February 2009 - Contents Neighbourliness and Mutual Support 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 St Valentine's Day Coffee Morning, Saturday 14th February Women's World Day of Prayer, Friday 6th March Shell (for children aged 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Isabella Grace Hambleton Chloe Elizabeth Gee Lilly Eva Gee Poppy Chrissie Gee Marriages Adam James Charlesworth and Leah Ann Coster Funerals and Burial of Ashes Mary Else Obituaries The Right Rev Jonathan Bailey, KCVO, Bishop of Derby 1995 - 2005 The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Pauline Greece Repton Church Heritage Appeal Repton Church Heritage Appeal Events Repton Church Heritage Appeal St Wystan's News St Wystan's Annual Church Meeting & Supper, Wednesday 4th March Lent Course Repton M.U. Thank you to Repton School St Mary's News St Mary's Church Heating System Tea and Scones Lunch with Rosemary Conley CBE An Evening with Mervyn Stutter Repton School Concert - Stephen Cleobury, Monday 23rd February Environment Matters Fairtrade Fortnight South Derbyshire Willington Arts Festival 2009 Neighbourhood Watch Distraction Burglary Repton Village and History Calling the Over 60s! Repton Village Society Repton W.I. Repton Village Party, Saturday 2nd May Repton Village History Group Repton School Public Lecture, Friday 20th February Repton Open Gardens 2009 Thank you for your Support Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School Newton Solney Parish Council Notes Gardening Notes

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Neighbourliness and Mutual Support

Dear Friends,

A new collection of stories of the adventures of Pooh and Christopher Robin, written by David Benedictus and illustrated by Mark Burgess, is to be published later this year. The article announcing this reminded me that A.A. Milne, the creator of Pooh, was saddened by the fact that his children's story books sold so much better than his more serious works. Such is the power of the story.

Stories may not only be fictional but true life. The stories of other individuals and peoples can shape our mental outlook and the outlook of a whole nation.

One of the intractable elements of the tragedy we have witnessed in Gaza is that there are two peoples, who tell different and conflicting stories of their identities. The narrative of oppression, told from both sides, is one of the elements that keep this conflict running.

Some people, again on both sides, are discovering a new story, one of mutual help and support for those families who have experienced bereavement. Jewish and Arab women together are discovering a new story in mutual grief and support. If and when their story is heard, there is a chance that this conflict may be resolved. Please pray for those on both sides who are both acting courageously and praying for peace.

Changing the subject, many will suffer in the coming months and years as a result of the world-wide recession. We have already seen pictures of rioting workers in China, unused to a downturn in economic progress. Redundancy is a form of bereavement. For most of us, the workplace is not merely where we earn our wages, it is also where we find or are given significance and self-worth. To lose these through redundancy can feel truly life-threatening. Readers may be aware of this in their own lives, or through families or friends.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development predicts that 600,000 people could lose their jobs this year. In response to this situation the Church of England has published two new prayers. The prayer 'on being made redundant' helps to put into words the anxieties of those who are losing - or who have already lost - their job. The prayer 'for those remaining in the workplace' focuses on the guilt and increased workload associated with redundancy.

I conclude with a quotation from the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, Rt. Rev'd John Packer, Chairman of the Church of England's Stewardship Committee: "This is a pastoral initiative. We need to be on the look out to support those facing redundancy. Neighbourliness is so important in crisis situations, whether it's offering people new prayers to God, or simply being there with a listening ear."

With prayers and best wishes,

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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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St Valentine's Day Coffee Morning, Saturday 14th February, 10.30 to 11.30

Celebrate St Valentine's Day by treating those you love to a homemade cake, or scones, or marmalade, sharing coffee and biscuits with them, and treating them to a go on the children's game! Or just treat yourself!

