The Vicar announces his Retirement

As the April magazine was being finalised, the Rev'd Peter Paine, who celebrates his 65th birthday this month, announced that he would be retiring at the end of August.

April 2011 - Contents The Mystery that lies at the Heart of our Faith 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 Easter Celebrations Coffee morning, Saturday 9th April Shell (for children aged 7+) Concert by Burton Accordion Group, Friday 20th May Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Funerals and Burial of Ashes Lilian May Ash Margaret Elizabeth Rainey Obituaries Lilian May Ash Margaret Elizabeth Rainey The Memorial Book Derby Diocese Derby Diocese on Facebook The Date of Easter Repton Benefice Holy Week Lent Collections for the Padley Centre and Derby City Mission Church Compost Bins St Wystan's News Easter Lilies Repton M.U. St Wystan's History Thomas Fraunceys St Mary's News Decorating for Easter Table Tennis Taster Sessions, Tuesdays at The Den Scanner Appeal Spring Walk, Sunday 3rd April Lent Lunches, Wednesdays 6th and 13th April Repton School Music Competition Final, Wednesday 20th April Easter Exploration, Good Friday, 22nd April Repton's Royal Wedding Celebrations, Friday 29th April St Mary's Spring Buffet Lunch, Sunday 8th May 'Bring & Share' Lunch, Sunday 15th May Environment Matters Discover the Science behind weather and climate Neighbourhood Watch Willington Surgery Not counting chickens but . . . Repton Village and History Councillors Needed! Parish Council Elections, 5th May 2011 Repton Village Party, Saturday 7th May ngs Open Gardens, Sunday 17th April Repton Village Show, Saturday 3rd September Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group Wednesday Lunches in Church Village Games: Table Tennis & Repton Runners Repton W.I. Has Repton Got Talent? 1st Repton Guides Make a Scarecrow Young Cricketers The Royal British Legion in Repton Stamp & Deliver Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Infants School Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney Horticultural Show, 3rd September Newton Solney W.I. Further Afield Spring Walk / Run at Catton Park, Sunday 3rd April Raise money for Parkinson's UK, Sunday 10th April Can you help? Gardening Notes

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The Mystery that lies at the Heart of our Faith

Dear Friends,

April this year is the month of Easter, this mysterious event which lies at the heart of our faith.

Early on the first Easter Day, Jesus' friends, Peter and John, set off to run to the tomb because they are told Jesus' body is no longer there. John, being younger, gets there first but does not go in. When he follows Peter into the tomb he sees it is empty, and he believes that Jesus is risen.

The 'belief' spoken of here is not inner reasoning or logical deduction. It is more an inner sensing, an intuition. Gerard Hughes, writing in a book of scripture readings and meditations called 'Oh God, Why?' says: "We cannot create it, manufacture it, or force ourselves into it; all we can do is to be still and discover the gift within ourselves." St Paul wrote: "The Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living within you."

You may wonder how reliable the Gospel accounts are. Was there really an empty tomb? Did Jesus really rise from the dead? What kind of body did he have? Is there really life after death? What kind of body will we have? These are all important questions, but if we start here we will not get anywhere. We need to exercise a little intellectual humility and start from the Gospel narrative, for the resurrection is a mystery into which God alone can lead us.

Hughes suggests imagining that you are with the disciples on that first Easter Day. Imagine running to the tomb with them, full of anxiety and anticipation, for you did not expect to hear that the stone had been rolled away or that there was no body inside. You half did and half did not believe the women who came back with this story. Do you wait hesitantly outside with John or dash in with Peter? When you do go in, what do you see? The empty clothes, yes. The head-band wrapped up by itself as if a body has evaporated out of it. What do you think? What do you say? Pray that you may believe as John believed.

Then bring your attention back to the present and look around. Faith does not change the external world, but it changes the way we perceive it, and it is from that change in our perception that external change happens.

With the dawning of this Love and the voice of this Calling
We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.

T. S. Eliot

The Lord is truly risen, is within us and among us. Alleluia!

May Carol and I wish you all a very happy and joyful Easter.

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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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Easter Celebrations

On Palm Sunday we will welcome two newcomers to our family worship, Vee and Dottie - two donkeys, as described in Matthew 21, verse 2 - except Vee is not Dottie's colt, but her young cousin! They will be very pleased to meet you, after they have greeted the St Wystan's congregation in the churchyard at 10.40. Any other newcomers will also be very welcome! At 6.30 pm we will be singing your favourite Easter hymns.

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Coffee morning, Saturday 9th April, 10.30 to 11.30

Lots of Easter goodies, an Easter game, home-made cakes and marmalade, and another opportunity to have coffee and biscuits with friends.

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Shell (age 7+)

. . .    meets on Mondays - except Easter Monday - from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. New members are welcome.

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Concert by Burton Accordion Group, Friday 20th May at 7.30 pm

Don't miss this entertaining group - tickets £4 including refreshments, now available.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Lilian May Ash of Springfield Road, Repton, died on Sunday 13th February aged 80. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 24th February was followed by burial at Monsom Lane Cemetery.

Margaret Elizabeth Rainey of Repton died on 15th February aged 78. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 28th February was followed by burial at Monsom Lane Cemetery.

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Obituaries

Lilian May Ash
17th May 1930 - 13th February 2011

Born in Repton at 6 Main Street, the only child of Harry and Laura Massey, Lilian spent all her life in the village, and her Repton roots were deep.

Om leaving school at 14, she went to secretarial college before starting work at Eagle Star insurance company in Derby. In 1955 she married Ken Ash, who had come to the village as a toddler, and lived round the corner in Bower Hill Cottage in Well Lane.

