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

Those Extra Pounds 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 Sunday 7th September: Church Family Picnic Saturday, 13 September: Coffee Morning and Jacket Potato Lunches Shell (for children aged 7+) Sunday 28th September: Harvest Festival Services Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes Baptisms Archie Jack Cassidy Finley Oliver Haddon Jack Michael George Lee Georgia Annie Hinton Marriages Sally Blackwell and Scott Turner Anthony Meehan and Chloe Woodhouse Stuart Thomson and Charlotte MacDonald Natasha Cousins and Ben Alton Rachel Howson and Antony Marshall Guy Liu of Nottingham and Rachel Attwood Burial of Ashes George Leydon The Memorial Book Derby Diocese and the wider Church The Dove, the Fig Leaf and the Sword, Monday 15th September The Meaning of Life, Thursday 25th September Repton Benefice Church Closures in September Bishop's Badge 'Ride & Stride' ~ Saturday 13th September St Wystan's News Services Groups Thank You! St Wystan's Family and Friends Friends of St Wystan's St Mary's News Harvest Celebrations at Newton Solney Great War Commemoration at Newton Solney Local Diary Event Details Repton Village Show, Saturday 6th September Newton Solney Show, Saturday 6th September Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 10th September Repton & District Royal British Legion Horticultural Show, Sunday 14th September Family Barn Dance, Friday 19th September Los Pacaminos, Saturday 20th September St Mary's Church Harvest Lunch, Sunday 21st September Repton School Concert: Amy Harman, bassoon, Wednesday 24th September MacMillan Coffee Morning, Saturday 27th September Messy Church: What a wonderful world! Sunday 28th September Milton Harvest Supper, Friday 10th October The Great War Commemorated The Great War Remembered 'Commemorating the Great War' 'We Will Remember Them' 100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . . Repton Village Hall Appeal Firthcoming Events Repton Village and History The Parish Magazine ~ help wanted Repton Rags Family Barn Dance with Bonnyrigg, Friday 19th September Charity Garage Sale, Saturday 13th September Scottish Dancing Scouts Repton Casuals, Ball Skills Repton Road Club Repton W.I. Repton Village Society Repton Village History Group Congratulations to David Godfrey! Repton Parish Council Jottings Milton & Foremark Village Matters Milton Village Hall Milton W.I. Newton Solney Village Matters Newton Solney C of E Infant School Newton Solney W.I. Newton Solney Parish Council News Willington Surgery Health Information event Seasonal Flu Vaccination South Derbyshire Learn to Climb Open Days, 13th - 14th September Environment Matters Recycled Football Kit? You and your Pet Cat Neutering Neighbourhood Watch Car Crime Mercia Neighbourhood Forum, Wednesday 3rd September Scrap metal dealers Social media Think twice before dealing with cold callers Never provide personal information or bank details to cold callers Gardening Notes Still ten weeks to go!

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Those Extra Pounds

Having lost a stone and a half this year, I'm feeling good. I'm one who only has to look at a cream cake to put on a pound or two, so this has been an achievement. Of course, the battle now is to keep it off. Over the years my weight has regularly crept up and been forced back down again. I would recognise that I had 'put on a bit' and do what we all do, make a decision to work it off. That is what we are encouraged to do about so many things, make a decision. Decide to lose weight; decide to give up smoking; decide to give blood. Life is full of decisions, and thank goodness for that, because if we had no decisions to make it would be pretty dull and boring.

But just making a decision is not enough. Real decisions that change lives are not calculated in some way. Many a vicar has fallen foul of this trap. 'Decide for Christ' they preach, 'decide to be forgiving', 'decide to die to self'. But such decisions, like our New Year Resolutions, can be born of the brain, not of the heart. Decisions of the heart mature slowly, almost unseen but steadily and strongly, growing to a size and presence that cannot be denied.

For instance, deciding to become humble doesn't make me humble. I can become a person whose behaviour resembles being humble, but I don't become humble in all its fullness: I have decided in my head and not deep in my heart; I haven't tackled the pride and aggression deep within me that will stop my wish to be humble dead in its tracks. Worse still, the pride and aggression now disguise themselves as thinly veiled meek behaviour that others see through immediately. This is why losing weight has always been a problem to me! I have always approached it with determination but not tackled the underlying reasons, emotional eating, harmless snacking, or simply over-indulgence for pleasure.

This all seems a little bit psychological, but of course it is theological as well. Jesus knew all about psychology centuries before it was given a name! Take two characters who appear alongside him in the Bible, Simon and the prostitute who came to his table. Simon, being a Pharisee, was a holier-than-thou Jew, full of a false piety that had killed any love and compassion for others that might have been in him. Jesus was eating with him when the prostitute came in and washed Jesus' feet with her tears and perfume. Simon, the good churchman, was spiritually dead. He acted in a pious manner but that was a mask. The woman, whom most would condemn, was full of love. Despite her lifestyle she remained honest to herself. The inner love poured out of her; which is why Jesus forgave her and gave Simon a dose of reality.

The vast majority of us wear masks. Those few people who wear no mask are greatly blessed. You know when you are in their presence by the calm that surrounds them, by the peace that is felt in their presence, by the love that flows from them. Those are what Jesus' followers experienced when they were with Him, and they are what we can experience through His Spirit now, even with our masks, such is God's acceptance of us as we are. But it is as we experience those things more and more that our masks will fall away and we will become more Christlike, more like God, more like the people He made us to be. Even if we have spoiled his creation with a few extra pounds!

