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

Man lives as if he is never going to die, and dies having never really lived. 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 Shell (for children aged 7+) Summer Barbecue, Saturday 12th July Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Marriages Claire Goatman and Jonathan Armstrong Kelly Johnson and Matthew Spooner Funerals and Burial of Ashes Ken Croft Joseph Stacey Doris Matthews George Leydon Obituaries Ken Croft Doris Matthews Michael (Mick) Shepherd George Leydon The Memorial Book Derby Diocese and the wider Church The Bishop's Harvest Appeal Repton Benefice The Great War Remembered, Monday 4th August 2014 Services Groups St Wystan's News Christian Aid Week Christmas Card Photo Competition St Wystan's Church Social Events For your Diary Local Diary Event Details Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 2nd July Newton Solney School Summer Fayre, Saturday 5th July Derby Bach Choir: Music for a Summer Night, Saturday 5th July Messy Church, Sunday 13th July Mad Hatter's Tea Party, Thursday 17th July Edward's Quiz, Friday 18th July Thankyou Margaret Shepherd and family Charities Let's bring back childhood! Environment Matters Recycling Efforts Double Neighbourhood Watch South Derbyshire Legal Highs Willington Surgery Citizens Advice at Willington Surgery Repton Village and History Repton Village Hall Appeal Repton Rags (advert) ngs Open Gardens, Sunday 6th July 1st Repton Guides Summer Play Farewell to the NatWest Repton Road Club Repton W.I. Repton Village History Group The Land Army - during and after WWII Encyclopaedia Britannica Repton Village Society Repton Rags Cycling Scouts One Day Jitty Closure, Wednesday 30th July Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton Village Hall Milton W.I. excel! Newton Solney Village Matters Christian Aid Week in Newton Solney Annual Cricket Match & Sports Day, Monday 25th August Newton Solney Tuesday Club Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Parish Council Gardening Notes Computer Security Don't let them catch you out!

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Man lives as if he is never going to die,
and dies having never really lived.

As I write, the World Cup has hit our screens and papers, and almost every pub in the land is attracting punters with flags and banners declaring its coverage of every game. As I picked one of my daughters up from a club she asked: "Why is everyone talking about Brazil?" I answered: "Money and power". She said: "Isn't it about the football?" I explained that it used to be, but now it is about money and power. At the professional level the 'beautiful' game has become so entwined with money that its purpose has been lost. You can claim the World Cup is about finding the best national team in the world, but recent events in Brazil, issues coming to light about the decision to stage the 2022 event in Quatar, and suspicions surrounding FIFA under the leadership of Sepp Blatter combine to reveal the corrupting influence of money and power.

Of course it is not only football, and it is not only large organisations which are corrupted. We can all be caught up by an addiction to money, a longing for power, a lifestyle that serves only ourselves.

All the world's religions have things to say about money. Hindu dharma (duty) encourages Hindus to work hard and earn money. In this way they can support themselves and their family. This is in keeping with artha, one of the four purushartas (aims or goals) of life. Artha is about gaining wealth by honest and lawful means.

I like the Islamic distinction between the good ways of making and using money, halal, and the bad ways of doing it, haram.

Jesus taught about how money can become such a distraction in life that we lose sight of ourselves and, worse still, damage our relationships not only with one another but with God Himself.

Money is necessary to the way we live but it can be a far greater evil than it is a blessing. This is especially brought home by these words attributed to the Dalai Lama. When asked what surprised him most about humanity, he said:

"Man.
Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money.
Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.
And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present;
the result being that he does not live in the present or the future;
he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived."

The spiritual wisdom in the Dalai Lama's words is there for all to see but I leave you, as you would expect of me, with a quote from Jesus, in fact two quotes: "And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?" Luke 9:25, and "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10.

May you have life to the full in His name.

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

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Readers, Intercessors and Offertory at St Wystan's

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Altar Flowers (contact Frances Wimbush, 703180)

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Brasses (contact Sue Parker, 702550)

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

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The United Reformed Church

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SHELL for young people aged 7+

. . . meets on Mondays 7th and 14th July from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. Activities this month include rounders and a barbeque. New members welcome!

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Summer Barbecue
Saturday 12th July at 5 Monsom Lane

Lots of good food, a bouncy castle and children's games, or just the chance to relax in the sunshine make this an unmissable event! Tickets are available from members, or telephone 701581.

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Marriages

Claire Goatman and Jonathan Armstrong of Didsbury, Manchester, were married at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Saturday 17th May.

Kelly Johnson and Matthew Spooner of Thulston, Derby, were married at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney, on Friday 30th May.

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Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Ken Croft of High Street, Repton, died on Friday 23rd May aged 93. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 12th June was followed by cremation at Bretby.

Joseph Stacey of Burdett Way, Repton, died on Sunday 25th May aged 85. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 5th June was followed by burial at Monsom Lane Cemetery.

Doris Matthews of Willington and formerly of Mill Farm, Milton, died on Tuesday 27th May aged 89. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 9th June was followed by burial at Monsom Lane Cemetery.

George Leydon of The Pastures, Repton, died on Monday 2nd June aged 88. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 17th June was followed by cremation.

Joyce Turner of Mount Pleasant Road, Repton, died on Friday 6th June aged 95. A funeral service at St Wystan's Church on 27th June was followed by cremation at Bretby.

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Obituaries

Ken Croft
28th February 1921 - 23rd May 2014

Although a proud Yorkshireman, Ken loved Derbyshire and this village, and in return, as Headmaster of the village primary school, Repton took Ken to its heart.

Born in a small village near York, Ken was not yet 10 when he won a county minor scholarship to King James' Grammar School in Knaresborough. Although he matriculated at 16, he did not stay on to the Sixth Form but instead he got a job with the London & North Eastern Railway Company, learning about bookkeeping and accounts.

Shortly after the war started, he became a Local Defence Volunteer before joining the RAF in 1942. As his eyesight wasn't good enough to fly, he became part of the ground crew, serving in India and Ceylon. Just before V.E. day, he was granted compassionate leave to return home when his father fell ill. He had been abroad for 2 years.

