February 2010 - Contents St Valentine's Day Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Services at St Wystan's, Repton Services at St Saviour's, Foremark Services at St Mary's, Newton Solney Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Wystan's Brasses at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Coffee Morning, Saturday 13th February at 10.30 am Women's World Day of Prayer, Friday 5th March at 7.15 pm Shell (age 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Funerals and Burial of Ashes Thomas Leonard Palmer Annette Woosnam Townsend Obituaries Peter William Milgate Thomas Leonard Palmer Anne Townsend The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Lent 2010 Lent Collections for the Padley Centre and Derby City Mission St Wystan's News Lent Lunches in St Wystan's Church A New Hand Rail for St Wystan's Church St Wystan's Annual Church Meeting & Supper, Tuesday 2nd March Repton M.U. A Tribute to Michael Bates ChildAid to Russia & the Republics Thank you from Margaret Shepherd Thank you from the Carol Singers Repton School Concert, Wednesday 3rd February Pancakes & Baked Potatoes, Shrove Tuesday 16th February Repton School Concert, Wednesday 24th February Sacred Music of the Baroque, Saturday 6th March Newton Solney WI Lasagne Lunch, Saturday 13th March Parish Magazine Ads Environment Matters Thinking about wildlife You and your Pet What's that smell? Neighbourhood Watch Distraction Burglary Burglar Alarms Willington Surgery A Treasury of Information Repton Village and History Congratulations! Tom Hyde MBE Ashley Hutchings' Rainbow Chasers, Saturday 13th March Repton School Public Lecture, Friday 26th February Cooking Cubs and Global Beavers Repton Neighbourhood Help Missing Cloth! Recycling Metal and Foil Hartshorne Road Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group Repton W.I. Half Term Play Activities provided by SDDC Repton Parish Council Jottings Local Audiology Services: The PCT backs down Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Parish Council End Polio Now! Gardening Notes

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St Valentine's Day

In the past few weeks we have experienced very cold weather, snowy landscapes and crisp frosts, which were all very beautiful in a deeply wintry way. But if we stop to consider the cold in scientific terms, it is possible to relate it to loving relationships.

Cold is caused by the absence of motion. If an atom is chilled, then its movement is slowed down - so you could say that cold comes from the absence of activity. Likewise, our relationships with others can not only cool down but can become frozen solid when we fail to love. Just as atoms in their natural state are not meant to be motionless, so love too needs to move. In order to grow, love needs to be active.

This month we celebrate the festival of love that is St Valentine's Day, an event in our calendar which gives us reason to honour our loved ones, and an opportunity to allow love to thrive.

But who was St Valentine?

There were several Saints called Valentine, but scholars believe that the St Valentine we honour in February was a priest who fell into disfavour with Emperor Claudius ll. He, according to legend, had forbidden marriage for young men, claiming bachelors made better soldiers. Valentine continued to perform marriage ceremonies secretly but was eventually apprehended and put to death. Another legend has it that Valentine, imprisoned by Claudius, fell in love with the daughter of his jailer. Before he was executed, he allegedly sent her a letter signed 'from your Valentine'.

Lovely, imaginative legends, but probably the most plausible story surrounding St Valentine is one focused, not on passionate love, but on Christian love: he was martyred because he refused to renounce his religion.

It was not until the 14th century that this Christian feast day became associated with love and linked with romance. In 1381 Chaucer's poem 'The Parliament of Birds', written to celebrate the betrothal of Richard ll to Anne of Bohemia, linked the royal engagement to the mating season of birds:


Over the centuries, St Valentine's Day has evolved from the giving of gifts and handmade cards in the 18th century, to the booming commercial success that it is today. But however we plan to celebrate the 'feast of hearts' on St Valentine's Day, and maybe experience a little cold weather to go with it, let us ask God to warm our hearts in the places where they may be starting to grow a little cold.

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

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 Sue Parker, 702550)

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

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The United Reformed Church

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Coffee Morning, Saturday 13th February at 10.30 am

Last month's coffee morning was cancelled due to the snow and ice, leading to a severe shortage of home-made cakes and marmalade in the village and beyond. The situation can be remedied this month, and there's another chance to buy Webb Ivory cards and stationery, play the children's game, and enjoy coffee and biscuits with friends.

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Women's World Day of Prayer, Friday 5th March at 7.15 pm

Make a note of the date!

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Shell (age 7+)

The Shell group meets on Mondays at 6.30 pm. New members are always welcome.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Thomas Leonard Palmer of The Dales and formerly of Springfield Road, Repton, died on Monday 21st December aged 93. Cremation at Bretby was followed by a service to celebrate Len's life on 8th January at the United Reformed Church.

Annette Woosnam Townsend (Anne) of Turnditch died on Saturday 26th December aged 77. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 6th January was followed by cremation at Bretby Crematorium.

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Obituaries

Peter William Milgate
13th July 1931 - 19th November 2009

Although born in Lambeth, apart from spells of evacuation at Leeds and Aberporth, Peter spent the majority of his youth in Surrey. From school he moved on to Kingston School of Art where he spent a year before deciding that success as a commercial artist was unlikely.

Instead he chose to work in the film industry and was employed by Warner Bros Pictures, initially at their head office in London and then at a studio as an apprentice make-up artist, but when the studio closed he was made redundant.

The trauma of losing a job he loved led to a breakdown and the family moved to Littlehampton for him to recuperate. Here he worked on a building site and after a year signed on for 5 years in the R.A.F. Passing out as a teleprinter operator in 1950, he was sent to Egypt for a 2½ year tour. There he met Tegwyn and they were married in 1952, although marriage meant that Tegwyn was posted back to England until her service was complete.