Together they set up house in Springfield Road, sharing a wide range of interests including gardening, whist drives, dances at the British Legion, village amateur dramatics, and the Village History Group, of which Ken was a leading member. A noted local historian, Ken, who died in 1988, will be particularly remembered for his Repton 'Timeline' - a huge achievement which chronicles the history of the village - and for his drawings, some of which appear regularly on the cover of the Parish magazine.

For many years until her retirement, Lilian worked as school secretary at Repton Primary School, under both Ken Croft and David Kennedy, but family life was always very important to her, and she was especially proud of the achievements of her children and grandchildren.

In recent years, Lilian attended the Friday Luncheon Club, and as a lover of knitting, provided many squares for blankets for Oxfam. She had a firm religious faith, attending St Wystan's and later the United Reformed Church.

Following a fall in 2009, Lilian moved into The Dales. There she was made to feel part of a wider, caring family and was very happy amongst people she knew. Lilian was a kind, generous person who always saw the good in everyone and will be sadly missed.

Thankyou

Lilian's family would like to thank her friends and neighbours for their kind messages of sympathy, those who attended her funeral service and helped to celebrate her life, and those who sent floral tributes and donations to The British Lung Foundation, which raised in excess of £200.

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Margaret Elizabeth Rainey
19th May1932 - 15th February 2011

Margaret's passions were family, food, flowers and creative arts, but of these, family always came first. Margaret rejoiced in their successes, and was always there for them.

She was born in Anglesey, and very proud of her Welsh heritage, speaking Welsh to her mother and sisters - to the great frustration of her children, who didn't understand, especially when they thought she was hiding something.

Although she loved beaches, seeking out driftwood or stones for flower designs, she didn't share the family's enthusiasm for sailing. However, it was through sailing friends that in 1979 she met Peter, then Commodore of Blithfield Sailing Club, and some time afterwards they married. Thereafter the week's regatta at Salcombe became a favourite family holiday.

In the early 80s Margaret retired as a Pensions Officer in Stafford and moved to Repton. Here she quickly integrated into village life, playing an active role in the W.I., the Mercia Group, Repton Village Society, Repton Village Show Committee and Burton Flower Club.

In 1994 Peter, who worked for Rolls Royce, was seconded to Thurso in Scotland, and Margaret started to paint. She had an innate sense of style and colour, and produced some amazing drawings and paintings. She was also a gifted seamstress, and a bit of a perfectionist; during a train journey with her daughter, she designed the dresses for her daughter's wedding, and then made them herself.

Margaret enjoyed gardening, though always with food or flower arranging in mind. Flower arranging was what she loved best. Winning the novice class at her first show encouraged her to study for a City and Guilds in flower arranging, and she excelled in it. She revelled in competitions, and with Broomfield College competed at Malvern and twice at Chelsea, where they won a bronze medal. She was also involved in a number of flower festivals, including two she organised for Repton Open Gardens. However, she was probably most proud of the weddings she did in Repton Church.

In 2007 Margaret suffered a stroke, but the wide support she enjoyed from many people greatly helped her to maintain her quality of life, and she was able to keep up with her hobbies, her friendships and interests.

Margaret was a talented and generous woman with many friends. She will be widely missed.

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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

Derby Diocese on Facebook

The Diocese takes new media very seriously. It has one of the most up to date and constantly changing Church of England websites at www.derby.anglican.org, has recently produced its first YouTube videos, and now has several hundred followers on Twitter. The new facebook page may never be as popular as Madonna's, but the diocese is aware that there is a new 'net' generation, for whom 'social networking' is part of everyday life. It also gives an opportunity to show the outside world what is happening in the parishes and communities in our region. The easiest way to find it is via a websearch.

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The Date of Easter

Falling on 24th April, Easter is exceptionally late this year, just one day before the latest possible date, the 25th. It last fell on the 25th in 1943, and will not fall on that day again until 2038. However, its earliest possible date is much further away; 22nd March was the date of Easter in 1818, and will be again in 2160.

The calculation of Easter is based on a method devised by the Calabrian doctor Aloysius Lilius. It is impossible to describe in simple terms, but is linked to the ecclesiastical new moon following the vernal equinox, and determined on the basis of lunisolar cycles. (Don't ask!) This method has been adopted by almost all Western Christians and by Western countries who celebrate national holidays at Easter. Needless to say, the British Empire went its own way: a calculation using Golden Numbers and Sunday letters was defined by the Calendar (New Style) Act of 1750. However, this was designed to match Lilius' calculation exactly.

Amazingly, it takes 5,700,000 years for the cycle of Easter dates to repeat. The most common date is the 19th April.

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Repton Benefice

Holy Week

Palm Sunday, 17th April

Palm Sunday celebrates our Lord's entry into Jerusalem.

8 am: Holy Communion.

9.45 am: The Palm Procession, which, by courtesy of Gerald Gibbs, will include two donkeys (!), will begin at the Arch and terminate at the porch. We recall the gospel story as we process with palm crosses, singing joyful songs of praise.

This year's Reading of the Passion will be taken from Matthew's gospel. We are all participants. Crowd parts are taken by the whole congregation. No one is a spectator to this drama which changed the world. The service concludes with the Eucharist.

10 am: Palm Sunday Communion service at Newton Solney

Monday 18th April at 7.30 pm: Stations of the Cross

We recall Jesus' journey from his trial before Pilate to the point where his body is laid in the tomb. At each station we listen to a short meditation and join in prayer.

