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

Patience

Repton, Foremark and Newton Solney Parish Churches
Services at St Wystan's, Repton
Services at St Saviour's, Foremark
Services at St Mary's, Newton Solney
Readers and Intercessors at St Wystan's
Altar Flowers at St Wystan's
Brasses at St Wystan's
Altar Flowers at St Saviour's

United Reformed Church
Services at the United Reformed Church
Coffee Morning, Saturday 12th October
SHELL for children and young people aged 7+

Baptisms, Marriages, Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Marriages
Stephanie Summers and Samuel Burdon
Ellen Victoria Pooler and Daniel Jack Clews
Eileen Wendy Mair and Simon Richard Mann

Funerals
Douglas Arthur George Grenham
Sydney Martin Crawshay Jones

Burial of Ashes
Jack and Joyce Turner

The Memorial Book

Repton Benefice
Annual Service of Commemoration Regular Services Groups Now we can all hear!

St Wystan's News
Drop in on Family and Friends, Saturday 4th October

St Saviour's News
St Saviour's New Roof

Local Diary

Event Details
Soup, Cheese and Chat! Wednesday 1st October
Treasure! Discovering the Staffordshire Hoard, Tuesday 7th October to Thursday 27th November
Fashion Show by Bonita of Tutbury, Tuesday 7th October
Milton Harvest Supper, Friday 10th October
Quiz Night, Saturday 11th October
St Wystan's Church Harvest Lunch, Sunday 12th October
Coffee Morning, Saturday 18th October
ChildAid to Russia & the Republics - Coffee Morning, Saturday 25th October
Repton School Concert, Gordon Fergus-Thompson, piano, Wednesday 15th October
Messy Church -Light for the World, Sunday 26th October
Children's Halloween Party, Friday 31st October
Children's Nearly New Sale, Saturday 8th November
A Fun Night Out ~ Repton Quiz, Saturday 15th November
Strictly Vintage Dance Night, Saturday 29th November

The Great War Commemorated
100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .

Repton Village Hall Appeal
Autumn Events

Repton Village and History
Repton Rags
The Staffordshire Hoard Exhibition in Repton
Repton Evergreens
A Fun Night Out , Saturday 15th November
Websites
Scouts
Repton Village Show 2014
Repton Road Club
Repton W.I.
Repton School Commemoration Week, 3rd - 6th November
Sale of Work & Fun Day, Saturday 22nd November
Royal British Legion
Planning the Village Party: Planning Meeting, Monday 13th October
St Wystan's Harvest Lunch, Sunday 12th October at 12.30 pm
Repton Village Society
Trip to the Tower, Saturday 25th October
Repton Village History Group
Repton Parish Council Jottings

Milton & Foremark Village Matters
Milton Harvest Supper, Friday 10th October
Live and Local : Celebrating the Divas of Jazz, Friday 28th November
Milton W.I.

Newton Solney Village Matters
Newton Solney Christmas Market, Sunday 30th November
Newton Solney C of E Infant School Open Morning, Thursday 9th October
Newton Solney Tuesday Club
Newton Solney W.I.
Newton Solney Parish Council News

Willington Surgery
Seasonal Flu Vaccination

South Derbyshire
Look Closer and Never too Late to Learn
Free Trees for residents, schools and community groups

Thankyou
Mary Sharratt

Environment Matters
Hedgehogs in Autumn

Neighbourhood Watch Trick or Treat
Fireworks
Test your Smoke Alarm

Gardening Notes


Patience

Inspiration was a bit lacking this month. What do I tackle? The evil of Islamic State or abuse in Rotherham? No, much has already been written about those, and much more will be written. So I try to unblock my mind by typing something, anything. Literally two letters later the study door opens. It is not supposed to open. When it is closed I am supposed to be left alone. I get ratty. "Two letters", I say, "two letters after ten minutes", and I stop, for I realise that I have my theme, and now the words flow.

Impatience is a blight on our society. It may not be as obviously evil as those who groom and rape young girls or those who abduct Christian women and children to sell them into sexual slavery, but in its own way impatience can eat away at our lives and relationships. It is never far away; I return to the often used illustration of behaviour on our roads. How impatient we drivers get: heavy traffic, inconsiderate cyclists holding up queues of cars, lights turning red just as we were about to go through, they all contribute to our impatience. But the road is not the only place. The Ikea flat pack would have tested the patience of the Saints. And what about waiting for that delivery that you hope will come before lunchtime but never seems to arrive. It can be so frustrating when your patience is stretched - you can end up at 'breaking point'.

And, of course, even worse damage can be done in our relationships with others. It is so easy to be impatient with other people; after all they are the ones who are always at fault, aren't they? When they do not live up to the standards you set, you demand that they change. At the supermarket when your checkout queue doesn't move as fast as the one next door because the girl at the till is being pleasant and talking to people, you tap your foot, stare around – and don't forget to be gruff with her when you finally make it – let that impatience out! It will do her good to know you're angry. But it isn't just with strangers. It hurts more when impatience has a pop at those you love and who love you. When you are ready to set off somewhere and the children still haven't buckled their seatbelts up – let your impatience out – tell them to get on with it – start the journey the way you mean to go on – in sullen silence – excitement squashed by your impatience.

And then there is our impatience with God. Poor old God; we can't see His face in the back of our car to recognise that we have gone too far. But all too often in our impatience we set Him demands that are driven by what we want, when we want it and how we want it to work out. Is it any surprise that when we do that and God doesn't meet those expectations, we get annoyed at him? It is easy to blame Him when in reality we should be looking at ourselves to find where the blame truly lies.

At times it is hard to be patient. Learning to curb our impatience can be a lifelong challenge for some, but in Christ we have the supreme example. He was patient with people. Patient when His disciples took a very long time to understand what he was about. He was patient in suffering, often spending hours praying to God as He came to terms with what He was caught up in. He was patient when God revealed only slowly over three years of ministry that he was the Messiah and had to die on the Cross as a sign of God's love for all people.

