September 2013 - Contents Handbagged! 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 Harvest Festival, Sunday 22nd September Coffee Morning and Jacket Potato Lunches, Saturday 14th September Shell (for children aged 7+) Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Bobby Sam Gill Marriages Timothy Clement and Laura Ling Rebecca Whirledge and Mark Popejoy Robert Hughes and Abigail Rees Robert Wilson and Sophia Kay Funerals and Burial of Ashes Donald (Don) Sherwin The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Sponsored 'Ride & Stride', Saturday 14th September St Wystan's News Services and Groups in September Change is in the Air Mapping our future in Repton Our Work with Children and Young People Local Diary Event Details Morning Coffee, Tuesday 3rd September Dementia Awareness, Tuesday 3rd September Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 4th September Repton School Concerts Society: Isimsiz Piano Trio, Wednesday 18th September Messy Church, Sunday 22nd September Songs of Praise, Sunday 29th September MacMillan Coffee Morning, Saturday 5th October St Mary's Harvest Lunch, Sunday 13th October Rolleston Choral Society Greatest Hits, Wednesday 16th October You and your Pet First Aid Neighbourhood Watch Have your say! Criminal Damage Vehicle security Phone scammers Local Open Gardens 2014 Kerbside Recycling YMCA Food Banks Willington Surgery The New Surgery Repton Village and History Repton Rags Service of Celebration, Sunday 6th October Sing with MusSoc! Tai Chi for Health Repton Beavers Repton Scouts Repton Guides Repton Christmas Tree Festival Barn Dance with Bonnyrigg, Saturday 12th October Bottles & Jars ngs Open Garden, Sunday 15th September Repton Casuals, Ball Skills Children's Christmas Orchestra Scottish Dancing Half-day Trip with Repton Evergreens, Thursday 26th September Exhibition of watercolours by Elizabeth Harris Repton Road Club Repton Runners Emergency sewer repairs in Brook End Thank you! Neighbourhood Yard Sale Repton W.I. Celebrates! Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Repton School Science Priory Opening Bats at the Dales Does 'The Square' exist? Repton Association for the Prosecution of Felons Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton Village Hall Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Football Quiz Newton Solney Show Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney W.I. Gardening Notes

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Handbagged!

My eye was caught by a news item about Oprah Winfrey. She had gone into a shop in Zurich and asked to see a particular handbag, but the assistant refused to show it to her, apparently believing that she would not be able to afford it. According to the reports, Oprah saw this as racism. Involving one of the most powerful media people in the world, the story did not die quietly.

What angered Oprah more? Was it the perception that she was refused because she was black, or was her pride hurt because she was not recognised? Or perhaps it was because as a person worth nearly 2 billion pounds it was suggested that she could not afford a handbag priced at £22,500!

I am still not certain what upset me most. I feel for the shop assistant who must still be reeling from her own handbagging by the media. I dislike the way they can suggest that a person is guilty until proven innocent. But I think I am more upset that Oprah, who has earned her immense fortune by dealing with awkward customers, did not handle it better herself. And I am still sadder that there are handbags on sale made of crocodile skin, farmed or not, handbags that cost more than my take home pay for a year, and that there are people out there who will buy such things!

By coincidence, the following day, a Sunday, the gospel reading in church was about a rich young man's meeting with Jesus. He wanted to really know God well and had already done many good things. But Jesus recognised that for him his wealth was a barrier. Jesus told him that he needed to get rid of his wealth, doing good works with it, and that he would then be free to follow Jesus and learn how to truly love God. But it was too much to ask. The man loved his wealth too much. He walked away.

It is sad that there are many people in the world who love their wealth, but in so doing become spiritually poor. It need not be great wealth; many who have far less than a couple of billion are caught in the same trap. But we should not judge. They are not the ones to blame. They are victims of their wealth just as others are victims of their poverty. They have been caught up in a world that values the wrong things, the shallow things, things that are temporary; why else would you want a handbag that costs so much?

All of us are prisoners of one thing or another. It can be the desire for riches or the lust for power; the shackles of an abusive relationship or the drudgery of a treadmill job; the backbreaking burden of debt or fear of what the future might hold; addiction, or trying to be someone other than who we really are. There are so many things that can hold us back from enjoying life to the full, as God wants us to. Before we judge others too harshly we need to be sure we are not being hypocritical.

I remember the Bishop of Stepney telling how he was walking down the Commercial Road in the East End. He saw a punk coming towards him, green spikey hair, ripped clothing, loads of safety pins, and thought, "What do you look like?" Then, he said, he saw himself in a shop window, purple cassock and bishop's crook, and thought, "Who am I to judge?" A reminder not to be too judgemental, though I have to say that the handbag still gets to me! Now, what did Jesus say about handbags?

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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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Sunday 22nd September: Harvest Festival

This year we will be supporting Water Aid's appeal, 'Seeds of Hope', and, rather than the traditional harvest display, the church will be decorated to depict this theme. In Madagascar, 11 million people have no access to clean water. In rural areas they have to walk for up to three hours a day to collect dirty water which has to be boiled and purified. They don't have enough water to grow crops, so their children go to school hungry as well as thirsty. Our Harvest offerings, in place of traditional gifts of fruit, vegetables and flowers, will help to remedy this terrible situation; please help us to help the people of rural Madagascar.

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Coffee Morning, Saturday 14th September, 10.30 - 11.30 am
Jacket Potato Lunches 12 - 1 pm

This is also the day of the Rural Churches Ride & Stride; and those taking part will be raising money for village churches of all denominations. The church will be open to welcome them. During the morning the usual range of home-made cakes and marmalade will be on sale, along with the chance to stock up on cards and wrapping paper, and to play the children's game. Don't miss it!

