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
May 2014

Trust 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 Coffee Morning, Saturday 10th May, 10.30 - 11.30 am Shell (for children aged 7+) Date: Family Barbeque, Saturday 12th July Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Funerals and Burial of Ashes Patricia Townsend Ellen Mable Wild Elizabeth Pixie Tomlinson Obituaries Ellen Mable Wild Patricia Townsend The Memorial Book Repton Benefice Healing Ministry St Wystan's News Poppies ~ An Act of Remembrance, Sunday 4th May A Special Service for Christian Aid Week, Sunday 11th May St Wystan's Day, Sunday 1st June Regular Services and Groups Palm Sunday ~ Thank you to Gerald Gibbs The Vicar's Address to the APCM Pastoral Care at St Wystan's Church St Mary's News Ascension Day Service, Thursday 29th May Local Diary Event Details Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 7th May Milton Plant Swap and Sale, Saturday 10th May Catwalk Fashion Show and Shopping Event, Thursday 15th May Repton School Concerts Society AGM & Music Competition Final Milton Village Spring Walk, Sunday 18th May Afternoon Tea, Saturday 24th May Messy Church, Sunday 1st JUNE Milton Open Gardens, Sunday 8th June Christian Aid Week Environment Matters Recycle M&S clothes at Oxfam Neighbourhood Watch Safer Neighbourhood Meeting, Monday 2nd June South Derbyshire Maps that reveal our past Walking in South Derbyshire Willington Surgery & Village A fantastic result! Willington Medical Practice Patient Participation Group AGM Arts in Willington, 17th - 18th May Repton Village and History Repton Rags Help to commemorate the Great War at Repton & District Royal British Legion Club An Act of Remembrance, Sunday 4th May Half-day Trip ~ Repton Evergreens, Thursday 29th May Village Hall Appeal Launch Using the village hall Lunch on the Paddock, Sunday 29th June Catwalk Fashion Show and Shopping Event, Thursday 15th May ngs Open Gardens ~ Sunday 18th May Make a Scarecrow for Repton Open Gardens, 21st - 22nd June Don't challenge a Scout to a duel! Repton Road Club Repton W.I. Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group 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 Plant Sale, Saturday 10th May Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Parish Council News Gardening Notes

---

Trust

It is two years since I became Vicar here, and it has certainly been an interesting time getting to know many of you and the different communities within the benefice. At our recent Annual Parochial Church Meetings we considered what the future might hold for our churches, and I made mention of the Second World War posters that now proliferate. One says, 'KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON'. Well, I found one that says 'KEEP CALM AND TRUST THE VICAR'. I hope you can and do!

You don't need to me to tell you that trust is increasingly rare. We all recognise it. There are too many instances of people in the public eye cheating on expenses, tapping the phones of the vulnerable, abusing those they should be caring for. It is easy for us to become cynical. Add in the way that institutions are not working for the people they should serve: the government under-pricing the sell-off of Royal Mail and lining fat cat pockets; the NHS and benefits system being driven by targets and cut-backs that threaten their future; an education system where ill-considered policies are imposed from above. On a wider front, we see local communities increasingly side-lined. Is it any wonder we are unhappy and mistrustful? Is it any wonder that people are now writing about the need for relation-building in business life?

Have you noticed how banks now advertise that they are going back to smiley faces and 'your own personal manager'? But I don't believe you, the damage has been done. I don't trust your organisation any more.

Many would also say that about the Church and about God. In the past, many more people put their faith and belief in what God revealed and what the Church proclaimed. But trust is shaken when we learn of children and adults who have been abused by the priests they trusted to care for them. I know too of people who have left the Church because they trusted that God would do something, and are angry that He didn't. Trust is a fragile commodity, so easily lost and so hard to regain, but it is not impossible.

What is needed is love, a love that is understanding, compassionate and forgiving, a love that seeks to reconcile and re-build. Such love demands a lot of us. Our darker side may say: “You've been hurt, hurt back.” But that is the easy path. The harder path is to allow love to guide us. Love would have us hold on, not throw away, heal not hurt, hug not harm. This is the path that Jesus walked, the path we are all invited to follow.

There is another poster I found, with a message we should all hold close to our hearts: 'KEEP CALM AND TRUST GOD'. God is to be totally trusted. He can be trusted as we trust a loving parent whose commitment to us is inexhaustible, whose purposes for us are unfailingly generous, whose life is the source of our life, who guarantees that there is always a home for us.

I know this, for I trust in God. As I begin my third year among you and with you, I hope and pray that you trust Him too.

---

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

---

Coffee Morning, Saturday 10th May, 10.30 - 11.30 am

Another opportunity to stock up on preserves and home-made cakes, and to chat with friends over coffee. Everyone is welcome!

