August 2011 - Contents "God is, he is as he is in Jesus, therefore there is hope" 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 Church Picnic, Sunday 4th September Coffee Morning, Saturday 10th September Shell (age 7+) Harvest Festival Services, Sunday 25th September Schoolroom Restoration Fund Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Madeline Betts Marriages Craig Allan Saville and Becky Marie Jennings Robert Daniel Hinton and Joanna Clair Hallifield Simon James Shilton and Marie Kimberlin Funerals and Burial of Ashes David Strank Rosalind Hudson Gillian Mary Latham Obituaries Rosalind Hudson The Memorial Book Derby Diocese Summer Organ Recitals Bishop's Harvest Appeal Enjoy the view! Repton Benefice The Vicar's Final Service, Sunday 28th August June Scott Ordained Deacon Sponsored 'Ride & Stride' St Wystan's News The Final Brick! First Wednesday Lunch, Wednesday 3rd August Strawberry Tea, Saturday 13th August Coffee and Cake Morning, Saturday 20th August Environment Matters There's no such thing as the Dog Poo Fairy You and your Pet Twitches and Tremors Neighbourhood Watch Repton Village and History Repton Village Show, Saturday 3rd September MusSoc, Invitation to Singers and Musicians Repton Neighbourhood Help Thank you to Melodie ngs Open Gardens, Sunday 14th August Repton Open Gardens, Thank you! Scarecrow Competition Results Repton M.U. Repton W.I. Repton Beavers Repton Cubs Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Repton Evergreens Community Speedwatch: Volunteers Required Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Parish Council News Further Afield Out and about The Chocolate Orange Study Gardening Notes O&S New rules for your car insurance Product placement: P stands for 'puzzled'

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"God is, he is as he is in Jesus, therefore there is hope"

Dear Friends,

In 1972, the year I was ordained priest, the then scholar-bishop of Durham, Ian Ramsey, gave a lecture entitled 'The Crisis of Faith'. After forty years of ministry - I was ordained Deacon in September 1971 - the Church is still in crisis. As the book of Ecclesiastes says: "There is nothing new under the sun." The symptoms today may be different - arguments over gay and women bishops - but the underlying cause is much the same, and that is to do with how we read the Bible.

To illustrate his point, Ramsey went back to 1859 and the reaction to the publication of Darwin's 'Origin of Species'. He quotes a former bishop of Peterborough who spoke movingly of the influence of Darwin on his father's faith: "One day, a friend put 'The Origin of Species' into his hands. This wrecked his faith; chiefly because it was not reconcilable with the biblical account of creation, and as the biblical revelation hung together and was all of one piece, if part of it fell out, the rest would fall out too.

"If Adam never existed, he did not sin; if he did not sin, man was not fallen; there was therefore no need for Christ to come. If the Bible was wrong in science, how could we be sure it was right in theology?"

That was the reaction in the 19th century, and amazingly it is still the reaction of many Christians today. But that last paragraph contains a logical error: the argument does not collapse just because Adam did not exist as a single human being. 'Adam' is humanity, and humanity's sins are clear enough. Darwin may have knocked theology off its perch as queen of the sciences, but he was not the only one to do so. Galileo, Freud and Marx also played a part.

The reason why it is no longer morally acceptable to sing: "the rich man in his castle and the poor man at his gate" in the hymn 'All things bright and beautiful' is because Marx demonstrated that the economic condition of the rich and poor is not a divinely given situation, as was once thought, but the result of human choice and power.

The debate about gay bishops would be much less polarised if we tempered the prohibitions of the Bible with the insights of Freud and Jung. As homosexuality is not a moral choice, should we penalise people for being made that way, or require them to refrain from expressing their sexuality?

One reason why my faith is not shaken by questions which challenge the Bible is that I have a profound trust in God's love for me and for the whole of humanity.

A simple creed which I commend to you was pronounced by a later bishop of Durham, David Jenkins: "God is, he is as he is in Jesus, therefore there is hope". Above all we need to interpret the whole of the Bible in the light of Jesus' teaching.

I wish you all every blessing for the years ahead, and thank you for reading my editorial letters.

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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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Church Picnic, Sunday 4th September

The church picnic will follow a short family service at 11 am.

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Coffee Morning, Saturday 10th September

We will welcome Riders & Striders for the Rural Churches Restoration Fund. Coffee will be served from 10.30 am, and Jacket Potato lunches from noon until 1 pm.

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Shell (age 7+)

. . . will recommence on Monday 12th September at 6.30 pm.

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Harvest Festival Services, Sunday 25th September

This year's Harvest Festival services are in aid of WaterAid. The morning service will be followed by a Harvest lunch served in the schoolroom.

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Schoolroom Restoration Fund

For details, go to www.reptonurc.blogspot.com.

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Baptisms

Madeline Betts, daughter of Natalie and Peter of Springfield Road, Repton, was baptised at the United Reformed Church on Sunday 17th July.

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Marriages

Craig Allan Saville and Becky Marie Jennings were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 2nd July.

Robert Daniel Hinton and Joanna Clair Hallifield were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 9th July.

Simon James Shilton and Marie Kimberlin celebrated the blessing of their marriage at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Saturday 16th July.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

David Strank of Repton died unexpectedly on Monday 20th June aged 70. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 29th June was followed by cremation.

Rosalind Hudson of Axminster and formerly of Askew Grove, Repton, died peacefully in Exeter hospital on Tuesday 21st June aged 96.

