June 2013 - Contents A Broken Tooth 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 'Coronation Day' Big Lunch, Sunday 2nd June Gift Day and Cream Teas, Saturday 8th June BBQ, Saturday 13 July. Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Joshua Leighton Smith Samuel Robert Brown Thomas Alexander Brown Zak James Yates Jack Alexander Hollis Hollie Mae Gallimore Funerals and Burial of Ashes Mary Vincent Thomas William Wells Edith Jessie Fairhead Obituaries Mary Vincent The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Retreat in Newton Solney St Wystan's News Services and Groups in June Repton Patronal Festival, Sunday 2nd June Who was Wystan? St Mary's News St Mary's Spring Lunch St Mary's Summer Quiz St Mary's Christmas Tree Festival Local Diary Event Details Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 5th June An Evening of Wine and Music, Friday 7th June Repton School Concert with Matthijs Broersma, Wednesday 12th June A Concert at Chatsworth, Friday 21st June Charity Ladies' Evening, Friday 21st June The Monteverdi Vespers of 1610, Saturday 22nd June Messy Church, Sunday 23rd June Repton and Milton Parish Plan - Open Meeting, Tuesday 25th June Afternoon Tea, Wednesday 26th June Milton Summer Fayre & Traditional Fête, Sunday 30th June Concert of Popular Classics, Friday 5th July Thankyou Betty Thorley Andrew Sherwin Jane and Neil Millensted Environment Matters Bees under threat You and your Pet Lumps and Bumps Neighbourhood Watch Anti-social Behaviour Meet your Police and Crime Commissioner Security in the holiday season Repton Village and History Repton Rags ~ New Day, New Time! Repton Open Gardens, Friday 7th - Sunday 9th June Repton Beavers Repton Scouts ngs Open Gardens St Wystan's School and Nursery Milton and Repton Parish Plan Repton Village Party Thank you, Repton! Repton Village Society Repton Runners Repton W.I. Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Milton Village Hall Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney Parish Council News Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Art Group Gardening Notes

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A Broken Tooth

A couple of weeks ago I cracked a bit off one of my teeth. You know how it is, you are eating something squidgy and all of a sudden you have bitten onto a piece of amalgam. Then comes the wait for the dentist, and as each day passes the sharp edges, the rough surface, the deep hole, all provide an unavoidable temptation for the tip of your tongue; you just can't ignore it. Yet when you arrive at the dentist's, you feel guilty for booking an emergency appointment for such a trifling problem. The mountain in your mouth is just a molehill; what you have imagined is far worse that what is there. It is all a matter of proportion.

It is so often the same in life. Things can so easily get out of proportion that we lose sight of reality. How many domestic arguments, how many angry disputes between neighbours, how many industrial stand-offs, how many international conflicts, have all come about as a result of some small issue that has grown out of all proportion? An unkind word, an inconsiderate action, a failure to inform or a knee-jerk reaction can all play their part in making a situation worse than it ever should be. And all too often there isn't a dentist around to help us look in the mirror and show that what we see as a huge problem can very easily be resolved. The molehill becomes a mountain and innocence is lost as both sides tumble from the moral high ground.

Of course, there is danger too in under-reacting. A crack in a tooth can become infected; accepting abuse can encourage more; storing up resentment can make for a future explosion; relationships fail because a trouble was not shared; rolling over to unfair demands can lead to alienation. Too many men fail to admit that a lump exists before it is too late; too many people suffer pain, admirably but perhaps misguidedly saying: "Others are so much worse off than me." There is a right and proper way to deal with most things in life. Keeping a balance and dealing with them appropriately is so important, but how often do we let ourselves and others down?

It is much the same with the things that damage our relationship with God, the things we do wrong in our lives - to use the traditional term, our 'sins'. We can under-react: "Acquiring a pencil from work isn't really stealing" is the start of a slippery slope. We can over-react: "I have to be perfect. I have to feel really bad about everything wrong thing I do" can so weigh us down with guilt that we fail to live life to the full as God wants us to do. Getting the balance right is hard. We are often blinded by our own misjudgement. I could probably have lived with my damaged tooth until my next check-up, but our sins, if ignored and left to their own devices, have a way of becoming a real problem, and, if we are wise, we avoid the risk.

Sadly though, too many people run that risk with their sins. All too late they see themselves for what they have become. But thankfully, in God's eyes, it is never too late; things never go too far, problems never become too large, and, when we truly turn to Him, He freely offers forgiveness for all our sins. Through his love revealed to us in Jesus Christ, it is possible for us to have all our wrong doings forgiven - and in quite a painless way. Jesus doesn't give a pain-numbing injection and apply a drill; he simply touches us with his healing love and we are made new. Now, if only the dentist could do that with my teeth!

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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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'Coronation Day' Big Lunch, Sunday 2nd June

Whether you remember squeezing together with your family and friends around a 9" inch television or not, why not join us at the United Reformed Church? Lunch will be served after the morning service. To help with catering, please tell a church member if you would like to come.

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Gift Day and Cream Teas, Saturday 8th June, 3 - 5 pm

As part of Repton Open Gardens Weekend, the church will be open on Saturday afternoon to receive your gifts for The Old Schoolroom Improvement Fund, whilst cream teas will be served in the schoolroom. Phoenix and Webb Ivory cards and gift wrap will be on sale and there will be a plant stall. Please come and join us!

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Date for your Diary

The annual Barbeque will be at 5 Monsom Lane on Saturday 13 July.

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Baptisms

Joshua Leighton Smith, son of Anthony Smith and Amy Thompson of the High Street, Repton, was baptised on Sunday 21st April at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney.

Samuel Robert and Thomas Alexander Brown, sons of Andrew Brown and Joanne Evans of The Cross, Repton, were baptised on Sunday 21st April at St Wystan's Church.

