October 2012 - Contents Finding our Way 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 Saturday 13th October: Coffee Morning Shell (for children aged 7+) For your diaries - The Christmas Mini-Market, Saturday 10th November Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Evie Lavinia Hinton Finlay Philip Michael Coleman Sebastian Leo Walklate Minnie Olivia Wood Marriages Georgina Sheldon and Alexander Cockram Emily Peers and John Freeman The Memorial Book Repton Benefice The End of Summer Time Harvest Festival Annual Commemoration Service, Sunday 4th November Intercessory Prayer for Healing Living the Word Ride & Stride St Wystan's News Messy Church, Sunday 28th October St Wystan's Churchyard ~ The 'Ashes' Memorial Area Repton Church: Save our Spire St Saviour's News A Service of Celebration ~ Foremark's 350th Birthday St Mary's News Newton Solney Harvest Celebrations Newton Solney Christmas Cards Jo Ballington's phone number Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 3rd October St Mary's Harvest Lunch, Sunday 14th October Village Meeting - Help us plan our way forward, Saturday 20th October Repton Village and School Sale of Work and Fun Day, Saturday 10th November from 2.15 pm Concert with Soup & Sweet, Friday 16th November Fusion in Concert, Friday 30th November Environment Matters Celebrate Autumn at an Apple Day You and your Pet Parasites Neighbourhood Watch Mercia Neighbourhood Forum, Thursday 25th October Keep your vehicle safe Scamwatch South Derbyshire South Derbyshire's new local plan ~ Have YOUR say! Plan for gravel pits resurfaces ~ 'Drop-in' Exhibition Donate your large electricals Willington Surgery Seasonal Flu Vaccination Repeat Prescriptions Our new Surgery Repton Village and History Repton Rags Repton Village Show Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Repton Evergreens Come to the Drop-In! Repton Village Party Planning Meeting Repton Beavers Repton Cubs Repton RAGS tour St Wystan's Church New Evidence of Repton's History Sale of Work & Fun Day, Saturday 10th November Exhibition of work by Joan Ainley,3rd October - 13th November Repton W.I. Diamond Jubilee Mug Repton Quiz Night, Saturday 17th November Aileen and Alan Gillespie Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney Infant School Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Parish Council News Gardening Notes

---

Finding our Way

Many of us are used to being directed by Satnavs. Personally, I can't stand the things, but I do admit that they are useful if you are a poor navigator and going somewhere unfamiliar. I fear though that that in the long run they will further 'dumb down' society by persuading people not to bother with learning to read maps. Being a person who loves maps - at one time, among other subjects, I taught Geography - I believe that reading a map encourages skills beyond simply enabling us to get from 'A' to 'B'. Maps improve our spatial awareness and appreciation of what is around us, as well as informing us of what we might wish to see. While the Satnav might get us from 'A' to 'B', it is not going to tell us that if we take a left turn halfway there we will find a lovely spot by a river to have a flask of coffee and stretch our legs. All it can do is funnel us along with everyone else into the motorway services.

By now, you will know that our churches are involved with a MAP of a different nature. This MAP is Mission Action Planning. It is a process being used across the country as parish churches work together with their local communities in seeking what God might be asking the church to do. As a result many churches have discovered new channels for their energies, serving the local community in vital ways. Others have changed their way of worship or introduced new events into their annual calendar. The vast majority of churches and many local communities have found that following their MAP has renewed their enthusiasm, purpose and life. It can be a liberating experience.

In the past, the church - and many vicars - have been a bit like Satnavs, ordering everyone along a path they believe to be the way into God's love. I am certain they helped many people on their way to a heavenly destination. But such ordered direction has the drawbacks of a Satnav: you are not free to decide your route; you can blame it when things go wrong; you can miss out on things that would enrich your journey along the way. Such things as these are why I am a great believer in maps, or even MAP! If we are on a spiritual journey deeper into God's love, then, working together with Him, we, the church and the local community, should decide on our way forward. We should look at where we are, where we want to get to, and decide on the way we should go and how to get there. Of course this means a bit of hard work and co-operation, but, as many churches and communities have shown, far more can be achieved by working together than on our own.

St Wystan's Church has an open meeting on Saturday 20th October to which you are all invited, and in Newton Solney, St Mary's has only just begun the next stage of its journey, so there is time for anyone and everyone to join in - we still have a long way to go.

May we all journey on with and towards God.

---

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

---

Saturday 13th October: Coffee Morning, 10.30 am

Chat with friends over coffee and biscuits, try your luck on the tombola, stock up with home-made marmalade and cakes and browse at the bookstall.

---

Shell Group meets on Monday 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd October at 6.30 pm

Activities will include art, craft, decorating cakes and silly games! If you are aged 7 and over, come and join us!

---

For your diaries - The Christmas Mini-Market

. . . will be on Saturday 10th November at 10.30 am. Don't miss it!

---

Baptisms

Evie Lavinia Hinton, daughter of Robert and Joanna of Main Street, Repton, was baptised on Sunday 19th August at St Wystan's Church.

Finlay Philip Michael Coleman, son of Michael and Heather of The Crescent, Repton, was baptised on Sunday 2nd September at St Wystan's Church.

Sebastian Leo Walklate, son of Peter and Claire of Pinfold Lane, Repton, was baptised on Sunday 2nd September at St Wystan's Church.

Minnie Olivia Wood, daughter of Mark and Juliet of Monsom Lane, Repton, was baptised on Sunday 16th September at St Wystan's Church.

---

Marriages

Georgina Sheldon and Alexander Cockram were married in St Wystan's Church on Saturday 8th September.

Emily Peers and John Freeman were married in St Wystan's Church on Sunday 9th September.

---

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 vicar.

