December 2010 - Contents God loves us, warts and all Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Christmas Services Services at St Wystan's, Repton Services at St Saviour's, Foremark Services at St Mary's, Newton Solney Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Wystan's Brasses at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Christmas Services For your Diary Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Lillie Mae Hambleton Funerals and Burial of Ashes Abdur Rashid Choudhury Frederick Vernon Parker Roger George White Alan Edward Baker Obituaries Abdur Rashid Choudhury Frederick Vernon Parker Roger George White Elsie Steele The Memorial Book Derby Diocese More Licencees than ever before! St Wystan's News Praise from Bishop Alastair Repton M.U. St Wystan's Church Quiet Garden St Mary's News Newton Solney Christmas Tree Festival, 3rd - 6th December St Mary's Church Christingle Service, Sunday 12th December at 4 pm Repton School Concert, Wednesday 1st December Newton Solney Christmas Tree Festival, Friday 3rd - Monday 6th December Repton School Carol Service, Sunday 5th December Concert with Soup & Sweet, Wednesday 8th December Repton School Christmas Band Concert, 8th and 9th December Repton Primary Christmas Fayre, Friday 10th December Christmas Carol Concert, Friday 10th December URC: Jesus' Christmas Party, Sunday 12th December WI: Floral Art Demonstration, Tuesday 14th December Newton Solney New Year's Eve Party Environment Matters Five ways to give your garden wildlife a boost You and your Pet Adopting a Pet Neighbourhood Watch Willington Surgery Patient Participation Group Repton Village and History Stamp & Deliver Repton Neighbourhood Help Stocking-Fillers Repton Beavers Repton Cubs Repton Guides seeks new Leader Repton W.I. 'Make a Splash for India' Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Repton Pre-school Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Parish Council Notes Gardening Notes

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God loves us, warts and all

Dear Friends,

Gerald's ideas are always interesting and provocative. His introduction to last month's Parish Magazine gives me a good lead in to Christmas. Philip Pullman's best selling trilogy 'His Dark Materials', which I have to admit I haven't read, includes - according to Rupert Shortt ('Rowan's Rule') - 'several hoary misconceptions about mainstream Christianity'. These include 'a negative view of the body, that spiritual experience is essentially a solitary matter, and that worship entails submission to a cosmic tyrant'.

In these books, as Gerald reminds us, the god-like 'Authority' is killed off. But what is left of Jesus and Christmas if there is no God? In every age there have been those who wished to take the supernatural out of religion; to accept Jesus as a great teacher and to try to follow those teachings. It is a tempting theory but in the end hopeless.

By 'hopeless' I mean exactly that - without hope. Humanity is deeply flawed and, as far as God is concerned, still a 'work in progress'. Progressive liberalism and scientific materialism, much promoted in the 19th and 20th centuries, produced a century of unprecedented violence in which man's inhumanity to man reached new depths. Without submission to the God of love and forgiveness, the wonders of science only produce the holocaust. What hope for humanity?

What can we say to those in terminal care or those with severe learning difficulties if there is no God who loves them beyond their economic usefulness? 'Brave New Worlds' are only good for those physically and mentally fit enough to cope with their demands.

And then there is Christmas. If we take the supernatural out of Christmas, there's not much left - no angel requesting Mary's co-operation, no heavenly host and therefore no shepherds, and certainly no 'glory'. There would be no drama and not much to sing about. No doubt there are many in our secular society who would like to take the Christ out of Christmas and have a winter festival, but that would leave us without ultimate hope, love and the need for faith.

The Christmas story is, of course, more poetry than prose, and the Bible should not be treated as a scientific text book. The poetry of Luke's narrative contains a great truth - that the ultimate source of creativity and purpose shares our human life and brings us a message of forgiveness, love and hope.

The whole point about Christmas is that God loves us, warts and all. He loves us, as St Paul says, 'while we were yet sinners'. He doesn't wait for us to become good before sending Jesus. The Christian God is not a tyrant but the source of ultimate love and forgiveness, and in that there is hope.

May I wish you all a Christmas full of hope, joy and peace.

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney and Repton Churches

Christmas Services

Advent Carol Service: Sunday 28th November, 6 pm

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

Gift Day Family Service: Sunday 12th December, 9.45 am

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

Christmas Carol Services: Sundays 5th and 19th December

The churches will be candlelit for these popular services. At Foremark we welcome the boarders from Foremarke School, and afterwards, by the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Ian Elliott, there will be coffee and mince pies in the assembly hall.

Christingle Services: Newton Solney, 12th December, 4 pm; Repton, 19th December, 4 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

At Foremark the service will include Christmas carols.

At Newton Solney the service will be Communion by Extension, led by June Scott.

At St Wystan's the Family Carol Service is an opportunity for children to dress up and take a part in a life-sized Christmas tableau. Appropriate carols tell the Christmas story as the tableau is built up. If your child would like to take part, please come to the Crib service on Christmas Eve or contact Ruth Attwood, 702804.

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

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

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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Christmas Services

Come and join with the children this Christmas: you will love to see the children present their Nativity play, 'Jesus' Christmas Party', with songs and lots of laughter, at both services on 12th December.

On the following Sunday morning you can make your own Christingle, with the children's help, and in the evening you can share in Candlelight Carols and readings.

