December 2011 - Contents Anticipation 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 Christmas at the U. R. C. Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Funerals and Burial of Ashes Brenda Winifred Wibberley Pamela Carr Obituaries Brenda Winifred Wibberley The Memorial Book Derby Diocese Diocese approves Women Bishops Repton Benefice Christmas Services New Year's Eve Watch-night Service New Year's Day: only one service at St Wystan's Church The New Vicar St Wystan's News Christmas Tree Festival, Friday 9th to Monday 12th December Community Praise, Sunday 11th December Christmas Concert in aid of St Wystan's Church spire repairs, Thursday 1st December St Wystan's Church 'dos' Repton M.U. Sewers Wanted! St Mary's News Newton Solney Christmas Cards Cheese and Wine Evening, Thursday 1st December Gerald Finzi ~ In Terra Pax, Saturday 3rd December Repton School Carol Service, Sunday 4th December Repton School Christmas Band Concert, 7th and 8th December First Wednesday Lunch, Wednesday 7th December Santa's Sleigh Lands in Repton, Friday 9th December Repton Christmas Tree Festival, Friday 9th - Monday 12th December Community Praise, Sunday 11th December Donkey for Sale, Sunday 11th December RBL Children's Christmas Party, Sat 17th December Charities Home-Start Environment Matters Have yourself an eco-friendly Christmas You and your Pet Liver Disease Neighbourhood Watch Repton Village and History Sale of Work Thank you! Repton Beavers Repton Cubs Congratulations to Les Pearson Repton Village Hall Repton W.I. Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society 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 Christmas Cards Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney Parish Council News Newton Solney W.I. Local Information Derby & District Scouts deliver your Christmas Mail Help for elderly and disabled Homeowners Warmstreets A new Police Non-emergency Number Save a Life Broadband Survey Why not Cardboard? Gardening Notes

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Anticipation

"Are we there yet?" A familiar cry, heard by all who carry young children in the car. Children don't like waiting, but once a year we do make them wait, and that is for the opening of presents on Christmas Day. In fact the waiting actually increases the excitement of the day itself.

Recently I celebrated 50 years as a clergyman. Many changes have happened during these 50 years, but one of the most noticeable has been the virtual disappearance of the season of Advent. Carol Services, Christingle Services, Christmas Tree Festivals, all with their atmosphere of joy and wonder, are a great contrast to the traditional Advent themes of Death, Heaven, Hell and Judgement. Perhaps the modern world is right to concentrate on the Christmas themes of love and joy rather than the centuries old traditions of the Church.

Yet I do wonder if we lose something of the excitement of the Christmas Day services because we anticipate Christmas thoughout December. (Just as a wedding and then setting up home together lose something of the magic when most wedding couples today have been living together for years).

Certainly, December for Repton Church is a frantic month. With so much taking place, it will be almost impossible to fit in a funeral in the first two weeks of December, and by the time we come to Christmas Day, most church people will be exhausted. I used to love the atmosphere of the Midnight Communion when the Christmas hymns were sung for the first time.

Am I being old-fashioned? Perhaps I am. Maybe we should anticipate Christmas by thanking God every day for sending Jesus into the world. Perhaps we should anticipate Easter as well by celebrating the Resurrection, not just on Easter Sunday but on every Sunday, the first day of the week, as the disciples did, knowing that Jesus is alive and always with us.

I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas.

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

Except for Carols by Candlelight and Christmas Day Services, all 'special' services this year are at St Wystan's.

St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

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Readers, Intercessors and Offertory at St Wystan's

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Altar Flowers (contact Frances Wimbush, 703180)

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Brasses (contact Sue Parker, 702550)

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Altar Flowers & Cleaning at St Saviour's (contact Ann Redfern, 01332 862350)

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The United Reformed Church

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Christmas at the U. R. C.

Posada

Sign up to give a night's shelter to the holy family!

Sunday 11th December: Children's Nativity Services

This year we are presenting a new light-hearted look at the story - through the eyes of a donkey! Humour, songs and a cast who can't wait to entertain you at both the morning and evening services. The evening service will be followed by coffee and mince pies.

Sunday 18th December: Christingle Service

Everyone makes their own Christingle to take home and let its light shine throughout the season.

Sunday 18th December: Candlelight Carols

Always a popular service, singing all your favourite carols in the candles' glow, followed by coffee and mince pies.

Christmas Morning at 10.30 am

A service for all the family that lasts about half an hour. Bring a present to show to the congregation!

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Brenda Winifred Wibberley, formerly of Newton Close, Newton Solney died on Monday 17th October aged 77. A funeral service at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on 31st October was followed by cremation at Bretby.

Pamela Carr, formerly of Burton Road, Repton, died on Sunday 6th November aged 84. Cremation at Bretby on 28th November was followed by a memorial service at St Wystan's Church, Repton.

