April 2012 - Contents Hello! Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Easter Exploration for Families, Good Friday, 6th April, 10.30 to 11.30 am 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 Holy Week Coffee Morning: Saturday 14th April at 10.30 Shell (for children aged 7+) Dates for your Diary Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Neive Lily-Joy Howson-Marshall Funerals and Burial of Ashes Gladys Woodward Angus James McLaren Ernest Eames The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Our New Vicar, Institution at 7.30 pm, Thursday 26th April Martin's First Service, Sunday 29th April at 9.45 Thank You to Clergy St Wystan's News Messy Church, Sunday 22nd April How God Made the English Visiting Clergy Holy Week Services Prayer for Christian Healing 'Living the Word' St Mary's News St Mary's Flower Festival, 1st - 5th June Event Details Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 4th April Repton Royal British Legion, 7th April and 5th May Homemade Soup, Bread and Cheese Lunch, Saturday 21st April Strictly T42 Tea dance, Monday 23rd April Repton School Concert, Wednesday 25th April St George's Day Musical Spectacular, Friday 27th April Thankyou The McLaren family Sylvia Nixon and family You and your Pet Changes to the Pet Passport Scheme . . . and more Neighbourhood Watch Diamond Jubilee Diamond Jubilee Walks Diamond Jubilee Family Fun Day, Tuesday 5th June Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in Outline Repton Village and History The Dales to close Repton Rags Repton Beavers Repton Cubs Repton Evergreens Lost Relatives ~ Langley and Simpson Repton W.I. Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society The URC Celebrates 175 Years in Pinfold Lane . . . more! ngs Open Garden: 37 High Street, Sunday 15th April 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 Gardening Notes

---

Hello!

It is strange to sit down and write to a lot of people, the vast majority of whom you have yet to meet - but then a vicar often faces challenging tasks!

I am not surprised to find myself heading towards Derbyshire. God has a wonderful sense of humour, and having served on three coastal peninsulas in succession, I had half an expectation that my family and I would end up by the sea. The message: 'Never try to second guess God!' However, we are absolutely delighted to be coming inland, and are anticipating living in Repton for a good few years to come.

I am married to Julie and we have three children. Eva and Lundy are just 10, and Maiya is even more recently 8 years old. Julie home educates the girls but we have always intended they go to secondary school.

We have two dogs, so don't be surprised to see the vicarage gates kept shut. This is not for your protection from them, but for theirs from the road. All of us are excited at the prospect of living in the vicarage and making it a real family home. This includes the garden, which if my girls have their way, will soon resemble a domestic safari park!

Those who interviewed me will know that I have many and varied interests. These stem from my upbringing on a farm and the opportunities I had as a teenager and younger adult to do lots of different things, travel to many places and work in a variety of situations. I have been a teacher in a preparatory school in rural Norfolk, and in a comprehensive school in Bethnal Green. I have served as a Youth and Community Worker, and also as Assistant Director of the Y.M.C.A. in Cambridge. In ministry I have served in council estate, wealthy suburban, rural and coastal settings. I have cared for modern, Victorian and Grade 1 listed churches; for the latter take a virtual tour of the parish church in St Osyth. I am very ecumenically minded, and while firmly in the middle-of-the-road bracket, believe in drawing on the best of all traditions.

What else can I tell you? What do parishes need to know? Will the 'new man' arrive with a big broom and make sweeping changes? No, I don't do that. But you know that things will change, they always do. If our faith is to be living, and meaningful, and spirit-led, and attractive to others - then movement is vital - stagnation is not an option. However, I have always been more for evolution than revolution. What is important for me is that we move forward together, and that means I will have a lot of learning to do. First I have to get to know all of you in Foremark, Ingleby, Milton, Newton Solney, and Repton: to learn where you have been, where you are and what is happening. A lot to learn, but I look forward to the process - it is one of the immense privileges of being a vicar.

Until we meet - All Blessings!

---

Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

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

St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

---

Readers, Intercessors and Offertory at St Wystan's

---

Altar Flowers (contact Frances Wimbush, 703180)

---

Brasses (contact Sue Parker, 702550)

---

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

---

The United Reformed Church

---

Holy Week

Begin this special week with us at our celebrations on Palm Sunday, when, weather permitting, the service will begin outside with two donkeys in attendance! This will be a family service, as will the Easter Day morning service, when we will celebrate the risen Christ.