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Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

St Wystan's, Repton

St Saviour's, Foremark

St Mary's, Newton Solney

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Readers, Intercessors and Offertory at St Wystan's

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Altar Flowers (contact Frances Wimbush, 703180)

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Brasses (contact Sue Parker, 702550)

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

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The United Reformed Church

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Sunday 7th September: Church Family Picnic

After a short family service we will travel to Rosliston Forestry Centre to enjoy our picnic lunch before a walk and fun on the Adventure Playground! You are welcome to join us. Don't forget your picnic!

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Saturday, 13 September: Coffee Morning and Jacket Potato Lunches

The church will be open from 10 am until 2 pm to welcome those taking part in 'Ride and Stride for Churches'.

Our monthly Coffee Morning will be between 10.30 and 11.30 with the usual cake stall, tombola, and Phoenix cards and wrapping paper. Come and enjoy a coffee and chat with friends!

Jacket Potato Lunches will be served between 12 and 1 pm.

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SHELL for children and young people aged 7+

. . . recommences on Monday 15th September, 6.30 - 7.30 pm. Lots of fun and a Christian message. New members always welcome!

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Sunday 28th September: Harvest Festival Services

This year at our Harvest we invite you

- to donate gifts of money to support Water Aid's Harvest Appeal to provide clean water in Mecheke in the Konso region of Ethiopia, where drought is common and causes immense misery, hunger and death. The nearest water source is the Morgare stream, which is little more than a polluted trickle

- and / or to bring tinned and packet goods which will be donated to the Food Bank in Derby, which distributes food to families who are struggling to feed their children.

The morning service will be for all the family and will be followed by a Harvest Lunch, please let us know if you would like to join us for lunch.

Our evening service will be a Service of Praise including Holy Communion.

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Baptisms

Archie Jack Cassidy, son of Samantha Haddon and Daniel Cassidy of Askew Grove, was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 3rd August.

Finley Oliver Haddon, son of Kayleigh Cousins and Gregory Haddon of Repton Road, Newton Solney, was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 3rd August.

Jack Michael George Lee, son of Malcolm and Laura Lee of Linslade, was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 3rd August.

Georgia Annie Hinton, daughter of Robert and Joanna Hinton of Chestnut Way, Repton, was baptised at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 10th August.

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Marriages

Sally Blackwell and Scott Turner of Uttoxeter were married at St Saviour's Church on Saturday 19th July.

Anthony Meehan and Chloe Woodhouse of Chester Green, Derby, were married at St Mary's Church on Saturday 2nd August.

Stuart Thomson and Charlotte MacDonald of Repton were married at St Wystan's Church on Saturday 2nd August.

Natasha Cousins and Ben Alton of Sinfin, Derby, were married at St Saviour's Church on Saturday 9th August.

Rachel Howson and Antony Marshall of Newton Solney were married at St Wystan's Church on Thursday 14th August.

Guy Liu of Nottingham and Rachel Attwood, daughter of Greg and Ruth Attwood of Repton, were married at St Giles' Church, Derby, on Saturday 16th August.

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Burial of Ashes

The ashes of George Leydon of The Pastures, Repton, who died on 2nd June, were interred at St Wystan's Church on Friday 25th July.

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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 Dove, the Fig Leaf and the Sword
Monday 15th September, 12.30 pm

We live in a world where questions about war and its morality are with us every day. Was the Great War a just cause? Should bombing or troops be used to relieve minorities in Syria or northern Iraq? The speaker at this Cathedral seminar on Christian attitudes to war will be Dr. Alan Billings, a very familiar voice on Radio 4's Today programme, where he has a reputation for making tough topics accessible.

Alan takes as his cue the title of his book. The Dove might stand for early Christian pacifism, the Fig Leaf for the theory of the just war, and the Sword for a growing willingness to embrace just causes. In a fourth phase, Alan sees Christianity entering a new post-Christian era with a much more cautious approach.

He will make his pitch, take questions, and then be around over an informal buffet lunch. All will be very welcome. RSVP by 10th September to lucille@derbycathedral.org.

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The Meaning of Life
Thursday 25th September, 10 for 10.30 am - 3.30 pm

Organised by the East Midlands Regional Training Network this study day at Nuthall Methodist Church, NG16 1DN, explores contemporary ethical issues around human life.

Lectures from three keynote speakers will be followed by seminars; choose the one you would like to explore in greater depth.

1. The beginning of life: Michael Banner, Trinity College, Cambridge
2. The end of life: legalising assisted suicide? Nigel Biggar, Christ Church, Oxford
3. Being human in a technologically advanced world: Elaine Graham, Chester University

Drinks will be provided, but take your own lunch.

To book a place and indicate your choice of seminar, contact Sharron Howarth by Monday 15 September on 01332 388693, or sharron.howarth@derby.anglican.org. Give your name, contact e-mail address or telephone number and preferred seminar.

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Repton Benefice

Church Closures in September

St Wystan's will be closed on Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th September. The sound system with its hearing loop is being brought up to date, and with wires trailing all over the place, the church must remain closed for Health and Safety reasons.

Similarly at Newton Solney, St Mary the Virgin will be closed on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th September while a sound system with hearing loop is installed and, as at Repton, the church must remain closed while work proceeds.

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Bishop's Badge

Congratulations to Hazel Ward of St Mary's, Stephen Longden of St Saviour's, and Robin Russian of St Wystan's, who have been awarded a Bishop's Badge.

The Badge is awarded annually to people who have made an outstanding contribution to their community or church through 'service, inspiration or witness', and their names are added to a register of recipients which is on display in Derby Cathedral. This year's nominees will receive their badges from Bishop Alastair, the Bishop of Derby, at a service of thanksgiving and celebration on Sunday 28th September in Derby Cathedral. Friends and family are invited to join them.