Patience is a virtue. It is a good thing to be able to wait without getting angry or upset, and a good thing is a godly thing.
Rev'd Martin Flowerdew


Services at Foremark, Newton Solney
and Repton Churches

St Wystan's, Repton
Every Weekday Morning
	7.45 am	Morning Prayer

EVERY Wednesday
	10 am	Holy Communion	

Sunday 5th	Trinity 16
	8 am	Holy Communion
	9.45 am	Worship Together
	11 am	Matins
	6.30 pm	Taizé Service

Sunday 12th	Harvest Festival
	8 am	Holy Communion
	9.45 am	Parish Communion and Harvest Festival
	6.30 pm	Evensong

Sunday 19th	Trinity 18
	8 am	Holy Communion
	9.45 am	Parish Communion
	6.30 pm	Choral Evensong

Sunday 26th	Bible Sunday
	8 am	Holy Communion
	9.45 am	Parish Communion
	4 pm	Messy Church
St Saviour's, Foremark
Sunday 12th	Harvest Festival
	6.30 pm	Harvest Festival

Sunday 26th	Bible Sunday
	6.30 pm	Holy Communion
St Mary's, Newton Solney
Sunday 5th	Trinity 16
	10 am	Parish Communion

Sunday 12th	Trinity 17
	10 am	Worship Together
	
Sunday 19th	Trinity 18
	10 am	Parish Communion

Sunday 26th	Bible Sunday
	10 am	Matins

Readers, Intercessors and Offertory at St Wystan's
7th	11 am	Isaiah 49: 13 - 23		Jenny Jones

12th	9.45 am	tba

19th	9.45 am	1 Thessalonians 1: 1 - 10	Wendy Longden
		Intercessions:			Ruth Attwood
		Offertory:			Wendy & Stephen Longden

26th	9.45 am	Colossians 3: 12 - 17		Chris Lloyd
		Intercessions:			June Scott
		Offertory:			Melodie & David Bordoli

Altar Flowers (contact Frances Wimbush, 703180)
5th: Naomi Hignett. 12th: Wedding. 19th: Jan Roberts. 26th: Carol Lloyd.


Brasses (contact Sue Parker, 702550)
Karen Perks.


Altar Flowers & Cleaning at St Saviour's (contact Ann Redfern, 01332 862350)
12th: Polly Faulkner, Kate Garner, Heather Lowe, Ann Redfern and Betty Thorley. 25th: Wedding.


The United Reformed Church

Minister: Rev'd Brian Norris
5th October
	11 am	Morning Worship
	6.30 pm	Service at Fisher Close Community Centre

12th October
	11 am	Morning Worship

19th October
	11 am	Holy Communion
			
26th October
	11 am	Family Service
	6.30 pm	Holy Communion

Coffee Morning, Saturday 12th October, 10.30 am
Scrumptious cakes, coffee and biscuits, a chance to chat with friends - don't miss it!


SHELL for children and young people aged 7+
. . . meets on Mondays 6th,13th, and 20th October. New members are always welcome. Activities include cooking, games and art! Come and join us!


Marriages

Stephanie Summers and Samuel Burdon of Allenton were married at St Saviour's Church on Saturday 30th August.

Ellen Victoria Pooler and Daniel Jack Clews of Shillingford Road, Manchester, were married at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on Saturday 6th September.

Eileen Wendy Mair and Simon Richard Mann of Mount Pleasant, Repton, were married at St Wystan's Church on Sunday 14th September.

We offer them our congratulations and best wishes
for their future lives together.


Funerals and Burial of Ashes

Douglas Arthur George Grenham of Monsom Lane died on Monday 8th September aged 88. A funeral service at Bretby Crematorium on 19th September was followed by cremation.

Sydney Martin Crawshay Jones of Stockbridge, Hampshire, and formerly of Chestnut Way, Repton, died on Thursday 11th September aged 91. A service at St Wystan's Church, Repton, on 26th September was followed by burial at Monsom Lane Cemetery.

The ashes of Jack and Joyce Turner were interred at Monsom Lane Cemetery on Friday 26th September. Jack died on 19th April 2009, and Joyce on 6th June this year.

We offer our sympathy to their families and friends.


The Memorial Book

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

Please use the website contact page to contact the vicar.


Repton Benefice

Annual Service of Commemoration
Sunday 2nd November, 4 pm at St Mary's Church
At the beginning of November the Church remembers All Saints and All Souls. It is the traditional time for remembrance, giving thanks for the lives of our loved ones. These services touch our hearts whether our bereavement is recent or something we have borne for a long time, for the pain remains with us regardless of the years that pass.

Last year we united our two commemoration services, and we will do the same again this. The service is held at St Mary's and St Wystan's in alternate years, this year at St Mary's. Invitations will be sent to those recently bereaved but the service is open to all. You will be most welcome to stay on after the service for a cup of tea and a chat.

If you wish the names of loved ones to be read out at the service, you will find lists to sign up at the back of the churches in the two weeks beforehand, or please contact Rev'd June Scott. We hope you will join with us and others in remembering our loved ones and giving thanks for their lives.


Regular Services
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.

In October, we will omit the service of Prayer for Healing which usually follows Parish Communion on the last Sunday of the month. Services of Prayer for Christian Healing are on the last Wednesday of alternate months; the next is in November.


Groups
Intercessory Prayer for Healing meets at 3 Richmond Court at 7.30 pm on Monday 13th October.

The Bible Study Group studying the Acts of the Apostles will meet at 7.30 pm on Thursdays 2nd and 16th October at 28 The Pastures. Please contact Stephen Longden if you are interested in joining.


Now we can all hear!
The second week of September saw improvements at both St Wystan's and St Mary's. Alongside microphones and an amplification system, St Mary's has had a new loop system installed for those who rely on a hearing aid. St Wystan's has had such a system for many years but, with parts now unavailable, we have had it replaced and upgraded.

The new systems will really pay off when we have special services and events, especially with children's voices that tend to be rather quiet. With a larger number of microphones we can now anticipate hearing their readings, prayers and poems. We also have the facility to play music from CDs, MP3 players and SD Cards, indeed anything that can be attached. This will be particularly welcome at funerals; up to now, when families requested a special piece of music, we have had to use a rather inadequate household CD player.

We are most grateful to those who have given time and effort to see both these projects through, as well as to those who have raised or given money to pay for the work. Especial thanks to Rev'd June Scott and Martin Wimbush who managed the projects.


