March 2009 - Contents Lent Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches For your Diary, Holy Week Services Services at St Wystan's, Repton Services at St Saviour's, Foremark Services at St Mary's, Newton Solney Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Wystan's Brasses at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Women's World Day of Prayer Service, Friday 6th March, 7.15 pm Lent Course at the U.R.C.: 'Faith, Hope and Love' Coffee Morning, Saturday 14th March, 10.30 am Mothering Sunday Service, 22nd March at 11 am Shell (for children aged 7+) April coffee morning, Saturday 4th April Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Lily Flo Gamble Marriages Charles William Lilley and Anne Dorothy Tait Cumming Funerals and Burial of Ashes Betty Doreen Gillibrand Beryl Wright Peter Armando Boni The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Lent Course 2009 Support the Padley Centre In the Steps of St Paul, 5th - 13th October 2009 Repton Church Heritage Appeal St Wystan's News Lent Lunches St Wystan's Annual Church Meeting & Supper, Wednesday 4th March Easter Lilies at St Wystan's Repton M.U. St Mary's News Mothering Sunday at Newton Solney Repton School Lent Charity Cabaret, 12th - 14th March Children's Nearly New Sale, Saturday 14th March Morning Coffee, Saturday 14th March St George's Day Spectacular, Thursday 23rd April Environment Matters Set your strategy for a greener year Neighbourhood Watch Change at the Top Tasers Car Seatbelts 'Free' Raffles Watch your Bank Account Repton Village and History Repton Village Party, Saturday 2nd May Repton Enabling Fund AGM Tug of War, Repton Village Party, Saturday 2nd May Repton W.I. Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Patio Furniture wanted for the Dales Repton Evergreens Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton Village Hall AGM, Thursday 26th March Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School Newton Solney Parish Council Notes Newton Solney Horticultural Society Newton Solney Annual Open Horticultural Show, 5th September 2009 Newton Solney W.I. Further Afield The National Memorial Arboretum Wildlife Watch Group Gardening Notes Sam Beeton: Letter from Madagascar Computer Security

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Lent

Dear Friends,

As I try to finish my Christmas chocolates before Ash Wednesday - without putting on too much weight - my mind turns to the meaning of Lent.

Nowadays many people think of Lent as an antiquated ritual: giving something up for a while, just to prove that you can. Shrove Tuesday has become Pancake Day, Good Friday is a quaint name for the home-decorating Bank Holiday, and hot cross buns are available all year round. Lent is not one of those festivals like Christmas which 'has leaked out into mainstream living' as Susan Sayers once put it. It remains a well-kept secret. So what is this season of Lent all about?

The name is linked with the lengthening spring days in the northern hemisphere. It was originally a time of preparation for those getting ready for Easter baptism. There are strong links with Jesus' own preparation for ministry, when - after his baptism - he fasted in the desert for forty days. This was when he struggled with the way he thought the Father wanted him to go about his ministry and proclaim his Kingdom. Whenever we want to move forward in our journey of faith, we too can find ourselves struggling with temptation. It is encouraging to know that Jesus fought the same battles.

The day before Lent begins is Shrove Tuesday, a day when, traditionally, you confessed your sins and were shriven, or forgiven, so as to start Lent with a clean conscience. With a time of fasting ahead, this was also a time to use up your fine food in a feast. Hence the word 'carnival' ('good-bye to meat'), and Mardi Gras ('Fat Tuesday'). In contrast, Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, is an occasion when we collectively face up to the truth of who we really are - created, human and mortal. Our own mortality and time-bound existence opens our eyes to the eternal and always-present nature of God, so that we recognise more fully the generosity of God's grace, loving mercy and forgiveness. We can use this whole season of Lent creatively, as we make space for God through a more disciplined approach to prayer and Bible reading or more general religious reading.

If you haven't yet read 'The Shack', recommended by Ruth in the January Parish Magazine, I do thoroughly commend it. It is a book which deals in a powerful and beautiful way with our fractured relationship with God, and Jesus' power to heal and restore. It is a wonderful book for Lent and would prepare us well for Easter. With prayers and best wishes,


'The Shack' is by William Paul Young and published by Hodder and Stoughton, London, 2008. ISBN 978 0 340 97949 5.

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

For your Diary, Holy Week Services

Palm Sunday, 5th April, St Wystan's

At 9.45 am there will be a Palm Procession to the church, complete with a donkey. The service in church starts at 10 am.