It was during his time in India that Sergeant Croft signed up for a course in 'educational and vocational training' held near Delhi. This was his introduction to the world of teaching and sowed the seeds of his future career. When he was later posted back to England, he became an instructor teaching maths, English and General Knowledge. However, when his demob finally arrived in October 1946, it was to his old job with the LNER that he returned; he quickly became bored.

As a result of the war there was a great demand for more teachers, and in 1948 Ken was accepted for teacher training at Liverpool. After qualifying he was appointed to a secondary modern school at Beighton near Sheffield, where he taught general science for six years until 1956. The domestic science and needlework teacher was a local girl, Gwen Fellows. They married in 1952, and their two sons were born in the early 60s. By this time Ken had moved on to a junior school and then to a primary school near Bolsover, where he was deputy head.

In January 1966 he was appointed head of Repton Junior School, which then had three teachers, and when the junior and infant schools combined in 1969, Ken became head of the resulting primary school. The biggest challenge facing him was the impending move from the High Street to the new site in Springfield Road in the spring of 1974. The roll was then 220 and the brand new buildings were simply not big enough. Fortunately the county council agreed to an immediate extension, which was a good job as the roll increased further to 249 before the population bulge passed its peak. Ken worked hard to bring the school up to the high standard he expected, and developed an enviable reputation. He retired at Easter 1986, to be followed by David Kennedy.

Outside work, Ken had many interests; he played local league cricket regularly until 1966, and refereed football in the Sheffield area for 10 years. His main interest and hobby however was vegetable gardening; he would spend long hours in the garden, and took great pride in it. His other passion was bridge, and he passed many an evening with friends in the village playing bridge and socializing.

Both he and Gwen took a keen interest in nature and belonged to the R.S.P.B. and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Ken served on the Parish Council and the P.C.C., was treasurer of the village hall committee, and of the Royal British Legion Repton Branch until 2006. During his later years, back problems resulted in a double spinal operation, but his mobility never recovered, and he needed increasing care.

Ken made a huge contribution to Repton life and to the lives of the children who passed through his care; he will be long remembered.

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Doris Matthews
8th May 1925 - 27th May 2014

Doris was a founder member of Milton W.I. and last year was delighted to catch up with old friends at their 25th anniversary. She had previously been a member of Repton W.I. and served on Milton village hall committee.

Born in 1925 in Tilston, Cheshire, Doris left school at 14 to work as a telephonist at an army camp near Chester during the Second World War; her love of the telephone never left her! At the end of the war she met and in 1947 married Roy, who worked with his father on the family farm. As well as bringing up their five children she was very involved in village life, a member of the Young Conservatives and the W.I.

In 1965 the family moved to Milton when Roy took over the tenancy of Mill Farm. They settled quickly, made good friends and had a busy social life.

A skilled needlewoman, Doris made many of her clothes, and enjoyed upholstery, lampshade and tailoring classes, flower arranging and gardening, but particularly she loved entertaining, and was never happier than cooking for a large number, all of which kept her busy and happily socialising with friends. She was also very interested in politics and was often to be found writing to her MP about matters affecting rural life.

Following Roy's death in 1995, Doris moved to Willington, settling very happily there.

Her life was long and busy. She was from a generation that expected to work hard for what they achieved and did not begrudge having to do so. She was a true country woman who will be deeply missed.

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Michael Shepherd
24th May 1941 - 28th April 2014

Mick started work at Meadows Farm when he was just 16, the late John Goodwin employing him 'on probation', a probation that lasted for 46 years! At the beginning, there were other live-in workers too, and the farm was not only Mick's working environment but in many respects a second family.

The work was hard but it was also fun. In summer a strip of the orchard was mown to create a makeshift cricket strip and the men would play cricket in snatched moments between work. Mick would also play with the Goodwin children, who adopted him as an older brother, helping them to build snowmen and igloos in the winter, joining in their games, and tolerating their escapades - usually - although not when they attached a pedal car to the rear of his tractor's trailer.

When Mick was a young man on the farm, Hereford cattle would come by boat from Ireland and then by steam train to Chellaston sidings. The idea was that they would then walk the few miles to fields at Weston on Trent. In reality, however, for the first mile or so the cattle would run, and Mick as the youngest and fittest would be the man to lead.

Flooding was a frequent problem at Meadows Farm but it was not without its upside. On one occasion Mick helped the children to catch a raft from Willington Power station, hiding it in a backwater; it provided endless fun when the summer months came around.

It would often be necessary to rescue cattle from the floods. In November 1960, however, the flood was above the hedges; the farmhouse was cut off and supplies were running low. Leaving Margaret, his new bride - they married at the very end of October, Mick and Fred Hoos borrowed Mallenders' boat, and were able to steer it as far as the cattle grid in Monsom Lane, where it was caught by other farm workers - fortunately; had they not managed to stop, they and the boat would certainly have been swept away by the powerful current. From the grid they led it to the farm, where, with the return journey impossible, they had to stay until the water subsided. It was a very brave act.

During floods the milk lorry could not reach the farm and Mick would take the churns to the top of Monsom Lane for collection. Two days' supply of churns would be left in case the water got too high for even a tractor to negotiate. The same happened during a foot and mouth outbreak. But later, when milk was collected by tanker, the flooding caused too much disruption; the Goodwin family and Mick moved to Brook Farm.*

At Meadows Farm there had not been so many machines, but when the farm did eventually purchase its own combine, Mick was the main driver. He always had the new tractor, and did most of the ploughing and hedge cutting.

There was a call for local pubs to put in a team for tug of war for the Repton Village Fete. Mick pulled for the Boot team, which practised against a tractor driven by Andy Connelly or Andy Seagrave. Coached by Tony Collier, the team were unbeaten and won at the Derby County Show against a team from the police.

When Mick and Margaret married, they were offered the farm cottage in Monsom Lane and made it their family home for over 50 years. Many will recall Mick walking back to the cottage at breakfast time, lunch time, and at the end of the day, although not before dropping in to the farm kitchen for a beer after a long day silaging or combining.

Hard-working, dependable and loyal, Mick was highly valued by his employer; he and Margaret were a part of farm life and much loved by the farm family. At home Mick was a devoted husband and father, who also had many friends. He was a good man who will be fondly remembered.

