November 2011 - Contents A New Experience 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 Reminder ~ Evening Services Thanks Shell (age 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Isabelle Jane Russell Marriages Peter John Grey and Doreen May Costelloe Funerals and Burial of Ashes Frano Schuster-Keith Obituaries Frano Schuster-Keith The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Remembrance, Sunday 13th November Appointing The Next Vicar St Wystan's News Services at St Wystan's Recycle Metal for St Wystan's Spire Repton M.U. 'Ride & Stride' Thanks St Saviour's News Evening Services at Foremark St Mary's News Newton Solney Christmas Cards Thank you First Wednesday Lunch, 2nd November Children's Nearly New Sale, Saturday 5th November Repton Village and School Sale of Work and Fun Day, Saturday 5th November Den Maintenance Morning, Saturday 12th November Christmas Mini-Market, Saturday 12th November A Light Classical Concert, Friday 18th November Christmas Bazaar, Saturday 19 November Christmas Charity Market, Saturday 19th November Repton Quiz Night, Saturday 19th November Concert with Soup & Sweet, Friday 25th November MusSoc: Mozart's Great Mass in C Minor, Sunday 27th November Christmas Flower Demonstration, Tuesday 29th November The Derwent Singers: Finzi ~ In Terra Pax, Saturday 3rd December Repton School Concerts Society, Wednesday 30th November You and your Pet Fireworks Phobias Neighbourhood Watch Repton Village and History Lunch Club ~ Drop in Sewing Group seeks a Queen Bee! Good Samaritans Repton Beavers Repton Cubs Repton Guides Repton Quiz Night Bag2School, Thursday 10th November Repton Royal British Legion Repton Christmas Tree Festival Repton Charities Even better! Repton Village History Group Repton Casuals History Repton Village Society U3A in Repton Sale of Work & Fun Day Repton W.I. Village Games ~ Netball Coaches Community Speedwatch The Repton Runners Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infants School Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Parish Council News Further Afield 'Stamp & Deliver' Gardening Notes

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A New Experience

Having served as a Reader in the Repton Deanery for ten years, it was with immense joy that on 4th July this year, in an uplifting service in Derby Cathedral, I and thirteen other ordinands, were ordained Deacon by the Bishop of Derby. The service was so well attended by the families and friends of the ordinands that by the time it started there was standing room only at the back of the cathedral. It was indeed an unforgettable time of celebration and thanksgiving.

At the time of being ordained Deacon, I was also offered the post of Curate in the Benefice of Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney.

"But," I am constantly being asked, "What do deacons do?"

The word 'deacon' derives from the Greek word 'diakonos' and, amongst other things, means 'servant to the wider community'.

It is generally believed that the office of deacon originated in the selection of seven men, among them Stephen, to assist with the charitable work of the early church - as recorded in the Book of Acts, chapter 6. In his Letter to the Romans, Paul also mentions a Christian woman, Phoebe, as a female deacon.

Anglican deacons may baptize and conduct funerals, and they commonly officiate at services of prayer and preaching; they are not able to preside at the Eucharist, though they are frequently seen at these services, ministering alongside other clergy.

In the wider community, deacons can help bridge the gap between the Church and the needs and questions, the hopes and fears of people who are not regular churchgoers. They play an important role in linking the teaching and worship of the Church to the pastoral needs of the community.

In the Church of England, the deaconate is one of three orders of ordained ministry, these being deacons, priests and bishops. All Church of England clergy are ordained to the diaconate, most are subsequently ordained to the priesthood, and some (only men at this present time) are consecrated as bishops.

Whilst I have no ambition for high office, I do hope, with the continuing love, prayers and support of the Christian community, to be ordained priest next summer. This would not, of course, alter my present formal position as Curate for the Benefice.

In His love,

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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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Reminder ~ Evening Services

Our winter pattern of services begins this month, with evening worship on the first and last Sundays of the month. Christmas Mini-Market, Saturday 12th November, 10.30 am - noon Coffee and mince pies, home-made cakes and preserves, the Webb Ivory range of Christmas wrapping paper, cards and calendars, lots of stalls with ideas for the season of giving, a Christmas raffle, tombola and children's games. Please come and join us!

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Thanks

. . . to everyone who supported our Harvest services. Instead of the traditional festival, our harvest display depicted a barren, waterless landscape. All the proceeds went to WaterAid, the charity that does so much to provide aid to areas of the world that have no access to fresh water or sanitation. We were able to send them a cheque for £280.

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Shell (age 7+)

. . . meets on Mondays from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. New members are welcome.

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Baptisms

Isabelle Jane Russell, daughter of Catherine and Jonathan of Mercia, 5 Main Street, Newton Solney, was baptised at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Sunday 4th September.

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Marriages

Peter John Grey and Doreen May Costelloe were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Sunday 16th October.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Frano Schuster-Keith, formerly Frano Barker of Repton Vicarage, died in New Zealand on Monday 19th September aged 62. Her cremation on 22nd September was followed on the 26th by a service of commemoration and celebration.

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Obituaries

Frano Schuster-Keith
7th June 1949 - 19th September 2011

One of four children of German-Jewish refugees, Frano was born and raised in Kenya, where her father, Walter Schuster, was a farmer and later a colonial administrator. Memories of her African childhood were etched deeply and fondly in her mind, but life there ended abruptly when Frano's father died in 1962. Her mother, Renate Schuster, then settled with her four children, all under 14 at the time, in Cambridge, initially living in a huge house with granny and their extended family.