Maundy Thursday, 9th April, St Wystan's

Eucharist of the Last Supper: washing the disciples' feet, procession to the Gethsemane Garden and Watch until 11 pm.

Good Friday, 10th April

The children's Good Friday service at St Wystan's is at 10 am. The three-hour devotion at 12 noon will be led by the Bishop of Repton.

At 7 pm there is a devotional service at Newton Solney.

Easter Day, 12th April

St Wystan's: 5.30 am, Lighting of the Easter Fire, the Easter Light and Holy Communion. 8 am, Holy Communion. 9.45 am, Joyful Easter Communion with individual candles and renewal of Baptismal promises.

St Saviour's: 9.15 am, Easter Communion by extension.

St Mary's: 10 am, Easter Communion.

The full arrangements for Holy Week will be published in the April issue of the Parish Magazine.

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

This year the service has been prepared by the Christian women of Papua New Guinea, on the theme 'In Christ there are many members, yet one body'. The tiny islands around the mainland are a very lively part of the Reformed Church, and the service will reflect their lively faith. Everyone is welcome.

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Lent Course at the U.R.C.: 'Faith, Hope and Love'

We will meet on Tuesdays at 8 pm in the schoolroom and follow the same course as St Wystan's house groups. The course will start on Tuesday 10th March and run for five weeks. You are welcome to join members from the three churches in our group.

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Coffee Morning, Saturday 14th March, 10.30 am

Another opportunity to share a chat with friends over coffee and biscuits, to stock up on homemade cakes, scones and marmalade, and to take part in the children's tombola.

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Mothering Sunday Service, 22nd March at 11 am

A special family service when we give thanks for our mothers and their love and care for us. The service will also include two baptisms - and there will be a gift for all the ladies!

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Shell (age 7+)

. . . meets on Mondays from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. New members are welcome.

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For your Diary

The April coffee morning will be on Saturday 4th April, the first Saturday in the month, instead of the usual second Saturday.

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Baptisms

Lily Flo Gamble, daughter of Marc and Nicola, was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 1st February.

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Marriages

Charles William Lilley and Anne Dorothy Tait Cumming were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 31st January.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Betty Doreen Gillibrand of 51 Pinfold Close, Repton, died on Sunday 18th January aged 88. A service at St Wystan's Church on 3rd February was followed by cremation at Markeaton Crematorium.

Beryl Wright of High Barrow Residential Rest Home, Uttoxeter, and formerly of Askew Grove, Repton, died on Sunday 25th January aged 82. A service at St Wystan's Church on 12th February was followed by cremation at Bretby Crematorium.

Peter Armando Boni of 4 Brookside Close, Repton, died on Monday 2nd February aged 69. A service at St Wystan's Church on 20th February was followed by interment at Monsom Lane cemetery.

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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

Lent Course 2009

This year we are holding our Lent course in House Groups. 'These three . . . Faith, Hope and Love' is the latest offering from York Courses. An eminent line-up of speakers includes Dr. David Hope, ex-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.

First meetings and hosts at Repton:

Monday 2nd March at 10.30 am Bridget Young, 3 Richmond Court.
Monday 2nd March at 7.30 pm Sue Parker, 56 Askew Grove.
Tuesday 3rd March at 2 pm Angela and Bill Mayger, 26 Monsom Lane.
Thursday 5th March at 7.30 pm Richard and Melanie Finch, 19 Chestnut Way.

At Newton Solney:

Monday 2nd March at 2 pm Jennifer Haynes, 6 Newton Close.

We are very grateful to those who have offered to open their homes and those who will guide the discussion after the talks. Please let George Johnson, 703079, or myself, 703317, know if you wish to join a group so that we know who and how many are involved.

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Support the Padley Centre

Set up in 1985 by a group of nuns as a drop-in centre in Derby, the Padley Group depends heavily on local support for all its work. It receives funding from the city council and primary care trust, churches and private donors, but it is still a constant struggle to break even.

The Padley Centre, a day centre, works with some of the most socially excluded, the homeless, the mentally ill, and people with learning disabilities. It offers a hot nutritious meal, shower facilities, clothing and companionship, as well as providing advice and support, and encouraging a sense of independence.

Padley Hostel, situated in the centre of Derby, is the only facility in Derby that accepts rough sleepers direct from the street. It has single bedrooms for ten people - always full - as well as a day centre. It helps people to rebuild their self-esteem and confidence, so they feel more able to re-enter the community. Residents should stay for four months, but for some it can be long hard road before they are able to move on.