*    Meadows Farm stood close to the Trent, off the track leading from Monsom Lane. After the Goodwins left, it was demolished by the Church Commissioners; only one outbuilding remains.

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George Leydon
2nd July 1925 - 2nd June 2014

A Lancashire lad from quite a tough and humble background, George left school at 14 and worked in various jobs before being called up during the latter part of the war, when he trained as a mechanic in the army, based largely in Egypt and Greece.

On his demobilisation in the summer of 1947, George went into the electricity supply industry to train as a draughtsman whilst studying at night school in his free time to qualify as a mechanical engineer.

In January 1949 he married Enid, whom he had met at a dance, and over the next ten years they had six children, three boys and three girls, all but the last born while they were still living in Bury, although George's job was to bring them finally to the midlands. They settled in Repton in 1974.

Working for what eventually became the Central Electricity Generating Board, George progressed rapidly through the ranks to top management in power station operation and construction, and in 1986 was awarded the MBE in recognition of his work on sites that included Ferrybridge C, Cottam and Ratcliffe-on-Soar. Following retirement in 1988, he was asked to commission a power station in Zimbabwe, spending a year there.

Outside work, George was always active and, besides helping to raise his children, his many hobbies included the guitar, accordion, banjo and piano, horse riding, gardening, swimming and golf.

Throughout his life, George was involved with charitable work, much of it quite informal and unrecognised, such as sweeping out the bus shelters in Repton whilst we were still asleep. But he was also a member of the Lions and the British Legion, and on his return from Zimbabwe he took on the (unpaid) job of treasurer for 'Riding for the Disabled' at Scropton, helping them to win a substantial lottery grant. He also gave Scropton the money he raised from playing the piano in local pubs, and, accompanied by a banjo-playing friend, he entertained the elderly residents of many local care homes.

Although he didn’t trumpet it, George made a big contribution to our common life, both professionally and in his free time. He was a fine gentleman, and a true Roman Catholic.

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The Memorial Book

Repton has a fine memorial book permanently on display in St Catherine's Chapel in the north aisle of St Wystan's Church. It was donated in memory of Henry Chilton as a place to commemorate former residents of Repton.   All are eligible and welcome, as well as those buried or interred in St Wystan's churchyard or Monsom Lane cemetery.   There is no charge but a donation towards church funds is greatly appreciated.   All we need is the full name and the dates of birth and death.

Please use the website contact page to contact the vicar.

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Derby Diocese

The Bishop's Harvest Appeal
Equipping Women in Delhi for a Sustainable Future

Millions live in the slums of Delhi, where women and children are especially vulnerable to the effects of poverty, including isolation and sexual exploitation.

The Disha centre has been set up to provide education, training and employment; women there recycle paper into gifts to sell. This project not only raises much needed funds to empower women living in poverty but also affirms our global responsibility to be good stewards of God's creation.

Bishop Alastair's Harvest Appeal will be launched with an Eco Conference on Saturday 19th July, 10 am - 3.30 pm at St John's Church, Walton, Chesterfield. As well as guest speakers Ella Sonawane and Natascha Engel MP, and workshops led by Global Action Plan, the Order of the Black Sheep and the Diocesan Environmental Group, there will be exhibitions and stalls. You are invited. To book, contact the Bishop's office on 01332 840132.

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Repton Benefice

The Great War Remembered
Monday 4th August 2014

On 4th August 1914, Great Britain declared war on Germany, joining those countries that were already fighting, and exactly 100 years further on we will commemorate that momentous event.

In Church

At 7.30 pm in St Wystan's Church in Repton and St Mary's Church in Newton Solney there will be short services of 30 - 40 minutes, remembering in hymns, readings and prayers those who would give so much. Those from the parish of St Saviour's in Foremark will be remembered at the 6.30 pm evening service on Sunday 10th August.

At Repton British Legion

Later on the evening of the 4th August, 'A Solemn Commemoration on the Centenary of the outbreak of the First World War' in Westminster Abbey will be broadcast on BBC 2. It will feature music, readings, poetry, and contemporary reflection, such as diary entries and letters from 1914, and will draw on Sir Edward Grey's famous remark that "the lights are going out all over Europe", as the Abbey moves from light into darkness, until only one candle remains at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior; that in its turn will be extinguished at 11 pm, the exact moment when war was declared.

You are invited to join the vicar and members of the Royal British Legion at the British Legion Club House just before 10 pm when we will gather together to unite with the congregation in Westminster Abbey for this one hour service, watching the broadcast live. The club will be lit by candles, and orders of service will be available.

If you want further details, please contact the vicar.

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Services

No Evensong in Repton in July: Because of the Messy Church barbeque in St Wystan's Church, there will be no service at 6.30 pm on Sunday 13th July.

However, Choral Evensong with the Wystan Singers takes place on the third Sunday, the 20th July, as normal. You are very welcome.

8 am Communion: There is an 8 am Communion every Sunday at St Wystan's; on the 4th Sunday the service is from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

Prayer Book Services: If you enjoy services from the Book of Common Prayer, note that Matins is now said twice a month, at 11 am on the first Sunday of the month in St Wystan's, and at 10 am on the fourth Sunday at St Mary's.

On Sunday 27th July following Parish Communion, there is a short service of Prayer for Healing in St Catherine's Chapel in the north aisle. Everyone is welcome.

The next service of Prayer for Christian Healing at St Wystan's Church is at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 30th July. It takes place on the last Wednesday of alternate months. Everyone is welcome either for prayer and the laying on of hands, or simply to be part of a special service.

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Groups

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

The Bible Study Group studying the Acts of the Apostles is breaking for the summer. Its next meeting is at 7.30 pm on Thursday 11th September at 28 The Pastures.

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St Wystan's News

Christian Aid Week

Following our special service in May we were able to send over £560 to Christian Aid, a sum that will be increased by gift aid from eligible donors. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously.

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Christmas Card Photo Competition

There is still time for you get your entry in. There is no entry fee but your photo should be sent to the vicar, left in the vicarage postbox or at the back of St Wystan's. The deadline is Sunday 6th July.

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A bit of a do ~ St Wystan's Church Social Events

We began our social calendar with a second Burns Night at Morag and Fred Hill's house in Newton Solney. It was another sell-out, and thoroughly enjoyable.