In 1970 while studying for a degree in art history and Italian at Sussex University, Frano married the Rev'd Julian Barker, then Chaplain of Clare College, Cambridge. They had three children in quick succession - three in three years and a month - and she spent the next 25 years as a homemaker, gardener, hostess and mother, first in Norfolk, and then from 1982, in Repton.

Here she proved in many ways a most untypical vicar's wife. On the one hand she took over from Audrey Noble the demanding role of sacristan and was a very charming hostess, welcoming everyone with warmth and humour, but she was also quite bohemian, and unbothered by convention when it came to friendship.

Frano's love of art came long before her degree. As a sixth-former in Cambridge, she attended the Friday evening Pevsner lectures and she had a lifelong passion for painting and drawing; she was often to be seen with a sketch book in her hand. But she also loved music and dance, poetry and literature. She could quote long passages of poetry in French, Italian and German, and two of her favourite Lieder - by Schubert and Richard Strauss - were played at her commemoration service.

Her daughter Naomi describes her as "in many ways a Renaissance woman - whether the conversation turned to the classics, poetry, opera, art, gardening, recipes, or jokes in other languages, she could always take it further, produce a book we might like, a brilliant quote, an informed opinion or a ruder or even more politically incorrect story."

In 1995 Frano left Repton for London, where she pursued a growing interest in healing through professional training. Following her divorce from Julian, she moved in 2001to New Zealand to live with Michael Keith, a friend she first met when he was a student at Cambridge in the 1960s; they married in 2006. She developed her healing practice, first in Wellington, and then from her home in Paekakariki on the Kapiti Coast, where she and Mic transformed a suburban house and plot into a vibrant home and garden, offering hospitality to a huge range of family, friends and acquaintances, both local and from overseas.

Frano was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, and with metastatic cancer in 2008. She died peacefully at the Mary Potter Hospice in Wellington a few days after the birth of her eighth grandchild. She was an energetic woman, full of life, witty and cultured, loving and generous, and will be deeply missed.

Next year some of Frano's ashes will be buried at Kapiti School in Kenya, which is due to open in January. Frano was the school's main sponsor, having donated the funds to purchase ten acres of land and sink the water borehole, and she followed its progress keenly. It represented for her a return to Africa, and honours the work of her father, who 50 years ago helped to found Kenya's best known school, Starehe Boys' Centre in Nairobi.

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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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Repton Benefice

Remembrance, Sunday 13th November

The Remembrance Day service at Repton is arranged jointly by the Royal British Legion, the United Reformed Church and St Wystan's Church.

The Parade, including the Scout and Guide movements, will form up outside the Royal British Legion Club at 10.40 am and process to St Wystan's Church at 10.45.

The service will take place inside the church, not at the War Memorial. Please come straight into the church; the service will start at 10.50, so that the Act of Remembrance can take place at 11.

After the service, wreaths will be laid at the War Memorial by the President of the Repton Royal British Legion, the Chairman of Repton Parish Council, and children from Repton Primary School and children from St Wystan's School. After the ceremony, the parade will process back to the Legion Club.

Newton Solney

The Service of Remembrance at St Mary's Church begins a little later this year, at 10.45 am. A wreath will be laid at the Village Memorial in the church baptistry.

Foremark

The Roll of Honour will be read during Evensong. Note the time - 6.30 pm.

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Appointing the Next Vicar

The Church of England procedures for appointing clergy are long and complicated, but a start has been made.

At the end of September, Bishop Humphrey chaired a meeting of the Parochial Church Councils of Repton, Newton Solney and Foremark and the Archdeacon, setting out the procedure. The first task is to prepare a Parish Profile describing the parishes and the sort of new priest we hope to find. This is well on its way but still has to be approved by the three PCCs, who will also each elect two representatives to meet candidates put forward by the Bishop. We were assured that on this occasion there is to be no suspension of presentation. In plain English this means that, for the time being at least, Repton Vicarage will be retained and the size of the benefice is not being changed.

People with longer memories may wonder what has happened to the role of the Patron. As those of you who watch Downton Abbey have recently been reminded, rural livings were often in the gift of a local landowner, at Repton the Harpur Crewes and at Foremark the Burdett-Coutts. When the parishes were brought together, these families took it in turns to exercise their right, and in 1978 the Rev'd Michael David was presented by Charles Harpur Crewe. However, on Michael's departure, Major Fisher, the heir to the Burdett-Coutts, had no local connection and was unwilling to be involved. The Harpur Crewe connection came to an end with the passing of Airmyne, Charles' sister, in 1999; the heir was a very distant relative, a Canadian businessman who had no interest in Derbyshire. So now the patronage has been assumed by the diocese, and whenever there is a vacancy to be filled, there is a standard procedure.

We will keep you updated on progress, but if you would like more information at this stage, contact the churchwardens or any member of the PCCs.

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St Wystan's News

Services at St Wystan's

Wednesday Holy Communion

From the beginning of November, this service will take place once a month, on the first Wednesday of the month at 10 am.

No Choral Evensong

On the 20th November there will be no Choral Evensong Service, to allow the Wystan Singers to rehearse for the Advent Candlelight Service a week later.

Advent Candlelight Service, Sunday 27th November at 6 pm

This beautiful evening service of candlelight and soft illuminations celebrates the start of the Advent season with well-known Advent carols and hymns sung by the congregation, together with Advent motets and anthems sung by the Wystan Singers. There are readings for Advent, looking ahead to the Christmas story. Do note the early start, which will allow you to go on afterwards to the MusSoc Concert in Pears School.

'Prayer for Christian Healing'

There will be a service of 'Prayer for Christian Healing' at 7.30 pm on Wednesday, 30th November. Everyone is welcome.

