May 2012 - Contents Tomorrow's Church 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 12th May at 10.30 Shell (for children aged 7+) 'Big Lunch': Sunday 3rd June Gift Afternoon: Saturday 15th June Thought for the month Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Jesse Nicholas Haughton Jessica Louise Doris Rowling Marriages Shaun Anthony Hutchinson and Sierra Lueze Mayne James Stonhill and Michelle Reeves Matthew Joseph Hickebottom Martin Roy and Caroline Jane Twells Funerals and Burial of Ashes Norman Ward Stanley Meg Gammell The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Christian Aid Week VAT on Church Buildings St Wystan's News Messy Church, Sunday 27th May Ascension Day: Thursday 17th May Pentecost: Sunday 27th May Prayer for Christian Healing 'Living the Word' Banner Tea Party St Mary's News St Mary's Flower Festival, Friday 1st - Tuesday 5th June Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 2nd May Repton School Music Competition Final, Wednesday 9th May St Wystan's Church 'Bring & Share' Lunch, Sunday 13th May SDDC Chairman's Charity Spring Concert, Friday 18th May Pre-Loved Clothes Sale, Saturday 19th May Milton Village Garden Fayre and Fete, Sunday 20th May British Sausages & Mash, Saturday 26th May Diamond Jubilee Jazz Evening, Sunday 3rd June Diamond Jubilee Family Barn Dance, Tuesday 5th June Environment Matters National Memorial Arboretum You and your Pet Canine Hypothyroidism Neighbourhood Watch Car Crime Rogue Traders Repton's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Walk the Repton Royal Route Village Hall Singalong Spitfire Flypast Village Hall Teas and historic film of the Queen's visit to Repton Service of Celebration The Big Lunch Jazz Evening in Pears School Jubilee Party Family Funday and Fun Run Family Barn Dance and Supper Let's Decorate! Commemorative Mug Photographers and pictures needed! Be involved enjoy it even more More about the Big Lunch The Family Fun Day Tug of War SDDC Help to Insulate Your Home Repton Village and History Repton Beavers Repton Cubs ngs Open Garden, Sunday 13th May Repton Open Gardens Wine and Music, Friday 15th June Scarecrow Competition ~ Repton Open Gardens Cycling in India for Charity Repton W.I. Repton Village Show Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Andrew Macara Calling all Fairweather Runners! Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Magazine Distributor needed in Milton Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney Parish Council Gardening Notes

---

Tomorrow's Church

Many years ago when my son was working for IBM, one of his manager's tasks was to try to imagine what industry would need computers to do in ten years' time. Then Paul and his colleagues had to run programmes through the computers to see if they would be able to cope with those future demands. Like all businesses they needed to be ahead of the game if they were to survive.

At the end of the month, we here in Repton, together with the rest of the country, will be celebrating 60 years since the Queen ascended the throne. Over these years, it has been interesting to see how the monarchy has adapted to the changes in society here and in the rest of the world. In the 80s and 90s many people wondered whether the heirs to the throne would enjoy the same popularity as the Queen. Would people prefer our country to become a republic as many others have done?

Our Queen has done and is still doing a tremendous job in maintaining our traditions and ceremonial. Through her example she has shown that power and wealth are less important than a sense of duty and service to the country. During these 60 years she has been sustained by a deep religious faith. I believe that on this basis the monarchy will continue beyond her reign.

The church faces similar challenges. Many people have asserted that God is dead and the church has no future. But although society has become more secular, there are signs of hope. Who would have believed that a crowd at a football match would be asked to pray for the full recovery of Fabrice Muamba after his heart stopped beating?

We know that we have work to do if the church in Repton is to survive, to become tomorrow's church rather than the church of yesterday. Repton has a wonderful heritage with its ancient building, history and traditions, music and liturgy. Yet, like the monarchy, it will only survive if at its heart are people who live a life of prayer and faith and service to the community.

Please pray for Martin as he sets out this month to lead us into the future.

---

Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

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

---

Coffee Morning: Saturday 12th May at 10.30

Homemade cakes and marmalade, Webb Ivory stationery, coffee and biscuits and a time to chat to friends. Come and join us!

---

Shell Group (age 7+)

. . . meets on Mondays from 6.30 to 7.30 pm to enjoy a varied programme of activities including craft and games, and ending with a Christian message. If you are 7 or over, you are welcome to join us!

---

'Big Lunch': Sunday 3rd June

Following the morning service, we will be holding a 'Big Lunch' in the schoolroom to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. To help with catering, please let us know if you would like to join us. Everyone is welcome!

---

Gift Afternoon: Saturday 15th June

The church will be open from 3 to 5 pm on the Saturday afternoon of the Open Gardens weekend to serve Cream Teas and receive your gifts; all donations will go towards the Old Schoolroom Improvement Project.

---

Dates for your Diary:

Saturday 14th July: Family Barbecue at 5 Monsom Lane. Friday 28th September: Quiz Night with buffet supper.

---

Thought for the month

Which is better: to live your life as though there were a God, and then to discover that there is no God; or to live your life as if there were no God, and then to discover that there is?

---

Baptisms

Jesse Nicholas Haughton, son of Timothy and Helen, of Lountwood House, Lount, was baptised at St Saviour's Church, Foremark on Sunday 25th March.

Jessica Louise Doris Rowling, daughter of Georgina and Mark of 2 New Road, Woodville, was baptised at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Sunday 25th March.

---

Marriages

Shaun Anthony Hutchinson and Sierra Lueze Mayne were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 17th March.

