August 2013 - Contents Paying our Way Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches Services at St Wystan's, Repton Services at St Saviour's, Foremark Services at St Mary's, Newton Solney Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Wystan's Brasses at St Wystan's Altar Flowers at St Saviour's United Reformed Church Services at the United Reformed Church Family Picnic, Sunday 25th August Shell (for children aged 7+) Coffee Morning, Saturday 14th September Harvest Festival, Sunday 22nd September Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Evelyn Antonia Rose Dawson Morgan Czeslaw James Brookes Charlotte Grace Weaver Marriages Correction: Emma Perris and Daniel Slatter Claire Lisa Norton and Jonathan Martin Smith Emma-Victoria Davis and John Sentence Rebecca Jane Adams of Sheffield and Charles William Thomas Hyde Louise Douds and Michael Smart Stephanie Gilchrist and James Shilton Natalie Reynoldson and Peter Betts Louise Pearson and Adam Whitely of Ravenscroft Avenue, Sheffield Funerals and Burial of Ashes Muriel (Lou) Scrivens Harry Bradley Ernie Taylor Obituaries Ernie Taylor The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Working Together Sponsored 'Ride & Stride' - Saturday 14th September St Wystan's News Services and Groups in August The Bishop's Visit, Sunday 11th August Children and Young People Repton Primary School Leavers Pet Service St Wystan's Spire and Tower Work on the spire is complete Local Diary Event Details Coffee Morning, Saturday 3rd August Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 7th August Morning Coffee, Tuesday 3rd September Repton School Concerts Society Programme, 2013 - 2014 Messy Church, Sunday 22nd September Environment Matters Keep Britain Tidy You and your Pet The Healthy Pet Club Neighbourhood Watch Safer Neighbourhoods South Derbyshire Kerbside Recycling What's On in South Derbyshire The Rejuvenate Study - research into ageing Willington Surgery Do you remember? Repton Village and History Repton Rags Repton Lunch Club and Drop-In Repton W.I. Repton Village Show, Saturday 7th September ngs Open Gardens, Sunday 18th August The Dales Repton Beavers Repton Scouts Repton Pre-school Come and Sing! Repton Road Club Sunshine Loves Runners! Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton Matters Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney Annual Village Cricket Match, Monday 26th August Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney Parish Council News Gardening Notes

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Paying our Way

Isn't it just typical! I went to Burton to return library books for the children and found that the short-term 50p spaces outside the library, which were there for quick visits, had been scrubbed out. Now you have to pay £1. When I spoke to the library staff, they told me that they had complained, but of course, no notice was taken. With the threat to the library service - as well as putting another obstacle in the way of encouraging young people to read - this is another example of a council taking financial decisions that threaten vulnerable services. Shops know how to get us through their doors; many give us back our parking fee when we spend money in store. Why can't councils follow their example?

Of course, the bottom line is money. Councils are short of money for the same reason that the government is short of money. We are not willing to pay enough in taxes to cover all the things that we demand. County and local politicians know that making us pay more would not be popular, and they would not be re-elected. So they trim and prune and cut; services are drastically reduced, and those who are there to care and serve are overworked to the point of inefficiency. We see this in education, social services, community facilities, the NHS, the police and armed forces. And those who suffer most are the vulnerable, those who already have least.

But is money really so short? Might it be rather that money is often wasted on unnecessary things? Take education: Nick Clegg this morning announced that children of eleven should be ranked according to their ability. Well, excuse me, but under the system I grew up in, an education system that was dumped years ago, they always were. Since then, billions have been spent on research, inspections, curriculum and exam changes, and more initiatives than we've eaten school dinners! All of which has created too much confusion among parents and public, and too much pressure on teachers and pupils. And now we are going back to teaching the times tables, teaching history in a way that once again gives children some idea of the history of our country, engaging them in sport so they don't become obese, and ranking them at 11. The wheel is turning full circle. If only those billions spent on change had been focused on improving the quality of teaching, on supporting failing children in the classroom and at home, on improving sports fields and facilities!

It is tempting to scapegoat those in authority, but I refuse to do so. They are only working within the system that we allow - and no system is perfect. Jesus faced an exceedingly imperfect system where Caesar was regarded as a god, yet Jesus told those who worship the true God that, within that system, they should pay unto Caesar what was due to him.

We too need to pay what is required to ensure the future of all those things we want to see in our society; education, health, community facilities and so on have to be paid for, and we must play our part. But we must also demand that our politicians truly represent those who most need our help, those whom Jesus came to serve, the marginalised, the vulnerable and the weak, and not simply bow to the demands of the wealthy, big business, the party line, or things that improve their election chances. And if some of them end up as martyrs to the cause, they would share that with Jesus; that's very good company to be in.

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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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Family Picnic, Sunday 25th August

Please note the change of date. After the short morning service we are all going to Rosliston Forestry Centre for lunch! Bring your picnic and join in the fun!

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Shell

. . . next meets on Monday 9th September; children aged 7 and over are very welcome.

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Coffee Morning

The next Coffee Morning will be on Saturday 14th September, when we will also be serving Jacket Potato Lunches from 12 till 1 pm. During the morning the church will be open to welcome walkers and cyclists taking part in the Rural Churches Ride & Stride to raise money for rural churches in Derbyshire.

