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The Parish Magazine Repton, Foremark, Milton, Ingleby, Newton Solney
January 2014

Symbols 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 Services to celebrate Christian Unity: Sundays 12th and 19th January Coffee Morning, Saturday 11th January at 10.30 am SHELL Group Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Lydia Hannah Carvell Funerals and Burial of Ashes Barbara Astle The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Christmas Tree Festivals In South Korea with five thousand Christians St Wystan's News Visit of the Staffordshire Hoard Services and Groups in January Concert with Soup and Sweet Lunch Advent Candlelight Service St Saviour's News St Saviour's Roof Christmas Bazaar ~ Thank You! St Mary's News The Epiphany: Family Service, Sunday 5th January Local Diary Event Details Repton School Concert, Wednesday 15th January Milton Lunch Club, Thursday 16th January Coffee Morning, Saturday 25th January Messy Church: Jesus and John the Baptist, Sunday 26th January Repton School Concert: The Carducci Quartet, Wednesday 29th January Bill Smith and the Strictly Swing Quintet, Saturday 15th February Environment Matters A new sofa for Christmas? Neighbourhood Watch Graffiti Defrosting your Car Freezing Weather South Derbyshire Safer Homes South Derbyshire Recycle your Christmas Tree Willington Trains Repton Village and History A Special Celebration ~ The Covenant Service, Sunday 12th January Repton Rags, 10th & 24th January Repton Christmas Tree Festival Repton W.I. Safe and Sound Repton Beavers Repton Scouts Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group Repton Road Club Live and Local: Kel Eliot Band, Saturday 8th March Repton Pre-school Christmas at St Wystan's School and Nursery Vassall's Record Broken Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton W.I. Milton Village Hall Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney Christmas Tree Festival Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney Parish Council News Gardening Notes Computer Security CryptoLocker

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Symbols

As I write, our Christmas Tree Festivals are in full swing. What lovely events they are, with so many people sharing their talents. But by the time you read this in the New Year, some of you have already taken your tree to the shredder, while others are still removing needles from your socks!

As we move on from the Christmas and New Year celebrations into January with its often cold, damp, dark mornings and even darker evenings, we do well to hold onto a little of the colour and festivity of the Christmas Tree. Tradition may say that we should clear away all 'fripperies' as soon as Twelfth Night arrives, but it also says that trees should not be decorated until Christmas Eve, and we ignore that readily enough. There is no need to keep the tree itself, just a few decorations - tinsel coiled on the coffee table, a bauble hung from a light fitting, a candle on the mantelpiece - a small, visible reminder to carry the festive spirit through the dark season of winter.

Visible reminders of spiritual gifts abound in our Christian faith. From the crib, reminding us of God's love for us, to the water poured at baptism bringing new life in Christ, visible symbols remind us of God's spiritual generosity to us. The crib, cross and water, bread, wine and the church building itself, all remind us just how much we owe Him, what His Spirit is doing in the midst of our lives, and what Jesus can do for us if we allow Him to. The great sadness is that too many people recognise God for a short while, but then after their 'twelve days of Christmas' pack him away and forget him until the next time.

When a baby is born, new birth and parenthood often bring a season of goodwill and the urge - which I believe is a calling from God - to have the child baptised. The party follows, but then the christening robe, the candle, Bible and presents are tucked away in the bottom drawer. All too often, that packing away of the visible symbols draws that season to a close and risks being the end of the child's spiritual journey with Jesus.

It can be similar when a couple get married. Drawn to the church as the right place to marry, they may join in the worship there for the months leading up to their wedding day. God's house can speak to them of His presence in their lives and in their marriage, but as the happy couple stand in the church door on the way out from their wedding, looking back with a smile for the photographer, they are often leaving behind both God's house and God himself. Those who have a living relationship with God will know how sad that is.

God welcomed into a life brings new meaning and fulfilment as we respond to the love, joy, peace and other gifts He offers. This is why Christian churches are called to 'mission', to share our faith with others. It is because we know that God has given us so much and we want others to enjoy those same things.

I constantly wear two symbols. One is my wedding ring, the other a small cross around my neck. To me they are more than just jewellery, they are reminders of the two most important relationships of my life, and that their seasons never end. Even though you might not choose to wear a ring, I hope that you can join me in wearing the Cross.

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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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Services to celebrate Christian Unity: Sundays 12th and 19th January

In January we remind ourselves of the Covenant that our churches in Repton made to work together. On the morning of 12th January at St Wystan's, using the Methodist Covenant Service, and then the following Sunday evening, with a joint service at the U.R.C. we pledge once again with churches across the world to work ever more closely.