Remember to bring a present to show to the children on Christmas morning, and there will be another short service on the morning of 26th December. Everyone is very welcome!

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For your Diary

The next coffee morning will be on Saturday 8th January.
Shell, for our 7+ group, will recommence on Monday 10th January at 6.30 pm.

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Baptisms

Lillie Mae Hambleton, daughter of Melanie and Craig of Mierce House, Well Lane, Repton, was baptised at St Wystan's church on Sunday 7th November.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Abdur Rashid Choudhury of Repton died on Sunday 24th October aged 74. He was buried the following day at Nottingham Road Cemetery in Derby.

Frederick Vernon Parker of Repton, died on Tuesday 2nd November aged 88. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 15th November was followed by cremation.

Roger George White of Main Street, Milton, died on Wednesday 3rd November aged 80. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 12th November was followed by cremation.

Alan Edward Baker of Repton died on Friday 5th November aged 85. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 22nd November was followed by burial at Monsom Lane Cemetery.

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Obituaries

Abdur Rashid Choudhury
2nd April 1936 - 24th October 2010

After a short illness, Rashid Choudhury died peacefully at his home on Burton Road, where he had moved with his family in 1986. At that time he was still working in Saudi Arabia but spent much of his time here during the holidays. He loved Repton and became a familiar face on his daily walks around the village.

Rashid was born in Hailakandi in Assam. Coming from a humble background in a remote village, he had to work particularly hard to make his way, but with the encouragement of his hard-working parents and family, he was successful in qualifying as a surgeon.

Rashid passed the MBBS exam at Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh, in 1960, did an MS in General Surgery in 1965, and worked in general surgery in Assam Medical College until 1968. He was an Assistant Professor in General Surgery when he received a scholarship from the Assam government to train in neurosurgery in the United Kingdom.

In 1970 he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in London, qualified similarly in Glasgow and Edinburgh in 1971, and gained an MS in Neurosurgery from the University of Aberdeen in 1973.

After working as a neurosurgeon in Edinburgh, Newcastle and Aberdeen, Rashid came to the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary from 1973 to 1978. In 1973 and again in 1978 he returned to Assam to try to set up a neurosurgical centre there, but sadly the facilities were not adequate. From 1982 to 1995 he worked as a consultant neurosurgeon in the Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital, Saudi Arabia, and more recently in Derby as a medical assessor for ex-miners claiming disability living allowance.

Rashid was a true academic, producing numerous papers for various neurosurgical journals, and deriving great satisfaction from teaching medical students wherever he worked.

Rashid was a very gentle, courteous and kind man, well liked and respected by all who met him. He will be greatly missed.

Thank you

Rashid's family would like to thank everyone in Repton who visited or sent cards and flowers during his illness and afterwards, as well as all the medical staff, including Macmillan nurses, for their kindness, support and care.

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Frederick Vernon Parker
3rd February 1922 - 2nd November 2010

Vernon Parker was born in Chapel Gresley, the elder of twin boys with two older sisters. Apart from the war years when he served with the Royal Air Force and was stationed in India and Burma, he spent all his life firmly rooted in the earth and clay of South Derbyshire.

Vernon's father was works manager at T.G. Green and the inspiration behind the iconic Cornish Blue range. In 1933, he and his wife bought Bretby Art Pottery in Woodville, which Vernon joined on leaving leaving Ashbourne Grammar School, and where he spent the rest of his working life.

He was a popular boss, well respected in business, and a gifted salesman; that so many people attended his funeral service was a great tribute to his popularity.

In 1949 he married Barbara, and last year they celebrated their diamond wedding. He drew great strength from her support, and in return loved and supported her in everything. Vernon was very much a family man, a loving father, and having barely known his own grand-parents, he found his grandchildren a particular delight.

Vernon and Barbara first met at the Young Conservatives, and they shared a love of local politics; for many years Vernon was Chairman of Swadlincote Conservative Association. But politics were just one of his many interests. In 1951 he was a founder member of Swadlincote Round Table, becoming Chairman in 1955, and in due course joined the 41 Club. Then, when he was 38, he joined Swadlincote Rotary Club. Over the years he made many friends in all these organizations, and until quite recently he was still attending both the 41 and Rotary clubs regularly. The idea of fellowship, service to the community, and international goodwill certainly sat well with him. Vernon loved life, he loved red wine, he loved his regular games of bridge and golf, and was a member of Burton Golf Club for nearly 50 years.

Vernon was very sociable, courteous and honourable, a gentleman who will be greatly missed. We send our sympathy to Barbara, his daughter and his two granddaughters.

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Roger George White
10th October 1930 - 3rd November 2010

Born and educated in Guildford, where his father was headmaster of the Royal Grammar School, Roger went on to study engineering at Cambridge. Following National Service, he came to Derby in 1958 to work in the aircraft industry at Rolls Royce; although he was based in Derby, his work took him all over the world.

In 1988 Roger and Sue moved to Milton, marrying in 1991 when Roger took early retirement. He became a committee member at Abbeyfield House, but his real enthusiasm was for things practical. With his do-it-yourself skills he set about transforming their home, also adding a huge garage and workshop where he spent many happy hours. He loved restoring old cars, particularly the Austin 7, and at his death left one car on the road, one in the workshop, another half built, and enough parts for four more! Clocks too were a passion; he repaired and installed them in every corner of the home. As if that were not enough, when he finally fell ill, Roger, who played the piano and loved classical music, was planning to build his own harpsichord.