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Our Harvest Festival

. . . will be on Sunday 22nd September.

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Baptisms

Evelyn Antonia Rose Dawson, daughter of Moira and Paul Dawson of 22 Rowley Close, Swadlincote, was baptised at St Mary's Church on Sunday 7th July.

Morgan Czeslaw James Brookes, son of Elzbieta Matusz and Lee Brookes of Main Street, Newton Solney, was baptised at St Mary's Church on Sunday 21st July.

Charlotte Grace Weaver, daughter of Clare and Mark Weaver of Brook Street, Hartshorne, was baptised at St Saviour's Church on Sunday 21st July.

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Marriages

Correction: Emma Perris and Daniel Slatter of Spring Terrace Road, Stapenhill, were married at St Mary's Church on Sunday 26th May.

Claire Lisa Norton and Jonathan Martin Smith of Church Gresley were married at St Mary's Church on Saturday 22nd June.

Emma-Victoria Davis and John Sentance of Tanners Lane, Repton, were married at St Wystan's Church on Friday 5th July.

Rebecca Jane Adams of Sheffield and Charles William Thomas Hyde of Repton, were married at Mother of God Church, Sheffield, on Saturday 6th July.

Louise Douds and Michael Smart of Common Farm, Main Street, Milton, were married at St Saviour's Church on Saturday 6th July.

Stephanie Gilchrist and James Shilton of Sandcliffe Park, Swadlincote, were married at St Mary's Church on Saturday 6th July.

Natalie Reynoldson and Peter Betts of Springfield Road, Repton, were married at St Wystan's Church on Saturday 6th July.

Louise Pearson and Adam Whitely of Ravenscroft Avenue, Sheffield, were married at St Wystan's Church on Saturday 13th July.

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Funerals

Muriel (Lou) Scrivens of Walnut Close, Milton, died on Thursday 20th June aged 88. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 28th June was followed by cremation.

Harry Bradley of Monsom Lane, Repton, died on Wednesday 3rd July aged 88. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 17th July was followed by cremation.

Ernie Taylor of Bramble Lodge Care Home, West Hallam, and formerly of Broomhills Lane, Repton, died on Friday 5th July aged 90. A funeral service at Bretby crematorium on 16th July was followed by cremation.

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Obituaries

Ernie Taylor

Ernie Taylor, who died on 5th July, was a well-known figure in Repton. He grew up in Derby and, after the war in which he served as a submariner, a subject he would never talk about, he started in the building trade. He was a skilled bricklayer and with his friend, Ted Plath, formed a very successful partnership, building many houses in Derby and Repton, including the house in Broomhills Lane where he moved with his wife, Hilda. He loved his work and, even when retired, he continued to build extensions and walls when asked. He was already in his eighties when he built the massive retaining wall in Tanners Lane that has become known as Ernie's Wall.

Ernie loved life, particularly parties and celebrations, whether at his home, where he had a bar, or as far afield as the Munich Beer Festival. His family was the centre of his life; he and Hilda were married for 67 years and after her death two years ago his health deteriorated. We extend our sympathy to his daughter Pat and to the grandchildren and great grand-children who will miss a man who was popular and larger than life.

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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

Working Together

Churches across the country are encouraged to collaborate. This can be especially valuable for smaller churches, enabling them to do things they could not tackle on their own. While our three parishes of St Saviour, St Mary and St Wystan are all looking to flourish, we should also be considering ways to form a closer relationship, so that when things arise that can be better done together, the bond of fellowship and unity already exists.

Next month I will be calling a meeting of the staff team and churchwardens to talk about ways to foster a greater feeling of being 'all in this together'. We will draw on your responses to the MAP questionnaires and survey, but if you have any suggestions, please let me have them before 18th September.

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Sponsored 'Ride & Stride' - Saturday 14th September

To coincide with National Heritage Day, this year's Ride & Stride, in aid of the Derbyshire Churches & Chapels Preservation Trust, will be on Saturday 14th September. All four local churches will be open from 10 am for visiting cyclists and walkers, the URC until 2 pm and the others until 6 pm, though stewards may not be present all day.

If you are willing and able to walk or cycle between some of the places of worship which will be open in this or neighbouring counties, to volunteer as a steward for an hour or so in your own church, or simply to sponsor one of the more active participants, then for more information, please contact: Linda Pettitt for the URC, 701223, Pamela Clifford for St Wystan's, 702471, Ann Redfern for St Saviour's, 01332 862350, or Jennifer Haynes for St Mary's, 703827. By our involvement in this event we can all add value to our Christian heritage.

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St Wystan's News

Services and Groups in August

Sunday 11th: Come and welcome the Bishop

Bishop Richard Inwood, formerly the Bishop of Bedford, will preach and preside at the 9.45 service of Communion. Please come along and make him welcome.

Intercessory Prayer for Healing is at 7.30 pm on Monday 5th August at 3 Richmond Court.

After a break in August, Living the Word will resume in September.

