March 2010 - Contents A practical approach to Lent Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches British Summertime Services for Holy Week Services at St Wystan's, Repton Services at St Saviour's, Foremark Services at St Mary's, Newton Solney Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Wystan's Brasses at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Women's World Day of Prayer Service, Friday 5th March Mothers' Day and Church Anniversary, Sunday 14th March Palm Sunday, 28th March Coffee morning, Saturday 13th March Shell (age 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Funerals and Burial of Ashes Benjamin Anthony Weaver Marjorie Patricia Carter Helen Mary Forbes The Memorial Book Derby Diocese Going for Growth: The Bishop addresses Diocesan Synod Repton Benefice Jennifer and Cyril meet the Queen Russian Cruise, Friday 13th to Tuesday 24th May 2011 Repton Church Heritage Appeal Report and Future Events St Wystan's News Easter Exploration, Good Friday from 10 am to noon Easter Lilies Repton M.U. St Saviour's News Foremark Church Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Monday 26th April St Mary's News Lent Services at St Mary's Newton Solney Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Monday 19th April Children's Nearly New Sale Lasagne Lunch, Saturday 13th March Ashley Hutchings' Rainbow Chasers, Saturday 13th March Spring into Fashion, Tuesday 16th March Cheese & Wine Evening, Friday 19th March Barn Dance, Saturday 17th April St George's Day Spectacular, Friday 23rd April Repton Pre-School 45th Anniversary Party, Saturday 24th April You and your Pet Because signs of old age aren't always old age Neighbourhood Watch Repton Village and History Your Last Chance to Buy a Brick! Congratulations to Andy Beeston Repton Enabling Fund AGM Repton W.I. Art Exhibition until Friday 2nd April Birthe Kjølbye-Biddle and the History of Repton Time Team Repton Village History Group Sport Relief Mile, Sunday 21st March Repton Memorial Arboretum Repton Parish Council Jottings Flood Prevention: Help from South Derbyshire District Council Liberation Day, Thursday 20th May at Bretby Conference Centre Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infants School Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Parish Council Notes Gardening Notes

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A practical approach to Lent

Dear Friends,

If you were a member of the Time Team television crew visiting Repton today, Shrove Tuesday, you would believe in answered prayer. When two members came two weeks ago to see how the land lay, they asked if I could provide them with a sunny day. Against all the odds and after so many dull and cloudy days there is bright sunshine this morning as the cameras arrive.

However, whether or not the predicted snow comes at noon, the air temperature is hardly any warmer and the tits are busily demolishing the latest supply of nuts. Clearly this long hard winter is not yet over. As you may have seen, it even reached Rome where I was at the end of last week.

Rome hadn't seen snow for over twenty years and it really did come to a standstill. Despite rain during the night, snow started to fall heavily around 7 o'clock and didn't stop until at least two inches had fallen. People abandoned their cars, blocking the roads, though most never set out.

For those concerned that I might have been in Rome to take up the Pope's offer to traditionalist anglicans, let me assure you that I was there on the much less glamorous purpose of a retreat. The event was an annual gathering of priests of the Focolare* Movement, who try to put into practice the gospel insights of the movement's founder, Chiara Lubich.

* Focolare is the Italian word for 'hearth'; the movement is so named because the girls met round a fire in their home town of Trent.

Chiara was in her early twenties when the Second World War broke out. As a member of the Third Order of the Franciscans she was asked by her parish priest to remember for one hour the people for whom he had been asked to pray. She replied that she would not only remember them for an hour but the whole day. The priest said to her: 'God loves you immensely'. She took this quite literally and believed it applied not only to herself but to everyone, so she gave the same message to her parents and her close friends. This was just one of the incidents through which God brought into being a new spiritual movement in the Church.

Later Chiara wrote a commentary on a gospel sentence for herself and her friends to put into practice every week. Today the Focolare Movement publishes a commentary every month which some of us use as a guide to help us practise the gospel message. If you would like to know more, please contact me at the vicarage, tel. 703317.

Tomorrow will be Ash Wednesday the beginning of Lent. Trying to put the gospel into practice in a practical way is an excellent way of keeping Lent, which is all about walking the way of Jesus.

With prayer and best wishes for a holy and happy Lent.

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

British Summertime

. . . begins this year on Sunday 28th March. From then on, evening services at Foremark and Newton Solney will move to the later time of 6.30 pm.

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Services for Holy Week

Why is this week with the 'Great Three Days' so important?

As the gospel writers make clear, the 'Great three Days' - Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day - constitute, create and initiate our Christian faith. Jesus came to establish a new kingdom. He wrote no book. He left us a life and He promised us the Spirit to guide and lead us 'into all truth.' These days set out the pattern of the Christian life. As we celebrate them together and grow into their pattern, so we rediscover every year what it means to be Christian. Whether regular worshipper or enquirer, I invite you to join with us for one or more of these services during this wonderful week.

Palm Sunday, 28th March, 9.45 am

Holy Week begins with the re-enactment of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey when the crowd greeted him with palm branches and shouts of Hosanna! Our Palm Procession will be accompanied by a donkey. This is a service of movement and drama, the Palm Procession being followed by a dramatised reading of the Passion Story from Luke's gospel. The service ends with Holy Communion.

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

We remember Jesus' trial before Pilate, his scourging and walk through the streets of Jerusalem carrying his cross to Calvary. In the 12th century, Franciscans in Jerusalem re-enacted this walk with pilgrims who came to the city for Easter. At key points along the route they stopped, sang and prayed. The pilgrims were so moved by this experience that they brought the practice home, and in many parish churches pictures of the Stations of the Cross can be seen. At the service we will move around the church, praying at each station.

