October 2009 - Contents Reflection on the Harvest Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches The End of Summertime Services of Commemoration, St Mary's and St Wystan's Churches, Sunday 1st November 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 Celebrate the repairs to the wall, Sunday 4th October Coffee Morning, Saturday 10th October, 10.30 to 11.30 am Shell (for children aged 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Grace Olivia Kaiser Charlotte Amber Lees Abigail Jane Walton Marriages Ashley George White and Victoria Pamela Collett Antony George Brown and Rosemary The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Ride & Stride St Wystan's News Building a New Congregation, 14th November Champion's Challenge Proms on the Paddock Repton M.U. St Mary's News Newton Solney Harvest Festival Ring the Bells at Newton Solney! Summer Footwear Quiz Hippo in the Garden, Friday 2nd October 'Let's Celebrate', Saturday 3rd October sue's macmillan barn dance, Saturday 3rd October Morgan Szymanski - Classical Guitar, Wednesday 7th October Repton School and the Great War, Monday 12th October The Sitwell Singers with the Evangelische Kantorei Roesrath, 17th October Coffee Morning, Saturday 24th October Derbyshire Constabulary Male Voice Choir, Saturday 24th October Children's Nearly New Sale, Saturday 7th November Charity Coffee Morning in aid of Resurgam, Tuesday 10th November Salsa Night, Saturday 21st November Good Food Show, Wednesday 25th November Environment Matters Recycle That Cushion! You and your Pet Phirework Phobia Neighbourhood Watch Willington Surgery Seasonal Influenza Vaccination The Patient Participation Group Repton Village and History Repton Charities Beavers and Cubs: A third leader needed for Beavers The Parish Magazine and your support Christmas Tree Festival, Friday 4th to Monday 7th December Repton Village Show 2009 Repton W.I. Repton Open Gardens 2010 Repton Village Society Repton Sale of Work & Fun Day, Saturday 7th November Repton Primary School, Bags2School Collection, Wednesday 11th November A Local Hero Repton School and the Great War - Exhibition Repton Village History Group Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney Parish Council Notes Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School Gardening Notes From Russia with Love

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Reflection on the Harvest

Dear Friends,

October is a month to celebrate the harvest, although many churches, Repton included, have kept this year's Harvest Festival service in September. Considering the festival naturally leads me to think of two things: the climate and farming.

Frequently I despair at people's complacency over climate change. It is only those of us who live secure in the centre of Britain who have the luxury of being unconvinced of the impact of climate change on the environment, and the consumerism that drives it. If I were a polar bear on a loose iceberg recently detached from the northern icecap, or a Bangladeshi patching up the mud sea defences with my bare hands, my view might be very different!

I do rejoice, however, at the increasing awareness of environmental conservation and the increased practice of re-cycling.

My problem with consumerism is that the free market economy is tilted very strongly in favour of the developed rather than the developing countries.

A year ago, the Rev'd Dr. Michael Northcott, professor of Ethics at the University of Edinburgh, wrote in the Church Times: "As in the 19th century the world is again governed by free-market liberals of left and right . . . who believe that when markets and money rule, unfettered by the demands of justice, freedom reigns." Quoting with disapproval those who regard parents of large families in the developing world as feckless, he continues: "but what prevents the poor from having smaller families is the theft of their patrimony by the rigged markets imposed on their lands and governments by the financial corporations and institutions of the West.

"As a condition of repaying foreign debt, developing countries have abolished agricultural protection for small farmers, turned vast areas of land over to corporate agriculture for cash crops for export to the North, and sold off their government stores of surplus and seed, which tradition had trained them to set aside for bad times. "Malawi, one of the best-governed countries in Africa, needed food aid in 2006 for precisely these reasons. Yet farm protection and surplus storage continue in Europe and North America, as permitted under the unfair rules of the World Trade Organisation. Hence the eventual failure of the Doha trade round in Geneva.

"This failure turned on the systemic injustices that characterise global trade in agriculture and other commodities, and in particular the requirement of North America and Europe that they should continue to be able to subsidise their farmers, and to dump subsidised goods on developing-country markets, while developing countries should not subsidise or protect their farmers in any way."

While not denying the opportunity for developing countries to develop, can we recognise in our own life-styles that "Christ sets an agrarian vision of sufficiency at the heart of his kingdom"?

With prayers and best wishes,

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

The End of Summertime

When British Summertime ends on Sunday 25th October, evening services at Foremark and Newton Solney will be brought forward for the winter months to 4 pm.

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Services of Commemoration, St Mary's and St Wystan's Churches, Sunday 1st November at 4 pm

At the Services of Commemoration in Newton Solney and Repton - on the Sunday nearest to All Soul's Day, 2nd November - we recall members of the community, family members and friends who have recently died. There will be an opportunity to remember your loved ones by name and an invitation to light a candle in their memory. The service is quite short and will use well known hymns and prayers.

We try to send a written invitation to the next of kin of those who have died during the year, but other family members are most welcome as are the members of the congregations and others, whether you have received a personal invitation or not. If your loved one was not buried or cremated in one of our parishes and you would like their name to be included and read out, please complete the slip of paper on entering the church.

Last year was the first time that we have held this form of service at St Wystan's, and judging by those who came and the comments afterwards, it was very well received.

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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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Celebrate the repairs to the wall, Sunday 4th October, Tea and cake from 5.30 pm, service at 6.30 pm

After four years of waiting, the brookside wall has now been repaired! To hear the full story behind the delays, and to give thanks for the completion of the work, join us from 5.30 to take tea and cakes on the terrace, and then stay to share in the worship.

