February 2012 - Contents The Great Ejectment Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Messy Church at St Wystan's 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 Coffee Morning: Saturday 11th February Shell (for children aged 7+) The Women's World Day of Prayer, Friday 2nd March Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Marriages Angus William Falconer and Gemma Louise Pegg Funerals and Burial of Ashes John Lionel Massey Timothy Nigel Dipple Obituaries Timothy Nigel Dipple The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Handing on the Torch, Sacred Words for a Secular World Lent Collections for the Padley Centre and Derby City Mission Pilgrimage to Malta, 18th to 25th April 2012 St Wystan's News Thank you: Stanley and Audrey Morris Visiting Clergy Ash Wednesday, 22nd February Groups St Wystan's Annual Church Meeting & Supper, Tuesday 28th February Lent Lunches Repton M.U. Thank you: Home-Start First Wednesday Lunches, Wednesday 1st February Repton Royal British Legion The Smith Family and Easy Listening Swing, Saturday 11th February Repton School Concerts Society, Wednesday 15th February Pancakes & Baked Potatoes, 21st February Lent Lunches, 29th February to 28th March Repton School Concerts Society, Wednesday 29th February Bingo! Friday 2nd March Children's Nearly New Sale, Saturday 3rd March Hoagy, Hornpipes, Handel and Hoedown, Saturday 3rd March Environment Matters Get involved in OPAL surveys Neighbourhood Watch South Derbyshire Disposing of Waste and Scrap Repton Village and History Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Repton Diamond Jubilee Walks Diamond Jubilee Draw Repton Beavers Repton Cubs Repton Scout Group ~ How can you help? The Dales 40th Anniversary Repton W.I. Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Tai Chi in Repton U3A Creative Writing The Repton Runners Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney Parish Council News

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The Great Ejectment

2012 marks the 350th anniversary of the Great Ejectment. The 1662 Act of Uniformity had demanded that all Church of England clergy must give 'unfeigned assent and consent to all and everything contained in and prescribed in and by the book entitled The Book of Common Prayer'. The Act also declared that the only valid ordinations were those conducted by a Bishop of the Church of England, thus rejecting the claims of the 'free' churches, and excluding all members of those churches from attending a university or joining a profession. The Act stated that 'Every clergyman in every church or chapel in the whole of England and Berwick-on-Tweed must read in his church or chapel, between the 19th of May and the 24th of May 1662, a declaration of unfeigned assent and consent to all that is written in the Book of Common Prayer'.

Rather than submit to this Act, 2,000 vicars chose to be ejected from the Established Church; they were banned from holding services in private houses, or in any public place, and by the Five Mile Act they were not allowed to be within five miles of any town. If they were caught transgressing these laws, they could be imprisoned, and remained in prison until the massive fines levied upon them were paid. In the twenty years that followed the Act, over 1,000 of these vicars were imprisoned; eight were to die there.

This was a backlash by the government of the day to the Puritan government, led by Oliver Cromwell, which had abolished many features of the Church of England. However, the unforeseen result of the Act was a strengthening of the Free Churches, since many of the Church of England clergy found work in those churches that continued to defy the Act, such as the predecessors of the United Reformed Church, the Congregational and the Presbyterian Churches. The Act remained in force until 1872, when an amendment was passed, stating that 'adherence to Scripture' would replace 'adherence to the Book of Common Prayer'.

The Free Churches today still hold to their founding principles: that members form a priesthood of all believers, and that the word of God, not any Act of Parliament, should guide our actions and beliefs. Three hundred and fifty years on, it is worth remembering our turbulent past, as we look forward to a reunion with our friends in the Church of England very soon.

England and Berwick-on-Tweed?

In 1603, Berwick-upon-Tweed was the first English town to greet James VI of Scotland on his way to be crowned James I of England. On crossing Berwick Bridge, James is supposed to have declared that the town belonged neither to England nor to Scotland but was part of the united Crown's domain. It was not until 1746 that the Wales and Berwick Act brought Berwick under the authority of English law. Even then, the act did not attempt to formally annexe Berwick into England, and no act has yet done so.

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

St Wystan's Church - An Exciting New Venture!

Come again? Messy Church is fun - a monthly activity that's not too 'churchy'! Lots of creative activities, a short celebration with Bible story, song and prayer, followed by tea.