---

Repton Benefice

The End of Summer Time

Summer Time ends on Sunday 28th October, from which date the evening services at Newton Solney are brought forward to 4 pm. Evening services at Foremark and Repton are at 6.30 as normal.

---

Services

Harvest Festival

Harvest Festival will be celebrated at Newton Solney at 10 am on Sunday 7th October, and at Foremark at 6.30 pm on the 14th.

Annual Commemoration Service, Sunday 4th November at 4 pm

I was pleased on arriving in the Benefice to find that services are held each year at which we remember our loved ones who have died. This is especially meaningful for me this year with both my mother and my aunt dying in the last eight months. However, these services touch our hearts whether our bereavement is recent or more distant, for the pain of a loved one dying remains with us regardless of the years that pass. The pain may lessen but grief is always present.

On Sunday 4th November, the Sunday nearest to All Souls' Day, there will be services at St Mary's and St Wystan's, both at 4 pm. They will be short yet meaningful, with well known hymns and an invitation to light a candle in memory of loved ones. If you cannot be there but wish the names of loved ones to be read out and remembered at the services, you will find lists to sign up at the back of the churches in the two weeks beforehand. We hope you will join with us and others in remembering your loved ones and giving thanks for their lives.

Intercessory Prayer for Healing

. . . will next meet at 7.30 pm on Monday 8th October at 3 Richmond Court.

Living the Word

. . . next meets at 7.30 pm on Thursday 25th October 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 last month, please telephone Stephen Longden on 703259.

---

Ride & Stride

Heritage Saturday this year offered a warm and sunny welcome to walkers and cyclists raising money for the Derbyshire Churches and Chapels Preservation Trust. Many thanks to all who helped to organise and steward the event, especially those at the URC who offered the extra welcome of a coffee morning, and, of course, to the participants and everyone who sponsored them. Our grateful thanks to them all for their achievements on behalf of the Trust.

---

St Wystan's News

Messy Church As the clocks go back we'll celebrate that Jesus is Light for the World! Join in crafts and activities all about light in darkness. Come in bright clothes. Stay for tea. St Wystan's Messy Church, Sunday 28th October, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, contact Ruth Attwood on 702804 or . Families, everyone, any age, welcome!

St Wystan's Churchyard ~ The 'Ashes' Memorial Area

Back in July, the P.C.C. asked those who had left pots on, or planted borders around a loved one's memorial stone in the Ashes Garden to remove them. This followed complaints received about the increasingly untidy state of the area. Early in October, any remaining items will be removed. Pots will be stored by the porch for collection, and the garden returned to grass to comply with Diocesan Churchyard regulations.

If you wish to leave bunches of fresh flowers, you may. An exception will be made for fresh burials, when, for a period of a few months, other items may be left.

---

St Wystan's Church: Save our Spire!

The slender spire of St Wystan's Church rises to 212 feet, and together with the neighbouring Arch and Old Priory is an instantly recognisable feature of the village. There has been some uncertainty, but it is now widely accepted that the tower and spire were built in the 15th century. The earliest bell in the tower bears the mark of Richard Brasyer of Norwich, who died in 1513.

In August 2008, during an inspection of the spire, the top two stones were found to be cracked, and as an emergency measure, two stainless steel bands were used to prevent them from falling. However, these stones, with others that are badly eroded, now need to be replaced as soon as possible, and the whole structure needs re-pointing.

Previous Repairs

Before the installation of a lightning conductor in 1858, the spire was very vulnerable, and this is by no means the first time that it has needed repair. The earliest report comes in the 'Churchwardens and Constables Accounts' of 1609: 'Payde fore poyntinge the steeple £5.' Apparently, whites of a large quantity of eggs were mixed with the mortar. The eggs 'were collected by a poor widow of the parish.'

In 1721, the spire was struck by lightning, and rebuilt at a cost of £67. In 1784 the upper part was again damaged by lightning; this time the cost was £60.

In 1804, Joseph Barton, a native of Repton, fixed a series of twelve ladders to the south eastern face of the spire in order to bring down the weathercock. Adorned with streamers of ribbon, it was carried round the village, before being repaired and replaced. Barton received £10, plus a 'goodly collection made among an admiring crowd of villagers, and others'. Sadly, a few years later he fell to his death when the scaffold gave way whilst he was repairing the spire of Twyford Church.

In 1857-8 the weathercock was replaced and the spire repaired once more, but this caused further damage: iron clamps, used to brace the stones, oxydised and swelled, splitting many of the stones and joints. About thirty feet of the spire was taken down and rebuilt, and the whole of the tower and spire repointed at an estimated cost of £400.

How much will it cost today?

In the past, work has been carried out from steeplejacks' ladders and a bosun's chair, but in these days of Health and Safety, the scaffolding alone will cost over £100,000. The whole restoration is expected to cost in the region of £210,000. English Heritage has awarded a grant of £130,000, but even such a generous amount still leaves £80,000 to find. The spire is such a well-loved feature of the landscape that we hope it will be possible to raise the money quickly to prevent the structure deteriorating beyond repair.

Fundraising

We are, of course, applying to a number of grant-giving bodies, but we also need to do as much as we can to raise money ourselves, and over the coming months we are organising several events. The first will be a concert in church on Friday 30th November, a magical evening of musical moments from the West End by 'Fusion', with tempting canapés and a glass of wine.

On Saturday 1st December, we will be at the Charity Christmas Market in Repton village hall selling jams, chutneys and knitted toys. For Friday 1st February we are planning a 'Revolving Dinner', a chance to join friends and meet new people. In March there will be a Bridge Day, and on Thursday 19th April, an Antiques Auction with light refreshments and a bar.

We do hope you will support us, and help to preserve this much loved icon of the village.