Padley Development Centre is a fully accredited training centre, training people with learning disabilities, mental health problems and the long-term unemployed.

Padley recycling centre and charity shop raise funds for the charity and provide training to people who find it difficult to enter the job market. The warehouse collects donations of clothes, bedding, bric-a-brac and sorts them. Some items are given to the homeless, saleable items are sold in the charity shop and non-saleable clothing and bedding is sold as rags, so nothing goes to waste. Between them, the warehouse and shop recycle 32 tons of textiles a month.

How you can help

During Lent we shall be running a collection to support them. They particularly request items that provide nourishing meals, such as packets of pasta, tins of corned beef and packeted or tinned soup. Also, good quality clothes for young adults, shampoo, towels and the like. (They cannot use items that are out of date.) If you would like to help, please leave tins in church at St Wystan's or St Mary's.

In addition, Padley is always looking for volunteers. Telephone 01332 384867 to speak to one of the staff.

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In the Steps of St Paul, 5th - 13th October 2009

Update

In order to keep costs to a minimum we have decided to confine our trip to Greece. We will visit the places where Paul preached: Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens and Corinth, as well as places he visited, Neapolis and Cenchreae. We will also take a boat trip around the Holy Mountain - the peninsular of Mount Athos - and visit the rock monasteries of Meteora and Delphi, the site of the oracle. The trip will cost £1299, half board, all excursions, flights and gratuities included. Please let me know as soon as possible if you are interested. If you would like a brochure please email peterspaine@googlemail.com, ring 703317, or call at St Wystan's Vicarage.

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Repton Church Heritage Appeal St George's Day Spectacular Thursday 23rd April at Burton Town Hall * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Flower Festival Saturday 2nd - Monday 4th May at St Wystan's Church * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Sunday Lunch Sunday 5th July at Repton School

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St Wystan's News

Lent Lunches

On Wednesdays during Lent there will again be a series of Lent Lunches at the Fisher Close Community Room - from 12.30 to 1.30 pm on the 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th March and the 1st and 8th April. If you are willing to help prepare the simple lunch, please see the notice in St Wystan's Church. There will be a charity collection, although the recipient is yet to be decided.

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

The meeting normally lasts a little over an hour and is followed by supper. Supper tickets at £4 are available from Sue Parker, 702550, David Roberts, 702159, and Martin Wimbush, 703180. You don't need to buy a supper ticket if you just want to attend the meeting.

The Vestry Meeting for the election of Churchwardens precedes the APCM. To propose or second a candidate or to vote or stand for the PCC, you need to be on the Church Electoral Roll. A nomination paper for the election of members of the PCC is in St Wystan's Church. There are three places for election for the full term of three years. In addition, following resignations, there is one place on the PCC for a one year term, and one place on the Deanery Synod for two years.

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Easter Lilies at St Wystan's

Easter Sunday this year falls on the 12th April. St Wystan's Church, which for the previous week - Holy Week - has been stripped of all decoration, will be filled with flowers to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and his promise of everlasting life. And the traditional flower, with its delicacy of form and its snow-white colour, is the Easter Lily. We invite you to join in and make a donation towards the Easter lilies, whether in memory of a loved one or to give thanks to God for special times over the past twelve months. And then, as a sponsor we hope that you will be able to join us at our Easter services.

For more details, please contact Frances Wimbush, 703180.

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Repton M.U.

After the AGM and a fun quiz on books of the Bible came a quieter, more reflective meeting in February when members were reminded that one of the aims of the Mothers' Union is to be a world-wide fellowship of prayer.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 18th March at 2.15 pm in the Fisher Close Room: Roger Juneau talking about Parson Kilvert and his 'Diary'.

Francis Kilvert was a Victorian country parson who kept a diary from 1870 to 1879, writing about the services he took, the people and places he visited, the weather and the countryside. We look forward to hearing more about this portrait of rural life and would welcome anyone who would like to come along to the meeting.

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St Mary's News

Mothering Sunday at Newton Solney

The Mothering Sunday service at St Mary's will be held on Sunday 22nd March at 10 am. There will be no Evensong on that day.

