September 2008 - Contents God is Odd! 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 and Ride & Stride, Saturday 13th September Harvest Festival, Sunday 28th September at 11 am and 6 pm Shell Group (age 7 - 11) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Aidan William and Nathan John Pettitt (apology) Hollie Amanda Beeston Benjamin Peter Betts Alexander James and Daniel Patrick Bunt Lucas James Mawbey Leo Alkesh Majevadia Marriages Mark Edward Anthony Weaver and Clare Louise Graham Stephen Paul Sinfield and Katherine Elizabeth Smith Funerals and Burial of Ashes Gerald David Harrison Terence Astle Obituaries Colin Kitching The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Ride & Stride The Harvest Appeal: WaterAid St Wystan's News St Wystan's Harvest Supper, Saturday 20th September Repton Church Heritage Appeal Events St Wystan's Church Arts Festival: Exhibition of Photography, 13th - 15th November St Wystan's Church Spire Repton Church Heritage Appeal Development St Wystan's Heritage Appeal: Over halfway, but we need to act quickly! Church Funds & Heritage Appeal Funds Thank you! St Wystan's Finances Repton M.U. St Mary's News Newton Solney Harvest Celebrations Harvest Buffet Lunch Heating St Mary's Church Repton Village Show, Saturday 6th September Newton Solney Horticultural Show, Saturday 6th September Afternoon Tea, Saturday 13th September Staunton Stride, Sunday 14th September Repton School Concerts Society, Wednesday 17th September St Wystan's Church 'Bring & Share' Harvest Supper, Saturday 20th September sue's macmillan birthday party, friday 26 September Coffee Morning, Saturday 27th September The Autumn Ball, Friday 17th October 100 Years of Fashion, Friday 24th October The Derwent Singers, Saturday 15th November Thankyou Alan and Ian Kitching Evelyn Mary Jackson Kyran Farrell Sylvia Peach Wendy and Stephen Longden South Derbyshire The Staunton Stride, Sunday 14th September Neighbourhood Watch Register your valuables The Neighbourhood Watch Support Group Repton Village and History Scottish Country Dancing. Come and join us! Fruit and Vegetables for the Show Day Trip to Skegness, Thursday 11th September Remember the Village Party? Sue's Macmillan Birthday Party, Friday 26 September Repton School Public Lecture Series Repton W.I. Repton Village History Group Repton Music Society Good News Repton W.I. 100 Years of Fashion Milton & Foremark Village Matters W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters W.I. Gardening Notes

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God is odd!

The weathermen have bad news for those of you planning holidays in the West Indies, and bad news too for oil producers in the Gulf of Mexico. The hurricane season is expected to start earlier this year, and we are only too aware of the devastation a hurricane can leave in its trail.

However a recent newspaper article pointed out some of the benefits of tropical storms.

They are the earth's safety valve, cooling the climate by shooting hot air away from the tropics. Rainfall from tropical storms can be catastrophic, but they can also break droughts. High winds can rejuvenate forests by getting rid of old trees and boosting new growth.

At sea, storms churn up ocean waters, providing more oxygen and nutrients for marine life. Phytoplankton are dragged up to the surface where they bloom and provide food for sea creatures. Tropical storms also help to reduce the greenhouse effect. Phytoplankton soak up carbon dioxide, and when their bodies sink to the ocean floor, they help to lock away that carbon. A new study has shown that tropical storms can wash huge amounts of carbon sediment from rivers out to sea and bury it on the seabed. A single typhoon in Taiwan buries as much carbon in the ocean as a year's rainfall.

Who would have thought that we could thank God for hurricanes! His Creation (including human beings) is a strange mixture of good and bad. Come to our Harvest Festival at Repton on Sunday 21st September (5th October at Newton Solney or Foremark) to thank God for what is good in Creation and to pray for those who suffer from the bad effects of the world's climate.

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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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Coffee Morning and Ride & Stride, Saturday 13th September

After the summer break, this is the chance to replenish stocks of home-made marmalade and cakes, to browse the Webb Ivory stall, and to play the children's game. The church hall will be open from 10 am until 2 pm to receive the Riders & Striders, raising money for the Rural Churches Restoration Fund. Jacket potato lunches will be served from noon until 1 pm. To reserve yours, please ring 701581.

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Harvest Festival, Sunday 28th 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. At 11 am the service will be a family service, and the children and young people will take part; at 6 pm there will be a chance to sing all the favourite harvest hymns.