Wednesday of Holy Week: Compline, 7.30 pm

Compline is the evening service for monastic communities. It is very beautiful and a good way to end the day.

Maundy Thursday: Eucharist of the Last Supper, 8 pm

Maundy Thursday is the first of the 'Great Three Days'. A joyful and solemn service of Holy Communion re-enacts the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his friends before his arrest. The disciples' feet are washed by the president reminding us that leadership in the Church is a role of service and that those who wish to be followers must first allow Jesus to serve them. Most importantly Jesus instituted the Holy Communion at this supper when he took the bread and the wine. Having given thanks over them, he identified the bread with his body and the wine with his life-blood (the Jews understood the life of an animal to be in its blood). He told his followers to repeat this action 'as a memorial' of him. The Greek word for memorial, 'anamnesis', is very rich in meaning: Jesus meant that when we do this he will be present to us. The service ends with a procession to the Gethsemane Garden where we pray in silence, remembering Jesus' prayer vigil and his intense struggle as he wrestled with his vocation to undergo such excruciating suffering.

Good Friday: Children's Service, 10 am to noon; Devotion, 1.30 to 3 pm Children's Easter Exploration is for children aged 5 to 11. It will consist of different activities and rehearsal of the Easter story before we are joined by parents and younger children at 11.30 am, when we will tell the Easter Story through drama.

At 1.30 we are pleased to welcome as the guest preacher Rev'd Neil Broadbent, the founder and leader of Sozein, a house for prayer and healing at Horsley Woodhouse. The service will have short addresses and silence as well as a shortened liturgy.

Easter Day, 4th April

Easter Day is the great affirmation of victory over the powers of darkness and death which Jesus won on the cross. It was the fact that Christ was risen that converted Paul on the Damascus road. He met the risen Christ in an unmistakable way, and it changed his life.

5.30 am: We begin in the church porch with the Lighting of the Easter Fire, from which we light the Paschal (Easter) candle, the symbol of Christ's risen life. We renew our baptismal promises and finish with a simple form of communion.

8 am Holy Communion;

9.15 am Easter Communion by extension at Foremark.

9.45 am At this, the main celebration at Repton, we will light individual candles from the Easter Candle, renew our baptismal promises and receive Holy Communion.

Note: There will be no service of matins.

10 am Newton Solney welcomes Rev'd Stanley Morris to preside at Holy Communion with Easter hymns.

6.30 pm Taizé Worship.

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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Women's World Day of Prayer Service, 7.15 pm at the United Reformed Church

This year the service has been prepared by the Christian Women of Cameroon.

Cameroon is bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea. It achieved self-governance in 1946 and independence in 1961. Christians there are involved in the struggle for peace, justice and equality; at present only men have land rights, and in practice the law often discriminates against women. Christian women are involved in nursing leprosy, HIV and AIDS patients, and organise campaigns against child trafficking and abuse.

The theme of the service is 'Let everything that has breath praise God'. It is an ecumenical service: everyone is very welcome.

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Mothers' Day and Church Anniversary, Sunday 14th March, 11am

A double celebration: our church was opened on 15th March 1837, and we give thanks for all we have achieved since. Mothers' Day is always very special, and the children will have a gift for all the ladies.

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Palm Sunday, 28th March

Vicky, the donkey, will again welcome worshippers at St Wystan's at 9.45am, and then come on to the United Reformed Church where she will join in the first part of the service. She welcomes your support!

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Coffee morning, Saturday 13th March, 10.30 to 11.30 am

Last month's coffee morning was our most successful ever - at one point all the seats at the tables were taken - and all the cakes were sold! Don't miss the next chance to buy home-made marmalade and cakes, to play the children's game, and to have coffee and biscuits with friends.

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Shell (age 7+)

. . . meets on Mondays from 6.30 to 7.30 pm.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Benjamin Anthony Weaver of Hartshorne died on Friday 22nd January aged three months. A funeral service at St Saviour’s Church, Foremark, on 29th January was followed by burial in Foremark churchyard.

Marjorie Patricia Carter (Pat) of Newton Solney died on Friday 5th February aged 79. The funeral service and cremation took place at Bretby on 15th February

Helen Mary Forbes, formerly of Newton Solney, died on Thursday 11th February aged 50. A funeral service at St John’s Church, Horninglow, Burton upon Trent, on 24th February was followed by cremation at Bretby Crematorium.

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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

Going for Growth: The Bishop addresses Diocesan Synod

In his presidential address to the February meeting of the Diocesan Synod, Bishop Alastair told parishes to focus on growth. Reminding us that Jesus used great images of conversion - often of light in the darkness - he said that growth was essential. "It is about the coming of God's kingdom. It is about our contribution towards growing the kingdom in this part of Derbyshire."

We are licensing more people for ministry than ever before.

Bishop Alastair added: "One of the things we have to do is to find out how to make the best use of our resources. We are licensing more people for ministry than ever before. We are licensing an amazing number of people. But how do we nourish, support and develop these people? And what about the deaneries? We have to work together as people and parishes to ensure that we are effective. I am also delighted that we have the Mission action plans on our agenda this year and look forward to seeing that project come to fruition."

Following on, Bishop Humphrey said that proposals to create a strategy for the deaneries focused on "coherence and connection . . . the proliferation of roles, standards and support, and dealing with the pressure of ministry. No one should be ministering alone."

He urged the deaneries to look at the ways in which chapter meetings and deanery synods work. "Synods were established as part of the decision making processes of the church [but] lots of deanery synods are now functioning more like conferences, [encouraging] communities to support one another."

