September 2009 - Contents Inner Peace Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Champions' Challenge Family Service, Sunday 6th September 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 12th September 10.30 am to 1 pm Harvest Festival Services, Sunday 27th September at 11 am and 6.30 pm A Service of Celebration, Sunday 4th October at 6.30pm Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Anna Margaret Eastwood Harriet Lucy Williamson Geordan Peter Atwell Russell Jeremy Brooks Marriages Michael David Horton and Alison Jane Faragher Antonio Crispino and Rachael Anne Glasby Laurence William Chilvers and Rachel Louise Freestone Richard Kevin Barker and Fiona Ruth McLaren Funerals and Burial of Ashes Dorothy Irene Elliott Constance Kathleen Port Howard George Hartland Lucilla Eileen Morgan Obituaries Eleanor Goodwin The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Walk National Forest Service of Intercession and Prayer for Healing Day of Prayer St Wystan's News Celebrate the Harvest! Repton M.U. St Wystan's Church Heating Recycling Metal for the Heritage Appeal St Mary's News Newton Solney Harvest Celebrations St Mary's Patronal Festival and Gift Day Repton Village Show, Saturday 5th September Afternoon Tea, Sunday 6th September Body MOTs ~ Free Health Checks, Friday 11th September St Wystan's Church 'Bring & Share' Harvest Supper, Saturday 19th September Grill a Christian, Monday 21st September Repton School Concert, Wednesday 23rd September Repton Arts Festival, 25th - 27th September Coffee Morning, Saturday 26th September St Mary's Harvest Lunch, Sunday 27th September 'Let's Celebrate', Saturday 3rd October Derbyshire Constabulary Male Voice Choir, Saturday 24th October Environment Matters Biodiversity You and your Pet Lifting the lip on pets' dental disease Neighbourhood Watch Willington Surgery Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Repton Village and History Repton Arts Festival Carers' Event, Wednesday 23rd September Repton School Public Lectures Thank you! - The Dales Coffee Morning Repton Casuals Scottish Country Dancing Repton W.I. The Sitwell Singers, 17th October Repton Village History Group Wild Beavers and Silver Cubs Repton Neighbourhood Help Repton Village Society Buy a Brick! St Wystan's Church Artwork Banner Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Show, Saturday 5th September at 3 pm MacMillan Coffee Morning Friday 25th September Salsa at Newton Solney, Saturday, 21st November Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Tuesday Club Gardening Notes

---

Inner Peace

A report in our newspaper last week claimed that the downturn in the economy has led to a big increase in crime. Some people hit by unemployment, redundancy or repossession have - it is said - turned to drink, drugs or theft.

If that is true, it would be very easy for those of us who still have jobs, homes and a comfortable income to condemn them. But many of the economic forecasters say that there will be no quick solution to the present chaos. What future is there for today's young people? What words of encouragement can the Christian offer in today's world?

We in St Wystan's Church have been living with chaos for the last four months. The inside of our church has been a cross between a building site and a police incident zone - tape everywhere: 'Do not Cross'. At least we knew that there would be an end to it one day, and it was indeed lovely in mid-August when we could at last use the new kitchen and make the most of the space at the back of the church to entertain visiting bellringers.

However, even when the building work was at its height and we spent our time leaping over Health & Safety tape (try that in a cassock!) there was still an atmosphere of peace at the heart of the church. Perhaps 1,200 years of prayer leave their imprint on a building, and that thought is very inspiring.

Because of its links with Repton, one of the favourite hymns of people in the village is 'Dear Lord and Father of mankind'. My favourite line is: "Let our ordered lives confess the beauty of thy peace." If we can find that inner peace, then, whatever we suffer, unemployment, worry, hardship, illness, loss of loved ones - and nearly all of us have to bear some sort of cross in our lifetime - we will always have something to cling to.

---

Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

Champions' Challenge Family Service

Everyone is welcome to a special Family Service at St Wystan's Church, Sunday 6th September from 9.45 to 10.30 am.

St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

---

Readers, Intercessors and Offertory at St Wystan's

---

Altar Flowers (contact Frances Wimbush, 703180)

---

Brasses (contact Pauline Beckett, 500132)

---

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

---

The United Reformed Church

---

Coffee Morning, Saturday 12th September 10.30 am to 1 pm

A new season of coffee mornings begins! The rural churches Ride and Stride takes place on this day, and the coffee morning will be followed by Jacket Potato Lunches. The usual mouth-watering home-made cakes and marmalade, the children's game, and a new selection of cards for you to browse through, and coffee and biscuits.

---

Harvest Festival Services, Sunday 27th September at 11 am and 6.30 pm

This year will be a traditional Harvest celebration, with the children bringing baskets of produce, and all the favourite hymns. The morning service will be followed by a Harvest Lunch. Please let a member of the church know if you would like lunch.

---

A Service of Celebration, Sunday 4th October at 6.30pm

The brookside wall has now been rebuilt, the brook's banks have been widened to their original position, and the original pavement has been restored. This service will give thanks for the completion of the work and look forward to the restoration of the schoolroom roof, which was originally scheduled to begin the day after the wall collapsed!