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Shell Group (age 7 - 11)

. . . recommences on Monday 15th September at 6 pm. New members are welcome.

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Baptisms

Apology: The names of Aidan William and Nathan John Pettitt, baptised at the United Reformed Church on 22nd June, were given incorrectly in last month's magazine.

Hollie Amanda Beeston, daughter of Kayleigh and Dan of Marlborough Way, Ashby, was baptised on Sunday 3rd August at the United Reformed Church.

Benjamin Peter Betts, son of Natalie and Pete of High Street, Repton, was baptised on Sunday 3rd August at the United Reformed Church.

Alexander James and Daniel Patrick Bunt, twin sons of James and Joanne Bunt of 90 High Street, Repton, were baptised on Sunday 3rd August at St Wystan's Church.

Lucas James Mawbey, son of Ryan and Ami Mawbey of 13 High Street, Kilburn, was baptised on Sunday 3rd August at St Wystan's Church.

Leo Alkesh Majevadia, son of Alkesh and Susie Majevadia of the Boot Inn, Repton, was baptised on Sunday 3rd August at St Wystan's Church.

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Marriages

Mark Edward Anthony Weaver and Clare Louise Graham were married at St Saviour's Church, Foremark, on Saturday 26th July.

Stephen Paul Sinfield and Katherine Elizabeth Smith were married at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Saturday 9th August.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Gerald David Harrison of 15 Newton Park, Newton Solney, died on Tuesday 8th July aged 79. After a service at Markeaton Crematorium his ashes were interred in Repton Cemetery.

Terence Astle of 93 High Street, Repton, died on Wednesday 30th July aged 73. A service at Bretby Crematorium on 15th August was followed by cremation.

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Obituaries

Colin Kitching
28th October 1920 - 10th July 2008

Born in Malaya, where his father was a land surveyor with the Colonial Office, Colin was the oldest of three children. At the age of 7, he and his 5 year-old sister were sent to boarding school in Arnside, close to their grandmother in Morecambe. This was part of the colonial system, necessary for the children's education, but traumatic for them and their parents who only saw each other for a few months every 3 years.

From Arnside Colin progressed to Sedbergh, and in 1939 to Oxford, but his education there was interrupted by the war when he volunteered for and joined the RNVR.

In the spring of 1941, when the Germans were playing havoc with Atlantic convoys and their codes seemed unbreakable, it was realised that German weather and supply ships in the Atlantic would need to carry code information. The problem lay in capturing it without revealing to the enemy exactly what was going on. In a highly secret operation, six capital ships were sent to scour the north Atlantic for a German weather ship, München. It was HMS Edinburgh which found it, and Colin, a naval rating on the Edinburgh, was a member of the boarding party. The German captain threw the Enigma machine overboard but code tables were found in a drawer. It was an important breakthrough, but only years later, when the truth about the Enigma story became known, did Colin realised what he had helped to achieve.

In March 1942 he was commissioned, leaving the Edinburgh shortly before it was sunk in May, and in August that year took part in the disastrous Dieppe raid. This was designed to test German defences and gain the experience and knowledge necessary for planning the invasion of Europe. It lasted only nine hours, but of the 6,000 men - mostly Canadians - who took part in the landings, 4,384 were killed, wounded or captured. The RAF lost 106 planes, the Royal Navy 550 men and 34 ships.

Colin was in command of an LCP, an unarmoured landing craft made of plywood. Of the 104 naval personnel on 26 LCPs in Colin's sector, 21 lost their lives in landing troops. Later that day there came the suicidal order to return to the beach and pick up survivors. Colin later wrote: 'It is a very strange feeling to know that you'll be dead in 10 minutes.' Fortunately the order was cancelled just before they emerged from the protective smoke screen. Colin described this episode as the naval equivalent of the charge of the Light Brigade.

He also took part in two convoys to relieve the beleaguered island of Malta.

On D-day, Colin was again in an LCP, off the coast of Normandy, tasked with laying smoke over 'Sword' anchorage. In September Colin, now in command of 6 LCPs, was in the first boat to enter the harbour at Le Havre. They were sweeping for mines, which had created havoc when the Allies captured Cherbourg. Fortunately there were no mines at Le Havre.

In 1943, Colin married Betty, herself a remarkable woman (obituary September 2006), who was happy at various times to share their home with Colin's younger brother and Betty's father and brother, as well as their own two sons.