Tuesday 19th April at 7.30 pm: The Easter Story

The events of Holy Week and Easter are told in word and song. This is an original production created and composed by David O'Connell using talent from St Wystan's Church and the local community. Full information from David O'Connell on 07855 758005. There are refreshments afterwards. Entrance is free.

Wednesday 20th April, 6.45 for 7 pm in Repton Village Hall
Passover Celebration Meal

This meal is based on the Seder, a meal that recalls the Jewish celebration of the Passover when their ancestors fled from slavery in Egypt. It also recalls the Last Supper in which Jesus gave new significance to bread and wine. Tickets £5 from Peter or Carol on 703317.

Maundy Thursday, 21st April at 8 pm: Eucharist of the Last Supper

The Eucharist of the Last Supper re-enacts the events of Jesus' final meal with his disciples before his arrest, including the washing of the disciples' feet as recorded by John. At the end of the Eucharist we re-enact the walk Jesus made to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he asked his disciples to watch with him, and where he prayed in foreboding and agony that his Father's will might be done. We have an opportunity to pray with him until 11 pm when the Watch will end.

Good Friday, 22nd April

Easter Exploration, 10 am to 11.15 am; Devotion, 1.30 to 3 pm; Devotional Service at Newton Solney, 7 pm

Easter Exploration is a special Easter event for children of all ages, their parents and anyone who would like to explore the events of the first Easter through activities, drama and songs. Full information from Ruth Attwood on 702804.

1.30 pm: We are pleased to welcome the Venerable Christopher Cunliffe, Archdeacon of Derby, as guest preacher and to lead Good Friday Devotion. This is a service of devotion with three addresses followed by a shortened liturgy and opportunity to make our own prayer at the foot of the cross.

7 pm: A Good Friday Devotional Service at Newton Solney.

Easter Day, 24th April

Easter Day is the great affirmation of victory over the powers of darkness and death which Jesus won on the cross.

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

8 am: Holy Communion;

9 am: Easter Communion at Foremark.

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

10 am: Newton Solney welcomes Rev'd Stanley Morris to preside at Parish Communion.

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Lent Collections for the Padley Centre and Derby City Mission

A reminder that during Lent, both St Mary's and St Wystan's Churches are running collections in support of the Padley Centre and Derby City Mission. The Padley Centre particularly requests items that provide nourishing meals, such as packets of pasta, tins of corned beef and packeted or tinned soup. They cannot use items that are out of date. If you would like to help, please leave tins in either church. At St Mary's you will find boxes under the rear pews. In addition, the Padley Group is always looking for volunteers. See the opportunities on their website - search for 'Padley Group'.

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Church Compost Bins

Just as at home, the brown compost bins at church are intended only for garden waste, cardboard, and other compostable material. They are not for plant containers, plastic flowers, bags or wrappers. I'm sure you all know that, and yet recently the Council collectors refused to empty the bins at St Mary's because of all the plastic they contained, so we had a very unpleasant job transferring everything into the black bins. Please be considerate.

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St Wystan's News

Easter Lilies

As in previous years, we are inviting donations towards the lilies that bring new life into St Wystan's Church at Easter. After its bareness during Lent, when all ornament is stripped away, the church is again light, bright and full of joy.

Lilies at Easter celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and his promise of everlasting life, and many people appreciate this as an opportunity to commemorate loved ones, to celebrate special events, or simply to make the church look beautiful.

If you would like to make a donation, please contact: Frances Wimbush on 703180 - as soon as possible, as she has to order flowers well ahead.

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Repton M.U.

The March meeting of Repton M.U. involved everyone and caused much animated discussion. Carolyn Willett had provided many depictions of the Crucifixion from different parts of the world, and as we studied them, we tried to decide what the interpretations told us about the artists' backgrounds and concerns. Some we found very moving, some were to our western eyes so different that they distracted us from the message of the Cross, but all made us think.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 20th April at 2.15 pm in the Fisher Close Community Room: Holy Week Service with a talk by the Rev'd Stanley Morris.

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St Wystan's History

Thomas Fraunceys

In St Wystan's Church, squeezed between the choir and the north stairway to the crypt, there is the full-length alabaster effigy of a knight, lying on a tomb chest and dressed in late fifteenth century armour, his head resting on his helmet, and his feet on a now headless lion.

The figure has had a chequered history. At one time it surmounted an altar tomb at the east end of the north aisle, but in 1792, as part of a wholesale refurbishment of the church, the tomb was broken up, and after a period outside, the effigy was laid on bricks in the crypt. Over time it has suffered extensively from mutilation and graffiti, the latter probably at the hands of Repton schoolboys before the school chapel was built in 1858 59. The figure was moved to its present position on a stone base in 1911.

It has traditionally been thought that the effigy is that of Sir Robert Fraunceys, who settled in Foremark in the late fourteenth century, but in a new study, Matthew Ward of Nottingham University sees this as highly unlikely. He points out that the figure wears a 'suns and roses' collar with a pendant of the Lion of March, which is normally shown on monuments of the supporters of the House of York during the Wars of the Roses; however, Sir Robert died in 1420, long before a widespread Yorkist faction had developed, and decades before the Yorkist accession to the throne.

Another candidate is Sir Robert's son, also Robert, who died about 1463. It may be that he was a supporter of Richard Duke of York (1411 - 1460), father of King Edward IV. This is more plausible, but the Lion of March pendant would be an extremely early example, and in any case, the armour appears to date from a later period. It is likely, therefore, that the tomb is that of Robert's son Thomas, who died in 1482.