Zak James Yates, son of Kevin and Sarah Yates of Monsom Lane, Repton, was baptised on Sunday 28th April at St Wystan's Church.

Jack Alexander Hollis, son of Jennifer of 28 Kinver Road, Winshill, was baptised on Sunday 5th May at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney.

Hollie Mae Gallimore, daughter of Andrew and Venetia Gallimore of Brook End, Repton, was baptised on Sunday 12th May at St Wystan's Church.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Mary Vincent of Repton, died on Friday 5th April aged 89. A service at St Wystan's Church on 24th April, was followed by cremation at Bretby.

Thomas William Wells, the father of Karen, Lynne and Michael, died on Tuesday 16th April aged 78. A service at St Wystan's Church on 8th May, was followed by cremation at Bretby.

Edith Jessie Fairhead of Longcliffe Nursing Home, Loughborough, and formerly of Meadow Close, Repton, died on Wednesday 1st May aged 92. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 16th May was followed by cremation.

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Obituaries

Mary Vincent
29th December 1923 - 5th April 2013

Born and raised in the School House at Llanyblodwell, a small village near Oswestry, Mary was perhaps destined to become a teacher, working first in the West Riding, and later in Derby.

In 1939, when still a girl, Mary met Ken, who had been evacuated from Birkenhead. Their relationship developed while they were away at their respective colleges, and in 1945 they married.

This was the foundation of a lifelong love that was undented, even when Ken was absent for many weeks at a time, travelling the world for Rolls-Royce. In the 1950s, Mary accompanied him for several years to Philadelphia, Kansas City and Los Angeles; in 1965 they were posted to Pittsburgh and then to Montreal until 1972, before finally coming to Repton, where Ken retired in 1983.

Together they shared many interests and were involved with a number of local organisations and groups including the Derby Dilettantes (making trips to cultural events and destinations, both locally and abroad), the local National Trust group, and St Wystan's Church, where Mary was an invaluable help to Ken in editing the Parish Magazine. They were also keen gardeners, opening their extensive garden for Repton Open Gardens; at her funeral, it was flowers from her garden that decorated the church.

After her marriage Mary had never returned to teaching, but she was fully involved in voluntary work. In Derby she became the local organiser of the WRVS, responsible for 600 volunteers. She was a member of the Derby Soroptimists for 27 years and a founder member of the Derby Alpha Group for retired business and professional women.

Mary was self-reliant and independent, with a real zest for life and a playful sense of humour. She knew her own mind and didn't suffer fools gladly; indeed she displayed a healthy disdain of any falseness or affectation, accompanied by that familiar toss of her head. However she would and did put the interest of others before her own and responded warmly to people of integrity and those in genuine need. Although a private person, she enjoyed her friendships, investing wisely in her relationships with acts of kindness, generosity and faithfulness.

Mary bore Ken's increasing frailty with great courage. When he had to move into care in early summer 2011, she visited him every day; illness in the final months of her life left her very weak, however, but her visits, though less frequent, were all the more treasured.

Her life was built on her Christian faith, and on the traditional values of service, hospitality, and faithfulness which marked her friendship, companionship and marriage of nearly 68 years with Ken. We shall miss her.

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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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Repton Benefice

Retreat in Newton Solney

This year's Retreat for those being ordained is to be hosted by Newton Solney Church. From Wednesday 26th until early on Sunday 30th June, those going forward for ordination will stay at the Newton Park Hotel, worship in St Mary's Church, and attend workshops in the village hall. It is good that we are able to help them to make their final preparations as they embark on a lifetime of ministry within the church. We pray for them and wish them well.

Although access to St Mary the Virgin will be restricted when acts of worship are taking place, it will be open for prayer and to visit at other times. Please see the notice sheet and noticeboard for further details.

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St Wystan's News

St Wystan's Church Services and Groups in June

Repton Patronal Festival, Sunday 2nd June

St Wystan's Day falls on 1st June, so we will celebrate our Patronal Festival here in Repton at an appropriately themed family service the following day. Everyone is most welcome to attend as we celebrate our Patron Saint.

Sunday 9th June

Please note that there will be no evening service in St Wystan's. Instead, you are warmly invited to either St Saviour's, Foremark, or St Mary's, Newton Solney. Both services start at 6.30 pm.

Benefice Sunday, 30th June

This month's Benefice Communion is at St Mary's, starting - please note! - at 10 am. Its theme, 'Worship Together Today, Work Together Tomorrow'. There are no services at Repton or Foremark.

Intercessory Prayer for Healing is at 7.30 pm on Monday 17th at 3 Richmond Court.

A short Service of Prayer for Healing in St Catherine's Chapel in the north aisle follows Parish Communion on the 23rd. Everyone is welcome.

Living the Word will meet at 7.30 pm on Thursday 27th at 28 The Pastures. 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.

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Who was Wystan?

In June we celebrate our Patronal Festival. But despite churches in Repton and several other parishes named in his honour, including that at Bretby, many of the facts of Wystan's life are uncertain. So what do we know?

Known also as Wigstan, Wystan is one of several Repton saints, all of them connected to the House of Icel, a dynasty which came to prominence in the late 6th century, and ruled Mercia for almost exactly 400 years until it was swept away by the Vikings. His name first occurs in 'The Resting Places of the Saints', an 11th century manuscript based on a 9th century original, where we are told (in a modern transcript):

"Thonne resteth St Wigstan on tham minstre Hreopedune, neah thare ea Trente."

Wystan was the grandson of King Wiglaf and a prince of Mercia. Indeed, following the death of Wiglaf in 839 AD, and that of his own father in 840, he may very briefly have ruled Mercia before resigning the throne. Details, dates and places are disputed and now probably unknowable, but what is agreed is that Wystan was treacherously murdered by Berhtferht, supposedly a brother of Wiglaf, in an argument over his mother's remarriage and the succession to the Mercian throne. The event probably took place in 849, and the site has been variously claimed as Wistanstow in Shropshire, Wistow in Leicestershire or Wistow in Cambridgeshire.