---

SHELL Group for children and young people aged 7 and over

. . . meets on Mondays 12th and 19th May from 6.30 to 7.30 pm to share in craft activities, games and fun, ending with a Christian message. New members are welcome!

---

Date for your diaries

This year's Family Barbeque will be on Saturday 12th July.

---

Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Patricia Townsend, of Willington and previously of the Crescent, Repton, died on Sunday 9th March aged 83. A funeral service at St Michael's Church, Willington, on Friday 28th March, was followed by buried in Willington cemetery.

Ellen Mable Wild, formerly of Repton, died on Thursday 13th March aged 89. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 1st April was followed by cremation.

Elizabeth Pixie Tomlinson, widow of the Rev'd Peter Tomlinson who was vicar of Repton from 1960 to 1970, died on Tuesday 8th April aged 92. A funeral service on 15th April at St Mary and St Edward Church, Barrow Gurney, was followed by burial in the churchyard there.

---

Obituaries

Ellen Mable Wild
4th November 1924 - 13th March 2014

Born in Derby, Ella arrived in Repton in 1937 when her parents, Mabel and Bill Land took over the Bulls Head. In 1946 she married Charles Wild (known as Peter), and moved to Derby to manage an off-licence owned by her parents.

By 1962 Ella and Peter were living in Willington, where Peter was tragically killed in a traffic accident, knocked off his bicycle and dying instantly within view of home.

With two young daughters to care for, Ella went to work as a conductress on the Blue Buses. It was a job she loved, and she stayed with them until the company, which had been taken over by Derby Corporation in 1973, lost its separate identity and ethos when in 1976 a fire destroyed the Willington garage together with 19 vehicles.

Following the death of her mother, for whom she had been caring, Ella returned to Repton in 1980, working initially at the Bulls Head before helping her elder daughter, Ann Faulkner, at the Boot. Although in many ways a home bird, she loved coach trips, particularly to Scotland, greatly enjoying true busman's holidays.

In her declining years Ella moved to the Dales, where she was very happy, but following the closure of the Dales in January 2013, she spent the last 14 months of her life in Oaklands. Always a 'people' person, she had many friends in Repton, and will be widely remembered.

---

Patricia Townsend
11th January 1931 - 9th March 2014

Born in Spondon, Pat spent her formative years in Derby. At 16, setting her sights on a career in nursing, she went as a cadet first to Wirksworth and then to Derby City Hospital, where she qualifyed as a State Registered Nurse.

At the City, Pat rose to become a night sister in charge of several wards, but after a few years, she decided to try industrial nursing at International Combustion before moving to Babington Hospital at Belper to care for the elderly.

It was all experience that stood her in good stead when in 1960 she found her real vocation in district nursing. She learnt to drive, bought a car and moved to Repton to live in The Crescent. Here and in the surrounding villages she rapidly became a familiar figure, working for the local medical practice and establishing a reputation for calm professionalism.

In 1965 she married Ken, and they continued to live in Repton until 1970 when they bought a home in Willington. Pat continued as district nurse and later as practice nurse, moving with the surgery to Willington.

She will be remembered with affection and gratitude, not only by the families of those who needed regular visits, but by all who benefited from her care and compassion.

---

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

Healing Ministry

When they see a church offering a healing ministry, many people recall dramatic images of American ministers at best making people faint, and at worst using actors to create fake healings to obtain money fraudulently. However, the truth of Christian Healing is quite different.

True Christian Healing is as old as our Christian Church. Much of Jesus' ministry was in healing people. The early church set out in the New Testament how it was called to offer healing in Jesus' Name. We continue that tradition here in our Benefice.

There are two regular opportunities to receive the laying on of hands and prayers for healing, both at St Wystan's: each month following the 9.45 service on the fourth Sunday, and at 7.30 pm on the last Wednesday of every alternate month at a short service with refreshments afterwards. You can ask for healing either for yourself or for somebody else. In addition, I and other members of the Healing Team would be very happy to be asked to pray for healing with people in their home or elsewhere. Rev'd Martin Flowerdew

---

St Wystan's News

Special Services and Changes

Poppies ~ An Act of Remembrance: Sunday 4th May at 10.30 am

Please join us for our poppy sowing. See below.

Sunday 11th May at 9.45: A Special Service for Christian Aid Week

At the start of Christian Aid Week - this year the 11th 18th May - we have a guest speaker at our 9.45 service to share something about the work of Christian Aid, which does such valuable work around the world, helping those who without some assistance are unable to help themselves. We will be joined by people from other churches, and it would be really good to have your company as well.

See below for more about the Christian Aid collection.