---

St Saviour's News

A Service of Celebration ~ Foremark's 350th Birthday

On Friday 21st September a service in St Saviour's Church celebrated the 350th anniversary of its consecration on this day, St Matthew's Day, in 1662. It has served ever since as a witness to our Christian faith.

People were not daunted by the steady rain which greeted them, and the church was packed. Heavy traffic sadly prevented the Chairman of the Prayer Book Society from being with us, but many local members of the Society did come, as we were also marking 350 years since the Church of England began to use the Book of Common Prayer.

At a service of Evensong taken from the 1662 Prayer Book, the Rt Rev'd Alastair Redfern, Bishop of Derby, preached on the theme of the Three Tables of St Matthew. The church bells had greeted people as they arrived, and during the service the Wystan Singers sang an anthem by Henry Purcell.

After the service we enjoyed a warming fire, hot drinks and masses of home-baked cakes in Foremarke Hall. On behalf of Foremark PCC, the vicar thanked everyone who had made the service such a wonderful occasion, and praised all those from the church, the School and the local community who had worked so hard to present the church at its very best.

The occasion was used to launch the 351st Year Appeal to raise funds to replace the church roof, the lead now having been stolen five times. It is planned to install a temporary roof costing £6,000 to protect the church fabric from the coming winter. This will also give time to raise the much larger sum required for a stainless steel roof.

---

St Mary's News

Newton Solney Harvest Celebrations

Decorating St Mary's for the Harvest Services will begin on Thursday 4th October at 2 pm, ready for the school and pre-school services the following morning, and continue on Saturday 6th October from 9.30 am.

The following week, harvest gifts of produce, dry goods and toiletries will be distributed both within the village and to the City Mission and Padley Centre at Derby. Donations of cash will be sent to the Bishop's Harvest Appeal for the needs of children in Rwanda.

---

Newton Solney Christmas Cards

If you are already buying Christmas cards, perhaps to send abroad, you may like to know that cards printed from photographs of the 2010 Festival are still available, and are on display in the south aisle of St Mary's Church. To make a purchase, please sign the accompanying list or contact Jennifer Haynes on 703827.

---

Jo Ballington, organist at St Mary's Church

Jo's phone number has changed; it is now 01283 562091.

Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 3rd October 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!

St Mary's Church Newton Solney Harvest Lunch Sunday 14th October at 1 pm in Newton Solney Village Hall Please bring your own drinks! Adults £8, Children under 12 £5 Tickets from Hazel Ward (701244) 21 Blacksmith's Lane

Your Church - Your Community!           Open Meeting for EVERYONE Help us plan our way forward Repton Village Hall, Saturday 20th October at 9.30 am, with a short break at 12.30 for lunch together, and continuing until 2.30 for those able to stay Join us to have your say and help decide how your parish church can serve the community in the years to come Everyone is welcome So that we can cater, please sign up in church or at Repton Post Office where you can pick up information about the day If you are unable to come but would like to submit comments, or if you need transport, please contact the vicar on 01283 619686

Repton Village and School Sale of Work and Fun Day Saturday 10th November from 2.15 pm in the grounds and halls of Repton School Stalls, fun items for children of all ages, refreshments, a large number of excellent prizes to be won

St Wystan's Church Repton Concert with Soup & Sweet A concert by pupils from Foremarke School followed by a soup and a sweet lunch Friday 16th November at 12 noon Tickets £5 from Carol Lloyd, 702410 This is always a lovely event, and all are welcome

Save our Spire! Fusion in Concert A magical evening of musical moments from the West End with tempting canapés and a glass of wine Friday 30th November, 7.30 pm in St Wystan's Church Tickets £20, Children under 12 £5 from Jan Roberts,702159, and Adrian Argyle, 701277

Environment Matters

Celebrate Autumn at an Apple Day

Apple Day was initiated in 1990 by Common Ground as 'a way of celebrating and demonstrating that variety and richness matter'; the first took place in Covent Garden. The apple was chosen as a symbol of 'the physical, cultural and genetic diversity we should not let slip away'. In linking particular apples with their place of origin, it is hoped that orchards will be recognized and conserved for their contribution to local distinctiveness, including the rich diversity of wild life they support. Events range from apple games in a garden to large village fairs with cookery demonstrations, games, apple identification, juice and cider, gardening advice, and, of course, many hundreds of apple varieties.

Locally, Apple Days will be held at Swadlincote Market on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th October, and at Calke Abbey on Sunday 14th October, when you will be able to taste different varieties of apples from orchards all over England. At Swadlincote you can even bring your own apples to be pressed, but do bring a container to take home the juice. Both events will have something for all the family, so go along and join in the fun.

---

You and your Pet

Parasites

A single female flea can produce up to 50 eggs a day, and this year they seem to be everywhere, even on cats that don't go out and where there are no other pets in the house. Many 'spot-on' treatments such as Advantage and Frontline are effective, and it is just as important to treat the house - where 95% of the flea life cycle occurs - as your pet. For dogs there is also a tablet, Comfortis, which is good news for the swimmers as, unlike spot treatments, it doesn't wash off. Some spot-on treatments like Advocate also provide cover against lungworm, which we are starting to see more of, and roundworms. Advocate will also treat demodectic and sarcoptic mange, as well as ear mites, which often cause brown wax to build up in the ears.

For cats there are also spot-on worming treatments, which can be invaluable for those not keen on tablets and handy with their paws!

For some pets, ticks are a concern, both for the irritation that they cause and also the diseases, like Lyme disease, that they can carry. On the continent, ticks can carry really nasty diseases, and although tick treatment is no longer a requirement of the Pet Passport Scheme, it is important to prevent ticks for the health of your pet. Suitable products include Advantix and Frontline spot-ons and the Seresto collar. This collar, one of the newest products on the market, provides flea and tick prevention to both dogs and cats for up to eight months; again, excellent for those pets that love to swim.