Dominic of Evesham, writing before 1118, reports that following Wystan's death, miracles occurred; from the place where he was murdered a column of light shot to heaven, remaining visible for 30 days.

Back on firmer ground, we do know that Wystan's body was brought back to Repton and placed in the crypt, which his grandfather, Wiglaf, had only recently developed as his own mausoleum. It is hard now to imagine how it must have looked then, with its blue ceiling, red pillars and walls decorated with gold. Remnants of the red paint are still visible. And shortly after his death, Wystan was canonised.

His shrine became a place of pilgrimage, so much so that passages were cut from the north-west and south-west corners of the crypt to manage the flow of pilgrims. These are the stairs that we use today. The immense labour of cutting them would not have been undertaken without a compelling reason and tell us much about the numbers who flocked to Repton, bringing with them considerable wealth to the church: the buildings had multi-coloured window glass and stucco mouldings; lead was used, perhaps for roofing; silver-gilt, silver, and copper-alloy pins and brooches have been found; vividly coloured glass beakers and up-to-date pottery were plentiful; we're told that the standing crosses and grave covers were exceptional.

When the Vikings invaded, only a quarter of a century after Wystan's death, his remains were taken away by escaping monks; they were returned to Repton when the Viking menace disappeared. In view of the destruction caused by the Vikings to both the church and monastery, it is perhaps not surprising that records disappeared and so little is known with certainty.

However, the Chronicles of Evesham Abbey show that the veneration of Wystan as a saint continued far into the middle ages. Recording that King Cnut (1016-35) 'caused that glorious martyr to be moved from Repton to Evesham', they give a list of miracles said to have been performed at his shrine at Evesham, they add picturesque detail about the supposed circumstances of his martyrdom, and they record that a small part of the relic was returned in the 13th century to the Norman priory at Repton.

St Wystan is conventionally represented as a Saxon prince leaning on his sword. The statue over the church porch was given in 1911 by the Rev'd S. B. Stallard-Penoyre, who, with his wife, also gave the 'pelican' window (Parish Magazine, April 2013). Visitors often remark that the sword looks new, and indeed it is only 10 years old. The original disappeared many years ago and the current replacement was donated in 2003 in memory of Douglas Carr by his widow Pamela.

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St Mary's News

Life at St Mary's

St Mary's Spring Lunch was once again a most pleasant social occasion; sincere thanks to all who supported it, and to those who worked so hard to prepare and serve. The donations of raffle prizes and the delicious desserts were much appreciated.

St Mary's Summer Quiz

. . . was launched at the lunch; this year's theme is 'Football Teams' - but don't despair, ladies! Just think of towns and cities, and you'll find the answers as quickly as the men. Copies can be found at Cranberries, The Unicorn Inn and The Brickmakers' Arms in Newton Solney, and at Hairs and Graces in Willington.

St Mary's Christmas Tree Festival

. . . will be from 6th - 9th December. The theme this time is 'Christmas Carols'. Sponsorship to help cover the initial costs would be much appreciated. Donations should be made out to 'Newton Solney PCC'. The next planning meeting will be held in church on Monday 17th June at 7 pm. If you are able to join us you will be most welcome.

Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 5th June from 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church £4.   Homemade soup, bread and cheese followed by coffee.   And a chat! Everyone welcome. Do come!

Repton Open Gardens An Evening of Wine and Music Friday 7th June at 6.30 pm in St Wystan's Church Sparkling wine on arrival followed by a short concert by pupils of Foremarke Hall under the direction of Susan Bloor; afterwards, canapés will be served and wine will be available to purchase. Tickets at £10 include free entry to the gardens - children free from Carol Lloyd, 702410, Sue Parker, 702550, or Jan Roberts, 702159.

Repton School Concerts Society Matthijs Broersma, cello, with Rosie Richardson, piano Wednesday 12th June at 7.45 pm in The Robert Beldam Hall Dutch cellist Matthijs Broersma was the winner of the Kenneth Page Competition in 2010 and is quickly emerging as one of the finest young cellists of his generation. As a soloist and chamber musician he has performed extensively throughout Europe with recitals at the Royal Festival Hall, the Wigmore Hall and the Purcell Room. Tickets cost £13.50, concessions £10.50. For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR. 01283 702550.

The Young Musicians of Foremarke Hall invite you to A Concert at Chatsworth in association with The Lord's Taverners Friday 21st June at 7 pm in the Painted Hall with Wine and Canapés to follow Tickets at £25 (payable to The Lord's Taverners Limited) are available from the School Office, Foremarke Hall, 01283 707100

Charity Ladies' Evening Friday 21st June, 7.30 - 10 pm at Repton Royal British Legion Club Nails, massages, tarot reader, body shop, candles, handmade soaps, raffle and fun! Fabulous stalls including craft, clothes accessories, beauty and yummy treats. Mini beauty treatments from just £5! Tickets £6 including a goodie bag, raffle ticket a glass of fizz! from Repton Pre School, and on the night.

A Celebration Concert with The Sitwell Singers and The Derwent Singers directed by Malcolm Goldring The Monteverdi Vespers of 1610 with Glyn Aubrey, Philippa Hyde, Faye Newton and Richard Roddis Derby Cathedral, Saturday 22nd June at 7.30 pm We are delighted to be reunited for a very special Anniversary performance of this magnificent work, one of the most sumptuous and monumental compositions of the Baroque. Tickets £18 and £16 in centre rows, £12 unreserved Under 16s free in unreserved seats from Derwent Ticket Secretary, 01283 561826, Foulds of Derby, 01332 988973 and Jenny Jones, 01283 704054

Messy Church Fun activities,craft and games,celebration and Sunday tea for children and adults, anyone, any age St Wystan's Church, Sunday 23rd June, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, contact Ruth Attwood on 702804 or . Everyone is welcome!