Retirement had given him at last the opportunity to travel for pleasure, but sadly illness brought this to an end and for the last six years of his life he was cared for at Branston Court Nursing Home. Sue visited him there every day, and has nothing but praise for the care he received.

We extend our sympathy to Roger's three sons and to Sue.

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Elsie Steele

Elsie Steele, whose obituary appeared last month, regularly attended the monthly service of Holy Communion at The Dales. She had a phenomenal memory. In fact, keeping her mind active was one of the ways she kept young. Besides repeating the books of the Old and New Testaments in order, she amused her listeners by reciting the whole of the poem 'Old Age is Golden', which concludes:

I get up each morning, dust off my wits,
Pick up my paper, and read the 'Obits',
If my name is missing, I know I'm not dead.
So I eat a good breakfast, and go back to bed.

With such a lively sense of fun, Elsie will not be forgotten.

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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

Bishop Alastair at the Diocesan Synod

In his presidential address to the Diocesan Synod early in November, Bishop Alastair challenged us to be more concerned with quality than quantity. Referring to statistics which seem to show a Church in decline, he showed that the Church is bucking the trend within our non-joining culture; although the number of stipendiary clergy is going down, we are licensing more people than we ever have. The Church has a presence everywhere and a disproportionate effect on society, with an enormous impact in voluntary work and charitable giving.

The gospel images of salt, leaven and light are key to understanding the Church's role as a catylist. "Churches aren't just centres which people join and where you can count the members," said Bishop Alastair. "They are also hubs, offering moments of encounter and growth." The quality of relationships, of sacrifice, service and love shared with others, whether churchgoers or not, is vital. The emphasis on quality is what was radical and distinctive in the teaching of Jesus.

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St Wystan's News

Praise from Bishop Alastair

I enjoy receiving the parish magazine and I am delighted to read in the November issue of the successful Heritage Appeal. Please pass on my congratulations to all those concerned. Every blessing.

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Repton M.U.

At the November meeting, the speaker Frances Prokter took as her title 'The Mothers' Union Then and Now'. Even longstanding members learnt something from her account of the founding of the organization, and everyone was surprised at the variety of work carried out in this country and overseas. Frances had visited projects abroad and in this country, most recently seeing work in prisons in Worcester Diocese, where M.U. volunteers running a creche on visiting days had discovered that they needed to teach the children how to play. The M.U. Branch in Foston Hall Prison is continuing to do good work, and several branches support Women's Refuges.

Though Repton branch is small (and always hoping for new members), we give generously to M.U. work and support it with our prayers.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 15th December at 2.15 pm at Fisher Close: This will be our Christmas meeting. Join us for carols and Christmas activities.

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St Wystan's Church Quiet Garden

A new site and simplified plan for the Quiet Garden have now been agreed. It will be towards the rear of St Wystan's Church, with two benches surrounded by shrubs and plants, offering different seasons of interest, set against the backdrop of a beautiful, existing yew tree. The garden will offer a quiet place to sit, rest and be refreshed.

If you would like buy or contribute towards an oak bench, or donate money for a shrub in memory of someone special, please contact either Rev'd Peter Paine on 703317 or Wendy Longden.

Alternatively, you may like to buy a candle for £1 to express a thought or prayer for someone special or in memory of a loved one. For every £1 donated, we will place a lighted candle in the 'Quiet Garden' area (weather permitting) or in St Wystan's Church at our evening carol service on Sunday 19th December.

For more information, please contact Wendy Longden or collect a leaflet on 'The Quiet Garden by Candlelight' from the side-table as you enter St Wystan's Church.

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St Mary's News

Newton Solney Christmas Tree Festival, 3rd - 6th December

The theme of this year's festival in St Mary's Church is 'Christmas Traditions'. The church will be open each day from 11 till 4; entrance costs £1 for adults, with children free. There will be plant and craft stalls, and a display of work by local artists; on the 3rd at 2.30 pm, pupils from Newton Solney Infant School will sing carols.

On the 4th at 7.30 pm there will be a celebratory concert by singers from the Gresley Male Voice Choir; for tickets at £7.50, contact Hazel Ward on 701244, or Sue Elson, 703604.

Proceeds from the festival will be shared between St Mary's Church and the Rainbows Hospice for Sick Children in Loughborough.

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St Mary's Church Christingle Service, Sunday 12th December at 4 pm

We are particularly pleased to welcome families to this service. The Christingle oranges will be prepared in the church on Saturday morning 11th December, starting at 9.30 am. Help would as always be very welcome.

