March 2012 - Contents What would you choose? A journey closer to the heart of God 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 Coffee Morning: Saturday 10th March, 10.30 am Church Anniversary & Mothering Sunday, 18th March Shell (for children aged 7+) Westminster Abbey The URC Celebrates 175 Years in Pinfold Lane Women's World Day of Prayer Service Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Ruby Rose Ann Robins Marriages Funerals and Burial of Ashes Keith John Maskell Douglas Peter Nixon Obituaries John Lionel Massey Douglas Peter Nixon The Memorial Book Derby Diocese Holy Land Pilgrimage, 4th - 12th August 2012 Repton Benefice Our New Vicar Lent Collections for the Padley Centre and Derby City Mission ChildAid to Russia & the Republics St Wystan's News Services at St Wystan's Messy Church: for children and adults of any age Easter Exploration for Families, Good Friday, 6th April Easter Lilies Repton Church Tower and Spire Correction, St Wystan's Church Christmas gift service St Saviour's News Foremark Church Annual Parochial Church Meeting St Mary's News British Summertime Newton Solney Annual Parochial Church Meeting St Mary's Flower Festival, 1st - 5th June Lent Lunches, Every Wednesday, 29th February to 28th March Strictly T42, Thursday 1st March Children's Nearly New Sale, Saturday 3rd March Hoagy, Hornpipes, Handel and Hoedown, Saturday 3rd March Morning Coffee, Saturday 10th March Pre-Jubilee Tea, Saturday 17th March St George's Day Musical Spectacular, Friday 27th April Thankyou The Dipple Family You and your Pet The Reproductive Cycle of the Dog Neighbourhood Watch Willington Surgery Practice Survey Repton Village and History Repton Beavers Repton Cubs Help! Pre-Jubilee Tea, Saturday 17th March Come and lend a hand! ~ Repton Rags The Repton Runners Repton Open Gardens, Friday 15th - Sunday 17th June Repton Diamond Jubilee Walks Repton W.I. Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Repton School Science Priory 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 Horticultural Show, 1st September 2012 Gardening Notes Computer Security

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What would you choose?

BBC Radio 4 has recently been celebrating 70 years of 'Desert Island Discs'. There was also an opportunity for people to contact local radio and ask for their own favourite music to be played.

I've been listening to past recordings of 'Desert Island Discs' from the BBC website. I'm interested to hear well-known people's choice of records, alongside their life story, and the book and luxury they would like to have with them if they were cast away on a desert island. Without giving it a lot of thought, I also decided what I would choose in that situation - some good notebooks, sketchpads and pencils so that I could spend the long days playing around with words, mapping the island and trying to improve my drawing skills. I wonder what you would choose.

Of course, one 'luxury' we in Britain would be unlikely to think of, but which couldn't be taken for granted on a desert island, is fresh water. Yet, for so many in the world, this most basic necessity of life is not available. One in six of the world's population lacks access to safe drinking water and one in three lacks adequate sanitation. The charity WaterAid aims to improve access to safe water and sanitation for the world's poorest people. At St Wystan's Church it has been decided to donate the money raised from the Wednesday Lent Lunches to WaterAid; anyone is welcome to come along to join in and support them.

Jesus made an offer of 'living water' or 'water of life' as he talked to an outcast woman by a well in Samaria. (You can read the account of this in the Bible, John's Gospel, chapter 4.) He knew just how important water was, but told her that the 'water' he would give to those who asked him was life-transforming and of eternal value. If you think of the ways in which we appreciate clean water - washing, refreshing, reviving and just keeping us going - you will have a picture of what Jesus meant. He provides for our inward or spiritual needs. It is a priceless gift which Jesus Christ, who loves us all and knows all our needs, will give freely to any who ask.

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A journey closer to the heart of God

As the United Reformed Church in Repton celebrates the 175th Anniversary of its church in Pinfold Lane, the Churches nationally are drawing ever closer together.

Three hundred and fifty years have passed since the Act of Uniformity led to the Great Ejectment, when nearly two thousand Church of England vicars had to leave their Church because they could not give their wholehearted support to everything in the Book of Common Prayer and in the Act of Uniformity.

However, this year marks a new beginning: in early February, a service took place in Westminster Abbey at which the Church of England and the United Reformed Church jointly marked historic resolutions passed in the summer of 2011 to bring together these two long separated Churches, with the promise of the URC and the Church of England working together, not just for their own sakes, but for the sake of God and for the sake of our troubled world.

It is forty years since the United Reformed Church came into being, uniting two Reformed Free churches, the Congregational and the Presbyterian. A few years later they were joined by the Churches of Christ. This made up a new Church with a total of more than forty million members across the world.

These years have seen great strides in the name of ecumenism, with Churches coming together at both local and national levels. Ecumenism does not mean uniformity; some of us have already learned in action what it really means to be United and Reformed. There are already 25 local partnerships between the Anglican and United Reformed Churches, and both are involved in over 200 Local Ecumenical Partnerships, which also involve Churches of other traditions. Last November, United Reformed, Anglican and Methodist churches in Cumbria signed a 'statement of intent' to work closely together at county level; and negotiations are already underway with the county's Roman Catholic, Baptist, Salvation Army, Quaker and the Church of Scotland traditions to make Cumbria the first truly ecumenical county!

