January 2011 - Contents The Bible is God's big Story for Creation Christians Together in Repton 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 Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, 23rd January Coffee Morning, Saturday 8th January, 10.30 to 11.30 am Shell (age 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Marriages Samuel Charles Denison Gutteridge and Polly Patricia Evans Funerals and Burial of Ashes Muriel Marr Raymond Massey Obituaries Raymond Massey The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Epiphany The 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible Pilgrims to the Manger Sam Beeton Overwhelmed by Hospitality Repton Church Heritage Appeal St Wystan's News Christian Healing and Living the Word Repton M.U. St Wystan's Church 'dos' St Saviour's News Thank You! Foremark Church Roof St Mary's News St Mary's and the Children's Society Newton Solney Christmas Tree Festival Morning Coffee, Saturday 8th January Repton School Concerts Society, Wednesday 26th January Environment Matters Recycling Christmas You and your Pet A New Year's Resolution Neighbourhood Watch Your Health When a stroke strikes, act FAST Repton Village and History Royal Wedding Celebrations in Repton Repton Rainbows Help to plan Repton Village Party Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society The Parish Directory Live and Local - The Old Dance School, Saturday 26th February Repton W.I. Community Sports Trust Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney W.I. Further Afield The Abandoned Soldier, The National Memorial Arboretum Gardening Notes

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The Bible is God's big Story for Creation

Dear Friends,

In 1967 I was a theology student and had not yet 'signed up' for ordination. During the long summer vacation between the second and third years of my degree course, I was using a room set aside for prayer in our large Victorian Norfolk rectory, reading and meditating on a commentary on St John's gospel. As I did so, I felt an inner warmth in that cold upstairs room which I took to be God's love, not just for me, but for everyone. It was then that I felt called to try to communicate that love.

I tell the story because it shows how reading the Bible can illuminate our lives.

2011 is the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, which has played such an important part in our culture. Consider just these five examples from everyday speech:

• 'To pass by on the other side' refers to the priest and the Levite in Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan leaving the robbers' victim and crossing over the road to avoid him.
• 'For Pete's sake' means 'for the sake of the good name of the Church' as represented by the Pope, the successor to St Peter.
• 'Seek and you will find' quotes Jesus' injunction to ask in prayer.
• 'Gird up your loins' means to gather your strength, as Jesus advises us in the twelfth chapter of Luke's gospel.
• 'At the eleventh hour' refers to Jesus' parable of the labourers in the vineyard, particularly those who were not engaged to work until the last hour of the day, yet still received the same wage as those who had worked all day.

Of course, the Bible is so much more than a linguistic resource whose knowledge helps us to appreciate our own culture. It is the story of God's self-revelation. God is a self-revealing God, and we human beings are uniquely capable of receiving that revelation. The Bible is the story of God's self-revelation to a people whom he calls to communicate that story to humanity. At a certain point in history, their vocation to be a light to the nations is focused in one person, Jesus. Through Jesus, God communicates his Spirit, not just to one nation but potentially to all humanity.

The Bible is God's big story for creation. A question which faces us, especially in times of suffering or bereavement, is whether there is any purpose in life. It helps us if we see the fragmented story of our life in the bigger picture of the story of God's purpose for humanity. Uniquely, it is the way in which Jesus understood his own suffering within the purposes of God's story for creation that can bring sense and meaning into our lives at such times.

Wishing all our readers a peaceful, healthy and happy New Year.

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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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Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, 23rd January at 6.30 pm

This year we are invited to reassess our commitment to the Gospel message, and to consider how we can be more effective witnesses to the teaching of Jesus Christ. Whatever your denomination, you are warmly invited to take part in this service.

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Coffee Morning, Saturday 8th January, 10.30 to 11.30 am

A new year, a new series of opportunities to have coffee and biscuits with friends, to play the children's game, to restock with homemade marmalade and cakes, and to buy form the Webb Ivory range of cards and stationery. Don't miss it!

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Shell (age 7+)

. . . recommences on Monday 10th January from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. New members are always welcome.

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Marriages

Samuel Charles Denison Gutteridge and Polly Patricia Evans were married at St Wystan's Church on Tuesday 28th December.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Muriel Marr of Newton Solney died on Wednesday 24th November aged 89. A funeral service at St Mary's Church on 8th December was followed by cremation at Bretby.