---

Baptisms

Anna Margaret Eastwood, daughter of Catherine and Hugh of Vine Cottage, 6 Trent Lane, Newton Solney, was baptised on Sunday 19th July at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney.

Harriet Lucy Williamson, daughter of Bridget and James of 2 Springfield Road, Repton, was baptised on Sunday 2nd August at St Wystan's Church, Repton.

Geordan Peter Atwell, son of John and Cerian of 36 Beech Avenue, Willington, was baptised on Sunday 2nd August at St Wystan's Church, Repton.

Russell Jeremy Brooks, son of Aimee and Jeremy of 5 Maple Court, Repton, was baptised on Sunday 2nd August at St Wystan's Church, Repton.

---

Marriages

Michael David Horton and Alison Jane Faragher were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 18th July.

Antonio Crispino and Rachael Anne Glasby were married at St Saviour's Church, Foremark, on Saturday 11th August.

Laurence William Chilvers and Rachel Louise Freestone were married at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney on Friday 21st August.

Richard Kevin Barker and Fiona Ruth McLaren were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 22nd August.

---

Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Dorothy Irene Elliott of Key West Residential Home, Tamworth Road, Long Eaton, who died on Thursday 23rd July aged 102, was buried at Monsom Lane Cemetery on Thursday 6th August. (In her younger days, Miss Elliott was a teacher at Repton School.)

Constance Kathleen Port of 2 King George Avenue, Ilkeston, Derbyshire died on Saturday 25th July aged 93. A funeral service at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Wednesday 5th August was followed by cremation at Bretby Crematorium.

Howard George Hartland (known as George), formerly of 46 Askew Grove, Repton, died on Saturday 1st August aged 82. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 11th August was followed by cremation.

Lucilla Eileen Morgan of Bladon Paddocks Cottage, Burton Road, Newton Solney, died on Sunday 2nd August aged 82. A funeral service at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on 19th August was followed by cremation at Bretby Crematorium.

---

Obituaries

Eleanor Goodwin

20th April 1930 - 30th June 2009

Eleanor Goodwin was a life-long Reptonian. Born to Tom and Addie Goodall, she grew up in the house behind Tom's garage on the High Street - now the site of Mercia Court. Her mother died when she was only 14, and her father later married Thelma Blunt who was related to the Taylors, who at one time had two grocery shops in the village. Eleanor was close to Thelma, and after the death of her father, looked after her, first in her bungalow in Askew Grove and later in a nursing home, until her death.

Eleanor was educated privately until she went to Burton High School at the age of 11. After her school days she worked at the garage. She loved horses, and her first horse had a garage for a stable. She was an active member of the Meynell Pony Club, a young conservative, and loved dancing.

Dancing is where she met John, and they were married at St Wystan's Church in 1951. Meadow Farm with its 175 acres became their home, and Eleanor became a full-time farmer's wife, involved in everything from feeding the animals to calving. The birth of her children left less time to pursue her love of horses, but whereas other mothers would take the dog to meet the children from school Eleanor would take a pony.

Meadows farm was prone to flooding and at times the farmhouse was cut off from the village. In November 1960 a surprise flood found the family low on food. Mick Shepherd and Fred Hoos borrowed a boat from the Mallenders to ferry in supplies. They were able to row as far as the cattle grid in Monsom Lane where they had to lead the boat away from the powerful current. Then the two had to stay at the farm until the water subsided. Another surprise flood carried away the chicken shed, and Eleanor had to rescue the chickens before they too were lost.

In 1969 the family moved into Brook Farm, building it up from 250 to over 500 acres. Eleanor was very much a family person and a wonderful cook, and the farm kitchen was a busy place; both her parents and parent-in-law were regular visitors for Sunday lunch. She sold eggs and potatoes and also cooked for farm staff, who would eat with the family, except at harvest time when Eleanor would take meals down to the fields.

Many of Eleanor's ancestors, including her parents, are buried in the cemetery at Foremark. Eleanor felt a strong allegiance to the church there and served on the P.C.C. She was a member of both Repton and Milton W.I. and took a keen interest in the history of the village. As well as horses, Eleanor loved dogs, especially labradors, and sponsored puppies to be trained as guide dogs for the blind.

When John and Eleanor retired, they moved into a bungalow in Monsom Lane where Eleanor remained until she died.

At a time of increasing mobility, Eleanor was a point of stability, but she always took an interest in the changes happening around her. We offer our condolences to her family.

---

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.

---

Repton Benefice

Walk National Forest

From 19th to 27th September, a team of missioners from Through Faith Missions will visit the Burton and National Forest area. Through Faith Missions is a charitable trust supported by donations. It was founded in 1985 by an Anglican priest, the Rev'd Daniel Cozens, and its vision is to see the gospel of Jesus Christ spread throughout the United Kingdom and abroad.

For 'Walk National Forest', our parishes are joining the parish of Winshill to share a team of ten trained missioners, who have been invited to our schools and residential homes as well as the churches. You may also meet them in private homes over an evening meal.

Meet the Missioners:

Saturday 19th     St Wystan's Harvest Supper.