Groups

Intercessory Prayer for Healing

The next meeting is on Monday 7th November, 7.30 pm at 3 Richmond Court.

'Living the Word'

. . . will meet at 3 Richmond Court on Thursday 24th November at 7.30 pm. If you would like to know more or come along to share how we have put 'The Word of Life' into practice during the month, please telephone Stephen Longden on 703259.

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Recycle Metal for St Wystan's Spire

Recycling is good for the environment, saving up to 95% of the energy used to make new products. The church recycling scheme is also a useful fundraiser; the money goes to the church fabric fund, and in particular will help to fund the next major project, the restoration of the beautiful 212ft tower and spire.

When Glenda and Norman Brewin took over in 2002, an article in The Parish Magazine talked about 'the small trickle of income'. This is no longer the case. Thanks to the hard work of Glenda and Norman, and more recently David, proceeds have risen considerably; in the first 9 months of 2011 they were almost £800. Please help us to reach £1000 before the end of the year.

We collect aluminium foil, milk bottle tops, foil food containers and food cans - both aluminium and steel. There are collection bins for these outside the church porch. Other metals can be collected by arrangement, particularly copper and brass; please phone David Roberts, who runs the scheme, on 702159.

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Repton M.U.

At the October meeting Wendy Longden led a meditation based on words from Ecclesiastes: "To everything there is a season." This was particularly appropriate as the loss of several members has caused us to think seriously about the future of the Branch. We have decided to continue meeting to the end of the year, but the New Year may see the closing of the Repton branch of the Mothers' Union.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 16th November at 2.15 pm in the Fisher Close Room: 'To the Holy Land with the Bishop of Repton', a talk by Glenda and Norman Brewin.

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'Ride & Stride'

Congratulations to Ruth Attwood and David Roberts, who between them raised £432 in aid of the Derbyshire Churches and Chapels Preservation Trust. Half of this comes back to us for our own church maintenance.

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Thanks

Many thanks to all who sent cards and presents as I celebrated the 50th anniversary of my Ordination. I am especially grateful to all of you who came to the village hall and made it such a happy occasion. Stanley Morris

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St Saviour's News

Services at Foremark

Ignore what was said in last month's Parish Magazine: all evening services at Foremark will continue to start at 6.30 pm as this is better for the school. Services at Newton Solney, however, will be brought forward to 4 pm for the winter months.

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St Mary's News

Newton Solney Christmas Cards

A few of the photographs taken during last year's Christmas Tree Festival have now been printed as Christmas cards. They are on display in the south aisle of St Mary's Church, along with the prices applicable for single cards or packs. To make a purchase, please sign the accompanying list or contact Jennifer Haynes on 703827.

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Thank you

. . . to all who supported St Mary's Harvest Lunch, particularly those who helped with the preparation, donated raffle prizes and provided the delicious desserts. Your efforts made it a very enjoyable occasion.

Congratulations to Marjorie Boddice from Repton on winning the Summer Quiz. If you would like to see the answers, they are on display in church. Thank you too to all who sold copies of the quiz, including Hairs and Graces in Willington.

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First Wednesday Lunches Wednesday 2nd November 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 everyone. Do come!

Children's Nearly New Sale Saturday 5th November, 10 am - 12 noon at Repton Village Hall Including Children's Clothes, Toys, Books, Nursery Equipment and Maternity Wear Entrance 50p, children free. Refreshments on sale. For further details please call: 07982 781936. Hosted by Repton Primary School PTA to raise funds for equipment at the school

Repton Village and School Sale of Work and Fun Day Saturday 5th November from 2.15 pm in the grounds and halls of Repton School A large number of Stalls including Cakes, Gifts and Crafts, Bottles, Cards, Toys, Jewellery, Books and Tombola. Fun items for Children of all Ages Gladiators, Bungee Run, Bouncy Castles, Putting, Face Painting, Hair Spray, Paint Balling, Coconut Shy, Lucky Dip, Apple Bobbing and Ducking Stall. Refreshments Teas, Cakes, Pancakes, Candy Floss, Cookies, Hot Dogs, Toffee Apples, BBQ and Soft Drinks. A Large Number of Excellent Prizes to be won

Do you or your children use the Den? Den Maintenance Morning Saturday 12th November, 8 am - noon Come along for as long as you can spare, 1/2 hour or 1/2 day. Meet some of the other users whilst carrying out essential repairs both inside and out. Contact Mike Knowles for details

Christmas Mini-Market Saturday 12th November, 10.30 am - noon at the URC Coffee and Mincepies Webb Ivory Christmas Cards, Calendars and Wrapping Paper, Christmas Gift Stall, Christmas Raffle, Tombola and Children's Games Home-made Cakes and Preserves All proceeds to the United Reformed Church

A Light Classical Concert Friday 18th November at 7.30 pm The VoiceBox, Foreman Street, Derby, DE1 1JQ With local musicians, Neil and Jane Millensted, Sarah Lloyd and friends, including those with cochlear implants. Tickets £5 (including refreshments), students and children free, at the door or from Neil and Jane, tel. 703374. All proceeds to The Ear Foundation, www.earfoundation.org.uk

Christmas Bazaar Saturday 19 November, 10 am - noon Milton Village Hall Gift Stalls and Raffle Entry £1 including tea/coffee and mince pie In aid of the Roof Fund for St Savour's Church, Foremark

Repton Churches Together Christmas Charity Market Saturday 19th November, 2 - 4 pm, in Repton Village Hall Gifts, Cards, Refreshments Music by Repton Primary & St Wystan's Schools Tradecraft - Tearfund - Aid to Russia - Zamia Project Amnesty International - Rainbows Hospice - Phoenix Cards In aid of The Padley Centre in Derby

Repton Quiz Night Saturday 19th November, 7.15 for 7.30 start – prompt! Repton Village Hall £12 per table of four To book a table contact Jan Gillham, 703340 Finger food included, but bring your own drinks and glasses Proceeds to St Wystan's Church

Concert with Soup & Sweet Friday 25th November at 12 noon St Wystan's Church Repton A concert by pupils from Foremarke School followed by a soup and a sweet lunch Tickets £5 from Frances Wimbush, 703180, or Jan Roberts, 702159 All are welcome. All proceeds to St Wystan's Church.

