April 2013 - Contents 'Low' Sunday 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 200th Anniversary of the birth of David Livingstone Coffee Morning, Saturday 13th April, 10.30 to 11.30 am Coffee Morning, Saturday 27th April, 10.30 to 11.30 am Shell (for children aged 7+) Diary Dates Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Amelie Faith Clarkson Edward Fraser Clarkson Isobel Rose Leyland Marriages Mary-Louise Wardle and Duncan McCrae Funerals and Burial of Ashes David Joseph Fleming Paul Sarson The Memorial Book St Wystan's News Services and Groups in April The Way Ahead St Wystan's Spire Thank You, David! Spot the Pelican St Saviour's News Foremark Church Annual Parochial Church Meeting St Mary's News Newton Solney Annual Parochial Church Meeting Local Diary Event Details Charities The Padley 4000 ~ Help the Homeless! Environment Matters The Trent and Mersey Canal You and your Pet Spring Clean Neighbourhood Watch South Derbyshire Willington Arts Festival, 4th - 6th May What's On in South Derbyshire Repton Village and History Repton Rags Repton Village Party ~ Saturday 4th May Thank You, Neil! Repton Beavers Repton Cubs Repton Scouts Repton Evergreens Talk and Bring & Share Supper ngs Open Gardens ~ Sunday 21st April Repton W.I. Steiny's Blues The Perfect English Church Make a Scarecrow! ~ Repton Open Gardens Jazz Evening ~ Saturday 1st June Comic Relief at St Wystan's School and Nursery Repton Pre-school Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group Repton Cyclists now on Thursdays as well! Repton's Pubs Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Events at Milton Village Hall Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney Art Group Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Parish Council News Gardening Notes

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'Low' Sunday

Last weekend, Tottenham Hotspur lost to Fulham, jaded after their European match against Inter-Milan; they had already given so much that they were low in spirits and low in energy.

Nobody knows why the first Sunday after Easter is called Low Sunday; some think it might be in contrast to the 'high' feelings and emotion of Easter. Throughout Lent we move with growing anticipation towards Easter, when the churches are filled with people celebrating Christ's resurrection. We sing our festive hymns with large numbers of other Christians, and leave the church building with joy in our hearts as we head off to family get-togethers and, in my case, if my girls haven't snaffled them all, an Easter egg or two!

Then comes Low Sunday. But it is not a normal Sunday with business as usual: schools are out, many people have gone on holiday, and it's almost as though the majority of folk decide that they need time to recover from Easter. We clergy joke that 'low' refers to the number of people who come to services that day! And for those who do come, worship may seem a bit flat, in part because of the low numbers, but also reflecting how jaded people are, low in spirits and low in energy.

So what is the solution? Give the vicar a Sunday morning lie-in and cancel services, or if you are less generous to your vicar, simply stay in bed and leave him to it? Jesus has died, is risen and is now alive. He has made it possible for us to be forgiven for those things we do wrong, to be in a good relationship with God and to know that, when we die, a place in heaven is ours. And, by turning out on Easter Day to celebrate, we have done our duty. But if our response is to spend Low Sunday under the duvet with a croissant and the Sunday paper, then we risk missing out on so much.

Recently I came across this story:

A churchgoer wrote to a newspaper, complaining that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard over 30,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the preachers are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all." This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column; much to the delight of the Editor, it went on for weeks until someone wrote this: "I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has prepared some 30,000 meals. For the life of me, I can't recall the menu for a single one. But I do know this. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If I had not been fed, I would now be physically dead. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would now be spiritually dead!"

Just as we need food to keep us alive, so we need regular worship, prayer, fellowship, and feeding with both the Bible and Communion to keep us spiritually alive. Just because we have a huge meal one day doesn't mean we should avoid food the next. Even when we don't much feel like eating, the important thing for our health is to eat a little and often. So it is with church-going, gathering to worship as often as we can is spiritually far healthier than just turning out once or twice a year.

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

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Readers, Intercessors and Offertory at St Wystan's

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Altar Flowers (contact Frances Wimbush, 703180)

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Brasses (contact Sue Parker, 702550)

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

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The United Reformed Church

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200th Anniversary of the birth of David Livingstone

The greatest Congregational Missionary will be celebrated at our Family Service on Sunday 28th April, when some surprising stories about him will be shared, and we will also celebrate the link with Botswana, which has a thriving Congregational Church.

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Coffee Morning, Saturday 13th April, 10.30 to 11.30 am

The usual Church coffee morning, with all the usual mouth-watering goodies! Come along for a chat with friends over coffee and biscuits, try your luck on the tombola, stock up with home-made cakes and marmalade and browse at the bookstall.

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Coffee Morning, Saturday 27th April, 10.30 to 11.30 am

And another! This coffee morning is to raise funds to support our young people who are going to Botswana in July.

The United Congregational Church of South Africa (UCCSA) is an international partner of the United Reformed Church in England and young people from the East Midlands Synod have been lucky enough to take part in a youth exchange project between the two countries. Young people from UCCSA Churches throughout Botswana came to England for three weeks during the summer of 2012 and travelled around the Midlands, sleeping mainly on any church hall floor they could find! During their time here, they learnt about Christianity within rural and urban environments, volunteered at various Christian projects such as the Milton Keynes Christian Foundation, and visited Ewe & You, a Christian charity committed to helping vulnerable children.

The return leg of the project will take place this summer when young people from the East Midlands travel to Botswana, where they hope to learn more about being a Christian in this predominantly Christian country. They will travel throughout the country to learn about the different regions, and will also visit orphanages and contribute to church services. By taking part in the exchange, they hope to develop their understanding of other cultures, as well as developing our connection with UCCSA, so that others can follow in their footsteps!