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Coffee Morning, Saturday 11th January at 10.30 am

This will be your chance to replenish cakes, marmalade and chutney after all the feasting, and to browse the Phoenix and Webb Ivory cards. And, of course, to chat over a cup of coffee. Come and join us!

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SHELL Group

. . . for children and young people aged 7 and over recommences on Monday 13th January at 6.30 pm. New members are welcome!

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Baptisms

Lydia Hannah Carvell, daughter of Catherine and Jonathan of 19 Outwoods Street, Burton upon Trent, was baptised on Sunday 1st December at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Barbara Astle of Springfield Road, Repton, died on Friday 29th November aged 74. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 17th December 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

Christmas Tree Festivals

May I express my personal thanks to all those from our churches and the many more from the local communities who worked so hard to make our Christmas Tree Festivals so successful. Thank you!

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In South Korea with five thousand Christians

At the beginning of November, around five thousand Christians from most of the mainstream traditions met in Busan in South Korea for the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches. The theme was 'God of life, lead us to justice and peace', but this wasn't a matter of politics; in everything that happened - plenary sessions, ecumenical conversations, daily bible studies and other assembly events - mission and unity were at the forefront. However, if we are really to love our neighbours, we do also need to be led to justice and peace.

We were there to represent the Association of Interchurch Families. Our exhibition stand in the madang (marketplace) area was sandwiched between a group supporting the Indian Dalits (untouchables) and the Christian Conference of Asia. There we met over 150 people from about twenty different denominations and forty-seven countries. We also gave media interviews including one to the local Korean newspaper; we saw it in print and know it was about us because there was a photograph, but other than that we were none the wiser; we are nervously awaiting a translation!

It was humbling to find how many people there spoke excellent English, even though this was often their second or third language. In the English language bible study each morning, we sat alongside people from Africa, South America, and continental Europe. Even at the meeting for Anglicans, we shared a table with clergy from Brazil, Portugal and the Congo as well as Scotland and Ireland.

South Korea has been transformed over the last thirty years, with a booming industrial economy and life expectancy increased from around fifty to over eighty. Despite the obvious differences, there is a determination to regard Korea, North and South, as one country; we were aware of much prayer that the country will one day be united.

The country is predominately Buddhist, with about 30% of the population Christian, split between huge independent evangelical congregations, Roman Catholics and mainstream Protestant traditions, mostly Presbyterian. We visited a local Anglican congregation for their Sunday worship followed by an informal lunch. They shared our concerns, particularly thinking about their future as a small, ageing congregation, with younger Christians being attracted to large independent charismatic churches.

Our ten days in South Korea were wonderful, bringing us into contact with Christians from around the world, and allowing us to share with them in worship, prayer and bible study. If you would like to know more about the assembly, you can read more on its website at wcc2013.info/en.

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St Wystan's News

Visit of the Staffordshire Hoard

We are delighted that from 6th October until 28th November, St Wystan’s Church has been chosen to host The Staffordshire Hoard Mercian Trail Touring Exhibition. Featuring high quality replicas, it shows how the wonderful objects might have looked when first crafted, alongside hands-on activities so that visitors can have a go at detecting treasure and cleaning a piece of the hoard themselves. There will be objects to handle and costumes to try on, which will also help to bring the Anglo-Saxons to life.

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Services and Groups in January

The Epiphany: Family Service, Sunday 5th January

The arrival of the Wise Men - Magi or Kings - to worship the new born Jesus is for many people the final act in the Christmas story. We would love you to come along to the family services in St Wystan's at 9.45 am to celebrate their mysterious yet joyous appearance. It poses many questions about who they were and why they came, as well as about the political storm their arrival created in Herod's Palace. Come and find out a few answers as we continue to celebrate the new born King of all creation.

The Epiphany: Choral Service, Sunday 12th January

Our Epiphany celebration continues with a special Choral Service at 6.30 pm in St Wystan's. The Wystan Singers will lead our worship as we pause to contemplate the mysteries around the appearance of those Wise Men at the crib of Jesus. All are most welcome.

The Covenant Service: Sunday 12th January, 10.30 am at St Wystan's

Do join us to celebrate 10 years of formally working together as Christians in Repton. Of course, our close cooperation and friendship go back much further. Details are on page 17, but do note the time. Every year somebody gets it wrong!

Wednesday Communion: Usually every Wednesday, but there will be no service on New Year's Day.

A short service of Prayer for Healing in St Catherine's Chapel in the north aisle follows Parish Communion on the 26th. Everyone is welcome.

Prayer for Christian Healing is on Thursday 30th at 7.30 pm. Everyone is welcome whether for prayer and the laying on of hands or just to be part of a special service.