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'Ride & Stride' ~ Saturday 13th September

This annual national event raises money for the upkeep of church buildings. St Wystan's and the United Reformed Church, St Saviour's and St Mary's, along with hundreds of other churches throughout the country will be open to welcome visitors who walk or cycle between churches. In this area, half of the money raised supports the Derbyshire Churches and Chapels Preservation Trust, and half of what each person raises is returned to their nominated church. If you would like to get involved, whether walking, cycling or welcoming, please see the posters in each church.

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St Wystan's News

Services

Back to Church Sunday at St Wystan's, 21st September at 9.45 am

Many of us have been fortunate to be part of this active and friendly church for many years, but if it's a long time since you came, or if you haven't been at all, Back to Church Sunday is a great place to begin. You'll be sure of a very warm 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 Matins is 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 28th September following Parish Communion at St Wystan's, 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 24th September. 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 8th September.

The Bible Study Group studying the Acts of the Apostles resumes after the summer break at 7.30 pm on Thursday 11th September at 28 The Pastures. Please see Stephen Longden if you are interested in joining.

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Thank You!

So many people give their time and skills to help at St Wystan's Church, cleaning, doing flowers, ringing bells, and lots more besides. And then there are also all those who print, assemble and deliver the Parish Magazine. Without their help the village would be a much poorer place.

In early August the Vicar was able to say 'thank you' in person when over fifty people joined us in St Wystan's for afternoon tea. For those who could not be with us, we repeat that 'thank you' here for all that you do.

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St Wystan's Family and Friends

In an initiative we are calling 'Building the Future of St Wystan's Family' we will be asking ourselves during September and October what we at the parish church give to and do for the local church and community. In church terms this is called a Stewardship Scheme, looking at how we use our time, talents and wealth, all God-given gifts, and asking whether we making the most of our resources. An open invitation has been extended to everyone who participates in any way in our activities, and we hope you might wish come along too on one or more of these occasions.

During September the vicar will give a series of addresses on giving of our time, wealth and talents.

Sunday 7th	at 10.40 am with coffee between Worship Together and Matins
Sunday 21st	within the 9.45 am Parish Communion service
Sunday 28th	within the 9.45 am Parish Communion service

Then, on Saturday 4th October in church, there is an opportunity to find out more. After an introduction by the vicar you can explore the activities of St Wystan's, talk to leaders and organisers and think about whether you might be able to get more involved.

10.00 am	Refreshments
10.15 am	Introduction by the Vicar

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Friends of St Wystan's

We are hoping to establish a 'Friends of the Parish Church'. This would focus on the building and its setting, its preservation as a wonderful historic building and its continued use as both a community asset and place of worship. We believe our church building is of such importance that a 'Friends' group, similar to those connected with many other historic parish churches, is long overdue. We hope that anyone who is interested in the history and future of our special church building will wish to support this venture. If you are interested do come along on 4th October or contact the vicar on 01283 619686, or John Perks, 702392.

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St Mary's News

Harvest Celebrations at Newton Solney

This year we will mark the Harvest rather earlier than usual.

Harvest Lunch, Sunday 21st September The date has been brought forward from that previously announced; details are in the advert below. We would be grateful to receive donations of raffle prizes and / or desserts, but do come along to enjoy good food and friendly company on this special occasion. Don't forget to bring your own drinks.

Services at St Mary's

. . . for the school and pre-school are to be held on 26th September, that for the general congregation on the 28th. We hope to make a start on decorating the church by the 24th, but the main time for decorating will as usual be on the Saturday morning, 27th September, from 9.30 am.

Harvest Gifts

During the following week, gifts of produce, dry goods and toiletries will be distributed both within the village and, at Derby, to the City Mission and the Padley Centre. Cash donations will be sent to the Bishop's Harvest Appeal in support of a women's recycling project in Delhi, sponsored by the Church of North India.

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Great War Commemoration at Newton Solney

On Monday 4th August a service commemorating the beginning of the Great War was held in St Mary's Church, attended by members of the community. Candles were lit in memory of local men who had fallen during that war, and also for others who have died since while serving their country.

The service ended in the churchyard where a poppy wreath was laid on a white cross that had been outlined in the turf, and where the candles were extinguished as a mark of the 'lights going out all over Europe'.

Repton Village Show Saturday 6th September in Repton Village Hall Staging 10 to 11.45 am : Show open to the public from 2.30 Prize-giving 3.15 : Auction and raffle 3.30 Schedules & entry forms at the Post Office or the Show on the day

Newton Solney Show Saturday 6th September in Newton Solney Village Hall Hall opens 9 am. Entries by 11.45. Staging by noon. Open to the public from 3 pm Prize-giving at 5, followed by the auction and prize draw Schedules & entry forms from Chris Freestone, 5 Cricket Close, 701147

Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 10th September from 12.30 to 1.30 pm in St Wystan's Church £4.   Homemade soup, bread and cheese followed by coffee.   And a chat! Everyone welcome. Do come!