Repton School Concerts Society Opus Anglicanum Wednesday 1st December at 7.45 pm Repton School Chapel Opus Anglicanum is a 5-men a capella and story-teller group. They will bring to Repton a Christmas Concert of traditional carols, French baroque Noels, music hall and stories. A rich variety of both unusual and well-known music, together with poems and narratives from Hardy, Dickens, Herrick and Kipling will make up a splendid Christmas entertainment. Mulled wine and mince pies will also be provided. Tickets for this concert are available at £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions). Tickets for the whole season of 10 concerts cost £70. For further information or tickets contact: The Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

Friday 3rd - Monday 6th December, 11 am - 4 pm Newton Solney Christmas Tree Festival St Mary's Church, Newton Solney Programme £1, Children free Craft & plant stalls ~ Display of work by local artists Refreshments available ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Saturday 4th December at 7.30 pm A Seasonal Evening with members of Gresley Male Voice Choir Tickets £7.50 (01283 701244) Refreshments available ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ In aid of St Mary's Church & the Rainbows Hospice for Sick Children

Repton School Carol Service for parents, staff and parish, followed by a reception in the Library Sunday 5th December at 6.30 pm Repton School Chapel No ticket required

St Wystan's Church Repton Concert with Soup & Sweet A concert by pupils from Foremarke Hall followed by home-made soup and a sweet Wednesday 8th December at 12 noon Produce stall; cakes; books & tombola Tickets £4: Carol Lloyd 702410; Jan Roberts 702159

Repton School Christmas Band Concert Repton School Concert and Jazz Bands and Foremarke Hall Wind Band Wednesday and Thursday 8th and 9th December at 7.30 pm Pears School, Repton School Free tickets are available from the Lodge (by the Arch)

Repton Primary School Christmas Fayre Friday 10th December at 6.30 pm Games     Santa     Refreshments     Entertainment     Raffle

A Christmas Carol Concert with the Derwent Singers Friday 10th December, 7 - 8.30 pm, at St Wystan's Church Tickets at £10 include mulled wine and mince pies For information, ring Annie Sheldon, 01283 813355, or Auriol Cumming, 702614 in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care

Repton United Reformed Church Christmas Nativity Church Services Jesus' Christmas Party presented by the children and young people with songs and lots of laughter Sunday 12th December, 11 am and 6.30 pm

Repton W.I. presents Christmas is Coming a floral art demonstration by Janet Stone Tuesday 14th December at 7.30 pm in Repton village hall Visitors welcome, £3 Raffle & Refreshments

Newton Solney Village Hall New Year's Eve Party Friday 31st December 2010, 8 pm until late Featuring the live versatile band of Jason Kester, bar, superior buffet, and luxury liner to the hall to create that party atmosphere. See the New Year in to the Chimes of Big Ben and some Scottish Dancing Tickets £25 (reductions for children) from Karen Makin-Wall, 703077, David Tidy, 703833, Steve Topliss 703411, David Parfitt, 702580, and David Haines, 701491

Environment Matters

Five ways to give your garden wildlife a boost

As the weather gets colder, why not give your garden birds and other wildlife a little extra pampering? Here are our top spa tweetment tips!

• Spa waters: Water is vital for many kinds of wildlife. Birds need it for drinking and for keeping their feathers in tip-top condition.

• Detox: We can get over a binge or two, but for birds, bad food can be a disaster! Avoid feeding uncooked rice, chicken fat or bread, but let birds feast on health foods such as fruit, nuts, berries and insects.

• Deep clean: Large numbers of finches, particularly greenfinches and chaffinches, are dying from a parasitic disease which seems to spread through birds sharing feeders and baths that have become infected by their saliva. The disease poses no threat to human health, but infected birds suffer a painful death. Protect them by scrubbing bird feeders and tables with hot water. Bird boxes too will benefit now from a good scrub.

• Rest and relaxation: Birds need to rest and roost in scrub, trees or a bird box. Native plants such as hawthorn, blackthorn or honeysuckle provide them with both cover and food. You can relax too, by not tidying. Allow dead wood to lie, and leave spent foliage and seed heads to help insects, amphibians and birds.

Create a home for wildlife

There are many other things you can do in your garden to help wildlife. For the full range of advice, sign up at www.rspb.org.uk/hfw to Homes for Wildlife. Three of our most familiar birds - the house sparrow, starling and song thrush - depend on our gardens and particularly need your help. Through Homes for Wildlife, you can provide it.

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You and your Pet

Adopting a Pet

As part of our working week we are fortunate to be associated with the local RSPCA branch in Stretton, a branch which receives no funding from the RSPCA nationally, the lottery or the government, but relies solely on fund-raising and donations.

The Stretton branch re-homes many animals including cats, dogs, ferrets and rabbits. In fact it was from there that I now have my own cat, Mogalino. She was brought in with a neglected wound, and I took her home while it healed. That was over a year ago now. The wound has long since healed and she very firmly has her paws under the table, even on the table when you're not looking!

Every animal adopted from the RSPCA is fully health-checked and receives a vaccination course, which for dogs includes vaccination against kennel cough.

Vaccination is certainly worthwhile. Over the past couple of months we have seen numerous outbreaks of parvovirus in the Burton area. This is an extremely contagious disease of dogs that attacks the lining of the gut. It causes loss of appetite, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and progressive weakness. The only treatment is supportive therapy to prevent bacterial infection and dehydration. Fortunately, regular vaccination can help to prevent this potentially fatal condition. However, there will always be parvovirus outbreaks around, as not everyone vaccinates their dog.

Animals adopted from the RSPCA are also neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancies and reduce reproductive-associated health disorders (mammary and testicular tumours and uterine infection). This is usually done prior to adoption; alternatively, a voucher can be issued for the new owners to use at the practice at a later date. As part of our work with the RSPCA we have seen numerous animals find excellent homes and met many real characters along the way.

