May 2010 - Contents Face to Face 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 8th May, 10.30 to 11.30 am Shell (for children aged 7+) Date for your Diary, Summer Barbecue on Saturday 10th July Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Marriages Stephen John Shepherd and Julia Lorraine Nisbet Funerals and Burial of Ashes Ray Brown William Peach The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Service of Confirmation, Monday 10th May at 7.30 pm Christian Aid Week, 9th - 15th May St Wystan's News What a Wonderful Day! Repton M.U. St Wystan's Church Development St Mary's Spring Buffet Lunch, Sunday 9th May Milton Open Gardens, Sunday 13th June Repton School Concert, Wednesday 12th May Environment Matters Join the OU Creative Climate Project 2010, the Intenational Year of Biodiversity You and your Pet Happy Hoppers Neighbourhood Watch Repton Village and History Churchyard Maintenance - Can you help? The Dales Beaver Scouts and . . . Repton W.I. Outing to Trentham Gardens, Thursday 27th May Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Repton Village Society Floral Container / Front Garden Competition ngs Gardens reopen for Spring Repton Parish Council Jottings Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney Parish Council Notes Gardening Notes

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Face to Face

I am not a great fan of the telephone, especially if it rings, as it so often does, at meal times. It is fine if all you want to do is exchange information, book an appointment or order something, but hopeless if someone has a problem and needs to talk about it. You can learn so much more from the expression in the eyes, the set of the mouth, the movement of the hands - all that is often described as body language.

If I am preaching, I always try to look at the congregation, not just to see if anyone is asleep, but also to see from the upturned faces whether I have struck a chord or whether, from the way people shuffle about in the pews, I have gone on far too long. It is important too that people can see the preacher's face, which should show joy and enthusiasm for the message being shared with listeners.

In this age of the individual it is important not to be too inward-looking. For example, we are busy gardening, as are others in Repton, so that on 19th and 20th June we can share our gardens with the local community and visitors from further afield. In the same way, for the last two years many Church members have opened their houses for coffee, tea, cakes, wine and cheese, not just to raise money for the church but also to share fellowship with all who wish to come.

Our religion is an open one. Our God is the God of all, of many nations, as Abraham was promised. There are no barriers to becoming a Christian. St Paul reminds us that all are invited, Jew and non-Jew, male and female, slave or free.

We believe in a God who is not remote but who can be met in the person of Jesus Christ. Easter and Ascension, which we are celebrating at this time, bring a message of hope to all - not just that there is life after death, but also that Jesus is with us always. St Matthew's Gospel ends with the words of Jesus: "I am with you always, to the end of the age."

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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 8th May, 10.30 to 11.30 am

Meet your friends for coffee and biscuits, play the children's game, browse the Webb Ivory cards and stationery stall, stock up again with home-made marmalade and cakes . . don't miss it!

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Shell (age 7+)

. . . meets on Mondays 10th, 17th and 24th May from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. New members are always welcome.

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Date for your Diary

Summer Barbecue on Saturday 10th July

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Marriages

Stephen John Shepherd and Julia Lorraine Nisbet were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 17th April.

We offer them our congratulations and best wishes
for their future lives together.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Ray Brown of Springfield Road, Repton, died on Sunday 28th March aged 81. The funeral service and cremation took place at Bretby on 8th April.

William Peach, known as Charlie, of Charlotte James Nursing Home, Burton upon Trent, died on Saturday 3rd April aged 85. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 15th April was followed by burial at Monsom Lane Cemetery.

We offer our sympathy to their families and friends.

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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

Service of Confirmation, Monday 10th May at 7.30 pm

This month, four people from Repton and Newton Solney will be confirmed St Wystan's Church - Rebecca Williams, Sarah Hignett, Marley and Catherine Wildsmith - together with candidates from Ashbourne, Melbourne and Walton on Trent. To conduct the service we are very pleased to welcome Bishop Jack Nicholls, lately retired from the diocese of Sheffield and now living in north Derbyshire. Please pray for the candidates as they prepare for this important step in their Christian life, and support them by coming to the service.

