August 2008 - Contents A Strong Cord is made of Many Strands Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Services at St Wystan's, Repton Services at St Saviour's, Foremark Services at St Mary's, Newton Solney Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Wystan's Brasses at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Church Picnic, Sunday 31st August Coffee Morning, Saturday 13th September Harvest Festival, Sunday 27th September Shell (for children aged 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Aidan William and Nathan George Pettitt Sophie Grace Gibbs Neve Charlotte Wilkinson Marriages Marcus Robert Barker Bewley and Emma Jayne Whotton Edward Duncan Prentice and Catherine Devonport Funerals and Burial of Ashes Joyce (Joy) Eileen Ault Betty Salt Edith Frances Forrest Thelma Vera Guyler Evelyn Mary Jackson Colin Thomas Kitching Obituaries Joyce (Joy) Eileen Ault Thelma Vera Guyler The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Adult Confirmation Dean of Derby to be installed Saturday 13th September 'Ride & Stride', Saturday 13th September St Wystan's News Bishop Samuel The Altar Cross Sunday Lunch on the Paddock, Repton Church Heritage Appeal Repton Church Heritage Appeal Events Repton M.U. St Mary's News Newton Solney Church Organ Newton Solney Church Quiz Repton International Summer School Concert, Wednesday 20th August Afternoon Tea, Thursday 21st August Repton Village Show, Saturday 6th September Newton Solney Horticultural Show, Saturday 6th September Staunton Stride, Sunday 14th September Neighbourhood Watch Email Scams Be careful with your bank details Repton Village and History Repton Neighbourhood Help Thank you from Jim and James Ault Congratulations to Jack and Joyce Turner ngs Open Gardens, Sunday 10th August Repton Village Show, Saturday 6th September Day Trip to Skegness, Thursday 11th September Any Old Iron, Copper, Steel, Brass, Aluminium . . . ? Repton Casuals Football Club Denise Johnson retires from St Wystan's School Repton Open Gardens Repton Village Society Repton W.I. Repton Village History Group Repton Parish Council Jottings Well done! Summer Play Activities provided by Repton Parish Council Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton Open Gardens Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School Newton Solney W.I. Gardening Notes

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A Strong Cord is made of Many Strands

As I write, bishops worldwide, including our new friends, Bishop Samuel and his wife, are journeying to Canterbury for the Lambeth Conference.

In any gathering as large and diverse as this, there will naturally be a range of perceptions of what God is calling us to do. However, due to our cultural backgrounds, individual upbringing and experience, we come with agendas that may or may not accord with the wind of the Spirit of God.

We need to recognise that our understanding of the world, of the Bible, of our traditions within the church and society, are conditioned by who we are. That is why it is so important to listen to other people, and to seek to understand their point of view rather than trying to convince them of our own. Dialogue means 'words-between', not words directed at the other person to convince them that we are right.

In a recent discussion, I was asked: "But why are we trying to reconcile these differences?" In his book, 'The Woven Cord', Michael Mitten, reflecting on the Celtic Church, challenges us to rediscover the different strands of our faith, and to find ways to weave them together in our lives and the life of our communities. He suggests that a strong cord is not made of a single strand but of many strands, each different. We worship God who has made himself known to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit; three 'strands' which are 'woven together' in a community of love, and we come to realise that unity is not uniformity, and that difference need not be division.

Within the church there are three 'strands' of understanding: evangelical, catholic and liberal. The evangelical strand takes its authority from the Bible, regarding it as the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct. The catholic, on the other hand, sees the church and tradition as having the final authority in interpreting the faith. The liberal seeks to engage with modern scientific and philosophical understandings of the world and sees reason as paramount. Each, on its own, tends to extremes: evangelical to fundamentalism, catholic to fossilisation, and liberal to libertinism, with its lack of restraint and moral values. As we listen to God and seek His wisdom, we find a 'new way' that balances the good points of each whilst limiting the excesses.

It is my sincere hope, therefore, that there will not be a split in the Church of England following the Lambeth Conference, because I believe that the strength of the church is its diversity, held together by its love of God and its calling to serve Him in the world.

Wishing you all the grace and peace of God,

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

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Readers, Intercessors and Offertory at St Wystan's

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Altar Flowers (contact Frances Wimbush, 703180)

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Brasses (contact Pauline Beckett, 500132)

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

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The United Reformed Church

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Church Picnic, 31st August

The short morning service on the 31st will be followed by the church picnic; do come dressed for the occasion!

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For your diary

The next coffee morning will be on Saturday 13th September, and the church hall will be open from 10 am until 2 pm to receive the Riders and Striders, raising money for the Rural Churches Restoration Fund. Jacket potato lunches will be served from noon until 1 pm.