If you would like to know more about adopting a pet, you can contact the RSPCA in Stretton on 01283 569165. Always remember that 'a pet is for life'.

If you have questions or concerns about the health of your own pet, please give us a call on 01283 519090.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Safer Neighbourhood meetings give you the opportunity to set the policing agenda. The next meeting locally is at 6.30 pm on Thursday 9th December at Findern village hall. If you have any questions or queries please contact Phil Marriott, Safer Neighbourhoods Officer, on 01283 595787.

Police Telephone Number: The only way to make non-emergency calls to Derbyshire Constabulary is on 0345 123 33 33. The previous 0845 telephone number and local station telephone numbers will cease to exist at the end of December.

Burglary: Burglary has fallen by 55% in the last seven years, but there is a seasonal increase at this time of year as criminals take advantage of the dark.

• Lock your windows when you go out and set the burglar alarm.
• Keep gifts and valuables out of sight, in your home and your car.
• Keep car keys hidden at night - away from the front door.
• Leave the radio and lights on, perhaps on a timer switch, when you are out.
• Report suspicious activity to the police immediately.

Rape: Incidents of rape and sexual assault increase in the pre-Christmas party season, with the highest proportion of victims and offenders aged 16 to 25. Many cases involve alcohol - the more alcohol you drink, the more vulnerable you become.

• Carry a panic alarm.
• Go out in groups and stay together.
• Know what you are drinking. In clubs and bars - and even in private houses - do not lose sight of your glass; preferably keep hold of it.
• Before setting off home, ring up to say you are on your way.
• Stick to lit areas.
• Make sure that your taxi is registered. If you have not ordered it yourself, make sure that you will be able to identify it at a later date.
• If you are not getting a taxi home, make sure you are with someone.
• Get someone to see you to your car.
• Have your keys ready when you reach your car and your front door.
• Take responsibility for yourself! Think about what you are doing.

If you do suffer rape or sexual assault, please contact Derbyshire police on 0345 123 33 33 or Derbyshire Rape Crisis on 01332 372545 as soon as possible. You will be treated with sympathy and understanding.

Scams: There are currently too many to report them all. Remember that banks never email you to update your security details. Treat any link in an email with caution as it may take you to a fraudulent, look-alike site. Instead of using a link, type in the address of the site you want to visit yourself. Similarly, unless you have initiated the call or are dealing with people you know, never give any personal or financial information on the phone, however much the person calling already knows about you. Never give your pin number to anyone.

Remember:

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

Always look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

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Willington Surgery

Willington Medical Practice PPG

The Patient Participation Group was present at two of the Saturday morning flu clinics. and made £75 profit on the 'Lucky Square' game; two patients won prizes of £50 and £25. The sale of home-made cakes raised £90.85. Thank you to everyone who supported us. Funds raised will be used to benefit patients and provide equipment requested by the surgery.

An anonymous donor has given money to provide an emergency trolley for the surgery. This means that equipment such as oxygen and the defibrillator can all be kept together and brought into immediate use should a patient collapse there. We are considering buying TENS machines and more BP monitors, but otherwise the PPG is refraining from spending too much at present as we are not sure what our commitments will be if the new build goes ahead.

The next meeting of the PPG is on Wednesday 19th January at 7 pm at the Old School, Castleway. Any patient is welcome.

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Repton Village & History

Stamp & Deliver
Derby & District Scouts deliver your Christmas mail

Stamp & Deliver is run entirely by volunteers as part of a programme that encourages Scouts to be friendly, tolerant and helpful. All profits from the sale of stamps go to local Scout and Guide Groups and local charities. Last year £4,400 was raised for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance Service. This year's charities are Headway and the Derbyshire Children's Hospital League of Friends.

During the early years Scouts made deliveries during the week. Nowadays deliveries take place at weekends, when those under 16 can be supervised by an adult.

Stamps cost 20p each. For details of the delivery area, look out for the leaflet through your letter box, but in general it includes all of Derby, its suburbs and surroundings extending to Breaston in the east, Belper to the north, Hatton and Hilton to the west, and Ticknall and Melbourne to the south. Lists of the delivery areas are on each of the post boxes. Please don't include cards for other areas; they can't be delivered. For further information, see www.stampanddeliver.com or call the hotline on 07930 760 655 between 1st and 15th December.

The first collection will be on Friday 3rd December, and the final collection at 3 pm on Thursday 16th December, when all sales points will be closed. Cards will be delivered by Christmas Eve. Please remember to use the postcode. You can buy stamps and post cards in the distinctive yellow posting boxes at:

• Repton: the Dales; Mulberry Beauty Salon; Redshaws Family Butchers; Royal British Legion; Samaras; the Spar Shop.
• Milton: the Swan Inn.
• Newton Solney: the Brickmakers Arms; Cranberries Hair Salon; Jim Ward, 11 Blacksmith's Lane.

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

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Repton Neighbourhood Help

The Luncheon Club and Drop-In have enjoyed a varied programme during the autumn. This has included Harvest gifts and songs from St Wystan's School, the 'Singing for Pleasure Group', and 22 members and 8 drivers enjoying lunch in prison last week in the Officers' Mess at Sudbury! We are very grateful to all the drivers who made this possible. Now we are looking forward to a talk by Jeffrey Parrans on local dialects, and the Christmas Lunch.