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Repton Benefice

Jennifer and Cyril meet the Queen, Derby Cathedral, Maundy Thursday, 1st April

Every year on Maundy Thursday, in a tradition dating back to the 13th century, the Queen visits one of our great cathedrals for the Royal Maundy service where she distributes Maundy Money to a group of pensioners. This year she will be in Derby, where two of our church members, Jennifer Haynes from Newton Solney and Cyril Smith from Repton, will be among the recipients. We are delighted by this recognition of their life-long service to the church, both in this country and abroad.

The ceremony itself has its roots in Jesus' washing the feet of his disciples, and until 1689, the monarch too washed the feet of his subjects. (The feet were first washed by Yeoman of the Laundry before the monarch washed and kissed them!) Nowadays, however, that has been replaced by the distribution of specially minted Maundy money.

Yeomen of the Guard carry the money in white and red leather purses. Each white purse contains silver Maundy coins to match the Queen's age in pence - currently 83p. Although specially minted for the occasion, Maundy coins are legal tender and much sought after by collectors. The red purse now also contains money, in lieu of gifts which were formerly offered to the poor.

But to think of this day solely in these terms misses the point.

For on this day we commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus before he was betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Gethsemane. During that meal, Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples, saying: "Do this in remembrance of me." (Luke 22) And we do. It is the origin of our communion service today.

At supper also, Jesus washed his disciples' feet, a lesson to them in humility and service. His example has been followed by kings and emperors as a way of reminding us - and themselves - that they are here to serve their subjects.

Why is it called 'Maundy' Thursday?

According to John, it was at the Last Supper that Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment:

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

In Latin, the first word of that commandment is 'mandatum', from which we derive the word Maundy. And Maundy Thursday is one of the greatest and most solemn festivals in the Christian calendar.

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Russian Cruise, Friday 13th to Tuesday 24th May 2011

Peter and Carol Paine would be pleased to welcome you on this wonderful cruise along the waterways of the Tsars. This is an all-inclusive trip by river boat from Moscow to St Petersburg, visiting religious and cultural sites from the Kremlin to the Hermitage. With our English-speaking Russian guide you will discover cathedrals, monasteries and other places of historical and cultural interest along the way, and have free time to explore both ancient cities.

The cost, which includes flights, full-board accommodation on board the M/S Dr Zhivago, all excursions, gratuities on board, welcome cocktails and farewell dinner, airport and port taxes is £1,630 per person for a private cabin with port holes, and £1,750 for a cabin with a large window. Please contact Peter, 703317, if you would like a brochure with full details and a booking form.

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Repton Church Heritage Appeal

'Supper with Jazz' in St Wystan's Church was extremely successful; a great many people have said how much they enjoyed it. Having the new kitchen made a huge difference and enabled us to produce a proper meal for 60 people. Repton School Jazz Band and Repton School Combo produced exactly the right atmosphere with lively, toe-tapping music, and Tania Hilton provided a lovely keyboard introduction and finale, rounding off a fun musical evening that we hope to repeat. Approximately £800 was raised. Thank you to all the musicians, and everyone who helped in any way.

'Spring into Fashion', Tuesday 16th March at 7 pm

Our next event, 'Spring into Fashion' with fashions by Emily Brigden, is in the Pavilion at Branston Golf and Country Club. Tickets, which include wine and canapés, cost £15 from Sue Hyde, 703662, and Carol Lloyd, 702410.

'St George's Day Musical Spectacular', Friday 23rd April at 8 pm

On St George's Day, we will be holding a second 'Musical Spectacular' in Burton Town Hall. A Bangers & Mash supper together with popular English tunes played by the Burton Big Band and Burton Town Hall Wurlitzer Organ will guarantee a really enjoyable evening. Tickets £18 from Carol Lloyd, cjhl@btinternet.com, or call 702410.

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St Wystan's News

For all children aged 5-11 Easter Exploration St Wystan's Church, Good Friday, 2nd April, from 10 am to noon Activities and rehearsal of the Easter story from 10 to 11.30 Parents and younger children are welcome to join us at 11.30 for a dramatic presentation of the Easter Story.

Easter Lilies

At Easter, St Wystan's Church, which during Holy Week has been stripped of all decoration, is filled with flowers to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and his promise of everlasting life.

As in previous years, we are inviting donations towards the lilies with which the church will be decorated. We know that many people appreciate this opportunity to remember loved ones, to celebrate special events, or simply to make the church look beautiful.

If you would like to make a donation, please contact: Frances Wimbush on 703180.

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Repton M.U.

A letter from Repton's linked branch in Australia arrived just in time to be read as an introduction to our February speaker. Vera Bracken had visited New South Wales two years ago and had arranged to attend a Mothers' Union service and meeting in East Gosford. As she lives in Walton on Trent, she was a bit taken aback when asked to give them a talk on Repton, but internet searches supplied information about Repton's Viking and Anglo-Saxon past, and she even managed to download pictures of the church and village.

Final arrangements were made for lunch at Littleover Lodge.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 17th March at 2.15 pm in the Fisher Close Room: A talk with musical illustrations by Roger Juneau: 'Ralph Vaughan Williams - in service and beyond.'

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St Saviour's News

Foremark Church Annual Parochial Church Meeting
Hall Cottage Meeting Room, Foremarke Hall, Monday 26th April at 7 pm

All parishioners are welcome to attend the Vestry Meeting for the election of churchwardens, and those on the electoral roll are welcome to attend the APCM afterwards, where there will be elections for PCC members, Electoral Roll Officer and the Independent Examiner. To join the electoral roll, contact Heather Lowe at Foremarke Hall, Repton Preparatory School, Milton, Derbyshire, DE65 6EJ.

