Magazine Archive		Magazine Contacts	Church Contacts		Repton Church Home
(Personal contact links below have now been disabled)
The Parish Magazine Repton, Foremark, Milton, Ingleby, Newton Solney
April 2014

Jesus, executed on a Cross, came alive again, and is God 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 Join us for our Easter Celebrations! Coffee Morning, Saturday 5th April, 10.30 - 11.30 am Shell (for children aged 7+) Evening Services Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Funerals and Burial of Ashes Stephen Jonathan Brown Betty Veronica Debou Derek Edward Auden Obituaries Derek Edward Auden Stephen Jonathan Brown James Paul Dawn The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Holy Week and Easter St Wystan's News Services and Groups Easter Lilies St Saviour's News Annual Parochial Church Meeting : Wednesday 2nd April St Mary's News A new pattern of services starts this month St Mary's at Easter Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Monday 7th April Local Diary Event Details Lent Lunches, Wednesdays 2nd and 9th April Coffee Morning, Saturday 5th April Village Hall Appeal Launch, Sunday 13th April An Easter Journey for children and young people, Friday 18th April Messy Church ~ Easter Eggcitement!, Sunday 22nd April Repton School Concert, Wednesday 30th April Repton Preschool Masquerade Ball, Friday 9th May Neighbourhood Watch South Derbyshire Deborah sacrifices her hair Lent Collections for the Padley Centre and Derby City Mission South Derbyshire Pre-Submission Local Plan Part 1 What's On in South Derbyshire Repton Village and History Repton Rags, Fridays 4th & 25th April Repton Village Hall Appeal Launch: Sunday 13th April Live and Local ~ Kel Elliott Band Look out for the Posters ~ Repton Rags Poppies ~ An Act of Remembrance Repton Scouts NGS Open Garden ~ 37 High Street ~ Sunday 13th April Flooded Footpaths Report it to the Police! Repton Village History Group Repton Village Society Recycle Metal for St Wystan's Church Repton W.I. Blue Cross March Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton Village Hall Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Parish Council News Gardening Notes

---

Jesus, executed on a Cross, came alive again, and is God

As eggs, chicks and bunnies take over the supermarket shelves, so the Church draws closer to our greatest celebration of the year, Easter. To us as Christians it outranks Christmas as we thank God for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. His resurrection to new life is the bedrock of our faith. St Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15: 'If Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.' This month we do well to pause and consider Christ's resurrection, because if we are wrong in our claim that it actually happened, then we might as well pack up the church and stay at home, whereas if we are correct, perhaps more people ought to come more to church!

That Jesus died on the Cross is fact. The Roman soldiers, had they failed to ensure his death, would themselves have suffered punishment, maybe even death itself. But what took place after was astounding. The disciples, followers and many others experienced something so awe-inspiring that they were convinced that Jesus had been brought back from the dead by God; that Jesus was to be with them forever. Precisely how they were convinced we cannot tell, the event was outside normal experience, but that something happened is beyond doubt. The Bible accounts tell us that what took place was not a dream or a vision or even a mystical experience: sane people like you and me are not convinced by dreams or visions. They tell us that a carpenter's son, executed on a Cross, came alive again and is God. Nor was it resuscitation, it was not a miracle of modern science, but resurrection, a miracle of God raising him to new life. The scars on his body revealed that it was indeed him: he could be touched, he could eat, but his body no longer played by earthly rules, he could suddenly appear and disappear. What is important is that the appearances were incredibly personal. On many occasions Jesus was not immediately recognised, but when he spoke, broke bread, or drew attention to special things, the coin dropped and people knew just who was with them. The one they loved had returned. When Jesus appeared, it was love at work, forty days of Him appearing to people who loved him or who would come to love him.

To me the most powerful account of those forty days is his appearance on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24: 13-32). On the day of the resurrection, two disciples who had not heard the news met Jesus on the road and thought him to be a fellow traveller. Even when he offered them deep insight into the Crucifixion of Jesus, it didn't dawn on them. But, they asked him to stay with them - how important is that! - and when he said grace before the evening meal and broke bread, no doubt as he had many times over the previous years, they realised just who he was - and it was then he vanished.

In many ways this account is a reminder of what is constantly happening in our lives. In a moment of wonder; in an act of worship; in a feeling of being at one with the world; at a time of good news or an answer to prayer; in a moment of bad news and the strength that comes with a comforting hand; at such times we can be aware of a divine presence, a spiritual dimension to our lives that we might not normally acknowledge. Whether we are Christian or not, we don't always realise that it is Christ / God who is with us, Jesus letting us know that He loves us and is with us.

As I wish you a 'Happy Easter', may you come to recognise that all that is good is of God; that all that is love is God and that life in all its fullness is His gift to us, the gift of the Cross, the true symbol of Easter.

---

Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

---

Readers, Intercessors and Offertory at St Wystan's

---

Altar Flowers (contact Frances Wimbush, 703180)

---

Brasses (contact Sue Parker, 702550)

---

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

---

The United Reformed Church

---

Join us for our Easter Celebrations!

Starting with Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey on Palm Sunday - be sure to come and collect your palm cross! and ending with Easter Day and a celebration of Jesus' resurrection, this is the most exciting time of the Church Year. You will be very welcome at our services to share our celebrations!