The two Churches represented in Westminster Abbey have committed themselves to learning more about what divides us, and what can bring us closer together. They agreed to 'see how the doctrine and practice of our churches relates to the constancy and originality of God, and to explore the spiritualities of our two traditions'. The Archbishops of Canterbury and of York, and the Moderators of the United Reformed Church agreed to work together to rediscover the possibilities of coming closer to the heart of God, and in that discovery being strengthened together for God's service in the world.

Jesus said that all his people should be one - and they can be one. Worldwide, the Church has shown that its members can live and work together, despite surface disagreements on matters of doctrine. Now is surely the time, three hundred and fifty years after the Great Ejectment, for the Great Acceptance.

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

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Readers, Intercessors and Offertory at St Wystan's

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Altar Flowers (contact Frances Wimbush, 703180)

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Brasses (contact Sue Parker, 702550)

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

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The United Reformed Church

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Coffee Morning: Saturday 10th March, 10.30 am

Come and enjoy a chat with friends over coffee and biscuits, play the children's game, browse the Webb Ivory and second hand book stall, and stock up with home-made cakes and marmalade.

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Church Anniversary & Mothering Sunday: 18th March, 11 am: Family Service

Join us to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the opening of the church building and to give thanks for our mothers: children, bring your mums: mums, bring your children; there will be a gift for all the ladies!

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Shell (age 7+)

. . . meets on Mondays from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. New members are always welcome to join us!

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Westminster Abbey

. . . was packed for the service in February which started the process of talks aimed at the union of the Church of England and the United Reformed Church. Talks will consider what kind of union would be most appropriate, and how it can be achieved. In Repton we are fortunate that we already have strong ties that link us together.

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The URC Celebrates 175 Years in Pinfold Lane

The Congregational Church in Repton started life in the late eighteenth century as an independent chapel in Acton Cottage in the High Street, where graves can still be found in the back garden.

The Toleration Act of 1689 was supposed to guarantee freedom of worship, as long as new churches were built not less than seven miles from a parish church. This meant that village churches had to worship in houses, as in Repton, and faced closure if they were reported to the authorities. However, following the repeal of the Test and Corporation Acts in 1828, free churches realised that sentiment was moving in their direction and started planning their own buildings. Permission for the chapel in Repton was finally granted in 1835, and the building opened on 15th March 1837.

The schoolroom was completed in 1850. This was used to provide education for local children on weekday mornings as well as a Sunday School.

In 1972 the church became part of the United Reformed Church.

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Women's World Day of Prayer Service
Friday 2nd March, 7.15 pm at the United Reformed Church

This year's service has been prepared by the Christian women of Malaysia, with the title 'Let Justice Prevail'.

Malaysia is a hot and humid country with two monsoon periods, and home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna, including the largest butterfly population and the most brightly coloured flowers in the world. Recently, factories to produce cars and electronics have added to its economy. But women are still discriminated against in education and employment, and voices for truth and justice have been silenced. Corruption and greed are rife. The women of Malaysia ask for your prayers.

Everyone is welcome to this service, and to join with Christian women as a great wave of prayer sweeps across the world, beginning when the first service is held at the Queen Salote Girls' school in Tonga and ending in Western Samoa some 35 hours later. By then the day will have been celebrated in over 170 countries, with more than 6,000 services in Britain alone.

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Baptisms

Ruby Rose Ann Robins, daughter of Kate and James of Malvern Street, Burton upon Trent, was baptised at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Sunday 5th February.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Keith John Maskell of Repton died on Wednesday 25th January aged 74. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 9th February was followed by cremation.

Douglas Peter Nixon of Milton, known as Pete, died on Thursday 2nd February aged 73. A funeral service at St Saviour's Church, Foremark on 14th February was followed by burial at Monsom Lane Cemetery.

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Obituaries

John Lionel Massey
5th July 1926 - 10th January 2012

It was clear that with such musical and artistically inclined parents John was going to appear on stage at some point in his life: at the age of 10, he and his brother Charles won a talent contest at the Grand Theatre in Derby with tunes such as 'Cowboy' and 'Chapel in the moonlight'. However, the following day they were disqualified when it came to light they were under 12!

At 14 John became the youngest theatre organist in the country, playing regularly on the Compton organ, 'a musical giant of a thousand voices' at the Gaumont Palace in Derby. However, the war intervened, and in 1943, still below the age of conscription, he volunteered to join the 'Bevin Boys', working in the coal mines to meet the nation's wartime fuel needs.

Later, however, John's career returned to a more familiar area when he joined ENSA, the Entertainments National Service Association, formed to entertain the armed forces during the Second World War. And long after the war he continued to stage concerts for surviving veterans at the Cheshire Home at Staunton Harold.

In 1948, through the Royal Academy of Music, John qualified as a piano teacher, and he went on in 1960 to gain a teaching certificate from the University of Leeds.

By this time he was married to Jose Armstrong, who was later Headmistress of Newton Solney School for 19 years, the wedding taking place at Findern Parish Church in 1957. They had two sons, and the marriage spanned thirty-four years until Jose's death in 1991.