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Coffee Morning, Saturday 10th October, 10.30 to 11.30 am

Share a chat with friends over coffee and biscuits, play the children's game, browse the new range of Webb Ivory cards and stationery, and stock up on home-made marmalade and cakes!

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Shell (age 7+)

The Shell group meets on Mondays 5th, 12th and 19th October at 6.30 pm. New members are welcome.

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Baptisms

Grace Olivia Kaiser, daughter of Andrew and Jennifer, was baptised at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Sunday 6th September.

Charlotte Amber Lees, daughter of Jenny and David of 30 Mandarin Way, Derby, and granddaughter of Jeanette and Ron Griffiths of Main Street, Repton, was baptised at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Sunday 6th September.

Abigail Jane Walton, daughter of Alexander and Kirsty, was baptised at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Sunday 6th September.

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Marriages

Ashley George White and Victoria Pamela Collett were married at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Saturday 5th September.

Antony George Brown and Rosemary May Lawlor were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 5th September.

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The Memorial Book

Repton has a fine memorial book permanently on display in St Catherine's Chapel in the north aisle of St Wystan's Church.   It was donated in memory of Henry Chilton as a place to commemorate former residents of Repton.   All are eligible and welcome, as well as those buried or interred in St Wystan's churchyard or Monsom Lane cemetery.   There is no charge but a donation towards church funds is greatly appreciated.   All we need is the full name and the dates of birth and death.

Please contact Rev'd Peter Paine, 703317.

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Repton Benefice

Ride & Stride

On a glorious September morning a walker and a cyclist (the vicar) each set out to visit other churches and chapels in the area, to raise sponsorship money for the Derbyshire Trust. Both churches in Repton, as well as Foremark and Newton Solney, were open to receive visitors and offer refreshments. The vicar managed to reach eighteen churches altogether and the money is still coming in!

Many thanks to all who helped to organise and steward the event and, of course, to those who sponsored the travellers.

Thank you!

A big 'thank you' to everyone who sponsored me for the Derbyshire Churches and Chapels' Trust cycle ride this year. With your help, I managed to raise what I think is a record for me, £185 for Repton and £140 for Newton Solney, a total of £325. I visited 13 villages, which included 16 open churches (13 Anglican, 2 Methodist and 1 URC) and an additional 2 (Methodist) which were closed, cycling just over 40 miles in 7 hours 20 minutes including the 18 stops. Half of the amount raised will go directly to the church treasurers; the other half goes to the trust, to which we may apply for grant aid and get more than our money's worth back again. So, well done everyone!

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St Wystan's News

Building a New Congregation, Repton Village Hall, 14th November 12 noon - 4 pm

This conference - for our parishes and all the parishes of the Deanery - will be led by Rev'd Alan Harper, who will also give the keynote address. Alan, the chaplain to the Bishop of Derby, is well qualified for the role, having much experience of building a new congregation alongside a traditional one, both in the countryside and in the city.

The conference is open to all our parishioners. The programme is a mix of worship, group discussion, questions and answer, and planning. Lunch is 'Bring & Share' finger foods. If you are interested in the future for our churches, this is for you. Contact Peter Paine on 703317 if you are interested.

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Champion's Challenge, Holiday Bible Club

On Bank Holiday Monday, St Wystan's church building was transformed with the help of bunting, sports kit (including a football shirt on the brass lectern eagle!) and gazebos in different corners for team 'dug-outs'. For the next four mornings over 20 children from Repton and neighbouring villages came to find out about Jesus the Champion, with the help of singing, drama, small group discussions and craft. Each one became a champion as they attempted various challenges and scored towards their personal best. We also enjoyed crazy team games in the vicarage garden. The team from St Wystan's was helped by a group of children's workers from Grace Project, based in Melbourne.

The following Sunday there was a special Family Service in church to continue the theme. Everyone - both children and helpers - enjoyed the week, and would love to see more children sharing in it next time. We are very grateful for the new facilities in the church which made it possible for us to hold the club there and we look forward to planning more activities for children and families.

Thank you

. . . to everyone involved in organising, preparing and running Champion's Challenge. It was wonderful to see the children having such fun together. A brilliant idea and very much appreciated.

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Proms on the Paddock

At the end of August the weather smiled on us, and we had a really great summer concert. Thank you to Morag Hill for organising it; to Repton School for allowing us to use the Paddock; to Paul Needham and The Unicorn for the marquee; to Peter Riley for flags and hats; and particular thanks to David Haines and the Burton Concert Band, well supported by Dos Bebendos.

You will have heard that, what with new boilers and old asbestos, central heating in the church is costing a great deal this year, so the money raised for its upkeep - over £1,300 - was very welcome. We had a very good time and trust that you did too. Thank you for supporting us.

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Repton M.U.

Members were glad to meet again after the summer break, and arrangements were made for next month's events: the Cathedral Service on Monday 5th October at 7.30 pm and the Overseas Service at Walton on Thursday 15th October at 2.15 pm.

Sylvia Fox then told us more about the Song of Songs, an unexpected book to find in the Bible since it is a collection of very beautiful poems celebrating the natural world and human love.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 21st October at 2.15 pm in the Fisher Close Room. John Shortt's subject will be 'Serving the Community through the Parish Council.

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St Mary's News

Newton Solney Harvest Festival

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 on Saturday morning from 9.30 am.

Contributions of produce, flowers and foliage would be welcomed, as would help with the decorating. 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.

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Ring the Bells at Newton Solney!