St Wystan's News

Drop in on Family and Friends
Most people involved with the life of St Wystan's Church will have had a letter explaining our stewardship campaign. Apologies if we missed you. Basically we are asking ourselves what we give to and do for the local church and community. We hope that you too might wish to be involved.
Drop in to Church, 10 am on Saturday 4th October
In October there is an opportunity to find out more about all the different church activities. This is an informal get together over coffee to talk to leaders and organisers and to consider ways in which you can get involved. Whether assisting with social events, mowing the churchyard, getting involved in children's activities at Messy Church, trying your hand at bellringing, helping with audio-visual technology and communications, and much more besides, there are lots of opportunities. Just come along at 10 am on 4th October.
Friends of St Wystan's
We are also hoping to establish a 'Friends of the Parish Church'. This will 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. The crypt is internationally renowned, and the entire building is of the greatest importance. We hope that anyone who is interested in its history and future will wish to support this venture. If you are interested, do come along on 4th October or contact John Perks on 702392.


St Saviour's News

St Saviour's New Roof
At the end of August, many people gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Garner behind St Saviour's Church for a Benefice Picnic. In glorious sunshine people came from all three benefice churches, from Milton and Foremark-cum-Ingleby as well as Foremarke Hall, to share a time of fellowship and cake while listening to the bells being rung in celebration. Others joined us at 6.30, and over 50 people were in church for a service of thanksgiving in the Celtic style.

The vicar thanked everyone who had worked so hard over the years to cope with all the demands that the lead thefts had placed on members of the church, school and local community. The main thrust of the sermon was looking to the future, building on those links and encouraging church growth, and asked whether or not the vestry needs to be extended to accommodate a toilet and other facilities to make the church more welcoming and usable.

After the service everyone went outside and the new roof was blessed. Then we toasted the completion of the works with a glass of bubbly, given by Mr. and Mrs. Hanson of Home Farm.





Soup, Cheese and Chat!

Wednesday 1st October 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!



The Staffordshire Hoard Exhibition

Treasure! Discovering the Staffordshire Hoard

St Wystan's Church, Tuesday 7th October to Thursday 27th November
Entry is free.   There is no need for individuals to book.

Would groups please contact us in advance.

In total the Hoard includes 5.1 kilos of gold, 1.4 kilos of silver
and 3,500 cloisonné garnets, and is now securely and permanently housed
in Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery

This family-friendly, community exhibition includes high quality replicas and reproductions as well as video, interactives, and costumes to try on.

Opening times




Repton Village Hall Appeal

A Fashion Show by Bonita of Tutbury

Repton Village Hall, Tuesday 7th October at 7 pm

Raffle.   A selection of accessories will be on sale

Tickets £10 to include a glass of bubbly and canapés
from Rosie Carpenter, 01283 702370



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



Repton Village Hall Appeal

Quiz Night

Saturday 11th October, 7.30 prompt!
in The Constitution Club, 150 High Street, Burton upon Trent

It is opposite Scope Shop. Park by the Library and only pay until 8 pm.

A table of four costs only £6. There will be a bar and a raffle.

Contact Carol Lloyd on 01283 702410



St Wystan's Church Harvest Lunch

St Wystan's Church. Sunday 12th October at 12.30 pm

£1. Everyone welcome. Bring your own drink & glasses.

Everyone contributes to the food; each adult brings a dish for 6.
No tickets, but it does need coordination to make sure we don't end up
with only pork pie and chocolate pudding! So . . .

Ring Jan Gillham, 703340, or Carol Lloyd, 702410
for details and to discuss dishes.



Coffee Morning

in aid of Leukaemia Research

Saturday 18th October, 10 am - 12.30 pm, in Newton Solney Village Hall

Raffle : tombola : craft stalls

£2 to include tea or coffee and cake
Enquiries to Val Hackett 01283 701727



ChildAid to Russia & the Republics

Coffee Morning

Saturday 25th October from 10 - 12.30
16 Oaks Road, Willington



Repton School Concerts Society

Gordon Fergus-Thompson, piano

Wednesday 15th October at 7.45 pm in The Robert Beldam Hall

Gordon Fergus-Thompson's award-winning interpretations of French impressionist and Russian romantic piano music have been acclaimed throughout the European press. He has recorded the complete works of Debussy and Ravel as well as many other sonatas, Bach transcriptions and works by Scriabin. A professor of piano at the Royal College of Music, he is much in demand as a lecture recitalist and has given masterclasses throughout the UK, USA, Australia and the Far East.

The programme for this recital will include works by
Schumann, Debussy, Chopin, Liszt and Rachmaninov.

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.



Messy Church

Light for the World

Join in crafts and activities all about light in darkness.
Come in bright clothes. Stay for tea.

For children and adults, anyone, any age
St Wystan's Church, Sunday 26th October, 4 to 5.30 pm

To find out more, contact Ruth Attwood on 702804 or .

Everyone is welcome!



Repton Village Hall Appeal

Children's Halloween Party

for children up to 11

Friday 31st October, 5.30 - 7.30 pm in Repton Village Hall

Halloween games, Halloween treasure hunt, Fancy Dress Competition
Hot dogs, tricky treats and refreshments available

For tickets at £2 per child .



Children's Nearly New Sale

Saturday 8th November, 10 am - 12 noon at Repton Village Hall

Including Children's Clothes, Toys, Books, Nursery Equipment and Maternity Wear

Entrance 50p, children free. Refreshments on sale.
For further details please call: 07982 781936.

Hosted by Repton Primary School PTA to raise funds for equipment at the school



A Fun Night Out ~ Repton Quiz

Saturday 15th November, 7.30 pm, Repton Village Hall

Our annual quiz for teams of four is great fun and it's time to start getting your team together - it costs only £12 per table. There will be a break for light refreshments, but bring your own drink and glasses. To book a table contact Carol Lloyd, 702410. If you haven't got a team, do get in touch anyway; we can help.
,


Strictly Vintage Dance Night

Saturday 29th November, 7 for 7.30 until 10.30 pm
at Newton Solney Village Hall

Put on your dancing shoes and dance the night away.