Gillian Mary Latham, née Powner, of Guernsey and formerly of Annesley, Willington Road, Repton, died on Friday 8th July aged 49. Following cremation, her ashes were interred at Branston Cemetery on 22nd July.

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Obituaries

Rosalind Hudson
27th April 1915 - 21st June 2011

Ros was born and raised in Repton at Laurel Hill, her family owning Repton laundry, which was situated at the end of Tanner's Lane on what is now the Tanyard - Repton School's all-weather sports ground. Repton in those days was quite a small and intimate community; Ros remembered that "we knew everyone and where they lived."

Educated at Derby High School, Ros started her teaching career at the Montessori Froebel School, followed by time at Overdale School and the Manor Boys School in Mickleover, until, with the Second World War impending, she joined the WAAF, where she spent four years.

In 1937 Ros had met the Rev'd Osric Hudson, a curate at St Wystan's, and after they married in 1942, she spent the following years as a vicar's wife in parishes at Manthorpe and Burton Coggles in Lincolnshire. However, in 1959 the untimely death of her husband, only months after that of her mother, saw Ros and her two young daughters return to Repton, to live at 32 High Street with her bachelor brother who was still managing the laundry. She was later to move to Askew Grove.

She resumed her teaching career in Burton, but transferred to Friargate House in Derby when uncertificated teachers were no longer allowed to continue in state schools without retraining. By this time she was nearly 60, but how much she loved her career can be judged from the fact that she only finally retired at the age of 79!

Ros took a very active part in village life and spent many years supporting the organisations which work within the church and the village community. She was generous and unselfish in sharing her time, her home and her enthusiasm, not to mention her readiness to use her car as transport for any who needed it. She was a founding and long-serving member of the committee of Repton Abbeyfield Home, a member of the W.I., a dedicated supporter of the local Conservative Association, and an active member of the Village Hall Committee.

St Wystan's Church has particularly good reasons to remember Ros with affection and gratitude. She served on the Parochial Church Council, taught Sunday School, ran fundraising events, faithfully attended services, and was a loyal and long-standing member of the Mothers' Union, serving as Branch Treasurer for several years. The lovely limed oak cupboard, which matches the organ and discreetly hides the church electrics was her gift, as was the oak floral pedestal.

Following her 90th birthday, Ros moved to a retirement complex in Axminster to be near to her family. It was not an easy decision to leave Repton, but she settled well into her new community, although she was always pleased to have news from Repton.

Ros had a wide range of friends and a fund of stories and knowledge of Repton over many decades. She was a remarkable woman who will be remembered for her energetic, generous and robust temperament. As one who was always very proud of her family and their achievements, she was particularly pleased to live to celebrate the birth of her sixth great-grandchild.

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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 use the website contact page to contact the churchwardens.

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Derby Diocese

Summer Organ Recitals

. . . take place at Derby Cathedral at 7.45 pm every Wednesday throughout July and August. The August line-up includes Andrew Dewar of the American Cathedral in Paris on 3rd August, five organists, Peter Gould, Ben Bloor, Christopher Johns, Sachin Gunga and Tom Corfield on the 10th, Michael Harris of St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh on the 17th, and Peter Litman of St Peter's Collegiate Church, Ruthin, on the 24th. Admission costs £5.

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Bishop's Harvest Appeal

Each year the Bishop of Derby identifies a cause overseas to benefit from the fundraising efforts of churches as we celebrate harvest. The diocese has strong links with the Church in India, and this year's appeal is on behalf of the Calcutta Cathedral Relief Service which was established in 1971 in the aftermath of the Bangladesh war to undertake emergency relief among refugees who flocked to Calcutta in their thousands.

Now the CRS provides support for women and children in the slums, and the Harvest Appeal will enable it to continue its essential work and also start six new education and health initiatives for the children.

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Enjoy the view!

On Saturdays 6th August and 3rd September and Tuesday 25th October - half term - you can enjoy one of the best views in Derbyshire. On a clear day, from Derby Cathedral tower, you can look over three different counties, although you do first have to climb the 189 steps to the ringing chamber.

The climbs are at quarter to the hour, the first at 10.45 am, the last at 3.45 pm. Adults £3, children £2. Those aged 8 and under must be accompanied by a guardian.

St Mary's Bridge Chapel in Derby is also open once again, between 2 and 4 pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays until 24th September. As part of the Heritage Open Days programme of events, the Chapel will be open on Saturday 10th September between 10 am and 4 pm.

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Repton Benefice

The Vicar's Final Service, Sunday 28th August at 9.45 am

After forty years of ministry, and nearly seven years here in this benefice, the Rev'd Peter Paine retires at the end of August to begin a new life with his wife, Carol, in Lancashire. Peter's final service will be a Joint Benefice Communion in St Wystan's Church. Everyone is most welcome to join us to give thanks for their work here, and to wish them well.

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June Scott Ordained Deacon

At a service in Derby Cathedral on Sunday 3rd July, June Scott, now the Rev'd June Scott, a former nurse and midwife, was ordained deacon by the Bishop of Derby, Dr Alastair Redfern. She will serve as curate in the Benefice of Repton, Newton Solney and Foremark.

June, who considers herself to be 'a cradle Christian', has been involved with the church throughout her life. However, it was the lengthy interregnum at Bretby and Newton Solney - then a single benefice - during the 1990s, that first prompted her to train as a Reader. As such she took services including funerals, and credits her skill in this area to Sister Barbara CSL, who supported Bretby and Newton Solney for some five years of their interregnum. Others who gave her great encouragement include Canons Arthur Redman and Dennis Runcorn, and Cyril Smith and Jennifer Haynes.