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Harvest Festival, Sunday 27th September at 11 am and 6 pm

This year, at the invitation of the Archbishop of York, we are going to devote all our harvest offerings to help provide all villages in Africa with a fresh water facility; so there will be no produce on display, just gifts of money for Water Aid. More details next month.

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Shell Group (age 7 - 11)

. . . recommences on Monday 15th September at 6 pm.

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Baptisms

Aidan William and Nathan George, twin sons of Jane and Martin Pettitt of Hill View, Repton, were baptised at the United Reformed Church on Sunday 22nd June.

Sophie Grace, daughter of Julia and Tim Gibbs of Wollaton, Nottingham, was baptised at the United Reformed Church on Sunday 29th June.

Neve Charlotte, daughter of Louise and George Wilkinson of Glamis Close, Stretton, was baptised at the United Reformed Church on Sunday 13th July.

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Marriages

Marcus Robert Barker Bewley and Emma Jayne Whotton were married at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Saturday 5th July.

Edward Duncan Prentice and Catherine Devonport were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 12th July.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Joyce (Joy) Eileen Ault of 1a Fisher Close, Repton, died on Saturday 21st June aged 67. A funeral service at the United Reformed Church on 27th June was followed by cremation at Bretby Crematorium.

Betty Salt of Cedar Court Care Home, Bretby Park, Bretby, died on Saturday 21st June aged 86. A service at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 3rd July was followed by committal at Repton Cemetery.

Edith Frances Forrest of The Dales, Fisher Close, Repton, died on Wednesday 25th June aged 93. A service on 3rd July at Bretby Crematorium was followed by cremation.

Thelma Vera Guyler of 41 Pinfold Lane, Repton, died on Thursday 26th June aged 78. A service at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 4th July was followed by cremation at Bretby Crematorium.

Evelyn Mary Jackson of Beech Dene Care Home, Westwood Road, Leek, died on Tuesday 8th July aged 93. A service at St Saviour's Church, Foremark, on 17th July was followed by burial in the churchyard.

Colin Thomas Kitching of 24 Chestnut Way, Repton, died on Thursday 10th July aged 87. A service at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 22nd July was followed by cremation at Bretby Crematorium.

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Obituaries

Joyce Eileen Ault, 1940 - 2008

One of three children, Joy was born at Alsop-en-le-Dale, later moving to Kirk Langley. Between the ages of 9 and 14 she spent a lot of time in hospital with serious chest problems, receiving part of her education there.

At 19 she moved to Etwall, and later met and married her first husband, with whom she had three children. After the marriage ended in divorce, she met Jim, whom she married in 1974 at Etwall Methodist Church, and with whom she had another son.

In 1978, Joy and Jim were appointed wardens of the Sheltered Housing Scheme at Repton, incorporating the Fisher Close flats and Springfield Road bungalows, serving for 25 years until they retired in 2003. In holidays and emergencies, they also covered sheltered housing at Findern, Willington and Etwall. Joy was on permanent call, and her many duties included daily contact with the residents, visiting the sick - often making them a meal - calming the angry and aggressive, and sorting problems. In addition she organised the varied activities which brightened their lives: bingo and coffee mornings, church services and exercise classes, jumble sales and outings. Together with Pam Smith, Rev'd Julian Barker, Ron Outhwaite and Jim, Joy played a leading role in starting the Friday Luncheon Club, which continues today to play a vital role for the elderly in the village.

Joy and Jim transferred their church membership to the United Reformed Church, where they were active members, showing their faith in deeds as well as words. Joy's concern that the U.R.C. should be open to people who perhaps did not want conventional services in church led to her arranging the services at Fisher Close on the first Sunday evening of the month. These attracted people from the flats, but over the years the group widened to include many others, and the more relaxed atmosphere, arm chairs and cups of tea, has proved popular in the village.

During the 1990s, Joy gained diplomas in psychiatric studies, psychology, psychotherapy, counselling and nutritional medicine, winning high praise for her achievement. Always grateful for the support of her managers, doctors and district nurses, Joy believed that a warden must ensure confidentiality, trust and respect for her residents, enabling them to stay as long as possible, safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Over the years, Joy answered many emergency calls. She sat with the dying, shared the laughter and the tears, the happy times and the sad times. Again and again she went 'the extra mile', far exceeding the requirements of her job. We thank God for all the help and love that enriched the lives of so many. She is sadly missed, and we offer our sympathy to Jim, whose loving support meant so much to her, and to all her family.

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Thelma Guyler

For many years Thelma cleaned St Wystan's Church, helped at first by her husband and then on her own. She took great pride in her work and gave it up very reluctantly when she could no longer walk or cycle to church.

She was very fond of Repton village where she had spent most of her life. She loved meeting people and chatting to them in the many local organizations which she joined. Her gentle, cheerful personality will be missed by many. We offer our sympathy to her family.