In 1944 he heard that his father had died as a prisoner in the notorious Japanese internment camp of Changi, in Singapore, and in 1945 learnt that his mother had also not survived the war; in fact she had been killed in 1942. VE Day, as Colin later recalled, was "tempered by the dread fact that we were now required for the other war, in the Far East. . . . In July I learned that at the end of August my move to the Japanese war would occur. Like thousands of others, I had to accept the inevitable. Then, on 15th August came the miracle, the sudden and totally unexpected Japanese surrender within days of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Make no mistake: for all of us who faced the final showdown with Japan it was a miracle of deliverance. On 16th August, the first day of peace, our first child was born."

Demobbed the following January, Colin returned to Oxford to complete his degree in history. He moved to London to work as Assistant Secretary at the Middlesex Hospital and later as an executive of the Pirelli Tyre Company, moving to Repton in 1972 when Pirelli relocated, and rising to become Director of Personnel.

Colin and Betty made a major contribution to Repton life. Repton's history was a source of especial interest. For 14 years they were fully involved in 'the dig', the archaeological excavations which lasted from 1974 to 1988 in the vicarage garden and around the church. In 1980 they helped to found Repton Village History Group, retaining throughout their lives a keen interest in Repton history and the progress of the group. In 2005, on behalf of himself and Betty, Colin was elected honorary Life President.

He had an infectious love of St Wystan's Church with its historic crypt; he delighted in showing it off, and seemed to know the provenance of every stone. Another consuming interest was Calke Abbey. He edited the journals of Sir George Crewe, which in 1995 were published as 'The Squire of Calke Abbey'. And it was Colin who suggested that a war memorial to the 49 villagers who lost their lives in two world wars should be part of Repton's Millennium celebrations; it was unveiled by the lych-gate in 1999.

Betty's health sadly deteriorated, and she spent her last 3 years in Ryder House Nursing Home, where Colin visited her almost every day. He was a lovely man, loyal, dependable and conscientious. He led a wonderful life of selfless care and concern for his younger siblings in those early years and for Betty through her long illness. We have been privileged to know him and share his friendship.

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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 September 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

Ride & Stride

As there is a wedding at St Wystan's on the afternoon of the 13th September, the church will now - like the URC - be available to walkers and cyclists only until 2 pm; St Mary's and St Saviour's remain open until 6 pm.

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The Harvest Appeal: WaterAid

What did you do when you got up this morning? Brush your teeth? Have a bath? Make a cup of tea? In the U.K. we're lucky. We can take fresh water for granted. And we use a lot, on average over 200 litres a day.

But imagine if water were not so plentiful - if the only supply for you and your family were a slow-moving trickle in a dry riverbed, or a dirty puddle at the bottom of a deep hole. Imagine if you had to share it with animals and several hundred other people for washing and bathing. Imagine if you had to walk for several hours to collect it - every day. Shockingly, this is a daily reality for more than a billion people worldwide. And over twice as many have no safe place to go to the toilet. WaterAid works with local partners and communities towards a world where everyone has access to safe water and sanitation. They are the first steps to eradicating poverty.

Zainabu Rama from Mungamaji, a village in Tanzania, has seen her life transformed thanks to WaterAid: 'I used to do my washing in a well and collect water from another well, which took three hours. It took longer if there was a queue. You had to scoop deep when there was very little water, and often I had to do two trips a day. Since the water pump was installed I can work an extra eight hours a week and can earn more money for meat, clothes, and things we could not afford before, and we eat much better.'

It costs just £15 for WaterAid to provide one family with access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. Clean water and sanitation are basic. At present 5,000 children a day die from water-borne diseases. A simple water filter can save hundreds of lives. Water for health, water for crops, water for hope, water for life.

At Harvest Festival services this month, the congregations of St Wystan's and the United Reformed Churches are supporting WaterAid. Please join us, and make a real difference.

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St Wystan's News

St Wystan's Harvest Supper, Repton Village Hall, Saturday 20th September at 7 pm

We would be delighted if you could join us at the Harvest Supper. It is a chance to make new friends and renew old acquaintances. If you haven't been to a 'bring and share' supper before, the idea is to bring your own drink and glass, as well as a dish for 6 for each of you. It needs coordination to make sure we don't end up eating pork pie or chocolate pudding for all three courses, so do sign the list at the back of St Wystan's, or ring Jan Gillham, 703340, or Karen Perks, 702392, for details and to discuss dishes.