Because of a clash with the APCM, 'Potatoes and Pancakes' couldn't happen on Shrove Tuesday, so we ate up a couple of weeks early. It didn't seem to matter, it was still good fun.

A tour of Zytek in March was extremely interesting. The engineers among us may have understood things more easily, but we were all impressed with the scale and professionalism of this very high tech industry in Repton. There is so much more to it than most of us had ever realised.

In April, Jan and David Roberts hosted a lovely and chatty coffee morning, and in May there were fabulous cakes for an afternoon tea with Anne and Tim Shone. Then, at the beginning of June we had a shared lunch in church.

A big thank you to all who gave time and effort to organise and host these events and make them so enjoyable. What you do is really appreciated.

For your Diary

In the coming months we have a BBQ on Sunday 13th July, a Mad Hatter's Tea Party on Thursday 17th, and a Coffee Morning on Saturday 16th August. In September there will be a Family Barn Dance on Friday 19th, and the Harvest Festival Shared Lunch is planned for 12th October. Repton Quiz Night is on November 15th, and there is a Concert with 'Soup & Sweet' Lunch on the 5th December. Also in December, on Saturday 13th, we will be hosting a concert by Beatus to raise money for Repton Village Hall. More information on all these events nearer the time.

Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 2nd July 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!

Friends of Newton Solney School Newton Solney School Summer Fayre Saturday 5th July, 12.30 - 3.30 pm All are welcome for an afternoon of fun in the school grounds with craft stalls, raffle, refreshments, a bouncy castle, face painting, a BBQ, treasure hunt, scarecrow trail and lots more

Derby Bach Choir conducted by Richard Roddis Music for a Summer Night Brahms ~ Liebeslieder Waltzes     Coleridge-Taylor ~ Hiawatha's Wedding Feast Miniatures for violin and piano and part songs including Sir Edward Elgar's Salut d'amour Violinists: Naomi Wilmshurst and Hannah Monteiro Pianists: Peter Gould and Tim Corfield Saturday 5th July at 7.30 pm in St Wystan's Church Tickets £15 to include a glass of wine and refreshments from Foulds of Derby, 01332 988973, derbybachchoir.com, and on the door

A Higher Goal! Messy Church at St Wystan's Church Sunday 13th July - World Cup Final Day! Join us from 4 to 5.30 pm for fun activities, craft, games and celebration for children and adults, anyone, any age Stay on for a barbecue at 5.30 To find out more, contact Ruth Attwood on 702804 or . Everyone is welcome!

Martin & Frances Wimbush invite you to a Mad Hatter's Tea Party Thursday 17th July, 3 to 5 pm at 27 Chestnut Way Tea, Cakes, Raffle         £3.50

Edward's Quiz A popular Quiz Night in, and in support of Milton Village Hall Friday 18th July, starting at 8 pm Entrance £5 per person includes refreshments and tea and coffee. There is no bar but you are welcome to bring your own tipple. For details please contact Sue White on 01283 701978.

Thankyou

We would like to thank everyone who sent cards of condolence and donations to Parkinson's UK after Mick passed away, as well as all those who took part in or turned out for his funeral, despite the weather. Special thanks go to the staff of Jason Hylton Court, where he spent his last days and was so kindly cared for.

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Charities

Let's bring back childhood!

For the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and ever since, The Big Lunch has produced some fun, sometimes unforgettable events locally - despite, or perhaps because of the weather! This year The Children's Society is inviting us to get together with family and friends to hold a 'Big Summer Do' "to enjoy all that makes up a traditional, fun, childhood summer" - from sharing food to playing outdoors. It may be a garden party with local bands and a BBQ or an old-fashioned picnic party with all the family.

And, of course, the idea is to raise money for The Children's Society!

Many children across the country are compelled by deprivation, neglect and caring responsibilities to grow up too soon. The money you raise helps to give them back their childhoods.

For ideas, search online for 'Childrens Society Big Summer Do'.

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Environment Matters

Recycling Efforts Double

Thanks to the new recycling system which came in last October with the introduction of a third waste bin, South Derbyshire residents are recycling twice as much as previously.

Over 5,000 tonnes of waste have been diverted from landfill so far, compared to 2,484 tonnes during the same period the previous year.

Plastics (types 1,2, 5 and 6) and cardboard can now be recycled alongside tins, cans, aerosols, foil and foil trays, mixed glass, paper and textiles. 625 tonnes of plastic have been collected, three and a half times the amount previously.

The glass that has been recovered, 1,658 tonnes, has saved 523 tonnes of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of taking 177 cars off the road for a year.

SDDC says the message is simple: "Keep up the good work! Don't just put rubbish in the bin; always think about what could be recycled or composted first."

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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.

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South Derbyshire

Legal Highs

Derbyshire is supporting the 'Legal High' National Online Survey which aims to gather information about the use of so-called 'legal highs'. Open to residents aged 18 and over, the survey is run by the Centre for Drug Misuse Research in Glasgow; it is independent and strictly confidential.

Legal highs mimic the psychoactive effects of illegal drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis and amphetamines but are not currently illegal to use or possess. There is currently no national research to show how many people have taken a legal high in the UK, what legal highs they are taking, or what they experience after taking them.

Feedback will give a clearer picture of what is happening in Derbyshire and help health professionals to meet the needs of people who have mental and physical health issues because of legal high use. The results will be invaluable in helping people to make informed choices and to lead healthier lives.

This survey runs at mylegalhigh.org until the 30th September and will give residents the opportunity to provide information about their experiences of taking legal highs in strict confidence. Participants will be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad mini or wireless 'Beats by Dr Dre Studio' headphones.

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Willington Surgery

Help at Hand

The Citizens Advice Bureau offers advice on matters such as benefits, debt, housing, consumer rights, employment and money. Both drop-in and telephone assessments are available, free of charge. All consultations are confidential, independent and impartial. For more information see www.southderbyshirecab.org.uk or call 01283 210109.

Citizens Advice at Willington Surgery

In addition to its main base at Church Gresley, South Derbyshire CAB is now operating - by appointment only - on Friday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm at Willington Surgery, 4 Repton Road. To book in, ring 01283 210109.