St Wystan's Day, Sunday 1st June: Changes to Services

We are marking St Wystan's Day, our patronal festival, with a Celebration Service at 9.45 am. This will be a communion service but with an emphasis on our being one Christian family.

There will be no services at 8 or 11 am, so that we can all unite as one to give thanks for our saint and our church. The service is open to everyone and we hope that you will come and join in with this thanksgiving for your parish church. Later in the day, the 'May' Messy Church that has been postponed to this day is at 4 pm, and there is Taizé Worship as normal at 6.30 pm.

---

Regular Services and Groups

8 am Communion: A reminder that there is now 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 5th May.

The Bible Study Group studying the Acts of the Apostles will meet at 7.30 pm on Thursdays 8th and 22nd May at 28 The Pastures.

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

Prayer for Christian Healing is now on the last Wednesday of alternate months. The next service is this month on Wednesday 28th May at 7.30 pm. Everyone is welcome, whether for prayer and the laying on of hands, or simply to be part of a special service.

---

Palm Sunday

Thank you to Gerald Gibbs for bringing his donkeys along to St Wystan's Church on Palm Sunday. It made a wonderful start to our service as we recalled the story of Jesus' final journey towards The Cross, a journey that began with his riding into Jerusalem and hailed as a king.

---

The Vicar's Address to the APCM

At the back of church there are copies of the Vicar's address to this year's APCM, in which he outlines some of the challenges that face St Wystan's. The address is also on the website at reptonchurch.org.uk. Use the site index to find APCM 2014.

---

Pastoral Care at St Wystan's Church

The pastoral team has been working on a scheme to offer pastoral care to all members of the congregation, complementing the care offered informally. Following preparation and support, pastoral visitors will be appointed from the congregation to ensure that a personal link is there when needed. The vicar will have overall responsibility, and will be assisted by Wendy Longden as Pastoral Assistant.

The new scheme will be introduced later this year. In time it is hoped to extend it to the wider community, in partnership with other churches and relevant organisations.

---

St Mary's News

An Ascension Day Service ~ Thursday 29th May at 7.30 pm

Ascension is the time when we remember Jesus' return to heaven following 40 days of resurrected life among his followers. It used to be a hugely celebrated occasion with choirs singing from church roofs, but Health and Safety has largely knocked that on the head! However, everyone is invited to celebrate this feast with us at a special Benefice Service in St Mary's.

Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 7th May from 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church £4.   Homemade soup, bread and cheese followed by coffee.   And a chat! Everyone welcome. Do come!

Milton Plant Swap and Sale Saturday 10th May, 10 am - 2 pm at Milton Village Hall Bring your surplus plants, rooted cuttings, seedlings, divisions; swap them for free! Plants should be of a reasonable size, at least a 3" pot, healthy, potted and clearly labelled. If you are not sure what it is, we may be able to help. Donations of plants for sale would be greatly appreciated. £1 entry per person.          Refreshments available. More information from Carl Avery, 07527 700308

Catwalk Fashion Show and Shopping Event Repton Primary School Thursday 15th May, 7 for 7.30 pm Ashbourne retailers, Fashion for Eternity, will show their current range of ladies' clothes, bags, scarves and accessories. Try on and purchase on the night. Tickets £5, including a glass of Bucks Fizz or orange juice, and a cake from the school PTA, Samaras, Mulberry Beauty Salon, Joan Paulson, 704034, or Linda Shortt, 702702.

Repton School Concerts Society AGM & Repton School Music Competition Final Wednesday 7th May Annual General Meeting (for subscribers only) at 6.30 pm in the Snooker Room, Repton Music School Subscribers are invited to the AGM to receive a financial update, a review of the current season, and plans for next season's programme. ~ ~ ~ followed by ~ ~ ~ Repton School Music Competition Final at 7.30 pm in the Robert Beldam Hall, Repton School Prize winners from the various classes, held throughout the year, compete in the grand final to decide who will be the Senior and Junior Young Musician of the Year. This is open to all, and free. For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR. 01283 702550.

Milton Village Spring Walk Sunday 18th May leaving Milton Village Hall at 11 am Enjoy a relaxed ramble and appreciate the countryside. Non-walkers are welcome to join us for a hot lunch at 2 pm at the village hall. Tea and coffee included. Vegetarian option available if pre-booked. £5 per person.    You are welcome to bring your own tipple to the hall. To book or for more details, contact Sue White 01283 701978.

Afternoon Tea Saturday 24th May from 2.30 to 4.30 pm Anne and Tim Shone invite you to Afternoon Tea at Rose Cottage, Derby Road, Stenson (Driving towards Derby, the house is up on the right. Park in the small car park next to the house, or down by the marina.) £3 including tea and cake

Messy Church Fun activities,craft and games,celebration and Sunday tea for children and adults, anyone, any age St Wystan's Church, Sunday 1st JUNE, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, contact Ruth Attwood on 702804 or . Everyone is welcome!