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Repton School Lent Charity Cabaret 12th - 14th March at 7.30 pm in the 400 Hall A sparkling and stylish evening of comedy, dance, drama and music. Phone 01283 559343

Repton Primary School PTA Children's Nearly New Sale Children's Clothes, Books and Toys, Nursery Equipment, Maternity Wear Repton Village Hall, Saturday 14th March, 10 am - 12 noon Admission 50p, Children free To register as a seller or for further details, call 07982 781936

Carol & Chris Lloyd invite you to Morning Coffee at 1 Milton Road, Repton Saturday 14th March, 10.30 am to 12.30 pm Quizzes and Raffle Admission £1.50         All proceeds to St Wystan's Church.

Repton Church Heritage Appeal St George's Day Spectacular Popular English tunes with a grand finale including Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory, and Rule Britania. Burton Big Band with guest artist, Tania Hilton, and Pyrotechnic Effects. Thursday 23rd April, 8 pm at Burton Town Hall Doors and bars open at 7.30. Bangers and Mash Supper Tickets: £15 Karen Perks 01283 702392; Carol Lloyd 01283 702410

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Environment Matters

Set your strategy for a greener year.

Get insulated: If you haven't already installed cavity wall or loft insulation, you will be astonished what a difference it makes to the warmth of your house. And you could get a grant to help. For free, independent and local energy saving advice, check the Energy Trust website at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk or call 0800 512 012.

Turn down your thermostat: Put those Christmas jumpers to good use. Wrap up warm and turn down your central heating thermostat. Turning your thermostat down by just 1°C could save you around £60 a year on your heating bills.

Swap your light bulbs: By switching every light bulb in your home for an energy saving bulb, you could save around £50 each year on electricity, and your bulbs will last up to 10 times as long.

Say goodbye to standby: Leaving gadgets and appliances on standby wastes over £900 million worth of energy across the UK. Cut your consumption and your bills by unplugging appliances and chargers at the wall when they are not in use.

Ditch plastic bags: Get a set of long life or cloth bags. Keep them in the car and use them every time you shop.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Change at the Top

Tom Hyde has handed over to Adrian Gillham as Repton Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, but will continue as Adrian's deputy. Tom took over from Bunty Marshall in 1988, when Neighbourhood Watch was still in its infancy, and his 20 years in the chair include five as Chairman of South Derbyshire Neighbourhood Watch Association. We all owe him an immense debt of gratitude.

Contact Adrian on 703340, or by email at adrian.gillham@btinternet.com.

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Tasers

Following the Government's decision to fund an extra 10,000 tasers to equip every police force in the country, Derbyshire police are consulting on their use. Currently in Derbyshire, 62 armed response officers are trained to use tasers but the Chief Constable wants a further 83 officers from the Road Policing Unit to be able to use them. These officers are based across the county and available 24 hours a day. To have your say, go to www.derbyshire.police.uk.

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Car Seatbelts

Over 6,000 fines were handed out in Derbyshire during 2008 as a result of car passengers not wearing seatbelts - nearly 100 of these due to children. You should always use your seatbelt, however short your journey. It greatly reduces the risk of injury and saves lives.

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'Free' Raffles

Men have been calling door to door offering a 'free raffle card' to win a car. If you don't win the car (some chance!) you may win a smaller prize. However, to claim it, you must agree that you and your partner will let the company demonstrate their 'fully comprehensive home security system' in your house. Another prize is that they shampoo one of your carpets - to try to get you to buy their machine. These salesmen are very pushy and incredibly hard to get rid of. Don't let them in unless you are very, very confident.

If you are buying home security - and trusting them with your security details - it is essential to employ a reputable firm. And it pays to be very careful when you let people in to see what valuables you have on view. 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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Watch your Bank Account

A recent newspaper article warns us to keep a close eye on bank and credit card statements; small, unauthorized charges are often the first sign that thieves have made off with your account number and are getting ready to sell it on to other crooks or to use it to rack up thousands of pounds in fraudulent purchases. Thieves like to test the validity of a stolen credit card number before making a larger purchase.

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Repton Village & History

Repton Village Party, Saturday 2nd May, 2 to 5-30 pm at the Mitre Field

Poster Competition

Pupils at Repton Primary, St Wystan's and Foremark Schools have been invited to design an A4 poster to advertise the Village Party. There will be two categories, infant and junior, and book token prizes will be awarded to the winning entries. The poster should feature details of the event including the date and time, venue, and some of the many activities such as the Punch and Judy, maypole dancing, football, treasure hunt, model railway rides, craft tent, tug of war, bellringers, Repton Primary School orchestra, displays and competitions. It is hoped that all the posters will be displayed around the village for everyone to view and enjoy.