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Women's World Day of Prayer, Friday 6th March. Service at 7.15 pm

This year's service has been prepared by the Christian women of Papua New Guinea. This area of more than 600 tiny islands around New Guinea - which is the second largest island in the world - has a thriving Christian Church, originally established by Congregational missionaries in the nineteenth century. It is now ecumenical, and 96% of the population are Christian.

The islands are rich in natural resources such as gold, silver, copper, natural oil and gas. Women are the backbone of social stability, and though they originally had a low status in the community, they now enjoy a more equal role, and many are employed in important positions.

The Christian community in Papua New Guinea is a living illustration of the theme of the service: 'In Christ there are many members, yet one body.'

Everyone is welcome to share in the worship.

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Shell (age 7 - 11)

The youngsters meet every Monday from 6.30 to 7.30pm. New members are welcome.

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Baptisms

Isabella Grace Hambleton, daughter of Craig and Melanie, was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 4th January.

Chloe Elizabeth Gee, daughter of Richard and Claire, was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 4th January.

Lilly Eva Gee, daughter of Richard and Claire, was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 4th January.

Poppy Chrissie Gee, daughter of Richard and Claire, was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 4th January.

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Marriages

Adam James Charlesworth and Leah Ann Coster were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 17th January.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Mary Else of Mount Pleasant Residential Home, Winshill, died on Sunday 28th December aged 91. A service at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on 19th January was followed by cremation at Bretby Crematorium.

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Obituaries

Bishop Jonathan

The Right Rev Jonathan Bailey, KCVO, Bishop of Derby from 1995 until his retirement in 2005, died of cancer on 9th December, aged 68.

Bishop Jonathan was known as a pastoral and caring bishop who mixed with all ages and faiths - one part of his programme was to visit pubs and nightclubs in the city centre - and helped to establish the Derby multifaith centre.

During his time at Derby, he also played an influential role nationally. For three years he was chairman of the Churches Main Committee, a liaison group between all the churches and government departments. In addition, he was Clerk of the Closet, an ancient title describing the role of the bishop responsible for selecting the Queen's chaplains, a post he held for ten years. It was for this that he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order. Finally, he was a member of the House of Lords from 1999 to 2005.

In retirement in Gloucestershire, he served as an assistant bishop and was a member of Gloucester Police Authority.

His life will be celebrated in Derby Cathedral early this year.

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The Memorial Book

Repton has a fine memorial book permanently on display in St Catherine's Chapel in the north aisle of St Wystan's Church.   It was donated in memory of Henry Chilton as a place to commemorate former residents of Repton.   All are eligible and welcome, 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

Pauline Greece

In 2006 we saw some of the places in Turkey associated with St Paul, and now - for this October we hope - we are planning a trip that focuses on his travels in Greece.

Primary places to visit will be Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens and Corinth. I am also very keen to include Patmos, a Greek island off Turkey, which, though a 'non-Pauline' place, is where John received the Revelation. It would be good to do a boat trip up the Aegean, possibly calling in to Miletus on the Turkish coast, a little south of Ephesus, where Paul said farewell to the elders of the church of Ephesus, as well as the islands of Troas and Assos and the port of Neapolis, not far from Philippi. It would also be good to take the boat from Philippi around Mount Athos, as that is the only way we will be able to see the monastic peninsular dedicated to the Virgin Mary, where women are not permitted, and to disembark at Thessalonica. We would then take a coach south through Greece, calling in at the modern monastery of St John the Forerunner and the rock-hewn monasteries at Meteora, before visiting Delphi, Athens and Corinth. It would, I hope, be possible to fly into and out of Athens with the possibility of a short flight to Samos and boat to Patmos.

Please let me know if you are interested in this trip and would like to receive a brochure when it is available

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Repton Church Heritage Appeal

Repton Church Heritage Appeal Events

In December a thoroughly enjoyable Bridge Day at Field House raised approximately £1,500. Very many thanks to Patrick and Jane Griffiths for their help with the venue, to Liz Plant and Judy Haywood who produced excellent food throughout the day, and to Mary Evans who ran the bridge contest.

