April 2009 - Contents The Risen Christ Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Times of Services at Newton Solney and Foremark Services for Holy Week Services at St Wystan's, Repton Services at St Saviour's, Foremark Services at St Mary's, Newton Solney Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Wystan's Brasses at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Coffee Morning, Saturday 4th April, 10.30 to 11.30 Easter Sunday Services at 11 am and 6.30 pm Lent Group Shell (for children aged 7+) The Memorial Book St Wystan's News Building Begins, Repton Church Development St Wystan's Church Spire Tower Steps St Wystan's Artwork Banner Repton M.U. St Saviour's News Foremark Church Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Monday 27th April at 7 pm St Mary's News Easter at St Mary's Newton Solney Annual Parochial Church Meeting (Stainer's) Crucifixion, Sunday 5th April 'A Night Out', Friday 17th April St George's Day Musical Spectacular, Thursday 23rd April Afternoon Tea, Saturday 25th April Repton School Concert with Duo Amadé, Wednesday 29th April Repton Village Party, Saturday 2nd May St Wystan's Flower Festival Champagne & Canapés Preview, Friday 1st May St Wystan's Flower Festival, Saturday 2nd - Monday 4th May Repton's Songs of Praise, Sunday 3rd May St Mary's Spring Buffet Lunch, Sunday 10th May Repton Evergreens 50th Anniversary Birthday Party, Thursday 28th May Environment Matters In your Garden Musical Events Stainer's Crucifixion Derbyshire Walks in Derbyshire, More than 250 to download and print - Free! Neighbourhood Watch Thefts from Cars Distraction Burglary Repton Village and History Repton Village Party: Help Wanted! Repton Show Photos ngs Gardens Reopen Celebrated Landscape Artist in Repton Our cubs can cook! Repton Evergreens 50th Anniversary Trip Parish Walk and Pub Lunch 'ICE' Chocolate Bingo! Repton Primary School, 24th April Repton W.I. Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Morgan Car Commemorative Weekend, Saturday 18th - Sunday 19th April SDDC Advisor to visit, April 7th Repton Parish Council Jottings Local Development Framework Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton WI Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Parish Council Notes Gardening Notes

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The Risen Christ

Dear Friends,

I have set myself a challenge: to move from Lord Joffe's 'assisted dying' Bill to the resurrection of Jesus, which we celebrate this month.

Writing to The Times on 14th March, Lord Carlile of Berriew said: "that a small minority wants medical help to commit suicide instead [of palliative care] is sad but no reason to change a law that safeguards the vulnerable."

It's more than 'sad', it's tragic.

Having worked for a brief time at St Christopher's Hospice (which pioneered palliative care) as a theological student in the late 1960s, I know at first hand the invaluable work done in such places, the great comfort and hope that is given to patients and families. It was an experience I shall always value. To change current legislation would undermine such work.

St Christopher's and the whole hospice movement is founded on Christian values, particularly the unique worth of every human being in the sight of God. The foundation of that faith is the death and resurrection of Jesus. In Jesus' death, we can say that God knows what dying is about. He has 'been there'. He is not aloof from human suffering but is there with us. For the terminally ill it is certainly true that 'only a suffering God will do'. But at the same time that Jesus felt abandoned by the Father, there was something else going on. This 'something else' was the presence of the Father in his suffering, which was to transform him into new life.

This new life, which we call 'resurrection', was to bring Jesus into a new mode of being, unrestricted by time and space. His disciples met him several times and did not recognise him at first, but were persuaded by the marks of his suffering. People have gone on meeting him ever since.

It is not unique for terminally ill people to have an experience of the risen Christ. This happened to Colin, a doctor of twelve years standing, who was dying of cancer. He had spoken with his parish priest for several hours and had received prayer. Within a few days of his death, despite the sedative effects of his drugs, he sat up in bed and spoke to the priest and his wife of the wonderful vision he had of Jesus inviting him to be with him. Although the context was one of sadness, that moment was one of great joy.

Please pray this Easter for those who are terminally ill, that they may know Jesus' great love for them and that they may come to trust the resurrection life which he offers to them and to all of us.

Wishing you all a very joyful and blessed Easter,

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

Times of Services at Newton Solney and Foremark

With the arrival of British Summer Time at the end of March, evening services at Foremark and Newton Solney will move to 6.30 pm.

From 19th April, initially as a 6-month experiment, Parish Communion at St Mary's will start at 11 am. Tea and coffee will be available before the service, from 10.30.

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Services for Holy Week

Palm Sunday, 5th April

Holy Week begins with the re-enactment of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. So this year we intend to have a donkey and, after our palm crosses are blessed, we will walk with it round the church, starting at 9.45 am from the Arch and entering the church at 10. This Palm Procession is followed by a dramatised reading of the Passion story, this year from the gospel of Mark. The service concludes with Holy Communion.

There will be no matins. Please come to the service at 9.45.