James Stonhill and Michelle Reeves were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Monday 19th March.

Matthew Joseph Hickebottom and Heidi Marie Malpass were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 14th April.

Martin Roy and Caroline Jane Twells were married at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Saturday 21st April.

---

Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Norman Ward Stanley of Wallfield House, Findern, died on Friday 23rd March aged 98. His funeral service was held at Bretby Crematorium on Tuesday 10th April.

Meg Gammell died peacefully at home in Seaton, Rutland, on Sunday 25th March. Cremation on Thursday 12th April was followed by a Service of Thanksgiving at All Hallows Church, Seaton. Meg's husband, John, was headmaster of Repton School from 1968 to 1978, and Meg, a warm and welcoming hostess, not only supported him in the life of the school, but also played a very active role in strengthening the ties between the school and the village.

---

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

Christian Aid Week 13th - 19th May

There's even more reason to give generously this Christian Aid Week, as your donation could be doubled thanks to the government's UK Aid Match scheme. DFID - the Department for International Development - will match pound for pound the first £5m donated; in the 55 years that Christian Aid Week has been running, it is the first time such matching funding has been promised.

The money received from matching funding will support poor communities in Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Africa, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and Burma to improve healthcare and build sustainable livelihoods. It will support enterprise-based development, with a strong focus on farmers and landless labourers, predominantly women, to help them become profitable, resilient and speak out for their rights - giving them the tools to help themselves out of poverty.

Christian Aid will also work with the most vulnerable, especially women and girls, to ensure access to good health services. This will reduce maternal and child mortality, decrease the incidence of malaria, and reduce the prejudice against people with HIV.

Please support us!

Christian Aid is the official relief and development agency of the 40 British and Irish churches. By supporting us, you are demonstrating practically that poverty is unacceptable. Your actions, commitment and contributions will bring about a better life for people in poor communities all over the world.

During the first week of May you will receive an envelope from Christian Aid. They ask us to make a donation, and also to sign the Gift Aid form! If you are a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid allows Christian Aid to claim back the tax. Every £10 you give is then worth £12.50 to Christian Aid. All you need to do is fill in the declaration on the Christian Aid envelope.

The envelope will be collected during the week commencing 13th May. If for some reason yours is missed, Repton Post Office has kindly agreed to have a box where you can leave it. Please make that extra effort to follow this up and help us; our collectors are all volunteers and cannot keep returning to find you at home.

We are always looking for more volunteers to collect or distribute envelopes. If you can help in any way, please contact Jackie Hurrell on 702089 or, for Newton Solney, Jennifer Haynes, on 703827.

---

VAT on Church Buildings

In all the fuss about tax relief for the super-rich, one change that has been little remarked has been the withdrawal of tax relief on alterations to listed places of worship. (Recently, such changes have been zero rated for VAT.)

The Church of England alone has no fewer than 12,500 listed cathedral and church buildings. They are almost entirely maintained by voluntary giving and volunteers, most of whom are far from rich, let alone super-rich, and as we know to our cost, any work on a listed building is particularly expensive.

Many churches are currently altering their buildings, as we have recently done here in Repton, to make them suitable for use by the wider community. The extra cost of VAT will threaten many of these schemes. The Chancellor points to his extension of the remit of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme, but with no additional funding that cannot be the answer; it merely means that an already inadequate pot will be stretched even further.

You are urged to read and sign a petition at epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/32229

---

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 27th May, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, contact Ruth Attwood on 702804 or . Everyone is welcome!

Ascension Day: Thursday 17th May at 8 pm: Holy Communion

Ascension Day, a major feast of the Christian year, will be marked this year at an evening service of Holy Communion.

Forty days after his resurrection on Easter day, Jesus called his disciples together on the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem. Frustrated with Roman oppression, and still not fully understanding that Christ's mission had not been political but spiritual, the disciples may have envisaged an overthrow of Rome, asking Jesus if he was going to restore the kingdom to Israel. Jesus answered by telling them that after he had ascended "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Jesus's prophecy here foreshadows the later events of Pentecost. Jesus was taken up, and a cloud hid him from sight. His mission to redeem humanity on earth had been accomplished.

Pentecost: Sunday 27th May: 8 am Holy Communion; 9.45 am Parish Communion

Pentecost ranks alongside Christmas and Easter as one of the three most important festivals of the Church. After Jesus' ascension, the disciples prayed for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Their prayers were answered ten days later with the appearance of the Holy Spirit like tongues of fire. In this sense Pentecost was and is the birthday of the Church.

Service of Prayer for Christian Healing, Wednesday 30th May at 7.30 pm

Everyone is welcome.

Prayer for Christian Healing

. . . next meets at 7.30 pm on Monday 14th May at 3 Richmond Court.

'Living the Word'

The meeting on the 3rd May has been cancelled. The group will now meet on Thursday 24th at 7.30 pm at 3 Richmond Court. If you would like to learn more, or to come along to share how we have put 'The Word of Life' into practice during the month, please telephone Stephen Longden on 703259.

---

Banner Tea Party

The fourth and last Family Banner is now in its place on the North wall of St Wystan's Church. At a well attended tea party in March, the Rev'd Stanley Morris presided over a simple dedication of this final work. We also took the opportunity to show our appreciation for all Wendy Baker's hard work in putting together these family 'bricks'. Many thanks to Jan Gillham and her team for organising the tea on this happy occasion.

---

St Mary's News

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

Thank you to everyone who is working so hard to make this a very special occasion. Full details will be on display throughout the village.