A short service of Prayer for Healing in St Catherine's Chapel in the north aisle follows Parish Communion on the 25th. Everyone is welcome.

Coming up

Songs of Praise: Sunday 29th September at 9.45 am. What is your favourite hymn?

Harvest Festival: Sunday 20th October.

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The Bishop's Visit, Sunday 11th August

Bishop Richard Inwood, formerly the Bishop of Bedford, is now, in retirement, assisting in the Derby Diocese, and, as he helps us to consider the future of the Deanery, he will be visiting several churches across South Derbyshire. On 11th August he will be coming to us, preaching and presiding at St Wystan's at the 9.45 Communion service. To make him welcome, we will treat that Sunday as we do a Benefice Sunday with all three church congregations joining together. It will be our only service that day. Please come along. After the service in Repton, Bishop Richard will have a brief tour of the Benefice with visits to St Saviour's and St Mary's.

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Children and Young People

I have called a group together to plan ways to develop our work with children and young people in Repton and at St Wystan's. The URC, St Saviour's and St Mary's have all been invited to send representatives to ensure that we don't tread on each other's toes but rather add to what is already on offer locally. While we may not be able to do all that we would like to do in the short term, it is important to take a long term view and develop an approach that will come to fruition over the next few years.

The planning group, which will have a limited life, will draw on the MAP feedback as well as your suggestions. If you are interested in being part of this group, please speak to me before 11th September, the date of our first meeting.

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Repton Primary School Leavers

At the end of the summer term, the vicar took a special assembly at which he talked about moving on and facing up to difficult times such as going on to secondary school. From his own experiences he showed how God can be a source of help when things are challenging, as well as a joyful companion when things are going well. Then he presented the leavers with Scripture Union booklets about 'Moving On' to secondary schools and encouraged them to remember that God is always with them and loves nothing more than being asked for help!

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Pet Service

Would the dogs fight? Would there be poo all over the place? Would a pet escape and take refuge in the organ? Would the noise be so great that the vicar would not be heard?

As it turned out, our service in early July was wonderful with many pets bringing their owners along. There were fur, feathers, scales and skin, so most parts of the animal kingdom were represented. We sang, gave thanks to God, prayed and shared some words from St Francis of Assissi about how birds give glory to God in their plumage, flight and calls. And throughout, so little noise or disruption, even when all the pets brought their owners to the front for a blessing!

Thank you to those who came prepared with - but didn't have to use - buckets and mops; to the Scouts who helped out in the service; to the owners and the pets who brought them along. Thank you to God for the joy of pets and the nice weather we enjoyed on the day. We are already making plans for another service, so if you missed out, all is not lost.

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St Wystan's Spire and Tower

Work on the spire is now finished. Savings made because it turned out to be unnecessary to scaffold inside the spire have enabled additional work on the tower to be done within the original budget; this includes further repointing, work on the decorative stone frieze, and the replacement of pinewood louvres in the bell chamber, which were rotten in places and infested with woodworm, with new louvres of English oak.

While scaffolding is in place, the opportunity has been taken to re-paint the clock face and service the hand mechanism. The work has been done by Smith of Derby.

Work in the bell tower has seen the 2 cwt cast iron headstock of the 7th bell taken to Taylor's Bell Foundry in Loughborough, where new gudgeons (axles) and bearings have been fitted. Six clappers have also been refurbished to prevent reoccurence of failures which resulted in their falling out during ringing.

Coffee Morning Saturday 3rd August, 10 am - 12.30 pm Wendy & Stephen Longden invite you to morning coffee & home-made cakes at Woodend Cottage, 134 Main Street, Repton Raffle and Plant Stall £3 with as many refills as you like

Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 7th August 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!

Morning Coffee Tuesday 3rd September, 10 am to 12.30 pm David and Jenny Jones welcome you to coffee and cakes at Spring Cottage, 15 Main Street, Repton £3 including coffee & cake

Repton School Concerts Society Programme, 2013 - 2014 Wed 18th Sept 7.45 pm Isimsiz Piano Trio   Wed 2nd Oct 7.45 pm Russell Guitar Duo   Wed 16th Oct 7.45 pm The Filthy Six - authentic Soul Jazz   Wed 13th Nov 7.45 pm Opera Café in Pears School   Wed 15th Jan 7.45 pm Repton Music Department -     A celebration of Shakespeare   Wed 29th Jan 7.45 pm The Carducci Quartet   Wed 19th March 7.45 pm Ronan O'Hora - piano   Wed 30th April 7.45 pm Giovanni Guzzo, violin, with Luis Pares, piano   Wed 14th May 6.30 pm AGM followed at   7.30 pm by Repton School Music Competition Final   Wed 18th June 7.45 pm Bella Tromba - Brass Ensemble Except on the 13th November, concerts are in the Robert Beldam Hall in Repton Music School. For a brochure or further details contact Sue Parker at 56 Askew Grove, Repton, or on the number below. Tickets for the whole season of 10 concerts are available at £70. Tickets for individual concerts are £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions) and are available from Sue Parker, 01283 702550, or Repton Music School, 01283 559319.

Messy Church Happy holiday! See you again on Sunday 22nd September! .