On Good Friday, there is a special morning of activities for children and young people. For details, below.

---

Coffee Morning, Saturday 5th April, 10.30 - 11.30 am

Our coffee morning this month is on the first Saturday; do note the change of date! We have new catalogues of cards and stationery for you to collect, and the usual delicious cakes to tempt you. Come and chat with friends over coffee and biscuits.

---

SHELL Group for children and young people aged 7 and over

There is only one meeting this month: on Monday 7th April they will be doing craft activities on an Easter theme. Come and join in the fun!

---

Evening Services

In future we will be following the 'winter' pattern of evening services throughout the year, with a service at Fisher Close on the first Sunday evening, and a service of Holy Communion on the evening of the fourth Sunday.

---

Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Stephen Jonathan Brown of Well Lane, Repton, died on Sunday 16th February aged 60. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 7th March was followed by cremation.

Betty Veronica Debou of Monsom Lane, Repton, died on Monday 17th February aged 86. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 3rd March was followed by cremation.

Derek Edward Auden, formerly of Well Lane, Repton, died on Thursday 20th February aged 90. A family service of committal at Bretby Crematorium on 10th March was followed by a funeral service at St Wystan's Church.

---

Obituaries

Derek Edward Auden
23rd January 1924 - 20th February 2014

Derek's birthplace in Dayton, Ohio, came as a surprise to many who knew him. After serving in the regular army during the First World War, his father had gone to live in the United States and Canada, only returning to England in 1932 at the height of the depression.

Here Derek was educated at Stancliffe Hall and Repton. He was a natural sportsman, representing the school at cricket, hockey, squash and rifle shooting, but later, in his early 20s, his sporting activities were cut short when he tore a cartilage playing football. Unable to play again at any serious level, he became a keen and enthusiastic follower of cricket, which he continued to enjoy throughout his life.

Leaving school in 1942, Derek was commissioned into the 2nd Gurkha Rifles, and spent part of his wartime service in India as an instructor at the Army Signals School in Poona.

In the rank of major, Derek left the army in 1947 to train as a lawyer. At that time, with Britain urgently trying to get back on its feet, it was only necessary to serve articles for two years rather than the usual five. Along the way there were two notable milestones: Derek was awarded the Lee Travers scholarship by the Law Society as an outstanding student, and, more importantly, in July 1949 he married Joan. The two had met in the hospital where Joan was a nurse whilst Derek was recuperating from his knee injury. Like Derek, Joan shunned the limelight, and their marriage at Christ Church in Guildford took place in front of only two witnesses with neither family present.

At the end of 1949, Derek qualified, and at the beginning of 1950 he joined the legal practice of Auden and Son, which had been founded by his grandfather at the turn of the century and was later to become Goodger Auden.

Married life began in a small flat behind the office in Burton, but when their first child was born, the family moved to Repton where Sanders built them their first family home off Main Street, before in 1963, by now with three children, they moved to Danesgate in Well Lane, which had been the family home for several generations.

Derek's family had a long connection with the church, both locally and in Repton. His great great grandfather was vicar of Horninglow, and a three three-light window in the north aisle of St Wystan's Church was given in his memory. It was a connection that Derek continued, as a sidesman, a member of the PCC, and in his work for the Parish Magazine.

Derek's professional life was long and distinguished. Alongside his own practice as a property lawyer he was County Coroner for East Staffordshire from 1959 to 1974 having previously acted as deputy, and he served a spell as President of Derby Law Society. But he also found time for many other interests. He played cricket and hockey for Burton, although his favourite game was squash. He was the first Secretary and later Chairman of Burton Civic Society, a member of the Burton Club, Secretary of Burton Round Table and later of Burton Rotary Club, and, when he finally retired in 1994, he also retired as a director of the Burton Mail, of which he was at one time Deputy Chairman.

As a keen naturalist, bird watcher and fisherman, family holidays with his children and grandchildren in the North Western Isles of Scotland provided everything he loved best. There he taught them how to catch dabs, look for a ringed plover's nest and to spot a red throated diver. He also loved walking the hills of Wester Ross, scrambling up steep slopes to enjoy the panoramic views.

But it was in his garden, with his wife and his dogs beside them that he was truly content. Interviewed in 1994 he confessed to being "not much of a traveller", adding: "There is nowhere nicer than [in Repton] where I am."

In 2008, however, increasingly frail, he and Joan left Repton for Great Longstone to be cared for by their daughter, and following a minor stroke last August, Derek moved to a Beaumont House care home in Derby, where he found an oasis of peace and love.

Derek touched many lives. He was modest, reserved, courteous and old-fashioned, the complete English gentleman.

---

Stephen Jonathan Brown
27th March 1953 - 16th February 2014

Although born when the family was living in Bretby, Stephen was really a Repton lad. Educated at Repton Primary and John Port schools, he went on to an apprenticeship at Newtons in Derby before transferring to British Rail Engineering Limited. Not only did he work on all High Speed Train carriages, but the job with BREL also took him all over the country, most memorably as he worked on the helicopter chase in Mission Impossible, providing the electrics for filming from the train.

As a boy, Stephen had accompanied his grandfather to sing in the choir at St Wystan's Church. The incentive was perhaps less a love of choral singing than the 7/6 he earned whenever the choir sang at a wedding. He also joined the Scouts, and perhaps it was this that laid the foundation for his life-long love of camping.