Sunday 20th     St Wystan's Harvest Festival.

Sunday 20th     St Mary's Parish Communion at 11 for 11.15, and afterwards for a buffet lunch in the church.

Monday 21st     'Hot Potato' evening at St Wystan's Church. 7.30 pm.

Wednesday 23rd     Service of Intercession and Prayer for Healing at St Wystan's Church. 7.30 pm.

Friday 25th     Newton Solney Art Group at Newton Solney Village Hall. 2 pm.

Other Noteworthy Events:

Saturday 19th     Commissioning Service at Burton Memorial Grounds. 12 noon.

                         'Meet the Team.' The Methodist Church Hall, Winshill. 4 pm.

Sunday 20th     Local Commissioning Service at Winshill Methodist Church. 6 pm.

Friday 25th     Film Night. Winshill Methodist Church Hall. 7 pm.

Sunday 27th     Farewell Picnic. Winshill Resource Centre & playing fields. 12.30 pm.

So what is a 'Hot Potato' Evening?

Put simply, it is an opportunity for you to 'grill a Christian', to put your difficult questions about the Christian faith to one of the missioners. Questions may be any of your choosing. You may for instance have questions about: Suffering and evil; Is there life after death? Don't all religions lead to God? Darwinism and creation; Global warming and green issues; Aren't churches full of hypocrites?

It would be a great help in planning the evening if questions could be submitted beforehand in writing to me at the Vicarage, but this is not essential.

We hope that people who might not normally come to a service will come along and enter into a lively debate. There will be refreshments during the course of the evening from our new kitchen facilities.

---

Service of Intercession and Prayer for Healing

In the New Testament we read in the epistle of James that if anyone is sick, the elders of the church should be asked to lay hands on the sick person and anoint them with oil. It is more than likely that Jesus also used oil for anointing, since he sent out the disciples with the recommendation to use it for healing. As far as I know, however, this is a new venture for St Wystan's, certainly in recent times, although we are used to praying for those in hospital and for those who, for whatever reason, have asked for our prayers.

We can think of the service as focusing our intercessory prayer upon those who are present at the service and are asking for prayer. The practicalities will be explained at the time. It will be a very simple service of well known hymns, a short reading, intercessory prayer, an address on the Church's ministry of healing and an opportunity to receive the laying on of hands with the oil of anointing.

Refreshments will be available after the service giving us the opportunity to speak to the missioner(s) and share fellowship. If you have never been to anything like this before, do please come to learn more of God's healing love and blessing upon humanity.

---

Day of Prayer

The Bishop of Derby is inviting all members of the Diocese to join in the Diocesan Day of Prayer on Saturday 26th September, 10 am to 3.30 pm. This special day particularly encourages people to think about the work of the wider church. For the past few years the Diocesan Day of Prayer has been held at one location, but as it grows, it will take place this year in four venues. The closest to us are at: St Alkmund's, Derby, led by Garrie Griffiths; St Helen's, Darley Dale, led by Judith Crane; Melbourne Parish Church, led by the Bishop of Repton.

If you are coming for the whole day, bring a packed lunch, but tea and coffee will be available.

---

St Wystan's News

Celebrate the Harvest!

Sunday 20th September is our Harvest Festival. The main service at 9.45 will be a Family Service and children should feel very welcome.

As usual we will be receiving harvest gifts for distribution in the parish and supporting the Padley Centre in Derby through donations and other foods items. A list of the kinds of things they appreciate is published on the church notice board in the porch.

At St Wystan's we are combining the Harvest Festival this year with 'Back to Church' Sunday, a national initiative to invite all people to return to worship at their local church. We have also invited a member of the 'Walk National Forest' team to speak at the service.

So, whoever you are, however long it is since you last came to church, do come and join us on this lovely occasion. You will be most welcome.

---

Repton M.U.

Meetings begin again on Wednesday 16th September at 2.15 pm in the Fisher Close Community Room. After a short service Mrs. Sylvia Fox will lead a Bible study on the Song of Solomon, also known as the Song of Songs. Readings from this book of poetry (with some judicious pruning) have become very popular for weddings. Come and find out why!

---

St Wystan's Church Heating

Now that the water has been reconnected (at last!) we can sort out the heating. A new boiler has been ordered to replace the old Beeston boiler, which has become unreliable and difficult to service because spare parts are hard to find. The new installation, starting in early September and costing £15,000, will actually have two smaller boilers working in tandem, so that even if one should fail, we will still have a back-up.

---

Recycling Metal for the Heritage Appeal

In the past three months a total of £78.98 has been raised for the Heritage Appeal from recycling cans and silver foil. This includes £49.45 for a copper hot water cylinder.

Please continue to leave cans and foil in the bins provided at St Wystan's Church or by the back door at 37 High Street. If you have any other metal items, particularly aluminium or copper, please either leave them at 37 High Street or give me a ring on 702159 and I will collect.

Please note: aluminium foil which is bonded to plastic - such as coffee bags and foil blister packs - is not recyclable.