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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 died on or after 1st August 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.

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Repton Benefice

Adult Confirmation

A course will start in early September for adults who would like to go forward for confirmation. It will also be valuable for learning about the Christian faith, so we would be very happy for anyone to come along who wants to pursue it as an exploratory course without future commitment. If you are interested, please contact Peter Paine, 703317, during August so that we can discuss details.

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For your Diary

The new Dean of Derby, Jeffrey Cuttell, will be installed at a service in Derby Cathedral at 3 pm on Saturday 13th September. Please note the date. No tickets will be issued, but we would like to see you there to welcome and support him.

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'Ride & Stride', the Sponsored Bicycle Ride or Walk

The annual sponsored 'Ride & Stride', in aid of the Derbyshire Churches & Chapels Preservation Trust, will be held this year on Saturday 13th September. All four of our local churches will as usual be open from 10 am for visits from cyclists or walkers, the URC building until 2 pm and the others until 6 pm. If you are able and willing to walk or cycle between some of the places of worship that will be open in and around Derbyshire, to act as a steward in your own church, or simply to sponsor any of the active participants, please contact for more information: Linda Pettitt for the URC,701223; Pamela Clifford for St Wystan's, 702471; Ann Redfern for St Saviour's, 01332 862350; Jennifer Haynes for St Mary's, 703827.

In 2007, between us we contributed £482.50 (including Gift Aid) towards the sum of £1302.50 earned in sponsorship in the Repton area. Half of this comes back to us for our own church maintenance.

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St Wystan's News

Bishop Samuel

Bishop Samuel's all too brief visit to Repton was a very enjoyable and successful occasion, much helped by the involvement of so many people. Thank you to all who hosted supper parties for the Bishop and Mrs Cutting, to Roger Juneau for arranging the walk, and to members of the PCCs for providing food and drink at the farewell PCC Social on Tuesday evening before they left for Lambeth.

The Bishop and Mrs Cutting impressed everyone who met them with their warm-hearted friendliness, humour and sincerity. They greatly enjoyed their time with us, and I hope we can keep up the contact. As a reminder of their stay here, they were presented at the PCC social with a 'Repton Spoon' and a Georgian crystal bowl from Tutbury. Please keep them in your prayers - the Lambeth Conference finishes on the 4th August.

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The Altar Cross, thank you to John Dipple

Recent visitors to St Wystan's will have noticed that except during services it has looked rather bare. In view of the epidemic of metal theft across the country, we have been advised by the police to keep all portable valuables secure, including the brass crosses and candlesticks.

The provenance of the altar cross is uncertain, but according to the Parish Magazine of December 1923, the processional cross and candlesticks were funded, mainly by subscription, sometime between 1911 and 1923. The cross is the central symbol of our Christian belief, and now John Dipple has made for the main altar a fine cross in oak for use outside service times. The P.C.C. and congregation are most grateful to him.

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Sunday Lunch on the Paddock, Repton Church Heritage Appeal

Sunday Lunch on the Paddock at the end of June was a lovely event. After a Pimms welcome, almost three hundred sat down to a splendid lunch in a beautifully decorated marquee at Repton School. The very popular Pasadena Roof Orchestra lived up to its reputation with smooth and nostalgic swing which eventually persuaded even the most recalcitrant onto the dance-floor. The auction was fun and exciting, as also was the 'stand-up bingo' - once everyone understood the rules!

Our thanks go to all who gave so generously: to Repton School for offering us the marquee; to Roger Kerry who led the organisation; to those who provided the auction prizes - Mrs. Wendy Longden, Mrs. Liz Bullivant, Mulberry Beauty Salon, Mr. Ben Robinson, Mrs. Lisa Brown, the Directors of The Winery, Burton, and Mrs. Martina Pennington.

The event raised around £18,000, which is a major boost to the Appeal Funds. However, we still have a long way to go to reach our target, so any help you can give will be very gratefully received.

Repton Church Heritage Appeal Autumn 2008 Tuesday 23rd September Fashion with Colour & Style Susan Hyde, Colour me Beautiful Image Consultant Brigden's Ladies Fashions Tuesday 23rd September at 7 pm The Pavilion, Branston Golf and Country Club Champagne & Canapés Tickets: £15.    Sue Hyde 01283 703662; Carol Lloyd 01283 702410 * * * * * * Sunday 21st September at 7.30 pm Organ 10th Anniversary Concert The Wystan Singers with Peter Williams, Organ St Wystan's Church, Repton Cheese and Wine Tickets: £15.    Carol Lloyd 01283 702410 * * * * * * Friday 17th October Autumn Ball Pears School * * * * * * Bridge Day postponed * * * * * * 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 M.U.

