December 2009 - Contents The Stranger in our Midst Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Christmas Services Services at St Wystan's, Repton Services at St Saviour's, Foremark Services at St Mary's, Newton Solney Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Wystan's Brasses at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Christmas Services Shell (for children aged 7+) Coffee Mornings Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Lillia Eve Hobson Connie Helena Dibble George Arthur Dibble George Harry Gaffrey Annabel Audrey Hill Funerals and Burial of Ashes James Wylie Laing Graham Wass George Alan Perry Obituaries Graham Wass The Right Reverend Stephen Verney The Memorial Book Derby Diocese New Archdeacon of Chesterfield Derby Diocesan Synod St Wystan's News Christmas Tree Festival, Friday 4th to Monday 7th December St Wystan's Church Socials Repton M.U. St Mary's News St Mary's prepares for Christmas Newton Solney Carol Service Repton School Concert, Thursday 3rd December Repton Primary School Christmas Fayre, Friday 4th December Repton School Carol Service, Sunday 6th December Repton School Christmas Band Concert, 9th and 10th December Follow the Star, a Christmas musical, Sunday 13th December New Year's Eve Party, Thursday 31st December Supper with Jazz, Friday 15th January 40 Years of Gardening Tips, Saturday 23rd January Environment Matters Christmas left-overs You and your Pet Give me a safe Christmas! Neighbourhood Watch New Technology, New Hazards Our Villages HOST 'Stamp & Deliver' Repton Village and History Royal British Legion Creative Cubs and Christmassy Beavers Repton W.I. Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney Parish Council Notes Newton Solney W.I. Gardening Notes Sam Beeton: Letter from Madagascar

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The Stranger in our Midst

Dear Friends,

At Christmas we enjoy making contact with our relatives and friends. Some of my relatives are kind enough to say that they appreciate our 'round robin' Christmas letter. We certainly enjoy receiving those of our friends, especially the humorous ones. Although I do admit that they are not all of the same quality: happily one of my colleagues is now retired, so we will no longer have a full list of his Christmas services in Essex.

Making contact with and sharing the celebration of Christmas with our families and friends is relatively easy and pleasurable. It takes more determination and generosity to do this with people we do not yet know. So I am very pleased that later in the magazine, on page 22, we are advertising a request for families to share Christmas with students from abroad who may be alone in this country during this period. HOST is a well respected charity, backed by the Foreign Office and used by many universities, which puts people in contact with such students.

The summer before last, Carol and I visited the friends in Kent who send us the most amusing of our Christmas letters. It so happened that during our visit, Brian had a parish BBQ lunch and had invited some migrant workers from a local farm. They were from Russia and, although we had little in common, I was able to indulge my enthusiasm for the novels of Dostoyevsky.

Migrant workers, especially young students, get a very raw deal in this country. Thinking of this reminded me of Brian's pastoral concern. A recent article in the Church Times by the former bishop of Oxford, the Rt. Rev'd Richard Harries, highlighted the fact that, despite the excellent work of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority, there are still many employers outside their orbit. This includes the hospitality, construction and care sectors, where there is clear evidence of abuse. 25 to 40% of gangmasters are still unlicensed, and immigrants going to them whose employment status is unclear are at obvious risk of abuse. Migrant workers are present not only in every city but in the countryside as well.

The Bible urges us to have a particular care for the stranger in our midst and for people who are vulnerable. Moreover, according to Matthew's gospel, when the Holy Family fled to Egypt, Joseph would have been a migrant worker until he was able to return to Palestine.

Making contact with this group and, if you are a legislator, widening the responsibilities of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority could bring you blessings this Christmas.

Wishing you a very happy, blessed and joyful Christmas,

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

Christmas Services

Advent Carol Service: Sunday 29th November, 6 pm

This is an evocative service, and an excellent way to begin preparations for Christmas. We start with the church in darkness, symbolic of the darkness of the world into which came the light of Christ. A single light breaks into the darkness and from it other lights are lit. This speaks to us of the light we receive from Christ's proclamation of God's reign. We sing well known Advent carols and follow a theme of Bible readings on the King and his Kingdom. The service lasts approximately 60 minutes.

Gift Day Family Service: Sunday 6th December, 9.45 am

At this Christmas Family Service we bring gifts for the charity, Home-Start, to distribute to disadvantaged children and families in South Derbyshire. If you wrap your gift please attach a note to say what it is, so that it can be given to a boy or girl of an appropriate age. Gifts of money are also welcome.

Christmas Carol Services: Foremark, 6th at 4 pm; Newton Solney, 13th at 4 pm; Repton, 20th at 6.30 pm

The churches will be candlelit for these popular services. At Foremark we welcome the boarders from Foremarke School and there will be seasonal refreshments in the school hall by kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Paddy Watson. The congregation at Newton Solney will this year welcome members of the Mercia Group of the Women's Institute. We now have a very efficient heating system and look forward to welcoming you to a warm church. Repton has also put in a new boiler - two, in fact - so we will be warm there also.

Christingle Services: Newton Solney, 6th December, 10 am; Repton, 13th December, 4 pm

This is a popular children's service and we are most grateful to Repton Primary School and Newton Solney Infant School for their support. The service was introduced to this country by the Children's Society and so, during the previous weeks, the children make a collection for the work of the Society among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children in our country. In exchange for their collecting 'flames' the children are given a Christingle which is then lit. In the darkened church we sing a carol by the light of the Christingle. Please come along to share in a magical moment. Spare collecting 'flames' will be available from the churches.