Intercessory Prayer for Healing meets at 3 Richmond Court at 7.30 pm on Monday 6th January.

The Bible Study Group studying The Acts of the Apostles meets at 7.30 pm on Thursday 9th January at 28 The Pastures.

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Concert with Soup and Sweet Lunch

A thoroughly enjoyable occasion: the concert by pupils of Foremarke Hall was as good as ever; the music was lovely, and soloists and groups sang and played with confidence and talent. Thank you to all the performers and to their Director of Music, Susan Bloor, in particular, as well as the cooks and servers who provided the lunch which followed, and to everyone who came.

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Advent Candlelight Service

To mark the start of the Advent season, the season that leads up to Christmas, the Benefice held a special service at St Wystan's. The Wystan singers, hymns and readings re-told the promise of God to send his Son, Jesus Christ, to live among us, and to return a second time when creation is drawn to a close. It was an atmospheric start to our preparations to worship the new born Jesus at Christmas. Thanks especially to the Wystan Singers.

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St Saviour's News

St Saviour's Roof

During the high winds in early December, we lost the temporary felt roof on Foremark Church. We are greatly indebted to staff from Repton Preparatory School for putting on tarpaulins to keep rain out, and to all those who worked so hard to clean and decorate the church in time for the Carols by Candlelight Service. Thank you, one and all.

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Christmas Bazaar ~ Thank You!

St Saviour's PCC would like to thank everyone who helped make this year's Christmas Bazaar in aid of Foremark Church roof fund such a success. It raised an astonishing £1,482. Thank you to all the people who sold raffle tickets, organised stalls, set up the hall and made donations, and especially to everyone who came on the day. Although there is still a long way to go, your generosity has raised much needed funds for the replacement of the old lead roof, and we are extremely grateful.

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St Mary's News

The Epiphany: Family Service, Sunday 5th January

The arrival of the Wise Men - Magi or Kings - to worship the new born Jesus is for many people the final act in the Christmas story. We would love you to come along to the family services at St Mary's at 10 am to celebrate their mysterious yet joyous appearance. It poses many questions about who they were and why they came, as well as about the political storm their arrival created in Herod's Palace. Come and find out a few answers as we continue to celebrate the new born King of all creation.

Repton School Concerts Society Shakespeare ~ 'If music be the food of love' Wednesday 15th January at 7.45 pm in The Robert Beldam Hall Following last year's excellent Viennese concert, the Music Department will present an evening to celebrate William Shakespeare. Expect an exciting and varied programme! Individual concert tickets are £13.50, concessions £10.50. For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR. 01283 702550.

Milton Lunch Club Thursday 16th January at 12 for 12.30 pm in Milton village hall £5 per person includes a raffle ticket and sherry or soft drink on arrival Contact Lynn on 01283 704540 or Sue, 01283 701978

Coffee Morning Saturday 25th January, 10 am to noon 37 High Street, Repton Raffle and Books Admission £3 including coffee and cake In support of Safe and Sound

Messy Church Jesus and John the Baptist Join us at St Wystan's Church for activities, craft and celebration and thinking about what baptism means St Wystan's Church, Sunday 26th January, 4 to 5.30 pm Fun for all the family, including Sunday tea To find out more, contact Ruth Attwood on 702804 or . Everyone is welcome!

Repton School Concerts Society The Carducci Quartet Wednesday 29th January at 7.45 pm in The Robert Beldam Hall The Carducci Quartet is recognised as one of today's most successful young string quartets. Winners of many competitions at home and abroad, the Anglo Irish group has an enthusiastic international following with over 90 concerts worldwide each year. The programme on this occasion will include works by Haydn, Bartok and Beethoven. Individual concert tickets are £13.50, concessions £10.50. For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR. 01283 702550.

Repton Village Society Bill Smith and the Strictly Swing Quintet Saturday 15th February, 7.30 - 10.15 pm in Repton Village Hall Bring your own food, drink and glasses, and prepare for another great evening! Tickets £8 from Alan Webster, 01283 701838

Environment Matters

A new sofa for Christmas?

Did you get a new sofa this Christmas? Then why not donate the old one - and any other unwanted furniture - to Betel.

Betel of Britain is a group of caring, not-for-profit Christian communities that restores homeless and long-term unemployed people to independence. Men and women are trained in a wide range of life and employment skills.

Residents help to fund their own recovery by working in one of Betel's charitable businesses. This helps them to rebuild a work ethic, restores dignity and gives a sense of purpose. The result is that, on leaving Betel, they contribute positively to their own family life and society.