Environment Matters

Keep Britain Tidy

The quality of our public spaces has a major impact on the health and well-being of our children and families. Everybody deserves to live in a clean, green community; tidy neighbourhoods, parks and beaches are essential for our happiness. We want to live, work, relax and play in places that are pleasant and attractive, places where we are happy to spend time.

Residents are ashamed to live in communities blighted by litter, dog-fouling, fly-tipping, graffiti and fly-posting. We don't want to visit shopping streets, parks or beaches strewn with rubbish and debris. Litter, vandalism and neglect are signs of a community in decline.

To help us deliver our projects and programmes on the ground we need people who care about their communities, from fundraisers and organisers to litter pickers and park wardens. You can join in with an event near you, or, if you organise your own, Keep Britain Tidy will send a free kit containing tabards, refuse sacks, posters, stickers, badges and a full guide to carrying out your tidy up safely. For details, see keepbritaintidy.org.

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You and your Pet

The Healthy Pet Club

Everyone strives for a healthy pet, and a proactive approach helps to detect the signs of illness early. It can also be much more cost-effective than waiting until your pet is sick or in pain. We strongly recommend vaccinating against infectious diseases, actively treating against fleas and worms, and in giving you pointers on how to keep your pet happy and healthy throughout its life.

At Glenthorne Vets we have now formed a Healthy Pet Club, which is open to cats, dogs and rabbits.

For dogs and cats the plan includes:
• Annual vaccinations (including kennel cough for dogs) and a full nose to tail clinical examination by our vets;
• A six monthly health and weight check with one of our nurses;
• Monthly flea, mite, lungworm and roundworm treatments with Advocate Spot On;
• Tapeworm treatments with Droncit at each health check.

For rabbits:
• Annual vaccinations against myxomatosis and VHD with a nose to tail clinical examination by our vets;
• A six monthly health check with one of our nurses;
• One bottle of Rearguard per year to help prevent flystrike.

All members also benefit from a 10% discount on all products and services provided directly by the practice, like a discount on prescription pet food. If you join the plan at a booster or at an initial vaccination, you can take advantage of a 50% discount on that vaccination.

The plan provides a simple way to help budget for your pet's preventative healthcare. Just as importantly, it can help you remember all those regular treatments that in a busy life are easily overlooked. The plan does not work as a pet insurance scheme but there is the option to add in accidental injury cover. There is also the possibility to offer members an extended payment scheme for those larger bills.

Leptospirosis

We now offer additional protection against leptospirosis, with more strains in our standard vaccination. After treating a number of leptospirosis cases recently, this is a real advantage against a disease that can affect both man and his best friend. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Our Safer Neighbourhoods team led by PC Chris Fearn is charged with making our area a safer, cleaner and more pleasant place. If you have concerns about anti-social or nuisance behaviour, or matters such as graffiti or vandalism, contact them on 101 or on Twitter @MerciaSNT. Twitter is not staffed 24/7, so don't use it to report incidents or crimes. At a Safer Neighbourhoods meeting in early July, concerns were raised over nuisance motorcycles, fly tipping and scrap metal collectors.

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

Kerbside Recycling

It is well over 18 months since we were promised 'in the near future' a recycling service to include cardboard and plastic as well as the existing recyclables, but at last there are signs of progress: 42,000 green bins and 42,000 caddies are on order, and we are told that SDDC is to introduce its new kerbside recycling scheme in October.

Under the new system, the existing green boxes and blue bags are to be replaced by a single bin so that everything can be left in one place. It means that plastics and cardboard, which are not currently collected, can be recycled alongside tins, cans, aerosols, foil, mixed glass, paper and textiles. Card and paper will go in a caddy attached inside the bin, with all other materials placed in the main body of the bin. Textiles will be collected in a separate bag as at present.

The aim is to divert an additional 2,500 tonnes of waste a year from landfill, raising South Derbyshire's recycling rate - already one of the best in the county - above 50 %. The scheme is supported by DCC, which is contributing £200,000 towards the £1 million cost. Information about the new service will be sent to every household over the next few weeks. The new bins will be delivered from the end of August, with the first collection dates in early October.

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What's On in South Derbyshire

Walks, talks, Open Gardens and festivals, bushcraft and woodcraft, clay days and wine tasting, you can find all that - and so much more - in 'What's On', and that's just in August, but the latest issue then takes you right through until October with pumpkin parties and Halloween walks.

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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The Rejuvenate Study - helping research into ageing

The decline in our muscle mass and functional ability as we age makes daily tasks harder and can lead to disease. Currently, the reasons are unknown and require more research. After strenuous exercise, our muscles can be sore but this soreness disappears within about 72 hours as the muscles repair, which may also be helped by taking Vitamin D supplements. However, as we age, the ability of our muscles to repair after exercise can be compromised; this may be one of the causes.

We need your help!

As part of the University of Nottingham based at the Royal Derby Hospital, we are conducting research to understand how muscle repairs itself and whether ageing compromises this ability. We will be investigating the effects of two different types of exercise and vitamin D supplementation in both young and elderly people, and are looking for healthy, generally inactive 18 - 28 and 65 - 75 year-old men to take part. The study will involve blood samples and muscle biopsies.