A setback to June's health might well have brought to an end all thought of extending her ministry. She was already Lay Chairman of Repton Deanery and a member of the Diocesan Synod, serving on several diocesan committees, and courageously continued to fulfil these duties even while undergoing chemotherapy, which happily proved successful. However, Bishop Alastair invited her to train for ordination, and June accepted the challenge.

Supported by her husband, the vicar, and by all three congregations in this benefice, she has undergone an intensive training. On Easter Day, June ceremonially parted with her Reader's blue stole, thus demonstrating to the congregation that her role would be changing, and for the next two months she was required to worship elsewhere. The final period of preparation was a retreat, from which she and her five fellow ordinands were taken directly to the cathedral on 3rd July.

On that Sunday, families, friends and mentors gathered early, and every pew in the cathedral was filled long before the service began. Many of June's well-wishers found themselves in the gallery, from which they had an excellent view of the proceedings, but others had to rely on their ears alone. All, however, were uplifted by the music and joyous atmosphere. After the ordination by the laying-on of hands came the Eucharist for the whole congregation. June was delighted to find herself administering the chalice to several of her own congregation. Following the post-Communion prayers and a final hymn, the Bishop gave to each Deacon a copy of the New Testament, with the words: 'Receive this book as a sign of the authority given you this day to speak God's word to his people. Build them up in his truth and serve them in his name.'

Armed with this charge, June is now able to conduct baptisms as well as funerals. Her first service of baptism will be on Sunday 4th September.

Now she has to undergo post-ordination training in preparation for her ordination as priest in a year's time. Our prayers are with her.

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Sponsored 'Ride & Stride'

The annual Ride & Stride, in aid of the Derbyshire Churches and Chapels Preservation Trust, falls on Saturday 10th September, one of the national Heritage Days, and some buildings to which access is limited will also be open to visitors.

All four of our local churches will as usual be open from 10 am for visiting cyclists or walkers, the URC building until 2 pm and the others until 6 pm, though stewards may not be present all day.

If you are able and willing to walk or cycle between some of the places of worship which will be open in this and neighbouring counties, to act as a steward in your own church, or simply to sponsor any of the more active participants, then for more information please contact Linda Pettitt for the URC, 701223, Pamela Clifford for St Wystan's, 702471, Ann Redfern for St Saviour's, 01332 862350, or Jennifer Haynes for St Mary's, 703827.

In 2010 our churches between them contributed £412 towards the sponsorship money earned in the Repton Area as a whole, and, of course, half of this comes back to us for our own church maintenance.

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St Wystan's News

The Final Brick!

The fourth and final Family Brick Banner is now being completed, adding a further 60 family names to all those - representing over half almost half the households in Repton - displayed on the north wall of St Wystan's Church. I am particularly grateful to Wendy Baker, who has again taken up the task of putting it together.

We look forward to another tea party in church, to which all these 60 families will have a personal invitation, probably in September. Melodie Bordoli, 01283 212652

First Wednesday Lunches Wednesday 3rd August from 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for lunch and a chat. Homemade soup, bread and cheese followed by coffee. £4. Open to the whole community. Do come!

Strawberry Tea Saturday 13th August, 3 - 5 pm Janet and John Talbot invite you to a 'Strawberry Tea' at 24 Monsom Lane, Repton Raffle and Bring & Buy Stall £4 including afternoon tea All proceeds to St Wystan's Church

The Dales Residential Home for Older People Askew Grove, Repton Coffee and Cake Morning including a Raffle and Tombola Saturday 20th August, 10 am - noon All proceeds to the Amenities Fund

Environment Matters

There's no such thing as the Dog Poo Fairy

Research by Keep Britain Tidy shows that dog fouling is a major issue. It is the most offensive type of litter on our streets and consistently raised as a public concern. And a further problem arises, when people bag up their dog faeces, but then leave them by the wayside. 70% of local authorities have some sort of problem within their area.

To tackle this problem, Keep Britain Tidy has launched a national dog fouling campaign to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets. The campaign features an eye-catching poster and the message 'There's no such thing as the Dog Poo Fairy'.

Dog fouling is not only unpleasant; it is dangerous too. The campaign focuses on a toddler who hit the headlines after she fell in dog poo, and partially lost the sight in one eye as a result of toxocariasis. This disease is spread in dog faeces and most commonly affects children aged between 18 months and five. The story also highlights how important it is for dog owners to worm their dogs so that the risk of toxocariasis is diminished.

The matter is of significant concern locally. In this month's notes on page 12, Newton Solney Parish Council reports fouling of the recreation field and children's play area, and in Repton, dog mess has recently been reported by the children's play area on Mitre Field, despite there being a complete ban on dogs there. The fouling of such areas is particularly disgusting.

The law is clear. It is the responsibility of the dog owner or the person in charge to clear up after their dog, whether they are with it or not! Being unaware that the dog has fouled, or having no suitable means to remove the faeces is not a reasonable excuse.

As a reward to all responsible dog owners, the Dog Poo Fairy can help to turn a well-cared-for pooch into a superstar! See www.keepbritaintidy.org.

To order free campaign posters and bin stickers or to find out more about this or any Keep Britain Tidy campaign, email marketing.enquiries@keepbritaintidy.org.