Work takes many forms, from the daily chores in residences to the responsibility for managing a Betel business in the local community. Teamwork helps to build job skills such as diligence, punctuality, dependability, self-esteem and respect for supervisors. Residents are orientated to the realities of the working world in one of Betel's workshops or businesses, which include furniture repair, restoration and upholstery, house removals and clearances, painting and decorating, and vehicle repair.

Centres around the country have room for around 340 residents, stores based around them sell donated and repaired furniture. The nearest Betel centre is in Etwall with a furniture store in Derby. For further information see betel.org.uk.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Graffiti: There has been an outbreak of graffiti and criminal damage in Repton. Please keep a look out, and if you have any information, contact the police.

Defrosting your Car: If you are tempted to leave your car to warm up on the driveway with its engine running, take care. Leaving it unlocked makes it easy for an opportunist thief and probably invalidates your insurance.

Freezing Weather 1: During snow and ice, see derbyshire.gov.uk/snow for information on road gritting and school and road closures, published daily at 7 am, 2 pm and 9 pm.

Freezing Weather 2: Unless your journey is absolutely essential, stay indoors. If you must travel, make sure you are well prepared. Take a shovel with you and pack warm clothes, food and drink. Make sure you take a mobile phone.

Freezing Weather 3: Check on your vulnerable and older neighbours to ensure that they have sufficient heat and food. If you are worried about them, please contact the police who will ensure the appropriate people are told. If you yourself are feeling vulnerable in any way as a result of the bad weather, please tell your neighbours, friends, relatives, or the police.

Freezing Weather 4: Please do not walk or allow your children to play on frozen water. No matter how thick it looks, ice is never safe and the water underneath is very cold. Adrian Gillham, Chairman, Repton Neighbourhood Watch, 703340

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

Safer Homes South Derbyshire

. . . is a free mobile joinery service that sets out to improve security in the homes of elderly (over 60) and vulnerable people in South Derbyshire, installing security equipment such as door and window locks, and giving advice on crime prevention.

The scheme has been set up by Safer South Derbyshire, and is operated by the CVS. Most referrals will probably be made by organisations such as social services, the primary care trust, police or citizens' advice. However, you can also refer yourself or someone else, a neighbour or relative perhaps. Contact Amanda Elliott at South Derbyshire CVS on 01283 219761.

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Recycle your Christmas Tree

Although, once again, SDDC has not yet published information for this Christmas, it has usually been possible to recycle Christmas trees in early January at the recreation ground car park on Twyford Road in Willington, the road that goes out towards the power station. Other sites include Rosliston Forestry Centre, Ticknall Village Hall, and the football ground in Sandypits Lane, Etwall.

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Willington Trains

When in 2008 the Midland Mainline franchise was taken over by East Midlands Trains and Central Trains amalgamated with Virgin Cross Country, the number of weekday trains from Willington was slashed. Where once there had been nine or ten trains in each direction, we were left with just four. Gradually, however, that number has crept up, and the latest timetable sees another addition.

Although it may seem odd to start off in the wrong direction, at certain times it is worth travelling in either direction via Derby. It takes about 20 minutes longer, and usually costs the same. The table on parish notice boards only shows the direct trains.

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Repton Village & History

A very Special Celebration ~ The Covenant Service
Sunday 12th January, 10.30 am at St Wystan's

Each year the United Reformed Church, St Wystan's and Roman Catholics in Repton hold a joint service to celebrate their covenant to work together as Christians. This year is extra special as our service will mark 10 years since the covenant was signed. While we celebrate these years of partnership, we will also continue to look to the future and consider how we might draw ever closer together within the love of God. Whatever church you belong to, you are most welcome to join in this special celebration.

Repton Rags Boys & girls aged 7 to 14 Fun and games, indoors and out, and plenty of time to chat with your friends Friday 10th & 24th January from 6.30 to 8 pm at the Den      £1 a head Come along and have fun!       More info from Julie Groom, 0797 4998852

Repton Christmas Tree Festival

The trees made a spectacular display once again this year. The creativity of the decorators was amazing, with a wide variety of approaches cleverly reflecting the theme of travel and journeys.

A very big 'thank you' to all of you who supported the Festival. You were involved in so many different ways; in decorating the trees, supplying cakes, crafts and produce, putting up and taking down the displays, helping over the weekend by providing and manning refreshments, stewarding, and last but not least, by visiting. It was a great example of community spirit.

Particular thanks go to Rob Simpson for his storytelling on Saturday, and to Sarah Lloyd and Jane Millensted for playing to us on Sunday.

The Festival raised approximately £1,300 which will be divided between The Children's Society and St Wystan's Church.

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Repton W.I.