Crib Service: St Wystan's, Christmas Eve, 4 pm

Children bring a figure from the crib scene up to the front, and we build up the tableau as the Christmas story is told. Pupils from Repton Primary School will have received one of the crib figures to take home for a night during Advent as a way of welcoming Jesus into their home and preparing for Christmas. When they return to school the next day they are encouraged to say what they have done with the figure. Several of them will come to the service and hear the story of the first Christmas. The Church Army introduced this way of preparing for Christmas, and so we make a retiring collection for their work in disadvantaged urban communities in our country.

Christmas Eve Midnight Communion: St Wystan's and St Mary's, 11.30 pm

This is the first Communion of Christmas. The crib is blessed and we sing popular carols. At Newton Solney we welcome the Reverend Adam Watkinson, Repton School chaplain, to take the service.

Christmas Day Services: St Wystan's, 8 and 10.30 am; Foremark, 9.15 am; Newton Solney, 10 am

At Foremark the service will include Christmas carols. The service at Newton Solney will be Communion, led by June Scott. The Family Carol Service at St Wystan's is an opportunity for children to dress up and take part in a life-sized Christmas tableau. Appropriate carols tell the Christmas story as the tableau is built up. If your child would like to take part please come to the Crib service on Christmas Eve or contact Ruth Attwood, 702804.

New Year's Watch-night Service: St Wystan's, 11.30 pm

This service welcomes in the New Year and will be followed by bell-ringing, refreshments and, hopefully, fireworks as well.

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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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There's something for all the family over Christmas at the United Reformed Church. See the children present a delightful new musical retelling of the Christmas story; come and make a Christingle to put on your Christmas table; sing all the most-loved carols by candlelight, and bring a present to show to the congregation on Christmas morning. And wish everyone a very happy Christmas!

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Shell (age 7+)

The youngsters meet on Mondays 7th and 14th December at 6.30 pm for an hour of fun.

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Coffee Mornings

. . . recommence on Saturday 9th January at 10.30 am.

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Baptisms

Lillia Eve Hobson, daughter of Thomas and Rachel, was baptised at St Saviour's Church, Newton Solney, on 25th October.

Connie Helena Dibble and George Arthur Dibble, children of Mark and Isobel, were baptised at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 1st November.

George Harry Gaffrey, son of Lisa and Neville, was baptised at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on 1st November.

Annabel Audrey Hill, daughter of Alastair and Chloe, was baptised at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 15th November.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

James Wylie Laing of Shefford, Bedfordshire (retired farmer, formerly of Common Farm, Milton) died on Wednesday 14th October aged 78. A funeral service at The Vale Crematorium, Stopsley, Bedfordshire, on Thursday 29th October was followed by cremation.

Graham Wass of Newton Solney died on Wednesday 28th October aged 83. A funeral service at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on 12th November was followed by cremation at Bretby Crematorium.

George Alan Perry of Repton died on Wednesday 4th November aged 73. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 17th November was followed by cremation at Bretby Crematorium.

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Obituaries

Graham Wass
19th July 1926 - 28th October 2009

Graham Wass was born in Denby. On leaving school he had wanted to be a marine but instead found himself ordered down the pit as a coal-face conscript, or 'Bevin Boy'. He trained in Derbyshire, working at Loscoe near Heanor, and joined the St John Ambulance Brigade after an accident there in his first week. He became a deputy and coal face worker at 21, a blaster at 23 and an overman at 30. There too he was proud to work on the first coal-cutting machine in the country; people came from all over to see it.

It was during this period that through mutual friends he met Kathleen, to whom he was married for nearly 60 years. She describes him as "very happy-go-lucky, very fair and willing to help everybody."

In 1971, when the pit at Loscoe closed, Graham moved to Rawdon Colliery in Moira, and remained there until he was made redundant in 1983. Awarded the British Empire Medal in 1978 for his services to the coal industry, he was made an officer of the Order of St John Ambulance in 1983, and last year received a badge for his Bevin Boy service.

Graham was a very active and highly respected member of the Newton Solney community. He was a Parish Councillor for a number of years, chairman of the Tuesday Club and ran the Bowls Club. His hard work enabled the village to win numerous awards for the Best Kept Village, and he continued to mow the village green, the bowling green and most of Blacksmith's Lane right up to the end.

A popular but unassuming man, Graham will be greatly missed, and we offer our sympathy to his family.

Thank you!

I would like to thank most sincerely all our friends in Newton Solney and the surrounding areas for your cards, flowers and support during this sad time. I have received over 100 cards of condolence and personal letters, many of them recounting fond stories and memories of Graham. As you can imagine, it is too daunting a task for me to reply personally to each one.

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The Right Reverend Stephen Verney

Bishop Stephen Verney, who was Bishop of Repton from 1977 - 1985, died on Monday 9th December in Oxford. He was 90.

Before his appointment, Verney was a canon of Coventry and of Windsor following a parish ministry mostly in the diocese of Coventry, where during the 1960s he played an important part in the development of the vibrant church life that sprang from the consecration of the rebuilt cathedral. He was the author of several books, including a much admired introduction to the Gospel of John, 'Water into Wine' (1985).