Milton Open Gardens Sunday 8th June, 1 to 6 pm Enjoy a diverse selection of gardens including some new ones easily accessible from Main Street or the Waterworks Plants for sale. Tea and home-made cakes served in the Village Hall Entry £3 per person, children under 16 free. Free parking. Tickets for the Open Gardens are available from the car park attendants. Sorry, no dogs will be allowed in the gardens

Charities

Christian Aid Week

Health programmes to combat HIV and malaria; social issues, working for justice in India and for human rights and gender equality throughout the developing world; high-lighting male rape, which has led to change at the United Nations; tackling poverty in the third world - in these and other, similar fields, Christian Aid does really valuable work, helping those who without some assistance are unable to help themselves.

How to support Christian Aid

Until recently there was an annual house-to-house collection locally during Christian Aid Week. That has now ceased, but there will be a collecting tin at Repton post office, and envelopes will be available at the back of St Wystan's from Sunday 27th April until 18th May. Donations can be brought to a church service during that period, or given to a member of the congregation; at other times you can drop the envelope into the donations box next to the church door. To send a donation direct to Christian Aid, see their website or call 0207 523 2046.

At Newton Solney, envelopes are being distributed with the Parish Magazine. Please return them to St Mary's or Cranberries.

However you give, remember that if you are a UK taxpayer, the value of your donation can be increased by 25% under the Gift Aid scheme without costing you a penny more.

---

Environment Matters

Recycle M&S clothes at Oxfam

M&S can make your unwanted clothes feel wanted again. Take any M&S clothes, shoes and bags you no longer need into Oxfam shops and receive a £5 off voucher when you spend £35 or more on clothing or home and beauty at M&S. Alternatively, when you go to buy something new from an M&S store, drop an old item of clothing into one of the Shwop Drops. Search for Shwop Drops to see how it works.

Since 2008 when the scheme started, over 10 million garments have been collected, which is worth £8 million for Oxfam. That's 250, 000 classrooms, 137, 000 pigs, or 307, 000 looms!

To buy unusual or vintage clothes, try Oxfam's Online Shop, oxfam.org.uk, for designer clothes from Monsoon, Jaeger, Coast and others.

---

Neighbourhood Watch

Safer Neighbourhood Meeting, Monday 2nd June, 6.15 pm in Repton Village Hall. Tea and coffee are available from 5.45 p.m. The meeting is an opportunity for you to influence policing priorities.

Beware! Cold callers claiming to remove viruses from your computer, fraudsters conning people into handing over all the money in their bank accounts, rogue traders, links to dodgy websites, online vehicle fraud . . . the list goes on. If you have not yet signed up to Neighbourhood Watch, beware!

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

Maps that reveal our past

Detailed Ordnance Survey maps from 1884 to 1949, are now freely available online, giving a fascinating glimpse into how our villages have changed across the years. Individual buildings and streets can be identified clearly and smaller features can be seen including pumps, post boxes and mile posts.

The maps, which cover the whole country, are immensely valuable for local and family history. You can search for the street where your grandparents lived or see how 19th century farmland has turned into today's suburbs. The website allows you to zoom to pick out detail.

The whole country was surveyed twice, first between 1842 and 1893, and then between 1891 and 1914. The maps were subsequently updated regularly for urban or rapidly changing areas from 1914 to the 1940s. The result is that for many towns there are up to five editions between the 1840s and the 1950s.

You can search in a number of different ways, by place names, street names, post codes and grid references. The maps are also available via county lists. Go to maps.nls.uk/os and take it from there.

---

Walking in South Derbyshire Get Active in the Forest

Between the end of April and October there is a varied programme of walks throughout South Derbyshire. Some are 'family friendly', relatively short walks of 45 minutes or so, and some are distinctly longer.

In May there are dawn chorus and bluebell walks at Rosliston, a circular walk from Findern to Mercia Marina, and a walk to see how the landscape has changed around Castle Gresley.

Walks are led by trained walk leaders and for most you just turn up. Some are free, and the cost of others is generally small, £2 or so. However you need to book in advance for the dawn chorus walk; it costs £8, but that does include a drink and hot snack.

To find out more, pick up a 'Spring to Autumn Walks' leaflet at Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre, Rosliston Forestry Centre or at south-derbys.gov.uk.

---

Willington Surgery & Village

A fantastic result!