The July meeting began with a short silence in memory of Thelma Guyler who was a member of Repton M.U. for many years. Sylvia Fox was the speaker and instead of her usual Bible Study she described the people who had had the greatest influence on her Christian life. After the talk she asked members to think back to the people who had helped them on their journey as Christian pilgrims and these memories were shared.

There is no meeting in August. The September meeting will be on the 17th.

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St Mary's News

Newton Solney Church Organ

Work on the organ has at last been completed, and the instrument can now be seen and heard in its refurbished splendour. Moreover the church is again open daily for visitors. The organ is to be rededicated by the Bishop of Repton at a Service of Thanksgiving at 6.30 pm on 7th September, but meanwhile it will also be played for weddings and at the main services during August, including the Benefice Service at 10 am on the 31st.

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Newton Solney Church Quiz

This year's summer quiz is still available, but answer sheets need to be returned by 1st September. If you have not yet bought a copy, you can obtain one (cost £1, for a £20 prize) from Hazel Ward, 701244, or from 'Hairs & Graces' on Repton High Street. The winning result will as usual be announced at the Harvest Lunch in Newton Solney on 12th October.

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Repton School Concerts Society Repton International Summer School Concert Berent Korfer, Violin        Graham Oppenheimer, Viola Hannah Roberts, Cello Beate Toyka & Sam Armstrong, Piano Wednesday 20th August at 7.45 pm in Pears School This is a unique opportunity to hear the tutors on this International String Course, and also the outstanding talent of the future.   The programme will include: Beethoven's 'Spring Sonata', the Strauss Cello Sonata and Schumann's 'Fairy Tales' for viola and piano. Tickets for this concert are available at £13 and £10 (concessions). Tickets for the whole season of 10 concerts are available at £60 (or £50 for previous members who introduce a new subscriber)! For further information or tickets contact: The Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

Afternoon Tea Thursday 21st August, 3 to 5 pm Carol and Peter invite you to afternoon tea at the Vicarage, Willington Road. Garden Produce           Bring & Buy Stall (Flowers, Vegetables, Fruit, Herbs, Cakes, Bread, Pies) Admission £2 including afternoon tea. All proceeds to St Wystan's Church

Repton Village Show Saturday 6th September in Repton Village Hall Staging from 10am to 11.45. Show opens at 2.30 61 classes, including 8 for the under 15s fruit, flowers and vegetables, flower arranging, produce and baking, handicrafts, painting and photography Schedules & entry forms at the Post Office or the Show on the day

Newton Solney Horticultural Show Fruit, Flowers, Vegetables and Crafts Newton Solney Village Hall, Saturday 6th September from 3 pm Refreshments will be served during the afternoon. Prize-giving at 5 pm followed by auction of produce and raffle. Schedules & entry forms from Chris Freestone, 5 Cricket Close, NS, 701147. Everyone is most welcome to exhibit. Exhibitors may enter between 9 and 11.45 am. Photograph Section Themes Adults: Opposites; Chimneys; Flowers Junior, 7 - 10 inclusive: Hands. Junior, 11 - 16 inclusive: Poser Handcrafted Section: A book mark

Staunton Stride A choice of two 8 mile walks around Ticknall & Staunton Harold for everyone and your dogs Sunday 14th September Starting and finishing at Ticknall Village Hall Registration between 10 & 10.30am £5 including Soup & Pud Lunch plus a water stop in aid of the NSPCC

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Neighbourhood Watch

Email Scams

Many email scams claim to be from a leading high street bank and request you to carry out 'customer data verification', logging in via a link on the page. A new one tells you that you are due a cash refund, and asks you to follow a link to claim money. But by clicking on any of these links you are opening your computer to attack from viruses or spyware. You should not respond to any unsolicited emails, and never click on such links. Delete the email or forward it to scams@oft.gsi.gov.uk. If you think you have been a victim of a scam you can visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk or call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

Be careful with your bank details

Over the next few months St John Ambulance is raising money door-to-door in South Derbyshire, asking people to donate by direct debit. Employees of the company that is doing this on their behalf will be wearing identification badges and sweatshirts or t-shirts with the St John logo. However, police advice is:



If you want to donate to anyone, contact the charity direct using contact details from the phone book or its official web site.

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.

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Repton Village & History

Repton Neighbourhood Help

Outing to the NMA

Luncheon Club workers are now enjoying a few weeks rest but, together with the members, are looking forward to the outing in August. This will be a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas on the 21st. We shall arrive in time to attend the 11 am service in the chapel and stay for lunch.