In 1969, Stephen met Margaret and they married in 1974. Stephen had maintained links with scouting by becoming Baghera, the assistant leader, in the Repton Cub Scouts, and when Margaret founded the Beaver Colony he joined her in that too. He was a leader for many years, only finishing when they moved away to run a pub, The Plough, in Woodseaves near Stafford. (Many of you will remember that Stephen's sister-in-law, Ann Falkner, ran The Boot, and organised a coach to visit - it was good night out.)

Returning to Repton in 1990, Stephen worked at Metro Camel at Birmingham, making London Underground carriages for the Jubilee Line, before spending the last five years until retirement as a minibus driver at Foremarke. Meanwhile, Margaret had moved from the Garden to the Mitre as matron, and inevitably Stephen was very involved there with the life of the House, helping with a myriad of jobs and becoming very popular with colleagues, staff and pupils. He will be fondly remembered.

---

James Paul Dawn
6th September 1975 - 10th February 2014

Living in Hartshorne, James came to Foremarke as a weekly boarder when he was 10, moving on to Repton School as a member of Brook House, and then to Sheffield Hallam where he read Business and Marketing. On graduating he worked for the family firm, a specialised recruitment agency, taking over the business in 2005. Very much the entrepeneur, he enjoyed the challenge and was always coming up with new ideas.

In 2004 James moved to Repton, to Brook End. He was a keen sportsman, a good golfer and cricketer, a solid middle order batsman and wicketkeeper, although sadly his football was cut short by a knee injury. James had a habit of injuring himself: on one occasion he played in a football match for the Bulls Head where he was on the pitch for all of 30 seconds, didn't touch the ball, and ended up on crutches!

He loved travel, to Barbados, to Los Angeles, to Australia in 2010 for the Ashes, and many more, but perhaps his most spectacular trip was a road trip, in true 'Top Gear' style driving all over Europe trying to find the best driving road in the world. Buying a Porsche for the occasion, he covered 3,000 miles in 11 days, with stops in Rotterdam, Nurburg in Germany (best known for its race track), Lucerne and Davos in Switzerland, Lake Como in Italy, Monaco, and Menton and Martigues in the South of France.

James was one of the major players behind the launch of East Midlands Internet Radio, where his final work was a production called 'Secrets', described as an edgier style of Downton Abbey. Having always loved music, he also had his own Sunday afternoon show of Jazz and Blues, and as a great supporter of new talent, gave up a lot of his free time in order to help budding musicians.

Always up for a challenge, whether a photography competition, dancing the conga on crutches, or appearing on Eggheads, James was enterprising, energetic, enthusiastic and funny. His many friends ensured that St Wystan's Church was packed for his funeral. He died in the prime of life, and will be widely missed.

---

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.

---

Repton Benefice

Holy Week and Easter ~ at St Wystan's except where shown

Palm Sunday, 13th April

8 am: Holy Communion.

9.45 am: The Palm Procession will begin at the Arch and process to the porch, and, by courtesy of Gerald Gibbs, again includes a donkey. We recall the gospel story as we process with palm crosses, singing joyful songs of praise. This year's Reading of the Passion will be taken from Matthew's gospel. The service concludes with the Eucharist.

10 am at St Mary's: Worship Together will celebrate Christ's entry into Jerusalem

6.30 pm at Foremark and Repton: Evensong.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week 14th, 15th, 16th April

Each morning at 10 am: Holy Communion

. . . with a short address on the theme of the day as we share Christ's journey towards The Cross.

Each evening at 7.30 pm: Compline

This delightful monastic service for the end of the day is a treasure greatly loved by many people. Each service will include an address; the theme of Monday's address will be Courage and Companionship, Tuesday's, Conflict and Consolation, and Wednesday's, Belief and Betrayal.

Maundy Thursday, 17th April

7.30 pm: Re-enactment of the Last Supper

In the re-enactment of the Last Supper, we follow the events of Jesus' final meal with his disciples, including the washing of the disciples' feet. With a shared Last Supper we remember what took place on the night of Jesus' arrest. The Vicar will wash the feet (usually one foot) of any who are content for him to do so; everyone present is encouraged to participate.

At the end of the service we traditionally strip the church bare for Good Friday and this is followed by a vigil, the opportunity for us to remember how Jesus and the disciples went to the Garden of Gethsemene; we sit in silence in church, but with meditations and prayers to hand. You can stay for just a short while or until we end the vigil at 10.30 pm.

Good Friday, 18th April

10 - 1 at Repton village hall: An Easter Journey

If you are between 5 and 13, come and join us in Repton village hall for an action-packed morning, exploring together and discovering more about what Jesus did and said in the journey through Holy Week.

12 pm: Stations of the Cross

We will journey around the inside of the church visiting the Stations, sharing with Jesus that torturous walk to the Cross with a hymn, meditation and prayer at each Station. This normally takes between 45 minutes and an hour.

2 pm: Last Hour at The Cross

We gather in front of the Cross remembering what took place on this day, at this hour. Hymns, readings, an address and prayers mark this most special time.

4 pm at St Mary's: Devotional Service

Easter Day, 20th April

6 am: The festival begins in the church porch with lighting the Easter Fire, from which we light the Paschal candle, the symbol of Christ's risen life. We renew our baptismal promises and finish with a simple form of Communion.