Repton and Milton Parish Plan Open Meeting in Repton Village Hall Tuesday 25th June at 8 pm Are you interested in shaping the future development of our villages? Please come and support the launch of this project.

Afternoon Tea Carol & Chris Lloyd invite you to 1 Milton Road, Repton for Sandwiches, Scones and Cake Wednesday 26th June, 3 to 5 pm Raffle         Plant Stall         Books         Cream Tea £5.         All proceeds to St Wystan's Church

Milton Summer Fayre & Traditional Fête Sunday 30th June, 11 am to 4 pm on paddocks adjoining Mill Farm and The Swan Public House Parking and admission FREE! Pony rides, birds of prey, classic vehicles, children's activities, archery, BBQ, craft and cake stalls, fête games for both adults and children Teas and refreshments will be served on the field A great day out for all the family

Concert of Popular Classics St Wystan's Church, Repton Friday 5th July at 7 pm Local professionals perform a short programme of works for piano, violin, viola, clarinet and voice by Bach, Rachmaninov, Gershwin and Moszkowski. Followed by light refreshments Adults £7.50 Children free Jane and Neil Millensted, 703374, Carol Lloyd, 702410

Thankyou

. . . to our vicar, Martin, for his prayers and thoughtfulness, and to the many friends who sent cards and messages of sympathy on the death of my sister, Patricia Warren at Newmarket on Good Friday. It is greatly appreciated.

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On behalf of Ken Vincent and both Mary and Ken's families, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks for all the support we have received from friends and neighbours from St Wystan's Church and the Repton area during the illness and funeral of Mary Vincent. I would particularly like to thank those who contributed in any way to the funeral and cremation services. From the donations received in Mary's memory, we have been able to send £48 to Sightsavers and £147 to Rainbows Hospice.

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A big thank you to all who have contributed to 'Sponsor a Stone' for the renovation of the church spire, raising well over £600.

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. . . to everyone who came to our coffee morning in Deaf Awareness Week and made donations to The Ear Foundation. Over £220 was raised, for which The Foundation is most grateful.

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Environment Matters

Bees under threat

Bees are vital to so much of British life; they pollinate our food, keep our farms in business and help our gardens, parks and countryside to thrive. However, in recent years, affected by disease, chemicals and habitat loss, British bee numbers have fallen dramatically.

Demand for increased food production coupled with technological progress has brought about a change in agricultural practices. Productivity has increased, but at the cost of our wildflowers; it is estimated that since the 1930s 97% of our once flower-rich grassland has been lost. Many younger people today can scarcely imagine the countryside as it once was. And as bees rely entirely upon flowers for food, it is unsurprising that, even without neonicotinoids and the varroa mite, many species are struggling to survive.

You can make a difference

Gardens in the UK cover over a million hectares, which presents a great opportunity for all of us to be involved. You can help the bumblebees, just by the way you look after your own patch.

What does a bee-friendly garden look like? As a rule of thumb you should aim to provide flowers that are rich in pollen and nectar which bees can easily access. Cottage garden varieties are ideal; most f1 varieties are sterile, while most double flowers have so many petals that bees can't get to the nectar and pollen to collect it. This is the main reason why, for example, single dahlias are popular with many bees, while doubles are usually ignored. It is important too to provide flowers throughout the bumblebee's life-cycle from March to September. And it is also a good idea to have at least two nectar- or pollen-rich plants in flower at any one time; nectar feeds the adult bee, while the pollen is collected to feed the young. At gardenersworld.com you will find planting suggestions.

And if you are concerned about the bigger picture, you might want to look at the Friends of the Earth's 'Bee Cause' campaign or to join the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. The Trust's website also offers lots of advice.

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You and your Pet

Lumps and Bumps

Lumps and bumps, often referred to as 'masses', can be a real worry when first discovered. They can occur at any time, but they do tend to be more common as your pet ages.

Lumps fall into several categories, not all cancerous. They can be the result of infected or inflamed tissue, or cancer, whether benign or malignant. Cancer is a vast and worrying term; malignant cancers tend to spread to other sites in the body including organs like the liver and lungs, whereas benign cancers tend not to spread.

Lumps can sometimes be felt externally, like skin masses, but detecting some internal masses requires x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT or even endoscopy. There are very few cancers that can be uncovered by blood samples, and although some blood tests can screen for cancer, these are very few and far between.

When we check a lump on your pet, we can sometimes tell a lot by its feel and texture. However, it can be helpful to use a syringe to take a sample of cells for examination under a microscope. If further information is needed, a biopsy can then be taken under general anaesthetic. A biopsy involves taking either a small section of the lump or the whole of it. A pathologist can tell us the exact name of the cancer from the tissue that we send to the lab, and this can be very helpful in determining treatment options. For some lumps, surgery is the treatment of choice, but for some cancers there is also the option of radio and chemotherapy.

In some instances, it is enough to remove the lump surgically and monitor the area afterwards. Lipomas, benign cancers of fatty tissue, are quite common in older dogs; my 14 year-old has two that I watch to make sure they aren't changing.

Vaccination MOT check-ups can be a good time to check and chat through any lumps that you have found, or to monitor those that have been there for some time.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Anti-social Behaviour: In the last month there has been a sharp increase in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in Repton. Incidents reported to the police include: damage to fence panels in an alley off High Street; graffiti sprayed onto a garden wall in Chestnut Way; damage caused to a gate, hasp and padlock, and windows smashed in a storage shed at Repton School; toothpaste squirted over vehicles parked in Tanners Lane; and eggs thrown at windows on Chestnut Way. Please be aware, and report suspicious behaviour to the police.

Meet your Police and Crime Commissioner: At public meetings, Commissioner Alan Charles and a Chief Police Officer will make presentations about the role of the PCC, local policing, performance and current crime trends. Following on, you will have the chance to ask questions and raise any further policing issues of concern. Email pccoffice@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk or ring 0300 122 6000 if you plan to attend.