---

St Mary's News

Newton Solney Harvest Celebrations

St Mary's Harvest Festival will be celebrated on Sunday 4th October at 10 am, following Harvest services for pre-school and infant school on Friday 2nd October, at 11.30 am and 2.30 pm respectively.

We will decorate the church on Thursday 1st October from 2 pm, and again Saturday morning from 9.30 am. Contributions of produce, flowers and foliage would be welcomed, as would help with the decorating on either day. Gifts of produce, dry goods and toiletries will be delivered during the week after the services to the Padley Centre and the Derby City Mission.

The Harvest Lunch will anticipate the services, having been arranged for the previous Sunday; for details, see page 5.

---

St Mary's Patronal Festival and Gift Day

As 'Lady Day', 25th March, usually falls during Lent, it has become the custom in Newton Solney to celebrate St Mary as our Patron on the feast day traditionally associated with her birth, 8th September. This year we are marking the festival, not simply at the nearest Sunday service, but also by making the day of the sponsored 'Ride & Stride', 12th September, a Gift Day for the church.

As well as refreshments and a book stall there will be opportunities for a 'conducted tour' of the Church, at 11.30 am and 3.30 pm.

Most parishioners will already know that last year, while the organ was receiving a long-delayed refurbishment, the heating system sprang a leak, was condemned as being in a dangerous condition, and had to be replaced. The church had a generous organ fund (£16,000 including the gift aid tax refund), but this fell short of the final costs. Nor was the VAT recovered from the earlier roof repairs sufficient to pay for the new heating system. Hence the PCC was obliged to borrow £12,000 from the Deanery, of which £9,000 has yet to be repaid. Both the organ fund and the heating fund are still open, and friends of St Mary's are invited on the Gift Day to contribute to one or the other, or just to make a donation to the church to defray other ongoing costs. Gift aid forms will be available as always.

---

Repton Village Show Saturday 5th September in Repton Village Hall Staging from 10 to 11.45 am         Show opens at 2.30 pm Schedules & entry forms at the Post Office or the Show on the day

Afternoon Tea at Woodend Cottage, 134 Main Street Sunday 6th September, 3 to 5.30 pm Wendy and Stephen Longden invite you to afternoon tea and to enjoy their garden Admission £3 to include sandwiches, tea and home-made scones and jam.

Body MOTs ~ Free Health Checks Repton Village Hall, Friday 11th September blood pressure ~ weight ~ height ~ BMI ~ hip 2 waist ratio strength tests ~ carbon monoxide levels For further information, contact Sport and Youth Development, 01283 595 772 or visit www.healthiersouthderbyshire.org

St Wystan's Church 'Bring & Share' Harvest Supper Repton Village Hall. Saturday 19th September at 7 pm £1. Everyone welcome. Bring your own drink. If you haven't previously been to a Bring & Share, the idea is to bring a dish for 6 for everyone who attends. No tickets, but it does need coordination to make sure we don't end up eating chocolate pudding for all three courses! So . . . Ring Carol Lloyd, 702410 for details and to discuss dishes.

Grill a Christian! St Wystan's Church 'Hot Potato' Evening Monday 21st September at 7.30 pm in Church Put your own difficult questions about the Christian faith to one of the Walk National Forest team.   Questions such as: Why does God allow suffering?   Is there life after death?   Don't all religions lead to God?   Did Darwin kill God? Are churches full of hypocrites? It would help to plan the evening if you could copy questions beforehand to Peter at the Vicarage, but you don't have to. Come and stir it up.   Refreshments provided.

Repton School Concerts Society William Howard - Piano Wednesday 23rd September at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall William Howard is one of Britain's leading pianists. He performs as a soloist, guests with chamber ensembles, and tours with the Schubert Ensemble. He can also be heard on over 30 CDs. His programme for this recital includes works by Mendelssohn, Chopin, Fauré and Schumann. Tickets for this concert are available at £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions). Tickets for the whole season of 10 concerts cost £60. For further information or tickets contact: The Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

Repton Arts Festival 25th - 27th September in St Wystan's Church All weekend 11 am - 4 pm Exhibition open. Entry by programme, £2. Friday 25th 7.30 pm 'Easy Listening'. Tickets £10. Under 16, £5. Saturday 26th 11 am Children's Concert by Repton Primary School. 2 - 4 pm Street Dancing at Repton Village Hall. Ages 9 and over. 7.30 pm 'Action Replay'. Tickets £10, under 16s, £5. Sunday 27th 12.30 for 1 pm 'Lunch with Jazz'. Lunch with a glass of wine, with Repton School Jazz Band and Vocals. Tickets £15. 7.30 - 9.30 pm Gospel Music from the Birmingham Academy. Tickets £10, under 16s, £5. Refreshments available. Except for street dancing at the village hall, all events are at St Wystan's Church, where refreshments will be available throughout. Information and tickets from Morag Hill, 702799, and Carol Lloyd, 702410.

Coffee Morning in aid of MacMillan Cancer Relief Saturday 26th September, 10 am - noon 9 The Crescent, Repton Stalls, Bric-a-Brac, Raffle Donations or prizes would be greatly appreciated. Phone Sue Sharratt, 701619, or leave them at the above address.