Repton School Music Society directed by John Bowley Mozart's Great Mass in C Minor Handel: 'My Heart is Inditing' Khachaturian: Adagio from Spartacus Sunday 27th November at 7.45 pm in Pears School, Repton School Information and tickets from Morag Hill, 01283 702799

Christmas Flower Demonstration by Judie Cripps St Wystan's Church, Repton, Tuesday 29th November 10.30 am: Coffee 11 am: Demonstration followed by 2 course lunch with a glass of wine Tickets £12 which includes a raffle ticket for an arrangement, from Carol Lloyd, 01283 702410 All proceeds to St Wystan's Church Funds

The Derwent Singers conducted by Richard Roddis with the Helix Ensemble Gerald Finzi ~ In Terra Pax Morten Lauridsen ~ Lux Aeterna Franz Josef Haydn ~ St Nicholas Mass Saturday 3rd December at 7.30 pm in St Wystan's Church, Repton Radiance of light pervades this programme, from the sensuous Lux Aeterna, through Finzi's visionary scene of angels and shepherds, to the charm and vivacity ever-present in Haydn's seasonal setting of the mass. Tickets £10 from 01283 561826, Jenny Jones on 01283 704054, Foulds of Derby, 01332 988973, and on the door.

Repton School Concerts Society Pupils from the Purcell School of Music Wednesday 30th November at 7.45 pm in The Robert Beldam Hall A concert by young pupils from this prestigious music school, with a rich and varied programme of solos and chamber music showcasing instruments from all sections of the orchestra. Come and hear the professionals of the future! Tickets for this concert are £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions). Tickets for the whole season of 10 concerts cost £70. For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR. 01283 702550.

You and your Pet

Fireworks Phobias

Unfortunately, fireworks are rarely confined to bonfire night, and for a dog that is scared of fireworks, it can be a real problem.

Preparation and creating a calm place are key. Create a calm place with blankets and clothing with your scent on that is always accessible for your dog to burrow into. It should be more than a bolt hole such as behind the sofa, and should be accessible at all times. Let your dog choose it, and encourage its use by feeding meals or treats in there. However, don't go into it yourself during fireworks as this only reinforces the phobia. Close curtains and windows to minimise noise and light. Playing music can help can mask the noise from outside, and a high carbohydrate meal like pasta, mashed potato or overcooked rice early in the evening can make your dog feel more calm and sleepy. Try to ignore the dog when it is frightened, and give attention and affection when it is relaxed. An Adaptil diffuser can also really help. It releases a pheromone, a synthetic version of that secreted by the bitch after the puppies are born. As the puppy explores its new environment and encounters new things, the pheromone helps it puppy to be confident and relaxed, even in a stressful environment. Adaptil is a plug-in diffuser that should be placed close to or in the dog's calm place for two weeks either side of the firework season. There is also an Adaptil collar.

For some dogs, all this will not be enough. At that stage you can try sedatives, herbal treatments and desensitisation therapy. Desensitisation involves using a CD of firework noises, 'Sounds Scary', played at gradually increasing volumes whilst keeping the dog relaxed. The process can take several months and should be started early enough to allow desensitisation ready for the next season. Sedatives can also play an important part.

Phobias are complex and often require several different therapies. If you have any queries or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

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Neighbourhood Watch

We are being rung or emailed by people claiming to be from the Ministry of Justice or similar, stating that we are due a large cash rebate, and asking for a payment first to 'release'it. They ask us to obtain a Ukash voucher, and say that they will send someone round with the cheque later that day. Although they do phone back for the Ukash voucher details, no-one turns up with a cheque. Don't fall victim to this simple con. A voucher should be treated just like cash; never provide details to a third-party.

Password protect your mobile phone. 70% of users don't, and yet in any year, roughly 20% of mobile phones are lost or stolen. Think carefully before you install apps from social networks such as Twitter; some are designed to steal usernames and passwords.

We have received several calls offering a free security check of our PC. It is a con.

Police have seen an increase in reports of thefts of mopeds and motorcycles, some of them secured with heavy duty chains. Our advice is: Use security devices and keep your keys with you; Security mark many parts of your bike; Secure your bike to something which is solid and cannot be moved; Always put the steering lock on; Make sure your garage has good locks; If you don't have a garage, use ground anchors.

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

Lunch Club ~ Drop in

At our Friday gathering following Harvest Festival, we welcomed the young people from St Wystan's School. They arrived with boxes of harvest gifts and stayed to entertain us with their songs. Thank you, St Wystan's for your gifts, your music and your confident and cheerful demeanour.

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Sewing Group seeks a Queen Bee!

St Wystan's Church's soft furnishings are produced and maintained by the Dorcas Sewing Group. Earlier this year we lost our superbly skilled and creative group coordinator of many years, Biddy Weston, when she moved to Tutbury. Biddy was responsible for the design of the beautiful church kneelers and kept up to ten busy workers inspired over cups of tea during bimonthly meetings at her home.