Thursday 4th July The Darwin Suite, Assembly Rooms, Market Place, Derby

Tuesday 17th September Sharpe's Pottery Museum, West Street, Swadlincote

Security in the holiday season: Opportunist thieves seek out homes which look empty, particularly where there are the tell-tale signs of the occupants being away on holiday. The distress caused by a burglary is the last thing you need when you return, so take precautions before you head off.

Let neighbours and family know, and ask them to keep an eye out;

Use an alarm system and / or CCTV;

Property mark your valuables and hide them if possible;

Set timer switches on lights and the radio;

Ensure all windows and doors are locked;

Secure any outbuildings, garages or sheds;

Keep side or entry gates locked, and secure ladders and bins;

Make arrangements for your post;

Cut the lawns;

Put your name and address inside your case; don't display it during the journey.

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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Repton Village & History

New Day, New Time!     Repton Rags

For a year now, Repton Rags has been meeting every Saturday evening at the Den, but from Friday 31st May, we are changing to Friday evening and meeting a little later, from 6.30 to 8, but the cost is still only £1 a head.

What do we do? The clue is in the name, Rags: Relax, Activities, Games and Sports. We have fun, play games, indoors and - in better weather - out on the field. There are some organised activities but there is also plenty of time to chat with friends. If you would like to join us, just come along, or contact me for further information. It will be good to see you.

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A Fun Weekend! Repton Open Gardens
Friday 7th - Sunday 9th June

An Evening of Wine and Music, Friday at 6.30 pm in St Wystan's Church

This occasion has rapidly become a firm favourite. Sparkling wine on arrival will be followed a short concert of music by pupils of Foremarke Hall under the direction of Susan Bloor; afterwards, canapés will be served and wine will be available to purchase. It is always very enjoyable, with the musicians setting a superb standard. For tickets at £10 - which includes free entry to the gardens - children free, contact Carol Lloyd, 702410, Sue Parker, 702550, or Jan Roberts, 702159.

The Gardens

On the Saturday and Sunday between 2 and 6 pm, you can visit fifteen gardens, including five current 'Yellow Book' gardens, a remarkable tally for one village, as well as Repton Memorial Arboretum. Do note, however, that the full range will only be open on the Sunday, so if you want to see them all over the two days, plan your route. Programmes, which also act as entry tickets, will be on sale in the village beforehand, as well as at the church lychgate and in the gardens on the day; adults £4 each, children free.

St Wystan's Church and Children's Trail

Work on the spire prevents us ringing the bells, but the church will be open throughout, and a children's trail will help you discover this beautiful and historic place of worship. There are clues to find and riddles to solve as you unravel its story.

Scarecrow Trail and Competition

We are expecting a good entry this year, and with prizes for the most entertaining or inventive scarecrows, there will be plenty to entertain you. If you have not yet entered, there is still time - if you are very quick; entry forms are in the Post Office or contact Lesley Holt, reptonscarecrows@hotmail.co.uk, or 702747.

Childrens' Toy Trail

We hope that children will enjoy searching for and identifying bugs in gardens showing the Teddy Bear symbol; be sure to collect a competition entry form together with your Open Gardens programme. When it is completed, take it to the Village Hall and exchange it for a lucky dip prize.

Refreshments

On both afternoons, teas will be served in the village hall from 2.30 to 5.30 pm. The U.R.C. will serve cream teas in the schoolroom from 3 to 5 pm on Saturday only.

Stalls

Spread over the gardens, there will be a number of stalls, including plant stalls, a tombola, book, home produce and craft stalls. Donations for these will be gratefully received, preferably beforehand. (Plants and tombola, Jan Roberts, 702159; books, David Roberts, 702159; craftwork and home produce such as jams, biscuits, and sweets, Carol Lloyd, 702410.)

Prize Draw

Tickets for the prize draw will be on sale in the village beforehand and over the weekend; the draw will take place on Saturday 15th June.

Why your support is important to us

Quite apart from the pleasure we get from welcoming you, the Open Gardens weekend is a major fund-raising event for St Wystan's Church. The money raised goes entirely towards the cost of keeping the church open and available to all - more than £60,000 a year. We hope that once again you will all join in to make it a real success.

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Repton Beavers

In the past few weeks, we have enjoyed an activity day at Drum Hill in honour of St George's Day, played Djembe drums and taken considerable steps towards completing a number of the Beaver Challenge badges. In the remaining weeks before the summer break, we will be bellboating, playing new sports and going on an adventure walk. In addition we have an upcoming visit from the Police Armed Response unit.

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 Scouts

In May, Scouts splashed about in canoes on the river Trent in Burton; this was the first time in a canoe for several of them. We also had an evening doing orienteering exercises on the Mitre Field before tackling a proper orienteering course in Swadlincote later in the month.

In June, most of the Scouts are attending Activation, a multi-activity day at Carsington, where they will have the opportunity to try activities such as raft-building, sailing, climbing, mountain biking and canoeing, as well as cooking fish over a fire.

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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ngs Open Gardens

Separately from Repton Open Gardens weekend, two gardens are opening in June.

Helen and Owen Jowett, 22 Pinfold Close Sunday 16th June, 2 - 5 pm

A small garden specialising in tropical plants including palms, gingers, tree ferns, cannas and bananas. Admission £2.50, children free.

Jan and David Roberts, 37 High Street Sunday 30th June, 2 - 5.30 pm

A large garden straddling Repton Brook. There are formal and wildlife ponds, mixed borders of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees, rhododendrons and woodland, grasses, ferns and bamboos, as well as a vegetable garden and greenhouses, with container planting for colour, and alpine troughs. Admission £2.50, children free. Teas will be served in aid of Repton Church.