Joy Ault

We have been saddened by the loss of several friends in the last few months, but Joy Ault has a special place in the history of Repton Neighbourhood Help, which, together with her husband, Jim, she helped to found. They cooked every week for the first three years, and, as wardens, sat on the committee. They were unfailingly helpful with all sorts of information, often got the room ready for meetings and helped when we were short-handed. When Rosemary Russian retired from organising the transport they took on that job, and were happy to be on the helpers' rota too. We shall miss her very much.

Transport

It has now been decided that the Community Transport Scheme run by the CVS is the best way of providing the necessary help. Volunteer drivers are available to take clients for shopping and similar errands, for surgery and hospital appointments, residential and nursing home visits. The advantage of this scheme is that they have priority parking facilities at hospitals, and often also accompany people to their appointments and clinics. The cost is 40 pence per mile. If you require this service, telephone 01283 550163.

If you have any queries, please telephone myself or Angela Mayger. The Luncheon Club will meet again on Friday 5th September, and the Drop-in Afternoon will reconvene on the same day. We hope you all have a happy summer.

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Thank you

. . . to thank everyone who attended Joy's funeral, and for the many expressions of sympathy, lovely cards and donations to the United Reformed Church.

Special thanks to family, friends, neighbours, and to everyone involved in looking after Joy during her illness. Also to our friends at the United Reformed Church for all their support and loving care, and to the Rev'd Brian Norris for a beautiful service to a much loved, wonderful wife and mother.

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Congratulations

. . . to Jack and Joyce Turner who celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary this month. They were married at St Wilfred's Church, Barrow-on-Trent on 21st August 1943. At the time they were both in the armed services, Joyce in the ATS and Jack in RAF, but after the war they moved to Repton where they have lived happily for almost 60 years. Best wishes and love to them both from all their family and friends.

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ngs Open Gardens, Sunday 10th August, 1 - 5 pm

Wendy and Stephen Longden's garden at Woodend Cottage, 134 Main Street, is especially colourful in August. Admission £2.50. Home-made cakes and teas will be sold in aid of St Saviour's Church, Foremark, and plants will be for sale in the nursery and in aid of the National Garden Scheme.

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Repton Village Show, Saturday 6th September, Repton Village Hall

More people are growing their own vegetables, fruit and flowers nowadays, and many of you will have watched Calke Abbey's first 'village show' on television last year.

Well, taking part is much more fun. Repton has had its own village show for the past 18 years, so why not enter and show what you have been growing or making. It is not at all intimidating: we are almost all amateurs when it comes to baking, making jams and chutneys, or to creating pictures and handicrafts, and our vegetables, fruit and flowers usually depend on what we can find in the garden or on the allotment.

There are plenty of classes for everyone, and we particularly welcome entries from children. A schedule for this year's show appeared in the May edition of the Parish Magazine, and an entry form will be in next month's edition. From the middle of August there will also be copies of both the entry form and the schedule in the Post Office, and at the village hall on the day. If you can't wait for that, or if you would like more information or to talk it over, contact Caroline Thompson on 704084.

So why don't you join in and support the show this year? Above all, it's fun.

Bakers, please note! The recipe for the Family Fruit Cake required a 6" cake tin. Unfortunately it isn't possible to buy this size now, so it will be quite acceptable to use a 7" tin instead.

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Day Trip to Skegness, Thursday 11th September

We will leave Repton village hall car park at 9.30 am, and Skegness at 5 pm, arriving in Repton at about 8. If you would like to join Repton Evergreens on the coach, please phone Colleen Yeomans on 702975 to book your place. The cost is £10, and all are welcome.

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Any Old Iron, Copper, Steel, Brass, Aluminium . . . ?

Have you seen the thermometer at the lych-gate? For the past six years the good folk of Repton, and others, have been helping the 'temperature' rise by collecting food and drinks cans, old kettles, saucepans, tin foil - in fact almost anything metal that can be left in the black bags provided in the porch of St Wystan's Church. The revenue from selling these riches is swelling the Heritage Appeal, raising £1,367.22 to date.

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Repton Casuals Football Club

Ball Skills, first session Saturday 13th September, 10 am at Broomhills Lane.

The skills session needs new players for the new season. We start our players off at 5 years old, so children from school years one and two are especially welcome. If you know of, or can think of anyone who may be interested in getting their child started then please recommend us to them. For further information, contact Bob Errington on 01283 701183 or Dave Jacobs on 01283 701361.

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Denise Johnson retires from St Wystan's School

After 21 years at St Wystan's School, Denise Johnson retired from the teaching staff at the end of July. She has been an influential and caring teacher and will be sorely missed by pupils and parents alike.

In the company of present and past parents, pupils and staff, including ex-head teachers Pamela Carr and Jan Roberts and ex-deputy head Edna Dipple, the parents and pupils were delighted to present Denise with a Spode tea service. Later, the staff and governors gave her a lovely wrought iron bench, so now we can envisage her relaxing and drinking tea in her garden. The school wishes Denise a very happy and well deserved retirement.