8 am: Holy Communion.

9 am: Easter Communion at Foremark.

9.45 am: At this celebration of the Risen Christ we will light individual candles from the Easter Candle, renew our baptismal promises and receive Holy Communion.

10 am: Easter Communion at Newton Solney

---

St Wystan's News

St Wystan's Church Services and Groups

8 am Communion: Starting this month, there is an 8 am Communion every Sunday; on the 4th Sunday the service is from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

Intercessory Prayer for Healing meets at 3 Richmond Court at 7.30 pm on Monday 7th April.

The Bible Study Group studying the the Acts of the Apostles will not meet during April. Meetings resume in May.

A short service of Prayer for Healing in St Catherine's Chapel in the north aisle follows Parish Communion on the 27th. Everyone is welcome.

---

Easter Lilies for St Wystan's Church

A reminder to contact Frances Wimbush on 703180 as soon as possible if you would like to make a donation. Lilies celebrate Jesus' resurrection and his promise of everlasting life. This is an opportunity to commemorate loved ones, to celebrate special events, or simply to make the church look beautiful.

---

St Saviour's News

Annual Parochial Church Meeting : The Library, Foremarke Hall, Wednesday 2nd April at 7 pm

A brief reminder. All parishioners are welcome to attend the Vestry Meeting for the election of churchwardens, and those on the electoral roll are welcome to attend the APCM afterwards. A meeting of Foremark PCC will immediately follow.

---

St Mary's News

A new pattern of services starts this month

Every Sunday there will be a service at 10 am. The 8 am and 4 pm services are extinct. The new pattern is:

1st Sunday	Parish Communion
2nd Sunday	Worship Together
3rd Sunday	Parish Communion
4th Sunday	1662 Prayer Book Matins
5th Sunday	Benefice Service, which may sometimes be at Foremark or Repton.

---

St Mary's at Easter

The Church will be decorated on Saturday 19th April; help would be welcome that morning from 9.30 am. Also appreciated would be contributions of fresh foliage and / or donations for flowers, perhaps given in memory of family members or friends now departed.

---

Annual Parochial Church Meeting : St Mary's Church, Monday 7th April at 7 pm

A short reminder. Copies of the annual Accounts and other reports will be available in the church for a few days prior to the Meeting, so that they can be read in advance. Nominations for the election of churchwardens, Deanery Synod representatives and other members of the PCC should reach the Secretary, Jennifer Haynes, by Sunday 6th April.

Lent Lunches Wednesdays 2nd and 9th April from 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church Homemade soup, bread and cheese followed by coffee.   And a chat! No charge but donations invited for the work of the Padley Centre Everyone welcome. Do come!

Coffee Morning Saturday 5th April, 10.30 am to 12.30 pm Jan & David Roberts invite you to 'Morning Coffee' at 37 High Street, Repton Books and Raffle £2.50 including coffee & cakes Weather permitting, a chance to look round the garden

It's your Village Hall! Official Appeal Launch Sunday 13th April from 3 to 5 pm Repton Village Hall Complimentary cakes, tea or coffee and wine See the plans, meet the fundraising team and give your ideas for fund raising Free Easter crafts for children Easter chicks for sale ~ Raffle

An Easter Journey   :   Follow Jesus through Holy Week For children and young people aged 5 – 13 Friday 18th April, 10 am - 1 pm Repton Village Hall, Askew Grove In an action packed activity morning, the children and young people will journey through Holy Week, exploring together and discovering more about what Jesus did and said! The morning will end with a time of celebration together Please bring your own packed lunch. Drinks will be provided Information from Ruth Attwood, 4 The Pastures, Repton, 01283 202804, or Christine Gibbs, 5 Monsom Lane, Repton, 01283 701581 Numbers will be limited, so early booking is advised

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

Repton School Concerts Society Giovanni Guzzo, violin, and Luis Pares, piano Wednesday 30th April at 7.45 pm in The Robert Beldam Hall One of the most versatile performers of his generation, Giovanna Guzzo has captured audiences around the world with his unique and passionate approach.   His numerous awards include the prestigious Queens's commendation for Excellence. Venezuelan / Italian pianist Luis Pares' busy international career has taken him all over the world. He has won many national and international competitions and is the Assistant Director of Music at Repton School. The programme includes sonatas by Debussy, Beethoven and Prokofiev, as well as Ravel's 'Tzigane'. 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.

Repton Preschool celebrates its 50th Anniversary Masquerade Ball Friday 9th May at the Lyric Rooms, Ashby Please join us for a fantastic evening 7.30 pm start, dancing till Midnight 3 course meal         live entertainment DJ        raffle        auction Tickets £25 from Repton Preschool or call 078 9144 2675

Neighbourhood Watch

Remember:

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

Always look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

---

South Derbyshire

Deborah sacrifices her hair

Deborah Harkin, who works at Willington Pharmacy, wants your backing. On Wednesday 9th April she is sacrificing her hair and having her head shaved to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and to support her sister in law who is battling with cancer. You can pick up a sponsorship form at the pharmacy. There is also a 'nearly new' sale there, and on the day there will be a cake sale too. Please give her your support.

---

Lent Collections for the Padley Centre and Derby City Mission

During Lent, all our Anglican churches invite donations for the Padley Centre. St Mary's also collects gifts and money for the Derby City Mission.