Repton & District Royal British Legion Horticultural Show Sunday 14th September in the British Legion Club Staging 12 to 2 pm : Presentations and auction at 5.30 pm Prizes for first and second places Two children's categories, up to 8 & 8 - 14 Schedules from the bar in the Legion Club in Repton High Street This is an open competition and all are welcome to place entries

Family Barn Dance with the live music of Bonnyrigg Friday 19th September, 7 to 10.30 pm in Repton Village Hall Tickets £10, Children £5, Family ticket (2+2) £25 from Frances Wimbush, 703180 or Carol Lloyd, 702410 Baked Potato Supper included             Bar & Raffle

Los Pacaminos featuring Paul Young with supporting artists Saturday 20th September - doors open at 7.30 pm in the Milton Marquee at the Swan The very best in Tex Mex, with one of Britain's finest vocalists Tickets £20 from Sue Newbolt, 07971 731 571 In aid of Macmillan cancer support

St Mary's Church Newton Solney Harvest Lunch Sunday 21st September at 1.30 pm in Newton Solney Village Hall Raffle       Good Food       Good Company Please bring your own drinks! Adults £8     Children under 12 £5 Tickets from Hazel Ward (701244) 21 Blacksmith's Lane

Repton School Concerts Society Amy Harman, bassoon Wednesday 24th September at 7.45 pm in The Robert Beldam Hall This is the the first concert in an new exciting season. Amy Harman was the winner of the RCM Bassoon Prize when an undergraduate, and since then has been Principal Bassoon and guest principal with many of the major orchestras in the UK.   She is also passionate about chamber music and in 2012 appeared as a 'flying soloist' in the Birmingham Opera Company's premiere of Stockhausen's 'Mittwoch aus Licht', where she played from a trapeze 50 ft above the audience! Tickets for this concert are £13.50 and £10.50 (concessions). Tickets for the whole season of 10 concerts cost £75. For further information or tickets contact Sue Parker 56 Askew Grove, Repton, DE65 6GR. 01283 702550.

Coffee Morning in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support Saturday 27th September, 10 am – noon 9 The Crescent, Repton Stalls, Raffle, Bric-a-Brac, Tombola, Cakes Donations or prizes would be greatly appreciated. Phone Sue on 701619, or leave them in the front porch at the above address.

Messy Church What a wonderful world! Fun activities,craft and games,celebration and Sunday tea for children and adults, anyone, any age St Wystan's Church, Sunday 28th September, 4 to 5.30 pm To find out more, contact Ruth Attwood on 702804 or . Everyone is welcome!

Milton Village Hall, Friday 10th October at 8 pm Milton Harvest Supper Hot and Cold Buffet, Home-made Apple Pie, Cheese Board Vegetarian option on request Bring your own tipple For tickets (£7) or to reserve a table, please call Sue White, 01283 701978, or Polly Faulkner, 01283 703436

The Great War Commemorated

The Great War Remembered
Monday 4th August 2014

In the evening, a good congregation from the church and community gathered in St Wystan's Church to remember those who one hundred years ago left our community to die on the battlefields of Europe or beyond. With poetry, hymns, a bible reading and prayer we reflected on how the local community felt just hours before Britain declared war on Germany, and the names of all who gave their lives were read out. The Cross of Remembrance by the Lych Gate still had poppies in bloom, although recent hot weather had led to an early flowering.

Later that evening at 10 pm, another good number joined together at the British Legion clubhouse to watch the national service of Commemoration from Westminster Abbey. It was extra special to be in a place dedicated to helping those who have served in our armed forces, and the display of memorabilia that the Legion had organised added to the poignancy of the event.

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'Commemorating the Great War'

The Great War exhibition at the British Legion Club was a resounding success. The week-long opening saw over 350 visitors with a number returning for a second occasion to inspect the vast amount of material on display.

Sincere thanks to everyone who loaned items, and especially to the Village History Group for their huge contribution including producing the splendid book, 'We Will Remember Them'. Thanks also to those who helped manage the exhibition, including Repton Evergreens who provided refreshments.

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'We Will Remember Them'

RVHG's latest publication is a memorial to the forty three men from Repton, Milton, Foremark and Ingleby, who died in the Great War. The result of two years research by Margaret Austen, it provides an insight into the lives of the men went off to war, as well as describing their service.

The book has been selling extremely well. It costs £3, and all profits go to the Poppy Appeal. You can buy a copy from Redshaw's Family Butcher, The British Legion in Repton High Street, The White Swan at Milton, and The Tourist Information Office at Sharpe's Pottery, as well as from members of the Village History Group. Details of all of the History Group's publications are available at reptonvillage.org.uk.

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100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .

Dear Friends

Little did we imagine a month ago that within a week the whole of Europe would be plunged into the most terrible war known to history.

It has come like a thunderbolt from an apparently blue sky. What will be the end God alone knows. Yet we English can feel strengthened by the knowledge that our King and Government did everything possible to preserve peace, and when war was inevitable they trod the path along which justice and honour pointed.

The nation is united, our people are calm and determined, our fleet has magnificently fulfilled its duty, and I trust our Army in union with our brave allies will do the same. Nevertheless there is much, infinitely much, that remains to be done. I rejoice to think that the foolish and wicked panic about food has largely subsided, but there is apparently not yet a full recognition or understanding by a very large proportion of our nation of the exceeding gravity of the situation. It is true that the response of the Territorial Army has been magnificent. But there are thousands of young unmarried men who could volunteer, and ought to volunteer at once, for the new army. It is all very well to say we will defend our hearths and homes; our fate does not depend on our security as an island, but upon whether we can destroy the enemy on land as well as on sea. France's battle is ours to the last man. It may take six months - it may take six years - but Europe and the world shall be freed from the menace and tyranny of Berlin.