---

Coffee Morning: Saturday 14th April at 10.30

A time to restock after all the Easter eggs have been eaten! Homemade cakes and marmalade, the children's game, the Webb Ivory cards and stationery, and time to chat over coffee. Come and join us!

---

Shell (age 7+)

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

---

Dates for your Diary

Sun 3rd June:	The Queen's Diamond Jubilee will be celebrated with a 'Big Lunch' in the schoolroom after morning worship.
Sat 16th June:	We will be holding a Gift Day on the first afternoon of the Open Gardens Weekend, with Cream Teas served in the schoolroom.
Sat 14th July	The Annual Barbeque will be at 5 Monsom Lane.

---

Baptisms

Neive Lily-Joy Howson-Marshall, daughter of Rachel and Antony of 5 Askew Grove, Repton, was baptised at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Sunday 4th March.

---

Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Gladys Woodward of Newton Solney died on Wednesday 15th February aged 94. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on Tuesday 28th February was followed by cremation.

Angus James McLaren, formerly of Repton, died on Friday 17th February aged 37. A service at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 2nd March, was followed by burial at Monsom Lane Cemetery.

Ernest Eames of 41 Hall Farm Road, Swadlincote, died on Sunday 19th February aged 89. After a service at Bretby Crematorium on 2nd March, his ashes were interred in St Mary's Churchyard, Newton Solney, on 15th March.

---

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.

---

Repton Benefice

Our New Vicar
Service of Institution at 7.30 pm, Thursday 26th April in St Wystan's Church

Martin Flowerdew will be instituted this month as our new vicar. Everyone is invited to attend the service, which will be conducted by the Bishop of Derby. Do please come to welcome him.

Following on from the service, there will be refreshments in Pears School, which is next to the church; anyone attending the service is most welcome to come and join the celebrations.

If you would like to come to the service and have refreshments afterwards, please get a ticket from Wendy Longden, 703259, or David Roberts, 702159, as we need to know the numbers we are catering for.

As some visitors will be coming from a distance, and there is only limited car parking close to the church, we would be grateful if locals could walk if possible, or at least share cars.

---

Martin's First Service
Joint Benefice Communion at St Wystan's Church, Sunday 29th April at 9.45

We hope that as many people as possible will come to meet Martin, his wife, Julie and their children Lundy, Eva and Maiya, and to make them feel at home. Coffee and tea will be served as usual after the service. There will be no other services on that day.

---

Thank You!

. . . to all the clergy - Stanley Morris, June Scott, Neil Broadbent, Ian Winterbottom, Sue Starkey, Nick Bailey and Derek Dolman - who since Peter left last August have so readily stepped in to take services and undertake additional duties in all our benefice churches. Thank you also to our Readers, Ruth Attwood and Stephen Longden, for taking on extra responsibilities. We greatly appreciate their support and guidance, and everything they have all done to keep things running smoothly during the interregnum.

---

St Wystan's News

Messy Church Fun activities,craft and games,celebration and Sunday tea for children and adults, anyone, any age St Wystan's Church, Sunday 22nd April, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, contact Ruth Attwood on 702804 or . Everyone is welcome!

How God Made The English

The third and final part of this BBC2 series, to be broadcast on Saturday 31st March, contains scenes shot at St Wystan's Church.

---

Visiting Clergy

Rev'd Neil Broadbent of the Sozein Trust will take the Communion services at 8 and 9.45 am on Sunday 15th April, and Canon Ian Winterbottom on Sunday 22nd.

---

Holy Week Services at St Wystan's

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' welcome in Jerusalem. Come and join the celebration!

Monday 2nd April, 7.30 pm: Stations of the Cross

As early as the 4th century, Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land would follow the route that Jesus took through the streets of Jerusalem carrying his cross to Golgotha. When Muslims captured Jerusalem and it became too dangerous to make this pilgrimage, Christians replicated the sites at home in Europe, and there developed the 'Stations of the Cross' devotion, also known as the Via Dolorosa or Via Crucis.