Raymond (Ray) Massey of Newton Solney died on Saturday 27th November aged 77. A funeral service at St Mary's on 9th December was followed by cremation at Bretby.

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Obituaries

Raymond (Ray) Massey
23rd July 1933 - 27th November 2010

Ray Massey was known locally for carrying off all the show prizes for vegetables, and nationally for his abiding passion - the British Belgian Hare Club, of which he was secretary for 40 years.

With the exception of National Service, Ray spent all his working life, over 50 years, working for three generations of the Falders on their farms at Bretby, Newton Solney and Youlgrave. It started just after the war when he was 12, and taking a Sunday walk with his father. A car stopped, Hugh Falder wound his window down and asked Ray to come potato picking. From then all his spare time was spent on the farm, and when he left school at 15, he started full time. It was about this time that he started to keep and show hares, recruiting his younger brother to take them to the shows.

At 18 he was sent off to Carlisle on National Service, passing out as a radio operator on armoured cars. A posting to the Royal Horseguards, now the Blues and Royals, at Pirbright offered the chance to join the mounted Guards, but he declined as it would have meant a five year posting. He spent the rest of his time at Windsor, sorting out the shambles of the ration stores.

Not long after he returned to the farm and his hares, he met Dorothy who was then working as a housekeeper cook. They married and went to live in Newton Lane where they spent the rest of their life together.

When Ray became secretary of the British Belgian Hare Club, he was a farm worker with long hours, seven days a week; in summer the hours were particularly long, hoeing root crops, haymaking around 200 acres and corn-harvesting around 600. On top of that he had ten allotments, 2000 square yards, all worked by hand. Not only was most of the digging done in winter by the light of a Tilley lamp, but Ray had to cycle over from Newton Solney to Newhall where the allotments were situated.

Ray was a patient and loving father, but unsurprisingly, it was left to Dorothy to look after their three children. Things improved though early in 1976 when Ray was able to rent a small field next to his cottage, and the allotments went. 1986 saw another big change: two of the five farms and the bulk of the live stock were sold, work was more mechanised, and except at seed-time and harvest, weekend work largely disappeared.

In the early days, being secretary of a national club was not easy. Ray had no car; there was no phone, so all correspondence was in writing; there was no minute book, no accounting records, no register of members and precious little money. (Ray was also secretary of the local rabbit club with a show every month, and sick pay steward for the local branch of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, which took up his Thursday evenings.) However, under Ray's careful stewardship the club prospered. In 1971 it turned a profit of 37p - in old money! - and he records that back then, all shows ran at a loss. His legacy is a healthy club, with a healthy bank balance.

Ray was a true countryman, hard-working and thoroughly reliable, a perfectionist in everything he did, but also unassuming, an even-tempered man who always thought things through. He will be much missed, and we extend our sympathy to Dorothy and his family.

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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

Epiphany

In the Orthodox tradition, Epiphany, the 6th January, is the Feast of Christ's birth. Only in the Western Church is Jesus' birth celebrated on the 25th December, and on the Feast of Epiphany we remember the coming of the Magi.

The literal meaning of Epiphany is 'showing'. It is the feast when the Christ-child was 'shown' to the world, represented by the three Gentile kings. But that is only part of it: 'showing' also refers to the Father's endorsement of Jesus' vocation at His baptism, when the voice from heaven said: "You are my Son, the beloved." And it refers too to Jesus' revelation of himself as the Messiah through his first miracle, turning water into wine at the marriage feast at Cana.

These two events are celebrated on the successive Sundays of Epiphany, but we also remember them in our worship on the Feast of the Epiphany. Because the 6th January is a Thursday we will be keeping this feast on the 2nd January, the nearest Sunday.

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The 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible

The King James Bible has played a significant part in our religious life, and has had a major influence on the development of the English language. In our benefice, we will be celebrating its 400th anniversary by using all three Bible readings at our main Sunday morning services. In addition, from Trinity Sunday 19th June until 30th October, we will pursue a 20-week course of 100 selected Bible readings to be read at home. The last of these Sundays, All Saints Sunday, will be appropriate as the final readings are from the Book of Revelation which speaks of the saints in glory. The selection of Bible readings has been published in a paperback book called ESSENTIAL 100. This only tells you what to read, so you will need your own Bible - preferably a modern translation - but it does give helpful commentaries for each reading. These commentaries are too long to publish here, but later in the year we will publish the Bible references.