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Obituaries

Brenda Winifred Wibberley
18th February 1934 - 17th October 2011

Brenda Wibberley was a very genuine person, known and loved for her warmth and sense of humour.

Born in Derby, Brenda was educated at Parkfields Cedars Grammar School, before leaving at 16 to work at British Rail. This was an 'in-between' job, however, and when she reached 18, she left to pursue a career in nursing. Initial training at King's College Hospital was followed by midwifery training in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and a theatre course in Surrey, where she worked in Chertsey. But in the late 1950s, following the death of her mother, Brenda returned to live with her father in Derby, and to work at Derby City Hospital, where she rose to be Nursing Officer. Later she transferred to the Queen's Hospital in Burton, spending the last ten years of her working life as Midwife Manager of the Midwifery Unit. It was a very successful career, and throughout, Brenda's fairness and integrity won her the loyalty and admiration of her colleagues.

Brenda had moved to Newton Solney in 1973, shortly before the death of her father, and following her retirement in 1991, she enjoyed playing a much greater role in the local community. She served at various times as treasurer of the W.I., treasurer of the Art Group, trustee of the William Ratcliff almshouses and was later Clerk to the Trustees. As a keen gardener, she was very proud of winning the Best Front Garden award.

Retirement also gave her the opportunity to develop her talents as an artist and woodworker, and as a committed Christian and faithful member of the St Mary's Church, she enjoyed doing the flowers there. She found time for keep fit and badminton, as well as the occasional holiday, including trips to France with the Art Group.

A few years ago she developed brain cancer, and when she became too ill to look after herself she moved to the Charlotte James Nursing Home in Shobnall, where she spent the last two years of her life.

Although she never married, Brenda's warmth and her ability to make and keep friends ensured that she was always surrounded by people who cared for her. A packed congregation at her funeral bore witness to her exceptional popularity.

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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

Diocese approves Women Bishops

At the autumn meeting of the Diocesan Synod, the Diocese of Derby approved draft legislation which would allow women to become bishops in the Church of England. Both bishops voted in favour, as did just over two-thirds of both the clergy and the laity. A motion calling for greater provision for those opposed to the legislation was rejected by similar numbers.

The Archdeacon of Chesterfield, Christine Wilson, said: "This is not an issue of justice or equality, it is about vocation. It is time to move forward and allow women to fulfil their vocation."

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Repton Benefice

Christmas Services

Except for Carols by Candlelight and Christmas Day Services, all 'special' services this year are at St Wystan's.

Parish Communion and Gift Service: Sunday 11th December, 9.45 am

In previous years we have donated wrapped presents for the children of families supported by 'Home-Start South Derbyshire', but Home-Start has now relocated to smaller premises and no longer has room for storage.

In the recent 'cuts', Home-Start has lost some of its funding, so it would instead really appreciate donations of money to help finance the next training course for new volunteers, starting in January (see page 22). If you would like to contribute, please bring cash or a cheque payable to 'Home-Start South Derbyshire'. Your gifts will be received during the service as usual, and Lorna Baker, the fundraising trustee at Home Start, will be there to tell us more about its work. The children will not be forgotten: this year their gifts will come from Derek's Tree in Cooper's Square in Burton.

Community Praise and Thanksgiving Service: Sunday 11th December, 6.30 pm

This short service, with favourite carols and short readings, will take place during the Christmas Tree Festival celebrations. The fir tree will be acknowledged as a sign of Christ and a symbol of His birth at Christmas.

Christingle Service: Sunday 18th December, 4 pm

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

Christmas Carol Services: Sundays 4th and 18th December

4th: Foremark at 6.30 pm; 18th: Newton Solney at 4 pm, Repton at 6.30 pm

The churches will be candlelit for these popular services. At Foremark we welcome the boarders from Foremarke School, and the Chamber Choir will sing anthems. Afterwards, by the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Merriman, there will be coffee and mince pies in the assembly hall.

Crib Service: Christmas Eve, 4 pm

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

Midnight Communion: Christmas Eve, 11.30 pm

This is the first Communion of Christmas, and we welcome the Bishop of Repton, Bishop Humphrey, to take the service. The crib is blessed and we sing popular carols.


Newton Solney, 10 am

Christmas Communion will be led by Rev'd June Scott.

St Wystan's, Holy Communion, 8 am; Family Carol Service, 10.30

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


The Watch-night Service at 11.30 pm welcomes in the New Year and will be followed by bell-ringing, refreshments and, hopefully, fireworks as well.


On Sunday 1st January, following all the Christmas services and festivities, the only service at St Wystan's Church will be Parish Communion at 9.45 am, when we will celebrate the Naming and Circumcision of Jesus. The usual 'first Sunday' pattern of services will resume in February.