Over the years, whilst continuing to perform as a musician, John worked at a variety of schools in the Derby area. Most notably, he found an outlet for his talent at Breadsall Hill Top School, where he formed 'The Breadsall Hill Toppers' big band, an ambitious and award winning ensemble. In 1971, competing with youth bands from all over the country, they won third prize in the Junior Orchestras category of the National Festival of Music for Youth. Long after he had left Breadsall, some of the band members continued to play with him as adults in his 'Classic Dance Orchestra', an ensemble that ran for many years.

In retirement, John continued to perform, and will be remembered in Repton for his performances for the Luncheon Club. His many recordings are testament to a lifelong love affair with music.

In his private life, John loved motorbikes and cars, and was a supporter of many animal welfare organizations. He was also an expert model airplane builder, and, if not playing music, would often be found flying them around the garden, much to the entertainment of local walkers. But he will chiefly be remembered as an entertainer with a wealth of stories and musical knowledge. He was a true gentleman in every walk of life, his help and knowledge freely given, his compassion without limit.

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Douglas Peter Nixon
1st August 1938 - 2nd February 2012

Although born in Burton-on-Trent, most of Pete's life was spent in Milton. It was here that he and Sylvie, whom he married in 1960, shortly after completing his national service, made their family home and raised their two children.

During his working life Pete did a range of jobs. He spent 17 happy years on the Laing's farm in Milton, before moving to Trent Alloys at Willington. Later he worked at Willington power station when it was being dismantled, and finally at Foremarke.

Here he joined several other members of his family. Sylvie, who retired last year after 44 years' service, was one of the school's longest serving members of staff ever. Pete's son Mark has been Head Groundsman for several decades; Mark's wife is head of the domestic staff and her brother head of the maintenance team! This long service, loyalty and dedication are all characteristics that reflect Pete's own character.

If he worked hard he also knew how to enjoy his leisure time. He enjoyed steam rallies, air shows and local history events as well as meeting up with friends at The Swan.

He was also a keen walker, and was often to be seen with his great friend, Brian, and two staffies. So the last years of debilitating illness were particularly hard. Yet despite it all, he showed throughout a quiet acceptance and bravery. Pete was very much a family man, who loved the country life. We offer our condolences.

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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

Holy Land Pilgrimage aimed at teachers and families
4th - 12th August 2012

Few teachers and parents have the opportunity to take part in pilgrimages during the high season, February to April and October to November. So it is hoped that this, taking place during the summer holiday, will have a real family feel.

Led by Rev'd Rob Marshall, communications adviser to Derby Diocese and a frequent guest on 'Thought for the Day', the pilgrimage will take in many of the sites associated with the ministry of Jesus, and also include on the 6th August a celebration of the Feast of the Transfiguration on the Mount of Transfiguration itself.

In Galilee you will visit Nazareth, Cana and the Sea of Galilee churches. There will also be an opportunity to tour the Golan Heights. Going on via Bethlehem to Jerusalem, all of the major sites of Jesus' life are covered. There is also an optional tour to Qumran, Masada and the Dead Sea.

The cost of £1,675 includes half board in 4 star hotels, air conditioned coaches, scheduled flights, all coach excursions (excluding Masada), and entry fees. For a brochure, contact Lightline Pilgrimages on 01992 576065.

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Repton Benefice

Our New Vicar

We are pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev'd Martin Flowerdew, currently vicar of Hoylake in the Diocese of Chester, as the new vicar of Repton, Foremarke and Newton Solney. He will be licensed at St Wystan's Church on Thursday 26th April.

Martin is married to Julie and has three children, 9 year-old twins and a 7 year-old, all girls. He was brought up on a farm in Suffolk and worked in a garage, shops and factories before gaining a degree. After qualifying he taught for several years, then became assistant director of the YMCA in Cambridge. Since ordination he has worked in several widely differing parishes, from tough inner city to quiet, rural locations.

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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 are very grateful for cash donations, but the Padley Centre also has a detailed 'wish' list, which is on display in church. If in doubt, 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. The Centre 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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ChildAid to Russia & the Republics

Very many thanks to all who supported us in 2011 by buying preserves and seasonal cards, by donating fruit and saving those all-important jars. Despite the recession, it was another record year, and we raised £2,609.

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St Wystan's News

Services at St Wystan's

Visiting Clergy

Sue Starkey, Vicar of Willington, will take the 10 am Holy Communion on Wednesday 7th March, and Canon Ian Winterbottom will take the Communion services at 8 and 9.45 am on Sunday 25th March.

Wednesday 14th March, 7.30 pm: Service of 'Prayer for Christian Healing'

Everyone is welcome.

Mothering Sunday, 18th March at 9.45 am

In a tradition that has lasted well over 400 years, we celebrate the middle Sunday of Lent as Mothering Sunday. It is a day to give thanks for all that our mothers do for us, and families are especially welcome.

Sunday 25th March, 4 to 5.30 pm: Messy Church

Everyone is welcome. Details below.

Palm Sunday, 1st April at 9.40 am (Note the early start!)

Holy Week begins with a celebration of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Weather permitting, our service will start at the Lych Gate, to collect our Palm crosses and process into the Church. Thanks to Christine and Gerald Gibbs, we will be accompanied by two donkeys, Vee and Dottie. The service will be a simple one for all ages celebrating Jesus being welcomed as a King. Come and join the celebration!