In 1954, shortly after the birth of their first child, Peter was demobbed and the family moved to Repton. Here he had lengthy spells in numerous jobs, at Rolls Royce, Willington Power Station, Ewart Chainbelt, Leys, Trent Alloys and the Blue Bus Company as a conductor. He particularly liked this job and enjoyed helping people. When the Blue Bus station burned down he was transferred to Derby City Transport, and then on to the Trent Bus Company. However, when one man operation came in, he declined offers to drive, returning to Trent Alloys for nearly 14 years. At the age of 59 he was made redundant and went to the Nuffield hospital in Littleover as a general porter and maintenance man. He retired at 65.

In his earlier years Peter's great passions were ballroom dancing and small bore shooting. He was very artistic, and in later years taught himself the art of lettering, producing countless name plates, grave stones, wedding reception place names and albums. St Wystan's Church is particularly indebted to him for inscribing the names in the Book of Remembrance.

Peter was every inch a gentleman. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he would go out of his way to help others. He had a strong sense of humour, knew how to enjoy himself and was the life and soul of any social gathering. He will be greatly missed.

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Thomas Leonard Palmer
29th August 1916 - 21st December 2009

Len Palmer was born into a large family of 10 children living in Milton, but almost immediately after his birth, the family moved to Well Lane in Repton. Len attended the village school, and from there he won a scholarship to Bemrose School in Derby. In the 1920s, that meant a pony and trap to Willington, followed by the train. It must have seemed a great adventure to a village boy.

After school Len went to work for Taylor's in the Square, learning to bake bread, a skill that stood him in good stead when he joined the RAF during the war. His baking took him all over the world, including Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific islands, but it was in the south of England that he met, and in 1943 married Rona, a landgirl from the East End of London, and together they went on to have five daughters. After demob in 1945 Len had several occupations, including many happy years with the Blue Bus Company, but the last years, spent at Willington Power Station, were some of the happiest.

Len was a keen sportsman, an all-rounder who loved cricket, football, snooker and cards. As a footballer he was a member of Repton Casuals and was offered trials with Derby County, but cricket was his first love; he greatly enjoyed playing and later watching cricket, and he was described as the 'best cricketer Repton ever had'.

Rona died in 2002, and by 2006 Len needed 24 hour care. This he found at the Dales, where he spent his final years and was wonderfully cared for, right to the end.

Len was loved and respected by all who knew him, and the warmth of the tributes at his funeral testify to his popularity. He will be widely missed.

Thank you!

Len's family would like to thank you all for the many expressions of sympathy, lovely cards and acts of kindness, as well as everyone who attended Len's funeral, and helped to make it such a warm and memorable occasion.

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Anne Townsend
December 1932 - 26th December 2009

Annette Woosnam Townsend was born in Repton and lived at Crossoaks on Burton Road until 1978. She grew up alongside her older sister, Betty, spending a country childhood with her horses and dogs, and many holidays at the seaside in Wales. For most of the war she was at a boarding school in Abersoch, but around the age of 17 she returned to Repton to set up a riding school.

It was through horses that she formed many of her life-long friendships, but she was a talented athlete and loved all sports. It was when watching Repton Casuals that she met her husband, George Henry Townsend, also from Repton. They married at St Wystan's in 1954. Anne had already taken on the care of her sick mother, but she and George had wonderful times together, living the country life and particularly enjoying dancing, whilst raising their three children.

The horses and stables were now flourishing in Newton Solney, but sadly, despite Anne's care, George died in 1977 following a long battle with cancer. Anne moved with her family and horses to Hulland Ward, where she continued to encourage her children's horsemanship. She like nothing better than a show or event and was an active member of the local British Show Pony Society for many years.

Anne was devoted to her children and grandchildren, but still managed a busy social life. She was kind, generous, hospitable, and courageous. Despite adversities, including two bouts of cancer, she remained dignified throughout and retained her sense of humour to the last.

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The Memorial Book

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

Please contact Rev'd Peter Paine, 703317.

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Repton Benefice

Lent 2010

Is religion a purely private and domestic affair? Polly Toynbee speaking recently on 'Any Questions' thinks that it should be. But what about the marriage customs of Asian countries which impinge on the human rights enshrined in the law of this country? Should some elements of Muslim Sharia religious law be adopted in this country? These are just some of the tricky questions which arise when we consider the implications of the original question.

In an election year it is particularly appropriate to consider these matters, which are raised by a new book 'Public Space and Private Faith' by Bishop Alastair, Bishop of Derby. A course of five sessions examining issues from the book will form the basis of our deliberations during Lent.

Five professionally produced 15 minute podcasts consider how the Christian faith can retain its place in the public domain. They are presented by the bishop and feature voices from the diocese, with the Times Religious Correspondent, Ruth Gledhill, joining in various programmes. Each will be uploaded onto the diocesan website a week in advance of when it will be used.

The five sessions are: Public Space and Private Faith; Sofa Messiahs; Dreams and Disappointments; Playing our Part; Hard Choices.

Canon Andie Brown has also produced an accompanying Lent book, 'Faith in Politics', with daily devotions and suggestions for weekly Lent meetings. This is currently at the printers but will be available for group leaders and members as soon as possible. Anyone wishing to read the bishop's book can obtain it from the Bishop's Office at pa@bishopofderby.com.

It is hoped that this will be an interesting and enjoyable course for Lent as we approach Our Lord's own challenge to the religious and political institutions of his day - for which He paid the ultimate price. Joining one of the groups for the Lent course is an appropriate way of following in His steps. Application letters are available in church. Please take one and return the tear-off section to George Johnson or myself at the vicarage if you would like to join a group.