Our next event will be on Wednesday 25th February, a lunch with Rosemary Conley in Repton Village Hall. For details, see the advert below.

Then we are planning a St George's Day Supper for Thursday 23rd April in Burton Town Hall. More information in next month's magazine.

On the first weekend in May there will be a Flower Festival in St Wystan's Church, organised by Jenny Gray, who has run major festivals at many venues including Catton Hall and Lichfield Cathedral. If you would like to sponsor an arrangement in memory of a loved one or an occasion you particularly treasure, please contact Carol Lloyd, 01283 702410, for more information.

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Repton Church Heritage Appeal

In December, unfortunately too late for the January magazine, we were delighted to receive at last the much delayed faculty for the new development.

You will have seen that the back pews have already been removed, which gives much more room, and as soon as we have enough money, we can begin the major work. The contractor has already held his tender price for some months and will continue to do so until the beginning of March, after which we can expect a price increase in the region of £15,000 - £20,000. Following savings negotiated with the architect and surveyors, once all the reclaimed tax on the gift aid giving has been received, we will need to raise just under £40,000 more before work can begin. We greatly appreciate the support you have already given through donations or attending fund-raising events, but unless we raise the rest of the money by the end of February the development will be significantly delayed.

This is a major step in the development of your church and we do need your help, so now is the time to give. Donations and offers of sponsorship should be sent to John Perks, The Treasurer, Repton Church Heritage Appeal, The Grange, 16 Main Street, Repton DE65 6EZ, with cheques made payable to PCC Repton Church Heritage Appeal. We will also be holding a Gift Morning in St Wystan's Church from 10 am until noon on Saturday 14th February, when members of the Appeal Committee will be available to receive donations or discuss sponsorship.

Items available for Sponsorship:

1.		Pumping Chamber		£7,500
2.		Toilet cubicle	(*2)	£5,000
3.		Flower arrangers' cupboard		£5,000
4.		Porch inner doors		£3,500
5.		Feature oak panels around the kitchen and toilets	(*12)	£3,250
6.		Porch oak ramp		£2,750
7.		Hymn bookcase		£2,750		(now sponsored)
8.		Oak hatch doors to the kitchen		£1,750
9.		Sidesman's table		£1,000
10.		Kitchen oven		£650
11.		Kitchen hob		£500
12.		Kitchen laminated worktops		£475
13.		Toilet disabled handrail	(*2)	£400
14.		Kitchen sink unit		£350
15.		Toilet	(*2)	£350
16.		Wash hand basin	(*2)	£300
17.		Kitchen wash hand basin		£250
18.		One kitchen cupboard unit	(*8)	£175
19.		Pair of taps	(*2)	£125
20.		Toilet mirror	(*2)	£100
21.		Tiling, square metre	(*28)	£65

The development stems from the 'parish focus' of spring 2001, when over a hundred members of the congregation and village discussed what they wanted from the church. They produced a number of proposals, first among them the proposal to develop the hospitality of the church, which was seen by many as a necessary preliminary to everything else, and the current plan closely reflects that.

Now we are in sight of achieving our goal, we hope you will continue to support us in enabling the church to serve both its own congregation and the wider community

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St Wystan's News

St Wystan's Annual Church Meeting & Supper
Wednesday 4th March at 7 pm in Repton Village Hall

Anyone living in Repton and all members of the congregation are welcome to come to the Annual Parochial Church Meeting and share in the supper which follows. Supper tickets at £4 will be available from Jan Roberts, 702159, Martin Wimbush, 703180, and Sue Parker, 702550.

The meeting starts with the election of churchwardens. Anyone who lives in the parish is entitled to vote. We then have reports on different church activities and plans for the future, presentation of the accounts for 2008, and elections to the Parochial Church Council.