Repton Church Heritage Appeal Autumn 2008 * * * * * * 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.   18 and under, free. Terry Bennett, 01332 670999;    Carol Lloyd, 01283 702410 * * * * * * 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 * * * * * * Friday 17th October The Autumn Ball Dancing to The Swing Commanders Friday 17th October, 7.30 for 8 pm. Carriages at midnight. Pears School, Repton Reception drink followed by a three course dinner Black Tie Tickets: £50.    Tom Hyde 01283 703662; Carol Lloyd 01283 702410 * * * * * * Saturday 1st November Beetle Drive Repton Village Hall * * * * * * Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th November Repton Arts Weekend St Wystan's Church * * * * * * Saturday 2nd - Monday 4th May Repton Flower Festival St Wystan's Church * * * * * * For information on all the Heritage Appeal events, contact Carol Lloyd, 01283 702410, Karen Perks, 01283 702392, or .

St Wystan's Church Arts Festival: Exhibition of Photography, 13th - 15th November

Over the course of the arts festival weekend, there will be an exhibition of photography in the church. It is open to all ages and any photographic medium is acceptable. On Saturday 6th September at 10 am there will be a meeting in the church for anyone who might like to participate in the exhibition to look around and discuss the event. If you are interested, please contact Morag Hill on 01283 702799.

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St Wystan's Church Spire

In August a routine examination of the spire revealed a split in the capstone, the stone at the very top, as well as the need for widespread repointing of both the spire and upper parts of the tower. Work is going on to assess the seriousness and urgency of the situation. It may be that a temporary repair such as strapping the capstone, would be followed by full remedial work in due course.

When the spire was last repointed in 1988 - shortly before the hurricane - and the cast-iron rod which held the capstone in place was replaced with stainless steel, it was possible to get away with just scaffolding the top; nowadays, the whole spire would need scaffolding at a cost for that alone of possibly £20,000. Any application for support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage cannot be considered before June next year.

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Repton Church Heritage Appeal Development

In February I advised the Annual Parochial Church Meeting that our target for work to start on the development was September this year.

Although the Heritage Appeal Committee is making good progress with fund-raising, there is still some way to go before we have enough money for work to begin.

In June our architects invited tenders for the whole of phase one. The lowest tender is competitive and the contractor has agreed to hold the tender price firm for a limited period.

As detailed in the Heritage Appeal leaflet, the works tendered are: the new kitchen, two new modern toilet cubicles with full disabled facilities; a flower arranging area; a new oak ramp in the porch; new inner doors; two new areas for wheelchairs on either side of the nave; removal of the rear pews.

External improvements are also included. Once the new drain servicing the kitchen and toilets has been installed, the main pathway from the lych-gate will be improved and resurfaced.

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St Wystan's Heritage Appeal: Over halfway, but we need to act quickly!

Fund-raising has now passed the half-way mark. Over £120,000 has been raised towards the facilities which are essential to widen the use of this wonderful building. With disabled access, toilets, and a new kitchen we can greatly increase the benefit for the whole community.

In addition we have applied for the first tranche of Gift Aid tax rebate. This is a very valuable 'extra'; Gift Aid forms completed to-date should bring an additional £6,000.

A fixed price tender has been negotiated for the main part of the contract, but the current price cannot be held for long; we need to raise the remainder quickly, before prices go up!

If you would like to make a contribution now to help us raise the money before costs rise, or need another Gift Aid form, or would like to sponsor a major part of the project, please contact me when you read this.

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Church Funds & Heritage Appeal Funds

To support fund-raising events in aid of the Heritage Appeal, look for the Heritage Appeal logo in the literature and on the advertising. Money raised at other church events goes towards the everyday expenses of the church.

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Thank you! St Wystan's Finances

Together with everyone else, the parish faces greatly increased costs, and earlier this year, members of the congregation were asked to reconsider their regular giving. We are very grateful to the many who responded by putting extra money in their weekly envelopes or by changing their standing order. The result was an increase of just over £2,000 for the period from January to June. Gift Aid will add a further £560. We would ask everyone who pays income tax to use Gift Aid as this adds 28% to the value of the money you give; for the 2007/8 tax year we have just received £8,200 as a Gift Aid refund from the tax authorities.

If you would like to contribute regularly to our parish or make changes to your commitment, please contact Richard Finch, Gift Aid Secretary, on 701245, or Jan Roberts, Treasurer, on 702159.

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Repton M.U.