Come along, meet some of the young people and share their anticipation and excitement!

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Shell Group

. . . meets on Mondays during term time from 6.30 to 7.30 pm - this month on 22nd and 29th April - to enjoy a range of activities including games, art and cooking. If you are 7 or over, come and join us!

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Diary Dates

Gift Day:	Saturday 8th June
BBQ:	Saturday 13th July

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Baptisms

Amelie Faith Clarkson, daughter of Ian Clarkson and Joanne Ireland of Foremarke Hall, was baptised on Sunday 17th February at St Saviour's Church.

Edward Fraser Clarkson, son of Ian Clarkson and Joanne Ireland of Foremarke Hall, was baptised on Sunday 17th February at St Saviour's Church.

Isobel Rose Leyland, daughter of Paul and Rachel Leyland of Maple Court, Repton, was baptised on Sunday 17th March at St Wystan's Church.

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Marriages

Mary-Louise Wardle and Duncan McCrae of Child Okeford, Dorset, were married at St Saviour's Church on Saturday 23rd February.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

David Joseph Fleming, formerly of Springfield Bungalows, died on Saturday 19th January aged 76, in the Nightingale Macmillan Unit of the Derby Royal Hospital. A Requiem Mass at St Peter and St Paul's Catholic Church on 8th February was followed by burial at Monsom Lane Cemetery.

Paul Sarson, formerly of Springfield Road, Repton, died on Monday 25th February aged 44. A service to celebrate his life was held at Bretby Crematorium on Thursday 14th March.

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The Memorial Book

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

Please use the website contact page to contact the vicar.

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St Wystan's News

Services and Groups in April

Intercessory Prayer for Healing

. . . next meets at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 9th April at 3 Richmond Court.

Living the Word

. . . will meet at 7.30 pm on Thursday 25th April, also 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.

There is no evening Prayer for Healing this month, but a short service in St Catherine's Chapel in the north aisle follows Parish Communion on the 28th. Everyone is welcome.

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The Way Ahead

The PCC has agreed its objectives for the coming year and is now looking for people to join teams to plan how to implement them. There are two objectives:

- To establish a pastoral scheme that will help inform, offer support and extend care to all who worship regularly at St Wystan's. We will seek to ensure that each member of our regular worshipping congregation feels part of our church family, is kept in touch with what is going on in our community, feels cared for, and has friends to contact if help or support is needed.

- To improve the way we help others connect with the Christian faith. We will be looking at aspects of our welcome and outreach including the parish magazine and website, notice boards and signs, the impression given to casual visitors to our building and churchyard, the welcome people receive at the various services, and our social and fundraising events.

Each team will be expected to draw up a plan, set a timetable, and involve others in whatever ways are required. Please do consider these teams a high priority for your time and talents, and sign up for one of them. Forms are at the back of the church.

For more information see the MAP display at the back of church or talk to a member of the steering group: the vicar, Ruth Attwood, Richard Finch, George Johnson, Stephen and Wendy Longden.

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St Wystan's Spire

Following a successful and rapid conclusion to the Spire Appeal, work to restore the spire and tower is due to start on 8th April, and should take six months, with a target date for completion of 4th October. The contractor is A.J. Restoration Ltd, who will try to keep disruption to a minimum. However, the church bells will be out of action, probably for the first three months of the contract, whilst work on the spire is taking place.

The spire is to be dealt with first. The top eight courses of stone will be removed, the lower five rebedded and the top three replaced. During this work, the weather vane will be taken down, before its eventual reinstatement. On completion of the spire, repairs to the tower masonry will be undertaken with the tower fully scaffolded.

Access to the Churchyard

During the work, the paths around the tower will be blocked off for safety reasons. This will also affect the churchyard entrance from the school yard. Access to the memorial garden, as well as to the rear and west side of the churchyard will involve a lengthy walk across the grass; people in wheelchairs will need help over quite rough ground.

Rebuilding the Fabric Fund - Thank You!

One consequence of the work on the spire and tower has been the depletion of the fabric fund; the fund pays for all the inevitable costs of maintaining our ancient church, and efforts have now begun to replenish it. In March, a very enjoyable Bridge Day at Bower Lodge raised over £900. We are very grateful to Melissa Cook for offering the use of her home, to Louise Chilton for all her organisation, to Judy Haywood for a superb lunch, and to all the others who worked so hard to make the day such a success.

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Thank You, David

At our annual meeting in February, we paid tribute to David Roberts who has retired as churchwarden after five years in post; his term of office was extended by one year to help our new vicar to settle in. Being churchwarden is always a busy role, but in David's case particularly so. As well as an eight month interregnum, he had to contend with two major appeals, seeing both through to a satisfactory conclusion. And, at the same time, he continued as captain of the bell tower. Throughout his term of office he retained his cheerful disposition and was always prepared to help out. Thank you, David, you will be a hard act to follow! Richard Finch was elected to follow David as churchwarden, and Wendy Longden was re-elected.

At the APCM we heard reports on all aspects of parish life and approved the accounts for 2012. Rev'd Martin summed up a busy year in which he has been learning all about us, and outlined his expectations for 2013.

Virginia Davis, George Johnson, David Roberts and Maggie Tennant were elected to the Parochial Church Council, replacing Peter Court, Denise Johnson, Sue Parker and Janet Talbot who are retiring. Our grateful thanks are due to Jan Gillham and helpers who provided the customary magnificent supper.

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Spot the Pelican

As a heraldic device, the pelican was not at all uncommon, and it also appears from time to time in English churches. Norwich Cathedral has a magnificent bronze lectern in the form of a pelican; said to be 14th century Flemish, it escaped the Reformation and was found years later buried in the Bishop's Garden. And in St Wystan's Church you will find the image of a pelican.