There will be fuller details will be in the April magazine.

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St Mary's News

Lent Services at St Mary's

Mothering Sunday falls this year on 14th March, the second Sunday in the month, and there will be a special service at 10 am that morning to which you are all welcome. However, this means a change to the usual pattern of services at the beginning of the month: on the 7th, the 10 am service will now be Parish Communion, and there will be only the one service on the 14th.

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Newton Solney Annual Parochial Church Meeting, St Mary's Church, Monday 19th April at 7.30 pm

Parishioners are warmly invited to attend this meeting, and light refreshments will be available at the end. Church Officers will report on the past year and elections will be held for churchwardens and the Parochial Church Council.

Nomination slips for candidates for the elections can be found at the back of the church during the weeks before the meeting, and should be returned to the Secretary by Sunday 12th April. Only those whose names have been on the church's electoral roll for at least fifteen days are eligible to stand for election to the PCC and / or to nominate or vote for candidates; however anyone resident in the parish has the right to elect the churchwardens. If you wish to be entered on the electoral roll, please ask one of the church officers for an application form and return it by mid-March.

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Repton Primary School PTA Children's Nearly New Sale Repton Village Hall, Saturday 6th March, 10 am - 12 noon including children's clothes, toys, books, nursery equipment and maternity wear Admission 50p, children free. Refreshments on sale. To register as a seller or for further details, call 07982 781936

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)

Ashley Hutchings' Rainbow Chasers Repton Village Hall, Saturday 13th March at 7.30 pm 'tremendous harmony singing . . . wonderfully rich sound' 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. Ashley himself was musical director at the National Theatre and co-founded legendary folk groups Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band. 'intimate, friendly and musically lovely' Tickets £8.50 from Repton Post Office, Chris Carpenter, 702370, and Peter Court, 702599.

Repton Church Heritage Appeal Spring into Fashion Susan Hyde, Colour me Beautiful Image Consultant and Emily Brigden Ladies' Fashions Tuesday 16th March at 7 pm The Pavilion, Branston Golf and Country Club Wine & Canapés Tickets: £15. Sue Hyde 01283 703662; Carol Lloyd 01283 702410

Cheese & Wine Evening Friday 19th March from 7.30 to 9.30 pm Margaret and Robert Blackshaw invite you to join them at Cedarwood, Burton Road, Repton £5 for a glass of wine, cheese & raffle

Barn Dance at Calke Abbey Saturday 17th April, 7.30 - 11 pm Dancing to Bonrif - an excellent 5 piece Celidh Band with an expert caller in the Riding School at Calke Abbey Tickets at £10 include free parking and a hot supper from Andy Austen on 01283 702448 or 07977 440992 in aid of the SDDC Chairman's Charities - St Giles Hospice and South Derbyshire Scouts

Repton Church Heritage Appeal St George's Day Spectacular Popular English tunes with a grand finale including Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory, and Rule Britania. Burton Big Band with Burton Town Hall Organ and Pyrotechnic Effects Friday 23rd April, 8 pm at Burton Town Hall Doors and bars open at 7.30. Bangers and Mash Supper Tickets: £18 from Carol Lloyd, 01283 702410

Repton Pre-School Invites You All to Our 45th Anniversary Party! at the Ramada Jarvis Newton Park Hotel, Newton Solney Saturday 24th April at 7 pm Tickets £15 and information from Karen Davies on 01283 221135 If you would like to donate a prize for our auction or raffle please contact above.

You and your Pet

Because signs of old age aren't always old age

As your pet ages a number of things can change. Whether it be a 'dicky ticker', stiffening up, drinking more, or generally slowing down, there are a number of conditions that can make them seem not quite right!

Regular checkups help to detect age-related diseases and changes as early as possible. Steps can then be taken to stop or delay the progression of disease, and specific treatments can be started early to maximise the chance of success. These MOT checks provide a good opportunity to weigh your pet and find out what is normal for them, so any changes in appetite, thirst, toilet habits or exercise levels can be spotted much earlier. Blood and urine tests help to screen for 'silent' diseases, which may be present internally before there are any obvious external signs. Booster vaccination appointments can provide an excellent time for us to examine your pet and detect problems early; they also ensure their immunity to infectious disease is up to date.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Harassment and Vandalism

There have been reports of local youths harassing householders in the village. If you witness or experience similar behaviour please phone the police on 0345 1233333.

Sheds and Outhouses

Keep them locked, and make sure your locks are up to the job. There have been break-ins in many local villages.

Fake Switchover Company

A company is cold-calling, claiming to work on behalf of the Government, and claiming that after switchover you won't be able to get digital TV without new satellite aerials. It isn't true. They are trying to sell equipment you don't need. The police fear that thieves may also use this approach to gain access to your house. The problem is likely to increase as digital switchover approaches. If you need advice on your aerial, contact a local company.

Phishing

Phishing attacks, both by computer and telephone, are increasingly sophisticated. Recently the ministry of justice warned of a phone scam with the caller purporting to represent a major bank's tax recovery department. Those called were asked to verify personal and bank details in order to reclaim tax on bank charges.

Very often, phone phishers gain your trust because they already know a lot about you - after all, they only need to read one of your cheques or a discarded credit card slip to know something about your bank or credit card account. But they still need a key detail, usually the security number on the back of a credit card.