St Mary's Church Newton Solney Harvest Lunch Sunday 27th September, 1 pm at Newton Solney Village Hall Adults £7                 Children £3.50 Raffle                 Bring your own bottle! Tickets from Hazel Ward, 21 Blacksmith's Lane, Newton Solney. Tel. 701244 Proceeds in aid of Church Funds

'Let's Celebrate' Saturday 3rd October, 7.30 p.m. St Mary's Church, Newton Solney A concert with local professional and amateur performers, celebrating music, dance, and readings. Adults £7.50, children £5, including refreshments. Tickets from Sue Elson, 703604, Hazel Ward, 701244, and Jennifer Haynes, 703827.

Willington Surgery Patient Participation Group Derbyshire Constabulary Male Voice Choir Saturday 24th October at 7.45 pm, doors open 7.15 pm Repton Village Hall Tickets £4 from Willington Surgery and Pharmacy

Environment Matters

Biodiversity

Repton Parish Council is registered with the Lowland Derbyshire Biodiversity Partnership, so if you want to report anything of concern or interest with regard to biodiversity in Repton, please contact Councillor Bernice McLaren on 01283 701090.

Biodiversity matters to us all, and it is not just large organisations and companies that can make a contribution; individuals can help too by reporting sightings of priority species, joining local groups, managing land in a more sensitive manner or encouraging wildlife in our gardens.

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers

. . . is a charity that works throughout the UK - and around the world - to sustain environmental improvement and increase biodiversity. Mostly it works in partnership with local councils, with projects such as the WildDerby project, but as a charity it is almost entirely reliant on voluntary donations and volunteers, and its work is only made possible by people who really want to make a difference.

This year its Derbyshire teams have been doing practical work including step construction, scrub clearance, hedge-laying and habitat management, as well as tree planting for the Forestry Commission at Repton Shrubs. For information on volunteering - and they reward you with as many cups of tea, coffee and biscuits as you can manage! - or if you are interested in joining a conservation holiday weekend break in the Peak District, visit their website, www.btcv.org.

---

You and your Pet

Lifting the lip on pets' dental disease

Dogs have 42 adult teeth, cats 30. Just as in humans, plaque forms constantly; bacteria in the plaque produce acid leading to enamel erosion and eventually caries. As the plaque builds up, it can mineralise to form tartar, a hard brown layer on the teeth. Saliva, which would normally neutralise the acid, cannot penetrate the hard tartar, which can irritate the gum and result in gingivitis. Wet foods from cans and pouches can leave food residue in the mouth, allowing plaque to build up more quickly, whereas dry food is likely to leave less debris.

There are several ways in which you can counter the build up of plaque:

• Brushing the teeth with meat-flavoured tooth paste.
• Food additives such as PlaqueOff.
• Dental chew treats and toys.
• Special diets where the biscuits help to clean the teeth.

Sometimes even our best friends are not too keen on having their teeth brushed, and don't like the chews or diets! In this case they can benefit from scaling the teeth to remove the tartar and extracting painful or rotting teeth. Please ask for more details and for your free dental check in September - Pet Smile Month!

---

Neighbourhood Watch

Could you help with Neighbourhood Watch in Repton?

Contact Adrian Gillham on 703340. Similarly, if you would like to receive by email information on problems immediately they arise.

Computer Scams

If you get an email saying you are due a tax rebate, ignore it.

Theft from cars

. . . is a major problem. Do not leave goods visible, particularly valuables. Thieves also look in glove boxes, as they know valuables are kept there.

'Cold calling' . . . is on the increase, particularly regarding roofing, gardening, plumbing and burglar alarms. Employing such people can very easily go wrong. You may find yourself over-paying for poor work, with no redress, and intimidated into immediate payment - some people have even been accompanied to the bank! The police advise you to say 'no' and close the door. Find a reputable company through personal recommendation, the phone book or the Trading Standards 'Trusted Trader' scheme; see www.derbyshire.gov.uk/trustedtrader, or ring 08456 058 058. Better still, use the Parish Magazine! Whilst we can't guarantee the work of our advertisers, in 5 years there has been only one complaint.

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.

---

Willington Surgery

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination

Willington Surgery is running 4 flu clinics in September and 8 in October. If you are a carer, or over 65, or have had a stroke, or suffer from any form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, heart, renal or liver disease, please call in to the surgery or telephone 703318 to book an appointment.

---

Repton Village & History

Repton Arts Festival

This autumn's festival has something for everyone. It begins with a concert of popular classical music including favourites such as Handel's 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba', Haydn's Trumpet Concerto and many more. On the Saturday morning, musicians from Repton Primary School will entertain us, and in the afternoon at the village hall there will be an opportunity to learn some street dancing. In the evening, 'Action Replay' will take a light hearted view of sport through the spoken word and music.

On to Sunday and 'Lunch with Jazz', a fork lunch accompanied by music from Repton School Jazz Group and the Reptiles. Then in the evening, we will be entertained by Birmingham Academy of Gospel Music.

Throughout the weekend, there will be an Art and Craft Exhibition showing the exceptional creativity and talent we have in our village.