Traditionally, the so-called 'pelican in her piety' appears as a bird resembling a cross between an eagle and a phoenix standing in its nest, its neck bowed, its wings back and raised. With its sharp hooked beak, it pierces its own breast; drops of red blood fall into the open mouths of the pelican's brood gathered about it. The myth that the pelican feeds her young on her own blood goes back at least to classical times, probably farther; it may indeed be of Egyptian origin.

From this image of parental love and self-sacrifice, the pelican developed in early Christian iconography into a symbol of Christ; in a pre-medieval Latin text we read: 'As the pelican is made whole by its father's blood, so mankind is revived through the blood of Christ.' Dante refers to Jesus as 'nostro pelicano', and there is a similar metaphor in Paradise Lost. Hence in church heraldry the pelican is associated with the Eucharist.

So find a window which represents the Eucharist, and look hard.

The window itself was made by James Powell and Sons (Whitefriars Ltd) and given in 1895 by Rev'd S.B. Stallard-Penoyre and his wife, Alice, of Westbury-on-Trim 'in thanksgiving for their marriage and in memory of two beloved parents'. Alice was the daughter of the Audens of Danesgate, Repton.

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St Saviour's News

Foremark Church Annual Parochial Church Meeting
The Library, Foremarke Hall, Wednesday 17th April at 7 pm

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

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

A meeting of Foremark PCC will immediately follow the APCM.

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St Mary's News

Newton Solney Annual Parochial Church Meeting
St Mary's Church, Monday 8th April at 7 pm

All parishioners are warmly invited to this meeting, which will be preceded by a short service and followed by light refreshments. It is a meeting for the election of churchwardens, a second Deanery Synod representative, and other members of the PCC. Church officers will report on the events of the past year and the financial position; a copy of the accounts will be posted in the baptistry for a week beforehand.

Nomination slips for election candidates can be found at the back of the church, and should be returned to the Secretary by Sunday 7th April.

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Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 3rd April from 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church £4.   Homemade soup, bread and cheese followed by coffee.   And a chat! Everyone welcome. Do come!

The Silicone Taxis Milton Village Hall, Friday 5th April at 7.30 pm This widely acclaimed local band is performing a special acoustic set in Milton, a bit of soul, a bit of funk and a bit of rock and roll. Favourite tunes from the last 25 years performed by Jon Harper, bass / vocals, Rus Maw, guitar / vocals, Wilf Gillard, drums, and Lorienne Maw, keyboard / vocals. Tickets £10 from Sue on 01283 704580 Licensed Bar

Milton Plant Swap and Sale Saturday 13th April, 10 am - 2 pm at Milton Village Hall Plant swap 10 am - 1.30 pm ~ Sale of plants from 1.30 pm Bring your surplus plants, rooted cuttings, seedlings, divisions, and swap them for free! Plants should be of a reasonable size, at least a 3" pot, healthy, potted and clearly labelled. Donations of plants for sale would be greatly appreciated. £1 entry       Proceeds to Milton Village hall       Refreshments available More information from Carl Avery, 07527 700308

St Wystan's Church 'Bring & Share' Supper and Talk 'A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land' Repton Village Hall. Saturday 13th April at 7.30 pm Everyone welcome. Bring your own drink and glasses. For a Bring & Share, everyone who attends brings a dish for 6. No tickets, but it does need coordination to make sure we don't end up eating pork pie or chocolate pudding for all three courses! Contact Jan Gillham, 703340, or Melanie Finch, 701245, for details and to discuss dishes. No charge, but donations to cover costs

A Spring Wine Tasting With Auction of Curios, Food & Wine Friday April 19th at 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall Tickets £17.50 including food and wine from Adrian Argyle, 01283 701277 In aid of St Wystan's Church Fabric Fund

Repton School Concerts Society Vienna Wednesday 24th April at 7.45 pm in The Robert Beldam Hall You are cordially invited to this evening devised by Repton Music Department staff to celebrate the music of Vienna. It will be an exciting and varied programme of all things Viennese. Tickets are £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions). For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR. 01283 702550.

Messy Church Fun activities,craft and games,celebration and Sunday tea for children and adults, anyone, any age St Wystan's Church, Sunday 28th April, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, contact Ruth Attwood on 702804 or . Everyone is welcome!

St Mary's Church Newton Solney Spring Buffet Lunch Sunday 12th May at 1 pm in the Village Hall Please bring your own drinks! Adults £8, Children under 12 £5 Tickets from Hazel Ward, 21 Blacksmith's Lane, tel. 701244

Jazz Evening Saturday 1st June, 7.30 pm in Pears School Barbara Taylor and All That Jazz Bring your own food, drink and glasses, and prepare for a great evening! Tickets £10 from Alan Webster, 701838, and Linda Shortt, 702702

Charities

The Padley 4000 Help the Homeless!

As I write, it's snowing, yet another bitter day in a long, cold winter.

Yet, on the 31st March, Derby City Council funding for the Padley Centre will be withdrawn. This is funding that helps to provide shelter, advice and support to the homeless. Without it, Padley ten bed Homeless Hostel, which looks after over 100 people a year, will close, those who need a short stay before moving on to sustainable tenancies will have nowhere to sleep other than the streets of Derby. Their problems will go unattended and many will reach crisis point, becoming a major burden on health, social services, police, and the criminal justice system.

The Padley Centre has launched a campaign to save the hostel and help some of the most vulnerable in our society, looking for 4,000 people to donate £2 each a month. To find out more about the 'Padley 4,000', contact 01332 774480. Alternatively, pick up a form from St Wystan's Church or the Padley Shop in Sadler Gate. For a small amount of money, you can make a big difference.