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Lent Collections for the Padley Centre and Derby City Mission

At both St Mary's and St Wystan's Church, as in past years, you are invited during Lent to contribute to collections for the Padley Centre or to the Derby City Mission.

Derby City Mission

. . . started in 1989 as an interdenominational Christian charity with many strands to its work. Basics Bank provides free debt advice to people on a low income, and food parcels for those who need them. The Homeless Project takes food and drink out to street people. Street Pastors engage with people on the streets to care, listen and discuss; it was pioneered in London in 2003, and has seen some remarkable results, including a drop in crime in areas where teams have been working. Senior Connection visits people in residential and nursing homes, and provides transport. The Cross Cultural Connection befriends refugee families and young men, and where possible offers practical help. Finally, Christmas Connection reaches out to underprivileged families with the Christmas message and cards, as well as sweets and presents for the children.

The Padley Group

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

Padley Development Centre is a fully accredited training centre, training people with learning disabilities and those with mental health problems, preparing them for education. In addition, the young, long-term unemployed young are helped towards employment.

The Padley Day Centre works with some of the most socially excluded, the homeless, the mentally ill, and people with learning disabilities. It offers a hot meal, shower facilities, clothing and companionship, as well as advice, guidance, support and services which encourage their clients to create a sense of independence.

Padley hostel has ten beds for men. It is the only place in Derby that accepts rough sleepers direct from the street and supports them in the next steps towards a more permanent residence. For some this can be long, hard road.

Padley recycling centre processes 32 tonnes of textiles a month. It provides clothing for the other areas of the organisation, including the day centre. Other textiles are graded, some for the charity shop and the remainder sold.

How you can help

During Lent we shall be running a collection to support them. They particularly request items that provide nourishing meals, such as packets of pasta, tins of corned beef and packeted or tinned soup. (They cannot use items that are out of date.) If you would like to help, please leave tins in church at St Wystan's or St Mary's. At St Mary's you will find boxes under the rear pews.

In addition, the Padley Group are always looking for volunteers. See the opportunities on their website.

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St Wystan's News

Lent Lunches in St Wystan's Church Every Wednesday from 24th February to 24th March, 12.30 - 1.30 pm Soup, Bread & Cheese, and Coffee No charge but donations welcome Money raised will go to the British Red Cross Haiti Earthquake Appeal

Services of Prayer for Healing at St Wystan's Church

. . . will be at 7.30 pm on 10th March, 4th May, 14th July, 15th September and 3rd November - all Wednesdays except in May, when the service will be on Tuesday.

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A New Hand Rail for St Wystan's Church

We are most grateful to Sheila Bates for her gift of a new hand rail beside the lectern. Made by David Tucker, the blacksmith at Melbourne, it is of the highest quality, and complements the rail by the pulpit which Sheila gave in 1995 in memory of her first husband, Michael Henry, who had died the previous year.

We are delighted with this recent addition, which will assist those coming to read at the lectern as well as those coming up to receive communion. Like its earlier partner, it can be moved when necessary.

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St Wystan's Annual Church Meeting & Supper, Tuesday 2nd March at 7 pm in Repton Village Hall

The meeting normally lasts a little over an hour and is followed by supper. Supper tickets at £4.50 are available from Sue Parker, 702550, David Roberts, 702159, and Martin Wimbush, 703180. You don't need to buy a supper ticket if you just want to attend the meeting.

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

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Repton M.U.

After a short service the Annual General Meeting was chaired by Margaret Venables. The secretary had provided a report on last year's activities and the treasurer presented the accounts. A new date was found for the Littleover lunch which had to be cancelled because of the snow.

When the business was over there was a discussion about the future of the branch. As an independent group the financial position would be more secure. Nevertheless, by a unanimous vote, members decided to remain part of the Mothers' Union, providing Christian care for families worldwide.

Finally the secretary had provided a post-Christmas puzzle for members.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 17th February at 2.15 pm in the Fisher Close Room: Vera Bracken will speak about her visit to our Australian linked branch.

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A Tribute to Michael Bates

During January, two pieces of church music commissioned in memory of Michael Bates were sung for the first time in Derby Cathedral. Michael, who died last year was a fine choral trainer and respected music teacher, as well as a former member of Derby Cathedral choir and the Wystan Singers.

The pieces, a setting of the Magnificat and the Nunc Dimmitis, which are said or sung every day in many churches, were composed by Philip Moore, organist emeritus of York Minster. It is hoped that we shall be able to hear them in the near future at St Wystan's.

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ChildAid to Russia & the Republics

Very many thanks to everyone who supported the cause in 2009; you'll be delighted to learn that I reached my second-best total ever of £1.900.29. In my 76th year I had thought about 'retirement', but having experienced the conditions in Khabarovk in the far eastern, 'forgotten' region of Russia, I returned home more determined than ever, so please continue donating fruit and jars and, above all, buying the preserves!

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Thank you!

. . . to all friends, neighbours, friends and family who sent me cards, messages and gifts during my recent stay in hospital. They were all much appreciated.

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. . . to everyone who braved the sleet and snow to sing carols in Repton in the run up to Christmas. Our evening was made especially warm by those of you who received us, and we are very grateful for your kind donations which raised £87.80 for The Children's Society.