---

Carers' Event Wednesday 23rd September, 10 am - 5 pm, Fisher Close Community Room

Are you helping to look after a friend, a relative or a neighbour, who is in some way disabled? Caring can be exhausting, both physically and mentally, but many carers continue to soldier on alone. The Patient Participation Group, which is based on Willington Surgery and was formed at the beginning of the year, is organising an informal, free event this month to bring carers together, and to explain what help is available, both for you and for the person you care for.

You are invited to join them for information and informal chats, and to meet other carers and agencies that can help with matters such as respite care, benefits and support from social care or voluntary agencies. Light refreshments will be provided and everyone is welcome. For more information please contact Willington Surgery, 703318, or Willington Pharmacy, 702242.

---

Repton School Public Lectures

After a good response from the local community last year, Repton School will once again hold a series of public lectures given by a range of distinguished speakers, the first this month. Attendance is free and you will be very welcome. Entry is by ticket only, available from Repton School Lodge.

Paul Deegan, 'What the Travel Writer Saw', Friday 11th September at 7.15 pm in the 400 Hall

Since the late 1990s, Paul Deegan has worked as a freelance travel writer, criss-crossing the globe and filing hundreds of stories for more than a dozen national newspapers and magazines. Join Paul as he takes you around the world on a voyage beyond the pages of the guidebooks. Learn how to fish with cormorants, find out what it's like to live on an island made entirely of reeds, and discover how to visit another planet for the cost of a transatlantic flight. In this unique, interactive presentation, you choose the tales from six continents and two worlds that Paul will recount. Fully illustrated.

---

Thank you!

The Dales Coffee Morning and Summer Fayre raised a grand total of £577.61 towards the new Sensory Garden. Very many thanks to everyone who came to support us.

---

Repton Casuals

In July Repton Casuals Football Club celebrated its sixtieth anniversary with a Junior Club tournament at Broomhills Lane, the ground that has been their home for over 50 years. On a near perfect summer's day, some 700 spectators watched the four age-group competitions. Allestree Juniors won the under-9s and under-10s shields, Field Lane the under-11s and Chellaston Boys were outstanding in the under-12s, with Repton Casuals Blue the runners-up.

Medals and shields were presented by a veteran Repton Casual, Mr. Alan Cook, now 82 years old, assisted by Mrs. Sarah Baker. Alan's father, Lammas Cook, was the club's first chairman, a position he held for some 25 years. In his later playing years, Alan remembers a young Chris Hawksworth, now the Casuals Chairman. In those days there was no arguing with the referee or diving to gain a free kick, and that was also true of this year's tournament, where enthusiasm, dedication and fair play were the order of the day.

Repton Casuals was formed in 1949 by Colonel Hugh Morgan, who in his earlier days had played for Corinthian Casuals. Up until 1989 the club mainly provided football for adults, but the introduction of junior teams and the enormous popularity of mini-soccer have radically changed the nature and structure of the club. Now with eleven junior and two senior teams, the club regularly fields some 200 people at the weekend.

Our heartfelt thanks, not only to these young players and their coaches, but also to a new young breed of referees, not much older than some of the players, to the mums and dads for their support, to our sponsors, and to all who help in so many other ways. Ball Skills

. . . restart at Broomhills Lane on Saturday 12th September at 10 am. Newcomers aged 5 and over are welcome. For further information, please phone Bob Errington on 701183.

---

Scottish Country Dancing

It's that time of year again. Come and join us - it's good fun and excellent exercise! We are a friendly and enthusiastic group and welcome new members. All you need is a pair of soft-soled shoes - and a sense of humour!

We meet on the last Monday of each month from 7.15 - 9.15 pm in Repton Village Hall, starting on the 28th September. Cost £1.50 per person. However, because of a clash, the meeting in October will be on Monday 19th.

For further information please contact Frances or Martin Wimbush, 703180.

---

Repton W.I.

Last year the W.I. had a very wet garden meeting in August. This year the sunshine brought out 24 members and guests, and nearly as many wasps. Perhaps they were attracted by the delicious tea and cakes. A produce stall raised money for the W.I.'s charity, the Associated Countrywomen of the World, and we continued our collection of sewing materials and threads to be sent overseas.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 8th September at 7.15 pm in the village hall. Speaker: Caroline Dodds, Head of Operations at Foston Hall Prison and Young Offenders Institution. Non members welcome.

---

The Sitwell Singers, 17th October at 7.30 pm in St Wystan's Church

For this concert of German and English Coronation music, the Sitwell Singers, a chamber choir based in Derby, will be joined by the Evangelische Kantorei Roesrath from Germany. The music includes works by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Britten, as well as Handel's splendid anthems, including Zadok the Priest. Tickets cost £8 for adults with under 16s free, and can be obtained from Jan Roberts, 37 High Street, tel. 702149, or Foulds Music Shop in Derby, 01332 344842.

---

Repton Village History Group

Our summer programme of outdoor events has again been very successful and much enjoyed by those who came along.

On Tuesday 15th September (7.30 pm in the village hall) we start our winter programme with a talk on the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, This is an opportunity to get up to date with the considerable developments that have taken place since it opened.