In the evening at 7 pm, The Wystan Singers are performing Stainer's Crucifixion with invited soloists. Entrance will be by ticket (£5 on the door). The proceeds will all go to the Heritage Appeal.

Monday of Holy Week: Stations of the Cross, 7.30 pm

We remember significant incidents of the Passion story, using pictures, meditations and prayers as we move round the church.

Tuesday of Holy Week: Passover Celebration Meal, 7 pm in the village hall

This meal recalls the last meal Jesus took with his disciples, a Passover meal remembering the Jews' flight from Egypt. The food recalls the lambs that were killed and the other food eaten in haste before they fled. So the meal consists of a lamb stew, other symbolic foods, a glass of wine and pudding. It was at this meal that Jesus took bread and wine and rededicated them as signs of his life, shortly to be broken for the deliverance of the whole world. Please contact Peter and Carol at the Vicarage, 703317, for a ticket - £5 each.

Wednesday of Holy Week: Compline, 7.30 pm

Compline is a short, gentle and beautiful service, the last service of the day for monastic communities.

Maundy Thursday: Eucharist of the Last Supper, 8 pm

This service of Holy Communion celebrates the occasion when Jesus first took bread and wine, blessed them, broke the bread, and gave them to his followers as signs of his presence with us for all time. We also re-enact the washing of the disciples' feet, an action that Jesus performed at the meal as a demonstration of the servant nature of ministry. The service ends with a procession to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed and was arrested. From the end of the service until 11 pm, a Watch is kept at which people may come and go in the silence, to be with Jesus in prayer for as long as they wish.

Good Friday: Children's Service, 10 am; Devotion, noon to 3 pm. Devotional Service at Newton Solney, 7 pm

For the Three Hours Devotion, we are pleased to welcome the Bishop of Repton who is looking forward to sharing this special occasion with us. (He was due to be here last year, but had to cry off due to ill health.) There will be four hymns during the first two hours, and people may come and go, roughly on the half hour.

Easter Day, 12th April

5.30 am	We begin this great festival with the Lighting of the Easter Fire, the Easter Light and Holy Communion.
8 am	Holy Communion
9.15 am	Easter Communion by extension at Foremark
9.45 am	Joyful Easter Communion with individual candles and the Renewal of Baptismal Promises
10 am	Easter Communion at Newton Solney

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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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Coffee Morning, Saturday 4th April, 10.30 to 11.30

This month's coffee morning is on the first Saturday - not the second - to avoid the Easter weekend. Have a coffee and biscuits, browse the Webb Ivory stall, and play the children's Easter game.

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Easter Sunday Services at 11 am and 6.30 pm

Celebrate the most important day in the Christian calendar by sharing in the family Communion in the morning and singing favourite Easter hymns in the evening. A warm welcome awaits you and your family this Easter!

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Lent Group

This year's Lent course ends on Tuesday 7th April at 8 pm in the schoolroom.

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Repairs to the wall and schoolroom

The District Council have now given permission for the building work to begin after 1st April. This will end four years of anxious waiting.

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Shell (age 7 - 11)

Meets on Mondays 20th and 27th April from 6.30 to 7.30 pm.

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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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St Wystan's News

Building Begins, Repton Church Development

A year ago, we launched the Heritage Appeal. In spite of the substantial sum already available, the amount to be raised looked daunting. Now, however, we give thanks to God that we have enough money to embark on the project this month. And by August, as long as no significant archaeological finds are made, the toilets, kitchen and disabled facilities will all be in place. We are very grateful to all who have helped - those who have made donations, organised and supported events, or contributed in so many other ways, particularly to the Heritage Appeal Committee and David Bordoli, the Project Manager, all of whose efforts have been untiring.

We still have more money to raise in order to complete the project: we have to replace money that has been 'borrowed' from that put aside for the storage area, and the inner glass doors, tables and chairs still need to be funded. All the same, it is exciting to know that by this autumn, after years of discussion and planning, the church and community will benefit from greatly improved facilities.

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St Wystan's Church Spire

Using two stainless steel bands, steeplejacks have now secured the two cracked stones at the top of the 212 ft spire. This will make them safe until they can be replaced, work which will entail the complete scaffolding of the tower and spire. While the scaffolding is in place, essential re-pointing will also be carried out. If grant aid can be obtained, this work should be done in about two years time.


A rope handrail has been installed up the spiral staircase of the church tower. Together with two new grab handles at the exit onto the walkway at the top, this should allow us to open the tower to the public again, provided we can obtain clearance from our insurers.

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St Wystan's Artwork Banner

Owing to the constraints of time and holidays, the collection for the fabric bricks for the North wall Church Banner will now take place during the whole of April. If you have any questions, please do get in touch on 01283 212652.

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Repton M.U.