Monday 2nd April, 7.30 pm	Stations of the Cross
Wednesday 4th April, 7.30 pm	Compline
Thursday 5th April, 8 pm	Eucharist of the last Supper
Friday 6th April, 10.30 am	Easter Exploration for families
Friday 6th April, 1.30 pm	Good Friday Devotion
Sunday 8th April, 8 am	Easter Day Holy Communion
Sunday 8th April, 9.45 am	Easter Day Parish Communion

Intercessory Prayer for Healing

The next meeting is on Monday 5th March, 7.30 pm at 3 Richmond Court.

'Living the Word'

. . . will meet at 3 Richmond Court on Thursday 29th March 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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Easter fun activities,craft and games,celebration and Sunday tea
for children and adults, anyone, any age
St Wystan's Church, Sunday 25th March, 4 to 5.30 pm

Everyone is welcome. 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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Easter Exploration for Families

Why is it Good Friday? What is it all about?

Re-live the events of Easter week on Good Friday, 6th April, from 10.30 to 11.30 am in St Wystan's Church.

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Easter Lilies

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

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

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

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Repton Church Tower and Spire

In August 2008, during an inspection of the church structure, the top two stones of the spire were found to be cracked. As an emergency measure, two stainless steel bands were fitted the following April to prevent the stones from falling. However, the stones now need to be replaced as soon as possible, as do others that are badly eroded, and the whole structure needs re-pointing to prevent water penetration.

What will it cost?

In the past, work on the 212 foot high spire has been carried out from steeplejacks' ladders and a bosun's chair, but that is no longer possible. Instead, scaffolding will need to be erected at a cost of over £100,000. The whole restoration is expected to cost in the region of £210,000. We applied to English Heritage and have been awarded a grant of £122,000. This generous amount still leaves £88,000 to find. We hope to raise some of this by applying for further grants from other bodies, but it is inevitable that some will have to be raised locally. The beautiful, slender spire is such a well-loved feature in the landscape that we hope it will be possible to raise the money needed to prevent the structure from deteriorating beyond repair.

St George's Day Concert, Friday 27th April, Burton Town Hall

Our first fund-raising event is a St George's Day Musical Spectacular with David Haines and Burton Concert Band. Many of you will have enjoyed them in the past, and we hope you will join us for another great evening. See page 17 for details.

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Correction

The sum raised at St Wystan's Church Christmas gift service for Home-Start South Derbyshire was not £180 but £280.

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St Saviour's News

Foremark Church Annual Parochial Church Meeting
The Library, Foremarke Hall, Thursday 19th April at 7 pm

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting of St Saviour's Church, Foremark, is to be held in the library at Foremarke Hall, by kind invitation of the Headmaster.

All parishioners are welcome to attend the Vestry Meeting for the election of churchwardens, and those on the electoral roll are welcome to attend the APCM afterwards, where there will be elections for PCC members, the Electoral Roll Officer and the Independent Examiner.

For an application form to join the electoral roll, please contact Heather Lowe at Foremarke Hall, Repton Preparatory School, Milton, Derbyshire, DE65 6EJ. The new electoral roll will be revised up to the beginning of April and displayed thereafter.

A meeting of Foremark PCC will immediately follow the APCM.

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St Mary's News

British Summertime

. . . begins this year on Sunday 25th March. From then on, evening services at Newton Solney will move to the later time of 6.30 pm.

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Newton Solney Annual Parochial Church Meeting
St Mary's Church, Sunday 11th March at 4.30 pm

Parishioners are warmly invited to attend this meeting, hot drinks being served between the 4 pm service and the start of business. At the opening Vestry Meeting, elections will be held for churchwardens, with elections at the ensuing APCM for a representative to the Deanery Synod and other members of the Parochial Church Council. Church officers will also report on finances and events of the past year.

Nomination slips for candidates for the elections can be found at the back of the church during the weeks before the meeting, and should be returned to the Secretary by Friday 9th March. Every parishioner has the right to elect the churchwardens, but in order to stand for election, to nominate candidates or to vote for members of the PCC, you need to be on the Church Electoral Roll, for which application forms are also available at church.

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St Mary's Flower Festival 1st - 5th June

The theme of the Flower Festival is 'Let's Celebrate'. Plans are now well underway, but we would welcome extra support to prepare smaller flower arrangements in the church and for windows in the south aisle. We are also hoping for volunteers to man the refreshments, and the craft, produce and plant stalls. If you feel able to help, please contact Hazel Ward on 701244.

Donations for this event will be much appreciated; to celebrate the life of a family member or a friend, donations of £10 will be used to decorate the end of the pews, together with the appropriate name or message. Please contact Sue Elson on 703604. Cheques should be made payable to 'Newton Solney PCC'. Our next meeting for all interested in helping is at 7 pm on Monday 12th March in church.

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Lent Lunches Every Wednesday from 29th February to 28th March, 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church Home-made Soup, Bread & Cheese, Coffee and a Chat! No charge but donations invited for WaterAid Everyone welcome. Do come!

Strictly T42 Tea dance, Thursday 1st March, 2 - 3.30 pm, Repton Village Hall Booking Essential ~ £6 per person including afternoon tea An afternoon tea of sandwiches, scones, cake, tea and coffee, with ballroom and sequence dancing Contact Karen, 07720 571268, or Sue, 07500116914

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.