The Padley Centre is very grateful for cash donations, but it also has a detailed 'wish' list, which is on display in church. If in doubt, non-perishable foods such as tinned soup meat, fish, vegetables and puddings, and packeted tea, sugar, flour and rice are a safe bet, as are personal items such as disposable razors, toothbrushes, paste, shampoo, and similar. They cannot use items that are out of date.   Please leave goods in any of the churches.

If you wish to contribute independently to the work that these charities are doing amongst some of the most vulnerable in society, you will find details on their websites.

---

South Derbyshire Pre-Submission Local Plan Part 1

Part 1 provides a strategic planning policy framework for guiding development in the District up to 2028, and will be used to guide the determination of planning applications over the plan period. It envisages the creation of 13,500 new dwellings.

Consultation started on 10th March and runs till the 22nd April. (The Parish Magazine was notified too late to include this in the March issue.) The plan can be found online at south-derbys.gov.uk/localplanpresubmission; accompanying documents include a form to make representations. It is also available at SDDC Civic Offices in Swadlincote, the mobile library and Burton library. There was a drop-in event in Repton village hall on 28th March; the only remaining drop-ins are at Rosliston Village Hall on 4th April, and the Church Rooms, Church Gresley on 8th April.

Representations at this stage must be on the grounds of soundness or legal and procedural compliance, and will be considered by an independent Planning Inspector at the Local Plans examination in public.

---

What's On in South Derbyshire

The spring edition of What's On has suggestions for walks, talks, concerts, events and activities throughout the District and in The National Forest. Eye-catching events include an early Easter Farmers' Market at Rosliston Forestry Centre, dawn chorus walks at Rosliston Forestry Centre and Calke Abbey, The Dragon Wheelbarrow Race in Willington, Etwall well dressing, vineyard tours and wine tastings, Derbyshire County Show at Elvaston Castle and a Gamekeepers' Fair at Catton Hall. In the festival season there are the Festival of Transport in Swadlincote, Astonbury Music Festival, and Xstatic Music Festival at Catton Hall.

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

---

Repton Village & History

Repton Rags Boys & girls aged 7 to 14 Fun and games, indoors and out, and plenty of time to chat with your friends Fridays 4th & 25th April, from 6.30 to 8 pm at the Den Come along and have fun! PLUS: 4th April: Refresh your first aid skills with talk and demonstrations. 25th April: Visit and talk by our surprise guest! More info from Julie Groom, 0797 4998852

Repton Village Hall Appeal
Launch: Sunday 13th April, 3 - 5 pm, Repton Village Hall

If you have been following so far, you will know just how important this appeal is. The village hall is a major focus of village activity; it supports local societies and involves a wide section of the local population in health and fitness, sport and culture, community development and social events and entertainment, as well as private parties.

In our aim to rebuild the hall we are hoping for the widest possible level of involvement from the village, so please come and support us. We will be able to show you our plans both for the hall and for the appeal, and there will be the opportunity for you to share your ideas too. With Easter crafts for the children, Easter chicks for sale, and a raffle, not to forget free cake, coffee, tea, and a glass of wine, it should be a fun afternoon as well. We look forward to seeing you.

By kind permission of Repton School, we are planning for our first major event to be a lunch on Repton School Paddock on Sunday 29th June. Please put the date in your diary.

You can follow the appeal and its progress at reptonvillagehall.org.uk or on facebook at facebook.com/reptonvillagehall.

---

Live and Local ~ Kel Elliott Band

An enthusiastic crowd had a very enjoyable evening and helped us to raise about £600 for Repton village hall. There were lots of positive comments both online and to the band after the show. Well done to all involved in the organisation, particularly to Chris Carpenter.

---

Look out for the Posters ~ Repton Rags

Some of the children who come to Rags have been saying that they would like to do something about the amount of dog poo on our streets.

We would like to do this as a competition, so very soon the posters that they have designed will be going up around the village, asking dog owners to clean up after their dogs. Each will be numbered. If a particular poster catches your eye, please vote for it using the drop box in the post office. At the end of May, votes will be counted and the winner gets a prize. Thank you for your support.

---

Poppies ~ An Act of Remembrance

As part of our remembrance of the Great War, we will plant poppy seeds at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 4th May, the Bank Holiday Weekend. They should bloom in time for the 4th August - the day when Great Britain entered the war. As the seeds will grow best in turned soil, we intend to de-grass an area to the front of the churchyard, on the vicarage side of the path. (The area will be re-established when the commemorations are complete.) The seeds will be sown shortly after 10.30 am, so that congregations at the 9.45 and 11 am services can be present. If you wish to join us for the planting of the seeds only, please do; everyone will be most welcome.

We are looking to commemorate the Great War on three other occasions this year: A special service on Monday 4th August, a 'Poppy Tea' in September, and, of course, the Remembrance Day service in November, which this year will hold an even greater significance.

---

Repton Scouts

You might think that barbeques are just for the summer, but not at Scouts. During March we have been cooking on fires making pitta bread, pizzas and sausage rolls without any cooking utensils. March was very busy for three of our Scouts who were doing final rehearsals and trying on costumes for their six performances of 'Flying High' at Derby Theatre. The rest of the Scout Troop were well entertained by them when we got tickets for one of the performances. March has also been busy for Rob, one of our Leaders, he has trained and qualified to lead archery sessions both indoors and out.