Who is it for? Everyone, absolutely everyone, whether you have been to church before or not, whether you come with children, grandchildren, or on your own.

When & where? The fourth Sunday of every month, starting on Sunday 26th February, 4 to 5.30 pm

To find out more, phone Ruth Attwood, 702804, see messychurch.org.uk to hear about some of the 100s of Messy Church activities around the country or, better still, just come along and try it!

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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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Coffee Morning: Saturday 11th February, 10.30 - 11.30 am

Relax over coffee with friends, treat yourself to delicious home-made cakes and marmalade, with games for the children. Don't miss out!

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Shell (age 7+) meets on Mondays, 6.30 - 7.30 pm

There is a varied programme of activities, ending with a Christian message. If you are aged 7 or over, come and join us!

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Advance Notice: The Women's World Day of Prayer

This year's joint service to celebrate the Women's World Day of Prayer will be held on Friday 2nd March. The theme of the service, prepared by the women of Malaysia, is 'Let Justice Prevail'.

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Marriages

Angus William Falconer and Gemma Louise Pegg were married at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Friday 23rd December.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

John Lionel Massey of Repton died on Tuesday 10th January aged 85. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 24th January was followed by cremation.

Timothy Nigel Dipple of Burton died in a car crash on Thursday 12th January aged 53. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 27th January was followed by cremation at Bretby.

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Obituaries

Timothy Nigel Dipple
13th February 1958 - 12th January 2012

Nigel Dipple died in a head-on collision on the A5 in Leicestershire. Together with Graham Fairhurst, a long-standing friend and colleague from Newton Solney, he was driving home from London, where they had been working.

Nigel was born in Willington, but when he was 10, the family moved to Repton. His mother, Edna, was deputy head teacher at St Wystan's School, and his father, John, head of the wood machine section in the building department at what later became Burton and South Derbyshire College.

On leaving Burton Grammar School, Nigel took an apprenticeship at Hallmark Tractors in Ashby, following a sandwich course at Brooksby Agrigultural College to qualify as an Agricultural Engineer. He later worked in a similar role at Ashby Dairy Company, but when the Dairy Company changed hands, he returned to college where he qualified as a plumber and gas fitter, before setting up in business by himself. With his reliability, honesty, and the quality of his workmanship he was in great demand; his firm flourished, and he never needed to advertise.

Like his father, Nigel loved motorsports, went to the races, including several times to Le Mans, and enjoyed driving his kit car on track days at race tracks around the country. He also enjoyed power boating and at one time had his own boat.

Nigel will be particularly remembered for his popularity; he was a great talker and engaging companion with a sparkling sense of humour, who will be deeply missed.

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The Memorial Book

Repton has a fine memorial book permanently on display in St Catherine's Chapel in the north aisle of St Wystan's Church.   It was donated in memory of Henry Chilton as a place to commemorate former residents of Repton.   All are eligible and welcome, as well as those buried or interred in St Wystan's churchyard or Monsom Lane cemetery.   There is no charge but a donation towards church funds is greatly appreciated.   All we need is the full name and the dates of birth and death.

Please use the website contact page to contact the churchwardens.

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Repton Benefice

Handing on the Torch, Sacred Words for a Secular World

In this year's Lent course, we consider some of the reasons why Christianity in the West struggles to grow when elsewhere in the world it flourishes. There are five sessions, each based on a book and CD. The latter contains 14-minute radio-style starters with questions to Archbishop Sentamu, Rachel Lampard and Clifford Longley, and a final reflection by Bishop Graham Cray, as well as questions to stimulate group discussion.

The course starts in the week beginning 27th February, lasts five weeks, and finishes before Holy Week. We are expecting four house groups in Repton, some during the day and some in the evening; in Newton Solney a group will meet on Wednesday afternoons at 52 Bretby Lane. For more information, contact George Johnson on 703079.

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Lent Collections for the Padley Centre and Derby City Mission

As in past years, at both St Mary's and St Wystan's Church you are invited during Lent to contribute to collections for the Padley Centre and the Derby City Mission. Both organisations are very grateful for cash donations, but the Padley Centre also has a detailed 'wish' list, on display in church. Non-perishable foods such as tinned soup meat, fish, vegetables and puddings, and packeted tea, sugar, flour and rice are a safe bet, as are personal items such as disposable razors, toothbrushes, paste, shampoo, and similar. Please leave goods in church. They cannot use items that are out of date.