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Repton Open Gardens

This year we were sadly let down by the weather. A thoroughly wet day on the Saturday resulted in low numbers of visitors, but the Sunday, although very windy, did see things perk up. The thirteen gardens on offer included three at Repton School and three 'Yellow Book' gardens. There was much favourable comment from our often very knowledgeable visitors.

Other activities within the Open Gardens framework included a prize draw, with splendid prizes donated locally, home produce and plant sales, a book stall and tombola. St Wystan's Church was decorated with flowers, there were organ recitals and the bells were rung. Teas were served in the village hall.

In all, the weekend made a profit of £2,244 for St Wystan's Church funds, including £468 from the prize draw. We are most grateful to all who kindly opened their gardens; to those who contributed in so many ways, whether by advertising, providing cakes and confectioneries, plants, produce and prizes; to those who were so generous with their time and energies; and finally, to all our visitors - it was, as ever, a pleasure to meet you.

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Repton Village Society, Meetings 7.30 pm, Repton Village Hall

In July, Dr. Sally Baggott, Curator of the Birmingham Assay Office, traced the history of hallmarking and the establishment of an Office in Birmingham in 1773 after much effort by Matthew Boulton and others. A week later, Sally was our guide for a tour of the office which included seeing part of the magnificent silver collection.

There is no meeting in August. Our next event, on Saturday 13th September, a coach tour of the 'Black and White Villages' of Herefordshire, is fully booked.

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Repton W.I.

W.I. meetings do not often include a striptease, but that was how Jane Latham and Kath Charlesworth began their talk in August. They started in winter training gear and peeled off the layers to show us what they wore when cycling in Cuba's heat. This included the all-important padded shorts! They had enjoyed and endured five days of thrills and spills on their sponsored cycle ride to raise funds for Denman, the W.I.'s own college in Oxfordshire. It seemed appropriate to award Repton's Bursary at this meeting, and Adele Newby is looking forward to seeing the upgraded accommodation there when she does a course of her own choice next year.

Coming Events: The next event is a Garden Meeting at 16 Main Street, from 2 pm on Tuesday 12th August. On 8th September members are going to watch the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance before afternoon tea at Marsh Farm.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 9th September at 7.15 pm in the village hall: Jenny Ellam will be demonstrating 'Parchment Craft', and there will be a chance to have a go. Visitors welcome.

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Repton Village History Group

We were sad to learn of the death of our Honorary President, Colin Kitching. Together with his late wife, Betty, Colin helped to found the History Group some 30 years ago, and retained throughout his life a keen interest in Repton history and the progress of our group. His extensive knowledge of the area and of St Wystan's Church will be greatly missed. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family.

Our June meeting in Repton School cricket pavilion was packed by members who came to hear talks by Frank Watson, the cricket master, and Paul Stevens, the archivist. Frank and Paul reminded us that Repton has produced some very famous cricketers and other sportsmen, but few of us realised how many pupils have gone on to play at senior level elsewhere. We are very grateful to Repton School for the use of the pavilion.

The visit to Carnfield Hall in July proved so popular that Alan Thompson had to arrange two separate visits to accommodate the numbers. Carnfield Hall is an unspoilt mansion house dating back to circa 1500. We were guided round by James Cartland, the present owner, who related the most interesting history of the building, and we were amazed to see the vast collection of unusual contents. It was a wonderful afternoon out.

Forthcoming Visit: On 12th August we have an evening visit to Sudbury village. We will be guided round the less well known parts of the village by members of Sudbury W.I., who will also provide a meal at the end. There are very few places remaining. If you wish to go, please contact John Ward on 01889 567522 or 07743 931402. The cost is £6 per head.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

A monthly newsletter covering issues from the Parish Council meeting in July.

• Quality Status: The Certificate of Quality Status was presented to the Parish Council by Councillor Derek Orchard, the Chairman of the Derbyshire Accreditation Panel. Receiving the certificate, the Chairman of the Parish Council, John Shortt, said that, although long, the process was very worthwhile: after the need for a fully elected council had been publicised, three new councillors had been recruited; all the council's ethical and financial procedures had been updated; communications with the public had been improved to keep them better informed. The Parish Council is most grateful to all village organisations, the Parish Magazine, the Village Society and the Village History Group whose help and support contributed greatly to gaining Quality Status.
• Play Provision: For dates and times, see below.
• Speedwatch Scheme: The scheme is now in operation and volunteers have reported logging 7 vehicles an hour driving at excess speeds through the village.
• Road Closure: County Councillor Ford informed the meeting that Etwall Road at Willington will be closed for work during August. The dates will be signposted in advance.
• Recycling: A resident asked which bin was suitable for shredded envelopes. District Councillor Wheeler informed her that shredded envelopes with windows removed could be put into the green waste bins. All other paper can be put into the paper waste.
• Planning Applications:
  
  - The erection of an assembly unit at Zytek Engineering: After hearing villagers lodge their objections to the plans, the Parish Council resolved to object for 16 reasons. The main ones are: It is outside the village envelope on a green field site; it will generate a lot of extra traffic which is a danger to the many school children; it is overbearing to neighbouring houses barely 30 yards away; it is inappropriate in a rural village, and more appropriate brownfield sites are available elsewhere in South Derbyshire.
  