Learn to dance the waltz and enjoy a fun evening. Suitable for absolute beginners
Reminisce and enjoy music from the 40s : 40s style and military dress optional

Tickets £12.50 to include supper (bring your own beer / wine)
from Sue Elson 07503158633, Hazel Ward, 701244 or Jennifer Haynes, 703827

Supporting repairs and upkeep at St Mary's Church, Newton Solney


The Great War Commemorated

100 years ago, the Vicar wrote . . .
As I write, the sad news comes through that our Navy has lost, with terrible suddenness, three armoured carriers*, with, we may fear, great loss of life. Such things, in the midst of so terrific a conflict, we must expect, but nevertheless they sadden us all with peculiar grief. To us Englishmen, though we feel filled with admiration and pride at the grand and heroic efforts of our Army and those of our brave Allies, yet first and foremost our thoughts must be for our splendid fleet, with all its glorious traditions now being most wonderfully upheld, and all the marvellous grit and determination of its wonderful men.

Though losses must come - perhaps even heavier than we have already endured - yet there is one mind and one only in our nation, to go forward till the end is reached. Poets and writers speak of the 'glory' of war. To us and to our Allies the only glory, and indeed it is a great glory, will be in the goal reached, the achievement won - that is, the striking down, the annihilation of that horrible conspiracy of brute force and militarism whose home is in Berlin, which for years and years has troubled Christendom, and now has shown itself forth in all its hideousness in Belgium devastated, in Louvain and Rheims burnt, in massacred women and children.

It was with great satisfaction that I read the most encouraging report I received from Captain J. Kerr of the progress and the ability of our Repton men in the Territorials. Up to the present they have not been sent abroad; yet, when the order comes, who doubts that they will prove themselves true Englishmen, worthy comrades of the gallant forces of England, France, and Russia, making their great fight for freedom? To join with them will be the greatest honour conceivable, and I ask any young, unmarried men, who have not yet volunteered, whether they can delay any longer?

p.s. Two things: (1) Our first wounded soldier, Claude Gaskin, is, I am glad to hear, doing well. (2) Our Schoolmaster, Mr. Traice, has volunteered and has been accepted. This sets a great example.
Your faithful friend and Vicar, Stephen Selwyn


* On 22nd September, three obsolete Royal Navy cruisers, Aboukir, Hogue, and Cressy, manned mainly by reservists, were sunk by one German submarine whilst on patrol. 1,459 sailors died.
Editor


Repton Village Hall Appeal

It's YOUR Village Hall
The events planned for this autumn start very soon. There is something for everyone, so we hope you will come and support us. This month 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.
Quiz Night ~ Saturday 11th October at 7.30 pm
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. We have also asked the clubs and societies who use the village hall if they could each support us by putting in a team.
Children's Halloween Party ~ Friday 31st Oct, 5.30 - 7.30 pm in the village hall
Children up to 11 are invited to join in the Halloween games, Halloween treasure hunt, and enter the fancy dress competition. Hot dogs, tricky treats and refreshments available. For tickets at £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 at 7.30 pm in St Wystan's Church, and perhaps, another Repton Ghost Walk. The walk on 19th December at 7.15 pm is already full, but if you are interested, please get in touch; if there are enough people, another will be arranged - adults only, tickets £20 including mince pies and warming sustenance.

We are now planning events for next year, and are always looking for fresh ideas. We would also really like to hear from anyone who would be willing to help us or organise an event - just ring Adrian on 01283 538222 or Carol, 01283 702410.


Repton Village & History


     Repton Rags

Boys & girls aged 7 to 14
Fun and games, indoors and out,
and plenty of time to chat with your friends

Fridays 10th and 24th October
6.30 to 8 pm at the Den      £1 a head


On the 24th October the Swadlincote fire team are coming to visit. They cannot get to us until 7.30 pm, so please be aware that we may not finish that night until 8.15, to give the firefighters time to speak to us all.

On the 7th November, we are planning a bonfire / Halloween event, and we will also be having a hat competition - the hats must have something to do with Halloween or bonfire. We may do some thing on the field, so you will need a jacket too. It's time to get creative! More info from Julie Groom, 0797 4998852 or .

Come along and have fun!

The Staffordshire Hoard Exhibition
St Wystan's Church, Tuesday 7th October to Thursday 27th November
For almost two months, St Wystan's Church will be to hosting Treasure! Discovering the Staffordshire Hoard, a family-friendly, community exhibition that tells the story of the Staffordshire Hoard. It includes high quality replicas and reproductions of items from the Hoard, video, so-called 'interactives', costumes and an opportunity for visitors to add their own thoughts and opinions to the Staffordshire Hoard story.

With occasional variation to accommodate church events, the exhibition will be open from 10 am on weekdays and 2 pm on Sundays, closing at 5 pm in October, 4 pm in November. Light refreshments will be available from 11.

For details of opening times click here.

It is especially appropriate that the exhibition is coming to Repton: it is thought that the Hoard was buried in either the 7th or the 8th century, a period when the kingdom of Mercia was at its greatest and Repton was a principal residence of the royal family. The earlier date would put it roughly contemporary with the beginning of Repton's recorded history in 653, the latter with the building of the crypt, sometime before 740.
Help needed
We would really appreciate assistance with welcoming visitors and serving refreshments. Please contact Karen Perks on 702392 or perkshome@aol.com if you can help.


Repton Evergreens
Thank you to everyone who donated and supported our two-day garage sale; we raised £460 for the Evergreens. Our members were able to enjoy lunch at the Littleover Lodge followed by coffee and dessert in the village hall, all free of charge!

Come along to our meetings in the village hall at 2 o'clock on the last Thursday of every month. You will be made most welcome.
Sue Banks, 701726


A Fun Night Out Saturday 15th November, 7.30 pm, Repton Village Hall
Our annual quiz for teams of four is great fun and it's time to start getting your team together - it costs only £12 per table. There will be a break for light refreshments, but bring your own drink and glasses. To book a table contact Carol Lloyd, 702410. If you haven't got a team, do get in touch anyway; we can help.


Websites
Taking advantage of the new .uk domains, Repton Village Hall and St Wystan's Church websites can now be accessed at reptonvillagehall.uk and reptonchurch.uk, though the previous, longer addresses will also work for some time yet.
Help invited
Using the experience gained from building the village hall website, I am hoping to start soon on rebuilding the church website, which was created 12 years ago and is currently framed. However, a major stumbling block to removing frames is the menu system; the church website is constantly evolving. As I write it has 610 files, about two-thirds of them using the filing system, and it is impracticable to think of keeping a menu on every separate page up to date. If you know how to solve the problem, I would be glad to hear from you.
Chris Lloyd, 702410


Scouts
Boot camp came to Scouts in September; it was part of the Fitness Challenge badge that will last into October. Besides monitoring improvements in fitness we also look at the effects of healthy eating, sleep, drugs and alcohol. We also had a couple of busy Sundays with Scouts doing a 25 mile off-road bike ride around Derby, and our team practising for the Kinder Challenge, a competition hike around Kinder Scout.