Myxomatosis in rabbits is still prevalent, but there is a new vaccine that can protect your bunny against both myxomatosis and VHD for a year! It is definitely worth vaccinating; we have recently put to sleep three lovely pet rabbits with myxomatosis, which has no cure.

Parvovirus continues to cycle around. Vaccination is so important in preventing this extremely distressing and quite often fatal disease.

To end on a positive note, we are getting into the thick of the calving season, with all the joy of new life. But one Sunday morning we were met with three caesarians and one calving, all called at the same time. Sometimes you can never have enough hands!

---

Neighbourhood Watch

The Mercia Neighbourhood Forum combines the Safer Neighbourhood Meeting which deals with policing priorities, and the Area Forum giving an insight into the projects and policies of South Derbyshire and Derbyshire County Councils. The next is on Thursday 25th October in Milton village hall. The Safer Neighbourhood meeting starts at 6.15 pm, the Area Forum at 7.30; tea and coffee from 5.45 pm.

Thieves caught: In early September, two men were reported to be acting suspiciously around the Newton Park Hotel. Police stopped them, recovering property including sat navs, iPods and sunglasses, stolen from vehicles locally. PC Chris Fearn from Mercia Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "We cannot emphasise too strongly that vehicle owners need to take responsibility for securing their vehicles. It not only reduces the chance of theft but also the hassle caused for the owner."

To keep your vehicle safe: shut the windows and lock it; hide Sat Navs and holders, and wipe the mark from the window; do not leave valuables, bags or coats on display; park on a secure driveway or in a well lit area; use an immobiliser or steering lock; at home, do not leave car keys where they can easily be stolen.

Scamwatch: People in and around Derby have received phone calls claiming to be from Derbyshire County Council Benefits. They claim that there is a new government scheme in relation to pensions and request personal information; then they send a courier to the person's house to collect the 'required' paperwork. This is a scam. You should never give personal details to anyone who has cold called you by phone or in person.

If you have been victim of a scam, contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06 or visit their website, adviceguide.org.uk, for advice.

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.

---

South Derbyshire

South Derbyshire's new local plan ~ Have YOUR say!

South Derbyshire District Council is at present drawing up its 'Preferred Growth Strategy', which will shape where new homes, jobs and community facilities will be located over the next 15 years or so.

The current proposals have been influenced by the community consultations which took place in 2010 and 2011, and a further round of consultations will take place this October and November. There will be several 'drop-in' events across the District to which you are invited; this is your chance to have your say.

There is more information at south-derbys.gov.uk/LDF , and from 28th September you will find details of the drop-in events there, or call 01283 228735.

---

Plan for gravel pits resurfaces ~ 'Drop-in' Exhibition

Derbyshire County and Derby City Councils are together preparing a Minerals Plan, setting the strategy for minerals development in Derby and Derbyshire to 2030, and providing the framework against which planning applications for mineral development will be judged. Importantly, it will also show sites for future sand and gravel extraction.

The matter was last raised 5 years ago when DCC was preparing a 'Sites Plan', which, following government advice, it had to abandon. At that time, 17 sites were put forward, including one (confusingly named 'Foremark') lying between Repton and Willington.

All sites put forward by mineral operators - including the 'Foremark' site - must now be assessed to determine whether they will be included in the new Minerals Plan, which will use much of the work carried out in 2007 to assess the sites in the abandoned Sites Plan. That work showed that the 'Foremark' site was very sensitive in environmental and social terms and had low potential to be worked for mineral extraction.

In the November 2007 Parish Magazine we wrote: "[The site] stretches from the Trent to the Old Trent, and from the old waterworks at Milton to within 300 metres of the Willington Road, its southern boundary is less than 150 yards from Brook farm and Repton School. Many properties, including a third of Repton, lie within 500 metres and would be affected by noise and dust from extraction and transport. Footpaths and bridleways across the site would be affected. In Willington there would be a significant increase in the numbers of heavy goods vehicles travelling to the A38. The effect on Milton and Foremark would be less: the site is not visible from Milton village, which lies some 500 metres from the south-eastern boundary beyond Askew Hill."

On site selection, the Council's current consultative paper says: "A major issue that will have to be considered will be whether, after 2020, we continue with the approach of permitting further extensions to existing sites or whether we begin a search for wholly new sites in other areas of the river valleys. The area of the Dove Valley around Foston and Sudbury is the main area with potential for sand and gravel working, although much of this has yet to be explored. In this respect, the . . . cumulative impact on the environment and on communities of allowing further extensions to existing sites will have to be weighed against the social and environmental impact of allowing large scale extraction from new sites in a new area."

YOUR chance to have YOUR say, Repton Village Hall, Thursday 4th October, 11 am to 7 pm

Council officers will be at the Repton village hall to explain the Minerals Plan in more detail and to answer any questions. They will have a map showing the environmental sensitivity of the whole valley and therefore which sites have potential to be worked and which should not be worked. Drop in whenever you want to see and discuss it.

More information can be found online. Search for "Derbyshire CC minerals policy".

---

Donate your large electricals

If you are planning to replace any large, working household appliance, why not donate it to a good cause? You will also have the chance to win £50 of shopping vouchers.

With the support of DCC and SDCC, the YMCA's Happy Homes furniture project is holding an event to collect old but still working white goods like washing machines, fridges, freezers and microwaves. They would also welcome smaller, reusable electrical items such as hairdryers, CD players and laptops.

Happy Homes is a charity that helps people on a tight budget to furnish their homes. Its staff will test all donated appliances before selling them on to low income households, giving them the opportunity to benefit from low cost, good quality items. Reuse is also the best way to reduce waste sent to landfill, and furniture projects play a big role in this.