At the April meeting, 16 members heard a fascinating talk about Parson Kilvert, a Victorian country clergyman. Roger Juneau explained that Francis Kilvert would have been forgotten, had he not left diaries which were published early in the 20th century. Kilvert described the scenery, the weather, his work in his parishes, and the young lady whom he would have liked to marry, but whose father considered his prospects not good enough. When he did eventually marry, he died only four months after his return from honeymoon.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 16th April at 2.15 pm in the Fisher Close Room: Vera Bracken will be talking about her visit to East Gosford in Australia. Repton Branch has a longstanding link with the M.U. there.

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St Saviour's News

Foremark Church Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Monday 27th April at 7 pm

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting of St Saviour's Church, Foremark, is to be held at Hall Cottage, Foremarke Hall, by kind invitation of the Headmaster. The meeting will be in the new extension on the right of Hall Cottage, which is at the end of the cul-de-sac when you turn immediately left by the main classroom block. All parishioners are welcome to attend the Vestry Meeting for the election of churchwardens, and those on the electoral roll are welcome to attend the APCM afterwards, where there will be elections for the Deanery Synod representative and the PCC.

For an application form to join the electoral roll, please contact Miss Heather Lowe at Foremarke Hall, Repton Preparatory School, Foremarke Hall, Milton, Derbyshire, DE65 6EJ. The new electoral roll will be revised up to the 9th April and displayed thereafter.

A meeting of Foremark PCC will immediately follow the APCM.

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St Mary's News

Easter at St Mary's

Easter Day will be celebrated at St Mary's with Parish Communion at 10 am, when all are welcome. The church will be decorated during the morning of the previous day, Saturday 11th April, starting at 9.30 am. Contributions of flowers and foliage would be much appreciated, as would help to arrange them.

During Sunday's service you can also view, framed by the altar, scenes representing the events of Holy Week, peopled by figures prepared at the children's workshops during Lent.

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Newton Solney Annual Parochial Church Meeting

The Annual Meeting will be held in St Mary's Church on Sunday 26th April at about 7.15 pm - immediately after the evening service. Following elections for churchwardens and the Parochial Church Council, church officers will report on the past year. Parishioners are warmly invited to attend, and light refreshments will be available at the end of the meeting for those who do.

Nomination slips for candidates for election can be found at the back of the church during the weeks before the meeting, and should be returned to the secretary by Sunday 19th April. Only those whose names have been on the church's electoral roll for at least fifteen days are eligible to stand for election to the PCC and / or to nominate or vote for candidates; however, anyone resident in the parish has the right to elect the churchwardens. If you wish to be entered on the electoral roll, please ask the churchwarden or secretary for an application form and return it directly.

The Crucifixion Sir John Stainer Glynn Aubrey, tenor, and Michael Redfearn, bass, with The Wystan Singers, conductor Terence Bennett, and Peter Williams, organ. St Wystan's Church, Sunday 5th April at 7 pm Tickets £5 on the door

Repton Pre-School Invites You to A Night Out at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Newton Park, Newton Solney Friday 17th April, 7.30 pm till midnight Disco      Buffet      Raffle & Auction Tickets £12.50 and information from Karen on 01283 221135

Repton Church Heritage Appeal St George's Day Musical Spectacular Popular English tunes with a grand finale including Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory, and Rule Britannia. Burton Concert Band with guest artists, Anne Peace, Tania Hilton, and Martin Atterbury on the Mighty Wurlitzer. Thundering Canon and Pyrotechnic Effects. Complimentary Flags and Song Sheets Bangers and Mash Supper Thursday 23rd April, 8 pm at Burton Town Hall Doors and bars open at 7.15 Tickets: £15.     Karen Perks 01283 702392;     Carol Lloyd 01283 702410

Afternoon Tea Saturday 25th April, 2.30 to 4.30 pm Mayfield, 31 Milton Road, Repton Bring & Buy Upholstery & Dressmaking Fabrics. Cards for sale. Admission £1.50 inc. Tea and cake.

Repton School Concerts Society Duo Amadé Catherine Mackintosh, Violin, and Geoffrey Govier, Fortepiano Wednesday 29th April at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall This duo was formed to perform the intimate works of Mozart for this instrumental combination. Their concerts also include readings from Mozart's family letters. The programme on this occasion will include the Sonatas in Eb major, Bb major and G major. Tickets, £13 and £10 (concessions), from Sue Parker, 01283 702550, or Repton Music School, 01283 559319.

Repton Village Party SATURDAY 2nd MAY, 2 - 5.30 pm The Den and Scout Field, Mitre Drive, Repton * HOG ROAST * * Competitions * * TUG of WAR * * Crafts * * PUNCH and JUDY * * Displays * * STEAM TRAIN * *Treasure Hunt * * FAMILY FOOTBALL * * Bell Ringing * * MAYPOLE DANCING * * Traditional Games * * TEAS & HOME-MADE CAKES * * PRIMARY SCHOOL ORCHESTRA * * Anglo-Saxon 'Monk' and Friends * There will NO charge for entry, but programmes with more details and timings will soon be on sale around the village.