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The New Vicar

At the beginning of November the Bishop and Board of Patronage advertised for our new vicar, hoping to find a person who will be:

• a committed team player,
• enthusiastic about parish life in a village setting,
• sympathetic to our inclusive and welcoming traditions in worship and mission, and
• a person of vision and energy, committed to mission and pastoral work in the benefice and to building up relationships in the wider deanery and diocese.

The post is described as 'significant', and it is hoped to appoint a priest who will contribute to the shaping of Church for Mission across the Deanery and MMA. The closing date for applications is the 28th November, with interviews in January.

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St Wystan's News

Christmas Tree Festival, Friday 9th to Monday 12th December
Friday, Saturday and Monday, 11 am - 5 pm; Sunday, 1 - 5 pm

Do come and enjoy this year's Christmas Tree Festival at St Wystan's Church. The church will look magnificent with a display of trees decorated by local organisations or individuals on the theme of 'Toys and Pastimes'. You will have fun guessing which organisation has decorated which tree, but there will be a programme to help you out if need be.

Entrance costs £2, children free, with the proceeds shared between the Children's Society and the church. Refreshments will be available, and there will also be a craft stall. It is perhaps worth emphasising that with the twin boilers now bedded in, we can expect the church to be warm!

Community Praise

On Sunday 11th December at 6.30 pm there will be a short 'Community Praise' service, consisting of favourite hymns, carols and short spoken pieces. This will be followed by refreshments.

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Christmas Concert in aid of St Wystan's Church spire repairs
Thursday 1st December at 7 pm

Everybody is welcome to Foremarke Hall's Christmas Concert, which this year takes place at St Wystan's Church. Ninety children will perform in a programme of music for the orchestra, wind band, chamber groups, soloists and choir.

Tickets - £5 each, concessions £3, to include a glass of wine after the concert - are available from Sue Parker on 01283 702550 or from the school on 01283 707100.

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St Wystan's Church 'dos'

Despite the poor summer, we have been lucky with the weather for most of our dos during the summer and autumn, and we are very grateful to everyone who hosted or arranged them.

In June, John and Evelyn Cawdron hosted a very enjoyable, and well attended Sunday lunch, and the following month - wisely moved forward from August - we had at last a fine and sunny evening for the church BBQ chez John and Karen Perks. However, it was a Strawberry Tea in August that really brought out the sun, and we enjoyed sharing John and Janet Talbot's relaxing garden. Following that, 'Tapas and Tipple' with Fred and Morag Hill turned into a lively and enjoyable party. In October, Steve and Wendy Longden hosted a coffee morning, and Louise Chilton organised a bridge afternoon, both a real success.

Again, thank you to you all for your hard work; it's really appreciated. Thank you too to all who attended - it was good to see so many people coming. And not only did we enjoy ourselves, we also raised over £1,000 for church funds.

In and among, instead of the traditional Harvest Supper this year, we had a Harvest Lunch in church, following the Harvest Festival service. It was well attended, and, with an excellent variety of food, very enjoyable. We will definitely do that again next year!

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Repton M.U.

After the usual short service Glenda and Norman Brewin showed slides of their pilgrimage to the Holy Land. They were accompanied by the Bishop of Repton, and though visits to an amazing number of Biblical sites were packed into their eight days, there was still time for prayer and celebration of Holy Communion. As their guide, a Palestinian Christian, reminded them in a special prayer, they were pilgrims not tourists.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 21st December at 2.15 pm in the Fisher Close Room: 'A Christmas Celebration', with carols, readings and seasonal refreshments. This will be the last meeting of the Repton Branch of the Mothers' Union till circumstances make it possible to reopen.

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Sewers Wanted!

The Dorcas sewing group is delighted that Julia Banbury has kindly volunteered to be our inspirational 'Queen Bee'. Now we are seeking three or four keen needle-workers to join us two or three times a month at Julia's home, probably on a Thursday or Friday, to start work on new church festival display banners.

You don't need to be a regular church attender, simply someone keen to maintain and nurture the beauty of our parish church. With a preliminary planning meeting before Christmas to discuss designs, we may even have our first banner displayed for next Easter! If you are interested, please telephone Julia Banbury on 01283 702226, or Wendy Mair on 01283 537813.

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St Mary's News

Newton Solney Christmas Cards

Photographs taken during last year's Christmas Tree Festival, and now printed as Christmas cards, are on display in the south aisle of St Mary's Church. To buy them, please sign the accompanying list or contact Jennifer Haynes on 703827.

The Dales Residential Home for Older People Askew Grove, Repton Cheese and Wine Evening (including a Quiz with a Prize) Thursday 1st December, 7 - 9 pm Tickets £3.50 from The Dales - All proceeds to the Dales Amenities Fund

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 Tickets £10 from Jenny Jones, 01283 704054, Foulds of Derby, 01332 988973, and on the door.