The CAB originally trialled offering advice in GP practices in the early 1990s and now has considerable experience. Many matters that are not essentially medical influence people's health; the amount of money a family has to spend, their quality of housing, whether they have a job or are unemployed, and the level of education they achieved all have a strong influence.

Citizens Advice can help with some of these issues. For example, they can check if people are receiving their full benefit entitlements, and they can help people to manage their debts or challenge unfair employment practices. Such intervention is designed to prevent people from becoming ill as a result of social problems.

In Derbyshire the service is now available in 94 out of the 102 GP practices. It secures millions of pounds of extra money for Derbyshire families every year and helps them to manage millions of pounds of debt.

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Repton Village & History

Repton Village Hall Appeal

The response to our first event, The 2014 Repton Lunch, has been fantastic. As I write in mid-June, all the tables have been reserved, with only a very small number of tickets left. Sponsors have been extremely generous, and with catering by The Winery and entertainment from Cantabile and the Derventio Quartet, we are looking forward to a great time.

It's YOUR Village Hall

We know that there are very many people who want to support the Village Hall Appeal, but have had to miss out on the Lunch for one reason or another. However, we are looking for the widest possible support for events of all kinds, and would love YOU to join in too.

We are always looking for more ideas, and in addition we would really like to hear from anyone who would be willing to help or even to organise an event. Just ring 01283 538222 or 01283 702410

Events to Come

We now have a number of autumn dates for your diary. On Tuesday 7th October there will be a Fashion Show in Repton village hall, followed on Saturday 11th October by a Quiz Evening in the Constitution Club in Burton. On Saturday 13th December there is a concert by Beatus in St Wystan's Church, and a Ghost Walk in Repton is being organised in the run-up to Christmas - followed by refreshments, of course! Watch this space for more details on these and other events, and please come and support us.

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 and 18th July, 6.30 to 8 pm at the Den      £1 a head More info from Julie Groom, 0797 4998852 or . Come along and have fun!

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ngs Open Gardens

Pauline and Robert Little, 10 Chestnut Way, Sunday 6th July, 1 - 5.30 pm

This is a large garden packed with colourful and unusual plants. There will be lots of clematis in flower, the summer perennials and bulbs are looking colourful, and our mini arboretum is developing fast, giving the rare opportunity to see semi-mature trees. All proceeds go to NGS charities. Entry £3, homemade teas and cakes, plant stall. We hope to see you.

Jan and David Roberts, 37 High Street Sunday 6th July, 2 - 5.30 pm

A surprising garden with lots of interest for everyone. There are formal and wildlife ponds, mixed borders of herbaceous, shrubs and trees, and a bridge over Repton Brook takes you to woodland with rhododendrons, grasses, ferns and bamboos. Admission £3, accompanying children free. Tea and cakes will be on sale in aid of Repton Church funds.

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1st Repton Guides

Unfortunately, after another busy year of Guiding activities, we have had to suspend Guides in Repton from the end of this term. Existing Guides will be able to transfer to Findern Guides, with whom we have close links. Any girls aged 10 - 14 who would like to become Guides will also be made welcome at Findern and given the opportunity to attend the Peak 2015 Camp at Chatsworth in Derbyshire. You can contact Andrea, the leader at Findern, through girlguiding.org.uk (click on 'Join Us'), by phone on 0778 927 6774 or by email, andrea.simpson23@gmail.com.

To re-open, we need YOUR help!

Hopefully this suspension, which has come about due to the changing circumstances of our current leaders, will be temporary. However, to resume, we do need more help. Anyone interested in volunteering to become a leader in Repton can contact me on 01283 212166.

On behalf of myself and the Guides I would like to thank Emily Elson and Janine Lee for all their help and support.

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Summer Play provided by Repton Parish Council
Mitre Field, Mitre Drive, Repton

Come along and enjoy the facilities; they are all free of charge. Just turn up on the day. Suitable clothing and footwear should be worn.

Tuesday 29th July	2 - 4 pm	Xtreme
Tuesday 5th August	6 - 8 pm	Climbing Wall
Tuesday 12th August	6 - 8 pm	Climbing Wall
Tuesday 19th August	6 - 8 pm	Climbing Wall

Xtreme will offer an outdoor laser combat arena, slack lining - a new, popular adrenalin sport, and sports equipment including catch, handball and ultimate Frisbee. The mobile climbing wall has been extremely popular in previous years and this time we can offer three sessions. All the activities do, however, require fine weather.

Mark your diary and come to the Mitre Field for a great time!

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Farewell to the NatWest

Repton's last bank has closed; it is sad to lose the friendly, helpful staff, inconvenient for us, and the end of an era.

Within living memory the NatWest has operated from the same building at the Cross. The premises have an interesting history. Bunty Marshall tells us that the house was built in 1828, and by 1861, according to the census, it comprised Repton School Tuck Shop with a home attached and a farm at the rear. Old Boys wrote of their fond memories of the rosy-cheeked sisters, Emma and Polly, who ran the shop; was that perhaps its main attraction? Many years later the house, renamed Christleton, was the home of the Tailbys, the house where Bunty grew up. She remembers it as having 'a lovely atmosphere . . . complete with a walled garden and small coach house'. Later still, the Wild family lived there.

The private banking company of Samuel Smith of Derby was established in 1806 when Samuel Smith III and his brothers George and John acquired the business of Richardson & Co (established c1778), bankers of Derby, from local merchants Samuel and Henry Richardson. The Samuel Smith Bank traded from Tenant Street, issued its own notes and was known as the Derby Bank. The brothers also had other banks in Nottingham, London, Hull and Lincoln, trading under a variety of names.

In 1902 the Derby Bank, along with the other Smith family banks, merged with the Union Bank of London (established in 1839) to become the Union of London & Smiths Bank. In 1909 the company placed an advertisement in the 'Handbook to Repton' by J. T. Emmott, headmaster of the village school, announcing that they were open at Repton on Tuesdays and Fridays from 12.30 to 2.30 pm. Where they operated from and when the service first started is unknown, although Bunty's mother opened an account with Smiths Bank Ltd at The Cross on 5th February 1918.