Repton Church Heritage Appeal St Wystan's Flower Festival Champagne & Canapés Preview Friday 1st May at 6 pm St Wystan's Church, Repton Tickets: £10          Carol Lloyd 01283 702410

Repton Church Heritage Appeal St Wystan's Flower Festival 'Seasons and Occasions' Saturday 2nd - Monday 4th May, 11 am - 5 pm St Wystan's Church, Repton Entrance £2. Home-made Cakes and Cream Teas

Repton's Songs of Praise Sunday 3rd May, 6.30 pm in St Wystan's Church Part of the Flower Festival Weekend Choose and sing your favourite hymns, accompanied by a band from Repton School Put your hymn choices in the boxes in church, in Redshaw's Butchers and the Post Office, or phone Ruth Attwood, 702804 All are welcome.

St Mary's Church Newton Solney Spring Buffet Lunch Sunday May 10th at 1 pm in Newton Solney Village Hall Bring your own bottle! Tickets: Adults £7, Children £3.50 from Hazel Ward 21, Blacksmith's Lane, Newton Solney, tel. 701244

Repton Evergreens 50th Anniversary Birthday Party Thursday 28th May at 2 pm in Repton Village Hall We do hope that everyone who has had any connection with the Evergreens will join us. Please telephone Colleen on 702975 to let her know.

Environment Matters

Environment Matters in your garden

Consider your local wildlife and provide an environment for them to flourish. (See the Royal Society of Wildlife Trust website.)

Plant native plants and embrace sustainable landscaping.

Nectar rich flowers such as buddleja, honeysuckle and foxgloves will attract bumblebees and butterflies.

Remove invasive plant species and dispose of them.

Avoid using slug pellets; other animals also eat them and are harmed or killed.

Encourage the local authority to provide more allotments.

Try a BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) Conservation Holiday for a chance to meet like-minded people and to make a difference to the environment.

Sit back and let the grass grow. It is good for the grass and good for wildlife.

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Musical Events

Stainer's Crucifixion, Sunday April 5th at 7pm in St Wystan's Church

Setting the mood for the beginning of Holy Week, there will be a performance of Stainer's Crucifixion - a meditation in the form of a cantata - for soloists, choir and congregation.

The work, portraying Christ's agony on the Cross, lasts about an hour, and this moving and dramatic setting includes five hymns for the congregation.

The soloists will be Glynn Aubrey, tenor, and Michael Redfearn, bass, performing with the Wystan Singers, conducted by Terence Bennett, and Peter Williams on the organ.

John Stainer was an immensely influential composer during the Victorian era. becoming organist and choirmaster at St Paul's Cathedral, where he had started his musical life as a boy chorister. The Rev'd J. Sparrow-Simpson, Stainer's librettist, whose father was a colleague of his at the Cathedral, added his own interpretation of the biblical story. After a long and illustrious career, John Stainer died in Verona on Palm Sunday in 1901, and co-incidentally our performance will also fall on Palm Sunday.

The proceeds will all be donated to the Heritage Appeal.

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Derbyshire

Walks in Derbyshire, More than 250 to download and print - Free!

We know that walking is good for us. It's good for the heart, for the lungs, for muscle and bone growth in children. Studies show that walking reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and strokes, lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol and body fat, and enhances mental wellbeing.

Walking is a great way to help kids get the active habit. If you as parents enjoy a walk in the countryside, you are more likely to transmit your enjoyment to your children. But it's important to treat the walk as an exploration or adventure and to go at the child's pace, no matter how often they want to stop and look. Take treats to eat and plenty to drink, and head for somewhere that will appeal to them, a castle perhaps, a playground, an ice cream van or a boating pond. If children see walking as fun, they are much more likely to want to go again.

And now, John Harris, a keen walker, has created a website to give you all the information you need. www.walkinginderbyshire.co.uk has details of more than 250 walks to download and print free - including many locally - as well as details of walking groups, maps, walk books, and links to walking nationwide.

So check out the website and enjoy walking!

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Neighbourhood Watch

Thefts from Cars

There have been several thefts from cars in Repton. Please don't leave valuables on view.

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Distraction Burglary

Distraction burglary is always on the agenda. Often the offender claims to be from the water board. He tells you there is something wrong with nearby water pipes and he needs to come in to check your water pressure. Then, while you are distracted, cash or valuables are taken from another room by another offender.

Never allow anyone into your house without checking identity. If you're at all unsure, tell them to leave. You could make an agreement with a neighbour to come around and help in such a situation. Genuine callers 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

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

We are looking for offers of help on the day. Could you perhaps:

Offer to make a cake

Help to sell programmes and raffle tickets

Look after a display

Help with putting up and / or taking down tents

Blow up balloons

And we need lots more besides. The more people who volunteer, the less each of us will need to do! If you can help, please contact Frances Wimbush, 01283 703180.