So, however much the caller may know about you, and whatever refunds he promises, don't give any card details, pin numbers or security details in response to a cold call or email. No bank or government department would expect it. Remember:

• Secure your door chain.
• Make absolutely sure a caller is genuine before you let him in.
• Staff from utility companies carry an identification card. Always ask to see it. If in any doubt, contact their company for verification.
• Don't give them any personal or bank details.
• If they have a vehicle, take down the registration number, make and model.

Always look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

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Repton Village & History

Your Last Chance to Buy a Brick!

More than 300 families, about a third of all the families in the parish, have now taken up the opportunity to participate in St Wystan's Church Artwork Banner. If you have still not made up your mind to join them, you have until the 31st March to decide. Would collectors too please make sure you have given your information in by then. Thank you to all who are helping in anyway. Already the finished bricks are being sewn together by a wonderful volunteer.

Note the 11th September in your diary: all participants will be invited to a tea party in church, when the completed banner will be displayed and blessed by Bishop Humphrey, the Bishop of Repton. For information, contact Melodie Bordoli on 01283 212652.

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Congratulations to Andy Beeston

. . . one of the Assistant Cub Leaders in Repton, who has been awarded a 30 years long service award by the Chief Scout. Andy has worked with youngsters in Melbourne, Gresley, Willington and Repton.

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Repton Enabling Fund AGM

The annual general meeting of Repton Enabling Fund takes place on Wednesday 3rd March at 7 pm in The Den, Mitre Drive. The fund offers interest-free loans to any bona-fide village organisation to help with set-up costs for events. All village organisations are welcome to send a representative. For more information, contact Andy Austen on 702448.

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Repton W.I.

Following an entertaining visit to the Brewhouse Pantomime in January, the February meeting's 'Fun with Chocolate', with delicious samples, kept members' spirits high. Then came an excellent lunch at the Mulberry Restaurant in Burton and finally a walk in a few hours of wintery sunshine, which should have reduced the calorie count.

Plans were made for a coffee morning at Spring Cottage, Main Street, on Friday 5th March to raise funds for the W.I.'s overseas charity, which aims to provide clean water for a village in India. Names were taken for a private visit to Crown Derby's special exhibition on 18th March. Our team for the County Quiz on the 25th March was organized. March looks like being a busy month!

The Mystery of the Silver Inkwell

Recently Repton W.I. received an enquiry from a lady in Ludlow, a collector of W.I. memorabilia, who had found a silver inkwell presented in 1924 by Repton W.I. to E.M.S., and wondered if we could tell her any more. The old minute books revealed that E.M.S. was Ethel Shearme, Secretary of Repton W.I. from its beginning in 1918, and that the inkwell was presented to her on her Silver Wedding in 1924. Ethel's husband was housemaster of the Cross at Repton School, so she may have been proposed as Secretary by Mrs. Fisher, founder and first President of Repton W.I. and wife of the then Headmaster.

Two years later, the Shearnes left Repton when Mr. Shearme fell ill and had to retire early. As a parting gift for Ethel, the W.I. made a 'cooperative quilt'. Each member embroidered her initials on a silk square, and these were joined and backed to form a quilt. It seems unlikely that this was as long-lasting as the silver inkwell.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 9th March at 7.15 pm in the village hall: Talk by a Doula. Never heard of them? Come along and find out more.

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Art Exhibition until Friday 2nd April

A cross-media exhibition that brings together the work of seven internationally exhibited artists is on display in Repton School's New Court Gallery and Gallery No. 1. Under the title of 'Meteor', the exhibition is the result of a challenge to the artists to create a work that reacts, rejects, references, lauds, focuses, dismisses or creates a tangent from notable figures from the history of Repton School. The exhibition will be open on most days, but viewings can be made by appointment on 078 6600 2694.

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Birthe Kjølbye-Biddle and the History of Repton

During the summer holidays between 1974 and 1988, Birthe Kjølbye-Biddle, who died in January, was a familiar figure at Repton alongside her husband, Martin.

When Birthe first arrived here, her reputation was already high. In 1964 she had joined the huge archaeological excavations on the Cathedral Green at Winchester, the first near-complete excavation of an Anglo-Saxon cathedral. Her work there, together with her husband, Martin Biddle, whom she married in 1966, changed perceptions of the architectural achievements of the pre-conquest Church and provided a backdrop for court life in the kingdom of Wessex. Jointly they established the procedures and principles for excavating buildings from which most of the stonework had been removed. Repton was their next major project, the excavation of the crypt, the mausoleum of the kings of Anglo-Saxon Mercia, and the church and cemeteries associated with them. Their work complemented a stone-by-stone analysis of the Anglo-Saxon chancel and crypt of the church by Professor Harold Taylor, the doyen of Anglo-Saxon church studies, whose interest in St Wystan's lasted throughout his life.

The Repton Dig

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that the Vikings, who had first landed in East Anglia in 865, rapidly destroying that kingdom as well as Northumbria and Mercia, had taken winter quarters at Repton, but no-one knew for sure where. Nineteenth century discoveries, including a Scandinavian-type hogsback tombstone and part of a Viking sword, uncovered close to the church, suggested that this area was the focus of the camp, a view reinforced by the finding of a Viking-style axe in the churchyard in 1923, and another Viking sword in a Repton attic.

The Biddles now showed that Danish Great Army had indeed overwintered in Repton in 873-4 during its conquest of Mercia, within a temporary D-shaped earthwork fortress, using the church as the strong point and gate structure. Immediately north and south of the crypt they found important Viking interments. The most significant was the skeleton of a 35-45 year-old man, nearly 6 ft tall, a person of obvious importance, who seems to have died in battle. He had fallen from a blow to the skull, and whilst on the ground had been despatched with a sword-cut. He was buried in true pagan fashion, a silver Thor's hammer around his neck and an iron sword and knives by his side. Between his thighs was the tusk of a wild boar and lower down, the humerus of a jackdaw.