Also in that year, the Union of London & Smiths Bank linked up with the National Provincial Bank, which had been operating in England and Wales since 1833. In its turn the National Provincial Bank merged with the Westminster Bank in 1970 to form the NatWest, officially the National Westminster Bank.

In its various forms the Repton branch has served the village for over a century. As well as a bank, we have lost a valued link with the past.
NatWest has agreed with the Post Office nationally to offer its customers limited banking facilities at the Post Office. Most other banks have similar and sometimes better arrangements. See postoffice.co.uk/banking-services.

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Repton Road Club

Although we won't be featuring too prominently in this month's Tour de France, Repton Road Club continues to attract new riders. We leave The Cross every Sunday morning at 9 am for rides of approximately two hours' duration, and also for 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.

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Repton W.I.

In June, we remembered former member Joyce Turner, who had died a few days earlier, with a minute's silence. Two other former members had recently lost their husbands.

Then members and visitors enjoyed a busy evening enamelling a pendant under the expert guidance of Pearl Mulholland and her assistants.

Our visit to the Toyota factory is on 25th June, the day after the baton event for the Mercia Group to be held at Planters at Bretby garden centre.

We arranged a garden visit for July and took names for the autumn Council meeting, which will be at Derbyshire Cricket Club as the Assembly Rooms in Derby are still closed. Members were reminded of the dinner in October and the Dabble Day organised for November.

At next month's meeting on Tuesday 8th July, Greta Fitchet will present 'Traveller's Tales' with her quilts. 7.15 pm in Repton village hall. Visitors are always welcome.

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Repton Village History Group

At our Archive Meeting in June we brought out copies of the 1841 to 1911 censuses, the school log book transcripts, the school admissions registers (which are new to us), Turbutt's four massive volumes on Derbyshire, the field name map, and the 1762 map which also names all the fields.

We had two displays. One was of the evidence for the location of the Medieval Tithe Barn. The 1762 map identifies field names containing the words 'Tithe Barn' with a substantial building amongst them. The 1768 enclosure award refers to the route of a track passing the barn, and in his diary, Astbury describes four walks that pass the barn. All indicate the same location, in the vicinity of the Cinder Track.

The other display was of advertisements from Repton businesses. A favourite was one of Matthews, a tobacconist who sold his own 'dust free' cigarettes, 'Old Reps Sports Cigarettes'.

Gillian brought along her beautiful album of photographs of interesting features in Repton and Jonathan Marshall lent us previously unseen Blue Bus memorabilia and photographs.

Our two summer visits, in July to St Mary's Church at Newton Solney and in August to Hartshorne Upper Manor House, are almost fully subscribed. Our next meeting with a speaker is on Tuesday 16th September when John Hawkins will talk about the History of Findern. This is in the village hall at 7.30 prompt. All are welcome, members £2, visitors £3 including tea and biscuits.

For more information contact Andy Austen on 702448.

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The Land Army, during and after WWII

Do you have any memories of the Land Army or other post-war farming help here in Repton at Bower Hill between 1943 and 1952? Recently a gentleman returned to the village who was stationed here around 1946 - 48. He would like to share his memories with others and learn more if possible. Please contact Melissa on 07941 063395 if you think you can help or have some information to share.

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Encyclopaedia Britannica

During the Spring, the Parish Council received a request from the Encyclopaedia Britannica to provide information on Repton, and invited Repton Village History Group to help. Thanks to Andy Austen, the entry has now been completed and can be read online at britannica.com.

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Repton Village Society

It took just 75 minutes for Simon Gulliver to circle the globe in his excellent talk 'Around the World in 80 Plants'. Not only did he describe the plants he found, he also mentioned the people he met and the countries he passed through during his many journeys by rail, bus and plane.

Tour of the Houses of Parliament with Tea on the Terrace

This visit repeated one we made three years ago that was overbooked and that had to be curtailed when we arrived late because of a crash on the M1. It was sponsored once again by our MP, Heather Wheeler.

All the arrangements had been made when three days before departure we heard that all tours on 2nd June, the day of our visit, were cancelled in order to prepare for the State Opening of Parliament two days later. However, Heather, using her formidable powers of persuasion, and her assistant, Charlie Smoothy, managed after much hard work to arrange a somewhat abbreviated tour.

The coach was late to arrive at the Arch, the M1 was slow, Vauxhall Bridge was closed, the roads around Westminster were at a standstill, the usual coach set down point was not available, we arrived late. However, the first bonus was that we entered and exited via Portcullis House and had the chance to see inside this amazing building. The next was that Westminster Hall was quiet.

Heather met us and stayed as our chief guide. In place of the usual guides Charlie had persuaded several of her other young, knowledgeable and enthusiastic colleagues to help take us round in small groups, describing as we went the history of the buildings and the idiosyncratic procedures in some detail. Heather had also arranged for us to visit the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, which is not usually open to the public. Whilst circumspect in the House of Commons in case the microphones were switched on, she was less so when she stood on a chair at tea and addressed all 64 of us for a few very entertaining and interesting minutes!

After tea there was plenty of time on the terrace to take in the iconic river scene before we left again via Portcullis House. With police everywhere in preparation for the State Opening, the day also showed the Met at its best and most helpful. Needless to say, in contrast to our outward journey, the return trip was swift and event free. There is a law that said this would happen!

We are most grateful to Heather, Charlie and the team for turning a potential disaster into such a memorable day. Thursday 3rd July

Wendy Freer will speak on 'Canal Boat People'.

Saturday 5th July. Coach trip to Worcester and Gloucester Docks

There are just a few places left. £17.

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Repton Rags

Last month I missed out some of the girls who have done so much hard work supporting their charities, so thank you to Megan, Lucie, Mary, Mollie, Maiya, Milla, and all the others that have helped and supported them.

In May, Repton Rags sports team represented our village at the South Derbyshire village games. It was a fantastic event with lots of fun, and to put even bigger smiles on our faces, we came second, conceding first place by just one point. Well done, team!

Rags now has its own facebook page, where you will find a list of upcoming events and news items.

And finally, the results of our dog poo poster competition are in. Posters were up in the village until the end of May, and after counting votes from the box in the post office, we have three joint winners, so the prize money has been shared amongst them. Thanks to all the children that took part; we hope that we will have cleaner pavements now! Our three winners are William Groom, Connor Groom, and Joseph Piper.