Currently, however, partly due to ageing, partly to folk moving away, there are only four of us, working in our own homes on seating pads for the pews. We do need an inspired leader to help motivate, and possibly expand our friendly group.

If your fingers are itching to help fill this most needed niche in the village, please contact Wendy Mair on 01283 537813, or one of the churchwardens.

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Good Samaritans

On Thursday 15th September I tripped and fell in the High Street in Newton Solney. Unable to get up and bleeding quite badly I was given considerable help and sympathy by three people who stopped their cars when they saw me. They reassured me, and one of the drivers drove off to fetch my husband. They stayed with me and helped me into our car to go to the doctor's. I believe they were local people, one lady living in Repton. So, through the magazine, I would like to thank them all, and tell them how much their caring attitude helped me. Thank you!

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Repton Beavers

On our visit to Pets at Home, a bearded dragon, together with an assortment of rabbits, rats, gerbils and guinea pigs, kept all the Beavers entertained. Eight of the older Repton Beavers have been invited to attend the Halloween District Sleepover; for most of them this will be the first night away. Please contact Liz Massey-Beeston on 703314 if you want more details about Beavers.

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Repton Cubs

Cubs have been whizzing about Swadlincote Ski Centre on rubber tubes this month. As numbers have increased, we've now added a green six to the existing red and blue sixes. There is currently a waiting list for Cubs; please contact Jez Brooks on 07799882338 for details.

All Cubs and Beavers are reminded to attend Remembrance Service on Sunday 13th November at St Wystans Church.

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Repton Guides

This has been a year of change. Mad Court, who has been Guide Guider for a number of years, took a break after the birth of her second child last October, and Julia Banbury, who had supported Mad for some years, has held the reins since. However, Julia has now decided to finish at Christmas. Emma Ditchburn will continue to help, together with two new leaders, Lucy Armstrong and Sue Shakespeare. We are grateful to Mad and Julia for all they have done for the company.

In September, due to leaders' other commitments, we changed our meeting night from Friday to Monday and now have 12 enthusiastic members, who are helping to plan an interesting programme.

We are keen to welcome new members, so if you're a girl aged 10 - 14 and interested to find out more, come along to the Den at 7.15 pm on Mondays and see what we do. For more information please contact Sue Shakespeare on 01283 212166

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Repton Quiz Night
Saturday 19th November at 7.30 pm prompt, Repton Village Hall

We do hope you will come and join in our annual quiz night - we will be delighted to see you. It costs just £12 for a table of four. Between the rounds there will be a break for refreshments and stand-up bingo. Do remember to bring your own drink and glasses. It is always an evening of great fun and friendly rivalry, with various prizes on offer.

Proceeds will go towards St Wystan's Church Fabric Fund. For information and to book a table please contact Jan Gillham on 703340.

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Bag2School, Thursday 10th November

We are collecting unwanted clothes, bedding, shoes and bags, items that can be recycled and sent to Third World countries. Please place them in a bag and drop them off at Repton Primary School on Springfield Road before 9.30 am on 10th November.

The school PTA receives a payment per kilo for goods we collect, money which supports the school music department. If you would like further information, please call the PTA on 07982 781936.

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Repton Royal British Legion

At a service in Westminster Abbey to mark the 90th anniversary of the Royal British Legion, the Repton Branch was represented by its Chairman, Dr. Tom Hyde.

Annual General Meeting

The annual general meeting will take place at 8 pm on Tuesday 29th November at the club. All members are requested to attend.

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Repton Christmas Tree Festival, Friday 9th - Monday 12th December

Preparations for the Festival continue apace and publicity now extends well beyond the village. We have had very generous offers of help, but more will be needed to ensure a successful weekend. Stewards are required to help with the stalls and to welcome visitors, and contributions to the craft and refreshments will be very gratefully received. If you can help in any way could you please contact Karen Perks, 702392, or Audrey Morris, 703453.

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Repton Charities

The Trustees of the Repton Charities would be glad to have the names and addresses of older residents who would welcome a cash grant at Christmas. Please ring 703453 before the end of November if you know of someone who might be added to the Trustees' list.

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Even better!

A big 'thank you' to all who helped to make my coffee morning a great success. It raised £1,268 for MacMillan Cancer Relief, over £100 more than last year. And a very special 'thank you' to Mary, Gwen, Tony, Lesley, Paul, Ralph, Di, Jan, Rebecca, Lil and Richard - thanks to you all.

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Repton Village History Group

In September, Fiona Ure, the Curator of Home and Family Life at Snibston Discovery Park, gave an excellent illustrated talk, 'Best Remedies', in which she traced medicine from its early days. It was fascinating to see how many remedies members of the audience could remember!

Tuesday 15th November

Our speaker will be Garth Hamp-Gopsill of Time Consortium in Burton and Ashby, who will tell us about the History of Horology and Conservation. We expect this to be a popular event. Members and visitors are welcome. Members £2, visitors £3, including tea and biscuits.

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Repton Casuals History

We are compiling a history of Repton Casuals Football and Cricket club from its foundation to the present. To date we have a photo album of 40 soccer teams, senior and junior, and would welcome any photos and details of events that have taken place over the years. Please send them to Roger Denniss at 5 Mill Hill, Mount Pleasant Road, Repton, or contact him on 702269.

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Repton Village Society

Committee members have planted two large bags of King Alfred daffodils at Robin's Cross, to augment those planted last year by Derbyshire County Council.