Repton School Carol Service for parents, staff and parish, followed by a reception in the Library Sunday 4th December at 6.30 pm in Repton School Chapel No ticket required

Repton School Christmas Band Concert Repton School Concert and Jazz Bands and Foremarke Hall Wind Band Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th December at 7.30 pm 400 Hall, Repton School Free tickets are available from the Lodge (by the Arch)

First Wednesday Lunches Wednesday 7th December from 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church £4.   Homemade soup, bread and cheese followed by coffee.   And a chat! Everyone welcome. Do come!

Santa's Sleigh Lands in Repton Friday 9th December starting at about 6.30 pm from Main Street, sleighing into High Street, Askew Grove, Springfield Road, Longlands, Meadow Close, Hill View, Pinfold Close, Pinfold Lane. Please allow time for Santa to arrive in your area Swadlincote Round Table

Repton Christmas Tree Festival Friday 9th - Monday 12th December St Wystan's Church Friday, Saturday and Monday, 11 am - 5 pm; Sunday, 1 - 5 pm Entry £2 (children free) Refreshments available ~ Craft stall In aid of St Wystan's Church & The Children's Society

Repton Christmas Tree Festival Community Praise Sunday 11th December at 6.30 pm A short service of favourite hymns, carols and short spoken pieces followed by refreshments

Repton United Reformed Church Children's Christmas Nativity Services Donkey for Sale presented by the children and young people with songs and lots of laughter Sunday 11th December, 11 am and 6.30 pm

Repton Royal British Legion Children's Christmas Party Sat 17th December, 6 - 8 pm Xmas Disco : Party Nosh : Prizes : Games : Face painting Surprise Guest Appearance Limited spaces. Tickets from RBL & Willington Post Office Further details from Jude Pearce, 704417, Nicky Smith, or RBL

Charities

Home-Start

. . . is a charity supporting parents with at least one child under five.

Although it has now been taken up in many other countries, Home-Start originated in Leicester in the early 1970s, when Margaret Harrison, a voluntary worker there, recognized the extent to which parents need support through difficult times. Despite its global reach, the work it does, with individual volunteers supporting individual families, is intensely small-scale and local.

Families need support for all sorts of reasons, from postnatal illness to disability, illness to bereavement, sleeping problems to social isolation. Volunteers visit them in their own home offering informal, friendly and confidential support, helping them to get on their feet again and enjoy their family life. Some need help for only a few months, others for much longer.

Volunteers come from many different backgrounds and vary in age, but all are parents. They are carefully selected for their friendliness and understanding, and their ability to maintain confidentiality. Parents who have been visited often become volunteers themselves. They are neither paid nor are they professionals, so they don't replace the Health Visitor or Social Worker. After training they give about 2-3 hours a week of their time and their expenses are paid. And they are supported with ongoing training and regular supervision.

Home-Start is currently recruiting volunteers

The next preparation course starts on 31st January. It covers issues such as confidentiality, safeguarding and working with families and children, and runs for eight weeks from 9.30 am - 2.30 pm. After that, volunteers will be matched with a family.

If you are interested and have parenting experience, please call 01283 225586 to find out more, or see www.homestartsouthderbyshire.org.uk. You could change a family's life; you'll certainly change your own!

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Environment Matters

Have yourself an eco-friendly Christmas

• Clear out beforehand to make space for your new presents! Charity shops always need more stock.
• Defrost your freezer. It will run better and create more space for leftover food.
• Save money by planning ahead; make a shopping list and stick to it.
• Make personalised gift tags from old Christmas cards, glitter and ribbons. Be creative. This could be a good activity for children on a dark December afternoon.
• For safety's sake, switch off Christmas lights when you leave the house and when you go to bed.
• Many websites have ideas for using up leftovers; try lovefoodhatewaste.com/recipes.
• If you are having a real Christmas tree and want to replant it afterwards, choose one that is pot grown. Alternatively, SDDC runs recycling points after Christmas.
• Although the Woodland Trust no longer runs its scheme to recycle Christmas cards, cards can be recycled in Repton at Burton Road Car Park, among other places.

And in between, have a happy Christmas!

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You and your Pet

Liver Disease

The liver has over 500 jobs in the body; it destroys toxins, combats infections, and releases energy from food into the bloodstream for the body to function normally. If you eat too much, the excess is stored as fat. The normal liver is a purplish colour, but becomes yellowish if there is too much fat. Closely associated with the liver is the gall bladder, which produces bile.

Liver disease can affect both dogs and cats at any age and for a number of different reasons. It can be diagnosed by blood samples and may in some cases require a liver biopsy. The good news is that the liver has an excellent capacity for regeneration; it can regenerate up to 75% of its mass.

By far the most common liver disease in cats is cholangitis - inflammation of the biliary tract - which can also be associated with pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel syndrome. This can cause a variety of signs including anorexia, lethargy, vomiting and weight loss. In certain cases the disease is especially painful. There may even be jaundice present; this is where the skin takes on a yellow tinge, and there may be fluid in the abdomen. Another common condition in cats is hepatic lipidosis, the cause of which remains unknown. It is most commonly seen in obese cats that have undergone a 50% reduction in weight.