In addition, the Padley Group is always looking for volunteers. See the opportunities on their website - search for 'Padley Group'.

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Pilgrimage to Malta, 18th to 25th April 2012

Peter and Carol Paine invite you to join them on a pilgrimage to Malta, where St Paul was shipwrecked on his final journey to Rome. We will be travelling with Worldwide Christian Travel; the cost of £1,095 includes flight, half board, 4* hotel, air-conditioned coach, guide, gratuities and service charges. Contact Peter on 01704 809517 for a full itinerary and brochure.

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St Wystan's News

Thank You

Stanley and Audrey Morris would like to thank all who so kindly sent cards, flowers and gifts on the occasion of their Golden Wedding.

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Services at St Wystan's

Visiting Clergy

Sue Starkey, Vicar of Willington, will take the 10 am Holy Communion on Wednesday 1st February, and David Perrett, our new Rural Dean, will pay his first official visit to take Holy Communion at 8 am on Sunday 26th February.

Ash Wednesday, 22nd February: Holy Communion, 8 pm at St Wystan's Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the forty day period of fasting when, in the run up to Easter, we recall the time that Jesus spent fasting in the desert before he began his public ministry.

Imposition of Ashes

The service is marked by powerful symbolism. The priest takes ashes made from palm crosses blessed the previous year on Palm Sunday, blesses them and mixes them with water or holy oil. Then he sprinkles them on the head or forehead of the congregation, or - as happens at St Wystan's - marks the forehead with the sign of the cross. As he does so, he uses the words: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19), or "Repent and believe in the good news" (Mark 1:15).

Using the crosses from last year's Palm Sunday service - a service celebrating Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem - reminds us that defeat and crucifixion swiftly followed triumph. The ashes are a symbol of our mortality and humanity. But they are also a symbol of repentance, sorrow, and humility. In the Scriptures there are many cases of wearing ashes as a sign of penitence, often while clothed in sackcloth. So in 2 Samuel 13:19, Tamar puts on ashes and tears her robe as a sign of sadness and repentance. In Esther 4:1-3, Mordecai tears his garments, and puts on sackcloth and ashes. The prophet Jeremiah (6:26) urges his readers to "gird on sackcloth and roll in ashes".

The history of the Church has many stories of fasting and its spiritual value. However, Jesus warns us not to be obvious about our fasting, and not to fast just to impress others.

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Groups

Intercessory Prayer for Healing

The next meeting is on Monday 6th February, 7.30 pm at 3 Richmond Court.

'Living the Word'

. . . will meet at 3 Richmond Court on Thursday 23rd February 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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St Wystan's Annual Church Meeting & Supper
Tuesday 28th February at 7 pm in Repton Village Hall

The meeting normally lasts a little over an hour and is followed by supper. Supper tickets at £5 are available from Wendy Longden, 703259 and David Roberts, 702159. You don't need to buy a supper ticket if you just want to attend the meeting.

The Vestry Meeting for the election of Churchwardens precedes the APCM. To propose or second a candidate, or to vote or stand for the PCC, you need to be on the Church Electoral Roll. Electoral Roll forms as well as nomination papers for the election of members of the PCC are available from St Wystan's Church. There are three places for election for the full term of three years.

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Lent Lunches ~ Every Wednesday from 29th February to 28th March

St Wystan's Lent lunches this year will support WaterAid.

In the U.K. we take fresh water for granted. We expect to wake up to a cup of tea, brush our teeth, have a shower. And we each use a lot of water, on average over 200 litres a day.

But imagine if your only water supply were a slow-moving trickle in a dry riverbed, or a dirty puddle at the bottom of a deep hole. Imagine if you had to share it with animals and several hundred other people for washing and bathing. Imagine if you had to walk for several hours to collect it - every day. This is the reality for more than a billion people worldwide. And over twice as many have no safe place to go to the toilet. Over two million people, more than two-thirds of them children, die every year from water-borne diseases.

It is not only a matter of disease. The lack of clean water close to people's homes also affects their time, livelihoods and quality of life. How do you work if you spend five hours a day collecting water? The provision of safe water and sanitation is the first step to eradicating poverty.

For 30 years, WaterAid has been working with communities in the third world, and in 2010/11 alone brought safe water to 1.45 million people, and sanitation to 1.62 million. It costs just £15 to provide an individual with safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. A simple water filter can save hundreds of lives.