On 9th April Deborah Harkin, who works at Willington Pharmacy, had her head shaved to raise funds for Macmillan and in support of her sister in law who is battling cancer. Thank you to everyone who supported her, helping her to raise over £3,200 for Macmillan Cancer Support - quite fantastic!

---

Willington Medical Practice Patient Participation Group AGM

---

Arts in Willington, 17th - 18th May

This year, Willington Arts Festival takes on a new look and new dates. A mix of arts trail and art and craft workshops, 'Arts in Willington' has something for all ages, including pottery, willow weaving, drumming, a graffiti wall and a community painting project. For details see willingtonartsfestival.co.uk.

---

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 9th and 23rd May from 6.30 to 8 pm at the Den      £1 a head PLUS 9th May: Life on the Beat 23rd May: The Blender Vender Come along and have fun!       More info from Julie Groom, 0797 4998852

Help to commemorate the Great War at Repton & District Royal British Legion Club
Everyone will be invited!

To mark the outbreak of the Great War 100 years ago, an exhibition in the Legion Club will open every day from the 4th to the 9th August with war memorabilia including medals, newspapers, posters, photographs, books, and other items, some on loan from residents of Repton and the surrounding area.

If you have items that could be of interest, and are happy to loan them for the exhibition, please bring or send them to the Legion Club or contact Mike Wilks on 702540.

---

An Act of Remembrance

A reminder that we will be sowing poppy seeds at St Wystan's on Sunday 4th May. The poppies should then bloom in time for the 4th August - the day when Great Britain entered what was to become the First World War. Although it is timed so that church congregations at both the 9.45 and 11 am services can be present, everyone is invited. If you only wish to join us for the planting of the seeds, that will happen shortly after 10.30am. You will be most welcome.

---

Half-day Trip ~ Repton Evergreens

On Thursday 29th May, we are going to Stafford, leaving Repton village hall at 9.15 am. On the return journey we will stop at Amerton Farm, arriving back in Repton at about 3 pm. Cost £5. Please phone me to book your seat. All are welcome.

---

Village Hall Appeal Launch

Over 100 people came to support the launch of the appeal. The village hall was buzzing and we did a great trade in tea, coffee and cakes. There were plenty of ideas for raising money, which the Appeal Committee will be discussing at their next meeting before putting together a calendar of events.

Although not in itself a fundraising event, the afternoon raised over £600 towards the appeal. This included two generous donations, money from sales of cakes and Easter eggs, the raffle, guess the number of eggs and donations for teas. A very positive start to raising the money needed. Thank you to everyone who donated cakes, prizes and lots beside, who helped, and, most importantly, who attended.

Using the village hall

Although the unseen fabric is deteriorating, don't be put off. The hall is still very comfortable, a well equipped, convenient and inexpensive venue for all sorts of get-togethers and parties. See reptonvillagehall.org.uk or contact Pat Court on 702599.

Lunch on the Paddock

With the kind permission of Repton School, our first major event will be a Sunday Lunch and Auction in the Marquee on Repton School Paddock on Sunday 29th June, 1.30 for 2 pm. There will be drinks to start and a three course buffet, with Cantabile (the London Quartet) providing the entertainment. Tickets cost £50. Contact Carol Lloyd on 01283 702410.

---

Catwalk Fashion Show and Shopping Event
Repton Primary School, Thursday 15th May, 7 for 7.30 pm

This evening of fashion is arranged jointly by Repton Primary School PTA and Repton W.I. Ashbourne retailers, Fashion for Eternity, will show their current range of ladies' clothes, bags, scarves and accessories, and you will have an opportunity to try on and purchase on the night. Tickets at £5 - including a glass of Bucks Fizz or orange juice and a cake - are available from the school PTA, Samaras, Mulberry Beauty Salon, Joan Paulson, 704034, or Linda Shortt, 702702.

---

ngs Open Gardens ~ Sunday 18th May

Pauline and Robert Little, 10 Chestnut Way 1 - 5.30 pm

This is a large garden packed with colourful and unusual plants. We have lots of clematis, the early perennials are showing promise of colour, and peonies, alliums and rhododendrons should be bright too.

Entry £3. Homemade teas and cakes, and a plant stall with a great selection available at this time of year. All proceeds go to NGS charities.

Louise and Stephen Hardwick, Askew Cottage, 23 Milton Road 2 - 6 pm

Designed by Louise but then crammed full of plants, the garden exemplifies the maxim 'Do as I say and not as I do.'

Homemade teas are available with proceeds to the NGS. Entry £3, with accompanying children free.