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

---

NGS Open Garden ~ 37 High Street ~ Sunday 13th April, 2 - 5.30 pm

Repton Brook meanders through this garden which has over an acre of herbaceous, shrubs and woodland. By mid-April it will have recovered from the very wet winter, with the rhododendrons beginning to flower and spring blossom at its best.

Admission is £3 for adults with accompanying children free. Tea and cake will be available for church funds.

---

Flooded Footpaths

St Wystan's School would like to thank you for your patience and understanding whilst we have been remedying problems along the footpath from Chestnut Way to The Pastures, alongside our playing fields. The extreme rainfall that we have experienced over the past year has resulted in flooding and caused great inconvenience to users. We are glad to say that we have now had work carried out to alleviate the problem and apologise for the length of time it has taken.

---

Report it to the Police!

Following a number of incidents of theft and vandalism at the Dales and elsewhere in Repton, you are encouraged not to ignore such events, however minor, but to report them to the police on 101. Experience suggests that the more often these things are reported, the more the police will be inclined to act.

---

Repton Village History Group

In February, History Group members spoke on 'Repton Brook and its Mills', 'Lost Repton Place Names', and 'A stroll through the village of about 50 years ago'. We are considering turning these into small books or pamphlets.

When Patrick Ashcroft came to our March meeting and put his bowler hat on, he became Billy, one of the Calke estate gamekeepers, complete with period costume and a stout stick. Billy was brought up in Norfolk and got a job on the estate in about 1860, just as it was going into decline. Sir Vauncey was only interested in natural history and was anti-social in the extreme, avoiding even family visits by disappearing into the woods till they had gone. When he caught his daughter smoking in the house, he banned her from the place, and she was not allowed back while he was there. The estate didn't have electricity until the 1960s, no cars or mechanical aids such as a steam engine were allowed on the estate. Even cycles were frowned on. Nothing in the house was changed and no attempt was made to develop the estate or carry out basic maintenance. So, instead of generating income, it became a financial burden. That, together with Sir Vauncey's expenditure on specimens, led to a decline in the family fortunes and a problem for his successors. Most of the staff were 'let go', and the family lived in just a few rooms; the rest of the house was locked up, which is how the National Trust found it when it passed to them in 1985. As Patrick pointed out, having taken his hat off, most of the house and its contents were just as they had been in 1860.

Tuesday 15th April: A look under the Science Priory

Matthew Hurford of Trent and Peak Archaeology will explain the significance of what was found under the Science Priory, including evidence of pre-historic, late Roman, early Anglo-Saxon and medieval occupation. Time permitting, it is also an opportunity to present our proposals for the community archaeological projects being planned. All are welcome, Repton village hall at 7.30 pm, members £2, visitors £3 including refreshments. For more information contact Andy Austen on 702448.

---

Repton Village Society

In his comprehensive talk, Danny Wells described the life of Catherine Booth (née Mumford) from her birth in Ashbourne, where she was brought up in a Methodist family, to her marriage to William Booth. Together they went on to form the Salvation Army. It was a fascinating story, fluently told. At the AGM which followed, the officers and committee were re-elected en bloc. Cheese and wine concluded the evening.

Thursday 3rd April: 'The Contradictions of Quaker Pegg'

William 'Quaker' Pegg (1775-1851) was the finest flower painter at the Derby Porcelain Factory. His work is now displayed in national and local galleries and is avidly collected, yet his output was confined to two short periods because he came to believe that painting was not in keeping with his strict Quaker beliefs. Our speaker, George Drury, will examine the contrasts between his exuberant paintings and his religious beliefs by drawing on an extensive manuscript archive and photographic illustrations of his ceramics and watercolours. Members £2, visitors £3.

Saturday 26th April: Coach trip to the Black Country Living Museum

On this 26 acre site over fifty authentic shops, houses and workshops have been carefully reconstructed to preserve the character of the region. A unique collection of boats and road vehicles includes cars, motorcycles, trolley buses and a working tram. Costumed staff provide demonstrations from metal working to glass cutting and sweet making, and operate the working cinema. Three cafes and a pub provide a variety of food. The coach leaves St Wystan's Church at 8.30 am, and will leave the museum at 4 pm. Members £23, which includes £11 admission. Non-members welcome.

---

Recycle Metal for St Wystan's Church

St Wystan's Church is a much loved part of the village, but it costs roughly £60,000 a year to run. Recycling metal is something that everyone can do to help.

Cans and foil can be left either in the labelled black bins outside the church porch or by the back door of 37 High Street. Other metals can also be left by my back door, or I can collect them. If you are able to squash your cans, it will save me a lot of time and work.

In addition to cans and foil I can recycle copper, brass, aluminium and electrical cable - if you are throwing away an electrical appliance you could cut off the cable and let me turn it into cash. If you replace the battery on your car ask for the old one back and I can recycle it. If you are unsure whether an article is suitable give me a ring on 702159.

In the last three years, over £2,000 has been raised in this way. Many thanks to everyone who has contributed.

---

Repton W.I.