We are pleased to welcome one new bellringer from Newton Solney, who is making very good progress learning to ring at Repton. Now we need just two more in order to have a full ring at Newton Solney. If anyone else from Newton Solney would be willing to 'give it a try' please contact Peter Paine at the Vicarage, 703317, or David Roberts, the Bell Captain, on 702159.

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Summer Footwear Quiz

Thanks to all who supported the quiz, which helped us to raise £120 for church funds. Congratulations to Mrs. D. Hampton of Stapenhill, the only entrant with all answers correct, though we received many with only one mistake. The answers are on display in church.

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Hippo in the Garden with Robin Auld Friday 2nd October, 7.30 for 8 pm : Repton Village Hall £7 at the door, or call 01664 562521 Bring your own drinks! From an award winning guitarist and songwriter who has written two number ones in South Africa, 'Hippo in the Garden' is a humorous look at 25 years in the music business, with a distinctly African twist. Find out how Donna Summer scarred Robin for life, the best way to get the baboons out of the kitchen, and how Robin paid back Rod Stewart for playing Sun City. The musical part of the show features Robin's original fusion of African, folk and blues guitar playing, with soulful vocals, bluesy harmonica, and a pair of rhythmic feet! An evening's entertainment of humour and musical excellence

'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.

sue's macmillan barn dance with Los Pacaminos featuring Paul Young and supporting artists Saturday 3rd October at 7.30 pm Old Dave's Place ~ alias Mill Farm, Milton, DE65 6EF Los Pacaminos are renowned for their lively and entertaining music. Hog Roast and Raffle Tickets £16 from suenewbolt@hotmail.co.uk or 07971 731 571 or The Swan Inn, 703188

Repton School Concerts Society Morgan Szymanski - Classical Guitar Wednesday 7th October at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall Morgan Szymanski has been described by Classical Music magazine as 'a player destined for future glories'. He has also been selected as 'one to watch' by both Gramophone magazine and the BBC Music Magazine. Judge for yourself! Come and hear him! 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 School and the Great War Exhibition in the Tithe Barn Preview for village and staff Monday 12th October, 6.30 - 8 pm The exhibition will also be open to the village during the Sale of Work on Saturday 7th November

The Sitwell Singers with the Evangelische Kantorei Roesrath 17th October at 7.30 pm in St Wystan's Church A concert of German and English Coronation music The music includes works by Mozart, Mendelssohn and Britten, as well as Handel's splendid anthems, including Zadok the Priest. Tickets £8, under 16s free, from Jan Roberts, 37 High Street, 01283 702149, Foulds Music Shop in Derby, 01332 344842, or tickets@sitwellsingers.org.uk

Coffee Morning Saturday 24th October, 10.30 am to noon Jane and Patrick Griffiths invite you to 'Morning Coffee' at Field House, Tanner's Lane, Repton Kate Bailey will be selling her Phoenix cards & wrapping paper £1.50 including coffee and biscuits For your diary Soup & Sandwiches. Wednesday 4th November.    Laurel Cottage, Stanhope Green

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

Repton Primary School PTA Children's Nearly New Sale Repton Village Hall, Saturday 7th November, 10 am - 12 noon Admission 50p, Children free To register as a seller or for further details, call 07982 781936 or just turn up on the day

Charity Coffee Morning in aid of Resurgam Tuesday 10th November, 10 am - noon The Hall, Repton School Phoenix Cards: Christmas and greetings cards, advent calendars, gift wrap, accessories & stationery Julia Needham Jewellery: Freshwater pearl and semi-precious stoned jewellery, plus a variety of scarves Home produce for sale (chutney, jam, fudge, marmalade, mincemeat) Entrance £1 to include coffee, tea and biscuits

Salsa Night Saturday, 21st November, 8 - 10 pm Newton Solney Village Hall Come and learn to dance Salsa at our Salsa night, a fun evening suitable for absolute beginners. Tickets £10 to include nibbles, refreshments and raffle ticket. And do bring your own wine. For further information, contact Sue Elson, 703604. Tickets on sale in church, or from Sue Elson, Hazel Ward 701244 and Jennifer Haynes 703827.

Good Food Show Wednesday 25th November Pick up in Repton at 8.45 am, to return for 3.30 pm. Tickets at £22.00 include admission, coach fare to the N.E.C. and show guide. Contact Roz Baker on 702759

Environment Matters

Recycle That Cushion!

Following the success of a clothes exchange between M&S and Oxfam, the scheme has been extended to soft furnishings such as cushions, curtains, throws, towels and bed linen. The clothes exchange was launched in 2008 to encourage people to recycle unwanted clothes, reducing the million tons of textiles that we send to landfill each year. Since its launch, it has saved more than 3 million garments from going to landfill and raised an extra £2 million for Oxfam. The soft furnishings exchange will work similarly.

And you will benefit too! If you donate your old M&S home textiles to an Oxfam store, you will receive an M&S voucher worth £5. Each voucher will be valid for a month, to use when you spend £35 or more on homeware, clothing or beauty products at M&S. For further information visit www.oxfam.org.uk, but do look for the terms and conditions: you will find for example that a voucher can only be used in the same calendar month that you receive it, and that some items are excluded from the clothes exchange, particularly lingerie, swimwear, underwear, socks, and damaged or soiled items.

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You and your Pet

Phirework Phobia

Unfortunately, fireworks are no longer confined to bonfire night, and dogs can be particularly affected.