Our Christmas meeting began with hot punch made by Joan from a recipe collected at an ACWW day at Derbyshire House, where members learnt more about the work that ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World) does with women in under-developed countries. Then Maria Whatton kept us enthralled, telling us how her love of story-telling, which she practises every day in schools, prisons and hospitals, began as a child sharing a bedroom with her six sisters; her brother had a room to himself! Afterwards we enjoyed seasonal refreshments and swapped gifts.

Future events include a lunch visit to the Mulberry Restaurant in Burton on 23rd January, a theatre visit in February, and a Coffee Morning to raise money for Safe and Sound; see page 9 for more on Safe and Sound, and page 21 for details of the coffee morning.

On Tuesday 14th January the speaker will be the Willington Surgery practice manager, Louise Scheck. 7.15 pm in the village hall. Visitors and new members are always welcome.

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Safe and Sound

Based in Derby, Safe and Sound is a charity that works nationwide to end child sexual exploitation. As well as providing support to children and young people who are being, or are at risk of being sexually exploited, together with their families, it ensures that both victims and their families get the help and support they need.

Do you know of a child at risk?

Do not keep it to yourself. Contact the police or, where the threat is not immediate, see the Safe and Sound website for advice, safeandsoundderby.co.uk.

Safe and Sound was established in 2002 and has substantial experience of supporting victims of child sexual exploitation and helping them to escape from violence and abuse. Its supporters include Children in Need, Comic Relief, Derbyshire Constabulary and Rolls-Royce, but it is currently threatened with losing its support from Derby City Council. It really does needs your help too!

Fundraising Coffee Morning

Having attended meetings and heard horrific stories of children not yet in their teens being groomed and abused by men of all ages, Repton W.I. is organising a fund-raising Coffee Morning this month; details are above. If you would like to find out more and join us in supporting the valuable work done by Safe and Sound, please come.

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Repton Beavers

During the past few weeks we have completed a number of circuits in our 'keep-fit' night, learnt about Beaver Scouts in Japan, and designed Japanese New Year cards. We also designed Christmas decorations for our tree as part of the Repton Christmas Tree Festival. To round off the year we played fun games and were rewarded with lots of gold and silver medals (made out of chocolate).

If your child is interested in becoming a Beaver or, just as importantly, you know someone who might be interested in becoming a leader, and you want more information, contact Liz Massey-Beeston on 07866 929912 or 01283 703314. Places fill quickly, so please ring early to avoid disappointment.

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Repton Scouts

Did you like the Scouts Christmas Tree decorations? They were night lights made from milk cartons with artwork on them. Scouts finished the autumn term with Sumo wrestling; you had to be there to appreciate it!

In the New Year we will once again be attempting the Chilly Challenge by camping out during January. We are going to Drum Hill campsite and combining this with a visit to Rollerworld.

If you are an adult interested in helping run Scouts, even if you cannot commit to every week, and want more information, please contact Mike Knowles on 07989 990119.

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Repton Village Society

At our meeting on 2nd January Colin McShane will talk on 'Bird Ringing in Rybachy', a small village in the Kaliningrad region of Russia. Colin's talk is about the region, bird migration and how, following the fall of communism, the inhabitants have coped with changes to their way of life. Saturday 15th February: Another evening of music with Bill Smith and his Strictly Swing Quintet. Bring your own food, drink and glasses! Tickets at the same price as last year, £8, are now available. Bill's music always helps create a most pleasant atmosphere in the hall, much enjoyed by everyone. You can either make up a table with friends beforehand, or leave it to us to place you. As in previous years, all are welcome.

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Repton Village History Group

In her talk on Derbyshire Adventurers in November, Shirley Horton told us about people from and around Derbyshire, historical and modern, who had travelled and explored adventurously. We look forward to the next episode on Tuesday 21st January. Visitors are most welcome to all our meetings; RVHG members £2, visitors £3, including tea or coffee and biscuits. For further information, contact Andy Austen on 702448.

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Repton Road Club

If you're hoping to maintain that New Year's resolution to cycle more during the coming year, then doing so in company may strengthen your resolve. Every Sunday morning at 9 am we stage rides of about two hours' duration from The Cross, and welcome riders of all abilities. If you're looking to improve your fitness, if you're making a return to cycling, just starting out, or looking for company on a training ride, then why not join in. For more details, go to facebook.com/ReptonRoadClub or ring Neil on 703363.