If your child is not a pupil at one of the schools mentioned but would still like to take part in the competition, their entry would be most welcome. Please ensure that their full name, age and category (infant or junior) are written clearly on the back of each poster and delivered to Lynne Skeith, 9 Main Street by the 30th March.

Environmental Weaving

We need unwanted recyclable materials such as cotton, wool, rope, cord and plastic for weaving at The Village Party.

Future Meeting Dates

Meetings are planned for the 11th March, 8th and 22nd April, all at the Den, Mitre Drive. For further information, or to have your questions answered, please contact Frances Wimbush, 01283 703180.

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Repton Enabling Fund AGM

The annual general meeting of Repton Enabling Fund takes place on Wednesday 4th March at 4 pm in The Den, Mitre Drive. All village organisations are entitled to have a representative on the committee and to attend the AGM.

The fund, which comes from surpluses left over from fireworks displays and the Queen's Jubilee celebrations, makes interest-free loans to help set up or partially underwrite events. Any Repton village organisation - including those set up just to organise a 'one-off' event - can borrow money free of interest to help cover the initial costs of setting up a community event.

For more information, contact Andy Austen on 01283 702448.

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Tug of War, Repton Village Party, Saturday 2nd May

The Red Lion won an unforgettable tug of war at the last Repton Village Party in 2007. Already it is rumoured that there will be challenges this year from Burton Royal British Legion, the Bulls Head in Repton, Burton Bridge Brewery, Repton Casuals, the Unicorn at Newton Solney, Ticknall Cricket team and Repton Tower Bellringers.

If you are interested in this massive fun event and would like to enter a team of eight - plus a coach - please contact Roger Denniss on 01283 702269 or email lorry.logic @virgin.net.

Each 3 pull contest takes less than five minutes and each member of the team will receive a photograph of their team.

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Repton W.I.

Wardrobe weeding may well be going on in Repton after Susan Hyde's talk to the W.I. in February. Members were told how to choose the most flattering colours and where to find clothes to suit their personality. Mrs. Hyde even gave us tips for these credit crunch days as part of a most entertaining evening.

March looks like being a busy month with the Council meeting at Chesterfield, the county quiz at Etwall, a rearranged beading workshop in Repton, and plans for another lunch at the Mulberry Restaurant.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 10th March at 7.15 pm in the village hall: 'Hands-on Calligraphy' with Pam Hicklin.

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Repton Village History Group

We had an excellent attendance at our January meeting to hear Dr. Wendy Freer give a very professional, illustrated talk on the lives and duties of Victorian servants in the large houses of yesteryear.

'Bonnie Prince Charlie comes to Derbyshire', Tuesday 17th March

Swarkestone Bridge was - geographically, at least - the turning point of the 1745 Jacobite rebellion, so this talk by Gareth King has considerable local interest. (7.30 pm at the village hall)

'Open Evening', Tuesday 21st April

Many of our archives will be on display, but we would also be very pleased if members and visitors could bring along and display local historical photographs, newspaper cuttings and other memorabilia (not necessarily related to Repton). Our AGM is in May and we are looking for additional committee members to help run the group. This is not particularly demanding, but it is very rewarding. If you are interested please contact any of our committee.

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Repton Village Society

An audience of 45 came in difficult weather conditions to hear Pete Garrard from Air Traffic Control at East Midlands Airport give an excellent explanation of the systems and equipment used to keep aircraft apart both in the air and on the ground.

The evening with Bill Smith and Gypsy Jazz was sold out, and as great a success this year as last. We look forward to another evening of superb musicianship in 2010. A sum of £500 was raised for the Church Heritage Appeal, which the Society is very happy to support as it will provide improved facilities in St Wystan's that will benefit not only churchgoers but the village as a whole.

Thursday 5th March: Danny Green, 'Wildlife Photography'

Danny, whose award-winning photographs appear regularly in the RSPB and other wildlife magazines, will be describing a typical year, illustrating his talk with many fine examples of his work. That will be followed by the Annual General Meeting and cheese and wine.

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Patio Furniture wanted for the Dales

Are you hoping to renew your garden furniture this year? And is the old set still in decent condition? The Dales Residential Home in Askew Grove would very much like to acquire two sets of patio furniture, ideally each consisting of a table and four chairs. To cope with elderly residents, they must be safe and sturdy. If you can help, please contact Sue Banks on 701726.