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Environment Matters

The Trent and Mersey Canal

Canals and rivers provide vital green corridors, linking up areas of habitat. They are alive with plant and insect life, which in turn provide food for many larger species. Canal & River Trust staff and volunteers carry out conservation work to help preserve these unique habitats and the plants and animals that they support.

The Trust is currently looking for volunteers to join its Towpath Taskforce at Fradley Junction in a range of activities around the junction and pool, helping with wildlife, heritage and visitors. All tools, expert support and refreshments will be provided.

Joining the taskforce is a great way to meet other local volunteers, learn new practical skills, hear about other opportunities to volunteer, or just spend a few hours outdoors improving your local waterway environment. See canalrivertrust.org.uk.

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You and your Pet

Spring Clean

As the seasons change, so does your pet, whether it is the aches and pains of arthritis easing with warmer weather or a thick coat being shed. Sometimes pets even lose some of that winter weight!

It is commonly thought that bathing strips the natural oils out of the coat. However studies have shown that coat oils are restored within a few hours of bathing. The pH of your pet's skin is different from that of humans, so there are specially balanced shampoos for dry scurfy coats, greasy coats, bacterial and fungal skin infections, or sore, itchy skin. Some contain vitamin E and essential fatty acids for skin repair, and there are even special washes to treat demodex mites.

Owners often seek advice on cleaning ears. There are special ear cleaners for cats and dogs, which help to break down wax, balance the normal bacteria and fungi found in ear canals, and even dry the ear canal. The best thing is to place the cleaner in the canal, massage the ear canal gently, and then use cotton wool on the end of your finger to wipe out the cleaner and wax. This wax is often brown or black, and if there is an ear infection, there can be a lot of wax and sometimes blood.

This month, using our endoscope, we have been able to peer inside the stomachs of a vomiting cat and a beagle, looking for foreign bodies and evidence of stomach irritation due to food hypersensitivity. The camera has a tiny attachment to take biopsies and a little grappling attachment to pick up foreign bodies. Fortunately there were none present, and the tiny biopsies from the stomach wall told us how the cells of the stomach were.

The camera can look down the gullet all the way into the stomach and out into the first portion of the intestine. We can also look down the windpipe into the upper tubes of the lungs and take fluid samples, which can be invaluable in pneumonia and even help us to diagnose bronchitis.

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

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Neighbourhood Watch

Remember:

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

Always look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

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South Derbyshire

Willington Arts Festival, 4th - 6th May

This year's festival, held over the bank holiday weekend, will again feature a wide mix of activities for all ages. On the Saturday there will be arts and craft workshops, and on Sunday and Monday, workshops, a concert, and a village arts trail with over 20 local artists displaying their work in various locations around the village. For further details see willingtonartsfestival.co.uk.

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What's On in South Derbyshire

The latest issue of 'What's On' again gives lots of suggestions for walks, talks, concerts, events and activities throughout the District and in The National Forest. There is exclusive access to Catton Hall Chapel, Elvaston Castle's Gothic Hall, and Betty's Farm. You can hunt for Easter eggs and win prizes at Calke Abbey, Elvaston Castle and Rosliston Forestry Centre, try your hand at new skills at the Etwall Well Dressing, learn to cook with a BBC Masterchef Finalist at Catton Hall or over a campfire at Elvaston Castle. Throughout the spring there are special historic days at Calke Abbey - and lots more besides.

To find the guide on the SDDC website, search for 'What's On in South Derbyshire'. It is also available at Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre at Sharpe's Pottery.

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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

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Repton Village Party ~ Saturday 4th May, Mitre Field

Can you help on the Day?

For example, could you: make us a cake; sell programmes and raffle tickets; look after a display; help with putting up and / or taking down tents; blow up balloons?

If you can help please contact, Frances Wimbush , 703180.

Children's Fancy Dress Parade

To kick-off the village party, all children are invited to dress up in their favourite fancy dress costume and join a parade through the village. It will leave The Arch at 1.30 pm and, led by a pied piper, make its way up to the Mitre Field to announce the start of the festivities. All children should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

To help ensure everyone's safety, we need volunteers to marshal the parade. If you are able to help, please contact Aimee Brooks.

Ducking Stool

Repton Rags are organising a Ducking Stool, where people pay 50p to throw three wet sponges at a gallant victim. If you would be brave enough to volunteer for a stint, please contact Julie Groom on 0797 4998852. Why not volunteer your husband!

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The Parish Magazine

After exactly 7 years, Neil Cumming has handed over responsibility for small ads to John Caws. Neil has been a model of courtesy and care, and we thank him for his thoughtfulness and hard work.

Display ads are dealt with separately. For ads on the glossy pages, contact Linda Shortt, and for event ads, the editor. Contact details are on the inside front cover; John's contact details are at the end of the Small Ads section. Further information about advertisements is on the church website at reptonchurch.org.uk.

Without your contributions, the Parish Magazine would be much less interesting. Information about forthcoming events is particularly welcome. You can find the next copy date at the end of the small ads. All material may be edited. If you would prefer an article to be published anonymously, you must still let the editor have your name and contact details.

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Repton Beavers

During March two more Beavers moved on to Cubs, but three new Beavers joined us. Due to the weather we have continued to work indoors on a variety of themes including learning about the Patron Saints of the home nations and making Mother's Day gifts. We have continued to develop the lodge structure to encourage the development of teamwork.

Looking ahead, in the rest of this first half-year before the summer break, we have a balanced programme of creative, cultural, physical and community-based activities, including an evening playing drums, a visit to an optician's and visits from the police and first aiders. We also look forward to using the better weather to go bellboating and on an adventure walk.

If you have a child who is interested in becoming a Beaver and want more information, contact Andy Read, 07790 909138. Available places fill quickly, so ring early to avoid disappointment.