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Kel Eliot Band ~ Live and Local
Repton Village Hall, Saturday 8th March at 7.30 pm

Singer songwriter Kel Elliott has the unusual distinction of being a double bass player. Accompanied by guitar, keyboards and percussion from her accomplished band, and drawing on influences as diverse as Ella Fitzgerald, Bonnie Raitt and Django Reinhardt, her songs are upbeat, lyrically optimistic and musically infectious. Kel represents a modern approach to jazz and blues: as a sassy jazz singer with a big voice, her performances are packed with humour, irony and a touch of mischief to provide audiences with a scintillating show.

The latest in a long line of tremendous 'Live and Local' shows such as The Old Rope String Band, Last Night's Fun, Mervyn Stutter, The Old Dance School, Hoagy, Hornpipes, Handel and Hoedown, and last year's Steiny's Blues, we confidently expect another wonderful evening. Tickets at £10 should be available later in the month from Chris Carpenter 702370, Pat Court 702599 and Repton Post Office. In support of Repton Village Hall.

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Repton Pre-school

Thank you to all who contributed to the success of our Christmas Fayre at the end of November; we raised almost £800. This amount makes a real difference to a small charity like ourselves.

December was a busy month of Christmas crafts and preparation for the Nativity performance. During January the children will be learning about food from around the world, and identifying healthy and unhealthy eating options. There will also be activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse.

If you think that pre-school is the right place to support your child's development, please contact us, whether this is to start soon or in the near future. If your child is aged 2 or over and would enjoy learning through play, please call Karen, Repton Pre-school manager, on 07535 688823 to find out more.

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Christmas at St Wystan's School and Nursery

Everyone is busy in the run-up to Christmas, and a school is no different. All our pupils ranging from our youngest at two and a half to our eldest at eleven have been involved.

It started with a Cracker Craft afternoon where children made crowns and cookies, and sang favourite Christmas songs. Then, in the Robert Beldam Hall, Y3 to Y6 pupils performed to 150 parents, and Beth, the 'Star of Bethlehem' won the Christmas Cracker Award for the outstanding contribution to Christmas.

Y1 and Y2 pupils visited Newstead Abbey for a Victorian Christmas Experience, and most of the school was involved in 'A Midwife Crisis', a nativity play at the village hall.

Nursery visited Santa at Bretby Garden Centre, and the older pupils spent the morning at Derby Theatre to see 'Horrible Christmas'. Parents, pupils and staff gathered round our Christmas tree in the playground to sing carols, and we ended our term in the usual way at St Wystan's Church for our traditional Christingle Service. Splendid!

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Vassall's Record Broken

Yesterday - as I write - Oxford defeated Cambridge in the annual 'Varsity' match. The game was notable for two events: sadly, in the 132 match history of the game, it was the first time that a player from either side had been sent off; more relevant to us, it was the third year in succession that the Oxford captain, John Carter, had led his team to victory. In so doing he broke a record which had been set in 1881 and 1882 by Henry (Harry) Vassall, and which only Carter had previously managed to equal.

A pioneer of modern rugby union, Vassall was born in Tadcaster in 1860, but the greatest part of his life was spent in Repton.

Besides leading Oxford, he played five times for England in the early 1880s, captaining the side once, and is considered one of the game's great early thinkers. During his time at Oxford, he encouraged the then innovatory tactic of team combination and open play as opposed to the huddled, brute force mentality which had hitherto reigned.

Vassall came to Repton in 1885. He was that rare breed of schoolmaster, admired equally by pupils and staff alike, one of Robert Louis Stevenson's 'ideal men', those who 'with laughter, song and shout . . . spin the great wheel of earth about'. Initially Housemaster of the Hall, in 1900 he became Housemaster of The Priory (still housed in the Old Priory), and in 1905 was appointed bursar. He was a man of action both in and out of school, but also deeply studious. He took a keen interest in archaeology and antiquities and was responsible for unearthing a Danish axe-head close to St Wystan's crypt, a significant find which led eventually to the excavations of the 1970s and 80s.

In 1925 Vassall died in the Old Priory, in a room now named after him. His grave lies just yards away, immediately to the north of the church and close to that of fellow sporting celebrity C. B. Fry. Within the church there is another memorial, the beautiful stained glass window of Abbess Aelfthryth that Vassall gave when the lancet window, blocked for many centuries, was opened out in 1913.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

Summer Activities 2014: Following the continued success of these events, the Parish Council will be funding further activities next summer. The climbing wall is always extremely popular and we are asking for it to return. We also hope to provide a new fun activity, suitable for a range of ages.