Do join us at the Lent Lunches, and help to make a real difference.

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Repton M.U.

Former members of Repton Mothers' Union and friends are meeting for lunch at Littleover Lodge on Wednesday 22nd February, 12.30 for 1 pm. For more information, phone 702471 or 703453. Although the Branch has now officially closed, we hope to have occasional informal meetings during the year.

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Thank you!

Home-Start South Derbyshire would like to thank everyone at St Wystan's Church who gave so generously at the Christmas gift service. The final amount was an amazing £180, which will be used to provide all the learning materials for our training course that started at the end of January. Eight new volunteers will bring our total to 38.

In the year 2010 / 11 our 28 volunteers supported 240 children in 76 families. Please contact us on 01283 225586 if you would like to know more, or to volunteer.

First Wednesday Lunches Wednesday 1st February 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!

Repton Royal British Legion 43 High Street, Repton Saturday 4th February at 8 pm ~ Andy Walker from 'Stars in your Eyes' Saturday 11th February at 8 pm ~ Valentine's Disco Try our fine selection of ciders! Saturday 3rd March at 8 pm ~ Emma St Clare ~ female vocalist Please come and support your local Legion in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

Repton Village Society The Smith Family and Easy Listening Swing Saturday 11th February at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall Bring your own food, drink and glasses, and prepare for a great evening! Tickets £8 from Alan Webster 01283 701838

Repton School Concerts Society Red Priest: Nightmare in Venice ~ a Baroque Fantasy Wednesday 15th February at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall Red Priest is an early music group which has been compared to the Rolling Stones, Jackson Pollock, the Marx Brothers, Spike Jones and the Cirque du Soleil! Come and experience this extraordinary acoustic foursome performing works by Baroque composers including Vivaldi, Purcell, Gluck, Leclair and J.S Bach. 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.

Pancakes & Baked Potatoes Shrove Tuesday, 21st February, noon to 2 pm Carol and Chris Lloyd invite you to lunch at 1 Milton Road, Repton Raffle & Book Stall £4 including lunch           Proceeds to St Wystan's Church

Lent Lunches Every Wednesday from 29th February to 28th March 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church Soup, Bread & Cheese, and Coffee No charge but donations invited for WaterAid

Repton School Concerts Society Divertimenti Ensemble Wednesday 29th February at 7.45 pm in The Robert Beldam Hall The Divertimenti Ensemble is widely acclaimed as one of the most exciting and innovative British chamber groups of its generation. This group of top ranking players has at its core a quintet for two cellos, but has an unusual flexibility to expand to sextets and octets as well as adapting to any smaller group combination. The main item in this concert will be Schubert's great C major Quintet along with works by Martin and Glazunov. 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.

The Dales Residential Home for Older People Askew Grove, Repton Bingo! Friday 2nd March ~ eyes down in Monsal Wing at 7.30 pm All welcome! All proceeds to the Dales Amenities Fund

Children's Nearly New Sale Saturday 3rd March, 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

Hoagy, Hornpipes, Handel and Hoedown Repton Village Hall, Saturday 3rd March at 7.30 pm 'Laid back humour . . . effortless talent' Hilary James and Simon Mayor have a warm stage presence and lovely rapport with the audience, which perfectly suits a village hall audience of different ages and tastes. There's every musical style from blues to folk, swing to classical. Beethoven gets the mandolin treatment and rubs shoulders with Gershwin, a foot-stomping Texas fiddle tune and comic songs for everyone. 'a fantastically varied and enjoyable evening' Paid Bar and Raffle. Tickets £9 from Repton Post Office, Chris Carpenter, 702370, and Pat Court, 702599.

Environment Matters

Get involved in OPAL surveys

The OPAL (Open Air Laboratories) partnership is led by Imperial College, London, and includes bodies such as the Natural History Museum, the Met Office, and the Royal Parks, but it is open to anyone interested in nature - from rank amateur to expert. By helping people to explore, study, enjoy and protect their local environment, it sets out to inspire a new generation of nature-lovers, and a wide range of local and national programmes will generate valuable scientific data about the state of our environment.

At opalexplorenature.org you can register for an OPAL account and become an OPAL Explorer. Submit results for three or more different OPAL surveys and you can claim a free 'OPAL Explorers Pack'. The website also has lots of help and advice, with both sound and video clips. If you are interested in the survey on lichens, our local churchyards would be an ideal place to start.