After the summer break, Repton M.U. resumes its regular meetings. On Wednesday 17th September at 2.15 pm in the Fisher Close Room, June Scott will lead the informal service with which meetings always begin. Then she will be telling us more about Hildegarde of Bingen. It seems safe to say that few of us have heard of this remarkably versatile nun who wrote poetry, hymns and works on medicine and natural history in the 12th century. We look forward to hearing more about her.

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St Mary's News

Newton Solney Harvest Celebrations

Harvest Festival will be celebrated at St Mary's at 10 am on Sunday 5th October, following Harvest Services for the pre and infant schools on Friday 3rd October, at 11.30 am and 2.30 pm respectively. We will start to decorate the church the previous Thursday afternoon, from 2 pm, and continue on Saturday morning from 9.30 am. Contributions of produce, flowers and foliage would be welcomed, as would help with the decorating on either day. Gifts of produce, dry goods and toiletries will be delivered during the week after the services to the Padley Centre and the Derby City Mission.

St Mary's Church Newton Solney Harvest Buffet Lunch Sunday 12th October at 1 pm Newton Solney Village Hall Adults £7        Children £3.50 Raffle         Bring your own bottle! Tickets from Hazel Ward, 21, Blacksmith's Lane, Newton Solney. Tel. 701244

Heating St Mary's Church

Now that the organ has been refurbished, attention is turned to the heating system. The church boiler was condemned earlier this year, and with the installation of a new, more efficient boiler it is apparently necessary for the entire network of pipes and radiators to be replaced. Progress is slow, but seemingly the plans submitted by the architect and engineer are acceptable to the diocese. It is hoped that details can soon be posted on the church notice-board, and that work can go ahead before the temperature falls too far.

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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

Afternoon Tea Saturday 13th September, 2.30 to 5 pm Woodend Cottage, 134 Main Street Wendy and Stephen Longden invite you to afternoon tea and to enjoy their garden. Garden crossword, hand-knitted scarves, handbags and purses for sale. Admission £2.50 to include tea and home-made cakes, scones and jam.

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

Repton School Concerts Society Daniel de Borah, Piano Wednesday 17th September at 7.45 pm in Pears School The internationally renowned pianist will perform a recital of music by Beethoven, Prokofiev and Chopin. Recent engagements include concerts at the Purcell Room and Wigmore Hall. Tickets for this concert are available at £13 and £10 (concessions), as well as season tickets for the whole season of 10 concerts (£60 for 10 concerts). For further information or tickets contact: The Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

St Wystan's Church 'Bring & Share' Harvest Supper Repton Village Hall. Saturday 20th September at 7.00 pm £1. Everyone welcome. Bring your own drink. Ring Jan Gillham, 703340, or Karen Perks, 702392, for details and to discuss dishes.

sue's macmillan birthday party featuring geno washington and the ram jam band chris baldwin, blue iguanas rockaholic acoustic, the elvis gresley's friday 26 September, 7pm to 12.30 bretby conference centre, ashby road, bretby, de15 0yz Tickets £14 available from suenewbolt@hotmail.co.uk or venue, or call sue newbolt on 07971 731 571 or jason walton on 07976 967 776

in aid of MacMillan Cancer Relief Coffee Morning Saturday 27th September, 10 am – noon 9 The Crescent, Repton Books, Bric-a-Brac, Raffle, Tombola

Repton Church Heritage Appeal The Autumn Ball Dancing to the Swing Commanders Friday 17th October at 7.30 for 8 pm Pears School Repton Reception drink followed by a three course dinner Black Tie        Carriages at Midnight Tickets £50, tables of 8 and individual bookings available Enquiries & bookings: Tom Hyde, 703662, or Carol Lloyd, 702410.

100 Years of Fashion With Notty Hornblower Friday 24th October at 7.30 pm in the 400Hall A cavalcade of costume from Victorian times to the present day. For information or tickets (£10 to include an interval drink) call 01283 704054, or contact Mrs. W. Bateman, 2 Shakespeare Meadows, Repton DE65 6SB, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope. Part of Repton W.I. 90th birthday celebrations. All welcome.

The Derwent Singers, Director: Richard Roddis incantation Saturday 15th November at 7.30 pm St Wystan's Church An evening of glorious choral music from the sixteenth century, celebrating the golden age of St Wystan's Church Tickets £10 from Jenny Jones, 704054 The Derby-based Derwent Singers, described as "…simply one of the best chamber choirs around", are making a very welcome return visit to Repton. Their stunning programme will include music by Nicholas Ludford, Robert Carver and Josquin. This is one not to miss!