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Christian Aid Week, 9th - 15th May

Maji na Ufanisi (MNU), 'Water and Development', a partner of Christian Aid, has worked in Kiambiu, one of Nairobi's 'informal settlements' (slums) since 1999. If it can secure more funding, it plans to start work in the Matopeni area. Rosalind McLaughlin, visited recently to see the situation at first hand.

"Sixty per cent of the population - over 2 million people - live in 'informal settlements'. I was shocked. When we arrived in Matopeni, the first things we saw were the results of the 'flying toilets'. There's not a single working toilet here, so people go, put it in a bag, and throw it over the wall. And there's no official tap or clean running water. What water there is is really filthy and carries typhoid.

"The squalor was incredible. We were led along a walk-way alongside the houses. It was constructed of half-broken planks, directly over the community's drainage system. There were huge rats, and our guide, Catherine Kithuku, said that when it rains her home floods with sewage, soaking the mattresses. Mosquitoes breed in the sewers, bringing malaria, and the children often suffer from pneumonia because of the damp. But the family has nowhere else to go.

"The dignity of the people here and the sense of community are striking. It's about 'we', not about 'me'. Catherine has already formed a group that organises rubbish collections and educates people about health and other issues. Catherine said she dreams of an environment fit for humans to live in.

"By contrast, the life of people in Kiambiu is almost normal. With the help of MNU, they've built five toilet / shower blocks and have employed people from the local community to clean and maintain them. They charge a nominal fee and invest the money back into the community, building more toilet blocks and providing emergency healthcare for families. They've also got clean drinking water now. In Kiambiu we met another Catherine, Catherine Nyaata. She has been a great mover and shaker in getting the project running. And she helped practically too, mixing the cement. It's made a great difference to her life, her health and her children."

Please support us!

Christian Aid Week is sponsored by forty churches in the UK and Ireland. By supporting us, you are among millions of people who demonstrate practically that such poverty is unacceptable. Your actions, commitment and contributions will bring about a better life for people in poor communities all over the world.

During the first week of May you will receive an envelope from Christian Aid. They are asking us to make a donation, and also to sign the Gift Aid form!

If you are a UK taxpayer, the Gift Aid form allows Christian Aid to claim back the tax. Every £10 you give is then worth £12.82 to Christian Aid. All you need to do is fill in the declaration on the red Christian Aid envelope. If everyone does this, it will raise at least an extra £1 million for the world's poorest communities.

The envelope will be collected during the week commencing 9th May. If for some reason yours is missed, the Post Office in Repton has kindly agreed to have a box where you can leave it.

We still need collectors for all areas. Even if you can only collect this once we would be grateful if you would contact Jackie Hurrell on 702089 or, for Newton Solney, Jennifer Haynes, 703827.

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What a Wonderful Day!

Jennifer Haines and Cyril Smith were invited to take part in this year's Royal Maundy ceremony and receive Maundy money from the Queen on 1st April.

When our invitations arrived in January we were not the only ones to be unsure whether they were genuine. However, the calendar confirmed that the 1st April was indeed Maundy Thursday, while the envelope, postmarked Buckingham Palace and franked in scarlet, had to be authentic.

In March, we had a practice run and were briefed in the cathedral by Nigel McCulloch, Bishop of Manchester and Lord High Almoner to the Queen, who gave an entertaining history of the Maundy Ceremony. Not since the 17th century has any British monarch performed the act of foot-washing, but this is still the only occasion when the Queen comes to her people and does not expect them to wait on her. The Maundy gifts symbolise a generous humility, and the Queen's decision to visit her subjects outside London expresses her wish to reach out to them rather than summon them to her. For this one special day, we were told, Derby Cathedral would become a Royal Chapel, with music provided by choristers from the Chapel Royal and protected by Her Majesty's personal bodyguard.