If you wish to have a pew end especially decorated in memory of someone dear, Sue Elson, 703604, will be pleased to hear from you. For these we ask for a donation of £10. We would appreciate any donations towards the refreshments, plant, craft and produce stalls, and also if you can spare an hour to man them. Please contact Hazel Ward on 701244 if you can help.

Friday 1st June, 7 pm: an Evening of Celebration in St Mary's Church

Sparkling wine and canapés will be available, with music kindly provided by David Haines and the Burton Concert Band. Not only will there be a raffle but also an auction, for which the cartoonist Bill Tidy is to provide one of his unique sketches. We also have a beautiful handmade Stitch-in-the-Ditch quilt. Tickets are £10 from Jennifer Haynes, 703827, and June Scott, 565074.

Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 2nd May 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 School Concerts Society Repton School Music Competition Final Wednesday 9th May at 7.30 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall, Repton School This is open to all; there is no charge for entry. Do come and support these young musicians. Further information from Sue Parker, 01283 702550 or the Music School, 01283 559319

St Wystan's Church 'Bring & Share' Lunch to welcome Martin Flowerdew and his family Repton Village Hall. Sunday 13th May at 12.30 pm £1. Everyone welcome. Bring your own drink and glasses. For a Bring & Share, the idea is that everyone who attends brings a dish for 6. No tickets, but to make sure we don't end up eating pork pie or chocolate pudding for all three courses ring Carol Lloyd, 703340, for details and to discuss dishes, or sign up on the list at the back of St Wystan's Church

South Derbyshire District Council Chairman's Charity Spring Concert by pupils and staff from Foremarke Hall Friday 18th May at 7 pm in Repton School's 400 Hall Tickets £6, Children under 13 £3, from The Lodge, Repton School and the Chairman's Office, South Derbyshire District Council, 01283 595721 Proceeds to SDDC Chairman's Charity Appeal in aid of the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance

Pre-Loved Clothes Sale Repton Village Hall, Saturday 19th May, 2 - 5 pm Pre-loved children's and ladies clothes, accessories and costume jewellery Express Beauty Treatments Colour-me Beautiful Style and Colour Consultations with Sue Hyde Coffee          home-made cakes          Tombola and Raffle

Milton Village Garden Fayre and Fete Sunday 20th May, 10 am - 4 pm on paddocks in front of Mill Farm and to the rear of the Swan Inn Pony rides, traditional fête games and attractions Plants, crafts, art display, refreshments and much, much more. Admission and parking free

British Sausages & Mash Saturday 26th May from 5 to 9 pm Anne and Tim Shone invite you to a variety of British Bangers & Mash with a glass of wine at Rose Cottage, Derby Road, Stenson Tickets £5 from Anne and Tim

Diamond Jubilee Jazz Evening Barbara Taylor and All That Jazz Sunday 3rd June, 7.30 pm in Pears School Bring your own food, drink and glasses, and prepare for a great evening! Tickets £1 from Alan Webster 01283 701838, Linda Shortt, 702702, or Martin Wimbush, 703180

Diamond Jubilee Family Barn Dance with the live music of Bonnyrigg Tuesday 5th June, 7 – 10.30 pm in Pears School Buffet Supper included, but bring your own drink & glasses Tickets £10, Children under 14 £5, from Frances Wimbush, 703180, and Carol Lloyd, 702410

Environment Matters

National Memorial Arboretum

Lying near Alrewas in Staffordshire, the NMA is well worth a visit. Admission is free, but donations are invited. The visitor centre houses a shop, art gallery and restaurant. The Millennium Chapel observes the Act of Remembrance at 11 am every day.

Disabled access is generally good; wheelchairs and electric scooters are available and free, although you are advised to book. Guide dogs are welcome but not pets.

Conceived as a lasting focus for remembrance for those who have lost their lives or suffered in the service of their country, the Arboretum is a haven of peace and contemplation. The site covers over 150 acres, so it is possible to wander around for hours and cover several miles. There are approximately 250 memorials and 50,000 trees.

Many families visit, and there is a variety of activities for children. A children's guide book is available to purchase. There is also an exciting and safe children's play area located in the Children's Wood, an area where young children who have passed away are remembered.

Wildlife Watch

A Wildlife Watch Group meets at 2 pm on every third Saturday of the month, giving children between the ages of 7 and 14 an opportunity to study wildlife. It is run by trained Wildlife Watch Leaders in conjunction with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, costs £1 per session and lasts for 2 hours. The emphasis is on hands-on activities. Contact the Arboretum on 01283 792333 if you wish to enrol your child.

Friends of the Arboretum

Volunteers help in many ways such as maintaining the grounds, meeting and helping visitors, giving talks to local groups, giving tours in the chapel and arboretum, and serving visitors in the shop. If you would like to help in any of these areas or would just like to know more about becoming a Friend of the NMA, call 01283 792 333.

---

You and your Pet

Canine Hypothyroidism

We've talked before about thyroid disease in cats, but it's also seen in dogs. The difference, however, is that whereas cats usually have overactive thyroid glands, dogs tend to have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) due to a decrease in the production of thyroid hormone.

Hypothyroidism is seen more commonly in certain breeds, Beagles, Dobermans, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels. Clinical signs are often vague and creep up. Common signs are lethargy, mental dullness, not wanting to go as far on walks, seeking out heat, and gaining weight - although there are lots of other causes for this, as we all know too well!

The most common reason to have a dog checked over will be worry about the skin and coat: hair loss, dandruff and brittle coat, hair loss over the tail giving a 'rats tail' appearance, skin infections, and myxoedema which gives dogs a sad, even tragic expression. Wounds can take longer to heal and heart rates may be slower.