Thankyou

Thank you

. . . to all the friends of Colin Kitching who sent cards, notes and good wishes. Colin and Betty were blessed to have so many good friends.

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Evelyn Mary Jackson

Thank you to everyone for the lovely cards and messages of sympathy, and to everyone who attended mum's funeral at Foremark. Donations totalled £404 to be divided between Foremarke Church and the British Heart Foundation.

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Thank you!

. . . for the fantastic sponsorship and support I had for my week-long bike ride on behalf of the Father Hudson Society, a society which cares for children and adults in need. I raised £2,000. It was a week of great countryside and companionship, leavened by visits to heart-wrenching social projects undertaken by inspiring but humble people.

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A big 'thank you'

. . . to everyone who donated to my retirement and made it a very special day for me. Also to all my previous colleagues who came to surprise and support me. It has been a great pleasure working at Newton Solney Infant School; I will miss it very much. Thank you to you all!

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Thank you

. . . to everyone who supported our National Garden Scheme Open Days at Woodend Cottage, 134 Main Street, this year. We are delighted to say that in all they raised £749 for the NGS charities and £300 for St Saviour's Church, Foremark. Finally, we would like to offer a special 'thank you' to all our friends and neighbours at Woodend, for their tolerance of the additional traffic on these occasions, and to those who made delicious cakes which were much appreciated by visitors and ourselves.

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South Derbyshire

The Staunton Stride, Sunday 14th September

In September the Burton Committee of the NSPCC invites you to take part in the Staunton Stride, a choice of two 8 mile walks around Ticknall and Staunton Harold, open to everyone - and your dogs. It starts and finishes at Ticknall Village Hall, and registration is between 10 and 10.30 am. You - and your dogs - can have a good walk in lovely countryside, with a Soup & Pud Lunch, whilst at the same time supporting one of the country's most important charities.

The NSPCC, 'Every Child Counts'

The NSPCC's purpose is to end cruelty to children. It is working for a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfill their potential. Here are some of the ways in which it is helping children in the Midlands.

The Midlands Specialist Investigation Service is an independent child protection service that investigates organized, institutional and professional child abuse.

Midland CARS provides advice, information, and representation to children and young people growing up in the care of authorities. It also recruits, trains and supervises volunteers as independent visitors. Additionally, it has a team of adults who act as independent people in investigating children's complaints. The Children's Rights Officer visits the children's homes regularly, as well as helping young people to be involved in activities such as conferences and interviewing staff.

The NSPCC Child Protection Helpline provides free advice, counselling and information to children and young people, and to anyone who thinks that a child may be at risk.

There4me.com is an interactive website gives young people aged 12 to 16 information, advice and support on issues important to them. It is the only service of its kind to offer young people live, personal interaction with experienced child-care professionals in the medium they are most comfortable with.

For more information on any of these, visit www.nspcc.org.uk, or call 0207 825 2775.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Register your valuables

You can register the serial numbers of valuables such as mobile phones, laptops, ipods, bicycles and cameras at www.immobilise.com. This is a nationwide, secure, on-line database, recommended by the police; they check it when property is recovered, to help them return it to the owner. The service is free and easy to use.

The Neighbourhood Watch Support Group

. . . can be contacted on 01332 613043. The office is open on Tuesdays between 10 am and 2 pm and Thursdays between 10 am and midday.

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Repton Village & History

Scottish Country Dancing. Come and join us!

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

First meeting: Monday 22nd September

After that, we meet on the last Monday of each month, from October through to March, but not in December. (7.15 - 9.15 pm, Repton Village Hall. £1.50 per person.) For more information, phone Frances and Martin Wimbush on 703180. You will be very welcome.

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Fruit and Vegetables for the Show - Repton Village Show, Saturday 6th September

With the show taking place on Saturday, do look to see what you can enter. The schedule was in the May magazine and the entry form is on page 32. There are also copies of both in the Post Office. A year ago we passed on comments from the judges on presenting fruit and vegetables, and thought you might find it useful to have them again.

- Soft fruit such as raspberries and blackberries should have the stalk attached.

- Apples should be as picked, and not polished.

- Tomatoes should have the stalk attached and be of uniform size and shape.

- Runner beans should be freshly picked so they 'snap' when broken in two.

- Do not trim cabbages; all leaves should be on show.

- When presenting five vegetables, they should all be from different 'families'.