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Pilgrims to the Manger

During the first week of Advent, eleven members of the diocese and seventeen friends from further afield went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, led by our own Bishop of Repton.

An overnight flight found us breakfasting in Jaffa and touring the site of Caesarea Maritima in blazing sun, before we checked wearily into our hotel at Tiberias, where we read 'Compline' each evening on the shore of Lake Galilee. The following day, marriage vows were renewed during our first Eucharist at Cana, followed by complimentary wedding wine. Onward to Nazareth and the Church of the Annunciation, and then to the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, which afforded magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. At the Church of the Beatitudes we enjoyed an uplifting Eucharist in a beautiful garden overlooking Lake Galilee - beneath sunny skies, with the birds joining us in song. A refreshing boat trip on Galilee was followed by a visit to Capernaum. Baptismal vows were renewed at an idyllic spot on the River Jordan, as we travelled south through Jericho to Jerusalem and caught our first sight of the old city. We walked down the Mount of Olives - first visiting 'Dominus Flevit' (Jesus Wept) - and into the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of all Nations.

Our base in Jerusalem was the Knights' Palace Hotel - a former crusader fort - in the Christian quarter of the old city.

To reach Bethlehem, we had to pass through checkpoint 300 in the ghastly wall separating Palestinian and Israeli territory. Once there - bearing in mind our Palestinian Christian guide's rendition of the Pilgrim's Prayer "Remember you're a Pilgrim not a tourist!" - we queued very patiently with folk from diverse nations to visit the Church of the Nativity, the site of Jesus' birth, and queued again at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre after walking the Via Dolorosa. We were able to 'post' our prayer in the Western Wall before exploring the bazaar in free time.

Our last full day brought the rain so long prayed for by the whole country, but we left this behind as we descended to Qumran and the Dead Sea. On our return journey to the airport we visited the site traditionally identified as Emmaus. Our final coffee stop was taken at the 'Elvis Diner' where statues, sculptures and posters abounded; as Bishop Humphrey remarked: "From one King to another"!

Altogether a truly memorable Pilgrimage!

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Sam Beeton: Overwhelmed by Hospitality

For many years we have supported the work of the U.S.P.G. in Madagascar, most recently through Sam Beeton, and in the summer, we were glad to welcome Sam and his wife, Violette, here in Repton. On their return to Madagascar, Sam wrote:

"Thank you for having us in your parish. It was a great privilege to be welcomed to parishes across the UK. We were overwhelmed by the hospitality that we received. Many of you went out of your way to conjure up vegetarian delicacies for us.

"Spiritually we grew too as we kneeled around the Lord's Table and worshiped with Christians from different traditions. We were challenged by your witness, and strengthened in our mission by the knowledge of your prayers and love for the people of Madagascar."
Sam and Violette's work with with USPG came to an end in December, although they remain in Madagascar, working closely with the Anglican Church in the Indian Ocean, in partnership with USPG. However, the work of St Paul's Theological College continues, with seven new students starting recently.

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St Wystan's News

Christian Healing and Living the Word

The next Service of Prayer for Christian Healing is at St Wystan's Church at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 19th January. Living the Word meets at the Vicarage at 7.30 pm on Thursday 27th.

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Repton M.U.

Carol Paine led our December meeting, sending our commiserations to Audrey, our secretary, who has unfortunately broken her arm. Then Carol led us in Christmas carols, with lots of seasonal refreshments, games and fun.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 19th January at 2.15 pm at Fisher Close: Annual General Meeting followed by 'Have a Go'.

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St Wystan's Church 'dos'

It was a busy social time over the spring and summer, with the opportunity to admire some lovely gardens: coffee hosted by Jan and David Roberts, and two months later by Jenny and David Jones, was followed by tea in Stenson, by courtesy of Anne and Tim Shone. This autumn we had two more coffee mornings, hosted by Frances and Martin Wimbush and Jane and Patrick Griffiths. Thank you very much for making us so welcome.

A bridge afternoon at 'Serendipity', organised by Louise Chilton and Joanna Hands was good fun, with enough competition to keep us concentrating hard. Then the Repton Quiz at the end of November was again thoroughly enjoyable, thanks to Audrey Morris, who continues to ensure an interesting set of questions that allow everyone to feel satisfied, even though there is the occasional sting in the tail!