  - The rebuilding of Burnaston House off Red Lane, Repton: The Parish Council objected to the proposal for the following reasons: The site is outside the village envelope; it is a green field site; there will be an unspecified number of trees felled to gain access; there is no historic attachment to Repton.
• Traffic Calming: The County Council informed the Parish Council that during the current financial year a new traffic calming plateau will be installed on Main Street outside Bank House Farm.
• Repton Casuals: Parish Councillors visited Broomhills Field where a football tournament was being held. The event was a huge success, and it was good to see so many young people enjoying themselves. The Parish Council asked the Clerk to write to Repton Casuals to commend them and to thank them for all that they do for the youth of the village.
• Midlands Rural Housing has published its Repton Housing Need Survey Report. It is on the Parish Council website and can be read by those interested.

Next Meeting: 8th September at 7.30 pm, preceded by The Parish Meeting at 7 pm, in Milton Village Hall. Plans can be viewed at 6.45 pm.

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Well done!

The achievement of Quality Status is a feather in the cap for the whole council, but particular credit is due to the chairman, John Shortt, and the Clerk, Celia Bunston, who have both worked very hard to bring this about.

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Summer Play Activities provided by Repton Parish Council

Just turn up on the day. Except where shown, there will be no charge to users.

Climbing Wall

Age 8+; under 8's must be accompanied by an adult.
The Mitre Field

Thursday 7th August, 6 - 8 pm free
Thursday 21st August, 6 - 8 pm free

n.b. Suitable clothing and footwear must be worn - no sharp objects. At the leaders' discretion, the mobile climbing wall can be used when it is wet or raining.

Laser Games

Age 8+; under 8's must be accompanied by an adult.
The Mitre Field

Friday 29th August, 10 am - 12 noon £1 per go or £5 per session

n.b. Suitable clothing and footwear should be worn - no sharp objects allowed. The laser games can not be used when the surface is wet or when it is raining as it can endanger the participants.

Sports- / Playmobile

8 - 14 year olds; under 8's must be accompanied by an adult.
The Mitre Field

Thursday 14th August, 10 am - 12 noon free
Thursday 28th August, 10 am - 12 noon free

n.b. Sports equipment, sumo suits and bouncy castle. If the weather is bad, some of the play facilities will be transferred into the Den, but not the bouncy castle!

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton Open Gardens

Once again we were very lucky with the weather and were able to welcome an influx of some 350 people into the village that day. £875 was raised, £525 for the W.I. and £350 for the Air Ambulance; the cheque was presented at the July W.I. meeting, to which garden owners were invited.

Everyone enjoyed the day so much, we have already agreed to do it again next year; it seems it will be an annual event now! The date for your diaries is Sunday 14th June. Already we have got some new garden owners suggesting they may open.

Thank you to everyone who supported the event; we hope to see you again next year.

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Milton W.I.

Milton W.I. was founded in October 1978 and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. After our AGM we will celebrate by holding a cheese and wine party and invite members to take a trip down memory lane - it could be a long night! Our speaker in July was Barbara Parish from The Air Ambulance. She gave a very interesting talk to members and guests, and was presented with a cheque for £350 from the profits of Milton Open Gardens, held in June.

Coming Events: In August, instead of a meeting we have a social outing, visiting Sudbury W.I. for a village walk and supper. Our next meeting is on 17th September, when we will welcome Ian Hingley to talk to us on 'The Origins of Sayings'.

If you would like to come along to a meeting, just turn up at Milton Village Hall at 7.30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, or call Sue White on 01283 701978 or Rosemary Mumford on 01283 703994. You will be made very welcome.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School

Derby Cathedral Service We have just returned from a service at Derby Cathedral attended by bishops and their wives from Northern India. Derbyshire schools linked with schools there were all represented, with each leading part of the service. Newton Solney children led a meditation. As there was no practice in the cathedral beforehand, it was quite an overwhelming experience for our four to seven year olds! However, it came together into a wonderful celebration.