There are no specific treatments for liver disease. Treatments available include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anti-fibrotics and SAMe. Another commonly used liver treatment is milk thistle, which produces an anti-oxidant that makes the liver environment friendlier. They can be used in acute liver disease and cirrhosis (where excess fibrous tissue is laid down in the liver). Anti-sickness medications and B vitamins can also be useful. There are special liver diets on the market that are balanced to give the liver less work to do. These include Hills L/D and Royal Canin Hepatic. The addition of low fat cottage cheese can also help.

Dogs also suffer from liver and biliary disease, like the Great Dane Schmeichel in Coronation Street. Both species can have liver cancer, which sadly carries a very poor prognosis.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Abandoned: A JCB digger abandoned in Repton High Street on 9th November had been stolen shortly before from a construction yard in Foston. A police officer became suspicious when he saw the digger driving through Willington. However, when he pulled the driver over to question him, thief ran off. This is one of a spate of similar thefts locally. If you have information but haven't yet spoken to the police, please do.

Sheds and garages are often targeted. When you use your garage or shed, try not to leave the door open longer than necessary. Cover or darken the windows to hide the contents.

Freezing Weather: So far, so good, but cold weather will come. When it does, please check on your vulnerable and older neighbours to ensure that they have sufficient heat and food. If you are worried about them, contact the police who will ensure the appropriate people are told. If you yourself are feeling vulnerable in any way as a result of the bad weather, please tell your neighbours, friends, relatives, or the police.

Distraction burglary is a very distressing crime, and older people are particularly at risk. Commonly, thieves (sometimes alone) call at your home, claiming to work for the water board and asking to check the water pressure. Or perhaps they ask to check gas and electricity. Then, when your back is turned they steal any valuables or cash that they find.

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

Thank you!

A big thank you to the many people who kindly made cakes for the Sale of Work cake stall this year. Your efforts were greatly appreciated by both the organisers and the happy purchasers.

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Repton Beavers, Boys & Girls from 5¾ to 8

The Beavers who attended the Halloween District Sleepover visited Conkers, and had a halloween party with apple bobbing and lantern making. Beavers will be making Christmas tree decorations for the Beavers Tree at the Christmas Tree Festival. Please contact Liz Massey-Beeston on 703314 if you want to know more about Beavers.

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Repton Cubs, Boys & Girls aged 7½ to 10½

Cubs are having a sleepover at the Den this month. Last year's sleepover surprise was waking up to the first snow - let's see what this year's brings!

All the Cubs are now sporting new shirts painted with their own designs. This month they will be designing and making Christmas tree decorations. To know more about Cubs, please contact Jez Brooks on 07799882338.

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Congratulations to Les Pearson

. . . who has been named South Derbyshire Sports Awards Sportsperson of the Year. Judges said that the calibre of this year's entries was higher than ever.

The honour comes after a year in which Les, a former European champion in the 25 metres single shot precision pistol competition, won English and British Championship titles for both rifle and pistol shooting. Les, who lives in Repton, has represented England and Great Britain for pistol shooting on many occasions, competing in many countries across the world. His daughters, Kathryn and Jennifer have both been British Pistol Shooting Champions and have also represented England and Great Britain.

Les, a member of Repton Rifle and Pistol Club as well as Swadlincote Rifle and Pistol Club, took up the sport some years ago after injury put paid to his running career. He teaches physical education at the De Ferrers Academy in Burton, and has already been selected for the Great Britain team in next year's World Muzzle Loading Pistol Championships in Germany.

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Repton Village Hall

. . . was built on its present site in Askew Grove in 1973, after the previous hall on the High Street burnt down. The building is a 'Vic Hallam' frame construction, with wooden frames and wood / glazing infill panels. In 1978 the W.I. paid for a brick extension at the rear of the Hall to provide a stage, changing room and bar.

The hall is extensively used, and a major village asset. It has been carefully maintained over the years but it is now well past its design life; the side panels and front extension are becoming unrepairable.

Future Development

Exploring the way forward, the Management Committee has considered five options:

1. Do nothing: Eventually the hall would become unusable; in view of its importance to the village, we want to avoid this option at all costs.
2. Relocate the facilities to alternative venues and close the hall: However, for the larger events there are no local affordable halls, and the smaller halls in the village could not cope with the increased demand for other use.
3. Rebuild on the present site: The hall would be closed for at least 6 months during rebuilding, and the cost would be about £600,000. We do not believe we could raise the money without the support of the Big Lottery Fund and other larger funding sources, but we have approached them, and they have indicated that they would not be able to help.
4. Rebuild on an alternative site: The cost would be similar to rebuilding on the present site. No sensible alternative sites within the village have been identified. The present location is felt to be ideal for the village as a whole, and for most of the users.
5. Refurbish the main hall and rebuild the front of the building to incorporate a separate meeting room and toilets for the disabled: The new elements would be more energy efficient and the work could be phased, reducing the impact on users. The total cost would be over £250,000.