If you would like more information about Scouts, please contact Mike Knowles, 07989 990119.


Repton Village Show 2014
Repton gardeners managed once again to produce some fantastic fruits and vegetables for this year's Village Show. The bakers, photographers and handcrafters added their expertise to ensure all the exhibits were of a very high standard.

This year we added a new class for the under 18s, inviting them to produce some chocolate brownies. Congratulations to all the prize winners.

Winners of the special prizes and cups:

Alan Peach Boot Trophy Best vegetable exhibit
Robert Crockett John Crockett Trophy Most points in the vegetable section
Gordon Johnson Argyle Trophy Best fruit exhibit
William March-Shawcross Marjorie Boddice Trophy Best sunflower
Nick Parish McLean Cup Best rose exhibit
Frances Wimbush Silver Tray Best produce exhibit
Nick Parish Photographic Shield
Alan Peach Cup Best flower exhibit
Gay Prevett Handicraft Plate
Zara Knowles Zak's Cup Most points in the children's section
Florence Jones Young Baker

Thank you to all who came to see the show and who took part in an excellent auction afterwards. Very special thanks, once again, to our auctioneer, Adrian Argyle.


Repton Road Club
Newcomers are always welcome to join us on our 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.


Repton W.I.
We were pleased to welcome six visitors to the September meeting. Members were encouraged to think about joining the committee at the Annual Meeting next month.

The August Garden Party held in Jan's garden was well attended on a lovely day and raised £114. Joan reported on the visit to Derby cathedral treasury and embroidery workshop, run by volunteers who produce exquisite new designs for vestments as well as doing repairs and restoration work. Arrangements were made for a visit to Thornton's Chocolate Factory and the dinner on 9th October at Hilton House Hotel.

After a lifetime in the music business, Alan Hopkin us gave a really interesting talk on 'The Orchestra and its Instruments', amazing us with his encyclopaedic knowledge of all things musical.

Next meeting, Tuesday 14th October: The Annual Meeting with refreshments and activities to accompany the usual chat and business. All are welcome to join us in the village hall at 7.15 pm.
Dabble Day
Members and visitors were urged to come to the Dabble Day and try new crafts - Repton village hall, Thursday 13th November, 10 am till 3 pm. There will be plenty of ideas for Christmas gifts, with a small charge for materials. Entry costs £3 which includes coffee with home-made biscuits. Lunches of home-made soup and bread will be available.
Joan Paulson


Repton School Commemoration Week
To mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the Great War and to commemorate the lives of the 355 Old Reptonians who fell in the conflict, there will be an exhibition in Pears School from Monday 3rd November to Thursday 6th. It is open to the public from 6 pm on these days, and at 7.30 each evening there are the following events:

Monday 3rd   Peter Barton: Lecture, 'Challenging History: The Quest for Corroboration'
Tuesday 4th   John Golding: 'War Poetry, The Line of Duty'
Wednesday 5th   Concert: 'Keep the Home Fires Burning' (Wartime Music from Repton)
Thursday 6th   Professor Hugh Brogan: The Leather Lecture, 'Repton School and the Great War'

Peter Barton is a historian, archaeologist and film-maker. His latest book is 'The Lost Legions of Fromelles'. Previous books include 'The Battlefields of the First World War', 'The Somme' and 'Passchendaele'. He has also led major excavations on the Western Front, and produced acclaimed documentary films, 'The Underground War', 'The Soldiers' Pilgrimage' and 'Conviction'.

John Golding is Senior Master at Repton, and was until recently Housemaster of the Priory.

Professor Brogan is a distinguished historian. From a fellowship at St John's College, Cambridge, he moved on in 1974 to lecture at the then relatively new University of Essex, where he became Professor of History. An Old Reptonian, he is currently writing the definitive history of the School.

If you would like to come to any of the evening events please contact Paul Stevens; send a letter via the School Lodge - to the right just inside the Arch.
Sale of Work & Fun Day
To avoid a clash with Repton School Commemoration Week, the annual Sale of Work & Fun Day will be on Saturday 22nd November, a fortnight later than usual.


Royal British Legion
In September a yard sale for the Legion Club raised £60 for the building fund, and an auction of produce which followed the prize-giving at the Legion Horticultural Show, also in September, raised a staggering £335, which will all go to the Repton & District RBL Welfare Fund for use in the local area. Well done!


Planning the Village Party ~ Saturday 2nd May 2015
Planning Meeting in the Den, 7.30 pm, Monday 13th October
Do you remember Punch and Judy? Dancing round the Maypole? Jumping over the Golden Cockerel? Splat the Rat? Well, it's already time to start thinking about next year's Village Party!
We always need new people to join the team!
The Village Party is for everyone in Repton, and we aim to involve all the village groups and organisations in some way. We rely totally on volunteers and we always need new people to help on the organizing team. It's a really good way to get to know people in the village, to find out what's going on, and an opportunity to bring your enthusiasm and ideas to bear on a super village event.

Do come along to the planning meeting on 13th October. You will be very welcome!
Frances Wimbush, 703180


St Wystan's Harvest Lunch, Sunday 12th October at 12.30 pm
We would be delighted if you could join us at the Harvest Lunch. It is a chance to renew old acquaintances and make new friends. The lunch is 'bring and share', so everyone brings a contribution, a dish for 6 for each person. Ring Jan Gillham, 703340, or Carol Lloyd, 702410 to discuss dishes. Do bring your own drink and glass as well. See above for details.


Repton Village Society
Whilst a diver in the Royal Navy Mark Newbold had tours of duty on the Royal Yacht and HMS Coventry, and in his talk he described his experiences with well judged humour. Some were funny but others, particularly when the Coventry was attacked and sunk during the Falklands War, were matters of life and death. He suffered burns to his face and spent some time in the water before scrambling aboard a life raft. Mark gives many such talks and all the fees go to service charities.