Egginton Railhead: Simon Hoare, a consultant representing Goodman Shepherd, the applicant and developer for the proposed Egginton Railhead, delivered a presentation at the meeting. A lengthy consultation exercise will commence in March, outlining the plans for the East Midlands Intermodal Park, which would be a significant new employer for this area, creating in excess of 4,000 direct jobs. The Park would allow freight to be transported increasingly by rail networks; the only new track required would be within the Park, and road access would be from the A50 roundabout. The developer is aiming to complete local consultation and be able to submit a planning application by this autumn - 2014. We will publish further information as it arrives.

More Trains from Willington: Two additional trains a day will call at Willington station between Monday and Saturday, a new morning service at 9.44 am heading for Birmingham, and a return service at 2.49 pm towards Nottingham. For further information, see page 22. Details will also be displayed on Parish Council noticeboards.

Mobile Library Service: Derbyshire County Council is considering withdrawing the mobile library service in this area. Formal discussions concerning future provision will start shortly. The Parish Council is obtaining figures for the number of local residents who use this valuable service and will campaign to retain it. Any changes will be introduced from 2015.

Pruning the Lime Trees: The lime trees planted by the Parish Council on Burton Road are now in need of pruning. Quotes have been obtained and the work will be carried out shortly.

Next meeting: Monday 13th January in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton, at 7.30 pm. All are welcome.

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton W.I.

A busy year in 2014 starts with our meeting on 15th January at 7.30 in Milton village hall, where John Hawkins will talk about 'Turnpikes, Turmoil and Taxes'. New members and visitors are very welcome.

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Milton Village Hall

With new toilets and a new kitchen extension, the village hall has been transformed over the last year. The wall cracking has now been repaired, and in December we also installed a re-conditioned commercial dishwasher, the last phase of the planned kitchen improvements.

At the start of 2013, the prospect of a small hamlet having to raise the £6,000 needed for the kitchen was daunting, but the village hall committee accepted the challenge and, thanks to support from Milton and surrounding villages, our target was achieved. Thank you to everyone who helped with fund raising; you made it all possible.

During the year, the village hall hosted a wide range of events including two concerts, an art exhibition and two plant sales, and for the Open Gardens it was totally transformed into an indoor garden. We have a new lunch club, Krav Maga twice a week, band practices, and various social events including our Christmas Party. This was very enjoyable and friendly event. We were treated to a hot supper followed by trifle, coffee and sweets, Santa made an appearance to supervise festive games and crackers were shared. Even clearing up was a pleasure with the new dishwasher put through its paces for the first time. A big thank you to the ladies who gave their time, not only to cook the supper, but who also cleaned up after the building work.

To view or book the village hall, please contact Polly on 703436. It exists for the local community, and with its new kitchen - and dishwasher - it now has first class facilities. Please use and enjoy it.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney Christmas Tree Festival

This, our third such venture, was an undoubted success, to judge by the reactions of the three to four hundred who visited St Mary's. The mild weather was an added blessing.

Very many thanks to our sponsors, the publicity team, the electricians, furniture removers, decorators and musicians, as well as all those who provided or sold craftwork and refreshments or acted as stewards. Especial thanks to Carolyn Steele for promoting the event and to her husband and team for their extensive contributions. The children also did us proud: miniature trees decorated by pre-school pupils encircled the baptistry in which stood two larger trees decorated by Infant School pupils and Brownies respectively, while the school pupils also entertained us on Friday afternoon with carols and Christmas songs.

It is too early for accurate figures, but the committee confidently expects reasonable profits to benefit the Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough as well as the church.

In the prize draw, the winner of the cake was 'Jo' of Bretby Lane, and the number of toys in Santa's sack was guessed correctly by Edna Thorley. The deadline for the quiz is 31st December; the winner will be announced in the New Year.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Members have taken part in several Christmas activities this past month. A social afternoon in the village hall ended with carols and seasonal songs led by Doug Burns with his guitar, and our Christmas Lunch at Newton Park Hotel was thoroughly enjoyed; we were well looked after and the meal was delicious. Members had been busy all month making and providing stars for our tree at St Mary's Christmas Tree Festival, and we were delighted by the results.

Tuesday 7th January at 2.30 pm

After the business meeting, Dennis Ward will give an illustrated presentation of the Club's activities during the past year.

Tuesday 21st January

The coach will leave the Unicorn at 9.30 am making the usual pick-ups en route. A coffee stop in Derbyshire will be followed by lunch at HM Prison, Sudbury, before we return to Newton Solney at about 3 pm. Cost, £10 plus lunch.

We look forward to another year of interesting talks and monthly outings; if you would like any further information please contact our secretary Jane on 01283 564520.

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Newton Solney C of E Infant School

Christmas Fair: Thank you to everyone who came along at the end of November. We had a lovely, festive afternoon. Your support is very much appreciated.