On the day itself, coaches ferried us from Pride Park to the cathedral, where the congregation, limited by the size of the building, were already waiting. Cyril and I were seated on opposite sides of the cathedral. Cyril was in the north aisle, where the Royal Almonry Procession first entered, giving a close view of the Yeomen of the Guard as well as of the Almonry officers. I was in the south aisle where the Cathedral Procession entered, including the choristers of the Chapel Royal, the Cathedral choir and chapter, the canons and the bishops. In addition there were the various processions of diocesan officers, visiting clergy, and civic dignitaries, so that by the time the Queen arrived, heralded by cheering crowds outside the West Door, all were ready to welcome her.

The Queen's Procession entered to a hymn, the Lord High Almoner pronounced the Mandatum, and the service proceeded with introductory prayers and a psalm. After a second hymn and a reading of John 13:1-15 by the Duke of Edinburgh, the distribution of Maundy gifts to 84 men and 84 women began. The distribution was punctuated by a reading of Matthew 25:31-46, and accompanied by anthems culminating in Handel's 'Zadok the Priest'. The service ended with more prayers, a third hymn and, following the National Anthem, a blessing from the Bishop of Derby.

Coaches returned us to Pride Park where we had been invited by Bishop Alastair to share a celebratory lunch subsidised by unnamed sponsors. In the congenial company of fellow recipients we were able to share impressions of the day.

The tangible Maundy gifts were the soft leather purses, a white one containing 84 silver pence and a red one containing £5.50 - a £5 coin commemorates the 350th anniversary of the restoration of the monarchy and a 50p coin marks the 100th anniversary of the Girl Guides - replacing what used to be given to the poor as gifts-in-kind. But we were all agreed that the truly memorable gift was the Queen's warm smile for each individual as she handed the purses to us. This we shall treasure most of all.
What a surprise and enormous privilege to discover earlier this year that I was to be one of the recipients at Derby Cathedral. As I now view the red and white purses presented to me by the Queen, I am struck by revived memories which, like the trailing laces on the leather purses, thread through my life.

For the 60th anniversary of 'D Day' I sailed with members of the Royal British Legion to France on the Van Gogh accompanied by my wife, Pamela, and son, Jonathan. We anchored mid-channel whilst the chaplain, Nigel McCulloch, Bishop of Manchester, conducted a service on deck. Shortly afterwards a Lancaster bomber flew over escorted by two Spitfires. The bomber was to release a million poppies over our ship, but a squall blew most of them into the sea and the floating poppies appeared to turn the sea red, a symbolic tribute to the fallen - a sea of blood. To my amazement, the chaplain I'd met on the Van Gogh, the Right Reverend Nigel McCulloch, was now The Lord High Almoner. It meant so much to be introduced to the Queen as a 'D Day' veteran by someone with whom I had shared such a poignant sight.

Again, wonderfully, as the Queen presented the Maundy purses to me, the combined choirs of Derby Cathedral and the Chapel Royal were singing 'God so loved the world' from Stainer's Crucifixion. I could not have chosen better: when I was seven I joined the church choir at Blackfordby at a time when the choristers were practising Stainer's 'Crucifixion'. The glorious music of 'God so loved the world' has always stayed with me.

The Maundy Service derives its name from the Latin word Mandatum, a commandment. Its opening words are from John 13. Jesus said: 'I give you a new commandment: love one another: As I have loved you, so you are to love one another.' My third thought as I study the red and white purses is how they remind me of the wine and water poured at Holy Communion, symbolising our Lord's love for us.

The first recorded Royal Distribution was at Knaresborough by King John in 1210, which would make this year the eight hundredth anniversary. I feel honoured to have been a recipient on this occasion. It was a wonderful day to remember.

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St Wystan's News

Service of Prayer for Christian Healing, St Wystan's Church, Tuesday 4th May at 7.30 pm

As the prayer box in the church is being increasingly used by visitors, we hope that people who are regular worshippers of any church and seekers after faith will feel welcome to join us for this simple service of readings, hymns, prayers and ministry. Leaflets about the Christian Healing Ministry are now available in the church at the Prayer Corner, near the Crypt entrance, and may be taken away.