The collection event takes place on Saturday 6th October, 9am to 3pm, at SDDC depot car park, Darklands Road, Swadlincote, DE11 0PQ. However, if you live within 10 miles of Swadlincote and are unable to bring bulky items yourself, Happy Homes offers a free home collection service. Call 01283 220202 to arrange a suitable time. Quote 'Derbyshire County Council' to be entered in the free prize draw.

---

Willington Surgery

Seasonal Flu Vaccination

If you are 65 or over, a carer, or pregnant, or if you suffer from immunosuppression, chronic respiratory, heart, kidney, neurological or liver disease, or diabetes, you are strongly recommended to have an annual influenza injection.

Please call in to the surgery or telephone 703318 to book an appointment. Clinic appointments are available on Saturdays starting with Saturday 29th September.

---

Repeat Prescriptions

The surgery is to change its computer software, so we will be unable to produce computer repeat prescriptions between 13th and 21st November. If your medication is due for renewal within that period, please think ahead and request early.

---

Our new Surgery

We have now signed the lease for the site of our new surgery, which is to the south-west of Saxon Grove, adjacent to the unmade road opposite the church which will become the main access; many will relate to it as the land behind the former Blue Bus garage. Construction can begin before Christmas, and building should take 11 months. Builders have already been appointed and essential groundworks and surveys completed. An electricity pylon has been removed and the cable sunk into the ground.

The new surgery will comply with a major change in the specification of health service premises, and will have enough room for expansion to see the practice through the next 20 years; it will be three times as large as our current working space. It will have a very different feel from the existing surgery which was designed to feel quite homely; modern premises feel rather bare in comparison, but we hope to work with the patient participation group to do what we can to put our stamp on it and make it agreeable.

This has been a very complex project and, as part of the planning conditions, the surgery must be completed before housing construction begins on the adjacent land. Thank you for your support and patience. Kyran Farrell

---

Repton Village & History

Repton Rags Boys & girls aged 8 to 14 Fun and games, indoors and out, and plenty of time to chat with your friends Every Saturday from 6 to 7.30 pm at the Den      £1 a head Come along and have fun!       More info from Julie Groom, 0797 4998852

Repton Village Show

Despite the poor summer weather, Repton's gardeners managed to produce some fantastic fruits and vegetables for this year's Village Show. The bakers, photographers and handcrafters added their expertise to ensure all the exhibits were of a very high standard. Congratulations to all the prize winners.

Winners of the special prizes and cups:

Alan Peach	Boot Trophy	Best vegetable exhibit
Alan Peach	John Crockett Trophy	Most points in the vegetable section
George Johnson	Argyle Trophy	Best fruit exhibit
Wendy Longden	Marjorie Boddice Trophy	5 garden perennials
Carol Lloyd	McLean Cup	Best rose exhibit
Liz Ryalls	Silver Tray	Best produce exhibit
Martin Wimbush	Photographic Shield
Hilary Hazelwood	Cup	Best flower exhibit
Eileen Saunders	Handicraft Plate
Stephanie Auterson, Zara Knowles, Sian Ryalls	Zak's Cup	Most points in the children's section

Thank you to all who came to see the show and who took part in an excellent auction afterwards; with special thanks, once again, to our auctioneer, Adrian Argyle.

---

Repton Village History Group

There was a good crowd in Bretby Parish Church to hear Richard Wain speak on the history of the village and its place in the Earl of Chesterfield's estate, a large estate with several parishes. Bretby's lovely Victorian church stands on the site of a much earlier one, and the estate also had a castle, manor house, mill, sunken lane, two coal mines, two schools, and a station for the Earl's personal use. The formal gardens of the Manor House, which later became Bretby Hall, are said to have rivalled those of Versailles in the 1640s. The village is surprisingly well connected; Disraeli, Queen Victoria's favourite prime minister, was fond of the Countess and spent time there.

On Tuesday 16th October, Dr. Wendy Freer will give an illustrated talk on 'Pack Horses and Pack Roads'. 7.30 pm in Repton village hall. Visitors are most welcome. Members £2, visitors £3, including tea and biscuits. For further information, contact Andy Austen on 702448.

RVHG Publications

The Village Map, which Ken Ash designed for the History Group in 1983, has now been brought up to date. It costs £1 and is a companion to the Village Trail leaflet, also £1. We have also just reprinted the booklet 'Remember the Blue Bus service?' and have a small stock at £3. Both are available from the post office, committee members, group meetings or Andy Austen.

---

Repton Village Society

Our visit to Stamford, with a detailed guided tour led by Janet Spavold, was blessed with sunny weather and delay-free journeys. Two days beforehand, in her excellent talk to the Society, Janet had described the development of the town from the earliest times, which made what we saw on the ground much easier to understand.

Thursday 4th October

Sir Barnes Wallis was born in Ripley in 1887 and became a scientist, designer, engineer and inventor. Peter Rix, a trustee of the Barnes Wallis Memorial Trust, is travelling down from Harrogate to give a talk entitled 'Not Just the Bouncing Bomb Man' that will, as the title suggests, cover his life and his work in airship and aircraft design as well as his invention of the bouncing bomb. Alan Webster, 701838

---

Repton Evergreens

A full coach of 50 enjoyed a lovely day out in Holmfirth and Skipton; the weather was in our favour, the countryside was beautiful.

Due to holiday commitments there will be no meeting in October, but please note the date of our Christmas dinner - Thursday 29th November. Sue Banks, 701726

---

Come to the Drop-In!

Every Friday, after the Lunch Club, there is the Drop-In hour from 2 to 3 pm in the Community Room in Fisher Close, off Askew Grove. Quite a lot of people are 'staying-on' rather than 'dropping-in', but there is room for a few more people who have not been to the lunch but would enjoy an informal social hour.