Three new volunteers have come forward, two cooks and one driver, but we can always do with more; if anyone reading this can spare a couple of hours or a morning once every four months, please get in touch. After the Christmas break we shall meet again on Friday 14th January.

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Stocking-Fillers

The Repton Spoon is an ideal gift for anyone with Repton connections. In silver-plated pewter it costs £20, in solid hallmarked silver, £95. To purchase, or for more information, contact Frances Wimbush, 703180. There are also pictures at www.reptonchurch.org.uk.

Repton Village History Group publications include 'Repton - Historic Capital of Mercia', 'Notices and Jottings from St Wystan's Parish Magazine from 1889 to 1937', and 'Mr Astbury's Repton Diary of Summer 1843', an appealing record of village life. They are available from Repton Post Office, or Alan Kimber, 01283 529751.

Greetings cards, a guide to St Wystan's Church by Dr. Harold Taylor, and the 'Repton Trail' are all available from St Wystan's Church. The latter describes notable buildings found on a walk through the village, a very useful guide for visitors and newcomers.

Finally, among the many guides to Calke, Colin Kitching's edition of the diaries of Sir George Crewe, 'Squire of Calke Abbey', gives a fascinating picture of Calke in the early years of the 19th century. You can find it at Calke or on the internet.

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Repton Beavers

. . . have a few places for new members in the New Year. We meet at The Den on Mitre Drive every Monday night between 5.45 and 6.45 pm. Our motto is 'fun and friends', and our meetings include lots of games and practical activities.

If you wish to find out more or to put your child's name down, please get in touch with Liz Massey-Beeston on 703314 or Cathy Fairley on 07931 840205.

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Repton Cubs

1st Repton Cub Group restarted at the beginning of November and we have had a very busy first few weeks.

Our first meeting was held at The Den where the Cubs stripped hazel branches to make skewers to toast bread over the fire, before eating it with hotdogs whilst watching fireworks. The next meeting was at Pets at Home, Ashby, where the Cubs learnt how to care for various animals, which earned them all their 'pet carers' badge.

We had an excellent turn out for the Remembrance Day parade and service, and we can all be very proud of them. At the end of the month the Cubs will take part in a night hike followed by investitures in St Wystan's Crypt and a sleepover at The Den.

December promises to be just as busy, with a full program of fun activities including woodwork and preparing a sketch for the last meeting before Christmas to earn them their 'entertainers' badge.

We still have spaces for more Cubs, so if you have a son or daughter between 7½ - 10 who is interested, please contact me on 07973 866921 for further details.

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Repton Guides seeks new Leader Can you help?

1st Repton Guides meet on Fridays to enjoy a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities that are challenging and fun. Recently our Leader has stepped down due to family and work commitments, and we are looking for a volunteer to take over or share the leadership of the unit, starting in the New Year.

We are looking for someone with enthusiasm, who enjoys working with young people. Experience of Girlguiding would be useful but not essential. You must be over 18 and female. If you think you could help and would like to find out more about what is involved, please contact Julia Banbury on 702226.

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Repton W.I.

At our November meeting, we were joined by several visitors including husbands and a son, come to hear Paul Stevens from Repton School speaking about the school and the Great War. We were surprised to hear how many Repton boys had lost their lives in the First World War at such a young age, many of them joining up straight from school. It reminded us that the same thing is happening today with the young men fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Repton is fortunate in having such an extensive archive with photos of many of the boys involved.

In October the Swimathon organised by Jenny Jones and Karen Perks in Repton School's pool was a great success. Money was raised for the ACWW project providing clean water in Indian villages. This organisation - Associated Country Women of the World - is the WI's link with countries worldwide, where, with help from women in this country, country women are working to provide better conditions for themselves and their families.

We are having another lunch in the Mulberry Restaurant at Burton College, and arrangements were discussed for the Group carol service in Willington on 9th December and the spring Council meeting in March. We hope to enter a team for the County quiz in March.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 14th December, 7.15 pm in the village hall: Janet Stone will demonstrate floral art with the theme 'Christmas is Coming'. This is an open meeting; visitors are invited to join us at 7.30 pm. £3 including refreshments.

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'Make a Splash for India', W.I. Mercia Group Sponsored Swim

In October Sir Henry Every launched 28 swimmers into Repton School Swimming Pool to 'Make a Splash for India'. Most were from local W.I.s, but some came from further afield.

The event was a fund-raiser in support of Derbyshire Federation of W.I.s project, in conjunction with the international charity ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World), to bring clean water to Indian villages. A rural community in Andra Pradesh, who currently obtain water from a canal, will have twelve wells bored and pumps fitted to provide about 500 people with clean water and sanitation facilities. Two wells are already functioning, so we were able to display photographs for swimmers and visitors.

A stall selling items with an Indian flavour, a raffle with a generous cash prize donated by South Staffs Water, and the sale of refreshments all helped to increase our takings. So far the swim has raised £1,334, with some sponsorship money still to come in.

The Mercia Group was delighted to be able to use Repton School Pool; we warmly thank the Headmaster and Governors.

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Repton Village History Group

'The History of Elvaston Castle' was the subject of our October meeting. Mike Tong, the former curator, told us about the castle and showed many excellent photographs to support his stimulating talk.