All the events were well supported, so thank you to all who came. Over £1,000 has been raised for the church general and fabric funds.

By courtesy of Carol and Peter Paine, there were two 'thank you' teas at the Vicarage: in May we welcomed those who help in the church, and in August those who help to produce the Parish Magazine.

December saw a new event in the church, with a lovely concert performed by Foremarke Hall chamber choir and many wonderful musicians, followed by soup and a sweet. A big thank you to all concerned; it was a lovely way to spend this Wednesday lunchtime.

Coffee mornings start again in the New Year with the first from 10 to 11.30 am on Saturday 8th January at The Vicarage.

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St Saviour's News

Thank You! Foremark Church Roof

Thank you to everyone who supported our Cake and Coffee morning in November, helping us to raise £550 for St Saviour's Church roof fund. And an especial thank you to all who made cakes and helped on the day.

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St Mary's News

St Mary's and the Children's Society

In recent years the Christingle service has been specially promoted by the Children's Society. Hence, as usual, we are sending them the collection taken at the service before Christmas.

After many years as the Society's faithful representative in Newton Solney, Pam Atkin is retiring. So now, if you would like to give regular support to the Society, perhaps by means of a collecting box, please contact Linda Williams, 701366, who is taking over as the new representative. Further information about the Society's work can also be found at church, both on a notice-board and on the magazine rack in the baptistry.

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Newton Solney Christmas Tree Festival

Very many thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this, our second such Festival, to the sponsors, the publicity team, the electricians, the decorators, the organists and choristers, those who provided or sold crafts and refreshments, or who acted as stewards, and not least, to all who braved the wintry weather to visit St Mary's and share the festive spirit. The children's trees drew particular attention - trees decorated by Brownies and Cubs from Repton as well as by the pupils from our own village school and pre-school; their decorations were most attractive.

In the prize draw, the winner of the cake was Jean Hollins of Castle Gresley, while the highest bid for the 'Bell' of whisky came from J. Myers of Trent Lane. The deadline for the Christmas Carol and Song Quiz is 31st December, and the winner will be announced in the New Year.

Once expenses have been covered, the Festival looks likely to raise about £2,500 which, as in 2007, will benefit the Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough as well as church funds.

Morning Coffee Saturday 8th January from 10 to 11.30 am at The Vicarage Raffle and Bring & Buy

Repton School Concerts Society Repton Music Department - A Schubertiade Wednesday 26th January at 7.45 pm The Robert Beldam Hall, Repton School Repton pupils and staff have crafted a special evening's entertainment to celebrate Schubert's birthday. Schubert lived for his informal get-togethers, making music with friends, and many of his compositions were written for intimate social gatherings. We shall recreate the atmosphere of a Schubertiade with soloists and ensembles of students and teachers performing together. For tickets, £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions), or information contact the Secretary (Sue Parker), 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

Environment Matters

Recycling Christmas

Christmas trees: Until 9th January you can recycle your Christmas Tree in Willington. Take it to the recreation ground car park on Twyford Road, the road that goes out towards the power station. Other sites locally include Rosliston Forestry Centre, Ticknall Village Hall, and the football ground in Sandypits Lane, Etwall. Trees left there will be taken to the composting facility at Etwall.

Christmas cards: The Woodland Trust is again running its scheme to recycle Christmas cards, although, sadly, this year will be the last. Cards are recycled into newspapers, paper towels and writing paper, and the money raised is used to plant native trees in the UK and to maintain our woodlands.

Last year over 70 million cards were recycled in this way. The scheme is part of a wider campaign to see 20 million native trees planted in the UK each year, moving ever closer to the goal of doubling native woodland cover.

The Trust has teamed up with branches of TK Maxx, Homesense and Marks & Spencer, who will provide collection bins for cards at stores across the country throughout January. There will also be boxes for used cards at the back of both St Wystan's and St Mary's Churches.

The Trust is inviting people to vote for trees, paid for by the scheme, to be planted in their area. Search online for 'Woodland Trust'; the link is 'Pledge to Recycle', near the top of the page.

For further help and ideas on recycling over the festive period visit www.recyclenow.com

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You and your Pet

A New Year's Resolution

The start of a New Year is often packed with resolutions and good intentions. One of the commonest is to shed extra weight, and this can also be beneficial for our pets. With darker nights and freezing conditions, inactivity and weight gain can go hand in hand. Obesity can have a number of negative effects on your pet's health, ranging from their heart to their joints.