For firework phobic animals, preparation is key. Create a hiding place with blankets and clothing with your scent on for your dog to burrow into. Let your dog choose it, and encourage its use by feeding meals or treats in there. Make sure it is always accessible. However, don't go into it yourself during fireworks as this only reinforces the phobia. Close curtains and windows to minimise noise and light. Playing music can help can mask the noise from outside, and high carbohydrate meals (pasta, mashed potato, rice) in the early evening can make your dog calm and sleepy. Try to ignore the dog when it is frightened, and give attention and affection when it is relaxed.

A synthetic Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) can also help. DAP is secreted by the bitch after the puppies are born to give them confidence to explore their new environment, and the synthetic preparation, available in a diffuser or as a collar, helps your dog to be confident and relaxed. Use it close to or in the dog's hiding place for two weeks either side of the firework period.

For some dogs this may not be enough. At that stage you can try sedatives, herbal treatments and desensitisation therapy. Desensitisation means playing a CD of fireworks at gradually increasing volumes whilst keeping the dog relaxed. The process can take several months; you would need to start early enough for next year!

If you need any help please get in touch.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Crime: Following car crime (theft of and theft from) and recent burglaries locally, you are advised to be extra vigilant and security conscious. Security lights are a good idea.

Safer Neighbourhoods: At a meeting at Willington in early September, anti-social behaviour at Broomhills Lane in Repton was added to the list of priorities.

Operation Relentless runs for six weeks from the end of September and aims to address anti-social behaviour. 'Neighbourhood Sweeps' will include police enforcement action, environmental clean-ups, community events and activities to engage young people.

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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Willington Surgery

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination

If you haven't had your flu vaccine yet, Willington Surgery is running 8 more clinics 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.

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Patient Participation Group

The Patient Participation Group is a new voluntary group formed by patients and staff, replacing the Care Group. The latter had a distinguished history, providing many greatly valued extra resources for the surgery, but it was felt that the time had come to involve patients more broadly. The PPG aims:

to provide a channel of communication between practice staff and patients.

to help patients to take more responsibility for their health, whether physical, mental or social.

to provide practical support to the surgery.

to improve services, by determining the needs of the community.

A committee has been formed to organise events and initiatives, but all patients are automatically members of the group and entitled to attend any meeting. If you have any suggestions, please contact one of the committee members; there is a list on the PPG notice board in the surgery.

The group's first event was a 'Carers' Event' in September, and it is hoped that this will lead to a local Carers' Group.

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Repton Village & History

Repton Charities

The Trustees of the Repton Charities maintain a list of older people who live in the village and appreciate a small gift towards the cost of Christmas. Funds are limited, but vacancies do occur when people die or move away from Repton. If you would like to be included on the list, or if you know someone who might be invited to let their name go forward, please contact the trustees c/o Mrs. P. Carr, 56 Burton Road, Repton. If you received a gift last year you need not apply again.

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Beavers and Cubs: A third leader needed for Beavers

Both sections have now restarted and will be working towards the challenge awards and the Chief Scout awards. Cubs are canoeing this month and have a map-based treasure hunt as part of the Navigator's badge, an evening of camp cooking and another preparing for Bonfire Night.

Beavers continue to grow in number and we really need another leader to share the load with Vicky and Ian.

For more information on joining or helping, please contact Andy Austen on 702448.

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The Parish Magazine and your support

In its present form The Parish Magazine is about 25 years old. (If you know the exact date, please let me know.) When the Rev'd Julian Barker arrived in Repton in 1982, what he found was a magazine for St Wystan's Church, but Julian believed strongly that the magazine should be there for everyone - not just churchgoers. It should be free, it should be ecumenical, it should cover village as well as church matters, and it should go to every family in both his parishes, encompassing Repton, Milton, Foremark and Ingleby. In 2002 its circulation expanded to take in Newton Solney as well.

One aim, of course, was to strengthen the links between all families and the churches, but there were wider aims too, to keep people informed, to bring the local community together, and to give everyone a chance to be involved.

Except for the printed adverts, producing the magazine is all done by volunteers. That means printing, collating, folding, stapling and distributing nearly 1600 copies. It is quite a sizeable undertaking, and relies on many people being generous with their time and energy.

But the magazine doesn't run on air, and although our advertisers - almost all local - certainly pay their way, we cannot ask them to fund everything. So we rely on you to help with the significant cost of producing the magazine month by month - the consumables such as paper and ink, as well as the very considerable cost of capital items such as the printer.

With the magazine this month you will find an envelope. If it is not collected, you can drop it off with Karen Perks at the Grange, Main Street, Jan Roberts at 37 High Street, or with me at 1 Milton Road. We hope you value the magazine, and will support us.

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Christmas Tree Festival, Friday 4th to Monday 7th December, St Wystan's Church

At our last Christmas Tree Festival two years ago, the church was alive with 50 trees from schools, businesses and organisations within the village. This year we are also offering the opportunity to families and individuals to decorate their own tree. Letters have gone out to those organisations that we know about, but we may have missed some. Do please get in touch with Audrey Morris on 703453 if you would like to join us, either as an individual, a family or an organisation. It's great fun, and an exciting start to the Christmas season.

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Repton Village Show 2009

Although there were slightly fewer entries than last year, the turnout was still very good. It hasn't been the easiest year to produce perfect fruit, vegetables or flowers, but the number of entries for the produce section was high.