In November we were treated to a fascinating talk about Second World War evacuees by James Roffey from the Evacuees Re-Union Association. James was himself an evacuee, who together with a brother and sister was moved from London to a rural area of East Sussex. He was able to tell us first-hand of his experiences of leaving his family for the duration of the war, the families they stayed with, how they were treated, and returning to London after peace was declared to find his parents' home badly damaged.

Tuesday 7th December

Our next meeting, a Christmas Social, will include quizzes, games, a raffle and refreshments. This is an excellent opportunity to meet and socialise with other members, friends and visitors. Come and join us.

Tuesday 18th January

Stuart Alcock, the Property Manager at Calke Abbey, will tell us about his work in the house and on the estate. 7.30 pm at Repton village hall; admission £2 for members and £3 for visitors.

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Repton Village Society

Ashley Franklin's talk, 'My Derbyshire Life', was a well balanced mix of his career, family, anecdotes and tricks of the trade, all accompanied by outstanding photographs of people and places encountered in the county whilst producing articles for the magazine. Ashley also judged the entries in our annual photographic competition and passed on useful tips to the entrants.

Saturday 4th December, Members' Evening

For information and tickets, please ring 701838 or 702702. Remaining places are limited.

Daffodil Bulbs at Robin's Cross

Some months ago the Society wrote to the County Council, requesting that the bulbs dug up during the alterations to the junction be replaced. It is pleasing to report that this has now been done with rather more bulbs than were there originally! The County Council also pointed out that the excavated topsoil with the original bulbs has been redistributed on site, so there should be a very colourful display in the spring. We are most grateful to the County Council for their help.

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Repton Pre-school

Repton Pre-school is thriving, supporting local children between the ages of 2½ and 4 to grow and develop. A limited number of sessions will be available from January, and we are also taking applications for next September; please contact us if you have children of pre-school age who would like to join.

The themes this term have included finding out about the circus. The children enjoyed a memorable 'hands on' session learning circus skills such as the diablo and spinning plates. We are looking forward to practising singing for our Christmas performance and end of term Christmas party.

The initial plans for our annual fundraising night have been made, and we are looking forward to hosting a ball at Foremarke Hall on Saturday 9th July. Everyone is welcome, so please add the date to your diary. Please also consider if you or your business could perhaps donate a gift for the auction.

For more information, call 01283 221135 between 1 and 3 pm during term-time to speak to Karen, the pre-school manager.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Table Tennis: The Community Sports Trust is planning to organise a table tennis club at Broomhills Pavilion. Further details should be publicised shortly.
• Faster Broadband: There have been reports of the broadband service in this area being slow in the evenings. Rural communities like ours risk missing out on a whole host of business and cultural opportunities due to poor internet speeds. British Telecom is now holding an online petition for faster broadband; if at least 1,000 people request it, they may provide a super-fast fibre optic broadband to the nearest exchange. You can register your vote at www.bt.com/racetoinfinity. Please remember that every individual person within a household has a vote.
• Christmas Tree: Regrettably, this year the Parish Council will not be providing a Christmas tree outside the village hall. The decision was made due to the cost and also due to the excessive vandalism to the tree decorations in previous years.
• Anti-social Behaviour: The police are currently investigating incidents of anti-social behaviour within the village: the five-a-side pitch at Broomhills playing field was damaged, rendering it unusable. However some incidents are still going unreported; please bear in mind that, as previously mentioned, the police presence within Repton will be determined by their awareness of crime.
• Mercia Safer Neighbourhood Group is holding its next meeting on Thursday 9th December at 6.30 pm in Findern Village Hall. These meetings aim to identify crime and disorder priorities. They are attended by police and Councillors, but are open to everyone. See also the Neighbourhood Watch article above.

Next meeting: Monday 13th December at 7.30 pm in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton. Planning applications will be available beforehand.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

President Jane Smith welcomed members and guests to our November meeting. Our speaker was Isobel Oldknow, a florist from Melbourne, who demonstrated her floristry skills, creating beautiful bouquets and arrangements. After delicious refreshments, the raffle was drawn and 4 lucky ladies went home with a lovely floral creation.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 15th December at 7.30 pm at The Swan Inn in Milton: Following a short business meeting, members will enjoy a Christmas meal followed by mince pies and coffee. Don't forget to bring your £3 bran tub gift.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney Tuesday Club

In October we visited Wydale Garden Centre at Findern for a lunch arranged by Peter Smith, who afterwards enlightened us on how to protect our tender plants from frost, and recommended various plants, bulbs and shrubs suitable for planting at this time of year.

Then, in November, our coach outing to Trentham Garden and Shopping Mall proved to be most successful and enjoyed by both our members and visitors.

Tuesday 7th December at 2.30 pm

Our social meeting will be followed by a cabaret, featuring Doug Burns, Tony Venables and supporting cast!

Tuesday 14th December at noon

Christmas Lunch at the Newton Park Hotel.

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Newton Solney W.I.

Our thanks to Bretby W.I. for a most entertaining evening at their Group meeting, held at Repton. We were told stories and listened to music played by Gabriella and her Ukeleles - all at breakneck speed - to much hilarity, followed by excellent refreshments. Thank you to Bretby too, for organising a packed Quiz Night at Newton Solney on 5th November.