As part of their excavations the Biddles investigated 250 year-old reports of a mass burial discovered around 1686 by a labourer named Thomas Walker who was seeking stone in a close to the west of the church, now the vicarage garden. The original account seemed incredible; it was said that Walker had found a two-roomed subterranean structure some 15 ft square, stone paved and originally roofed by 'decayed wooden joyces'. Inside was a stone coffin containing 'a Skeleton of a Humane Body Nine Foot long'. Around this singular interment were 'One Hundred Humane Skeletons, with their Feet pointing to the Stone Coffin.' Walker removed the skull of the main burial which was soon lost.

The Biddles showed that this fantastical account had substance: here was the site of a destroyed Mercian mortuary building - perhaps another royal mausoleum - re-used for the burial of at least 249 people (four-fifths sturdy males of Scandinavian physical type, the rest females more akin to the Anglo-Saxon physique), dated by coin and other finds to the period of the Great Army's brief sojourn in Repton.

It is clear that the burial mound must have housed some outstanding Viking figure, who died during that winter and was interred together with fellow-warriors, probably soldiers who had died during the campaign, subsequently exhumed and piled in the chamber to lie with the body of their leader. But who was the man worthy of such an outstanding burial effort? The Biddles believed him to be Ivar the Boneless, possibly the brother of Healfdeane, one of the leaders of the Viking force, and a man of exceptional cruelty and ferocity. The entombment is without parallel in Europe during the Viking age.

Birthe Kjølbye-Biddle will be remembered not only for her innovation and discipline as an archaeologist but also for her publications, and locally, for the major contribution she made to our knowledge of Repton's history.

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Time Team

During February, Channel 4's Time Team filmed at St Wystan's Church. The programme, to be presented by the historian, Michael Wood, will show how life in a midlands village was affected by the Viking invasion.

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Repton Village History Group

In January we had an excellent illustrated presentation by Dr. Wendy Freer on the lives of canal boat families.

Tuesday 16th March, 'Made in Derbyshire'

At our next meeting, Shirley Horton will give an illustrated talk on the more unusual Derbyshire manufacturers and products that come from natural resources found in the county. Shirley is an excellent speaker.

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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Sport Relief Mile, Sunday 21st March

With hundreds of 'Mile' events taking place that day across the country, you may be hard-pressed to choose. However, the event at Swadlincote Woodlands is being organised by Lewis Adams, and he is asking for your support. Lewis is the South Derbyshire Community Sports Coach who promoted 'New to Exercise' in Repton during the late summer.

The aim is to make it a fun event for the whole family. Why not dress up in fancy dress, wear red, involve your mates and do it 3, 5 or 7-legged, get sponsorship from friends, family, colleagues, and have a great day out. You can choose to do 1, 3 or 6 miles, whichever you see as a challenge, and there are 3 starting times, at 10.30, 11 or 11.30 am. If you would like to take part and help to 'change lives forever, both here in the UK and across the world's poorest countries', you are asked to register online at www.sportrelief.com.

Volunteers Needed

Lewis is also looking for volunteers between 9 am and 1 pm to help run the event. Contact him directly on 0798 914 0980.

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Repton Memorial Arboretum

On Saturday 13th March at 10.30 am there will be a ceremonial planting in the new Memorial Arboretum. After a short dedication with prayers, 12 trees will be planted. Everyone is welcome to attend, especially those who have purchased trees in memory of loved ones.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

• De-Silting Repton Brook: The Environment Agency has advised that the last time the brook was de-silted at the bridges at Pinfold Lane and Brook End was in 2002. Following representations by Mark Todd MP and the Parish Council, they plan to carry out similar de-silting works in their 2010-11 maintenance programme, probably in summer 2011.
• Well Lane Footpath: Derbyshire County Council advises that the Parish Council has a good case to claim Well Lane as a public footpath. Local residents will be asked to confirm in writing that they have used this path unchallenged for at least 20 years. The legalities will be lengthy but the Parish County feels strongly that the footpath is a vital connecting route in Repton. The help of Repton Village Society and Repton Village History Group will be sought to gather evidence.
• Anti-Social Behaviour: Anti-social behaviour has increased in Repton. The latest bout has involved abusive behaviour and bricks thrown at properties. The Parish Council is writing to the Chief Constable at Police Headquarters in Butterley, with copies to the Safer Neighbourhoods Group and Mark Todd MP, saying that this unacceptable behaviour is continuing month after month, that people are being harassed in their own homes and damage is being caused to property.
• Kerbstones at The Cross: A response is still awaited from DCC following a site meeting at The Cross in early December. It was resolved to ask Repton Village Society and Repton Village History Group to restore the Village Improvement Group to spearhead the way forward and look at ways to protect the Cross monument. The Parish Council will appoint two councillors to the group.
• Broomhills Pavilion: Due to severe weather, a pipe burst in the pavilion which had to be closed for a short period. The burst is now repaired, the electrics have been made safe and other work has been carried out to make the building dry and clean, at a cost to date of £607. Councillors are to attend a site meeting with representatives of South Derbyshire District Council to discuss a long-standing structural crack in the old part of the pavilion, which is owned by SDDC. The matter of the water damage would be considered at the same time.
• Askew Grove and The Crescent: Gill Hague, Chief Planning Officer of SDDC responded to the Parish Council's reminder of the need for a vision plan to govern future development work in Askew Grove and The Crescent. The matter will be discussed by SDDC on 4th March and the Parish Council will have a copy following the meeting.
• The Staffordshire Hoard: Items from the Staffordshire Hoard will be on display, free of charge, in Stoke Museum from 13th February to 7th March.
• Local Development Framework: SDDC has entered the second phase of its consultation process to decide where future development will take place in South Derbyshire. Over the next 20 years up to 1631 new houses could be constructed in Repton and 298 in Milton. Detailed maps and assessments of the potential sites are available on the District Council website: www.south-derbys.gov.uk - follow the link headed 'LDF Issues and Alternative Options'. The Parish Council is examining the published documents and will put forward a full response on behalf of parishioners. You can lodge your own comments on line or by post before 31 March.*