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Repton Cubs

Cubs have been busy working through their first aid badges with the help of Derbyshire paramedics, and are well on their way to stage 3. We have built chariots - practising some good, old-fashioned lashings - and will be working on map reading and navigation next month.

As ever, we are on the lookout for people prepared to become leaders so if you would like to help, or if your child would like to join Cubs, or you would like more information, please contact Jez Brooks on 07799 882338.

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Repton Scouts

Twelve Scouts completed their Fire Safety in March, we had an evening of traditional Scout games, and six of the musical Scouts entertained parents at the AGM. Rob's assault courses have become a regular feature of the Scouts' programme; in the latest one they had to defuse a nuclear weapon and navigate a minefield! After the Easter break, Scouts will start working towards the Outdoor Challenge badge.

If you have a child who is interested in becoming a Scout and want more information, please contact Mike Knowles on 07989 990119.

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Repton Evergreens

In February, over 30 members enjoyed our social gathering and afternoon tea. Do feel free to come and join us at 2 pm in the village hall on the last Thursday of the month.

On Thursday 25th April from 2 to 4 pm we are holding a table-top sale with bric-a-brac, soft furnishings and clothing. It is open to everyone, and the entry fee of £1 includes tea and cake. Thursday 30th May sees us making a day trip to Skegness, leaving the village hall at 9 am, and Skegness at 5 pm to arrive back in Repton at about 8. Please phone Gordon Johnson on 701763 to book your seat at £10 per person.

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Talk and Bring & Share Supper
Saturday 13th April, 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall

Our Bring & Share Supper in April will be followed by a talk by Melanie and Richard Finch on 'A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land' which they visited last year.

These suppers are chance to meet new friends and renew old acquaintances. If you haven't been to one before, you bring a dish for six people for each of you - as well as your own drink and glass. It needs coordination to make sure we don't end up eating pork pie or chocolate pudding for all courses, so do sign the list at the back of St Wystan's Church or contact Jan Gillham, 703340, or Melanie Finch, 701245.

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ngs Open Gardens ~ Sunday 21st April

Every year, National Garden Scheme gardens across England and Wales, most privately owned, welcome three quarters of a million visitors, raising more than £2.5 million to support charities such as Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support and Crossroads Care, a charity that supports carers. Repton now has five NGS gardens, a quite remarkable number for one village, so there is plenty for you to see and admire. Two will open this month.

Pauline and Robert Little, 10 Chestnut Way, Sunday 21st April, 1 - 6 pm

This is a large garden packed with colourful and unusual plants. There will be lots of spring flowers, bulbs and rare woodland plants, as well as homemade teas, and a plant stall with a great selection available at this time of year. Entry £3. All proceeds go to NGS charities. We hope to see you.

Jan and David Roberts, 37 High Street, Sunday 21st April, 2 - 5.30 pm

A surprising garden with lots of interest for everyone. There are formal and wildlife ponds, mixed borders of herbaceous, shrubs and trees, and a bridge over Repton Brook takes you to woodland with rhododendrons, grasses, ferns and bamboos. Admission £3, accompanying children free. Tea and cakes will be on sale in aid of Repton Church funds. There will also be a plant sale. Although the snowdrops will be over, there should be lots of spring colour.

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Repton W.I.

In February, John Birkett of REMAP told us about the many and varied aids produced by this group of mainly retired engineers to help elderly and disabled adults and children - referred to them by Occupational Therapists - with a specific problem that can't be met by aids already on the market. We were shown a fishing rod for someone with the use of only one hand, and a toy car that can be operated by disabled young children. Those of us who had not heard of REMAP, a nation-wide organisation, were impressed with how sometimes small adaptations can make lives easier and more enjoyable.

In March we heard from John Jameson of the Street Pastors about their work in Derby. They each give one night a month, usually on Friday and Saturday nights between 10 pm and 4 am when young people, often the worse for drink, emerge from the clubs. Their motto is 'listen, care and help'. They give out plastic bungs for bottles to the girls so that drinks cannot be spiked, they have space blankets to keep them warm, and flip-flops so they don't go bare foot when they can no longer walk in their stiletto heels. The Street Pastors also give first aid when needed, and assist the police in calming the youngsters down when things get out of hand. We greatly admired their commitment.

Future events include a lunch at the Mulberry Restaurant and two theatre visits to the Brewhouse in Burton. Two teams are entered in the County Quiz. There is also a Kurling evening organised by Mercia Group in Repton village hall on 23rd April, and the Group Meeting in Willington on 28th May. A garden visit is arranged for 19th June, and a coach trip to the W. I. College at Denman in September, when a tour of the BBC studios in Nottingham will also take place.

This year is the 95th Anniversary of Repton W.I., one of the first to be founded in Derbyshire, and a celebration will take place in August in the garden of the President, Jan Roberts. Fingers crossed for fine weather.

Next meeting: Tuesday 9th April at 7.15 pm in the village hall, when, in a change to the programme, Cathy McAteer will speak about Russia. Visitors and new members are always welcome.

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Steiny's Blues

In March Live and Local brought us another great evening. Steve Steinhaus lived up to his billing as 'a charismatic singer with a big personality', and from the beginning had the audience in the palm of his enormous hand. The show featured music of many styles, from west coast jazz and gospel songs to call and response sing-alongs, and was interspersed with entertaining stories and anecdotes from a childhood in Chicago and Steve's life as a bouncer, musician and poet.

Many thanks to Chris Carpenter and Chris Jerram, and to all who supported them. The event raised about £450 for the village hall.

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The Perfect English Church

In his book of the recent BBC TV series, 'Vikings', Neil Oliver devotes over five pages to Repton, and the Parish Magazine almost got a mention! He writes: "St Wystan's . . . is every inch the perfect English church. When I visited the place, the porch was stacked high with copies of the parish newsletter awaiting delivery, and a gardener and her young children were tending the flowers and shrubs in the churchyard."