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Repton School Concerts Society Chetham's School of Music Wednesday 3rd February at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall Many of you will remember previous visits to Repton by students from Chetham's School of Music. This year, a mixture of their brass and woodwind players will be appearing. The concert will feature soloists and ensembles and is sure to highlight the amazing talent from this prestigious institution. For tickets, £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions), or information contact the Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

Pancakes & Baked Potatoes Shrove Tuesday 16th February, noon to 2 pm at 1 Milton Road, Repton £3 including lunch.            Proceeds to St Wystan's Church

Repton School Concerts Society The Schubert Ensemble Wednesday 24th February at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall Following their breath-taking concert two years ago the society is delighted to welcome back this wonderful group of players. Their programme will include Piano Quartets by Schumann and Chausson. For tickets, £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions), or information contact the Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

The Derwent Singers, Director: Richard Roddis Sacred Music of the Baroque A passion - medititation on the body of Christ on the Cross Saturday 6th March at 7.30 pm at St Mary's Church, Tutbury Tickets £10 from 01332 345936 or Jenny Jones, 704054

Newton Solney WI Lasagne Lunch plus dessert, tea / coffee, but bring your own wine! Vegetarian Option Available Saturday 13th March, 12 - 2 pm in Newton Solney Village Hall Adults £6.50          Children (Under 12) £4.50 Tickets from Jean Burns (702463) and Rosemary Bartlett (703000)

Parish Magazine Ads

All commercial advertising in the Parish Magazine is meant as a service locally. That's why it's cheap. Local individuals and firms always have preference.

For practical reasons, the professionally printed stuff is limited to 13 pages. Space is let on an annual basis with first call going to existing advertisers, and there is currently a waiting list.

In the duplicated pages, advertising for local events is welcome and free. You may also occasionally see a commercial ad. These are only given to people on the waiting list, and only when we have space.

Small ads have become increasingly popular, and despite a reduction in point sizes, threaten to overflow, so that we are now reducing the length of some new ads, and limiting them to people who live or work within our distribution area.

If you want to advertise, contact Linda Shortt or Neil Cumming as appropriate. Their contact details are on the 'Magazine' page of the church website.

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Environment Matters

Thinking about wildlife

Bitter winter weather can bring even the shyest wild birds into our gardens in search of food. To help them survive the cold, the RSPB suggests: set up a bird table and put out food regularly; ensure a fresh supply of water every day; if it is very cold, use tepid water but never ever use antifreeze products; there is a common misconception that birds can survive on bread, but in wintery weather, high calorie food is essential: feed high calorie seed mixes and kitchen scraps such as animal fats, grated cheese and porridge oats; blackbirds and thrushes adore fruit such as apples and pears; food bars or fat hung up or rubbed into the bark of trees is a great help for treecreepers and goldcrests; nest boxes provide roost sites for the smaller birds and will also be used for breeding later in the year. For other ideas and lots of information visit www.rspb.org.

Are you interested in learning more about wildlife? iSpot (www.ispot.org.uk) is a website where you can share your observations with and learn from others. You can start your own album of observations, join a group and get help identifying what you have seen.

If you wish to study nature in your neighbourhood more seriously, a new Open University course, Neighbourhood Nature, will help you to learn basic scientific and observational skills. Search online for 'OU Neighbourhood Nature' or phone 0845 300 60 90.

The BBC website helps you to find local wildlife sites and activities. Search online for 'BBC Breathing Places' and then search by postcode.

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You and your Pet

What's that smell?

Does your dog scoot on the ground, rubbing its bottom, or continually lick its rear end? If so, there could be an anal gland problem.

The anal glands are two sac-like glands that sit beneath the anal skin at 5 and 7 o'clock positions and empty into the anus via small ducts. In primitive animals they were used both to lubricate and to mark territory. They empty when a large, firm stool passes through, squeezing out the gland. If the duct is blocked or the gland doesn't empty (if the stool is too soft), then anal gland irritation, inflammation and even infection can occur.

Most anal gland problems can be treated by manually emptying the gland, but some require antibiotics and, in extreme cases, surgical removal of the glands.

Guinea pigs

. . . form close bonds with their owners and can be great to handle. Originating from South America they live to the age of 4 or 5, and are best fed on a diet of grass, hay, fruit and vegetables, with some high quality commercially prepared food. They can live in- or outside - protected from rain and direct sun - and should be checked every day. Potential health problems can include chest infections (after bad weather or stress), skin disease (mange), diarrhoea (due to infections or diet change) and dental problems (overgrown teeth). Prompt treatment can give the best chance of recovery.

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

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Neighbourhood Watch

Distraction Burglary . . . never goes away; this month there have been several reports from Repton and local villages. The old are particularly vulnerable as with age we grow increasingly trusting. Con-men take many guises; many pose as water company workers checking water quality or pressure, but one even claimed to be bringing a take-away - in an empty bag!

Remember:

• Secure your door chain.
• Never let in someone you're not expecting. If not sure, don't open the door!
• Staff from utility companies carry an identification card. Always ask to see it. If you're not happy, contact the company.
• Don't give them any personal or bank details.
• If they have a vehicle, take down the registration number, make and model.

Burglar Alarms

A firm, claiming to be based in Derby, has been offering to fit burglar alarms, allegedly worth £1000, free of charge as a promotion. Past experience of such offers is that there is always a large hidden charge for some aspect of the contract. The advice is to deal with a reputable local company that has Trading Standards' 'Trusted Trader' approval. If in doubt, you can get the names of Trusted Traders by ringing the District Council or through their website.

Always look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

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Willington Surgery

Here at the surgery we face significant and increasing problems of space. The population of the area is growing and likely to grow even faster. It is also ageing, and general practice is increasingly involved with complex chronic disease care. In addition, it is NHS policy to move work out of hospitals into the community.

It may not be apparent when you visit the surgery, but the reality is that we have only 42% of the floor space we need for a practice serving our population. To secure the future of the practice and to continue to attract high-quality staff, we do need more.