Fortunately the disease can be diagnosed and treated relatively easily. Apart from a physical examination, the most important part of diagnosis is the dog's history. Blood results can lend weight to the diagnosis, as high cholesterol levels can be seen and levels of thyroid hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone can be checked. Problems in diagnosis can occur, however, as other illnesses can also affect thyroid hormone levels, making some results difficult to interpret.

Once diagnosed, the condition is treated with either liquid or tablets. Repeat blood samples are taken to monitor hormone levels. With treatment, clinical signs gradually resolve; hair starts to grow again, faces are no longer sad and paws can't wait to go for walks!

---

Neighbourhood Watch

There has been an alarming increase in car crime in Southern Derbyshire, with a particular emphasis on catalytic converters. In the first fortnight of April alone, 22 catalytic converters were stolen, mostly in the villages to the south of us, but including one in Willington and one in Repton. Thieves have typically targeted 4x4s at night while they were parked on driveways or in the street. Owners are advised to:

• Keep vehicles in a locked garage if possible;
• Park in a well-lit area;
• Avoid parking near trees or bushes which could provide cover for a thief.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously around a vehicle, especially 4x4s and vans, please call the police. Any information you can give, such as descriptions of people or the cars they're travelling in, would help greatly. Don't worry if you think what you have seen is trivial, please call Derbyshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

FREE Vehicle Security Day: Thursday 17th May, 9 am - 1 pm

PC Chris Fearn, our 'Safer Neighbourhoods' officer, has arranged vehicle security checks at Hilton Depot, with engraving of your catalytic converter and secure number plate screws fitted, all free of charge. Just turn up.

---

Rogue Traders

"I wish to inform Neighbourhood Watch of an incident which took place yesterday in Repton.

"We received a call from a concerned neighbour to say that a transit van and a police car were outside an elderly relative's home. When we arrived, the police had unfortunately gone, but one of the workmen was sitting in the van and one doing work on the patio.

"They wanted to charge £500 for cleaning the patio, and despite several requests, refused to go. They eventually went back to the van and I closed the door. Then they came back to try to negotiate a cheaper price. There was no company address or printed telephone number on the 'Sales Contract', just a mobile number written down. They were told they would not be getting any payment at all. Eventually they did leave but only after a number of requests.

"These people are obviously targeting a vulnerable adult; the same 'company' had tried this a few months ago. Their behaviour towards me was unpleasant and harassing."

Advice from the police

Rogue traders often call door to door, typically offering to work on roofs, driveways and general building. They prefer to target older and vulnerable residents. The work may be unnecessary and the quality poor.

You may be tempted by a low quote but the price often rises when the job starts. Rogue traders are known to put customers under pressure to pay large sums of money in cash. They generally give false names and phone numbers which are impossible to trace, making it very difficult for trading standards teams to help you.

Reputable companies don't tout for business by calling at your home uninvited. They will also explain your consumer rights which rogue traders will not do.

Your rights

If goods or services cost you more than £35 you have the right to cancel the contract within seven-days. If you aren't given a written notice explaining your cancellation rights the contact is unenforceable, the trader is committing a criminal offence and you don't have to pay, but you may face considerable pressure and even threats.

If you have a complaint about such an issue call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506. If you're threatened or intimidated call the police on 101 or even 999.

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.

---

Repton's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

With the Queen's Diamond Jubilee fast approaching, people up and down the country are keeping their fingers crossed for good weather to help celebrate the day in style. It's time to pin up the bunting, and get together with your neighbours for one of the biggest community events in our history.

Saturday 2nd June

Walk the Repton Royal Route; start at any time from 12.30 to 3.30 pm

After the success of the village quiz trail for the Royal Wedding, this is a new quiz trail for all ages. Search for clues, and learn about Repton's history and royal connections. Entry costs £1 per group, with crowns and flags to wave as you go. The trail begins and ends at the Village Hall and takes very roughly an hour. Teas will be served in the village hall from 3 pm.

Village Hall Singalong, 2 - 3 pm

For old and young and all in between, a singalong of familiar popular songs from six decades to celebrate Her Majesty's reign - words sheet provided - with Stanley Morris at the keyboard. For all the family to enjoy, before tea or starting on the quiz trail.

Spitfire Flypast, app 3.05 pm

Repton Village Society has been fortunate enough to secure a flypast by a Spitfire from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. We have asked for the aircraft to approach from the north-east, fly over the allotments and village hall, and then over the western edge of Broomhills playing field (or vice-versa) and to be over the village for two more circuits. Clearly these arrangements can change for a variety of reasons; there will be more up to date information in the June magazine and then the Post Office and Spar shop windows on the Friday. You can also ring 701838.

Rolls Royce designed and built many of the Merlin engines for this aircraft, so there is a close association with the village. Many historians maintain, as did Winston Churchill, that if it hadn't been for the Spitfire and Hurricane and all those who flew, built, maintained and directed them during the Battle of Britain, the invasion of England would have gone ahead. If it had, it is unlikely that that we would be celebrating this Jubilee.

Village Hall Teas and historic film of the Queen's visit to Repton, 3 - 5 pm

Sunday 3rd June

Service of Celebration, 9.45pm at St Wystan's Church

The Big Lunch

These are street parties by another name, and are being held simultaneously throughout the country. It's a bit dangerous nowadays to hold them in the road - you can apply to have the road closed - but they can be held anywhere that suits your locality. We know of at least six in Repton, at the URC, in Askew Grove (from the High Street to the Cinder Track), Burton Road, Chestnut Way, Saxon Croft, and Well Lane and Broomhills Lane with parts of High Street and Main Street. If there are any others, please let John Perks know on 702392; as soon the full picture is known, we will look into the question of insurance. See below.