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Repton Show Photos, Saturday 5th September

The photo classes for both adults and children include 'A Village Event'. It would be great if entries could include pictures of events in Repton, such as the Village Party, the Flower Festival, the Open Gardens, or the Vicarage Garden Party. Don't forget to take your camera.

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ngs Gardens reopen for Spring

Over the last 15 years the National Gardens Scheme has raised more than £30 million for charity, and this year more Repton gardens are opening than ever before. In April, you can visit two well established favourites, which nevertheless every year bring something new.

Pauline and Robert Little, 10 Chestnut Way, Sunday 19th April, 1 - 5 pm

An acre of natural borders, spring bulbs and mature trees, with a stunning butterfly bed and flower meadow. A true plantsman's garden. There will be a plant stall and home-made teas and cakes as well as plenty of seats around the garden and a conservatory if it is cold or wet. Admission £2.50, children free.

Jan and David Roberts, 37 High Street, Sunday 19th April, 2 - 5.30 pm

Over an acre of gardens with a bridge over Repton Brook which meanders through. Formal and wildlife ponds, mixed borders of herbaceous, shrubs and trees. Rhododendrons and woodland, grasses, ferns and bamboos. Vegetable garden and greenhouses, container planting for spring and summer colour and alpines troughs. Admission £2.50, children free. Teas will be available in aid of church funds and there will be plants for sale. Come and see what we've done since last year.

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Celebrated Landscape Artist in Repton

In conjunction with Derby Museum and Art Gallery and the Tregoning Gallery, Repton School is to exhibit large works by Michael Porter, who is at the forefront of British contemporary landscape painting. Michael's pictures will hang in the school's three galleries in the centre of the village from 20th April to 29th May.

Thursday 23rd April at 6.30 pm: You are invited to hear Michael 'in conversation' with Jeremy Bournon, Director of Art at Repton School, followed by a private viewing of the paintings. The event is in the New Court Gallery.

Opening Times: Gallery No 1, The Cross: by appointment only. New Court Gallery, Burton Road: Monday to Wednesday, 2 - 4.30 pm and by appointment. The Art School, High Street: Monday to Friday, 9 am - 6 pm.

For more information or to arrange an appointment, contact 07808 930 141.

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Our cubs can cook!

Congratulations to the Repton Cub pack, runners-up in the South Derbyshire district Cub Scout cooking competition. Using just a two-burner camping stove and basic equipment, the team celebrated the Chinese new year by cooking chicken noodle soup, a beef stir fry and a marshmallow, rice crispy and chocolate dessert!

Recently, under a gorgeous full moon and with a little snow on the ground, they also took part in the district Cubs' night hike, they went to an activity day at Kibblestone camp site, and visited the Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) in Derby. On pack nights, they are working towards their Community and Promise Challenge awards and their Astronomer's and Home Safety badges.

Because February was National Heart Month, the Beavers have just gained the new Healthy Eating badge and are working towards their Health and Fitness and Emergency Helper badges. At the district Beaver craft day at Willington they earned their Creative badge.

For more information on scouting locally, contact Andy Austen on 01283 702448.

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Repton Evergreens 50th Anniversary Trip, Thursday 28th May

A coach will leave Repton Village Hall car park at 9.30 am for a half-day trip around the Peak District, arriving back in time to celebrate our 50th anniversary and join in our party at the village hall at 2 pm.

Anyone who wishes to join in is welcome. Please phone Colleen Yeomans on 702975 to book your place. We do hope that everyone connected with the Evergreens will come and enjoy our celebrations.

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Parish Walk and Pub Lunch, Thursday 7th May

It is a very hard act to follow Roger Juneau, who has organised eight excellent walks in the last six years, but I have agreed to organise the walk for this year.

It will start at 9.30 am from Repton Church, to Ticknall and back by different routes, with a pub lunch at the Staff of Life.

The walk is not too challenging, has very good views, and will be approximately 5 miles before lunch, and 5 miles after.

We aim to be at the Staff of Life between midday and 12.30, and leave by 2 pm. The pub has a very good menu, and non-walkers and those wishing to do only the afternoon walk are very welcome. (If you leave your car at Ticknall, an alternative route will be available to bring you back there.)

The walk is some weeks away, but it would be very helpful to know numbers as soon as possible, so please ring me on 01283 704098 if you are interested. (Leave a message if necessary.) It should be very enjoyable.

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'ICE'

ICE is catching on as a way of helping people to contact relatives and loved ones in an emergency. On your mobile phone, store their contact number under the name 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency). Then, ambulance or hospital staff can easily contact the right person by dialling the number you have stored. If you have more than one contact name, simply enter them as ICE1, ICE2 etc.

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Chocolate Bingo! Repton Primary School, 24th April at 6.30pm

Every Easter the children and families at Repton Primary School pick up a bingo 'dobber' and shout 'Bingo!', all in the name of charity.