Morning Coffee Saturday 10th March, 10.30 am to 12.30 pm Jan & David Roberts invite you to 'Morning Coffee' at 37 High Street, Repton Books and Raffle £2.50 including coffee & cake ~ Proceeds to St Wystan's Church Weather permitting, a chance to look round the garden

Pre-Jubilee Tea Saturday 17th March, 2 - 5 pm at Repton Village Hall Face Painting : Jubilee Plans : Games : Phoenix Cards : Produce Stall Usborne Books : Homemade Cakes Entrance £1 including a cup of tea or coffee. Children free raising funds for Repton to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Repton Church Spire Appeal St George's Day Musical Spectacular Burton Concert Band : Conductor David Haines Popular English tunes with a grand finale including Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory, and Rule Britania. Friday 27th April, 8 pm at Burton Town Hall. Doors and bars open at 7.15 For more information and tickets, contact Adrian Argyle on 701277

Thankyou

The various ways in which so many people have supported us in our recent tragic loss have been overwhelming and so very much appreciated. Thank you all.

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You and your Pet

The Reproductive Cycle of the Dog

A bitch has seasons every 7 months. She will normally bleed for the first seven days; this is called pro-oestrus. Next, during oestrus - on average days 11-13, she is receptive to being mounted by male dogs. Breeders can use progesterone hormone tests to help pinpoint when their dog is in season, which can be especially helpful with artificial insemination or when stud dogs are used abroad. Not every mating will result in a pregnancy, and it is a common misconception that dogs have to 'tie' for the mating to be fertile.

If your dog has an unplanned mating, there is a treatment available to stop any pregnancy developing. This consists of two injections within 24 hours. They are best given one to two weeks after the suspected mis-mating to cover any further 'mis-matings'.

Pedigree dog breeders can join an accredited breeder scheme with the Kennel Club, a body that regulates pedigree dog breeding. Under this scheme, breeders make use of elbow, eye, hip and DNA testing, which aims to minimise congenital abnormalities. There are also new regulations to limit to two the number of caesarian section litters that can be registered.

Pregnancy in the dog lasts approximately 63 days, and as birth approaches, temperature and progesterone levels drop. Initially the bitch will start to prepare a nest, and may appear agitated and restless as uterine contractions start. These then progress to full abdominal contractions, with the bitch lying on one side and straining. The time between puppies being born can range from 20 minutes, to up to 60 minutes in maiden bitches. Signs of a problem include straining with no puppy being produced, and a green discharge without any puppies being born at all. This green discharge is due to the fact that the placenta in the dog is a green band. Litter sizes can range from one (which can cause problems due to the large size of the puppy) up to 14 or so.

If the dog isn't pregnant after her season, she will naturally have a false pregnancy; she may produce milk, make a nest, carry toys around and sometimes even go off food and vomit. Medication can help with these symptoms if they are causing problems.

To prevent your bitch coming on heat you can choose to have her neutered. This is ideally done three months after the first season, but can be done three months after any season. It helps to reduce the number and size of mammary cancers, and will prevent uterine infection, a potentially fatal condition where pus builds up within the uterus. This can cause inappetance, vomiting, drinking more, lethargy and vaginal discharge. It is treated by surgery to remove the ovaries and uterus.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact the practice.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Break-in: During a break-in in Repton, the offenders passed a pole through the cat flap to reach a handbag. Make sure your belongings cannot be accessed through the cat flap or letterbox. If possible, keep any valuables out of sight.

Window Cleaners: A local window cleaner reports that when he has cleaned windows with the owner not at home, someone else has later called at houses, claiming to be collecting the money on his behalf. Beware!

Find My iPhone is a free app from the Apple App store. If your device is lost or stolen, you can log into your account at icloud.com/#find and it will display where it is - as long as it is turned on. If you also use a pin number on the device, it is an effective method of retrieving it. As the app sits on your home screen, it is visible to anyone who looks at the screen. Therefore to prevent a thief deleting it, hide the the icon in a folder.

Remember:

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

Always look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

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Willington Surgery

Willington Medical Practice PPG

Willington Surgery has recently conducted a patient questionnaire to ascertain patients' views on its services. 428 patients took part, 6.4% of those registered with the surgery.

The survey covered a wide range of issues, matters such as the accessibility of the surgery, the ease of making contact and booking appointments, opening hours, the helpfulness of staff, the out of hours service, waiting times and much more.

Full and detailed results are now on display at willingtonsurgery.co.uk and in the surgery. Following on from the survey, the surgery and the PPG have agreed an action plan which will also be displayed.

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Repton Village & History

Repton Beavers

Twelve Beavers packed into the minibus early one Sunday at the end of January, and off we went to the Legoland Discovery Centre in Manchester. We built and raced Lego cars, built huge, tall towers, watched a 4-D film and tackled the Lego Ninja assault course. During March the Beavers will be preparing for what for most of them will be a first sleepover. Contact Liz Beaston on 703314 if your child would like to join in the fun.

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Repton Cubs

Cubs survived their evening at Rollerworld unscathed, and now have an activity day coming up. In early February we returned to the Crypt at St Wystan's for the investiture of five new Cubs; numbers have increased, and we have started a fourth 'six'.