There are three vacancies to be filled on the PCC. You must have been on the electoral roll for fifteen days before the meeting in order to nominate a candidate, to stand for election or to vote. Application forms are available in church or from the vicar, a churchwarden or Mrs. Margaret Scott, 701299, the Electoral Roll Officer. The meeting normally lasts a little over an hour and is followed by supper. You don't need to buy a supper ticket if you just want to attend the meeting.

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Lent Course

During Lent, which begins this month on the 25th, we are once again intending to hold our Lent course in house groups.

'These three . . . Faith, Hope and Love' is the latest offering from York Courses. It is based on the three great qualities celebrated in 1 Corinthians 13. The passage begins and ends in majestic prose, but the middle paragraph is practical and demanding. St Paul's thirteen verses take us to the heart of what it means to be a Christian.

An eminent line-up of contributors includes Dr. David Hope, the former Archbishop of York, Bishop Tom Wright, Bishop of Durham and author, Anne Atkins, popular Christian writer, Abbot Christopher, Abbot of Worth Abbey and broadcaster, and Professor Frances Young, also a popular writer. The material is stimulating and thought-provoking, and I hope that many will want to observe Lent by joining a house group, sharing the fellowship and journeying together on the Christian way with these distinguished guides.

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Repton M.U.

The Secretary's report at the AGM reminded us that 2008 had been a good year for the branch despite the sad loss of three members. There had been a varied programme, and the deanery Quiet Evening had been held in Repton Church. The accounts showed a healthy balance after donations to Mothers' Union Charities. Once the serious business was over, members tackled cryptic clues to the books of the Bible.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 18th February at 2.15 pm in the Fisher Close Room: 'A Meditation' with Wendy Longden.

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Thank you!

Towards the end of last year the flag pole became unusable because the pulley at the top was jammed. We would like to thank Repton School maintenance department for their help in dismantling and freeing it.

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St Mary's News

St Mary's Church Heating System

The new heating system is now established and services are again being held in church. The PCC is very grateful for the use of the Newton Solney Village Hall from early November until mid-January and thanks the Village Hall Committee for making the arrangements so easy. It was good that some of the visitors staying at the Newton Park Hotel also came there to share the Christmas services.

Special thanks are due to those parishioners and friends who responded to the autumn appeal for contributions towards the cost of the new heating installation and other maintenance. It is hoped that there will be many opportunities for you to enjoy the results.

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Karen & John Perks invite you to Tea and Scones at The Grange, Main Street, Repton Saturday 21st February, 3 to 5 pm Bottle & Jar Bring & Buy Raffle Admission £2                   All proceeds to St Wystan's Church.

Repton Church Heritage Appeal Lunch with Rosemary Conley CBE Diet and Fitness expert Wednesday 25th February 1 for 1.30 pm Buffet lunch with wine. Repton Village Hall Tickets: £17.50:      Melodie Bordoli 212652;       Carol Lloyd 01283 702410

An Evening with Mervyn Stutter Repton Village Hall, Saturday 28th February at 7.30 pm 'Boundless energy and a wonderfully buoyant view of life' Armed with a guitar, a fast wit and silly humour, the star of the Radio 4 comedy 'Getting Nowhere Fast' is a warm and funny performer. He is totally at home with an audience keen for a bit of participation. If you remember 'the summer of love', and the surprise of turning into your parents after all, this evening of comedy, song, banter and conversation is the show for you. 'A brilliant night of laughter' Tickets are already going quickly. £7.50 from Repton Post Office, Chris Carpenter, 702370, and Pat Court, 702599.