Chocolate Bingo has become a friendly, exciting and tasty family event, offering delicious chocolate prizes whilst raising funds to sponsor a young girl, Mariama, and her school in Wellingara, the Gambia, through the charity '1 to 3'. Our children support Mariama and help to transform her life by providing funding to assist with basics such as food, water, healthcare and education. In return, this provides them with a valuable insight into poverty in developing countries, and our cultural differences.

Now so successful that we run it twice a year, our last chocolate bingo in November was a record-breaker in attendance and money raised. (That may also be down to the talents of our bingo caller who donned a Sumo suit - every winner had to call 'Sumo!' not 'Bingo!' What will she think of this year?)

If you would like to donate a chocolate prize, which we would really appreciate, please contact the school. Thank you to all our regular supporters and to all who give prizes and equipment.

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Repton W.I.

In March, after a report from the Spring Council, our speaker, Pam Hicklin, soon had everyone practising calligraphy. When she was satisfied that we had coped reasonably well with the letters of the alphabet, she gave out card bookmarks. Most people chose to write a bookmark for the member of the family with the shortest name!

In April the Group meeting at Newton Solney on Monday 20th will be followed on Wednesday 22nd by a visit to the Magistrates' Court at Burton. A legal adviser will meet us at 7 pm and show us round before telling us about the work of the court. Husbands are welcome to accompany us.

The W.I. will be serving refreshments at the Village Party on Saturday 2nd May. We would be grateful for extra cakes (fresh, not previously frozen) which could be brought to the Mitre Field from 1.30 pm. If it would help, you can ask any W.I. member to arrange collection.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 14th April at 7.15 pm in the village hall: Members' Evening with Cake Stall for ACWW - Associated Country Women of the World.

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Repton Village History Group

In February we were entertained by Ian Hingley with a humorous talk about the 'Origin of Sayings'. Ian held the attention of the large audience with hundreds of examples of how sayings came into common use. We were amazed at the simplicity and logic of everyday talk.

Tuesday 21st April at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall: Open Evening

At our next meeting, part of our extensive archives will be on display. Items such as census returns, school log books, the Samuel Wyatt map of Repton in 1762, old photographs and much more will be there for you to examine. It is also an opportunity for members and visitors to bring along and display your personal memorabilia.

Our May meeting includes the AGM when we elect the committee for the next twelve months. We would like hear from anyone interested in seeking election. The position is extremely rewarding and not too demanding, so if you have an hour or two to spare each month please, contact any of our committee.

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Repton Village Society

Scottish Wild Cats, Bengal Tigers, African Elephants and Masai Warriors were all in the village hall, courtesy of Danny Green, as he described a year in the life of a wildlife photographer. His talk was illustrated with exceptional examples of his work, often obtained after hours spent in cold, uncomfortable or dangerous conditions. Thursday 2nd April: Pam Powis, 'Charles Darwin'

At our April meeting, Pam Powis will be describing Darwin's origins, family background and formative years in Shrewsbury, where he was born 200 years ago. Then, on Saturday 4th April, Pam will lead a walk round Shrewsbury following the Darwin Trail, with an optional coach tour in the afternoon to visit other Darwin connections further afield. The coach leaves Repton Church at 8.30 am. (All the seats are now taken.)

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Morgan Car Commemorative Weekend, Saturday 18th - Sunday 19th April

The only surviving British-owned car manufacturer marks its centenary this year, and on Saturday 18th April, Morgan car owners will gather in Repton for a dinner to celebrate a hundred years of Morgan cars and their association with the village and school.

Then, on Sunday, Morgan owners from all over the country will converge on Repton in 3- and 4-wheeler cars, at the start of their Centenary Run to Malvern. A good turnout of well over 100 cars is expected. Although the first 3-wheeler Morgan was built in 1909, it is likely that the earliest cars on the run will date from the 1930s. The newest will be cars built this year. You will be able to wander around them and watch as they begin their journey in style from Chapel Hall - next to Repton School Chapel. The first cars will be flagged off at 9.30 am by Sir Henry Every, High Sheriff of Derbyshire. The 3-wheeler Morgans will head out of the village past The Cross, the 4-wheelers will turn left to Willington.

One of the new cars on the run is being offered as a raffle prize, and tickets will be on sale in Repton.

The Repton Connection

The significance of Malvern, where the company was established in 1909 and the factory is situated, will be apparent, but the involvement of Repton is less obvious.

HFS Morgan, the man who created and built the first Morgan car, and who guided the firm for almost 50 years, began his career as a trainee draughtsman at the GWR Railway Works at Swindon. However, his interests lay more with the motor car. In 1906, at the age of 25, he opened a garage and motor works in Malvern Link where he also ran a bus service. Three years later, in 1909 he created his first 3-wheeler, which he called the Morgan Runabout. With very little facility for machine work in his garage, he turned to his friend, Mr. Stephenson-Peach, for help.