In the devotion, we meditate at 14 stations, representing the events that took place during Christ's Passion, from His condemnation to His burial. Franciscans popularized the devotion, which was originally made outside, often along roads to shrines or churches. Nowadays, it is usually made inside churches, especially during Holy Week. At the service, we move around the church, stopping at each station to hear and reflect on a short meditation, and to join together in prayer.

Wednesday 4th April, 7.30 pm: Compline,

The ancient office of Compline is a beautiful evening service of quietness and reflection that brings brings our focus quietly back to God until the next morning.

Maundy Thursday, 5th April, 8 pm: Eucharist of the Last Supper

The Eucharist of the Last Supper initiates the 'Great Three Days' of Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, commemorating the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. This joyful and solemn service of Holy Communion re-enacts the breaking of bread and drinking wine that Jesus shared with His disciples before His arrest. He told his followers to do this as a memorial of him. At this meal Jesus also gave his followers a new commandment, a mandate from which the word maundy derives, 'that you love one another, as I have loved you.” (John 13:34). Jesus demonstrated this mandate by washing the feet of the disciples, as a sign that leadership in the Church is service, and that those who wish to be followers must first allow Jesus to serve them. The service ends with a procession to the Gethsemane Garden where Jesus asked His disciples to watch and pray that they would not fall into temptation.

Good Friday, 6th April

10 am: Easter Exploration

Easter Exploration is a special Easter event for children of all ages, their parents and anyone who would like to explore the events of the first Easter through activities, drama and songs. Full information from Ruth Attwood on 702804.

1.30 pm to 3 pm: Good Friday Devotion

We welcome The Dean of Derby, The Very Rev'd Dr. John Davies DL, to lead this service and preach. John, who was appointed Dean in 2010, is well known and admired locally having previously served for ten years as vicar of Melbourne. During the service there will be three addresses, intercessions and an opportunity to make our own prayers at the foot of the cross.

Easter Day, 8th April

Easter Day, which celebrates God's resurrection from the dead of Jesus, is the great affirmation of victory and hope over the power of death.

8 am: Holy Communion

Please note that this service will be at St Wystan's, and not at Newton Solney.

9.45 am: Parish Communion

At this joyful celebration, we will light individual candles from the Easter Candle, the symbol of Christ's risen life and a reminder of God's promise to be with us always, renew our baptismal promises and receive Holy Communion.

---

Prayer for Christian Healing

There will be no meeting in April due to Easter commitments.

---

'Living the Word'

. . . will meet on Thursday 3rd May at 7.30 pm at 3 Richmond Court and not on the 26th April, owing to the Institution service of the new vicar. If you would like to know more or would like to come along to share how we have put 'The Word of Life' into practice during the month, please telephone Stephen Longden on 703259.

---

St Mary's News

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

The next meeting for all those who are helping at the Flower Festival is in St Mary's Church on Tuesday 24th April at 7 pm. All willing volunteers will be most welcome. Do join us!

Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 4th April 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 Saturday 7th April at 8.30 pm Charlie Saturday 5th May at 8.30 pm Andy Walker from 'Stars in your Eyes' Enjoy our singing sensations, and real ales in a warm, friendly atmosphere.

Homemade Soup, Bread and Cheese Lunch with Richard and Melanie Finch Saturday 21st April, noon - 2.30 pm, at 19 Chestnut Way £4 per ticket, includes coffee / tea, PLUS a pound for a pud if you’re peckish All welcome!

Strictly T42 Tea dance, Monday 23rd April, 2 - 4 pm, Repton Village Hall ballroom and sequence dancing led by an experienced instructor rediscover an old hobby or learn a new style of dance gentle exercise in a friendly atmosphere, with tea, sandwiches and cakes £6 per person including afternoon tea Booking Essential. Contact Karen, 07720 571268

Repton School Concerts Society Stars and Stripes Wednesday 25th April at 7.45 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall An evening to celebrate the music of the USA given by pupils and members of the Repton Music Department Staff soloists and ensembles with teachers and students playing together. Tickets for this concert are £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions). For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR. 01283 702550.