Though perhaps not as prominent in the county as his father, who was elected to parliament in 1437, Thomas was a regular representative on the quorum from 1458 until his death, and in July 1463 was chosen as a tax assessor, alongside Nicholas Fiztherbert and Robert Barley.

The family had several landholdings in Derbyshire with the manor of Foremark, purchased from the Vernons in 1387, being the family's principal residence. Another branch of the family had resided at Ticknall since at least the thirteenth century. The Foremark branch inherited the lordship of this estate in the sixteenth century; later it would pass into the hands of the Burdett family.

With their main interests lying in the south west of the county, the Fraunceys were in close contact with familiar names such as the Montgomerys, Bradbournes and Cokaynes, and shared particularly strong kinship ties with the Somersall branch of the Fiztherberts. Shortly before 1460, Robert Fraunceys, the father of Thomas, married as his second wife Elizabeth, the widow of John Fitzherbert, and it was through Nicholas Fitzherbert's marriage to Margaret, Robert's daughter from his first marriage, that Nicholas was to inherit Tissington, where his descendants still reside.

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St Mary's News

Decorating for Easter

In readiness for the service on Easter Day, St Mary's will be decorated the previous morning, Saturday 23rd April, starting at 9.30. Gifts of flowers and foliage would be welcomed, as would help with the actual decoration.

Village Games in South Derbyshire Table Tennis Taster Sessions 10 sessions initially, but with a view to becoming permanent. Tuesdays, 8 - 10 pm at The Den, Mitre Drive, Repton £1.50 (first session free) All ages and abilities welcome; under 10s must be accompanied by an adult. Contact George Taylor, 07875 286555

Queen's Hospital Scanner Appeal Spring Walk / Run at Catton Park by kind permission of Mr & Mrs R Nielson Sunday 3rd April at 10 am Catton Park, DE12 8LN, is near Walton on Trent with access via the A513 Alrewas to Tamworth Road. • Walk or run either one or two 5-mile laps within the park • • Refreshments available • On the day, adults £10, children under 16 £5 Cheques payable to: Queen's Hospital Scanner Appeal

Lent Lunches Wednesdays 6th and 13th April 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church Soup, Bread & Cheese, and Coffee No charge, but donations for the British Lung Foundation

Repton School Concerts Society Annual General Meeting (for subscribers only) at 6.30 pm in the Snooker Room, Repton Music School followed by Repton School Music Competition Final Wednesday 20th April at 7.30 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall, Repton School Further information from Sue Parker, 01283 702550 or Repton Music School, 01283 559319

Easter Exploration St Wystan's Church Good Friday, 22nd April, from 10 to 11.15 am A special Easter event for children of all ages, parents and anyone who would like to explore the events of the first Easter through activities, drama and songs. No need to register - just turn up. For more information call Ruth Attwood on 702804.

Friday 29th April Repton's Royal Wedding Celebrations Village Quiz Trail for families and teams of all ages £1 quiz entry per team Start at St Wystan's School anytime from 2 to 4 pm (access via either from Repton High Street or Brookside Close) follow the trail for clues all over the village, find things you never knew existed, and finish up at the village hall for tea. Celebrations in Repton Village Hall Doors open 1.45 pm. No entry charge. Sing Along with Stanley Morris at the piano from 2 to 3 pm traditional songs of love and marriage (with song sheets!) AFTER that, from 3 to 6 pm Teas, Cakes, Cream Teas and Entertainments Royal Wedding Cake and Display. Raffle. A Repton Village Society Event           Enquiries to John Perks, 702392

St Mary's Church Newton Solney Spring Buffet Lunch Sunday 8th May at 1 pm in Newton Solney Village Hall Bring your own wine! Tickets: Adults £7.50, Children (under 12) £5 from Hazel Ward 21, Blacksmith's Lane, Newton Solney, tel. 701244

'Bring & Share' Lunch Sunday 15th May at 12.30 pm in St Wystan's Church Everyone welcome. Bring your own drink. For a Bring & Share, the idea is that everyone who attends brings a dish for 6.   No tickets, but to make sure we don't end up eating just pork pie and chocolate pudding . . . Sign up at the back of church, or ring Carol Lloyd, 702410, for details and to discuss dishes.

Environment Matters

Discover the Science behind weather and climate

Last October, we wrote about OPAL, the Open Air Laboratories network, which aims to inspire us to explore, enjoy and protect our local environment. At that time we mentioned that a new climate survey would start in the spring; that survey is now live.

OPAL scientists are working closely with the Met Office to raise awareness and understanding of weather and climate, two of the hottest topics today; we are all too familiar with the devastating floods and hurricanes in all parts of the world.

At www.opalexplorenature.org, you'll discover more about climate science, the important issues we face, and what action we can take. There are answers to questions about climate change, you can take part in the national climate survey, and enjoy a range of weather and climate activities. There is also a wealth of activities for children.

On the website you can also see OPAL's work on the health of our soils, the quality of our air and water, and biodiversity. OPAL wants us to be much more aware of the open spaces and conservation sites around us and learn what we can do to protect them.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Safer Neighbourhoods meetings give you the opportunity to set the policing agenda. However, a meeting in March identified no priorities locally. If you have any questions or queries, contact Phil Marriott, Safer Neighbourhoods Officer, on 01283 595787.

Car Theft: You unlock your car in a car park, but when you are ready to drive off and look in your mirror, there is a piece of paper in the middle of the rear window. You get out to remove it and bingo, when you are at the back of the car, the carjacker jumps in and drives off, probably with your money and keys. The advice is to drive off and remove the paper later.