This last option is seen by the Management Committee as the most sensible way forward. The Parish Council, Village Society and Repton School have been very generous in helping to start the fundraising required, and the Committee will be approaching other funding bodies to see what help they can offer. The Committee would be very grateful for financial and other support from hall users and others in the village.

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Repton W.I.

The November meeting began with news of one member whose roof, furniture and clothes had been badly damaged, and another who had fallen and damaged her shoulder. So it was a relief to hear how much members had enjoyed the Group Meeting organised by Milton W.I., where the Really Wild Evening proved to be just that. Although one member didn't like being so close to the snakes, all appreciated the excellent speaker, refreshments and entertainment.

Members had enjoyed lunch at the Mulberry Restaurant, and another was arranged for the end of November. On 18th January there will be a visit to the Brewhouse Theatre for members, partners and friends. Names were taken for the Spring Council Meeting.

Then Audrey and Hilary demonstrated how to make Christmas boxes, and the evening proved very industrious as boxes were produced with varying degrees of expertise.

Also during November, a work party made the W.I. tree decorations for the church Christmas Tree Festival, and Linda Shortt hosted a coffee morning and farewell to Wendy Bateman, as Wendy and Colin prepared for their move to be nearer their daughter in Chepstow.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 13th December at 7.15 pm in the village hall: Sylvia Martin will talk about 'Beatrix Potter and the National Trust', gifts will be exchanged (about £2, wrapped), and seasonal refreshments will be provided. As always, visitors will be very welcome.

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Repton Village History Group

We have had some excellent speakers recently and October was no exception, when Dr. Wendy Freer gave us a light-hearted talk entitled 'The Census Story'.

Tuesday 6th December

Our Christmas Social will be an informal meeting with a display of old postcards by Richard Farman depicting early aviation in the Burton area. Additionally we will have festive refreshments, which are always well received, and maybe a game or two.

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Repton Village Society

In November, George Hook, the last member of a family firm engaged in the Mother of Pearl trade in Birmingham, gave the Society one of its best talks ever. He provided examples of the raw material imported from Australia and the Far East, and described the processes still involved in producing buckles, jewellery, furniture inlays and bespoke buttons. He also traced the history of his firm, using a blend of fact and very dry humour in equal parts.

Afterwards Margaret Bromage reviewed the entries in this year's photographic competition and announced the winners: 1st Gillian Hartley, 2nd Roger Paulson, 3rd Eileen Saunders.

We are sorry to note that Wendy and Colin Bateman are leaving the village. Wendy has been a very active member of the committee and Membership Secretary for several years, and Colin has audited and signed off our accounts for a similar period. We thank them very much for their help and wish them well.

Thursday 1st December

Members' evening. Please purchase tickets at £3.50 in advance, to help us gauge the catering requirements.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Broadband Survey: Please take a few minutes to complete Derbyshire County Council's online survey, inviting your views on the speed, connection, and problems you face with your internet service, whether at home or at work. It will help the Council to demonstrate that Derbyshire needs investment and improvement to existing broadband services. See below for details.
• Repton Cross: Following repeated pleas from Parish Councillors, this historic monument may at last be protected from further traffic damage. A recent site meeting with County Councillor Martyn Ford and representatives from the Highways department brought agreement that DCC will draft plans which should be available in the New Year. These can then move forward once funding has been agreed.
• Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge: The Parish Council is making good progress in its nomination of Broomhills playing field as a permanently protected outdoor space. Thank you to everyone who voted, sometimes in the teeth of technological obstreperousness. Securing this local facility for future generations is one of the ways the village can celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Further information can be found at www.qe2fields.com.

Next meeting: Monday 12th December at 7.30 pm in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

At our November meeting, after Heather Vickers had demonstrated her card making skills, members had the opportunity to join in and create their own designs. Kay Dolman gave the vote of thanks.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 14th December at 7.30 pm - one week earlier than usual. Following a short business meeting, the committee will serve members with a hot meal followed by mince pies and coffee. Remember to bring your £3 bran tub gift.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney C of E (Aided) Infants School

Community Collective Worship will be held on Thursday 1st December at 9.15 in the school hall. You are most welcome to come along.

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

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Newton Solney Christmas Cards

Photographs taken during last year's Christmas Tree Festival, now printed as Christmas cards, are on display in the south aisle of St Mary's Church. To buy them, please sign the accompanying list or contact Jennifer Haynes on 703827.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Alan Hopkins was a great success at our November meeting. He changed his topic to 'Music through the Decades, up to the 1960s', and had samples of popular music from all the decades, often accompanying the CDs on his clarinet. It was a trip down memory lane for all of us. Later in the month we enjoyed an outing to Trentham.