We would like to thank David Roberts for allowing us to climb the church tower, see the clock and hear the bells strike the hour. For more information, please contact Jez Brooks on 07799 882338.

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Help! Pre-Jubilee Tea Saturday 17th March, 2 - 5 pm, Repton Village Hall

Offers of help - just an hour or so would be great - or contributions of cakes or produce for the stall would be very much appreciated. If you think you could help, I would love to hear from you!

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Come and lend a hand! ~ Repton Rags

We are in the process of setting up the Repton Rags Club, a youth driven project for young people aged about 8 - 14 who live in the Repton area. The group will give youngsters the chance to express their creativity and develop their talents through a variety of activities that they enjoy, to have a go at new things through sports, the arts and dance, or just to meet their mates in a safe environment.

It will be run by the community for the community, and we are looking for volunteers who can spare a little time each week to come along and help out. (Initially we may run once a fortnight.) Volunteers come in all ages and have many different skills: you may be a dab hand on the computer, have a few minutes each week to take a register, have organisational skills, or be able to coach or lead an activity. Whatever your skills, we need you if this project is be become a success.

For more information, contact Toni, the village games co-ordinator, on 07909 442996. We also have Antony Talbot as a volunteer sports leader, so there will be outside as well as inside fun!

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The Repton Runners

A reminder that our beginners' running course starts on 7th March. It will run for ten weeks and by the end, you should be able to run for a mile! The cost will be £22 or £2.50 weekly. The Repton Runners meet every Wednesday evening at 7.30 outside The Red Lion. Do contact me to find out more.

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Repton Open Gardens Friday 15th - Sunday 17th June

Having moved a week later in 2011, the Open Gardens is reverting to its traditional weekend. As last year, the event will start on the Friday evening with a Wine and Music evening in St Wystan's Church, the gardens themselves being open on the Saturday and Sunday.

For the gardeners, it is a thoroughly enjoyable weekend; they unfailingly comment on the friendliness of the visitors and the pleasure of showing them around.

Our regular gardens vary greatly in size and character, but all are appreciated by our visitors who come from far and wide, often returning again and again. This year, we already have the promise of new gardens, but we are always looking for more.

Can we twist your arm?

Almost everyone who opens his garden for the first time needs his arm twisting. After all, none of us can compete with Chelsea, and unlike show gardens, ours have to earn their keep throughout the year; many things are not at their best in mid-summer. But visitors know that. They go to the great public gardens to see the dream; they come to us for a pleasant afternoon, and to pick up ideas for real gardens.

If you would like to open your garden or know someone who might like to be involved, please contact Tom Hyde on 703662.

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Repton Diamond Jubilee Walks

We have an amazing network of footpaths on our doorstep. Come and join us in our walks from the Square. You will need suitable footwear, preferably walking boots, and in muddier conditions walking poles are a great help; there are some gates and stiles to climb. All walks leave the Square at 10 am, except on Sunday 18th March. For the longer walks, asterisked, you are invited to bring a picnic. The dates and approximate mileages are:

March:	Monday 5th (2.6m), Friday 9th* (8.5m), Sunday 18th at 2 pm (5m), Wednesday 21st* (10m), Thursday 29th (4m);
April:	Monday 2nd* (9.7m), Tuesday 10th (3.4m), Saturday 14th* (8.2m), Tuesday 17th (5.8m);
May:	Thursday 10th (4.7m).

N.B. The date of the second walk has changed from 13th to 9th March.

For further information, ring Auriol Cumming on 702614

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Repton W.I.

In February we were delighted to welcome visitors and new members to an illustrated talk by Anita Staley on the Butterflies of Britain. She told us how her interest began as a child when she collected cards from Brooke Bond tea packets; how many of us remember those cards? Later it developed when together with her husband and son she began looking and photographing locally before travelling further afield. There are 58 native butterflies, 30 in the Repton area. Some are in danger, and work is going on to preserve habitats.

We were shocked to learn that former member Angela Mayger had been attacked in her home in Yorkshire, her car taken and written off; the experience has left her very bruised and frightened. We were warned to use the door chain at all times.

Earlier in the month, several members had enjoyed a meal at the Mulberry Restaurant at Burton College. Now we are now looking forward to the Council meeting in Chesterfield on 6th March and the County Quiz on 22nd March. A walk round historic Willington together with a meal has been booked for 25th July.

Tuesday 13th March: Jenny West on 'An Easter Meal'

Everyone is welcome at 7.15 pm in the village hall.

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Repton Village History Group

At our January meeting, Keith Blood stood in at short notice when the booked speaker was unable to attend. Keith gave an illustrated talk about the Bamford Dams, explaining why they were built, and how several villages were flooded. He is an excellent speaker, and his talk gave a clear insight into the dams' construction.

Next meeting: Tuesday 20th March: Alan Gifford will talk on a topic of local interest, the life of George Sorocold, a forgotten engineer, who provided water to Derby and other towns and cities in the 17th and 18th centuries. 7.30 pm in Repton village hall. As ever, visitors are most welcome. Members £2, visitors £3, including tea and biscuits.

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Repton Village Society

During his lecture on whether there may have been water on Mars, and therefore some form of life there, Professor Mark Sims, from the Space Research Centre at the University of Leicester, showed remarkable pictures of the planet's surface. Many in the audience had not realised that there were vehicles on Mars still exploring, with another one due to land in August this year.