Repton School Concerts Society Stephen Cleobury - Organ Monday 23rd February at 7.45 pm in Repton School Chapel To celebrate the refurbishment of Repton School's historic Harrison and Harrison organ, the Society is proud to announce a recital by the distinguished organist and conductor Stephen Cleobury. Stephen has been organist and Director of Music at Kings' College, Cambridge since 1982, and will be joined by his choral scholars who will perform at a reception after the concert and will also work with Repton pupils in a workshop in the afternoon. Tickets cost £13 and £10 (concessions). For further information or tickets contact: The Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

Environment Matters

Fairtrade Fortnight

Two billion people, a third of the world's population, survive on less than $2 a day. Fairtrade is a people's movement for change. It shows that trade can be a means out of poverty if the conditions are right. Seven million disadvantaged producers, workers and their families are benefiting, but they and millions more remain at the mercy of the unfair rules of international trade. With the global challenges of food shortages and climate change, we need Fairtrade more than ever, but we need to do more than just buy Fairtrade products - we also need to campaign for trade justice.

Fairtrade Fortnight, 23rd February to 8th March

- Try one of the thousands of Fairtrade products.
- Join thousands of others and eat a Fairtrade banana between noon on Friday 6th March and noon on Saturday 7th March to set a world record for the largest number of Fairtrade bananas eaten in 24 hours! Register at www.fairtrade.org.uk

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South Derbyshire

Willington Arts Festival 2009

Following the success of last year's festival, a second is being planned for May, and it is hoped to turn it into an annual event.

To be held over the two weekends, 25th - 26th April and 2nd - 4th May (May Bank Holiday), the festival will present a mix of concerts, arts and craft workshops, music and heritage. During the May Bank Holiday there will also be the Village Arts Trail, showcasing the wide range of skills and creativity in the local community, as well as those of invited artists from elsewhere. This year the festival will also include a competition, challenging people to 'put it on a postcard'.

If you want to be involved in any way please contact Sue Gent, 07777 604279, or visit the festival website at www.willingtonartsfestival.org for more details.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Distraction Burglary

Offenders are using a new variant of an old theme to gain entry to private houses. A typical doorstep introduction might go: "I'm from the water board and I need to come in to change the battery in your water meter. You should have received a letter last week to tell you I was coming."

Never allow anyone into your home unless you are sure of their identity. If you're at all unsure, don't hesitate to tell them to leave. A legitimate caller won't mind. Don't be afraid to report any similar incident to the police immediately on 999.

Remember:

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

Always look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

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Repton Village & History

Calling the Over 60s!

Come and join us on Fridays for a home-cooked, hot meal for as little as £3. Pleasant surroundings and good company. Transport can be provided.

If you would like a chance to visit and see if you like the idea, do ring us, Melodie Bordoli on 01283 212652, or Angela Mayger on 702660.

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Repton Village Society

Over 60 members turned out on a cold, foggy night to hear Colin Bagshaw's talk on the 1896 Alaskan Gold Rush. He described the geography of the country and the hardships suffered by the 100,000 prospectors who converged on the Yukon. Most of those who made it ended up working for the locals, who had staked most of the claims before news of the discovery reached the outside world. A few early prospectors became very rich, but apart from them it was only the service industry providers and the later, big, mechanised mining companies who profited.

Thursday 5th February: 'Three Dimensional Chess (played at high speed)'

Have you ever wondered how your holiday flight finds its way to your destination? Or how it manages to avoid all the other planes? Pete Garrard from Air Traffic Control at East Midlands Airport will explain.

Saturday 7th February: Jazz Concert

All tickets have now been sold. There is a waiting list.

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Repton W.I.

The new year got off to a good start with a talk by Wayne Ball, one of the Severn Trent Rangers. His presentation covered all the conservation work done at Severn Trent's reservoirs in this area, particularly at Staunton Harold and Foremark. He showed pictures of volunteers at work creating ponds, hedge-laying and putting up bird feeders and boxes. He also listed the many birds, butterflies and wildflowers recorded on the sites which he and his colleagues manage.

The extra activity for January was a beadwork session at the Grange.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 10th February at 7.15 pm in the village hall: Susan Hyde: 'Colour and Style'.