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St Wystan's School and Nursery

In April the children took part in an 'Around the World Day'. Pupils and staff wore the dress of the countries they were learning about, and the day started with a parade of national flags accompanied by the respective national anthems.

Each classroom was transformed, and the pupils travelled between the different countries such as Brazil, Australia, America, China and France, gaining stamps on their special passport as they went! Jan Swain, the school cook, prepared an Italian lunch, and a visit from Zoo Lab introduced the children to creatures from around the world including snakes, snails and spiders. A really fun way to learn!

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Milton and Repton Parish Plan

Would you like to help shape the future development of our villages? National government 'localism' initiatives urge us to take more interest in and control of our own development, and encourages us to develop a Neighbourhood Plan. However, this has to be professionally produced and would cost over £20,000, which the Parish Council simply hasn't got. A Parish Plan, however, sits within the local development planning framework and does give us a significant say in how our communities could develop in the future.

We already have a Village Design Statement, drawn up by Repton Village Society, which gives us a strong base, but this needs updating and altering to conform to the new planning guidelines. This is our opportunity to influence future development, on matters such as services, resources and housing, but for it to have any authority it needs your backing.

Meeting on Tuesday 25th June, 8 pm in Repton village hall

At this meeting we will be able to give more details of the project and look for your support in carrying it forward.

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Repton Village Party

Bank Holiday Saturday, the clouds of a rainy morning parted, the afternoon was a bit blowy, but warm and dry; there were even spells of glorious sunshine. Tents, bunting and hundreds of balloons transformed the Den and Mitre field into a scene of lively fun, as most of Repton, including swarms of children, enjoyed a traditional village party.

With the children's posters ensuring an excellent turnout, a youthful Pied Piper got the afternoon off to a colourful start, leading a procession of well over 50 children in amazing fancy dress - and all their supporters - up from the Arch to the Mitre Field.

And there, children were everywhere. An orchestra from St Wystan's School played by the tea tent. Others listened to stories, played table-top games, decorated biscuits, painted, made bracelets, joined the campfire where Cubs were making campfire twizzles, and had their faces painted. Older children hunted treasure, tried their hand at the coconut shy or 'splat the rat', scrambled up and down the climbing wall, played skittles, polished up ball skills, and joined in the five-a-side football. There were squeals of apprehension from the greasy pole, and amid constant laughter, everybody fell over on the tug-of-war.

A whole new generation will now be able to tell their grandchildren how, when they were young, they leapt over the weathercock. It had only left its perch on top of the spire the previous day, and proved a great attraction.

The Punch & Judy was another magnet; the crocodile, policeman, battered baby, a string of sausages - they were all there and extracted just the same responses as they have always done. The steam train too evoked great interest in both young and old.

Elsewhere, Anglo-Saxon monks talked about food and clothing, demonstrated the art of inscription on vellum, and gave a picture of Repton before the Vikings.

Most adults preferred more sedate pastimes, examining the displays and historical photographs of the village, taking part in the quiz, buying raffle tickets, and guessing the weight of a beautiful cake. Only the most courageous were inveigled to the ducking stool to be soaked by children showing alarming skill with wet sponges.

As befits a May Bank Holiday weekend, the maypole took pride of place. Children from Repton Primary and from St Wystan's School had been practising for weeks beforehand and brilliantly negotiated a number of dances - even if we weren't always quite sure how!

No-one went home hungry. There were continuous queues for ices at one end of the field, and for teas at the other. The Hog Roast, run by Neil Redshaw, along with the home made tea and cakes supplied by the W.I., were as popular as ever, and in between, there was plenty of custom at the sweet stall, where candy floss and giant lollipops were the favourites.

All credit to Frances Wimbush, the originator of the Village Party and its driving force. This was the fourth she has organised; the first was in 2007. Thank you too to her energetic team for again helping her realise it so triumphantly, and to those village organisations and local businesses which gave their support in so many ways. It was a very happy afternoon with something for everyone, an afternoon that showed once again that the best fun is still that which you make yourself and enjoy with your friends.

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Thank you, Repton!

What does it take to mount the Village Party?

There were the businesses and organisations that supported us financially or in kind, by their donations. There were many people who gave their time and expertise in planning. On the day, there were those who gave their resources and muscle power to fetch, carry, erect tents, blow up balloons - after all, a party is nothing without balloons - and at the end, to clear and tidy up. The Pied Piper and her large troupe of followers deserve their own special mention. Then there were all the schoolchildren who put on splendid displays of music and maypole dancing, and their schools who supported them. Repton Parish Council too, which sponsored the very popular climbing wall. Thank you to you all! An additional attraction was the weathercock from St Wystan's spire. We could not have dreamed when we were planning the Party last September that we would have such a special guest!

And you too! Thank you to everyone who came to share in a special village afternoon. For that was what led me to the Village Party in the first place, the idea that the Village could come together to enjoy an afternoon of fun, and the hope that that would spill over into greater communication between us all as neighbours and friends.

Over the four Village Parties, it has been wonderful to see so many, especially children, enjoying simple activities and entertainment, but it has meant almost as much to see volunteers on the field working together to set it up and returning afterwards to clear up.

Again and again, the completed questionnaires refer to the friendly 'feel' of the Village Party. That's what really matters, what I hope we can preserve!

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Repton Village Society

When The Daily Telegraph organised a competition for a place on the International Scott Centenary Expedition to the South Pole, it was won by 23 year old Henry Evans, the youngest of the 300 entrants and a graduate in Marine Biology from the University of Plymouth. At our May meeting, Henry described the selection process, training and 120 mile trek to the South Pole - in January, with only one companion, on skis, pulling a 65kg sledge. Since his return he has given over 50 talks to schools in the UK, Europe the USA and Japan. His very enthusiastic lecture was well illustrated by a video and equipment including food and clothing.