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SHELL Group, for children and young people aged 7 and over

. . . recommences on Monday 9th September at 6.30 pm and then meets every Monday evening to enjoy a variety of activities with a Christian message. New members are very welcome!

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Baptisms

Bobby Sam Gill, son of Sam and Kim of Springfield Road, Repton, was baptised on Sunday 11th August at St Wystan's Church.

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Marriages

Timothy Clement and Laura Ling from Bretby Hall were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Friday 19th July.

Rebecca Whirledge of Repton and Mark Popejoy of Oakthorpe were married at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Saturday 20th July.

Robert Hughes and Abigail Rees of Campion Street, Derby, were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Friday 26th July.

Robert Wilson and Sophia Kay of Chinnor in Oxfordshire were married at St Saviour's Church, Foremark, on Saturday 17th August.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Donald (Don) Sherwin, of 24 Blacksmiths Lane, Newton Solney, died on Thursday 15th August aged 92. A funeral service at St Mary's on 22nd August was followed by cremation at Bretby.

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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

Sponsored 'Ride & Stride', Saturday 14th September

I hope you weren't too confused by last month's article; this year's Ride & Stride, in aid of the Derbyshire Churches & Chapels Preservation Trust, is on 14th September, and our four local churches will all be open that day. To volunteer as a steward in your church, to sponsor one of the more active participants, or 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.

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St Wystan's News

Services and Groups in September

Sunday 29th at 9.45 am: Songs of Praise

Do you have a favourite hymn or one which has particular meaning for you? Or would you like to join in singing and hearing other people's choices? Everyone is invited to share in our own service of Songs of Praise. If you would like to suggest a hymn - or reading or prayer - please contact Ruth Attwood on 702804 and say whether you would like to introduce your item yourself, with a short explanation.

Nationally, 29th September is 'Back to Church Sunday'. If you don't come to church, or it's a long time since you did, this is a great place to begin. You'll be sure of a very warm welcome.

Intercessory Prayer for Healing next meets at 7.30 pm on Monday 2nd September at 3 Richmond Court.

Living the Word will not meet in September, as we are planning to start a study in Acts. For this month, it will be advertised through the church notices.

A short service of Prayer for Healing in St Catherine's Chapel in the north aisle follows Parish Communion on the 22nd. Everyone is welcome.

Coming up

Prayer for Christian Healing: Wednesday 2nd October at 7.30 pm
Service of Thanksgiving: Sunday 6th October at 4 pm
Harvest Festival: Sunday 20th October

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Change is in the Air

At its meeting on 4th September, St Wystan's PCC will consider its response to the Deanery Strategic Plan, which involves some regrouping of parishes and changes in the deployment of stipendiary clergy. The proposals as they stand do not affect Repton. If you would like to know more please speak to a PCC member.

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Mapping our future in Repton

Following a parish consultation during the winter, the PCC set up two groups, one to establish a pastoral scheme for St Wystan's, the second to improve the way we help others to connect with the Christian faith.

Pastoral Care

Pastoral care will initially be focused on our own congregation, although we hope in time to broaden its scope. Many individuals and groups in the village already offer support and St Wystan's has no intention of changing such arrangements. However, we believe that there are those who do not at present receive regular support but would benefit from it, so we are working on a pilot scheme to identify the various needs and the support required.

Pastors will be trained volunteers. They will look to offer friendly contact for the lonely, transport for the housebound, and, when asked for, practical advice from a suitably qualified person.

Communications

We have looked at the welcome people receive at our services and how we can make the church more friendly. Information is not only factual but also reflects who we are, so we have considered the design and wording of our notice boards and signs, the web site, and how we use the Parish Magazine. We are looking at new guide sheets for visitors including a leaflet on what to expect at a church service, and what they might be given to take away with them. Links with the local community are particularly important, and we need to look at how to strengthen them.

We would particularly welcome assistance with graphic design, and with setting up a presence on Facebook. If you can help, please contact us.

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Our Work with Children and Young People

A good number of people have signed up for this planning group, described in last month's magazine. If you wish to be part of it too, then do get in contact with me before 11th September, the date of our first meeting.

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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        Proceeds to St Wystan's Church

Willington Medical Practice Patient Participation Group Dementia Awareness Tuesday 3rd September between 6.30 and 8 pm Repton Village Hall Are you concerned about a family member or friend? What can we do to avoid getting dementia? Join us for information and informal chats with agencies able to help with many issues such as health, benefits and referral for support.

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

Repton School Concerts Society Isimsiz Piano Trio Wednesday 18th September at 7.45 pm in The Robert Beldam Hall Formed in 2009, the Isimsiz Piano Trio - violin, cello and piano - were selected this year for representation by the Young Concert Artists Trust and have travelled to the Mozarteum in Salzburg to play for various distinguished musicians. Their programme will include works by Beethoven, Shostakovich, Haydn and Ravel. Tickets for this concert are £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions). Tickets for the whole season of 10 concerts cost £70. For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR. 01283 702550.

Messy Church Fun activities,craft and games,celebration and Sunday tea for children and adults, anyone, any age St Wystan's Church, Sunday 22nd September, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, contact Ruth Attwood on 702804 or . Everyone is welcome!

Songs of Praise St Wystan's Church, Sunday 29th September at 9.45 am 'Back to church Sunday' If you haven't been to church for some time - or ever - this is a great place to begin. With others like you, you'll be sure of a very warm welcome. If you have a favourite hymn or one which has particular meaning for you, please contact Ruth Attwood on on 702804 or . You may also like to suggest a reading or a prayer.