Thanks to Marshall's Seeds who again sponsored the event, providing vouchers and prizes, as they have for many years, and congratulations to all the exhibitors for the excellent standard. In particular, the children's section was well supported with some very creative items. Special congratulations to all the winners, particularly those who won the overall prizes and cups for the best exhibits:

Boot Trophy (best vegetable exhibit) Alan Peach

John Crockett Trophy (points in vegetable section) Robert Crockett

Voucher (best fruit exhibit) Wendy Longden

Cup (best flower exhibit) Alan Peach

McLean Cup (best rose exhibit) Ron Pugh

Marjorie Boddice Trophy (best flower arrangement) Frances Wimbush

Silver Trophy (best produce exhibit) Liz Ryalls

Photographic Shield (best photograph) Caroline Thompson

Handicraft Plate (best handicraft exhibit) Lucine McLean

Zak's Cup (points in children's section) Finn Dalton

We hope all those who came to see the exhibits and to take part in the auction afterwards enjoyed the afternoon, and we particularly thank our auctioneer, Adrian Argyle.

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Repton W.I.

In September Caroline Dodds, Director of Operations at Foston Hall Prison, came to talk about her work. She brought a lot of humour to what must be a difficult job, and provided some worrying statistics about the prison population.

Next Month: Monday 5th October: Repton welcomes the Mercia Group of W.I.s to an 'Evening of Magic' with the Derby Magic Circle. Tuesday 13th October: AGM and Social Evening - a look back at past events, plans for the future, food and fun. Do come along! Both meetings at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall.

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Repton Open Gardens 2010

To help our gardeners plan - and organise their holidays: the event will take place next year on the weekend before Wimbledon, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th June. If you have not previously opened your garden, but just might and would like to know more, contact Tom Hyde, 703662. You will have a lot of fun out of it.

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Repton Village Society

In her lecture, Professor Janet Spencer gave an excellent overview as to why Gothic architecture enjoyed such a widespread revival in the UK and beyond during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. She showed many examples, including buildings of more recent times. Perhaps the best and most complete local example is St Giles Church at Cheadle; maybe the Society will organise a visit there in 2010.

Next Meeting: Thursday 1st October: Colin Hobday will look at Derbyshire through the seasons including its landscapes, customs and history.

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Sale of Work & Fun Day, Saturday 7th November

The Sale of Work and Fun Day is a joint effort by members of Repton Village and Repton School, and takes place annually during the afternoon in the School's grounds and halls. There is always a wide variety of stalls where quality items (particularly hand-made ones) and bargains are available. There will also be numerous fun items catering for all age groups, run by the pupils, and a variety of refreshments including teas and pancakes.

Did you know . . . ?

Last year more than £30,000 was raised as a result of the main event on the day as well as the additional cabarets, dinners and auctions run by the boarding houses. This is a far cry from the £23 12s 8d raised at the first Sale of Work in 1877. Some of the very first Sale of Work events to be held were held to raise money for the Zenana Mission, which funded visits by women missionaries to Indian women in their own homes, with the aim of converting them to Christianity. The majority of the money raised today goes to good causes rather closer to home!

How money is distributed

Stall-holders and boarding house representatives, who have helped to raise the money, meet after the event to decide who should benefit. We are always keen to support worthy local causes, and in the past year the following Repton organisations have benefited to the tune of more than £2,500: the Village Hall refurbishment fund, Repton Pre-School, the United Reformed Church, St Wystan's Church maintenance, Repton Neighbourhood Help Scheme, The Dales and Repton Casuals. A further £5,000 has gone to other local organisations. On the whole we target help at organisations that have connections to members of the village or school, and where a sum from us would make a significant difference to them or would fund a definite project.

Suggestions and requests for donations should be made to stall-holders or boarding house representatives.

We need your help

To raise such large sums of money requires a lot of hard work. Gifts and help in making items like cakes or craft work would be very much appreciated. The following stalls rely on your support and the stallholders would greatly welcome gifts direct to them in Repton or to Pears School on the day.

Extra help is always useful, so anyone who is willing to be involved on the day should contact any stall holder or Penny Holroyd at The Hall.

Bottles and Jars

This popular stall was again very successful last year but it does depend on your support. We welcome any contributions of suitable items for this year's stall, items such as home-made preserves, pickles and chutneys, and anything in a bottle or jar, savoury, sweet, scented or decorative. Please contact Frances Wimbush on 703180.

Cakes

We welcome any home baking for this stall so please get cooking and phone Louise Hardwick, 701608.

Gifts and teddies

If you have any unwanted but new or nearly new gifts such as new bags, candles, perfumes, notelets, china, glass, or cuddly toys in excellent condition please phone Noreen Flight, 702274 or Margaret Bromage, 701609.

Toys

If you have any toys, puzzles or games in good condition please phone Alison Pitts, 703187.

Do come along this year and help raise a significant sum for charity whilst purchasing worthwhile items and having lots of fun.

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Repton Primary School, Bags2School Collection, Wednesday 11th November

Repton Primary School is appealing to you to search through your wardrobes and cupboards for unwanted old clothes, bedding, blankets, curtains and soft toys (just fabric items, and no books), nearly new shoes, belts and bags. All items need to be re-saleable, so in good condition. Items must be bagged and brought to Repton Primary School in November by the 11th for collection on the 12th. A collection point will be located just inside the school grounds. The goods are weighed and the school currently receives £400 per tonne. The money raised will be put towards buying equipment for the school's music department.

What is Bags2School?

Bags2School is a Northallerton-based company that works with schools to recycle clothes and soft furnishings, whilst also raising funds for the schools. Schools are paid by the total weight collected, with 76 per cent of gross turnover returned to them - so far over £6 million to schools across the UK. All the clothes are sold, either sorted or un-sorted, to importers and wholesalers in countries throughout eastern and western Europe, Africa and Asia. 80 per cent of clothing will be reused as clothes and the other 20 per cent is recycled for bed manufacture, socks, blankets and the industrial wiper trade.