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Cycling Scouts

June has seen Scouts getting on their bikes; Jack, James, Dan, Felicity and Lewis all completed a 28 mile ride in and out of Derby on off-road routes.

The Commonwealth themed District Camp was held at Drum Hill from 20th to the 22nd June. 25 Cubs and Scouts from Repton attended, with over 200 others from across the District. The camp was packed full of activities and competitions and finished with the South Derbyshire version of the Commonwealth Games.

Help Wanted!

There is currently a waiting list for Scouts and we are looking for more leaders to set up a second troop. If you are an adult interested in helping to run Scouts, even if you cannot commit to every week, and want more information, please contact Mike Knowles on 07989 990119.

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One Day Jitty Closure, Wednesday 30th July

The jitty between the Repton School Art School and Priory boarding house will be closed on Wednesday 30th July for one day only. The alternative route to re-join the jitty up to Mitre Drive is via the Burton Road and the footpath between the Red Lion Public House and Redshaws Butchers.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

Summer Activities at The Mitre Field: The Parish Council is pleased to announce that it has again secured a number of activities for the school summer holidays. These are funded by the Parish Council and free for all local young people. See above for details.

Mobile Library Service: Earlier this year we alerted you to Derbyshire County Council's proposals to either reduce or stop the mobile library service in this area. Thousands of Derbyshire residents took part in the first stage of the consultation and now a more detailed second stage is available for comments. The new proposals contain a monthly visit to Repton village hall on Tuesdays between 10.15 am and 1 pm. The consultation is open until Saturday 9th August and can be found in all libraries and GP surgeries, and online at derbyshire.gov.uk/mobilelibraries. Copies can be requested from Call Derbyshire, 01629 533365.

Car Parking in Repton: In May the Parish Council wrote to Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner to voice the concerns of local residents about car parking in the village. Responding, Mr. Charles said he understood frustrations regarding the issue and had a plan of action to tackle illegal and inconsiderate parking across the county, but 'demand on resources is always a problem for the force, and it is often a case of officers being in the right place at the right time'.

Our new beat officer, PC Collins, invites you to contact him personally, gerrard.collins.3201@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk, to tell him about problems and to suggest solutions. He has placed a tweet on the Derbyshire Police twitter site and is obtaining leaflets to warn inconsiderate parkers that they may be ticketed or fined. He asks residents not to park inconsiderately, and will be in this area within the next few weeks to take action against offenders.

Repton Cross and The Lights: The Parish Council continues to highlight concerns about the poor condition of The Cross and its lighting. One of the lighting 'tombstones' is still cracked, the lights do not work and the surface is again broken. These issues have been raised again with DCC, and we await their response.

Intermodal Park (Rail Freight Interchange): The Parish Council discussed the impact of the proposed six million square foot Rail Freight Interchange at Toyota Island. This is a project of national strategic importance which will be determined by central government. Councillors welcome the 7,000 new jobs that would be created, but said some would regret the loss of productive green land. Councillors believe that with the expanding employment hub at the A38 / A50 intersection and a pool of labour in Swadlincote, a relief road is urgently needed to eliminate traffic bottlenecks in Repton and Willington. Better access to the trunk road network would deliver major benefits for the South Derbyshire economy. Repton parish councillors will engage with other councils, authorities and organisations to seek a unified approach.

South Derbyshire Citizens Advice Bureau is now able to offer advice locally. It is confidential, independent, impartial and free. See the article above.

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

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton Village Hall

The sun shone for our Open Gardens, and the village welcomed over 370 visitors. Visitors were invited to fill in feedback forms, and the response, both verbally and via the forms, was fantastic.

For the first time the event included 'Spot the Scarecrows' with 14 scarecrows, including one live one helping to direct traffic! The scarecrows were so convincing that visitors were seen talking to a couple of them!

Thanks to everyone who opened their gardens or who contributed in any way to the success of the day, which raised over £1,800 towards the upkeep and improvement of the village hall.

Our next event is the Summer Fete and Fayre on Sunday 29th June, 11 am to 4 pm. Admission and parking are free. Tutbury Junior Concert Band will be playing around noon, and there are lots of attractions for adults and children. If you read this in time, come along.

Edward's Quiz, 18th July at 8 pm, Milton village hall

Edward is happy to invite you to the quiz to take part in raising funds for the village hall. Refreshments will be provided free of charge, but bring your own tipple. So put your thinking caps on and see you there. It costs £5 per person to enter. To book, call Sue on 701978 or use the contact form on the website.

Milton village hall is ideal for childrens' parties, meetings and other events. Contact Polly on 703436 or use the contact form on the website.

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Milton W.I.

Milton W.I. ladies excelled themselves once again at Milton Open Gardens. We served home-made cream teas, delicious cakes and gallons of tea in the village hall, which was festooned with flowers, hanging baskets and plants. Many thanks to everyone who baked the delicious cakes and worked so hard on the day.

At our July meeting, Liz Keeley gave a very interesting talk about Victorian boarding schools for girls in the Derbyshire area, all 900of them! We were amazed. Sue White gave a vote of thanks.

Members are reminded about our social outing on 20th August to Snibston Discovery Park. A colliery tour at 11.15 is followed by a two course lunch at 1 pm before a short train ride to Coalville at 2.

Next meeting: Wednesday 16th July at 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. Irene Dougan will talk to members about the NGS Open Gardens scheme. New members and guests are very welcome.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Christian Aid Week in Newton Solney

Christian Aid donations through the church, either direct or via Cranberries, totalled £186.46, with several envelopes enclosing gift aid forms amounting to a further £39.51, bringing the total to over £225. Many thanks not only for those contributions but also to anyone who may have sent a donation direct to Christian Aid headquarters.

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Annual Cricket Match & Sports Day
Newton Solney Sports Club, Monday 25th August, 12 pm

Team sheets for the cricket match are now in the pubs and players are invited to sign up. As well as the annual inter-pub cricket match, our Sports Day this year will include a rounders match, fun races for all the family, kids entertainment, food, drink and much more.

Newton Solney Sports Club hopes you will come along to the recreation field and take part, and looks forward to seeing you all there. More details to follow.