Coffee Morning in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support Saturday 5th October, 10 am – noon 9 The Crescent, Repton Stalls, Raffle, Tombola, Books, Bric-a-Brac Donations or prizes would be greatly appreciated. Phone Sue on 701619, or leave them in the front porch at the above address.

St Mary's Church, Newton Solney Harvest Lunch Sunday 13th October at 1 pm in Newton Solney Village Hall Raffle         Good Food         Good Company Please bring your own drinks! Adults £8           Children under 12 £5 Tickets from Hazel Ward (701244) 21 Blacksmith's Lane

Rolleston Choral Society Greatest Hits Wednesday 16th October at 7.30 pm St Mary's Church, Newton Solney Tickets £5 to include light refreshments from Jo Ballington, 01283 562091, or on the door in aid of St Mary's Church

You and your Pet

First Aid

When your dog or cat comes home injured, or accidents happen as you are out and about, first aid can be very helpful whilst you are getting in touch with us.

Pad injuries: Your pet suddenly goes lame. Sometimes it is because of a thorn in the pad, or the pad has been cut by glass. Thorns can usually be removed with a little hook, but sometimes they bury in deep and surgery is needed. For cut pads, taping on a child's sock can make a very quick dressing. If blood starts to soak through, just add another one on top rather than dislodging the blood clot.

Road traffic collisions: Pets do get into scrapes: the cat that likes to bask in the middle of the road, the dog that takes off in pursuit of a rabbit! These are best seen in the surgery, where we can do much more by way of intravenous fluids, oxygen, ultrasound and x-rays than at home. However, checking their breathing - how many breaths they take a minute - and their colour - how pink their gums are - can give us extra information when you get in touch.

These are also things to check when pets collapse or have breathing difficulties without external signs of trauma.

Seizures: Epileptic seizures can occur in both cats and dogs, and can be extremely distressing. Seizures generally last only a few minutes, but it can seem a lot longer. More often than not they occur when your pet is resting rather than being energetic. If they are fitting, clear the area around them so that they are less likely to hurt themselves; place a blanket under their head. Don't try to put your fingers in their mouth, as they are completely unaware of what they are doing and are likely to bite. In an emergency, contact any of the surgeries.

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

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Neighbourhood Watch

Have your say! Do you know who our Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is? Would you like to meet him and hear what he has to say? Would you like an opportunity to tell him what you think about policing locally or across Derbyshire?

If so, there is an opportunity at a public meeting on Tuesday 17th September at Sharpe's Pottery Museum in Swadlincote, DE11 9DG. Commissioner Alan Charles and a Chief Police Officer will make presentations about the role of the PCC, local policing performance and current crime trends. After that, you will have the chance to ask questions and raise any further policing issues.

Commissioner Charles has said: "Policing is a public service and we need to have a two- way dialogue with the public." So this is your chance. Ring 0300 122 6000 or email pccoffice@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk if you plan to attend. Refreshments will be served from 6.30 pm, and the meetings will run from 7 to 9 pm.

Criminal Damage: Four young teenagers from Repton who were identified on cctv kicking in garden fence panels near the High Street were tracked down by Repton's young PCSO, Lee Orme. As the householder didn't want to give young boys a criminal record, they were dealt with by restorative justice. The parents were fully supportive.

Vehicle security: After five incidents of vehicle crime were reported at the first game of the season at Pride Park, police encourage you to park in authorised parking areas. No car park is totally safe but one with a steward may act as a deterrent. And take the usual precautions; lock up and don't leave property in view.

Phone scammers posing as police officers and computer store employees are targeting vulnerable, mostly elderly people, often during the night. Here are two examples of stories used to gain bank details and in some cases to collect credit and bank cards.

- Posing as police detectives, scammers tell the victims that their bank cards have been used by criminals and ask them for card information, saying a courier will pick up their cards. The scammer then asks victims to contact their bank and cancel their cards. But despite putting the phone down before making the call to the bank, their phone line has been directed back to the scammers, who then ask for their bank details.

- Another scenario is to say that the victim's grandchild has run up a debt at the Apple Store, which needs to be paid off.

The police advise that they would never send a courier to collect bank cards. Officers with identification would come to your house. Also, when you hang up the phone, make sure you hear a dialling tone before making another call.

Do not share financial details, including codes for your bankcard, safe or keysafe, with strangers and do not keep large amounts of money in your house.

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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Local

Open Gardens 2014

Milton and Repton have both now set the date of their Open Gardens events for next year. Milton gardens will open on Sunday 8th June, and Repton gardens on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd June. So whether you are an old hand, or thinking of opening for the first time (and if you do, you really will enjoy it!) you can now start planning to have your garden at its best for this important date in the village calendar.

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Kerbside Recycling

The new system goes live in October. Existing green boxes and blue bags will be replaced by a single bin. Plastics and cardboard, which are not currently collected, can be recycled alongside tins, cans, aerosols, foil and paper. Card and paper 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 new bins will be delivered between the end of August and the end of September. The change is expected to divert more than 2,500 tonnes of waste away from landfill each year.

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YMCA Food Banks

More than 340,000 people needed the services of emergency food banks last year, a number that has almost doubled in 12 months. In this country! We are familiar with queues for food in refugee camps, or where people are suffering from famine, earthquake or flood, but it is a shock to learn of real hunger here.

Burton YMCA runs two food banks, one in Burton and one in Swadlincote. Between the pasta and the tinned tomatoes, the baked beans and the breakfast cereals, we hear the stories of people in distress, benefits stopped, a job lost, health broken down, a family rift, homelessness, a litany of sudden destitution. It is the speed with which normal life is plunged into crisis which causes some of the greatest shock, a sense of personal failure, and the embarrassment of needing help; desperate men and women will walk past a food bank a dozen times before plucking up the courage to step inside.