People in and around Repton have been good at coming forward to volunteer for previous programmes run by the university; you may remember or indeed have been part of The Chocolate Orange Study two years ago, or its predecessor, Muscling up for a Healthy Old Age. Now this is another exciting opportunity to be involved in research which will benefit us all - and also pays an inconvenience allowance! If you are interested in taking part, or would like more information, please contact Colleen Deane on 0772 558 1283.

If you do not fulfil the criteria for this study but are interested in helping with our research, we may have other studies suitable for you.

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Willington Surgery

Do you remember?

With new premises now under construction, the Patient Participation Group has started preparing for the opening later this year. We would particularly like to hear from anyone who could provide information or photographs about the history of health services in Willington and Repton. If you can help, please ring Christine Bould on 703112. Your memories and assistance would be much appreciated.

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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 Friday from 6.30 to 8 pm at the Den      £1 a head Come along and have fun!       More info from Julie Groom, 0797 4998852

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Repton Lunch Club and Drop-In
Fisher Close Community Centre

As usual we shall not be meeting in August, but look forward to starting again on Friday 6th September. If you or an elderly friend would like to join the Lunch Club please phone Kiki or Judy, and we will be pleased to add your name to our waiting list.

Members of the Lunch Club are very grateful to all the cooks, helpers and drivers, and extend a sincere thank you to you all.

We are always looking for more help so if you are ever free on a Friday and would like to help - perhaps three times a year - please phone Kiki, 702350, or Judy, 704102.

Drop-in

Please remember that after every Friday Lunch there is a 'Drop-In' session at 2 pm for all who wish to stay on after lunch and others who just want to 'drop in'. It is a friendly and informal hour, often with a local speaker who has something of interest to talk about or to show, such as their collections. On other occasions we have 'in-house' entertainment, usually quizzes or light-hearted word games. All sessions end with a cup of tea and biscuits and finish at 3 pm. Lifts home can be arranged.

If any readers have something they would be willing to talk about at these sessions, or any collections of items that might be of interest to the group, do please ring either Elaine Fisher, 702322, or Maggie Tennant, 704590. You will be warmly received!

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Repton W.I.

On a hot July evening in a very hot village hall, Sheila North spoke about the Parkinson's Society and her role in its Derby Branch.

As a physiotherapist who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at a relatively young age, Sheila has used her professional knowledge and the help of the Society to cope, and still leads a very full life. In 2012 she volunteered to take part in the opening ceremony of the Paralympics; she described her part in the rehearsals and showed us her costume, along with a video showing her and hundreds of disabled people performing. She was pointed out to us as being next to the lady with the guide dog! Her wonderfully positive attitude was an inspiration.

The Thatched Farm NGS garden visit in June was very popular and enjoyed the bonus of lovely weather.

Tuesday 13th August at 2.30 pm

There is no business meeting in August, but as it is Repton W.I.'s 95th birthday this year, we will celebrate with a Strawberry Tea Party in the garden of 37 High Street. We hope that all present and many past members will come along.

There are still places available on the BBC Studio trip on Thursday 5th September, and the Denman College day on 23rd September.

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Repton Village Show
Saturday 7th September

With all that glorious sunshine, there is every chance to grow rosette winning blooms, fruit, and vegetables for our 23rd Village Show, so don't hold back when deciding which categories to enter.

Bumper crops of soft fruit bode well for jam as well as fruit-syrup squash or cordial, a new class that will give us a real treat on show day.

Ginger cake (see the recipe in the schedule) benefits from a week of rest, so it is worth practising the bake sooner rather than later. Do resist the temptation to eat the cake as soon as it has cooled, as the flavour really does improve with time.

The Junior section has eight classes of creativity, photography and cookery to encourage children to take part and have fun showing off their creations. The child with the most points across all eight classes will win the prestigious Zak's cup.

There will be spare copies of the schedule in Repton Post Office, and it can be found online on the village website at reptonvillage.org.uk.

Tips for showing a syrup, squash or cordial:

• Use a clear glass bottle with a screw top.
• Leave 12 to 25 mm head-space.
• The colour should be clear and bright.
• Squash and cordial can have fruit tissue but syrup should be clear.
• The aroma of the fruit used will be rich and true.

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ngs Open Gardens
Sunday 18th August, 1 - 6 pm

Don't miss this opportunity to visit three lovely gardens in Repton, all for £6 admission, children free. Even if you have been before, do come again - they look wonderful at this time of year. You will be assured of a warm welcome, knowledgeable owners, a great cup of tea and scrummy home-made cakes. The proceeds go to nursing charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care and Help the Hospices.

10 Chestnut Way is full of colour, its borders crammed with a huge variety of plants including geraniums, salvias, crocosmia, hardy fuchsias and grasses, as well as many unusual trees and shrubs and a stunning prairie bed. There are lots of seats to sit and enjoy the garden views.

22 Pinfold Close is a small garden based on a collection of tropical plants including tree ferns, palms, canna, ginger and other unusual plants for year round colour.