If only his mother had taught him not to talk over his shoulder!

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Make a Scarecrow! ~ Repton Open Gardens, 7th - 9th June

Can you help us to flood Repton with scarecrows during the Open Gardens Weekend? At the Village Party there will be a Scarecrow Display, so come along and get some ideas for making your own.

We hope to have entries from local schools, businesses and organisations, as well as individuals and families, and there will be a Scarecrow Trail running through the village, with prizes for the different categories.

Please give us your support and join in the fun. Entry forms will be available with the May Parish Magazine and from local shops and churches. For more information contact Lesley Holt on 702747.

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Jazz Evening ~ Pears School, Saturday 1st June, 7.30 pm

One of the highlights of last year's Diamond Jubilee weekend was the Jazz concert in Pears School with 'Barbara and All That Jazz'. A lively evening, a great band, and the audience dancing in the aisles!

Repton Village Society, which organized and funded last year's concert, is delighted to be hosting the event again this year with the same band, and most grateful to the Headmaster who has made Pears School available free of charge in aid of the Village Hall Redevelopment Fund. It will follow the same format as last year - tables seating 10, bring your own food, drink and glasses. The costs of the evening will be met by the Society, so that all proceeds from ticket sales and the raffle will go to the Fund.

Please come and support this event and thus your village hall. Tickets at £10 are available from Alan Webster on 701838 or Linda Shortt, 702702. Last year's concert was a sell-out, so don't leave things till the last minute!

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Comic Relief at St Wystan's School and Nursery

In the Great Nursery Bake-Off, four teams of bakers with both children and parents, worked to the same recipe to produce gorgeous cakes for inspection and judgement by Jan Swain, the school cook. Then, on Comic Relief day itself, the children and their teachers dressed up in 70s and 80s disco-style, complete with red noses (!) to attend a special 70s and 80s disco. The children had been collecting sponsorship money which all went to Comic Relief, together with entry fees for the Bake-Off and all donations. Two lovely events for a great cause.

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Repton Pre-school

Our spring term has been full of fun! The children have tried various Chinese foods, been to explore the village, and are currently taking part in a sponsored Bounce-a-thon to raise money for Comic Relief. As a charity ourselves we understand the importance of generous donations, and would like to thank everyone who supported our recent raffle.

'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' is well under way; we have been very fortunate to have parents give up their time and join in with the activities; many thanks to you all.

If you are interested in Pre-school, it is never too early to put your child's name down. Places are now available for children aged 2 years and 6 months and over who would like to have fun whilst learning. We offer morning sessions, Monday - Friday, from 9.15 to 12.15. Contact Karen Davies, Karendavies421rocketmail.com or 01283 221135. Please ask about free places!

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Repton Village Society

'Think Global, Act Local' was the title of a talk by David Brown, DCC Waste Awareness Officer, in which he described the huge global problem both now and, more worryingly, in the future. Highlighting the sometimes surprising benefits of recycling, he described the national and local scene and the efforts being made to combat the problem locally. The AGM followed, with all the officers and committee members re-elected. The evening concluded with cheese and wine.

Thursday 4th April: 'The Derby Canal, Past, Present and Future'. Chris Madge will outline the history of the canal, what made it unique, and the efforts being made to restore it.

Saturday 27th April: There are still seats on the coach trip to Chester. A 90 minute guided walk is included in the £17 cost. For details ring 701838.

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Repton Village History Group

In February, we heard excellently presented talks from three of our members. It is something that we will definitely repeat in next year's programme.

Gillian Hartley described the 1956-59 expedition to Antarctica. Working as a meteorological cartographer in the Met Office, she received long letters back from a colleague on the expedition about their experiences - the voyage out, the research work, hardships, moments of recreation, and the long periods living in limited accommodation, often buried under the snow. Joanna Stamford described the very different conditions of life in Nigeria in the 1970s, with its chaotic traffic, street markets and exuberant dress sense. She talked about General Gowon, the third head of state after independence, and the fears when he was overthrown. There were excellent photographs of weaver birds, fruit bats and the giant grubs which their gardener ate as a delicacy. Richard Wain then showed us the routes he followed in walking parish boundaries, and identified a suitable route for following Repton's boundary. His talk was interspersed with historical snippets on the tradition of beating the bounds on Rogation Sunday. Before maps were commonly available, this was a means of maintaining knowledge of the parish boundaries, and at one point was underwritten by royal decree.

At our March meeting, Janet Spavold and Sue Brown spoke to us about the history of Ticknall. Starting before the Norman Conquest, they showed how the lands had been held by different families, and explained Ticknall's relationship with Repton and other parishes. The lime kilns and potteries were so dominant that the village had a reputation for noxious fogs. Many of the dwellings were self-built from lime quarry waste. The Harpur family gradually took over more and more land, sometimes by doubtful practice, but Ticknall was never a conventional estate village. Traces of old Ticknall remain in Grange Farm, the remains of the old church, the Baptist and Methodist chapels and Dame Catherine Harpur's School.

On Tuesday 16th April, Richard Stone's talk, 'Painting with Light' will tell the story of stained glass. Meetings take place at 7.30 pm in Repton village hall. Visitors are most welcome. RVHG members £2, visitors £3, including tea and biscuits.

There are also opportunities to get involved in a number of projects. For further information please contact Andy Austen on 702448.

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Repton Cyclists now on Thursdays as well!