The food bank in Burton has been running for over ten years, and has become an impressive community enterprise, sponsored and staffed by the local YMCA but drawing on the generosity and goodwill of local churches, schools, traders, voluntary groups and individual shoppers who buy an extra item from the supermarket and pop it into a collecting bin. In Burton and South Derbyshire alone, emergency food was distributed last year on 1,454 occasions. Many people have nowhere else to turn in times of crisis, and although support is restricted to four visits per person, there is help in an emergency; toiletries and sleeping bags are supplied to those sleeping rough.

If you or your organisation feel able to give your support, whether through fundraising or by donating food, please contact Paul Laffey at Burton YMCA on 01283 538802, or Imogen Gallop at South Derbyshire CVS on 01283 550163.

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Willington Surgery

The new surgery is due to be finished in October. I am sure you will have noticed the roadworks and apologise for any delay.

The plan is to close the existing surgery at the end of Friday 1st November and to open the new surgery at 8 am on Monday 4th. The pharmacy will also be on site and will keep the same hours as the surgery, 8 am to 6 pm. There will be 51 parking spaces, but as ever we would ask you to consider whether you do need to use a car. There will also be a bicycle rack.

The address is Kingfisher Drive, Willington DE65 6QT. Telephone numbers will not change, but a new system will allow us dedicate lines for specific services such as contacting our secretary for test results. In line with modern standards, we will have the ability to recall telephone calls. Following a software change last year, we hope to offer online appointments shortly. Some of you will have noticed that text messages are already being generated to remind you about booked appointments.

The new surgery will be three times as large as the present one; we are currently working in half the space we actually need. The project has cost two million pounds, so you can be sure we have not built it on land that will flood, and the road has been raised.

The premises will comply with all the rules that came in this April to control infections. The current surgery was built to have a relaxing feel, but the new surgery cannot enjoy the same luxury. We have striven to make the building as light, airy and pleasant as possible, but there had to be compromises along the way. I know, however, that our patient participation group is keen to work with us to get the feel of the building right once we are in.

You will recall that we have been trying to move premises for the last eight years, and in that time the NHS has changed enormously. When we move, we will simply be transferring our existing services, but we are also in active discussions to make sure that the building is fully used by health-related services. The plan is that, as the practice grows over the next 20 years, it will increasingly occupy the available space. If the predictions on house building north of the Trent are correct, this could happen sooner.

The partnership has had to take on the lease for the next 20 years; even with government support this represents a considerable commitment. As with many businesses, the days of owners constructing their own premises are over, and we felt this was the best way to offer first class premises for patients, and to attract future doctors, nurses and staff.

If you feel that anything about the building could have been done better, just pause for a moment and consider that every detail was looked into and agonised over. However, people with ideas are always welcome to join our Patient Participation Group.

At some stage we will have a ceremonial opening; at that point I will turn to the topic of the many people we have to thank for getting this project to completion.

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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

Let's celebrate!
St Wystan's Church, Sunday 6th October at 4 pm

The completion of work on the spire and tower will be marked by a Service of Thanksgiving. It will last about 45 minutes with light refreshments afterwards. The service will be open to all, and it would be particularly good if everyone who has contributed in any way could be there with us to celebrate. Do put it in your diary!

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Sing with MusSoc!

Choir rehearsals for Verdi's Requiem start on Thursday 5th September at 6.30 pm in Pears School, for a performance under the direction of John Bowley, Repton School's Director of Music, on Sunday 1st December. If you are interested in taking part or would like further information, please contact Morag Hill on 702799. 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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Tai Chi for Health

Come and join us at the Den for some gentle, calm exercise which will keep you supple, improve your balance, and benefit sufferers of arthritis. We are a friendly informal group taught by Lisa Dengate, a qualified Tai Chi teacher, and we welcome everyone, beginners or experienced. We look forward to seeing you at the Den on Mitre Drive at 1 pm on Tuesdays from 10th September. If you would like a chat about it, or would like to know more, please ring Lisa on 0791 436 9428.

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Repton Beavers

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

For three days in August, Forest Camp in Cheshire was the venue for Scout Camp. We were blessed with great weather, and enjoyed a variety of activities from paddling sinking rafts and BMX biking around the forest, to cooking on and singing around the campfire. If this wasn't enough, some of the Scouts are training for the Yorkshire 3 Peaks walk at the end of August.

Wednesday evening Scout meetings start again on the 4th September.

Can YOU help?

We are unable to take new members until more adult leaders are recruited. If you are an adult interested in helping, even if you cannot commit to every week, and want more information, contact Mike Knowles on 07989 990119.

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Repton Guides

Guides get a lot out of their 'girls only' space, from team working and organisational skills to building friendships that last a lifetime.

Over the past year, our three patrols have planned for themselves a full and varied programme. Guides love their music and regularly find ways to incorporate it into their patrol time. There have also been many sessions revolving around crafts and cooking, and not surprisingly chocolate is usually on the menu.

The girls also opted to take part in group and community projects. The first was to decorate and fill shoeboxes to be sent to children less fortunate than themselves as part of the Samaritans Purse project. They then raised money for the Stroke Association, whilst also completing their 'Five Senses Go for It', which required them to organise a series of challenges excluding a different sense each week. We have also spent sessions working on equality and Fair Trade, and the girls regularly ask to play 'The Shoe Game', in which each patrol acts as a Peruvian family trying to make ends meet through making and selling shoes.