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Repton Evergreens

May sees the 50th Anniversary of Repton Evergreens, formed in 1959 to provide a monthly meeting point for the older residents of Repton. So, as we celebrate, we would like to invite any past member, and anyone who has had any connection with the Evergreens in whatever capacity, to join us.

Our birthday party will take place on Thursday 28th May at 2 pm in the village hall. We do hope you can come; please telephone Colleen on 702975 to let her know.

Can you help?

If you can spare one hour per year to help with teas or bingo-calling, please get in touch (as above). All food is provided. Your main duties would be making tea, serving and washing up. We would be so grateful for some help to keep this small but lively group going.

Sue Banks

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

A monthly newsletter covering issues from Repton Parish Council in February.

• Removal of Traffic Waiting Restrictions: In January the Parish Council wrote to Derbyshire County Council, objecting in the strongest terms to its proposal to remove all yellow lines and signs, waiting bays and signs throughout Repton, which the Parish Council believes will cause chaos at peak times. In reply, DCC said that, when funding is available to remove the waiting restrictions, there will be another consultation process. At that stage, the Parish Council and residents can say why they believe the restrictions should be removed, remain, or be extended.
  
  The Parish Council resolved to write to DCC, noting the letter and reiterating our objections. We will comment again when DCC consults with the public.
• Planning Applications: The Parish Council resolved to object to a proposal to erect a detached garage at 11 Pinfold Lane, Repton, for the following reasons:
  a. The footprint is too large and out of scale and character with the surroundings.
  b. The ancillary room and toilet raise concerns of future use for residential or commercial purposes.
  c. Large French windows facing existing homes intrude on neighbours' privacy.
• Chairman's Announcements: The Chairman reported that in the current financial climate, interest rates paid on set-aside funds and on call loans by SDDC could be as low as 0%. The Parish Council agreed that a finance meeting is needed to review the situation and discuss current spending plans.
  
  The Chairman reported that the action group opposing the proposed Egginton Common Rail Head Development regularly sends him information, including news of a public meeting on 19th February.
• Councillors' Reports:
  - Trees have been planted on Pinfold Lane, Mount Pleasant Road, Pinfold Close, The Crescent, Milton Road, Broomhills Field and the Mitre Field. It was decided not to plant trees on Hartshorne Road because of the presence of underground gas mains and water pipes.
  - Bench Seats will be installed soon on Willington Road, Milton Road, Main Street and Burton Road.
  - Litter Bin: SDDC has agreed to install a litter bin on Springfield Road.
  - Biodiversity: The Parish Council proposes to register local sites of biodiversity with the Lowland Derbyshire Biodiversity Partnership. The hope and intention is to safeguard such sites from commercial development and destruction. Councillors will locate suitable sites in the parish for registration with the Partnership. Funding is available to do any work involved. Parishioners who are interested in this subject could also be part of the project and are invited to contact Bernice McLaren, 01283 701090, or Celia Bunston, 01283 701309 or 01332 865226, for further information.
  - Street Lamp: The Safer Neighbourhoods Group has given the Parish Council a grant of £1290.38 to pay for the installation of a new lamp standard and replacement lamp on The Pastures.

Next Meeting: Monday 9th March at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall. Plans available and councillors' surgery at 7.15 pm.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton Village Hall Annual General Meeting

Thursday 26th March at 7.30 pm in Milton Village Hall. All welcome.

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Milton W.I.

Our Annual Dinner will be held at Littleover Lodge restaurant on Wednesday 4th March at 7.30 pm. At our members' meeting on 18th March, Jeanne Howe-McCartin will give a demonstration of 'sugar craft'. The competition is a teaspoon.

We meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 7.30 pm in Milton Village Hall. Visitors are always welcome. Programmes for the forthcoming year are available from Sue White, 701978, or Rosemary Mumford, 703994.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School

Community Collective Worship: In spite of adverse weather we were pleased to welcome a good number of parents and local residents who joined us at the beginning of February to think about and celebrate Candlemas.

The next Community Worship, led by Pre-School, will be in the school hall at 9.15 am on Wednesday 4th March.

Easter Service: On Thursday 2nd April at 2.15 pm everyone is welcome to join us in St Mary's Church for an Easter Service led by Rev'd Peter Paine. (Please note that there will be no Community Worship on Wednesday 1st April.) 'Living Eggs' come to us in March, and over a fortnight the children will be carefully watching the development from eggs to chicks.