Very well. Now as to our own village. We have sent out our brave lads in the Territorials, and some in the Regulars and Reserve, and we honour them, we are eagerly waiting to hear of their success, and we pray for their safety. But now the harvest - which, thank God, is bounteous - has been got in there ought to be at least twenty more young men in this parish willing to volunteer. If France is beaten down, if Russia fails - and these things are possible - we shall, sooner or later, have an armed invasion of this country; and one thing is certain, we shall have universal military service, as we ought to have had years ago if politicians on both sides had not been so craven and timorous.

We are fighting for the cause of Right against what, if it be victorious, will be a horrible, grinding tyranny, and is this a time to think of ourselves and our own safety and comfort?

Your faithful friend and Vicar, Stephen Selwyn

Selwyn was writing in the shadow of the terrible atrocities committed by the German army in Belgium, but before he, or anyone else, could begin to appreciate the horror of modern warfare.

It was in the same letter of September 1914 that he welcomed 'the Rev. G.F. Fisher when he takes up his duty as Headmaster', wishing him success and prosperity. His wishes bore fruit: from Repton School, Fisher went on to become Bishop of Chester and Archbishop of Canterbury.

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Repton Village Hall Appeal

It's YOUR Village Hall

We have lots of events planned for this autumn - something for everyone - so we hope you will come and give your support. In October we have:

A Fashion Show
Tuesday 7th October at 7 pm in the village hall

The clothes are by Bonita of Tutbury and there will be accessories for sale. A glass of sparkling wine and canapés are included in the ticket price of £10. Contact Rosie Carpenter on 01283 702370.

A Quiz
Saturday 11th October in The Constitution Club, Burton upon Trent

A table of four costs only £6. There will be a bar and a raffle. Contact Carol Lloyd on 01283 702410.

Children's Halloween Party
Friday 31st Oct, 5.30 - 7.30 pm in the village hall

Children up to 11 can join in the Halloween games, Halloween treasure hunt, and enter the fancy dress competition. Hot dogs, tricky treats and refreshments available. Tickets £2 per child.

Further ahead

. . . we are planning a Christmas Fayre on Saturday 15th November in the village hall, a Festive Concert by Beatus on Saturday 13th December in St Wystan's Church at 7.30 pm, and finally, a Repton Ghost Walk for adults only on Friday 19th December at 7.15 pm. Tickets at £20 include mince pies and 'warming sustenance'.

With those events underway, we are beginning to make plans for next year. We are always looking for ideas and would also really like to hear from anyone who would be willing to help us or organise an event; just ring Adrian on 01283 701277 or Carol, 01283 702410.

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Repton Village & History

The Parish Magazine

I am looking for a volunteer to deliver the parish magazines once a month on Mount Pleasant Road. If you feel could do this, please ring Karen on 702392.

Repton Rags Boys & girls aged 7 to 14 Fun and games, indoors and out, and plenty of time to chat with your friends Fridays 12th and 26th September, 6.30 to 8 pm at the Den More info from Julie Groom, 0797 4998852 or . Come along and have fun!

Repton Rags

Thank you to everyone who helped with our BBQ at the start of the summer break. We all had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Now we are back to normal with RAGS once a fortnight. In September we will meet on the 12th and 26th, and in October on the 10th and 24th.

We are looking ahead to the winter months when it may not be practical to use the playing field and we will be inside the Den. Do you know anyone, or can you yourself come and talk to the children about a hobby or interest? And can you suggest anywhere local that we could visit for an evening? Please contact me as below, or pop up to the Den on one of the nights we are there.

We are currently updating our database. If you haven't had a form to complete, please do contact me. Now we look forward to seeing you all again on the 12th.

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Family Barn Dance with Bonnyrigg
Repton village hall, Friday 19th September, 7 - 10.30 pm

The music is infectious, full of life and vitality; you just have to get on your feet. Anybody and everyone can barn dance, young and old, and Mike Gentles of Bonnyrig is the finest caller in the business. Once again it will be a really enjoyable evening.

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

Do book your tickets early; they are already selling quickly - and it helps the caterers! Contact Carol Lloyd, 702410, or Frances Wimbush, 703180.

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Charity Garage Sale
Saturday 13th September, 2 & 3 Monsom Lane

In August we had a very successful garage sale in aid of three local organisations, Repton Evergreens, the Repton Royal British Legion and the United Reformed Church, raising almost £500.

And on 13th September, due to an unexpected delivery of household items, we are holding another sale. Please come along and support. If you want more information, phone Sue Banks on 701726.

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Scottish Dancing

. . . is good fun and good exercise. Experience isn't necessary - enthusiasm, a sense of humour, and a pair of soft soled shoes (not trainers) are much more important! Newcomers are always welcome.

Come and join us in Repton village hall from 7.15 to 9.15 pm on the last Monday of the month. The first session for this season is on Monday 29th September. Contact Frances Wimbush on 703180, or just come along.

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Scouts

Scouts' summer camp coincided with the end of the July heat wave and the start of the August monsoon but that didn't stop it being enjoyed by all. Activities included abseiling from a railway viaduct into a stream, exploring Lud's Church in the dark, and fifty individual and patrol challenges.

Scouts start again on Wednesday 10th September. If you would like more information, please contact Mike Knowles on 07989 990119.

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Repton Casuals, Ball Skills

. . . restart at Broomhills Lane playing field on Saturday 13th September at 10 am. All children, girls and boys, in reception or school years one or two are welcome. Basic skills, preparing for junior team football, are taught through small-sided games in a safe and friendly environment. Refreshments are available, there are toilets and plenty of space to park. For further information, please phone Bob Errington on 701183, or Dave Jacobs, 701361.

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Repton Road Club

While Repton Road Club riders have yet to figure in the Tour of Spain, we're still holding regular rides. We leave The Cross every Sunday at 9 am for rides lasting about two hours, and also have shorter rides on Thursdays, leaving The Cross at 6.30 pm.