For Repton Open Gardens weekend, Guides put a lot of work into preparing their scarecrows, and were very pleased, when one patrol received a high commended award!

Outside our normal meeting place at The Den in Mitre Drive, many of the girls have tasted adventure with rock climbing and enjoyed the competition of 10 pin bowling. We were led round St Wystan's Church by Rev'd Martin, where Guides enjoyed exploring the grounds and tentatively ventured into the crypt.

Over the spring and summer we put up tents, cooked outdoors, took part in a number of trail walks around the village, and ended the year with a group water fight.

Help Needed

Sadly, the future of Repton Guides hangs in the balance, as one of our leaders is moving with her work. Without more help, Repton Guides will close, and the village will lose a cherished resource.

If you are motivated, reliable and up for a laugh, then Guiding is for you. If you have an hour to spare each week or two hours a month, could we persuade you to join our leadership team as an occasional unit helper? Please get in touch for more information.

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Repton Christmas Tree Festival
St Wystan's Church, Friday 6th - Sunday 8th December

Our biennial Christmas Tree Festival raises funds for The Children's Society and for St Wystan's Church. Would you like to join in and decorate a tree? The theme this year is 'Travel and Journeys'.

Letters have already been sent to families, businesses and organisations who took part two years ago, but if you haven't heard, do let us know. And there is plenty of room for newcomers too; if you have any questions or requests, please get in touch.

So that we know how many trees to order, I would be grateful if you could contact me before 20th September. It would be lovely if you could join us.

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Barn Dance with Bonnyrigg
Repton Village Hall, Saturday 12th October, 7 - 10.30 pm

Following the tremendous success of the family Barn Dance at last year’s Jubilee celebrations, Bonnyrig will be returning to Repton with their infectious live music full of life and vitality; you just have to get on your feet. A barn dance bears no resemblance to 'Strictly'; there are no judges, you don't need much skill, and everyone, young and old, joins in and dances together - it's fun! Mike Gentles of Bonnyrig is the finest caller in the business, so a really enjoyable evening is assured.

Tickets cost £10, children £5, and there is a family ticket (2 adults plus children) at £25. For that you get not merely a really fun evening, but also a baked potato supper. You pay for the bar, but the prices are reasonable.

A word of warning though: book your tickets early as the village hall is distinctly smaller than Pears School! Contact Frances Wimbush on 703180 or Jan Roberts, 702159.

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Sale of Work, 9th November, Bottles & Jars

Once again I am making a plea for contributions to this stall, a regular feature at Repton Sale of Work & Fun Day. Home-made produce is always very popular and I would be most grateful for any jars of home-made preserves, chutney and so forth, so as you harvest all your garden produce and turn it into delicious jams and jellies, please remember us. And for those of you who don't spend hours over a preserving pan, we are also delighted to receive anything in a bottle, pot or jar, whether scented, decorative or edible.

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ngs Open Garden, Sunday 15th September
Louise and Stephen Hardwick, Askew Cottage, 23 Milton Road 2 - 6 pm

A lovely garden, open this year for the first time.

The rear garden has several different areas of interest connected with curved paths. Formal hedges give structure and features in the garden include a box-edged herb garden, a small wildlife pool and bog garden, a kitchen garden with raised beds, a circle of meadow grass set within a 'cloud' box hedge, apples trained as a 'Belgian Fence' and plenty of interesting shrubs and perennials.

There are homemade teas with proceeds to NGS. Entry £3, accompanying children free.

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Repton Casuals, Ball Skills

. . . restart at Broomhills Lane playing field on Saturday 14th September at 10 am. All children, girls and boys, from reception or school year one upwards are welcome. Basic skills are taught through small-sided games in a safe and friendly environment. Refreshments are available, there are toilets and plenty of space to park. For further information, please phone Bob Errington on 701183, or Dave Jacobs, 701361.

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Calling all Budding Musicians ~ Children's Christmas Orchestra

Come and learn popular carols and Christmas music. Any age and ability on any instrument will be catered for! We'll rehearse once a week after half term and perform on Saturday 21st December in Repton. If you are interested then please contact Rebecca Auterson on 704640 before the end of September.

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Scottish Dancing

The new dancing season starts on Monday 30th September. Do come and join us on the last Monday of each month at 7.15 pm in Repton village hall - cost £3 each.

Scottish dancing is good fun and good exercise. We are a friendly and informal group who enjoy unravelling some of the better-known reels. All you need is a pair of soft shoes (not trainers) and a sense of humour.

Contact Frances Wimbush on 703180, or just come along.

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Half-day Trip with Repton Evergreens

On Thursday 26th September, we are going to Trentham Gardens. We leave Repton village hall at 9.15 am, returning along a scenic route to arrive back at the village hall in time for a late lunch at 2 pm. Please phone me to book your seat. All are welcome; the all-inclusive price for non-members is £10.

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Exhibition of watercolours by Elizabeth Harris

This autumn, Repton artist Elizabeth Harris is to exhibit a series of watercolour paintings of the ancient trees on the Calke Abbey Estate at Gallery No. 1, High Street, Repton.

You are warmly invited to the preview evening on Friday 27th September between 6 and 8.30 pm. The exhibition will continue from 28th September until 1st November; the gallery will be open on Tuesdays and Sundays between 2 and 4 pm and from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturdays.

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Repton Road Club

Following Chris Froome's win in this year's Tour de France, and Sir Bradley Wiggins's victory last year, cycling is enjoying a boom in popularity, and an increasing number of events are being staged around the country. Repton's own cycling group is also prospering and welcomes new members. 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. We offer two rides every week, one leaving The Cross every Sunday morning at 9 am for a ride of about two hours, the on Thursdays at 6.45 pm for rides of up to 90 minutes. All abilities and ages are welcome. For more details, ring Neil on 703363 or see facebook.com/ReptonRoadClub, where you'll also find evidence of the global popularity of the Repton RC cycling shirt!