Thursday 2nd October

Karl Tazzyman, the manager of the Derby branch of Majestic Wines, will bring six Chilean wines for us to sample. During the tasting he will be describing the geography of the country and its various wine growing regions, as well as giving tips on wine appreciation. Members are reminded to reserve their tickets - £6 a head - beforehand, to avoid running out of wine!
Poppies at the Tower
You will have seen on the news that ceramic poppies created by the sculpture artist and ex-University of Derby student, Paul Cummins, and made at his factory in Pride Park, are being planted in the moat of the Tower of London to commemorate The Great War. By Armistice Day, 888,246 will have been made and positioned, one for every British and colonial life lost.
Trip to the Tower, Saturday 25th October
The Village Society has arranged a coach trip to see this unique and poignant display. It will leave the church at 8.30 am, and return from the Tower at 4.30 pm.

There are many other interesting sites to visit in the vicinity including the Tower and Crown Jewels, of course, The Tower Bridge Exhibition, HMS Belfast and The Shard. River buses call at Tower Pier. If you want to venture further afield, the number 15 bus (free with your bus pass) goes from the Tower past St Paul's Cathedral to Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery and Whitehall. It also passes close to the Millennium Bridge which leads to Tate Modern and The Globe Theatre. The shopping streets can be reached by Tube from Tower Hill. There are several restaurants and coffee bars nearby. Maps of the local area will be provided.

Tickets cost £20. Please contact me on 701838 or ahwebster795@btinternet.com for further details or if you would like to come. Non-members are very welcome.
Alan Webster, 01283 701838


Repton Village History Group
Sales of the Great War booklet 'We Will Remember Them' have so far generated about £150 for the RBL Poppy Appeal. Some copies are still available.

In August we visited the Upper Hall in Hartshorne. The Domesday Book records two manors, Upper and Nether. Whilst not the original manor building, 10 Main Street, Hartshorne, was the principal house on the Upper estate; tree ring dating supports a completion date of 1629. Unusually, it was built by someone prosperous enough to build it in one go; commonly, a family would only have had the resources to start with a modest structure which was then added to over the generations. A typical farmhouse of the period would have had two or three rooms downstairs with just two fireplaces, and small unheated rooms above, but this house has a large kitchen with two big ovens, a small room and a lobby either side of the stairs, a hall with cellars under, a 'best' parlour, a dining parlour, and large heated rooms above.

The building was modified a little as construction proceeded; uncompleted joints in the timbers reveal that the northern gable was an afterthought. A porch was added to enhance its appearance, and brick cladding later became fashionable. Even the Victorians had a go, adding the 'Parson's Room'.

By 1680 the hall had changed hands and it has since changed a number of times; at one time it became 3 cottages before being renovated by the Worthington family in the 1970s. It is now a delightful and comfortable home owned by an enthusiastic couple.

At our September meeting, John Hawkins gave an illustrated talk on the history of Findern from Domesday onward, discussing a number of Findern's listed buildings and some of its more illustrious inhabitants. He explained the importance of the village in the development of non-conformity, including the highly considered Non-conformist Academy.

Next meeting: Tuesday 21st October at 7.30 in the village hall: Robert Mee, a retired police inspector, will talk about Societies for the Prosecution of Felons. Repton formed one in 1787 which finally closed in about 1938. All welcome; members £2 visitors £3.

For further information contact Andy Austen on 702448.


Repton Parish Council Jottings
Intermodal Park: Repton Parish Council organized joint meetings with other local Parish Councils on 11th August and 1st September to discuss this proposed Rail Freight Interchange. At the first, the majority expressed concerns regarding the anticipated increase in traffic. Attending the second meeting, the Chief Executive of SDDC, Frank McArdle, advised that the second round of consultation had been delayed as insufficient information had been provided by the developers. In particular, more information was required about site access. A further meeting has been organised to be attended by MP Heather Wheeler; local Parish Councils will again be invited.

Monsom Lane Burial Ground: Over recent months the Parish Council has carried out maintenance work in the Burial Ground, which has involved re-turfing some of the plots. The work is now near completion and the Parish Council is asking relatives to adhere to the published regulations. The plots cannot be cultivated in any way; spring bulbs are permitted in the grass, but their foliage will be cut when the grass is mowed. There are also regulations concerning the number and size of containers for cut flowers. A copy of the regulations is displayed on the noticeboard at The Burial Ground, and further copies are available from the Parish Council office. If you have any concerns or queries regarding the Burial Ground please consult the Parish Council as below.

Repton Cross: The Cross, an important local monument, is currently in a state of disrepair. The Parish Council continues to tackle Derbyshire County Council to seek its restoration and look for a long term solution. We will update you should there be any developments.

Well Lane Footpath: Derbyshire County Council has informed us that objections have been received to the proposed order that Well Lane and Footpath 37 become a public bridleway. If these objections are not withdrawn, the decision will be referred to the planning inspectorate for determination. We have not yet been advised of the proposed timetable for this decision.

Next meeting: Monday 13th October in The Community Room, Fisher Close, Repton, at 7.30 pm. All are welcome.
Susan Reilly, Clerk to the Council
Parish Council Office, 40 High Street, t: 01283 701309


Milton & Foremark Village Matters

Harvest Supper, Friday 10th October at 8 pm
Everyone is welcome at our Harvest Supper in Milton village hall. Tickets at £7 are available from Sue on 701978 or Polly, 703436. There is no bar so please bring your own tipple. Please tell us when booking if you require a vegetarian meal.

To hire Milton village hall, contact Polly Faulkner through the website or on 703436.


Celebrating the Divas of Jazz ~ Live and Local
Milton Village Hall, Friday 28th November at 8 pm
In November, Milton village hall will host 'Celebrating the Divas of Jazz' with Juliet Kelly. With her distinctive velvety voice and piano accompaniment, Juliet's style is best described as 'glam jazz'. Her repertoire includes songs from the iconic jazz vocalists, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holliday, and showcases popular favourites as well as lesser-known gems. Time Out describes her as "One of the UK's finest singers in any genre, one of those rare singers that tells a genuine story with her music, through her passionate performance and naturally warm voice."

Tickets at £10 are available from Dawn, 703075, or from The Swan Inn. Last year's show with Jez Lowe and The Bad Pennies proved very popular, and Live & Local events in Repton have also been high quality and very successful. You are advised to book early.


Milton W.I.
With her beautiful hand-made crafts, our September speaker, Liz Wibberley, gave us a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Each member was given a lavender bag to decorate and take home with them.