Community Collective Worship is at 9.15 am on the first Thursday of the month. This term's dates are 9th January, 6th February, 6th March and 3rd April. Parents, carers and local residents are most welcome to join us in the school hall.

Coffee & the Community, Friday 31st January, 9 - 10 am in the school hall

Please come along to this coffee morning run by June Scott and members of St Mary's Church. School families and all local residents are very welcome to join us for coffee and chat.

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Newton Solney Parish Council News

Christmas Market: Newton Solney's first ever Christmas Market was a huge success. A big 'thank you' to the organising committee and to everyone who helped and joined in the fun on the day.

Village Defibrillator: The Parish Council would like to purchase a defibrillator, and we have had a good response from parishioners who would like to act as responders. We need as many volunteers as possible, so if you are interested please contact Ron Parker on 701141.

Christmas Tree Festival: This year's festival looked fantastic and was well supported. Thanks to all the sponsors and everyone who was involved with the organisation of the weekend.

Recreation Field - Play Equipment: The Parish Council is considering upgrading the children's play equipment on the recreation field. We would like to hold an informal gathering of interested parishioners who would like to add their ideas on this project. Please contact Ron Parker on 701141 if you would be interested in attending.

Next meeting: Friday 10th January at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

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Gardening Notes

The shortest day has passed and so far the winter weather has been kind, but who knows what January and February will bring?

There are wonderful shrubs to be enjoyed in mid-winter, particularly witch hazel, daphne and viburnum. They all have highly scented flowers that last for many weeks in the garden. Every garden needs at least one winter flowering shrub that can be seen from the house. I like to pick a few stems for inside to enjoy their heady aroma.

Daphnes are very useful for the smaller garden as they are highly scented, do not grow very big, and are fully hardy. Different varieties are available that flower from early in the year right through till the summer. Recently, variegated forms with really strong colouration have been developed such as Daphne Odora Rebecca; they have the usual scented flowers but also look handsome when not in flower, and they grow well in containers. Daphnes do not like to be moved so be careful to site them correctly first time. They can be expensive and are not very easy to propagate yourself.

Hellebores are a very popular winter-flowering evergreen perennial; they are available in a range of colours, self-seed readily and flower for a long period. I always cut the old leaves off in December or January; it is much easier when the flower buds are almost hidden underground. It seems to prevent hellebore leaf spot, and the flowers are displayed much better without the old leaves. The same method can be used on other early flowering evergreen perennials such as epimediums.

Although it is possible to sow some seeds in January I would advise waiting until February or March; most seeds do better with a later sowing. It is easy to get the seeds to germinate but much harder to provide enough light and warmth to keep them growing on well. However, the range of cheap tender annuals and perennials is better than ever, so in many cases it is hardly worth growing your own.

Complete the pruning of apples and pears. If a tree needs major reduction, it is often better to do it over several years; otherwise it will produce too much new growth at the expense of fruit.

January is a good time to have your mower serviced and to clear out the greenhouse and garden shed. Alternatively, do some armchair gardening with seed and plant catalogues.

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Computer Security

CryptoLocker

. . . is a significant threat to computer data. The ransom-ware virus, which is mainly spread through email attachments, encrypts personal files such as images and documents. After the virus has been downloaded, a pop-up launches, typically giving you three days to pay €300 for the decryption key.

Some ransomware just freezes your computer, demanding a 'fee'. Using a decent anti-virus program as a recovery tool, it can usually be unlocked without paying up. CryptoLocker is different: your computer and software keep on working, but your personal files, your documents, spreadsheets and images, are encrypted. The criminals retain the decryption key on their server: it is not saved on your computer, so you can't unlock your files without their assistance.

If CryptoLocker is running and has already demanded payment, you can still remove it and clean the computer with a programme such as the free Sophos Virus Removal Tool, but you cannot decrypt your scrambled files: without the key the contents are unrecoverable; you may as well delete them.

A virus removal tool isn't a replacement for security software because it doesn't provide active protection, but that means it can co-exist with any active software you have already installed.

Fortunately, CryptoLocker is not self-replicating, so it doesn't spread across your network by itself. However, malware generally runs with the same permissions and powers as any program you choose to launch deliberately: any file, on any drive letter or network share, that you can locate and access with a program such as Windows Explorer can be located and accessed by CryptoLocker. That includes USB drives, network file shares, and even cloud storage folders.

To protect yourself

• Install anti-virus software and a firewall, and set them to update automatically;
• Do not open email attachments from unknown sources;
• Set your web browser to the highest level of security;
• Review the security settings on your network;
• If you don't need write access, make files and folders 'read only'.
• Make regular backups of your files and store them safely, with no communication with your computer.