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September brings relief for Repton Runners

Heading into September, running becomes more comfortable as the temperatures start to cool and we say goodbye to all those warm evenings, nettles stings, bramble scratches and mouthfuls of insects for another year. The evenings are still very pleasant though, so come and make best use of the fading sun by joining Katie and Michael outside the Red Lion every Wednesday at 7 pm 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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What took so long?

As I write, emergency sewer repairs in Brook End are still in progress. The condition of the sewer is much worse than first thought, with the pipes heavily corroded and very thin. The contractor has had to extend the excavations in search of a sound section of pipe to connect to.

Sewage from Newton Solney, Winshill and much of Repton passes along a 300 mm diameter pipe under Burton Road, The Cross and Brook End, to a pumping station near the tea rooms. This pipe is concrete and is being eaten away by sulphuric acid, hence previous collapses near the Music School and further along Brook End.

Progress is slow because of the need to excavate to a depth of three and a half metres, one metre of which is solid concrete. The work can only be done with hand-held jack hammers to avoid - as far as possible - damaging a neighbouring water main and telecom cables; at one point a leaking water main stopped work for two days, and just when it seemed that the end was in sight, it was found that a further section had collapsed; a new hole had to be dug nearer to the Cross, delaying completion by a further three days.

The Parish Council asked for parking outside St Wystan's School to be suspended during the work. (Only the County Council or the police could authorise this.)

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Thank you! Neighbourhood Yard Sale

In August, a neighbourhood yard sale at 2, 3 and 5 Monsom Lane raised over £600 towards rebuilding the village hall, replacing the central heating boiler at the Royal British Legion, and refurbishing the schoolroom at the United Reformed Church.

We would like to express sincere thanks for all items donated and assistance given on the day.

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Repton W.I. Celebrates!

The Women's Institute in Repton was founded in 1918 by a group of ladies including Rosamond Fisher, its first President. Rosamund's husband, at the time the headmaster of Repton School, later became Archbishop of Canterbury. The Repton branch was one of the first in Derbyshire, although the first in the country was formed in 1915 after the movement had been brought here from Canada.

In August we celebrated our 95th anniversary, along with former members and friends, over strawberries and cream, cakes, scones and tea in the garden of our current President. It was thoroughly enjoyable, and now we look forward to our 100th anniversary!

On Thursday 5th September there is a trip to the BBC studios in Nottingham; places are still available if you would like to go; contact Joan Paulson for details.

The next monthly meeting is at 7.15 pm on Tuesday 10th September in Repton village hall; Jenny West will demonstrate and cook a Harvest meal, and there will be a harvest and produce stall. Do join us. Visitors are always welcome.

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Repton Village History Group

In early August, Rachael Hall, the National Trust archaeologist for the East Midlands, guided 25 of us on a gentle walk around Ticknall Lime Works. These are far more extensive than one might imagine, incorporating the horse-drawn track-way to the Ashby Canal as well as numerous quarries and kilns.

After taking the tunnel under the Lime Walk, we followed the track-way to see some of the quarry faces, a restored kiln and the remains of many others. The track-way branches extensively and each turn reveals yet more workings.

Lime was used in building as mortar, as a soil improver and for lime-wash paint. The high quality of Ticknall slaked lime made the works very profitable, but early transport limited the market. This and increased tolls on the turnpikes led to the building of the canal and the track-way, a co-operative enterprise by the various lime works freeholders. The track-way brought coal in for the firing, took lime out, and was used by the local brickworks as well.

In use since at least 1462, the lime yards declined as reserves of high quality crushed limestone dwindled and technology elsewhere improved the process. Flooding became a problem, and the final stretch of the tramway near the canal closed. Eventually, only the Calke Estate was using the yards, and the last firing took place in 1940. Together with the brickworks, the lime yards would have created considerable pollution; locals talked of 'knitting Ticknall fog'. How reassuring that the site is now a beautiful SSSI; nature has recovered so greatly that it is difficult to see the scale of the operations.

At our next meeting on Tuesday 17th September, Rowena Lovatt will talk about the Leek Embroidery Guild - 7.30 pm in Repton village hall. Visitors are most welcome; RVHG members £2, visitors £3, including tea and biscuits. For further information, contact Andy Austen on 702448.

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Repton Village Society

A reminder that on Thursday 5th September Alan Hopkin will be reminiscing about his years as an Army bandsman.

Wednesday 11th September: Coach Trip to Winterbourne House and Avoncroft Museum of Ancient Buildings

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 School Science Priory Opening

His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent KG will officially open The Science Priory on Tuesday 24th September. After spending the morning in Repton, HRH will visit Foremarke Hall, where he will also open the brand new music, art, design technology and teaching facility, The Quad. At a later date, there will be an Open Afternoon / Evening for villagers to look around the Science Priory. Further details will be published here.

New Precinct Teaching Block

Following on from the building of the Science Priory, the School is working with Franklin Ellis Architects to replace the old Chemistry block in the Precinct with a new teaching facility. Subject to planning approval we hope to demolish the existing building in April 2014 and complete the new building by early 2015.

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Bats at the Dales

Following activity at the Dales in mid-July, Alan Webster, Chairman of Repton Village Society, wrote to Derbyshire County Council to find out what was happening with the site. This is part of the reply he received.