Repton Church Spire Appeal St George's Day Musical Spectacular Burton Concert Band and the Mighty Wurlitzer Conductor David Haines : Leader Kate Fox : Soprano Rachael McTiernan song sheets for everyone with many old favourites including some this year to celebrate Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee Friday 27th April, 8 pm at Burton Town Hall. Doors and bars open at 7 pm English Bangers & Mash Pyrotechnic effects : Complimentary Flags & Song Sheets Tickets £18 from Adrian Argyle on 701277 or 538222

Thankyou

We would like to sincerely thank all the kind people who have thought about us and sent messages of love and support over the sad time of Angus' death. We deeply appreciate it.

---

Sylvia Nixon and family would like to thank everyone who attended Pete's funeral in February. Donations to Marie Curie raised £260, and to Treetops £220. Thank you too for all your cards and good wishes, which helped us so much in our loss.

---

You and your Pet

Changes to the Pet Passport Scheme . . . and more

From the start of this year, the Pet Passport scheme has been simplified. There is no longer a requirement for a blood sample to detect rabies antibodies and then to wait six months before entering the UK. A pet now starting a passport would have a microchip, a rabies vaccine, and then a 21-day wait before re-entering the UK. A passport is issued as before, and the pet must be treated for tapeworm by a vet within one to five days prior to re-entry into the UK. There is no longer a requirement to treat for ticks, but this would still be prudent, as there are many diseases carried by ticks on the continent.

Stick Injuries

People love to throw sticks for dogs, and dogs love to chase them! But it's not necessarily a good idea. Injuries occur when dogs run onto sticks, most commonly penetrating the pharynx - a region at the back of the mouth - or the front of the chest. The sticks can leave fragments of wood in the soft tissue, which the body reacts to, often forming an abscess which can be difficult to clear up, even with antibiotic. Personally, I avoid sticks and give Boston ball ropes to chase - and then mostly lose!

Rabbit Rears

It's nearly that time of year again for flystrike in rabbits, a particularly nasty condition which occurs when flies lay eggs over the rabbit's rear end. Rabbits with poor mobility can struggle to keep clean, and those prone to softer faeces can develop faecal matting over the rear, which then attracts flies. The condition is easily prevented with daily 'rabbit bottom' checks and the application of Rearguard, which helps to repel the flies.

Case of the month

. . . is a dog who has just been discharged from treatment after nearly six months. He goes by the name of Harvey and is 12 years old. When he was attacked by his kennel mate - both dogs are Labradors - his injuries were so severe that it was almost decided to put him to sleep. Fortunately, after months of patient dressing and treats, Harvey has made a full recovery and still loves coming into the surgery - plus the treats!

---

Neighbourhood Watch

Safer Neighbourhoods meetings give you an opportunity to set the local policing agenda. The next is on Tuesday 1st May at 6.15 pm in Repton Village Hall. The SDDC area forum - open to all residents - will follow from 7.30 until 8.30 pm.

At the last Safer Neighbourhoods meeting, there were complaints about loudspeakers used by scrap collectors, since when several loudspeakers have been seized. The police also report that, following several complaints of anti-social behaviour, ASB letters have been sent to a group of youths in Repton. However, following suggestions that drugs were being sold in Repton, high visibility checks were conducted, but no drugs found.

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.

---

Diamond Jubilee

Diamond Jubilee Walks

The Diamond Jubilee walks are going well; reckoning a mile for every year of the Queen's reign, by the end of March we will be up to 1982! Do join us, and for the walks on 2nd and 14th April, remember to bring a picnic.

April:	Monday 2nd* (9.7 miles), Tuesday 10th (3.4 miles), Saturday 14th* (8.2 miles), Tuesday 17th (5.8 miles)
May:	Thursday 10th (4.7 miles)

Diamond Jubilee Family Fun Day
Tuesday 5th June, 11 am to 4 pm at Broomhills Lane

Following our memorable and very enjoyable family fun days in 2000 and 2004, the Village Jubilee Team is organising another this summer as part of the Jubilee celebrations. Whilst, as far as possible, the day will be free, there will be a voluntary car park charge of £2, and individual stalls may wish to make a charge to cover the cost of prizes.

Lots of events are planned, and many already firmed up. There will be 7 a side football, a tug of war, pitch and putt, soccer skills, 'beat the goalie', running and races, a beer tent, an ice cream van and a BBQ.