Any iPhone can be attacked and the passwords stolen within 6 minutes. The attacker does need physical access to the iPhone; any such device left unattended is vulnerable.

Cold Callers: This month there are three variants on an old theme as criminals attempt to gain entry to your home. Fortunately, in these cases they were unsuccessful.

- An elderly patient discharged from Burton Hospital was called on shortly afterwards by a well-dressed, middle-aged man, who claimed to be a doctor sent to check that her home was suitable for her condition. Investigations showed that the hospital had not organised a doctor to visit let alone assess her home. It is usual for physio- and occupational therapists to make home visits after discharge, but this is planned before discharge and the patient will know the therapist.

- A householder had a smartly dressed, unsolicited caller who offered to insure his internal pipework for £1 a year. He refused to give bank details and the man left.

- A man claiming to be from a gas company asked to check whether a local resident had lead or copper piping for the gas supply. He was not allowed in, and the power company later confirmed that the caller was not one of their employees.

Do not engage with any unknown or unexpected caller at the door, and never under any circumstances give your bank details to anyone you don't know well and trust.

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

Not counting chickens but . . .

Architectural drawings for a new surgery on land behind Saxon Grove, the area behind the former Blue Bus garage, will shortly be on display in the surgery at Willington.

As in the best dramas, uncertainty and stress continued right up to the last, but now we hope to start the process of applying for planning permission by April. This is the last of the many hurdles which fate, politics and policy changes have scattered in our path!

A moving date is still some way off - the target is October 2012 - but meanwhile it would be good if you - the eventual users of the new surgery - could air your views in the planning process; this is a development that affects the whole area, not just its immediate vicinity.

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Repton Village & History

Councillors Needed! Parish Council Elections, 5th May 2011
Closing Date for Nominations, Monday 4th April

Candidates are required for the eleven seats that comprise Repton Parish Council.

Parish Councils are charged with the provision of local amenities such as playing fields, recreation areas, allotments, and burial grounds, and they are consulted about planning applications, traffic management and parking issues. The delivery of services such as village maintenance and the upkeep of public footpaths is also their responsibility. Village improvement projects are often undertaken as well. To finance these activities, money is raised by a precept as part of the Council Tax.

Parish councillors hold office for 4 years. In Repton they are not paid, and they work on a non-political basis. People who stand for election usually do so because they care about the locality in which they live, and want to help make it better for everyone. Training courses are available for new councillors to gain familiarity with council powers, procedures, regulations, and such like. These take place during evenings and at weekends.

If you want to support and help improve the community, are aged between 18 and 80, and are on the local electoral roll, you can stand for election. For more details contact the Clerk to Repton Parish Council, Susan Reilly, on 701309, or the Elections Office at South Derbyshire District Council on 595723 without delay. SDDC must receive your nomination by midday on Monday 4th April.

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Repton Village Party, Saturday 7th May, 2 - 5.30 pm

The children in the village are practising their music, dancing and making posters, and all the organisations taking part are preparing displays and activities to make the Village Party a very special event for Repton.

New this year

A Fancy Dress Parade for any children - and grown-ups! - who wish to join in. It will start at 1.30, arriving at the Mitre Field at 2. Details, including the starting point, will appear in next month's magazine.

Help!

Half the fun of parties is getting ready! To help our Party go with a swing, offers of help would be much appreciated, so if you feel able to volunteer for an hour or so, I'd be really pleased to hear from you! Could you make a cake, blow up balloons, sell raffle tickets, look after a display, help to put up tents and take them down - and lots more besides?

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ngs Open Gardens

The National Gardens Scheme supports a number of charities such as Help the Hospices and Macmillan Cancer Support. Since 1927, it has raised almost £42 million, £25 million in the last 10 years. It is Macmillan Cancer Support's biggest single donor, donating over £11.6 million and funding 130 Macmillan services, such as nursing posts, financial advice, and counselling, helping thousands of people affected by cancer.

In April, you are warmly invited to visit two local favourites.

Pauline and Robert Little, 10 Chestnut Way. Sunday 17th April, 1 - 6 pm

A garden is so fresh and full of promise and blossom in April. You will see lots of spring beauties, including daffodils, tulips, fleeting woodlanders and tadpoles. If the weather is wet we can commiserate over winter losses with tea and cake in the conservatory. Admission £2.50, children free.

Jan and David Roberts, 37 High Street. Sunday 17th April, 2 - 5.30 pm

After a year's break to make changes, this is a chance to visit once again a large garden straddling Repton Brook. There are formal and wildlife ponds, mixed borders of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees, rhododendrons and woodland, grasses, ferns and bamboos, as well as a vegetable garden and greenhouses, with container planting for spring and summer colour and alpine troughs. Come and wander, or sit and enjoy the newly planted areas. Plants for sale. Admission £2.50, children free. Teas will be served in aid of Repton Church.

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Repton Village Show, Saturday 3rd September

In this year's show there will again be many opportunities for gardeners, cooks, photographers and other crafty folk to show off your talents and to pit them in light-hearted competition against others.

The schedule will appear in next month's Parish Magazine, but meanwhile, why not come and see us at the Village Party, have a chat, pick up some tips, and maybe even decorate a biscuit with coloured icing and other disgustingly sticky stuff - this last is mainly for the children! We look forward to seeing you there.

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Repton Village Society

At the AGM, all the officers and committee were re-elected unopposed.

