keep an eye on the animals and the grandparents cook the meal.

'People cherish their friends, and make an effort for those they love, even walking for two to three hours to see them. Social pastimes are common in Madagascar. There are many football teams and choirs, but few people sitting at home on their own.

'The other secret of happiness is a relationship with the living God. Madagascar is blessed with many strong and growing churches all over the island. People know to look above their day to day problems to Christ, who has already walked the way of suffering, and summons us to a joyful resurrection.'
St Wystan's Church supports Sam, who teaches at St Paul's Theological College in Antananarivo, the key training centre for the church of Madagascar. To support him, or the work of the USPG generally, visit www.uspg.org.uk, email enquiries@uspg.org.uk, or ring 020 7803 3422.