For a number of years we have been looking for an alternative site, and have scoured the whole practice area. Developers working on our behalf have been talking to the District Council, Willington Parish Council and the owners of the power station. Suitable sites are very scarce: we need to be free of the risk of floods, have good and safe access and considerable space for parking. We had thought that the problem would be resolved when the fate of the power station site was decided, but it is unlikely that that issue will be resolved this year.

Willington Parish Council has now agreed to discuss the possible use of part of the playing field site on Twyford Road. This is precious land, gifted to the village by Farmer Spalton of Findern Lane. Two public meetings in January were very well attended, and although questioning was incisive, it was clear that people could see the dilemma of trying to balance the health needs of the community against some loss of amenity space, especially for young sportsmen. This is one of those very uncomfortable questions to which there is no right answer.

We will continue to search for other sites, but also have to face the fact that, whilst NHS funding for this project has now been available for several years, times are uncertain, and there is no guarantee how long that offer will stay on the table.

For the moment, the people of Willington are being asked to send us their views. A questionnaire is available in the surgery and we would be happy to receive letters, all of which will be passed back to Willington Parish Council for their consideration as they make their decision.

Only when a site has been acquired can discussions about the nature and shape of the development begin, and then we will open the discussion to the whole practice. If you would like to be involved in that, please put yourself forward for our Patient Participation Group by contacting either myself or Mrs Sally Lovatt at the pharmacy in Willington.

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A Treasury of Information

. . . is available free through your local library service website. Derbyshire and Staffordshire have both signed up to some of the most reputable online reference sites, and if you have a library card you can access them directly from your own computer.

The information is aimed at all levels of enquiry; it is of interest to the general reader, students, school students and researchers. It is all accredited and can be relied upon for authenticity and currency.

If you have a Derbyshire library card, go to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/24hrlibrary and follow the instructions. For each reference work you will need to log on separately, generally using your card number with the prefix DCC (e.g. DCC665402800).

For Staffordshire libraries, go to www.staffordshire.gov.uk/libraries, click on 'Discover' and follow the instructions. For the sites I explored, I was able to log on with the card number alone, but you may need to set up a PIN for some sites.

It is well worth taking the trouble to familiarise yourself with the way the sites work, as the range of free information is astonishing. Sources include dictionaries, the Dictionary of National Biography, business, newspapers and magazines, art, music, literature, current affairs, law, British Standards and many others.

However, to some extent the two libraries do cover different ground: Derbyshire has Infotrac, a database of newspapers and journals, giving access to 10 national newspapers and 50 journals and magazines going back to 1985, as well as The Times from 1785 and the British Library Newspapers database including the Derby Mercury from 1800-1900. I also found the Oxford languages dictionaries, as well as Grove's dictionaries of art and music. Staffordshire, on the other hand, has Ancestry, the British Film Institute and the Naxos music library.

If you need help to access any of these resources, staff will be very happy to help.

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Repton Village & History

Congratulations! Tom Hyde MBE

In the Queen's New Year Honours list, Dr. T.G. Hyde - Tom to all who know him - was awarded the MBE for his 'services to the community in Repton'.

Tom, who was the Quality Control Director for Bass Brewing for 26 years, has lived in Repton for over 30 years, and at 81 continues to play a major role in the life of the village.

At St Wystan's Church he has been churchwarden, a long-standing member of the PCC, and has had a significant part in two appeals, to raise funds for the church organ in 1998, and currently for the Heritage Appeal.

For over 20 years he was co-ordinator of Repton Neighbourhood Watch, and continues today as deputy. He took over from Bunty Marshall in 1988, when Neighbourhood Watch was still in its infancy, and his 20 years in the chair include five as chairman of South Derbyshire Neighbourhood Watch Association.

Having started his National Service in the RAMC, Tom was commissioned into the RASC, and for the last eight years he has been chairman of the Repton and District branch of the Royal British Legion. He has also been heavily involved in organising the annual Repton Open Gardens for 15 years, most of that time as chairman.

Tom is a well known and popular figure, and we congratulate him on an honour that is thoroughly deserved.

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Ashley Hutchings' Rainbow Chasers, Saturday 13th March at 7.30 pm

Live & Local promotes - and subsidises - top class professional performances in local venues, bringing people and performers closer together for a really good time. From 'The Old Rope String Band', through 'Last Night's Fun' to 'An Evening with Mervyn Stutter', Live & Local has brought us a succession of hugely enjoyable evenings in Repton Village Hall, and Ashley Hutchings' Rainbow Chasers promise an evening to match.

The star of the show is Ashley himself, sometime musical director at the National Theatre and co-founder of legendary folk groups Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band. But The Rainbow Chasers aren't just a star vehicle. This is an intimate, friendly and musically lovely evening of great harmonies and musicianship from four talented, individual songwriters with varying styles who all get their chance to shine, with looping acapella, Eastern European jigs, and great storytelling to add to the more traditional folk sounds.

Tickets at £8.50 are now available from Chris Carpenter, 702370, and Peter Court, 702599, and Repton Post Office. Don't leave it too long; the previous bookings have all sold out.

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Repton School Public Lecture, Friday 26th February at 7.30 pm

This year's David Wilkinson Memorial Lecture will be given in the Robert Beldam Hall, part of Repton Music School. Repton's Deputy Head, Tim Owen, will speak on Masaccio, and Jeremy Bournon, Director of Art, on Gustave Caillebotte.

Visitors are most welcome - just turn up. Admission is free but there will be a retiring collection for a nominated charity.