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You and your Pet

Twitches and Tremors

In cats and dogs there are several different forms of epilepsy. Mostly the cause cannot be identified, but some seizures (also called fits) that occur when the animal is exercising can be related to blood sugar levels. To investigate, a blood sample can be taken to check for any metabolic causes. In some cases, if there are marked and prolonged behavioural changes between seizures, then an MRI at a specialist centre may be required to determine whether there are any masses present, such as tumours.

As a rule of thumb, if your pet is having more than one fit every three months, then medication is indicated to control them. It is important to be aware that your pet will still have some fits whilst on medication, but the frequency will be reduced.

What is a fit?

Fits tend to occur when electrical impulses in the brain overcome the seizure threshold.

In the lead up, your pet may have a vacant expression or be restless. Then the seizure itself can either be focal, with only one limb affected, or generalised, where the whole body is affected. Focal epilepsy is more common in cats. A 'tonic-clonic' seizure is where there is leg extension along with paddling of the legs. In some cases seizures only last a few minutes, but some can last longer and the animal doesn't come out of the seizure by itself. Emergency medication is required before brain damage occurs.

Following the seizure the animal attempts to stand up, drinks a lot and appears drunk.

Idiopathic vestibular syndrome (IVS)

This is generally a condition of older dogs where something upsets the vestibular nerve, one of the nerves in the head. There can be several causes, including inflammation such as deep ear infection, but mostly the cause is unknown. An IVS is often described as a stroke, but strictly it isn't, as there are no changes in blood supply to the brain; it is inflammation of the vestibular nerve. Symptoms include a wobbly stance as if drunk, the head tilting to one side, and eyes flicking side to side or up and down. The first few days are often the worst due to the 'drunken' walking and the nausea that comes with flicking eye position and head tilt. The symptoms are acute and can take several weeks to resolve, although sometimes there will be a degree of permanent head tilt.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Don't let them con you!

There isn't space to describe them all the tactics people use to phish for financial information on the phone. Just be sceptical; take your time; don't give out financial information. And if you can't be sure who you're dealing with, put the phone down. If you want to find out if it is a scam, ring Consumer Direct, 08454040506.

Crime:

Crime in Derbyshire has fallen for the eighth year in succession. It may sound rather hollow if you have been a victim, but last year overall, domestic burglary reduced by 2%, vehicle crime by 16%, criminal damage by 12% and anti-social behaviour by 8%, although violent crime as a whole rose by 4%. Compared to 2002/03, when National Crime Recording Standards were introduced across the country, there are 37,000 fewer victims of crime, an overall reduction of 36%. The improvement has come about not least as a result of intelligence-led policing.

However, crime is strongly influenced by various factors, including employment levels and demographics, so it is disappointing, but perhaps not surprising that there has recently been a distinct increase locally. During the first fortnight of July, a car was stolen from Repton High Street, lead from four properties in Repton and Newton Solney, and a computer, fishing tackle and a garden bench from three separate properties in Repton.

It is more important than ever to secure your own property, and to report suspicious activity to the police. And if you are not already part of Neighbourhood Watch, perhaps you should be thinking about joining.

Remember:

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

Always look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

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Repton Village & History

Repton Village Show, Saturday 3rd September in Repton Village Hall

Each year, the first Saturday in September is Repton Village Show. It's a chance for everyone to show off their skills at cookery and vegetable growing and to display their handicraft abilities.

There are prizes and certificates, of course, but the main aim of the show is to be a fun community event and bring people together. There are also children's classes if you are looking for something to keep the kids out of trouble during the holidays.

If you have grown cracking courgettes, can bake terrific tarts or make the perfect pickle, then come down to the Repton village hall and enter them into the show.

If you need a show schedule with a list of categories, there will be some in the post office and on the Repton village website at www.reptonvillage.org.uk.

Top tips:

1. Enjoy yourself! This is a fun event where you can show off your green fingers, culinary genius and artistic prowess.
2. Read the schedule! Some items need to be presented in a certain way; e.g. trim beetroot tops to 3 inches.
3. The condition of the entry is a key criterion - no diseased cabbages!
4. For classes that need multiple items, such as five potatoes, a vase of roses, or four shortbreads, make sure the entries are of a similar size, shape and colour.

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MusSoc, Sunday 27th November in Pears School

In the autumn term, Repton School Music Society, Mussoc, will be performing Mozart's 'Great Mass in C minor' under the direction of John Bowley, Head of Music at Repton School.

Rehearsals for the choir will be on Thursdays from 6.30 to 7.30 pm in Pears School, and for the orchestra on Wednesday evenings from 6.20 to 7.20 pm in the Music School.

The first choir rehearsal is on 8th September. There are no auditions but an ability to read music is essential. Scores are provided.

If you are interested in taking part, whether singing in the choir or playing in the orchestra, please contact Morag Hill on 702799.

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Repton Neighbourhood Help

The last gathering of Luncheon Club members before the summer break was also the last with Angela Mayger, Hazel Cook, Dorothy Adams and myself in charge. However, we shall all be meeting again as we enjoy the summer outing to Moira Lakeside Tea Rooms on Tuesday 9th August.

Angela has been a tower of strength. We will miss her willing and friendly support, and wish her all happiness as she leaves Repton this month to be nearer to her family. Hazel has long been a regular helper, a very efficient petty cash holder, as well as a prayer partner: on Friday mornings we have prayed regularly for 'angels' wings'! We wish her just as many angels' wings as she and her husband look forward to a full retirement. Both Dorothy and Hazel have been involved far longer than I, so I pay tribute to them both with our thanks and best wishes to Dorothy after her recent, long spell in hospital.