Tuesday 6th December, 2.30 pm

Following our business meeting, some of our members have kindly offered to provide entertainment in the form of a cabaret. At the meeting we will also collect deposits of £60 for our spring holiday in Llandudno.

Tuesday, 13th December, 12.30 for 1 pm

Our Christmas Lunch at the Newton Park Hotel - members only.

Membership continues to grow. We now have 47 members, but new members and visitors will always be most welcome to our meetings or on our trips and activities. For further information, please contact our secretary, Jane Bagshaw, on 01283 564520.

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Newton Solney Parish Council News

• Broadband Survey: Frustrated with slow broadband? Please spare 5 minutes to complete DCC broadband survey and help draw attention to the plight of our village - stuck in the slow lane of the information superhighway! See below for details.
• Diamond Jubilee: Plans for a village event to mark the jubilee are still in their infancy. If you have any suggestions or would like to be involved in the organisation, please contact a member of the Parish Council.
• Low Carbon Village Project: Following Parish Council involvement, we have now received a good number of applications which are currently being processed.

Next Meeting: Friday 9th December at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

Newton Solney W.I.

Our November meeting opened with a short silence in memory of Brenda Wibberley, a former member who passed away last month. At the AGM we were pleased to have Judy Stanhope with us to help with the elections and official business. Hazel Ward remains our president, and the committee is unchanged apart from the welcome addition of Carole Checketts. Judy also discussed a recently received letter from the Sports and Leisure sub-committee, asking for members' views on visits.

Thanks were sent to Milton W.I. for an enjoyable Group Meeting in October; it turned out as promised, a really wild night! Then November saw us provide hot dogs for the village bonfire, and take part in Bretby's quiz. There was also the last Mulberry Rooms lunch until the New Year.

On Sunday 4th December, a group of us will be going to the Victorian Christmas candle-lit evening at Shugborough Hall, and the following Thursday, 8th December, we will be attending the carol service at Bretby Church. Members were asked to sign up for the county quiz at Etwall in March.

It is 80 years since Newton Solney W.I. was formed, and members celebrated with a glass of wine and a slice of birthday cake; later in the month there was a further celebration at the Newton Park Hotel.

Our meeting was rounded off with an accessory swishing event, raising funds for our W.I. This created much interest, as one woman's junk is another woman's treasure.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 13th December at 7.30 pm in the village hall. This will be our Christmas evening, and entertainment will be provided by several of our members before a bring and share supper. As always, new members are most welcome. Please note that there will be no whist drive this month.

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Local Information

Derby & District Scouts deliver your Christmas Mail

Stamp & Deliver, now in its 30th year, delivers as many as a quarter of a million Christmas cards each year. It is run entirely by volunteers as part of a programme that encourages Scouts to be friendly, tolerant and helpful, and all profits go to local Scout and Guide Groups and local charities. This year's nominated charities are Children First and Derbyshire Childrens' Holiday Centre.

Stamps cost 20p each, and can be bought at the following locations, where you can also post cards in the distinctive yellow posting boxes. (Cards must not be posted in Royal Mail boxes.)

	Repton:	the Dales; Mulberry Beauty Salon; Redshaws Family Butchers; Royal British Legion; Samaras; the Spar Shop.
	Milton:	the Swan Inn.
	Newton Solney:	Cranberries Hair Salon; The Unicorn.

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

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

Deliveries take place at weekends, when those under 16 can be supervised by an adult. The first collection will be on Friday 2nd December, and the final collection at 3 pm on Thursday 15th December, when all sales points will be closed. Cards will be delivered by Christmas Eve.

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Help for elderly and disabled Homeowners

Disabled people and over 55s in South Derbyshire are being offered 'Houseproud' loans to make repairs, enhancements or adaptations to their homes. The aim is to give the most vulnerable residents the support they need to live safely and independently.

Homeowners can borrow over £3,000 to fund improvements such as a new bathroom, electrical rewiring, heating, replacement doors and windows, or disabled adaptations including level access showers or a stairlift. Unlike other equity-based loans, Houseproud allows homeowners to use the equity in their homes to fund improvements. Experts can assist with assessing the works and finding reputable builders. The initiative, run by SDDC together with the not-for-profit Spirita Home Improvement Agency, offers no repossession or negative equity.

For further details, or to apply for a loan, call 0845 850 8013.

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Warmstreets

In conjunction with Apex Carbon Solutions, South Derbyshire District Council is promoting the Warmstreets energy saving scheme. It offers households an opportunity to have loft insulation installed for just £49 and cavity wall insulation for £99, subject to a survey. Those aged over 70 or on certain benefits may qualify for free insulation.

With rising energy costs and colder weather on the horizon, this is a good time to prepare for the winter, to save energy and money. The cost of the work can pay for itself in reduced fuel bills.

For more information call 0800 043 9569 or see www.warmstreets.co.uk.