Outings: On 16th October at 7.30 pm we have an evening trip to see a comedy drama at The Century Theatre in Coleville, and on the 28th October a group of members will visit the David Nieper women's wear factory in Alfreton.

Next meeting: Our AGM will be on 15th October at 7.30 pm in Milton village hall. We are delighted that W.I. adviser, Judy Stanhope, will be able to attend. Tea hostesses are Sue Goodwin and Avril Skipper.


Newton Solney Village Matters

Newton Solney Christmas Market
. . . organised by the Parish Council will this year be on Sunday 30th November from 12 till 4 pm. As last year we will have lots of stalls - Santa, Burton Concert Band, a hog roast from Redshaws Butchers, a W.I. stall, children's activities and much more. If you would also like to run a stall, contact Tracy Richards in the Brickmakers Arms or visit newtonsolneyevents.co.uk. They cost £25 to book with £10 returned to you on the day.


Newton Solney C of E Infant School
Community Collective Worship is held on the first Thursday morning of the month at 9.15am in the school hall for parents, carers and local residents. The next will be on Thursday 2nd October. Further dates this term are 6th November and 4th December. You are most welcome to join us.

Coffee & the Community, Friday 24th October, 9 - 10 am in the school hall

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

School Open Morning, Thursday 9th October, 9.30 - 11 am

This is an opportunity for parents who are considering applying for places for their children for next September to have a tour of the school. All families are welcome. If you would like further information, please contact the school on 01283 703461.
Heidi Elks (Headteacher)


Newton Solney Tuesday Club
We started our autumn programme by remembering the two World Wars. Members were particularly asked to bring in any family documents or other memorabilia relevant to the Great War, and those who did so gave a short history of how they related to their family. This was followed by songs and poems from both eras led by Doug Burns, ably helped by Sheila Hornsby. The songs were familiar to us all, and everyone happily joined in the music. Warm applause showed our appreciation.

Tuesday 7th October, 2.30 pm

A short business meeting followed by a talk as yet to be confirmed.

Tuesday 21st October: Trip to Newark Houses Museum in Leicester

We leave the Unicorn Inn at 9.30 am and return to Newton by about 3 pm. Cost £10.

If you would like any further information regarding the club and its activities, please contact our Secretary, Jane, on 01283 564520. There is a full programme of our autumn activities on the notice board in Newton village hall.
Rachel Freeman, Chairman


Newton Solney W.I.
We had a busy summer, hosting Chesterfield Ladies Group for an afternoon tea, making cakes for St Giles, running a Prosecco and Pizza shop at the annual cricket match, and enjoying our own summer social! A big 'thank you' to all who helped and supported these events.

The autumn season of meetings began with a return visit by Jolyon Maclaine, who gave a really informative and entertaining talk about his experiences as a helicopter pilot with the Royal Flight of Oman and Derbyshire Police.

The Derbyshire Federation Autumn Council meeting will be attended by a delegate and members next month, and a visit to Derby Cathedral is also planned. An autumn walk around Donisthorpe is scheduled with lunch to follow.

At the next meeting - Tuesday 14th October at 7.30 pm in the village hall - the speaker is our local stylist, Michelle Padmore. 'Confessions of a Hairdresser' promises to be very entertaining! Pat Masson and Jo Parfitt will be tea hostesses, flowers for the evening will be by Linda Williams.

Whist drives continue on the last Tuesday of the month at 7 pm in the village hall. New players would be made very welcome.


Newton Solney Parish Council News
Village Cricket Match and Sports Day: Thanks to everyone involved with the organisation of this very successful day - postponed from its original date to the following Saturday because of the miserable Bank Holiday weather. Photos can be found on the Parish Council website.

WI Donation: The Parish Council would like to thank Newton Solney W.I. for their very generous donation of £1,000, which is to be used to purchase two new picnic benches for the Recreation Field.

Christmas Market: This year's Christmas Market will take place on Sunday 30th November, 12 - 4 pm.

Recreation Field - Fields in Trust: Our Fields in Trust application has now been approved, which means that the field will be protected for the village in perpetuity.

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


Willington Surgery

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.


South Derbyshire

Look Closer and Never too Late to Learn
These are the light-hearted names of two informal, friendly courses held once a month on Wednesdays, 9.30 am until 3.30 pm at Burton College.

'Look Closer' is a book club in the morning, and a termly study of a subject such as country houses or cathedrals. Talks are given by well-known local historian, Richard Stone, and this term Chris Hawthorne is also talking about 'Film Studies', 'History 1492, a Sea Change in Europe' and 'Florence and the Rise of the Renaissance'.

'Never too Late to Learn' provides an opportunity to take in a variety of subjects and hear from a range of expert speakers on subjects as diverse as 'Artisan Silversmithing', 'The Fairy in Literature', or 'Beekeeping'. There really is something for everyone! We also have occasional days out, to Stratford for a play and, in November, to Bosworth Battlefield and Donington le Heath Manor House.

This is all the brain child of Robin Wood who would be pleased to talk to you on 01332 602523, or contact the College on 01283 494501 or Community Team@bsdc.ac.uk.

Come and join us for one course or both. You will be very welcome.


Free Trees for residents, schools and community groups
For the twelfth year in succession, South Derbyshire, in partnership with the National Forest Company, is giving away trees, up to two per household, or 10 if you are applying on behalf of a school or community group. The intention is to increase the amount of tree cover in the district, helping it to become an ever more attractive place to live and work.

You can choose from colourful trees such as crab apple, field maple, wild cherry and whitebeam, and demand is once again expected to be high. All the trees are two years old and up to about two foot high. Information is provided on how to plant and nurture them.

Apply at south-derbys.gov.uk/freetreescheme or telephone 01283 595795 by Friday 24th October, although the trees will not be distributed until Sunday 16th and Thursday 27th November at locations still to be announced.


Thankyou

A big 'thank you' to Richard and Janet for their help when I broke my leg, and to Sue for looking after me and my dogs. Thank you too to all my friends who sent me cards, flowers and fruit, and who visited me in hospital.
Mary Sharratt


Environment Matters

Hedgehogs in Autumn
Hedgehogs are the gardener's friend due to their appetite for slugs and snails and other garden pests. However, they are now an endangered species in Britain and need of our help.