Some of our talks are followed by visits a few days later to see the subject of the talk. Not so when Bruce Ridley described his four day high altitude trek for charity to Machu Picchu. The effects of breathing air with a much reduced oxygen content whilst trekking were well illustrated, but the satisfaction of reaching such an outstanding destination was evident, particularly as a significant sum was raised through sponsorship. Bruce's photographs of both the trek and the ruined city were superb.

Tuesday 1st November (Please note the change of day)

George Hook, the last Mother of Pearl worker in Birmingham, will be talking about his family involvement with the trade, dating back to 1824. His talk will be followed by the announcement of the winners of the annual photographic competition, kindly judged by Margaret Bromage. Then, wine, soft drinks and nibbles will round off the evening. Repton Village Hall, 7.30 pm.

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U3A in Repton, First and third Thursday, 1.30 - 3.30 pm

A U3A Creative Writing Group meets at The Den, Mitre Drive on the first and third Thursday of each month, from 1.30 - 3.30 pm. No previous writing experience is necessary, just a desire to write. The group is driven by its members, so we will cover many genres of writing and be open to suggestions. For details, contact Carol Hickebottom on 703991.

U3A is a national learning cooperative which draws on the knowledge and skills of its members, who are no longer in full employment, although there is no lower age limit. Since its launch in Burton in March, it has already attracted over 200 members, and over twenty interest groups have been set up, including that in Repton, in areas as diverse as languages and bridge, computing and gardening, music appreciation and walks. In addition there have been outings to places of interest, theatre trips and cultural events. There is a regular luncheon club, as well as coffee mornings at the Dial in Station Street from 10.30 till noon on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays in the month. And finally, we all get together several times a year to hear an interesting speaker and chat.

If you are interested, you can try any of the groups at only £1 per session before committing yourself to full membership at £15 a year.

To find out more, see U3A.org.uk and search for the Burton pages, or contact Lesley on 0795 1477 943.

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Sale of Work & Fun Day

Saturday 5th November in the grounds and halls of Repton School If you have lived in the village for some time you will already know about the joint effort that is involved with the Sale of Work, which aims to raise as much money as possible for local, national and international charities.

This year as in the past, there will be a wide range of stalls and entertainments run by local people, pupils and staff of Repton School, and a growing number of local enterprises. So whether it's the ducking stool, the homemade Christmas puddings or the artisan jewellery and olive oils that take your fancy, we hope that you will come along enjoy the day.

Where the money goes

Last year more than £30,000 was raised as a result of the main event on the day, as well as the cabarets, dinners and auctions run by the boarding houses. 60% of that went to charities and organisations within a 10 mile radius of Repton, including St Wystan's and the United Reformed Church, the Repton Scout Group, Repton Neighbourhood Help, Repton Casuals, Repton Village Hall, Repton Primary School and Newton Solney Infant School. We hope that each year the combined good work of the School and village can make a real difference to the excellent work they do.

How money is distributed

After the money is counted, there is a meeting of stallholders and pupils from the School. In the first instance, suggestions and requests for donations should be made to stall-holders or boarding house representatives. Alternatively, Dan Clark (the organiser at the School) is always happy to have donation requests by letter to the School from anyone who has an interest in a particular cause.

We need your help!

To raise such large sums of money requires a lot of hard work. Gifts and help in making items like cakes or craft work would be very much appreciated. The following stalls rely on your support, and the stallholders would greatly welcome gifts direct to them in Repton or to Pears School on the day.

Extra help is always useful, so anyone who is willing to be involved on the day should contact any stall holder or Penny Holroyd at The Hall.

Do come along this year and help raise a significant sum for charity whilst purchasing worthwhile items and having lots of fun.

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Repton W.I.

At the Annual General Meeting, a new committee was elected - Ann, Audrey, Joyce, Hilary, Denise, Linda, Bridget, Jan, Joan and Karen - the officers remaining the same. The treasurer reported a healthy balance in the accounts.

Hilary reported on the annual council meeting at the Assembly Rooms in Derby, attended by 5 members; Monty Halls of TV fame was the main guest speaker. The spring council meeting to be held in Chesterfield will have Dame Jenni Murray as its main speaker. It is Repton's turn to send a delegate to the annual meeting in the Royal Albert Hall next May. Hilary had organised a lunch at the Mulberry Restaurant at Burton College, and members had enjoyed a visit to the Brewhouse Theatre. Members also heard about Adele and Linda joining other Derbyshire members on a weekend at Denman College. Those who had never visited Denman before were encouraged to go and enjoy the courses and beautiful surroundings on offer. Finally, a lovely selection of refreshments included samples of Linda's course at Denman.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 8th November at 7.15 pm in the village hall: We will learn how to make boxes for Christmas. Visitors are always welcome.

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Village Games ~ Netball Coaches

Village Games has been running for just over a year, and with over 700 participations a month over a variety of activities for all ages, the project is really making a difference. In Repton, table tennis, tai chi and the Repton Runners are all thriving, the last spectacularly so. A project for young people will take a few months to get off the ground, and a couple more volunteers are needed before it starts, but things look promising; a similar project in Willington has been very successful.

Now we are also looking for level 1 or 2 netball coaches in order to start Back2Netball sessions in South Derbyshire. If you or anyone you know would be interested in this opportunity, or you would be interested in starting something else, please contact me on 07909 442996.