Common factors in obesity are:

- Age: Young dogs and cats with high energy levels and an inquisitive disposition are less inclined to be overweight. As pets reach middle age their activity decreases and their energy requirements reduce as their metabolic rate slows down. Keeping track of your pet's weight throughout its life can lead to a happier, healthier pet.

- Diet: If pets appear to be taking on board more calories than they are using, there are several things you can do. Feeding a lighter calorie version of their regular food can help to reduce calories without reducing their fullness. There are a number of 'eat slow' feeding bowls on the market that can reduce the speed at which they eat. Cutting out treats and table scraps and ensuring they have a regular feeding pattern can all help to reduce the onset of obesity. Carrots can make excellent low calorie treats!

- Exercise: As part of your own New Year's resolution to get fit, extending your dog walk can be a quick and easy first step for both of you. With cats it can be a bit more difficult to encourage exercise, but extra games and playtime can be very beneficial - although sometimes it feels as though you are putting in most of the effort!

- Hormone imbalance: There are several hormonal abnormalities that can impact on weight. An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) or an overactive adrenal gland (Cushing's disease) can be a factor in some patients.

- Arthritis: It has been shown that reducing body weight by 10% can clinically improve arthritis in an overweight animal, improving mobility and exercise levels.

Like most of us, pets gain weight slowly over a period of time. Regular pet checks not only help us to detect disease sooner rather than later, but also allow us to monitor changes in your pet's weight. We can also assist with types of diets and have nurses trained in weight management. Reducing obesity in your pet will also help as summer approaches, as it improves their heat tolerance and reduces fatigue. - Yes, I know that summer sun seems a long way off!

Please contact the surgery if you have any questions, and feel free to pop in for a weigh-in!

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Neighbourhood Watch

Freezing Weather 1: Unless your journey is absolutely essential, stay indoors. If you must travel, make sure you are well prepared. Take a shovel with you and pack warm clothes, food and drink. Make sure you take a mobile phone.

Freezing Weather 2: Check on your vulnerable and older neighbours to ensure that they have sufficient heat and food. If you are worried about them, please contact the police who will ensure the appropriate people are told. If you yourself are feeling vulnerable in any way as a result of the bad weather, please tell your neighbours, friends, relatives, or the police.

Freezing Weather 3: Please do not walk or allow your children to play on frozen water. No matter how thick it looks, ice is never safe and the water underneath is very cold.

Parking problems in Repton were set as a priority at the last Safer Neighbourhoods meeting in December. (See also the Parish Council Jottings on page 17.) Safer Neighbourhoods meetings give you the opportunity to set the policing agenda. The next will be on Monday 14th March at 6.30 pm in Repton village hall.

Text Messages: Be wary of text messages. One local resident received the following message*: "'Free message - Our records show that you may be entitled to £3750 for your accident. To claim for free, reply with 'yes' to this message. To opt out, text 'stop'". An obvious scam. Remember that if you are not expecting such a message, and it sounds too good to be true, it is. Warn your children!
Fraudsters abroad are using UK phone numbers: Most people are aware that internet sites are not always what they appear to be, but now you are warned that you can't rely on a firm just because it has a UK phone number. Unfortunately, such numbers are now available to individuals and organisations based abroad. Some are being used by scammers, beyond the reach of British law enforcement agencies. Such firms will also frequently have business names which are very similar to legitimate UK companies. Always research carefully any internet company you are thinking of dealing with. Simply entering the phone number into your search engine may lead you to posted warnings. Adrian Gillham, Chairman, Repton Neighbourhood Watch, 703340

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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Your Health

When a stroke strikes, act FAST

Neurologists say that if they can get to a stroke victim quickly enough, they can often reverse the effects of a stroke . . . totally. The trick is to recognize, diagnose, and then get medical care, all within 3 hours. But if symptoms are not recognised, a stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage or even die.

Recognising a stroke

You can recognize a stroke by looking for three things.
F    Face    Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
A    Arms    Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
S    Speech    Is their speech slurred?
T    Time    Time to call 999 immediately if there is anything wrong.

There are, of course, other symptoms: sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

If you can remember these, good. But if you can't, then at least remember FAST. If we all try hard, the life that's saved may be yours.