In March, Jeff Bates introduced us to a wide variety of herbaceous plants for all seasons with pictures of some of the best herbaceous borders in the country. We were inspired to try some of his ideas in our own gardens as daffodils on the president's table helped us look forward to spring. Joan reported on the Spring Council Meeting in Chesterfield and bulb catalogues were available for us to place our orders as we plan a colourful 2015. Members were reminded about the proposed Recipe Book and urged to provide favourite recipes.

Some members and husbands had enjoyed a visit to the Brewhouse and a superb production of The History Boys, others had lunched at the Mulberry Restaurant at Burton College. At the Spring Group Meeting at Briz Valley, Notty Hornblower will show us fashion from the 1940s and 1950s, and on Tuesday 8th April, Nigel Holling will give us 'An Introduction to Chocolate'. 7.15 pm in Repton village hall. Visitors are most welcome.

---

Blue Cross March

Anyone out and about on Saturday 8th March may have seen an 18ft blue cross being carried from its original site on the front of the former Queen's Hall Methodist Mission in Derby to the King's Way Church in Burton where it was to be re-erected. The cross arrived in Repton in the early afternoon, and we were able to provide refreshments for the accompanying supporters, including a photographer and two reporters from Radio Derby. Carrying the cross, rather than simply having it transported by lorry, proved to be a powerful witness. As Phil Crathorne, pastor of the King's Way Church said: "A lot of cars sounded their horns and people were asking what we were doing. It was really encouraging to get that support, and the sun shone!"

---

Repton Parish Council Jottings

Car Parking: At the Parish Meeting which preceded the Parish Council meeting, problems were raised arising from badly parked cars. Parking close to junctions is creating difficulties: in one case an ambulance was trapped in Well Lane for over 10 minutes; blocking pavements prevents the use of mobility scooters. These problems are likely to increase with the new building proposed in Repton and the development of the Health Centre. It was decided that the Clerk would write to the Police Commissioner asking for police intervention, including the issue of warning notices and fines.

Planting Poppies in the Arboretum: As part of the commemorations of the First World War, the Parish Council will be planting poppies in the Arboretum. The ground has been sprayed and, once the area is free of weeds and grass, it will be prepared for sowing the seeds. It is hoped that the poppies will be a fitting memorial and continue to flower for many years.

Housing Developments: In the wake of planning reforms intended to allow hundreds of thousands of new homes to be built in towns and villages throughout the country, SDDC has drafted its new Local Plan for South Derbyshire including provision for 100 houses to be built on greenfield land off Milton Road and Longlands. Already planning applications have been lodged for 33 houses in Milton Road and 40 at Longlands. The Parish Council is concerned that development on this scale will change the character of the area and put severe strain on village infrastructure, facilities and amenities. Comprehensive objections to the applications have therefore been lodged. The latest news is that SDDC now thinks that even 100 new houses at Repton may not be sufficient to meet area targets, in which case additional local sites will be needed around the village, with up to 25 houses on each site.

The Dales: The Parish Council is continuing to express its concerns about the empty building to Derbyshire County Council. Two break-ins have been reported recently, the first when the alarm system had not been activated. The Parish Council will continue to monitor developments. RVHG has made a request to use the building for storage, but this was refused by DCC.

Encyclopaedia Britannica: The Parish Council has received a request from the Encyclopaedia Britannica to provide information on Repton. Details of local cultural institutions, attractions, monuments, parks, historical sites and notable individuals connected to Repton will be updated and included in the entry. The Parish Council would like to thank Repton Village History Group for their help.

Next meeting: Monday 14th April at 7.30 pm in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton. All are welcome.

---

Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton Village Hall

The village hall AGM was well attended, and a full committee was elected to continue the work of maintaining this historic building. The hall is well used with regular bookings from local groups, and for parties, and the new kitchen, complete with dishwasher, has brought an increase in bookings for the coming year. To book or view the hall, contact Polly on 703436.

The war memorial commemorating local people lost in the First World War is to be replaced, together with separate recognition for the hall's benefactors. New rules for the bonus ball sweepstake were approved and will be circulated to all participants. All numbers are now sold.

Forthcoming events to note in your diary include Milton Plant Swap and Sale on 10th May, the Village Walk and Lunch on 18th May, and Edward's Quiz on 18th July.

---

Milton W.I.

In March we enjoyed our annual dinner at The Winery in Burton. Later in the month, at our March meeting, the speaker was Ann Pocklington sharing her knowledge of 'Crinoline Ladies and Soldering Irons'. After she retired from teaching biology, Ann took a City and Guilds diploma in Design, Craft and textiles. She brought along amazing samples of her work. Kay Dolman gave the vote of thanks.

Next meeting: Wednesday 16th April at 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. Our speaker from the Derby Samaritans will talk about their 50 year history in Derby and the work of their volunteers. New members and guests are very welcome.

---

Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney C of E Infant School

All parents, carers and local residents are most welcome to join us for Community Collective Worship in the school hall at 9.15 am on Thursday 3rd April. The dates for the summer term will be 1st May, 5th June and 3rd July.

Coffee & the Community, Friday 25th April, 9 - 10 am in the school hall

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

---

Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Our visit in February was to Denby Pottery, with the option of a guided tour around the pottery where those who took part had the opportunity to try out their skill in making a frog from clay.