Woodend Cottage, 134 Main Street, is an organic, plant lover's garden. The hot border with its tall miscanthus grasses, heleniums, fennel and sedums is lush with purples, oranges, reds and yellows, while the more tranquil labyrinth dances with silver grasses and the herbaceous borders delight with their scents.

There are home-made teas and cakes for sale at 10 Chestnut Way and Woodend Cottage, and plants for sale in all the gardens as well as the nursery at Woodend Cottage.

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The Dales

Work carried out at the Dales in mid-July led to renewed speculation over its future. County Councillor Martyn Ford explains what happened.

Now the operation is over, I can reveal that The Dales has been used as the reception centre for the 11 people who were discovered as part of the Human Trafficking operation carried out in Derby last Monday 15th July. Due to the very sensitive and confidential nature of the operation, I was asked not to talk about what was happening so as not to alert any suspicions which could have put this very successful police operation in jeopardy. The state of some of those released was most distressing with some horrific stories, so I was pleased that we were able to help in some way.

I have asked for and received an assurance that this operation was a one-off. The Dales is today (on the 18th July) being cleared up, so that it can be boarded up again ready for demolition.

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Repton Beavers

We have recently learnt to tie knots, been Bellboating, enjoyed a soccer skills session and begun simple home safety and first aid.

After the summer break we start again on Monday 9th September. If you have a child who is interested in becoming a Beaver and want more information, contact Andy Read on 07790 909138. Available places fill quickly, so please ring early to avoid disappointment.

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Repton Scouts

August should normally be a quiet month for Scouts but not this year. Ten Scouts plus six of the older Cubs will be camping at Forest Camp in Cheshire. They are going to be building rafts, riding BMX bikes, testing their skills on the 'low ropes' course and lots of other activities. Then, at the end of August, seven Scouts will attempt the Yorkshire 'three Peaks' walk; if they complete all 25 miles, that will be a huge achievement as they will all still be ten year olds!

There is currently a waiting list, but 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 Pre-school

We are a local charity and would like to thank all those who supported our recent fundraising events, including a very successful Ladies Night in June.

For our annual outing, a visit to Foremark reservoir provided a good link to recent activities, which have been based on the book 'Commotion in the Ocean', and have included holidays and creating an underwater seascape.

As they move on to school, we wish the older children lots of fun, and we also look forward to meeting the new children joining us in September. During September we are also planning an evening out for the parents, a chance to meet up socially; the details will be confirmed at the beginning of the new term.

The pre-school supports up to 26 children each session, and there is currently some space for most sessions. If your child is 2½ or over and would enjoy the learning through play that pre-school offers, please call Karen, Repton Pre-school manager, to find out more. Karen can be contacted on 01283 221135 between 1 and 3 pm during term time.

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Come and Sing!

Repton School Music Society, MusSoc, invite you to join them this autumn to rehearse and sing in a performance of Verdi's Requiem, under the direction of John Bowley, the Head of Music, on Sunday 1st December.

Though the Requiem is Verdi's only large-scale work not intended for the stage, it is indeed theatrical in style, with passages of great tenderness and simplicity contrasting with intensely powerful dramatic sections. The uncomplicated directness of Verdi's music, his supreme ability to write wonderful melodies which lie perfectly for the human voice, his brilliant orchestration and above all the inspired dramatic intensity of the Requiem are lasting qualities which have guaranteed its enduring popularity with both choirs and audiences.

If you are interested in taking part, or would like further information, please contact Morag Hill on 702799. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings - starting on 5th September - at 6.30 pm in Pears School. There are no auditions, but an ability to read music is essential. Registration will cost £10 payable either before or on the night of the first rehearsal. Scores will be provided, and practice cds and downloads are available from Choraline at choraline.com.

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Repton Road Club

We offer two rides every week, one leaving The Cross every Sunday morning at 9 am for a ride of up to two hours, the other leaving The Cross on Thursdays at 6.45 pm for rides of up to 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, why not join us. All abilities and ages are welcome. For more details, see facebook.com/ReptonRoadClub or ring Neil on 703363.

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Sunshine Loves Runners!

Why not make the most of the great summer by joining us for a midweek run. At this time of year it is good to get out onto the paths and trails around Repton and a great way to see the countryside. We meet outside the Red Lion at 7 pm every Wednesday for a run of about 4 miles. Everyone is welcome. For more details call Katie on 07734 711986 or Michael, 07971 609998.

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Repton Village Society

Rod Pearson's subject at our July evening was the development of Halifax, and the following Saturday he was the guide on our coach trip to this famous Yorkshire town. A tour of the magnificent Town Hall was led by a member of the staff before we made our way to the Piece Hall. After lunch Rod led a rather warm walk to see some of the many other outstanding buildings.

There are no meetings in August, but on Thursday 5th September Alan Hopkin will be reminiscing about his years as an Army bandsman.

Wednesday 11th September: Coach trip

Winterbourne House in Edgbaston was built for the Nettlefold family in 1903 in the Arts and Craft style with furniture to match. It is one of the best surviving examples of an Edwardian suburban villa and is set in 7 acres of superb garden. The tea room is great too! Then, at about mid-day, we will move on to the Avoncroft Museum of Ancient Buildings at Bromsgrove. The site contains 25 buildings that have been rescued and re-erected, ranging from a 1940s prefab to a medieval merchant's house, a windmill and a working Edwardian Tearoom.