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Repton Village & History

Royal Wedding Celebrations in Repton

We have had thoroughly enjoyable village celebrations in Repton in recent times - Willington Bridge, the Golden Jubilee, the Millennium, Charles and Diana's wedding - and now the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on 29th April gives us another wonderful opportunity.

Repton Enabling Fund

For the Golden Jubilee, a steering committee worked with existing and ad hoc groups in the village to mount a wide variety of events involving all parts of our community. Since then the committee has continued as Repton Enabling Fund.

Meeting: Repton Village Hall, 8.30 pm on Monday 10th January

To start the ball rolling for the Royal Wedding we are inviting interested individuals and organisations to a meeting in the village hall. Please come along to help plan to make this national day of celebration a memorable village occasion - for you, and for the children. If you can't come, please ensure that your group is represented. If you would like to be kept in touch or to make others aware of what you have in mind, please ring John Perks, 702392, or Andy Austen, 702448.

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Repton Rainbows

First Repton Rainbows have vacancies to start now. Rainbows is the first step on the Girlguiding ladder, and is for girls aged 5 - 7. We play games, do crafts and art, have outings, sing and - as one Rainbow put it - 'loads of other stuff'. If you want to know more, or would like your daughter to join our world of fun and friendship, please phone Tigger on 703991.

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Help to plan Repton Village Party, Saturday 7th May 2011
Next meeting: Monday 17th January, 7.15 pm at The Den

Plans are well under way for the next Village Party. We are hoping that lots of people from all over the village will be involved in some way, not least in the organisation; if you would like to join us at our next planning meeting, you will be most welcome. For more information contact Frances Wimbush, 703180.

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Repton Village History Group

It was unfortunate that our last meeting of 2010, the Christmas Social, had to be cancelled due to the extreme weather.

Tuesday 18th January, 'A Property Managers Lot'

We start 2011 with an illustrated talk by Stuart Alcock, the Property Manager at Calke Abbey, who will tell us about his work in the house and on the estate. This should be a talk of considerable local interest. 7.30 pm at Repton village hall. All are welcome; admission £2 for members and £3 for visitors.

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Repton Village Society

Some 35 members enjoyed food, drink, a quiz, old films and good company during the members' evening in December.

Thursday 6th January, Steve Ratcliffe: 'Fire'

Steve, the Station Commander at Kingsway Fire Station, will describe the work, funding and spending of the fire service, illustrating his talk with personal anecdotes. Please note that he will be using clips from the fires at Bradford Football Club in 1985, in which 56 people died, and at the Bunsfield oil depot.

Members are reminded that the annual subscriptions are due. They remain unchanged at £3 for a single member and £6 for a household.

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Parish Directory

With this copy of the Parish Magazine - or possibly the next - you should receive a new edition of the Parish Directory, last published almost 3 years ago. We had hoped to produce it last summer, but other things intervened.

Thank you to Tom Hyde, who did most of the legwork, and to Morag Hill for her splendid cover picture. We hope you will find the directory a useful source of reference.

In ringing round to check details, we were repeatedly struck by how often clubs and organisations were happy to accept or were actively looking for new members: there really is no excuse to sit at home grumbling about the winter television schedules. We enjoy the benefits of a thriving village community, but that depends on people with the vision and energy to make things happen; it will only continue if we support them.

Inevitably there will be mistakes, and we may have overlooked some of you. We will be glad to publish corrections and additions in the Parish Magazine. Please send any information to Chris Lloyd on 702410.

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Live and Local - The Old Dance School
Repton Village Hall, Saturday 26th February at 7.30 pm

Six fine young musicians bring virtuosity and vitality to the folk scene. Their music ranges from mellow to uplifting, groovy and lively. They mix fiddles, whistles, guitar, vocals, bass and cajon percussion. Taking traditional English, Irish, Scottish and European folk music they put a modern spin on it. It feels fresh but not 'folky' - music with a smile on its face.

Following the huge success of our previous 'Live and Local' shows by The Old Rope String Band, Last Night's Fun, and Mervyn Stutter, we confidently expect a wonderful evening's entertainment, and a sell-out. Tickets £9 from Repton Post Office, Chris Carpenter, 702370, and Pat Court, 702599.

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Repton W.I.

At our December meeting we learnt that the President, Audrey Morris, had fallen and broken her arm. She is in pain, and strapped up. We wish her well and hope for a speedy recovery.