Thursday 7th April

Joseph Wright was one of Derby's most innovative and exciting artists. He often drew inspiration and ideas for his paintings from a wide circle of friends that included poets, scientists, revolutionary thinkers and pioneers of technology, many of whom were members of the Lunar Society. In her talk, Derby Museum's Keeper of Art, Lucy Salt, will uncover the networks of friendship and inspiration that lie behind some of Wright's most iconic paintings.

Tickets for the coach trip to Oxford on 27th April are now available for those who have booked. There is a waiting list.

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Repton Village History Group

In February, Philip Heath gave us a fascinating talk about our neighbouring village - Newton Solney. Backed up by some excellent slides, he traced the village from a small farming community to a rural arcadia.

Tuesday 19th April

At our next meeting, Danny Wells will give an illustrated talk on Joseph Paxton. Members and visitors are welcome. Members £2, visitors £3. Repton village hall at 7.30 pm.

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Lunches in Church, come and join us!

Now we have the facilities in St Wystan's Church, we want to provide an opportunity for people to meet and chat in a relaxed atmosphere over lunch. Starting on 4th May, for £4 we will be serving homemade soup, bread and cheese followed by coffee, on the first Wednesday of every month, from 12.30 to 1.30 pm.

This is open to the whole community, not just the congregation. So please put the dates - 4th May, 1st June, 6th July, 3rd August, 7th September, 5th October, 2nd November and 7th December - in your diary, and come and join us.

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Village Games

Table Tennis

In January Toni Jantschenko asked for help in setting up sport locally, and her work is now bearing fruit. At the end of March, there was the first of 10 table tennis 'taster' sessions in the Den. Don't worry if you missed it; come along as soon as you can. See the advert above.

Toni is the Village Games Co-ordinator, Community Sports Trust, South Derbyshire, working in partnership with South Derbyshire Sport and South Derbyshire District Council. If you are interested in helping to lead these activities or have any other sports and activity ideas, please contact her on 07909 442996.

Repton Runners are up and . . . running!

The Running Club, which was launched last month, is stunningly successful. There are 23 absolute beginners on the two beginners jogging courses, a further 26 come to the 7.30 and 8.15 sessions of the Wednesday night running club, and people are still getting in touch. We now meet outside The Red Lion, which is very supportive - and also particularly convenient for those who fancy a quick lemonade afterwards! At the moment we just run round the pavements of Repton, but as the nights get lighter we will be venturing further afield.

Another beginners' running course starts on Wednesday 4th May, and there are already people on the waiting list.

To find out more about table tennis, contact George Taylor on 07875 286555. For jogging or running, phone or text Jo Taylor on 07949 941031.

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Repton W.I.

We started our March meeting by remembering Margaret Rainey who died last month.

Then Roger Juneau spoke about Vaughan Williams. He was accompanied by Stanley Morris and Martin Wimbush, who demonstrated the points he was making with musical interludes on the piano and cd player. Roger's enthusiasm for his subject made for a very enjoyable evening. We were also pleased to welcome four visitors.

Our President, Audrey Morris, reported on the County Spring Council meeting at Chesterfield, informing us that the resolutions selected for the Annual Council Meeting in June concerned megafarms and the threatened closure of local libraries. We also heard that the W. I. is campaigning nationally against the abolition of cheques.

A group lunched at the Mulberry Restaurant in Burton, and arrangements were made for another visit in April. Members and some husbands were to visit the Brewhouse, and a team was entered for the County Quiz. A craft afternoon was to take place towards the end of March to learn to make coasters.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 12th April at 7.15 pm in the village hall: Kevin Jenkinson from Chapman's Nurseries will talk about 'Planning for Summer Colour'. Visitors are always most welcome.

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Has Repton Got Talent? Repton's Royal Wedding Celebrations

Entertainment is needed for the village hall visitors and partygoers on Friday 29th April to help celebrate the Royal Wedding. We would welcome families who can sing together, anyone who can play a musical instrument or sing a solo, or any other musical ideas. This happy occasion needs music and you could be involved. The entertainment will be from 3 - 5 pm, so there will be plenty of opportunity for our talented villagers to take part. We aim to have fun.

Auditions will take place on Saturday 9th April between 11 am and 1 pm at The Den, Mitre Drive. Simply turn up! All ages welcome. Simon Cowell will not be there! For further details, please phone Carol on 703991.

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1st Repton Guides, girls aged 10 to 14

The Guides have been busy this term with expert assistance from St John Ambulance volunteers to help the girls with their First Aid Badge. We have been cooking healthy meals - along with making some not quite so healthy goodies - and videoing a musical. We are also fundraising for Comic Relief. With lighter evenings approaching, we will be spending more time outside, playing games and exploring the area.

We meet at the Den on Fridays. For more information about coming along, please contact Julia Banbury on 01283 702226.

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Make a Scarecrow, Repton Open Gardens, 25th and 26th June

Can you help us to flood Repton with scarecrows during the Open Gardens Weekend. At the Village Party there will be a Scarecrow Workshop - come along and get some ideas for making your own.

We hope to have entries from local schools, businesses and organisations, and there will be a Scarecrow Trail running through the village, with prizes. Please give us your support and join in the fun. Entry forms will be available with the May Parish Magazine and from The Post Office, the churches and local shops. For more information contact Ann Clark, 703438.

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Young Cricketers

In producing the Parish Directory, it became apparent that we have a major gap in village sport - the opportunity for youngsters to play village cricket; the nearest clubs are in Ticknall and Woodville. Now, Hartshorne CC has been in contact, looking for under 11s to play competitively in the Derbyshire County Cricket league.