On Tuesday 20th October we have an illustrated talk about Burnaston Airfield by our Vice-Chairman, Alan Thompson.

---

Wild Beavers and Silver Cubs

Both Beavers and Cubs restart on Monday 14th September. Beavers meet from 5.45 to 6.45 pm, and Cubs from 7 to 8.15 pm on Mondays at The Den on the Mitre Field. The leaders are refreshed after a bit of a break and have been planning programmes and activities for the autumn. For more information on joining or helping, please contact Andy Austen on 702448.

---

Repton Neighbourhood Help

Members and helpers had a day out in Derbyshire in August, enjoying a delicious lunch at the Royal Oak Inn at Tansley, and a well earned 'cuppa' at the Fairways Garden Centre near Ashbourne.

The Luncheon Club

. . . starts again on Friday 11th September. We will be contacting members and drivers before that date. Thank you to all those who have volunteered for another session.

---

Repton Village Society

On Thursday 3rd September, Professor Janet Spencer will be giving a talk on 'Gothic Revival Architecture Past and Present', buildings such as St Pancras Station, the Houses of Parliament and the Law Courts in London, as well as mansions and church restorations in Derbyshire and beyond. Prof. Spencer will also consider why the Gothic Revival continues to this day, in new buildings as well as in major restoration projects.

On Saturday 19th September a coach leaves Repton Church at 8 am for York. When we arrive, those going can do their own thing in the city (maps will be provided) or alternatively continue by coach to the nearby Yorkshire Air Museum, with the possibility of a short time back in the city before we leave at 4.30 pm. The cost is £12, admission charges extra, and there are a few seats left. Non-members are welcome. Ring 701838 for details.

---

Buy a Brick! St Wystan's Church Artwork Banner

If you have not yet been approached and would like to have your name on the banner, do telephone me on 01283 212652, and I will arrange to have your name included. Even better, you can embroider the name yourself. If you would like to see some samples, I will be putting up a display of embroidered bricks at the Arts Festival, so come to the church between 25th - 27th September for ideas.

---

Repton Parish Council Jottings

Holiday Village: The Parish Council has been consulted about a proposed holiday village and leisure facilities that may be built on 29 acres of disused quarry land behind the former Calder Aluminium works in Repton Road, Willington. (The Calder site itself has already been approved for residential housing development.) The impact of the proposed holiday village, comprising 35 cabins, a visitor centre and a restaurant, is being assessed as a forerunner to a full planning application. Repton Parish Council supports sustainable tourism, which benefits the local economy, but has a number of serious concerns about the proposal. These include a possible increased risk of local flooding, the need to safeguard wildlife on the nearby Wetlands Nature Reserve, and additional traffic congestion on the Repton to Willington Road. To answer such concerns a Flood Risk Assessment is being called for, highways improvements need to be considered, and detailed discussions with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust are required. Strict control of parking for cars and coaches could minimise the number of vehicles on site and encourage people to walk. Parish Councillors would like to see the creation of a local network of footpaths and cycle ways, with a footbridge over the Trent and permissive footpaths linking Repton and Willington. This would encourage safer and more environmentally friendly means of travel, and help to reduce vehicle movements.

Kerbs at The Cross: The Cross is a vulnerable ancient monument. Resurfacing the road around it reduced the height of the surrounding kerb in places to less than two inches above the carriageway. The kerbstones are fragile and shallow set; consequently large vehicles can dislodge them quite easily, creating a serious road traffic hazard. The initial proposal by the County Council was simply to "review carriageway markings". Repton Parish Council is stepping up its efforts to secure an improvement in the situation, suggesting that perhaps stronger and higher kerbs would be appropriate. Contact has been established with the Heritage and Conservation Officers at both the District and County Councils to highlight the problem and add weight to the case. County Councillor Martyn Ford has arranged for a site inspection to try to find an acceptable solution. Repton Village Society and History Group are active supporters of the campaign, and their backing is very welcome.

Investments: Following a comprehensive review of Parish Council investments, the decision has been taken to transfer all capital funds to UK clearing banks, as the current exceptionally low bank rate had reduced the return on monies invested with SDDC to zero. A combination of fixed rate bonds and special reserve accounts is being employed. All investments are to be kept within the Financial Services Authority's £50,000 Compensation Scheme limit, to ensure absolute security.

Willington Power Station: Mr. Mike Peel, Project Engineer with RWE npower, has accepted an invitation to make a short presentation to the Parish Council on the subject of the new gas fired power station that npower proposes to build on the disused site of the old coal fired station at Willington. This is not a public consultation meeting (that will come later on in the process), but it will provide those who are interested with an opportunity to hear a little more of what is planned. The address is to be delivered during a Parish Meeting in Repton Village Hall on Monday 14th September at 7 pm. A full meeting of the Parish Council will follow.

---

Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

On a hot day in mid-August, 14 Milton W.I. members had a lovely day out. After coffee in Ashbourne we headed off to The George pub in Alstonefield for lunch, and then to Notty Hornblower's fashion museum, where we saw some of her wonderful collection of fashion through the ages.