The coach leaves St Wystan's Church at 8.45 am, returning from Bromsgrove at 3.30 pm to arrive back in Repton at about 5.15. The cost of £20 for members, £22 for visitors, includes all entry fees.

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Repton Village History Group

In July, 16 of our members visited the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust museum in Derby. Two excellent guides took us around the extensive facilities, describing the history of the company and explaining many of its aerospace products from WW1 aeroplane engines through to the latest massive three shaft engines that power the airliners of today. There were also examples of rocketry, and a full size Spitfire replica. Some of Rolls-Royce's amazing manufacturing processes were explained, and, for some of the visitors, nostalgic memories were triggered by encountering items they had used or products they had worked on. We also managed to see the Jam Roll, the Rolls-Royce car given to Baden-Powell at the 1929 World Jamboree that celebrated 21 years of scouting. This car and Eccles, the caravan, had been the subject of one of our talks last year.

On Wednesday 7th August, our guided walk of the Ticknall Lime Yards is also open to non-members; meet in Ticknall village hall car park at10.15 am. We need to keep an eye on numbers, so if you would like to join in, contact Andy Austen on 01283 702448. £3 'donation' to Calke Abbey.

Our next indoor meeting is on Tuesday 17th September. Details next month.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

Allotments: Some of the available plots have been taken in recent weeks, so now just a few remain. They are available to all local residents of Repton and Milton, but existing plot holders can now also apply for additional space. If you already have a plot at Monsom Lane and would like more land, please contact me at the Parish Council office on 01283 701309.

Summer Fun on the Mitre Field: A reminder that these activities are available, free of charge, for all local young people. Wear suitable clothing and footwear, and just turn up on the day.

Tuesday 6th August	10 am - noon	Combat Mobile
Tuesday 13th August	10 am - noon	Wacky Sports Mobile
Wednesday 21st August	6 - 8 pm	Climbing Wall
Tuesday 27th August	10 am - noon	Wacky Sports Mobile

The Combat Mobile is new for 2013 and offers a range of exciting activities including an outdoor laser combat arena, mountain bike equipment, Ultimate Frisbee and other challenging team games.

Local Crime: At the Council meeting, Derbyshire Police reported that there had been an increase in local crime during the last three months, with criminal damage to property showing the largest recorded increase. Local police officers have increased surveillance in the area and are confident of resolving the problem shortly. If you have any information which may assist, please contact them on the police non-emergency number, 101, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Next meeting: Monday 9th September in Milton village hall; a Parish meeting at 7 pm will be followed by the Parish Council meeting at 7.30. All are welcome. Susan Reilly, Clerk to the Council

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton Matters

What with the Summer Fayre, the opening of the new village hall kitchen extension and the Open Gardens, followed shortly afterwards by Edward's Quiz, Milton has had a very busy month.

The sun shone for the Summer Fayre and our visitors enjoyed ice cream and chilling out in an idyllic rural setting. The classic cars and birds of prey were admired, and both adults and children had fun with the greasy pole and other fete games, all in a wonderfully relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The chance to have a go at archery proved very popular, the ladies of the W.I. did a magnificent job providing tea and cakes, and the BBQ was also very well supported. Over £2,000 was raised on the day, a fantastic result.

A fortnight later, Heather Wheeler MP officially opened the new kitchen extension. The Village Hall had been transformed into an indoor garden in readiness for the Open Gardens the following day, and it looked amazing! Visitors watched the ribbon being cut, and enjoyed chilled drinks and a selection of English cheese.

This is the first year that the village hall committee has organised the Open Gardens, and the sun was shining for us once again. Thank you to all who opened their gardens, and to the ladies who ingeniously transformed the listed telephone box into a garden, a source of much comment. In the village hall indoor garden, the ladies of Milton W.I. served tea and cakes to a record number of visitors. The day raised over £2,400.

Edward's Quiz was a very well supported, lively and entertaining evening, raising a further £227. The questions were taxing, and the winners were a table from Milton narrowly defeating a very strong team from Willington.

These were all great community events. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, donated effort, time, equipment, or items for sale. Over £6,800 was raised for the village hall; we couldn't have done it without your help and generosity.

The Village Hall with its brand new kitchen is available for hire; please contact Polly Faulkner on 01283 703436 for details.

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Milton W.I.

Milton W.I. ladies excelled themselves at the Open Gardens, serving home-made scones, cakes and gallons of tea throughout the afternoon. Thank you to everyone in and around the village who baked and donated the scones and cakes; they were delicious.

Our speaker in July was Ian Rogerston from Charnwood Cheeses. He brought along a variety of cheeses to taste, and delighted members with his anecdotes. President Jane Smith gave the vote of thanks.

On Wednesday 14th August we have a fundraising supper at 7.30 pm. Meet in the Village Hall at 5.30 pm.

On Tuesday 20th August, our annual social outing is a canal boat trip followed by a late lunch. Meet at Mercia Marina at Willington at 12.15 pm.