Road casualties and loss of habitat are the main causes. Changes in farming and land management have led to fewer places for hedgehogs to live and forage in the countryside, gardens are turned into car parking or covered with decking, and territories are carved up by new roads and solid fences. But there are other hazards too. Slug pellets, netting that protects fruit bushes but entangles hedgehogs, and - particularly in the autumn and winter - garden fires.

Together with the bat and the dormouse, the hedgehog is one of only three British animals that truly hibernates. It is a hazardous strategy and a great many will never survive, so the more we can do to help, the better.

It is not usually until November, December or even January that larger hedgehogs finally settle down. As long as there is still food to be had you will see them out and about; the old idea that hedgehogs start hibernation in October has proven to be inaccurate. Throughout the autumn and early winter months a hedgehog builds up fat reserves until they are the equivalent of 30 per cent of its whole weight. 600g seems to be the optimum weight for survival. (If you spot a lighter one, get advice from sttiggywinkles.org.uk.)

So keep feeding well into autumn. Dried mealworms, dry cat biscuits and tinned cat or dog food are ideal. Don't forget to keep a constant supply of clean, fresh water too. Leave a corner of the garden a little bit wild with long, dried grass, leaves, logs and bits of twigs so hogs can either hibernate there or take materials to make a nest in a suitable site. Above all, check all bonfire heaps for sleeping hogs before lighting them. Ideally, build your fire on the day so as to avoid any wildlife - not just hogs - taking up residence in the meantime.


Neighbourhood Watch

Trick or Treat
This can be great fun for the young, but they do need to be reminded that some people, especially those who are elderly or more vulnerable, may be distressed by strangers knocking at their door. Consider calling at houses where you know the occupants and they know you, and respect the wishes of people who display 'No Trick or Treat' notices. Young children should always be accompanied by an adult.

When it comes to 'tricks', damage to property is not a joke; people could face arrest and prosecution for criminal damage; the police will always act against those involved in crime and anti-social behaviour.

Residents are advised to follow the doorstep code when answering the door to unexpected callers: make sure doors and windows are locked, and use a door bar or chain before opening the door. Free posters to discourage unwanted trick or treaters can be downloaded from derbyshire.police.uk.


Fireworks
If you are buying fireworks this month, please consider other residents and animals which can easily be spooked by very loud noises. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy or carry fireworks. Fireworks cannot be set off between 11 pm and 7 am, except on Bonfire Night, when they can be let off until midnight, and at New Year's Eve, Diwali and the Chinese New Year.


Test your Smoke Alarm
Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they work! With 197 people dying in fires in the home last year, it is essential to test them regularly. Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service suggests you let the start and end of British Summer Time jog your memory, ensuring you test alarms at least twice a year, the last Sundays in March and October.

Over half the people who died in house fires last year were 65 years old or above, so this is also a reminder to test alarms for older relatives, friends or neighbours who might find it hard to reach them but are at greater risk of fire.

This year, the clocks go back on Sunday 26th October.

Remember: Always look out for your elderly and vulnerable neighbours.

Adrian Gillham, Chairman, Repton Neighbourhood Watch, 703340
Police non-emergency, 101. Victim Support, 01332 349956.
Anti-Social Behaviour hotline, 01283 595 795.
Contact crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


Gardening Notes

The first signs of autumn are with us and the cooler, longer nights have given some relief from the dryness that many plants are suffering. I don't ever remember watering pots for such a long time. Where lack of water has not been an issue the display of tender plants has been exceptional. Using mulch is a good way to retain the moisture around the roots of plants and to keep them cooler in hot weather. A gravel mulch has the advantage that it doesn't retain any moisture, so when the rain or water comes it goes straight to the roots of plants. By contrast a bark or compost mulch will absorb moisture first and the underlying soil will only get moisture once the mulch is wet. Any organic mulch will be disturbed by blackbirds, especially when first laid. On the other hand, gravel kicked onto the lawn it will blunt the mower blades. Gravel tends to be expensive but doesn't rot down so lasts longer. Any mulch will lose much of its moisture retentive value if it is incorporated into the soil, so don't use mulch on beds where you plan to change the planting regularly.

Autumn colour in shady areas is sometimes difficult to achieve as most plants show their best in spring when there is no leaf coverage. The berries of Arum Italicum (Lords and Ladies) are very colourful now and will be followed by large arrow shaped, patterned leaves that provide winter interest. Another easy, autumn flowering shade plant is the hardy cyclamen which will grow well in shade even if it is very dry; they just hate severe winter wet. Finally, liriope with its evergreen rosettes of strappy green leaves and silver-mauve spikes of violet blue flowers in autumn, is useful for quiet shade.

October and November are good months for garden projects, redesigning and replanting borders, hard landscaping. Over the last few years we have improved our water collecting facilities so that now we collect about 5,000 litres - 1,000 gallons in old money. We collect water from the greenhouse, sheds and part of the main house roof. Some of the water collectors are linked together with lengths of hose and they are all tucked away out of sight. Near each set of collectors there is a water butt which we use to fill watering cans; we prefer to dunk the can in rather then fill from a tap which can be very slow. This year the water has run low but never actually run out. It may seem a lot of effort compared with using a hosepipe, but the plants enjoy the warm rainwater and we must have the lowest water bill of any gardener around!

October is a good time to sow sweet peas. Planting individually in root trainers is the best method as they are quite deep and the seeds can be sown individually so there is no root disturbance at transplanting time. Put them in a sheltered spot as they don't need a greenhouse. You will grow bigger stronger plants that flower earlier and longer. You can try other hardy annuals too. I have grown Californian poppies and larkspur very successfully from an outdoor autumn sowing, though they may fail if we have a cold winter. You can also sow seed in modules, thin out weak plants, pot on into 4" pots and keep them over winter in a cold frame; try hardy annuals such as candytuft, godetia, marigolds, cerinthe and cosmos. The resulting plants will be stronger and get going really well in spring. We should do it more, but I know it is hard to think about next year's flowers now!

Continue planting daffodils and crocuses; tulips can wait. Don't be tempted by dry snowdrops in cellophane bags, they rarely grow; beg some off a friend who grows them. Just after they have flowered is best; they are very small bulbs and pretty hard to find in the garden at this time of year.

Finally, make sure you take in any frost tender and conservatory plants before the first frost.
Pauline Little