Sometimes we have local speakers, talking about their special interest or expertise and often bringing along collections or photographs. We had several really interesting and enjoyable sessions prior to the summer break, and are very grateful to all those who gave up their time to be with us. Any other volunteer speakers would be very welcome.

On Fridays when there is no speaker, we have in-house entertainment; a bit of singing, a lot of chatting and games - mainly word-based; we also have a go at quizzes of various kinds. We don't keep score, but just call out answers if we know them; it is all very friendly and good-natured. No-one minds if you just listen! Each session ends with a cup of tea and a biscuit. The sessions have a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, and offer a chance to meet new people as well as to meet with old friends, so do give it a try.

We have occasional outings between now and Christmas, so if you would like to 'drop-in' for your first visit, please ring either Elaine or Maggie to check that the Drop-In will be taking place that day. Then just come along to the Community Room at 2 o'clock on a Friday. You will be made very welcome!

---

Repton Village Party, Planning Meeting in the Den, 7.15 pm, Thursday 11th October

If you would like to be involved in any way with next year's Village Party, do please come along to this initial planning meeting. We hope to see you there!

---

Repton Beavers

Beavers have just visited the fire station in Burton. In October they have a sleepover based at the Den, and will be hiking around the village and sailing boats down the brook. They also have a drumming evening, and the butcher will be showing them how to make sausages.

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

---

Repton Cubs

Twenty Cubs went on camp in September, the sun shone, and a great time was had, climbing, potholing and cooking on fires. All the Cubs have also recently been kayaking now that the river levels have returned to normal. This month, the Cubs also have a drumming session organised, and are planning a visit to Calke for another wide game.

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

---

Repton RAGS tour St Wystan's Church and Churchyard

In September, Repton RAGS visited St Wystan's Church. From the vicar we learned a lot of its history, and heard how it is still used for worship to this day. Jaws dropped in the crypt when we realised just how old was the place where we stood - or sat - on the damp stone. And like the vicar, we were keen to know what lies behind the door high above the chancel arch.

Continuing our tour outside, the vicar recounted the sad tale of Samuel Marshall, before moving on to visit the grave of C.B. Fry, the sporting celebrity of his day. Confusion over his height (it is a small square grave) was cleared up with an explanation about cremation and ashes. We then noted graves where two young men died while swimming in the Trent - a salutary warning.

The 'tour' finished at the Commonwealth war graves, learning why they are different in style, and who cares for them. Many of us - adults as well - were quite moved when we matched pictures to the gravestones and read accounts of their deaths, mostly in training accidents; it brought home the fact that here lay young men, not just names.

We would like to thank the vicar for showing us round; we loved our visit to the church and found it extremely interesting.

---

New Evidence of Repton's History

Excavations for Repton School's new Science Priory have unearthed fresh evidence linking the village with the late Roman / early Saxon period, the 3rd - 6th centuries AD. During the site soil strip, consulting archaeologists identified a number of in-filled ditches and pits, forming a series of small enclosures.

The Repton bluff has long been the setting for human activity. In his booklet, 'St Wystan's Church Repton, a Guide and History', Dr. Harold Taylor, who, together with Professor Martin Biddle and his wife, Birthe Kjølbye-Biddle, conducted extensive archaeological exploration at Repton during the 1970s and 1980s, tells us that the first traces appear in the fourth or fifth millennium BC. Then there is then a long gap in the evidence until the Roman period when rubbish from a settlement became scattered over the area. The density and diversity of these Roman finds increased towards the west, indicating that the settlement may have lain in that direction.

This new information provides evidence tending to confirm that supposition, as well as further evidence of early Saxon activity, pre-dating the later Saxon and Viking presence that has been well documented.

It is hoped to make the archaeologists' full report available when it has been completed.

---

Sale of Work & Fun Day, Saturday 10th November in the grounds and halls of Repton School

If you have lived in the village for some time you will already know about the joint effort that is involved in the Sale of Work, which aims to raise as much money as possible for local, national and international charities.

This year will see a number of new stalls, including a specialist bookstall selling - at very keen prices! - brand-new books which have been nominated for literary prizes, including the Orwell Prize for non-fiction. So whether it's the ducking stool, the homemade Christmas puddings or the artisan jewellery and olive oils that take your fancy, we hope that you will come along enjoy the day.

Where does the money go?

Last year more than £29,000 was raised as a result of the main event on the day, as well as the cabarets, dinners and auctions run by the boarding houses. 60% of that went to charities and organisations within a 10 mile radius of Repton, including St Wystan's Church, the Repton Scout Group, Repton Neighbourhood Help, Repton Casuals, Repton Village Hall, Repton Primary School and Newton Solney Infant School. We hope that each year the combined good work of the School and village can make a real difference to the excellent work they do.

How money is distributed

After the money is counted, there is a meeting of stallholders and pupils from the School. In the first instance, suggestions and requests for donations should be made to stall-holders or boarding house representatives. Alternatively, contact Dan Clark (the organiser at the School) by letter to the School.

We need your help!

To raise such large sums of money requires a lot of hard work. Gifts and help in making items like cakes or craft work would be very much appreciated. The stalls below rely on your support, and the stallholders would greatly welcome gifts direct to them in Repton or to Pears School on the day.

Extra help is always useful, so anyone who is willing to be involved on the day should contact any stallholder or Penny Holroyd at The Hall.

Bottles and Jars	Frances Wimbush	703180
Cakes	Louise Hardwick	701608
Gifts and teddies	Noreen Flight	702274
Toys	Lucie Michelle

Do come along this year and help raise a significant sum for charity whilst purchasing worthwhile items and having lots of fun.