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Repton Village Party, Saturday 2nd May

Plans for this year's Village Party are well under way and we hope that you have put the date in your diaries. Please note that this year's Party will be on the Saturday afternoon, not Monday as last time. It will be held on The Scout Field, Mitre Drive, as before, with some of the same activities as last time and lots of new ones too.

The Village Party aims to include everyone in Repton, so if there are any groups, businesses or organisations which are not yet involved and would like to be represented please contact Frances Wimbush, fjwim@tiscali.co.uk or 703180, as soon as possible.

The next planning meeting is on Wednesday 11th February at 6 pm at The Den.

Repton Village History Group Ian Hingley on 'The Origin of Sayings' Tuesday 17th February at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall Visitors are welcome. Members £1.50, Visitors £2.50.

Repton School Public Lecture
Friday 20th February at 7.15 pm in the 400 Hall

Explorer Benedict Allen will give the third lecture in this series. In his talk, 'Icedogs', he will share his experiences (depicted in his BBC TV series) in some of the harshest environments on the planet - whether with reluctant camels in the Gobi desert or travelling with dogs through the worst Siberian winter for centuries, when - despite frostbite and a diet of raw walrus - he won sufficient trust from his furry colleagues to risk travelling alone with them through the Arctic.

The lectures are free and you will be very welcome. Entry is by ticket, available from Repton School Lodge.

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Repton Open Gardens, Saturday 20th - Sunday 21st June 2009

Repton Open Gardens, now in its 17th year, is a major fundraising event for St Wystan's Church, typically raising over £3,000 a year. Without this and similar fundraising, the congregation alone would struggle to finance the day-to-day running of the church, which keeps it open for all of us.

The date has changed over the years but has now been settled for some while. Inevitably, gardens peak at different times, but most look good in June, and gaps can be in-filled with annuals, which are coming into their own.

In 2004 we expanded the event from one afternoon to two. It takes a little more work, but it gives us a greater chance of surviving adverse weather. And how lucky we were: in the first year and to a lesser extent in 2008, the Saturday was almost washed out and only redeemed by a much better turnout on the Sunday.

We are fortunate to have a core of gardens which open year after year. They vary greatly in size and character. They include three Repton School gardens and four 'Yellow Book' gardens. But all are greatly appreciated by our visitors who come from far and wide, many of them again and again.

Many who open their gardens for the first time are worried about people's reaction. But those who enjoy gardens are very special. They visit us to see real gardens, and our gardeners regularly comment on the pleasure of showing them around.

So if you feel that you might possibly join us and open your garden, do contact me. It would make a big difference to us to increase our range. And if you have any questions or concerns, I would be glad to discuss them with you.

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Your Support for the Parish Magazine

In 2007 we collected what was then the highest total ever for the Parish Magazine with a splendid figure of £2,970.81, an increase of over two thousand pounds on the previous year. However, in 2008 you gave a magnificent £3,165. Thank you all for your generosity. The money goes into a separate magazine account that pays for all the consumables such as paper and ink, and also helps to build up a reserve with which to buy new printing machines.

I would also like to take the opportunity to thank everybody involved with the magazine in whatever capacity. Producing it involves over seventy people who all give their time voluntarily and enable the parish to distribute the magazine free of charge to all the homes in Repton, Milton, Foremark, Ingleby and Newton Solney. Forty more are distributed by post to former residents.

We are always looking for volunteers. If you would like to come along and help in any way, do please give me a ring on 01283 702392.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