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Community Speedwatch

I am grateful to the team of 12 volunteers, 7 from Repton School and 5 from the village, who undertook Speedwatch in September. Fewer drivers were caught speeding than on previous operations in Repton, but this is probably because more people had the good sense to slow down when they saw the warning signs and high-visibility jackets! However, we still reported 118 motorists, of whom 6 were exceeding 45 mph, one of them doing 50 mph! 5 motorists who were seen using mobile phones were also reported.

118 infringements is just the tip of the iceberg, and despite the efforts of the Speedwatch team, speeding in Repton remains a problem. One lesson we have learned is that one law-abiding driver can slow the speed of the cars behind him, so if all Repton residents keep our speed below 30 mph, it will force everyone behind us to slow down, as well as setting a good example.

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The Repton Runners

With the dark nights upon us, the Repton Runners are beginning to think creatively about how we can bring variety to our Wednesday evening runs. In mid-October, for example, fifteen hardy souls tackled the first ever 'Repton Three Peaks' challenge!

The search for alternative winter training venues has so far proved unsuccessful with the much desired facilities of Repton School already fully utilised. The quest continues, however, as we are determined to offer our runners a full and varied winter training programme.

Twelve people are taking part in our current beginners' course, and are all making great progress. Five more weeks and they will be able to run a mile, which is no mean feat!

The Repton Runners meet every Wednesday evening at 7.30 outside The Red Lion. Do contact me to find out more.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Repton Youth Project: Volunteers are being sought to help establish a new youth project in the village. This will be a youth-driven project for young people who live in this area, and a variety of activities is planned including sports, the arts and dance. Volunteers of all ages and with a range of skills are needed to make this a success. If you could spare a few hours each week and would like further information on this project please contact Toni Jantschenko on 07909 442996.
• Tree Give-away: Local residents can again apply for free trees including spindle, alder buckthorn, hazel and bird cherry. You need to apply before the end of this month at www.south-derbys.gov.uk/freetreescheme or 01283 595795. Trees can be collected on Sunday 27th November from the Forestry Centre at Rosliston.
• Sale of Amenity Land: A small parcel of District Council amenity land at the junction of Askew Grove and The Crescent was sold to the developer of nearby housing. Repton Parish Council made representations to South Derbyshire District Council on the basis that a village asset had been lost. District Councillor Peter Smith pressed the matter further on our behalf and secured the very welcome agreement that a sum of £5,000 will be donated towards a local capital project for the benefit of the community.
• Drug Dealing: Recently there have been reliable reports of drug dealing in Repton. This is not the first time and it is no reflection on the locality, as it can happen anywhere. One of the ways deals are conducted is for two cars to park close together so that the occupants can trade without getting out. This often occurs after dark in secluded car parks, gateways, lanes or cul-de-sacs. Not only does this activity bring the obvious drugs risk, it also increases the likelihood of other crime in the area. If you see any suspicious behaviour, please notify Derbyshire Police, ideally with a registration number, on 0345 123 33 33, or, should you wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. At all times please ensure your personal safety is paramount.
• Vote now! 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 permanently protecting 2012 outdoor recreational spaces proposed by communities all across the country. The Parish Council is applying to register Broomhills Playing Field, but the final list of protected spaces is being selected by public vote. Please add your support. Visit www.qe2fields.com, click on 'Cast your vote' (at the top) and search by postcode.

Next meeting: Monday 14th November at 7.30 pm in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

At our annual general meeting, Jane Smith was re-elected president, and Sue Goodwin served members with delicious refreshments. Later we discussed the arrangements and made table decorations for the Milton Group meeting in October.

What a wild and wonderful evening we then had! Steve, our presenter, introduced us to many tropical and exotic creatures. What a delight it was for members to feel and hold snakes and spiders! The cute baby meerkat (you know, the insurance ad cat) was the smelliest thing in the room; the furry black and white skunk was fragrant by comparison. Possibly the star of the presentation was an animal that looked like a cat, had markings like a tabby, but was definitely not a cat. The antics it performed for a morsel of chicken had the audience enthralled.

The jungle-themed evening continued after refreshments as the Milton amateur thespians performed a short sketch about saving the rainforest.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 16th November at 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. The speaker will be demonstrating card making.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infants School

Community Collective Worship is now held on the first Thursday morning of the month at 9.15 in the school hall. The remaining dates for this term are, 3rd November and 1st December. On the 3rd November the teacher will be talking to the children about Operation Christmas Child boxes. You are most welcome to come along.

Christmas Fair: Please join us once again for our Christmas Fair on Saturday 3rd December between 2 and 4 pm. There will be traditional stalls, games, refreshments and, of course, an opportunity to meet Santa.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Tuesday 1st November, 2.30 pm

Following St Mary's Ploughman's Lunch , there will be a business meeting, followed by 'Reminiscences of an Army Bandsman', a talk by Alan Hopkins.

Tuesday 15th November

A trip to Trentham. The coach will leave the Unicorn Inn at 9.30 am, returning to Newton by 3 pm. To book a place, members are asked to sign up on the list that is circulating, or to contact Jane Bagshaw on 01283 564520. If there are spare places, non-members are welcome to join us.

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Newton Solney W.I.

Opening our meeting, President Hazel Ward reminded us about the Mulberry Room Lunch and the Milton Group Meeting later in the month. The Pies and Puds lunch was well attended and a great success; thanks were paid to all involved. Carol Checketts gave us a preview of her 'glove puppet' competition entry, and Joan Buchanan reported on the Autumn Council meeting in Derby, where Sheila Taylor spoke about the horrors of sexual exploitation and her involvement with the Safe & Sound organisation; the closing speaker was Monty Halls, a Marine Biologist.