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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 back 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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Remember the Village Party?
An afternoon of fun and entertainment on May Day Bank Holiday

Lots of people have asked if there will be another Village Party next year. The answer is YES! - in May! However, the key to the success of the Party is that it involves the whole village so we need lots of support from all of you. We are already starting to plan ahead, so if you have some ideas to share or would like to be involved in any way, please contact Frances Wimbush, 01283 703180.

There will be a meeting in October for everyone interested in helping; the date will be confirmed in the October Magazine. Meanwhile, please, please let us know what you remember or enjoyed most about the last Village Party.

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Sue's Macmillan Birthday Party, Friday 26 September

When five years ago Sue Newbolt from Milton lost her mother to brain cancer, the support she had from MacMillan was fantastic, so this year, instead of a party for her 50th birthday, Sue is organising a celebration in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. It will be a night of music, with a headline band, 4 local bands, and a disco. A great evening, and a great cause. Come and support her - see the advert above.

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Repton School Public Lecture Series

This term Repton School will welcome two distinguished speakers in its series of public lectures, the first this month. The lectures are free and you will be very welcome. Entry is by ticket, available from Repton School Lodge.

Dr. Martha Holmes, 'Working with Wildlife': Friday 26th September at 7.15 pm

Dr. Holmes is a series producer for the BBC Natural History Unit and has worked on many award-winning series, including the much acclaimed 'Life in the Freezer', 'Blue Planet' and 'Wildlife Special: Polar Bear'. Martha is currently working on the BBC's next big landmark series 'Life', due to be screened in 2009.

In the second lecture, on Friday 28th November, Paul Deegan will speak on 'The Ancient Path to Riches'.

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Repton W.I.

There is no formal meeting in August, but members gather in a garden for tea and cakes. That is the theory, but this year the weather drove us inside. However, it didn't stop us enjoying the afternoon and raising a useful sum for Safe and Sound, the Derby charity which helps vulnerable youngsters.

Next meeting: Tuesday 9th September at 7.15 pm in the village hall: 'Have a go at Parchment Craft' with Jenny Ellam.

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Repton Village History Group

In July, an evening guided tour of Sudbury Village proved very popular. Members of Sudbury W.I. escorted us around less well known parts of the village, and then provided us with an excellent supper to round the evening off. Unfortunately there was a heavy shower at the start, but everyone put their umbrellas up and set out to enjoy the views.

'William John Stephenson-Peach', Tuesday 16th September

In September we return to the village hall for the start of our winter programme. Alan Partington will talk about the engineer, William John Stephenson-Peach, engineering master at Repton School, as well as at Cheltenham and Malvern Colleges. Alan will trace his history and the unusual products of his workshops at Askew Hill, including considerable work on the first ever Morgan three-wheel car, as well as motor cycles and steam driven mowers and rollers. Visitors are welcome. Members £1.50, visitors £2.50.

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Repton Music Society

Under the leadership of John Bowley, Repton Music Society choir is being relaunched with a performance of Mozart's 'Requiem' in Pears School on Sunday 30th November at 7.30 pm. Many of us recall the enormous pleasure we had from performing such wonderful music, and it is very exciting that the choir is to be reformed. With nearly 70 confirmed members, and another 30 or so in the pipeline, there has been a terrific response already. Choral rehearsals will take place during the autumn term on Thursday evenings at 6.20 pm in Pears School. If you are interested in taking part, whether as a member of the choir or the orchestra, please contact Morag Hill on 01283 702799.

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Good News

As a result of the leaflets delivered around the villages, we have been able to keep the Cub Pack open and have enough people to start planning to reopen the Scout Troop. We just need some more help on a part-time basis to make the Scout Troop happen properly.

Oliver (aged 10) from Repton wrote: "Are you wondering what to do with your spare time? Or just bored? Well, why don't you become a Scout leader, us Repton kids need one, because some of us Cubs can't wait until we go to Scouts, but without you that won't happen. So please, please be our Scout leader."

Well, how about it? Part-time will do. Contact Andy Austen on 702448.

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Repton W.I.

There is no formal meeting in August, but members gather in a garden for tea and cakes. That is the theory, but this year the weather drove us inside. However, it didn't stop us enjoying the afternoon and raising a useful sum for Safe and Sound, the Derby charity which helps vulnerable youngsters.

Next meeting: Tuesday 9th September at 7.15 pm in the village hall: 'Have a go at Parchment Craft' with Jenny Ellam.