If there is no Big Lunch yet organized in your part of the village, there is still plenty of time. The website, thebiglunch.com, offers lots of help and a free starter pack.

Jazz Evening in Pears School, 7.30 pm

Barbara Taylor and All That Jazz are a local 8 piece band playing trad and blues, who have played at many well-known jazz festivals. Song sheets and Union Jacks will be provided for a rousing finale, and all villagers are invited! Bring your own food, drink and glasses. The village society is funding the event, so tickets cost just £1 and are likely to be in great demand. Contact Alan Webster, 701838, Linda Shortt, 702702, or Martin Wimbush, 703180.

Monday 4th June

Jubilee Party, Pears School and Paddock, gates open from 6 pm

(Pears School and the Paddock are through the Arch, next to St Wystan's Church.)

An opportunity to party with your family, friends and neighbours in a celebration for the whole village, with a Hog Roast, music for all tastes, laser lights, dancing and singalong. In Pear's School there will be a professional licensed bar. At 9.45 the Beacon will be lit, followed by fireworks. Children must be accompanied by responsible adults.

An area on the Paddock will be available for families and groups to set up their own gazebos. Pitches need to be reserved in advance. Please contact Chris Carpenter on 702370.

There is no charge for entry but, with significant costs, donations would be greatly appreciated.

Tuesday 5th June

Family Funday and Fun Run, 11 am to 4 pm at Broomhills Lane

A great day for all the family, with a tug of war, 7 a side football, pitch and putt, soccer skills, 'beat the goalie', running and races, a beer tent, an ice cream van, a BBQ, and lots more besides.

Family Barn Dance and Supper, Pears School, 7 - 10.30 pm

Bring your family and friends for a fun and friendly finale to the weekend of festivities, a time to relax and let your hair down after a hectic weekend, a place to have a drink, to swap tales, and to dance. Whether you can dance or not, it doesn't matter; barn dances are very quickly picked up, some are sedate, some energetic, and young and old all join in together. The music of Bonnyrigg is irresistible, full of life and vitality, and Mike Gentles of Bonnyrig is the finest and most entertaining caller in the business.

For £10, under 14s £5, you get not merely a really fun evening, but also a buffet supper. And as you bring your own drink (and glasses), costs are kept down to a minimum. Tickets are available from Carol Lloyd, 702410, and Frances Wimbush, 703180. For the sake of the caterers, please don't leave booking to the last minute!

---

Let's Decorate!

The coordinating committee will work with local residents to decorate the central parts of the village round the Cross and along the High Street to the Square, but everybody can join in to hang out flags and bunting, and to plant up summer bedding, hanging baskets and pots in red, white and blue.

---

Commemorative Mug

A unique Jubilee china beaker has been produced, especially to mark our celebrations in Repton. They will be on sale at £7.50 at the main events over the Jubilee weekend.

---

Photographers and pictures needed!

We are planning to produce a photographic book of Jubilee weekend in Repton as a souvenir and historic record, to be available to order. This is being coordinated by Martin Wimbush, who will be relying on YOU to provide photographs of the full range of events. Family snaps in almost any format will be most appreciated. If you would be interested in covering one or more of the events, please contact Martin on 703180 as soon as possible.

---

Be involved enjoy it even more

The frame work for the week end is now in place with bar, bands, fireworks and locations all booked, but there is still much to do. More people are needed to help plan the final stages, particularly the Jubilee Party on Monday evening, where we need people to work with the sound and light contractor, to plan the various types of music, and also help out on the night, whether with specialist skills such as first aid or simply taking a turn stewarding. Please contact John Perks on 702392.

---

More about the Big Lunch

Big Lunches don't need to be expensive. If you're arranging a largish event, you could start a kitty with interested neighbours and set up a donations box on the day, or even organise a raffle. They should be simple too; things like risk assessments, licenses and health and safety are not normally required. Everyone involved should take responsibility for themselves, and those preparing food should make sure they do so in a clean and hygienic environment.

If the event takes place in a garden, you will probably be covered by your household insurance - but do check - and there is no Council involvement, but if the event is in a public place, such as at the roadside, it is worth contacting the Council. Most don't ask you to have insurance in place, but some will, and others may ask you to sign an indemnity waiver instead. If you are in any doubt about whether you need insurance, speak to an insurance advisor.

There is lots of advice at biglunch.com, including contacts to specialist insurers.

---

The Family Fun Day Tug of War

Tuesday 5th at 11.30 am

The Tug of War is not just for Pub teams. There will be competitions for senior and junior teams, and a separate competition for the ladies. Why not make up a street team, a club team, or a group of friends?

A team will comprise eight adult men or women, and it will be up to the two coaches to agree that the teams are physically about equal. As in previous years, each team will also need a coach, who will toss for ends, and discipline and coach his - or her - team. Each competition will comprise three pulls with a two minute rest between. For the men's event, there will be a nominal entry fee to meet the costs of professionally photographing each team.

For further information, contact Roger Denniss on 01283 70269.

---

South Derbyshire

Help to Insulate Your Home

Until the end of this year you can take advantage of free or subsidised loft and cavity wall insulation for your home, regardless of your age and income.