In October, bread-making at Barbara Henry's house was very successful, members really enjoyed 'Mr. Darcy' at Derbyshire House, and two items relevant to Newton Solney were featured in 'County Link'. This month we have held a Christmas Tree workshop, enjoyed a birthday meal at Newton Park Hotel and a coach trip to Boundary Mill, Walsall.

In November, our annual history lecture on Newton Solney, presented by Maxwell Craven, attracted a packed audience. Max spoke enthusiastically on the history of the village, highlighting its links with the Every family and the Burton beerage, as well as telling us of the many colourful personalities who had lived here in earlier times. Max has written a book on the subject - much of it from the research notes accumulated by a long-time resident of Newton Park, Michael Day. Copies are available from Susan Ellis, tel. 702324, at £20.

Our November meeting was the AGM, when the President, Joan Buchanan, thanked the hard-working committee, husbands and members who have supported WI over the past year. The secretary, Linda Williams, reported on the many and varied activities and trips in which we had participated, and Terry Martin presented the treasurer's report. We elected a new President, Hazel Ward, and new members to the committee.

The programme for 2011 is ready to go to the printers. Pam Atkin is collecting names for a visit to the January production of 'The Railway Children' by the Mellow Dramatics.

Our AGM was brought to a most pleasant conclusion by Steve Parker, a Master of Wine, who selected four wines for us to taste, with a short talk on the origin of each, tips for tasting, and a chance to compare them.

Tuesday 14th December: a Christmas Social, 7.30 pm in the village hall Our next meeting takes the form of an American Supper, plus bran-tub. Audrey Hall will present a 'Christmas Miscellany'.

There is no Whist Drive during December.

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Newton Solney Parish Council Notes

Sunnyside Alms Houses: The Parish Council is seeking to nominate a new trustee. This is an interesting and rewarding position, and a chance to be involved in an important part of the village community. For further information or to volunteer your services, please contact any member of the Council.

Fishing from the common land will be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting, and the Council would like to obtain any relevant information beforehand. If you have any information regarding the granting of these rights please inform the Clerk or a Council member.

Next Meeting: Friday 10th December at 7.45 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

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Gardening Notes

I am sure that winter digging is good for you as well as for the vegetable plot, although some would argue that it damages the structure of the soil. Whether you dig it in or lay it on top of the soil, adding compost, farmyard manure or mushroom compost helps to preserve the structure of the soil, but has little nutritional value. Ideally you should test the soil every three or four years for its inorganic content and pH level, the measure of its acidity. In the vegetable garden, a pH level of 6.5 is probably optimal.

Clay soils are often very fertile and water-retentive. Loam soils have the best balance of minerals and water-retention, and they drain well. Sandy soils drain rapidly, and fertilisers are washed through quickly. You can help any of these soils, but particularly the lighter ones, by sowing 'green manure' on any vacant plots in the vegetable garden, particularly over winter. This slows the drainage of nutrients, and itself provides some nutrients when dug in or composted. It also suppresses weeds and attracts beneficial insects. Nitrogen fixers such as clover, alfalfa, agricultural beans and lupins are suitable. Rye grass and phacelia grow more quickly, but all need sowing by late summer to allow three months or so before harvesting.

Earth up the stems of Brussels sprouts to support them. Plant new rhubarb, break up old plants to produce younger ones, and start forcing; cover the crown with a layer of straw and an upturned bucket to block out the light. The stems will be ready to pull two to three weeks later.

Check bowls of indoor bulbs and bring them into a cool, light place if they are ready.

Red spider mite and whitefly can survive in glasshouses and may need dealing with. Scale insects are currently at the nymph stage, and easier to treat than they are as adults in summer.

Seeds of alpines and some primulas need a period of cold before germination. Sow them now in a cold frame, or put them in the refrigerator for six weeks later in the year.

Cut down the canes of autumn-fruiting raspberries. Prune apples and pears grown as standards, and apply an organic winter wash to deal with over-wintering pests. Remove any mummified fruits, which indicate the presence of brown rot.

Wisterias need a final prune, reducing new growth to two or three buds. If necessary, prune acers, birches and vines before the end of the year; after that they may start oozing sap.

Continue to plant trees, ensuring that the point at which the roots flare out is at ground level. Bare-root trees often do better than container grown specimens. When planting container grown trees, tease out the roots to encourage them to spread outwards.

Plant names often give clues as to their origin, habit, colour or shape, and will help you decide whether they are suitable for your garden. 'Borealis' indicates that a plant that comes from the north and is probably hardy. 'Australis' indicates a southern origin. 'Britannicus' or 'Sikkimensis' are more specific. 'Rupestris' means growing amidst rocks, 'calcareous' growing on chalk, and 'palustris' is marshy. 'Erectus', columnaris', 'procumbens' (lying flat) and 'prostratus' describe the shape of the plant, and 'viridis' (green) and 'niger' (black - but Helleborus niger is white!) the colour. 'Graveolens' is musky, and 'foetida' warns of an unpleasant smell. The prefix 'hedy', as in 'Hedychium' means sweet-smelling - and one could go on!

Water Christmas trees whether they are containerised, bare-root or cut. Treat cut trees like cut flowers; saw a few inches off the bottom, and stand in a container of water that is kept topped up.

Continue to feed birds and provide drinking water. The decline in greenfinch numbers seems to be the result of disease, so make sure you keep all the feeders as clean as possible, and wear gloves when handling them.