Jenny Jones reported that the sponsored swim in October had raised £2,000 for the ACWW project for clean water in India. Another lunch at the Mulberry Restaurant in Burton has been arranged for 27th January, and arrangements are being made for theatre visits. Several members attended the Group carol service in Findern Church.

Our speaker was Janet Stone, who demonstrated floral arrangements with the theme of 'Christmas is Coming'. Three wonderful displays were produced seemingly effortlessly while she gave valuable advice about our own arranging. We were delighted that the flowers were part of the raffle; there was a rush to buy tickets and those of us lucky enough to win were thrilled to be carrying home such beautiful arrangements.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 11th January, 7.15 pm in the village hall: Members are invited to bring along items that we particularly treasure and talk about why they are special. Visitors are always welcome.

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Community Sports Trust

Toni Jantschenko is asking for your help. Toni is the Village Games Co-ordinator, Community Sports Trust, South Derbyshire, working in partnership with South Derbyshire Sport and South Derbyshire District Council.

"The Parish Council has offered support to help set up a regular table tennis session at Broomhills Pavilion. However the person who was going to lead it is no longer able to. Could you help?

"I have recently sent a letter to the primary school to gauge the level of interest in a 'walk for health' for parents, starting at the school gates after the children have been dropped off'. If a leader can be found, this walk can be suitable for all levels of fitness, including those who need to bring their push chairs along. Walking for health is a gentle way for you to get back into exercise; you walk at a pace that gets you just out of breath but still able to hold a conversation with those around you. The walks normally finish at a café for a cup of tea. It's a great way of making new friends while developing fitness and burning off calories.

"The letter includes information about 'Jog Derbyshire', which is also for all levels, from absolute beginners to those who have more experience and have run for many years. Once again 'Jog Derbyshire' is done in groups and is a social way of keeping fit.

"However, both jogging and walking groups are dependent on finding people who are able to lead them.

"If you have any ideas on where these volunteers can be found, or can think of other activities that might benefit your community, I would be pleased to come and have a chat with you."

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

Snowy and Icy Conditions: Derbyshire County Council has advised: "that providing members of the public who clear snow and ice from pavements or minor roads near their property take reasonable care and apply a common sense approach in doing so, they are unlikely to find themselves being held liable if someone has an accident on the area they have cleared. If members of the public take action to clear snow and ice, they should ensure that they do not create any further hazards by doing so. For example, do not clear an area leaving an obstructive mound of snow on the pavement." But don't attempt to clear the snow if you don't feel up to it! Further information is available at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/winterservice.

Parish Precept: Recognising the present austere financial climate, the parish precept will be frozen at £14,400 for the next financial year. The parish precept is Repton Parish Council's share of the council tax and currently amounts to £13.56 per annum for a band D home. Wide ranging economies introduced early in 2010 have brought significant savings and will be continued. Reductions in spending do not apply to the upkeep of the Burial Ground and, in fact, maintenance work there is to be increased in the coming year.

Planning: A planning application has been lodged to convert Burton Road toilets into office accommodation. The Parish Council has written to South Derbyshire District Council stating that all spaces in the adjoining car park should remain available for public use, and that the recycling facilities sited there must continue to be easily accessible.

Free Tree Giveaway: The Parish Council's application for a selection of rowan and crab apple trees in South Derbyshire District Council's free tree giveaway was successful. They will be allowed to grow on before being planted in the village.

Car Parking on Pavements: The Parish Council often receives reports of cars parking on the pavements, causing a dangerous obstruction for pedestrians, especially for those with disabilities or out with young children. If members of the public notify Derbyshire Police, they are able to send a Civil Enforcement Officer who can issue a warning or fixed penalty ticket. Contact them on 0345 123 3333. However, cars are usually permitted to park on the very wide section of the pavement in High Street, where they cause no obstruction.

Next meeting: Monday 10th January 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.

What a lovely venue for a festive Christmas meeting. Twenty-two members met at The Swan Inn, where, after a short business session, we were served a delicious meal followed by home-made mince pies and coffee. Bran tub prizes and Christmas cards were exchanged, and members had plenty of time to mingle and chat.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 19th January at 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. Local historian Richard Heath from Melbourne is our speaker.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Congratulations to our team of entertainers for their fine cabaret in December. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

Our Christmas Lunch at the Newton Park Hotel was once again most successful, due mainly to the care and attention shown by Kate and the staff, who really put us all in the festive spirit.