A deeply spiritual man and a courageous thinker, Verney was essentially a romantic for whom a life of high ideals was also one of high adventure.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Verney was at Oxford and an ardent pacifist. Registering as a conscientious objector, he enlisted in a Friends' Ambulance Unit, but as the Nazi campaign became demonstrably more evil, he joined the army as a private in the RASC. The son of an M.P., grandson of a Viceroy of India, he came from a privileged background, and it was only when he was, in his own words, lonely and frightened as a private in Egypt, that he discovered how members of all classes and all races could be true friends.

In Egypt, he chanced to meet his headmaster at Harrow, Paul Vellacott, who was by then director of political warfare Middle East. Aware that Verney was a classicist who could easily master modern Greek, and that his short stature and often scruffy appearance might enable him to pass for a Greek peasant, Vellacott persuaded him to join the Political Warfare Executive, a sister organisation of the SOE, working underground with Greek guerrillas on German-occupied Crete.

After some involvement in black propaganda, he was commissioned, and in August 1944 was dispatched by night to Crete in a small boat. His primary task was to sow seeds of disaffection in the German occupying army. A Cretan 'guardian angel' helped to recruit others to form a cell under Verney's leadership, and they targeted German soldiers who rejected the Nazi regime, others who had fallen in love with Cretan girls, as well as Austrians, Poles and other nationals who had been unwillingly dragooned into the German army.

Verney and his team managed to convey the false impression that the resistance movement was very large and that the occupation forces were cracking under the strain.

On his own initiative Verney was responsible for the mass desertion of Italians who had been fighting with the German army. Having made a number of indirect contacts with their colonel, he crept, disguised, into the camp hospital. The meeting was conducted with Verney stretched out on an operating table, the colonel hunched by him as if hearing his confession, while another officer played the part of a surgeon. Verney's exploits in Crete were recognised with a military MBE.

In 1946 he returned to Oxford to complete his degree, and, having been drawn by his wartime experience to seek Holy Orders, was ordained in Southwell Minster in 1950, embarking on a ministry that was rarely conventional.

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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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Derby Diocese

New Archdeacon of Chesterfield

The Rev'd Christine Wilson is to be the new Archdeacon of Chesterfield in succession to the Venerable David Garnett who retired in September. She will be formally welcomed into the diocese and take up her new responsibilities in the new year.

Within the diocese, there are two archdeacons - of Derby and Chesterfield - who take particular responsibility for pastoral and ministerial leadership, as well as the building and legal side of the life of the church.

Mrs. Wilson is married with three adult daughters. She was ordained priest in 1998 and is currently vicar of Goring-by-Sea in the Diocese of Chichester.

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Derby Diocesan Synod

Early November saw the first meeting of a newly elected synod. "We meet in testing times," said Bishop Alastair. "Our task is to overcome doubt, which we find in many of our communities. It is our task and our commission."

Natasha Engel, Labour MP for North East Derbyshire, and Patrick McLoughlin, Conservative MP for West Derbyshire, both gave presentations to the synod and participated in debate. From their talks and the subsequent discussion Bishop Alastair identified areas which could provide a frame for the missionary task of the new synod:

1. Both MPs had reminded synod of the important role of the church in pastoral care. At a time when the rural church can seem under threat, members were reminded of the richness of life and social networking in smaller communities: something to be celebrated as part of a good common life.
2. The church has a central role in offering a moral compass and leadership in exploring key issues. This does not mean providing 'answers' but offering resources for crafting appropriate values and priorities in society.
3. Our buildings are precious signs of hope and stability. They are to be celebrated and used, not seen as a liability but as a real opportunity.
4. Both politics and religion have an uneasy relationship with the media. The relationship with local media is especially important and we need to be proactive.
5. Historically the church has had a prophetic role, noticing need and organising appropriate response. Often such work is then taken over by Government. There is now an urgent need to highlight the increasing number of people falling 'below the radar' in terms of their participation in society.
6. Politicians and people of faith exercise real power in their traditions, resources, and ability to influence and represent. This needs to be used in partnership.

Finally the bishop reminded synod of of a diocesan Lent course, helping us to examine more closely the relationship between faith and politics, not least as preparation for next year's general election.

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St Wystan's News

Christmas Tree Festival, Friday 4th to Monday 7th December
Friday, Saturday and Monday, 11 am - 5 pm; Sunday, 12 noon to 5 pm

Do come and enjoy this year's Christmas Tree Festival at St Wystan's Church. If you remember the festival we held two years ago, you will know how wonderful the trees were then. This year we shall build on that success, and have every reason to believe that the result will be magnificent. If, however, you missed the last festival, come now and see this display of trees decorated by local organisations or individuals to reflect their own character and focus.

A programme will guide you around, but you will have fun guessing which organisation has decorated which tree. Entrance costs £2, with the proceeds shared between the Children's Society and the church. Refreshments will be available from the new kitchen, a rather smoother operation than two years ago, and there will also be a craft stall. It is perhaps worth emphasising that with the installation of new twin boilers, we can expect the church to be warm!

Community Praise

On Sunday 6th December at 6.30 pm there will be a short 'Community Praise' service, with favourite hymns, carols and short spoken pieces. This will be followed by refreshments.