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Repton M.U.

On the afternoon of Wednesday 19th May members will be visiting Bretby Church. There will be an opportunity to look round and to listen to a talk about this delightful country church with its memorial to Disraeli, who used to spend time at Bretby Hall as the guest of Lady Chesterfield. There will be refreshments afterwards. St Wystan's Annual Parochial Church Meeting - Correction In addition to Sue Parker, Denise Johnson and Janet Talbot, whose election to the PCC was reported last month, Naomi Hignett and Tanya Williams were each elected for one year.

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St Wystan's Church Development

As reported in last month's Parish Magazine, the Chancellor has granted our request to modify the screens around the storage area in the south-west corner of the church, reducing the height from the previously agreed 2.69m to 2.1m.

Sadly, the very competitive price we had had from the contractors, Linford Bridgeman, has now expired, but they have agreed a new price of £44,775 for this and the new part-glazed inner doors, and will hold it until 11th June 2010. The fees of the church architects, Smith and Roper, £6,838, bring the total to £51,613. This sum does not include the cost of the new tables and chairs needed to complete phase 1b.

The Heritage Appeal Fundraising Committee has raised just over £38,000 towards this. Some two years ago, the PCC decided that contracts would not be signed before the money is in the bank, so, in order to go ahead, we still need £13,613. (This sum will have been reduced by the St George's Day Musical Spectacular on 23rd April, but after that, the next major fund-raising event is in September.)

On the completion of phase 1b, the Heritage Appeal Fund Committee is to disband. Last May the PCC decided that phase 2 would be set aside until phase 1b is completed, at which time it would be reconsidered in the light of the changing circumstances. Consideration would also be given to consulting the congregation before any decision to go ahead.

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St Mary's Church Newton Solney Spring Buffet Lunch Sunday 9th May at 1 pm in Newton Solney Village Hall Bring your own bottle! Tickets: Adults £7.50, Children (under 12) £4.50 from Hazel Ward 21, Blacksmith's Lane, Newton Solney, tel. 701244

Milton Open Gardens Sunday 13th June, 2pm - 6pm Ten gardens open, tombola stall and teas in the village hall. £3 entrance fee for adults (kids free) Free car parking Come and enjoy the afternoon in our small hamlet, with us.

Repton School Concerts Society Adam Walker - Flute accompanied by John Reid - Piano Wednesday 12th May at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall Adam was the youngest ever winner of the British Flute Society Competition in 2002, and in 2004 was a Concerto Finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year. In 2009 he won the MIDEM 'Outstanding Young Artist of the Year' award. At only 21 years of age, Adam has recently been appointed principal flute with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Come and hear this amazing young player! For tickets, £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions), or information contact the Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

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Environment Matters

Join the OU Creative Climate Project

Many climate scientists believe that the current decade will be the turning point for the future of our planet. To record what happens, the Open University has launched a global online web diary called Creative Climate. Everyone can take part.

The project is inspired by the Mass Observation movement of the 20th century, when from 1937 to the early 1950s British people in all walks of life kept diaries about their everyday lives. The material collected provides a detailed understanding of the times.

Similarly the Creative Climate diaries will become a huge archive of our experiences and ideas. You may want to keep a diary as an individual or as part of a group. Perhaps you might track changes in a street, or in the habitat and behaviour of an animal.

Keeping a diary need not be time-consuming: you will be invited to update your diary every 4 months. Go to www.open.ac.uk/creativeclimate to start your diary and study other entries. You'll also find advice on writing and making video and audio diaries. The site also has free learning materials from OU environmental courses.

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2010, the Intenational Year of Biodiversity

In the UK more than 200 organisations have signed up as partners in the International Year of Biodiversity to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our natural resources. This year's theme is Biodiversity for Development, and a bioblitz is being organised in Markeaton Park for the 5th / 6th June, an event to record as many species as possible. Search for 'wild Derby bioblitz'.