Thursday 6th June

Colin Bagshaw will outline the geology of Derbyshire before leading us in a coach tour of the county on Wednesday 12th June to study the subject further. The coach will leave St Wystan's Church at 8.30 am, and the route will take us to Matlock Bath for a coffee stop and Castleton for lunch, calling at Hartington and Tideswell on the way, before returning to Repton by about 6 pm. Tickets are £16.

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Repton Runners

As well as fledgling birds, badgers, frogs and all the other animals that appear in spring, we are keen to report sightings of the 'Hibernating Runner'. Closely related to the Winter Runners who have been traipsing round the village throughout the dark months, the Hibernating Runner emerges in spring and joins us for a fun, friendly, 4-mile run around the paths and trails of Repton. Although spring is a little late this year, some Hibernators have already made an appearance and we hope to see plenty more every Wednesday night outside the Red Lion at 7 pm. For more information, please call Katie on 07734 711986 or Michael, 07971 609998.

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Repton W.I.

At the May meeting, quizzes were set to tax the grey matter whilst members enjoyed an informal evening with a supper of quiche and salads followed by puddings served with wine and soft drinks.

During the preceding business meeting we adopted a resolution for the national AGM concerning the decline of our High Streets and town centres, and heard from Jenny Jones about the work done by ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World) in helping women around the world who were suffering from issues such as abuse, poverty, hunger, and lack of ante- and post-natal care. It made us realise how fortunate we are, and encouraged us to give more to the Pennies for Friendship collection which assists projects set up by W. I. members to benefit disadvantaged women throughout the world.

Arrangements were also made for a garden visit in June, a lunch at the Mulberry Restaurant, and a theatre visit to see 'Piaf' in Burton. Members were encouraged to give their bulb orders to Pat Court as soon as possible.

Our next meeting is in the village hall on Tuesday 11th June at 7.15 pm. Lynne Tann-Watson will talk about herbs. Visitors are always welcome.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

• Chairman's Annual Report: The Chairman's Report highlighted the activities of the Parish Council during the last year. In response to concerns raised by local residents regarding speeding traffic, unobtrusive speed recorders were set up at a number of locations within the village. The results showed that only a minority of motorists actually exceed the speed limit, which, when coupled with the low number of recorded accidents in the area has led Derbyshire County Council to conclude that they will not fund any further speed control measures in our locality.
  
  The issue of problems caused by parking on the High Street remains unresolved, despite the efforts of the Parish Council in convening meetings with County Councillors, Highways Officers, local business owners and the local police. Possible improvements have been proposed to Derbyshire County Council, but no acceptable solution has been found.
  
  The Parish Council has been pleased to be able to make a further grant of £10,000 towards the refurbishment of Repton village hall. This is conditional on the work being undertaken within the next 7 years.
  
  Further good news is that, following the registration of Broomhills Lane Playing Field with the Fields in Trust Organisation, a grant was obtained to improve the car park; the work has now been completed. A second grant has also been secured to improve the pavilion; this work will be undertaken during the coming year.
  
  The Chairman concluded by stating that the finances were in a healthy condition and thanked his colleagues for their support during the last year.
• Allotments: The Parish Council has an allotment available for a nominal rent at Monsom Lane. If you are a resident of Repton or Milton and interested in growing your own produce, please contact me for further details on 01283 701309. An answerphone is available outside office hours.
• Parish Plan: The Parish Council is to produce a Parish Plan to record the future needs, wants and priorities of the community in respect of matters such as housing, transport and recreation. A meeting for all local residents is to be held on Tuesday 25th June at 8 pm in the village hall.

Next meeting: Monday 10th June at 7.30 pm in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton. All are welcome.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

Following our business meeting, members discussed and voted on this year's resolution concerning the decline of high streets and town centres. As members chatted and mingled, the committee served a ploughman's supper followed by a lovely cup of tea.

Over the summer months we have four bookings for fundraising teas and suppers, and will be baking and serving home-made cakes for Milton Open Gardens on Sunday 14th July. Volunteers were asked to sign up to help with the preparation and serving for these events.

Next meeting: Wednesday 19th June, 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. Mark Newbold will talk about life on board the Royal Yacht and the Falklands war. New members and guests are very welcome.

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Milton Village Hall

Work on the kitchen is going smoothly, and the new units are due to be fitted in June. Teas for the Summer Fayre & Fête will be served on the field this year, but toilet facilities will be available in the hall. Preparations are well in hand for the summer events including Milton Open Gardens on Sunday 14th July, and Edward's Quiz on Friday 19th July; we look forward to seeing you there.

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

. . . with children's activities, crafts, pony rides, birds of prey and lots more. Admission and parking are free. Offers of tombola prizes or help on the day would be very much appreciated; contact Carl on 07527 700308.

A lovely occasion - Milton Walk and Lunch

Twenty-three walkers, one baby, one toddler and two dogs, and we didn't lose anyone! Our two hour walk in May took us through Milton and Foremark, where the bluebells were in full display. The rain held off until our return to the Swan for pre-lunch drinks, and on to the village hall, where, despite the building work, we tucked into a lunch of pork baps and trifle. The walk is an annual social event for the upkeep of the Hall and raised £94.

Next committee meeting: Thursday 6th June at 7.30 pm in The Swan.

The Hall is the perfect size for childrens' parties, meetings and funeral receptions, and is available 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 Tuesday Club

Alan Hopkin entertained us in April with a musical quiz of 50s' music where we were asked to name the singers. Whilst most of us could remember the songs, we couldn't always guess the singer. It was very pleasant afternoon, bringing back many memories of a bygone youth!

In April we also took our annual holiday. This year we went to Sidmouth, and the Royal York & Faulkner Hotel, where we have stayed before. We had a lovely time and were well looked after by the hotel staff. We started en route with a coffee stop at Chateau Impney. On Saturday there was a boat trip from Exmouth to Topsham, returning via rail along the coast; the weather wasn't great but it was a pleasant day out. On the Sunday we visited Killerton Hall and Gardens, and Monday was a free day.