The offer includes free loft insulation for any private dwelling, owned or rented, that currently has less than 60mm, as well as free cavity wall insulation. If you already have at least 60mm of loft insulation, you would pay a subsidised price of just £99 to have it topped up to the recommended level of 270mm.

Insulating properly will you save money on your energy bills for years to come. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that installing loft insulation in a house which previously had none could save up to £175 a year on energy bills; installing cavity wall insulation could save around £135 a year.

The scheme is run by Warmstreets, and endorsed by South Derbyshire District Council. It is only possible due to government subsidies which are set to end in December. To contact Warmstreets and arrange a survey, call 0800 043 9569, or, from a mobile, 0333 577 9569. Alternatively, visit warmstreets.co.uk. Offers are subject to survey and depend on house size.

---

Repton Village & History

Repton Beavers

After a quiet Easter, Beavers are moving outdoors in May. Activities include hiking and bellboating. (A Bell Boat is a sort of large, double canoe that can hold 12 Beavers.) April 23rd was, of course, St George's Day, and both Beavers and Cubs were involved in the St Georges Day Parade, which this year was in Gresley. Beavers have also been learning more about St George and why he is patron saint of Scouting

Contact Liz Beaston on 703314 if your child would like to join in the fun.

---

Repton Cubs

Some of the Cubs are going to have a very busy May. We've got a canoe course running on Tuesday evenings at Burton Canoe Club, and on 19th May, nine Cubs will be testing their ability not to fall asleep in a 'Stay Awake' event at Pride Park. This will involve midnight feasts, night hikes, and an early morning penalty shoot-out.

For more information on Cubs, contact Jez Brooks on 07799 882338.

---

ngs Open Garden Sunday 13th May, 1 - 6 pm

This month, Robert and Pauline Little invite you to visit their garden at 10 Chestnut Way, a large garden packed with colourful and unusual plants. There will be lots of alliums, the wisteria should be magnificent and there's a whole lot more, including sweeping mixed borders, spring bulbs, mature trees, a young arboretum and a new prairie style garden.

Entry £3, homemade teas, plant stall - the very best selection is available at this time of year. All proceeds go to NGS charities.

---

Repton Open Gardens Wine and Music, Friday 15th June at 6.30 pm in St Wystan's Church

Inspired by the success of last year, we are again holding an Evening of Wine and Music to get the Open Gardens weekend off to a flying start. Sparkling wine on arrival will be followed by a selection of music played by pupils from Foremarke Hall under Susan Bloor; if you have been to one of their recent concerts in St Wystan's, you will know what an excellent evening we can expect. Afterwards there will be canapés, with additional wine and soft drinks available for purchase.

The ticket price of £10 also includes an Open Gardens programme, giving free entry to the gardens on both days. Tickets are available from Sue Parker, 702550, Carol Lloyd, 702410, and Jan Roberts, 702159.

---

Scarecrow Competition ~ Repton Open Gardens, 15 - 17th June

There will again be a Scarecrow Trail as part of this year's Open Gardens weekend. Last year the entry was well up and we had some wonderful scarecrows. We hope that they will inspire YOU to take part too. This year we will be offering cash prizes for the winning entries.

Entry is free. The entry form will be in next month's magazine with additional forms at Repton Post Office, but it's never too early to start planning and collecting materials: stuffed binbags to create a body; a coat-hanger for shoulders; a balloon, an old football, or anything round for a head; carrots for noses and bottle tops for eyes; a mop head for hair, or a hat to disguise it. Old shoes and gloves come in handy as well, as does lots of parcel tape to stick it all together.

Your scarecrow doesn't have to be human; animals and birds are fun, or why not a Dalek? There are lots of tips and ideas on the internet; some sites even have instruction sheets. Try makescarecrows.com.

We hope that lots of you, including schools, societies and businesses, will join in the fun to make this a very special weekend. For more information contact Ann Clark on 703438.

---

Cycling in India for Charity

In memory of her mother, Lesley Jane Carruthers of Mulberry Beauty Salon in Repton is cycling this November from Agra to Jaipur to raise money for charity. Whilst funding all her own costs, she is aiming to raise at least £3,000 for cervical, breast and ovarian cancer charities. To help towards this amount she is holding a 'Pre-loved Clothes Sale in Repton Village Hall on Saturday 19th May, 2 - 5 pm. Donations of clothes, accessories and jewellery would be very gratefully received and can be made to Mulberry Beauty Salon, Tuesday to Saturday.

---

Repton W.I.

Attendance for the April meeting was affected by the Easter holidays and illness, but those who came enjoyed Bridget's light-hearted report on the Spring Council Meeting, when Dame Jenni Murray was the main speaker.

A visit to the Mulberry Restaurant in March went off well; it is hoped to arrange another before the students' end of term in June. Also planned are a visit to Melbourne's Dower House garden, a historical walk and supper in Willington, and a coffee morning at the home of Lilwen Guest in Littleover on 9th May. If you missed the meeting but would like to go, contact the secretary, Hilary.

Our speaker, Anna Roebuck from Winshill, told us how she became involved in making items from recycled plastic bags and paper as well as fabrics. She talked about environmental issues and told us how she got schoolchildren involved in reducing waste. She is now working with a project in India where FairTrade goods are made for export to this country. Anna's shop in Winshill can expect a visit from many of our members!

This month: Tuesday 8th May at 7.15 pm in the village hall: Jon Harrison of Green Thumb will talk about his work. As always, visitors are welcome.

---

Repton Village Show, Saturday 1st September

When you recycle April's magazine, don't forget to remove the schedule for the village show and keep it on view to remind you. If you have missed it, it will also be on the village website, and in the Post Office in August.