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Cooking Cubs and Global Beavers

Both scouting sections are back in full swing and as busy as ever. The Cubs are preoccupied with the forthcoming District cooking competition - spicy parsnip soup, gingery beef with sweet potato mash and sugar snap peas followed by a sophisticated banana custard - all prepared and cooked by the youngsters - without help! - on a two-burner camping stove, and judged by a professional local chef.

The Beavers are working on bits of their Global Challenge, one of six needed to get their Chief Scout bronze award. They have to complete four tasks addressing cultures, world scouting and the environment. They are about to find out about the Joey Promise - Joeys are the Australian equivalent of Beavers.

To find out more about scouting locally or to get involved, contact Andy Austen on 702448.

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Repton Neighbourhood Help

We had a splendid Christmas Lunch at our last meeting, cooked entirely by Gwen Fearn. Our guests were June Scott and her husband Jack. Afterwards, June, one of our lay readers, led us in a devotional Christmas service which was much appreciated. We also enjoyed supporting the Christmas Tree Festival earlier in the month, and loved listening to the carol singers whilst we admired the display.

Our two week break stretched to four when the weather closed in. The snow looks pretty, but we did not wish to be responsible for broken bones on our watch. However, we did check that members were safe and had adequate supplies. As I write we are expecting to meet on 22nd January, when we will be celebrating a member's 90th birthday, and will continue to meet until 26th March.

For further information please feel free to telephone.

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Missing Cloth!

During the Christmas Tree Festival, St Wystan's School's tree stood on a red cloth with swirly patterns. When the church was cleared afterwards this cloth could not be found. If you took it home by mistake, could it please be returned, either to the school or to the church, or phone 703453 to arrange collection.

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Recycling Metal and Foil

Last February Norman Brewin handed over to me the task of re-cycling cans and foil. Having done it for a year now and found it both time-consuming and laborious, I am even more aware how much we owe him for doing the job for so long.

During the past year, recycling has raised £152.95 for the Heritage Appeal. Thank you to all those who leave cans and foil in the bins at St Wystan's Church and by my back door at 37 High Street. Even more thanks to those of you who squash their cans first!


There are one or two problems over the foil. I am still getting plastic backed foil, which is not recyclable. This means a time-consuming trawl through the contents of the bins to remove it. To tell the difference: if you can tear it easily or squeeze it into a ball, it is fine, if not, then it is plastic backed. The other problem is with tablet blister packs. These consist of foil bonded to a cardboard backing. They too are not recyclable and have to be removed from the rest of the aluminium - not easy!

If you have any other metal items which you have no use for - particularly copper, brass or aluminium - I may be able to turn them into much needed cash for church funds. Give me a ring on 702159 and I will collect. Alternatively, you could leave them by my back door.

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Hartshorne Road

. . . , closed since mid-January at Robin's Cross and the junction with Gravel Pit Hill (Knight's Lane), is due to reopen in mid-March. However, that will depend on the weather, and the reopening may be delayed.

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Repton Village Society

In January Derrick Conway gave a comprehensive overview of the concept behind the building of the Royal Derby Hospital, as well as its financing, the details of construction, and the logistics of transferring services from the DRI without interruption or duplication.

Thursday 4th February, 'English Music'

Using musical illustrations, Tom Corfield, Assistant Organist at Derby Cathedral will offer a few thoughts on what 'English Music' is.

Tickets for the Jazz Concert on 13th February are selling fast, and will probably be sold out by the time this appears. We look forward to another splendid evening with Bill Smith and Gypsy Jazz.

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Repton Village History Group

On Tuesday 16th February, Brian Read will talk about 'The Contents of Grandfather's Tool Chest', and will be showing examples of the tools involved.

'Made in Derbyshire', Tuesday 16th March

In March, Shirley Horton returns to give us an illustrated talk. We thoroughly enjoyed her talk last year about Skegness, and look forward to her return.

We meet at 7.30 pm in the village hall. Members and visitors are always welcome. Admittance is £1.50 for members and £2.50 for visitors.

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Repton W.I.

Undaunted by snow and ice, Gillian Coates of South Derbyshire District Council's Waste Management Team and Cheryl Woodruffe from the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) reached the village hall for our first meeting of the new year.

Cheryl spoke first on tips for reducing the amount of waste we produce at home, explaining what WRAP is doing to persuade supermarkets and producers to use recyclable materials and cut down unnecessary packaging. Gillian told us what SDDC does with the items we put out for recycling, and then they both answered questions. We found both talks useful and went home armed with leaflets, determined to play our part in reducing waste.

Arrangements were made for the Pantomime in Burton, the Mulberry Lunch, another walk - weather permitting - and a visit to Crown Derby in March.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 9th February at 7.15 pm in the village hall: Liz Boddice: 'What to do with Chocolate'. If you like the sound of that, do come along. Visitors are always welcome.

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Half Term Play Activities provided by South Derbyshire District Council

Please come along and enjoy the fun. Just turn up on the day, but remember to wear suitable clothes and footwear. Activities including arts and crafts, giant games, and some multi skills-games and activities, will take place in the Den on Mitre Field on Wednesday 17th February from 2 4 pm, Thursday 18th February, 10 am - noon, and Friday 19th February, 10am noon. There will be a small charge on entrance.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Parish Precept 2010-2011: Repton Parish Council is suffering a severe reduction in investment income due to the unprecedented fall in interest rates. Wide ranging economies are being made wherever possible, but in order to maintain essential services it is necessary to raise the precept for the coming year by 5% to £14,400. The increase amounts to 66 pence per annum for a band 'D' home.


• Repton Memorial Arboretum: A selection of trees is being ordered from Woodgrow Horticulture in Findern for planting in late February / early March. Those who are dedicating a tree in memory of a loved one will be invited to attend if they wish.