Following our return to Derbyshire, we had a trip to Melton Mowbray; there was a good turnout and the weather was fine!

Tuesday 4th June at 2.30 pm

Nigel Fielding of the Newton Park Hotel will speak on the Falklands War.

Tuesday 18th June

A trip to Felly Priory & Gardens. We leave the Unicorn Inn at 9.30 am and return between 3 and 3.30. The cost of £11 includes entrance to the Priory. There is a Tea Room for coffee and lunch.

To join one of our visits, please contact our Secretary, Jane, on 01283 564520. If you would like to join the Tuesday Club or attend any of our talks, please just come along to Newton Solney village hall on the first Tuesday of the month; you will be most welcome.

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Newton Solney C of E Infant School

This month's Community Collective Worship for parents, carers and local residents will be on Thursday 6th June at 9.15 in the school hall. You are most welcome to join us.

Please note the date of our Summer Fair on Saturday 13th July from 2 to 4 pm. There will be stalls, refreshments and games. Everyone is very welcome to come along and enjoy the afternoon.

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Newton Solney Parish Council News

Raft Race: This year's race from Newton Solney to Willington takes place on Saturday 8th June. All rafts must be on site by 1pm and the race starts at 1.45 pm. Please come down and support!

Village Activities: The Parish Council is gathering details of activities which take place within the village. All this information will soon be available on the Parish website.

Fishing on Trent Lane: As the new fishing season gets underway, please be aware that 'Fishing of the free water' is allowed, but only if anglers have a valid rod licence. Any activities causing a nuisance in this area should be notified to the police; if it is not an emergency, telephone 101, for an emergency ring 999. Any anti-social behaviour should be reported to Gareth Evans, Senior Safer Neighbourhood Warden, on 07968 079613 or 01283 595795.

Summer Holiday Fun: We have booked the following dates for children's activities during the summer holidays:

Wednesday 31st July	Wacky Sports Mobile
Thursday 8th August	Play Mobile
Monday 12th August	Climbing Wall

There are full details on the website.

Next Meeting: Friday14th June at 7.30pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

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Newton Solney W.I.

At our May meeting, 'Resolutions and Handicrafts', we supported by 28 votes to 2 a resolution for the national AGM to press the government to take measures to arrest the decline of our high streets and town centres. The handicrafts competition, with a good variety of entrants, was judged by our guests, Jane Kitto and Angela Wilshire. The winner was Carolyn Boam for her excellent patchwork bag. Then Andrew Wilson presented his range of Aloe Vera products for members to examine and try.

The Mulberry Room lunch at Burton College on 27th June will be the last until the autumn; contact Jean Burns on 702463 if you would like to go along.

Next meeting: Tuesday 11th June at 7.30 pm in the village hall. Graham White will speak on 'Creating an NGS Garden'. Flowers by Jackie Bidder, teas by Marjorie Gaffney and Tricia Rees.

The next whist drive will be on Tuesday 25th June at 7 pm in the village hall. New players of any standard are very welcome.

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Newton Solney Art Group

Our summer show is on Friday 28th June from 2.30 to 6 pm in Newton Solney village hall, with lots of art and craft for you to see, and refreshments available. In the spring competition, Jane Kitto won the Easter egg; Mary Bostock came second and scooped the Easter Bunny.

We meet every Friday from 2 - 4 pm in Newton Solney village hall. All are welcome.

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Gardening Notes

We are now half-way through the year, and after a delayed start, the most intense period of gardening is over, but the garden is still not ready for us to sit back and enjoy.

Continue to sow lettuce and other salads at regular intervals. You can still sow beetroot, carrots, spinach and French beans. Plant out leeks and winter brassicas. All brassicas will need protection from pigeons, slugs and cabbage white caterpillars.

Plants are not quite as defenceless as you might think: when attacked by caterpillars of the small cabbage white butterfly, cabbages give off a potent chemical signal; this repels other butterflies and attracts a parasitic wasp that injects many eggs into each caterpillar, which is then consumed by the hatching grubs. But "bigger fleas have smaller fleas upon their backs to bite 'em", and there is a yet smaller wasp which similarly destroys the larger wasp.

Outdoor tomatoes, marrows, courgettes and corn can go out now, as well as runner beans that have been planted in modules. Tomatoes grown as cordons in the greenhouse need their side shoots removing. Water regularly and feed with a general fertiliser until three trusses have set before switching to a high potassium tomato feed. Watch out for aphids; sticky yellow cards are useful, and planting French marigolds alongside the tomatoes will help. Shade the tomatoes from direct sunlight with blinds or shade paint.

Complete your summer bedding as soon as possible; it should be safe to plant tender plants out now, and many cool-house or indoor plants may benefit from a spell outdoors.

Last year was disastrous for most species of butterfly, so encourage them by planting nectar-rich plants such as buddleja, thyme, hyssop, lavender, asters and sedums.

Take cuttings from rock plants; aubretia, arabis, rock roses, alpine phlox and mossy saxifrage are all good candidates. Heel cuttings can be taken from artemisia and lavender, and softwood cuttings from philadelphus, forsythia, evergreen ceanothus, rosemary and many other shrubs. Forsythia will root if a young branch is pinned to the ground, as will other shrubs and climbers including clematis. Philadelphus may need pruning after flowering.

Sow spring bedding plants for next year; wallflowers, polyanthus, forget-me-nots and winter-flowering pansies are some suggestions, and sweet Williams, lupins and delphiniums for a bit later.

Mow the lawn regularly. If you have used a lawn weedkiller, bin the cuttings for about six weeks after treatment.

Buy water lilies for your pond. When planting, do not sink the baskets straight to the bottom, but stand them on bricks so that water covers the crown and leaves float on the surface; as plants grow, lower them gradually over the course of a few weeks.