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Newton Solney Tuesday Club

Tuesday 1st July, 2.30 pm

A short business meeting followed by a game of Kurling, a new game purchased by the committee for the members to try; we hope it will be an enjoyable afternoon!

Tuesday 15 July: Canal Boat Trip

Our full day out, a canal boat trip starting from Whaley Bridge with a meal on board. The cost of £35 includes the coach, boat trip, meal and tips. We leave the Unicorn Inn in Newton at 9.30 am and returning by about 5 pm. Only 39 place are available.

If you would like to join us on any of our activities, please contact our secretary, Jane, on 01283 564520.

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Newton Solney C of E Infant School

Our last Community Collective Worship of the summer term is on Thursday 3rd July. All parents, carers and local residents are most welcome to join us in the school hall at 9.15 am.

Our Summer Fair will be held in the school grounds on Saturday 5th July from 12.30 to 3.30 pm. There will be craft stalls, raffle, refreshments, bouncy castle, face painting, a BBQ, treasure hunt, scarecrow trail and lots more. You are all very welcome to come along and join in the fun.

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Newton Solney W.I.

Our June meeting was well attended. Marilyn Ottewell's demonstration and talk on the history of flower arranging took members and guests on a trip to ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, and to Dutch and Flemish painters who used their paintings as a catalogue of available flowers. Her beautiful arrangements were donated as raffle prizes, very much appreciated by the lucky winners!

Vanessa Archer, our President, gave a summary of her visit to the W.I. AGM in Leeds, 'friendships and fun' being the key words.

There are several events planned for the summer, the David Austin Roses trip, the Centenary Baton Celebrations, a visit to Derby Cathedral and our summer social in August, something for everyone.

The next meeting is on 8th July, 7.30 pm in the village hall. Anna Roebuck will speak on The Making House. Jackie Bidder will be providing flowers; tea hostesses are Barbara Henry and Joy Holdcroft.

There is no meeting in August; the September meeting is on the 9th. Mulberry Room lunches also recommence then.

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Newton Solney Parish Council News

Annual Village Cricket Match and Sports Day: The Sports Day originally scheduled for the 6th July will now take place alongside the cricket match on Monday 25th August. Please come down and support what should be lots of fun.

Free Summer Activities for Children:

Wednesday 23rd July	6 - 8 pm	Climbing Wall	Newton Park Hotel
Monday 28th July	10 am - 12 pm	Playmobile	Recreation Field
Friday 22nd August	2 - 4 pm	Commonwealth Mobile	Recreation Field

No need to register - just turn up!

South Derbyshire Citizens Advice Bureau is now able to offer advice locally. It is confidential, independent, impartial and free. See the article above.

Next meeting: Friday 11th July at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

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Gardening Notes

Once the early perennials such as poppies, geraniums, aquilegias, pulmonarias, lupins and delphiniums have finished flowering it is a good idea to cut them back, you can cut back really hard so that there is no foliage visible at all, or just leave a few inches if you prefer. They will quickly recover if you give them water and a shot of nitrogen such as a handful of chicken manure. You may get a second flowering, but I regard that as a bonus; I want healthy foliage later in the summer. Another bonus is that you will reduce the number of seeds significantly; who wants a hundred geranium phaeums?

Poppies, irises and peonies all have very dramatic flowers over a short season but they need careful placing to make the most of their secondary features. Irises have good vertical foliage that can break up the blobbiness of a border. At this time of year, once flowering is over is the time to divide them. Flag irises have a large rhizome that needs to be baked in the sun. Dig up the complete plant and choose a portion of rhizome with good foliage, which you need to reduce by half; replant in a sunny position with the rhizome on the surface, water and forget.

Perennial poppies can get rather large and you will be left with a big gap once they are cut back, so place them further back in the border with later flowering plants in front. (This is a case of do as I say, not as I do, as I have several poppies front stage!)

Peonies have a bit of a reputation for being over in an instant and then offering nothing. However, the emerging foliage in spring is really attractive and fully hardy, and on some varieties, the seed heads, often holding pink or black seeds, are an attraction in themselves, so don't be in too much of a hurry to deadhead them. If odd stems are a bit lax I pick them as I prefer not to stake perennial plants.

When staking plants, you need to consider their final height; nothing looks worse than a delphinium tied to a single stake that sticks out above the plant. Try to make sure your stakes are about a foot shorter than the final height. Metal hoops are useful at this time of year to hold back soft foliage that has spread too far. We are lucky enough to have hazel, willow and birch in the garden, which all make attractive and discrete supports; it is too late to install that type of support now as the foliage needs to grow through them, but if you are visiting other gardens, keep an eye out for well supported plants.

July is the time to harvest many fruits and vegetables. It is worth watering vegetables and soft fruit, especially potatoes, beans and cucurbits - courgettes, cucumbers, squashes and so on - as this will significantly increase your crops. As you clear crops there is still time to sow early varieties of root crops, French beans and salads.

By now your containers will need feeding; commercial compost usually has nutrients for about six weeks. A weekly dose of tomato or other general purpose feed will make a big difference to the flowering and general health of your plants.

The greenhouse is at risk of overheating at this time of year, ventilation is most important as is regular watering; try damping down the floor in hot weather.

Most of all enjoy your garden, at its best in the long summer evenings.

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Computer Security

Don't be caught out!

Phishing emails bombard us almost every day; you can't avoid them, but you can avoid being caught out! These tips come from a website host.

• Be cautious of any emails from unrecognised senders, but even if you do recognise the sender's name, ask yourself whether it is an email s/he is likely to have sent.
• Beware of clicking email links. Hovering over an email link shows where it leads. If the text says 'Lidl', and the underlying link says 'Aldi.com', you do wonder what's going on. If the address is different from the email content, don't click it.
• Go direct. Instead of clicking on an email link, go direct to the website.
• Don't give personal information. Any email that asks you to log in by clicking a link is most probably trying to steal your password and other login details.
• Protect your computer with a firewall, spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spy software. They may cost money (although you can find very good freeware), but not protecting yourself can cost much more.
• Double check. If you are unsure about an email, contact the company who sent it through their website. It only takes a moment but could save you a lot of trouble.