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You and your Pet

Happy Hoppers

As the weather warms up, so the number of flies increases. Pets most at risk are rabbits, where fly strike can occur very quickly, sometimes in a matter of hours. The best way to prevent it is to do a 'bottom check' morning and evening in susceptible rabbits, particularly those prone to diarrhoea and those less flexible, who find it hard to bend and self clean.

Fastidious cleaning of both the bunny and the hutch, and the application of a sponge-on product that stops the development of maggots when they hatch all help towards a happy rabbit summer!

RAW - Rabbit Awareness Week - is 26th April to 2nd May. Get your free rabbit check.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Burglary

John Cawdron would like it to be known that, contrary to reports, his house and garage doors were locked when his house was burgled in March and his car stolen.

Caught on Camera

Derbyshire police would like you to view the Crimestoppers pages, particularly 'Caught on Camera' which has CCTV images and e-fits of potential suspects and witnesses. Go to www.derbyshire.police.uk. Crimestoppers offer rewards for information leading to a conviction. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can.

Safer Neighbourhoods

The Safer Neighbourhoods team reports that to prevent and deter anti-social behaviour - especially in Willington, Repton and Stenson Fields - the mobile police van has been parked at some hot spots, and there have been undercover officers in Willington and Repton.

Local Safer Neighbourhood meetings are an opportunity for you to help set local priorities. The next is at Stenson Fields Primary School at 6.30 pm on Monday 7th June. 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

Churchyard Maintenance

Thank you to all the volunteers who have kept the front half of the churchyard mowed and tidy over the last year and to those who contributed towards the costs of trimming the yew trees and buying and maintaining the mower.

The church cannot afford to maintain the rear section of the churchyard.
Can you help?

The rear section of the churchyard and the ashes plots have for some time been mowed by contractors employed by the Parish Council, but unfortunately the Parish Council can no longer afford to continue.

During the growing season, the cost is £160 a month, so about £1,000 a year. The church itself has limited funds for maintaining the whole churchyard, and cannot afford such a bill, so we are looking to the wider village community to help us prevent the rear section from reverting to its former state of neglect.

If you would like to make a contribution towards the cost, please contact the church treasurer, Jan Roberts, or the churchwarden, David Roberts, at 37 High Street, tel. 702159.

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The Dales

Now that spring has arrived, we are looking for a volunteer or volunteers to spend a bit of time each week helping to tidy our garden areas; it would be much appreciated and cups of tea would be plentiful.

If you have an old paddling pool you no longer use, please would you consider donating it to us. Similarly, memorabilia, postcards, music, kiss-me-quick hats etc. Residents would like to visit the sea-side, and although some might cope with the journey, there are many who couldn't, so we shall bring the beach to them.

We would also be very grateful for board games

The sensory garden has been declined lottery funding - as a council run home we are sadly not eligible - so we are looking at other ways to fund this project which would bring benefit to all our residents.

Looking forward, we have outings planned to Derby Cathedral in May, to Pipes in the Peaks in June, and for lunch at Willington marina. At home we are trying a new form of entertainment in the form of poetry reading, an alternative to singing.

Finally, I would like to thank you all for the donations of knitted woollen articles to be sent to Africa - they are much appreciated.

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Beaver Scouts and . . .

The Beaver Colony in Repton is gearing itself up for the summer and will be taking advantage of the warm weather and light evenings. This will include a farm trip and activities leading to the Outdoor Challenge.

Special congratulations to Cameron Bidder who has gained the Chief Scout Bronze Award. This required him to gain all six Challenge awards and is the highest award he can gain as a Beaver. Well done indeed!

As District Commissioner I want to thank Eve Connolly for all her hard work as Akela (the Cub leader) over the last 18 months. She has worked tirelessly and very effectively to provide a worthwhile and enjoyable programme of activities. However, we have not been able to support her adequately with assistant leaders. After much debate, we have decided that, without more leaders, we cannot keep the Cub Pack running and so it will not re-open for the summer session; we will open again as soon as we find enough adults to lead it regularly. There are places for all Cubs in the Hartshorne and Willington Cub Packs; both have asked Eve to work with them till she goes to university.