We are very grateful to those who have come forward to continue the work of the Luncheon Club. Luncheons will recommence on Friday 9th September. However, the 'Drop-in' afternoons are suspended until volunteers come forward to run them. I wish the new team as many happy hours as I have enjoyed in the company of all the inspiring people I have met over the last eight years.

Thank you to Melodie

At the end of July Melodie Bordoli retired as the chief organiser of the Luncheon Club and Drop-in Centre. As many of our more senior readers will know, she has been in charge for the last eight years, working tirelessly to organise cooks, kitchen staff and car drivers. Under her leadership the Club has flourished, expanding its activities to outings into the countryside in the summer and to schools in the winter.

In this she has been ably assisted by Angela Mayger, who sadly leaves the village this month, and Hazel Cook and many others who help in the kitchen and with transport.

As chairman of the committee I would like to express my personal thanks and the thanks of all our readers to Melodie for the work she has given over these last eight years. It has been of enormous benefit to a great number of the older members of our community.

We are very grateful to Judy Anstice, Kathleen Muir, and Karen and John Perks, who have offered to run the Luncheon Club in the future.

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ngs Open Gardens, Sunday 14th August, 1 - 6 pm
Visit 3 Yellow Book gardens in Repton for £5, children free

10 Chestnut Way is full of colour with borders crammed full of a huge variety of plants including geraniums, salvias, crocosmias, hardy fuchsias and grasses, as well as many unusual trees and shrubs and a stunning prairie bed. Containers and hanging baskets are looking especially good. You can expect to see plenty of butterflies and other insects in this compost rich garden. There are lots of seats, to enjoy the views.

22 Pinfold Close is a small garden based upon a collection of tropical plants, including tree ferns, palms, cannas, gingers and other unusual plants for year round colour.

Woodend Cottage, 134 Main Street is an organic, plant lover's garden; the hot border with its tall miscanthus grasses, kniphofias, fennel and crocosmias is at its best, with purples, oranges, reds and yellows, while the more tranquil labyrinth dances with silver grasses, and the herbaceous borders delight with their scents.

There are home-made teas and cakes for sale at 10 Chestnut Way and Woodend Cottage, and plants for sale in all gardens and in the nursery at Woodend Cottage

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Repton Open Gardens, Thank you!

This year for the first time, the Open Gardens weekend started on the Friday with an Evening of Wine and Music in St Wystan's Church. The highlight of the event was a short and lovely concert by very talented pupils of Foremarke Hall under the direction of Susan Bloor.

Another first was sponsorship. We are very grateful to East Midlands Airport who paid the considerable costs of printing our brochure, and Zytec Engineering who gave a donation to fund an advertising banner at the Arch.

Over the weekend, but particularly on the Sunday, we were very fortunate with the weather. Fifteen gardens were open, varying considerably in size and style, and reflecting the different interests of our gardeners. They were much appreciated by our visitors, who enjoyed the happy, friendly atmosphere of the village.

Some 30 scarecrows were on display as part of the festivities, causing much amusement. Congratulations to everyone who took part in the competition, and to Ann and Colin Clark for their enthusiasm and organisation.

Other activities included the plant and home produce stalls, tombola, book stall, Teddy Bear and treasure trail, and refreshments.

In all, the weekend added almost £3,900 to St Wystan's Church funds, a significant improvement on the £2,500 of 2010.

Thank you to everyone involved: to those who opened their gardens and to those who contributed in so many other ways, whether by buying advertising or sponsorship, by providing cakes and confectioneries, plants, produce and prizes; to those who were so generous with their time and energy; and finally, to all our visitors who graced our gardens and made it all so worthwhile.

Scarecrow Competition Results

This year there were more scarecrows than ever. In coming to a decision the judge considered inventiveness, entertainment and use of materials, but was also keen to find a scarecrow that could stand on its own two feet, meet the criteria on the entry form and protect crops!

First Prize: Lily and Maisie Trueman, 49 Main Street - Scarecrow AA, BB, Y, Z

. . . for accurate portrayal of life in Repton and the use of traditional scarecrow materials in a group that would strike fear into the most ravenous corvid.

Second prize: the Jackson Family, 84 Burton Road - Scarecrow KK

This piece of work was original, well executed and pushed the boundaries of scarecrow representation and crop protection. However, Tom had peaked a year early and the legs are too hairy for gold.

Highly Commended: Joan Paulson, 63 Main Street - Scarecrow CC

. . . for its poise and ability to stand on its own two feet in a British summer.

Highly Commended: Repton Primary School - Scarecrow J

. . . for use of recycled materials, and the fact that it could be left to slowly biodegrade.

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Repton M.U.

July saw the welcome return of Sylvia Fox who told us about a former Bishop of Bangor. As she related his life story, she pointed out the problems he had to face, which encapsulated many of the changes we have seen in society and in the church.

Her talk came after a short silence during which we remembered Ros Hudson, a member for many years. We missed regular member Margaret Shepherd, who has moved house, and said a reluctant goodbye to Angela Mayger, who will be moving shortly. Fortunately we also had something to celebrate with the ordination of one of our members, June Scott.

Next Meeting: There is no meeting in August. We next meet on Wednesday 21st September at 2.15 pm in the Fisher Close Room for a service followed by a talk by the Reverend June Scott. We are always glad to welcome visitors to our meetings. Just come along.