Stephenson-Peach, a descendent of George Stephenson, who built the 'Rocket', was born in Derby in 1852. In 1886, he opened an engineering works in Repton in the grounds of Askew House, and a year later, with the support of Rev'd W.M. Furneaux, headmaster of Repton School 1882 - 1900, these premises also became an engineering school. (Repton was a pioneer in teaching engineering.) The site had a drawing office, machine shops, an engine room, a blacksmith's shop, foundry, engine test shop, pump room, gas house and gasometer.

To his engineering classes he attracted students, not only from Repton School but from all over Britain, including Charles Rolls, co-founder of Rolls Royce, who came for tuition from Eton College. The variety of machines turned out by the boys included oil, steam and gas engines, road-rollers, mowers and motorcycles, as well as dynamos and early forms of radio.

At the turn of the century, Stephenson-Peach opened another engineering workshop in conjunction with Malvern College, and it was here that the Morgan Runabout was built. Three additional pre-production cars were then constructed for the 1910 Olympia Show, but for those Stephenson-Peach used the better facilities of the Repton works. And so, through a remarkable man who was simultaneously Engineering master at Malvern and Repton, the link between Repton and the Morgan Motor Company was forged.

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SDDC Advisor to visit, April 7th, 10 am - 12 noon at the Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton

South Derbyshire County Council Customer Services Visiting Officer, Janet Costello is to visit Repton this month. Among other things, she can help with or give advice on rents, council tax, and benefit entitlements.

In addition to holding surgeries, Janet can visit people in their own homes. If you know of someone who is unable to come to the surgery and may benefit from a home visit, contact her on 01283 595979.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

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

Youth Activities: County Councillor Ford presented a cheque for £500 to the Parish Council for youth facilities, activities and transport. The money was made available through the efforts of Councillor Ford from a fund of money allocated to him from the Derbyshire County Council Community Leadership Scheme. Parish Councillor Paulson had put a request for the grant through him to DCC.

Proposed Railhead Development: (Councillor Jerram's report from a public meeting on 19th February) "Contrary to the flyer sent out from ROAR, this was not a meeting to discuss the Severn Trent proposal for a railhead close to Toyota. That was a disappointment to a large number of people at the well-attended meeting, but as our chairman has pointed out, there has been as yet no planning application. There is therefore nothing for SDDC to comment on or for anyone to object to."

Local Development Framework: Consultation on the Local Development Framework is now under way. If you want a say in the way our region develops, you are strongly urged to take part in the survey. For further information see below.

Police Matters: A police officer present at the meeting advised that there have been only 15 crimes reported in Repton since 9th December last, which is considered to be very low in comparison to neighbouring communities. There are currently police speed monitors sited on High Street, Burton Road and Milton Road.

Parking Enforcement: Civil parking enforcement will be carried out by SDDC. District Councillor Wheeler asked the Parish Council to identify hotspots that it wants SDDC to monitor, and to contact them with a list for inclusion in SDDC's enforcement programme. This has been in force since 19th February. Please try to obey the parking restrictions - fines will be imposed by SDDC.

Annual Parish Meeting: At the Annual Parish Meeting on 6th April, the principal item on the agenda is the rebuilding of the village hall, for which the Parish Council has pledged financial support. There is a proposal to put money from the sale of Repton Cleansing Depot in 1990 towards the project. The balance of the proceeds of the sale is currently invested with South Derbyshire District Council. Interested parishioners are invited to attend the meeting, which will take place immediately before the monthly Parish Council meeting at 7.30 pm.

Next Meeting: Monday 6th April at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall, preceded by the Annual Parish Meeting at 7 pm. Planning applications will be available beforehand.

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Local Development Framework - Urgent!

The District Council is deciding its strategy for Development in South Derbyshire over the next 15 years. It covers matters such as housing, industry, employment, transport, the environment, conservation, leisure, and much more. You can contribute your views and ideas on what ought to be included, and the Parish Council encourages as many people as possible to do so. To view relevant information and submit your comments, go to www.repton-pc.gov.uk and click LDF Core Strategy. You should put in your views by 3rd April.

p.s. You may be spurred on to act by knowing that Smiths Gore, agents for the Church Commissioners, are proposing that Repton should expand both residentially and commercially. Of course, the Church Commissioners own much of the land around the village, and its value would rise hugely.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton WI

In March we held our Annual Dinner at Littleover Lodge in Derby. 25 members enjoyed a delicious 3 course dinner. Then, our March meeting welcomed Jeanne Howe-McCartin, who gave a wonderful 'sugar craft' demonstration.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 15th April at 7.30 pm in the Milton Village Hall: Sally Hibbert will talk to us about the Lavender Farm. The competition is a lavender bag. Visitors are always welcome.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School

Living Eggs: At the moment our focus is around the 'Living Eggs' project. Six eggs have hatched into rapidly growing chicks. The children have named the chicks, monitored their development, cleaned, fed and carefully handled them. At the end of this week, the chicks will go to a good home.