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St Wystan's Church Socials

As usual we have had a busy social time with four more very successful functions this autumn. We are very grateful to Louise and Chris Chilton for 'High Tea at Serendipity', to Wendy and Steve Longden for afternoon tea and a chance to see their new grass maze, to Jane and Patrick Griffiths for a coffee morning at Field House, where we all bought cards and fancy paper, and finally to Melodie and David Bordoli, for hosting an enjoyable and warming lunch in early November.

In the middle of November we also had the Repton Quiz, where Audrey Morris again ensured a varied, challenging - and occasionally baffling - set of questions, playing her own joker from time to time!

Thank you to everyone who supported our events throughout the year, making them so enjoyable and also helping to raise over £1,000 for the upkeep of the church.

In the new year, our first event is a lunch of soup, bread and cheese on Saturday 30th January to be hosted by Melanie and Richard Finch. Please book the date now.

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Repton M.U.

Attendance at Mothers' Union meetings may well increase if it becomes known that they sometimes include liqueur tasting! In November we sampled chartreuse brought back by the vicar from his journey along the pilgrims' route to Compostella. His pictures provided an introduction to the churches and monasteries seen along the way, and we ended with dramatic footage of the swinging of the great cathedral thurible with its smoking incense.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 16th December at 2.15 pm in Fisher Close Community Room: Sarah Paine: 'Working with adults with disabilities, using drama and music.' Seasonal refreshments.

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St Mary's News

St Mary's prepares for Christmas

In anticipation of the Christingle Service on Sunday 6th December, the Christingle oranges will be prepared in church the previous day starting at 9.15 am, and help would be most appreciated. Contributions of foliage as well as other help would also be welcomed for the more extensive decoration of the church on Friday llth December from 10 am onwards.

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Newton Solney Carol Service

The annual carol service for the Mercia group of Women's Institutes is to be held this year at St Mary's, at 4 pm on 13th December. Other members of the community are, of course, also welcome to share in this service.

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Repton School Concerts Society James Gilchrist, Tenor        Anna Tillbrook, Piano Thursday 3rd December at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall We are very fortunate to welcome James Gilchrist to sing at Repton. James is one of the most sought-after of all British recitalists, performing everywhere from the USA to Japan. He is also a prolific recording artist. The programme will include works by Lennox Berkeley, Benjamin Britten and Schubert. Please note that this concert is on a Thursday! For tickets, £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions), or information contact the Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

Repton Primary School Annual Christmas Fayre Friday 4th December, 6 - 8 pm Gifts       Games       Santa       Refreshments

Repton School Carol Service for parents, staff and parish, followed by a reception in the Undercroft Sunday 6th December at 6.30 pm Repton School Chapel             No ticket required

Repton School Christmas Band Concert Repton School Concert and Jazz Bands and Foremarke Hall Wind Band Wednesday and Thursday 9th and 10th December at 7.30 pm Pears School, Repton School Free tickets are available from the Lodge (by the Arch)

Repton United Reformed Church Christmas Nativity Church Services Follow the Star a Christmas musical presented by the children and young people Sunday 13th December, 11 am and 6.30 pm

Newton Solney Village Hall New Year's Eve Party Thursday 31st December, 8 pm until late Featuring the live versatile band of Jason Kester, superior buffet by Peter and Paul, bar and luxury liner to the hall to create that party atmosphere. See the New Year in to the Chimes of Big Ben and some Scottish Dancing Tickets £25 with reductions for children Tickets from Karen Makin-Wall, 703077, David Tidy, 703833 David Parfitt, 702580, and David Haines, 701491

Supper with Jazz An evening of food accompanied by traditional and easy listening jazz in St Wystan's Church Friday 15th January at 7 for 7.30 pm Two course meal.         Wine for sale Tickets at £15 will be available after Christmas from Jan Gilham, 703340, or Morag Hill, 702799.

Repton Village Show Committee and Repton Village Society 40 Years of Gardening Tips A talk by Howard Drury TV Horticultural Broadcaster, Speaker and Consultant Saturday 23rd January at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall Bring your gardening questions and your own refreshments to this most enjoyable and informative evening. Tickets, £4.50 from Frances Wimbush, 01283 703180

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Environment Matters

Christmas left-overs

Entertaining and catering at Christmas produces lots of left-overs, but you really don't have to throw them away. According to 'Love Food, Hate Waste':

We throw away 6.7 million tons of food each year, most of it perfectly edible.

Many families could save up to £50 a month by reducing the amount of food they waste.

If we stopped throwing away all the food that could be eaten, it would have the same environmental impact as taking one car in five off the road.

You could save up to £16 a week by taking a packed lunch to work.

The website 'lovefoodhatewaste.com' suggests ways of using up left-overs, gives tips on food storage and has many tasty recipes including bubble and squeak, mixed vegetable curry, soups, carrot cake, turkey, leek and ham pie, and lots of Christmas recipes.

When shopping for food we should also try to consider how far the food has been transported. For the UK so-called 'food miles' add nearly 19 million tonnes of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere each year. Over 2 million tonnes of this come just from cars travelling to and from shops. Choosing food that is local and in season can have a dramatic effect on reducing our carbon dioxide emissions.

See www.climatechoices.org.uk for more information.

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You and your Pet

Give me a safe Christmas!

Christmas is a time loved by everyone, pets included - all that turkey to eat, presents to raid and lots of treats. However, for some pets the excesses of Christmas can be just too much!