The categories in the photography section are 'Celebration' and 'Sport', chosen to tie in with the Jubilee and the Olympics, so don't forget to take your camera to any event this summer.

---

Repton Village History Group

At our March meeting, Alan Gifford shone a spotlight on George Sorocold, a largely forgotten Derby man who designed and built waterworks for Derby and other towns and cities around the country. Amongst his many inventions was a pumping system that used a waterwheel, cranks, levers and a number of pumps to deliver a continuous supply of water at considerable volume and pressure. One was built adjacent to the Silk Mill in Derby and another under London Bridge. Sorocold also rehung Derby cathedral bells.

Next meeting: Tuesday 15th May: a short AGM followed by a talk by Steve Hilditch on 'The Jam Roll and Eccles'. The scouts of the world each subscribed a penny, and at the world jamboree of 1929 presented Baden Powell with a Rolls Royce car and caravan. Steve will give an illustrated talk on the car's chequered history and its restoration. Recently the car lived in Hartshorne and Etwall; it is now garaged with the Rolls Royce Heritage Trust in Derby. 7.30 pm in Repton village hall. Visitors are most welcome. Members £2, visitors £3, including tea and biscuits.

---

Repton Village Society

The Shires branch of the John Betjeman Society returned for the April meeting, and their talk and readings encompassed Betjeman's complex life and work, with many references to his connections with Repton, Foremark and the wider Derbyshire.

Thursday 10th May

'A Head Warden's View of Calke' by Bill Cove. Please note the date!

Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

Please see pages 17 and 18 for details of the two events organised by the Society - the Spitfire flypast and the jazz evening.

---

Andrew Macara
New Court Gallery and Gallery No1, High Street: Tuesday 24th April - Sunday 24th June

This summer, Repton School is hosting a retrospective exhibition of paintings by Andrew Macara, an exhibition which will represent many of the themes from Andrew's long and illustrious career. As well as familiar themes from his travels around the world, he will also be showing for the first time his new collection of abstract works.

New Court Gallery will be open Monday to Thursday afternoons from 2 - 5 pm, Saturdays from 9 - 12 and 2 - 5, and at other times by appointment; call 01283 559301. Gallery No.1 opens only by appointment.

On Tuesday 8th May at 7.30 pm, there will be an evening with Andrew in New Court Gallery, when, in conversation with Repton School's Head of Art, he will be talking about his method and sign copies of his book.

---

Calling all Fairweather Runners!

Spring is here and the clocks have moved forward, so we can ditch our headtorches and make best use of the footpaths on our Wednesday evening runs. There are runs for all abilities led by our team of qualified Jog Leaders; in May we will have runs of 3-4 and about 6 miles each week, as well as occasional training sessions.

We had a great time at the Derby 10k in April with ten members taking part including some first time racers; there were many personal bests.

Everyone is welcome, so if you went into winter hibernation or just fancy a bit of exercise and some fun, do come and join us. We meet at 7 pm every Wednesday outside the Red Lion pub. You can get in touch through Facebook, or call Michael, 07971 609998, or Katie, 07734 711986.

---

Repton Parish Council Jottings

Footpaths in Repton: Progress is now being made on the adoption of Well Lane footpath. (The Parish Council submitted documents and supporting evidence in October 2010.) DCC has advised that it is soon to 'consult', which is the next step in this process, although the outcome will still take many months. The Parish Council is also investigating the possibility of reclaiming access for the footpath along Tanners Lane to the River Trent.

The Cross: The present base is repeatedly damaged by traffic, and consultations on possible solutions continue. Derbyshire County Council presented two alternative plans for the Council to consider, and a site visit has been planned.

Pedestrian Crossing: A site visit has been planned to consider the request for a pedestrian crossing on the High Street, close to St Wystan's School.

Broomhills Playing Field: Fields in Trust have now seen the deeds of ownership, a prelude to Broomhills becoming a Queen Elizabeth II Playing Field, thus safeguarding its future. It is hoped put a plaque in place during the Jubilee Weekend.

Think Sprinkler Campaign: Derbyshire Fire Service has asked for our support in its campaign to ensure that all newly built homes are fitted with sprinkler systems. Sprinklers have long been used in property such as factories, department stores and shopping centres, and there is a growing appreciation of their potential to save lives in domestic properties, which is where the majority of fire deaths occur. Further information, together with an epetition, is at derbys-fire.gov.uk

Vehicle Security Day: Following a sharp rise in vehicle crime, the police are organizing a vehicle security day at Hilton Depot on Thursday 17th May. For further details, see page 30. On a more positive note they reported to our meeting that, for the start of 2012, crime statistics for this area were low.

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

---

Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

After the business meeting, President Jane Smith welcomed our speaker, Les Baynton, a volunteer fundraiser from The British Heart Foundation. Eighteen months ago, Les had a triple heart bypass operation at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester and has made a remarkable recovery. He shared with us some of the very amusing poems he wrote whilst he was there about his anaesthetist, surgeon and intensive care nurses.

Next Meeting: Wednesday 16th May: This is the meeting where members discuss and vote on the resolutions to go forward in 2012. Following on, the committee will serve refreshments, leaving plenty of time to socialise and chat amongst friends. 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. New members and guests are very welcome.

---

Magazine Distributor needed in Milton

The parish magazine is delivered to your doorstep each month by one of fifty or so distributors who do the job voluntarily. After many years, one of our current distributors now wants to retire, so we are now looking for a new person in Milton. If you feel that you could take this on, please get in touch with Karen Perks on 702392.