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Repton W.I.

During June we had fun making our scarecrow for the Open Gardens scarecrow competition - with contributions from members and help from a handyman husband - and enjoyed a sunny afternoon in the lovely garden at Grafton Cottage.

At our July meeting, the President welcomed Janet Warner, the Group Convenor, as a guest, and thanked Willington for a very comprehensive report on the National Meeting in Liverpool.

Then our speaker, Michael Lakin, summarised the history of botanical illustration, whose original purpose was to help identify plants that could be safely eaten or used medicinally. When plant hunting expeditions began, an artist would accompany explorers to draw the plants they found. Coloured drawings of plants as things of beauty in themselves came later, and the examples our speaker brought with him showed what a good artist can achieve.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 9th August at 2.30 pm. Garden Meeting at 37 High Street.

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Repton Beavers, Boys & Girls from 5¾ to 8

In July, eight Repton Beavers attended the Beaver Bonanza with over 1,000 others from the county. The sun shone and, at the end of an action-packed day, there were lots of exhausted Beavers.

Beavers are now on their summer break until 12th September. In September our numbers will be up to 16, and we will be starting a waiting list for any new Beavers wanting to join.

If your son or daughter would like to try Beavers, do please contact Liz Massey-Beeston on 703314

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Repton Cubs, Boys & Girls aged 7½ to 10½

In July, Cubs completed their local knowledge badges, learning about cricket balls thrown over the church spire and fairs held around The Cross. The summer term finished with four new Cubs being invested.

Over the summer break, an activity day is being organised on 20th August at Willesley Campsite near Ashby. This will include climbing, orienteering, den building and pedal karts.

Our next Wednesday evening meeting will be on 14th September. If your son or daughter would like to try Cubs, please contact Jez or Aimee Brooks on 07973 866921.

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Repton Village History Group

In June we held our Archives Evening. Once again it was very well attended and looks set to become an annual event.

In July we had an outing, hosted by Peter Cartlidge, to St Giles Roman Catholic Church at Cheadle in Staffordshire. This is considered to be one of the finest of all the churches by the celebrated Victorian architect and designer Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, and was financed by John Talbot, the sixteenth Earl of Shrewsbury, who lived nearby at Alton Towers. The church is absolutely magnificent, with carvings, painted walls and lovely stained glass windows. It is an absolute gem, well worth the short journey.

Wednesday 17th August, Visit to the Great Central Railway at Loughborough

This is a day-time visit, and at the time of writing, a few vacancies remain. Details from John Ward on 01889 567522.

Tuesday 20th September

Our meetings revert to the village hall where Fiona Ure will be talking to us about 'Best Remedies', 'kill or cure' remedies from the past. Visitors are welcome. 7.30 pm.

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Repton Village Society

In his talk to the July meeting, Rod Pearson traced very admirably the reasons for the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal, the work involved - "To let the sea in, 34,000 hands moved 54 million tons of land" - and the reasons for the subsequent decline in traffic. Two days later he guided a full coach along most of the route of the canal, ending at the redeveloped terminus at Salford Quays where there was ample time to visit the Lowry and the Imperial War Museum, as well as to witness bungee jumping - although no members availed themselves of the opportunity to participate.

Thursday 1st September

David and Valerie Chant invite you 'Up Close and Personal with Birds of Prey' and will have live birds with them in the hall. Cameras are welcome as they talk about falconry past and present.

Saturday 10th September

A further coach trip, this time to the 'Marcher Lands of South Shropshire' with Pam Powis as the guide. There are some seats left on the coach which will leave from the church at 8 am. £17.

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Repton Evergreens

Whilst continuing to enjoy a growing membership, we extend a warm welcome to anyone wishing to join us.

Outing to the Cotswolds, Thursday 8th September

The coach will leave the village hall at 9.30 am, arriving back by 7 pm. We will call at Bourton-on-the Water for a few hours. This is one of the most popular tourist spots in the region with many shops, cafes, and attractions, where you can browse and still have plenty of time for lunch. To book your place at £8 each, please phone Gordie Johnson on 70176.

Bric-a-brac and books wanted

We manage to raise £12 a month from our monthly sale, but are running out of stock. If you have anything you can donate, please contact Sue Banks on 701726. She will be happy to collect.

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Community Speedwatch: Volunteers Required

If you are concerned about traffic speeding through Repton, you may wish to take part in a Community Speedwatch operation planned for September. Equipment and training is provided by the police and you will be paired with at least one other volunteer. If you are interested, and willing to give up a couple of hours a week, please pass your details to Carl Bilson or Jenny Sayers on 01283 559200.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Repton Brook: The Environment Agency has informed the Parish Council that de silting work on Repton Brook will not now start until 2012 / 13. The Chairman has subsequently raised this issue with South Derbyshire District Council, and the Chief Executive will also write to the Environment Agency in support of the need for de-silting this year. This would minimize the risk of future flooding of homes in Pinfold Lane and the Square.



• New Benches: The Parish Council is to purchase and install two new benches. Possible locations are: Milton Road opposite Springfield Road; the junction of Mount Pleasant Road and Springfield Road; The Cross area; Brookend; The Crescent; the junction of the Cinder Track and Askew Grove, or Springfield Road and Askew Grove. Further benches could be sited should anyone wish to offer sponsorship. The estimated cost is in the region of £700. Further details are available from the Parish Council office.