As we know, dogs don't always have the most discerning palate, but over the past few years I have seen numerous things removed from both dogs and cats: cotton on a needle; a wooden kebab skewer; a table football ball; lots of stones; plastic ties; screws; cooked bones; socks - a big favourite - and a pair of tights complete with knickers!

Numerous things can be poisonous to pets, such as lilies for cats and chocolate for dogs; we are often contacted by dog owners when bars of fruit and nut or even Roses chocolates have disappeared, complete with wrappers! It is the theobromine in chocolate that is toxic, and the levels are much higher in dark chocolate. Human anti-inflammatories, like paracetamol and ibuprofen, can also be very harmful.

If your pet does swallow something harmful, there are several things you can do. For the first few hours take up water and food and then, if no further sickness occurs, offer water only, little and often. It is a good idea to withhold food for 24 hours and then feed small amounts of bland food like boiled chicken, white fish and rice. Avoiding normal food for the next day or so gives the stomach upset the best possible chance to settle. This can also help with diarrhoea. Sometimes, however, the sickness and diarrhoea persists, and then a trip to the vet may be necessary.

Some dogs are prone to being sick first thing in the morning - bilious vomiting syndrome. This can be helped by feeding a small amount of food last thing at night.

Pets can also suffer with travel sickness. This can result from fear of travelling or simply motion sickness. Sometimes young dogs will grow out of it. There are also medications that can help.

If you would like any further information please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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Neighbourhood Watch

We need YOUR help:

We are hoping to extend NHW to areas of Repton not already covered. These are Main Street, parts of High Street, Pinfold Lane, Mount Pleasant, Springfield Road, Mill Hill, Well Lane, Spinney Croft, parts of the Pastures, Mitre Drive and Broomhills. We hope to send leaflets, but if you are willing to help, please contact me, Adrian Gillham, on 703340.

Christmas and criminals: As Christmas approaches, opportunist criminals take advantage of the fact that we are all busy getting ready and are often not as security conscious as usual.

Your night out: At this time of year, bear in mind your personal safety. When leaving a pub or club always try to leave with a friend and let someone know where you are. Plan beforehand how you are going to get home.

Your home: In one burglary in three the thief doesn't have to force entry to gain access as residents leave windows or doors open when they are out or in another part of the house. Prevention doesn't cost money: just close and lock the doors.

Your car and contents: In the coming winter months avoid the temptation to leave your car unattended with the engine running to clear the frost.

Most vehicle crime is opportunistic; thieves wander streets and car parks looking for items left on view, and steal them by breaking a window. Get into the habit of not leaving anything on view.

A Christmas Scam: At Christmas, we receive many parcels, so when you receive a card asking you to contact a company to arrange for a parcel to be delivered, it is easy to drop your guard. However, when you ring, you are charged high premium rates on a parcel that doesn't exist. Phone numbers change from case to case, so the advice is simply to beware. If necessary, contact www.icstis.org.uk, or Royal Mail Fraud on 02072 396 655.

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New Technology, New Hazards

Most of us receive emails from time to time with stories that can best be described as urban myths, although sometimes there is a grain of truth to them.

One such relates theft from a car left in a football match car park. Things stolen included a garage door remote control and a satnav. When the victims got home, they found that their house had been ransacked. The thieves had used the 'home' setting on the satnav to uide them to the house and the remote control to gain entry. The thieves knew where the owners were, they knew what time the match would finish, and so they knew how much time they had.

It is true that there have been instances of criminals using such information for further crime, although it is hardly widespread. In this case though, the remedy is easy: if you have a satnav, don't put your home address in it; use a nearby address instead - a shop, perhaps - so that no one stealing the device would know where you live.

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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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Our Villages

HOST

Adults from overseas, currently studying at British universities, would love to spend a couple of days at Christmas with you, rather than on a deserted campus. It's a rare opportunity to contribute to international goodwill just by opening up your home and taking them into your family. And if you might otherwise be alone, a guest or two from China or India, for example, might even supply a reason to 'do Christmas properly'. For over 20 years HOST has been linking students with hospitable volunteers, at Christmas and at weekends throughout the year. See www.hostuk.org or call HOST's volunteer regional organiser, Ruth Pelly, on 01335 330555. HOST is a registered charity backed by the Foreign Office and many universities.

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Willington Medical Practice Patient Participation Group

Thank you so much for supporting the concert last month by Derbyshire Male Voice Choir. It was a most enjoyable evening, raising £400 towards our aim of providing extra services for patients. If you missed the choir or want a repeat, they will be performing again on 12th March at Willington village hall.

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'Stamp & Deliver'

. . . run by Derby & District Scouts has been delivering your Christmas cards since 1982. For details of the delivery area, look out for the leaflet through your letter box, but in general it includes the whole of Derby, its suburbs and surroundings extending to Breaston in the East, Belper to the North, Hatton and Hilton to the West and Ticknall and Melbourne to the South. Lists of the locations covered are on each of the post boxes. Please don't include cards for outside the delivery area; they can't be delivered.

The first collection will be on Friday 4th December, and the final collection at 3 pm on Thursday 17th December, when all sales points will close. Cards will be delivered by Christmas Eve. Please remember to use the postcode.