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100 Years of Fashion, 400Hall, Friday 24th October at 7.30 pm

As part of Repton W.I.'s 90th Birthday celebrations, Notty Hornblower will be presenting a cavalcade of costume from Victorian times to the present day.

Notty began to collect period costumes seriously when she was in her thirties. Now she has amassed a huge collection of fashionable outfits and accessories, over 600 items dating from the late 18th century to the 1970s - mens- and ladieswear, outfits for babies and children, christening robes, military uniforms and exquisite wedding dresses. However, it was the acquisition of an adjacent barn in 1994 that enabled her to develop her hobby into Hope House Costume Museum and Restoration Workshop, with a team of skilled restorers and research facilities for students.

Featured on the Antiques Roadshow, Notty has also appeared in 'Heart of the Country' and 'Collector's Lot', as well as a variety of magazines including 'Homes and Antiques' and 'Country Living'. She has great experience in presenting fashion shows, and over the last fifteen years has raised thousands of pounds for charities through her '100 Years of Fashion'.

For more information or tickets (£10 to include an interval drink) call 01283 704054, or contact Mrs. W. Bateman, 2 Shakespeare Meadows, Repton DE65 6SB enclosing a stamped addressed envelope. Everyone will be welcome.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

W.I.

Wednesday 17th September: Ian Hingley will talk on 'The Origins of Sayings'. (7.30 pm in the village hall)

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Newton Solney Village Matters

W.I.

Tuesday 9th September: Laura Taylor will give a talk on Kedleston Hall. (7.30 pm in the village hall)

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Gardening Notes

The flowering of cyclamen, colchicum and autumn crocus reminds us that autumn is on the way. There is still time to plant colchicums, indeed they will often flower even if they are not planted but left dry in daylight. If you want them to naturalise, however, they should be planted as soon as possible in a sunny but sheltered position where the lush spring foliage will not smother the plants around them. Colchicum bulbs are expensive, but they naturalise well. They come from alpine and sub-alpine meadows in southern Europe, north Africa, north India, west and central Asia and western China, so they like a good baking in summer. Although they look like crocus, they belong to a different family, having six anthers as opposed to the three of crocus.

It is time to plant other spring-flowering bulbs now apart from tulips, which are best left till November to reduce the risk of tulip fire infection. For a special display of pot-grown bulbs, plant a double layer of daffodils or tulips, one on top of the other, covering with a good layer of compost or bulb fibre.

Before the end of the month, move tender, pot-grown plants into the greenhouse or a suitable frost-free place. Cannas, bananas and citrus trees should all be moved in. Stop watering cacti and succulents apart from Christmas cacti. Take cuttings of woody herbs such as lavender, sage and rosemary, as well as plants which are tender or borderline tender. Fuschia, artemisia, santolina, osteospermum, penstemon, verbena, argyranthemum and pelargonium all fall into this category.

Hardwood cuttings of roses can also be taken now, although this is only really worthwhile for species roses, as propagation by grafting is quicker. Take 6" pencil-thick cuttings of this season's growth. Cut to a growth bud at both base and tip of each cutting and remove all leaves. Then insert the cuttings to half their length in a sheltered spot or cold frame, or line the cuttings in a small split trench lined with gritty sand. They should come into growth in the spring, but leave in situ for a year.

Clear summer bedding plants by the end of the month, and prepare your beds and containers for the spring.

Thin overcrowded borders. Decide which plants need to be moved or divided, and where to make room for new plants. Most herbaceous perennials need dividing every three to five years. If the ground is reasonably moist, division can take place as soon as the flowers fade and the foliage turns brown. Take young shoots from the edge of the plant and discard the centre, replanting the healthy bits immediately, and adding compost to settle them in.

Stake Brussels sprouts to prevent wind damage. Lift main-crop potatoes, and store in a cool, dark and frost-free place. Salad crops can be planted directly outside as they are more or less hardy, but they will do better protected by a cold frame or cloche. They can also be sown in modules in a greenhouse and planted out when big enough to handle. Sow new lawns by the end of September; turf can also be laid now. Spring-flowering meadows are usually cut after June, but cut summer-flowering meadows in September, leaving the cut plants on the ground for a few days to dry and allow the seed to drop out before raking and removing. If sowing a new flower meadow on light soils, do it now, but on heavy soils, leave it until spring.

Net ponds to stop leaves falling in, and thin oxygenating plants.

Although aphids, drought and honey fungus may be the cause of browning in Leylandii hedges, the most recent advice is that over-pruning may be a major cause; just one prune a year, between May and August, is recommended.