• Parking: Several local residents have raised concerns over parking issues in Repton. The Parish Council will liaise with the local police and Derbyshire County Council to try to alleviate some of these problems.



• Summer Holiday Activities: A reminder not to forget the varied activities, organized by the Parish Council, for local young people. See page 17 for details, or the village notice board at The Square.

Next meeting: There is no meeting in August. The next meeting is on Monday 12th September at Milton Village Hall, a Parish Meeting at 7 pm followed by the Parish Council Meeting at 7.30 pm.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

Bill Allen, our speaker in July, gave a very interesting talk entitled 'Slow, slow, quick, quick, slow'. He reminisced about his days at Derby's dance halls, and how the old movies influenced his somewhat corny chat-up lines. President Jane Smith gave the vote of thanks.

August is a busy month for Milton W.I. We are serving afternoon tea to one group of visitors, and lunch to another. On 14th and 15th August, some members and friends are visiting Buckingham Palace, followed by afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason. On the following day we will visit the Tower of London.

Then, on 17th August, we will tour Royal Crown Derby, with morning coffee and a buffet lunch there. If the weather is fine some members may like to take a stroll to the nearby Derby Arboretum, England's first public park and home to over a thousand trees.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 21st September at 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. Cliff Warner will speak on 'Humour on the Magistrates Bench'.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney W.I.

In July, Linda Williams reported on the recent Group business meeting held at Milton, and a report was given on the progress of 'knit 1 pass it on', which has taken place in conjunction with the village school; there is a request for a left-handed knitter to join the group. Jane Bagshaw has kindly agreed to be our representative on the village hall committee. Arrangements were made to deliver our cakes to St Giles Hospice, and tickets distributed to those going to Lichfield Cathedral on Monday 15th August to see the Staffordshire Hoard.

The speaker for the evening was Mr George Hook, one of the last Mother of Pearl workers in the country. He gave an interesting account of what is entailed in the production of buttons, jewellery, spoons and handles, and showed a selection of his work, along with samples of the different shells used in his manufacturing process. Members were invited to go along to his factory in Birmingham at a later date to see production taking place.

There is no meeting in August, but members were reminded that our summer social, a buffet at Jean Burns' home, will take place on Saturday 20th August from 4 to 7 pm. Mulberry room lunches have now finished and will recommence in September.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 13th September: A presentation of slides set to music by Terry Williams. Whist Drive: Tuesday 30th August. Both welcome new members. Both are at 7.30 pm in the village hall. Margaret Acford

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Newton Solney Parish Council News

Low-Carbon Village Project: Grants are still available to Newton Solney parishioners, and the Parish Council urges you to take advantage to improve the insulation of your homes. The offer and grants being made available by South Derbyshire District Council and EON mean that, depending upon the number of applications received, cavity wall insulation could be undertaken for £99 and loft insulation for £199. If you are over 70 or on recognised benefits, this work can be undertaken free of charge.

The opportunity is too good to miss. If you have not got an application form and wish to apply please contact the Clerk - Ron Parker on 07863 359129 - who will provide one for you. Your completed application forms should be returned to the Clerk by 31st August.

Village Bonfire Site: It has been reported that leaves have recently been deposited on the village bonfire site. Please do not use this area to dispose of garden or any other waste. You will be notified nearer the time about when the bonfire site is officially open. Dog fouling on the Recreation Field and children's play area is causing a problem once again. Owners are allowing dogs on to these areas unsupervised, resulting in a danger to the health of those who use these village facilities. This is unacceptable. Owners are requested to respect the field and play area, keep their dogs on a leash and clear up any mess after them. The South Derbyshire District Council dog warden is to be notified of the problem, resulting in a fine when the guilty party is apprehended.

Owners, please be more responsible and keep your dogs under control.

Next meeting: Friday 12th August (if there are planning applications to consider), otherwise Friday 12th September. 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

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Further Afield

Out and about

Willington Gravel Pits

For an introduction to Willington Gravel Pits nature reserve, join a Derbyshire Wildlife Trust walk on Sunday 7th August. Gather at 1.45 pm off the Repton Road, next to Willington Bridge.

The Horseshoe Trail

. . . is one of a number of routes promoted in South Derbyshire. The 15 mile circular trail will interest walkers, horse riders and cyclists. Starting from Foremark Reservoir, the route passes through Ticknall, Milton, Ingleby, Repton Park and Robin Wood.

A leaflet is available as a download from www.south-derbys.gov.uk, or at a cost of 50p from Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre on 01283 222848.

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The Chocolate Orange Study

A study into the health benefits of cocoa and vitamin C for older people is looking for volunteers. The £270,000 'Chocolate Orange Study', led by Professor Rennie, is funded by the Dunhill Medical Trust and based at the University of Nottingham Graduate Entry Medical School at the Royal Derby Hospital.

In the UK there are now more people over 65 than under 18, and from the age of 50 we lose up to 0.4 per cent of our muscle mass every year. This makes us less mobile, more prone to fractures and at higher risk of a potentially life-threatening fall.

Using state-of-the-art technology - a contrast enhanced ultrasound machine - Professor Rennie and his team are monitoring the impact of cocoa flavanols and vitamin C on the amount of blood flow that reaches the muscle, and comparing this to the results achieved after 20 weeks of resistance exercise. The clinical physiology research group has already shown that, as we age, the blood flow to our legs is impaired, and our muscles receive fewer nutrients and less oxygen, which may contribute to muscle wasting and frailty. Now they want to know if cocoa and vitamin C can help slow down this deterioration.