If you prefer, you can keep your contact online, submitting results and keeping track of your surveys. However, on Saturday 10th March, 11 am - 4 pm at Wollaton Hall, 'Science in the Park' is a free science festival for all the family. There will be a wide range of displays and lots of hands-on science activities, including a chance to try some of the OPAL surveys. No booking is necessary, just turn up on the day!

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Neighbourhood Watch

Safer Neighbourhood Meetings and Area Forums are now being held on the same night to offer a 'one stop' service. You are invited to come along and make comments, raise concerns and ask questions about issues affecting our area. Safer Neighbourhood Meetings deal with policing priorities, while Area Forums give an insight into the projects and policies of South Derbyshire and Derbyshire County Councils. The next will be on Thursday 9th February in Newton Solney village hall. The Safer Neighbourhood meeting starts at 6.15 pm, the Area Forum at 7.30 pm.

Refuse, Compost and Recycle: If you lose the calendar showing kerbside collection dates, you can look it up for a month or so ahead on SDDC website.

Lost, found and stray dogs are no longer a police responsibility; police stations have no kennel facilities. To report a dog that has been lost or found, contact SDDC. Websites also offer help. Owners are encouraged to ensure that their dogs are identifiable with a collar and ID tag. Ideally they should be micro-chipped.

HM Revenue & Customs do not send emails to notify you of a tax rebate or to ask you to disclose personal or payment information. If you receive one, it's a scam.

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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South Derbyshire

Disposing of Waste and Scrap

South Derbyshire CC reminds you to dispose of waste and scrap correctly. You could be liable to prosecution if your waste is later found fly-tipped. The warning comes after local Area Forums have noted an increase in unsolicited door to door collections.

If you are approached, ask to see a Waste Carrier Licence to prove the dealer is legally registered. If you are still uncertain, call the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506 or visit environment-agency.gov.uk for a free, instant validation check; you will need the trader's name and address.

Always take the registration number of the dealer's vehicle; then, if material is found to have been illegally dumped, he will face prosecution, not you. Residents who fail to ensure that waste is disposed of correctly face a fine of up to £5,000. For more information, or to report suspicious activity, call 01283 595856.

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Repton Village & History

Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
2nd - 5th June 2012

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee will be a unique and historic moment, one that may never be repeated, and in Repton we will be celebrating in style.

Sunday will be particularly busy: a service of celebration at St Wystan's Church will be followed by the Big Lunch - street parties to be organised by individual streets - and in the evening, a jazz concert, organised by Repton Village Society in Pears School, Repton School.

On Monday evening there will be a Village Party on Repton School paddock, with a Hog Roast, Fireworks and Beacon. And on Tuesday, Repton Casuals are organising a Village Field Day at Broomhills Lane playing field, to be followed in the evening by a Village Barn Dance and Supper in Pears School. We are also planning another singalong and tea in the village hall on either the Saturday or the Monday, hopefully linked to a village quiz and trail, but are still looking for someone to take the lead on the quiz and trail. If you are willing to help organise this (or any other of the events), please contact John Perks on 702392.

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Repton Diamond Jubilee Walks

In the run-up to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, we are organising a total of ten different walks using the amazing network of footpaths on our doorstep. All are circular from the Square, and, except for that on 18th March, all start at 10 am. Those asterisked are longer, and you are invited to bring a picnic. The dates are:

March:	Monday 5th, Tuesday 13th*, Sunday 18th at 2 pm, Wednesday 21st*, Thursday 29th;
April:	Monday 2nd* Tuesday 10th, Saturday 14th*, Tuesday 17th;
May:	Thursday 10th.

Why not come and join us! For more information, contact Auriol Cumming on 702614.

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Diamond Jubilee Draw

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Repton Beavers

After the Christmas break, the Beavers had an evening making origami hopping frogs and flapping birds. This month they will be looking at saving energy and starting their Fitness Challenge Badge. Please contact Liz Beaston on 703314 if your child is interested in joining in the fun.

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Repton Cubs

Cubs have been tying edible reef knots and sheet bends using candy laces. They are learning about bike maintenance in preparation for some cycling in the spring, and have got an evening of roller skating at Rollerworld this month. Please contact Jez Brooks on 07799 882338 if you'd like more information about Cubs.