Thank you also to Tina Wright, Isabelle Hurrell, Sam Mitchell and Liz and Andy Beeston, who have helped, and continue to help, as much as possible.

Beavers are not affected and will continue to meet as usual.

For more information on Scouting locally, contact Andy Austen on 01283 702448.

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Repton W.I.

At the April meeting members looked back to an interesting visit to Crown Derby and a joint second place - by one point - at the County quiz. Then we looked forward as plans were made for another Mulberry lunch, and outings to the Tara Buddhist Centre at Etwall and the musical version of the Just So Stories at Burton.

The speaker, Dr. Wendy Freer, gave a fascinating illustrated talk about 'Goings-on Below Stairs', with stories from servants' diaries, all told without a script. She showed us the stately homes in which some of them worked and the cartoons which purported to show what they got up to in their very limited free time.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 11th May: We will be learning more about Tai Chi. Anyone interested would be very welcome. Just come to the village hall at 7.15 pm.

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Outing to Trentham Gardens, Thursday 27th May

Everyone is welcome on this trip to Trentham Gardens, run by Repton Evergreens. The coach will leave Repton village hall at 10.30 am and arrive back at 2.30 pm for afternoon tea. For non-members the all-inclusive cost is £8. Please phone Peggy on 701524 to book your seat.

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Repton Village History Group

At our March meeting Shirley Horton spoke about the many products 'Made in Derbyshire' from local resources. She reminded us of the well-known and famous companies that have been based in the county, and equally of the many that are still producing quality goods today.

On Tuesday 18th May, our meeting will commence with the AGM, which is your chance to nominate members for election to the committee for the year 2010 / 2011. (7.30 pm in the village hall)

Then Gareth King will talk on 'Victorian Ghost Stories'. Many of our members will remember Gareth from his last exciting visit when he spoke about Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Members and Visitors are always welcome. Admittance: members £1.50, visitors £2.50.

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Repton Village Society

For her account of a day in the life of a Nightingale probationer nurse in 1874, Pat Smedley came dressed in the appropriate uniform. She outlined the strict daily timetable and described some of the severe treatments and substances used at the time.

Tuesday 4th May

Note the change of date! On the 6th the hall is in use as a Polling Station.

Andrew Fielding will trace the development of the salt industry in the UK, particularly in and around Cheshire. In the past, salt was so important that it was taxed and controlled by governments; indeed the salt tax was not repealed until 1825. Andrew is the co author of the Shire publication on the subject and will be bringing copies for sale.

Repton Village Society Floral Container / Front Garden Competition The following categories will be judged between 1st and 31st July The Best Hanging Basket or Container (Private and Business) The Best Front Garden Entry FREE. Forms available from the Post Office and Redshaws the Butchers, or ring 702702 and leave a message. Prizes (vouchers for Planters at Bretby) will be awarded at Repton Village Show on Saturday 4th September

ngs Gardens reopen for Spring

Since 1927, The National Gardens Scheme has raised almost £42 million for charities such as Help the Hospices and Macmillan Cancer Support. Last year alone, the latter received over £½m. In May, you can visit two well established local favourites.

Pauline and Robert Little, 10 Chestnut Way, Sunday 23rd and Monday 31st May, 1 - 6 pm

An acre of sweeping mixed borders, spring bulbs, rhododendrons, mature trees, young arboretum and productive fruit and vegetable garden. Expect a colourful display. There will be a plant stall and home-made teas and cakes, and there are plenty of seats around the garden and a conservatory if it is cold or wet. Admission £2.50.

Wendy and Stephen Longden, Woodend Cottage, 134 Main Street, Sunday 23rd May, 1.30 - 5 pm

Glorious views on a sloping 2½-acre site developed organically for year-round interest. Do come and enjoy home-made teas in aid of St Saviour's Church, Foremark. There are plants for sale for the NGS and in the nursery. Admission £2.50, children free.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

A monthly newsletter covering issues from Repton Parish Council in April.