• Half-Term Activities: South Derbyshire District Council is providing half term activities for young people in the Den on Mitre Field: Wednesday 17th February, 2 4 pm; Thursday 18th February, 10 am - noon; Friday 19th February, 10am noon. There will be a small charge on entrance.


• De-silting Repton Brook: Derbyshire County Council is still waiting to hear from the Environment Agency on this subject. It is disappointing that there has been no progress yet. There is concern that properties which have been flooded in the past may be flooded again if no action is taken.


• Well Lane Footpath: A notice has been erected in Well Lane stating that the lane is private and not a right of way. This discourages walkers from using it as a footpath. The County Footpaths Officer has confirmed that part of Well Lane is not a public footpath. The Parish Council is to consult with The Village Society.


• Burglaries: It was reported that there has been a spate of burglaries recently. Please be vigilant and make sure that doors and sheds are locked. The Parish Council recommends that those concerned should seek advice from Adrian Gillham on 703340. Adrian is the Neighbourhood Watch Group coordinator for Repton.


• Safer Neighbourhoods: The next meeting will take place in Repton Village Hall on Monday 15 March at 6.30 pm.

Next meeting: Monday 8th February at 7.30 pm in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton. Planning applications will be available beforehand.

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Local Audiology Services: The PCT backs down

Following representations by Mark Todd, Repton Parish Council and others, Derbyshire Primary Care Trust has apologised for recent changes which saw audiology clinics in Derby and Burton closed to people from our area, who were then forced to travel to the only centre left in the area at Swadlincote.

The changes had been introduced to cut waiting times, but showed little awareness of local geography and transport links. The PCT is now to open a clinic in the Hilton area and another in Derby. Repton Health Centre in Askew Grove continues to provide a battery service (t: 701261).

At the same time, the staff at the Swadlincote clinic has been replaced, a decision which led Mark Todd to conclude that [the situation in Swadlincote] "was going badly wrong."

On behalf of the PCT, Paul Carney apologised for the inconvenience caused by the changes and said that "measures . . . put in place to improve the quality of some of the new audiology services . . . will take immediate effect."

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

In January, our fellow member, Bunty Marshall, delighted us with some more of her wonderful collection of vintage clothing. This year we delved into underwear, nightwear and christening gowns.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 17th February at 7.30 p.m. in Milton Village Hall. Chris Marbrow from Scropton will talk to us about horse-riding for the disabled. The competition is a rosette.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney Tuesday Club

The Christmas Lunch was held at the Newton Park Hotel and proved to be most successful - a delicious meal and good company. The manager, Tom Keavney, and his staff ensured that everyone was well catered for.

At our January meeting we were entertained by three of our talented members to a light-hearted concert followed by tea and biscuits.

January's outing took us for morning coffee to Fairways Garden Centre and then on to Sudbury Prison for an excellent three course lunch. The talk which followed on 'A Dog's Role in the Search for Drugs' was most informative and appreciated.

Tuesday 2nd February

Our speaker, Peter Smith from the Wyevale Garden Centre, will give a talk on 'Spring in your Garden'. 2.30 pm in Newton Solney village hall.

Tuesday 16th February

Our coach outing this month is to Stafford. There are many places to visit in the centre of the town, including a good shopping centre. The coach leaves the Unicorn at 9.30 am, picking up at Repton and Willington. If you wish to join us please contact the secretary, Jane Bagshaw, on 01283 564520.

Newton Solney Tuesday Club Annual Holiday 2010

This year we will be staying at the Tynedale Hotel in Llandudno from Sunday 23rd May to Thursday 27th. The hotel is situated on the central Promenade and there are a few places available in twin and double rooms only. During our stay we shall have visits to many places of interest for those who wish to take part. For further information, contact Jane as above.

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Newton Solney W.I.

President Joan Buchanan welcomed everyone, including several new members, to the first meeting of the new year. She reminded us of the successful carol service, enjoyed by over 80 Mercian Group members here at Newton Solney last month, and thanked everyone who had helped to decorate the church and provide refreshments.

This year's W.I. Resolutions were discussed and voted on. The treasurer reminded us that subscriptions were now due.

We now look forward to a busy year. To start off our fundraising we are holding a Lasagne Lunch in the village hall in March. For details, see the advert on page 12, and come along to support us.

Jo Parfitt has a sponsorship form for 'Swim the Channel', and next month is the last opportunity to bring unwanted jewellery for the 'Treasure Chest'. The spring Group Business Meeting is at Willington on 3rd February, the spring Council Meeting at Sheffield on 9th March, and we hope to enter the County Show on 27th June. Visits to the Mulberry Rooms are planned for the last Wednesday in each month, and several suggested outings are under discussion, including a possible trip to see the stage show of 'Calendar Girls' at Nottingham at the beginning of June.

Unfortunately, due to the adverse weather conditions, our January speaker was not able to come, but will be here in February. Instead, our President welcomed Ian Hingley, who took us back in time with his talk on 'The Girls of the Big House'. With the help of two members he outlined the lives of a young maid and the mistress's daughter at a large house or farm at the beginning of the last century.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 2nd February: A cookery demonstration by Barbara Ball. Whist Drive: Tuesday 23rd February. Both at 7.30 in the Village Hall.

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Newton Solney Parish Council

Broadband: South Derbyshire District Council would like to know of any difficulties being experienced with broadband connections in order to present a full picture to BT. Please contact nigel.glossop@south-derbys.gov.uk, 01283 575703.

Precept: The precept (funding) for Newton Solney Parish Council has been set at £4,400 for 2010-2011, an increase of £100.