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Repton Scout Group ~ How can you help?

Our Beaver Scout colony and Cub Scout pack are looking for keen adults to assist the Beaver and Cub leaders. You'd be an enthusiastic, creative person with a 'Blue Peter' mind and get on well with 6 to 8 or 8 to 11 year olds. We're looking for people who could come along most weeks, as it is only by coming regularly that you would get to know the way we work and what is expected. You don't have to be a Beaver or Cub parent to be a helper.

If this doesn't appeal, there are many other ways you could help. We need volunteers to look after Beaver and Cub records, the collection of subs, the running of the Group, or with the maintenance of the Den.

If you can give one hour per week or just one hour per month there is a role of you. For more information, please contact Mike Knowles on 702217.

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The Dales

On the 28th July it will be 40 years to the day since The Dales opened, and we will be celebrating with a birthday party for our residents and friends. If you have any old photos or memorabilia of The Dales that you could lend us, we would be very grateful. Please pop them in an envelope addressed to me, or if you call me, I can come and pick them up. Many thanks.

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Repton W.I.

We were delighted to welcome three visitors to our January meeting, when Gerald Gibbs spoke about his visit to Russia over 40 years ago as part of a group of Christians invited by the Russian Orthodox Church to visit churches and Christian groups in Communist Russia. Gerald had studied Russian at school and university, where he was taught by a former Bletchley Park code cracker. For those of us who had visited Russia recently, it was interesting to hear how very different life had been for Russians and tourists alike, with the KGB in evidence at every turn and churches only able to open on Sundays. It made us appreciate the freedom we enjoy in this country.

We arranged a visit to the Brewhouse Theatre to see 'A Christmas Carol'. Lunch at the Mulberry Restaurant in Burton will be on the 9th February. A visit to the Pizza Express in Derby to make your own pizza was organised for the 27th February, if enough members want to go. Contact Hilary Hazelwood if you are interested.

After discussing some of the ideas for outings to be arranged by our Group Convenor, we were asked to vote on resolutions for the Annual Meeting in London.

Tuesday 14th February: Anita Staley on 'British Butterflies'

If you have paid your annual subscriptions and received the new list of speakers, note that this is a change to the printed programme; Cliff Warner will come later in the year. The meeting starts at 7.15 pm in the village hall; as always, visitors are welcome.

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Repton Village History Group

Next meeting: Tuesday 21st February: Gerald Gibbs of Repton United Reformed Church will talk on '400 Years of the King James Bible'. 7.30 pm in Repton village hall. You are all welcome. Members £2, visitors £3, including tea and biscuits.

With the help of David Beasley and Scout Headquarters, we are starting to build an archive of scouting in Repton. Eventually it would be good to extend this to Guiding too. If you could give us any information, or lend any photographs or documents for us to copy, please contact Andy Austen on 01283 702448.

It is possible that there was a Scouting Club at Repton School even before 1907, the generally accepted starting date for scouting; a warrant was issued to a Scout Master in December 1910. By 1946 there were at least three scout groups in Repton, Repton School, St Wystan's Church and the village. Sadly the 1st Repton Scout group archive came up on eBay and was bought by a museum in America.

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Repton Village Society

At our first meeting of 2012, Rod Pearson traced how the United Nations came into being after the Second World War, and went on to describe in greater detail the work of one of its divisions, World Heritage, which has led to the protection of over 900 sites around the globe. He used many examples, from our Derwent Valley to the Taj Mahal and even game reserves, to illustrate their diversity. His talk was accompanied by his usual excellent graphics and sound effects.

Thursday 2nd February

Mark Sims, Professor of Astrobiology and Space Instrumentation at the University of Leicester, will be discussing the question: 'Is there, or was there, Life on Mars?' Mars is the planet most similar to Earth. Mark is well aware that although our audience is highly intelligent, we are not all space scientists; don't let the title put you off!

Saturday 11th February

Bill Smith and his Gypsy Jazz will be returning for another evening of easy listening swing - an event not to be missed. Bring your own food, drink and glasses. Tickets are £8 from 701838.

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Tai Chi
Tuesday 1 - 2 pm, the Den, Mitre Drive, Repton

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that 'improves balance and coordination, relaxes the mind and lifts the spirit'. It claims considerable health benefits, not least in helping to clear the mind of everyday stress. Younger members (but aged over 20) may be interested in the martial arts side, and our tutor, who has considerable experience, will teach its application if requested. However, the exercises are suitable for everyone and can be done standing, seated or lying down. Come and give it a go!