Indoor training takes place at the Pingle School on Sundays from 4 - 5 pm. Each session costs £1.50; all kit is provided. Outdoor net practice at The Admiral Rodney ground will start in the spring. For further information, contact Steven Tomlinson on 07792 888895, or see www.pitchero.com/clubs/hartshornecricketclub.

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The Royal British Legion in Repton

Within the United Kingdom, the Royal British Legion is the largest charity caring for both serving and ex-service men and women and their dependants. Last year it raised over £75 million to provide them with financial, social and emotional support.

In Repton the Legion has two sections, the branch and the club. Financially they are quite separate; every penny you give to our charity appeals goes to the work of the RBL; the club is funded by its members.

The branch is responsible for the Poppy Appeal, our major fund-raising effort which typically raises about £8,000 a year. It is also the local custodian of Remembrance, including the annual Remembrance Day Parade, Service, and wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial, ensuring that we remember and honour those who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. Outside the Legion Club, the Union Jack normally flies at full mast. However, when we hear of the death of a service person on active duty, the flag is lowered to half mast for 24 hours as a mark of respect.

The club at 43 High Street is the centre of a wide range of social and leisure activities. The bar has a wide range of drinks, with both keg and cask conditioned ales, and pub games include snooker, crib and darts - with men's and women's teams. Apart from Sky Sports on tv, there are weekly whist drives, Cash Bingo and Quiz Nights, live music twice a month on Saturdays, and other special events.

New members - aged 18 or over - are welcome

For details, please pop into the Club or ring 703431. There is also a page on Facebook.

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Stamp & Deliver: Over £4,000 raised for charity!

Results of December's 'Stamp and Deliver' are now in, and during March, cheques for over £2,000 each were presented to Headway and the Derbyshire Children's Hospital League of Friends. This represents 10% of the sale proceeds from almost a quarter of a million stamps. The money raised will also help to fund the training and activities of local Guide and Scout groups. Another important benefit of the scheme - easily overlooked - is the opportunity that it gives young people to provide valuable service through Scouting and Guiding.

A heartfelt 'thank you' to all those who set up and manned sale points, as well as to everyone who used the service. We couldn't have done it without you!

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Repton Village Hall: The Parish Council is contributing to the cost of rebuilding or structurally renovating Repton Village Hall, with a grant of £33,000. The funding is derived from interest on monies realised by the sale of Repton Depot in 1990. If the necessary work is not put in hand within 7 years, the grant must be repaid to the Parish Council.



• Memorial Arboretum: The Parish Council wishes to erect signage outside the arboretum. If any local crafts person would like their designs and skills to be considered, please could they contact the Parish office for further details. A high quality, hand-carved wooden sign would be of particular interest.



• May Meeting of the Parish Council: As elections for the Parish Council take place during the first week in May, the monthly meeting will be slightly later than usual, on Monday 16th May. This is to allow for the appointment of any new Councillors.



• The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge is a project to mark 2012 as the year of both the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics by protecting permanently 2012 outdoor recreational spaces proposed by communities all across the country, and the Parish Council is applying to register Broomhills Playing Field. The final list of protected spaces will be selected by public vote. We will let you know when voting starts.



• Waiting Restrictions in Repton: Derbyshire County Council is reviewing the conditions in Repton to determine whether to maintain the existing prohibitions and restrictions on waiting, with particular respect to the associated signs and yellow lining. Full consultation will take place before any scheme is implemented and as yet there is no definite timetable.

Next meeting: Monday 11th April at 7.30 pm in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

Our annual dinner, held at The Wheel in Ticknall was very much enjoyed by 22 members and two guests. At our meeting in March, Richard Stone gave a very interesting talk about the history of Burton shops and the ever-changing shopping trends over the past 100 years. Roberta Higson gave the vote of thanks and delicious refreshments were served by Avril Skipper and Kay Dolman.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 20th April at 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. Sarah Desforges will talk to members and guests about her career as a solicitor. Sarah specialises in wills, probate and inheritance tax. New members and guests are very welcome.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infants School

We invite you to join us in the school hall for Community Collective Worship on Wednesday 6th April at 9.15 am, and at our Easter Service in St Mary's Church on Friday 15th April at 2.30 pm. On 13th April, the children and staff will be taking part in an Easter Workshop in school.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Tuesday 5th April

Business Meeting at 2.30 pm followed by the continuation of Alan Partington's illustrated talk on 'A Middle Eastern Journey'.

Tuesday 19th April

A coach outing - still to be arranged - leaving Newton Solney at 9.30, picking up at Repton and Willington. £7.

If you would like to join us on our visits or to become a member, please contact Jane Bagshaw on 564520.

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Newton Solney Horticultural Show, 3rd September 2011

Themes for Photographs Section

Adults: 'Swans' : 'Stormy Sky' : 'City / Town Street'

Juniors (7 - 10 years): 'Walking the Dog'

Juniors (11- 16 years): 'Action Shot'

Handicraft Section

A Handmade Greetings Card (any medium)

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Newton Solney W.I.

President Hazel Ward reported on the Spring Group Business meeting, and the Mercia Group newsletter was circulated. Arrangements were finalised for our Lasagne Lunch in March; more bottles were requested for the tombola. Our Produce Cup entries will be judged in May, so the annual Craft Cup competition is to be deferred until July.