On Wednesday 21st August at 4 pm we have another fundraising tea. Meet in the village hall at 2 pm.

Next meeting: Wednesday 18th September. Kelsangdrima, a Buddhist nun from the Tara Buddhist Centre in Etwall, is our speaker. New members and guests are very welcome.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney C of E Infant School

Thank you to all who joined us in July for our Summer Fayre. We are very grateful for your support and hope that you enjoyed the afternoon.

Community Collective Worship is at 9.15 am on the first Thursday of the month. Dates for the autumn term are 3rd October, 7th November and 5th December, when parents, carers and local residents are most welcome to join us in the school hall.

Newton Solney Annual Village Cricket Match Newton Solney Recreation Field Monday 26th August, 2.30 pm Come and play in or support our annual village cricket match. Bring a picnic and refreshments and support your local village teams. Join in the adults' / childrens' tug-o-war. Team sheets to sign-up and the rules are available in both the Unicorn Inn and the Brickmakers Arms. Angus Falconer, 07807 680 308

Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Our June visit to Felly Priory Gardens in Nottinghamshire was our first to these gardens, and the warm, sunny weather helped our enjoyment as we strolled leisurely around, taking in the many unusual plants and admiring the extensive views over the surrounding countryside. Lunch in the restaurant gardens and an opportunity to purchase plants from the nursery completed our visit.

Instead of a speaker at our July meeting, members were asked to bring 'things of interest'. Hazel brought an artefact made by a Polish prisoner of war; Edith brought a jewellery box made by her husband's grandfather, beautifully inlaid with many different woods and ivory; Jane brought jewellery from Ecuador; finally, Jennifer had some fake £1 coins to show us from the collection plate at church! A quiz organised by Edith was followed by tea and cakes in honour of one of our members about to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Tuesday 3rd September at 2.30 pm

A business meeting followed by Mr. McFiggins speaking on 'Whisky'

Tuesday 17th September: A trip to Tamworth

We leave the Unicorn Inn at 9.30, returning to Newton by about 3 pm. Cost £10. If you would like to join any of our trips please contact our Secretary, Jane, on 01283 564520.

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Newton Solney Parish Council News

Village Cricket Match: The annual cricket match between the Unicorn and the Brickmakers is on Monday 26th August. Bring your picnic down to the recreation field, support your local village teams and enjoy a fun day out.

Free Summer Activities for Children:

Thursday 8th August	2 - 4 pm	Play Mobile
Monday 12th August	6 - 8 pm	Climbing Wall

No need to register - just turn up!

Dog Walkers: Complaints have been received about dog walkers in the grounds of the Newton Park Hotel. Whilst they are welcome, the 'presents' that are left behind are most certainly not. Please clean up any mess; the dog warden will be advised of offenders and fines will follow.

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

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Gardening Notes

For 18 years, Ken Robinson has been our guide and inspiration in the garden; his deep understanding, wide knowledge and practical experience were highly valued. Now we are very grateful to Pauline Little, who regularly opens her lovely garden at 10 Chestnut Way for charity, for picking up the baton. August can be a challenging month in the garden; so much depends on the weather earlier in the year and on how well you have looked after your plants, especially those in pots. If the weather has been wet, everything will probably be OK.

I remember moving into our house in Repton 25 years ago. It was late July, and we were full of anticipation of flowers all through the year, but once August came there were the remains of some rather nice phlox plants - and then nothing! I think there are a number of reasons for this: first, most native plants in UK have finished flowering by August so we are dependent on more exotic plants, and second, most of us go to the garden centre or plant sales in spring and are attracted to plants in flower then. Of course, it doesn't have to be like this; there are many interesting plants that peak in August. Some of the best are the heleniums, perennial sunflowers and rudbeckias; they contrast well with grasses, crocosmias, verbenas and sedums. I find that the foliage of late flowering plants stands up to poor weather, which from a plant's point of view usually means 'dry'. Once a plant has flowered it lets itself go and can become tatty, so if you include late-flowering plants in your garden you will also have the advantage of good foliage earlier in the season.

August is a great season for harvest; the first runner beans are always the most delicious. Unfortunately, we often sow too many vegetables and end up with a glut. One way to cope is to start cropping when the crop is undersized, picking golf ball sized beetroot and finger sized courgettes. Of course, we all discover the odd courgette that seems to have grown into a marrow overnight, but the best place for it is the compost heap.

Pinch out the growing tips to limit your tomato plants to four trusses outside or six in the greenhouse; the fruit will ripen earlier, and you will avoid having masses of under-ripe green tomatoes later on.

Jobs to do in August

Feed pots with a high potash feed such as tomato feed; most potting compost has run out of steam by August.

Dead head annual and perennial flowering plants to prolong their display.

Sow oriental vegetables such as mizuna, mustards and hardy lettuce for winter use.

Take cuttings of tender perennials such as geraniums, fuchsias, argyranthemums and salvias.

Water camellias to ensure good flower bud formation.

Pick, pick and pick your fruit and vegetables.

Finally, if you are going on holiday, don't forget to visit a garden while you are away, and maybe buy a plant that is at its best in August.