Staff Vacancies: We currently have vacancies in school for a Cleaner in Charge (12½ hours per week) and a Midday Supervisor (5 hours and 50 minutes per week). Please telephone 01283 703461 or call in at the school office.

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Newton Solney Parish Council Notes

The three grit bins in the village have been refilled, at a cost of £54 each. Please remember that the grit is for use on public roads and pavements, not on private property.

Roger Charles organizes our Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, you can contact him on 704002 or at solney@tesco.net. The Parish Council has been contacted again regarding the Speedwatch Community Scheme. At least 6 people are needed. If you would like to be a volunteer and train to use a hand-held speed gun, please contact the Parish Council. If there is sufficient interest we can take it forward.

Andy Parker has resigned from the Parish Council for professional reasons. He has our thanks for all his work over the past years. This generates a vacancy on the Parish Council. Please look at the village notice-boards for further information.

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

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Newton Solney Horticultural Society

A talk and slide show by Don Witton on 'Walking with Flowers' will take place in Newton Solney Village Hall on Tuesday 24th March at 7.30 pm. Entrance £2 including refreshments. Please come along and support this annual event.

Newton Solney Annual Open Horticultural Show 5th September 2009 Titles for the Photographs Section Adults: 'Animals' ; 'Wheels' ; 'Early Morning Dew' Juniors (7 - 10 years): 'Toys or Games' (11- 16 years): 'Sport' Handicraft Section A handmade 'Bag for Life' (any medium)

Newton Solney W.I.

Welcoming a well attended meeting of members and visitors, sadly our President had to report the death of another of our long-standing members, Nora McEwan.

The Group Business Meeting was cancelled because of the inclement weather. We hope for better conditions for the Spring Group Meeting to be held here on Monday 20th April. To fit in with our evening speaker, the competition for that meeting is a limerick about a Lady Pawnbroker.

Members were asked to sign up for the February lunch visit to the Mulberry Rooms and for a May visit to the Mellow Dramatics production of 'Kiss me Kate'. A team has been entered for the WI Quiz in Etwall on 26th March. Following last year's talk by a Kedleston Hall volunteer, we are arranging for a visit to view the costumes from the film 'The Duchess' and a glimpse into how the film was made. There will be more costumes on view, and behind the scenes anecdotes and information. In the summer we are hoping to visit Bakewell and Elvaston shows, with a view to entering the shows in the future.

For our fundraising efforts we hope to have the annual Cutthorpe Tea, and it is proposed to hold a Summer Garden Party / Coffee Morning.

For our Produce Cup competition in July, we would like five garden flowers arranged in a jam jar. We are also seeking more entries for our craft competition.

Our speaker at the meeting was Mr. R. Steele, a local Newton Solney businessman, Chairman of Portmeirion Pottery, who gave an illustrated talk on the development and history of the Pottery from 1960 to 2008. We were told of the involvement of Susan Williams-Ellis, an artist and designer, and a daughter of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, the creator of Portmeirion Village. World-wide interest in the pottery remains high. Samples were handed round, not just pottery but table mats, glasses and metalware, and members were delighted to receive a sample to take home.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 10th March at 7.30 pm in the village hall. Anna Doswell will give a talk on 'The History of Corset Design and Corset Making'. All welcome.

Whist Drive: Tuesday 24th March at 7.30 pm, also in the village hall.

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Further Afield

The National Memorial Arboretum Wildlife Watch Group

The National Memorial Arboretum covers 150 acres of reclaimed gravel workings. There is a wide variety of natural habitats, including emerging woodland, hay meadow, riverbank and marsh, each with its own flora and fauna. Here you can observe over 100 species of birds including skylark, lapwing, oystercatcher, and kingfisher, and - if you're lucky - brown hares, otters, and several species of bats.

The Arboretum Wildlife Watch Group organises on-site activities and walks for 7 to 14 year-olds, led by Richard Thorpe, Volunteer Wildlife Officer. The next meetings are on Saturdays 21st March and 18th April from 2 - 4 pm. Appropriate clothing and footwear are required. Cost £1 per child. Places are limited and booking is essential. For details contact Lynne Barkas, Events Officer, on 01283 799857.