Further information, contact Toni Jantschenko, Village games Co-ordinator, on 07909 442996.

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U3A Creative Writing

Now up and running, the U3A Creative Writing Group has several local members. In poetry, fiction, non-fiction and other forms of writing, published and new writers share the common goal of getting words onto paper.

We meet from 1.30 - 3.30 pm on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month at The Den, Mitre Drive, Repton. Please phone Carol on 703991 for further details.

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The Repton Runners

Running is more popular than ever; if you don't believe me, look around: everywhere I look at the moment, I see runners in luminescent sportswear!

The Repton Runners are attracting even more new members and have been keen to make the best of things on the dark winter nights by strapping headtorches on and heading out across the fields! And for those who don't fancy headtorch running, we offer a village run every week as well as hill and speed training!

We have had huge success with our beginners' running courses, and will be offering another starting on 7th March. It will run for 10 weeks at a cost of £22 or £2.50 payg, and we will meet every Wednesday at 7.30 pm outside The Red Lion.

If you are interested in learning to run in a fun and supported way, please contact Jo on 07949 941031, or through our Facebook Page.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge & Fields in Trust Grant: The Parish Council is delighted that it has been successful in nominating Broomhills Playing Field for the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge. The scheme, launched to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, with the Duke of Cambridge as patron, will ensure that everyone has access to permanently protected outdoor space. Broomhills Playing Field will be one of the 2012 open play spaces throughout the country that are now fully protected by the scheme.
  
  In addition, the Parish Council has been successful in its bid for a grant of up to £2,500 from the Fields in Trust to improve the onsite pavilion. As funds are currently only available for essential repairs, this is wonderful news.
• High Street Parking: Following complaints about parking in the High Street, the Parish Council has had discussions with the Police, Derbyshire CC and local business owners. Conversations are ongoing, but possible solutions are limited and may cause as many problems as they solve. It would help if local residents who are aware of any vehicle parked illegally - i.e. where there is insufficient space on the pavement for a wheelchair or pushchair to get by - could notify the police, as then a ticket could be issued. Ring 101, the police non-emergency contact number.
• Summer Play: Following the success of last year's events, Repton Parish Council will again be offering a selection of activities for local young people during the summer break; the climbing wall and sports mobile have been booked. We hope to see as many young people there as possible.

Next meeting: Monday 13th February at 7.30 pm in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

After a welcome from President Jane Smith, Karen Eaton gave an interesting and informative talk about her voluntary work in India, where she and her husband have been involved with an educational charity for the last five years, fundraising and assisting whenever they can.

The programme of outings and events should be available very soon. The first is our Annual Dinner, at The Smisby Arms on Wednesday 7th March, 7.30 pm.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 15th February at 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. Alan Hopkins will talk about his early years in a music shop. New members and visitors are always welcome.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney C of E Infant School

Community Collective Worship is held on the first Thursday morning of the month at 9.15 in the school hall, for parents, carers and local residents. The dates for this term are 2nd February and 1st March. You are most welcome to come along.

India Day, Tuesday 24th January: This will take the form of three workshops, and the children will dress up in Indian clothes. We are collecting old clothes for our India link school; donations would be gratefully received.

A pushchair in very good condition was found in Trent Lane and is now in school, ready for collection.

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Newton Solney W.I.

The President welcomed us to the first meeting of the New Year, and members were reminded that it was time to renew their annual membership. Di Tidy was thanked for producing our new programme.

Following discussion, members voted on Resolutions for the national AGM, and help was invited for the Group business meeting on Monday 6th February. As we will be the recipients of this year's Group Bursary, everyone was asked to think how it might be used. Details were also given of a possible visit to the Bakewell Pudding Shop, where members would be able to make a pudding and enjoy a meal.

Our speaker, Hugh Davies's, topic was 'Women in Intelligence', an insight into the role of women in the second World War, through organisations such as SOE and the FANYs. Mr Davies talked about the influence of women through the years from Boudicca and Joan of Arc to Mata Hari.