Repton's own cycling group, Repton Road Club, goes from strength to strength. Every Sunday morning at 9 am we leave The Cross for a ride of up to two hours duration, and starting on the 25th April, there will be a weekly Thursday evening ride as well, leaving The Cross at 6.45 pm for a round trip of approximately 90 minutes. So, whether you're looking to improve your fitness, making a return to cycling, or just looking for company on a training ride, then why not join us? All abilities and ages are welcome. For more details, look for 'Repton Road Club - Cycling' on Facebook or ring Neil on 703363.

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Repton's Pubs ~ Repton Village History Group

Although we are still seeking information on their very early days, we do know quite a bit about Repton's Pubs in the 19th century. They played an important part in village life and, for most of them, the story is straightforward.

In the 1800s, there were 8 pubs and inns in Repton: The Mitre (by the Cross), Red Lion, Boot Inn, Star (between Brook House and Tudor Lodge), Bulls Head, Mount Pleasant, Shakespeare, and New Inn.

The Mitre moved around at the Cross. Its first three locations were all bought and converted into boarding houses for Repton School. Eventually it absorbed the Star to become the Star and Mitre. The original Star became a private house around 1875 and by 1901 housed the Literary Institute, but it seems that the Star and Mitre ended its days there around 1892. It was rebuilt in its present form, now 37 High Street, but there are still traces of the old building within the current fabric. In the late1980s the Shakespeare was demolished and replaced by housing and Shakespeare Close, and in the 1990s the New Inn was briefly renamed the Huntsman before its conversion into a private house.

Few publicans managed to live off their inns alone. Most were also farmers, had grocery shops attached, or indulged in butchery with several keeping pigs or cows. The Bulls Head had stabling for 20 horses and was for some time home to the Post Office. At one point it also had an abattoir, butcher's shop and piggery, as well as an orchard.

Many had malt houses, malting barley for the Burton breweries, and some brewed their own beers. Malting largely ceased when the Burton companies started using the Norkies, importing them from Norfolk and Suffolk during the agricultural quiet season.

The Boot Inn, Bulls Head, and Mitre were used by the great and the good for formal dinners, concerts, balls, dances and plays. The Odd Fellows were based at the Bulls Head, as were the Gresley and Repton Yeomanry. The Repton Society for the Prosecution of Felons held their committee meetings there and at the Boot Inn, 2s/6d being allowed for expenses - that's a lot of beer.

There were frequent property auctions in the pubs and a number of official meetings took place there too. Of particular note were the public meetings to establish the project for building Willington Bridge. What seems to have been the first of these was a meeting in the Mitre Inn on Monday September 22nd 1834 for "considering the propriety of having a bridge erected over the river Trent, at or near Willington Ferry". The trustees first met in 1835, and an Act of Parliament was passed in 1835/6. However, it wasn't until December 1836 that a meeting was arranged "to carry into effect a Free Bridge over the Trent, between Repton and Willington." 'Free' was somewhat premature; not until 1st August 1898 was the bridge free of tolls.

Above all, the petty sessions - magistrates' courts - were held in the Bulls Head, Star, Boot and Mitre in turn. This continued until around 1906 when the Court Room in Boot Hill was completed by Bertie Warner's grandfather on the site of, or possibly as a conversion of one of the Boot's old malthouses. Unsurprisingly, the proximity of alcohol led to unruly behaviour amongst waiting miscreants.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Residents Only Parking Schemes: Following complaints about parking in the High Street, the Parish Council has raised the issue of Residents Only Parking Schemes. Under them, residents within the designated area pay an annual charge for a permit, currently £35 for the first vehicle and a further £50 for the second. However, the possibility of implementing such a scheme is remote as the County Council is short of funds for both its creation and enforcement; it would also require a majority of the local affected residents to be in favour.
• 'Give and Take Days': DCC has put together a 'toolkit' to help local organisations, groups, or even individuals run 'Give and Take Days'. The idea is that people can give away good quality things that they no longer want, and pick up something they do want, all for free. The kit includes tips on running a successful event, help with publicity, and advice about donations and recruiting volunteers. Full details are at derbyshire.gov.uk/giveandtake, or phone 01629 539788.
• Allotments: The Parish Council is currently renewing rental agreements for the allotments on Monsom Lane. We often receive enquiries about these plots and are now updating the waiting list. If you are a resident of Repton or Milton and wish to rent an allotment, please contact me on 701309 for further details.

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

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton Village Hall

April sees the launch of Milton village hall website, miltonmatters.org.uk. The site will give up-to-date news on the progress of the extension as well as full details of coming events and local community activities.

Work has now started on the kitchen extension, made possible by a Community Building Grant from Derbyshire County Council. Milton village hall is the only hall of its size in the village and, as such, a valuable community facility. We now need to raise an additional £6,000 to complete the project and events are planned throughout the year.

Friday 5th April at 7.30 pm, The Silicone Taxis

Already (in mid-March), this is about sold out. To see whether last-minute tickets are available, contact Sue on 704580, or the Swan Inn.

Saturday 13th April in the village hall, Plant Sale and Swap

The plant swap from 10 am to 1.30 pm will be followed by a sale of surplus and donated plants. Admission is £1 and refreshments will be available. For further information please contact Carl 07527 700308. Donations of plants to sell would be greatly appreciated.

Sunday 12th May, Milton Walk and Lunch

For further details, contact Carl as above.

Sunday 30th June, Milton Annual Traditional Summer Fayre & Fete

. . . with children's activities, crafts, pony rides, birds of prey and lots more. For further information contact Carl, for stall enquiries contact Sue as above.

Sunday 14th July, 2 to 6 pm, Milton Open Gardens

Ten gardens will be open this year including some new ones. Details from Carl.

The village hall AGM

The AGM saw the election of Carl Avery as the new chairman, and three new committee members were elected to replace the two standing down. Thanking Norman Tompkins, the outgoing chairman, for his hard work over the years, Carl expressed his hope that Norman would continue to be involved with the hall and village.