Annual Parish Meeting: The Annual Parish Meeting will be held in The Community Room, Fisher Close at 7 pm on 8th March. This is an opportunity for local people to raise any matter. Everyone is very welcome.

Next meeting: Monday 8th March at 7.30 pm in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton, following the Annual Parish Meeting. Planning applications will be available beforehand. * Local Development Framework Besides dealing with housing, the Local Development Framework looks at the location of jobs and services. As well as on line, you can find out more at a public open day, on Thursday 4 March, 10 am - 7 pm at Hilton Village Hall, Peacroft Lane, Hilton. Also at your local library and the council offices in Swadlincote.

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Flood Prevention: Help from South Derbyshire District Council

With climate change and ever increasing rainfall, flash flooding is becoming more frequent, but it need not lead to catastrophe. A great many products are now available to prevent water entering your home, including door barriers, automatic air brick closers and back flow valves on drainage systems.

The Association of British Insurers welcomes such defence work and insists that property insurance will be greatly reduced where these measures are employed.

Everything you tell us will remain confidential.

SDDC can do a lot to help you protect your home from flooding, but many people are reluctant to speak to us. There is a fear that we will somehow register such information against your home, affecting its value. This is false. Everything you tell us will be held in the strictest confidence; nothing will be passed on to insurers or held on the Local Land Register.

So if you want impartial, practical advice about protecting your home from flooding, please contact Tim Summers at SDDC, 01283 595795. In some circumstances grant aid may be available.

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Liberation Day, Thursday 20th May at Bretby Conference Centre. Entry by ticket only.

Liberation Day is an event for older people, 65 or over, who live in South Derbyshire. It aims to provide you with tips and information about ways to stay safe and the services and equipment available to you. But there is also fun, with free professional entertainment and a free lunch.

First introduced in 2002, the event has grown rapidly in popularity, with hundreds attending; in 2009 all 650 places available were taken within 48 hours. Part of the reason for this is that established groups are quick off the mark, so the same people secure places first each year.

This year, in order to make room for people who have not previously attended, the registration process has changed.

The registration line will open on Monday 8th March - much earlier than usual - and stay open until 6th April. When you ring, you will be asked if you have attended the event before. Those who have not will be given priority. Only when the line has closed will you learn whether you have been successful in gaining a place. Those who have will then receive transport information, entry ticket and meal voucher.

We hope these changes will help ensure we reach a broader audience than ever before. For tickets, ring 01283 595795, but not before 8th March!

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

At our February meeting, Chris Marbrow gave a most enlightening talk about horse riding for the disabled. President Jane Smith gave the vote of thanks.

Our Annual Dinner will be held at the Mill Wheel in Hartshorne on Wednesday 3rd March at 7.30 pm.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 17th March at 7.30 pm in Milton village hall: Susan Hyde will demonstrate how to 'Colour me Beautiful'. Visitors are always welcome.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infants School

You are invited to join us in the school hall for Community Collective Worship on Wednesday 3rd March at 9.15 am.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Anyone, retired or just free on a Tuesday, is most welcome to come to our meetings and outings. You will be assured of a warm welcome. Come along and give it a try!

Our February speaker, Peter Smith from Wyevale Garden Centre, enthralled us with his talk on 'Spring in your Garden'. He also brought samples of new varieties of many of our favourite spring and summer plants, flowers and vegetables. There was much for us all to learn, even the keen gardeners, and many questions were answered.

Tuesday 2nd March, Social Meeting at 2.30pm

This month two speakers from the Newton Park Hotel, George French and Karen Gresham, will speak on 'Upstairs and Downstairs'.

Tuesday 16th March

We are flying high this month as we visit The Royal Air Force Museum Centre at Cosford. There are many hands-on attractions and an optional guided tour - all for £6 inclusive. The coach leaves the Unicorn at 9.30 am, picking up at Repton and Willington. If you wish to join us, please contact Jane Bagshaw on 01283 564520.

Newton Solney Tuesday Club Annual Holiday 2010

This year we will stay at the Tynedale Hotel on the central Promenade in Llandudno from Sunday 23rd May to Thursday 27th. There are still a few places in twin and double rooms only. During our stay we shall have visits to many places of interest for those who wish to do so. For further information, contact Jane as above.

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Newton Solney W.I.

A well attended meeting in February, with 30 members and 3 visitors, opened on a sad note with President Joan Buchanan reporting the death of one of our members, Pat Carter.

Arrangements are well advanced for our 'Lasagne Lunch' in the Village Hall (see the advert on page 11). Volunteers are required to make lasagne and to serve, and we also need bottles for a Bottle Stall Tombola. Jo Parfitt is seeking sponsors for the DFWI 'Swim the Channel' at Chatsworth on Friday 19th March; supporters and spectators are also welcome. We are invited to the Group meeting at Willington on 19th April for an evening of entertainment, with 'Bucks Fizz and Posh Nosh'. The competition is for a birthday card for the Queen, with an appropriate message or verse.