So this is a chance for you to clear your cupboards, recycle, and raise money for an excellent cause, all in one.

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A Local Hero

The Help for Heroes Cook Book, with a forward by Kate Adie, has been published this year to raise funds for injured servicemen.

Among the many brave men featured are the RAF Nimrod crews, and the accompanying photograph, taken in Afghanistan, includes Squadron Leader Carl Melen CSM, who was brought up in Repton, and whose parents still live here.

Carl has been a Nimrod pilot for many years, serving all over the world. In 2005, as a Flight Lieutenant on exchange with the Royal Australian Air Force, he was awarded the Australian Conspicuous Service Medal. A maritime patrol aircraft he was piloting, a Lockhead P-3 Orion, developed a malfunction at low level over the Southern Ocean. Control was lost and the Orion headed down towards the sea. Only Carl's quick thinking saved the aircraft and the lives of its 12 crew. The investiture was held at Australia House and hosted by the Australian High Commissioner.

Later this year, Carl will be returning to his old school, John Port in Etwall, to take part in the prize giving.

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Repton School and the Great War, Exhibition in the Tithe Barn

By the time the Great War drew to its close on 11th November 1918, 1,912 Old Reptonians (former pupils of Repton School) had served, and of them 355 had been killed or died on active service.

This year on the 25th October, during the autumn half term, members of the school will take part in a plaque dedication service at St George's Memorial Church at Ypres. St George's was built as a place where relatives of those who died in the Great War - as well as surviving soldiers - could go for quiet prayer and remembrance. Many regiments, organisations and schools have plaques there to commemorate their members who fell during the war, and the dedication of the Repton School plaque will be a very moving event.

Alongside this act of commemoration in Ypres there will be an exhibition in the Tithe Barn here in Repton during October and November, focusing on the lives of those boys from the school who fell during the conflict. Their story will be told in photographs, school reports, diary entries, and poetry. On the evening of Monday 12th October, there is a special preview evening, to which everyone in the village is warmly invited.

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Repton Village History Group

On Tuesday 20th October our vice chairman, Alan Thompson, will give an illustrated talk on Burnaston Airfield, the original Derby Airport. Alan has researched the subject because of its many connections with Repton and the surrounding area.

The airfield's history goes back to 1939 when it was opened as a civilian airport before being taken over by the RAF. Many Repton people would have helped to build it, during the war many of the personnel came to Repton for their entertainment, and sadly, most of the war dead in St Wystan's churchyard were young airmen killed during flying training there. After the war it reverted to civilian use employing many local people, and many families started their holidays there. Now it is now just a memory buried beneath Toyota.

The meeting starts promptly at 7.30 pm in the village hall. Visitors are welcome. Members £1.50, visitors £2.50.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Community Speedwatch: The Community Speed Watch Scheme has started and is running for one month. Several motorists have been caught travelling above the speed limit already. The organisers succeeded in recruiting one more volunteer to join their team, making 8 in all. As a result of the data collected from the last speedwatch, the County Council will erect a vehicle activated sign on Burton Road, paid for by Repton School. The police officer who was present at the meeting offered his thanks to the Community Speedwatch volunteers, who are doing a fantastic job.
• Arboretum: Clearing and landscaping the site is now underway. Full details of the procedure for planting a tree in remembrance of a loved one will appear next month.
• Parish Meeting: Representatives of RWE npower gave a presentation on their proposals for a new power station at Willington. The plans are at an early stage, and the company still has to seek planning permission. It was agreed that the presentation was very useful. If the demand is there, Npower will arrange a public consultation in Repton in addition to those at Willington and Findern. More details of what was discussed can be viewed in the Parish Meeting minutes on the Parish Council website.
• Railway Crossing: There is concern that at peak times, traffic is backing up from the traffic lights at Willington towards the railway crossing, putting motorists in danger if they misguidedly enter the yellow box on the railway line and are unable to get off. Villagers asked for signs to warn people not to enter the box unless the exit is clear and to ask Network Rail to remark the box to make it more visible. The Clerk will contact Derbyshire County Council and County Councillor Martyn Ford to raise our concerns and ask for assurances that something will be done.
• Erosion of the Brook Bank: The Brook bank has eroded away near the public footpath that runs between Matthews Jitty and Pinfold Lane. The Parish Council contacted the Environment Agency who reported that they have inspected but will not repair it, and that they have reported the matter to the Footpaths Officer at DCC so that steps can be taken to ensure the safety of walkers on the footpath.
• Play Facilities: The Parish Council is encouraged that there was a big increase in young people at the summer play facilities hired by the Parish Council from South Derbyshire District Council. These included a climbing wall, laser quest, sportsmobile and playmobile. The weather was particularly good, and there was only one occasion when it rained and facilities were transferred to The Den. The Safer Neighbourhoods Group made a £250 grant towards the cost, the remaining £750 will be paid for by the Parish Council.

Next meeting: Monday 12th October at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall. Planning applications will be available beforehand.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

At our September meeting, Dr Christian Murray-Leslie and Headway manager Sarah gave a fascinating talk about the work of Headway and the devastating effects of traumatic brain injury on the lives of the victims and their families. Linda Murray gave the vote of thanks.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 21st October at 7.30 pm in Milton Village Hall. As we do not have a speaker after our Annual General Meeting, members will have all the more time to chat and enjoy the delicious refreshments.

Trip to the Good Food Show at the N.E.C. For details see above.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney W.I.