During the summer break, the committee has been putting together next year's programme with very interesting and varied speakers. We have also themed the monthly competitions to make them a little more challenging!

Next Meeting: Wednesday 16th September at 7.30 pm in Milton Village Hall. Dr. Christian Murray-Leslie will talk about brain injuries and the work of Headway.

Advance Notice: On Wednesday 25th. November we are running a trip - open also to non-members - to the Good Food Show at the N.E.C. Book the date now.

---

Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney Show, Saturday 5th September at 3 pm

Newton Solney Open Fruit, Flower, Vegetable and Craft Show takes place on the first Saturday in September. The village hall is open from 9 am. Exhibits must be entered by 11.45 am and staged by noon. Everyone is most welcome to come along and exhibit. Entry forms and schedules can be obtained from the village shop.

Come and support your local show. It will be open to the public from 3 pm.

---

MacMillan Coffee Morning Friday 25th September, 9.30 - 11am

As part of the 'world's biggest coffee morning', Newton Solney Infant School is holding its own coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Please come along to support this tremendous cause.

---

Salsa at Newton Solney, Saturday, 21st November

Come and learn to dance Salsa at our Salsa night, a fun evening suitable for absolute beginners. More details next month, but book the date now. Further information from Sue Elson, 703604, Hazel Ward, 701244, and Jennifer Haynes, 703827.

---

Newton Solney W.I.

There was no meeting in August, so this is just a reminder of the September programme. Next Meeting: Tuesday 8th September: 'A Weekend Away and I've Nothing to Wear!' Whist Drive: Tuesday 29th September. Both at 7.30 in the Village Hall.

---

Newton Solney Tuesday Club

The club has a social meeting on the first Tuesday of each month at 2.30 pm in Newton Solney Village Hall. On the third Tuesday we organise a coach outing.

September Programme

1st September at 2.30 pm: Our speaker is the general manager of Newton Park Hotel, Mr. Tom Keavney, who will talk of his many experiences at the hotel.

15th September: A visit to Wollaton Hall, Park and Museum, Nottingham. The cost is £6 and the coach leaves the Unicorn at 9.30 pm, with pick-ups shortly afterwards in Repton and Willington. We arrive back in Newton Solney at 3 pm. There is a limited number of spare seats available if you would like to join us. Please contact Jane Bagshaw on 01283 564520.

---

Gardening Notes

September is a busy month in the garden. Whilst completing most of the harvest and preparing for winter, it is worthwhile reviewing the past year, recording the successes and failures, and noting any changes you wish to make. Note where to fill gaps, and which plants to discard. This is particularly important in the herbaceous border, where you can also decide what need dividing.

When foliage in the border has finally turned brown, it can be cut back, except where faded flowers or seedheads provide winter interest or benefit to wildlife. Hellebores and hostas can also be cut back.

It is time now to compost summer bedding plants. Then, when the ground is clear, break up the soil and add organic compost as well as a general fertiliser such as Growmore. It is best to plant your winter bedding plants whilst the soil is still warm.

Lift gladioli now and store them in a dry, frost-free place. Dahlias and cannas can usually be left till the end of the month or into October, unless frosted before then.

Continue to take cuttings of tender perennials such as penstemon, pelargonium, verbena, salvia, osteospermum, fuchsia and artemisia, and keep them in a frost-free greenhouse or cold frame.

Vine weevils start laying their eggs in May, and in September these hatch into the fat, white grubs that feed on plant roots. This is a particular problem for pot-grown plants in the greenhouse. They can be controlled biologically with microscopic nematodes. However, these need a temperature of 15 - 21° to survive and work. The alternative is a liquid drench with a solution of thiacloprid (Bio-provado vine weevil killer).

Mow late-flowering wildflower meadows when the plants have gone to seed, but leave then for a few days to allow any remaining seed to fall out. Rake up and compost the hay to prevent it enriching the soil, which would encourage dominant grasses. On light soils, new flower meadows can be sown now.

Evergreen hedges will need a final trim. Prune young lavender plants hard to encourage bushiness. Clip older plants lightly, as they will not grow from old wood - unlike old sage bushes, which will. Garlic should be planted as individual cloves. Plant them now, and autumn onions too. Spring cabbage plants should be ready to go out, and broad beans, spinach and turnips can be sown to overwinter outside.

Early and mid-season apples will be ready to pick, and possibly store. Pears are best picked before they are fully ripe. They tend to go brown in the centre and are eaten by wasps and birds if left till fully ripe. However, if picked too early, they shrivel. Watch for a slight colour change to a lighter green or yellow tinge. They tend to ripen all at once, so it may be worth bringing them into a warmer room, a few at a time.

In biology, a species is generally considered to be a group of animals or plants which are sufficiently alike to be considered minor variations of the same pattern, and which interbreed and reproduce their own pattern consistently. This is true of animals, but not always in plants - and not of apples and plums. Most apples need pollinating by a tree of a different pattern, and to be sure of successful pollination, it is wise to ensure that there are two other apple trees nearby. Pollination tables such as that on the RHS website will help you to make a more accurate choice of pollinators when you plant new apple trees.