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

• Removal of Traffic Waiting Restrictions: Derbyshire County Council has informed the Parish Council that it intends to remove all yellow lines, limited waiting bays and signs throughout Repton. If drivers can choose where to park, it will, DCC believes, create a self-regulating and self-calming effect. The Parish Council will write to DCC objecting in the strongest terms to the proposals, which it believes will cause chaos at peak times.
• Parking on Askew Grove: A resident on Askew Grove has reported problems getting into and out of her drive because of careless parking. Staff and visitors to the Primary Care Trust park in Askew Grove, causing problems for neighbours. The Parish Council is to write to the PCT to request that they please park in the village hall car park instead. Do be thoughtful when you park, and do not obstruct private drives and entrances.
• Youth Facilities: The proposal to install youth facilities for older children in the village (11+) was on the agenda, and the Chairman outlined the reasons for considering these amenities. He explained that the Parish Council has a duty to review such matters from time to time. Currently there is money from the housing development on Askew Grove* that can be used to improve leisure facilities in the village. Following an appraisal of alternative sites, South Derbyshire District Council reported that the only suitable place for equipment for older children was on the Mitre Field. There was opposition from local residents who wrote to the Parish Council and attended the meeting. The Parish Council is concerned that Mitre Field would be compromised if any further equipment is erected there. Also there are worries about vandalism and about intimidation of smaller children. It was decided not to put any further equipment on the field in the foreseeable future.
• Other Facilities: The Open Spaces Report suggested that, although land at The Crescent and Wystan Court is not suitable for youth provisions, seats could be placed on the Crescent, and at Wystan Court a memorial arboretum, as suggested by the Parish Council, would be feasible. It was decided to wait to do this because, although seats on the Crescent are a good idea, four seats are being installed elsewhere in Repton. For the Wystan Court land formal permission is to be sought. The possibility of breaking through a section of the hedge to create access and providing a gate there will be explored with the Highways Authority.

Next Meeting: Monday 9th February at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall. Surgery and plans available at 7.15 pm.
* When allowing the recent housing development by The Crescent, SDDC required the developer to fund local leisure projects. Much of the money has already been used to provide the young children's equipment on Mitre Field. SDDC holds the remainder and has to agree to any expenditure.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

Our February meeting is on Wednesday 18th at 7.30 pm in Milton Village Hall. Roger Hoskins from Happy Hens in Etwall is our speaker for the evening. The competition is 'an unusual egg cup'.

Milton Annual W.I. dinner is on Wednesday 4th March. Members will discuss and decide on the venue at our next monthly meeting.

We meet on the third Wednesday of each month (except August) at 7.30 pm in Milton Village Hall. Visitors are always welcome.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney W.I.

Welcoming members to the first meeting of the new year, President Joan Buchanan, reported with sadness the death of Mary Else, a longstanding member of the W.I.

The business agenda included the results of the members' survey on subjects for discussion at the Resolutions Meeting later in the year, the most popular being 'Residential Care Fees for the Elderly', a need for a more clearly defined and fairer system of residential fees.

Subscriptions are now due and donations are requested for 'Pennies for Friendship', a W.I. fund which this year supports a Water Project in the Kirinda area of Uganda.

The president invited suggestions for the Produce Cup competition, and for fundraising and outings. She reminded members of the forthcoming Mercia Group meetings - inviting them to donate refreshments - and visits to the Brewhouse and the Mulberry Rooms.

Our speaker was Dr. Colin McArdle. In a most enlightening talk on 'Kids Aid Tanzania', illustrated with thought-provoking pictures and a short video, he outlined the development of an orphanage. We saw the improvements that had brought care, education and training to children who have no family or who are severely disabled. Such was our interest that question time continued throughout the following refreshments.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 10th February at 7.30 pm in the village hall. Richard Steel will give a talk on 'Portmeirion'. New members welcome.

Whist Drive: Tuesday 25th February at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All welcome.

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Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School

In January we were delighted to welcome the Bishop of Repton, the Right Rev'd Humphrey Southern, into school to meet staff and pupils, and to lead our collective worship.

Community Collective Worship takes place in the school hall on Wednesday 4th February at 9.15 am. Everyone is invited to come along.

An Open Morning on Wednesday 25th February from 9.30 to 11.15 am will provide an opportunity to see the children at work and to speak with pupils, parents, staff and governors. All are welcome. If you would like further information, telephone the school on 01283 703461.