If you want to improve your fitness, if you're looking for company on a training ride, or if you're making a return to cycling or are just starting out, 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.

The August meeting was held in the garden of the President, where we enjoyed strawberries and cream, cakes and tea. We were delighted to welcome visitors from other institutes as well as friends and former members. The showers held off and visitors were able to explore the garden while catching up on all the news.

On Tuesday 9th September, Alan Hopkins will talk about the history of the orchestra and its instruments. Everyone is welcome to join us in the village hall at 7.15 pm.

Dabble Day

An important date for your diary is Thursday 13th November when we are holding a Dabble Day in the village hall from 10 am to 3 pm. What is a Dabble Day? It is an opportunity for you to try your hand at a variety of crafts with something to take home afterwards. There will be a small charge for materials, you don't have to be there all day, and you can bring your children. Soup will be available at lunchtime. Look out for further details nearer the day.

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Repton Village Society

Our next meeting is on Thursday 4th September when the speaker will be Mark Newbold. Mark spent two years on board the Royal Yacht and was later on HMS Coventry during the Falklands War. He will be talking about his experiences on these two very different ships.

Trip to Stratford upon Avon: Non-members are very welcome

On Saturday 13th September the coach leaves the Arch at 8.30 am. After coffee in Stratford, a guide will join us for a one hour tour of the major sites with stops for photos and explanations. After lunch the afternoon is free for further exploration on foot, a river cruise, or lazing in the autumn sun. The coach will leave Stratford at 4 pm, arriving back in Repton at about 5.30 pm. Tickets £15.

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Repton Village History Group

Margaret Austen's book, 'We Will Remember Them', has been selling extremely well. For details of where to buy a copy, see 'Commemorating the Great War' above.

At our next meeting on Tuesday 16th September, John Hawkins will talk about the History of Findern. Repton village hall at 7.30 prompt. All are welcome. Members £2, visitors £3. Tea and biscuits provided.

For further information contact Andy Austen on 702448.

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Congratulations!

. . . to David Godfrey of Springfield Road, Repton, who in SDDC's annual 'Can You Dig It?' competition won the award for the Best Vegetable Garden. Open to all SDDC's tenants - over 3,000 of them - the contest is designed to recognise those going above and beyond to spruce up their homes and communities.

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Repton Parish Council Jottings

Intermodal Park: The second stage statutory consultation period for this huge road and rail distribution centre was scheduled to begin in September but the project consultants have announced that it will not now be held until the end of the year or early next year. The site, adjacent to Toyota, will cover 630 acres and provide welcome jobs for up to 7,000 people, a significant proportion of whom will undoubtedly travel from around Swadlincote. An issue of great concern is the increase this will bring to the already high numbers of vehicles using inadequate local lanes and roads, with traffic bottlenecks in Repton and Willington and very few river crossings. Other matters to be addressed are the increased risk of flooding; noise levels from the site and from train movements, particularly at night; and congestion at the Toyota island.

To ensure a unified approach, Repton Parish Council is hosting meetings with six neighbouring parish councils on this side of the A38 who share a common interest in the project. It is setting the agenda for discussions with senior officials and elected representatives at the County and District Councils, and with our local MP, Heather Wheeler.

Scrap Metal Dealers: Scrap metal dealers are now required to have a licence for either collecting or receiving metal items. These are in the form of a red badge, and dealers who, on request, cannot produce one, should be reported to South Derbyshire District Council, as they may be operating illegally. Contact SDDC on 01283 595795 or customer.services@south-derbys.gov.uk.

Sledge Wood: Part-funded by the Parish Council, this 12 acre broad-leaf wood alongside Robin's Cross Lane was created as part of a Millennium project by the Millennium Commission and the Sainsbury's Family Trust to create 200 new woods throughout England and Wales, all within easy walking distance of a town or village. The site was acquired in 1998 by the Woodland Trust, which is to manage it in perpetuity, and is freely open for you to walk in and enjoy. However, the footpath through the wood is now in need of repair, and during the winter months it can become too hazardous to use. It is a public right of way and the responsibility of the Parish Council, which has now agreed to fund the repairs including a more stable base and a further application of stone. This should enable you to enjoy walks through the wood in all seasons.

Allotments: The Parish Council will be sending out renewal agreements for the allotments during the winter months. A waiting list is held in the Parish Council office and it is possible that some plots may be vacant next year. Should you wish to add your name to the waiting list - there is currently only one name on it - please contact me. Plots are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Car Parking: PC Collins is continuing his efforts to deal with the parking problems on the High Street. Leaflet warnings are being issued, and fixed penalty notices have also been applied. Reports of increased problems with cars now being parked on the roads off High Street have been forwarded to the police. PC Collins can be contacted at gerrard.collins.3201@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk.

Next meeting: Monday 8th September in Milton Village Hall. A Parish Meeting at 7 pm will be followed by the Parish Council Meeting at 7.30 pm. All are welcome. Susan Reilly, Clerk to the Council

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Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Milton Village Hall

Thank you to everyone who came along to Edward's Quiz in July. As always it was full of interest and challenging, and the teams were very competitive. There were deserving winners, and the runners up are applauded for their efforts. On the night £115 was raised for the village hall.

The Harvest Supper will be in the village hall on Friday 10th October at 8 pm. Details are in the advert above. Everyone is very welcome.

The hall is ideal for children's parties and small gatherings. To view or hire it, please contact Polly on 703436.

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Milton W.I.