The evening of easy listening swing with Bill Smith attracted an appreciative audience of 70. It is always a pleasure to listen to his group of talented musicians; his style of playing seems to fit so well.

Thursday 1st March

Colin Bagshaw returns for 'Volcanoes - the Good the Bad and the Ugly'. The annual general meeting and cheese and wine follow.

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Repton School Science Priory

Construction of the Science Priory will start at Easter on the field beside Jeremiah's Walk, and is expected to take about 15 months. Some preliminary work was undertaken in February, organising gas and electricity supplies, re-routing telephone cables and preparing the site by removing the hedge and those trees that it is not possible to save; replacements will be in place by the end of the project. Work has also started to provide additional parking spaces by the swimming pool; they need to be in place before the main project gets going.

Jeremiah's Walk will be slightly re-routed round the builder's compound for the duration of the project but will remain in use throughout.

Bowmer & Kirkland is the contractor; as a well-known and highly respected firm they are expected to run a safe and well managed site, but any concerns should be taken up with the School's Estates Bursar.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Parking Congestion in Repton High Street: Due to complaints about the number of vehicles parked on both sides of the High Street on many evenings, Repton Parish Council is consulting widely. DCC has suggested that the single yellow line on the west side of High Street, from The Bulls Head to number 98, should be replaced with a double yellow line. The existing line prohibits parking between 8 am and 6 pm, Monday to Saturday, but a double yellow line would prohibit parking at any time. Loading and unloading would still be allowed at all times. This idea will only be taken further if local residents do not object. Please send your views to the Parish Council office.
• Policing East Midlands Airport: A member of the airport Police Aviation Team will give a short presentation at next month's Parish meeting. He will outline the duties of police at the airport, their role in the local community, and how they police the flight paths. It should be interesting and informative. Everyone is welcome. Times below.
• A Strategic Rail Freight Interchange in South Derbyshire: Proposals are being drawn up for a major rail-connected business and warehousing development to the south of the A50 and west of the A38 at Egginton Common. No firm details have yet been provided to the local authority (SDDC). As a nationally significant project, any proposal would be decided at Government level, following an examination by the Infrastructure Planning Commission. However, the statutory process requires extensive local consultation. When they are known, details of the scheme will be widely publicised, explaining also how local people can get involved in the consultation.
• Tackling Dog Fouling: SDDC is again aiming to clamp down on dog fouling. It is a problem that tends to increase in the winter months, and is most common in the mornings. Offenders risk a £50 fixed penalty notice. It's only a tiny minority of owners who are guilty, but dog fouling has serious health implications, and spoils enjoyment of our open spaces for everyone else. As the wardens can't be everywhere at once, you are also encouraged to help. Please give as much information as possible: a description of the dog and owner; the time and location; a car registration plate, if applicable. To report a problem, contact the wardens on 01283 595943 or environmental.health@south-derbys.gov.uk.

Next meeting: Monday 12th March in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton: Parish meeting at 7 pm, followed by the Parish Council meeting at 7.30.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

Our Annual Dinner is at The Smisby Arms at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 7th March.

Four members attended the Newton Solney W.I. Group business meeting in February. President Jane Smith told members that we have decided to use our Bursary on a 'leather workshop' to take place in Milton village hall on 3rd October.

Alan Hopkins was an interesting and entertaining speaker. We learned about his life as a musician and listened to music through the ages. He had many members foot tapping and singing along. Kay Dolman gave the vote of thanks.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 21st March: A representative from the Blue Cross Horse Sanctuary will be our speaker. 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. Visitors are always welcome.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney C of E Infant School

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

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Newton Solney W.I.

President Hazel Ward opened the meeting with an email she had received, an amusing poem about weight gain over the festive season and resolutions made and broken to get back in shape; this struck a chord with our members.

Findern W.I. Barn Dance is on 24th March, the next Mulberry room lunch will be on Wednesday 28th March, and there is a Mercia Group theatre visit on 19th April to see 'Dreamboats and Petticoats' at Derby.

Arrangements are well under way for the Mercia Group Social Meeting that we are hosting in the village hall on 30th April. The theme is 'Let us entertain you', a musical evening. The competition will be to provide alternative lyrics to the chorus of 'I'd like to teach the world to sing'.

Members were asked to think about how they would like to use the Group Bursary that we will receive later in the year. Hazel told us that a former village resident now living in Australia had sent a number of interesting photos from the 40s and 50s; one was a picture of W.I. ladies resplendent in best coats and hats. One of our long-serving members who remembers the occasion is now trying to put names to the faces for inclusion in our archives.

Vanessa Archer read out a report from the parish council meeting where ideas had been invited for the forthcoming Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and current plans outlined. Members felt they would be happy to be involved with this in any way they could.

Our speaker for the evening was a local magistrate who gave an informative talk on the history and development of the Magistrate Courts over the years.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 13th March at 7.30 pm: Kandy Smith will talk to us about the History of Jewellery. Whist Drive: Tuesday 27th March at 7 pm. Both in the village hall. New members are most welcome.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Our meeting in February was a great success; Steve Parker gave a talk on wine, bringing with him a selection of wines for members to taste. He spoke about the background of some winemakers, and gave tips on how to appreciate and get the most out of a wine.