Other ideas that are projected but still need some help are pony rides, a greasy pole, a bouncy castle, the 'Mouse in a Drain Pipe', face painting, and the 'Milk Crate Challenge'.

If you have any other suggestions

. . . please let me know - whether you can run them yourself or not.

In addition, we are going to need help with posters and publicity, running the public address system, and controlling the traffic and parking.

This is where you come in; if you are able to volunteer to help in any way and contribute to the success of a great village event, please contact Roger Dennis on 702269,

Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

Events to mark the Queen's Jubilee have already started, but there is much more on the stocks, and we need yet more people to come forward, whether to help organise an event or street party or to decorate the village. We are particularly looking for someone to help with the Saturday afternoon Village Quiz and Trail.

To get involved, please contact John Perks on 702392.

The latest news is that, thanks to Alan Webster and the Village Society, on the Saturday afternoon, a spitfire will fly over Repton, weather conditions permitting.

Outline Programme

Saturday 2nd

Afternoon	Village Quiz and Trail
Afternoon	Singalong with songs from six decades at the village hall
Afternoon	Teas and displays at the village hall
Afternoon	Spitfire to overfly Repton

Sunday 3rd

Morning	Special service at St Wystan's Church
Midday	The Big Lunch: street parties to be organised by individual streets
Evening	Jazz Concert in Pears School

Monday 4th

Evening

Village Party in Repton School grounds with hog roast, fireworks, beacon lighting, licensed professional bar, music for all tastes, laser lights and sound effects

Tuesday 5th

Afternoon	Village Fun day at Broomhills Field - see page ???
Evening	Barn Dance and Supper in Pears School

Next month there will be lots more detail about all these events, but meanwhile, please mark your card. These aren't fund-raising events, so any cost will be as low as we can make it: we hope to see everybody there to celebrate a wonderful occasion!

---

Repton Village & History

The Dales Residential Home for Older People

In a move that will sadden many people locally as well as the staff, Derbyshire County Council is proposing to close The Dales, possibly within the year. Formal consultations continue, but the site is scheduled for re-development and modernisation. If the closure goes ahead, it is likely that, subject to individual assessments, many residents will be offered a transfer to Oaklands village at Swadlincote.

Oaklands is a state of art Community Complex offering more flexibility and choice with living arrangements. It will include 88 Extra-Care flats, giving the residents chance to own fully, co-own or rent, having their own front door. Extra-Care flats are staffed 24/7, just like a residential home, and have similar communal areas to help combat social isolation. There is also a 32 bed specialised dementia unit with 16 short-term beds and 16 long-term beds. This complex will have many facilities such as a gym, jacuzzi, shop, bar / bistro and hairdresser, and is all under one roof.

It is proposed to build Extra-Care flats on the site of the Dales, but the development will not be on the same scale as Oaklands. During the coming months there will be a public consultation, giving you the chance to have your say.

---

Repton Rags

We are well on the way with setting up the Repton Rags Club, and already have a number of volunteers, but we could still do with more. 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. 　

Repton Rags Club is a youth driven project for young people aged about 8 - 14 in the Repton area. It will give them the chance to express their creativity and develop their talents through activities that they enjoy, to have a go at new things through sports - inside and out - the arts and dance, or just to meet their mates in a safe environment.

For more information, contact Toni, the village games co-ordinator, on 07909 442996.

---

Repton Beavers

Beavers have been learning about saving energy, and also spent an evening making boxes containing chocolates and cards for Mother's Day. Then they finished off the term with a very noisy evening of drumming, which involved drumming games, trying different kinds of drums and generally making lots of noise, some of it to a rhythm! Contact Liz Beaston on 703314 if your child would like to join in the fun.

---

Repton Cubs

17 Repton Cubs joined others from the District for an activity day at Kibblestone Scout Camp Site near Stone. Activities included climbing, target shooting, pedal karts and crafts.

Having learnt about cycle maintenance, the Cubs had an evening undertaking several cycling tests around Repton School to compete their cyclist badge. In April we've got St George's Day coming up, and 8 Cubs will be starting a canoeing course. For more information, contact Jez Brooks on 07799 882338.

---

Repton Evergreens

Our membership continues to grow, but we will always welcome new members.