Next meeting: Thursday 11th April at 7.30 pm in The Swan.

The hall is available for hire at very reasonable rates. To view it or make a booking, contact Polly Faulkner on 703436.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney C of E Infant School

As the school will be closed for Easter, there will be no Community Collective Worship on the first Thursday of April. The next will be on Thursday 2nd May at 9.15, when we will be very happy to see you.

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Newton Solney Art Group

Members have been busy on their March project, 'Spring Landscape'. Lots of paintings are in progress, and the project will close after Easter. In April, finished work will be on the website, newtonsolneyartclub.eu.pn, together with a picture of the winner and prize. The April still life will be set up on Friday 26th April.

The group meets from 2 to 4 pm on Fridays at Newton Solney village hall; new members will be made very welcome. Contact Linda, 702042, or Jane, 702129, for details.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

In February we had a trip on the Peak Railway from Rowsley to Matlock. This was a new venture and, despite the carriages being rather cold, the steam railway journey was enjoyed by 43 members and friends; it was followed by a lunch stop at Denby Pottery.

Following the business meeting in March, we had a change of speaker. When our scheduled speaker was unable to attend, Colin Bagshaw kindly came to the rescue with an entertaining and informative talk on the Ecuadorian Andes. He explained some of the geology of the area and told us that most of the mountains were in fact volcanoes. The talk was accompanied by splendid pictures of both scenery and the colourful people of Ecuador, their crafts, their lifestyles and crops. Vena Todd gave a vote of thanks.

Tuesday 2nd April at 2.30 pm

A business meeting followed by musical entertainment provided by Alan Hopkin.

Tuesday 23rd April

A trip to Melton Mowbray. We will leave the Unicorn Inn at 9.30 am and return by 3.30 pm. Pick-ups as required in Repton and Willington. Cost £7.

If you would like to join any of our activities, please contact our Secretary, Jane on 01283 564520.

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Newton Solney W.I.

Our March meeting was very busy; items included some from the Group business meeting at Willington, and Tricia Rees reported on the Spring Council Meeting in Chesterfield, where Edwina Curry spoke about women in Parliament.

After that, Sara Desforges of Simpson Jones Solicitors gave a very informative talk about her work as a Will and Probate solicitor, with practical advice on Powers of Attorney.

Next meeting: Tuesday 9th April at 7.30 pm: a social evening, 'Bubbles, Bites and Beetle Drive!' Flowers by Marion, teas by Carolyn Boam and ANO. The next whist drive will be on Tuesday 30th April at 7 pm. Both of these events are in the village hall and, as always, new members will be most welcome.

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Newton Solney Parish Council News

Willington Raft Race: This year's race from Newton Solney to Willington will take place on Saturday 8th June. In conjunction with this, the Parish Council is considering organising a family fun day on the field. If you would be interested in getting involved please contact Ron Parker on 701141.

Community Transport: This service offers low-cost, door to door transport for members of the community who are unable to access public transport due to age, infirmity or disability. For further information please ring 01283 550764.

Vehicle Crime: At the recent Safer Neighbourhoods meeting, police advised people to be vigilant when parking cars, to ensure they are locked, and to leave no belongings on display.

Recreation Field - Protected Status: We have now begun the process of registering the Recreation Field as a QE II Field in Trust. This status will protect the Recreation Field in perpetuity for the benefit of the village.

Next Meeting: Friday 12th April at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

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Gardening Notes

Looking back at the notes I made last April, I am struck by the total contrast with the situation this year. Then we were concerned by the long period of low rainfall and how to cope with dry soil. It seemed unlikely - and was indeed the case, though for different reasons - that we would match the heavy fruit crop of 2011. This year we have wet soil and full reservoirs; if we avoid late frosts, we could see good growth and fruit crops.

Watch out for aphids at this time of year; they are incredibly prolific. A female hatched in spring may produce many thousands of descendants. Red spider mites and whitefly can be a problem under glass; biological controls are available, but only work when it is warm enough.

Spray gooseberries against mildew, which may also be a problem with other plants in a wet season, especially young seedlings.

Keep fleece handy to protect susceptible fruit blossom, tender plants and early new growth from late frosts.

By now it should be warm enough to sow many vegetables outside including kohlrabi, parsnips, leeks, carrots, spring onions, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and spinach, and to start regular sowings of lettuce. It is too late to sow Brussels sprouts, but you can buy young plants. Peas and broad beans can be sown directly outside, although I prefer to sow peas in a length of guttering, covered with moist compost; when they start to shoot, I turn them out into a shallow trench. Broad beans will establish quicker if they are started in a shallow container and half covered with water until they shoot.

Start first early potatoes outside, and, later in the month, second earlies; earth up any shoots as they appear.

Outdoor tomatoes, cucumbers, marrows, squashes, peppers, aubergines and celery sown now all need some heat under glass. In the greenhouse, tomatoes can be planted out.

Plant summer bulbs. Dahlia tubers can also be planted out, but early shoots will need frost protection.

Hanging baskets and containers for summer bedding can be planted up, but keep them in a sheltered place until the end of May.

This is a good time to plant conifers, but they will need regular and frequent watering throughout the summer.

Propagate perennials from basal stem cuttings. Many perennials need support as they grow; it helps if you put supports in early for them to grow through.

By the end of the month, the lawn should be growing strongly; apply fertiliser then, and, where necessary, include moss and weed control.

As well as the usual tits, goldfinches and nuthatch on our bird feeders, and the daily presence of a cock pheasant and two hens below, we have had siskins and - for the first time - lesser redpolls. They have very fine beaks and are said to like niger seed, but they have no trouble with sunflower hearts!