Then Carol Checketts modelled the Spring Fascinator she had made, our entry for the Spring Group meeting at Findern, and was warmly thanked for her excellent work. Names are now being taken for the Mellow Dramatics performance of 'The Little Shop of Horrrors' at the Brewhouse on the 18th May. Members were told about two other visits that are still at the planning stage: a trip to see the Staffordshire Hoard at Lichfield Cathedral in July or August, and a visit to London in September to take tea at the Ritz. Members were asked to sign up if they are interested.

Our speaker, Colin Hobday, took us on a journey through time with an interesting talk and slide show of his visit to Jordan. We visited Petra and followed in the steps of Lawrence of Arabia, as well as learning much of the history of this ancient country.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 12th April: Janet Cousins will give a cookery demonstration and talk about her time running a delicatessen. Next Whist Drive: Tuesday 26th April. Both welcome new members. Both are at 7.30 pm in the village hall.

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Further Afield

Spring Walk / Run at Catton Park, Sunday 3rd April

In early April, local Rotary clubs are organising a sponsored walk / run in aid of Queen's Hospital Scanner Appeal. See page 20 for details. Note that you can sponsor yourself!

Catton Hall is a private country house with acres of parkland along the River Trent. It has been in the hands of the same family since 1405 and still remains the private home of the Neilsons. The present house, designed by James Gibbs, dates from 1742, and is virtually unchanged. The gardens, with herbaceous and shrub borders at the back and a formal garden to the front, are protected by a haha from the stock grazing beyond. The parkland contains many ancient oaks, and both park and gardens are bordered by the River Trent. For a rare chance to walk the park, and a great day out, come along!

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Enjoy a great day out, and raise money for Parkinson's UK
Calke Abbey, Sunday 10th April, 10 am

Together with the Rotary Club of Castle Donington, Parkinson's UK is organising a sponsored walk based on Calke Abbey. There are two routes to choose from: a 3-mile circular route through the grounds of Calke Abbey and Ticknall, and a 10-mile route which takes in Calke Abbey Park and the reservoirs at Staunton Harold and Foremark. There is no minimum sponsorship required to take part in the walk, but it is hoped that you would try to raise at least £50.

For more details or to sign up, contact Jessica Storer, on 0844 225 9832, or Eric Woodward, on 01332 810117.

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Can you help?

Many of you will know Julia, one of our practice nurses. Sadly, she lost her husband four years ago in a traffic accident, and now Harry, her younger, 8 year-old son, has suffered a cardiac arrest. Although resuscitated, he has extensive brain damage and will need to be cared for by The Children's Trust in Surrey. For Julia to visit at weekends will put a huge strain on her budget, so we are setting up a charity to help. If you would like to know more or feel able to contribute, please get in touch.

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Gardening Notes

After a long, cold winter, we can hopefully start to enjoy work in the garden once again, and in April there is plenty of work to do.

Plant out second early potatoes in the first half of the month, and maincrop in the second. Early potatoes may need earthing up to protect the young shoots. Carrots, parsnips, beetroot, leeks, summer cauliflower, perpetual spinach, spring onion, radish and lettuce, as well as peas and broad beans, can all be sown outside now. Use fleece to protect early outdoor sowings, and cover carrots in particular in order to keep out carrot fly.

I find it better to start brassicas - cabbages, calabrese and Brussels sprouts - in modules in a cold frame or cool greenhouse. I also find that parsley germinates better this way. Take care when you transplant cauliflower and calabrese; any disturbance of the roots may check growth and result in smaller heads.

For an earlier crop, sow French and runner beans and sweet corn this month in a frost-free greenhouse. Make further sowings of tomatoes, sweet peppers and aubergines. Tender herbs, including basil, coriander and dill, are best sown in a greenhouse, but buy rosemary, mint and thyme as established plants from the garden centre.

If necessary, divide clumps of late-flowering perennials, and take the opportunity to collect basal stem cuttings. Give the border a general fertiliser such as Growmore, and hoe it in gently, covering with mulch. Put plant supports in place for the taller plants, so they are ready to support them as they grow.

Sow sweet peas outside, and set out autumn-sown plants. Later in the month you can sow annuals directly outside, and half-hardy summer bedding in a heated propagator or greenhouse. Sunflowers can be sown outside or started in individual pots in the greenhouse. Either way they will rapidly need support. Plant summer-flowering bulbs.

Give greenhouse and indoor plants a liquid feed once they show signs of new growth. Plant up hanging baskets and containers to grow on in the greenhouse until it is safe to plant them out.

Layer climbers such as clematis and honeysuckle, and tie them in as necessary.

Plant evergreen trees and shrubs, and move any that need moving. Water in thoroughly, and keep them well watered throughout their first year.

Prune spring-flowering shrubs after flowering. Cut back the stems of deciduous shrubs such as forsythia, winter jasmine and flowering currant back to strong, young shoots, removing some of the older stems entirely to encourage new growth. Remove suckers from roses and other grafted plants, and reverted, green shoots from variegated shrubs.

When new growth is visible, prune silver-leafed shrubs such as artemisia and santolina; they can generally be cut back to within 10 cm of the base, but if the base has become woody, they should only be cut back to within 5 - 10 cm of new buds on the older wood. Their silver or gray colour comes from the layer of hairs they have developed as a protection from cold, heat or wind.

Before mulching, give blackcurrants a high nitrogen feed such as ammonium sulphate, and other shrubs a general fertiliser. Mulching is especially important for camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons, as it is essential to keep their roots moist.

Feed established lawns, and start to mow regularly. Don't mow newly sown grass until it is about 7 cm high. Keep newly laid turf well watered, but if possible, don't walk on it for several weeks. Ken Robinson