Ten members had a lovely day at our August social outing to Snibston Discovery Park. After a most interesting tour of the colliery and a delicious lunch we had plenty of time to look around the many exhibitions.

Next meeting - Change of Speaker: Wednesday 17th September at 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. Liz Wibberley has kindly stepped in and will bring along her array of beautiful craftwork. This will be a casual, browsing evening with refreshments served by Eileen Findlay and Jan Tunstall. Visitors are always welcome.

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Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney C of E Infant School

There is no Community Collective Worship in September; our next is on Thursday 2nd October.

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Newton Solney W.I.

Our recent Summer Social was a great success despite the windy and showery weather; nearly forty members and guests enjoyed a super lunch and music by kind invitation of Pam and David Haines.

On August Bank Holiday Monday the W.I. was to run a Prosecco, Pizza & Pop shop at the annual Cricket Match, but our hopes for a dry, warm afternoon were disappointed!

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 9th September at 7.30 in the village hall. Jolyon Maclaine will speak about the Royal flight of Oman and Derbyshire police, a follow up to his successful talk last year on the Ups and Downs of a Helicopter Pilot. Sue Hyde and Sheila Hornsby will be tea hostesses, Hylda Wilson will provide flowers. All are very welcome to attend the start of our autumn programme.

Jean, 702463, and Rosemary, 703000, are the contacts for Mulberry Room lunches and whist drives.

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Newton Solney Parish Council News

Collapsed Wall on Bretby Lane: Derbyshire County Council has notified us that remedial work on the collapsed wall is to commence on 1st September and will take 16 weeks. The section of road from Main Street to a point 200 metres south from the junction will be closed for the period of work.

Newton Solney Fruit, Flower, Vegetable and Craft Show takes place on Saturday 6th September. Details are in the advert below. Please come and support it to make this annual event a successful village occasion.

Next Meeting: Friday 12th September at 7.30 pm in the village hall. All are welcome.

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Willington Surgery

Health Information event

We are holding a Health Information event at Willington Surgery on Wednesday 17th September, probably from 5 to 7.30 pm; check online at willingtonsurgery.co.uk.

Stands providing information include:

Smoking Cessation; Audiology; Diabetes; Safer Homes; CAB ; the Handy Van Service; Care.data; Sure Start; Health & Wellbeing; Living Wills & Power of Attorney; Counselling; Right at Home; Number Plate Recognition.

Further information will be posted in the surgery and on its website. All patients of Willington Surgery are welcome to attend.

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Seasonal Flu Vaccination

If you are aged 65 or over, a principal carer, pregnant, or suffer from a chronic disease such as diabetes mellitus, chronic heart, renal, liver or neurological disease, chronic respiratory disease including asthma (if you have received medication within the last 12 months), or are immunosuppressed due to disease or treatment, you are recommended to have an annual influenza injection.

Clinic appointments are available to book for Saturday 4th and Saturday 11th October. Please contact reception, 01283 703318.

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South Derbyshire

Learn to Climb

This is a bit outside our immediate area, perhaps, but it has been noticeable how popular the SDDC climbing wall has been on its recent visits; young people have clearly been bitten by the climbing bug.

On Monday evenings from 29th September to 3rd November, Skyline Mountaineering Club is running junior indoor climbing sessions for 11 to 25 year olds at the Pingle School in Swadlincote. Here they can have a go and learn all the skills to climb independently. There are separate sessions for 11 to 15 year-olds from 5.30 to 6.30 pm, and for 16 to 25 year-olds from 6.30 - 7.30 pm.

Sessions cost £3 each, but all equipment is provided. Booking is essential, there are only twelve places per group. Call Lewis Adams (Physical Activity Officer, Sport & Health, SDDC) on 078 141 33 475.

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Open Days

Many fascinating buildings will be opening their doors or putting on special displays as part of the Heritage Open Days on 13th September, many also on the 14th. Search online for Heritage Open Days.

Of particular interest to railway enthusiasts will be the rare opportunity to see behind the scenes of a full, working, railway maintenance depot, when Etches Park Train Depot opens its doors to the public for the first time as part of Derby's 175th anniversary celebrations. With 25 locomotive exhibitions, stands, demonstrations, model railway exhibitions, small fairground rides and more, this is a great day out for families. All proceeds will be going to The Railway Children Charity. Tickets are now on sale at theticketfactory.com under 'Etches Park Open Day'.

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Environment Matters

Recycled Football Kit?

England's footballers may have disappointed in Brazil, but they went out in style - in recycled kit! The team's environmental commitment was on show in the form of a new 'green' strip made from - of all things - recycled plastic bottles.

Both the white and red kits contained 100% recycled polyester in the shorts, 96% in the shirt and 78% in the socks. The manufacturer estimates that on average 18 plastic bottles are used in each full kit, and since 2010 the company claims to have diverted almost two billion bottles from landfill.

The kit is claimed to aid performance by helping to regulate body temperature: 'Moisture is pulled away from the skin to the outside of the garment where it evaporates quickly. Ventilation holes and mesh in allow for increased breathability and airflow across the skin.'

If only the players had performed as well as their kit!

You and your Pet

£10 Neutering

Cat owners on benefits or low incomes can have their cat snipped or spayed for just £10. Kittens from four months old as well as male and female adult cats can all be neutered for £10, with the rest of the cost being met by Cats Protection. The scheme runs until the end of the year.

Not all vets are involved, so to find the nearest one that is, visit Cats Protection's website - search for 'Cats Protection Derby' - or call the charity's helpline on 03000 121212. To be entitled to the subsidised cost, owners will need to show the vet proof of benefits or low income.