You can buy stamps and post cards in the distinctive yellow posting boxes at:

Repton: Brook Farm Tea Rooms; the Dales; Mulberry Beauty Salon; Redshaws Family Butchers; Royal British Legion; Samaras; the Spar Shop; Austens, 43 Main Street.

Milton: the Swan Inn.

Newton Solney: the Brickmakers Arms; Cranberries Hair Salon; Jim Ward, 11 Blacksmith's Lane.

We are indebted to them all for the time and effort they willingly give each year.

The postal service is run entirely by volunteers, and all profits from the sale of stamps go to local Scout and Guide Groups and local charities. Last year £3,800 was raised for the Derby and District Branch of the National Autistic Society. This year's nominated charity is the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, which has been called on locally on several occasions during the last year.

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Repton Village & History

Royal British Legion

Poppy Appeal

In the year to September, the Poppy Appeal raised some £8,750, and as I write, the current year's appeal has already raised over £6,000. On behalf of all ex-Service personnel and their dependants, we would like to thank everyone who contributed to, or helped to collect this splendid sum. Much comes from the sale of poppies door-to-door in Repton, Foremark, Milton, Newton Solney and Willington. Other contributions come from the weekly whist drives and other events at the Royal British Legion Club, and from donations for wreaths.

Remembrance Day

The Remembrance Day Parade and service were very well attended; the excellent support from the Brownies, Guides, Rangers, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts was particularly appreciated, as was the help of the police.

After the service, wreaths were laid at the war memorial by the president of the Royal British Legion, the chairman of the Parish Council, county councillor Martin Ford, and by Charlotte d'Angibau and Joel Dolman, pupils at Repton Primary School.

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Creative Cubs and Christmassy Beavers

Both sections have been working towards their Creative Challenge awards. The Beavers have been painting and planting for Christmas (the details are secret) and, thanks to Liz Beeston, mixing and baking mini Christmas Cakes which they will marzipan and ice in the weeks to come. They are also making decorations for the Christmas Tree Festival in St Wystan's Church and a similar display in Burton. All this means they will complete their Creative Challenge and also earn their Creative badge. Some are due for their one year service badge as well.

Cubs completed their Navigator's badge with an evening exploring contours, maps and compasses, and are close to achieving their Creative Challenge award. They built a structure out of canes and elastic bands and then learned to do proper knots and lashings. Now they just have to make a useful artefact to complete the award - just in time for Christmas.

Help needed!

Sadly, the Beaver leaders need to step down due to pressure of work from their new business, and unless more leaders can be found, the colony will close in January - just 3 months short of its 25th birthday. It would be a great shame if there were no outlet for all their enthusiasm, so if you feel you could help, please contact Andy Austen on 702448 or 07977 440992.

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Repton W.I.

Anita Staley was the speaker at the November meeting, and everyone enjoyed her talk on life in a 5 star London hotel. Her career in hotel management had meant long hours and great responsibility, but she had met celebrity guests and come across some very strange items of lost property. Decorations made for the W.I. Christmas tree were on display and plans were made for lunch at the Mulberry Restaurant in Burton.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 8th December at 7.15 pm in Repton village hall: 'A Christmas Surprise' - members are reminded to bring a wrapped present for the gift exchange, and 20 penny coins.

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Repton Village History Group

Our October meeting heard an illustrated talk about Burnaston Airfield, which had been very thoroughly researched by our vice-chairman, Alan Thompson.

The airfield was built before the Second World War but immediately taken over by the military. Whilst quite small, it became very important in the war effort, its main job being to train glider pilots. Some of them were sadly killed during training and are buried in the war graves at St Wystan's Church. After the war the airfield reverted to civilian use before moving eventually to Castle Donington. It was a very interesting talk about a local feature.

On Tuesday 15th December - 7.30 pm in Repton village hall - our meeting is a Christmas social event with members and friends welcome. There will be quizzes, raffles, food and members' events. Come along and enjoy an informal and relaxed evening.

Our 2010 programme is now published and starts on Tuesday 19th January with an illustrated talk by Dr. Wendy Freer on 'Canal Boat People'.

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Repton Village Society

At the November meeting Nicholas Smith, former MD of Smith Clocks, gave a comprehensive overview of the work of the company, illustrated by excellent slides. Afterwards Ashley Franklin commented on the 30 entries in our photo competition and presented prizes.