Grit bins: Grit bins will have been refilled recently. The grit is for the public highway and footpaths, not for private use. Parking: Please park sensibly in the narrow roads and lanes around the village. Emergency vehicles may have difficulty in reaching you - and others - if vehicles are blocking the highway. Next meeting: Friday 12th February at 7.45 pm in the village hall.

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End Polio Now!

Thanks for Life Week, 22nd - 28th February

Thanks for Life Week is part of the worldwide campaign to End Polio Now! During the week, the Rotary flag will fly from the Maltings Tower in Burton, and there will be presentations to local primary schools and publicity stands at the Queens Hospital and in Coopers Square.

The campaign to eradicate polio was initiated by Rotary in 1985 and enjoys the support of UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as governments everywhere. Rotary remains the lead organisation; its members have contributed more than $800 million and provided tens of thousands of volunteers to bring the oral polio vaccine to more than two billion children in 122 countries.

Until the introduction of vaccination in the mid 1950s, polio was a disease which every year killed or crippled hundreds of thousands throughout the world. In the worst cases, victims were only kept alive by 'iron lungs'. These monsters weighed 2 tons, and surprisingly, one is still in use in London by a man struck down as a boy 48 years ago. Almost all the victims were children. In the UK too, polio was very common.

Already the more virulent form of polio has been eliminated in all but four countries, Nigeria, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. When the campaign started, polio infected more than 350,000 children annually. In 2009, by the end of July there were just 730 cases worldwide, a fall of over 99 percent.

The final cases will be the most difficult, not least because of geographical isolation. It might be thought that cultural barriers and armed conflict would also be major problems as they have been in the past, but, even in Afghanistan and Pakistan, all sides now accept the need to guarantee volunteers safe conduct.

The benefits of success are not just the reduction in human suffering. $1 billion will be saved annually in the cost of immunisation, and infrastructure - such as public health laboratories - which has been developed during the campaign can be redirected to manage other health problems.

On the other hand, all this effort will be worthless if the job is left unfinished. Polio is immensely virulent, and in any country - even the UK - it is only a plane-ride away. The ease by which countries can be re-infected means that if we do not achieve a world free of polio, it could return anywhere, and it is reckoned that over the next 40 years there could be 10,000,000 cases. As long as polio remains anywhere, then all children - wherever they live - are at risk.

If you would like to support the campaign financially or in any other way, please contact Chris Lloyd, 702410.

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Gardening Notes

After a restful January, it is time once again to start preparing for summer.

Chit early potatoes in a light, frost-proof place. Sow sweet peas in a cold frame if you want them to flower early in the season. Lettuce and parsley can also be sown in modules under glass for planting out later. Weather permitting, peas and broad beans can be sown directly outside, though I often find it better to start them under glass; add a little blood, fish and bone to the broad beans as they go out. Carrots, parsnips and beetroots can be sown outside later in the month. Tomatoes will need a little more heat to germinate, so plant them indoors in a propagator before they transfer to the greenhouse in April.

There is still time to plant bare-root fruit trees and bushes. Prune autumn-fruiting raspberries down to ground level. Apply a general fertiliser to established fruit trees and bushes, or give them and perennial vegetables such as asparagus, artichoke and rhubarb a thick mulch of well rotted compost.

Winter-flowering shrubs, yellow jasmine and clematis that flower in late summer may all need pruning, as may roses if the winter turns mild. Once established, hydrangea paniculata needs pruning fairly hard, as do willows and cornus grown for the colour of their winter stems.

In the greenhouse, shorten the side shoots of climbers such as passiflora (passion flower) and plumbago to one or two buds. Hardwood cuttings taken last year may need potting on or planting out, and rooted cuttings of tender perennial taken in the autumn can be potted on.

Tidy containers, beds and borders holding winter-flowering plants regularly, removing dead heads and weeds.

Hostas can be divided before the leaves emerge, and many other border plants can be lifted and divided now just as easily as in the autumn. Staking herbaceous perennials is an important task; it is more effective and less obtrusive if done when the young shoots are only a foot or so high, so ensure a supply of stakes is to hand.

Summer bulbs can be planted at the end of the month. When you plant lily bulbs, make sure that they are plump and not dried out.

Plan the vegetable plot carefully. Crop rotation is important to prevent the build up of pests and diseases, as similar plants attract similar problems. Also, different plants take different nutrients from the soil, although peas and beans put nitrogen back. The four main groups are: beans and peas; the cabbage family; root vegetables and onions; potatoes and tomatoes.

Check the soil pH with a testing kit. Most vegetables do best with a pH between 5 and 6. Add lime to acid soils and in areas where you intend to grow brassicas. Adding well rotted compost improves the texture of the soil.

In larger quantities, compost is best made in heaps, turning at intervals. If there is little green waste you may need to add a compost activator such as Garotta, containing high levels of nitrogen, although organic gardeners may prefer such nitrogen-rich materials as poultry manure, nettles, comfrey or urine! However, slow composting in this way may not generate the high temperatures needed to kill weed seeds and persistent weeds. For smaller quantities, rotary and tumbler bins speed up the process and avoid the effort of turning the heap manually. Wormeries are very rapid for small amounts.

In Devon, the RHS garden at Rosemoor has recently installed a new composting machine to take both raw and cooked food waste from their restaurant which previously went to landfill. Waste entering at one end is heated and rotated as it moves on to the other, a process that takes just two weeks. Pathogenic bacteria are killed by the heat, and wood chips and garden compost are added to the end product to add composting bacteria. Perhaps this method could be used for other large kitchens such as restaurants and school houses.