In January we also visited the Brewhouse to see 'A Christmas Carol' and started our Mulberry Room lunches again after Christmas.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 14th February: Pat Court and Chris Woodhead will tell us about the work of a magistrate. Whist Drive: Tuesday 28th February. Both are at 7.30 pm in the village hall. New members are always welcome.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Tuesday 7th February, 2.30 pm

The business meeting will be followed by a talk on wine given by Steve Parker.

Tuesday 21st February: Visit to Amerton Farm and lunch at Sudbury Prison

The coach will leave the Unicorn Inn in Newton at 9.30 and aim to be back in Newton by 3 pm. As usual there is a list circulating for members, but if anyone else would like to join us, you will be most welcome. Please contact our secretary, Jane Bagshaw, on 01283 564520, to see if there are places available.

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Newton Solney Parish Council News

• The Queen's Diamond Jubilee: Plans are afoot for a village celebration to take place on Monday 4th June on and around the Recreation Ground, incorporating music, food and games to involve the whole village. If you would like to be involved with the organisation or have any ideas to suggest, please contact the Clerk on 701141.
• Village Plan: Consultation is still underway with regards to the village plan - your chance to help shape the future direction of our community. One area discussed has been some kind of community based Post Office in the village, a project that has been successfully implemented in other local communities. We would be very happy to hear the views of parishioners and other interested parties. Any other ideas are most welcome.
• Neighbourhood Watch Scheme: The scheme is up and running again, and regular updates are received from the police via Roger Charles. If you would like to receive regular NHW police information, please contact him.

Next Meeting: Friday 10th February at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

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Gardening Notes

At Christmas we still had a few roses in flower, so we can hope that winter will be short this year, and February will see signs of spring developing.

Snowdrops and early crocus are amongst the first bulbs to flower, although Cyclamen coum and Iris unguicularis (stylosa) may flower in January. Crocus sieberi seeds widely and soon makes a colourful show; there are many named varieties of C. chrysanthus, which flowers a little later.

Of the more than 150 named varieties of snowdrop, many are very similar. Some have different green markings, some have a yellow tinge, and some are taller, but the original Galanthus nivalis is a reliable, strong variety that soon forms large clumps. Snowdrops come from the Mediterranean and were possibly brought here by the Romans. The usual advice is to plant them 'in the green', shortly after flowering. This applies to aconites too. They should be well watered in, although some people declare that this damages the roots and delays establishment. I have had more success planting in the green than with dry bulbs ordered from autumn catalogues, but perhaps the best time to plant the bulbs would be in June, when they have only just dried off - if you can find them then.

Auriculas will not be in flower yet - their peak is in April - but for the best results they should be put in a cool frame now and carefully nurtured in pots. There is a fine range of colours, and most are scented. They were introduced to this country in the 17th century by Flemish Huguenot refugees, and became a hobby amongst miners in Nottingham- and Derbyshire.

You can sow sweet peas now in a cold frame or greenhouse. Overwintered cuttings of tender perennials that have been kept in the greenhouse may need potting on. Inspect dahlia and other tubers to make sure that they are healthy and not too dry. If you want to take dahlia cuttings, start the tubers into growth in moist compost, and keep them above 10°C.

If necessary, prune winter flowering shrubs such as Viburnum bodnantse, mahonia and winter jasmine. Hard prune buddleja, caryopteris, lavatera and other summer flowering shrubs that prune on this year's growth, as well as large flowered, late summer flowering clematis and C. viticella.

In the vegetable garden, onions, cabbages, early leeks, peas and broad beans can be sown in February, although the last two will do better if started indoors and planted out later. Tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers can be sown at the end of the month in a heated propagator. Chit first early potatoes by putting them uncovered in a tray in a light, frost-free place.

Apply a general fertiliser to beds and borders, and also around fruit canes, bushes and trees; most tree roots are around the edge of the canopy, so this is the place to feed. Cover with well rotted manure or compost. If there is evidence of damage by birds, you may want to consider netting fruit trees and bushes where possible.

Keep ponds clear of algae, and pile a heap of stones near the edge to make sure that frogs can enter and leave easily.

Continue to feed the birds and put out water. Keep bird tables and feeders clean. Clean out old nest boxes and put up new ones, facing the entrance away from prevailing winds.

Diminsdale near Staunton Harald is the best place locally for snowdrops. Hopton Hall near Carsington and Hodsock Priory near Worksop are further away but well worth a visit. The former is open throughout February, the latter from the 4th.