On 4th March, we celebrated Jack Antcliff's 100th birthday with tea and cakes. After we sang 'Happy Birthday', Jack blew out his candles - not 100 for fear of setting off the fire alarms! - and cut the cake. He gave a short speech, thanking those who had sent cards, and spoke of the enjoyable times he had spent at Tuesday Club and the holidays and trips he had enjoyed with us.

Tuesday 1st April: 2.30 pm

A business meeting followed by a talk on 'Etwall Well Dressings' by Désiré Noons.

Tuesday, 15th April: A trip to Bakewell

We leave the Unicorn Inn at 9.30 am and return to Newton between 3 and 3.30 pm. £10.

For further information on Tuesday Club activities or to join one of our trips, please contact our Secretary, Jane, on 01283 564520.

---

Newton Solney W.I.

Members and guests who attended the March meeting enjoyed an interesting and informative talk by Tony Hurrell about Sharpe's Pottery Museum, reminding us of the fantastic facility that exists on our doorstep and the huge variety of events that take place there. Their website is well worth a look!

Following on from our February talk about the Fauld explosion, a walk around the crater followed by lunch at the Cock Inn is planned for Wednesday 30th April.

Our next meeting - Tuesday 8th April at 7.30 in the village hall - is 'Bubbles, Bites and Beetle Drive - Part 2'! Last year's event was good fun, so a repeat is called for. The W.I. Committee will be providing the bites, with Jean Burns and Carol Checketts assisting with refreshments and Kay Stanley providing the flowers.

Our normal monthly events, Mulberry Room lunches and whist drives continue; don't forget that all are welcome to come along.

---

Newton Solney Parish Council News

Recreation Field: A small sub-committee has been chosen and plans are underway to purchase some new play equipment for the village recreation field. We hope that we may be able to apply for funding or a grant to help with the project; this is currently being investigated by the Parish Council.

The collapsed wall on Bretby Lane is causing concern to everyone in the village. We have been assured by both DCC and SDDC that they are treating this as a high priority. Further information should be available shortly.

Newton Solney village plan has been updated and is now available to view on the parish web site.

Next meeting: Friday 11th April at 7.45 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

---

Gardening Notes

Easter is often the start of the gardening year, and it is certainly a very busy time at the garden centres with their vast array of colourful plants. It is tempting to buy lots of colourful plants to fill the gaps, but this can lead to a garden with lots of interest in spring and not enough interest later.

The warm weather in early March has dried up the winter wet and most garden soils should now be suitable for sowing seeds and planting outside including kohlrabi, parsnips, leeks, carrots, spring onions, beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and spinach. You can also start regular sowings of lettuce.

If you grow vegetables, it is worth trying those that taste better when harvested really fresh such as asparagus, new potatoes, sweet corn and peas.

Plant out early potatoes in April. If you chitted them earlier, they will have developed green shoots which help you to plant the tubers the correct way up - the pointed bit (rose end) at the top. We prepare a shallow trench, add some cut grass, place the potatoes on top and cover with soil. This helps to create the slightly acid, moist conditions that potatoes enjoy. Once the shoots appear above ground, cover them with soil to protect against frost. It is a good idea to cover them also with fleece.

Most gardeners do not have enough space for maincrop potatoes, but if you have, it is worth experimenting with different varieties.

Sow sweetcorn, tomatoes and peppers in a greenhouse. Tomato seed can be very expensive, when you buy the packet, check how many seeds there are. Some F1 seeds cost nearly £1 each, so you need to be confident you can give them the best start; if in doubt, you can buy small seedlings at not much more. For the last three years we have grown grafted tomatoes with amazing results. The rootstock is resistant to pest and diseases and will support very large plants. They are most suitable for the greenhouse border or very large pots; grow bags are just too small. The rootstock is so strong that it is possible to support three stems per plant, each bearing at least six trusses - the yield is enormous. We have had the best results with medium to large tomatoes such as elegance, bought from a local garden centre. I found the best way to make the most of the large crop was to bake trays of tomatoes in the oven; this concentrates the flavour and reduces the volume for freezing.

I have sown some of the seed from the last of our home-grown stored squash; it germinated very easily. They do take up a lot of space but you can grow them underneath sweet corn. Pepper seed does not keep well, so growing seeds from a bought chilli pepper is a good idea, especially if you find one that has a temperature to suit you.

You will get the fastest germination if you place your seeds in a propagator and cover them with a black plastic bag. You must check them every day and remove the plastic the moment there is any sign of germination.

At this time of year frosts can be quite damaging to newly opened foliage. Most plants will recover, but Acer Palmatum varieties are especially vulnerable and can be killed or disfigured for the full year. If you have a favourite, throw a bit of fleece or plastic over it when frost is forecast.

It seems that every day a new garden catalogue arrives on the doormat, and there is still time to order plug plants. I tend to buy the larger sizes, as the smaller plants, although cheap, come in such vast quantities that unless you have large bedding schemes there are just too many to cope with. If you are prepared to be flexible, the budget supermarkets have some great bargains.

I get a lot of pleasure in April from my woodland plants such as the emerging trilliums, cardamines, anemone nemerosa, erythroniums and anemone blanda. They are quite fleeting but spread steadily if left undisturbed. As woodlanders, they like a humus rich soil and a bit of shade. Some of them disappear in the summer so they need careful positioning if you want them to re-appear next year, unscathed by over eager gardeners.