"Proposals to redevelop the site as an 'extracare' facility are still in place . . . There was always likely to be a delay in clearing and redeveloping the site because of the time needed to cater for protected species (bats) and to address related planning issues. Because of the need to obtain a protected species licence . . . and to co-ordinate this with the planning application, it is unlikely that the existing buildings can be demolished before summer 2014. We will of course continue to maintain the building's security system during that period."

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Does 'The Square' exist?

When an audit of street signs in Repton found no signs for The Square, the Village History Group was asked to provide historical information. It raised a fascinating question.

The Square appears on no censuses, is not labelled on any maps, and is not mentioned in either Hipkin* or Bigsby*. High Street and Main Street were originally one, Long Street, which ran south from the Cross right out of the village to Wood End and Park End, although it seems that 'High Street' was used unofficially from the late 1860s: many of the census returns at that time have the name 'High Street' crossed out and corrected as 'Long Street'. Possibly it was then that the road junction became known locally as The Square. There are photographs and postcards labelled 'The Square' from around 1900, but it seems to be an unofficial name.

Nowadays, all the signs are for Well Lane, Main Street, High Street and Pinfold Lane. High Street goes right up to the pillar box by Pinfold Lane, and there is a street sign for it there. The old Congregational Manse is no. 1 Main Street. The three houses adjacent to what was the corner shop are nos. 2, 4 and 6 Main Street. The corner shop carries a sign for Well Lane, the house named Leslou also has a High Street sign, and the cottages demolished in the 70s used to carry it.

So, does the Square exist? If you have any documentary evidence or can remember signs saying 'The Square', please let me know.
* F.C. Hipkins' 'Repton and its Neighbourhood' is still available in print. You can download Robert Bigsby's 'Historical and Topographical Description of Repton' from Google Books.

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Repton Association for the Prosecution of Felons ~ The original Neighbourhood Watch!

In 1829 Robert Peel established the Metropolitan Police in London and by 1857 every city in the UK had its own police force. But Repton wasn't a city, and even when it did have its own village Bobby - by 1869 - it was still difficult to secure a prosecution.

An alternative solution was provided by The Repton Association for the Prosecution of Felons, formed in 1787. However, it must have lapsed, for it seems it was reformed in 1825 and again in 1838. On the last occasion its aims are described as 'preventing Burglaries, Felonies and Robberies of all kinds'. The initial membership is not known, but in 1825 Richard Somers was the treasurer and Joseph Bradbury the secretary. In addition to the principal villagers, it probably included 'the great and the good'; at a later stage it certainly did, with Sir Vauncey Harpur-Crewe, Sir Francis Burdett, and Rev'ds Smith, Garvey, Pattinson and Peil among its members. There was a joining fee of 2/6d and, when required, an annual levy - 1/- in 1881 and 3/- in 1908.

Each year, a committee of 12 was elected, and the secretary and treasurer could summon 'a sufficient number' of them to deal with 'any threat or offence' affecting members. Meetings took place in the Boot Inn, the Mitre Inn or, later, the Bulls Head, and 2/6 was allowed for expenses. A table of rewards for the apprehension and conviction of anyone committing offences ranged from 1 guinea for wilful damage or petty theft to 5 guineas for highway robbery or the theft of a horse, mare, bull or cow. These rewards were 'over and above the Rewards allowed by Act of Parliament'. In addition, expenses incurred in obtaining a prosecution were usually met. The Society was also able to support non-members who could not afford the cost of a securing a prosecution, particularly where it was deemed beneficial to the parish generally.

The Association dealt with a wide range of offences including the theft by a servant of two handkerchiefs, shots fired at a bull, the theft of vegetables, damage to styles, gates and fences, harassment of animals, problems from Repton School boys, and the theft of eggs, chickens, lambs, rabbits and calves. A successful prosecution could carry serious penalties: in 1840, John Allen was transported for sheep-stealing, and a year later Michael Blood was sentenced to one year in prison for the same offence. Both were lucky, however, because in 1816, a prosecution by the South Wingfield Society resulted in the execution of four men for setting fire to hay ricks.

Members were expected to attend an annual dinner in the Bulls Head; in later years they were fined 1/- for non-attendance which was given to the landlord providing the dinner.

An unexpected off-shoot of the association was the creation of an annual Root Show, which ran for about 20 years. The first was held at the Bulls Head in November 1885. Committee members were appointed to 'go round and see the roots drawn from the respective competitor's farms as a guarantee of [a] bona fide show'.

In the 1920s, the Association's involvement in prosecutions declined, and the main business seems to have become the annual dinner, attended by some 70 men of substance. There was talk of reviving the Root Show and a proposal for the formation of a Rat Club to deal with a vermin problem.

The society dwindled away in the 1930s, and by 1934, a journalist recorded that 'the main purpose of the Society is now to promote conviviality and general good fellowship'. A small financial deficit was carried forward in 1936, but the account book closed in 1938 with just over £10 in Lloyds Bank.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

Allotments: More of the plots at Monsom Lane have now been taken - just two remain. They are available to all residents of Repton and Milton including existing plot holders. If you would like more land, please contact me at the Parish Council office, 01283 701309 or reptoncouncil@btinternet.com.

Summer Fun on the Mitre Field: We are pleased to report that our first activity, the climbing wall in July, was attended by over 40 local young people. Many had several attempts at the wall and it seemed that a good time was had by all!

Memorial Arboretum: In the next few months we will again be planting trees. There is only room for a few more before the plot is full, so if you wish to plant a tree in memory of a loved one, please contact me for further details.

The Dales: We have now been advised that the building will not be demolished before June next year. This delay is unfortunate, as the building will remain empty and the opening of the proposed new care facility is further postponed.