Thursday 31st May

As part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, we are inviting anyone who over the years has supported us to join us in the village hall for a celebratory lunch and social afternoon. This is entirely free of charge. To book your place, please phone Sue Banks on 701726, as she needs to know how many to cater for.

Appeal for Books and Bric-a-brac

If you have anything you can donate to help us in our fundraising, contact Sue as above.

---

Lost Relatives

If your surname is (or you know of anyone whose surname is) Langley or Simpson and you may be connected to Emma Jane Kidd, née Simpson, who lived in Albert Village in the 1980s, please contact her on 07827 444 993. She would love to hear from you.

---

Repton W.I.

President Audrey Morris was delighted to welcome so many visitors in March, and hoped to see them all again at future meetings!

Members were reminded of the County event, 'Inspiring Women', to be held at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield on 21st April, and asked to sign up for the Group Meeting in Newton Solney on 30th April. A lunch at the Mulberry Restaurant at Burton College was arranged for late March, a visit to the garden at the Dower House in Melbourne was planned for 4 pm on 27th June, and a walk round historic Willington with supper afterwards for 25th July.

Following the business, we were entertained to a demonstration of 'An Easter Meal', all cooked in the village hall's ancient cooker. Canapés, stuffed Portobello mushrooms, Italian chicken and Highland white chocolate mousse miraculously appeared, and we were all eager to have a taste with our tea or coffee. Jenny West was an inspiring tutor, and we were enthused with ideas for future meals.

This month: Tuesday 10th April at 7.15 pm in the village hall: Anna Roebuck will talk about recycling, the fur trade, and bags to riches. Visitors are always welcome.

---

Repton Village History Group

Gerald Gibbs was the speaker at our February meeting. His talk on '400 years of the King James Bible' was much appreciated by our members.

Next meeting: Tuesday 17th April: Local historian Richard Stone will be giving an illustrated talk entitled 'Meet the Pagets'. 7.30 pm in Repton village hall. Visitors are most welcome. Members £2, visitors £3, including tea and biscuits.

---

Repton Village Society

The first part of our February meeting was quite explosive as Colin Bagshaw in his excellent talk described the various types of volcano. The Annual General Meeting, by contrast, was a much more subdued affair; all the officers and committee members were re-elected. Wine and cheese rounded off the evening.

Thursday 5th April

Members of the John Betjeman Society will be describing his life and work, including his connection with Repton and Foremark.

Wednesday 25th April

A coach will leave the church at 8 am for a guided tour of the Vale of the White Horse. There are a very few seats left at £17.

---

The URC Celebrates 175 Years in Pinfold Lane

Following the article in last month's Parish Magazine, Derek Winter has been in touch to draw attention to an intermediate stage in the chapel's history.

In 1800 an independent chapel was built on private land in the rear garden of 46 High Street, near to the thatched Acton Cottage where earlier meetings had been held. It was followed by a Methodist Chapel in Well Lane in 1815. The independent congregation - no doubt increased - built and moved to the Pinfold Lane chapel in 1837.

The vacated building later became the isolation block of the first Repton School sanatorium, and was in use until the early 1890s, when it was demolished.

Derek suggests that, whilst the Test and other Acts oppressed individual dissenters, it seems likely that the obstacles to building a larger chapel would have been less legal and more financial - most dissenters were of modest means - added perhaps to the difficulty of getting land in the village, at a time when landholdings were largely controlled by Church of England interests.

---

ngs Open Garden

Every year, National Garden Scheme gardens across England and Wales, most privately owned, welcome three quarters of a million visitors, raising more than £2.5 million to support charities such as Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support and Crossroads Care, a charity that supports carers.

Jan and David Roberts, 37 High Street, Sunday 15th April, 2 - 5.30 pm

In April, you will again have the opportunity to visit a local favourite. Jan and David have a large garden straddling Repton Brook. There are formal and wildlife ponds, mixed borders of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees, rhododendrons and woodland, grasses, ferns and bamboos, as well as a vegetable garden and greenhouses, with container planting for spring and summer colour and alpine troughs. Admission £2.50, children free. Teas will be served in aid of Repton Church.