At the September meeting members were delighted to welcome five visitors. President Joan Buchanan thanked all who had supported and contributed towards the very successful garden party in July, and for providing cakes for St Giles Hospice in August. She reported on the Open Garden visit, which was originally planned for Clovermead in Findern. However the venue was changed at the last minute to Dolly Barn at Etwall. A large group was able to explore the well-tended garden, view photographs showing the developments that had taken place over a number of years, and finally enjoy tea and cakes outside in the warm sunshine - a most enjoyable visit!

Members have a busy schedule ahead with a Group meeting at Repton on 5th October, a Council meeting on the 6th, and plans are in hand for a Birthday Lunch in November. Several are interested in a visit to a Hindu Temple on 9th November, and monthly visits to the Mulberry Rooms will take place on the last Wednesday of each month, now that the college has reopened for the autumn term.

The theme of our speaker, Chris Jackson, was 'A weekend away and I've nothing to wear!' She was most entertaining, and with the help of a model was able to demonstrate how just a few garments, enhanced by different accessories, can be adapted to suit a variety of occasions. She gave us all new ideas to try out, and it's quite possible we may have lighter suitcases when we next go away for a weekend break!

Next Meeting: Tuesday 13th October: Patsie Jarman will speak on 'Advertisements of Bygone Times'. Whist Drive: Tuesday 27th October. Both at 7.30 in the Village Hall.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

In September, Mr. Tom Keavney's interesting and informative talk on his career in the hotel business was warmly received by the members. The vote of thanks was given by Mrs. Terry Martin.

We were blessed with sunny weather for our visit to Wollaton Hall, but on arrival discovered to our dismay that the Hall was unexpectedly closed for the day. After hasty reorganisation, we transferred our destination to Nottingham Castle. The visit turned out to be very successful.

October Programme

On the 6th, Mrs. Sally Hibbert will speak on 'The Lavender Patch'.

On the 20th, there is an outing to visit The National Memorial Arboretum. The coach leaves the Unicorn Inn at 9.30 am - picking up at the usual points - and returns to Newton at 3 pm. If the weather is inclement, there is a covered 'land train' which seats 61 people and includes a site commentary. Individual mobility scooters are also available. If you wish to join us please contact the secretary, Mrs. Jane Bagshaw on 01283 564502.

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Newton Solney Parish Council Notes

Allotments: A reminder that if you are interested in having an allotment, please contact the parish clerk, Jacqui Storer, by the end of September.

Traffic: The police radar gun has been in use in Newton Solney. Seat belt and mobile phone offences were found. There is to be a repeat check. The Parish Council is continuing to pursue the County Council regarding the vehicle activated road sign and the activation of the 20 mph school warning signs erected some time ago.

Fun: The annual village cricket, tug of war and rounders event was a great success. Thanks to all who attended, the organizers, the Brickmakers and the Unicorn for their support and food!

Next meeting: Friday 13th November, 7.45 pm in Newton Solney village hall.

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Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School

At the start of the autumn term we welcome back pupils and families as well as our new 'reception' children joining the school.

Community Collective Worship will continue on the first Wednesday of the month at 9.15 in the school hall. The dates for this term are 7th October, 4th November and 2nd December.

Our Harvest Thanksgiving Service takes place in St Mary's Church on Friday 2nd October at 2.30 pm. You are very welcome to come along.

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Gardening Notes

Once again it is time to prepare for winter, and yet we hardly seen to have had a summer!

It is still possible to take cuttings of osteospermums, argyranthemums, penstemons and salvias, but they will need some heat to start them off. Hardwood cuttings of red and black currants and gooseberries can also be taken now.

Bring tender plants under cover. Any that you leave out should be protected with fleece. Cannas need to be fairly dry and safe from frost, although dahlias can be left until blackened before they are brought in.

Plant spring bulbs, lilies and wallflowers. Sow sweet peas in pots; to germinate they will need a temperature of 18 - 22°C.

Tender vegetables must be harvested before the first frost. Tomatoes, courgettes, marrows, pumpkins, squashes and chillies need a frost-free store.

Sow over-wintering broad beans, and finish planting autumn onion sets and garlic. Plant out spring cabbage plants, and sow early summer cabbage and winter lettuce in modules in a cool greenhouse.

Prune any tall growth on bush roses, and tie in climbers and other susceptible plants to prevent wind damage. Cut back and dispose of any growth affected by powdery mildew, and similarly pick up and dispose of (but do not compost) rose leaves affected by rust or black spot, to reduce the risk of re-infection next year.

Conifers and other evergreens should be moved or planted now or in late spring. Being evergreen, they need a continuous supply of water, and need to settle their roots whilst the soil is relatively warm. They may need watering until established. Newly planted trees should not be staked too high; a short stake allows the tree to sway in the wind and develop a strong trunk and root system.

Collect and compost leaves. Alternatively, put them in a plastic sack, make a few holes to aerate, and leave for 18 months, by which time you should have a good leaf mould.

The R.H.S. has had a number of reports of trouble with the golden false acacia, Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia'. Problems start with the loss of single leaflets without the central rib, followed by gradual defoliation of the lower branches. No cause has yet been found, though some fungal infection of the leaves or roots, or possibly wet conditions, could be responsible. Our own specimen, now over 40 years old, is badly affected.

How long does a tree live? Most last more than 40 years, but it is difficult to know how long to expect: so much depends on the local conditions, soil and weather. Soft woods such as plane or larch will have a shorter life, and fast growing trees such as poplar will perhaps only last 100 years. On the other hand, beech and sweet chestnut live up to 400 years and oaks up to 1,000.