Repton Cross: Following a change in political control at Derbyshire County Council, the restoration of Repton Cross is now considered a low priority. The Parish Council would like to thank Martyn Ford, who as our local County Councillor has worked tirelessly to try to bring the project to fruition. The Parish Council is still hopeful that County Councillor Ford may be able be achieve this aim.

Housing Development: At next month's Parish Meeting, a representative of Hallam Land Management will give a brief presentation about the proposed residential development off Longlands. All are welcome to attend.

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.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton Village Hall

The new kitchen facilities are being fully used and are much appreciated.

Our fundraising activities in June and July allowed us to complete the kitchen extension but fundraising will resume in the autumn to fund repairs to the hall. Essential work to correct sagging in the floor has resulted in slight cracking to the walls; this was expected, and activities in the hall can continue as normal as the damage is purely cosmetic, although it may well be quite expensive to put right. Once the building has settled again, we will obtain estimates and advice. The village hall committee is committed to maintaining this wonderful old building for future generations.

Photos of the very successful 2013 Summer Fayre and Open Gardens are available on our website; to see them, just click the link on the home page.

To view or book the hall, contact Polly Faulkner through the website or on 703436.

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Milton W.I.

A busy August started with a guided tour of St Mary's Chapel in Derby's Cathedral Quarter followed by wine and nibbles. We provided a supper for Chellaston W.I. and afternoon tea to another group. And for our annual summer social outing we took a canal boat trip from Mercia Marina to Stenson, followed by a light lunch.

Next meeting: Wednesday 18th September at 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. Our speaker will be Kelsangdrima, a Buddhist nun from the Tara Buddhist Centre in Etwall. New members and guests are very welcome.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Football Quiz

The draw for this summer's Football Quiz will take place during St Mary's Harvest Lunch. If you haven't filled one in yet, copies are still available from the Unicorn, the Brickmakers Arms and Cranberries in Newton Solney, and from Hairs and Graces in Willington. You have until the end of September to return them.

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Newton Solney Show

Newton Solney Open Fruit, Flower, Vegetable and Craft Show will be held on Saturday 7th September. You are all most welcome to come along and exhibit. The village hall is open from 9 am for staging; exhibits must be entered by 11.45 am and staged by noon. For entry forms and schedules, contact Chris Freestone on 701147.

The show will open to the public at 3 pm, with the presentation of prizes at 5, followed by an auction and prize draw. We look forward to seeing you on the day.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

After a brief pause in August, we look forward to seeing new faces and familiar ones at our meetings this autumn.

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 C of E Infant School

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.

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Newton Solney W.I.

As usual there was no evening meeting in August, but a number of us met at the home of member Diane Tidy and her husband, David, for a traditional afternoon tea with champagne, croquet, quoits and giant jenga. We were fortunate to have a lovely, sunny afternoon, and a good time was had by all.

Next meeting: Tuesday 10th September at 7.30 pm: Jolyon MacLaine will speak on 'The Ups and Downs of a Helicopter Pilot'. The next whist drive will be on Tuesday 24th September at 7 pm. New players are most welcome. Both are in the village hall.

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Gardening Notes

September can be very colourful with long-flowering plants like geraniums, penstemons, dahlias, salvias and fuchsias continuing to give a good display. There is still time to take cuttings of the best to overwinter in a frost-free environment. Some varieties of these plants will also overwinter outside. The best way to protect them is to leave them untrimmed and give them a thick mulch of compost. Many will become hardier, but they are most vulnerable in their first year before they develop a substantial root system.

A couple of years ago we lost most of our leeks to allium leaf miner. This is a relatively new pest in the UK, first discovered in Wolverhampton in 2003. The leeks keel over, and secondary rotting can soon destroy the whole plant. The damage is done by the maggot-like larvae which tunnel into the leaves, although you are more likely to see the brown pupae which are 3 - 4 mm long. Once the miners have burrowed into the crop, there is little you can do. There are no insecticides approved for treating the pest, even if you know it is there. Timing your crops can help. The flies lay their eggs between the end of February and the end of April, and again between the end of September and the end of November. This means that crops raised between May and September should escape damage. At other times, the best approach is to use a physical barrier to keep the flies at bay. In winter and early spring you can use horticultural fleece, but in summer, fleece can make the plants too hot and keep the rain off, so insect-proof mesh is a better choice.

Pears are best picked before they are fully ripe. If left on the tree, they tend to go brown in the centre and are eaten by wasps and birds. However, if picked too early, they shrivel. Watch for a slight colour change to a lighter green or yellow tinge. They tend to ripen all at once, so it may be worth bringing them from store, a few at a time, into a warmer room. Most early apples do not store well, so pick them a few at a time; there is nothing quite like the taste of an apple picked straight from a tree. If there are any out of your reach, the birds will enjoy them during the winter.

Hardy annuals such as cosmos, poppies, marigold and cornflower generally produce lots of seed which you can collect to germinate in the autumn; if the winter is mild you will get a head start, but expect losses, particularly in a wet winter. You will get best results if you use a cold frame for protection. Alternatively, save the seed to sow in the spring.

Seed from hardy perennials may not come true, but sometimes gives interesting results. Some seed is hard to collect; the seed pods of euphorbias and geranium explode to disperse seed and you may need to cover the ripening seed head with a bag. It is mostly better to sow the seed in autumn in a soil-based seed compost. Some such as peonies are slow to germinate, so label the pots carefully and keep them for at least two years.

Jobs to do in September

Plant out garlic and overwintering onion sets.

Continue to sow vegetables such as turnip, spinach, oriental vegetables and winter lettuce to mature next spring.

Finally, September is the best month to sow new lawns.