---

Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Policing East Midlands Airport: PC Millington-Pipe of EMA Police Aviation Team spoke to the Parish Meeting. The force has a permanent presence at the airport, whose duties include public order and anti-terrorism. The risk of terrorists trying to bring down a plane were said to be increasing. Security intelligence indicates that a surface-to-air attack could be launched from this area using software to plot the flight paths of aircraft coming and going from the airport. PC Millington-Pipe emphasised the role of the local community as the eyes and ears of the police, asking us to be alert to the threat and vigilant. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, for example a car parked in an unusual location or people behaving suspiciously, please notify the police immediately: Anti-Terrorism, 0800 789 321; East Midlands Aviation Team, 0779 699 5932; non-emergency, 101.


• Neighbourhood Plans: The new Localism Act allows communities to have a say in the use of local land for building development by creating Neighbourhood Plans. These can influence the location and quality of development, and identify a need for more development, but they cannot conflict with the national planning framework or with development plans formulated by a District Council, nor can they prevent houses or industrial units from being built. Local residents must be fully involved in drafting a Neighbourhood Plan, and at least 51% of voters must approve it in a referendum.
  
  Repton Parish Council has investigated whether a Neighbourhood Plan should be considered for Repton and Milton, and has learnt that professional consultants would have to be employed in order for the plan to be valid. The overall cost for a community of our size is put at £25,000 - £30,000. Bearing in mind the limited value of Neighbourhood Plans and the cost involved, the Parish Council does not to intend to proceed further at present.


• Vandalism at Broomhills Playing Field: In a recent act of vandalism, a bonfire was lit in the centre of the cricket pitch. The area has had to be reseeded, and many matches may have to be cancelled. The incident occurred on Saturday 25th February and was reported to Derbyshire Police. There have been other incidents of vandalism in the past, and we would ask local residents to be vigilant. Please report suspicious information to the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.


• Dog Fouling in Repton: The Parish Council has received reports of an increase in the problem of dogs fouling public areas in the village. We would ask all owners to act responsibly and clear up after their animals. Public areas should be kept clean and safe for all residents. The Parish Council is to ask South Derbyshire DC to monitor the problem and increase local signage. To report a problem, contact the dog wardens on 01283 595943 or environmental.health@south-derbys.gov.uk. Free 'Yuk Dog Fouling' signs are available to local residents from DCC, derbyshire.gov.uk.

Next meeting: Monday 16th April at 7.30 pm in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton.

---

Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

Twenty members enjoyed our annual dinner at The Smisby Arms. It was a good opportunity for a relaxing chit chat amongst friends.

The magazine deadline comes too early for us this month, so I hope to report next month about our March speaker, a representative from the Blue Cross Horse sanctuary.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 18th April: Les Baynton from the British Heart Foundation is our speaker. 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. Visitors are always welcome.

---

Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney C of E Infant School

Community Collective Worship for parents, carers and local residents is held on the first Thursday morning of the month at 9.15 in the school hall. The dates for the coming term are 3rd May, 14th June and 5th July. You are most welcome to come along.

Well done! Recently six of our Year 2 pupils represented the school in the Key Stage One South Derbyshire Gymnastics. I am so pleased to announce that they won 1st place - gold medals for all!

---

Newton Solney W.I.

Welcoming everyone to the meeting, President Hazel Ward invited Marjorie Gaffney to report on the Spring Council meeting in Chesterfield. As this was her last meeting as Chairman, Nancy Hawksworth was thanked for all her hard work. The total amount collected over the year for 'Pennies for Friendship' was over £4000. Then the main speakers were a local librarian talking about libraries in Derbyshire, and Dame Jenni Murray, whose excellent talk covered a variety of topics.

Volunteers were sought to help with Spring Group meeting. Members were invited to an open meeting and flower arranging demonstration at Egginton on 18th April, asked to sign up for a group to take part in a walk organised by Willington W.I. on 22nd August, and encouraged to join a group going into the village school to help the children make papier mâché figures for the church flower festival in June.

After the business, Kandy Smith gave an interesting talk on the History of Jewellery with particular reference to the Tudors and their love of jewel encrusted garments, which they were sewn into for two or three weeks at a time!