We have a link with Thomas Memorial School, Naxalbari, in the Diocese of Eastern Himalaya. The school has been open since 1945 and currently has 450 students on roll, twelve teachers and ten classrooms. The headmaster, staff and students are very keen to develop links with us, but, unfortunately, very little of what we have sent has been received. The headmaster has to cycle 20km to access emails. The children and families have, in the main, not seen computers.

At the end of September I shall be travelling to India with a group from Derby Diocese. We will be visiting our link schools in an effort to establish or strengthen links. Your prayers and support will be much valued.

Community Collective Worship

Do join us on Wednesday 1st October at 9.15 am in the school hall. Whether or not you have taken part in our Collective Worship before, you are very welcome to come along.

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Newton Solney W.I.

Jean Burns chaired a well-attended meeting in July. It was reported that the Yoxall Gardens walk had to be cancelled, due to bad weather, but the 'Around Burton' walk, led by Richard Stone, our October Lecturer, went ahead in spite of the rain. This proved very interesting, as Richard pointed out many landmarks and fine buildings, most of which had connections to the breweries and the brewing families of Burton. The 'One Step Further' group is making progress with its village walk, and will be trying out an amended route in July.

Our speaker for the evening was Val Shelton, a home visitor for the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre at Skegness. The project started as a small idea in 1891, to give disadvantaged children a holiday, and now provides 450 places each year. We heard of the care and facilities provided by the centre, and the opportunities for all children to enjoy themselves, which are most impressive.

Coming Events: Cakes for St Giles Hospice should be brought to the Village Hall on at 2 pm on 31st July 31st, when one of the members will collect them for delivery. Volunteers are asked to help organise a tea for an 'Over 60s' club from Chesterfield on Thursday 21st August; cakes, tea-bread and scones are needed, as well as help to prepare and serve.

Next Meeting: Although there is no meeting in August there will be a whist drive in the village hall at 7.30 pm on the 26th. The next meeting will be on 9th September, when Laura Taylor will give a talk on Kedleston Hall.

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Gardening Notes

August should see us reap the rewards for much of our labour earlier in the summer. Runner and French beans, courgettes and marrows, tomatoes and more exotic vegetables are all being harvested. Onions will be ready at the end of the month, and all the better for drying in the hot sun.

Ensure that vegetable crops ready for harvesting - other than shallots and onions - are well watered. Water in the early morning or evening when evaporation is less. In hot spells you may need to water the greenhouse floor also, to help retain some humidity.

Unless you included a slow release fertiliser at planting, continue to feed pots, hanging baskets and other containers. If possible, in hot, sunny weather, move pots into the shade.

Cut down the canes of early summer-fruiting raspberries. Pick early apples. Picking plums with the stalk intact is supposed to help them maintain their quality, but in this household they are not kept long enough for me to test that! The border is now dominated by late summer and autumn flowers, with rudbeckias, heleniums, asters and dahlias coming to the fore, so there will be some tidying up to do, making sure that tall plants are well supported.

Beech, yew and other hedges need cutting now, though the R.H.S. considers that cutting leylandii hedges in August or September may increase their chances of developing brown patches. Ivies pruned now will develop fresh growth before winter. Young apple trees can have a summer prune, cutting new growth back to about five leaves, but leaving leading shoots to form the framework. To minimise the risk of silver leaf, all stone fruit, especially plums and cherries should be pruned - if necessary - in August. Honeysuckle, pyracantha and summer jasmine may need pruning, as will wisteria. Lavender, artemisia, santolina and senecio can be trimmed now, and will make fresh growth by autumn.

Spring bulb catalogues should be available; ordering early will ensure the best choice. Lilium candidum, the Madonna lily, needs to be planted in August, during its brief resting period. Colchicums and autumn crocus should also be planted soon.

Take cuttings of tender perennials such as osteospermums, pelargoniums, argyranthemums, penstemons and fuschias. Cuttings are best taken early in the day, when plants are turgid, and inserted immediately in compost. If this isn't possible, put them in water or a plastic bag and keep them in the shade.

Sow parsley for use in winter, winter lettuce and spring cabbage. Leek moth caterpillars are an increasing risk, for which there is no current treatment. When small they attack the foliage, but as they grow, they bore down into the stems of leeks and the bulbs of onions. Continue to protect cabbages and sprouts from the ravages of cabbage white caterpillars. Fine netting will prevent the butterflies from laying their eggs; otherwise, squash the caterpillars. To ensure good bud development for next spring, keep camellias and rhododendrons well watered.

My approach to growing grasses in the border has not been enthusiastic. I feel they need a lot of space and a less regimented approach. However, a visit to Trentham Gardens to see Piet Oudolf's newly laid out garden is very challenging, and has made me think again. The garden is often bright in the spring and early summer, only to fade in later summer. Most grasses are at their best in August and provide colour on into the autumn. They are also undemanding, easy to grow, and need little attention.