---

Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney W.I.

At our April meeting final arrangements were made for the next Group meeting; volunteers were recruited to set up the Hall and assist with catering. Members were reminded to submit their entries for our Annual Craft Cup competition, which will be judged at the May meeting; the theme is 'The Merry Month of May', which can be depicted in any medium.

The Craft Group's next session in school will be on Wednesday 2nd May. On the 22nd at 7pm we will be visiting Burton Magistrates Court. The next Mulberry Room lunch will be on Wednesday 30th.

Our speaker at the meeting, Dr. Wendy Freer, gave an interesting and informative talk on 'Goings on Below Stairs'. It became clear that it was better to be employed at one of the houses that provided benefits such as a hot meal each day, social activities and health care, rather than one that offered very little, but staff made their own entertainment and coped well with very little sleep and little in the way of holidays or days off.

Next Meeting: Tuesday 8th May at 7.30 pm: The Resolutions meeting. Denman representative, Christine Gardener, will be joining us to talk about the courses on offer there, before we finalise arrangements for our visit next year. Whist Drive: Tuesday 29th May at 7 pm. Both are in the village hall. As always, new members are most welcome.

---

Newton Solney Tuesday Club

In late March, our trip to Coventry, visiting the motor museum and cathedral, was a great success. For the April meeting, our planned speaker was ill, so Maggie Reeves kindly stepped in at the last minute. Her talks on the Shetlands and Orkney Isles were much enjoyed, especially as they were supported by the great photos she had taken.

Tuesday 1st May, 2.30 pm

A business meeting followed by Hugh Davies speaking on 'Bletchley Park and the Enigma Code'. This promises to be most interesting. Please feel free to come along.

Tuesday 15th May, 3.30 pm

We are holding our AGM at the Newton Park Hotel, followed by tea, sandwiches and cakes. Cost £5.50.

As usual we offer an open invitation to come along to our meetings and visits. For the latter, please ring Jane, our secretary, on 01283 211602 to book a place.

---

Newton Solney C of E Infant School

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

---

Newton Solney Parish Council News

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee ~ Monday 4th June on the Recreation Ground: Plans are well advanced for an afternoon of village fun with games, sports, stalls, food and drink! Don't forget your picnic and flags! If anyone would like to get involved with the organisation please contact the Clerk on 701141.

Village Plan: The revised village plan will shortly be available on the parish website. The annual Parish Meeting on 11th May is an ideal opportunity to raise any views you have regarding this or any other parish issues.

Community Transport: This service offers low cost, door to door transport for members of the community, who as a result of age, infirmity or disability, can't access public transport. For further information, ring 01283 550764.

Summer Holiday Activities: Following the success of last year's activities, we have booked the popular climbing wall for 30th July and 23rd August, and Sports Playmobile for 8th August. Further details nearer the time.

Annual Parish Meeting: Friday 11th May at 7 pm in the village hall. All are welcome. The first meeting of the new council will follow at 7.45 pm.

---

Gardening Notes

With an early season and warm spells, everything rushes ahead, but frosts are still possible, so don't be tempted to plant out anything the least tender until later in the month or even early June.

French and runner beans can be sown outside in mid-May, but don't plant out any started under glass, nor outdoor tomatoes, marrows and squashes. However, this should be a good time to plant most vegetables. Apply a general fertiliser to the plot beforehand. Make sure that vegetables and summer bedding sown under glass are thoroughly hardened off before planting out; stand them outside during the day, or move them into a cold frame. Dahlias and cannas also need a gentle introduction to the outside world.

Greenhouse tomatoes grown as cordons need their side shoots removing. Feed them weekly with a general fertiliser until two trusses have set, then move on to a high-potassium tomato feed. Protect them from direct sunlight by shading the glass.

Climbing roses, clematis and other climbers probably need tying in. If necessary, prune early-flowering clematis when they have flowered. If the later-flowering clematis are shooting ahead too fast, pinch the tips out; this will also make for a bushier plant. Give them a high-potassium feed, and mulch around the root - not touching the stem - or shield the root with a flat stone or tile to keep it cool.

Aphid numbers can build up very quickly at this time of the year. It takes much colder temperatures than we have had this winter to eliminate them. They attack the tender young shoots, sucking the sap, distorting the growth, and possibly introducing plant viruses. The sticky honeydew they excrete will host sooty moulds. Squashing between your fingers is very satisfying and helps to contain them, but it is important to encourage beneficial insects such as hoverflies, lacewings and ladybirds, which all predate aphids. Look out for and avoid harming ladybird larvae, which are black with yellow spots and of medium size, as well as those of other beneficial insects, which feed on nettles and other greens. Beneficial insects favour single flowers rather than doubles.

Biological controls for aphids are mostly helpful in the restricted space of the greenhouse, and need a minimum temperature of 12°C to flourish. If you must use insecticide sprays, choose a systemic one, which is absorbed in the sap of the plant: contact sprays can miss the aphids hidden under leaves. However, these sprays may also eliminate the very beneficial insects and biological controls you want to encourage.

Pick off and squash the larvae of lily beetles, as well as those of rosemary and viburnum beetles which are now spreading. Vine weevils also appear in May and start laying their eggs. Hang pheromone traps in apple trees to reduce codling moth damage to the fruit.

Lay straw under strawberry plants to protect the fruit, and net them if bird damage is a problem.

Sow biennials such as wallflowers, and also fast-growing annuals.

The lawn may need weedkiller. Choose a day when rain is expected.