During the month we also had a Mulberry Room lunch, and took part in the annual W.I. quiz at Etwall.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 10th April at 7.30 pm: Dr. Wendy Freer will talk about the 'Goings on Below Stairs'. Whist Drive: Tuesday 27th March at 7 pm. Both are in the village hall. New members are most welcome.

---

Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Tuesday 3rd April, 2.30 pm

A business meeting, followed by George Hook speaking on 'Mother of Pearl'.

Saturday 14th - Wednesday 18th April: Llandudno

Details of the holiday will be given out at the meeting on 3rd April.

Tuesday 24th April: Visit to Bakewell

We will leave the Unicorn Inn at the usual time of 9.30 am, and return at about 3 pm.

Should you wish to join us at the meetings, please just come along; you will be most welcome. If you would like to come on any of our day trips out, please contact our secretary, Jane, on 01283 564520. The cost of the coach is £7.

---

Newton Solney Parish Council News

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee: Plans are well underway to mark the Jubilee with a fun day on the Recreation Field on Monday 4th June. If you would like to help with organisation before and on the day, please contact Ron Parker as below.

Village Allotment: We are trying to establish whether there is sufficient village interest in having a village allotment. Interested parties should contact Ron Parker, the Clerk, on 701141.

Village Plan: This is currently being revised and a draft update will be presented at the village AGM in May for parishioners' comments. In the meantime, if you have any views, please contact Ron Parker.

Neighbourhood Watch Scheme: If you would like to receive regular NHW police information, please contact Roger Charles.

Next Meeting: Friday 13th April at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

---

Gardening Notes

Problems caused by drought were already evident last autumn; a few of my shrubs looked very stressed, and a dry winter will have made matters worse. No matter how much rain we get now, it is most unlikely to resolve the situation, especially as the trees and shrubs - all plants, in fact - come into leaf and soak up more water. It is often recommended that we should cover the soil with a good layer of compost, but that will not help if the soil underneath is dry to start with. Better perhaps to dig compost in and conserve some moisture that way.

When it comes to watering the garden, give a good soak once a week, rather than spraying once a day. A layer of gravel around some plants is often effective.

We all had wonderful fruit crops last year, and wonder whether we shall pay for it with reduced crops this. Last year's crops were largely the result of a cold winter followed by a long warm spell in the spring. Fruit trees and bushes, as well as spring-flowering bulbs, all need the winter chill to flower and fruit well. During summer and autumn, growth inhibitors form in the leaf buds, which prevent them from opening during the winter. Chilling breaks these inhibitors down, allowing the buds to progress into flower in spring. The amount of chilling required varies from plant to plant. Even though this winter has been much milder than last, we did have some cold spells.

April is a busy time for sowing in the vegetable garden. Start regular sowings of lettuce. Peas, beans, parsnips, beetroot and leeks can be sown outside, and spinach beet and brassicas set out.

Carrots must be protected against carrot fly, either by covering the emerging seedlings with fleece, or by surrounding the rows with an impenetrable barrier at least two feet high, over which - hopefully - the fly will not venture. Alternatively, leave sowing until later in the year: carrots sown after mid-May avoid the first generation of the pest, and those harvested before late August avoid the second. The fly is attracted by the smell of the leaves, so - as far as possible - avoid disturbing the seedlings.

First early potatoes may need earthing up, and second earlies can be planted later in the month.

Sweet peppers, aubergines and tomatoes can be sown under glass, as can marrows and squashes at the end of the month. Bush tomatoes are easier to grow than cordons, and can be grown outside with very little attention. The main stem ends in a flower truss, and then side shoots form with more flowers. Some feeding may help increase the crop, and the plants will need to stay moist. Keep the fruit off the ground, and watch out for blight in wet weather.

Finding a suitable peat-free compost for fine seeds and seedlings is still difficult, as the content of the compost is so variable, both in its constituents and their ratio. Green waste, bark, wood waste and coir are mostly used, and of these, coir is probably the best. The Royal Horticultural Society has found that adding perlite, vermiculite or grit seems to help by improving drainage. You can use growbag and container compost at least twice, provided you add fresh slow-release fertiliser, and the compost is from healthy plants. Old bags of compost from last year may have deteriorated, especially in the fertiliser content, and toxic chemicals released in the absence of oxygen may be a problem.