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Newton Solney Parish Council Notes

At its first meeting of 2009 the Parish Council discussed setting up two working groups, for cricket and the bonfire, to allocate terms of reference and to regularize insurance arrangements for each event.

Under the Safer Neighbourhoods Partnership the Council is considering an application for a grant to part-fund an additional street light near the village hall.

Summer play provision was also discussed and it was decided to provide one climbing wall and two sportsmobile sessions during the holidays.

Next meeting: Friday 13th February, 7.45 pm in Newton Solney village hall. All are most welcome to attend.

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Gardening Notes

It is some years since we started the winter with such a cold spell, when temperatures have sometimes not risen above freezing point during the day. So far, (and I write these notes early in the new year) the frost has not penetrated the ground to any extent, and it has probably not been hard enough to do much damage. Indeed, it may have done some good in killing garden pests. However, it will probably result in a later spring than we have had in recent years, and it would be wise not to sow outside until soil temperatures reach 5°C.

Prune buddleja and other shrubs which flower on the current year's growth, as well as late-flowering clematis and winter-flowering jasmine. Salix and cornus, grown for the colour of their stems, should be pruned hard back. Cut off the flowers and top rosettes of leaves from mahonia 'Charity' and m. japonica to encourage bushier growth. Roses will need pruning now or in early March; all suckers should be pulled off as close as possible to the point of origin. Cut autumn-fruiting raspberry canes down to ground level. Alternatively, you could cut the top part off some of the canes, which should then develop fruiting spurs to bear a crop in June or July.

Hopefully, by mid-February we can plant broad beans and early peas directly outside, with carrots, parsnips and early beetroot later in the month. Lettuce and parsley are best started under glass and planted out later. In mid-February you can sow tomatoes and cucumbers for growing under glass with some initial heat, but they will need 21°C to germinate.

Start chitting early potatoes. Lay the tubers out in egg cartons with the 'rose' end - the end with the most eyes or buds - uppermost. Put them in a light, airy, cool but frost-free place at just over 5°C. Protect at night with hessian or fleece if necessary. They should be ready to plant in six weeks.

Apply a general fertiliser such as Growmore or blood, fish and bone to fruit trees, bushes and canes. Then mulch with well rotted manure or garden compost. Beds and borders will also benefit from an application of a general fertiliser towards the end of the month.

Mature clumps of delphiniums and other herbaceous perennials can be divided now. Discard the woody centre and replant the separate pieces. They will flower this year. Remove old leaves from hellebores as flowers start to appear. This shows off the flowers better and reduces the risk of leaf spot. This is probably caused by a fungus, and can eventually cause serious damage. However, a more serious disease is black rot. Plants which develop it should be dug up and removed.

Sweet peas can be sown now in a cold frame. Those sown in the autumn will need potting on.

In mild spells, slugs may become active. Protect vulnerable plants such as delphiniums and hostas.

Pot up lilies. Lilium auratum and other stem-rooting lilies need planting 3" deep. If the bulbs are shrivelled, plump them up by keeping them for a week in trays of damp compost.

Check stored dahlias and cannas to see that they have not dried out or rotted. If you can maintain a minimum of 16°C, cannas can be potted up now and started into growth. Pelargoniums and geraniums in pots should have much of the old soil removed from their roots and replaced with fresh. They won't need a larger pot yet, as they are only growing slowly.

When pots of indoor bulbs have finished flowering, plant them out as soon as possible.

Ensure frogs can climb out of ponds by putting a few stones near the edge.

If lawns may need mowing, set the blades set high. Mowing too short will encourage moss. Snowdrops will be on show this month in Dimminsdale at Staunton Harald. Hodsock Priory near Worksop is open every day in February and well worth a visit, as is Hopton Hall at Carsington. Felley Priory at Underwood, close to junction 27 of the M1, usually has a snowdrop day on the second Sunday in February, and is open at other times too. In April it is a wonderful place for daffodils.