Tuesday 6th March, 2.30 pm

At the business meeting, we will collect the balance of the money for our holiday in Llandudno in April. This will be followed by a talk on the Shetland Isles given by one of our members.

Tuesday 20th March: Visit to Coventry

We will meet at the Unicorn at 9.30 am and return by about 3 pm. There is a list circulating for members, but should anyone else wish to join us, please contact our secretary on 01283 564520.

We welcome new members and visitors to any of our activities.

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Newton Solney Horticultural Show, 1st September 2012

Themes for Photographs Section

Adults:		'Jubilee Celebration' : 'Misty Morning' : 'Bright Lights'
Juniors	(7 - 10 years):	'Red, White and Blue'
Juniors	(11- 16 years):	'Sport'

Handicraft Section

For more information, contact Chris Freestone, 701147.

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Gardening Notes

Things begin to get busy this month, and a plan of operations is needed, especially for vegetables.

Plant onion sets with the bulbs 4" apart, and leave 9" between rows so that there is room to weed; placing the bulbs closer together leads to smaller onions. Make a shallow drill and plant them with the tips of the bulbs exposed.

If it is warm enough, first early potatoes can be planted at the end of the month. Grow them under cloches or keep some fleece handy in case of frost, as the young growth is very tender. As the soil warms up, sow early carrots, parsnips, beetroot, leeks, lettuce, broad beans and peas directly into the ground.

Sow tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines and sweet peppers in a heated propagator, ideally at 21°C, or in a frost-free greenhouse with some heat.

Hoe beds if weeds start to emerge. Plant summer-flowering bulbs. Cut back dead parts of ornamental grasses. Once they start to shoot, divide dahlia tubers and take basal cuttings. Lift and divide summer-flowering perennials where necessary, taking basal cuttings from delphiniums, lupins and phlox.

Sow seeds of perennials and biennials such as foxgloves, hollyhocks and lupins, as well as many annuals. Tender annuals should be sown under glass for transplanting in June when the danger of frost has generally passed. Summer bedding plants can also be sown this month under glass.

If you have not done so yet, prune late-flowering clematis. Hydrangea paniculata cultivars need pruning fairly hard to a pair of strong buds. Remove the dead heads of ordinary mophead hydrangeas and prune them back to the first strong pair of buds; pruning any harder will reduce flowering this year. Prune buddleja and lavatera almost to ground level. Cut back cornus and salix to promote colourful new growth. Mahonias should have the flower heads removed when they have gone over, but no further pruning is needed except to limit size.

Remove reverted green shoots from variegated evergreen shrubs. Prune lavenders, but not into hard wood; artemisias can be pruned hard.

Bush roses need no pruning, but hybrid tea and floribunda roses will benefit from careful pruning, removing deadwood and crossing stems, and cutting longer stems back to a strong, outward facing bud to leave an open bush. Climbing roses should be tied back horizontally, where possible, and most side shoots should be removed.

Apply a general fertiliser to raspberry canes, and follow with mulch. Raspberries are shallow rooted, and mulching will improve water retention.

This is a good time to sow wild flower meadows. Keep the area around young fruit trees free of grass; this will reduce competition for moisture and make it easier to apply fertiliser and compost.

The lawn may need regular mowing now. Apply moss killer if moss is a problem, but it will need raking out sooner rather than later; at the same time, consider whether you need to improve drainage.

Keep greenhouses well ventilated when possible. Clean them, and keep a watch for early aphid and red spider infestation. If succulents need repotting, now is the time; use a free-draining compost, mixing it 50:50 with grit.

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Computer Security

Be Safe Online

Police are warning computer users to be on their guard.

1. An online pop-up message, claiming to come from the Metropolitan Police, says that your computer has been locked by police, and that you need to call a given number or pay a fine online for viewing inappropriate content. Usually the computer screen then locks. The police make clear that it has absolutely nothing to do with them; and that they never ask for money under such circumstances. However, unlocking the computer and removing the virus requires specialised knowledge; you are advised to seek professional advice.

2. A man received an unsolicited telephone call from a company who knew he had been researching loans on the internet. He paid £260 to secure a £1,500 loan, but the loan was never received. Always be suspicious if you receive a cold call from someone who appears to know exactly what you have been searching for.

3. Many PC owners have been contacted by callers claiming to represent software companies including Microsoft. The callers have offered to install security packages on the computer and have been allowed to access the computer remotely. Whether the packages are genuine or not is not always clear, but they are unnecessary and expose you to significant risk.

If you have information about any similar incident, call the police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Social Media: Hacked Facebook accounts are often used to spread malware. It's clear that people don't treat Facebook messages with the same level of suspicion they would if they received an e-mail or an instant message with a suspicious link. Always be very cautious when accepting 'friend' invitations from people you don't know.

OU Safe Computing: The Open University's 'safe computing' service is for me an essential source of advice. In particular, it keeps me up to date with current phishing threats, with viruses, and with updates - and despite manufacturers' claims, some common software doesn't update properly. The service is free, and it is easy to subscribe. Subscribe at safecomputing.open.ac.uk.

And finally: Always update anti-virus systems daily, use a personal firewall and a spyware inhibitor, and check for system updates regularly.