---

Make a Scarecrow!   Repton Open Gardens, 21st - 22nd June

As part of this year's Open Gardens Weekend we are planning a Scarecrow Trail, and we need your support. Scarecrows need not be 'human'. You can use stuffed bin bags for a body, wire coat hangers are good for shoulders, a balloon, old football or anything round will make a head, a mop head will serve as hair - or just use a hat, as well as old gloves and shoes for hands and feet. You can find lots of advice, examples and instruction sheets at makescarecrows.com.

All scarecrows should be visible from the highway and in place from noon to 5 pm on both days. Entry is free and cash prizes for the most inventive or entertaining will be presented by the judge in the village hall on Saturday afternoon at 4 pm. If you have a question, please contact Jan and David Roberts on 702159.

We do hope that lots of you will join in the fun and help to make it an enjoyable weekend. Let's see if this year we can show other villages how it should be done!

---

Don't challenge a Scout to a duel!

Scouts have all had fencing training in April, so on guard! April also saw the Scout Group AGM which was well supported by parents who saw investitures, badge presentations, photos of the activities from the last year and some great musical performances from Scouts wanting to progress their Music Badge. During the AGM formalities the Scouts were learning about survival cooking from Bear Grylls. This will be useful in May when we are hiking to Drum Hill with just food and sleeping bags. The Scouts have got to build shelters and fires to cook their food on without any other utensils.

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.

---

Repton Road Club

Cycling in Repton is popular and the Club continues to attract new riders. We leave Repton Cross every Sunday morning at 9 am for rides of approximately two hours' duration, and, with the lighter evenings, the club also stages shorter rides on Thursdays, leaving The Cross at 6.30 pm.

If you're looking to improve your fitness, making a return to cycling, just starting out, or looking for company on a training ride, then why not join in. There are no fees, nothing to pay, just turn up and join in. Alternatively, some of us meet in The Red Lion from 8 pm on every third Monday of the month. For more details, ring Neil on 703363 or see facebook.com/ReptonRoadClub.

---

Repton W.I.

At our April meeting we held a minute's silence for Elizabeth Gardner, a member from Winshill who has recently died. Then we enjoyed Nigel Holling's talk on the history and production of chocolate. Nigel, who runs Bittersweet Chocolates at Breedon-on-the-Hill, brought samples for us to try including some with unusual flavours such as lavender, bergamot and raspberry and chilli and lime. Most of us were delighted we hadn't given up chocolate for Lent!

Later in April, some of us are going to Sudbury Prison for lunch, and a fashion show with the Primary School PTA has been organised for 15th May. We discussed arrangements for the Centenary Baton event in June, and there is a tour of the Toyota factory on 25th June. A dinner is planned for October, and members were also reminded of the Dabble Day in November.

Jenny, Ann and Bridget had attended a day to support ACWW. Jenny will give more information at our meeting on Tuesday 13th May (7.15 pm in the village hall) when the resolution for the National AGM will be discussed, and members will also be able to have a go at one or two different crafts. Visitors are always welcome.

---

Repton Village Society

The son of a gardener at Etwall Hall, William 'Quaker' Pegg (1775 - 1851) became the finest flower painter at the Derby Porcelain Factory. Although working conditions were far from ideal, he produced exquisite work that is keenly collected today. As a Quaker, William found that his strict religious beliefs conflicted with flower painting, and so he only worked at the factory for two short periods. In his talk, George Drury gave a full account of the troubled life of this remarkable man, as well as an insight into the Quaker movement at that time. Excellent photographs added much to the talk.

Thursday 8th May (N.B. 2nd Thursday), Repton village hall, 7.30 pm In 'The Ups and Downs of a Helicopter Pilot', Jolyon Maclain will cover his 22 years in the RAF. Note that the topic given in 'What's On' is incorrect.

---

Repton Village History Group

In April, Matthew Hurford, the archaeologist who led excavations on the site of the Science Priory, came to speak about his findings.

As soon as the turf was removed, it was clear that more than a watching brief was needed. The area that was to be under the new building was properly excavated using diggers to gently remove the topsoil, and then by hand to examine sections of the features they found.

A number of pits, ditches and finds lead to the conclusion that the site was used and occupied from about the 4th or 5th centuries BC, followed by Roman and Anglo-Saxon settlement. Two straight ditches indicate Roman use, and a ditch curving round in a loop indicates an Anglo Saxon enclosure. This may have contained a hall, as was found at Catholme, and there may have been as many as 30 dwellings in the whole settlement. Evidence increased to the eastern end of the site, and there were no finds at the west. Noting that the church and its Mercian and Viking activity lie to the east, it is possible to speculate that there is more evidence to be found under the unexcavated Science Priory car park and the vicarage garden.