However, these are still youngsters in comparison with the bristle cone pine of California. This is said to be 4,600 years old, but it grows in extremely stressful conditions: its growing season, sandwiched between the icy winter and the blistering summer sun, lasts only a few weeks. Some of the giant sequoias are known to be over 3,000 years old; the main trunk dies long before the last of the branches, whose life hangs on the thin strip of remaining bark. The yew tree at Runnymede is 2,000 or more years old. In the Aegean, the island of Kos claims the plane tree under which Hippocrates, the father of medicine, sat in the 5th century BC. Further afield, the fig tree under which the Buddha sat in the 6th century BC is dead, but a cutting taken in the 2nd century BC is still growing in Sri Lanka. The Japanese, however, believed that the Buddha sat under a maidenhair tree, Ginkgo biloba, and have a tree dating from 1232 and the founding of a new sect of Buddhism. In Verucchio in Italy, there is a cypress tree said to have grown from the staff of St Francis of Assisi in 1200, and at Mount Vernon in 1783, George Washington planted a tulip tree, which still grows well.

Locally, this year sees the 200th anniversary of the Bramley apple tree at Southwell, and at Calke, Sir Vauncey Harpur Crewe saw the planting of the lime avenue for his coming of age in 1867.

One thing is certain: most trees will outlive us!

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From Russia with Love

I'm homeward bound over the flood plain of the mighty River Amur on the first leg of my 12 hour flight from Khabarovsk in far east Russia! I've been staying with the Director of 'Children's Rights' Organisation, Joy McRae, who spoke to us four years ago about her work.

In a seven day whistle-stop tour, I've juggled sightseeing with visiting the organisation's various projects. But the highlight was meeting Maksim, the 10 year-old boy I sponsor. A delightful lad, he can already converse in simple English - matching my simple Russian! With his mother, step-father and baby sister, he lives in a one-room apartment with tiny kitchen and bathroom. Happily, his stepfather has created a small sleeping place for Maksim on the balcony, where the laundry hangs when he's at school. The apartment block itself, similar to hundreds of others, is a grim concrete reminder of the Soviet era. The outside walls are plastered with the flat numbers of prostitutes while unemployment and alcoholism are rife.

We were entertained to tea, cheese, biscuits and fruit, before which Maksim prayed eloquently. He had just returned from summer camp. Now back at school he was eager to show me his workbooks. We have become firm friends and I am his new Babushka.

Sponsors are urgently needed; if you can spare £15 per month, do please let me know.

We visited the vast open-air Chinese Market to haggle the lowest price of jackets and trousers for the children of a very poor village 30 miles from Khabarovsk, managing eventually 300 roubles, £6, per outfit. Khabarovsk celebrated its 150th anniversary last year, and the centre of the city had been given a face-lift. Buildings range from the few remaining wooden houses and many solid pre-revolution buildings to a smart Intourist Hotel - all glass and marble. We visited two magnificent cathedrals, one of which was constructed in just three months in 2002 to replace the original destroyed by Stalin. Monuments to 'glorious heroes' abound!

In the countryside we visited Sergei, who through a miscarriage of justice is serving an 18-month sentence in a Colony (a Young Offenders' Institute). A pleasant lad, he has no family and was once one of the Street Shelter kids. The upside of his imprisonment is that he can continue his education, as the majority of such children are labelled 'uneducable' and are not taught beyond our primary school level. As we drove through the rural areas we saw dachas with neat gardens and stalls selling fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, water melons - and worms for the anglers. We visited the Samuel Street Shelter, a 70 year-old wooden house a few kilometres from the city centre, which had been financed by a Korean businessman in memory of his son. Here the lads were proud to show us the vegetables they were growing and asked us to watch them playing basketball on the newly asphalted court, paid for by a Birmingham church. Roxana, a qualified teacher, is in overall charge, so the children do get some education.

Another impressive project is the Workshop, a three storey building with woodwork and sewing rooms. Five homeless lads are accommodated here, the girls in a ramshackle wooden house a few metres away. Qualified teachers oversee the production of goods for sale. All the staff are practising Christians.

We drove 30 miles out to the impoverished settlement of Anastasievka, where each Friday Liza visits 22 children in the old wooden building which houses the library and village hall. They hear an illustrated Bible story, present sketches and activity choruses before sitting down to a much-needed meal. They were delighted with their suits as this meant that they could take part in sporting activities at school.

The 'roads' here are appalling, all but the main roads being rough, pot-holed mud tracks. The summer has been rather akin to ours, rainy, so many of the potholes are still deep in water. Our driver skilfully manoeuvred the van around vicious obstacles while we clung to our seats. He is most helpful, packing and portering food supplies from the 'Super Good' 'cash and carry', and one evening he worked very late to give me a tour of the city by night: Lenin Square was most impressive with beautiful gardens and magnificent fountains playing in coloured lights.

Maksim had permission to take Saturday off school to come to the zoo with us, followed by a magnificent BBQ; the mosquitos agreed!

On Sunday I attended Maksim's church. The Grace Church has a membership of 2,000 with split services at 9 and 11 am. There were about 100 children present ranging from toddlers and pre-school to 12 year-olds. On the top floor the joint was rocking as the teenagers sang to guitars and drums.

My last day found me at the old (1885) cathedral, spared by Stalin, where I was blessed and anointed by Fr. Konstantin. We then trawled the central market, an amazing kaleidoscope of colour and sound.

It's been an action-packed week and worth every minute. I was greatly impressed by Joy's work in this infuriating but fascinating country. The needs are immense so please keep buying my products, so that I can continue to support them. The usual jars and Christmas puddings are available - prices held from last year. I hope to see you all at the Christmas Charity Market on 21st November. Slava Bogu!