Comic Relief: On 13th March, everyone dressed in red, wore red noses, iced cakes and sang their hearts out in aid of Comic Relief. Many parents and friends came along to enjoy the singing and we were delighted to raise £86 for this worthwhile cause.

Easter Service: We look forward to our Easter workshop in school on 1st April. Elements of this will be included in the Easter service at St Mary's Church on Thursday 2nd April at 2.15 pm. Everyone is welcome to come along to the church.

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Newton Solney W.I.

At another well-attended meeting, Marjorie Gaffney gave an account of the Spring Council meeting at Chesterfield, where the main speakers were Sir Henry Every on the National Memorial Arboretum, and Christine Walkden, the television gardening personality.

Thursday 2nd April is the suggested date for our county 'litter pick' day - just one hour followed by a cup of tea for all helpers. Helpers and bakers are required for the Spring Group Meeting to be held here on 20th April. The proposed date for our visit to Kedleston is Wednesday 6th May. Members are asked to sign up. We have also been invited to take part in a quiz at Hilton, followed by a pre-ordered supper.

Our evening speaker was Anna Doswell, a corsetière, who spoke on the history of corset design and manufacture. We were told that corsets date from about the fifteenth century, and their purpose is to emphasise shape, with each century requiring different fashions. We were shown how designs were brought up to date for the 21st century.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 14th April: 'The Gasman came to Call', by Dr. David Anderson. Whist Drive: Tuesday 28th April. Both at 7.30 in the Village Hall.

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Newton Solney Parish Council Notes

The parish council is to have a further meeting with the police to discuss road safety and speeding issues. There are 7 volunteers for the Speedwatch Community Scheme. Training starts in early April, so there is still time to join in!

Following Andy Parker's resignation, Annie Topliss is now deputy Chairman.

Next meeting: Friday 17th April at 7.45 pm (not the 10th which is Good Friday) in Newton Solney village hall. All are most welcome to attend.

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Gardening Notes

There are so many jobs to do in the garden in April as the soil warms up and the growing season really gets underway.

Take cuttings from fresh, strong shoots of tender perennials that have been kept in the greenhouse over winter, and from border plants such as delphiniums, phlox and lupins. Choose shoots without flower buds and cut the top immediately above a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and trim the bottom end just below a node. Dip in hormone rooting powder, insert into a pot of seed compost mixed with perlite and cover with a plastic bag, but don't allow the bag to touch the cutting. Pelargoniums, geraniums and pinks should not be covered.

Cuttings taken in the autumn will be ready to pot on. Do not use too big a pot, and look out for vine weevil grubs which feed on the roots; they are fat, white grubs with brown heads. The adult beetles emerge in May.

Sow lettuce, summer and winter cabbages, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, beetroot, carrots, peas and broad beans. Marrows, courgettes, cucumbers, pumpkins, squashes and tomatoes can also be sown for planting out in June, but they need some heat, and can be left till early May. Plant out leeks and onions sown earlier.

Apply a general fertiliser to borders and soft fruit. For an early crop, cover strawberries with cloches.

Plant dormant dahlia tubers, sow sweet peas outside, and plant out autumn sown sweet peas. Plant grasses as well as evergreen shrubs and trees.

In the greenhouse, keep feeding plants established in pots. Apply shading to the glass to prevent scorching.

Watch out for aphids, especially under glass, and slugs. Consider spraying gooseberries against mildew. Another thing to watch for is bird damage to fruit trees and bushes. Bullfinches are rare now, but even a short visit can be devastating.

It is important not to cut lawns too short, but lower the cut gradually as the month progresses. Apply lawn fertiliser, with moss and weedkiller as necessary. The best time to apply weedkiller is between now and August, when weeds are growing vigorously. Some weeds may need two or three applications at four to six week intervals.

Clean up the ponds, cutting back overgrown plants, and remove some of the oxygenating plants, although not so much as to allow algae to flourish. Reinstall pumps and filters. When planting or repotting pond plants in baskets, remember to saturate the soil before you immerse the basket. Fish will eat frog tadpoles, but toad tadpoles are poisonous to them.

Deadhead daffodils and tulips to conserve energy spent in forming seeds. Transplant snowdrops and aconites in the green. Snowdrops, our earliest herald of spring, originated in the Mediterranean. They came to England in the 15th century, and had naturalised by the 17th. A recent article suggested that Homer, writing some 2,700 years ago, describes how Hercules gave Odysseus a bulb, possibly a snowdrop, to protect him against the spells of Circe, who turned his shipmates into swine. The bulb itself is poisonous, but Bulgarian peasants have used a poultice of snowdrops to cure headaches and muscle stiffness.