Hammer scale and indications of molten or near molten metal fragments indicate metal working in the area and a forge. Although too small to identify the shapes of the vessels they come from, fragments of pot are dateable, Derbyshire Ware tempered with millstone grit. It had been assumed that the grit had been imported from the Peak District but it was pointed out that there is an outcrop locally at Carver's Rocks.

The ditches and some of the pits were topped with material that suggested householders clearing out hearths and debris into earlier unwanted features. Among the finds were lots of different sorts of charred cereal grains that could be carbon dated. These indicate a range of dates from 400 AD to the medieval period, but we were warned that they could have arrived in the ditches from other nearby locations.

In the past, small worn shards of Roman pottery have been found scattered in many locations around the village core. While this probably resulted from manuring the fields, it does indicate that there is likely to have been a Roman settlement in the area. Maybe it was here. With luck we will have the opportunity to take this work further.

On Tuesday 20th May, Richard Stone will talk to us about the history of maps. This will be followed by our AGM. 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 Parish Council Jottings

Allotments: There are a few plots available to rent at Monsom Lane; new applications are welcome. Applicants should live in either Repton or Milton and wish to grow your own produce. If you are interested, please contact me at the Parish Council office and I can arrange to show you what is available. The rental is very reasonable, and a reduction is available for those retired or not in employment. Ring 01283 701309.

Lights on The Cross: The lights around The Cross have not worked for quite a few weeks. The Parish Council has been liaising with Derbyshire County Council who have now advised us that three of the lights should be working during the evenings, but damage to the fourth is more serious. Vehicular damage to one of the directional signs has also damaged the light. Further investigations are being made and a quote obtained for the work required. The Parish Council will monitor developments and keep you updated.

NatWest Bank: The Repton branch of the NatWest is to close. The Bank says there has been a thirty per cent drop in transactions over the last four years. Previously the bank's 'Customer Charter' stated that they would never close a branch if it was the last in that location; this commitment has now been dropped. Repton's bank is one of 44 branches earmarked for closure, one of 14 classed as the 'last bank in town'. Local residents will then have to travel further afield.

Next meeting: The Annual General Meeting is on Monday 12th May at 7.30 pm in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton. All are welcome.

---

Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton Village Hall

In support of the village hall, two events are planned for May. Following the success of last year's plant swap and sale, this year's will be on Saturday 10th; it is a sociable occasion and an opportunity for gardeners to exchange plants and ideas over a cup of tea. For more information, contact Carl on 07527 700308.

The annual Spring Walk and lunch is on Sunday 18th May. Everyone is welcome for a gentle walk in the countryside starting at 11 am, and followed by a friendly lunch in the village hall. The cost is £5 per person. To book a place for lunch, call Sue on 01283 701978 or use the contact form on the website.

On Sunday 8th June, around 12 gardens are opening to the public from 1 to 6 pm for Milton Open Gardens. The event is easily accessible with most of the gardens located along Main Street and a further cluster of gardens at the Waterworks. Admission is £3 per person, children under 16 free. The W.I. will be serving refreshments in the village hall and plants will be available for sale on the day.

To view or hire Milton village hall please contact Polly on 01283 703436.

---

Milton W.I.

At our April meeting, two representatives from the Derby Samaritans described their work. The volunteers operate a twenty-four hour, totally confidential service, and have helped many thousands of people over the years. Sue White gave the vote of thanks and refreshments were served by Margaret Connely and Roz Baker.

Next meeting. Wednesday 21st May at 7.30 pm in Milton Village hall. Members will have an opportunity to discuss the 2014 resolution, 'Increasing Organ Donation' before the final vote at the national AGM in Leeds in June. The committee will serve a light evening snack.

---

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 1st May. The dates for the rest of the summer term are 5th June and 3rd July.

Coffee & the Community, THURSDAY 2nd May, 9 - 10 am in the school hall

Do come along for coffee and chat to a coffee morning run by June Scott and members of St Mary's Church. School families and all local residents are very welcome. Please note the change from the normal day, which is due to school holidays.

---

Plant Sale, Newton Solney village hall, Saturday 10th May, 10 am - noon

We hope lots of people will come along to our plant sale, as we are trying to raise money for much needed replacement of further windows in our beautiful arts and crafts style village hall. Unfortunately, not just any old windows will do.

A well-stocked plant stall will include some more unusual offerings, the refreshment and cake stall will be provided by the W.I., and there will also be a second hand book stall and a raffle.

---

Newton Solney Tuesday Club

We are just about to leave for our annual holiday, this year to Eastbourne, and the committee has put together what we hope will be an interesting programme. 36 people are coming with us, so all we need to complete our enjoyment is some good weather!

Tuesday 6th May: 2.30pm

A business meeting followed by a talk from Colin Bagshaw on his travels to Namibia. Tuesday 20th May

The Annual General meeting at 3.30 pm at the Newton Park Hotel is followed by tea -cost £7.