We need suggestions for our 2010 Produce Cup to be judged later in the year.

Our outing arrangements seem to be popular with a Mulberry Room Lunch on 31st March, a trip to see the bluebells at Yoxall in April / May, a suggested date of 3rd June for a matinee performance of 'Calendar Girls' at Nottingham and, after a long wait, we are hopeful of a visit to Prince Charles' garden at Highgrove.

Our speaker, Barbara Ball, demonstrated two dishes ffom the microwave - both of which could be served when entertaining - one using salmon, the other chicken. We watched the careful preparation and then enjoyed tasters of the dishes, as well as a glass of sherry and a piece of birthday cake supplied by one of our members with a special birthday! A very pleasant way to round off the evening.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 9th March: 'Behind the Scenes at the Chelsea Flower Show' by Mr. G. Smith. Whist Drive: Tuesday 30th March. Both at 7.30 in the Village Hall.

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Newton Solney Parish Council Notes

The Bonfire Committee, through the Parish Council, has generously decided to donate some funds to various projects around the village. It has been decided to improve an area of land near the river and provide of a new seat there, as well as planting some reasonably sized trees along Repton Road. Our thanks to Jeremy Winter and his team for organizing a great village event every year and raising some money into the bargain!

Newton Lane: There has been much concern in the past couple of weeks over the condition of Newton Lane. The situation will obviously not improve until the road works on the Repton-Hartshorne road have been completed, but please be assured that the Parish Council is already making representations to Derbyshire and South Derbyshire councils to reinstate the grass verges, clear out and improve the drains, and restore the road surface.

Next meeting: Friday 12th March at 7.45 pm in the village hall, an open meeting as usual; all are welcome to attend.

Subsequent to the Parish Council meeting, Councillor Martyn Ford writes: "I have had assurances that when Hartshorne Road re-opens, weather permitting, on 12th March, Newton Lane issues will be addressed with urgency by DCC. Sadly the weather and extra traffic has caused a real problem that hopefully won't take too long to repair. I also noticed yesterday that a pole has appeared ready to accept the long awaited Vehicle Activated Speed sign!"

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Gardening Notes

If winter comes, can spring be far behind? We can only hope so, but soil temperatures are still low, and although vegetables such as peas, broad beans, carrots, parsnips, beetroot and leeks can all be sown outside this month, it is wise to check first that the soil temperature is at least 5°C, or the seed may not germinate. Alternatively, seed can be planted now under glass and set out later. Even under glass, aubergines, peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers will need some heat to start them, as will the first of the summer bedding plants, petunia, impatiens, lobelia and tobacco plants, which are slow to germinate.

Onion sets can be planted later in the month, as well as the early potatoes that have already been chitted. More potatoes can be put out to chit. There are essentially four main groups of potatoes. First earlies, planted in late March or April, can be harvested in July. Second earlies and salad potatoes, planted in early April, can be eaten in July and August. Early maincrop, planted in late April, are best lifted and stored in September and will last till Christmas. Late maincrop, also planted in late April, are harvested in late autumn and should store till spring.

Complete digging the vegetable patch and borders, mulching the borders when the soil has warmed up. (Mulching on top of frost seals the cold in.) Mulch insulates the soil, increases the organic content and conserves the moisture. It also suppresses some weeds by depriving them of light.

Plant out sweet peas sown last month. At the end of the month, sow hardy annuals where they are to grow. Marigolds and poached egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii) attract ladybirds and houseflies, whose larvae eat aphids.

It is also time to plant summer-flowering bulbs such as gladioli, and to take cuttings from the new shoots of delphiniums and lupins; cut them off just below soil level and pot them up to stand in a cool greenhouse. To take cuttings from dahlia tubers, cover them with moist compost and put them in a temperature of 18°C, where they will produce new shoots.

Pollinate peaches and apricots by hand. If grown outside, protect them from frost.

The lawn will need mowing. Repair damaged edges by cutting out the surrounding piece of turf and turning it round so that the damage is on the lawn side. Top up with soil and reseed as necessary.

There used to be a number of walnut trees in Repton running from the Red Lion car park through the Pastures to the garden of the Grange in Main Street, but all are now lost to old age. Walnuts may eventually reach 100 foot. They are rather slow to grow and take 10 15 years to fruit. However, grafted trees may fruit in 4 5 years. They are wind-pollinated and have both male and female flowers on the same tree, but they are seldom self-fertile and two trees should be planted near to each other. Walnuts are Mediterranean in origin, and in this country are susceptible to frost damage.

If you like bergenias with their large, flabby leaves, there are some very good new varieties available with pink, purple, or white flowers, and some with leaves that turn red in autumn. After a few years they develop long, leggy stems; divide them and plant sections firmly, deeper than before. Bergenias are often the target of vine weevils which cause neat bites around the edge of the leaves.

Also to look out for in garden centres are new varieties of autumn-flowering sedums. There are new hybrids between S. telephinum, which is occasionally found in the U.K., and S. spectabile from Asia. Until recently the main representatives have been S. Autumn Joy and S. Munstead Red, but there is now a wider range of colour of both flowers and foliage, from beetroot to garnet and chocolate; there is even one called S. Stewed Rhubarb Mountain. They all grow to 12" - 18", like hot sun and are drought-proof, but will be happy in an ordinary border and are a great attraction to butterflies.

Eat leeks in March and ramsoms (wild garlic) in May, and all the year the physicians may play.