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A new Police Non-emergency Number

A new telephone number - 101 - replaces the former 0345 123 3333 non-emergency number for matters that don't merit a 999 call, for example: if your car has been stolen or your property damaged; to report a minor traffic collision; where you suspect drug use or dealing; to give the police information about crime in your area; to speak to local officers. Calls from landlines and mobiles cost 15 pence per call.

The 0345 123 3333 number remains for contact from overseas. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired can call via textphone on 18001 101.

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Save a Life

You never know when you may need first aid; it could be in the home, at work or just out and about. Nationally, up to 150,000 people die each year in situations where first aid could have given them a chance to live.

Now free two-hour training courses are being offered to people across Derbyshire. The scheme, run by St John Ambulance, the British Heart Foundation and the East Midlands Ambulance Service, launched in September. It is a rolling programme, which over the next two years will cover the whole county.

The training will also equip people to deal with emergencies such as severe bleeding, heart attacks, choking, assessing an unconscious patient and CPR. Although sessions are mainly aimed at adults, anyone under the age of 16 can attend if accompanied by a responsible adult family member or guardian.

Funding from the British Heart Foundation is providing equipment and training resources. Courses take place locally. If clubs or groups would like to request a training course, or can offer a venue to host a course, the trainers are happy to come to you. Telephone 01246 560218 to book a place on a course near you.

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Broadband Survey

In many areas of Derbyshire, including locally, broadband provision is patchy, sometimes poor. Now there is a chance to air your frustrations and help get a faster service.

Derbyshire County Council is compiling a survey to determine which areas of the county suffer from slow or even unacceptable broadband provision. As well as providing evidence of present problems, it is also an opportunity to stimulate demand for better provision in future. DCC is surveying both residents and businesses; if you are a businessman living in Derbyshire, please complete both.

See www.derbyshire.gov.uk/broadbandsurvey. If you have no internet access, you can contact them on 0845 6058 058.

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Why not Cardboard?

Since mid-October, South Derbyshire District Council has no longer collected cardboard in brown bins. The change was imposed at a national level, and affects all authorities that have collected cardboard together with compostable garden and food waste.

The aim is to improve the quality of compost for the gardening market. Cardboard contaminates the compost through inks, dyes, plastics and steel from staples.

In the 'near future', SDDC expects to introduce a new recycling service to include cardboard and plastic as well as the existing recyclables.

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Gardening Notes

The gardening year never ends, and even though you may be busy with festive matters, there are some things that are better done now; pruning fruit trees, particularly bush and standard apples and pears, is one of them. However, espalier and cordon apples and pears are pruned in late August, and stone fruit such as cherries and plums should be left till late spring or summer, to minimise the risk of fungal diseases such as silver leaf.

With apples, distinguish between spur- and tip-bearing varieties. There are relatively few of the latter, but Worcester Permain is one. Fruit buds are larger and fatter than growth buds, as they contain an embryonic flower.

In tip-bearing trees, fruit buds are concentrated at the tips of side shoots. Cut back a few of the strong laterals to promote the formation of more branches and so more tips. Most trees, however, produce fruit on short, knobby spurs, which are branched shoots. Shortening laterals to 4 to 6 buds will stimulate the formation of fruit buds. Leave short side shoots and some year-old shoots unpruned.

Under-pruned trees may bear heavily, but they will have small fruit. Those that are over-pruned, however, will produce lots of new non fruit-bearing shoots. Thin out over-crowded branches, and remove any that are damaged or diseased. Remove all mummified fruit, the result of brown rot, to lessen the risk of reinfection, and remove all fallen leaves under any infected tree. Finally, spray the tree with a winter wash based on plant oils.

All the larger deciduous grasses, such as calamagrostis, miscanthus and pennisetum, stay decorative throughout the winter months; cut the old growth back to ground level in late February or March. The smaller grasses are mostly evergreen; generally they need little attention apart from removing dead or dying foliage, which can be done at any time. However, if there has been more damage to the leaves, they can be cut back by a third whilst the plant is actively growing.

The colourful, low-growing Impatiens that I planted this last summer never grew at all; the foliage was totally stripped. Initially I blamed the slugs, but it seems to be a new fungal disease, Impatiens downy mildew. This is new to the United Kingdom and has spread rapidly. It attacks the common bedding Busy Lizzie, but no cases have been found on the larger New Guinea variety, Impatiens hawkeri. Sadly there is no control available; dispose of affected plants as soon as possible - not on the compost heap - and don't grow them again in the same ground next year, as the spores will persist and reinfect your new plants.

There are a lot of holly berries this year, but the pigeons that are already attacking mine in early November will soon be joined by blackbirds and the various thrushes from the continent, particularly redwings and fieldfares. So if you want to keep some holly for Christmas decorations, pick it now. It keeps very well in water in a cool light place, but make sure the birds can't get at it!