Tuesday 4th January at 2.30 pm

A social meeting, followed by David Wood speaking on 'The Art of Thatching'.

Tuesday 18th January

An outing to Dagfields Craft and Antique Centre. The coach leaves Newton Solney at 9.30 am, picking up at Repton Cross and Willington. £7. If you wish to join us, please contact Jane Bagshaw on 564520.

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Newton Solney W.I.

Chairing her first meeting, our new president, Hazel Ward, introduced members to the new committee.

We remembered Muriel Marr, who died in November. She was a long-time member of the W.I., and actively involved in many aspects of the group.

It has been a busy month for members: we enjoyed an excellent Birthday lunch at the Newton Park Hotel, shopped at Boundary Mill Stores in Walsall, enjoyed Max Craven's talk on Newton Solney, and sang carols with other Mercia Group members at Willington Church.

The Christmas Tree Festival held in St Mary's Church was very successful in spite of the weather; W.I. members worked hard to produce angels for our tree.

Names are being taken for a visit to see the Railway Children at the Brewhouse on 19th January. Mulberry room lunches start again on Wednesday 28th January.

This month's meeting was a Christmas Social with American supper and bran tub. Entertainment was provided by Audrey Hall, who recounted Christmas anecdotes, poems and seasonal observations. The evening was greatly enjoyed.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 11th January at 7.30 pm. The speaker is Martin Wilson of the Derby Association for the Blind. Whist Drives start again on Tuesday 25th January. Both are at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

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Further Afield

The Abandoned Soldier, The National Memorial Arboretum

A resin sculpture by the Millennium Avenue at the Arboretum highlights the mental scars that servicemen and women often carry from their time on the front line, and helps to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the resin is crumbling, and the NMA is seeking funds to recast it in bronze through sales of 'The Abandoned Soldier - Reflections of War' by Mark Christmas, who served in the British Army.

This Christmas, please remember all whose lives have been affected by recent conflicts, and support the families whose loved ones have served or are serving to promote peace.

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Gardening Notes

After the freezing weather and snows of December, it may be a little late to remind you to keep an eye on tender plants and their protective coverings, and to knock the snow off evergreen trees and bushes. For columnar evergreens, it may be possible to prevent the branches splaying out by tying them in.

Although it was cold last month, it can be colder still in January! Fish and frogs may asphyxiate if left under ice for too long, and breaking it with heavy blows may harm the fish. The best is to melt a hole in the ice by standing a pan of hot water on it.

Order seeds and summer-flowering bulbs, and remember to have the mower serviced.

When the weather is less cold and the ground not frozen, continue to plant bare-root trees and shrubs. The best selection of roses are available as bare-root specimens. A strip of old carpet or underlay can be laid around the base of young trees to control weeds and keep the ground moist.

Prune fruit trees. Apples and pears will benefit from a general fertiliser like Growmore.

Take root cuttings of plants such as papaver and eryngium, and hardwood cuttings of trees and shrubs such as cornus, buddleja, philadelphus, rubus and currants.

Dig and manure any empty ground in the vegetable ground, and plan your crop rotation. The basic rule is not to grow the same crop in the same place in successive years.

Crop rotation began on large estates, many of which belonged to the Church, in Central Europe during the 8th and 9th centuries, at a time when Charlemagne was promoting Christianity throughout his kingdom. Previously the same crop had been grown repeatedly, but with longer periods left fallow. Now, two kinds of grain were being sown side by side in a regular rotation in the same year, winter-sown and spring-sown. In a three year rotation, fields that had produced spring-sown grain in the previous season were then left fallow for a year before being sown again with winter-sown grain, a pattern which was found to produce more to feed the growing population. Two types of grain were now being sown: spelt, rye and wheat for human consumption, mainly bread, and barley and oats for animal feed.

Several vegetables can be sown now in modular seed trays in a heated greenhouse. If cloches are used, cauliflower, early cabbage, onion and lettuce sown in January can be planted out in April or March. Broad beans, leeks, Brussels sprouts, purple sprouting broccoli and lettuce can be started in a cold frame. Start chitting early potatoes in a light, frost-free place.

Aquilegia, delphiniums and poppies sown now may flower this year. Meconopsis is especially suited to sowing now, as the seed is viable in cold, low-light conditions.

I wish you all an enjoyable and successful year in your garden.