---

Exhibition of work by Joan Ainley,3rd October - 13th November

As a commemorative exhibition for Armistice Day, Repton School's New Court Gallery on Burton Road will be presenting a collection of wall pieces and sculptural works by Joan Ainley, based on the theme of 'Peace'. Joan has enjoyed a long and illustrious career, exhibiting widely throughout Britain and abroad. You are all warmly invited to the opening of the exhibition between 6 and 8 pm on Wednesday 3rd October. The event will also provide a further opportunity to view the work of the illustrator, Christian Birmingham, on display in Gallery No.1, High Street, adjacent to the Cross.

---

Repton W.I.

When the advertised speaker failed to turn up, our September meeting was very different! When the business was over and Graham Nutt from the Magic Attic had still not appeared, our President, Audrey, stepped in, telling us about how she had first begun to give talks. She had started to collect dolls, and having given a talk about them, found herself on a list of W.I. speakers, raising money for her chosen charity. She was also paid in other ways - a bottle of sherry, chocolates and even a frozen chicken! Then Audrey called on others to speak: Jenny passed on information about a former member and President, Mollie Thompson, who now lives in Norfolk; Wendy told us how she came to design gardens and run a nursery; Jill informed us of Aileen's move to be nearer her son; Pat amused us with stories of her job as a registrar, and Carol told us of her work in helping to set up the Health and Care Professions Council. We found that we had all enjoyed the evening even more than usual.

The Group Meeting is on 1st October when Repton are hosting it in the village hall. The following day, several members are attending the Autumn Council meeting at the Assembly Rooms in Derby.

Next meeting: Tuesday 9th October, the Annual Meeting when a new committee is elected; we were told that several new members had agreed to join the committee. 7.15 pm in the village hall. Visitors are always welcome to join us.

---

Diamond Jubilee Mug

If you are looking for something to keep alive the spirit of this amazing summer, whether for yourself or as a gift, how about the 'Repton 2012 Diamond Jubilee' bone china beaker, produced especially to mark our celebrations here in Repton. There are still some available at £7.50 that would make a splendid souvenir. Call John Perks on 702392.

---

Repton Quiz Night, Saturday 17th November at 7.30 pm, Repton Village Hall

We do hope you will come and join in our annual quiz night. It costs just £12 for a table of four, and now is the time to be getting your team together. Between the rounds there will be a break for refreshments and stand-up bingo. It is always an evening of great fun and friendly rivalry, with various prizes on offer, but remember to bring your own drink and glasses.

Proceeds will go to support St Wystan's Church. For information and to book a table, contact Carol Lloyd on 702410.

---

Aileen and Alan Gillespie

After 45 years in Repton, Aileen and Alan have now moved south to be closer to their family and family support. They are very sorry that their departure was so sudden that they didn't have chance to say goodbye properly and individually to their friends.

---

Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Summer Activities at The Mitre Field: The school summer holiday activities organised by the Parish Council once again proved extremely popular, and attendance figures appear to be higher than ever. Great fun was had by all!
• 'Part Night' Street Lighting Proposals: Derbyshire County Council has published proposed changes to street lighting in Repton and Milton, and is inviting your views. The plans show which lights could be turned off between midnight and 5.30 am to save carbon and money. The consultation period runs until the 21st October and maps are available in the Parish Council office if you wish to inspect them. The maps are also available online at derbyshire.gov.uk/streetlights, and you can leave your comments there, or send them to Derbyshire County Council, County Hall, Matlock DE4 3AG.
• Dog Fouling has significantly reduced in this area. However, if you witness an offence you can report it directly to SDDC. Note the time and location, together with a description of the owner and the dog, and either telephone the dog warden on 01283 595943.
• Bonfires: Please be mindful of your neighbours, and remember that SDDC has the power to investigate complaints. Briefly, if actions at your premises are having a material effect on someone else in their premises - for example, preventing neighbours from sitting in their garden, opening their windows or hanging out their washing - then a statutory nuisance may exist. Also bonfire smoke can be very unpleasant, so garden waste should be dried out first and no commercial waste should be burnt at all. Further information can be obtained from SDDC on 01283 228780.
• Congratulations to Margaret and Andy Austen who will this month receive a Derbyshire 'Excellence in the Community' Award at a presentation in Buxton. They were nominated by the Parish Council in recognition of their many years of inspirational service in various fields, but particularly with regard to the youth of Repton and Derbyshire. We hope that their example will inspire others to become similarly involved in voluntary work with young people.

Next meeting: Monday 8th October in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton, at 7.30 pm.

---

Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

Our September speaker, Anna Roebuck, gave a fascinating talk on Bags2Riches. Anna, who uses recycled plastic bags and cans to create jewellery and artwork, offers a variety of courses in crafts and practical skills. Products have a focus on recycling and sustainability, and are environmentally friendly. Sue White gave the vote of thanks.

On Wednesday 3rd October we are using our Bursary money to hold a leather workshop for members. Meet in Milton village hall at 7 pm.

Next meeting: Wednesday 17th October at 7.30 pm: AGM. As we do not have an outside speaker at the AGM, it is a good opportunity for members to mingle and chat, whilst enjoying the delicious refreshments provided by our hostesses.

---

Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney Tuesday Club

In September, Jackie and John Newbury gave a most interesting talk on the history of the Derby Soup Run and their current involvement with the project. Instead of a fee, they asked people to donate food items such as tea, coffee and packet soup. The committee was delighted with the generous response from our members, and were able to hand over two large boxes and several carrier bags of goods. A big 'thank you' to you all. In giving the vote of thanks, Hazel Ward praised Jackie and John for their work in helping homeless people.

Tuesday 2nd October, 2.30 pm

A business meeting will be followed by Graham Hutt speaking on The Magic Attic.