• SDDC Design Brief: A Design Brief has been prepared for Askew Grove and The Crescent. This sets out a vision of how the area should be developed in future years, as the existing 'Canadian Houses' are replaced. The proposal envisages two-storey houses, with a degree of uniformity in design and boundary treatment, set forward fronting the street on straight building lines. The sense of enclosure should be improved and the area made to feel safe, comfortable and attractive. The central green area is important as a focal point. There are no plans to do anything with the open green space for the present. Future improvements should balance the views of local residents with the needs of the community, and enhance the landscape character. The Design Brief will be a useful reference document when planning applications for the area are submitted.
• Chinese Lanterns: Following the recent unauthorised use of Mitre Field to launch Chinese lanterns, the Parish Council has formally resolved not to permit the use of any council land for the release of Chinese lantern or helium balloons. The reasons for the decision are:
  
  1. The proximity of East Midlands Airport and its approach flight paths. Balloons and lanterns can reach a mile or more in altitude and clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority is necessary.
  
  2. There have been a number of cases of livestock being killed by eating lanterns or balloons when they come down. The NFU has called for them to be banned.
  
  3. If lanterns land prematurely they are a fire hazard. Some time ago one came down on the roof of Winchester Cathedral and caught fire.


4. Litter is created. Those who launch them could be prosecuted.

Councillors believe there can be no justification for putting lives and property at risk. Parish Council land in Repton comprises Broomhills Playing Field, Mitre Recreation Field, Monsom Lane Burial Ground and Allotments, and Pinfold Lane Arboretum.
• Open Space Improvements: Responding to a number of requests for more public seats in Repton, one is to be sited on Pinfold Lane, opposite the new arboretum, to replace one that was there many years ago. Also there will be a simple bench between Milton and Repton for those who walk between the villages. The cost of both is being met by a Section 106 grant from the District Council.
• Repton Arboretum: The first planting of a dozen trees took place in March and the ceremony was attended by approximately 70 people. It was a lovely occasion and the arboretum looks very attractive; it has drawn much favourable comment. There is a new list open for plantings in October. Please contact the Clerk on 01283 701309 or at reptoncouncil@btinternet.com if you want to add your name to the list.

Next meeting: Monday 10th May, which will be the Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council, at 7.30 pm in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton. Planning applications will be available beforehand.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney W.I.

At the April meeting we congratulated Jo Parfitt and Di Tidy on their 'Swim the Channel' achievement, and the quiz team on coming third in the area competition. Everyone involved in the Lasagne Lunch was thanked for making this such a successful and enjoyable event.

Arrangements for several forthcoming visits are in hand; during May we look forward to a walk in the Bluebell Woods at Yoxall on the 5th, and visits to see 'Just So' at the Brewhouse on the 12th and to enjoy a meal at the Mulberry Rooms on the 19th.

Our speaker, Mike Kelly, intrigued us all with the title of his talk, 'Behind Closed Doors'. This was a fascinating account of the time he spent in the Yemen and Sudan - an area now closed to visitors. He showed us a very different way of life.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 11th May: We will debate the W.I. resolution that 'All foods should be labelled with the country of origin'. Then Jennifer Haynes will tell us about her experiences receiving Maundy Money from the Queen at Derby Cathedral.

Whist Drive: Tuesday 18th May. Note that this is a week earlier than usual.

Both meetings are at 7.30 in the village hall.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Our March outing to Cosford Air Museum proved to be most successful. The only disappointment was that we would have liked more time to view all the exhibits.

In April, Anne Bailey entertained us all with her talk on 'Pixie Hoods and Siren Suits', a light-hearted trip down memory lane. She brought along a fine collection of memorabilia depicting wartime food and clothing, and described how our parents coped during those hard times.

Tuesday 4th May at 2.30 pm

Mary Smedley from Strutts North Mill, Belper, will be giving us a detailed insight into the life of the mill, past and present. This will be followed by our visit on the 18th May.