If you would like to find out more about our activities or think you would like to join us some time, please contact Jane, our Secretary, on 01283 564520.

---

Newton Solney W.I.

Members enjoyed our April meeting, 'Bubbles, Bites & Beetle Drive Part 2', a sociable evening as we had the opportunity to chat during the game, with an element of competition and prizes included!

At the May meeting on Tuesday 13th (7.30 pm in the village hall), members will discuss the Resolution 'Increasing Organ Donation', which is to be put to the vote at next month's AGM in Leeds. Also, our President's handicraft challenge, to make a card to celebrate 40 years of Derbyshire House, will be judged by an impartial volunteer. The card may be in any medium or design. We need as many entries as possible to make a good competition. Only the winner's identity will be revealed, so don't be shy. Flowers will be provided by Hazel Ward; Sue Ellis and Tricia Rees will be organising teas.

Mulberry Room Lunches return in May, and don't forget the W.I. whist drives on the last Tuesday of the month at 7 pm in the village hall.

---

Newton Solney Parish Council News

Raft Race: This year's race will take place on Saturday 14th June. Please come and support what's always a fun occasion.

Newton Solney Summer Fete and Sports Day, Sunday 6th July from 12 pm: Sports, games, stalls and lots more! Please put the date in your diary and come down to the Recreation Field to support what should be a fantastic village occasion.

Fly tipping: There have been a few recent occurrences of fly tipping of garden waste on the riverbank. If you witness fly tipping, please contact Gareth Evans, Senior Safer Neighbourhood Warden, on 07968 079613 or 01283 595795.

Planning Applications: The Parish Council has received a number of planning applications this month. Full details are on the website.

Annual Parish Meeting: Friday 9th May at 7.15 pm in the village hall. All are welcome. The Parish Council meeting will follow at 7.45.

---

Gardening Notes

May is the month when you rush off to the garden centre to buy plants for containers, but when you arrive, so often the plants are not quite what you expect, so I suggest that you make a plan of your containers before you go and decide where you want to put them. You need to consider where the pots will go, the background, and how sunny or shady it is, as well as the colour, shape and size of plants.

If you have a large pot, it is often very effective to use a selection of different plants that complement each other. There are many really good foliage plants such as heucheras that will grow well in pots for a summer season. The tender perennials flower for ages and often don't need deadheading.

When you pot up, don't overfill the containers. If you add garden soil to your pots, you will find it easier to water them, particularly if they dry out. It will also make the pots a bit heavier, which helps to stop them being blown around. If your container does dry out completely, then put it in a bucket or a trug and stand it in water for an hour or two. It is generally best not to stand your pots on saucers unless the plants will tolerate wet conditions.

Gertrude Jekyll was very keen on using pots to fill gaps in borders such as where bulbs have died down. Lilies are very effective used in this way and are easy to grow permanently in pots. There are many different varieties in all sorts of shapes and sizes. We grow many lilies in pots. Orange pixie is short and very easy, and we have various oriental lilies that we found at gardening shows. Pot them up adding grit and garden soil if you are using commercial soil-less compost. We try to repot every three to four years, adding general fertiliser in between. In the ground we grow martagon lilies which will grow in sun or shade and, once established, put on a splendid display in both acid and alkaline soils, but they do like a humus rich soil. Outside in the garden soil the asiatic lilies are easier to grow; they bulk up very quickly but do not have the wonderful scents of the oriental lilies. If you grow lilies in the ground, make sure that you mark them well: they come up quite early and it is so easy to damage the young shoots; once that has happened, that is it for the year.

Going by early indications, this will be a bumper year for lily beetles, a pest that attacks both lilies and fritillaries. They are bright red, about the size as ladybirds but narrower and without spots. An adult that senses danger has a surprising defence mechanism; it becomes motionless, folds up its appendages and falls with its black under-surface facing up, camouflaging it against the ground and helping it to escape.

Often the first evidence of lily leaf beetle infestation is piles of sticky brown frass on the leaves. There the larvae are protected from the sun and predators. The easiest form of control is a systemic insecticide such as Provada Ultimate Bug Killer which lasts in the plant for six weeks. If you only have a few lilies, you can squish the adults and larvae, but they are quite tricky to catch.

Other jobs to do in May

Sow tender vegetables such as runner beans and courgettes outside.

Plant out outdoor tomatoes towards the end of the month.

Tie in shoots of climbers such as clematis.

Plant out half hardy annuals towards the end of the month; busy lizzies and begonias are the most tender, so delay if frost is forecast.

Prune back forsythia and flowering currants after flowering.