Tuesday 16th October: A Mystery Tour

The price for this outing is £23 and includes a coffee stop, lunch and tips. We will leave the Unicorn Inn at 9.30 am with pick-ups en-route in Repton and Willington. We return to Newton Solney at about 3.30 pm.

If you would like to join us at our meetings, just come along. To come on any of our trips, please contact our Secretary, Jane, on 01283 564520.

---

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. This term's dates are 4th October, 8th November and 6th December. You are most welcome to join us.

Macmillan Cancer Support: On Friday 28th September we are holding a Macmillan coffee morning between 9.30 and 11 am in the school hall. If you read this in time, please come and support us.

---

Newton Solney W.I.

During our August break, a number of members took part in a walk around Willington organised by members of the Willington W.I. This gave us a most interesting insight into the history and geography of the village, and the evening finished with a lovely supper in the village hall; our thanks to Willington W.I. for an excellent evening. Sadly we had to cancel our Summer Social, 'Tea at the Ritz'.

At our September meeting, members were offered an alternative date to visit Repton School as the original date was oversubscribed. We were reminded of the Repton Group meeting on 1st October and the Autumn Federation meeting at Derby Assembly Rooms on 2nd October, where the guest speaker will be Adam Hanson from the BBC's 'Countryfile'. On 18th October we will be going to 'Meet the Royal Cakemaker' at Linton, and plans are underway for our Birthday Lunch on Thursday 15th November at the Newton Park Hotel. Our next Lasagne Lunch which will be held on Saturday 10th November in the village hall.

Following the business meeting, Clive Catz from the National Trust spoke to us about the history of the Birmingham 'back to back' houses. We were surprised to see pictures of a rural Birmingham in the 1700s, surrounded by open fields and farms, and to learn that later on in its history, the night soil was taken and deposited at Soil Hill, a place we now know as Solihull.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 9th October at 7.30 pm when Valerie Williams will tell us about 'Brizlincote, the farm and the developed valley'. The next Whist Drive will be on Tuesday 30th October at 7 pm. Both are in the Village Hall and, as always, new members will be most welcome.

---

Newton Solney Parish Council News

New Seat: The seat kindly provided by Sue Ellis in remembrance of her husband, Norman, and to commemorate the Queen's Jubilee, is now in place overlooking the confluence of the rivers Dove and Trent.

Village Hall Kitchen: The Parish Council has given financial assistance to provide a new, modern kitchen for the village hall; it has now been installed and is in operation.

Footpaths: A map of all the public footpaths in Newton Solney parish has been made available by Derbyshire County Council and will shortly appear on the village website.

Neighbourhood Watch: Roger Charles, the Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Newton Solney, has a data base that allows him to distribute police security warnings and information about crimes. The more Newton Solney residents that are on it, the more effective it will be. Please contact Roger to be included.

Code of Conduct: A new Code of Conduct for Parish Councils is being introduced, as recommended by the Derbyshire Association, and will shortly be available on the village website.

Next Meeting: Friday 12th October at 7.45 pm in the village hall.

---

Gardening Notes

Although October is often a mild and pleasant month for gardeners, frosts are likely, and we need to be ready for cold weather. Prepare the greenhouse; give it a thorough clean, remove any shading from the glass, and test the heaters. When it is ready, move tender plants inside or into a frame, and, if the greenhouse isn't heated, keep fleece handy to protect them. Any doubtfully hardly plants outside should also be protected with fleece or bracken and the roots covered with a thick layer of mulch or compost. Lift dahlias and cannas, and store them in a frost-free place.

Continue tidying the border. If needed, this is the best time to divide Michaelmas daisies as well as many summer-flowering perennials; throw the old centre away, keep the young outer pieces and replant immediately. Surround with a good layer of compost.

Plant out wallflowers.

Sow sweet peas to grow on in a cold frame. Plant lilies in pots, so they have time to develop roots before the cold weather. Finish planting containers to flower in spring, and raise them off the ground to reduce the risk of frost damage.

In early October, plant hyacinth bulbs in pots to bloom at Christmas. Plant early varieties of amaryllis in mid-October, but leave paperwhite narcissi until November.

Prune climbing roses and tie in the new growth. Blackberries and hybrid berries can also be pruned. Lavenders are naturally short lived, and may need replacing if they are becoming woody and falling apart. Hardwood cuttings of lavender can be taken now.

Lift parsnips, beetroot and carrots for storing, although parsnips and late carrots can also be left in the ground. Lift and divide old rhubarb crowns. Remove yellow leaves from brassicas.

Plant out spring cabbage and garlic and autumn onion sets. Plant winter lettuce in a cold frame, and sow salads, oriental greens and carrots in a greenhouse.

Pick and store the last apples and pears, disposing of any with brown rot or damage. Protect fruit trees against winter moth with grease bands around the trunk.

This is the time to plant evergreens, and you can start to plant bare root trees and shrubs too. Container trees and shrubs can go in at any time, so long as the soil is not frozen.

Collect and compost leaves, but bin them if they are diseased. In ponds, decaying leaves reduce the oxygen level, so clear away old lily leaves, blanket weed and duckweed, as well as excess oxygenators.

Bees, hoverflies and butterflies are busy stocking up enough food for the start of their winter hibernation. Ivy is perhaps the best source of nectar and pollen, but sedums, rudbeckias and Japanese anemones are also important.

A cold and wet April proved disastrous for many birds which could not find food for their young, or simply abandoned their nests. This was the case for the tits in particular, but later in the season we have seen young from later broods. We had young of blue, great, coal and long-tailed tits, plenty of goldfinches, and also chaffinches, greenfinches and bullfinches, nuthatch and a young greater spotted woodpecker. Occasional visitors have been a green woodpecker, siskins in July, and, on our small pond, a pair of mallards.