Tuesday 18th May. Dep. Unicorn at 9.30 am; pick-up at Repton and Willington A visit to Strutts North Mill, then on to Denby Pottery for lunch. Return to Newton Solney for 3 pm. Anyone who would like to join us will be made most welcome. Please contact Jane on 01283 564520.

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Newton Solney Parish Council Notes

Speedwatch: The Parish Council is considering taking part in the Speedwatch campaign again this year. Volunteers would be needed to monitor vehicle speeds through the village; they will first have a short training session in order to qualify to use the equipment. If you are interested, please inform the clerk or any councillor.

Grass cuttings should be placed in the brown bins provided to all households, not on the grass verges.

Recreational Field: The Parish Council is in discussion with the Trustee regarding future maintenance and insurance arrangements.

Annual Parish Meeting: Friday 14th May at 7 pm in the village hall. Everyone is invited to attend, a review of the Parish Council year will be presented; questions and comments are sought from parishioners. A normal Parish Council meeting will follow at 7.45 pm. All are welcome to remain for this if they wish.

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Gardening Notes

The harsh winter will have damaged or killed some of the plants that we have begun to think of as hardy. Do not be in too much of a hurry to remove them, although by May their fate is increasingly obvious. For woody shrubs, try nicking the bark with a sharp knife; a green layer underneath indicates that some life is still present. Phormiums, cordylines and hebes may have done badly, their survival depending on how much sun they had to ripen.

Before planting, apply a general fertiliser to vegetable plots. Sow French and runner beans in modules under glass now to go out later, or directly outside later in the month. They will need protection from frost. To provide a continuous crop, sow French beans at 2 - 3 week intervals until mid-July; a second sowing of runner beans in July should last till October. Beetroot, carrots, peas, broad beans, spinach and brassicas can be sown in May. Continue sowing lettuce at 2 - 3 week intervals, and start marrows, courgettes and squashes under glass. Continue to earth up potatoes.

Prick out bedding plants and harden them off before planting out at the end of the month. Cuttings of tender plants taken in the autumn will also be ready to go out then. Keep fleece handy to protect them, and to protect the emerging shoots of dahlia tubers.

It is time to plant up bog gardens and ponds.

Start feeding tomatoes grown under glass with a balanced fertiliser until two trusses have set, then transfer to a high potassium tomato feed. Water first thing in the morning and, if necessary, in the afternoon, but avoid watering in the evening, as high humidity will encourage fungal growth. Remove the side shoots of cordons under glass, and pinch out the growing tip when 4 - 6 flower trusses have set. There is no need to remove side shoots or the growing tip in bush varieties outdoors. The flavour of tomatoes depends on many factors, the biggest is the variety, but sunshine, temperature, water uptake and the type of feed all play a part.

Hopefully, the cold winter has reduced the number of garden pests, but aphids can build up very quickly. Planting marigolds next to tomatoes and onions next to carrots will discourage them, as will covering carrots with fleece. Encourage beneficial insects by planting single- rather than double-flowering plants. Biological controls are mainly for greenhouses as they need a minimum temperature of 12°C. Contact insecticides tend to miss aphids sheltering under leaves. Systemic insecticides are absorbed in to the plant and kill sap-sucking insects, but they persist in the sap for 2 - 3 weeks, so cannot be used on vegetables that are close to harvest. Try just squashing aphids with your fingers!

Put out codling moth traps near your fruit trees. The moths lay their eggs in early to mid-summer, and the hatching caterpillars burrow into the apples.

Prune forsythia, flowering currant, kerria, mahonia and evergreen ceanothus after flowering. Clip winter heathers and topiary bay trees. Dead-head rhododendrons after flowering - tulips too, if you expect them to flower again next year. Tulips would also need a weekly feed until the foliage dies down.

Continue to tie in clematis, climbing roses and vines. Clematis will benefit from a high potassium (tomato) feed.

Lay straw under strawberries to keep the fruit clean.