Neutering benefits cats of all ages

It prevents unwanted kittens; one unneutered female cat can be responsible for 20,000 descendants in just five years;
Cats are less likely to fight, thus reducing the risk of catching life-threatening diseases transmitted by bites and saliva;
Neutered cats are less likely to wander and get run over;
Neutered male cats are less likely to display territorial behaviour such as spraying.

Cats Protection believes neutering is an essential part of responsible cat ownership and helps neuter 158,000 cats and kittens each year.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Car Crime

Police in South Derbyshire are concerned at the number of cars that are stolen or broken into. Many of them have been left insecure or with valuable items on display. An old coat on the back seat may be worthless, but a thief won't know that. He may break in to see if you have left money or cards in the pocket. The cost of replacing a broken window is often more than the value of the goods stolen.

In order to reduce the opportunity for crime, police would appreciate it if you would ensure that valuables are removed from vehicles or placed out of sight and your vehicle is left secure.

To increase awareness, one of the steps that officers will be taking is to identify such vehicles, attempt to locate the vehicle owner and advise them at the time, and to send a letter to the registered keeper.

Being on the receiving end of car crime is distressing, inconvenient, and expensive. Simple actions can reduce the risk.

The next Mercia Neighbourhood Forum

. . . is on Wednesday 3rd September in Stenson Fields Primary School. Tea and coffee are available from 5.45 pm.

Scrap metal dealers

Unlicensed dealers have been causing a nuisance with overloaded vans and noisy vehicles; take their vehicle number and report them to SDDC.

Social media

Turning our backs on email, we are spending more time on social media, seemingly drawn by the amusing, the scary, and the downright odd. Many of these stories are harmless hoaxes, and some are funny, but beware when you click through to read how 'British Scientists Clone a Dinosaur' or 'Google Earth Finds Woman Stranded on Deserted Island'. Scammers are ahead of us, and it is all too easy to let your guard slip.

Think twice before dealing with cold callers

They frequently vastly overcharge or increase the price after the work has started. In some cases, rogue traders have used high pressure tactics and even taken victims to a cash machine in order to collect their payment. Older or more vulnerable people tend to be targeted, and rogue traders have also been linked to other types of doorstep crime such as distraction burglary and theft. If work does need doing, get at least three different quotes.

Never provide personal information or bank details to cold callers

If you have felt pressurised into a visit from a business, are not sure who the business is, or are concerned in any way, you can report it to the citizens advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06. Visit adviceguide.org.uk for advice

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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Gardening Notes

Still ten weeks to go!

It is probably about 10 weeks before we are at risk of severe frosts, so definitely not the end of the flowering season. We can hope to see dahlias, penstemons, fuchsias, salvias, geraniums and pelargoniums in bloom from now until early November, the same length of time as from a late Easter to the end of the summer term! If you have bare patches, you could even consider planting some of the bargain basement annuals and tender perennials available at this time of year; the soil is warm, so they will establish quickly as long as it is not too dry.

What a summer we have had, with some high temperatures, especially at night. I have planted a few clematis in places that are really too dry, and some of them have died back down to the ground, but I have noticed that they are growing from the base again; they will certainly recover, but may need moving to a damper spot. If plants have disappeared in your garden, it is best to leave them as they often re-sprout from the base once conditions improve, provided they have a good root system.

September and October are the best months of the year to establish new beds as the ground is warm and there is usually enough rain, but also enough fine weather. A shrub border is often seen as a low maintenance option, but once a shrub has outgrown its space, it can be hard to prune back to size and still maintain an attractive plant; you only have to look at supermarket car parks with their walls of shapeless shrubs to recognise the danger.

Herbaceous perennials have an undeserved reputation of being hard work, but if you choose carefully, avoiding very large plants that need staking, and include some bulbs and some grasses, you can have a very low maintenance border that will give colour and interesting shapes throughout the year. Most perennials are easy to divide when they get too big, so the border can continue with only minor changes over the years. You could build a sunny border in good soil using hellebore, pulmonaria, geum, astrantia, heuchera, polemonium, choice alstromeria, verbena, helenium, veronicastrum, and choice geraniums. If you include some agapanthus and a choice stipa grass, and perhaps some easily controlled shrubs such as hardy fuchsias and a mahonia japonica for autumn interest, with a few spring flowering bulbs, you will have a colourful low maintenance border.

By contrast, a border with forsythia, laurel, dwarf conifers, delphiniums, pampas grass, a lilac, bluebells, aquilegia, Japanese anemones and loosestrife will probably get out of control quite quickly. All these plants have a place in gardens, but they do need more maintenance.

There should still be lots to pick in the vegetable garden. Crops such as corn, peas and beans are much better fresh and deteriorate with keeping, but cabbage hearts with outer leaves removed will keep for several months in a fridge. Onions, garlic and winter squash will also store for months but need to be dried for a week or two, ideally on the greenhouse staging. Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature; at the end of the season, pick any unripe tomatoes with the calyxes on and leave them in a dark place to ripen over the next few weeks; you can include a single ripe tomato or banana to speed things up. Root crops keep well in the ground as they are nature's store for next year's growth. Picked roots should have the top growth removed as this draws moisture from the root, but do not wash the roots at this stage. Produce that is damaged or diseased will not store well, so either eat it quickly or compost it.

For the best choice of spring bulbs, order now. Keep bulbs cool; you can plant most straight away but tulips will not start into growth until December and are best planted later on to avoid being eaten by squirrels and other pests.

Don't forget the village show, you can't win if you don't enter!