Next Meeting: This is a coffee morning on Saturday 5th December, 10.30 - 12.30, when pupils from the primary school will be reading poetry and playing music as well as mounting an art exhibition. There will be a tombola and a presence by the police and neighbourhood watch. The charity we will be supporting is the Derbyshire Community Foundation, which supports local community activities - for example, it gave a grant towards the cost of the Village Party in May. Admission is free.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Repton Memorial Arboretum: The Parish Council has decided that the charge for planting a tree in the arboretum will be £100. This is a little more than first thought, but will now cover the cost of planting and future maintenance in addition to the cost of the plot, tree, stake, planting compost and a post for a memorial plaque. A planting ceremony will be held in February or March this season, but in future years it will take place in October or November. If you wish to add your name to the list for a tree, please contact the Parish Council Clerk, Celia Bunston, on 701309, or David Roberts on 702159.
• Police Liaison: At the October meeting Councillor Paulson reported on the 'Restorative Justice' initiative whereby, if crimes have been committed by young people, instead of court proceedings, the police liaise with the victims, who can decide to ask for an apology and payment to cover the costs of any damage. For a repeated offence the police will follow the same line, but a third offence will lead to prosecution. This initiative has proved successful in other areas in Derbyshire.
• The next 'Safer Neighbourhoods' meeting is on 10th December at 7.30 in Findern Village Hall. You are welcome to attend.
• The Cross Kerbstones: The Parish Council is concerned about kerbstones at the Cross, an ancient monument, which are regularly broken by vehicles. Derbyshire County Council has been asked repeatedly to find a permanent solution and is now arranging for the DCC Heritage Officer to attend a site meeting at the Cross to decide what more can be done.
• Repton Music Society: Last year the Parish Council made a donation of £300 towards the cost of a soloist for Mozart's 'Requiem' in Pears School. The Parish Council has now agreed to donate £300 this year's performance of the Messiah on 29th November. The council may not be in a position to be as generous in future years, but does want to encourage the event as a local occasion that brings people together. It is open to all and the ticket prices are very reasonable.
• Swadlincote Community Transport: The Parish Council agreed to donate £100 to this service. The 'Dial a Bus' service provides transport for those unable to use public transport through lack of mobility or lack of a local service. In addition, Community Group Transport is available to groups involved in community activities such as church groups, scouts and guides, the W.I., lunch clubs and schools. They currently need more volunteer drivers and passenger assistants to whom training will be given. For more information about the service they offer, contact them on 01283 550764 or at www.derbyshirect.com/swadlincote.
• East Midlands Airport: Repton lies under one of the flight paths for incoming aircraft, and many residents have long been disturbed by night noise, particularly those who live in the southern part of the village. Mark Todd MP has given his objections to the latest East Midlands Airport Draft Action Plan regarding aircraft noise, which he describes as "a poor document which merely confirms the master plan, presumes that the plan's assumption of increased noise intrusion is approved, maintains the airport's own management of every material part of the process and is, in some areas, so opaque as not to be fit for purpose". (Read his full response at www.marktodd.org.uk.) The Parish Council has written to Mark applauding his concern. Councillors fully support and encourage his efforts to achieve a more stringent action plan.
• Internet Connection: If your connection is unduly slow, Mark Todd would like to hear from you. www.marktodd.org.uk.
• Community Payback: The Parish Council is to consider using the services of this scheme to clear an overgrown public footpath. This scheme is an initiative under which offenders on community orders, supervised by the Probation Service, undertake unpaid work for the benefit of local communities. Young people who have been given a sentence to serve the community are carefully assessed before undertaking tasks such as clearing graffiti, litter, and fly posters from sites that may be in public or private ownership.

Next meeting: Monday 14th December 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 AGM in October, retiring president, Sue White, and fellow members welcomed Jane Smith as our new president. In November, our speaker, Tony Gardener, gave a very interesting and humorous talk about his life as a pharmacist. Roberta Higson gave the vote of thanks.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 16th December at 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. Members are reminded to bring along their decorated cracker and a £3 bran tub gift for this Christmas meeting. As usual, we will be served with a delicious Christmas meal and entertainment by the committee.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infant School

Community Collective Worship: You are invited to join us in the school hall for Community Collective Worship on Wednesday 2nd December at 9.15 am and again on Wednesday 6th January.

Our Christmas Fair will be held in school on Saturday 5th December between 2 and 4 pm. Everyone is welcome to come along.

A Christmas Service will be held in St Mary's Church on Friday 18th December at 2.15 pm. Everyone is welcome to join us.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Our speaker for November, David Bidder, gave an interesting and informative talk entitled 'Down my Memory Lane'. As we relived the years, it brought back many memories - it was surprising how much we had all forgotten. David was warmly thanked by the chairman.

December Programme

On the 1st, our speaker is our chairman, Doug Burns, who continues his life story with 'Episode Four'.

On the 15th, at 12 for 12.30 pm, our Christmas Lunch venue is the Newton Park Hotel.

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Newton Solney Parish Council Notes

The Community Transport Scheme based in Swadlincote is available in Newton Solney. If you need help with transport, the scheme can be accessed by booking a journey on 01283 550764. Why not give them a ring and see if the service can be of use to you?

Neighbourhood Watch: Roger Charles heads NSNW, liaising with our neighbourhood police officer and sharing information with other groups. He recently submitted to the Parish Council a full report which you can read on the village website.

Allotments: Just one person registered an interest in having an allotment, so the Council is not looking at provision at present but will keep the matter under review.

Next meeting: Friday 11th December, 7.45 pm in Newton Solney village hall.

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Newton Solney W.I.

Jean Burns, acting president, welcomed members and visitors to the annual general meeting in November. She reported on the visit undertaken by 12 members to a Hindu Temple in Derby, and Denise Parker gave an informative insight into her course at Denman College. This had been most worthwhile and she would recommend others to take advantage of the many courses on offer.

As our Birthday Lunch at Newton Park Hotel is on 24th November, the date of our next lunch at the Mulberry Rooms has been changed to 2nd December. The Mercia Group carol service will be held in St Mary's Church on 13th December at 4 pm. We do hope that parishioners will join us in this special celebration, after which refreshments will be served. Seats for the January pantomime, 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' by the Mellow Dramatics, can be booked through Pat Atkin.