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Gardening Notes

Time spent weeding now will lessen problems later in the year. Hoeing open ground in dry weather, and between shrubs and plants in the border, should be a priority. Then rake the weeds up and leave them to dry before composting. Hand-weeding will be needed in rockeries and areas that are closely planted. Dig out individually deeper rooted weeds such as dandelion, dock and couch grass. To suppress regrowth, when the soil is moist and warm enough, apply a mulch thick enough to keep out the light that weed seeds need to germinate. Any weeds that do grow through the mulch can easily be removed. An organic mulch such as compost or manure will also add to the soil's fertility.

Great efforts are being made to improve peat-free composts. Most of them are satisfactory for general use, but do not seem to be as good for sowing seed. The main problem seems to be their variability, as the main constituents - wood chips and green waste - come from different sources, and continue to break down in the bags, changing the nutrient content.

The first sowings of summer bedding plants that are slow to germinate and develop can all be made this month: salvias, begonias, impatiens, nicotiana, petunias, lobelia and geraniums can be sown now and will need 21°C (70°F). If the ground is too cold or wet to sow outside, you could cover it for a few days with a sheet of polythene beforehand. Cold, wet soil may rot the seed.

Sow herbs for summer use: parsley, thyme, coriander and dill. Parsley is often slow to germinate and may be best sown in modules under glass.

Broad beans and peas can be sown outside now, but will get a better start if sown in a length of gutter under glass, and planted out after germination. Parsnips and leeks can also be sown outside or under glass to start with. Onion sets should be planted later in the month when conditions are suitable. Sow tomato seed at the end of the month for planting out - with protection - in May.

Plant chitted potatoes, and earth up when the shoots are 8" - 10" tall. Alternatively, cover the soil with black plastic and make holes to plant the potatoes through.

Harden off any established cuttings, or young plants grown from seed. This allows the plant to adapt from the stable conditions of the greenhouse or propagator to the more variable conditions outside. Too rapid a change can severely check a plant's growth.

Sweet peas sown in the autumn can be planted out at the end of the month.

Complete the pruning of roses, and tidy up grasses. Evergreen grasses may only need a trim, but deciduous ones should have remaining flower stalks and dead leaves removed. Mophead and lacecap hydrangeas flower on shoots that emerge from last year's growth, so plants need little pruning. Aim principally to stimulate new growth. Hydrangea serrata is treated in the same way, but H. paniculata and H. arborescens, which both flower on the current year's growth, can be trimmed hard back to the lowest pair of healthy buds.

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Sam Beeton

First women ordained in Madagascar

At a service in November, the Bishop of Antsiranana ordained three women, the first time that the Anglican Church in Madagascar has ordained women. Three other priests and eight deacons, including three women, were also ordained during the service, which was attended by a delegation of women priests and other dignitaries from the Diocese of Canterbury. In Madagascar, the dioceses are all independent. Only Antsiranana has ordained women priests.

The Anglican Church in Madagascar desperately needs more trained clergy as there currently only 100 Anglican priests in the country, many aged 70 or over, each with up to six parishes to care for. St Wystan's Church supports Sam, who teaches at St Paul's Theological College in Antananarivo, the key training centre for the church of Madagascar. To support him, or the work of the USPG generally, visit www.uspg.org.uk, email enquiries@uspg.org.uk, or ring 020 7803 3422.

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Computer Security

Attacks based on tempting you to a rogue site are commonplace on the Internet. If you use 'Facebook' or 'MySpace', a 'friend' may invite you to watch a video, and send you a link which just happens to lead to a site prompting you to update your video software. Within a few seconds, your computer can be fatally compromised. The invitation may appear to come from a friend, but it could just as easily come from someone spoofing their details.

Danger signs to look for are: slow startup; browser and system crashes; changes to your homepage which you can't reset to the normal page; altered bookmarks and default search pages; excessive numbers of 'pop-ups' when browsing (some pop-ups - though irritating - are legitimate); slow web browsing; random redirections to unintended websites. Malware may also disable your antivirus programs, including the Microsoft security updates system.

Many people are taken in by 'fake' antivirus sites which offer clean-up software that either you don't need, or worse, which actually plant viruses on your machine. Some such sites give themselves away by misspelt words, unrealistic claims and poor grammar, but by no means all are so obvious.

Make sure that your computer has a bidirectional firewall, and buy a good security suite. You can also use add-ins like the McAfee Site Advisor and Netcraft anti-phishing Toolbar to pre-scan web sites you visit. (You may need to install these separately on each web browser you use).