We still need a left-handed knitter for the 'knit one pass it on' scheme, which has re-started in the school. Volunteers are asked to sign up to help provide entertainment for our December meeting. We will again be providing refreshments for the village bonfire, and celebrate our 80th birthday on 17th November with an evening meal and entertainment at the Newton Park Hotel. On Sunday 4th December we will be visiting Shugborough for their candle-lit Victorian Christmas evening.

'Auntie, the war's over' was an amusing presentation by Chris Knight about emptying his auntie's home as she prepared to move. He brought along an array of everyday items hoarded over several decades, from paper bags of long-gone local stores to magazines and recipe books; with his stories and display Chris took us all on a trip down Memory Lane.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 8th November: AGM followed by members swishing (swapping) their unwanted accessories and a birthday celebration. Whist Drive: Tuesday 29th November. Both welcome new members; the whist drive is open to members and non-members alike. Both are at 7.30 pm in the village hall.

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Newton Solney Parish Council News

Summer Holiday Activities: This year's activities have again proved to be extremely successful. In total, 64 local young people enjoyed the free sessions at the climbing wall and sportsmobile. We hope to be able to provide this scheme again next summer.

Diamond Jubilee: We are planning to organise a village event to celebrate the Jubilee next year, and would welcome suggestions from members of the Parish on how to mark this special occasion. If you have any ideas or would like to get involved in its organisation, please contact a member of the Parish Council.

Low Carbon Village Project: Last week the Parish Council distributed information to each home in the village regarding grants for cavity wall insulation. This has generated a much better response with a number of applications, but there is still time to make yours; please contact Ron Parker on 07863 359129 for details.

Next Meeting: Friday 11th November at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

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Further Afield

'Stamp & Deliver'

Stamp & Deliver, which has been delivering your Christmas cards since 1982, will operate again this year between 2nd and 15th December. It is run by Derby & District Scouts, and all profits go to local Scout and Guide Groups and local charities. Since the scheme's inception, £95,442.12 has been raised for numerous charities, 10% of all the money raised from the sale of special stamps during that period.

Details of where to buy stamps and post cards will be in next month's Parish Magazine. Meanwhile, look out for the leaflet through your letter box. In general the delivery area will include all of Derby, and 85 of its suburbs and surrounding villages, extending to Breaston in the east, Belper to the north, Hatton and Hilton to the west and Ticknall and Melbourne to the south. Cards can't be delivered to other areas.

This year's nominated charities are Children First and Derbyshire Childrens' Holiday Centre. For many years the latter has provided a holiday in Skegness for Derbyshire children who otherwise would not get a break away from their homes. Children First is a befriending service for families with vulnerable children in Derby; it has been working with family referrals since the late 1990s. Along with the Scout and Guide Groups participating in Stamp and Deliver, both organisations rely on your support to provide the services they offer.

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Gardening Notes

This month can see some of the coldest winter weather, so make sure that tender and borderline tender plants are adequately protected. Even shrubs grown against a warm wall may need protection in a hard winter. A double layer of fleece will protect shrubs from cold winds and low temperatures, but the roots must be protected too: a layer of bracken or straw around the base will help.

In the border, cut back herbaceous plants that are not needed to provide winter interest or feed the birds. The roots of perennials such as penstemons, which are often killed by frost or excessive wet, should be covered with a layer of compost at least 5 - 8 cm deep; shredded prunings, bark chips, leaf mould and fallen leaves are suitable, but don't use nitrogen-rich composts such as mushroom compost, manure and garden compost, as winter rains will wash the nitrogen through the soil and waste it.

Reduce the height of tall roses by a third to lessen windrock, which loosens the roots. Climbing roses should have their main pruning now, tying in strong shoots laterally to the wires to encourage flower buds to form. Hybrid tea and floribunda roses will also benefit from having their height reduced somewhat, but leave the main pruning till spring. Tie in the whippy shoots of other wall-trained plants to prevent weather damage.

Take hardwood cuttings of soft fruit bushes and root cuttings of plants such as oriental poppies, verbascum, eryngium and phlox; cuttings of thicker roots should be about 6 - 8 cm long, but thinner roots such as primulas' need to be longer at 8 - 10 cm.

To increase stock, lift and divide rhubarb crowns, cutting them into several sections with a sharp knife, each having an eye or bud.

Prune grapes before Christmas; any later and they will bleed from the cuts. This also applies to birches, laburnums and walnuts. Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, hedging and raspberry canes. Soak the roots in a bucket of water for an hour first. Water recently planted evergreens, which can dry out in windy weather.

To prevent winter moth damage, put grease bands around the trunks of fruit trees about 45 cm above soil level. Spray peaches against peach leaf curl.

Keep greenhouses frost-free, but ventilate whenever possible. Plants in the cool greenhouse are not actively growing, so stop feeding, and only water when the top layer of compost dries out. Cyclamen are very susceptible to grey mould; water carefully, preferably from below, and avoid wetting the leaves. Cacti should hardly be watered at all. Chrysanthemums grown in pots and moved to the greenhouse should be cut down when flowering has finished and kept almost dry until spring, when they can be watered to produce shoots for cuttings.

Sweep leaves up regularly, and make a point of clearing them from lawns. Except for evergreens, most can be used to make leaf mould, although oak and beech are best.

Lawns may need a final cut with the blades set high. Otherwise it is time to service, or at least clean and oil the machine and store it in a dry place until spring.

Inspect pots of indoor bulbs; any with shoots of 2 cm or more can be moved to the greenhouse or a cool window, except for paperwhite narcissi, which can be moved to a warm room to flower before Christmas.