The AGM saw the re-election of Joan Buchanan as president and of the present committee. As secretary, Linda Williams reported on the previous year's activities, which had been varied, informative and entertaining. News of WI events can now be found on the Newton Solney website. Terry Martin, treasurer, presented the financial statement, which showed a healthy balance. President Joan Buchanan was unable to attend the meeting, but extended her thanks to the committee and all the members for their support throughout the past year.

The evening concluded with a social gathering at which wine, cheese and pate were served.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 8th December: This will have a Christmas theme. Members are asked to bring refreshments for an American Supper and a gift for the bran tub. 7.30 pm in the village hall. No whist drive in December.

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Gardening Notes

You can maintain interest in your winter garden by growing shrubs that start to flower in December and have a good fragrance: mahonias, witch hazel (Hamamelis), winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima), wintersweet (Chimonanthus), winterbox (Sarcococca), and - the sweetest of them all - Daphne bholua. And many trees have attractive bark, which is most visible in winter. These include birches, some acers and prunus, dogwoods, willows and eucalyptus.

Plan next year's vegetable plot and order the seeds; an early order should avoid disappointment. Clear the plot and start digging as and when the weather allows. Alternatively, you may prefer to avoid the labour and just fork over lightly, applying a thick mulch of compost and manure, and leaving the worms and weather to work it in. This is fine if the soil is not too compacted, but not so good for root crops.

Much interest is being shown in raised beds. This involves dividing off areas of the vegetable plot with raised boards at least two feet high, and filling up with soil. Paths in between allow easy access. To allow for crop rotation there should be at least five beds, and they should not be so large as to defeat the object. The main advantages are ease of access and increased depth of soil.

Before the 17th century, the kitchen garden was the garden. It was only when people became interested in growing flowers that it was separated off. One of the earliest plans known for a vegetable garden is that of a monastery in Switzerland, and dates from AD 800. In 1694, a walled garden was created at Chatsworth just to the north of the house, but in the 1760s, Capability Brown moved it 1½ miles away, where it stayed until the 20th century. Walls are a vital aspect of fruit growing, especially brick walls which store the warmth of the sun. The walled garden at Melbourne was built for just this purpose in the early 18th century.

Root cuttings can be taken now from plants with thick, fleshy roots such as oriental poppies, Acanthus and Dicentra.

If you are looking for bare-root or container-grown trees, select them with care. Reject those that show signs of damage or disease. Tease out the roots of container-grown specimens to encourage them to spread outwards, and prune any that are damaged. Before planting - to avoid harming the roots - drive in a strong stake reaching to about a third of the tree's height, and fix with a flexible tie. Keep the tree watered until it is well established.

Standard fruit trees can take up a lot of space, and when they are fully grown the fruit may be out of reach. Commercial fruit growers are now using dwarfing root stock to grow trees with one central leader. They are grown a metre apart and supported, often with a cane tied to posts and wires. Thin branches radiating out are trained horizontally and regularly replaced. Stronger branches are removed so that the main stem always has priority. The weaker stems ending in a fruit bud will fruit more abundantly. This method can be used in small gardens, but you will need to study the pruning carefully. It is best done in late summer, as opposed to standard fruit trees which need pruning and an organic winter wash in December.

Most deciduous shrubs can be cut back now, but prune acers and birch before Christmas to avoid sap bleeding. Prunus and magnolias should be left till summer.

If you want holly or other berries for Christmas, they will need protecting from the birds. Alternatively, pick the branches and keep them in water.

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Sam Beeton

Madagascar is suffering from political unrest, climate change and unemployment, and farming communities are particularly affected.

The ongoing political crisis involves ousted president Marc Ravalomanana and new leader Andry Rajoelina, who assumed power with military backing in March. Lives were lost during subsequent riots and rallies.

Sam Beeton reports that Madagascar's government seems to have been surprised by the way they have been ostracised by the international community, and by the loss of foreign aid that makes up 70 per cent of the country's budget.

"The new government seems to be preparing to go it alone. They affirm that other countries should not be allowed to determine the future of Madagascar, and that it is healthy to be independent of others. In the meantime, those dependent on foreign funding are suffering. One agricultural training organisation had to sack most of its staff because its funding came largely from the EU. The World Bank has stopped funding projects. This is in addition to the world economic crisis, which has seen the closure of clothing factories that supply the international market. The market in vanilla has also collapsed.

"Because of the unemployment and poverty, crime is increasing. This is especially felt in town, where people cannot grow their own food so must work or find other means to feed themselves.

"However, in the countryside, farming communities are also affected by the crisis because they have to buy candles, cooking oil and wood, and most people do not grow enough rice to feed their families for the whole year. Tourism - a major source of income - is also suffering." Further complications have been caused by climate change, said Sam. "Cyclones which ravage the island every year have increased in ferocity and frequency. The rice crop in Madagascar is dependent on abundant rain, yet the rains are becoming less dependable. Malagasy farmers do little to cause climate change, but suffer greatly from its effects."

St Paul's College is playing its part in combating climate change by planting trees. In a tropical country like Madagascar, trees grow more quickly and absorb more carbon dioxide than those planted in a cold country like the UK.

St Wystan's Church supports Sam, who teaches at St Paul's Theological College in Antananarivo, the key training centre for the church of Madagascar. To support him, or the work of the USPG generally, visit www.uspg.org.uk, email enquiries@uspg.org.uk, or ring 020 7803 3422.