Wanted - healthy, non-smoking men between 65 and 75!

This study needs 40 men to volunteer. Each will undergo a detailed health check before being accepted onto the study. They will be split into three groups. The first will participate in the acute study which will take just one day to complete; this will involve the insertion of four fine canulae for blood sampling and four muscle biopsies. The second group will participate in the acute study after 20 weeks of free personal trainer sessions at Derby College gym at Pride Park, and the third will be asked to consume cocoa flavanols and vitamin C for one week before participating in the acute study.

All volunteers accepted onto the study will receive an inconvenience allowance. If you are interested in participating and would like to know more about the study please contact Beth Phillips on 01332 724731.

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Gardening Notes

Our seasons have become truly unpredictable. I'm not sure when summer began, but everything seems to be almost two weeks ahead, so the harvest may be much earlier too.

Harvest sweet corn when a finger pressed into the neck of the cob releases a little creamy substance, but onions, garlic and shallots when the stems are brown and dry. Second early potatoes should be ready for harvesting too.

Transplant summer sown broccoli and cabbage, and keep runner beans well watered to ensure the pods set. Increase feeding tomatoes, both in the greenhouse and outside.

Sow spring cabbage, overwintering onions and hardy lettuce now, as well as parsley to grow under cover. There is still time to sow oriental vegetables such as pak choi for quick crops. Sow plants for green manure on vacant ground; crimson clover, mustard and Hungarian grazing rye are all suitable.

Keep camellias well watered to prevent bud drop.

Summer prune the long shoots of established wisteria down to five buds. Cut out a third of the flowered shoots of rambler roses, and train and tie in the remaining shoots. Clip lavenders after flowering to keep them tidy. Give hedges a final trim.

Cut summer fruiting raspberry canes down to the ground when they have finished. Summer prune trained apple, pear and plum trees, and tidy up any stoned fruit. Support heavily laden branches of plum trees. Remove any apples, pears or plums infected with brown rot.

Take cuttings of tender plants such as fuchsia, osteospermums, pelargoniums, argyranthemums, rosemary, sage and thyme, as well as cuttings of rockery plants such as helianthemums, dianthus, aubretia and phlox douglasii. Semi-ripe cuttings of many shrubs can be taken now; rhododendrons, azaleas, honeysuckle and clematis can all be propagated by layering. Start indoor cyclamen into growth.

Continue to deadhead annuals and perennials to encourage further flowering. Cut spring-flowering meadows, leaving the hay to dry and release the wild flower seed before you clear it away.

Apply biological control or water with vine weevil control against vine weevils in the greenhouse and pots outside. Inspect foliage in the greenhouse regularly for white fly, red spider mite, leaf hoppers and scale insects.

Plant colchicum and autumn crocus bulbs, paper-white narcissi, and hyacinths for Christmas flowering. Order bulbs for the spring.

Remove excess pondweed and run a fountain overnight to ensure good oxygenation, especially where there are fish.

If you do all that, you won't have time to go on holiday!

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O&S

New rules for your car insurance

Have you ever been tempted to put off renewing your motor insurance, perhaps because you were taking a long holiday and the car was off the road? If you have, you would be unwise to do it again.

From this June, failing to renew motor insurance can mean a fine of up to £1,000 and the car being crushed - even if the vehicle is locked away in a garage with its wheels removed.

The new rule is called Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) and it's the biggest legal change to motor cover since insurance was made obligatory nearly 80 years ago.

If you own a car, it must now be insured against third party risks at all times whether it's on the road or off, unless you have made a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).

The DVLA register and Motor Insurers Database (MID) are now constantly compared. Where there is a mismatch, owners are first sent warning letters to remind them of the new law. But if they then fail to buy a policy, they face firstly an automatic £100 penalty followed by the more drastic clamping, seizure and possible destruction of the vehicle, and a criminal prosecution with a fine of up to £1,000. As these penalties can apply to vehicles on private land, they are additional to existing police powers.

Why the change?

CIE is the latest salvo in the long running battle to ensure that all motorists are insured. Currently it is estimated that around one in twenty-five drivers is not. That's down from the one in twelve uninsured in the 1990s, but it still represents a major cost for the rest of us.

Uninsured drivers are thought more likely to cause accidents, mainly because they tend to be younger and drive less roadworthy cars. Claims for the personal injuries they cause - 160 deaths and 23,000 injuries last year - are met by the Motor Insurers' Bureau, adding around £30 to each motor policy. However, the MIB does not pay for damage to innocent cars or other property.

The new law frees police time to chase those who have no documents of any kind, tax, insurance, MoT or even registration.

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Product placement: P stands for 'puzzled'

Earlier this year, the government relaxed rules around product placement in popular TV shows. 'This Morning' on ITV immediately signed a deal with Nescafe to feature a coffee machine on its set. The market could be worth as much as £100m a year, but broadcasters are not allowed to run product placement in children's programming, news and current affairs, religious or consumer advice shows. There are also restrictions on undue prominence and editorial justification.

As part of the change, broadcasters have to show a bold 'P' logo before and after shows that involve product placement deals, and at the end of commercial breaks. A major TV campaign was run to raise awareness of the logo and the concept of product placement. However, more than 75% of adults surveyed recently didn't have a clue what the logo stands for. 11% thought the symbol related to parking, and 1% thought it meant Paypal. Just 9% identified the symbol correctly.